the friday five
What was...
1. ...your first grade teacher's name? Ms. Valenzuela (Mrs V)
2. ...your favorite Saturday morning cartoon? Everything on CBS
3. ...the name of your very first best friend? Sarah
4. ...your favorite breakfast cereal? Cinnamon Toast Crunch (still my favorite)
5. ...your favorite thing to do after school? Go to daycare (I didn't exactly get options)
3.05.2004
You may have heard that some British school children found a three headed frog, but have you seen the pictures?? It's cool in a "gross!! ooh, let me see it up close" kind of way.
(As seen on fark.com, drudgereport.com and probably (in a few days) on CNN.com)
(As seen on fark.com, drudgereport.com and probably (in a few days) on CNN.com)
3.04.2004
3.03.2004
I am so looking forward to my trip to Wisconsin next week. I'm going to blow a ton of money on souvenirs (yes, that's a UWisc Badger made of cheese).
Tirades like this are funniest when they say exactly what I'm thinking.
(link courtesy of web goddess
(link courtesy of web goddess
3.01.2004
"If I dream of Tariana, they speak Tariana. Sometimes I dream of Estonia, and they speak Estonian. In my nightmares, people speak to me and I understand, but I can't answer..."
An interesting interview on dying languages with a woman who studies them.
(courtesy of metafilter)
An interesting interview on dying languages with a woman who studies them.
(courtesy of metafilter)
2.29.2004
Happy Sadie Hawkins day!
I was going to just use it as an excuse to take 3XK out to a meal, but it seems that I might actually be able to get new gloves (see paragraphs 3 and 4) if I play my hand right. I would like brown driver's gloves, please.
(link courtesy of web goddess)
I was going to just use it as an excuse to take 3XK out to a meal, but it seems that I might actually be able to get new gloves (see paragraphs 3 and 4) if I play my hand right. I would like brown driver's gloves, please.
(link courtesy of web goddess)
2.26.2004
IT SNOWED!!!!
I woke up this morning, glanced out the window just in case there was some snow and THERE WAS A LOT!! At least 2-3 inches. Unfortunately, Tech is probably the only campus in town (or in Georgia) that isn't closed or delayed in opening. So, I just hope I don't wipe out on the slush-covered sidewalks.
Happy snow day!!
(stock picture from snow in AU two years ago)
2.25.2004
I love this: Duck Brand duct tape has a scholarship contest called "Stuck@Prom" where couples go to prom dressed in duct tape attire. I love it. I just might have a new craft project (though sadly I am past my prom years.... maybe my sister will let me dress her for prom next year??)
(the link goes to previous winners, they're.... intricate).
(the link goes to previous winners, they're.... intricate).
2.24.2004
I completely forgot that it was Fat Tuesday. That means tomorrow, we all have to give fun stuff up (I do it just to prove I can). I'm giving up cheese (because my doctor is making me do so anyway), and...(thinking about what I can live without).... white bread. I've been trying to cut down on processed foods, so the super-soft stuff has got to go. I retain my right to eat french bread (it's chewy, so it doesn't count).
(I'm sure you really care, but studies have shown that public declarations result in better resolution-keeping)
(I'm sure you really care, but studies have shown that public declarations result in better resolution-keeping)
2.23.2004
Web-goddess linked to a great metafilter thread of jokes. My favorites (that weren't too long):
A woman walks into a bar and asks for a double entendre, so the barman gives her one.
Knock Knock.
Who's there?
Woo.
Woo who?
Calm down, it's just a joke.
Okay, two sausages are sitting in a frying pan. The first sausage says, "Is it getting hot in here to you?" The second sausage then replies, "Holy crap, a talking sausage!"
best one Halloween night. A kid comes to the door dressed as a pirate. The man who answers the door says "What are you supposed to be?" The kid says "A pirate". The man says "Yeah? Where are your buccaneers?" The kid says "Under my buccan' hat".
A woman walks into a bar and asks for a double entendre, so the barman gives her one.
Knock Knock.
Who's there?
Woo.
Woo who?
Calm down, it's just a joke.
Okay, two sausages are sitting in a frying pan. The first sausage says, "Is it getting hot in here to you?" The second sausage then replies, "Holy crap, a talking sausage!"
best one Halloween night. A kid comes to the door dressed as a pirate. The man who answers the door says "What are you supposed to be?" The kid says "A pirate". The man says "Yeah? Where are your buccaneers?" The kid says "Under my buccan' hat".
2.20.2004
Anyone who knows me (or has ever seen my webpages) knows I have been a Jump, Little Children fan since August of 1999, yes mere weeks after coming to college. After years of growing ever closer, Jump (as they have now poser-ly started to go by) has become distant. New name, new music, but worst of all, no old music. This saddens me. We've grown apart. The magic has somehow died.
This has happened before, but this time I just don't have the energy to go all the way to Athens to be reinvigorated as a J,LC fan. So, I hate to say this, but Jump and I aren't seeing each other right now.
Maybe some day things will change, but after not making my pilgrimage to Charleston this year (after two great years) and missing the acoustic tour, I've decided we can live without each other. I'm sorry Jump.
BTW, if you're not a fan of Jump, Little Children, you still should be. They make great music and I love my albums still, but the concert-going frenzy is over for me.
This has happened before, but this time I just don't have the energy to go all the way to Athens to be reinvigorated as a J,LC fan. So, I hate to say this, but Jump and I aren't seeing each other right now.
Maybe some day things will change, but after not making my pilgrimage to Charleston this year (after two great years) and missing the acoustic tour, I've decided we can live without each other. I'm sorry Jump.
BTW, if you're not a fan of Jump, Little Children, you still should be. They make great music and I love my albums still, but the concert-going frenzy is over for me.
2.18.2004
Have I mentioned I'm a FARK addict now? Not only do I get heads up on news (a la the drudge report), but the posters make sure the headlines are darn funny:
U.S. National Debt goes over $7,000,000,000,000. Americans, you owe your government $23,976.15 (article)
Isolated for 20 years, family talks in grunts. Jodie Foster still tay inna weeun (article)
---this one's probably just funny because we used to mock that exact phrase circa 1996
Police on the lookout for woman who ran off without paying bill after receiving "biggest silicone implants available." If caught, authorities say it could be biggest bust ever (can't find article)
U.S. National Debt goes over $7,000,000,000,000. Americans, you owe your government $23,976.15 (article)
Isolated for 20 years, family talks in grunts. Jodie Foster still tay inna weeun (article)
---this one's probably just funny because we used to mock that exact phrase circa 1996
Police on the lookout for woman who ran off without paying bill after receiving "biggest silicone implants available." If caught, authorities say it could be biggest bust ever (can't find article)
2.16.2004
Intimate text message sent to wrong phone, nearly causes divorce
That'll put a damper on your Valentine's romance...
That'll put a damper on your Valentine's romance...
2.15.2004
If I can't say anything interesting, I can at least say something useful:
Three things: Cool words from my current book Victoria's Daughters (Packard)
par·ve·nu
Function: noun
: one that has recently or suddenly risen to an unaccustomed position of wealth or power and has not yet gained the prestige, dignity, or manner associated with it
(my new favorite insult)
per·spi·ca·cious
Function: adjective
Of acute mental vision or discernment : KEEN
synonym see SHREWD
en·fi·lade
Function: noun
An interconnected group of rooms arranged usually in a row with each room opening into the next
Three things: Cool words from my current book Victoria's Daughters (Packard)
par·ve·nu
Function: noun
: one that has recently or suddenly risen to an unaccustomed position of wealth or power and has not yet gained the prestige, dignity, or manner associated with it
(my new favorite insult)
per·spi·ca·cious
Function: adjective
Of acute mental vision or discernment : KEEN
synonym see SHREWD
en·fi·lade
Function: noun
An interconnected group of rooms arranged usually in a row with each room opening into the next
2.12.2004
The Feynman Problem Solving Algorithm:
1) Write down the problem.
2) Think very hard.
3) Write down the solution.
("So long, and thanks for the Ph.D.!" )
1) Write down the problem.
2) Think very hard.
3) Write down the solution.
("So long, and thanks for the Ph.D.!" )
2.10.2004
Wow, just when I complain, I start having things to talk about:
Amtrak president says Bush funding proposal would shut down railroad- doesn't Amtrak threaten to shut down every year in order to get more money? It's not a practical system anyway, I don't exactly see what we're saving... (seriously, try to book a trip from ATL to DC or New Orleans... it will take days and cost a ton).
Atkins-Blasting 'Physicians' Committee is a Front Group for PETA - okay, okay... so PETA might be crossing the line with their "physicians" group that recommends crazy, unsubstantiated medical advice... but it's no worse than Bush & Co. and it amuses me much, much more. Those crazy PETA folks and their over-the-top tactics!!!
Amtrak president says Bush funding proposal would shut down railroad- doesn't Amtrak threaten to shut down every year in order to get more money? It's not a practical system anyway, I don't exactly see what we're saving... (seriously, try to book a trip from ATL to DC or New Orleans... it will take days and cost a ton).
Atkins-Blasting 'Physicians' Committee is a Front Group for PETA - okay, okay... so PETA might be crossing the line with their "physicians" group that recommends crazy, unsubstantiated medical advice... but it's no worse than Bush & Co. and it amuses me much, much more. Those crazy PETA folks and their over-the-top tactics!!!
I don't care if it's not cool to have fun with valentine's day-- I'm going to have a v-day picture and a cool link from LYD:
Funny, weird valentines - trust me, they're a riot. My favorite is probably the last one- the dog with a cone around his head. So random, I love it.
Funny, weird valentines - trust me, they're a riot. My favorite is probably the last one- the dog with a cone around his head. So random, I love it.
I haven't found much I want to talk about lately... I've been checking the Drudge Report and Fark religiously, but I need a page with more diversions... like MetaFilter... but cooler. Any suggestions?
2.08.2004
The Friday Five on Sunday:
1. What's the most daring thing you've ever done?
Participated in Government Club and went to the 3-day conference WITHOUT MY FRIENDS. At the time, that was a big step for me. I think that helped give me the confidence to go to Tech, which turned out great.
2. What one thing would you like to try that your mother/friend/significant other would never approve of?
I've often thought it would be fun to join the Peace Corps. My mom would be terrified for me (and I am definitely too worried for myself to actually do it).
3. On a scale of 1-10, what's your risk factor? (1=never take risks, 10=it's a lifestyle)
2.5 - I'm a little ashamed, but also not willing to up the ante.
4. What's the best thing that's ever happened to you as a result of being bold/risky?
Had a fabulous summer studying in France.
5. ... and what's the worst?
Hmmm, I guess if I took more chances, I'd have a good failure story... and probably a lot more success stories.
1. What's the most daring thing you've ever done?
Participated in Government Club and went to the 3-day conference WITHOUT MY FRIENDS. At the time, that was a big step for me. I think that helped give me the confidence to go to Tech, which turned out great.
2. What one thing would you like to try that your mother/friend/significant other would never approve of?
I've often thought it would be fun to join the Peace Corps. My mom would be terrified for me (and I am definitely too worried for myself to actually do it).
3. On a scale of 1-10, what's your risk factor? (1=never take risks, 10=it's a lifestyle)
2.5 - I'm a little ashamed, but also not willing to up the ante.
4. What's the best thing that's ever happened to you as a result of being bold/risky?
Had a fabulous summer studying in France.
5. ... and what's the worst?
Hmmm, I guess if I took more chances, I'd have a good failure story... and probably a lot more success stories.
2.05.2004
CNN ranks the most lucrative college degrees to have... my degree is bottom rung, 3XK is number 5. Good thing I'm going to grad school!
I'm going back to Twist tonight (previous post). This time it's not for the yummy food, but to celebrate the 21st birthday of my fellow Francophile, Steph. I always looked over at the crowded bar area in horror... I'm not exactly thrilled, but I'm sure it will be fun.
2.01.2004
This whole 'replacing evolution with the phrase 'biological changes over time'' is too ridiculous to even comment on. However, I found this interesting:
"Nationwide ridicule of Georgia's public education system will be inevitable if this proposal is adopted," said Carter, a former Georgia governor. (from this AJC article)
This could bring about a wonderful change-- using Georgia as the touchstone "redneck, uneducated" state instead of Alabama. GA kids are already #50 on some measures of school success, now it's finally gaining some attention... I'm so mean, but dangit, we don't deserve the bad rep.
"Nationwide ridicule of Georgia's public education system will be inevitable if this proposal is adopted," said Carter, a former Georgia governor. (from this AJC article)
This could bring about a wonderful change-- using Georgia as the touchstone "redneck, uneducated" state instead of Alabama. GA kids are already #50 on some measures of school success, now it's finally gaining some attention... I'm so mean, but dangit, we don't deserve the bad rep.
LAURA!!!!! and everyone else who likes funny rap - read this plain English translation of 50 Cents' and Lil Kim's "Magic Stick"
Excerpt:
Shorty don't believe me, then come with me tonight
And I'll show you maaagic
(What? What?) Maaagic
I got the magic stick
EQUALS
What? you don’t believe me? If you join me tonight in a social situation you will see for yourself that I am a phenomenal person.
What did you say? Did I studder?
My phallus is incredible.
(link courtesy of LYD)
Excerpt:
Shorty don't believe me, then come with me tonight
And I'll show you maaagic
(What? What?) Maaagic
I got the magic stick
EQUALS
What? you don’t believe me? If you join me tonight in a social situation you will see for yourself that I am a phenomenal person.
What did you say? Did I studder?
My phallus is incredible.
(link courtesy of LYD)
1.31.2004
Three things: Fun Games
1. Dope Wars- I think we all remember playing this on our graphing calculators instead of listening to our Calc teachers... right?? This one has added features like Bitches to carry drugs for us, and a much more user-friendly interface.
2. Penguin Smackdown- I can't explain why this is so entertaining. I find it amusing, but others think it is the best game ever. Go figure. My high score was 555 ft (or yards, whatever they're measuring in).
Update: I put in a little work-- my record is now 575.7ft.
3. Very cool interactive MASH. I've linked others before, but this one has the most verisimilitude to the paper version (I know, awesome word).
Here are my results (I put in goofy options too, thus the banana yellow car):
Your husband's name is Jon Stewart and you have 0 children. You're a professor who drives to work every day in a banana yellow BMW.
It's truly a wonderful life when you consider the countless romantic nights you have spent with Jon in your shack in Boston.
1. Dope Wars- I think we all remember playing this on our graphing calculators instead of listening to our Calc teachers... right?? This one has added features like Bitches to carry drugs for us, and a much more user-friendly interface.
2. Penguin Smackdown- I can't explain why this is so entertaining. I find it amusing, but others think it is the best game ever. Go figure. My high score was 555 ft (or yards, whatever they're measuring in).
Update: I put in a little work-- my record is now 575.7ft.
3. Very cool interactive MASH. I've linked others before, but this one has the most verisimilitude to the paper version (I know, awesome word).
Here are my results (I put in goofy options too, thus the banana yellow car):
Your husband's name is Jon Stewart and you have 0 children. You're a professor who drives to work every day in a banana yellow BMW.
It's truly a wonderful life when you consider the countless romantic nights you have spent with Jon in your shack in Boston.
1.29.2004
Freaky: A pickled dragon (i.e., a hoax specimen in a jar)
The coolest jar-preserved creatures I've ever seen were fetal cats. It sounds gross, but really... they were tiny, perfect, little cats (minus fur, obviously). Anyway, the dragon is cooler, but can't dethrone the cats since it's probably made of rubber or wax.
(link courtesy of boing-boing)
The coolest jar-preserved creatures I've ever seen were fetal cats. It sounds gross, but really... they were tiny, perfect, little cats (minus fur, obviously). Anyway, the dragon is cooler, but can't dethrone the cats since it's probably made of rubber or wax.
(link courtesy of boing-boing)
WOAH!! Pixar dumps Disney
I'm beginng to be afraid... Is Disney really in trouble?!? Either way, I'm still getting my super-Deluxe Alice in Wonderland DVD for my birthday... right?
I'm beginng to be afraid... Is Disney really in trouble?!? Either way, I'm still getting my super-Deluxe Alice in Wonderland DVD for my birthday... right?
I'm willing to bet David Bradley is your favorite guy you've never heard of. He invented Ctrl+Alt+Delete. Yeah, I never thought about that having to be invented either. I thought God handed it down with the ten commandments. Here's the classic part of the article, though:
"At a 20-year celebration for the IBM PC, Bradley was on a panel with Microsoft founder Bill Gates and other tech icons. The discussion turned to the keys.
"I may have invented it, but Bill made it famous," Bradley said.
Gates didn't laugh. "
Come on, Bill. Lighten up!
"At a 20-year celebration for the IBM PC, Bradley was on a panel with Microsoft founder Bill Gates and other tech icons. The discussion turned to the keys.
"I may have invented it, but Bill made it famous," Bradley said.
Gates didn't laugh. "
Come on, Bill. Lighten up!
1.28.2004
Thanks to friends of Supercres, I can bring you this year's PETA Superbowl commercial. Their ads are always naughty and always rejected by the Networks.
Bonus: I found one of their previous ads, 'Bad Kitty'. Not for the weak of heart.
Bonus: I found one of their previous ads, 'Bad Kitty'. Not for the weak of heart.
1.26.2004
Jodi Speaks Up
Jodi stood up to a rude cell phone user at the gym, and got no respect for her troubles. I'm just glad to see I'm not the only assertive girl who gets herself into uncomfortable confrontations.
Jodi stood up to a rude cell phone user at the gym, and got no respect for her troubles. I'm just glad to see I'm not the only assertive girl who gets herself into uncomfortable confrontations.
1.24.2004
This is "dope"... Need to brush up on the latest slang? Try these flashcards, as featured in a recent Real Simple.
1.23.2004
Work was completely bearable today. Not only did I get some new assignments, but we spent most of the day talking about where we would all go to dinner tonight (three separate dinner groups). I know MelissaLisa will have been everywhere, but for those who might happen through ATL sometime, here's a compilation of our suggestions:
Eclipse Di Luna (recommended by me, Becky)- Tapas, limited selection, but cool. Major bonus points from me because it's hard to find and therefore feels exclusive.
Fratelli's (Becky)- Italian, cozy. I need to try this place.
Joe's on Junipers (Becky) - burger joint. Citysearch says the atmosphere is great. I'll try it when the weather is nice and I can get on the patio.
Einstein's (me)- same owners as Joes, Einstein's is slightly nicer/more expensive. We had lunch on the bar side which was too swank for words.
Twists (Rebecca, me)- Sushi and Tapas. Way loud, but the sushi is good and the martinis (if you're not forced to be a t-totaler like me) are reasonably priced.
Front Page News (me)- New Orleans inspired, go on a night when you can take advantage of the patio. Have the muffaletta.
Cafe Tu Tu Tango (Rebecca, Becky, me)- Tapas, very cool. Best for big groups.
Doc Chey's Noodle House (Rebecca)- apparently I'm committing some sort of crime having never gone here.
Noche (Rin, Rebecca)- In the Virginia-Highlands (probably means nightmare parking) - Citysearch says the southwestern fare is not so good, but personal recommendations say otherwise.
Nickiemoto's (who doesn't recommend this place?)- Sushi, cool. Parking is not pretty, but Midtown has some obliging neighborhood streets. if you're not a straight male, try Monday night's Drag Show. Good times had by all, packed with boys and girls (but not a single boy with a girl).
Eclipse Di Luna (recommended by me, Becky)- Tapas, limited selection, but cool. Major bonus points from me because it's hard to find and therefore feels exclusive.
Fratelli's (Becky)- Italian, cozy. I need to try this place.
Joe's on Junipers (Becky) - burger joint. Citysearch says the atmosphere is great. I'll try it when the weather is nice and I can get on the patio.
Einstein's (me)- same owners as Joes, Einstein's is slightly nicer/more expensive. We had lunch on the bar side which was too swank for words.
Twists (Rebecca, me)- Sushi and Tapas. Way loud, but the sushi is good and the martinis (if you're not forced to be a t-totaler like me) are reasonably priced.
Front Page News (me)- New Orleans inspired, go on a night when you can take advantage of the patio. Have the muffaletta.
Cafe Tu Tu Tango (Rebecca, Becky, me)- Tapas, very cool. Best for big groups.
Doc Chey's Noodle House (Rebecca)- apparently I'm committing some sort of crime having never gone here.
Noche (Rin, Rebecca)- In the Virginia-Highlands (probably means nightmare parking) - Citysearch says the southwestern fare is not so good, but personal recommendations say otherwise.
Nickiemoto's (who doesn't recommend this place?)- Sushi, cool. Parking is not pretty, but Midtown has some obliging neighborhood streets. if you're not a straight male, try Monday night's Drag Show. Good times had by all, packed with boys and girls (but not a single boy with a girl).
1.22.2004
Auburn news...
The Road to Probation and the Board of Trustees
My parents have often told me that Lowder is seriously evil. As I was flipping through the Chronicle of Higher Education (lord was I bored a work today, but it's also interesting) I saw that the alumni actually urged Lowder's resignation. I guess I don't read much local news, because I'd never seen anyone published anything anti-Lowder. I think this whole probation thing could be a great way to flush out bad guys, and finally force my parents to find something new to complain about.
The Road to Probation and the Board of Trustees
My parents have often told me that Lowder is seriously evil. As I was flipping through the Chronicle of Higher Education (lord was I bored a work today, but it's also interesting) I saw that the alumni actually urged Lowder's resignation. I guess I don't read much local news, because I'd never seen anyone published anything anti-Lowder. I think this whole probation thing could be a great way to flush out bad guys, and finally force my parents to find something new to complain about.
I hereby rescind every bad thing I've ever said about my mom's housekeeping abilities.
This is so sad: Squalor Survivors.
(check out the photos.... Eek)
This is so sad: Squalor Survivors.
(check out the photos.... Eek)
1.20.2004
The Big Tymers have some great lyrics. These are just the right balance of player and loser.
Gator boots
With the pimped out Gucci suits
Ain't got no job
But I stay sharp
Can't pay my rent
'Cause all my money's spent
But that's okay
'Cause I'm still fly
Got a quarter tank of gas
In my new E class
But that's alright
'Cause I'm gon' ride
Got everything
In my mama's name
But I'm Hood Rich
La-da-da
Gator boots
With the pimped out Gucci suits
Ain't got no job
But I stay sharp
Can't pay my rent
'Cause all my money's spent
But that's okay
'Cause I'm still fly
Got a quarter tank of gas
In my new E class
But that's alright
'Cause I'm gon' ride
Got everything
In my mama's name
But I'm Hood Rich
La-da-da
For those of you who can stand to watch political speeches:
Play the State of the Union drinking game
(link courtest of metafilter)
Play the State of the Union drinking game
(link courtest of metafilter)
1.19.2004
AHS info: c/o '99 wedding
Erin sent me a link to Clay and Jessica Cobb's wedding photos (I'm assuming she took his name...) They were married in December, FYI. Erin guessed erroneously about the location, Laura confirmed- Sagahatchee Country Club. Also, that might be the lab band in the background at the reception. Wouldn't surprise me.
Erin sent me a link to Clay and Jessica Cobb's wedding photos (I'm assuming she took his name...) They were married in December, FYI. Erin guessed erroneously about the location, Laura confirmed- Sagahatchee Country Club. Also, that might be the lab band in the background at the reception. Wouldn't surprise me.
The Democratic Candidates
I've been ignoring politics on purpose for quite some time... so now that I feel slightly interested, I dug up a cheat sheet on the major democratic candidates. Maybe you want to study up as well?
BTW- if there's a better summary somewhere, give me a heads up.
I've been ignoring politics on purpose for quite some time... so now that I feel slightly interested, I dug up a cheat sheet on the major democratic candidates. Maybe you want to study up as well?
BTW- if there's a better summary somewhere, give me a heads up.
1.18.2004
Three things: What went wrong in Rachel and Allan's wedding
or How R&A almost won $10,000 on America's Funniest Home Videos
1. While helping Rachel and dress up the stairs to the altar, the maid of honor stepped on her own dress, resulting in a huge ripping sound. If the whole skirt had ripped off or if I had been unable to quit laughing (I snickered for a loooong time), we could've been winners.
2. While trying to get the unity candle lit, Rachel's errant candle fell at her, pouring wax on her arm, but (un)fortunately (for the videographer) not torching her dress.
3. Bridesmaid #2 nearly passed out. Thankfully we got her onto the piano bench, and one of Allan's uncles stepped up to help her. If she had fallen, it would've been on me (two steps down) which would've meant a domino-effect of maids and 10,000 big ones.
MVP: Allan's uncle
LEB (least event-causing bridesmaid): Me
Honestly, I felt bad for bmaid #2, for the whole reception she had to reassure 150++ people that she was okay and talk about what she had eaten before hand (like all of us, that was light breakfast, no lunch).
or How R&A almost won $10,000 on America's Funniest Home Videos
1. While helping Rachel and dress up the stairs to the altar, the maid of honor stepped on her own dress, resulting in a huge ripping sound. If the whole skirt had ripped off or if I had been unable to quit laughing (I snickered for a loooong time), we could've been winners.
2. While trying to get the unity candle lit, Rachel's errant candle fell at her, pouring wax on her arm, but (un)fortunately (for the videographer) not torching her dress.
3. Bridesmaid #2 nearly passed out. Thankfully we got her onto the piano bench, and one of Allan's uncles stepped up to help her. If she had fallen, it would've been on me (two steps down) which would've meant a domino-effect of maids and 10,000 big ones.
MVP: Allan's uncle
LEB (least event-causing bridesmaid): Me
Honestly, I felt bad for bmaid #2, for the whole reception she had to reassure 150++ people that she was okay and talk about what she had eaten before hand (like all of us, that was light breakfast, no lunch).
I tried a new restaurant last night-- Wolfgang Puck Express. It was... weird. You order at a cashier station (okay, fast food restaurant), then sit down where a waitress brings silverware (hmm, non-fast food) with nice-ish paper towels (fast food). I had a turkey sandwich with fries (fast food) but the sandwich was on fancy bread and the fries were "herbed" (non-fast food). It was a place where snobby Buckhead could pretend to be commoners, but without having to rub elbows with the unwashed masses. I don't know of another fast food joint where I would've felt comfortable with my hair still in my fancy bridesmaid-do.
I give it a 10 for concept, an 8 for price, and a 6 for food quality.
I give it a 10 for concept, an 8 for price, and a 6 for food quality.
1.15.2004
1.14.2004
I thought about providing information about the mess of gastrointestinal tests I've had this week... but it's just gross. (endoscopies, gastric-emptying, ultra sounds, OH MY)
Instead, here are some cool pieces of sidewalk chalking art.
Instead, here are some cool pieces of sidewalk chalking art.
1.12.2004
For Techies too lazy to just wait for the bus...
Tech Trolleys (yes, that name is sooo lame) now have GPS technology on board so that you can run out just in time to catch the bus. When they expand this to the bus routes I actually use, they might get more praise from me. Anyway, how tomorrow is that?
Tech Trolleys (yes, that name is sooo lame) now have GPS technology on board so that you can run out just in time to catch the bus. When they expand this to the bus routes I actually use, they might get more praise from me. Anyway, how tomorrow is that?
1.11.2004
A Children's Guide to Life's Lessons
Funny video clips that demonstrate just what the title suggests.
(link courtesy of metafilter, which actually linked his funny cat trick videos)
Funny video clips that demonstrate just what the title suggests.
(link courtesy of metafilter, which actually linked his funny cat trick videos)
1.10.2004
Woah... I was serious when I said I was entering the dreaded stage of "everybody is freakin' getting married." Now one of my exes is engaged. Congrats, Brian!
BTW, last night was my first bachelorette party. I thought of derailing our plans by heading over to Swingin' Richards (the male strip club near Tech), but instead we had a great, wholesome time at Shoguns then bowling.
BTW, last night was my first bachelorette party. I thought of derailing our plans by heading over to Swingin' Richards (the male strip club near Tech), but instead we had a great, wholesome time at Shoguns then bowling.
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)
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)
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???)
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