solatium • \so-LAY-shee-um\ • noun
: a compensation (as money) given as solace for suffering, loss, or injured feelings
A Larry King Christmas? I can't imagine what that entails, nor do I want to. How sad that my best friend was spending the day watching tv while I was opening gifts and dressing the Christmas table and eating mass quantities of deliciously home-prepared foods. As compensation, or solatium, I'm offering you, Michelle, another full week as guest blogger of the Word Repository! Oh I know you're excited.
Today I felt even worse for stealing Christmas from Michelle after our boss vetoed her request for Friday off based on the fact that the office was not covered due to me leaving early for Germany. I owe you Michelle. Big. I'll bring you back some beer. And you can have the comfy chair when I die.
The best gift I got this Christmas was a big fat cold wrapped up in a pretty bow compliments of my entire family. See, that's my kind of sarcasm. It isn't going to be funny anymore if it doesn't go away in the next day and a half. I Can Not go to Germany with a freaking cold.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Word of the Day: Cabin Fever
cabin fever
n.
Boredom, restlessness, or irritability that results from a lack of environmental stimulation, as from a prolonged stay in a remote, sparsely populated region or a confined indoor area.
Well, there's no excuse for me to not post an entry today. I truly can say that I have nothing better to do. Every business is closed, my friends are all occupied doing whatever it is they do on Christmas, and even my family abandoned me to visit other family in New York.
So here is how a Jew spends Christmas:
1. wake up
2. make breakfast
3. go back to sleep
4. sit in front of the couch and watch A Larry King Christmas (really, that's what it's called)
5. eat lunch: my christmas meal to honor those who make the Christmas spirit possible for Jews: the Asians. I had some yummy sushi and a thai iced tea
6. sit in front of the couch watching E's 50 cutest child actors. Hosted by Candace Cameron and Keisha Knight Pulliam.
7. eat dinner
8. sit in front of the couch watching the Law and Order Marathon
okay, in my defense the day has been actually pretty productive - between the t.v. shows I've cleaned my room, did 4 loads of laundry, and did a ridiculous amount of work considering that it is a federal holiday.
I've determined that today is the first day in which I've stayed indoors all day since May, and I only stayed inside then cause I was sick. So in summary: I am suffering from cabin fever.
n.
Boredom, restlessness, or irritability that results from a lack of environmental stimulation, as from a prolonged stay in a remote, sparsely populated region or a confined indoor area.
Well, there's no excuse for me to not post an entry today. I truly can say that I have nothing better to do. Every business is closed, my friends are all occupied doing whatever it is they do on Christmas, and even my family abandoned me to visit other family in New York.
So here is how a Jew spends Christmas:
1. wake up
2. make breakfast
3. go back to sleep
4. sit in front of the couch and watch A Larry King Christmas (really, that's what it's called)
5. eat lunch: my christmas meal to honor those who make the Christmas spirit possible for Jews: the Asians. I had some yummy sushi and a thai iced tea
6. sit in front of the couch watching E's 50 cutest child actors. Hosted by Candace Cameron and Keisha Knight Pulliam.
7. eat dinner
8. sit in front of the couch watching the Law and Order Marathon
okay, in my defense the day has been actually pretty productive - between the t.v. shows I've cleaned my room, did 4 loads of laundry, and did a ridiculous amount of work considering that it is a federal holiday.
I've determined that today is the first day in which I've stayed indoors all day since May, and I only stayed inside then cause I was sick. So in summary: I am suffering from cabin fever.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Word of the Day: Sarcasm
sar·casm ( P ) Pronunciation Key (särkzm)n.
A cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound.
A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule.
The use of sarcasm.
I had an entry planned to explain why this is my word of the day. It was going to be all about how I think that having a sense of sarcasm is an important. Using sarcasm shows your intelligence by being able to take a serious set of words and twist them around. Sarcasm also shows your ability to laugh at life, to not take everything so seriously.
But then, I read the actual definition of the word and it's made me rethink things. I never really considered sarcasm to be used as a true intent to wound. Yes, I am incredibly sarcastic, but I mean to be funny. I don't mean to be insulting or condescending. And I don't think I'm alone in that thinking. It's time we redefine sarcasm!
Here's a fun holiday article for those looking to learn more about Hannukah (and yes, it's a bit "sarcastic" as well) Click here.
On an unrelated note, my S key keeps getting stuck. Why couldn't this happen to the letter X instead?
A cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound.
A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule.
The use of sarcasm.
I had an entry planned to explain why this is my word of the day. It was going to be all about how I think that having a sense of sarcasm is an important. Using sarcasm shows your intelligence by being able to take a serious set of words and twist them around. Sarcasm also shows your ability to laugh at life, to not take everything so seriously.
But then, I read the actual definition of the word and it's made me rethink things. I never really considered sarcasm to be used as a true intent to wound. Yes, I am incredibly sarcastic, but I mean to be funny. I don't mean to be insulting or condescending. And I don't think I'm alone in that thinking. It's time we redefine sarcasm!
Here's a fun holiday article for those looking to learn more about Hannukah (and yes, it's a bit "sarcastic" as well) Click here.
On an unrelated note, my S key keeps getting stuck. Why couldn't this happen to the letter X instead?
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Oh Yeah...
I totally forgot I am supposed to fill Laura's void while she's off on the west coast doing fun things like not working, not waking up to go to work, not commuting to work, not attending meetings at work, etc. etc.
But to be honest, I don't have much to say. Except that I am excited for Christmas! It's my favorite time of the year: for it's the one weekend of the year when everyone leaves me alone. While my Christian friends are off doing that whole Christian thing, I'm enjoying sleeping, cleaning, blasting loud music in the house, watching bad television, etc.
Oh and here's some great news... I got a letter from my health insurance company, telling me that next year they are lowering my monthly rates. I didn't even know that was possible!
But to be honest, I don't have much to say. Except that I am excited for Christmas! It's my favorite time of the year: for it's the one weekend of the year when everyone leaves me alone. While my Christian friends are off doing that whole Christian thing, I'm enjoying sleeping, cleaning, blasting loud music in the house, watching bad television, etc.
Oh and here's some great news... I got a letter from my health insurance company, telling me that next year they are lowering my monthly rates. I didn't even know that was possible!
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Word of the Day: Delectation
delectation \dee-lek-TAY-shun\, noun:
Great pleasure; delight, enjoyment.
Yesterday I went to see my favorite musical of all times, Victor Hugo's Les Miserables. Kim and I went downtown, took a nice stroll in the chilly winter air to dinner at Kanlaya (my new favorite Thai place in Chinatown) and then headed over to National Theatre for what they claim is the final D.C. engagement. Are they trying to hurt me? I went to Les Mis last time it was in town in 2003 and, though it was slightly superior to last night's performance, I am never disappointed to hear Jean Valjean sing Castle on a Cloud or Eponine's A Little Fall of Rain. I was and continue to be mesmerized by the music every time I see it. Note: The book is also incredible in case you haven't read it.
I'm very excited for the next few weeks. I worked most of the day today, but still feel as if it's the calm before the storm. Tomorrow night is the long awaited ATM Happy Hour Non-Holiday Holiday Party. We've been doing happy hour for 33 weeks now, every Monday at RFD. Tomorrow shall be great fun. Tuesday I leave for Oregon for Christmas. I'll be home for a week and my nephew has already planned my whole week, including sledding, watching Scooby Doo and playing on the blow up helicopter (okay I added that part myself). When I return, I'm only home for three days before going to Germany for New Years to see Chris. By the time I get back here, I'll have blissfully forgotten how mundane and tedious my life has become -- right! Ha.
Great pleasure; delight, enjoyment.
Yesterday I went to see my favorite musical of all times, Victor Hugo's Les Miserables. Kim and I went downtown, took a nice stroll in the chilly winter air to dinner at Kanlaya (my new favorite Thai place in Chinatown) and then headed over to National Theatre for what they claim is the final D.C. engagement. Are they trying to hurt me? I went to Les Mis last time it was in town in 2003 and, though it was slightly superior to last night's performance, I am never disappointed to hear Jean Valjean sing Castle on a Cloud or Eponine's A Little Fall of Rain. I was and continue to be mesmerized by the music every time I see it. Note: The book is also incredible in case you haven't read it.
I'm very excited for the next few weeks. I worked most of the day today, but still feel as if it's the calm before the storm. Tomorrow night is the long awaited ATM Happy Hour Non-Holiday Holiday Party. We've been doing happy hour for 33 weeks now, every Monday at RFD. Tomorrow shall be great fun. Tuesday I leave for Oregon for Christmas. I'll be home for a week and my nephew has already planned my whole week, including sledding, watching Scooby Doo and playing on the blow up helicopter (okay I added that part myself). When I return, I'm only home for three days before going to Germany for New Years to see Chris. By the time I get back here, I'll have blissfully forgotten how mundane and tedious my life has become -- right! Ha.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Word of the Day: Cheer
cheer:
Lightness of spirits or mood; gaiety or joy: a happy tune, full of cheer.
A source of joy or happiness; a comfort.
A shout of approval, encouragement, or congratulation.
A short, rehearsed jingle or phrase, shouted in unison by a squad of cheerleaders.
Festive food and drink; refreshment.
Cheer this time of year is usually meant to describe the sence of happiness that surrounds the holiday season. We're rapidly approaching the close of the Holiday season as Christmas is a mere 9 days away. What better way to spend the last day of the last week before Christmas than at an OFFICE HOLIDAY PARTY! Part II.
The holiday party started off with a boom instead of a bang. The photo on my front page broke at exactly 11:53am, forcing me to stay at my desk until it was fixed, which didn't occur until 1:16pm, at which time all the food at the party was G - O -N - E. Let's do the math (disclaimer: I suck at math). There are 50 people signed up for the party. 50 dishes should be provided by those 50 people. If, say 20 of those 50 decided to pay instead of bring, then there should be 30 dishes and $100 with which to buy food. It would be a stretch to say there were 50 dishes, much less 30 dishes, and certainly $100 was not spent on extra food or I wouldn't have found nothing to eat at 1:16pm.
And then the karaoke started. I can't think of one good thing to say about that and I was taught that if I have nothing nice to say, say nothing.
Lightness of spirits or mood; gaiety or joy: a happy tune, full of cheer.
A source of joy or happiness; a comfort.
A shout of approval, encouragement, or congratulation.
A short, rehearsed jingle or phrase, shouted in unison by a squad of cheerleaders.
Festive food and drink; refreshment.
Cheer this time of year is usually meant to describe the sence of happiness that surrounds the holiday season. We're rapidly approaching the close of the Holiday season as Christmas is a mere 9 days away. What better way to spend the last day of the last week before Christmas than at an OFFICE HOLIDAY PARTY! Part II.
The holiday party started off with a boom instead of a bang. The photo on my front page broke at exactly 11:53am, forcing me to stay at my desk until it was fixed, which didn't occur until 1:16pm, at which time all the food at the party was G - O -N - E. Let's do the math (disclaimer: I suck at math). There are 50 people signed up for the party. 50 dishes should be provided by those 50 people. If, say 20 of those 50 decided to pay instead of bring, then there should be 30 dishes and $100 with which to buy food. It would be a stretch to say there were 50 dishes, much less 30 dishes, and certainly $100 was not spent on extra food or I wouldn't have found nothing to eat at 1:16pm.
And then the karaoke started. I can't think of one good thing to say about that and I was taught that if I have nothing nice to say, say nothing.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Proof of Gene's Brilliance
If you recall, a few posts ago I discussed my favorite Tuesday afternoon activity, reading Gene Weingarten's online chat on Washington Post. Well today I will post one of the funniest things I've read on his chat. It's worthy of repeating because he's a comic genius.
Dear Mr. Weingarten: I am eight years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, "If you see it in Mr. Weingarten's chat, it's so." Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?
Gene Weingarten: You blew it. Your place name should have been "Virginia."
However, I shall answer your question.
Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. Why, there is a Santa as surely as there is a Virginia! Go to any shopping mall, and behold him. True, he may often look like some homeless guy with a false beard earning a few bucks for booze by forfeiting his self-respect for the further enrichment pf corporate bloodsuckers trying to trick customers into overspending money they don't have on presents they can't afford for people they think they love.
It's love that doesn't exist, Virginia. We all die alone.
Dear Mr. Weingarten: I am eight years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, "If you see it in Mr. Weingarten's chat, it's so." Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?
Gene Weingarten: You blew it. Your place name should have been "Virginia."
However, I shall answer your question.
Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. Why, there is a Santa as surely as there is a Virginia! Go to any shopping mall, and behold him. True, he may often look like some homeless guy with a false beard earning a few bucks for booze by forfeiting his self-respect for the further enrichment pf corporate bloodsuckers trying to trick customers into overspending money they don't have on presents they can't afford for people they think they love.
It's love that doesn't exist, Virginia. We all die alone.
Word of the Day: Lionize
lionize \LY-uh-nyz\, transitive verb:
To treat or regard as an object of great interest or importance.
The Annual Office Christmas Party, Part 1:
No other experience is quite like the annual office christmas party. Every year, planning and preparation complete, we gather in a cold, bland room of this building to share food and gifts with the other caged animals on our team. And each year the experience is a little more disturbing than the last.
This year's celebration followed a week of rearranging our cubes, yet again, to make room for new members of our team that have been relegated to all corners of the building because we had no where to put them. Our once spacious prison is now little more than a maze of mouse holes. But we don't mind. We love being packed in like little sardines in a tin can. Crank up the air conditioning -- it's a steamy 70 degrees in here!
If you've ever played dirty santa before, you know that getting a low number is not a good thing -- particular a single digit number, especially a low single digit number, like say, 2. That's what I got. After my boss, as #1, picked a lovely mug as her gift, I unwrapped a gift I've always wanted but never bought for myself: a wine bottle opener (the really fancy nice kind!). I prompty hid the gift under my chair and instructed my coworkers not to mess with #2. Ali, as #3, defiantly marched over and stole my wine opener. So I opened a nice Starbucks mug and gift card and tried to hide that one as well, but it was also stolen. The only good thing about the party was that there is leftovers for lunch today! Isn't it fabulous that we're so willing to steal a gift from our coworkers, gratuitously securing the best possible gift for ourselves. And we are supposed to be promoting peace and diplomacy. What a crock. ;)
Stay tuned for Part 2: All Team Holiday Party w/ Special Guest (band previously heard practicing in a recent blog entry)
To treat or regard as an object of great interest or importance.
The Annual Office Christmas Party, Part 1:
No other experience is quite like the annual office christmas party. Every year, planning and preparation complete, we gather in a cold, bland room of this building to share food and gifts with the other caged animals on our team. And each year the experience is a little more disturbing than the last.
This year's celebration followed a week of rearranging our cubes, yet again, to make room for new members of our team that have been relegated to all corners of the building because we had no where to put them. Our once spacious prison is now little more than a maze of mouse holes. But we don't mind. We love being packed in like little sardines in a tin can. Crank up the air conditioning -- it's a steamy 70 degrees in here!
If you've ever played dirty santa before, you know that getting a low number is not a good thing -- particular a single digit number, especially a low single digit number, like say, 2. That's what I got. After my boss, as #1, picked a lovely mug as her gift, I unwrapped a gift I've always wanted but never bought for myself: a wine bottle opener (the really fancy nice kind!). I prompty hid the gift under my chair and instructed my coworkers not to mess with #2. Ali, as #3, defiantly marched over and stole my wine opener. So I opened a nice Starbucks mug and gift card and tried to hide that one as well, but it was also stolen. The only good thing about the party was that there is leftovers for lunch today! Isn't it fabulous that we're so willing to steal a gift from our coworkers, gratuitously securing the best possible gift for ourselves. And we are supposed to be promoting peace and diplomacy. What a crock. ;)
Stay tuned for Part 2: All Team Holiday Party w/ Special Guest (band previously heard practicing in a recent blog entry)
Word of the Day: Pukka
puk·ka also puck·a
Genuine; authentic.
Superior; first-class
I allowed three days to lapse before posting to my blog to see how many comments I would get from regular readers complaining about the lack of fresh content. At least three people suggested words I could use if I, for some devastating reason, ran out of ideas! =gasp= Rest assured, I have not and will never run out of content. But thank you for your submissions. They are being considered by our staff of volunteers.
Today's word comes from a headphone review that Timoni was reading online. Michelle defines it in the following sentence: "Michelle and Timoni are pukka friends." And I have to add that Michelle and Timoni are my pukka friends too.
This weekend we had an amazing Christmas Party with about 60 people at Marianne's house. Was that the best party ever or what? The girls all made insanely good food, Timoni provided wonderful christmas tunes and everyone mingled! It was a fabulous 6.5 hour party. Good job girls! You're all my pukka friends too. I love you guys! We have to do that again soon.
Genuine; authentic.
Superior; first-class
I allowed three days to lapse before posting to my blog to see how many comments I would get from regular readers complaining about the lack of fresh content. At least three people suggested words I could use if I, for some devastating reason, ran out of ideas! =gasp= Rest assured, I have not and will never run out of content. But thank you for your submissions. They are being considered by our staff of volunteers.
Today's word comes from a headphone review that Timoni was reading online. Michelle defines it in the following sentence: "Michelle and Timoni are pukka friends." And I have to add that Michelle and Timoni are my pukka friends too.
This weekend we had an amazing Christmas Party with about 60 people at Marianne's house. Was that the best party ever or what? The girls all made insanely good food, Timoni provided wonderful christmas tunes and everyone mingled! It was a fabulous 6.5 hour party. Good job girls! You're all my pukka friends too. I love you guys! We have to do that again soon.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Word of the Day: Longevity
lon·gev·i·ty
(a) Long life; great duration of life (b) Length or duration of life (c) Long duration or continuance, as in an occupation
Today a new record was given by the Guinness Book of World Records to the oldest living human being, a 116-year-old woman from Equador. Some notable facts: she was born in 1889 and had five children. Her husband died in 1949. That must be a distant memory by now. Wow.
When asked what she thought of the changes in the world between then and now: "She said she disliked the fact that presently it's acceptable for women to pursue men. And she said that every day she thanks God that she's alive," White said.
Another woman who lived to be 113 said she attributed her longevity to a daily dose of brandy and dry ginger ale. Well, if that's what it takes... I'm just not sure I'd want to live to that age. Imagine all the people in your life you've seen go ahead of you. Even your own children could all be gone before you are. Better hope you have a good extended family! My sister promised to take care of me when I get old. I hope she knows I plan to collect on that promise.
The second part of this blog entry is about the other meaning of longevity -- to continuation, as in a career. When is it time to throw in the towel and find something else that makes you happy? Is it when the last straw is pulled or do you have to decide when to cut your losses, even when it's not as bad as it might someday be if you stay? I figure for me that day will be as soon as Michelle gets her cushy government job and moves to the 4th floor. I won't be able to function without her attached to my hip. One day I just won't show up to work anymore. I'll have lost my will to work.
(a) Long life; great duration of life (b) Length or duration of life (c) Long duration or continuance, as in an occupation
Today a new record was given by the Guinness Book of World Records to the oldest living human being, a 116-year-old woman from Equador. Some notable facts: she was born in 1889 and had five children. Her husband died in 1949. That must be a distant memory by now. Wow.
When asked what she thought of the changes in the world between then and now: "She said she disliked the fact that presently it's acceptable for women to pursue men. And she said that every day she thanks God that she's alive," White said.
Another woman who lived to be 113 said she attributed her longevity to a daily dose of brandy and dry ginger ale. Well, if that's what it takes... I'm just not sure I'd want to live to that age. Imagine all the people in your life you've seen go ahead of you. Even your own children could all be gone before you are. Better hope you have a good extended family! My sister promised to take care of me when I get old. I hope she knows I plan to collect on that promise.
The second part of this blog entry is about the other meaning of longevity -- to continuation, as in a career. When is it time to throw in the towel and find something else that makes you happy? Is it when the last straw is pulled or do you have to decide when to cut your losses, even when it's not as bad as it might someday be if you stay? I figure for me that day will be as soon as Michelle gets her cushy government job and moves to the 4th floor. I won't be able to function without her attached to my hip. One day I just won't show up to work anymore. I'll have lost my will to work.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Word of the Day: Egregious
e·gre·gious
adj. Conspicuously bad or offensive.
Some things in my world are just completely unnecessary, including, but not limited to, the whistler, the hummer and random mid-morning vacuuming. The past few days, as you probably know by the photo in a previous post, my coworkers and I have been freezing to death. Each day as I walk into the office I check the temperature to find that it is one degree colder than yesterday. Yes, I realize that 70 degrees is not all that cold, and if I were outside on a spring day in 70 degree weather, I'd probably be wearing short-sleeves, but when you're stuck in an office with no windows, a relentless draft and nothing to do but sit at your computer typing, there's very little you can do to generate warmth. So I complained.
One would think that complaining would actually create change. (It wasn't like I yelled at anyone. I just nicely asked for some more heat...so my teeth would stop chattering.) But no. My attempt to thaw myself and my coworkers backfired when a woman dressed in three layers of clothing (and an extra layer or two of insulation) walked in with a laser temperature gun. "It's 70 degrees in here," she says. "That's well within the acceptable range. We don't have to do anything. It's warm enough in here." Staring blankly at her, Michelle and I could not believe our ears. "But we're wearing scarves and gloves and three coats." She obviously didn't care. "Maybe you need to bring a heavier coat," she said. Michelle and Timoni already bought gloves so their hands wouldn't freeze. There's definitely something wrong with this picture.
The point of this story is just that people these days seem to be very egregious for no apparent reason. If the nazi temperature lady had an ounce of sympathy for us, but still could not change the situation, I would have graciously accepted my plight and returned to warming my hands over the back of the computer. But instead she chose to be especially egregious and treat me like a criminal for even suggesting we turn up the heat a mere one degree. This should be a lesson this season. Does it really hurt you to be nice?????
adj. Conspicuously bad or offensive.
Some things in my world are just completely unnecessary, including, but not limited to, the whistler, the hummer and random mid-morning vacuuming. The past few days, as you probably know by the photo in a previous post, my coworkers and I have been freezing to death. Each day as I walk into the office I check the temperature to find that it is one degree colder than yesterday. Yes, I realize that 70 degrees is not all that cold, and if I were outside on a spring day in 70 degree weather, I'd probably be wearing short-sleeves, but when you're stuck in an office with no windows, a relentless draft and nothing to do but sit at your computer typing, there's very little you can do to generate warmth. So I complained.
One would think that complaining would actually create change. (It wasn't like I yelled at anyone. I just nicely asked for some more heat...so my teeth would stop chattering.) But no. My attempt to thaw myself and my coworkers backfired when a woman dressed in three layers of clothing (and an extra layer or two of insulation) walked in with a laser temperature gun. "It's 70 degrees in here," she says. "That's well within the acceptable range. We don't have to do anything. It's warm enough in here." Staring blankly at her, Michelle and I could not believe our ears. "But we're wearing scarves and gloves and three coats." She obviously didn't care. "Maybe you need to bring a heavier coat," she said. Michelle and Timoni already bought gloves so their hands wouldn't freeze. There's definitely something wrong with this picture.
The point of this story is just that people these days seem to be very egregious for no apparent reason. If the nazi temperature lady had an ounce of sympathy for us, but still could not change the situation, I would have graciously accepted my plight and returned to warming my hands over the back of the computer. But instead she chose to be especially egregious and treat me like a criminal for even suggesting we turn up the heat a mere one degree. This should be a lesson this season. Does it really hurt you to be nice?????
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Word of the Day: Chatological
Definition: There isn't one.
I can't believe I've gone this long without introducing my favorite Tuesday afternoon activity. Same place. Same time. Washington Post, 12pm. Gene Weingarten, the funniest man at the Post holds an Internet Chat called Chatological Humor aka Tuesdays with Moron. I have become a regular observer of Gene's chat over the last two years and if I don't read at least part of it by COB Tuesday I know my priorities are out of order.
Last week, Gene's readers suggested a FAQ page to explain to new chatters why this chat is worth your time. And believe me, it is. My favorite q&a:
Q. Isn't this The Washington Post? Why hasn't Gene been fired?
A. We're not sure. Maybe next week.
I've definitely wondered over time why Gene hasn't been fired, but his is the most entertaining and fun chat on the Post, so I say keep him! Check it out (but only if you're bored).
Other good news today: I got a ticket to Germany for New Years! So excited. It's only 14 days until I leave for Oregon for Christmas and I'm so excited to see my neice and nephew and cousin's baby. This year has been a year full of blessings. And our small group Christmas Party is on Saturday so we're decorating the Christmas tree tonight and I'm really excited for that.
I can't believe I've gone this long without introducing my favorite Tuesday afternoon activity. Same place. Same time. Washington Post, 12pm. Gene Weingarten, the funniest man at the Post holds an Internet Chat called Chatological Humor aka Tuesdays with Moron. I have become a regular observer of Gene's chat over the last two years and if I don't read at least part of it by COB Tuesday I know my priorities are out of order.
Last week, Gene's readers suggested a FAQ page to explain to new chatters why this chat is worth your time. And believe me, it is. My favorite q&a:
Q. Isn't this The Washington Post? Why hasn't Gene been fired?
A. We're not sure. Maybe next week.
I've definitely wondered over time why Gene hasn't been fired, but his is the most entertaining and fun chat on the Post, so I say keep him! Check it out (but only if you're bored).
Other good news today: I got a ticket to Germany for New Years! So excited. It's only 14 days until I leave for Oregon for Christmas and I'm so excited to see my neice and nephew and cousin's baby. This year has been a year full of blessings. And our small group Christmas Party is on Saturday so we're decorating the Christmas tree tonight and I'm really excited for that.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Word of the Day: Friendship
n.
The quality or condition of being friends.
A friendly relationship
Friendliness; good will
This weekend was Kim's birthday and I can't go without saying a few words about my friend Kimmy. On Saturday morning we went to brunch to celebrate her birthday at the cutest French place in Georgetown. All the girls were there, including our token Jew, and it was the best time. Saturday night we went to a party at AC's house, which is where this photo was taken. On Sunday Kim and I went to church together at my old fav Fairfax Community. The best thing about Kim is that she's always willing to let me drag her wherever I'm going and she rarely, maybe never, complains about it if it was boring, odd, stupid or a just plain waste of time. She shares my love of sarcasm and cynicism and even good Thai food. So here's to Kim and her 27th year on this planet. Love ya Kim.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Word of the Day: tendentious
tendentious \ten-DEN-shus\, adjective:
Marked by a strong tendency in favor of a particular point of view.
Holiday or Christmas??
What's with all the recent "sensitivity" to pleasing (or at least not offending) every religion in the world? The debate is so heated this year that the media has even resorted to calling Christmas trees by their secular name, a Holiday Tree. The national Christmas tree took a stand this year by being name the National Christmas Tree for the first time since 1990 when it started being known as the National Holiday Tree.
Let's not forget that if Jesus were not born we'd not even have a Christmas. What are we supposed to call it -- Mohammadmas? This issue ignites my exasperation at a society that has become almost too pitiful to live in. First we have to remove the word God from the pledge and now we have to call it a holiday tree? I don't think so. Take God out of life all you want, but you're still going to be sorry for it in the end.
I have to go decorate my Christmas Tree now. (okay not really...I live in a condo, where am I going to put a tree?)
Marked by a strong tendency in favor of a particular point of view.
Holiday or Christmas??
What's with all the recent "sensitivity" to pleasing (or at least not offending) every religion in the world? The debate is so heated this year that the media has even resorted to calling Christmas trees by their secular name, a Holiday Tree. The national Christmas tree took a stand this year by being name the National Christmas Tree for the first time since 1990 when it started being known as the National Holiday Tree.
Let's not forget that if Jesus were not born we'd not even have a Christmas. What are we supposed to call it -- Mohammadmas? This issue ignites my exasperation at a society that has become almost too pitiful to live in. First we have to remove the word God from the pledge and now we have to call it a holiday tree? I don't think so. Take God out of life all you want, but you're still going to be sorry for it in the end.
I have to go decorate my Christmas Tree now. (okay not really...I live in a condo, where am I going to put a tree?)
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Word of the Day: Wanderlust
wan·der·lust
A very strong or irresistible impulse to travel
I seem to be plagued with an insatiable wanderlust. No matter how much I travel, I want to travel more. When I get back from a vacation, I want to leave again. I suppose to have the travel bug is better than some other obsessions. I shouldn't be complaining.
In January everyone from the office is going to the Poconos to go skiing. Timoni and I are going to Scotland in February. Kim and I are going to Prague in May. Could I be more excited? Oh and Michelle and I are going to move to Israel in 2007. But that's too far off to get excited about just yet.
My friend Chris is moving to Germany THIS WEEK and I'm currently suffering from large amounts of jealousy. I should look into getting over that. But seriously, who gets to live in Germany for 7 months for practically free? I'm in the wrong line of work.
Tonight is Melting Pot with Rebecca. That's not exactly a destination, but I am certainly looking forward to the yummy fondue. Speaking of food, I haven't been grocery shopping in just under 3 months. I'm about to tie an old record. So I made plans to go out for dinner every night this week and next. If I've planned well enough, I won't have to go shopping until at least January.
A very strong or irresistible impulse to travel
I seem to be plagued with an insatiable wanderlust. No matter how much I travel, I want to travel more. When I get back from a vacation, I want to leave again. I suppose to have the travel bug is better than some other obsessions. I shouldn't be complaining.
In January everyone from the office is going to the Poconos to go skiing. Timoni and I are going to Scotland in February. Kim and I are going to Prague in May. Could I be more excited? Oh and Michelle and I are going to move to Israel in 2007. But that's too far off to get excited about just yet.
My friend Chris is moving to Germany THIS WEEK and I'm currently suffering from large amounts of jealousy. I should look into getting over that. But seriously, who gets to live in Germany for 7 months for practically free? I'm in the wrong line of work.
Tonight is Melting Pot with Rebecca. That's not exactly a destination, but I am certainly looking forward to the yummy fondue. Speaking of food, I haven't been grocery shopping in just under 3 months. I'm about to tie an old record. So I made plans to go out for dinner every night this week and next. If I've planned well enough, I won't have to go shopping until at least January.
Friday, November 25, 2005
Mass Commercialism??
Crowds Get Out of Hand at Two Wal-Marts
This critique is everything I want to say about commercialism. Don't get me wrong, I'm not innocent of this cultural madness. I own a TV, an MP3 player (although not an IPOD because I find them ridiculous), and a laptop, etc. But that doesn't mean that I don't find commercialism incredibly invasive and more than just a little annoying. What will we do next, turn love and happiness into an enterprise too? Oh wait...we already have.
In Cascade Township, east of Grand Rapids, Mich., a woman fell as dozens of people rushed into a store for the 5 a.m. opening. Several stepped on her, and a few became entangled as a man pushed them to the ground to keep them away.
Tempers flared at a Wal-Mart in Orlando, Fla., where a man allegedly cut in line to buy a bargain notebook computer and was wrestled to the ground, according to a video shown by an ABC affiliate, WFTV-TV.Is this the kind of society we want to be? Commercialism has infected America. Every holiday is a sales event. Every Christmas I grow more weary of commercialism. Just read the Wal-Mart stories above. Who do you think these people are who are trampling each other for a sale? They're people who can't afford the shopping they're doing. They aren't "buying" these products, they're "charging" them. Just stand at Wal-Mart on a Saturday in December. Watch the lower-middle class of America stand in lines with their two carts full of commercialized products. Why? Do the kids really NEED that toy? Do you really NEED that 52-in. TV? People try to fill voids by purchasing *things*.
This critique is everything I want to say about commercialism. Don't get me wrong, I'm not innocent of this cultural madness. I own a TV, an MP3 player (although not an IPOD because I find them ridiculous), and a laptop, etc. But that doesn't mean that I don't find commercialism incredibly invasive and more than just a little annoying. What will we do next, turn love and happiness into an enterprise too? Oh wait...we already have.
Word of the Day: Arctic
arc·tic
adj.
Extremely cold; frigid.
The day began with a below-freezing and solitary walk to work. Where are all the people? Why am I the only one going to work on this post-Thanksgiving day? Oh I just answered my own question. Everyone else is out enjoying the fruits of a much deserved day off while I attend meetings where the only words spoken are "nothing from me today". So why are we all here? If the writers have nothing to write, then I have nothing to put on the webpage. I'd rather be at home folding laundry (one of my least favorite activities).
With what I felt was a fairly positive attitude, given the circumstances, I sat down at my desk and dutifully clicked around the website looking for stuff to do. Before long, I realized my fingers were going numb, one-by-one. Exactly how cold is it in here? Ali's trusty thermometer would not lie, would it? It can't actually be 68 degrees. They wouldn't do that to us...would they?
Dressed in our arctic gear: hats, scarfs, mittens and earmuffs...we triumphantly made it though the day. Hey at least we aren't blanketed in snow like some people in upstate New York. ;)
adj.
Extremely cold; frigid.
The day began with a below-freezing and solitary walk to work. Where are all the people? Why am I the only one going to work on this post-Thanksgiving day? Oh I just answered my own question. Everyone else is out enjoying the fruits of a much deserved day off while I attend meetings where the only words spoken are "nothing from me today". So why are we all here? If the writers have nothing to write, then I have nothing to put on the webpage. I'd rather be at home folding laundry (one of my least favorite activities).
With what I felt was a fairly positive attitude, given the circumstances, I sat down at my desk and dutifully clicked around the website looking for stuff to do. Before long, I realized my fingers were going numb, one-by-one. Exactly how cold is it in here? Ali's trusty thermometer would not lie, would it? It can't actually be 68 degrees. They wouldn't do that to us...would they?
Dressed in our arctic gear: hats, scarfs, mittens and earmuffs...we triumphantly made it though the day. Hey at least we aren't blanketed in snow like some people in upstate New York. ;)
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Thanksgiving Word of the Day: Tradition
Main Entry: tra·di·tion
1 : an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior
2 : the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction
On the advent of Thanksgiving, I've been thinking about all the holiday traditions I have to forego due to the fact that I live approximately 2500 miles from my family and $700 plane tickets prohibit me from going home twice in (basically) one month. In the four years I've lived here, I've only gone home once, so I've learned to supress my desire for tradition. However, there is one tradition my family has developed over the four years that continues even when (and especially because) I can't go home.
Every year growing up, my aunt Wendy would make sweet rolls for our Thanksgiving dinner. After the first taste, we were all overwhelmingly addicted, which led to us saying such things as "Aunt Wendy better bring the rolls or we're not letting her in the house," and "I'll die without the rolls!". She never failed us. The famous rolls were always plentiful.
Then came the time for us all to leave home and face the cold, harsh real world devoid of Aunt Wendy's Rolls -- a legend, practically a myth. The first year was harsh. The withdrawals were fierce. The second year, bitterness and anger set in. By the third year we were staging a revolt. Aunt Wendy could at least send us rolls in the mail. There's a FedEx in Walla Walla. And a UPS. There's really no excuse!
In order to stave off civil unrest in the family, Aunt Wendy promptly did the only thing she could. She sent us the...recipe. "Wait," I said upon opening the envelope, "What am I supposed to do with this? This isn't edible."
Thus began the tradition of the girls making their own Thanksgiving rolls. But oh no, the story does not end there. I know you wish it would. But alas...
The first year I made rolls, the effort was harrowing, if not poignant. They looked like this when I pulled them out of the oven:
The second year the Grocers Association of America led a campaign to discontinue active yeast sales in stores and my rolls took on the nature of a clump of dirt.
But now...in the third year, I am glad to report that I have finally managed not to destroy the rolls. Aunt Wendy would be proud, though I'm afraid she wouldn't endorse the use of her name in conjunction with my rolls.
So now... I give you the amazing, miraculous, delicious (I hope) Thanksgiving rolls:
1 : an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior
2 : the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction
On the advent of Thanksgiving, I've been thinking about all the holiday traditions I have to forego due to the fact that I live approximately 2500 miles from my family and $700 plane tickets prohibit me from going home twice in (basically) one month. In the four years I've lived here, I've only gone home once, so I've learned to supress my desire for tradition. However, there is one tradition my family has developed over the four years that continues even when (and especially because) I can't go home.
Every year growing up, my aunt Wendy would make sweet rolls for our Thanksgiving dinner. After the first taste, we were all overwhelmingly addicted, which led to us saying such things as "Aunt Wendy better bring the rolls or we're not letting her in the house," and "I'll die without the rolls!". She never failed us. The famous rolls were always plentiful.
Then came the time for us all to leave home and face the cold, harsh real world devoid of Aunt Wendy's Rolls -- a legend, practically a myth. The first year was harsh. The withdrawals were fierce. The second year, bitterness and anger set in. By the third year we were staging a revolt. Aunt Wendy could at least send us rolls in the mail. There's a FedEx in Walla Walla. And a UPS. There's really no excuse!
In order to stave off civil unrest in the family, Aunt Wendy promptly did the only thing she could. She sent us the...recipe. "Wait," I said upon opening the envelope, "What am I supposed to do with this? This isn't edible."
Thus began the tradition of the girls making their own Thanksgiving rolls. But oh no, the story does not end there. I know you wish it would. But alas...
The first year I made rolls, the effort was harrowing, if not poignant. They looked like this when I pulled them out of the oven:
The second year the Grocers Association of America led a campaign to discontinue active yeast sales in stores and my rolls took on the nature of a clump of dirt.
But now...in the third year, I am glad to report that I have finally managed not to destroy the rolls. Aunt Wendy would be proud, though I'm afraid she wouldn't endorse the use of her name in conjunction with my rolls.
So now... I give you the amazing, miraculous, delicious (I hope) Thanksgiving rolls:
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Word of the Day: Thankful
thank·ful (adj.)
Aware and appreciative of a benefit; grateful.
Expressive of gratitude
I went to a bible study last weekend and the speaker asked us all to say the ONE thing that we are thankful for this year. I quickly scanned the list running through my head for the most appropriate answer, while staring quizzically at the man who suggested there might be only ONE thing in a year for which to be thankful. I have a list. One way too long to express here (although I am going to be cheesy and list a few), but the most important reason for me writing this entry is to let everyone who reads this blog (my parents, my sister, my friends) know that I'm especially thankful for you. I am not me without you.
My (shortened) list:
Aware and appreciative of a benefit; grateful.
Expressive of gratitude
I went to a bible study last weekend and the speaker asked us all to say the ONE thing that we are thankful for this year. I quickly scanned the list running through my head for the most appropriate answer, while staring quizzically at the man who suggested there might be only ONE thing in a year for which to be thankful. I have a list. One way too long to express here (although I am going to be cheesy and list a few), but the most important reason for me writing this entry is to let everyone who reads this blog (my parents, my sister, my friends) know that I'm especially thankful for you. I am not me without you.
My (shortened) list:
I am thankful for my nephew who is five years old and leaves me voice messages where all I can hear is his breathing. It makes me incredibly happy to know that he called just because he loves me in an unconditional way that only a child possesses.
I am thankful that I have a God who is infinitely good to me. Who enables me to buy a house, to take a trip to Israel and meet incredible people, to support myself, to just be me and to continually be amazed by what he gives me.
I am thankful for health and passion and integrity and honesty.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Word of the Day: Rara Avis
rara avis \RARE-uh-AY-vis\, noun
A rare or unique person or thing.
This story about the poor Dead Sea drying up is nothing new. In fact, it's indelibly recycled. And of course that's because it's an interesting story. I think everyone should have the chance to float in the Dead Sea before the whole thing dries up because it's the most unique thing you'll ever experience (coming from someone who went skydiving and floated in the dead sea in the same month). Watch the Video on ABC News.
So my heartrate has been racing for two days now. Racing. Like 110 beats per minute after sitting at my desk for 8 hours straight doing nothing but typing. It's not worrying me (like call the doctor, I'm having a heart attack) but it's definitely bothering me. It's annoying to feel this wound up for hours on end.
A rare or unique person or thing.
This story about the poor Dead Sea drying up is nothing new. In fact, it's indelibly recycled. And of course that's because it's an interesting story. I think everyone should have the chance to float in the Dead Sea before the whole thing dries up because it's the most unique thing you'll ever experience (coming from someone who went skydiving and floated in the dead sea in the same month). Watch the Video on ABC News.
Hidden in the world's deepest valley and protected by majestic desert mountains, the Dead Sea is one important feature in a land of mysteries, miracles and biblical legends that we must see before it's too late.On a totally unrelated topic, I'm currently writing a story about three chickens and a picnic table. Is it beyond reasonable suspension of disbelief to imagine someone would roast a chicken with the feathers still on? I've written one short story and this is my second, that I will enter into the short short contest with Writer's Digest. I keep telling a certain person who is probably reading this blog that he must enter the contest as well, but he has yet to produce a story. Clock, ticking...
So my heartrate has been racing for two days now. Racing. Like 110 beats per minute after sitting at my desk for 8 hours straight doing nothing but typing. It's not worrying me (like call the doctor, I'm having a heart attack) but it's definitely bothering me. It's annoying to feel this wound up for hours on end.
Friday, November 18, 2005
Not just another ID rant
One more thing today before I shut up and enjoy the rest of my Friday. I wanted to comment on this op-ed by columnist Charles Krauthammer (what an awesome last name) in the post today.
'Intelligent Design' Foolishly Pits Evolution Against Faith
Krauthammer makes a very good point about these Intelligent Design proponents who try to juxtapose Evolution and Creationism against each other. Since intelligent design is a concept based almost entirely on religion and the existence of God, why would they want to suggest that God was not in control of evolution, which seems like a much better case to make. Like he says here:
Einstein and Newton no longer have to answer that question. They spent their entire lives stretching for an answer they were freely given as a parting gift from this world. I wonder if they got the last laugh.
'Intelligent Design' Foolishly Pits Evolution Against Faith
Krauthammer makes a very good point about these Intelligent Design proponents who try to juxtapose Evolution and Creationism against each other. Since intelligent design is a concept based almost entirely on religion and the existence of God, why would they want to suggest that God was not in control of evolution, which seems like a much better case to make. Like he says here:
How ridiculous to make evolution the enemy of God. What could be more elegant, more simple, more brilliant, more economical, more creative, indeed more divine than a planet with millions of life forms, distinct and yet interactive, all ultimately derived from accumulated variations in a single double-stranded molecule, pliable and fecund enough to give us mollusks and mice, Newton and Einstein? Even if it did give us the Kansas State Board of Education, too.People, both atheist and religious, spend so much time and energy trying to determine the answer to life as a riddle, when every second they see life pass them by without even noticing.
Einstein and Newton no longer have to answer that question. They spent their entire lives stretching for an answer they were freely given as a parting gift from this world. I wonder if they got the last laugh.
Word of the Day: Cacophonous
ca·coph·o·nous
adj. Having a harsh, unpleasant sound; discordant.
I'm feeling the full force of the word today because my office is full of cacophonous sounds. For the past 2 years, every single friday without fail, a band of misfits bearing musical instruments borrows the conference room next door for their weekly practice session. I'm all for people pursuing their passion for music or writing or studying -- whatever that may be -- however, I'm not sure my benevolence includes band practice. The worst part of this story is that the misfits practice with a goal in mind. They attempt to enrich our lives with their soulful melodies during two of what should be the best parties of the year for our office. Christmas and the Summer Picnic.
No one wants to be present in the office on band rehearsal day. I’ve given myself a headache clenching my teeth over the increasing pain of listening to them butcher Puff the Magic Dragon. So there are only 8 brave souls in the office today. That might also be in direct relation to the dentist-like drilling that's going on outside our windows. Yes, people are HANGING from ropes outside our windows with dentist drills. Man I love this place.
In other news, Timoni passed along this blog that I find hilarious. I could write a whole book on the stuff that happens in my office (huh Michelle) so I'm intrigued by this blog that essentially does the same thing only relatively annonymously.
adj. Having a harsh, unpleasant sound; discordant.
I'm feeling the full force of the word today because my office is full of cacophonous sounds. For the past 2 years, every single friday without fail, a band of misfits bearing musical instruments borrows the conference room next door for their weekly practice session. I'm all for people pursuing their passion for music or writing or studying -- whatever that may be -- however, I'm not sure my benevolence includes band practice. The worst part of this story is that the misfits practice with a goal in mind. They attempt to enrich our lives with their soulful melodies during two of what should be the best parties of the year for our office. Christmas and the Summer Picnic.
No one wants to be present in the office on band rehearsal day. I’ve given myself a headache clenching my teeth over the increasing pain of listening to them butcher Puff the Magic Dragon. So there are only 8 brave souls in the office today. That might also be in direct relation to the dentist-like drilling that's going on outside our windows. Yes, people are HANGING from ropes outside our windows with dentist drills. Man I love this place.
In other news, Timoni passed along this blog that I find hilarious. I could write a whole book on the stuff that happens in my office (huh Michelle) so I'm intrigued by this blog that essentially does the same thing only relatively annonymously.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Word of the Day: Alleviate
alleviate • \uh-LEE-vee-ayt\ • verb
: relieve, lessen: as *a : to make (as suffering) more bearable b : to partially remove or correct
I love this story because this sort of thing only happens in an Iraqi courtroom...
Have I mentioned lately how much I love teleworking? I'm currently hanging out on my couch with my laptop, the thermostat turned to exactly where I want it, no annoying coworkers (sorry guys). Plus my music sounds much nicer over the speakers than those stupid headphones.
Okay...back to work.
: relieve, lessen: as *a : to make (as suffering) more bearable b : to partially remove or correct
I love this story because this sort of thing only happens in an Iraqi courtroom...
Court Workers Attack Saddam, Iraq TV ReportsHow horrible would it be to live a life for which you are despised. How do you live with yourself? I'd say if the guy didn't have more pride than he knows what to do with he'd be a prime suicide candidate.
BAGHDAD, Iraq (Nov. 17) - Two court employees attacked Saddam Hussein and punched him several times after he cursed two Shiite Islam saints, state-run Iraqi television reported Wednesday.
Have I mentioned lately how much I love teleworking? I'm currently hanging out on my couch with my laptop, the thermostat turned to exactly where I want it, no annoying coworkers (sorry guys). Plus my music sounds much nicer over the speakers than those stupid headphones.
Okay...back to work.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Pledge of Allegiance
If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll remember a post a few months ago about how the Pledge of Allegiance was being challenged in court by an atheist. The post fueled a two-day debate between a few of my regular readers and a stranger posting to the blog for the first time. I was forwarded this story by a friend of mine and felt it worth of adding to reiterate my own personal opinion. The pledge is so much more than one word that an atheist wants striken from society. In fact, it isn't about God at all. Why can't we see that?
Senator John McCain's Flag Story
As you may know, I spent five and one half years as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. In the early years of our imprisonment, the NVA kept us in solitary confinement or two or three to a cell. In 1971 the NVA moved us from these conditions of isolation into large rooms with as many as 30 to 40 men to a room.
This was,as you can imagine, a wonderful change and was a direct result of the efforts of millions of Americans on behalf of a few hundred POWs 10,000 miles from home. One of the men who moved into my room was a young man named Mike Christian. Mike came from a small town near Selma, Alabama. He didn't wear a pair of shoes until he was 13 years old. At 17, he enlisted in the US Navy. He later earned a commission by going to Officer Training School. Then he became a Naval Flight Officer and was shot down and captured in 1967. Mike had a keen and deep appreciation of the opportunities this country and our military provide for people who want to work and want to succeed.
As part of the change in treatment, the Vietnamese allowed some prisoners to receive packages from home. In some of these packages were handkerchiefs, scarves and other items of clothing.
Mike got himself a bamboo needle. Over a period of a couple of months, he created an American flag and sewed on the inside of his shirt. Every afternoon, before we had a bowl of soup, we would hang Mike's shirt on the wall of the cell and say the Pledge of Allegiance.
I know the Pledge of Allegiance may not seem the most important part of our day now, but I can assure you that in that stark cell it was indeed the most important and meaningful event.
One day the Vietnamese searched our cell, as they did periodically, and discovered Mike's shirt with the flag sewn inside, and removed it. That evening they returned, opened the door of the cell, and for the benefit of all of us, beat Mike Christian severely for the next couple of hours. Then, they opened the door of the cell and threw him in. We cleaned him up as well as we could. The cell in which we lived had a concrete slab in the middle on which we slept. Four naked light bulbs hung in each corner of the room.
As I said, we tried to clean up Mike as well as we could. After the excitement died down, I looked in the corner of the room, and sitting there beneath that dim light bulb with a piece of red cloth, another shirt and his bamboo needle, was my friend, Mike Christian. He was sitting there with his eyes almost shut from the beating he had received, making another American flag. He was not making the flag because it made Mike Christian feel better. He was making that flag because he knew how important it was to us to be able to Pledge our allegiance to our flag and country.
So the next time you say the Pledge of Allegiance,you must never forget the sacrifice and courage that thousands of Americans have made to build our nation and promote freedom around the world. You must remember our duty, our honor, and our country.
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible,with liberty and justice for all."
Monday, November 14, 2005
Word of the Day: Wage
Main Entry: [1]wage
Date: 14th century
1 a : a payment usually of money for labor or services usually according to contract and on an hourly, daily, or piecework basis
It's Monday. Our regular happy hour night. Steve and I were the only two who showed up tonight (although we already had a hunch this would be the case since the other two diehards -- David and Michelle -- are out of town). We met at RFD as usual, only this time the place was not deserted as usual and we were joined by two others, one being Steve's friend from grade school who now lives in Scotland. We had a very good time (particularly hearing about the peanut butter, cigs and toilets). And we got into this discussion about salaries that just mystifies me.
The two have doctoral degrees in Science and are now doing post-doc work as scientists. They informed us that a normal starting salary for a scientist (studying such things as malaria) is a mere $35K. The profession maxes out at around $80K. I had a similar discussion recently with a pilot from the Israel trip, who said I'd be shocked to learn what commercial pilot's starting salaries are. $20K??? I don't understand this. A writer or webeditor with roughly 3 years of experience (and a BA degree) makes around $45K. Add three years of experience and that salary jumps to around $75-$80K. The cap being about $120K. How is this possible? Someone trying to find a cure for cancer makes half what someone posting useless information on the internet makes? The person I trust to fly me from coast to coast makes half what I make? We certainly have our priorities out of order in this world.
I heard from my new friend Adam this weekend, whom I met at Steveoween. I am very impressed with the follow-through. It's been nearly a month since I met him and yet he still called. People just don't seem to understand the integrity of follow-through these days. For every 10 people you meet (and that's a high number) around 2 will actually call. At least I've learned this lesson and don't really anticipate the follow-up call anymore, but kudos to Adam for calling.
Thursday is a big event -- if anyone's interested in something to do. A bar in Cleveland Park and a Vodka company both owned by my coworker and bartender extrordinaire, Ric, are hosting a grand opening with a 5-piece swing band and free admission. Sounds cool.
Date: 14th century
1 a : a payment usually of money for labor or services usually according to contract and on an hourly, daily, or piecework basis
It's Monday. Our regular happy hour night. Steve and I were the only two who showed up tonight (although we already had a hunch this would be the case since the other two diehards -- David and Michelle -- are out of town). We met at RFD as usual, only this time the place was not deserted as usual and we were joined by two others, one being Steve's friend from grade school who now lives in Scotland. We had a very good time (particularly hearing about the peanut butter, cigs and toilets). And we got into this discussion about salaries that just mystifies me.
The two have doctoral degrees in Science and are now doing post-doc work as scientists. They informed us that a normal starting salary for a scientist (studying such things as malaria) is a mere $35K. The profession maxes out at around $80K. I had a similar discussion recently with a pilot from the Israel trip, who said I'd be shocked to learn what commercial pilot's starting salaries are. $20K??? I don't understand this. A writer or webeditor with roughly 3 years of experience (and a BA degree) makes around $45K. Add three years of experience and that salary jumps to around $75-$80K. The cap being about $120K. How is this possible? Someone trying to find a cure for cancer makes half what someone posting useless information on the internet makes? The person I trust to fly me from coast to coast makes half what I make? We certainly have our priorities out of order in this world.
I heard from my new friend Adam this weekend, whom I met at Steveoween. I am very impressed with the follow-through. It's been nearly a month since I met him and yet he still called. People just don't seem to understand the integrity of follow-through these days. For every 10 people you meet (and that's a high number) around 2 will actually call. At least I've learned this lesson and don't really anticipate the follow-up call anymore, but kudos to Adam for calling.
Thursday is a big event -- if anyone's interested in something to do. A bar in Cleveland Park and a Vodka company both owned by my coworker and bartender extrordinaire, Ric, are hosting a grand opening with a 5-piece swing band and free admission. Sounds cool.
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