Wha...! I've been TAGGED!

It was bound to happen.

 

First, I have to shout out to Tart Sarah, whose tagged my homie in the first place.  The one she got it from?  Here: The Traveler's Lunchbox.  The real blame for my tagging, however, goes to my homeboy over at Ringloss.  Damn you!  Damn you to Hell!

 

And.... here's the list.  No particular order.

 

1.  Tortilla Soup from El Mirador in San Antonio, Texas.

Dear God, what can I say about this soup?  I discovered it while attending school there, and quickly it rose to the ranks of Personal Food Legends.  Already, it was a local legend, but WOW.  If you were my date, and got to dine at El Mirador on a late Saturday morning, stand in line (because there always was one) and get some iced tea, some gooey, veggie nachos, and that freakin' soup, you KNEW you were in and we were at least partially serious.  Good Lord, that was good stuff.

 

2.  Just About Any Dish from Carmine's On Penn, Denver, Colorado

I love good Italian food - sauces thrill me.  However, Carmine's has some GREAT Italian food.  Seriously.  You should eat it soon - especially this shrimp/sausage/pepper/chicken thing that I can't pronounce (but I know it when I see it), and it is basically defines this particular category to a T. 

 

3.  Vanilla Ice Cream with a Licorice Coating, Sweden

I... have never had this.  I have a reliable source that says that it is one of the most wonderful things on the face of the planet.  I know her well and trust her at her word.  Worse yet, I don't even like licorice that much, but damn, this sounds good.  Take thee to Sweden.

 

4.  Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, California

It's been a while since I've been there, I'll admit.  However, if memory serves, you can't go wrong with just about any seafood you pick up right there on the Wharf.  It's here, now, and fresh as a man or woman can get.  And, now, this has probably changed... but it was cheap.  Seriously.  One must go there and feast.  Nature Viewing Bonus:  If you go the right time of year, you might, just MIGHT, see a whale.  I did.  Whales are big.  Very big.

 

5.  Swiss Chocolate.

This is a shout to all of you chocolate lovers.  I know you're out there; you know who you are.

Rich.

Creamy.

Decadent.

Good on almost anything.

Zowie.

 

Eateateateat!

 

Ok.  Now that food has been served, I will tag off.... right... now!  Hi, L!

 

P.S.  Get a cheeseburger with onions, mustard, lettuce and tomato at Griff's in Denver.  Ye, Gods.  You can't miss.

Does Politics Remove The Memory Portions of the Brain?

Apparently, it does.

 

A memo received by United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice shortly after becoming National Security Advisor in 2001 directly contradicts statements she made to reporters yesterday, RAW STORY has learned.

"We were not left a comprehensive strategy to fight al Qaeda," Rice told a reporter for the New York Post on Monday. "Big pieces were missing," Rice added, "like an approach to Pakistan that might work, because without Pakistan you weren't going to get Afghanistan."

Wait!  There's more.

However, RAW STORY has found that just five days after President George W. Bush was sworn into office, a memo from counter-terrorism expert Richard A. Clarke to Rice included the 2000 document, " Strategy for Eliminating the Threat from the Jihadist Networks of al-Qida: Status and Prospects." This document devotes over 2 of its 13 pages of material to specifically addressing strategies for securing Pakistan's cooperation in airstrikes against al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Kudos to the Raw Story.

 

Seth Brundle : You have to leave now, and never come back here. Have you ever heard of insect politics? Neither have I. insect People don't have politics. They're very... brutal. No compassion, no compromise. We can't trust the insect human.

 

There.  Quote from Jeffery Goldblum.

 

Now fixed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I Get My Coups Above The Waistline, Sunshine

Uh-oh.

 

Tanks have taken up position around the Thai government headquarters in Bangkok blocking traffic, eyewitnesses have told Reuters news agency.

An army-owned TV station has altered its programming to broadcast images of the royal family and songs associated in the past with military coups.

BBC!  BBC!

More to come, no doubt.  This news makes a hard man humble.

 

 

Google Shows Some Love to the UNCF

Not surprised.  Google has started a scholarship for African-American students.

 

As part of Google's ongoing commitment to advancing computing and technology, we're pleased to tell you that the United Negro College Fund and Google have partnered to create the UNCF/Google Scholarship Program. We hope this program will encourage students to excel in their studies, inspire them to become role models and leaders, and help remove the financial barriers for African-American students wishing to pursue an engineering degree.

 

Courtesy of the GoogleBlog.  But the deadline is October 5, so hurry, now!  Here's the info.

 

Here's the part where I say:

I hate the term "xxxxxxxxxx-American".

 

Mexican-American.

African-American.

Latino-American.

Irish-American.

Polish-American.

Chinese-American.

 

Please.  At what point do you stop using the "-American" part in your identity?  How many generations are required until you go from "Dash-American" to "American"?  Two?  One?  Five?  How ridiculous.  It's like you're an American-In-Training, or instead of being on the American Team, you're on the practice squad, because obviously you need a season or two of training, although you can travel with the rest of the squad on Sundays.  Diversity should be celebrated; however, hyphenating one's nationality or ethnicity with "American" is not the way to do it, thanks.  I never thought that was a good idea.

 

With that, I will link to this blog:  The Assimilated Negro.  Seems like I've linked to this before, but I can't remember.  I must be a Forgetful-American.

 

Expect a permanent link to follow.

 

Computer Geek-Americans.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another Blog Explosion

Darn.

 

Looks like I've had another blog explosion; all of my archives and such have been pushed to the bottom of the page.

 

No worries - the links are still there.  I've just got to adjust a couple of things to make everything fit.  Personally, I blame the O RLY owl.

Update: Fixed. And not a moment too soon. That's what I get for not reading my own blog.

Hello, World!

Thought I'd shout out to a few places that have been visiting lately.

 

Hello to: Beijing, Morocco, Raleigh - North Carolina (hello, North Carolina State), Phoenix, Boston, Florida, Denver AND Parker, Colorado, Northern and Southern California, New York City, Germany,  Falls Church AND Herndon, Virginia (waves to the Feds), Cincinnati and Maumee, Ohio, Hong Kong, and the home of the Simpsons (pick a Springfield).  Happy 18 years!  God, that's a long time for ANY show.

 

Thanks, everybody! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another Of The Addictive Time Wasters

Oh, no!

 

It's a Time Waster!

 

And it's addictive!  It's the hardest riddle on the Net!

 

The goal of the Antiriddle project is to not only entertain those that enjoy intellectual challenges, but also to teach a certain degree of computer literacy and to foster a sense of cooperation in solving an issue.

Please advertise this site as much as possible so that the developers can afford to invest their time into improving this project.

Enjoy.

Forgive me, and good luck.

Freeware Wonders

I honestly don't know where I found this link.  However, it's damn useful:  10 Unknown Windows Freeware Applications You Should Know About.

 

There are dozens of well known freeware applications out there. From web browsers to word processors to anti-viruses, there is freeware everywhere. Take a look at these 10 great Windows freeware applications you have probably either never heard of or never fully looked into.

 

Homeboy is using Blogger.  Good deal.  Show 'em some love.

 

 

 

...And Speaking of Google...

Ok.  Last Google post today.  But it's a Google day.

 

Guess what this week is?

 

Banned Books Week!

 

And who is celebrating?

 

Google.  Again.

 

Google Book Search is our effort to expand the universe of books you can discover, and this year we're joining libraries and bookstores across the country to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Banned Books Week – a nationwide initiative to help people learn about and explore banned books. You can start by browsing these 42 classics – books we couldn't be more pleased to highlight.

 

It's true.  Google never stops.  They are relentless.

 

Do yourself a favor and read some really good books today.

 

I've read 27 of those books listed.

Beat it if you can.

Googlerrifc

Wow.  These Google folks, they don't play around.

 

The Internet search juggernaut's senior vice president of engineering and research was describing a new and urgent reality facing Google. "Can you build global products with a workforce that is only in Mountain View, California?" Eustace asked, posing a rhetorical question to the several dozen assorted Wall Street types in attendance, some of whom were dozing off as he spoke. "The answer is, no you can't. The technical talent that we need to solve the next generation of problems in search does not all live in Mountain View, California."

Eustace left out the part about the 300,000 square feet of space that Google plans to occupy in the heart of the city. It's a poorly kept secret that the company will soon open a huge new office and networking facility at 111 Eighth Avenue. Google's new base in the city will dump a sizable influx of Google employees into the social and professional environment of Chelsea and the West Village.

 

Where found?  The Village Voice.  Ah, Voice.  It's been too long, indeed.

 

No, folks, I swear that Google isn't building Skynet.

 

But I bet that they will build the biggest computer network in the world.

 

Just a guess.

 

Where can I get a chip for my brain?

 

 

 

 

 

Well Dunn

Only vaguely interesting is that Patricia Dunn, one of the most powerful women in corporate America, has quit.

 

HP Chairwoman Dunn to Step Down in January, to Be Succeeded by CEO Mark Hurd; Shares Up

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- Hewlett-Packard Co. said Tuesday that Patricia Dunn will step down as chairwoman of the computer and printer maker in January amid a widening scandal involving a possibly illegal probe into media leaks. She will be succeeded by CEO Mark Hurd.

 

Via Yahoo News.

 

Much more interesting?  The analysis in the comments from Fark.

grunge

14.92 for 5ml of ink
14.92 / 5 = 2.98
2.98 for 1ml

1 US gallon = 3785.4118 ml

2.98 x 3785.4118 = $11298.668

Printer ink costs $11298.67 per gallon.

 

Sweet Mother of GOD.  $11,298.67 A GALLON?!

Now THAT'S expensive paint.

 

 

 

 

 

Katherine Harris Wins

Well, well, well.

 

MIAMI, Florida (AP) -- U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris overcame a campaign ridiculed even by her own party to easily claim the Republican nomination for the Senate on Tuesday, and Rep. Jim Davis held a narrow lead in the race for the Democratic nomination to succeed popular Gov. Jeb Bush.

Harris next faces an uphill battle against the Democratic incumbent, Sen. Bill Nelson, who had no primary challenger.

"Tonight is great victory for our party and for Florida," Harris said. "It's a great victory because it shows each of us we can overcome adversity to achieve extraordinary victories."

Via CNN.

 

You might remember Katherine Harris.  She's the former Florida Secretary of State that basically sealed the 2000 election for George Bush.

 

Not surprising.  Yet another I weep for American politics as a whole.  A recent gem from Ms. Harris:

 

MIAMI, Florida (AP) -- U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris told a religious journal that separation of church and state is "a lie" and God and the nation's founding fathers did not intend the country be "a nation of secular laws."

The Republican candidate for U.S. Senate also said that if Christians are not elected, politicians will "legislate sin," including abortion and gay marriage.

Harris made the comments -- which she clarified Saturday -- in the Florida Baptist Witness, the weekly journal of the Florida Baptist State Convention, which interviewed political candidates and asked them about religion and their positions on issues.

Separation of church and state is "a lie we have been told," Harris said in the interview, published Thursday, saying separating religion and politics is "wrong because God is the one who chooses our rulers."

Electing non-Christians a 'legislative sin'

"If you're not electing Christians, then in essence you are going to legislate sin," Harris said.

Also from CNN.

 

I do not believe that the word 'sin' means what she thinks it means.

 

For that particular (and amazing) bit of nonsense from one of our elected officials (see:  Deist ), I simply must drag out an old, but beloved, cliche:

 

 

 

 

Googleberg

That's a mashup of Google and The Gutenberg Project, in case you were wondering.

 

Imagine those two in cahoots.  Especially now.

 

Now Web users can use Google's powerful servers not only to look up words in the Dickens novel, but also to download a copy -- a process that can take anywhere from a few seconds to about 15 minutes, depending on the size of the book and the speed of the user's Internet connection. The book arrives as a set of scanned images from a printed copy of the book, and some include original drawings, library markings and notes jotted in the margins by previous borrowers. Google Book Search's copy of ``A Tale of Two Cities" was scanned from a copy printed in 1908 by the University Society. A rubber stamp on an inner page indicates that the original book was obtained by the Harvard College Library in 1942.

Google won't say how many books are currently in its index. But with the ability to scan books at six of the world's biggest libraries, Google's library of public domain titles could surpass that of the Gutenberg Project, which contains about 16,000 titles.

When was the last time that I linked to the Boston Globe?  Never?  That's what I thought.  Strange, that.

 

For now, the Google Book Search service offers full downloads only of ``public domain" books, whose copyrights have expired. These include many of the most famous titles of all time, such as the writings of Dickens , Shakespeare , and Dante.

 

Why, thanks again, Google.  Also thanks to the good people at Project Gutenberg, who I should probably put a permanent link to somewhere.  Why, I just downloaded Dante's Inferno today (no, not as a roadmap).  However, as you can see from the article, Yahoo and Microsoft are teaming up to create an alternative book download service.  Oh no!  Can Google succeed?

 

With all due respect to this movie:

 

Prince Microsoft:  Your Google is dead.  I killed it myself.

Princess Buttercup:  Then why is there fear beneath your eyes?

 

Indeed.

 

 

 

 

Looks Like The Creepy Looking, Vaguely Effeminate Guy Didn't Do It

Via Yahoo.

 

BOULDER, Colo. (Reuters) - A DNA sample taken from John Mark Karr, the schoolteacher who claims to have been with child beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey when she died in 1996, does not match DNA found in her underwear, a Denver TV station reported on Monday.

 

Duh.

 

Can we please, please go on to something more relevant now? 

 

Perhaps we can live in the here and now, and stop stomping over the grave of a sadly snuffed out pre-adolescent beauty queen who probably would have rather ran outside in her yard through a sprinker on a hot summer afternoon than be forced into makeup, fishnet stockings, and pink cowgirl outfits.

 

Rest in peace, poor little rich girl.

 

The Beauty Of A Perfect Headline

Did you want to see an example of an almost perfect headline?

 

Really?

 

Seriously, it's in English, and everything.

 

All right.  I'm going to write it now, with proper attribution, of course.

 

Nuclear Apocalypse Milder Than Expected

By Thomas C Greene in Washington

 

Update The Register is pleasantly surprised to learn that humanity continues to muddle along after a leading Islamic scholar predicted its abrupt destruction on 22 August.

Academician Bernard Lewis, a specialist in Middle-Eastern culture and politics, and one of Dick Cheney's favorite thinkers, appeared to have it all worked out in an op-ed piece published by the Wall Street Journal . After a careful reading of scripture, and a bit of arithmetic, Lewis was able to determine the ideal day for Iran to nuke Israel, initiating the atomic Armageddon that we've all been worrying about.

That headline, found in The Register (yes, they're British.  Figures.) is as crisp as the early morning air on a dewy early October morning in the Midwest.  I've seen cherry blossom season in Washington DC, a hazy, red and bluish sunset over the Rocky Mountains in Denver, and a sunrise over Lake Michigan in the spring off of Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, and none of them were as beautiful as that headline.

 

Thomas C. Greene, I applaud (bows).

Join The Agency

Why this amused me, I have no idea.  But this might be good advice for some:  How To Become A CIA Agent.

Does that James Bond movie marathon you watched on TV have you dreaming about being a secret agent? If you're a U.S. citizen, you may be wondering how you can get into the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the nation's top career choice for aspiring spies. Before you get your heart set on joining the Agency, however, there are a couple things you should know.

 

(word to WikiHow)

 

So.  Personal aside to Stew, Charles, Mike, or whatever they call you guys now... if you're reading this, please don't delete it.  I'm performing a service. 

 

In the meantime, bone up on your Russian, Farsi, and Serbo-Croatian.  That's what I hear, anyway.

 

 

 

 

 

Boing Baby Boing

Again, I hate to be so quick, but it's late, I'm tired, and rapidly turning into a pumpkin.

 

Ultra-violent Charlie Brown student film.

 

EFF: How to keep your search private.

 

Online sleuthing leads to capture of JonBenet murder suspect. (yeah, right.  I think that one's a trap.)

 

and finally...

 

As with liquids, TSA bans motherf(bleep!)ing snakes from planes.

 

All stories can be found in Boing Boing.  I love Boing Boing.  It's like that one sweater that you have that doesn't shrink, is the perfect color, and never, EVER goes out of style.  Stay classy.

 

I must, however, end today's post, since tomorrow is August 18, 2006, with this:

 

A man, and a plane full of deadly snakes.

What are you gonna do?

 

Either you get it, or you don't.

 

 

 

 

Hack Your Life

Hey all!

 

Sorry that I haven't been blogging too much lately; just got a new job, trying to get a new place... probably a lot of you know how it is.  For me, what suffered?  My blog.  My poor, sweet blog, that never did anything to anyone.

 

However, let's remedy that.

 

Immediately.

 

So... did you ever want to be a regular?

 

The Urban Monarch blog describes how you can go about becoming a regular at your favorite restaurant.

 

That sounds fun. 

 

Next we have this little blurb:  Google Maps for your webpages.

 

Previously-mentioned Google Maps mashup site Wikimapia has put together a tutorial for quickly and easily adding a Google Map to any web page in 30 seconds using Wikimapia.

 

Both of the above tips come via The Hack.  Use it, love it, make Lifehacker your friend.

Sleep. Sleep, Data.

I know that it seems like I haven't been blogging a lot lately.  I'm trying to make up for it.

 

How?

 

Well, by not sleeping, of course.

 

Science magazine's Career Development section has an article about sleep deficit and the science of a good night's sleep.

 

Paging BoingBoing!

 

Seriously, people, not sleeping will make you crazy.  Science says so.  So if it's 3:00 in the morning where you are, and you've been on the computer for the last 24 hours, go to sleep.  NOW.

 

 

Fear of (Free) Flying?

Then take a look at this article on frequent flyer miles on the Consumerist .

You're broke. Your woman has left you. But bigger than your heap o' troubles is a pile of Frequent Flyer miles, sitting in neat, invisible little stacks, to be exchanged for a trip to Hong Kong, Amsterdam or any other far-flung clime with easily accessible and cheap companions.

But with Frequent Flyer programs becoming increasingly impenetrable; with free tickets being harder and harder to come by; with airlines increasingly trying to parlay free ticket requests to be used for hotels and restaurants... how can you guarantee a posh seat on a free jumbo jet?

Sure, The Consumerist has this.  But how did I find it?

 

Show Lifehacker the love.

 

 

 

The Amazing Race

AOL.

Time Warner Inc.'s (TWX) AOL unit said it will make five gigabytes of online storage available free to all Web users.

The Internet service provider and online portal said the added storage will enable users to store any type of file and will support a drag-and-drop interface between online storage and hard drive.

The storage offering will be available to any users who have an AOL or AIM screenname starting in early September.

 

Via MarketWatch.

 

Biker and perennial underdog Dick Parsons raced up the mountain.  It was Stage 17, one of the most treacherous stages of the newly-created Tour de Earth, just started in late 2006 to replace a scandalized (and far too small, in Dick's opinion) Tour de France.   His mind mulled his chances:  Ballmer, Gates, and especially Schmidt... they were all in front.  And they weren't tiring.

 

Suddenly, Dick thought seriously about just giving up.  This was a young man's game.

 

Stop that.  Dick's mind replied.  We didn't come all this way for nothing.  Before anyone cared about the World Wide Web, before Google, and when Usenet was young, we were there.  Before broadband was the way, before the Internet crash, before Amazon, and before eBay, we were there, giving away CDs by the carload.  We introduced the world to the Internet.  We showed the world that money could be made.  We have the backing of one of the largest multimedia conglomerates the world has ever seen.  And we will not go quietly, no matter what the cost.  We can do it.

 

Dick's spirits brightened, if only just a touch.

 

But just over the top of the next hill, Dick Parsons could just see the beginning of an orange and bluish hue, steadily getting brighter with every push of his tired legs, which every drip of sweat, and every drop of adrenaline.

 

The sun was rising.

 

And with that, Dick Parsons, CEO of America Online, realized something important.  Something that would enable him to continue the race.  Something that would give him hope.

 

He was getting stronger.

 

This would be a long race, indeed.

 

 

Good for the FDA

Good.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The government revived efforts Monday to widen access to the morning-after pill, but only to women 18 and older, issuing a surprise announcement that it was reconsidering over-the-counter sale of the emergency contraceptive almost a year after it was thought doomed.

The Food and Drug Administration notified manufacturer Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc. early Monday that it wanted to meet within seven days to iron out new steps the company must take in its three-year battle to sell the pill, called Plan B, without a prescription to at least some women.

Thanks, CNN.

 

The apparent non-evilness of this particular move, given the FDA's long and glorious history of pure, unadulterated evil confuses me.

Someone well-connected is about to, no doubt, make a LOT of money.

Emurse

I found this yesterday, but figured I'd save for a rainy day.

Although outside it's HOT, here it is:  Emurse.

 

Emurse has got to be one of the most useful sites I've come across lately. Not only can you create a resume using their handy dandy template tool, but Emurse also allows you to download your resume from anywhere AND gives you the choice to instantly turn your resume into a web site so employers can find you.

 

How found?  Lifehacker, kiddies.  I can't express the love enough.

 

I've yet to use the service, but it suuuuuure looks interesting.  Lots of feedback as well.  I say check it out.  Template?  Download anywhere?  WEBSITE?  Yeah, baby.  Not to mention a mess of things I haven't mentioned yet.

 

 

 

 

Totally Uncorraborated, But YIKES

Haifa?

 

At least one rocket has struck the northern Israeli port city of Haifa, hours after a threat by the militant Lebanese group Hezbollah.

 

BBC News.

 

Now, I'm not saying that this is true, although with the escalation that's happening in the Middle East right now, I wouldn't be particularly surprised.  I can't find any other information, even on the Internet.

 

However, if it is:

1.  Scratch one country.

2.  Hello, Iran.

3.  EVERYBODY PANIC!!!

 

Go find out, people.

Things That Make Me Happy

How about the Steely Dan Dictionary?

 

Ever wondered what a bodhisattva is? Or how to gaslight somebody? Then this site is for you! You're looking at an A-Z glossary of over 80 obscure words, people and places — all taken from the lyrics Steely Dan songs.

 

Dude, you SO get a link from me.

 

At night when we chase the Dragon,

The water will change to cherry wine,

And the silver will turn to gold,

Time out of mind.

- Steely Dan

 

Ah, to be nineteen again.  Wait.

 

Flags?

You might have noticed the cool little flags at the top of every post.

Well, quite simply, if you click on a country's flag, this blog now translates the page!

 

Try it!  Isn't that cool?

 

What I don't like is that I have NO idea where I got this code.  As soon as I figure it out, I will post credits. 

For All You Shaver Haters Out There

I've got some shaving help for you.

 

I hate shaving! Thankfully I don't have the same problem as some other men which requires me to shave every day, but even at every second day it's a hassle. Is there anything simple I can do to slow my facial hair growth so that I need only shave, say, once a week at most?

 

Metafilter, via Lifehacker, yet again.

 

I friggin' HATE shaving.  I'm not sure of anyone that I know that likes it.

 

Straight razors, anyone?  Where?

 

 

Galaga, Gorf, Tempest, Defender, Missle Command, Ms. Pac Man.

Hopefully, in that order.

 

Microsoft announced today that due to the popularity of its downloading service for the XBOX 360, it will release one game from the 1980's era every Wednesday for the next five weeks. Available for subscribers through XBOX Live Arcade, the games will be updated versions of classic arcade games such as Pac-Man and Frogger. The going price will range from $5 to $15 per game.

 

Rock on, DailyTech.

 

That's sweet news.  Ah, the Golden Age of the Video Game.  But will this make me buy an Xbox 360?

 

Not if I want a girlfriend.

 

 

 

Stem Cells? Hell No, Says Pope

Not again.

 

God's Rottweiler is taking yet another bite out of science with the announcement that any scientist who engages in stem cell research of any kind will be excommunicated. The same goes for any politician who votes in favor of legislation permitting such research to take place.

 

Props to Sploid.  Word.

 

Again, I refuse to bag on anyone's religion.  Whether you worship the God of Abraham, the God of Allah, trees or Pan, everyone needs something.  Spirituality of a type is key.  It helps humans to muddle through the escalating freakiness of today's world.  But stem cells?!

 

Properly researched and used properly, stem cells can possibly save lives.

 

Does anyone have a problem with that?  Really?

Why?

 

 

 

 

 

Amusing...kinda

I found this totally, completely, and completely obvious.

PITTSBURGH - A city attorney is suing the creator of a Web site that lets women dish dirt on men they claim have wronged them, saying they made defamatory statements about him.

Attorney Todd J. Hollis sued because he contends two Pittsburgh-area women and other anonymous users posted items about him on http://www.dontdatehimgirl.com in which they claim he is unfaithful, among other things, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Thursday.

Yahoo News.  Via, surprise of surprises, Fark.  Remember, kids!  You have to sign up to see the comments!

 

Typically, I'm in favor of a little tit-for-tat.  But how surprised can anyone be when they run a website like this in our hyper-litigous society?

I'm not going to defend the guy, though.

 

And... uh... I probably won't go to the website.  Probably, anyway.

.

.

.

 

 

Google Checkout - Paypal Competition?

Competition for Paypal?  Surely this must be a good thing.

 

Internet search engine giant Google has announced a system to pay over the internet in an attempt to become an even more prominent player in internet shopping.

The widely anticipated move puts it in direct competition with one of its largest advertisers, the auction website eBay, which owns leading internet payment service PayPal. The system, called Google Checkout, allows consumers to buy things over the web without constantly having to enter their account details.

Grabbed via Telegraph.co.uk.

 

Verrry interesting.  But I wanted more info.  So I went to the source:

 

One cool feature of Google Checkout is that you can buy from stores with a single Google login – no more entering the same info each time you buy, and no more having to remember different usernames and passwords for each store. To help you find places to shop, you'll see a little icon on the Google.com ads of stores offering Google Checkout. It's an easy way to identify fast, secure places to shop when you search. And after you've placed your order, Google Checkout provides a purchase history where you can track your orders and shipping information in one place.

Because we see big benefits for shoppers as the service grows, our immediate priority is to help more online stores join Jockey, Starbucks Store, Levi's, Dockers, Buy.com, Timberland, Zales, and others to offer Checkout on their sites. To keep website integration simple, we've built a range of integration alternatives such as cut and paste buy buttons, pre-integrated ecommerce partner offerings, and an API that supports more advanced integration.

 

That's the Official Google Blog, by the way.

Sounds cool.

When I get a chance to actually use it, I'll get back to you.  I'm not sure it's a Paypal killer, but it certainly sounds like it could have some interesting applications in the future.

 

What can't Google do, anyway?

 

Personally, I think they're on the verge of building the Planentary AC, but that's just me. 

Big props to whoever actually gets that reference.

 

 

 

Baseball Suc... No, Wait

This is an act of kindness in major league baseball that I simply won't forget.

 

Matt LaChappa hasn't thrown a pitch professionally in 10 years. He is confined to a wheelchair, and constrained by the physical fallout from back-to-back heart attacks.

Yet the Padres continue to pay him as if he were an active player. It might be the noblest thing they do.

From SignOnSanDiego.com.  Found via Fark. 

 

Wait.  There's more.

 

"When he was drafted and he came into the office to sign, I've never seen such a troop of tribal people," Oppenheimer said. "I think he was the first full-blooded American Indian ever drafted."

Oppenheimer assured LaChappa's parents then that they needn't worry about their teenage son because, "I'll take care of him." Three years later, when LaChappa was stricken in the bullpen in Rancho Cucamonga, Oppenheimer proved even better than her word.

Narrowly interpreting a vague promise by then-CEO Larry Lucchino that LaChappa would "always be a Padre," Oppenheimer kept the young player on the club payroll and placed pictures of him on her desk.

"He's my hero," she said yesterday. "He was always up. He had a good personality, a good sense of humor. He was cheerful. It made you feel good to be around him.

Dear Ms. Oppenheimer:

 

Who knows what other things the San Deigo Padres might do, but today, Priscilla Oppenheimer, you win at life.

 

Warmest regards,

Humanity

P.S.:  We hate steroids.  Get them out of baseball, thanks.

 

A Movie Script

This is what I want.  Last night, I had a flash of an idea:

 

Vampires vs. Zombies - The Movie.

 

Imagine the beauty of this idea.  Bloodthirsty vampires!  Flesh eating zombies!  We'll add a few pockets left of human resistance.  No, let me tell you: this is perfect.

 

More perfect than Snakes On A Plane.  Which, naturally, assumes that's possible, of course.

 

I even have a tagline:

 

Vampires vs. Zombies - With Mankind As The Ultimate Prize!

 

I can't decide who I want to star in this more:  Nicholas Cage or Samuel L. Jackson.  I considered Bruce Willis and Ice Cube as well, of course.

 

I want royalties.  Don't steal my idea.  I'll be watching.

 

Maybe I'll just write the movie myself.

 

C'mon. I Know That You Want To Know What World Destruction Looks Like

Someone over at the New Scientist discovered a computer animation - created by a person with obviously too much time on their hands - of the world being destroyed by a 100km asteriod.  Link is on the page.

 

I still think that raising Cthulhu is a much more creative what to spend one's time. 

 

Ia!  Ia!

 

 

Warren Buffett

Stud.

 

"Brace yourself," Buffett warned with a grin. He then described a momentous change in his thinking. Within months, he said, he would begin to give away his Berkshire Hathaway fortune, then and now worth well over $40 billion.

This news was indeed stunning. Buffett, 75, has for decades said his wealth would go to philanthropy but has just as steadily indicated the handoff would be made at his death. Now he was revising the timetable.

"I know what I want to do," he said, "and it makes sense to get going." On that spring day his plan was uncertain in some of its details; today it is essentially complete. And it is typical Buffett: rational, original, breaking the mold of how extremely rich people donate money.

via Fortune.

Why can't other extremely wealthy people do things like this?  Well, besides the Gates', of course.  God, I love linking to that website.

 

As much as I think it would be extremely cool to donate a little bit of that cash to me, man, do you have to hand those people their props.  Serious props.  Sometimes, humanity, in all it's amazing cruelty and it's wonderful philanthropy can make your jaw drop to the ground.

 

Man Convicted Of Cyberstalking

Here.

Sorry, but I had to kind of chop this post, it was blowing up the blog. But go read the article.

The Bane of Existence

Is it jury duty?

 

COLUMBUS, Ohio - A man made a mockery of the justice system when he tried to get removed from a jury pool in a death penalty case by claiming he is a heroin addict and a killer, a judge said.

 

Benjamin Ratliffe, 21, of Columbus, was charged with contempt of court and obstruction of justice and ordered to spend a night in jail.

 

 

Yahoo News.  However, if you really want to read some hilarious reponses to this, head over to Fark.

I am not a big fan of the American system of justice, for several reasons:

 

1.  If have enough money, you can almost always beat the rap, unless it's insider trading, fraud, or tax evasion.

2.  The death penalty is a travesty of American justice, because it disproportonately is used against minorities and the poor.  States shouldn't be in death business, anyway.

3.  I actually went to law school for a little while, and it was probably my biggest mistake.  True quote from an attorney friend of mine:  "Clark, you seem like a nice guy.  Why the hell would you want to be a lawyer?!"

 

Granted, the American legal system is still probably one of the best, if not the best, in the world.  But let's be real.  The rich people make all the rules.  That's it.

 

Of course, I've never had jury duty.  I hear that's it's horrific, however.

 

I'd like to think that I'd go if called.

 

But, you know, sometimes I'm not quite sure.

Something I Have Always Suspected

Needless to say, I wasn't surprised by this in the least.

 

How can one explain the phenomenal global success of one of this country's least talented individuals? There are only three ways.

• Mr. Hasselhoff actually is talented, but this goes unnoticed in his own country.
  
• Mr. Hasselhoff has sold his soul to Satan in return for global success.
  
• David Hasselhoff is the AntiChrist.

I vote for the latter -- and perhaps, after seeing the facts involved, the rest of the world will agree.

Yes, it's David Hasselhoff is the AntiChrist.  Yes.  Suddenly everything makes sense.  Why didn't I think of that before?  Thank the Stupid Site Hall of Fame for this link.

 

I spend too much time on the Internet.

 

 

SuperDad

I wouldn't mind it.  Being SuperDad, I mean.

 

Fortunately for me, with Father's Day coming, everyone and their mother is running self-improvement articles.  Courtesy of msn.com:

 

Learning to read is a process, one that requires mastering three basic skills. These skills are syntax, semantics, and phonics. Syntax (grammar and punctuation) is the way words, phrases, and clauses go together to create sentences and paragraphs. Semantics is the way words and sentences in a group relate to one another. Phonics refers to the sounds letters make and the relationship between written and spoken words, or comprehension.

 

This is from the Learning to Read section.  As you might imagine, there are a lot of sections.

 

Naturally, I plan on reading it all.  I will then index the information and enter it on my Palm Pilot (with time reminders), so that when the appropriate time comes, I can refer to it and use the information accordingly.

 

Or, instead, I might read it and play everything by ear, like my parents did.

It seemed to work.  So far.

 

 

 

I Like Picture Day

A friend of mine sent me these via email.

 

Warning:  This is good stuff. 

 

Pantagruel I

Pantagruel II

 

Ah, the stuff of nightmares.  Thanks to Lt. Wilkes for sending me the links.  At least I'll KNOW why I suddenly feel like detaching my forehead and feasting upon my own brains this evening.

 

Oh, and Lt.?  If you still have a site out there let me know.  I'd like to give you a plug.

$150 My Booty

Have an idea?  Is it booze-related?  People will buy it.

 

Modern Spirits is adding all sorts of crap to their vodkas in an effort to give demanding consumers a customized tipple at an equally impressive price. At $150, you'd better be thinking long and hard which flavors you want in this booze.

Gizmodo, who I haven't linked in a bit, deserves the credit for this one.

 

Perhaps I've been working too hard.  I'm changing my life's goal.

My new goal is:

 

To have a favorable article written about me or one of my products in Gizmodo.

 

I personally think that it's an achievable goal.  I've got ideas, (I even have a product out there or two), now I have to do is sell.  Directly.  To Gizmodo.

 

 

Alberto

PANIC.

 

TAMPA, Florida (AP) -- Forecasters issued a hurricane warning for parts of Florida's Gulf Coast on Monday as the first named storm of the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season quickly gained strength in the Gulf of Mexico.  The warning from Longboat Key near Sarasota to the Ochlockonee River south of Tallahassee means Tropical Storm Alberto was expected to produce hurricane conditions within the next 24 hours.

 

Via CNN.

 

My, that didn't take long.  Of course, I'm so jaded from last year that unless something is a Cat 3 I don't even start feeling fazed.  This is probably a poor attitude to have.  But the cycle of life continues.

 

Batten down the hatches.

 

 

Beer For Your Health

More good news for beer drinkers.

CORVALLIS, Ore. - A main ingredient in beer may help prevent prostate cancer and enlargement, according to a new study. But researchers say don't rush out to stock the refrigerator because the ingredient is present in such small amounts that a person would have to drink more than 17 beers to benefit.

 

Harumph. 

I suppose that I now have friends that are bulletproof.  Alas, no beer in my fridge.

 

 

 

Advanced Googlish

Lately, I've had the urge to find very specific information quickly.  Who wants to dig through acres of websites to find what it is that they want via the wonderful Google?

 

Not me.

 

Well, here's better Google searching for you.

 

Google (and many other search engines) has the ability not only to search on keywords, but also using a more "database-ish" query language to really narrow down your search results. Below is a summary of a few of the most useful lesser known features.

 

Hello, Cyberwyre.  Thanks be to Furl.

 

I suggest - no, insist - that people catch up on this.  Read this post.  Feast on the key information contain within.  Then, print the article contained at the site.  It will make your Google searching easier, quicker, and more productive.  Then you won't have to ask your Friendly Neighborhood Search Expert.

 

Excelsior!

...that was for the ubergeeks.  Nothing to see here, all you normal people.

 

Quick! To The Bar!

I've been waiting for this development, which is why stem cells rock.

 

A team of scientists and surgeons at a Melbourne hospital has developed a method of growing new organs within a patient's body. Previously, scientists had only been able to create two-dimensional constructions such as skin. But researchers at the Bernard O'Brien Institute of Microsurgery at Melbourne's St Vincent's Hospital say have created three-dimensional cells. The cells have been grown in a plastic chamber under the patients' skin.

 

Who?  ABC News Online.  Who saw it first?  Digg.

 

A few things come to mind.

1.  Hum.  No reason to quit smoking now.

2.  See the title.

3.  Uh... why didn't some other medical researchers, like, say, in the United States, figure this out first?

 

Oh yeah.  No public money for stem cell research in the U.S.  At least at Harvard.  How ridiculous is that?

Is personal stem cell harvesting available?

Can I invent it?

 

 

 

RIP Billy Preston

Dang.  Billy Preston died today.

Billy Preston (September 9, 1946 – June 6, 2006) was a soul musician from Houston, Texas and raised mostly in Los Angeles, California. He began playing piano while sitting on his mother's lap at age three. Preston collaborated with some of the greatest names in the music industry, including The Beatles, Sam Cooke, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Eric Clapton, Sammy Davis Jr., Sly Stone, Aretha Franklin, George Harrison, The Jackson 5, Quincy Jones, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones. He was the only person to receive a credit on a Beatles single, playing the organ on 'Get Back' as part of the rooftop concert.

 

Via Wikipedia, and thank Fark.

 

Well, that's definitely a downer.

Guess it's time to listen to Nothing From Nothing.

 

 

Families and Today

Yep, that's right.  It's Memorial Day.

 

Continuing a tradition that I started last year, I believe that I'll post this link to last year's Memorial Day tribute. 

But I'm not going to leave you with just that.  No way.  In fact, let me post to this little Memorial Day nugget from the Huffington Post .

 

For veterans, Memorial Day has a very different meaning than it does for most Americans. As a veteran of the wars in Kosovo and Iraq, it is a day of reflection and remembrance like every day since I have returned. While many will enjoy the nice weather, have barbeques, and dip into a pool for the first time this year, we Iraq veterans will spend the day thinking about more than our friends we lost in battle, but also about those who survived them.

Hey, kids, remember: Memorial Day is not just for the veterans!

 

Memorial Day is not just about the veterans that died and were injured or returned (healthy) from various wars, but for the families that sacrificed so much to make sure that your happy behind had or has a chance to walk around.  Memorial Day started as a tribute to the Union survivors of the Civil War; since then, it has expanded as a holiday to to honor all of the dead of various wars.  Perhaps you could take just a moment to honor the living and dead soldiers of your country today.  Not that you should emulate me, but I will be doing my best to keep the word out.  Thus this is, for today, my humble offering for both the living and the dead.

 

Update: Then: What?! A Cure For Cancer? Now: Uh Oh....

Does anyone remember the "What?!  A Cure For Cancer?" post I did a while back dealing with the possibility of a vaccine for cervical cancer?

 

Whoa, not so fast there, Sparky.

 

Imagine a vaccine that would protect women from a serious gynecological cancer. Wouldn't that be great? Well, both Merck and GlaxoSmithKline recently announced that they have conducted successful trials of vaccines that protect against the human papilloma virus. HPV is not only an incredibly widespread sexually transmitted infection but is responsible for at least 70 percent of cases of cervical cancer, which is diagnosed in 10,000 American women a year and kills 4,000. Wonderful, you are probably thinking, all we need to do is vaccinate girls (and boys too for good measure) before they become sexually active, around puberty, and HPV--and, in thirty or forty years, seven in ten cases of cervical cancer--goes poof. Not so fast: We're living in God's country now. The Christian right doesn't like the sound of this vaccine at all. "Giving the HPV vaccine to young women could be potentially harmful," Bridget Maher of the Family Research Council told the British magazine New Scientist, "because they may see it as a license to engage in premarital sex.

 

The Nation.  What a mag.  Found off of Fark.

 

Uh.  Well.

*drumming fingers on desk, obviously needing a moment to compose himself...*

.

.

.

 

Surely, surely, you're not telling me that the United State of America is not going to save people's lives, women's lives, because a vaccine that protects against HPV might make it safer to engage in sex?  No, excuse me, premarital sex?

No, seriously.

 

So, then are you saying that there is going to be a political battle over this?

 

Really?

Oh, really?

Yeah, right.  My daughter is getting vaccinated.  You just try and stop me.

Once again, I'm embarrassed for the state of humanity today.  I'd rant and rave about how many people's lives could be saved (approximately 275,000), and spout off a bunch more fact and figures, but I'm tired.  So very tired.  Wake me when the Bird Flu hits.

 

 

 

 

 

Pathetically Funny Comics

I should include this in the Addictive Time Wasters Series.

 

But this is actually better.

 

the Perry Bible Fellowship - These are good.  Not at all what you'd think from the title.  Believe me when I say this.

 

Achewood - hat tip:  ringloss.  Mostly male oriented, but stupid funny, which is probably the correct use of the term.

 

Snakes On A Plane - The Comic - I know, I know, I'm obsessed.

 

Get Your War On - Actually, might need to be seen in bulk to be believed.  Comic hi jinks in a office setting.  Read more than a few of these.

 

My suggestions.  If you've got more leave 'em somewhere that I can find them.

Images

As you might have been able to tell by the image file of the Hamdog, down below, I'm going to start tossing in a few images onto the site every now and then.

 

It's only kind of a pain, but not really.  It will force me to find a decent image host.  Google Pages, while good, is not the solution.

 

Suggestions, anyone, besides my hard drive?

How People Get Large

Oh, you're going to LOVE this .

 

This small storefront restaurant in a black community on the edge of downtown Atlanta is where serious lovers of Southern cuisine have come for their regular fix of comfort foods for more than half a century. It also represents the kind of eateries all over the South that provide the greatest challenge to doctors and nutritionists fighting to change the calorie-laden, fat-filled diets of Southerners.

Found on Sun Sentinel.com.  Via, of course, Fark.

 

One of the most popular items on the menu at Mulligan's bar in suburban Decatur, Ga., is the ``hamdog,'' a half-pound of hamburger meat wrapped around a hotdog, which is deep-fried and served on a hoagie topped with chili, bacon and a fried egg. The bar also offers the ``Luther,'' a half-pound burger served with bacon and cheese on a Krispy Kreme donut, and, for dessert, fried Twinkies, two deep-fried Kap'n Crunch-coated Twinkies topped with chocolate and cherry sauce.

 

 

Dear God in Heaven!  Can that be true?

 

I can feel my arteries harden just be READING that.

 

 

 

 

 

Prisons

Haven't posted from this site in a while.  Says The Agitator...

 

According to new data from the U.S. Department of Justice, one in 136 Americans is behind bars today, including an astounding 12 percent of all black men between the ages of 25 and 29. The United States represents 4.6 percent of the world's population, but houses nearly 23 percent of humanity's prison population.

 

Sickening, isn't it?

 

Here, let me sicken you some more.

 

Blacks represent about 12 percent of the U.S. population, but 48 percent of the prison population. They represent just 13 percent of drug users, but 38 percent of those arrested for drug crimes, and 59 percent of those convicted.

When convicted of the same drug felony, blacks are about 50 percent more likely to be sentenced to prison than whites.

 

Yay!  Seriously, go read the whole article.

 

Ok.  Let's say this: when you're spending so many of your resources on prisons, instead of something like, say, quality public education, you're having issues as a community.  Paying for private education for your kids is DAMN EXPENSIVE.  Really it is.

 

How long until the Revolution starts?

 

Buy canned goods and duct tape.

 

 

 

 

The Gift

Dear Mom:

 

This comes a bit late, because I spent most of my day with you yesterday.  However, I'm pretty confident that you'll read this soon.

 

I wanted to thank you for being such a great mom.  Sure, we've had disagreements.  I believe that every family does.  But the truth is that you are one of the best, most intellegent, most thoughtful, and best people that I know, period.  Without you, I wouldn't be... me.  I'd be someone else.  I'd probably be a lot darker, a lot more confused, and a little bit scarier. 

 

All of my friends think that you are one of the best people that they know. 

People like to hang out with my family largely because of you. 

 

I know that you're not perfect, and no one is, but I can definitely see the sacrifices that you made to make me who I am.  This was your gift to my brother and I, and we know it.  In fact, we know it more than we will ever tell you.

 

I love you, Mom, and will always appreciate you.  I can't say that enough.  You are my sister, my mother, my daughter's grandmother, and my friend, and I can't wait to see you again.

 

Thank you.  Happy Mother's Day.

 

I couldn't possibly be more sincere.

 

 

 

Google Universe?

Google is in the process of releasing more products for free than is sane. 

 

To prove that point, Jonathan Rosenberg, SVP of product management, and Marissa Mayer, VP of search products and user experience, revealed four new software products to enhance the search experience: Google Co-Op, Google Desktop 4, Google Trends, and Google Notebook.

 

Via Information Week.

 

Here's the part that I thought was particularly interesting:

 

For Apple and Microsoft, this has to be a troubling development: More and more of the programs they sell in their operating systems are being offered free by Google. Moreover, these programs are open and they have APIs that developers can build on. And just as Amazon creates book recommendations based on user purchase history, Google plans to leverage its knowledge of its users to pitch programs that dovetail with their interests.

 

Google's high stock price in the last year:

$475.11.

 

Google's low stock price in the last year:

$227.32.

 

Opening this morning at:

$403.42.

 

News story found this morning via Google News.

 

Stock and financial information found via Google Finance.

 

Blog post sent via Gmail.

 

To Blogger.  Owned by Google.

 

Digest all that, people.

 

 

Not Again. Please God, Not Again.

Uh, no.  Nooooooooooo!

 

ORLANDO, Fla. - President Bush suggested Wednesday that he'd like to see his family's White House legacy continue, perhaps with his younger brother Jeb as the chief executive.

The president said Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is well-suited for another office and would make "a great president."

Via MSNBC.  Hat tip:  Fark.

 

Here's an idea that I can get behind.  No more Bushes, no more Clintons.  Let's just, you know, figure out some decent candidates next time around.  Please?  I'm begging, here.  Please.

 

Of course, ideally, the person that should be President is probably way, way too smart to run.

 

President Oprah?

 

There's an interesting idea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Damn It, And I Love Sushi.

You've got to be kidding.  The Moonies are in the sushi business?

 

In the 1970s, Reverend Moon set his sites on creating an elaborate fishing enterprise to fund his church. The now global business does it all, from building the fishing boats to catching, processing, and delivering the fish. True World Foods, a subsidiary of the non-profit Unification Church International, supplies most of the sushi restaurants in the country, about 7,000 restaurants in all.

 

via Fast Company.

 

Sigh.  I love raw fish.  And I ain't stopping.  No.

Guess I'll just have to consider the source more often.

 

Just goes to show - everyone, and anyone, is into everything.  You can't escape, merely educate.

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome To Colorado!

Let's all give a warm welcome to terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui, whose jury (wisely) decided NOT to put to death today!  Congratulations, Zacarias! (props, FoxNews, via Fark).

Rod, let's tell him what he's won!  Is it Supermax?

 

ADX Florence is generally home to between 400 and 500 male prisoners. About 22 percent of inmates have killed fellow prisoners in other correctional facilities; 35 percent have attempted to attack other prisoners or guards. As a result, most individuals are kept for at least 23 hours each day in solitary confinement. They are housed in a 7-by-12 foot ( 3.5-by-2 meter) soundproofed room, built behind a steel door and grate. The remaining free hour is spent exercising alone in a separate concrete chamber. Prisoners rarely see each other, and inmates' only human interaction is limited to that of the prison guards. Religious services are broadcasted in from a small chapel.

Most cells' furniture is made almost entirely out of poured concrete, including a desk, stool, and bed covered by a thin mattress. Each chamber contains a toilet that shuts off if plugged, a shower that runs on a timer to prevent flooding, and a sink missing a potentially dangerous tap. Rooms may also be fitted with polished steel mirrors bolted to the wall, an electric light, a 13-inch black and white television , and a cigarette lighter. Windows in rooms are small, set high up in the wall, and point towards the sky, confusing the prisoner as to his specific location within the complex.

The prison as a whole contains countless motion detectors and cameras , 1,400 remote-controlled steel doors, and 12 foot high razor wire fences. Laser beams , pressure pads, and attack dogs guard the area between the prison walls and razor wire. Built into the side of a mountain, visitors and prisoners enter through a heavily-guarded tunnel.

Uh....

Many have argued that the psychological effects of long-term solitary confinement can be devastating. Prisoners may suffer from hallucinations, anxiety, problems with impulse control, and self-mutilation. In addition, confinement may encourage anger and rage, resulting in further violence. Depression may set in, with prisoners becoming extremely lethargic, losing memory, and refusing to exercise.

 

(hello, Wikipedia.)

...and he wins...a fate worse than death.

 

Goodnight, funnyman.  Say hi to Ted, Matt, and the...oh, wait.  Guess you can't.

For The Discriminating Vampire Slayer....

Dammit!  How did I miss this?  For sale on eBay:

 

You are bidding on a 19th century Vampire Killing Kit. No reserve auction !

The box weights 20.1 lbs., length 16.8 inches, width 17 inches, height 7.9 inches;made of linden tree with maroon velvet inside, six compartments. The items enclosed in the box are as followed: one wooden hammer ( 6.5 inches long), four stakes 6 inches-each) --- the wooden hammer has applied a small holy cross, same as the stakethe lower side containing: prayer book, crucifix, knife and eight bottles with Pamant (holy soil), Agheazma (holy water), Mir (anointing oil), Tamaie (holy incense), Ust(garlic), red serum, blue serum and secret potion. We believe a romanian monk from Transylvania has created this box during the period of 1870-1890 .

Where did I find this, you ask?  Betuman.  Yeah.  I get around.

 

Darn, and that would have made a PERFECT Mother's Day present, although I think my Dad might have dug that more.

 

Typically, this is the part where I'd make some crack about Buffy, The Vampire Slayer, and why don't they make shows like that anymore (Vampires?  Pretty girls?  Kung-Fu?  Lesbians?  How is that not the perfect show?), but instead, because I haven't done it in a while, I think that I'll just post a link to these generally safe for work pictures of Alyson Hannigan instead.  Go Willow!

 

 

The First Communion

A story for you all.

 

Yesterday was Sunday.  Typically, Sundays are really not special.  You know, people go to church, people watch football, people goof around outside.  Some people sleep.  That's Sunday.

 

However, yesterday was special.  Why?  Because my ex-girlfriend's daughter had asked me to go to her first communion at her church, and I pledged that I would, in fact, go, for her sake.

 

I have no idea if any of you have been to a first communion.  I hadn't.  But it was very interesting.  The idea is that instead of deacons or whatnot, children (all about the same age) read the passages from the Bible.  Now, I must say, I am not a Biblical scholar by any stretch of the imagination.  However, I knew that these cute kids, all dressed up in their Sunday best, had little presentations that they had to give. 

 

Now, I had no idea where my ex's daughter was in this whole presentation, but I knew that she had to do something, because I had seen and heard her practice.  I knew she was kind of nervous.

 

Imagine my shock when right at the beginning of Mass, she was one of the first to read from the Bible!

 

Ok.  Here's something you should know.

 

When I first met my ex-girlfriend's daughter, she was not a good reader.  Diligently, as any father would, I would like to think, I worked with her.  Daily.  I bought educational videos.  I read phonics books to her, and lots and lots of Dr. Suess.  After a while, I could see her reading improving.  But not too long after that, her mother and I split up (after 2 plus years).

 

So, naturally I was shocked to see her up at the podium reading for the whole congregation.

 

I was so proud, I cried.

 

She will remember Sunday for the rest of her life, and I will too.  For the rest of my existence on this planet, I can look back on what she did on that podium, and be proud of myself, and of her.  Truly, I have accomplished something important.  Now I know exactly how my parents feel on certain days.