Engineer-nerd alert:
Watchmaker With Time to Lose - because of the difficulty of constant conversions to "Mars time", NASA enlisted the help of a watchmaker to create a watch that runs 39 minutes slow.
Seems like it would be easy to just tell a watch to run slower... but obviously not. As always, you can get more detailed info on how watches work from How Stuff Works.
(link courtesy of metafilter)
1.10.2004
Update: Grad School Race 2004
Temperatures Hit Record Lows in Northeast
Every school above the Mason Dixon line just lost 20 points.
Temperatures Hit Record Lows in Northeast
Every school above the Mason Dixon line just lost 20 points.
1.08.2004
Back on the train,
I ask why did I come again?
Can I confess
I've been hanging around your old address?
And the years have proved
To offer nothing since you moved.
You're long gone
I can't move on.
Everything but the Girl - Missing
Did I mention already that this song has been haunting me (almost to the point of harassment) for the last month? Like a radio-stalker... interesting parallel. This proved true:
"I've learned that you cannot make someone love you.
All you can do is stalk them and hope they panic and give in."
I ask why did I come again?
Can I confess
I've been hanging around your old address?
And the years have proved
To offer nothing since you moved.
You're long gone
I can't move on.
Everything but the Girl - Missing
Did I mention already that this song has been haunting me (almost to the point of harassment) for the last month? Like a radio-stalker... interesting parallel. This proved true:
"I've learned that you cannot make someone love you.
All you can do is stalk them and hope they panic and give in."
I just finished The Devil Wears Prada (Laura Weisberger). Which has a similar vibe to The Nanny Diaries (i.e., a relentlessly demanding boss, cute love interest, tiny apartment and roommate troubles) with several laugh-out-loud moments (but none that had me in hysterics like Nanny Diaries). I would like another book of this sort... any suggestions from the peanut gallery?
1.07.2004
Some people have a hard life... this guy isn't one of them.
Man says he’s addicted to cable; wants to sue Charter
"Dumouchel blames Charter for his TV addiction, his wife’s 50-pound weight gain and his children’s being “lazy channel surfers,” according to a Fond du Lac police report."
Here's the kicker:
"According to the report, Dumouchel told Charter employees he plans to sue because his cable connection remained intact four years after he tried to get it canceled.
The result was that he and his family got free cable from August of 1999 to Dec. 23, 2003."
Of all the addictions I can think of, a cable addiction that doesn't drain your bank account sounds like a pretty good deal.
(link courtesy of the Drudge report)
Man says he’s addicted to cable; wants to sue Charter
"Dumouchel blames Charter for his TV addiction, his wife’s 50-pound weight gain and his children’s being “lazy channel surfers,” according to a Fond du Lac police report."
Here's the kicker:
"According to the report, Dumouchel told Charter employees he plans to sue because his cable connection remained intact four years after he tried to get it canceled.
The result was that he and his family got free cable from August of 1999 to Dec. 23, 2003."
Of all the addictions I can think of, a cable addiction that doesn't drain your bank account sounds like a pretty good deal.
(link courtesy of the Drudge report)
Three things: More quotes from psychologists (that I don't think I've posted before):
"Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten."
B. F. Skinner
"A particularly beautiful woman is a source of terror. As a rule, a beautiful woman is a terrible disappointment."
Carl Gustav Jung
"The juvenile seasquirt wanders through the sea searching for a suitable rock or coral to cling to and make its home for life. For this task it has a rudimentary nervous system. When it finds its spot and takes root, it doesn't need its brain anymore so it eats it. It's rather like getting tenure."
Daniel C. Dennett
"Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten."
B. F. Skinner
"A particularly beautiful woman is a source of terror. As a rule, a beautiful woman is a terrible disappointment."
Carl Gustav Jung
"The juvenile seasquirt wanders through the sea searching for a suitable rock or coral to cling to and make its home for life. For this task it has a rudimentary nervous system. When it finds its spot and takes root, it doesn't need its brain anymore so it eats it. It's rather like getting tenure."
Daniel C. Dennett
1.06.2004
Obviously I can't be the only one with a blog not to mention a certain celebrity wedding this weekend... While searching for a list of the shortest celebrity marriages, I came across the worst pun I've seen in a while... "Cher thought she wanted some Allman joy, but was really more in the mood for a Mounds." Oh NO. Anyway, turns out the Britney annulment article listed some very brief marriages for us:
"Dennis Hopper and the Mamas and Papas' Michelle Phillips were married for
eight days in 1970. Zsa Zsa Gabor was apparently married to Felipe de Alba - her eighth husband - for one day in 1982, though since the wedding was performed by a ship's captain at sea, and she was still married to her seventh husband at the time, the validity of the union is in question. "
What about Dennis Rodman and Carmen Electra? Their marriage was a whopping nine days long. Ahh, true love.
"Dennis Hopper and the Mamas and Papas' Michelle Phillips were married for
eight days in 1970. Zsa Zsa Gabor was apparently married to Felipe de Alba - her eighth husband - for one day in 1982, though since the wedding was performed by a ship's captain at sea, and she was still married to her seventh husband at the time, the validity of the union is in question. "
What about Dennis Rodman and Carmen Electra? Their marriage was a whopping nine days long. Ahh, true love.
1.04.2004
Back on my liberal soap box:
(Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr...)
Bush's Budget for 2005 Seeks to Rein In Domestic Costs
"Facing a record budget deficit, Bush administration officials say they have drafted an election-year budget that will rein in the growth of domestic spending without alienating politically influential constituencies. [mmmmhmmm]
They said the president's proposed budget for the 2005 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, would control the rising cost of housing vouchers for the poor, require some veterans to pay more for health care, slow the growth in spending on biomedical research and merge or eliminate some job training and employment programs. "
Pardon me if I'm wrong, but in the last year it seems that our spending outside of the US has risen just a bit while most of the states were in financial crises... You're right Pres. Shrub, let's cut domestic spending... that will be just PEACHY.
Ooh, I'm right:
"Richard Kogan, a budget analyst at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a liberal-leaning research and advocacy group, said the increase in military and domestic security spending in the last two years dwarfed the increase in domestic discretionary programs, which did not quite keep pace with inflation."
(Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr...)
Bush's Budget for 2005 Seeks to Rein In Domestic Costs
"Facing a record budget deficit, Bush administration officials say they have drafted an election-year budget that will rein in the growth of domestic spending without alienating politically influential constituencies. [mmmmhmmm]
They said the president's proposed budget for the 2005 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, would control the rising cost of housing vouchers for the poor, require some veterans to pay more for health care, slow the growth in spending on biomedical research and merge or eliminate some job training and employment programs. "
Pardon me if I'm wrong, but in the last year it seems that our spending outside of the US has risen just a bit while most of the states were in financial crises... You're right Pres. Shrub, let's cut domestic spending... that will be just PEACHY.
Ooh, I'm right:
"Richard Kogan, a budget analyst at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a liberal-leaning research and advocacy group, said the increase in military and domestic security spending in the last two years dwarfed the increase in domestic discretionary programs, which did not quite keep pace with inflation."
1.03.2004
FYI - I had a little discussion with my coworkers (I think) about who gets to keep the ring if a wedding is called off. Maybe it was a debate with my friends, who knows. For your enlightenment, I happened across the answer:
"Generally, if the bride calls off the wedding and her ring was a gift from the groom, it's appropriate for her to return it. If the groom calls it off, the bride may still want to return the ring because she doesn't want to be reminded of their failed engagement. (If he was a real jerk, though, we can't argue against taking it to the pawnshop.) If the ring is a family heirloom, it should go back to the family it came from, regardless of why the wedding was canceled. If the couple bought the ring together, they need to decide what to do with it, as with any other joint purchases they've made. (Perhaps they can both take it to the pawnshop and split the earnings!)
As to whether the recipient (in most cases, the woman) is legally entitled to keep the ring, laws regarding this issue vary from state to state. Check with a lawyer who specializes in matrimonial matters before you pursue legal action. "
-- from The Knot
"Generally, if the bride calls off the wedding and her ring was a gift from the groom, it's appropriate for her to return it. If the groom calls it off, the bride may still want to return the ring because she doesn't want to be reminded of their failed engagement. (If he was a real jerk, though, we can't argue against taking it to the pawnshop.) If the ring is a family heirloom, it should go back to the family it came from, regardless of why the wedding was canceled. If the couple bought the ring together, they need to decide what to do with it, as with any other joint purchases they've made. (Perhaps they can both take it to the pawnshop and split the earnings!)
As to whether the recipient (in most cases, the woman) is legally entitled to keep the ring, laws regarding this issue vary from state to state. Check with a lawyer who specializes in matrimonial matters before you pursue legal action. "
-- from The Knot
I just can't leave the south... Here it is, January 3rd and today's forecast is 70 degrees. Tomorrow is 72!!!
(I checked Ann Arbor's forecast for comparison... 59 today, not too bad, 32 tomorrow with snow. Uhhh, okay, a little bit of a jump there....)
(I checked Ann Arbor's forecast for comparison... 59 today, not too bad, 32 tomorrow with snow. Uhhh, okay, a little bit of a jump there....)
1.02.2004
What one thing are you most looking forward to . . .
1. ...today? Finishing The Cat Who Played Brahms (from the Braun mystery series that are such fun, easy reads).
2. ...over the next week? School starts back, which means it won't just be me and Rebecca in the office. Fun-fun!
2.b over the next month? I get to be a bridesmaid for Rachel, yay!
3. ...this year? Moving to wherever for grad school.
4. ...over the next five years? Getting progressively closer to 30?? Oh wait, no.
5. ...for the rest of your life? Lots of fun and diversions.
1. ...today? Finishing The Cat Who Played Brahms (from the Braun mystery series that are such fun, easy reads).
2. ...over the next week? School starts back, which means it won't just be me and Rebecca in the office. Fun-fun!
2.b over the next month? I get to be a bridesmaid for Rachel, yay!
3. ...this year? Moving to wherever for grad school.
4. ...over the next five years? Getting progressively closer to 30?? Oh wait, no.
5. ...for the rest of your life? Lots of fun and diversions.
Wanna feel smart (or stupid)?
Try the King William's College quiz
"Pupils at King William's College on the Isle of Man have suffered this fiendish general knowledge quiz for 99 years. The average score is just two. Answers in the new year "
Though the average is supposedly a 2; based on responses at MetaFilter, this is either an easier quiz or the kids don't try too hard, because they know they have to look up 99% of the answers anyway.
BTW, I got at least seven right based on the MetaFilter posts. I'll put my answers in the comments (yay, it serves a purpose!) Feel free to one-up or ten-up me.
Try the King William's College quiz
"Pupils at King William's College on the Isle of Man have suffered this fiendish general knowledge quiz for 99 years. The average score is just two. Answers in the new year "
Though the average is supposedly a 2; based on responses at MetaFilter, this is either an easier quiz or the kids don't try too hard, because they know they have to look up 99% of the answers anyway.
BTW, I got at least seven right based on the MetaFilter posts. I'll put my answers in the comments (yay, it serves a purpose!) Feel free to one-up or ten-up me.
1.01.2004
Poll: Limp Bizkit, Creed worst bands of year
Guitar World Magazine's readers voted on the worst bands of the year. Here are the results:
1. Limp Bizkit - I think they got this solely on the basis of the lame exchange between Fred Durst and Britney this year.
2. Creed ("came in at No. 2 even though the Christian combo took the year off.") As Supercres.net quoted: "Even Jesus hates Creed."
3. The Strokes - Hey now, they're cool!
4. "all pop-punk bands" - enough said (3XK will be so happy).
5. Good Charlotte - It's a good thing my little sister doesn't read this page, or she would cry.
Guitar World Magazine's readers voted on the worst bands of the year. Here are the results:
1. Limp Bizkit - I think they got this solely on the basis of the lame exchange between Fred Durst and Britney this year.
2. Creed ("came in at No. 2 even though the Christian combo took the year off.") As Supercres.net quoted: "Even Jesus hates Creed."
3. The Strokes - Hey now, they're cool!
4. "all pop-punk bands" - enough said (3XK will be so happy).
5. Good Charlotte - It's a good thing my little sister doesn't read this page, or she would cry.
Woman Files $10M Suit Vs. Starbucks
Remember several years ago, when a woman sued McDonalds for getting burned when she dropped the coffee in her lap? I think that's how much she wanted, too. Is $10Mil the standard for coffee burns?
I bought a coffee from one of those little automated machines yesterday, which poured down my hand when I tripped on a hose in the construction going on between the library and my building. When this happened, a very sensitive soul on a bench outside of the library applauded while I tried to wipe off the scalding liquid with one tiny napkin... I think I deserve the $10Mil payout too, for pain AND embarrassment. Maybe I can file a complaint with the machine, though I'd probably get my payout in quarters.
(Link courtesy of the Obscure Store)
I added comments to my blog courtesy of Enetation. They have spelling errors (including the dreaded your/you're error) all over, so who knows how well this will work out...
They may or may not prove to be popular, but sometimes I just have to comment on other people's blogs, and my blog (with no email link or comments) would drive me nuts.
They may or may not prove to be popular, but sometimes I just have to comment on other people's blogs, and my blog (with no email link or comments) would drive me nuts.
I've got some occasional readers who might get a kick out of this:
Subtly Simpsons
A collection of some of the more subtle and clever jokes from the show, along with some unhelpful ('duh'-inducing) commentary.
Subtly Simpsons
A collection of some of the more subtle and clever jokes from the show, along with some unhelpful ('duh'-inducing) commentary.
12.31.2003
I think we're under attack....
Is it any coincidence that less than 10 minutes after fireworks were going off left and right, there were sirens tearing through town?
PS- Was there any talk of a Y2K+4 crisis? Why is my instant messenger down now that I can't get to sleep and want to see who's up? What a lousy start to my new year!!
Is it any coincidence that less than 10 minutes after fireworks were going off left and right, there were sirens tearing through town?
PS- Was there any talk of a Y2K+4 crisis? Why is my instant messenger down now that I can't get to sleep and want to see who's up? What a lousy start to my new year!!
Starting points for your resolutions (can you tell I'm "relaxing into the new year" by staying very cozy in my apartment??)
- Want to get into better financial shape? Try the Basics Page from SmartMoney.com.
- Want to get rid of the clutter? Try About.com's advice on organizing or the more philosophical advice from Discardia.
- What to be funnier? You can start with some anecdotes from Reader's Digest.
- Want to be smarter? or at least sound smarter... There are lots of word-of-the-day lists like those at Dictionary.com or at Merriam-Webster.
- If you're like 3XK, maybe you should look into being more liberal. I prescribe 30 days of reading Alternet.org.
- Want to get into better financial shape? Try the Basics Page from SmartMoney.com.
- Want to get rid of the clutter? Try About.com's advice on organizing or the more philosophical advice from Discardia.
- What to be funnier? You can start with some anecdotes from Reader's Digest.
- Want to be smarter? or at least sound smarter... There are lots of word-of-the-day lists like those at Dictionary.com or at Merriam-Webster.
- If you're like 3XK, maybe you should look into being more liberal. I prescribe 30 days of reading Alternet.org.
Public Service Announcement:
A few things to keep in mind if you make some new resolutions tonight:
(some of these have vague psychological justifications, others are personal experience)
- It takes 30 days committed to your new rule for it to stick- do whatever it is (or avoid whatever it is) 30 days and it becomes a habit. EVERY day.
- Make reasonable demands- I have a friend who swore off desserts for Lent last year. She and I are serious cake-a-holics, and we were on a cruise when lent began. Seriously bad for keeping your resolutions. Make reasonable demands on yourself.
- Make notes or reminders of your goal- I put up little signs to myself when I know I'm not going to be good about something. Also, when I'm on my exercise kicks (semester breaks always make me lazy), I mark every day that I exercise. It's encouraging to see a month full of X's.
This page offers more (though some similar) advice.
A few things to keep in mind if you make some new resolutions tonight:
(some of these have vague psychological justifications, others are personal experience)
- It takes 30 days committed to your new rule for it to stick- do whatever it is (or avoid whatever it is) 30 days and it becomes a habit. EVERY day.
- Make reasonable demands- I have a friend who swore off desserts for Lent last year. She and I are serious cake-a-holics, and we were on a cruise when lent began. Seriously bad for keeping your resolutions. Make reasonable demands on yourself.
- Make notes or reminders of your goal- I put up little signs to myself when I know I'm not going to be good about something. Also, when I'm on my exercise kicks (semester breaks always make me lazy), I mark every day that I exercise. It's encouraging to see a month full of X's.
This page offers more (though some similar) advice.
Grads recapture college days in alumni communities
So apparently, alums all over are moving to theme-neighborhoods. Here's the kicker though:
"Being true to your school does not come cheap: At the Georgia Club, cottages start in the mid-$200,000s. At a planned 800-acre Georgia Tech Club in Alpharetta, single-family homes are expected to range up to nearly $1 million."
Interesting price difference... Why oh why didn't I pick up my MRS degree while I was at Tech?? I guess I'm going to have to be my own money maker...
Forget the big ball, Atlantans watch the peach drop. But not this Atlantan. I don't like the idea of celebrating something that tastes, feels, and looks so yucky (I swear, it looks like we're getting mooned all the time by furry, leafed butts).
On Thursday, eBay will launch its first ever week-long "Get What You Really Wanted" campaign.
Think I could get anything for Twinkie the Kid?
Think I could get anything for Twinkie the Kid?
12.30.2003
Man trapped under mountain of books, papers
I thought that was going to be my fate yesterday while organizing the "library" at work.
I thought that was going to be my fate yesterday while organizing the "library" at work.
12.28.2003
Okay, I'm ready to showcase my Christmas highlights now. First and foremost, I tripled my DVD collection (which stood at 3 before). Among the new additions are the classics of romantic comedy- Jane Austen adaptations and Meg Ryan flicks. In addition I got lots of additional stuff- from the bizarre Twinkie container:
to the super cute ducky-socks:
To name a few other things, I also got a toaster oven (fantastic!), Winnie the Pooh and Auburn towels, Bryson's Short History of Nearly Everything, and a bracelet from my friend who apparently thinks I need to be an uber-geek blogger (a picture of the bracelet is now the main image for the page). Can I wear the name of my blog proudly? or should I pretend it has some other esoteric meaning?
(BTW, I tried SO hard to get a non-fuzzy picture of "Alacrity"... but it was not to be. That was the most legible I could do. I just can't hold still enough).
PS- the PJs you see in the second picture are also new, but were not specifically a Christmas gift... Yes, they say "Peas on Earth" and have peas with santa caps on a gift-wrapped earth.
to the super cute ducky-socks:
To name a few other things, I also got a toaster oven (fantastic!), Winnie the Pooh and Auburn towels, Bryson's Short History of Nearly Everything, and a bracelet from my friend who apparently thinks I need to be an uber-geek blogger (a picture of the bracelet is now the main image for the page). Can I wear the name of my blog proudly? or should I pretend it has some other esoteric meaning?
(BTW, I tried SO hard to get a non-fuzzy picture of "Alacrity"... but it was not to be. That was the most legible I could do. I just can't hold still enough).
PS- the PJs you see in the second picture are also new, but were not specifically a Christmas gift... Yes, they say "Peas on Earth" and have peas with santa caps on a gift-wrapped earth.
12.27.2003
The Friday Five on Saturday night:
1. What was your biggest accomplishment this year? I finished my bachelor's of science at Georgia Tech.
2. What was your biggest disappointment? Things have been pretty good, I can't think of anything worth mentioning.
3. What do you hope the new year brings? Lots of acceptances from graduate schools.
4. Will you be making any New Year's resolutions? If yes, what will they be? Yes, I take every opportunity to make and keep resolutions (lent, birthday, new years, whenever). My big one is I'm going to try to eat healthier (not to lose weight, but to eat well).
5. What are your plans for New Year's Eve? I refuse to celebrate this holiday, as I always have hopeful expectations for whatever party I'm going to, but I always end up half-asleep and unamused by midnight. I will "celebrate" by having a nice evening at home (maybe watching my new DVDs) and going to bed when I'm sleepy.
1. What was your biggest accomplishment this year? I finished my bachelor's of science at Georgia Tech.
2. What was your biggest disappointment? Things have been pretty good, I can't think of anything worth mentioning.
3. What do you hope the new year brings? Lots of acceptances from graduate schools.
4. Will you be making any New Year's resolutions? If yes, what will they be? Yes, I take every opportunity to make and keep resolutions (lent, birthday, new years, whenever). My big one is I'm going to try to eat healthier (not to lose weight, but to eat well).
5. What are your plans for New Year's Eve? I refuse to celebrate this holiday, as I always have hopeful expectations for whatever party I'm going to, but I always end up half-asleep and unamused by midnight. I will "celebrate" by having a nice evening at home (maybe watching my new DVDs) and going to bed when I'm sleepy.
Two jokes my friends have told me this weekend:
What do you get when you combine a Jehovah's Witness with a Unitarian church member?
Someone who rings your doorbell, but doesn't know why.
How does a Mississippi farmer find a sheep in tall grass?
Very satisfying. (I know, ewwww)
(Jokes courtesy of my two alleged ex-girlfriends - Erin and Ali)
What do you get when you combine a Jehovah's Witness with a Unitarian church member?
Someone who rings your doorbell, but doesn't know why.
How does a Mississippi farmer find a sheep in tall grass?
Very satisfying. (I know, ewwww)
(Jokes courtesy of my two alleged ex-girlfriends - Erin and Ali)
Wow, minus one for UGA in the grad school selection campaign: Fraternity brothers kill, eat raccoon.
"The men had spotted the raccoon behaving erratically outside the Phi Kappa Psi house at the University of Georgia on December 12. One hit it with construction pylon and shot it with a pellet gun in the fraternity's parking lot, Athens-Clarke County Animal Control officials said. Another skinned the raccoon, and a third cooked and ate some of its meat."
"The men had spotted the raccoon behaving erratically outside the Phi Kappa Psi house at the University of Georgia on December 12. One hit it with construction pylon and shot it with a pellet gun in the fraternity's parking lot, Athens-Clarke County Animal Control officials said. Another skinned the raccoon, and a third cooked and ate some of its meat."
12.24.2003
Runner up for the stupid criminal award?
Thief mistakenly hops into cop car
I don't know if it counts as stupidity as much as very bad luck.
Wait a minute, I just found a better nominee. This criminal was released from jail and just four days later returned in a stolen car, using his revoked-for-life license to pick up his belongings. He went right back into jail.
Thief mistakenly hops into cop car
I don't know if it counts as stupidity as much as very bad luck.
Wait a minute, I just found a better nominee. This criminal was released from jail and just four days later returned in a stolen car, using his revoked-for-life license to pick up his belongings. He went right back into jail.
I read a lot of Reader's Digest when I'm home. Aside: Did you know I once got a funny published in Reader's Digest? It's not funny if you don't know about gardening, but I got $100 for it, so it's all good even if none of my friends get it. If you can find it on this girl's quote page you can see it. ANYWAY, here's a funny Humor in Uniform joke:
"Dead ahead, through the pitch black night, the captain sees a light on a collision course with his ship. He sends a signal: 'Change your course ten degrees east.'
'Change yours ten degrees west,' comes the reply.
The captain responds, 'I'm a United States Navy captain! Change your course, sir.'
'I'm a seaman second class,' the next message reads. 'Change your course, sir.'
The captain is furious. 'I'm a battleship! I'm not changing course!'
'I'm a lighthouse. Your call.'
"Dead ahead, through the pitch black night, the captain sees a light on a collision course with his ship. He sends a signal: 'Change your course ten degrees east.'
'Change yours ten degrees west,' comes the reply.
The captain responds, 'I'm a United States Navy captain! Change your course, sir.'
'I'm a seaman second class,' the next message reads. 'Change your course, sir.'
The captain is furious. 'I'm a battleship! I'm not changing course!'
'I'm a lighthouse. Your call.'
CNN has an article from Business 2.0 listing the 10 technologies to watch in 2004. One of the coolest technologies is the Gecko tape:
"Lizards climb walls using the mechanical adhesive force of millions of tiny hairs on their feet. A synthetic version of those microscopic hairs allows gecko tape, developed at England's University of Manchester, to stick to almost any surface without glue. Applications include gloves that allow a person to climb a glass wall, the ability to move computer chips in a vacuum, and new bandages."
Oh, and if OLEDs really equal affordable flat-panel monitors... I'm so there. Technology is a crazy-amazing thing (when it isn't used for evil- muahahaha).
"Lizards climb walls using the mechanical adhesive force of millions of tiny hairs on their feet. A synthetic version of those microscopic hairs allows gecko tape, developed at England's University of Manchester, to stick to almost any surface without glue. Applications include gloves that allow a person to climb a glass wall, the ability to move computer chips in a vacuum, and new bandages."
Oh, and if OLEDs really equal affordable flat-panel monitors... I'm so there. Technology is a crazy-amazing thing (when it isn't used for evil- muahahaha).
12.23.2003
Because overpopulation is causing diseases to spread rapidly through the deer population here in Alabama, the state allowed archers to go crazy in the state parks to reduce the population (which for practical purposes makes sense, but ethically, I have issues with us deciding when other species populations are too big, but human population... oh-no, never too big). So why are Texas A&M researchers being applauded for cloning a deer? I could find a way to make kudzu spread faster... that wouldn't make me very popular here in the south.
A little bow with a big Napoleon complex.
(sorry, at home I can't ftp to my usual site, so I have to skirt geocities limitations and just link images... and put them in a crappy gif form).
(sorry, at home I can't ftp to my usual site, so I have to skirt geocities limitations and just link images... and put them in a crappy gif form).
12.22.2003
I can't think of any conspiracy theories I really ascribe to. But this new theory that there's something fishy about the capture of Saddam would be just too delicious if it were true. I think they are putting such strong spins on stories from Iraq (e.g., Lynch) that they are bordering on total fiction. Does that count as a conspiracy theory?
Oh, and this is scary to my liberal-leaning sensibilities. Fictional accounts straight to the gullible public!!! oh my.
(Links courtesy of Metafilter)
(if I'm single in a few days it's cause 3XK was fatally sickened by this uber-liberal post).
Oh, and this is scary to my liberal-leaning sensibilities. Fictional accounts straight to the gullible public!!! oh my.
(Links courtesy of Metafilter)
(if I'm single in a few days it's cause 3XK was fatally sickened by this uber-liberal post).
12.21.2003
I've been reading The Ethicist at the New York Times for a while, as one of my profs kept mentioning it, and it sounded interesting. For a while I thought he just told everyone that what they did was ethical. Finally, this week he told someone they were unethical for submitting bogus receipts so they could tip their maids and skirt a misogynistic company policy.
"Your action may well be less unethical than your department's policy, and it is no doubt less unethical than much done by the late Idi Amin, but the ability to name a bigger villain than yourself does not justify your own misdeeds. So perhaps you should argue the point and petition your company to amend this policy, but you should not file fake receipts or eat the flesh of your political rivals."
(BTW, you need to register with the Times to read The Ethicist... but it's free)
"Your action may well be less unethical than your department's policy, and it is no doubt less unethical than much done by the late Idi Amin, but the ability to name a bigger villain than yourself does not justify your own misdeeds. So perhaps you should argue the point and petition your company to amend this policy, but you should not file fake receipts or eat the flesh of your political rivals."
(BTW, you need to register with the Times to read The Ethicist... but it's free)
12.19.2003
My mom told me about a shirt or card she saw today, so I created a rendition of it so we can all laugh (or feel sorry that I've become a frequent kitty-and-puppy-picture-poster).
Who's on Santa's naughty list?
Who's on Santa's naughty list?
Three things: Great news for nerds
1. A U.S. appeals court hands the RIAA a little setback in their quest to ruin everybody's illegal fun (just kidding, I think they have the right to be evil, but it's still evil).
2. A Chinese judge sides with the plaintiff in a virtual theft suit. Nerds everywhere will soon be filing suits for damages from EverQuest Wars (or what have you, I don't play these games!!)
3. Return of the King brings in $34Mil on its opening day. Nerds and bullies (who used to beat up nerds but now run the entertainment industry) everywhere rejoice. I'll go see it in a few days once the nerds have all been but before the geeks start reciting the dialogue aloud (it will take them a couple of viewings to memorize the whole thing, right??).
1. A U.S. appeals court hands the RIAA a little setback in their quest to ruin everybody's illegal fun (just kidding, I think they have the right to be evil, but it's still evil).
2. A Chinese judge sides with the plaintiff in a virtual theft suit. Nerds everywhere will soon be filing suits for damages from EverQuest Wars (or what have you, I don't play these games!!)
3. Return of the King brings in $34Mil on its opening day. Nerds and bullies (who used to beat up nerds but now run the entertainment industry) everywhere rejoice. I'll go see it in a few days once the nerds have all been but before the geeks start reciting the dialogue aloud (it will take them a couple of viewings to memorize the whole thing, right??).
12.18.2003
Random Limerick Junction - give it a try, you might turn out to be good at creating limericks.
there once was a boy from augusta
who thought he could rap like old Busta
he tried out some rhymes
perpetrated some crimes
but his rapping still lacked any luster
There once was a wonderful blog
whose author liked kitties and dogs
one guy had to diss
cause he was jealous of this
and she sunk his car into a bog
(what can I say? I'm good.)
there once was a boy from augusta
who thought he could rap like old Busta
he tried out some rhymes
perpetrated some crimes
but his rapping still lacked any luster
There once was a wonderful blog
whose author liked kitties and dogs
one guy had to diss
cause he was jealous of this
and she sunk his car into a bog
(what can I say? I'm good.)
In a couple of hours, I'm heading out to Smith Station to be a guest reader for my friend's kindergarten class. In honor of this fun, I've put together a list of my top 10 favorite children's books (rankings based how often I requested the book as a little one and biased by how much I still love the books).
1. Harold and the Purple Crayon
2. Good Night Moon
3. Tweedlebugs At Work
4. Pat the Bunny
5. The Giant Jam Sandwich
6. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
7. Where the Wild Things Are and In the Night Kitchen (both Sendak books)
8. Three little horses (this was the book we always read and the grandparents)
9. Caps for Sale
10. Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (pop-up book!)
1. Harold and the Purple Crayon
2. Good Night Moon
3. Tweedlebugs At Work
4. Pat the Bunny
5. The Giant Jam Sandwich
6. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
7. Where the Wild Things Are and In the Night Kitchen (both Sendak books)
8. Three little horses (this was the book we always read and the grandparents)
9. Caps for Sale
10. Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (pop-up book!)
12.17.2003
I have a nomination for that Stupid Criminals award...
I really wish I could find a news link for this story. I saw it on Good Morning America as I was waking up today. A man and a woman went on a serious shop-lifting spree in a Walmart or similar store. Unfortunately, the surveillance camera's image was too blurry to identify either thief. As the security guys were watching the video, however, they noticed that as the two were helping themselves to some electronics, the woman tried out one of the digital cameras.... by taking a picture of the man she was with. Lo and behold, the security guys checked out the camera and there was a lovely high-resolution photo of the man. Nice work, lady....
(if I see an online version of the story, I'll hook you up... the picture of the guy was priceless.)
I really wish I could find a news link for this story. I saw it on Good Morning America as I was waking up today. A man and a woman went on a serious shop-lifting spree in a Walmart or similar store. Unfortunately, the surveillance camera's image was too blurry to identify either thief. As the security guys were watching the video, however, they noticed that as the two were helping themselves to some electronics, the woman tried out one of the digital cameras.... by taking a picture of the man she was with. Lo and behold, the security guys checked out the camera and there was a lovely high-resolution photo of the man. Nice work, lady....
(if I see an online version of the story, I'll hook you up... the picture of the guy was priceless.)
12.16.2003
Need help getting into the holiday spirit?
Santa Pets 2003
More cheesey christmas pet pictures than you can shake a stick at. Gee, I'm feeling festive already. >: b (I'm being snarky, but really I adore this picture).
Santa Pets 2003
More cheesey christmas pet pictures than you can shake a stick at. Gee, I'm feeling festive already. >: b (I'm being snarky, but really I adore this picture).
12.15.2003
PowerPoint makes you dumb
This article offers an interesting argument that the effort to strip down information so that it fits into PowerPoint's limitations (I've definitely had the resolution problem) creates overly dumbed-down presentations with sometimes tragic results (the effect is implicated in the recent shuttle crash). Ultimately, it's the presenter's responsibility to verbally fill-in the gaps, but it's still an interesting phenomenon.
Here's a review of Tuft's booklet that is referenced in the NYTs article.
Here's a pretty good (though brief) description of what went down with PowerPoint and Columbia.
(link courtesy of Metafilter)
This article offers an interesting argument that the effort to strip down information so that it fits into PowerPoint's limitations (I've definitely had the resolution problem) creates overly dumbed-down presentations with sometimes tragic results (the effect is implicated in the recent shuttle crash). Ultimately, it's the presenter's responsibility to verbally fill-in the gaps, but it's still an interesting phenomenon.
Here's a review of Tuft's booklet that is referenced in the NYTs article.
Here's a pretty good (though brief) description of what went down with PowerPoint and Columbia.
(link courtesy of Metafilter)
Natalie isn't the only woman speaking her mind in a big way:
Lauryn Hill Blasts Vatican Church
I saw that headline and I thought nothing of it. But then I said that she said her piece in the Vatican with all but the pope present. It doesn't sound like she was ushered off stage after her commentary (which she apparently said before her performance). I can't imagine how her music went over... Think they turned the other cheek and applauded her performance anyway?
Lauryn Hill Blasts Vatican Church
I saw that headline and I thought nothing of it. But then I said that she said her piece in the Vatican with all but the pope present. It doesn't sound like she was ushered off stage after her commentary (which she apparently said before her performance). I can't imagine how her music went over... Think they turned the other cheek and applauded her performance anyway?
12.13.2003
The Friday Five
1. Do you enjoy the cold weather and snow for the holidays? Yes, especially since I got a super-warm jacket as a graduation present from the parents.
2. What is your ideal holiday celebration? How, where, with whom would you celebrate to make things perfect? I like what my family does, we wake up early christmas morning, and go through the same routine of trying to get everyone up before we go into the den, then into the den to go through stockings, then into the living room for Santa presents, followed by under-the-tree presents.
3. Do you do have any holiday traditions? There's a walk-through of the historic Victorian neighborhood back home that I used to go to every year. Maybe someday I will be home for that again...
4. Do you do anything to help the needy? I keep meaning to volunteer for Project Open Hands, but I wouldn't start volunteering at the holidays because I'm sure they could use a volunteer in March more than now, when everyone volunteers.
5. What one gift would you like for yourself? I'm hoping for some Jane Austen movies from Santa.
1. Do you enjoy the cold weather and snow for the holidays? Yes, especially since I got a super-warm jacket as a graduation present from the parents.
2. What is your ideal holiday celebration? How, where, with whom would you celebrate to make things perfect? I like what my family does, we wake up early christmas morning, and go through the same routine of trying to get everyone up before we go into the den, then into the den to go through stockings, then into the living room for Santa presents, followed by under-the-tree presents.
3. Do you do have any holiday traditions? There's a walk-through of the historic Victorian neighborhood back home that I used to go to every year. Maybe someday I will be home for that again...
4. Do you do anything to help the needy? I keep meaning to volunteer for Project Open Hands, but I wouldn't start volunteering at the holidays because I'm sure they could use a volunteer in March more than now, when everyone volunteers.
5. What one gift would you like for yourself? I'm hoping for some Jane Austen movies from Santa.
12.12.2003
I'm graduating from Georgia Tech tomorrow morning.
This post violates the rules of What not to do when you blog, but I'm happy and I wanted to post a picture of G. Wayne and the towers (link courtesy of lotsofco and pictures courtesy of a google search).
Three things: Funny quotes from the Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
Vivi: Don't talk to me like that Teensy, I'll knock you into the middle of next week.
Teensy: And I'll kick your sorry ass on Thursday.
Caro: The only disease that can survive in our bloodstreams is alcoholism.
Caro: We'll leave you alone, but we'll be listening from the kitchen so talk loud
Can I just mention that Maggie Smith is in EVERYTHING. I mean, I knew she was in this movie, the Harry Potter movies, and Gosford Park. But she was in Clash of the Titans, the Secret Garden... Now if only she had a cameo in Bridget Jones's Diary or Clueless- she could be my favorite actress.
Vivi: Don't talk to me like that Teensy, I'll knock you into the middle of next week.
Teensy: And I'll kick your sorry ass on Thursday.
Caro: The only disease that can survive in our bloodstreams is alcoholism.
Caro: We'll leave you alone, but we'll be listening from the kitchen so talk loud
Can I just mention that Maggie Smith is in EVERYTHING. I mean, I knew she was in this movie, the Harry Potter movies, and Gosford Park. But she was in Clash of the Titans, the Secret Garden... Now if only she had a cameo in Bridget Jones's Diary or Clueless- she could be my favorite actress.
Will Durst's 2003 Totally Full of Crap Award goes to Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld.
Play Who the heck said that?? at Alternet. I got 5 out of 6 which is much better than my score last year.
My favorite quote was "The absence of evidence is not evidence of absence." (hint: he's totally full of crap). That's some interesting logic.
Play Who the heck said that?? at Alternet. I got 5 out of 6 which is much better than my score last year.
My favorite quote was "The absence of evidence is not evidence of absence." (hint: he's totally full of crap). That's some interesting logic.
12.11.2003
The sky was amazing around sunset tonight. The clouds looked like they had frozen, then cracked.
Full sized pictures (so you can look carefully and see that I'm not crazy):
Best Picture
Close-Up
It is really amusing to see the search terms that get people to my site. First it was finals away messages, now it's the Kelis song about Milkshakes. First of all, I was serious in my previous post about Kelis. "Caught Out There" is a great song, better than this milkshake nonsense.
However, for the sake of my google-ing audience, here's a link to the Urban Dictionary that is probably right about the meaning of the song. The truth is never as cool as the mystery. You can use the Urban Dictionary to find other definitions involving milkshakes, but the one I linked is my guess (well...except that I don't what "I could teach you, but I'd have to charge" has to do with that-- maybe she makes push-up bras???)
However, for the sake of my google-ing audience, here's a link to the Urban Dictionary that is probably right about the meaning of the song. The truth is never as cool as the mystery. You can use the Urban Dictionary to find other definitions involving milkshakes, but the one I linked is my guess (well...except that I don't what "I could teach you, but I'd have to charge" has to do with that-- maybe she makes push-up bras???)
12.10.2003
I don't want to traumatize anyone involuntarily, so I'm just linking a funny-evil picture which my friend labeled "They found Nemo!". Haha...
(yeah, Blogger was down and I had to queue up posts again... I'm addicted.)
(yeah, Blogger was down and I had to queue up posts again... I'm addicted.)
As I will soon just be a staff member and not a true Techie, I'm passing the torch to future Tech girls:
Here's a line-up of the hotties you can expect to meet at Tech. You'll find them scanning your ports, making weirdo comments to you in class, and emailing you to ask you out. As we say here (and as they say at Case Western, according to sources) "The odds are good, but the goods are odd."
This fine selection of Tech boys actually don't look that bad. Their market value plummets once you see them crouched over a computer monitor.
Here's a line-up of the hotties you can expect to meet at Tech. You'll find them scanning your ports, making weirdo comments to you in class, and emailing you to ask you out. As we say here (and as they say at Case Western, according to sources) "The odds are good, but the goods are odd."
This fine selection of Tech boys actually don't look that bad. Their market value plummets once you see them crouched over a computer monitor.
12.09.2003
Okay, I'm studying and watching Simple Life. I swear, I'm studying. What's up with these girls? How are they so bored all the time? According to the E True Hollywood Story I watched the other day (this is the trashiest-sounding post....) Nicole just went to rehab in October for cocaine addiction. I guess they're used to a very very exciting life.
12.08.2003
I feel like such a sham. Four people have been led to my web page to find quotes for the reason that is apparent above (I don't want to say it, cause I might get even more stragglers.) But I just never posted anything of the sort. I posted comments that involved these words.... far apart, not even in the same post.
Oh screw it, here are some great quotes for you to use as your finals week away message (!!!!!!!)
If things aren't going so well:
"From now on, I'm not doing anything I don't want to do! The world owes me happiness, fulfillment, and success . . . I'm just here to cash in."
-- Calvin, from Homicidal Psycho Jungle Cat. (Calvin & Hobbes)
"Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow."
-Mark Twain
If life were fair, Elvis would be alive and all of the impersonators would be dead. - Johnny Carson
Rosencrantz: Shouldn't we be doing something - constructive?
Guildenstern: What did you have in mind?...A short, blunt human pyramid?
It's all gonna' turn to dust in a million years anyway, which to the universe is an ice sculpture on an August day. ~Christopher Baldwin
Random acts of nerdiness:
What did one math book say to the other math book?
~I've got problems.
Once you can accept the universe as matter expanding into nothing, that is something. Wearing stripes with plaid comes easy.
--Albert Einstein
"You can cut a brick of sodium with a butter knife. Why you would want to do that, I can't imagine. But you can."
--Words of wisdom from my chem prof (Dr Block)
"There are only two kinds of food: good and bad. Also, all of life's big problems include the words 'indictment' or 'inoperable.' Everything else is small stuff."
--Alton Brown (of Good Eats on the Food Network)
"I think we all know that people don't have to be smart to have opinions."
--Some guy on Tech Talk
For the other Psyc majors out there:
Niles: "He's obviously dealing with repressed material, not to mention the obvious oedipal issues."
Martin: "Gibble gabble garble goop"
Niles "What?"
Martin: "Now you know how it feels."
or my compilation away message, which I truly used for all of fall 2002's finals season (yeah, the whole lot of them):
If I'm not here tomorrow, I've gone to Mexico.
"Oh, Mexico
It sounds so simple I just got to go
The sun's so hot I forgot to go home." - James Taylor
"I still love you that's the way it goes,
He's got you, I've got Mexico." - Eddie Raven
"If you're gonna go
I'm giving you the key
Only if you'll go
All the way to Mexico" - J,LC
"You better bend before I go on the next train to Mexico." - Incubus
"Oh baby, I was bound
For Mexico
Oh baby, I was bound
To let you go." - Cake
"I've got a sickness, can't leave Cancun." - Nelly
"Rodeo or Mexico
The only way
I know how to decide
Is just to get on and ride"- Garth Brooks
Max linked to an article on that low-calorie, "life-extending" diet. I have several issues with this diet, and as I couldn't vent entirely in his comment section, I'm elaborating here:
- We have enough of an overpopulation problem without everyone living twice as long.
- Other things can kill you. Being hit by a car after 50 years of starving yourself to live longer would suck
- You'd have to save a heck of a lot of retirement money
- The extra years come at the end, when you're way old. It's not like you get 70 extra years of being a 20-something. As the doctor says, it can "potentially add decades at the far end of the life span."
- All of your friends and family have to do it too, or you'll be like the Frozen Man in James Taylor's song--
"I thought it would be nice just to visit my grave
See what kind of tombstone I might have
I saw my wife and my daughter and it seemed so strange
Both of them dead and gone from extreme old age "
- We have enough of an overpopulation problem without everyone living twice as long.
- Other things can kill you. Being hit by a car after 50 years of starving yourself to live longer would suck
- You'd have to save a heck of a lot of retirement money
- The extra years come at the end, when you're way old. It's not like you get 70 extra years of being a 20-something. As the doctor says, it can "potentially add decades at the far end of the life span."
- All of your friends and family have to do it too, or you'll be like the Frozen Man in James Taylor's song--
"I thought it would be nice just to visit my grave
See what kind of tombstone I might have
I saw my wife and my daughter and it seemed so strange
Both of them dead and gone from extreme old age "
12.07.2003
(Blogger was down, and as stress makes me a prolific blogger, I've been queuing up posts.)
This is the most akward headline I've seen in a long while:
Missing student suspect's sister wanted him watched
It took me two or three reads to piece that one together.
I like what the police sergeant called the alleged kidnapper [The sergeant grew up with the guy]:
"When they were children, "there was nothing unusual that made me think he was a weirdo," Moreno said."
Weirdo is an understatement (but of the funny variety that a 15 year old would use).
This is the most akward headline I've seen in a long while:
Missing student suspect's sister wanted him watched
It took me two or three reads to piece that one together.
I like what the police sergeant called the alleged kidnapper [The sergeant grew up with the guy]:
"When they were children, "there was nothing unusual that made me think he was a weirdo," Moreno said."
Weirdo is an understatement (but of the funny variety that a 15 year old would use).
PSA: Have you heard that new song by Kelis... you know, the one about milkshakes? Well, I'm ahead of the curve on Kelis. She sings the best angry song ever written- Caught out there (AKA I hate you so much right now). It's much better than the milkshake song (so go ahead and listen to it, even if you haven't heard the new one).
A holiday story from Dave Barry:
A HOLIDAY MIRACLE
Once upon a time, not so long ago, there was a little boy named Bobby. Or maybe Billy. Whatever his name was, his family was very poor.
''What is the true meaning of the holiday season, father?'' asked the little boy.
''Season's Greetings,'' said the father.
''Season's Greetings?'' said the little boy. ''What does that mean?''
''I don't know,'' said the father. ''But it's inoffensive. Anyway, the point is, no presents, OK?''
''OK,'' said the little boy, for he was a good boy.
As the holidays grew closer, the little boy tried to think about the true meaning of Season's Greetings, instead of thinking about presents. But it was hard, and he was sad. And then, one night, when he was lying in bed, shivering from the cold because his family was too poor to own a house and his bed was outdoors, he saw a light appear in the sky. At first it was dim, but then it grew brighter and brighter, until it was the brightest light in the whole sky.
''It's a special star!'' thought the little boy. ''Maybe it's a magic star! Maybe if I make a wish, my wish will be granted!''
And so the little boy wished that his family could have presents for the holiday season.
But then he heard the sound of a motor, and he realized that the light was not a star: It was a police helicopter with a searchlight. And the little boy was very, very sad.
But then it turned out that this was not an ordinary police helicopter: This was a magic police helicopter, and it had heard the little boy's wish. And so, using a cable, it lowered a crate containing $800 million in cash.
And the little boy's family had the very best holiday season ever, until the next year, when the magic police helicopter gave the little boy the power to fly and talk to animals, including fish.
THE END
A HOLIDAY MIRACLE
Once upon a time, not so long ago, there was a little boy named Bobby. Or maybe Billy. Whatever his name was, his family was very poor.
''What is the true meaning of the holiday season, father?'' asked the little boy.
''Season's Greetings,'' said the father.
''Season's Greetings?'' said the little boy. ''What does that mean?''
''I don't know,'' said the father. ''But it's inoffensive. Anyway, the point is, no presents, OK?''
''OK,'' said the little boy, for he was a good boy.
As the holidays grew closer, the little boy tried to think about the true meaning of Season's Greetings, instead of thinking about presents. But it was hard, and he was sad. And then, one night, when he was lying in bed, shivering from the cold because his family was too poor to own a house and his bed was outdoors, he saw a light appear in the sky. At first it was dim, but then it grew brighter and brighter, until it was the brightest light in the whole sky.
''It's a special star!'' thought the little boy. ''Maybe it's a magic star! Maybe if I make a wish, my wish will be granted!''
And so the little boy wished that his family could have presents for the holiday season.
But then he heard the sound of a motor, and he realized that the light was not a star: It was a police helicopter with a searchlight. And the little boy was very, very sad.
But then it turned out that this was not an ordinary police helicopter: This was a magic police helicopter, and it had heard the little boy's wish. And so, using a cable, it lowered a crate containing $800 million in cash.
And the little boy's family had the very best holiday season ever, until the next year, when the magic police helicopter gave the little boy the power to fly and talk to animals, including fish.
THE END
12.06.2003
Fun news for AHS alums- Rebecca Bailey finally married Justin White. I swear, I think I was the last person to have a friend get married. I can't wait to see some wedding photos, I'd bet good money he wore a powder blue tux (or a hawaiian print shirt). Well, unless they did the military thing, but that wouldn't be as fun.
Update: I've seen pictures now. He wore his marine uniform, how mundane, but traditional looks better for the photo album. Rebecca had a fabulous dress, and looked fab in it. Hooray for them.
In other wedding news, I get to be one of Rachel's bridesmaids!! All my early-20's, everyone's-getting-married fun is finally taking off. I was one of my sister's bridesmaids, but since my mom forced her to let me be one, I don't count that as really being asked.
Update: I've seen pictures now. He wore his marine uniform, how mundane, but traditional looks better for the photo album. Rebecca had a fabulous dress, and looked fab in it. Hooray for them.
In other wedding news, I get to be one of Rachel's bridesmaids!! All my early-20's, everyone's-getting-married fun is finally taking off. I was one of my sister's bridesmaids, but since my mom forced her to let me be one, I don't count that as really being asked.
12.05.2003
I want snow. :( The new title picture is from a year or two ago, when it snowed about 2.5-3 inches at home in AL, which is the most I've ever seen. If I end up in Wisconsin or Iowa next year, I'm sure I'll be singing a different tune. But for now, I wish the Northeast would send us a little snow.
Yes, that's a hula-girl snowperson. I was so proud of her.
Yes, that's a hula-girl snowperson. I was so proud of her.
Three things: Great Songs that I heard in movies, then had to get:
1. Lizzie West - Chariots Rise (From Secretary)
2. Lauryn Hill - Selah (Divine Secrets of the Ya ya Sisterhood)
3. Geto Boys - Damn It Feels Good to Be a Gangsta (Office Space)
Yeah, I just threw that last one in there... it is the best use of a song in a movie.... in my opinion....
1. Lizzie West - Chariots Rise (From Secretary)
2. Lauryn Hill - Selah (Divine Secrets of the Ya ya Sisterhood)
3. Geto Boys - Damn It Feels Good to Be a Gangsta (Office Space)
Yeah, I just threw that last one in there... it is the best use of a song in a movie.... in my opinion....
12.04.2003
Dear all,
Santa is comming to the GLC tomorrow (Friday) and you are all invited to come along and join the fun. The party starts at 6pm and there is plenty of free food including s'mores!! There is also the chance to get your picture with Santa and his helpers....
See you there
Marcus
I live in a building full of grad students... and it's finals week. Santa and helpers are coming? Really? Where's the Christmas Armadillo?? How bizarre.
Santa is comming to the GLC tomorrow (Friday) and you are all invited to come along and join the fun. The party starts at 6pm and there is plenty of free food including s'mores!! There is also the chance to get your picture with Santa and his helpers....
See you there
Marcus
I live in a building full of grad students... and it's finals week. Santa and helpers are coming? Really? Where's the Christmas Armadillo?? How bizarre.
12.03.2003
If finals are upon you, as they are nearly upon me, do not click this link. It's more captivating than a lava lamp. .. plus it's interactive!
I'll admit it, I'm watching Simple Life. So far, the most endearing character is Paris's cute dog. The girls could be a little more agreeable... and less haughty and rude to the "commoners". The dog alone is almost enough to keep me watching.
And come on... the redneck's comment "My last name's Motel 6" was worth more than a fleeting chuckle. Hehe....
And come on... the redneck's comment "My last name's Motel 6" was worth more than a fleeting chuckle. Hehe....
12.02.2003
12.01.2003
"Georgia Tech will officially accept a bid to the Humanitarian Bowl today to face a still-to-be named Western Athletic Conference opponent." (article)
The Humanitarian Bowl?!?!?!? Was the Bankrupt Internet Company Bowl too good for Tech?
The Humanitarian Bowl?!?!?!? Was the Bankrupt Internet Company Bowl too good for Tech?
11.29.2003
"I didn't meet a bunch of new people, I made Quinn want to throw herself down a well, and I came home with this bonus sock. All in all, a great time."
-- Daria
-- Daria
Friday Five:
1. Do you like to shop? Why or why not?
Yes, because I enjoy getting new things.
2. What was the last thing you purchased? A gift for my dad- What Einstein Told His Barber - it has explanations of all manners of nerdy stuff (i.e., we all know there's an absolute zero, what's the hottest matter can get?)
3. Do you prefer shopping online or at an actual store? Why? Depends on the product. Well, I guess I always prefer an actual store-- ASSUMING: I can go at a non-crowded time, and I've done my research. But I often buy online when it's convenient and cheaper.
4. Did you get an allowance as a child? How much was it? Yes. Somewhere in my early teens my dad decided we would all get a dollar for every year old we were (i.e., I got $15 a week when I was 15). Yes that was a lot, but we were expected to pay for our entertainment and save up for big stuff we wanted... but mom would still buy us clothes and stuff so we were totally spoiled.
5. What was the last thing you regret purchasing? Ummmm, I have several pairs of shoes that looked cooler/non-foot-scarring in the store but that live a quiet life of shame in my closet now.
1. Do you like to shop? Why or why not?
Yes, because I enjoy getting new things.
2. What was the last thing you purchased? A gift for my dad- What Einstein Told His Barber - it has explanations of all manners of nerdy stuff (i.e., we all know there's an absolute zero, what's the hottest matter can get?)
3. Do you prefer shopping online or at an actual store? Why? Depends on the product. Well, I guess I always prefer an actual store-- ASSUMING: I can go at a non-crowded time, and I've done my research. But I often buy online when it's convenient and cheaper.
4. Did you get an allowance as a child? How much was it? Yes. Somewhere in my early teens my dad decided we would all get a dollar for every year old we were (i.e., I got $15 a week when I was 15). Yes that was a lot, but we were expected to pay for our entertainment and save up for big stuff we wanted... but mom would still buy us clothes and stuff so we were totally spoiled.
5. What was the last thing you regret purchasing? Ummmm, I have several pairs of shoes that looked cooler/non-foot-scarring in the store but that live a quiet life of shame in my closet now.
(a) So the yearly rivalries have played out... I can say "War Eagle" with pride and "To Hell with Georgia" with a hint of bitterness.
(b) Carter linked to a story about a woman knocked unconscious in a DVD sale stampede at Walmart, with the commentary "What's wrong with America?' This was amusing, but the truly disturbing part of the story was this:
"Paramedics called to the store found VanLester unconscious on top of a DVD player, surrounded by shoppers seemingly oblivious to her, said Mark O'Keefe, a spokesman for EVAC Ambulance."
If she was rushing towards the DVDs, but not there (since people had to rush beyond her to the goods) how did the player get under her?? I think the truly messed up person is her sister, who probably went on to grab a player and then stashed it under the woman for safe-keeping. Hmmm....
(b) Carter linked to a story about a woman knocked unconscious in a DVD sale stampede at Walmart, with the commentary "What's wrong with America?' This was amusing, but the truly disturbing part of the story was this:
"Paramedics called to the store found VanLester unconscious on top of a DVD player, surrounded by shoppers seemingly oblivious to her, said Mark O'Keefe, a spokesman for EVAC Ambulance."
If she was rushing towards the DVDs, but not there (since people had to rush beyond her to the goods) how did the player get under her?? I think the truly messed up person is her sister, who probably went on to grab a player and then stashed it under the woman for safe-keeping. Hmmm....
11.28.2003
Three things: Daria quotes on self-esteem (in honor of the term paper I'm writing):
1. Daria: I like having low self esteem. It makes me special.
2. Daria: Don't worry, I don't have low self-esteem. It's a mistake.
Jake: I'll say.
Daria: I have low esteem for everyone else.
3. Helen: I'm going to spend the next of the day working on your self esteem.
Daria: Mom, I'm in the hands of professionals. Any meddling by you could be detrimental to my existence.
You know you want more: here are two good sources here and there.
1. Daria: I like having low self esteem. It makes me special.
2. Daria: Don't worry, I don't have low self-esteem. It's a mistake.
Jake: I'll say.
Daria: I have low esteem for everyone else.
3. Helen: I'm going to spend the next of the day working on your self esteem.
Daria: Mom, I'm in the hands of professionals. Any meddling by you could be detrimental to my existence.
You know you want more: here are two good sources here and there.
Yeah, so I became very sick shortly after that last post... I didn't get to go to the grandparents. I stayed home and slept all day (Seriously, I woke up to eat and let the barking dogs out, but other than that I slept until 6pm). Luckily, most of the leftovers were sent home to me, so I had reheated wonderful food that night. I'll see the Grandparents at graduation in two weeks (yeah, a frighteningly short time from now), but it was such a let down to miss the festivities.
PS- I may have said lots of positive things about the yogurt a few weeks back, but make no mistake- my grandmother's turkey dressing is my favorite food. I have a whole tub of it to myself- heaven!!
PS- I may have said lots of positive things about the yogurt a few weeks back, but make no mistake- my grandmother's turkey dressing is my favorite food. I have a whole tub of it to myself- heaven!!
11.27.2003
I'm at home. The new DSL is very acceptable. Some friends and I just hit up Buffalo's, a lovely establishment in downtown which provided us with more AHS sitings than you could shake a stick at. Seriously. It was lots of fun calling out everyone we saw (but not speaking to any of them). It was also very fun to see my friends. Makes me wish I still had friends at Tech... It's bedtime. I'll be hitting the road early tomorrow (technically later today) like the rest of the US to see the rest of my ridiculously small family. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Mix your casseroles and load up on some stuffing. I'm thankful for Thanksgiving food (and my family, partially because they make the food).
11.25.2003
Yeah Yeah I know all of my links are to CNN, BUT this is very important:
Jonathan Brandis of SeaQuest and Neverending Story II committed suicide earlier this month. So sad, I had such a huge crush on him in high school when SeaQuest came out. I remember trying to be nonchalant while renting Ladybugs and the Neverending Story II so my dad wouldn't realize I had a big-time crush.
The New York Times had a better obituary and I stand corrected- I had a crush on him in junior high. Didn't seem quite that long ago...
Jonathan Brandis of SeaQuest and Neverending Story II committed suicide earlier this month. So sad, I had such a huge crush on him in high school when SeaQuest came out. I remember trying to be nonchalant while renting Ladybugs and the Neverending Story II so my dad wouldn't realize I had a big-time crush.
The New York Times had a better obituary and I stand corrected- I had a crush on him in junior high. Didn't seem quite that long ago...
11.24.2003
Natalie Maines (of the Dixie Chicks) is my kind of girl. She still has plenty to say about Bush and his war:
"I think people were misled and I think people are fighting a war that they didn't know they were going to be fighting,and I think they were misled by people who should have been asking questions and weren't."
Even if she had been sounding off on something I didn't agree with, I would still respect her for having the nerve to say unpopular things when no one else seemed willing to. Girl power!
"I think people were misled and I think people are fighting a war that they didn't know they were going to be fighting,and I think they were misled by people who should have been asking questions and weren't."
Even if she had been sounding off on something I didn't agree with, I would still respect her for having the nerve to say unpopular things when no one else seemed willing to. Girl power!
I know not everyone is a Delta-phile, but FYI- CEO Leo Mullins is retiring next year. The whole "I won't take my salary while we're laying off 30,000 people but I will secretly take my several million dollar bonus" chicanery ticked me off, but I still have residual admiration for him.... cause I'm so company-loyal I guess.
11.23.2003
11.21.2003
The "Official" Friday Five
1. List five things you'd like to accomplish by the end of the year. Graduate, apply to grad school, finish my scarf and finish "When Prophecy Fails". Oh I need a fifth one... umm, I hope to start my semester-off projects before the new year.
2. List five people you've lost contact with that you'd like to hear from again. May Mitchell, my middle school best friend who gradually dropped out of the pen pal relationship we had. I've also let some of my high school friends slide... like Kelly and Deborah, I hear updates on the rest through the grapevine. Stephanie and Lane, too...
3. List five things you'd like to learn how to do. Play cello, play piano better, speak German, write Japanese, ballroom dancing.
4. List five things you'd do if you won the lottery (no limit). Pay off my student loans, buy a house, give a bunch to my family for various things, establish my retirement fund, buy 3 X K a Ferrari?
5. List five things you do that help you relax. Watch HBO, TLC, Discovery Channel, read blogs, work on my blog.
1. List five things you'd like to accomplish by the end of the year. Graduate, apply to grad school, finish my scarf and finish "When Prophecy Fails". Oh I need a fifth one... umm, I hope to start my semester-off projects before the new year.
2. List five people you've lost contact with that you'd like to hear from again. May Mitchell, my middle school best friend who gradually dropped out of the pen pal relationship we had. I've also let some of my high school friends slide... like Kelly and Deborah, I hear updates on the rest through the grapevine. Stephanie and Lane, too...
3. List five things you'd like to learn how to do. Play cello, play piano better, speak German, write Japanese, ballroom dancing.
4. List five things you'd do if you won the lottery (no limit). Pay off my student loans, buy a house, give a bunch to my family for various things, establish my retirement fund, buy 3 X K a Ferrari?
5. List five things you do that help you relax. Watch HBO, TLC, Discovery Channel, read blogs, work on my blog.
11.20.2003
"It's my real name. My mother's name is Rose Rock. It was the worst name as a kid to have. They called me Piece of the Rock, Plymouth Rock, Joe Rockid, and Flintstones. Now they call me MISTER Rock." - Chris Rock
BTW- Why aren't there more quote pages for the funniest man ever? I guess breaking him into bite-sized quotes misses some of the fun of his stand up.
BTW- Why aren't there more quote pages for the funniest man ever? I guess breaking him into bite-sized quotes misses some of the fun of his stand up.
11.19.2003
Three things: Nerdy stuff I looked into:
1. How computers play chess. I already knew "how" they worked, but I found that site while trying to end a debate about whether the computer would assume human error, which I thought would not be true...and it's not, the computer assumes perfect play.
2. How dolphins sleep without drowning. Another howstuffworks page. I heard about the one-hemisphere-at-a-time method in class, and I had to look into that. How efficient would that be?? I love going to sleep too much to trade it in for more study time.
3. I'm not going to waste time thinking up another thing I've searched (though I did seek and find descriptions of that Paris Hilton video. It sounds like a hoot.) just go to www.howstuffworks.com and find something. All of their articles are good.
1. How computers play chess. I already knew "how" they worked, but I found that site while trying to end a debate about whether the computer would assume human error, which I thought would not be true...and it's not, the computer assumes perfect play.
2. How dolphins sleep without drowning. Another howstuffworks page. I heard about the one-hemisphere-at-a-time method in class, and I had to look into that. How efficient would that be?? I love going to sleep too much to trade it in for more study time.
3. I'm not going to waste time thinking up another thing I've searched (though I did seek and find descriptions of that Paris Hilton video. It sounds like a hoot.) just go to www.howstuffworks.com and find something. All of their articles are good.
11.18.2003
Three things: Blogs and Nerdiness
1. Get Mozilla. Forget IE, it has led you astray. I loooove tabs-- you will too once you know what they are. Also, I'm not sure whether you can do this with IE, but I now have mozilla checking blogs for me. Instead of the variable interval reinforcement I was under before (which was causing me to check all blogs CONSTANTLY for updates) I now only respond to a little red star next to my links (it indicates when the page has been updated).
2. I very recently got a free trial of Web-Stat because I was curious to see if anyone besides 3 X K and Erin were reading this thing. Let me tell you, I feel like the coolest person ever. I can't even imagine how many hits lotsofco and web-goddess must get. I was checking their pages ten times a day before I discovered the Mozilla trick (see above). Little things make me happy...
3. I was thinking about whether my high school friends and I could manage a gossip blog... I found out a lot via Ware Jewelers and their bridal registry and only Laura has benefitted so far. I will ponder this, but as I know at least two of these friends will read this, get back to me on whether we want to create a public record of how catty and gossipy we are.
1. Get Mozilla. Forget IE, it has led you astray. I loooove tabs-- you will too once you know what they are. Also, I'm not sure whether you can do this with IE, but I now have mozilla checking blogs for me. Instead of the variable interval reinforcement I was under before (which was causing me to check all blogs CONSTANTLY for updates) I now only respond to a little red star next to my links (it indicates when the page has been updated).
2. I very recently got a free trial of Web-Stat because I was curious to see if anyone besides 3 X K and Erin were reading this thing. Let me tell you, I feel like the coolest person ever. I can't even imagine how many hits lotsofco and web-goddess must get. I was checking their pages ten times a day before I discovered the Mozilla trick (see above). Little things make me happy...
3. I was thinking about whether my high school friends and I could manage a gossip blog... I found out a lot via Ware Jewelers and their bridal registry and only Laura has benefitted so far. I will ponder this, but as I know at least two of these friends will read this, get back to me on whether we want to create a public record of how catty and gossipy we are.
Ohhhh my. Do not click this link unless you are older than 18 and can handle inappropriate video without getting offended.
Hot doggy style video
Hot doggy style video
Top Three: Toys I'm glad to see make a comeback
1. Care Bears
2. Shrinky Dinks
3. Strawberry Shortcake
On the one hand, seeing Care Bears in the store makes me giddy. On the other hand, they're back because toy makers are trying to get parents to buy toys that they themselves played with when they were young. This is disturbing. People my age who played with carebears and shrinky dinks are now procreating. Eek!
Public Service Announcement- I have confirmed that the new Shrinky Dinks do NOT require the little oven thing. You can still put them in a regular oven. Tricky marketing...
1. Care Bears
2. Shrinky Dinks
3. Strawberry Shortcake
On the one hand, seeing Care Bears in the store makes me giddy. On the other hand, they're back because toy makers are trying to get parents to buy toys that they themselves played with when they were young. This is disturbing. People my age who played with carebears and shrinky dinks are now procreating. Eek!
Public Service Announcement- I have confirmed that the new Shrinky Dinks do NOT require the little oven thing. You can still put them in a regular oven. Tricky marketing...
11.16.2003
Man... Roommates are a source of constant amusement. I think one of them is role playing with her boyfriend in the living room. They're talking loudly and inanely and as if they were meeting in a coffee shop. They need to clear out so I can make lunch without interrupting fun time.
Update:
"Excuse me, is this seat taken?"
"No"
"Do you mind if I sit here?"
"Yes."
"Excuse me, is this seat taken?"
"No"
"Do you mind if I sit here?"
"No, please sit."
"What book are you reading?"
"The Sound and the Fury"
"What book are you reading?"
"The Sound and the Fury"
"Faulkner, do you like Faulkner?"
Turns out they're practicing.... and repeating stuff a bunch... and Mr Overacting is teaching her how to "act". I'm glad they don't know about this blog.
Update:
"Excuse me, is this seat taken?"
"No"
"Do you mind if I sit here?"
"Yes."
"Excuse me, is this seat taken?"
"No"
"Do you mind if I sit here?"
"No, please sit."
"What book are you reading?"
"The Sound and the Fury"
"What book are you reading?"
"The Sound and the Fury"
"Faulkner, do you like Faulkner?"
Turns out they're practicing.... and repeating stuff a bunch... and Mr Overacting is teaching her how to "act". I'm glad they don't know about this blog.
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