I am finally posting a new blog entry to explain my extended absence. I was thinking last night that some people might thing I never returned from Egypt. But no, alas, I did return. I had a great time. Egypt is incredible, from almost every aspect.
The reason I'm posting now is to say that I have decided to take a short break from maintaining my blog in order to devote my time and energy to a new novel I'm writing. It is entitled Inauguration Day. I, admittedly, have been working on it for months and months, but I haven't been very serious about it, and now I've come to the conclusion that I'll still be working on it this time next year if I don't kick it into gear. So I'm taking a short hiatus from the blog in order to write the novel. Check the bookstore nearest you for a copy of Inauguration Day in about 2 years.
Thanks for reading. Check back later for more updates.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Friday, February 16, 2007
Word of the Day: Egypt
I'm going to Egypt in 3 days. For two weeks. I couldn't be more excited. Over the past few weeks I've been trying to prepare myself for the journey by watching videos of Egyptologists and the treasures of the ancient world. Mummies, tombs, antiquities. It's all very exciting. I've watched stories about Moses, Cleopatra, the Sphinx, King Tut, Ramases, the Pyramids... You name it, I'm a temporary scholar. I don't think I've ever cramped as much knowledge as this in such a short time. There's so much rich history in Egypt. Two weeks is not enough to cover it all.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Word of the Day: New Construction
It didn't seem as easy as it sounds to say it, but I have moved everything I own from my condo and into a new apartment. And yes, it's new. Living there is almost like I've reverted back in time two years to when my condo was brand new. No one on the planet acknowledges the existence of the address (and to prove it, I haven't received a single piece of mail since I moved in with the exception of a postcard). I had to go to the DMV in person to register my car -- something I haven't done since the inception of the Internet -- because the all-knowing super-highway rejected my address. And worst of all, though I am only 1 mile from the metro, my commute has gotten longer and exceedingly more tedious. Today I walked a mere 1/3 mile to the nearest bus stop with tears streaming down my face, not from frustration, but from the "Feels Like" 11 degree, 23-mph winds that were pelting me in the face. And I still find that more convenient and agreeable than the builder's temporary arrangement to have us all call cabs in the morning and evening in leui of a bus stop being right out front until everyone finally moves in.
So the joy of living in a brand new place, being the first resident to begin the process of wear and tear, and enjoying the top-of-the-line appliances and ammenities does come at a price, but it's well worth it for the 42-inch plasma tv and fireplace, and the extra 400 sq ft of space I now have. All said, it was a pretty fair trade. I close on the sale of my condo on Friday. An end to an era.
So the joy of living in a brand new place, being the first resident to begin the process of wear and tear, and enjoying the top-of-the-line appliances and ammenities does come at a price, but it's well worth it for the 42-inch plasma tv and fireplace, and the extra 400 sq ft of space I now have. All said, it was a pretty fair trade. I close on the sale of my condo on Friday. An end to an era.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Word of the Day: Pupil
I've decided to get lasik surgery finally, after many years of people telling me how wonderful it is to see without the aid of glasses or contacts. I am currently wearing my glasses and wishing I could see anything outside the small 1 inch frames. I can't even eat with my glasses on because at this angle, only half the food is clear enough to identify. So, it's time. I went to the pre-op consultation yesterday to learn whether I'd be a good candidate, and while I am at no great risk of problems, I did learn one interesting fact about my eyes. They are freakishly large.
Consider this statement " Under fluorescent lighting, normal pupil sizes ranged from 2.6 mm to 5 mm. In brighter lighting, normal pupil sizes ranged from 1.9 mm to 3.6 mm." In normal light, my pupils range from 7 to 8 mm. So when dilated, you can imagine how freakish my eyes look. After receiving the dilating eye drops, the doctor measured my pupils at 8.7 mm. That's almost twice the size of a normal human eye! Now I'm worried that my abnormally sized eyes and my insanely sensitive hearing might indicate that I'm a a super hero waiting to discover her true powers, or I'm just a circus act waiting to happen.
Consider this statement " Under fluorescent lighting, normal pupil sizes ranged from 2.6 mm to 5 mm. In brighter lighting, normal pupil sizes ranged from 1.9 mm to 3.6 mm." In normal light, my pupils range from 7 to 8 mm. So when dilated, you can imagine how freakish my eyes look. After receiving the dilating eye drops, the doctor measured my pupils at 8.7 mm. That's almost twice the size of a normal human eye! Now I'm worried that my abnormally sized eyes and my insanely sensitive hearing might indicate that I'm a a super hero waiting to discover her true powers, or I'm just a circus act waiting to happen.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Word of the Day: Moose
Thanks to this very informative article on how winter is chasing moose out of the mountains and into the city of Anchorage, Alaska, I now know things about the moose that I never knew before:
1. Moose eat up to 40 pounds of wood a day, enough to fill two large garbage cans
2. In a normal winter 130 moose can die from car collisions within the city limits
3. A normal winter in Anchorage produces 68 inches of snow. This year they've already had 76, and there are four more months to go.
4. Residents pay anywhere between $195 and $265 for a moose retrieval service
5. Moose weigh half a ton and will lose a pound a day due to winter conditions.
1. Moose eat up to 40 pounds of wood a day, enough to fill two large garbage cans
2. In a normal winter 130 moose can die from car collisions within the city limits
3. A normal winter in Anchorage produces 68 inches of snow. This year they've already had 76, and there are four more months to go.
4. Residents pay anywhere between $195 and $265 for a moose retrieval service
5. Moose weigh half a ton and will lose a pound a day due to winter conditions.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Word of the Day: Censure
1. To find fault with and condemn as wrong; to blame; to criticize severely.
2. To express official disapproval of.
Recent census data shows that for the first time, more women are unmarried than married. Not only is the divorce rate skyrocketing, the number of women choosing not to marry at all has risen, which indicates a major change in societal norms.
One article seems to think that women are now more critical than ever of our mates. Men aren't bringing home the "bacon" as much as they were before -- in many cases the woman is now the breadwinner of the family -- and men are not contributing as much as a woman expects. So us women have decided we don't need men afterall! Or is it really that we're just too critical?
I've always thought I have way too high a standard for other people. I am doubtlessly too critical of men I date. Not because I think he needs to be perfect -- because I am far from perfect myself -- but because he is ultimately a reflection of me, and if I wouldn't allow myself to behave that way, why would I want my mate to behave that way? He doesn't have to be perfect, but his normal behavior has to be fairly similar to my own or we're not going to get along. And since I no longer have to rely on another human being to make a living, or maintain my standard of living, I have the ability to be very selective. And if I never find him, that's okay too. Being single isn't the worst thing in the world.
2. To express official disapproval of.
Recent census data shows that for the first time, more women are unmarried than married. Not only is the divorce rate skyrocketing, the number of women choosing not to marry at all has risen, which indicates a major change in societal norms.
One article seems to think that women are now more critical than ever of our mates. Men aren't bringing home the "bacon" as much as they were before -- in many cases the woman is now the breadwinner of the family -- and men are not contributing as much as a woman expects. So us women have decided we don't need men afterall! Or is it really that we're just too critical?
I've always thought I have way too high a standard for other people. I am doubtlessly too critical of men I date. Not because I think he needs to be perfect -- because I am far from perfect myself -- but because he is ultimately a reflection of me, and if I wouldn't allow myself to behave that way, why would I want my mate to behave that way? He doesn't have to be perfect, but his normal behavior has to be fairly similar to my own or we're not going to get along. And since I no longer have to rely on another human being to make a living, or maintain my standard of living, I have the ability to be very selective. And if I never find him, that's okay too. Being single isn't the worst thing in the world.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Word of the Day: Ramen
I feel horrible about my neglect. I meant to blog about this last week and with the craziness of selling my condo and finding a new place to live, I neglected the Noodle Guy. A few weeks ago, the man who invented instant ramen noodles died. His name was Momofuku Ando. And can we all agree he's the most brilliant man to ever live? What would many of us have ever done without ramen noodles? Two thirds of all college students would die of hunger, refusing to cook anything that required more than hot water and two minutes worth of effort. My dad still uses ramen to supplement his own cooking -- which usually includes noodles, the flavor packet, salsa and some Franks Red Hot sauce. I personally use ramen noodles to make oriental cabbage salad. I crumble the noodles into the coleslaw, and if I didn't have the chicken seasoning packet how would I make the dressing? Thank you, Mr. Ando, for your unmistakable contribution to society.
Ramen noodles, by contrast, are a dish of effortless purity. Like the egg, or tea, they attain a state of grace through a marriage with nothing but hot water. After three minutes in a yellow bath, the noodles soften. The pebbly peas and carrot chips turn practically lifelike. A near-weightless assemblage of plastic and foam is transformed into something any college student will recognize as food, for as little as 20 cents a serving. The Whole Story
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Word of the Day: Amnemonic
amnemonic: unknowing
I'm filling out some paperwork today for which I have to recall every detail of the last seven years including, but not limited to, every place I've lived, every job I've held, every person I've ever known, every country I've traveled too and every topic of conversative I've ever had. Okay, well, not the last part, but seriously. Who remembers all those details? Frankly, I'd like to forget half of those decisions. One of the best years of my life I spent traveling all over the world and when I returned, I was jobless and worked a bunch of temp and freelance jobs for various people. That one year is now costing me days worth of time I'll never get back, plus insane amounts of brain power spent trying to recall where I went after I left Rome.
I'm filling out some paperwork today for which I have to recall every detail of the last seven years including, but not limited to, every place I've lived, every job I've held, every person I've ever known, every country I've traveled too and every topic of conversative I've ever had. Okay, well, not the last part, but seriously. Who remembers all those details? Frankly, I'd like to forget half of those decisions. One of the best years of my life I spent traveling all over the world and when I returned, I was jobless and worked a bunch of temp and freelance jobs for various people. That one year is now costing me days worth of time I'll never get back, plus insane amounts of brain power spent trying to recall where I went after I left Rome.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Word of the Day: Homemade
home·made
1. made or prepared at home, locally, or by the maker's own efforts
I have been to four Christmas parties this week. For each I have made some incredibly involved appetizer or food dish, prepared entirely from scratch with my own hands -- very homemade -- and might I add, delicious. But I've come to realize that no one cares if you bring something homemade or if you stop by the store for some cheese and crackers. As long as the food is edible, they will eat it, and they don't care if you slaved over it for approximately 2 seconds in the line at Giant, or if you lovingly prepared it over the course of five hours at home. Therefore, I have decided to no longer make things at home for public consumption at parties where no one cares. Sorry everyone -- no more chili cheese bread, ginger beef wraps, chocolate kahlua triffle. No more.
Merry Christmas!
1. made or prepared at home, locally, or by the maker's own efforts
I have been to four Christmas parties this week. For each I have made some incredibly involved appetizer or food dish, prepared entirely from scratch with my own hands -- very homemade -- and might I add, delicious. But I've come to realize that no one cares if you bring something homemade or if you stop by the store for some cheese and crackers. As long as the food is edible, they will eat it, and they don't care if you slaved over it for approximately 2 seconds in the line at Giant, or if you lovingly prepared it over the course of five hours at home. Therefore, I have decided to no longer make things at home for public consumption at parties where no one cares. Sorry everyone -- no more chili cheese bread, ginger beef wraps, chocolate kahlua triffle. No more.
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Word of the Day: Disquietude
dis·qui·e·tude
–noun the state of disquiet; uneasiness.
I type this as I am listening to a choir of cicadas hissing in the background. That might not seem abnormal, since cicadas naturally make their home here in Washington D.C., but if you add the fact that I am sitting inside a building right now and it is December, then you've got a strange conundrum. The fact is, the noise is not cicadas, it is a loose or leaky pipe that hisses invariably as air is forced through it. The noise has lasted now seven days.
This would not be a problem for the normal human being. But alas, I am not normal. We knew that already. I have super-sonic hearing. You laugh, I know. But it is very true. I sometimes hear noises that no one else in the world would ever notice unless I was kind enough to point them out. My coworkers often balk at me for pointing out noises such as the cicadas to them because they were blissfully unaware until I mentioned it. But why should I suffer alone because of my "special" hearing? I might have to buy a pair of noise reduction headphones just to survive.
You're laughing again. But there's an actual hormone, called aldosterone, that can increase your hearing as you get older and higher levels are produced. If my hearing gets any better, I won't be able to live in a normal society.
–noun the state of disquiet; uneasiness.
I type this as I am listening to a choir of cicadas hissing in the background. That might not seem abnormal, since cicadas naturally make their home here in Washington D.C., but if you add the fact that I am sitting inside a building right now and it is December, then you've got a strange conundrum. The fact is, the noise is not cicadas, it is a loose or leaky pipe that hisses invariably as air is forced through it. The noise has lasted now seven days.
This would not be a problem for the normal human being. But alas, I am not normal. We knew that already. I have super-sonic hearing. You laugh, I know. But it is very true. I sometimes hear noises that no one else in the world would ever notice unless I was kind enough to point them out. My coworkers often balk at me for pointing out noises such as the cicadas to them because they were blissfully unaware until I mentioned it. But why should I suffer alone because of my "special" hearing? I might have to buy a pair of noise reduction headphones just to survive.
You're laughing again. But there's an actual hormone, called aldosterone, that can increase your hearing as you get older and higher levels are produced. If my hearing gets any better, I won't be able to live in a normal society.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Word of the Day: Clairvoyant
clair·voy·ant –adjective
1. having or claiming to have the power of seeing objects or actions beyond the range of natural vision.
Astrology. Not something I regularly pay any attention to. But now a study done by the auto insurance industry tells what drivers are best and worst based on astrological sign. Is it possible? Well, I agree with their findings that Scorpios, along with Sagitarians and Capricorns, are the best drivers. I tend to consider myself a fairly decent - okay in general a superb - driver. But how much can be told by adding up the number of people filing claims by sign? I have a feeling the findings are constantly influx, as the happenstance of accidents favor one particular of the signs. In other words, it's certainly not an exact science.
1. having or claiming to have the power of seeing objects or actions beyond the range of natural vision.
Astrology. Not something I regularly pay any attention to. But now a study done by the auto insurance industry tells what drivers are best and worst based on astrological sign. Is it possible? Well, I agree with their findings that Scorpios, along with Sagitarians and Capricorns, are the best drivers. I tend to consider myself a fairly decent - okay in general a superb - driver. But how much can be told by adding up the number of people filing claims by sign? I have a feeling the findings are constantly influx, as the happenstance of accidents favor one particular of the signs. In other words, it's certainly not an exact science.
Carol Allen, one of the most respected astrologers in the country and the astrologer of choice to Hollywood’s movers and shakers, explains that in astrology, the month of your birth may be less important than the position of the planets at a given time.
“In astrology, there is actually a planet that represents vehicles and a planet that represents accidents,” she says. “When the planet of vehicles is with the planet of accidents, no matter what the person’s sign -- they will have accidents!”
Monday, December 04, 2006
Word of the Day: Sui Generis
sui generis \soo-eye-JEN-ur-us; soo-ee-\, adjective:
Being the only example of its kind; constituting a class of its own; unique.
This weekend I went to an Air Force Holiday concert at DAR Constitution Hall. I think concerts like these hold more meaning when you're seeing them in the nation's capital. There's something about the uniform and the flags and the "pomp and circumstance" that is more thrilling with the proximity to the center of the free world.
We may have been the only young people (and by young I mean under 60) in attendance, as we realized while standing in line behind more than a few blue haired ladies. However, you cannot discount the children who were forced to attend by their well-meaning parents. They were all dressed up in their finest Christmas clothing. And oh so cute.
The reason for attending, aside from the culture and our very well-rounded taste in music, was to see my friend Brad perform in the Singing Sergeants. Brad was chosen in 2004 to sing the National Anthem at the Presidential Inauguration. So you can imagine how incredible a voice he has. They performed a very silly version of the 12 Day of Christmas that was worth all the minutes of my life I lost during the reading of Why the Christmas Tree isn't Perfect, an extremely long and boring children's story about "little limb" or "tiny tree" or whatever the stupid tree's name was.
And then on Saturday we had our very best ever small group social -- a Christmas party that attracted over 150 people between the hours of 6 and midnight. An amazing turnout!
Being the only example of its kind; constituting a class of its own; unique.
This weekend I went to an Air Force Holiday concert at DAR Constitution Hall. I think concerts like these hold more meaning when you're seeing them in the nation's capital. There's something about the uniform and the flags and the "pomp and circumstance" that is more thrilling with the proximity to the center of the free world.
We may have been the only young people (and by young I mean under 60) in attendance, as we realized while standing in line behind more than a few blue haired ladies. However, you cannot discount the children who were forced to attend by their well-meaning parents. They were all dressed up in their finest Christmas clothing. And oh so cute.
The reason for attending, aside from the culture and our very well-rounded taste in music, was to see my friend Brad perform in the Singing Sergeants. Brad was chosen in 2004 to sing the National Anthem at the Presidential Inauguration. So you can imagine how incredible a voice he has. They performed a very silly version of the 12 Day of Christmas that was worth all the minutes of my life I lost during the reading of Why the Christmas Tree isn't Perfect, an extremely long and boring children's story about "little limb" or "tiny tree" or whatever the stupid tree's name was.
And then on Saturday we had our very best ever small group social -- a Christmas party that attracted over 150 people between the hours of 6 and midnight. An amazing turnout!
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Word of the Day: Procrastination
I know. I know. I'm suddenly the kind of blogger that I hate. The one who doesn't post for weeks on end and then when she finally does, has nothing to say. The thing is, well, I just don't have anything to say. I think a year and a half of blogging every day has run the well dry. Let's face it. I'm boring. Ever since I learned that Gene was ending his chat until next May, I have had very little will to write. How can I survive without Gene? And then to add to injury, Allofmp3.com is closing down. Now where will I get my music? You don't know me at all if you're thinking right now that I should use iTunes.
So it's my favorite time of year again (sarcasm intended). Every parking spot in every parking lot is taken by serious shoppers looking for bargains. I have done all of my shopping via the Internet this year. Starting this weekend, I'm no longer leaving the house for anything except work. The crowds are insane. I cannot take one more person cutting me off in traffic, one more crazy parent pushing a stroller over my foot, one more insane child screaming over the toy their parent won't buy them. Why do people lose their common sense at Christmas?
So it's my favorite time of year again (sarcasm intended). Every parking spot in every parking lot is taken by serious shoppers looking for bargains. I have done all of my shopping via the Internet this year. Starting this weekend, I'm no longer leaving the house for anything except work. The crowds are insane. I cannot take one more person cutting me off in traffic, one more crazy parent pushing a stroller over my foot, one more insane child screaming over the toy their parent won't buy them. Why do people lose their common sense at Christmas?
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Word of the Day: Accent
I'm from Oregon. I have no accent. The only word I pronounce strangely is "bandana" and that is only because I choose to change the a into an e and call it "bendena". It's non-scientific silliness. Anyway, I was flying back to DC from Oregon a week ago and I noticed something rather peculiar. I've known this for a while because my mom and sister do it, but I had forgotten until I heard it again and some people next to me laughed at the absurdity. The flight attendant was telling us that the flight to Washington DC would be boarding soon. Only she didn't say Washington, she said "Warshington". This would also occur when someone mentioned doing the warsh or warshing the car. I think it's strictly a west coast thing, maybe even just Oregon. But my coworker says that her dad uses the extra R there too and he's from Texas. So maybe not.
The other word I can think of that we use in the West that I don't think is necessarily used here is "sack" as in a grocery sack. People here only use the word bag.
So I took this quiz and it predicted my accent correctly in that it showed The West as being the highest donominator... but The Midlands? I don't think so. It seems to think that people from Pennsylvania don't have an accent and I greatly disagree...
The other word I can think of that we use in the West that I don't think is necessarily used here is "sack" as in a grocery sack. People here only use the word bag.
So I took this quiz and it predicted my accent correctly in that it showed The West as being the highest donominator... but The Midlands? I don't think so. It seems to think that people from Pennsylvania don't have an accent and I greatly disagree...
| What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Midland "You have a Midland accent" is just another way of saying "you don't have an accent." You have a good voice for TV and radio. | |
| The West | |
| North Central | |
| Boston | |
| The Inland North | |
| Philadelphia | |
| The South | |
| The Northeast | |
| What American accent do you have? Take More Quizzes | |
Monday, November 13, 2006
Word of the Weekend: Architecture
I went to Chicago for the long weekend to visit a dear friend of mine whom I haven't seen in a while. She used to live in Washington and we were inseparable. Then she moved. :(
Anyway, she took me on this incredible architectural boat tour along the lake which taught us everything we'd ever want to know about the buildings of Chicago's downtown area, including the Sears Tower and the Woolworths buildings. I learned a lot of great things about both the architectural styles and Chicago itself, but the overall feeling I came away with was how depressing the Modern style is. Whoever thought that was a good idea (his name is Mies van der Rohe) was pulling a fast one over on everything. Imagine the money he made off of these designs. And all they really amounted to was a rectangular box with no ornamentation, no detail, no creativity. Just a black, lifeless box. Here's an example of the typical Mies van der Rohe design. Those buildings in the background have parking on the lower 20 or so levels. It's rather disconcerting to see cars hanging out where BBQs should be.
Oh and I tried two different kinds of Chicago deep dish pizza. So now I feel that I've had the Chicago experience and I can add it to my list of cities that I actually know something about. I'd never move there though -- too darn cold. While it was 75 degrees here, it was a mere 35 there. Brrr.
Anyway, she took me on this incredible architectural boat tour along the lake which taught us everything we'd ever want to know about the buildings of Chicago's downtown area, including the Sears Tower and the Woolworths buildings. I learned a lot of great things about both the architectural styles and Chicago itself, but the overall feeling I came away with was how depressing the Modern style is. Whoever thought that was a good idea (his name is Mies van der Rohe) was pulling a fast one over on everything. Imagine the money he made off of these designs. And all they really amounted to was a rectangular box with no ornamentation, no detail, no creativity. Just a black, lifeless box. Here's an example of the typical Mies van der Rohe design. Those buildings in the background have parking on the lower 20 or so levels. It's rather disconcerting to see cars hanging out where BBQs should be.
Oh and I tried two different kinds of Chicago deep dish pizza. So now I feel that I've had the Chicago experience and I can add it to my list of cities that I actually know something about. I'd never move there though -- too darn cold. While it was 75 degrees here, it was a mere 35 there. Brrr.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Word of the Day: Vow
vow
noun: a solemn promise, pledge, or personal commitment
I went to Oregon last week for an emergency trip. The late notice ticketing of course gave me no options as to flight times, etc, and that makes for some crazy routing. Why one has to fly an hour north to get 2 hours south is still something I'm comtemplating days later. I had three layovers on each leg of the race -- er, flight. I have also discovered the worst possible way to spend your birthday. It involves a security gate, four-inch wide coach-class seat and the option to buy a pre-heated ecoli burger with onions for $10.
The trip was worth it though because I got to see my family, whom I often don't see but twice during the year, and I was able to see my grandmother, whom I see once every three years, if I'm lucky. She and my grandfather were married for 70 years. If only we could pull that off in our own generation. It took incredible amounts of dedication and patience, I'm sure, but today we are so divorce happy that a 10-year marriage seems long. Look at Britney... two years was actually kind of a long time to be married to that loser, but did she really go into that thinking she'd be happily married to Kevin Federline for 70 years? I don't think we go into marriage for the long haul anymore. I think we only consider marriage with our "today" glasses on. Maybe I'm wrong, but look at all these celebrities with kids and broken marriages.
noun: a solemn promise, pledge, or personal commitment
I went to Oregon last week for an emergency trip. The late notice ticketing of course gave me no options as to flight times, etc, and that makes for some crazy routing. Why one has to fly an hour north to get 2 hours south is still something I'm comtemplating days later. I had three layovers on each leg of the race -- er, flight. I have also discovered the worst possible way to spend your birthday. It involves a security gate, four-inch wide coach-class seat and the option to buy a pre-heated ecoli burger with onions for $10.
The trip was worth it though because I got to see my family, whom I often don't see but twice during the year, and I was able to see my grandmother, whom I see once every three years, if I'm lucky. She and my grandfather were married for 70 years. If only we could pull that off in our own generation. It took incredible amounts of dedication and patience, I'm sure, but today we are so divorce happy that a 10-year marriage seems long. Look at Britney... two years was actually kind of a long time to be married to that loser, but did she really go into that thinking she'd be happily married to Kevin Federline for 70 years? I don't think we go into marriage for the long haul anymore. I think we only consider marriage with our "today" glasses on. Maybe I'm wrong, but look at all these celebrities with kids and broken marriages.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
No More Animals!
I've now read two articles today alone that discuss the idea that animals have become more human-like, even to the point that some animals have cognitive awareness of self and can identify themselves in a mirror. Not just chimpanzees, which have forever been the only animals to display human-like behavior. Now scientists think that elephants might have the ability to identify themselves (read this article).
Yesterday I read an article about how a honeybees genome sequence is more similar to a humans than any other insect. I know that sounds extremely boring, but this article says "Understanding the bee genome might lead to important insights into common mental and brain disorders, such as depression, schizophrenia or Alzheimer’s disease. The bee genome also might provide an important window into immunity and aging." I suppose it's a bit like mice and the fact that we can use them in studies to see how humans might react to drugs and to diseases like cancer, but it's still pretty amazing that researchers can use the DNA of a bee to determine how illnesses can affect humans. Of course, keep in mind that the only insects to be sequenced so far are the mosquito and the fruit fly.
Is it only a matter of time before we realize that animals are smarter and more useful than we ever imaged? I don't think we're quite there yet, at least I don't want to admit that we might be, since I don't really have a huge affection for animals. But I think it's quite possible that we've underestimated the ability of animals.
Yesterday I read an article about how a honeybees genome sequence is more similar to a humans than any other insect. I know that sounds extremely boring, but this article says "Understanding the bee genome might lead to important insights into common mental and brain disorders, such as depression, schizophrenia or Alzheimer’s disease. The bee genome also might provide an important window into immunity and aging." I suppose it's a bit like mice and the fact that we can use them in studies to see how humans might react to drugs and to diseases like cancer, but it's still pretty amazing that researchers can use the DNA of a bee to determine how illnesses can affect humans. Of course, keep in mind that the only insects to be sequenced so far are the mosquito and the fruit fly.
Is it only a matter of time before we realize that animals are smarter and more useful than we ever imaged? I don't think we're quite there yet, at least I don't want to admit that we might be, since I don't really have a huge affection for animals. But I think it's quite possible that we've underestimated the ability of animals.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Word of the Day: Milestone
Milestone: a significant event or stage in the life, progress, development, or the like of a person, nation, etc.: Her getting the job of supervisor was a milestone in her career.
This is my 201st post. I knew the blog had come full circle when someone I don't know found photos of Michelle and me online and then somehow figured out where we work and tracked us down. All because of this darn blog that I can't even remember why I started. The photo in question is last year's Steve-o-ween photos. Turns out some people were googling Steveoween looking for photos and came across my blog (because I'm popular like that) and then we also learned that someone who helps plan the party every year is from Walla Walla. It's a really small world.
So, this year Steve-o-ween is no more. It was called 1324-o-ween or something not nearly as witty. I couldn't stand the thought of supporting a party that ditched Steve, so I went to some other parties instead. The first, on Friday, was a really large event. The hosts dressed as Motley Crew and spent the latter part of the event throwing waffles to an eager crowd. The second, on Saturday, was the scariest halloween party ever. I went as a Corpse Bride and won 2nd place for best costume. Whoo HOO!!
And here is my favorite photo of all -- a duel between 007 and Rainbow Brite.
This is my 201st post. I knew the blog had come full circle when someone I don't know found photos of Michelle and me online and then somehow figured out where we work and tracked us down. All because of this darn blog that I can't even remember why I started. The photo in question is last year's Steve-o-ween photos. Turns out some people were googling Steveoween looking for photos and came across my blog (because I'm popular like that) and then we also learned that someone who helps plan the party every year is from Walla Walla. It's a really small world.
So, this year Steve-o-ween is no more. It was called 1324-o-ween or something not nearly as witty. I couldn't stand the thought of supporting a party that ditched Steve, so I went to some other parties instead. The first, on Friday, was a really large event. The hosts dressed as Motley Crew and spent the latter part of the event throwing waffles to an eager crowd. The second, on Saturday, was the scariest halloween party ever. I went as a Corpse Bride and won 2nd place for best costume. Whoo HOO!!
And here is my favorite photo of all -- a duel between 007 and Rainbow Brite.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
More Clouds
As you may remember from previous posts, I once had a major crush on taking photos of clouds. I think I posted a dozen or so on here. Well, here's the king of all cloud photos. This was taken from the plane when we went to Fort Lauderdale earlier this month...
Pumpkin Picking
This post is going to be mostly photos. Last weekend we went on a trip to the Great Pumpkin Patch, where we picked out many lovely future jack-o-lanterns. Homestead Farms is the best place for pumpkin picking in the area. I go there for apples too, but their pumpkin patch is awesome.
Cassie and I agreed, cut-out photo ops are the best!
And here they are, all carved up
Cassie and I agreed, cut-out photo ops are the best!
And here they are, all carved up
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Word of the Day: Malcontent
malcontent
1. One who is discontented or dissatisfied
I have for a very long time sung the praises of the best music download site in the world, a site that charges (it professes legally) something like .10 cents per song and $1.28 for an album. I know this sounds ridiculously illegal, and most English sites charge $1 a song. But our IPR rules are must more stringent and less forgiving and, well, basically Napster ruined it for everyone a long time ago.
But now, after years of buying music for next to nothing, the pressure on this site to shut down is so great that they are revamping their website to comply with the rules, though only slightly. They will apparently now offer free albums but you can only use their software to play it -- which means no more downloading to the MP3 player. So what is the point of that? Sure it keeps people from distributing more copies of the music that was once delivered as an mp3. But will people really go for this? We are picky. We are demanding. And we want music for the sole reason of playing it on our way to work on the metro and running on the treadmill.
So, thus, I am really malconent at the idea of my perfect Russian music site changing. Who needs change anyway? Why can't we keep things exactly the same forever? Is that really too much to ask?
1. One who is discontented or dissatisfied
I have for a very long time sung the praises of the best music download site in the world, a site that charges (it professes legally) something like .10 cents per song and $1.28 for an album. I know this sounds ridiculously illegal, and most English sites charge $1 a song. But our IPR rules are must more stringent and less forgiving and, well, basically Napster ruined it for everyone a long time ago.
But now, after years of buying music for next to nothing, the pressure on this site to shut down is so great that they are revamping their website to comply with the rules, though only slightly. They will apparently now offer free albums but you can only use their software to play it -- which means no more downloading to the MP3 player. So what is the point of that? Sure it keeps people from distributing more copies of the music that was once delivered as an mp3. But will people really go for this? We are picky. We are demanding. And we want music for the sole reason of playing it on our way to work on the metro and running on the treadmill.
So, thus, I am really malconent at the idea of my perfect Russian music site changing. Who needs change anyway? Why can't we keep things exactly the same forever? Is that really too much to ask?
Friday, October 13, 2006
Word of the Day: NOTHING
I don't have anything profound to say, but I am forcing myself to find something even horribly mundane to write about because I am forced to sit in my cubical of hell for another 1 hour, 18 minutes before I can escape the miserable boredom that sinks in around 3:28 every single friday afternoon.
I spent a few long minutes playing around with the random insult generator but I got a little annoyed when all it would randomly spit out was "You should find out if your university has a refund policy." I think I started to take it persoanlly. Then I tried to see who my soul mate was after the very same insulting website told me it could pinpoint it with great accuracy. I learned that he will have brown, green or blue eyes and his name with start with a U, Z or F. Yeah. Ok.
This one is kinda fun -- you are presented with two bad things and you have to determine which of them is the worst.
It rains every day of your beach vacation.
The weather is perfect, but your hotel room smells like sour feet.
Your boss gives you a 10% pay cut.
Your boss advises you to work 10 extra hours per week.
Here's one I just made up myself:
You work in an office the size of a small bedroom but there are no windows.
You work in a very small cube situated along a bank of floor-to-ceiling windows.
I'm taking Michelle out to dinner and a movie for her birthday tonight in Dupont Circle. Maybe that's why I'm so bored today -- there's something really fun to look forward to.
I spent a few long minutes playing around with the random insult generator but I got a little annoyed when all it would randomly spit out was "You should find out if your university has a refund policy." I think I started to take it persoanlly. Then I tried to see who my soul mate was after the very same insulting website told me it could pinpoint it with great accuracy. I learned that he will have brown, green or blue eyes and his name with start with a U, Z or F. Yeah. Ok.
This one is kinda fun -- you are presented with two bad things and you have to determine which of them is the worst.
It rains every day of your beach vacation.
The weather is perfect, but your hotel room smells like sour feet.
Your boss gives you a 10% pay cut.
Your boss advises you to work 10 extra hours per week.
Here's one I just made up myself:
You work in an office the size of a small bedroom but there are no windows.
You work in a very small cube situated along a bank of floor-to-ceiling windows.
I'm taking Michelle out to dinner and a movie for her birthday tonight in Dupont Circle. Maybe that's why I'm so bored today -- there's something really fun to look forward to.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Word of the Day: Inscrutable
inscrutable:
Difficult to fathom or understand; difficult to be explained or accounted for satisfactorily; obscure; incomprehensible; impenetrable.
Finally, after many days and nights of wonderment, I have discovered what those three incredibly vexing steel spears are that stick up into the sky near Arlington National Cemetary and the Pentagon. I have literally spent hours in dazed confusion over the seemingly random "art" that someone must think is worthy of displaying so prominently along 395 for everyone to see. As this Washington Post article puts it, "From a distance they look like the ribs of a crown roast, or a metallic flower or the graceful ends of a scallion sliced for the crudites platter."
It is none other than the new Air Force Memorial.
I am reminded again of a game in the Mole when I see these spears. The game was for half the team to create a work of art that would be displayed in a gallery opening alongside actual works of professional artists. They created this fabulous treasure chest with a boxing glove on a chain coming out of it -- I think you have to see it to appreciate it. Anyway, they ruined it by putting jewels just out of reach of the glove, which complicated it too much and destroyed the vision. This memorial does that to me. It might have been an interesting concept if it didn't include all these extra elements that complicate it (read the article for more detail). And for the fact that driving by on the freeway, there's no earthly way to tell what it is, and believe me, it's not apparent. To me it looks like a student art project gone wrong.
Difficult to fathom or understand; difficult to be explained or accounted for satisfactorily; obscure; incomprehensible; impenetrable.
Finally, after many days and nights of wonderment, I have discovered what those three incredibly vexing steel spears are that stick up into the sky near Arlington National Cemetary and the Pentagon. I have literally spent hours in dazed confusion over the seemingly random "art" that someone must think is worthy of displaying so prominently along 395 for everyone to see. As this Washington Post article puts it, "From a distance they look like the ribs of a crown roast, or a metallic flower or the graceful ends of a scallion sliced for the crudites platter."
It is none other than the new Air Force Memorial.
I am reminded again of a game in the Mole when I see these spears. The game was for half the team to create a work of art that would be displayed in a gallery opening alongside actual works of professional artists. They created this fabulous treasure chest with a boxing glove on a chain coming out of it -- I think you have to see it to appreciate it. Anyway, they ruined it by putting jewels just out of reach of the glove, which complicated it too much and destroyed the vision. This memorial does that to me. It might have been an interesting concept if it didn't include all these extra elements that complicate it (read the article for more detail). And for the fact that driving by on the freeway, there's no earthly way to tell what it is, and believe me, it's not apparent. To me it looks like a student art project gone wrong.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Word of the Day: Chocolate
I was devastated to learn just now that I am missing the 23rd Annual Chocolate Festival in Lexington market in Baltimore this weekend. I was wondering if such a festival existed, after nearly consuming an entire Caramello (not the regular small size, I admit). Of all the chocolate in the world, I might have the biggest weakness for Caramello. With exception of the insanely delicious caramels I found in a small shop in Brussels (where I learned the true meaning of "to die for").
The festival claims to offer lots of chocolate samples, but the best part, by far, is the chocolate eating contest. Imagine the stomachache that would produce! I mean hotdog eating is bad enough, but stuffing multiple chocolates in your mouth at one time invokes scary memories of the time on Amazing Race when they had to consume hundreds of truffles in search of one that had a white chocolate center.
And speaking of white chocolate, I took a survey to find out what kind of chocolate I was and as it turns out, I am...
The festival claims to offer lots of chocolate samples, but the best part, by far, is the chocolate eating contest. Imagine the stomachache that would produce! I mean hotdog eating is bad enough, but stuffing multiple chocolates in your mouth at one time invokes scary memories of the time on Amazing Race when they had to consume hundreds of truffles in search of one that had a white chocolate center.
And speaking of white chocolate, I took a survey to find out what kind of chocolate I was and as it turns out, I am...
| You are White Chocolate |
 You have a strong feminine side with a good bit of innocence thrown in. Whether your girlish ways are an act or not, men like to take care of you. You are an understated beauty, and your power is often underestimated! |
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