December 01, 2003
The Month of Descender
OMG, it's December. How time flies when you're busy doing everything else. I think this calls for a renaming of the month. Let's refer to it as DESCENDER or DISMEMBER, the month where the balance of your bank account descends rapidly -- or what happens when you dip into savings and single-handedly dismember your bank balance. Yeah yeah yeah. My favorite time of year. Exit calm, relaxed state of mind, enter thoughts of what to buy, who to buy for, how many on the list this year, what about xmas cards, what about decorations, what about postage stamps, who to send to in Europe, and on and on and on and on. Think I'm a bit hyper about the holiday season? Just call me Scrooge. ;-)
December 02, 2003
Guess and Win!Update: 12/6
1. You can guess as many times as you want
2. Two hints have been provided:
- one word, four letters, two syllables
- the letter "A" is in the name
Latest hint: _ _ _ a
-------------------------------
Since y'all are so busy wanting me to send you Xmas presents, I figured I'd give you the opportunity to WIN something for FREE, so I've decided to have a contest.
I've never blogged about my dog (why would I?) He's long gone, having succumbed to some nasty crippling disease years ago. He was a mix: part labrador retriever, part terrier. He had a shiny black coat with white spots on each paw and a small one on his chest (thereby making it look like he was wearing a tuxedo.) This mix made the dog do wacky things, such as stretching one hind leg back each time he had to pee, or walk down the street with a sideways gait. He was the strangest dog -- he just wasn't normal.
I miss my dog, but not enough to have him here today. Who wants to run around holding a bag up to the dog's butt, scooping up hot piles of poop? Not I. Rest his soul, he's better off where he is, in doggie heaven.
SO ... here's the contest. You have to guess the name of my dog. I'll warn you, it's not a common dog name. Here's what you'll win: for the ladies, it will be some fabulous piece of jewelry handcrafted and produced just for you. For the men -- you'll win a piece out of my new men's accessories line. SO ... that's the deal. I'll see if I can muster up some helpful hints, but I can't promise. Let's see how you do first. If it becomes WAY too difficult, I'll have to think of something else you can guess. Contest closes December 15.
[Note to Captain Doctor Henry of the U.S. Navy, you cannot participate simply because you gave me the dog and you know the dog's name. I'll just have to send you something for having an indirect involvement in this wacky contest. Family members and others who know me IRL are not eligible.]
Mac Eye for the Windows Guy
A witty and clever take on the television show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy -- Mac Eye for the Windows Guy. "They are the Fab Five: an elite team of geeks dedicated to extolling the simple virtues of style, taste and class... the Apple lifestyle. Each week their mission is to transform a style-deficient and culture- deprived Windows drone from drab to fab!" Source: Chasing Daisy
We're ALL Foreigners
I came across this Web event, the 2003 Weblog Awards, when reading GDay Mate this morning. Ozguru makes a valid point about the category, Best Foreign Blog. He writes: "presumably non-American."
Foreign could be any blog out there - one written by an American, a Dane, a Brit, whomever. Perhaps it's a good idea to title the categories "Best North American blog," "Best European blog," "Best South American blog" and so on. We're all foreigners, period. After all, this isn't the North American Web, it's the worldwide Web.
And that's my two Euros on that topic. :-)
December 03, 2003
Contest Hint #1
One word. Four letters. Two syllables.
December 04, 2003
She's Having a Boy!
Dawn Olsen of Up Yours and Other Useful Tips is uncomfortably awaiting the birth of her baby boy sometime RSN - real soon now - (though her doctor has advised that she postpone the birth until he returns from wherever on Sunday. The nerve!) Anyway, Dawn asks, in a recent post, Boys - what the hell do you do with them? She writes, "will I warp him by breastfeeding him?" Good question. If y'all have children, and in particular boys, or maybe you just happen to be male, why not pop on over to Dawn's blog and give her some good, sound advice. Make her laugh. She's uncomfortable, she wants to give birth already, and let's help distract her from all of the above. After all, 'tis the season, ain't it??? While you're visiting over there, be sure to take a dip in her baby pool and guess the new babe's delivery date, time of birth and weight.
Contest Hint #2
The letter "A" -- there is one "A" in the name.
Contest Link
I've added another link which takes you directly to the contest post. I'll continue to try and come up with hints for the contest, and feel free to guess as many times as you want!
ION (in other news): It was great of Henry, my inspiration for the contest (and the guy responsible for giving me the dog in the first place), to stop by yesterday and comment before departing to an undisclosed locale with the (US) 1st Marine Division. He promises to check up on the goings-on here while away, provided he has Net access.
December 05, 2003
Snow in the CityIt's not that easy to whip out the digital camera when the wind is blowing you over. I had the camera hanging around my neck but tucked inside my parka, and I took a few quick snapshots on my walk through Central Park today. Outside of a couple of diehard runners (making me think of diehard athlete Wendy at allseasons,) the park was really quiet and beautiful.
Weather or Not
Update: I know it's a huge disappointment to all of you, but I'll never make it in meteorology. Latest bit of news informs me that another storm is on its way, 12 hours behind the current one. The snowflakes here in the city are pretty thick, and yes Al, the slush and mud and ice is present as well. Oh joy. I think I'll take a walk to Central Park and take some photographs. After that, I'll lean all the way back and plop myself into the snow and make snow angels, then I'll daydream a bit, just laying there in the snow, feeling the coldness and wet seep through my jeans, then I'll get really, really cold, stand up, brush myself off and ponder what the hell I was thinking when I thought this would be a fun thing to do. :-)
While Al is watching dollar bills drift out of his chimney in minus 14-degree temperatures in upstate New York, the city is busy preparing for what the television newscasters are calling a "massive" storm. It's funny when the city is scheduled to be hit with a blanket of the white stuff. You'd think we were in Florida or Hawaii instead of where we are. The garbage trucks hurriedly slap on the plows, get the supply of salt for the roads ready, and (Mayor) Bloomberg tells reporters, "well, I don't know how we're going to pay to keep the streets clear of snow, but we'll find the money someplace." And though I'm not a meteorologist, this doesn't look like a mega storm to me:
We'll just have to wait and see what happens later today. I'll bet it's damn cold in Al's neck o' New York. No matter how many times you mention the lord Al, (as in "good lord" - I'm sure you really wanted to say something else,) I don't think the weather is going to change there anytime soon. :-)
Contest Bullet Points
Just to reiterate a few points made in previous posts:
You can guess as many times as you want
Two hints have been provided:
- one word, four letters, two syllables
- the letter "A" is in the name
Though I do indeed have other hints I could provide, I can't make it that easy, otherwise it won't be much fun to simply figure it out via Google. I'm working on it though. A new hint may be posted later today; if not, Monday.
December 06, 2003
Intrastate Snowball Fight
Hey Al, you snarky, frozen upstater you. Be nice to the cuties downstate. Not everyone 'round these parts is busy playing wannabe, driving SUVs and freaking out over weather (though I know for a fact that folks do that ALL the way down SOUTH in Charlotte, NC.) But that's a really funny remark you made on your ice-cube laden blog: "I scoff at your foot and a half..." hehehe. That's hilarious. And Al, you should have loaded up the truck with the shovels AND the snowblower - guaranteed someone would buy it after you cleared their driveway. But I guess you have no wits today. :-)
By the way Al, that was my snowball that just hit you in the leg. Next time I'll have better electronic aim. [wink, wink]
Meanwhile, back at squip headquarters - I forgot to slap this one up here simply because I GOT BUSY. Anyway, here are the morning musings.
Stay In?
The temperature in NYC is 25 degrees, the wind chill factor making it 14 degrees. (Hey Al, how ya doing upstate?) There's also a blizzard warning for New York City and Long Island that's in effect until tonight. I've already been outside once, and I may just have to go out again. It's true that this city never sleeps. Though newscasters and weather reporters suggested that everyone stay indoors, it's obvious just by walking around that no one took that advice. Us city folk have been slushing around in the snow and jumping over puddles on street corners, taking care of Saturday errands and doing holiday shopping. Others in the "tri-state" area are out and about across New Jersey and on Long Island. That makes it just another Saturday here in the northeast. Blizzard? Whatever.
Contest Hint #3
_ _ _ a.
The "A" is at the end. :-)
December 07, 2003
Wind in my Eyeball
The temperature today is a frigid one with a wicked wind blowing, and the streets are, as expected, a slushy mess. Yesterday the weather included snow in your eyes and a less intense wind chill factor. Today, the sun has popped out and the wind is a whippin'.
It's quite cold out, and with the sun blazing brightly, sunglasses were required. It didn't help much, especially when a blast of that arctic-like wind whipped right into my left eyeball. My eye began to water, and I could feel the tear sliding down my left cheek. Stop. Take the glove off, wipe the left eye under my sunglasses, put the glove back on, continue walking. Two minutes later, stop. Take off the glove again, grab a tissue from my pocket, wipe the left eye again. Put the glove back on, continue walking. What should have been a 3-minute walk turned into 20 minutes. If I could have done it without causing specific damage to my eyeball, I would have stuffed that tissue into my eye socket. That blast of wind was particularly annoying as well as uncomfortable.
Insert headache here. And that concludes today's bitch and moan. :-)
December 08, 2003
Kat Wins!!!
Under excruciating circumstances (boss breathing down neck) and in a Stephen King/Cujo-like what's-going-to-happen-NOW nail biting finale, Kat of Mostly Fluff wins the contest! The name of my dog: Vega.
And now for some factoids:
VEGA (Alpha Lyrae). One of the most famed stars of the sky, Vega is the luminary of the dim but exquisite constellation Lyra, the Lyre, which represents the harp of the great mythical musician Orpheus. Its name derives from an Arabic phrase that means "the swooping eagle." Vega is one of three brilliant stars that divide the northern heavens into thirds. The most commonly used catalogue for fainter (as well as brighter) stars is the Henry Draper (HD) Memorial Catalogue.
Other vegas include Suzanne Vega, circa '80s with her hit "Luka" and Lope de Vega, a Spanish Playwright and notorious womanizer. And last but not least, there was also a car named "Vega."
Thanks to all who participated! Maybe I'll do this again in a few months!
(Almost) a Winner
Technically, Kat of Mostly Fluff guessed the correct name. However, in order to claim the prize and be crowned the winner, she must select ONE of the names she posted in the comments. I think that's fair. Since Kat posted 3 separate comments, I'm giving her 3 separate chances here. Kat, go for it!!! If she doesn't nail it in 3 tries, we'll just continue with the contest.
P.S. Please allow Kat time to make her guess. Obviously, by identifying her and the 3 comments she's made, it narrows the field of possibilities considerably. If she doesn't guess the correct name, then I've left it wide open for y'all to choose one of them. Duh! :-)
Contest Hint #4
A bit more about my relationship with Henry.
I met Henry via his cousin, who was dating a good friend of mine while we were all in high school. Henry was an alpha male in every sense of the phrase. He was tall, he played on the football team, and he was built. A real swoon boy. Upon meeting him for the first time, one look and I went into orbit with stars in my eyes. In addition to the heavenly physical attributes, Henry was a true gentleman. He was wise beyond his years, extremely bright and goal-oriented, and he planned to become a doctor. With him, the sky had no limit, and I had no doubt that he'd be quite successful in the future.
Our high school days are long ago and far away, and I readily admit I have a poor memory for really specific details. I think we parted ways because I was geographically undesirable. We lived at opposite ends of the island. However, before it all became a distant memory, Henry gave me the dog, which he picked up at a local animal shelter.
I considered naming the dog after him but reconsidered. My next brilliant idea was to find something about Henry - anything - that might serve as a good, yet different name for the dog. When I finally came upon the right one, the dog's name most definitely has something to do with Henry. (It's not Henry nor does it have anything to do with the Navy, which came about many years later.)
My hints for today: think of guys in general, what they like, what they have, their toys, etc. There is another, completely different hint within the text above, so you may want to look for similarities. Feel free to ask questions. Just post them in the comments.
To review previous hints so far:
1. One word, four letters, two syllables
2. The letter "A" is in the name
3. _ _ _ a
Remember, you can guess as many times as you want.
December 09, 2003
Distracted
Update
Y'all must have sent some really strong and positive vibes, because what was completely depressing this morning has since turned into a better day overall. My brother will leave the hospital tomorrow, and though he's not exactly out of the woods, at least he won't be in there - *sigh* again. Thank you for the support - it was truly appreciated!
After all of yesterday's excitement and real-time back and forth with Kat (thankfully making me laugh quite a bit,) my thoughts shifted to the fact that one of my two brothers went into the hospital the night before. Though in the scheme of things it isn't all that serious, when anyone is admitted to the hospital, it is indeed serious enough to warrant tests, tests and more tests. *sigh* I really thought that I'd escape the remainder of this year without having to step foot in another hospital. I'm hospitaled-out (I know that's poor english, but you get my point.) I began the year in and out of a hospital on the Upper East Side visiting my friend Linda who later died. Why the gods have chosen to bookend the year with yet another toe placed in a hospital room is beyond my comprehension. Complaining? Yeah. It's really disgusting. I'm doing that fucking "why me?" shit and someone stop me now. In reality, I'm worried about my brother - that's the truth. And I'm worried about my mom too. How much can one woman take in the span of a year? Needless to say, I'm officially on duty as of tomorrow. I'll be off to do what I seem to do best: play Nurse Ratchet. I swear to the heavens that I was a nurse in a previous life. I had to be. And though I'm really good at it, it doesn't mean that I really like this part of me. It's taking a toll on my brain, and my stress level has skyrocketed with this latest bit of news. Normally, I'm not the selfish, self-centered witch I sound like in writing this. I suppose I just needed to let those thoughts out and be done with it. ARGH!
I'd much prefer to be writing something where I'm dancing the happy puppy dance, but then reality steps in and slaps me right out of it ... sigh. Besides, I think consistently presenting happy, upbeat, no gripes, no real life posts makes it about as real as Santa Claus.
December 10, 2003
Weblog Awards and W@nkers
Chris of Utter Wonder and Ozguru of GDay Mate were nominated for the Weblog Awards.
Ozguru is in the Best Flappy Birds category and Chris is in the Best Slithering Reptiles category. Congrats to both of you and don't go getting all Sally Field on us if you win. *shudder*
Here's where the w@nker part comes in (Just to clarify. I don't want Ozguru and Chris to think I'm referring to them -- I'm not.)
Further amazement washed over me and did not stun me into silence upon the discovery of the Best Female Authored Blog category. Oh my god, they actually let FEMALES in that contest? Holy shit. You'd think that we're way past the days of high-button shoes and flapper dresses. What is this, the Dark Ages? You need a separate category for women? Purely and utterly ridiculous. Bright move there, bucko. That's about as intelligent as Best Foreign Blog. W@nker.
Full Moon
Now I get it. All this wacky w@nker Wednesday what-have-you is a direct result of the December 8 full moon. Yup. Blame it on the moon. Sounds like a good reason to me!
Ta, Ta Troubled Diva
One of my favorite blogs has gone off to blog heaven. Mike of TroubledDiva has decided to end his run of the blog almighty at the top of his game. Can't say that I blame him one bit. He wrote an amazing and heartfelt goodbye missive, and thankfully he'll leave everything intact on his blog so we can all visit and read, and read and read. I do hope he returns sometime in the future. Ta, ta for now, Mike.
W@nker Wednesday
And here I thought all the w@nkers were in my own country - geez. Pogo, of DearieMe, who took his blog down for one reason or another (yet to be explained in full,) discovered that some cad ran off with his domain. The nerve. This morning Pogo sent me an email asking that I de-link his blog, as his former blog space has been overtaken by some jackass. Just another w@nker Wednesday.
December 11, 2003
26 Photos of Things...
... neatly tucked in a file folder under my ass.
A while back I came across the 26 Things Scavenger Hunt and decided to take the challenge of coming up with 26 photographs of the things included on the list ("things" such as contemplation, familiar and intimidating, among 23 others.) Anyway, submissions were due December 1, but you can still add yours to the list. I must say, this hunt wasn't easy, and I thought about ditching the idea of participation but decided to stick it out and finish it. Though I managed to complete the hunt, I'm sitting on the 26 photographs. It would be a complete waste of that effort by not slapping it up somewhere and adding my name to the list.
However, I just can't figure out how to put them all up on a page with enabled comments. Al tried to help me via email with installation of NetPBM since Image Magiick is mysteriously inaccessible via my hosting company. And yes, it's really stupid to have to make thumbnails of photos when automation software exists. So there I was, dutifully following Al's suggestions and instructions, and wouldn't you know that Murphy's Law (anything that can go wrong, will go wrong) stopped by for a visit. Needless to carry on further about, I couldn't get NetPBM to work, no matter how many times I tried.
For my next spastic trick, I decided to create a separate blog for my photographs, then totally confused myself once I began. I created a directory for a photoblog, one for archives, one for images. Then I realized that even though I had all the ingredients for my photo pie, I didn't have the baking pans. In other words, (and wasn't THAT just the most lame-assed attempt at an analogy,) I didn't have a layout or template or anything else done to make it all happen. [insert mega sigh here.] SO ... be that as it may, the folder of photos is parked neatly under my bum until I come up with a brainstorm idea or two. Again, recommendations are welcome and happily encouraged.
Archives Up
After doing some selective editing, changing the chron order and inserting photo strips of images for each month, I put my archives back up here in a completely different format from the norm. In re-reading each month's archive, the reverse chron order was annoying and subsequently was changed. And since I'm somewhat technically inept, the pages are static and comments are not included. I couldn't figure out a better, easier way to do it on my own without begging for help and didn't want to spend too much time on it. Memory posts were deleted; you know, those posts that force you to think of things you'd rather not think about anymore. Overall, the archives are back up because I wanted to have this year's thoughts and musings to look back on and re-read in a logical sequence. I guess you could say it serves as my scrapbook of brain fodder for the past year.
Hopefully I'll figure out a better format for archives in the future. In the revised format, January through November archives are in the new format and accessible only through the main blog page menu. AND... just to add to the confusion of this post, September-December are sorta kinda duplicated via the usual routes, with permalinks and comments in them. Once the year ends, that will all be gone. (I'm sure this was the most important news of your day, wasn't it!)
Of course I'm all ears and eyes for suggestions and recommendations about archiving. Though I've been using MT since April, I'm still learning. Right Al? ;-)
Blog Quotes
"I hope you guys all realise the implications for everyone on this if anyone eventually manages to get all the
foreigners to go back where they came from ..."
- The Gray Monk about the Best Foreign Blogs
category/Weblog Awards. Via GDay Mate's comments box.
"... so maybe I'd better make that appointment with my doctor which is 2 years overdue, and also the
Booby-squisher as I'm due another session of The Art of Origami Using Your Tits."
- Zoe
on scheduling checkups.
"As much as I love "O, Holy Night," it still isn't my all time favorite. That honor goes to "Little Drummer Boy".
I realize I am the only person alive who has undying devotion for that song but I do and I don't care what the
rest of the world thinks. It has nothing to do with the "drummer" aspect of the song... my love comes from the
song's theme that it ain't about the possessions....it's what's inside that you have to offer which counts.
Now that I've just disavowed having possessions at Christmas, let's get back to the presents, shall we?"
- Greg of Mr. Helpful about holiday
music and presents for his children.
"My new black printer cartridge isn't working. Hello? Tech support? Oh, wait...there isn't any.
I'm so in the Christmas spirit today. Can you tell?"
- Joanie of Da Goddess about stuff.
"Saying hello to her and suggesting that, in order to get to know each other better, she "might want to go out for coffee"
is an incredibly poor tactical option to have chosen, when considering her place of employment. You may then decide
that all your speaking privileges should be revoked for the rest of the day."
- Mark of LondonMark
about his invitation to a girl who works at Starbucks.
Last but not least, boy am I glad I wasn't at Al's breakfast table this morning. I'd hate to be on the receiving end of this little ditty:
"...why they were anywhere near this machine when they have their own is something we¹ll be discussing over
breakfast ‹ at length."
Al of Fulton Chain after discovering one his children had enabled Active Desktop on his computer.
December 12, 2003
Baby News
After endless waiting, Dawn delivered her 9-pound baby boy this morning at 7:05 a.m. Mom, dad and Alexander Kirk are all doing fine. I can only imagine how happy and relieved she is. Congratulations Dawn!!
December 13, 2003
Black Bear Hunt
A controversial bear hunt is currently going on in the state of New Jersey. The problem, in a nutshell, is that the black bear population is estimated to have grown to 3,200. This growth has led the 'normally timid' bears to roam the outskirts of the parklands to feed on crops and garbage.
From a Reuters report:
New Jersey Fish and Wildlife director Martin McHugh earlier this week defended the hunt involving 5,375 hunters holding permits after attending mandatory training seminars.
Each hunter is allowed to bag one black bear, who range from around 100 pounds (45 kg) for cubs and small females to more than 500 pounds (227 kg) for the biggest males.
"We have a very dense population in this part of state, a lot of complaints and public safety concerns," McHugh said. "Parents are worried about their children."
McHugh said that in the past year bears had broken into 58 homes and made more than 20 other attempts.
He said 53 bears had been hit by vehicles and there were nine reported attempts to enter vehicles by bears.
"The message is clear to people who live up here," said McHugh. "While they like seeing bears in the woods,
it's time to start controlling bears. They don't like to see them at their front door."
When hungry, a bear will search anywhere: climb into your car, break into your home, or take your child right out of its carriage. If the only way to protect the public is through hunting down and killing black bears in an effort to decrease the bear population, then I say go get 'em. I'd rather a dead bear than a dead child or adult any day of the week. Yes it's sad that the bears are being killed, but I see no logical alternative.
Gyrating Underpants
Just another reason why I love Berlin.
Shoppers in central Berlin on Friday were treated to the sight of scantily-clad live shop window 'dummies' flexing their muscles and baring their buttocks in a publicity stunt for men's underwear.
The three models aged between 20 and 29 drew catcalls from enthusiastic young women and looks of disapproval from elderly passers-by as they struck poses in a six-hour display.
Christiana Hoepfner, 37, pressed herself against the window to get a closer look and said the sight of the gyrating underpants had made a big impression on her. "They're really great. I may have to get some for my boyfriend now." Reuters
A Bad Day ...
... for mammals and humans.
A Whale of a Whale Dies
Norway: Keiko, the killer whale who gained fame
starring in the "Free Willy" movies, died of pneumonia in a Norwegian bay
that he made his home after a 10-year campaign failed to coax him
back to the open seas. Keiko, which means "Lucky One" in Japanese, was released from
Iceland in July 2002 with hopes that he would return to the wild.
But he swam straight for Norway on a 870-mile trek that seemed to
be a search for human companionship. Reuters
Barn Fire Kills 22 Horses
CNN: An
early morning barn fire in Kentucky killed 22 horses Friday, most of them thoroughbreds.
Florida: Seven pit bulls escaped from their owner's home and mauled an 82-year-old neighbor to death Friday. CNN
December 15, 2003
'Tis the Season
Each year after Thanksgiving I touch base with my mother to see what holiday shopping I can take care of for her. It's much easier for me to go out and pick up things on her list than it is for her to get around and shop where she lives. Since she broke her hip a year ago, she can't walk for long periods of time without having to stop and sit. She also becomes tired a lot faster these days.
It's never a problem to shop for her; I have my list, I have hers, and off I go. Working for myself makes the process a lot easier. I can be in and out of a store early in the morning and I'm done with that particular errand for the day.
In addition to the shopping that needs to be done, someone has to do the wrapping. The spastic gene for wrapping seems to have struck the rest of my family; so that's my job too. You'd think you can't go wrong with wrapping paper, tape and a pair of scissors, and a bow here and there and perhaps some ribbon. Let me say for the record that my family members have, uh, other things they're good at doing, and wrapping isn't it. I attribute my ability to wrap well and festively to the fact that I was born on a Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. (a fact I only found out a few months ago.) Upon learning this long unknown fact until my mother came across my birth certificate, I proclaimed to mom, "Oh! So THAT explains it then." I'm convinced that the day of the week you're born on has a lot to do with the type of person you are today. For me, a Saturday afternoon makes me think, day off from work, play time, running errands, the pursuit of hobbies, and anything else one might do on a Saturday. I conveniently scheduled my appearance into this world on a day off, which meant both mom and dad could be present for the big event. Wasn't that so considerate of me! [Saturday: a more laid-back approach to things, thereby promoting artistic endeavors, creativity and the ability to excel in wrapping.] ;-)
I'm digressing from wrapping so let me get back to that. While on official elf duty this weekend, I sat at the kitchen table with my mom and oldest sister. There were many boxes to wrap, and these presents were special. The church in my hometown sets up a Christmas tree each year. The tree has pieces of paper cut into various holiday shapes. Each piece has the name of a needy person on it. Members of the congregation are encouraged to take one piece and purchase a present for that person. My mom and sister asked if they could take more than one; and that was encouraged also.
According to my mother and sister, most people take the names of children, leaving many needy adults without a "secret Santa." When my mother noticed this, she decided to take the ornamental information for at least five of the adults. My sister took a similar amount. My job was to shop for the presents and wrap them. One of them was for an 81-year-old elderly man who wanted a hat, gloves and a scarf. While wrapping, I thought about the people who would receive these presents. Elderly folks without family, paying exorbitant amounts of money they don't really have for the medicines they require, younger folk down on their luck, unmarried women with young children living in a shelter. For me, it's about doing something that might be beneficial to someone else. It might put a smile on that elderly man's face when he opens his present and sees the warm hat and scarf and the extra thick, toasty gloves. The thought of his aged smile is my reward.
It's a feel good kind of thing and it's not done for something in return. The return you earn is simply the thought of helping others just because you can and want to make life a little better for someone less fortunate. I suspect that next year, provided that my own means are in place, I'll be taking many more paper ornaments off that tree.
December 16, 2003
Twice Told
How Did I Miss This?
It's beginning to sound like Mr. Helpful week here. I have no idea how I missed it, but a story Greg submitted to scribble press was one of seven selected (you can download the PDF with all seven stories at The Microstories Project: Twice Told.) Greg, you didn't say a word about it (and if you blogged it, obviously I missed that entry.)
Do I know superb writing? I guess I do. I'm taking FULL CREDIT for suggesting that you take part in that Greg. :-) Congratulations!!!
Bored in Belgium
Since Zoe's been on vacation, she's now complaining that she has nothing to do. I told her this morning that I'd give her assignments until her vacation has ended (and feel free to jump in at any time; I can't do this ALL the time, you know.) With that in mind, Zoe's first assignment: go out tomorrow and purchase the Belgian chocolates you planned to send to me. Upon completing that little excursion, you return home, wrap up the chocolates in lovely and festive holiday wrapping, box it, and then address it to me. Time permitting, you can then walk the package to Federal Express and have them overnight it.
I'm sure this will keep you busy as you curse me minute-by-minute. ;-)
Better Not Wake Me
Greg of Mr. Helpful writes about being roused from his slumber when the "state of the art" fire alarm went off in his apartment complex... for no reason at all.
His post got me thinking ...
I've often wondered if I'd be caught in similar circumstances in my apartment. The thought of leaping out of bed, running out of the building and onto the street in my coconut and pineapple-embellished flannels is simply horrifying. Couple that with whatever I could throw on over it -- a parka or the blue flannel robe with the white cloud motif and my hiking boots. Oh, and the hair. I can't forget that. My hair is long, and I usually wake up to severe bedhead: a teased and tousled '80s big hair frightfest looking back at me in the mirror. This festival of fright could easily scare all the rats right out of the city.
Oh yes, I can't wait to be roused from my sleep in the middle of the night just because I want to impress my neighbors.
Eye Don't Know
Over at Greg's place, he pointed out something that maybe I'd love, or maybe not: an Automatic Eyeglass Cleaner. Great copy for this product: casual or improper cleaning can damage expensive high-tech lenses... Casual? Like in a casual relationship? Okay. I have a casual relationship with my black frames. The rest I'm more intimate with, though I've dropped a few here and there. ;-) High-tech lenses? I'll consider my lenses high-tech when they can boot up my laptop, read my email, and update my blog. Until then, it's all low-tech to me.
The copy is even better when you click for more info: the lid pops up and shakes off any excess solution for 10 seconds ‹ leaving a thin film on the lenses. Use the included microfiber cloth to polish the lenses ‹ a quick final touch-up that helps to fill in those microscopic scratches so you'll THRILL to lenses that are brilliantly clear! Oh yes, that most definitely would thrill me. I think the copywriter was overexcited about the product. Greg, did you write that copy? ;-)
A Picture's Worth
Request for Photos and Essays
David Chin of A Picture's Worth is requesting submissions for the site. Just submit one photograph along with a 300-1000 essay to accompany it.
December 17, 2003
Work in ProgressI recently completed the 26 Things Photographic Scavenger Hunt. I consider it a work in progress, because even though my page is up, it isn't exactly as planned and I need to work on the images. Lack of time prevents me from fixing it all right now. When time frees up I'll revisit it and make the necessary fixes my perfectionist evil twin insists needs to be done. In the meantime, take a gander at my interpretation of the 26 Things. Al helped me quite a bit with behind-the-page HTML and javascript, etc. Thanks so much Al!
100 Years of Flight
BBC News (UK) has a detailed look at the past 100 years of flight.
Brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright finally got off the ground in machines that were heavier than air. Their first flight in 1903 covered just a few feet and lasted only a few seconds. Little could they have known how significantly their invention was to change the world.
December 18, 2003
New Critical Element Discovered
The element as it occurs in Britain has been reported as follows:
A major research institution has recently announced the discovery of the heaviest chemical element yet known
to science. The new element has been named 'Governmentium" The element has 12 Principle neurons, 13
assistant neutrons, 75 deputy parliamentarions ( a newly identified particle which attaches to the neutrons at
the centre of the atom) and 11 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 654. These 654 particles
are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles
called peons.
The characteristics of moron-promotion leads some scientists to speculate that governmentium
is formed whenever morons reach a certain quantity in concentration. This hypothetical quantity
is referred to as "Critical Morass". You will know it when you see it!
Read the rest at The Gray Monk.
December 19, 2003
I Knew There was a Problem...
... when 100 pieces of spam mysteriously didn't show up in email the other day. In fact, nothing showed up in email at all. I sent a few out as well, and eventually found out that my emails were stuck in the ether going nowhere fast. Today I received about 200 pieces of spam -- thank you very little.
The Bubba Brothers
My friends Donald and Marcus, aka the "bubba" brothers, (what they call themselves,) checked in yesterday to say "howdy" from Austin, Texas. Marcus drove to The Donald's homestead from Nashville and is now on his way back home. His next stop is Binghamton, New York, where he'll spend the holidays with his family. My chat with Marcus:
M: "Sister Cindy, I've done my part."
C: "Yeah? What's that?
M: "Well, I'll be in New York."
C: "And?"
M: "Now it's your turn."
Marcus' idea of it being my "turn" means going to Binghamton between Christmas and New Year's. All I can tell you Marcus is that I'll try my best but no promises. It would be great to see him, as it's been 5 years since we last saw each other. I'll just wait and see if I can wing it north, otherwise it will have to wait until next year.
Of course The Donald wants me to visit Austin as well. Demanding bubbas, aren't they? But it's nice when your friends miss you that much.
Plug-n-Play Indeed!
A last-minute stocking stuffer:
Jewel's Matrix Vibe: "... plug the Matrix Vibe into your USB port and reach orgasmic heights ..."
- Via Chasing Daisy
Shopping for Rings
A friend asked me to help him select a ring for his significant other. I love surprises like that, especially when the intentions are quite serious. Where else would one go in New York City for such an item but the home of the little blue box - Tiffany & Co.
December 20, 2003
The Thank You Chicks
Kat and I are the founding partners of The Thank You Chicks club. Our motto: "No matter how busy we are, no matter how many emails flood our in box, we'll always make the time to say thanks. After all, that's just the type of gals we are -- polite and we practice good manners."
Of course, we have our own way of saying 'thanks' to the hundreds of useless pieces of spam that fill our in-boxes. We say, thank you very little. For comment spammers, we say, thank you very much for going away.
Freedom Tower
CNN: Freedom tower to rise from ashes at 1,776 feet.
The winning plan for rebuilding the World Trade Center site was designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, who proposed a 1,776-foot-tall tower, symbolizing the year of American independence. The top floors will be filled with life-affirming indoor gardens. The plan will leave large portions of the 70-foot-deep Ground Zero pit open, exposing the concrete foundation walls that survived the towers' collapse.
Why the design needs to include a mammoth structure is beyond my comprehension.
Utter Wonder's Best Dreams
Here is part of the "best of 2003 week's grand finale" list that Chris put together:
My Five Best Dreams of the Year
1. The one where I had these slinky like spring things with feathers and rubber bands and lasagna on my feet and I
jumped all over the place and was really, really happy about it.
2. The one where that was really weird and I can't really remember, but know it was really, really weird.
3. The one where I was Star Jones, but I really wasn't her, but people thought I was.
4. The one where I ate doughnuts.
5. The one where I was French kissing a lot of pretty women. Oh, and Don Knotts was there.
Wait; was that Don Knotts?
It might have been Jimmy Carter--no, George Peppard. Hmm.
It wasn't him either. Scott Bakula? Gil Gerard? Oh well,
doesn't matter? It was a cool dream, regardless.
December 21, 2003
Presents from the Left Coast
When I returned home yesterday from my daily excursions, I found a package in my mailbox from a thoughtful person in the state of Washington. Yes indeed, Bill Gates sent me a present. How lovely was that? Actually, it wasn't Gates at all but another kindhearted individual who surprised me not only with a very funny Christmas card but also a CD. THANK YOU SO MUCH for being so thoughtful!! It was a wonderful surprise!
Shopped Out
In the last 3 weeks, I've covered more NYC miles on foot than even I can believe. Back-and-forth, back-and-forth, about the only place I went to where I spent more time than necessary was Barnes & Noble. Never EVER put me near a bookstore unless you want to wait a few hours for me. Better to send you off for a cocktail somewhere. I tend to get lost in all the books.
My legs are weary, I've been sporting a headache for days now, and I'm tired of playing the guessing game of what to get for my family. Although the holiday wish list email went out right after turkey day, some members of my family chose to ignore it. Would it have been too much to ask that the rest of us be informed of the lack of participation via email, such as "gee, I can't/won't take part in this - sorry!" This outrageous behavior has created unnecessary taxation of the brain. It has forced the rest of my family to have to think about what to buy when there's little time left before the holiday. That was one of the purposes of the wish list: no guessing games. It also prevented duplication and returns. Need I say more about trying to make things painless and convenient for all. Sheesh.
I think this calls for a fruitcake and perhaps a large and lovely piece of coal wrapped in a big red satin ribbon. I'm open to suggestions. Feel free to make your suggestions of appropriate gifts for the evil-doers of my family. ;-)
Time's "Person of the Year"
Time Magazine Names U.S. Soldier as "Person of the Year"
Not long ago this feature was called the "Man of the Year" issue then it was renamed to "Person of the Year." For the current issue, there are three male soldiers on the cover. (Hmm. From "man" to "person" to "man" again. We're all critics at one time or another, eh?) As a consolation prize to the glaring oversight of not including a female soldier in the cover photograph, Time's Web site includes a graphic sketch of two men and one woman for the feature on its main page.
Outside of the continuation of all things being unequal when it comes to men and women, it's interesting to review all of the "Persons of the Year" beginning with the 1920s and moving forward to the present day. I think the first woman honored was the Duchess of Windsor in 1936.
December 22, 2003
I Think my Titanium is a Goner
My Titanium laptop took a sip of tea last night. Yes, really. Laptop + liquid = fried.
I'll just assume that it's a goner, since the on/off button is ... permanently off. Now I know why I dreamt of Steve Jobs the night before. (It was funny in an ironic sort of way because I was working for him, and all excited and happy about my new job.) I'm digressing (yes, because I want to weep bucketloads but what good will that do?)
What makes this even worse is that the G3 clamshell, which I am using to type this, is not set up for broadband - only dial-up. Dial-up being what it is means that I can't always access MT to post on my blog for whatever funky reason the IP address doesn't resolve. So I sit here and ponder.
Do I ... take the Titanium to the Apple Store and see if they can fix it? Do I ... take the Titanium to TechServ and see if they can fix it? What are the chances that I'd get a tech person from my cable company here to set up the broadband connection? It's a holiday week. So is next week. I want to cry. I really do. I know it's stupid and all, but it was a freak accident. An expensive one.
Someone tell me what to do here. I'm lost.
P.S. If for some reason there are no other posts here for the rest of the week, you'll know why. I'm wishing you all a happy holiday NOW because I may not be able to later on.
December 23, 2003
Totally Addicted to my Blog
A Christmas stocking full of thanks to Ozguru at GDay Mate for this one.
Sung to the tune of "Winter Wonderland"
Doorbell rings, I'm not list'nin',
All night long, I sit clicking,
Friends come by; they shake me, Saying, "Yo, man!
I don't phone, don't send faxes,
Happ-ilyyyyy, ad-dict-eeeed to my Bllllogggg!!! (Yeah)
From my mouth, drool is glist'nin',
I'm happy -- although
My boss let me go --
Totally addicted to my Blog!
Unaware time is ticking,
There's beard on my cheek,
Same clothes for a week,
Totally addicted to my Blog!
Don't you know tonight's the senior prom?"
With a listless shrug, I mutter "No, man;
I just discovered laugh-a-lot-dot-com!"
Don't go out, don't pay taxes,
Who cares if someday
They drag me away?
I'm totally addicted to my Blog!
December 24, 2003
Christmas Eve
You wish you had children of your own when:
- A five-year-old girl grabs your hand and sticks to your side all night long
- She looks at you with her big brown eyes and talks to you about school and how Santa is coming really soon
- She wants to be picked up and clings to you as she talks about tossing and turning in her sleep while thinking about Santa
- She gets ready to go home and puts on her small coat, then races across the room, jumps into your arms, gives you a big
kiss and hugs you tightly and says "Merry Christmas."
There's nothing more enjoyable than the excitement and anticipation of a child at Christmas.
Merry Christmas to All!
It's time for me to head out and begin the journey to mom's house for the annual Christmas Eve party, a tradition that's guaranteed to evoke lots of laughter, tears and the usual family get-together hijinks. Now that all my running around is done, this elf can remove her pointy-toed shoes with the bells hanging off the tips and relax.
Before I depart, I want to wish all those who celebrate Christmas a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I hope your days are filled with lots of terrific surprises, lots of love and most importantly, lots of laughter.
Meaningful Resolutions
Wendy of allseasons has been posting resolutions by Mike Lipkin on her blog. You'll find the resolutions she's posted to date in her Bits of Wisdom category. Holiday Prep
NYC is swimming in puddles right now - the driving rain constant. So much for hopes of a white Christmas. A wet Christmas, yes. I'll settle for no rain or snow at this point, because lugging all I have to take with me is not easy in addition to navigating little lakes along the way. And where the hell is my ELF!?! Oh I forgot. I'm the elf. Alas, one must do what one must do. :-)
Weather aside, I remain optimistic about Christmas Eve and Day, and look forward to catching up with my siblings later today. For now, I'm getting last-minute errands done and in a few hours' time will head out the door. Hopefully the rain will have let up by then!
Ozguru=Marathon Man
Ozguru of GDay Mate is truly the Christmas marathon man for posting every half hour between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (in Australia.) He has loads of funny jokes and stories and tunes on his blog, along with a handy list. I highly recommend you stroll on over there and read them all. My favorite for today is the Christmas Nightmare.
Is Santa Really a Unix Admin?
Ozguru at GDay Mate is very busy writing and posting one humorous Christmas-related post after another. My favorite so far is the Unix Admins/Santa list, where he notes the similarities between the UNIX administrators where he works and Santa Claus. He writes:
Maybe that is what Santa does the rest of the time and would certainly explain why it is so hard to find an UNIX admin when you need one - they were actually attending meetings at the North Pole.
TiBook Status
After hours of drying out, I couldn't resist the temptation to see if the machine would boot up. The good news is that the machine boots up now. The not-so-nifty news is that there seems to be a diagnostic problem with the rear end. I'll explain. When the machine booted up, I plugged in the power cord. The laptop didn't care for this and shut down immediately. I unplugged it again, waited a while and then turned the machine on. It booted successfully. I decided to try the Net connection, and plugged in the broadband box. Though the cable box reflects both a PC link as well as cable, the software for email and the Web browser did not respond. My guess is that the back-end of the laptop could be fried. Since I'm not a technician, I could be wrong (and that would be terrific) but as I wrote earlier, I'll wait until the new year before taking it wherever I need to take it.
And, to add a bit of humor to an otherwise unfortunate situation, my friend Marcus came up with a beauty. He wrote in the comments regarding my post, I Think my Titanium is a Goner:
"give your computer a blow job,"
but that is what it really needs.
Classic. :-)
Hello to Athens, Greece!
One of the good things that happened in comments for the laptop brouhaha was the appearance of good friend and journalist Sotiris Damatopolos. His initial contact with me was back in 1996, when he emailed requesting an interview with me for the technology section of a Greek newspaper called Info. The story revolved around the fact that I was female and had built my own personal Web site. (I have the interview around here somewhere, as well as the two-page spread with my photograph right in the middle of it, along with graphics of my site from that time. Next time I come across it I'll take some photos with the digital and post it.) It's funny, and by the way, it's all Greek to me. (The interview is of course written in Greek.)
It wasn't until a few years ago that I met Sotiris in person here in NYC. He had emailed me that his boss would be in town (both of them work for a major television network in Athens) and that I should meet her. [I did, and we got along fabulously. Isabelle is terrific, she works way too much and too hard, but she's a lovely person who ends every telephone conversation with the word "kisses" - which is so sweet.] I think Sotiris was in shock when we finally met. We were all meeting up at a restaurant in my neighborhood, and it was very funny to meet him in person. I can still remember the look on his face when he realized it was me (godzilla?) <-- wink, wink.
Sotiris has been involved with my Web site since that first email introduction. He's written a few pieces featured on my old site that are still accessible. His "Day in the Life of..." feature, a writeup I asked him to do about a typical day in his life, next came the column he had on my site titled, "Just a Small Planet." In addition, Sotiris provided his input about the 9/11 tragedy for a piece I put together titled "Viewpoints from Around the World."
Nice to see you again Sotiris! Please stop by my blog whenever you can. Happy holidays and best wishes to you for the new year!
Drying Out
I've taken everyone's good advice and stripped open the laptop. The battery is out as well as the keyboard, and I'll see if that helps any. The good news is the broadband is miraculously in sync now with the iBook, (I ended up being the tech person,) so that's helpful. However, though I've snapped out of my hysterics (well, not hysterics really, but I was a bit miffed at the stupidity of it all) I am indeed concerned about the Titanium. I was working on a few things simultaneously and wasn't at the backup point just yet when disaster struck. If it ends up that the machine still won't boot up, I'll wait until the new year before taking it to be repaired.
That's just the way it is ... for now. Plan for the worst but hope for the best. :-)
Thanks to all for the helpful hints!
December 25, 2003
Christmas Day
Since I'd collapsed in complete exhaustion at 4:30 in the morning, sleep was easy. My mother's house was swarming with visitors all night long, and presents were opened around 1 a.m. After the last of the guests departed, we decided to clean up before going to sleep. Bag after bag of boxes and wrapping and ribbon were tied up and placed outside. The air was crisp and cold, the stars shone brightly in the early morning hours. It was done. Yet another Christmas Eve come and gone.
Hours later after waking to the sound of a ringing mobile phone, I dragged myself out of bed and into the shower, trying to wake myself up and figure out where I was (which always happens when I sleep at my mother's house. I seem to become disoriented each time I'm there.) I need coffee.
The idea of a hot cup of coffee had me running down the stairs and into the kitchen. No one else in the house was awake yet. The sun was shining through the windows, and I opened the back door and went outside, the chill in the air helping me reach fully awake status. All was quiet. Even the heavily trafficked street in front of mom's house was quiet. A rare moment indeed.
I sat there with my piping hot cup of coffee and pondered my life. Friend Marcus, whom I had touched base with days earlier, told me I pondered and thought too much. I thought of his remark while sitting at the kitchen table and determined he might be right, and decided to save my "ponder and think" for next year. I looked around the room to see what needed to be done. By this time, my mother had come downstairs and the next thing I knew, it was a flurry of activity all over again.
Without advance warning, I was unexpectedly appointed the task of preparing Christmas Day dinner. Upon searching mom's cupboards unsuccessfully for the necessary ingredients, I had to find a store open on Christmas Day that might have the two boxes of ziti I needed in order to prepare the favored family meal of grandpa's German-style baked ziti. Thankfully I found a store that had the ziti in addition to a fresh loaf of italian bread.
With dinner baking in the oven for the next hour, I went outside to inhale something other than the house's dry heat and oven temperature combo. My laptop was home, and though my mobile is enabled for email, I just never got around to putting pertinent email addresses in it. The next best thing was text messaging.
I wasn't sure it would fly, but I decided to text message a "Merry Christmas! Ho x 3" to my friend Holger on the other side of the Atlantic. Not long after, my mobile rang. It was Holger, asking if I'd sent him a text message. When I told him I did, we were both surprised that it reached its destination. I can't help but wonder how many hops the message made before reaching him on a street in Berlin: crossing the Atlantic Ocean, slipping into the chip in his phone, alerting the favored ring tone to announce its arrival. (Technology is amazing!)
That was my big tech experience for Christmas Day, along with a very tasty and filling dinner. :-)
December 27, 2003
One for the Band
Greg at Mr. Helpful is asking for some help. His son's band, The Jezebel Diary, is one of three in an online contest to be the opener for The Suicide Girls Burlesque Tour. All you have to do is visit the Girls' site here and scroll down to Seattle and place your vote for The Jezebel Diary.
Axis, my favorite Jezebel tune, is now available for your listening pleasure on the The Jezebel Diary Web site.
December 29, 2003
Fly BoyCongratulations to Adam who earned his helicopter pilot's license today in Florida. Airman Curry, come up North and take me for a ride! :-) Hey, is that license only good in the US or is it worldwide? Inquiring minds want to know!
Are You ...
... planning to be an amateur or ???? on New Year's Eve?
2003 Drop Kick
Though I've sworn off pondering and thinking for the remainder of this year, I can't help but reflect. I don't think there's anyone on the face of this earth who is as anxious as I am to give this year a good, swift kick in the ass. When the clock strikes 12, I'll be jumping up and down and screaming my lungs out in pure, unadulterated glee over the departure of 2003. Otherwise, I'll be sound asleep, choosing instead to collapse in exhaustion from running around and doing everything else BUT thinking about the past year. :-)
Quotes for Today
"The mystery of government is not how Washington works but how to make it stop."
-P. J. O'Rourke
"Experience is that marvelous thing that enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again."
-Franklin P. Jones
Belgium Diva Seeks ...
... a new employer. Zoe needs a new job.
Is it Too Much to Ask?
Paul of It is Not Within Me to be Silent asks the question, Is it too much to ask for a BJ for Christmas? He writes, "If she doesn't like it or want it as much as I do, then even the conversation and the things we have in common won't be enough to keep us together... I realize that I have a high libido. I realize that I enjoy the sex a lot more and a lot more often than most. But is that bad? Is that wrong? I'd rather be having sex, than doing just about anything else."
December 30, 2003
Brrrr....
A few more of these and all will be toasty.
December 31, 2003
Sunrise
It's morning here a bit west-northwest of New York City. While some of you are already in the new year, here it is a bit past 7:00 a.m. There's nothing better than waking up in the country to a brilliant sunrise! This is the reason why I like to depart NYC as often as possible. Sunrises just don't happen like this in the city, and if they do, I never see them.
Last night I enjoyed a glass of yellow tail, a Merlot produced in south eastern Australia. The wine had been recommended to me, and I was surprised to find it hailed from Down Under. Before taking a sip, I raised my glass and silently toasted those who were already celebrating the new year and wished them the very best for 2004. Cheers and g'day, Ozguru and family!
Berlin's Party is Underway
The festivities have begun at the Pariser Platz/Brandenburg Gate in Berlin for Silvester-Berlin 2003-2004.
Happy Silvester to all my friends in Berlin!!!
European New Year
For my friends in other parts of Europe, (especially in Belgium, the UK and The Netherlands,) I wish you the very best in the coming year. Good health, much happiness and prosperity!
So Long, Farewell
From The Sound of Music
There's a sad sort of clanking
From the clock in the hall
And the bells in the steeple too.
And up in the nursery an absurd little bird
Is popping up to say cuckoo!
Cuckoo! cuckoo!
Regretfully they tell us
But firmly they compel us
To say goodbye to you.
So long
Farewell
Auf Wiedersehen
Goodnight
I hate to go and leave this pretty sight
So long
Farewell
Auf Wiedersehen
Adieu
Adieu Adieu
To you and you and you
So long
Farewell
Au revoir
Auf Wiedersehen
I'd like to stay and taste my first champagne
So long
Farewell
Auf Wiedersehen
Goodbye
I leave and heave a sigh and say goodbye
Goodbye!
I'm glad to go I cannot tell a lie
I flit I float
I fleetly flee I fly
The sun has gone to bed and so must I
So long
Farewell
Auf Wiedersehen
Goodbye
Goodbye,
Goodbye,
Goodbye!
Adios, 2003! :-)