In your spare time

Elevator repairs causing delays - News

2007-09-04T15:04:00.000+02:00

I would just like to say that this "news article" from the Gamecock (which I love dearly) is not really news. Moreover, I cannot understand why these students are taking the elevator in buildings that max out at 3 stories (Humanities may be taller, but I never had a class higher than that.) If you want elevator outages, try Capstone when there is a conference on the 18th floor (reserved elevator) and another elevator on the fritz. That's something worth complaining about!

Elevator repairs causing delays - News

Stupid SPAM

2007-08-03T06:04:00.000+02:00

And not in a can.

I think I have discovered the reason behind the new trend of SPAM including stories or sections from articles, etc. People are trying to evade the filters by making the messages look ever more real (by computer reading standards) so as to slip through those tiny cracks. Luckily, my filter is smarter than the average bear (Boo-boo).

Now if anyone could please explain to me why people bother to spam other people at all. Aside from the messages about selling things, that, I grudgingly understand (though wholeheartedly disapprove of), I can't really find a purpose for other types of spam. It seems like a great big waste of time if you ask me. It's sort of like that graffiti that is written in weird letters no one can actually read - pointless.

Love always, ~Heather

NASA Space Pen

2007-06-08T19:25:00.000+02:00

NASA Space Pen: a ten-year, $12 million price tab ...

I recently had to write a paper on a rumor perpetuated by the Internet. In my travels, I came across this one. Although it wasn't started on the Internet, it certainly has made the rounds!

Mars experiment might help Earthling insomniacs - CNN.com

2007-05-24T06:08:00.000+02:00

Mars experiment might help Earthling insomniacs - CNN.com

More proof that NASA rocks. I can't wait to work there.

NASA Nerd Fun

2007-04-24T06:55:00.000+02:00

This is awesome. I love when space nerds hang out. Nerds or not, we really know how to party!

Party in a NASA Hangar Gives a Glimpse of Space Culture -

Signs of water

2007-04-18T05:09:00.000+02:00

The signs of water sort of make you feel small, don't they?

Signs of water seen on planet outside solar system | Tech News on ZDNet

Aujoud'hui

2007-04-15T08:12:00.000+02:00

Tu me manques. (Tu = Charleville-Mezieres)

Ville de Charleville-Mézières – site officiel de la commune – chef-lieu du département des Ardennes

Comic Books

2007-04-14T05:24:00.000+02:00

I keep finding these really funny pictures when I'm searching for graphics for work. So funny.

comic-book-habit.gif (GIF Image, 517x548 pixels)

What European City Do You Belong In?

2007-04-13T18:18:00.000+02:00

I thought at least one of you would think this was funny, considering it is where you live!

You Belong in Dublin

Friendly and down to earth, you want to enjoy Europe without snobbery or pretensions.

You're the perfect person to go wild on a pub crawl... or enjoy a quiet bike ride through the old part of town.

What European City Do You Belong In?

UN Report Confirms Climate Change

2007-04-13T18:16:00.000+02:00

UN Report Confirms Climate Change

I think that when the whole world agrees, there are 29,000 evidence samples, and a mounting problem the US should finally do something.

Instead we were the ones haggling down the severity of the message. Let's clear something up ... pretending there isn't a problem doesn't make it go away.

How much longer is the US going to wait? Isn't this a good way to become a world leader again? Take efforts to save the world? Being a world superpower means nothing if there is no world.

"Birdman" in hospital

2007-04-12T08:02:00.000+02:00

"Birdman" in hospital after test flight | Oddly Enough | Reuters.com

Well, here is another case of Darwinism at its best. Then again, you have to applaud his gusto.

40th Anniversary of the Selection of the Mercury 7 Astronauts

2007-04-10T23:44:00.000+02:00

40th Anniversary of the Selection of the Mercury 7 Astronauts

Information and details on the Mercury program. There is also a link to the transcripts from press conferences, press releases, and one photo of the group.

Trash Night

2007-04-06T05:46:00.000+02:00

I sometimes wonder if I did something wrong. If that's why you think I'm disposable. If that's why you think you don't need to pay attention. To respond. To be the friend you promised to be.

I also wonder why I bother to care. Because you don't. That much is blatantly obvious.

I wonder if I ignore you the way you ignore me, if that would make you notice. If you might then realize exactly what you appear to be throwing away.

I'm okay with the situation. In fact, I'm thrilled to be saved the complications of it all. Especially since it has been a good long while since we came to that resolution. I haven't broken my end of the deal.

Why have you?

Did I do something specific to deserve this? Did I pain you in some way? Am I that horrendous a being? I don't think that I am.

I could make excuses. I could say to myself that you're busy. That you have alot on your plate. That there are circumstances out of your control that make you so distant. Would that be true?

I seem to be in a trend, a rut. I keep letting people dispose of me. In this rut, I'm okay with it being trash night, and I'm the trash.

But this cannot continue. I'm not trash. I am more than that. I am better than that. I deserve more and better than that.

So how do I get to be kept? I'm probably not going to change, so if it just me you don't like then I'll leave on my own. But there is something not being said. There is a secret lurking.

And this message into the oblivion isn't helping. You think I'm nuts. Stark, raving, stalking, crazy, mad. I'm just concerned. Because I don't understand. I'm confused, and I think you have the answer I'm looking for.

If you were my friend, I think you would just tell me. So, either it is a terrible secret, you don't trust me, or you aren't actually my friend. I'd like to think I can rule out the third one, but perhaps the other two are closer to the truth. But if it's the third one, if you aren't even my friend, then I need to have my judgement checked.

So, here I am, staying up late again when I should be sleeping or writing a speech or something because I'm trying to figure out how to handle this situation. I want you to care enough about me as a person and a friend to do something that would serve the purpose of maintaining our friendship. My artificial deadline for this act is when I finish summer school.

If by then there is no concerted effort, I am going to make myself give up. I'm not a quitter, but I swore to myself I'd stop being a masochist about maintaining friendships that don't stand a chance.

This is sort of like that scene in Erin Brokovich when the biker guy has that jewelry for her and says he was just waiting for the next time she was nice. I am nice. I presume you are nice. I'm waiting for you to prove that you are nice. Your gift is my friendship (which is one heck of a bargain, if I do say so myself!).

Otherwise, I'm taking out the trash. And this time, it won't be me getting sacked.

Love always, ~Heather

Little Man to Waiter

2007-03-27T07:08:00.000+02:00

I just thought this was hysterical. I must find out who the artist is. Have a good one!

PR vs. Journalism

2007-03-07T07:43:00.000+01:00

in which I continue to blog about random things of very little interest at all « yellow is the color…:
In a comment to the blog post above ...

"PR always gets the reputation of the “ugly step-sister.” Journalists look down at PR profesionals as obtacles when, in fact, they are the best source of information and, might I add, exclusive, scoop-worthy information. Any PR professional worth their manolos sees the media as just that. A “medium” to deliver information to their audience. Withholding information and creating barriers is usually directed by legal departments, not PR. But then again, maybe that’s just becuase I’m in PR…."

My friends talk like the girls in Sex & the City. How cool is that?

From Enlistment to Discharge

2007-02-19T22:03:00.000+01:00

This is a really quality Civil War journal. Haley is not only deeply moving but pretty funny too!

From Enlistment to Discharge

Painless Vaccinations

2007-02-19T22:02:00.000+01:00

This could be an exciting revolution. I'm interested to see what other advances they'll be able to ake with it.

NanoPass needles set to vaccinate sans pain - Engadget

Speech

2007-02-16T08:10:00.000+01:00

I just finished another speech and I REALLY like it. I think it is powerful, sarcastic, rich with narrative structure, and forcefully thought-provoking in the call to action.

I am going to wait to see what my teacher thinks about it first though. Not because I need validation, but because if he has any suggestions that could make it better I want you to see the final version.

But trust me, it's good.

Love always, ~Heather

Hiding

2007-02-08T06:09:00.000+01:00

I'm supposedly not supposed to put my personal life on the internet. I think my friend is right. If I ever make it to a real life where I'll be working in the world, I'm going to want to have a bit of stuff that people don't know.

That being said - I'm thinking about a feeling that isn't bad or good. I'm having that feeling in the most positive way possible. I'm [said feeling] because I miss/wish the thing I am [same feeling] of.

This is like a bad word puzzle. I'm going to bed. Love always, ~Heather

Bible Knowledgability

2007-02-04T06:25:00.000+01:00

I think this is pretty good. I have 18% points worth of learning to do. I can handle that!

You know the Bible 82%!

Wow! You are truly a student of the Bible! Some of the questions were difficult, but they didn't slow you down! You know the books, the characters, the events . . . Very impressive!

Ultimate Bible Quiz

Political Inclinations

2007-02-04T06:24:00.000+01:00

ACCORDING TO YOUR ANSWERS,

The political description that
fits you best is...

CENTRIST

CENTRISTS espouse a "middle ground" regarding government

control of the economy and personal behavior. Depending on

the issue, they sometimes favor government intervention

and sometimes support individual freedom of choice.

Centrists pride themselves on keeping an open mind,

tend to oppose "political extremes," and emphasize what

they describe as "practical" solutions to problems .

The RED DOT on the Chart shows where you fit on the political map.

I was wondering ...

2007-02-02T07:38:00.000+01:00

don't you miss me when I'm not around [gone]?

Because as patient as I am, even my friends think you need to get off your lazy @ss.

Or so my sister told me.

~Heather

P.S. I'm really trying to forget you. It's not working out well so far.

***Noting after a brief respite and review of the literature***

It looks as if I've been trying to forget you for awhile. Is that a sign there is something wrong with me or that there is something wrong with the concept of forgetting you? I vote for the latter.

As usual, my vote doesn't count.

~Heather

The Plan vs. Reality

2007-01-18T21:03:00.000+01:00

I came all the way to school (a whopping three miles) to do my work, because I wanted to be productive and I'm not working. In truth, I feel like crap. I was supposed to go to a museum with my sister and instead I have to work. I wanted to meet with two of my professors, but they weren't in their offices. I really need to make this chart, but I have to finish the categorization first. More than anything else, I want to curl up at someone else's place and just lay there and watch television or a movie. Cuddling during this fantasized scene would be ideal.

Instead, I am going to finish typing this and then work on the categorization until I finish. After that, I am going to make the stupid chart and try to stop by and see at least one of my professors. I'm going to email the powerpoint chart I made last week with the appropriate corrections and then finish the recommendation letter I started for a former student. I'm going to be productive. I'm going to get stuff done. And then maybe I'll feel better.

I'm not really all that optimistic about that. Love always, ~Heather

Cliff-Diving

2007-01-17T05:27:00.000+01:00

Ugh to the missing-oh.

This is me, sitting on a big purple chair, wishing there were some way to explain this yucky feeling inside me.

This is me, typing away to people who may not even know me.

This is me, wishing that somehow my work here will fill the empty void I feel inside myself.

My theme of the month is that "I am unrejectable." In theory, this theme is quite good, because it really empowers me to feel good about myself. The only hitch is, you can't really claim to be something you have no control over. In fact, being unrejectable puts me in the curious and precarious situation of not actually putting myself out there with any of my ideas (because if someone were to reject me, my theme would be destroyed).

I dream that someday I won't have to think this way anymore and that I'll be able to read my journal without coming across some angst-y passage. But the only euphoric entries are the fantasies, and no one can truly live in a dream world.

I'm a firm believer in keeping my two feet on the ground (literally and metaphorically). Why is it that I am consistently striding out to the edge of cliffs and dangling myself near the edges - tempting myself to jump? Because even when I don't jump, I usually fall.

This time, it was an unusually large drop. It hurt to hit the ground. Worse yet, it feels like I was made of rubber and keep bouncing along falling repeatedly, but not knocking any sense into myself. For the brief moments my feet are on the ground, I am stable and strong. Then physics takes over and the excess energy bounds me off into the land of repeated pain.

The good news is, that a ball never bounces as high the second time. The fall will be shorter and shorter, the bouncing less and less fierce. The time on the ground will grow longer, until I am solidly there. I have the funny feeling that I'll be leading myself to another cliff though - like a slinky on a staircase, aching to let gravity take control.

I like the idea of being grounded, I do. But I keep thinking to myself that one time - just one time - when I hang out by that cliff I will fall and be caught or fall and learn to fly. As much as it sucks to keep hitting the ground, is it worth it to not jump the time when someone is really there or the wind is just right?

Wouldn't it be marvelous to fly?

I hope being caught will be equally marvelous. And I hope that one day, it happens to me.

[Sidenote, completely ruining my poetic flow there - a NYTimes article recently said that 51% of American women aren't married. That doesn't really play in my favor.]

Bedtime. Love always, ~Heather

Who invented the ice cream cone?

2006-11-14T00:48:00.000+01:00

Not me, Ben, Jerry, or Baskin. Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar?

'Frankenstein' Musical

2006-11-14T00:47:00.000+01:00

I think I should go see this.

Kyoto Failing to Cool the Planet

2006-11-04T20:23:00.000+01:00

What I don't understand is how people can be so stupid. Global warming has happened over a long time, you can't expect it to disappear in less than a decade of enforcement with not even half of the world participating. Judging Kyoto now is like judging the lifetime success of a child who was born in 1993.

As usual, stupidity kills. And so might global warming.

China: We don't censor the Internet. Really | Tech News on ZDNet

2006-11-04T20:20:00.000+01:00

Yeah. Right. Does anyone else think this is pretty funny?

Facial Expressions May Be Inherited

2006-11-04T20:19:00.000+01:00

I feel like there may be other contributing factors here. If it is true, it is one more pointer to the human place in the evolutionary process. We have instinctual responses to things, just like some other species I know ...

Fitness, childhood IQ may affect old-age brain function

2006-11-04T20:16:00.000+01:00

I hope I have the IQ thing covered. I guess I am going to have to start getting fit though. Only 56 years until I am 79!

Earth's wobbles may explain some extinctions, research finds

2006-11-04T20:14:00.000+01:00

I just found this interesting. I wonder what teh correlation between the axis tilt and the magnetic poles are? Does anyone know?

I wonder what would happen to our whole technological universe if the poles started changing. I fear disaster, really as magents change direction. Do you think polar change happens quickly or over time? I vote for over time.Anyway, this is still interesting.

Mes reves me manque

2006-11-02T06:29:00.000+01:00

Is it weird to miss something you never had?

I find myself, much too often, feeling that way. I become attached to ideas, concepts, dreams, that have little to no basis in reality. As Gar said the other night, we can't be upset that we have strong emotions. It's true, it is just something that defines us. But it is a little weird. Then again, what about me isn't?

I don't think I was going anywhere with this, except to say that I miss something. Something different than what I missed just two weeks ago. But something nonetheless. And the thing I miss now is much less tangible. Though, like knowledge-gap theory, the thing I miss creates its own "tangibility" by not existing. Stranger still, I know.

But that's me.

Jamais

2006-10-31T04:32:00.000+01:00

No one ever reads this, which doesn't mean I should actually write things here, because who knows what kind of scary people are stalking my website, but at the same time ...

I've become dreadfully addicted to writing to people, instead of just in my good old leather-bound journal. So here is what I wanted to say. I'm going to be brief - I have things to do.

I wish that people would leave comments when they visited my blog. I think it would be really cool to know what they were thinking when they got to the end of an entry. But if I ask for comments, then I'll get them only from a few people, and ...

Okay, so I think I was basically all the hits on my site today. Which is fine, I get it. People could care less about what I write. But I wish they didn't. It sort of makes it feel as if they could care less about me too.

I wish I didn't care so much. A wonderful person told me the thing they see in me is someone caring. Which I appreciate. But at the same time, I wish I didn't. Because I care I have to deal with the weird emotional swing around that happens inside. And I don't like it. And worse yet, is that now I have to pretend.

I've said it a million times, I just don't want to have to pretend. I don't want to. And I know I am being smart, prudent, polite, appropriate, everything - that the other person is right and I am quasi-wrong is inconsequential - it just means I have to be something I'm not. I have to pretend not to care.

I know. I know. I know. But it doesn't make it any easier. ~Heather

Vomit

2006-10-03T07:47:00.000+02:00

Sadly, this isn't about the Preston talent show.

I was so emotionally drained from an argument I had today I could barely do my homework.

I am trying to patch up an old friendship, and think it may be working out.

I thought I was being normal and then realized that trying to be friends with someone who could care less, just isn't worth it.

I got dressed up (for me) and it wasn't worth the dressing up. But this one has a happier ending...

I consumed way too much sugar today, but the pizza was good.

I am like a tornado, when left in a field I do little damage. Put me in the middle of some sort of population and I wreak havoc.

I don't want to turn myself off. I just want to ... I don't know.

My clothes are everywhere, my junk is everywhere.

I feel like I am going to vomit.

God, help me to be a better person. I don't want to feel this way anymore.

Love always, ~Heather

Two U.S. scientists win Nobel for gene work | Tech News on ZDNet

2006-10-03T06:29:00.000+02:00

Congratulations to these guys. It is amazing how many members of a bowl-winning football team we can name and how few of the geniuses that make our world a better (debateably) place to live.

Express lift to the stars

2006-09-18T17:22:00.000+02:00

Tell me this doesn't remind you or Rearden Metal and then Lost in Space.

Muslims demand apology from Pope

2006-09-18T02:20:00.000+02:00

Do I think the Pope should have incited these people by referencing their prophet in negative terms? No. Do I think this is being blown way out of proportion by a group of people who have reactionaries among them who DO serve their religion with violence? Yes."Of course as we know the meaning of jihad can only be understood by Muslims," Budianto told the crowd. "Only Muslims can understand what jihad is. It is impossible that jihad can be linked with violence, we Muslims have no violent character."Budianto was correct. The only thing I know about jihad I learned in sixth grade social studies. But the last sentence was plain wrong. I don't believe that Muslims are a violent people. They love God, their families, their countries, and their religious figures just like the rest of us. But you absolutely cannot deny that there are SOME Muslims who do use violence. The same way there are extremists in any other religion, they do exist in Islam.I wish it wasn't that way. Unfortunately though, you can only stop it by reminding them what is so marvelous about their religion. And the Pope got up to talk about stopping violence in every religion ... and churches got fire bombed in Gaza. Not violent my *ss.

Gamecock Volleyball!

2006-09-18T02:06:00.000+02:00

Gamecock Volleyball Stuns No. 6 Florida, 3-1

South Carolina beats Gators for first time since 1994

I am very proud of those Lady Gamecocks! Way to go girls. I am so excited you!

(Thanks Marco for the heads up!)Florida's version:

http://gatorzone.com/story.php?id=10898&sport=vollb&html=volleyball/news/20060917074300.html

Gamecock version: uscsports.cstv.com/spor...

A Glass of Wine

2006-09-17T08:10:00.000+02:00

I sat up tonight thinking. I watched Grey's Anatomy so I could distract myself. But I sat up tonight thinking and I ate chocolate and had a glass of wine. All I wanted to do was forget about you. And you too. And prevent myself from doing anything stupid around the one person who has remotely gravitated towards being my friend here.

You first. You treated me like crap even though you knew I liked you. You treated me like I was nothing. And if you think you didn't, then you should think about what ignoring a person will do to you. And it has been almost two years and I can't forget. I wish you would leave me alone. And I finally feel like it is going away. And God doesn't even seem to be telling me to be friends with you anymore. I finally see why so many people told me I could do better than you. But I'm sad that it's true. I wish you were a better person, at least to me. Then we could be friends.

And you. What is with ignoring me? Is it some special thing I have written on my head? "Ignore her." When I more or less expose myself (figuratively) to you, you could try to be kind. You could try and be nice. It doesn't make me feel better that you know everything that is going on with me. It doesn't make me feel better that you read my blog and get to hear about me all the time. I am an adult. I can take it. And all I ever wanted was to be your friend. And you went and spoiled it and made me feel all bad about myself - and that isn't fair. So I don't feel bad about myself anymore. If you came running to me I wouldn't take you. But I do want to be your friend. I do want to keep in touch. I want to hear about your life. The truth isn't going to hurt me - I already know the worst of it and I can imagine the rest. I am a good girl. I don't want anything that isn't yours to give or mine to take. All I want is your friendship. Why can't I have that?

So I had a glass of wine. It made me sleepy, which naturally makes me think about things more. I don't know why this always happens. At first they weren't available because I wasn't their type. Then it was because they weren't emotionally mature enough. Then it was because they just weren't available. I don't know if I want to know what comes next.

I want to make a friend and then just keep them. I want to make a friend and then be able to tell them the truth and have them be adult enough to handle it. I am so tired of being the "grown-up." I am exhausted from the stress of trying to understand why no one understands me. Because the truth is, there are people out there who get me. Or at least seem to get me. But they can't handle me. They don't know how to deal with the awkwardness. It lasts for five minutes, but they can't take it. I thought when I grew up it would be easier, that they would get smarter, nicer, more accepting, more mature. I was wrong.

Now, to make things more complicated, I keep thinking about what I really want. To do the job I want to do I have to be able to dedicate myself to my work all day long everyday. I can't do that if someone else is depending on me, needing me, trying to share their life with me. So maybe this is God's way of keeping me from hurting myself and someone else by getting involved in something I won't be ready or able to do.

But I still don't see why you won't be my friend. Explain it to me, and I won't ever ask again. Tell me why it is weird for you to be friends with me when it was me who threw myself out on the chopping block. I picked myself up and walked away. But I keep looking back. I don't think I'll be able to stop until I understand. Please help me. Love always, ~Heather

Tailrank

2006-09-03T06:27:00.000+02:00

I don't know what to make of this site actually. Does anyone have any advice as to how to properly navigate an engine like this?

The Allen Report

2006-09-03T06:21:00.000+02:00

I think I will start reading this more frequently. I like the tone. More than that, I like reading stuff that comes directly from the press core. Getting prepped for my future career is important!

Orion

2006-09-03T05:57:00.000+02:00

I love the idea of a new design - a new way to put humans in space. I dislike that our innovation has stumbled into the realm of relying on past innovation with new technology. When we consider the new model are we forgetting some important factors? Like why the design was sicontinued to begin with? How having different companies designing the craft caused problems? Why do they blow off the three Apollo 1 astronaut deaths just because they weren't in the air? No one has yet to say how these new crafts will land. They don't say what kind of training will be required to fly them. No, they don't mention any of this, because if they told you they were retrograding to the time of parachute splashdowns (highly dangerous) and pilots who could only control their ships with thrusters smaller than your tailpipe you might be disappointed. One of my professors has been talking about seeing evidence of PR in almost everything he reads. Don't think NASA is giving you the whole deal here - they aren't. Oh, and don't imagine the timeline going any faster either. The release of the Lockheed-Martin deal seems perfectly timed to distract American science writers from discussing the European Space Agency's remote lunar landing this week. I wonder if I go into politics if I can change these people a little. Probably not. But then how?

The Myth About Homework

2006-09-03T05:32:00.000+02:00

After my adventures in France last year, I definitely saw a distinct difference in the homework atmosphere. On the other hand, those students had a heck of alot more free time during the day and no (school sponsored) extracurricular activities to contend with. However, I disagree with this article because they are interpretting the poll one dimensionally.

Students who score lower and take longer on homework are struggling across the board. It is not because they do more homework that they are scoring lower. They have difficulty (and/or are multi-tasking with their tv, computer, Ipod) so it takes them longer.And how was the survey conducted. If you ask a kid how much time they spent working on their homework it is likely exaggerated. Also, they'll include the time they spent doodling, answering their phones, and otherwise procrastinating as study time. When you arrive at your university (which you'll be getting into because you did less homework and got higher test scores {insane amounts of sarcasm here}) they won't rearrange your schedule for you.They opened with "nagging" and the summer reading that didn't get done. You know, I bet your kid wouldn't be struggling if you insisted they keep up with their work. Oh, and just because you can't grasp your seventh grader's vocabulary list doesn't mean that one day they won't grow up and have a job that might require some semblance of brainpower. Encourage them to read from a young age and they will probably do it for FUN - and you can stop nagging.Oh yeah, you could also just try sitting down with them and working with them too. Or would that interrupt your "serendipity"?

No Parking

2006-09-02T16:55:00.000+02:00

How much do you want to bet the DOT did put up that sign? Or that they won't refund the full amount to the people who pay tickets due to a false sign?

Oily Hair

2006-09-02T06:16:00.000+02:00

I wonder if they are going to dump Herbal Essence in there afterwards to make everyone at the resorts they're trying to save have an "organic" experience while wading through a very special seaweed.

I like the environmentally (relatively) safe response. At least they are doing something.

If we destroy our planet will science find a new one?

2006-09-02T06:05:00.000+02:00

If I had a telescope I think I would do this. I don't know if I would leave Earth to help colonize another planet though. I think I have seen too many scifi movies where the colonists get royally screwed. But I wonder, if we get that far while I am still in a healthy state, might I change my mind? Would you go?

Science Literacy Debate (Science and the Media)

2006-08-29T08:03:00.000+02:00

And this is why I am so thrilled to work with him. (See previous entry) I did that project on the Popularization of Space Science three years ago and applied for that fellowship based on a similar theming "public opinion fed by media vs. facts." I am SO excited that I at least have common interests.

Matthew C. Nisbet's

2006-08-29T07:57:00.000+02:00

This is the blog of my new supervisor. I will be his Graduate Research Assistant for at least this semester, if not, the rest of the school year. Luckily, this is significantly easier to read than some of the texts he had on the syllabus. Boy, am I going to have to get used to reading liberal arts based materials! (I miss the objectivity of science already!)

Feel Good

2006-07-30T21:20:00.000+02:00

If you want to feel good or make others feel good, check out this site. The owner was my employer the past two summers and is truly wonderful. Her frames are lovingly done by hand and she'll personalize them any way you choose. They make great holiday gifts too, so save the page and come back later.

You're Not an American

2006-07-30T21:13:00.000+02:00

This blog I think will now be added to a daily reference list somewhere.

The entry You're Not an American is what has hooked me. This is just proof that politics can be as funny as the West Wing without being smutty. (Even if you can't watch the segment, listen to it, because you will be able to tell what is going on.)

Smallest US Flag?

2006-07-12T02:22:00.000+02:00

Science meets patriotism here.

Marry me!

2006-07-12T02:19:00.000+02:00

I have to say that if you are thinking about proposing to me ... you know you are ... that I would rather you just did it. Though the sentiment is much appreciated .... GPS and a year of planning. Wow.

Thou shalt not lie

2006-07-12T01:57:00.000+02:00

An article on lying. What is decent, what is indecent, and what is really worth it?

I am pretty firm on my no-lying stand. In fact, it is why many of my friends and family think I should avoid political office. But when you consider that even exaggerations or exemptions are lies - my future career as a spinner of stories is going to get me in an honesty pickle. I don't think that polling people and considering that worthy of whether or not it is morally right to lie is a good idea. People have such skewed morals as it is - better not let the masses help them make their choices. (Or Jerry Springer might be president.)

That being said, I thought the article was interesting. Two notes - in the end it says that they never "had" to lie, then they used a different response to the next question. Read it again and take into consideration that you lie even if you don't have to. Other note: I think lying to your kids about things to change their behavior is awful. If you want to discipline your child, do it seriously - tell them why. If they can't understand AND you can't explain it so they can, question your reasoning behind the punishment or discipline. They don't have to like it, but they should be able to understand it.

And just so you know, this is from personal experience. As it turns out, there is NO "little bad girl farm" I can be sent to when I misbehave too much; gaining too much weight will not give me a lazy eye; and I am not allergic to monkeys. These three things are all linked to quasi-tramatic times or realizations in my life. I will do my best not to lie to my kids. Remind me of this, please.

"A Dark and Stormy Night"

2006-07-12T01:47:00.000+02:00

You know I am entering this contest next year.

Duct Tape Uses Out of this World

2006-07-12T01:46:00.000+02:00

Who knew duct tape could be so versatile? Remember the time we made a giant six foot long spoon of it? Or the kids who win scholarship money for going to prom in it? It has reached a new (though more practical level) recently. Check it out!

Dictionary Housekeeping

2006-07-03T22:38:00.000+02:00

Did you know that dictionaries delete words from time to time and change their definitions? It's true. Here is a website of lost words. Interesting, interesting. Check it out.

Happy 4th of July

2006-07-03T16:54:00.000+02:00

Here is a page all about the 4th of July. The celebration of this day is an extordinary and wonderful even in America ... I love it!

Letter

2006-06-28T07:01:00.000+02:00

For all of you who have ever considered actually telling someone the thing you are thinking and for those who are too afraid, try this approach: write a letter to no one. Don't address it. Don't add clues. Write a letter not for the receiver, but for you. You'll feel better when you do.

To whom it may concern:

I miss you. Not the same as I did before, but I miss you. I search for glimpses of you and your work but never seem to find you. I know you are still out there. I've gotten over all of it now and I just want to be able to talk to you like before. I wish I could just sit down and write you a letter, but where would I send it? One of the worst things about just giving your information is waiting for the other person to initiate a conversation.

The worst part is, it isn't just you. It is you too. Long past and forgotten by all but me (I'm sure), you haunt me. I keep asking myself the same question: why did you come to my show? Why did you appear like there was no difference so long after? Now I feel like it is finally possible to be friends again. But I hate making the first call.

And finally you. The longest of this running charade and the only one whom I don't fear contacting, you mean nothing to me anymore, but I still feel like I should remain connected. What for? I fear I could never trust you again.

What does this mean? Why should you care? You shouldn't. This letter isn't to you; or is it? Only three spin in my mind and only one stands a chance. And the one that does will never read it. But like I said, I miss you. ~Me

Apartment Hunting

2006-06-08T05:56:00.000+02:00

I am destroying the original purpose of this blog I think. Anyway, I have been apartment hunting. Sublet.com is a pain. Craigslist has all sorts of crap on it. The newspaper listings make it very difficult to know anything. Choosing in a complex that is organized and well prepared for tenants more or less means an extra 100 a month. And it is almost midnight and I have been working on this for hours. Hours I tell you. I wish I knew how to do this right. I am going to read the classifieds in every paper, but I know I will still be struggling to put a good list together. I really want to find a good place in the city. Partly because I hate having to worry about public transportation and it only seems fair to look for a place in between my school and hers. Partly because I finally want to be able to live in a city and do city things and not have to worry about catching the last bus or metro back to my suburb. I feel like if I put myself in the middle of where the action is I can't help but to participate and see it. I want to be all over that. I really do. Not every night. Not even most nights. I am still me of course. But I really want to take this last year and "act like I am actually in my twenties" as my sister put it. Any assistance in the search for my new home would be greatly appreciated. Love always, ~Heather

Abundance of Spare Time

2006-05-10T06:44:00.000+02:00

In my abundance of spare time today I have procrastinated, worked, and done things of moderate to very little consequence. I spent an enormous amount of time updating my other blog and am now infiltrating this space with things that don't belong here because I feel that they are probably safer here. Alot less people read this, and a real die-hard would probably find it anyway.

I am waiting. I am still waiting. I cannot open an email without waiting. I know I shouldn't, and that the moment I stop waiting it will happen. What was I expecting? What am I expecting? A different person I guess. The person who I saw the whole time is the real person. The other side, the side that braved itself in one minute venture, the side that popped out for a small moment and made me feel so big and important ... it is gone. It has moved into hiding never to be seen again in the light of day. Not that the light of day would matter - it's gone now anyway.

People do strange things in the end, don't they? And graduation, as you know is also called commencement. It is a beginning. So why does the end of something so often seem different from the ordinary - why couldn't this next beginning include a little of the end?

I'm not proud of myself. I am happy that I was myself. I am thrilled I did my own thing. I am sorry that I misjudged. And tonight, for the second time in the same day, someone (the same someone, mind you) told me not to be myself. Asked me to change myself. Well I don't want to. I don't like to. It isn't my kind of thing to change the world like that. I don't change the world by minimizing the things that are important to me and changing myself to suit the needs of others. I could never do that. It isn't me. It isn't my personality. Why can't people understand that? What makes me such a tough nut to crack?

I'm honest. My changes are small, minimal, and often inperceptible to those around me; yet they always seem to come as a shock. Why can't people figure me out? I like to pretend I am complicated, deep, an enigma - but I'm not. If you ask any but two questions you are going to get a straight and direct answer (and probably some sort of accompanying story, a trait I have inherited from my mother). And I am not looking for Prine Charming to show up tomorrow, but what IS this crap? I think there are nuns who have had more boyfriends than I have.

I don't know if this is what is really bothering me or if it something else. I don't think anyone could really answer that question. I know I have alot on my plate right now and I feel powerless to do anything about the plate at all. Instead of picking something up and eating it (ie actually doing something) I have been pushing the food around on my plate trying to make it look as if I HAD eaten something. That is crap. It's a lie, and no one deserves that.

I need motion and responsibility. I need a challenge. I want to feel passionate about something again. I am tired of constantly being disappointed. I wanted him. Dommage. Even as a friend. Tant pis. I wanted an internship or a fellowship. Not good enough or qualified enough. I wanted people to call on my birthday. I wanted people to want to listen when I talked about France. Everyone asks if I had a good time but could care less about what I did or what happened. They are asking because they have to; like when you pass someone you know on the street and ask "How are you?" even though everyone just says "Fine" or "Good" and keeps going. It is the obligatory question. The formal response. You could be having the worst day of your life and are so conditioned you'd say good. I bet you you would.

My mother is asleep with the TV on downstairs. She is wasting I cannot tell you how much electricity and will become angry with me if I send her upstairs, I am sure. But she has to go to work tomorrow, so I think I should wake her. But she is an adult right? Why is this vacation so hard? Isn't vacation supposed to be fun and relaxing. I have nothing to do this summer so I can spend time with my family. They went out tonight and forgot to ask the host if I could come. No big deal. But when we are all here we watch TV. I have watched more television in the past few days than I think I watched in three months before that. When I came back I thought it meant the end of lonely nights. I thought I would fit in and be normal again. But dammit, I was never normal to begin with.

I never fit in. Not in the past, not in the present, probably not in the future. I am sure I would hate it if I was normal and won't ever wish for it, because I know that'll be the one wish that comes true and I won't ever get to come back to being me, but the grass is always greener. Maybe I can create my own type of normal. Maybe I can become the epitome of what is a cool normal. People will fit in with me. Maybe that is why I crave being in a couple, because a significant other brings normalcy, consistency, a foot in the door to fitting in with the group. Why am I trying to fit in when I was born to stand out? I'm not trying to be egocentric, but if you've ever seen my hair - I don't think that was an accident.

I could ramble about this forever. Today was a stressful day of the worst kind - because I did nothing, the stress doesn't melt away, it just stays. I hope Garrison coming tomorrow will make me feel a little better. I really hope it does. For now though I am going to go to bed. And I am going to wake up Mom first so she can go up to bed too. I will survive this. It is summer vacation. Everyone loves this. Except me. Gosh am I weird. Love always, ~Heather

Monuments in DC

2006-04-13T21:57:00.000+02:00

Monuments worth seeing!

Making Craters

2006-04-12T11:29:00.000+02:00

I read this article about ... I started reading this article about how they are going to through 2.2 million pounds of dust into space by making a crater and I stopped reading. I had this wild idea. What if the reason there are so many craters on the moon right now is because of a former generation of organisms, who, like humans, tried to exploit resources off of another rock and failed miserably - their entire civilization disappearing beneath the waves in an Atlantis like showdown between Mother Nature and her unworthy offspring. I mean seriously, what if? All evidence could be buried in the middle of some nowhere ... proof of the insanity of the venture. And off we go to take over the moon. A new face in the human quest to colonize nations. At least there aren't any aboriginals on the moon. Or so we think.

PS - I have never been able to actually spot the man in the moon. Can someone point it out next time we're together?

Palm branch folding

2006-04-11T10:13:00.000+02:00

Palm Sunday has come and gone, did you suceesfully get youtrs into the form of a cross? (I gave up on this years ago, but am excited to try again now that I have directions! Thanks to St.Elizabeth! (link to come)

Hermione Time

2006-04-07T23:11:00.000+02:00

I just can't help it. I spent a good amount of time on the HP Lexicon tonight reading about the relationships between the characters and theories about plot endings and such from people all over the world. I love that. However, I do tend to get a little too wrapped up in it. Anyway, you know I love Hermione, and Lorien would tell you she's just like me anyway ... so here is a segment from an interview with screen writer Steven Kloves and JK Rowling about Hermione and her character. (If you are as easily addicted as I am, please, for the love of your time, do not delve into the links on any lexicon or otherwise Floo Networked page.)

Lizo: Steve, Hermione is a character that you have said is one of your favorites. Has that made her easier to write?

Steve: Yeah, I mean, I like writing all three, but I've always loved writing Hermione. Because, I just, one, she's a tremendous character for a lot of reasons for a writer, which also is she can carry exposition in a wonderful way because you just assume she read it in a book. If I need to tell the audience something...

JKR: Absolutely right, I find that all the time in the book, if you need to tell your readers something just put it in her. There are only two characters that you can put it convincingly into their dialogue. One is Hermione, the other is Dumbledore. In both cases you accept, it's plausible that they have, well Dumbledore knows pretty much everything anyway, but that Hermione has read it somewhere. So, she's handy.

Steve: Yeah, she's really handy. And she's also just, I think, just tremendously entertaining. There's something about her fierce intellect coupled with a complete lack of understanding of how she affects people sometimes that I just find charming and irresistible to write.

PS - Does anyone think it would be strange for me to name a daughter Hermione now? I feel like I should choose a less popular series of books. I have to continue the family tradition .. no child of mine will have a name from nowhere! (Unless I adopt, in which case it comes from their parents!)

Art in Cuba

2006-04-07T17:56:00.000+02:00

For my bilingual friends, check out this article about art in Cuba. Of course they malrepresent the US, but the descriptions are good. If nothing else, and you don't speak any french, just look at the interesting picture. It is worth the quick visit.

Also, a site translated from the German.

American in Paris

2006-04-07T17:40:00.000+02:00

He asked to be my friend on MySpace and couldn't help but fall into his extremely well-written blogs. He's an American musician living in Paris. I have not yet given him a listen, but if the lyrics are anything like the blogs, I think I may have found a new independent favorite (Jump Little Children has been moved to a classic since their break-up.)

Lawsuits are a gas

2006-04-05T10:51:00.000+02:00

Yeah. This is ridiculous. Who knew a whoopee cushion was sexual discrimination? And to think it caused a nervous breakdown. Further evidence that 1.) The British are more uptight than they need to be and 2.) lawsuits are getting out of hand.

Branching out for the Classics

2006-04-05T10:46:00.000+02:00

Jeans are such a classic look, whether you are riding, walking, sporting, or modeling. Oh yeah, or praying. Ever had those horrible days when you just need to get down and pray but your jeans are too tight. Enter Al Quds. These new jeans made for Muslims (by Muslims too!) took research and more to fit the unique needs of the frequent prayer. We need a Catholic pair, with knee pads.

**Reminds me of the time we made those shoes in the fifth grade with the springs, the sponges, and something else as our advertising scheme. I miss Colleen and was it Deanna?**

Unemployment solution

2006-04-05T10:41:00.000+02:00

Plus: A little extra cash
Minus: Work can only be done twice a year unless you consider flying from time zone to time zone. And then, VCR's will still be a problem.

Read about the boy who changed clocks.

Animals Gone Domestic?

2006-04-05T10:32:00.000+02:00

Some interesting stories from CNN Offbeat about animals wreaking havic in their former domains.

The Sea Lion who Wouldn't go Home
I would like to say that it is sad that they talk about the high demand for the fish (human consumption) and then later reference endangered salmon to help convince people that their cause to "lethally romove" the animals is valuable. This is nature folks. Stop trying to regulate because you screwed it up. Just stop screwing up.

Ding-Dong, I came to Pick up my Date for Dinner.
Yeah, nothing like this. Kind of like the time we had Wally the pet alligator in the backyard. Our own fault. We lived in the former home of the Everglades.

Walmart Live-In

2006-04-05T10:30:00.000+02:00

If you ever thought you spent too much time in Walmart during your time in college, here is someone who probably has you beat. And has alot of endurance.

Rejected Greeting Cards

2006-04-05T09:58:00.000+02:00

You knew it had to exist - the Hallmark loser pile. The cards no one really sends. My favorite is this Christmas thriller - prepare to get it next Chrsitmas:

Among the losers is a holiday card that announces on its face, "Christmas just wouldn't be the same without peanut brittle." Then, inside: "Or Jesus."

More to know about me

2006-04-04T17:51:00.000+02:00

Brainy Kid

In high school, you were acing AP classes or hanging out in the computer lab.

You may have been a bit of a geek back then, but now you're a total success!

Who Were You In High School?

You Passed 8th Grade Science

Congratulations, you got 8/8 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Science?

I love these things when they come up right!

Free Information

2006-04-04T17:17:00.000+02:00

I don't know where the right to privacy begins and ends anymore. I feel like if this is public information than people should be able to see it, and Google is just making it more accessible and in the same place. Simultaneously, I feel like it is a threat. Should just anyone be allowed to see the layout of a military base, how many planes are on the runway, boats in port, or submarines in dry dock? But if we give up that right for safety, aren't we then giving up the right to see the aerial imagery of the fields or deserts in the middle of nowhere that some people need to use as guidance materials when flying airplanes, balloons, deciding where to put roads, etc?

I feel like this is freedom of information and that law never foresaw this type of technology. But if you limit one thing, where does it stop?

Find out why I'm concerned.

Mafia? Garbage?

2006-04-04T15:50:00.000+02:00

Frightening someone thought to ask. Loving the response. It's weird though, huh?

The Onion

2006-03-30T15:08:00.000+02:00

If you want news in the most sarcastic form possible - have at this. I enjoy the horoscopes.

Jumping

2006-03-30T15:04:00.000+02:00

I have no idea why I looked this up. Don't worry, I am perfectly happy.

Atten: Sexual Inuendo

2006-03-30T14:55:00.000+02:00

I love Marco for alot of reasons, but the weird stuff he finds on the web takes the cake. Check this out - and send it to a friend in June.

Road Names Gone Wild

2006-03-30T14:54:00.000+02:00

Not kidding, my cousin Diane lives on Shades of Death Road. Any weird street signs near you?

Mature Brain

2006-03-30T14:34:00.000+02:00

I am unsure if it is a good or bad thing that the brain appears to mature faster in children with superior intelligence - but I wonder about whether they also did a comparitive study of performance instead of just IQ tests.

Snake-free

2006-03-30T11:44:00.000+02:00

As it turns out, there are an amazing number of locations that are snake-free for all of you who, like Indiana Jones, are fearful of the slithery creatures!

Missing the X?

2006-03-29T13:44:00.000+02:00

Because it has been so long since my last dose of the X-Files, I decided to surf that too. The Timeline of events. I must say that although I am a fan, I don't think I could ever be enough of a fan to do anything like making this timeline or the previously referenced HP Lexicon. I tip my hat to all those who's passion drives them to such acts of incredible nerdiness and state my appreciation simultaneously.

Horcruxes

2006-03-29T13:37:00.000+02:00

If you have't talked to me since I finished reading the 6th Harry Potter (both times (English and French)), then you haven't heard all my theories on the Horcruxes etc. I direct you to the Harry Potter Lexicon, a fabulous source for any vocabulary or asundry other details about Harry Potter you lack. The page here is specifically citing Horcruxes and the last possible Horcrux is a definite in my mind. Also, thanks to Leacy, I believe that RAB is Regulus Black. The Lexicon agrees this is possible.

No One Reads This

2006-03-29T13:36:00.000+02:00

I am under the impression that no one really reads this blog. Nevertheless, I think these sites are cool!

Yankee through and through

2006-03-24T18:32:00.000+01:00

29% Dixie. You are a Yankee Doodle Dandy.

As it turns out, I am more northern than most. This does not bother me one bit. I should note however that centipede or millipede (the appropriate response to the last question) is not available.

Mars vs. Venus

2006-03-23T16:39:00.000+01:00

So my cousin Ian sent this. (Two in one day!) I feel like if I was ever in a relationship like this (which I am not, and probably never will be) this would be true. And even if it wasn't true, it would still be pretty funny.

I never quite figured out why the sexual urge of men and women differ so much. And I never have figured out the whole Venus and Mars thing. I have never figured out why men think with their head and women with their heart.
FOR EXAMPLE: One evening last week, my girlfriend and I were getting into bed.Well, the passion starts to heat up, and she eventually says "I don't feel like it, I just want you to hold me."I said "WHAT??!! What was that?!"So she says the words that every boyfriend on the planet dreads to hear... "You're just not in touch with my emotional needs as a woman enough for me to satisfy your physical needs as a man." She responded to my puzzled look by saying, "Can't you just love me for who I am and not what I do for you in the bedroom?"Realizing that nothing was going to happen that night, I went to sleep.

The very next day I opted to take the day off of work to spend time with her. We went out to a nice lunch and then went shopping at a big, big unnamed department store. I walked around with her while she tried on several different very expensive outfits. She couldn't decide which one to take so I told her we'd just buy them all. She wanted new shoes to compliment her new clothes, so I said lets get a pair for each outfit. We went onto the jewelry department where she picked out a pair of diamond earrings. Let me tell you...she was so excited. She must have thought I was one wave short of a shipwreck. I started to think she was testing me because she asked for a tennis bracelet when she doesn't even know how to play tennis. I think I threw her for a loop when I said, "That's fine, honey." She was almost nearing sexual satisfaction from all of the excitement. Smiling with excited anticipation she finally said, "I think this is alldear, let's go to the cashier."

I could hardly contain myself when I blurted out, "No honey, I don't feel like it."Her face just went completely blank as her jaw dropped with a baffled WHAT?"I then said "honey! I just want you to HOLD this stuff for a while. You're just not in touch with my financial needs as a man enough for me to satisfy your shopping needs as a woman." And just when she had this look like she was going to kill me, I added, "Why can't you just love me for who I am and not for the things I buy you?"Apparently I'm not having sex tonight either....

Alright girls. Shall we adjust our tactics???

2006-03-23T16:27:00.000+01:00

President Bush, First Lady Laura, and Dick Cheney were flying on Air Force One. George looked at Laura, chuckled and said, "You know, I could throw a $1,000 bill out of the window right now and make somebody very happy."Laura shrugged her shoulders and replied, "I could throw ten $100 bills out of the window and make ten people very happy."Cheney added, "That being the case, I could throw one hundred $10 bills out of the window and make a hundred people very happy."
Hearing their exchange, the pilot rolled his eyes and said to his co-pilot, "Such big-shots back there. Hell, I could throw all of them out of the window and make 56 million people very happy."

I would like to say, in deference to our absolutely fabulous service men and women who transport the President and other officers that I appreciate that even if these thoughts have passed through your mind, that you absolutely love your country enough to not do it. Better yet, I am pretty sure you would never think those things - because you are seriously the best of the best.

The 90's

2006-03-23T16:22:00.000+01:00

Thanks to Ian for the post on this one. Got this off of a MySpace Bulletin. Finally, I feel like part of that cool crowd. You know, the ones where there used to be all these forwards about what was cool in the 80's and you knew it but it wasn't the best thing ever? These things (sadly an awful lot of television shows) were the best things ever.

Anybody under the age of 15 should not read this, and if you should, you should not repost this. Just because you were born in '92 doesn't mean you're a 90's kid. It's not like you could remember the original Simpsons. I am sorry but three conscious years of the nineties just wont cut it.

You're a 90's kid if:

You've ever ended a sentence with the word "PSYCHE!" You can sing the rap to "The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air" You remember when Kurt Cobain, Tu Pac, River Phoenix, and Selena died. You know that "WOAH" comes from Joey from "Blossom" and that "How Rude!" comes from Stephanie from "Full House" You remember when it was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons. You got super excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school. You remember reading "Goosebumps" You know the profound meaning of "Wax on, wax off" You have pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf. You took plastic cartoon lunch boxes to school. You danced to "wannabe" by the Spice Girls, Females: had a new motto, Males: got a whole lot gay-er. (so tell me what you want, what you really really want.) You remember the craze then the banning of slap bracelets and slam books. You still get the urge to say "NOT" after (almost) every sentence...Not... Where in the world is Carmen San Diego? was both a game and a TV game show. Captain Planet. You knew that Kimberly, the pink ranger, and Tommy, the red* Ranger were meant to be together. To the last sentence you said.....hey...Tommy was the green* ranger!!!! *later to be white When playing power rangers with friends you fought over who got to be who............and still all ended up being tommy. You remember when super nintendo's became popular. You remember watching home alone 1, 2 , and 3........and tried to pull the pranks on "intruders" "I've fallen and I can't get up" You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates Two words... Trapper Keeper. You ever got injured on a Slip 'n' Slide You wore socks over leggings scrunched down

"Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack, all dressed in black, black, black, with silver buttons, buttons, buttons, all down her back, back, back" SHE ASKED HER MOTHER MOTHER MOTHER FOR FIFTY CENTS CENTS CENTS TO SEE THE ELEPHANTS PHANTS PHANTS JUMP OVER THE FENCE THE FENCE THE FENCE he jumped so high high high he touched the sky sky sky and he didnt come back back back til the forth of july ly ly he jumped so low ow ow he stubbed his toe toe toe and thats the end end end of the elephants show show show

You remember boom boxes vs. cd players You remember New Kids on The Block when they were cool You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved By The Bell" You played and or collected "Pogs" You had at least one Tamagotchi, GigaPet or Nano and brought it everywhere You watched the original Care Bears, My Little Pony, and Ninja Turtles NANCY DREW AND THE HARDY BOYS WERE THE BEST MYSTERY BOOKS Yikes pencils and erasers were the stuff! All your school supplies were "Lisa Frank" brand.(pencils.notebooks.binders.etc.) You remember when the new Beanie Babies were always sold out. You used to wear those stick on earings, not only on your ears, but at the corners of your eyes. You remember a time before the WB. You've gotten creeped out by "Are You Afraid of the Dark?" You know the Macarena by heart. "Talk to the hand" ... enough said You thought Brain woud finally take over the world You always said, "Then why don't you marry it!" You remember when everyone went slinky crazy. You remember when razor scooters were cool. when we were younger: Before the MySpace frenzy. Before the Internet & text messaging. Before Sidekicks & iPods. Before MIKE JONES Before PlayStation2 or X-BOX. Back when you put off the 5 hours of homework you had every night. WHEN LIGHT UP SNEAKERS WERE KOOL When you rented VHS tapes, not DVDs. When gas was $0.95 a gallon & Caller ID was a new thing. When we recorded stuff on VCRs & paid $3.50 for a movie. When we called the radio station to request songs to hear off our walkmans. When 2Pac and Biggie where alive. When the Chicago Bulls were the best team ever. Way back. Tag. Get Over Here!!!! means something to you. Hide-n-Go Seek at dusk. Red Light, Green Light. Heads Up 7 Up. Playing Kickball & Dodgeball until your porch light came on. Hopskotch. Slip-n-Slides.... now there are just ghetto ones Tree Houses. Hula Hoops. HELLO....HOT WHEELS!!!!! "POWER OF LOVE" BY CELINE DION..ONLY COUPLES COULD SKATE TO THIS. The annoying Nano Pets & Furbies. Running through the sprinklers. That "Little Mermaid" Crying when Mufasa died in the Lion King. Happy Meals where you chose a Barbie or a Hot Wheels car. Getting the privelage to sit in the front seat of the car. Drinking Sqeeze It "Squeeze The Fun Out Of It" CAPRI SUN Watching Saturday Morning Cartoons in your PJ's still wrapped up in your TMNT, Power Rangers, Barbie, Fairy Princess comforter. Hey Arnold, Doug, Rugrats. The original Power Rangers Or what about: The Secret Life of Alex Mac. Ren & Stimpy. Double Dare. Family Double Dare. Rocco's Modern Life. AAAHH!! REAL MONSTERS. Wild & Crazy Kids. Clarissa Explains it All. CAMP NOWHERE salute your shorts(CAMP ANAWANA) Are You Afraid of the Dark? The original cast members of All That. Kenan & Kel. "CITY GUYS"...ROLLW/ THE CITY GUYS DOUG! magic school bus. Nick Arcade. flash forward. the adventures of pete and pete. legends of the hidden temple. hey dude. dinosaurs. Mummies Alive pinky and the brain. Sailor Moon. blossom. hangin with mr. copper. wishbone. bill-nye the science guy! MR RODGERS!!!! Who could forget Snick? & Nick @ Nite with Bewitched, I Dream of Jenie, The Facts of Life & I Love Lucy. Where everyone wanted to be in love after watching The Wonder Years. or nick jr. with face gulah gulah island little bear Busy Town under the unbrella tree PEE-WEE'S MOTHER F***ING PLAYHOUSE!!! The Big Comfy Couch Kool-Aid was the drink of choice. Wearing your new shoes on the first day of school. Class field trips. When Christmas was the most exciting time of year. When $5 seemed like a million, & another dollar a miracle. When you begged to go to McDonalds for dinner everyday. When Toys R Us overuled the mall. Go back to the time when: Decisions were made by going 'eeny-meeny-miney-moe'. Mistakes were corrected by simply exclaiming 'do over!' 'Race issue' ment arguing about who ran the fastest. Money issues were handled by whoever was banker in 'Monopoly'. It wasn't odd to have two or three 'best' friends. Being old referred to anyone over 20. A chance to skate as a couple at the local roller rink was like winning the lottery. Scrapes & bruises were kissed & made better. Where the best form of protection was "circle circle dot dot now I've got my cootie shot, circle circle square square now I've got it everywhere" It was a big deal to finally be tall enought to ride the 'big people' rides at the fair. When playing Nintendo was the hardest thing ever. When Ninja Turtles ruled the world.

Before we realized all this would eventually disappear who would have thought youd miss the 90's so much!!!!!

Long neck

2006-03-23T16:09:00.000+01:00

In The Land Before Time we learn all about the long-neck dinosaur, the triceratops, the T-rex, and a few other notable species like the teradactal. Ever since the revelation that the Brontosaurus wasn't real, I have been a little skeptical about new dinosaur finds. But here is one, that looks strange, yet credible. (Then again, isn't anything coming from a palentologist instead of me going to seem credible?)

Singing Hobbits?

2006-03-23T13:20:00.000+01:00

You know I love musicals. This one being three and a half hours shouldn't stop me from seeing it. But you really have to wonder ... 23 million and five years, and they are leaving it up to some singing Hobbits? Break a leg! (not literally, but saying good luck could give them bad luck. Freakish superstitious theater folk!)

Baseball Fever

2006-03-22T11:30:00.000+01:00

Gotta love this. And you guys thought you had sports fever.

Hypocrisy in Action

2006-03-22T10:51:00.000+01:00

In deference to my previous remarks about Taking on Democracy, I would now like to highlight Hypocrisy in Action. I am neither a Democrat nor a Republican. I consider myself to be moderate - veering towards conservative on issues of small government and towards liberal on social policy (a contradiction in itself). However complicated my political mindset, there is no comparison to the idiotic tendencies of the people in the White House Communications Office who have not all quit their jobs. Seriously, they should never let the man have a podium.

Example: Quotation from the President of a country that has a majority of the nuclear weapons in existence today: "if the Iranians were to have a nuclear weapon, they could blackmail the world; if the Iranians were to have a nuclear weapon, they could proliferate."

Hi! Welcome to the real world! Why do we have the right, France has the right, Russia has the right ... lots of places have nuclear weapons ... why do we have the right, and not them? I understand that our governments are more predictable, restrained, and less likely to revolution. However, I don't think we have the right to get upset because other countries want to create nuclear weapons. Every country has the right to do what they want. Even if we don't like it. Unless they join a union or agreement or something. Then they are obliged to follow it. Until then, we need not invade them because we are scared of their inconsistency. Nothing works to spark peoples' desire to blow other people up like being invaded. Idiocy.

So here he goes, instigating using military resources (practical considering our forces our overdrawn at the moment):
"The threat from Iran is, of course, their stated objective to destroy our strong ally Israel," he said in a speech to the City Club of Cleveland.
"That's a threat, a serious threat. It's a threat to world peace... I made it clear, I'll make it clear again, that we will use military might to protect our ally, Israel."
Bush also stressed the desire for a united message on Iran from the Security Council "in order to say loud and clear to the Iranians this is unacceptable behavior".

If to make something clear you have to repeat yourself, using the same word three times, you either have no back up vocabulary, you are an idiot, or your point stands no chance of being clear. Stop while you are ahead; meaning just don't talk.

Read the rest of his poorly worded comments in the link above. Feel free to comment on it yourself. I guess in this case I am less politically opposed to what he is saying then to the fact that I am an oratorical snob and cannot handle poor public speakers - especially on a national and international stage.

If you read the full transcript, you get comments on stuff from home too. My favorite so far is:

"I'm going to continue to work with Congress to restrain federal spending."

Yeah dork, do that while building the infastructure of another country and paying the military forces hazardous duty pay to be there. Good plan.

"Now I'd be glad to take any questions you have, starting with the AP person."

Could we try learning their name?

"...by the way, other than Mr. Allawi -- who I know, by the way; like. He's a good fellow."

Add 'jolly' and we've got, like, a valley girl birthday song, by the way.

"Iraq would become a place of instability, a place from which the enemy can plot, plan and attack."

Yeah, 'cause they aren't doing that now. And when do you stop the learning curve by the way - if you say we can't leave too early. Isn't there a point where the teacher is done and the student becomes responsible for their own progress?

"I believe that my job is to go out and explain to the people what's on my mind. That's why I'm having this press conference, see? I'm telling you what's on my mind. "

Wow. Profound.

"That's the job of the president. The job of the president is not to worry about the short-term attitudes. The job of the president is to confront big issues and to bring them to the front and to say to people: Let's work together to get it solved."

Delete the second sentence and you have got a clear, conscise, actually qualifiable statement.

Free except from themselves

2006-02-23T14:25:00.000+01:00

I never really had an strong opinion about going to war in Iraq. I did think it was good to liberate the people, but still believed that the people should liberate themselves if they want freedom. And now, we have more evidence that they just aren't ready for any type of freedom. Freedom insinuates that there will be tolerance for the newly liberated ideals of others - free from persecution and punishment. I think blowing up a place of worship is a pretty big signal that no amount of "liberation" is going to matter. I am also pretty sure the Arab world could do without the US saying they would help rebuild the shrine.

Bird Flu Migration

2006-02-18T18:03:00.000+01:00

More evidence of how stupidity kills. In this case, literally.

http://edition.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/conditions/02/17/birdflu.ap/index.html

"Authorities questioned how the virus reached Europe." Has no one ever heard of migration? These creatures fly. How do you think they got her? By train?

I think I am going to have words with my neighbors tomorrow about bringing their ducks in the house, instead of leaving them in the yard. Oh, and I am making a sign for the door downstairs so people will shut it behind them. I had to chase another bird off of the landing this week through my bathroom window. And I'm worried about sleeping in a cabin all summer, ha!

Virginity as a Mitigating Factor

2006-02-18T17:59:00.000+01:00

http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/02/17/italy.abuse.reut/index.html

Can I just say that this is horrible, aboniable, and any other evil like word you can think of? As if previous sexual experience excuses someone from committing a crime. It reminds me of "My Short Skirt" from the Vagina Monologues. As it is V-Week right now, I hope people are railing on this issue left and right. Remind me to not go to Italy.

Politics 2008

2006-02-16T16:13:00.000+01:00

After my earlier posting about getting involved in politics, I thought I would give you this link.

It has a pretty decent breakdown for the 2008 Presidential race and information about the primaries, caucuses, and current leaders in the House and Senate. If you make it to the bottom of the parties page, you'll also find links to 8 other (3 significantly larger than the others) political parties. These "Third Party" options might be a refreshing glance into the voices of the "little people." Happy reading.

Mensa

2006-02-16T15:41:00.001+01:00

I had no idea this existed, but I have to tell you that the idea really excites me. Yeah, yeah as if it wasn't bad enough that most of my friends are justy as nerdy as I am - I want to join an international organization of smart people. First thing's first though. I have to qualify.

When you check out the website, take the Mensa Workout. In deference to my source (and all fairness to the rest of the people who read this) no score quoting. Have fun and let your brain be stimulated!

Taking on Democracy

2006-02-16T14:05:00.000+01:00

**Help America's Youth Make Informed Voting Choices**

It is once again an election year (albeit primarily Congressional) and the voters have the power to change the government. That is, the voters who show up.

The youth of America fought for the voting age to be reduced to 18 and in the 2002 mid-term elections voters 18-24 were represented by 19% of people our age. That's right friends and compatriots, 81% didn't even show up. I think that is a pitiful representation of our generation. We're better than that.

However, this message isn't about getting out the vote (though you really should). It is about making it easier to go and vote. Figuring out which candidate to vote for can be a pain. There are limited places to find all the information you need about which issues they support or are against and even after you do, sometimes you don't even know where YOU stand on the issue.

It would be pretty hard to get you everything you needed to know about every candidate in one place, but helping you get informed about issues is easy to do. And you can help.

Below is a list of issues, big and small, local and federal. Take some time to look over them. For sure, you have feelings about at least one of them. Help the youth of America make informed decisions on these issues. Write up a statement (whatever length you'd like) and send it to:

takingondemocracy@gmail.com

Your opinion will be compiled and added to a database which will be made available for everyone to read. If you aren't able to write up a policy statement - have no fear. You can make your contribution by linking to this site and getting the word out to everyone that this service is going to be made available.

The youth of America are going to help educate each other like never before. It may seem early to get this started, voting not being until November, but it is going to take some time to get all the information together and get the word out. Please help get the word out.

Issues (By subject Matter)

~General~
Gun (Control)
Privacy
Drinking Age
Legalization of Marajauna
Crime
Terrorism
Public Transportation
Flag Burning

~Schools~
National/Standarized Tests
Elimination of Specialty Programs (Sports, Arts, Honors, etc)
Sexual Education
Evolution vs. Intelligent Design
Prayer in Schools
School Vouchers

~Defense~
Military Spending
Nuclear Proliferation
Placement of Overseas Troops
The Draft

~Minorities~
Affirmative Action
Racial Profiling
English as a Second Language
Immigration Controls
Border Control

~Right to Life?~
Abortion
Euthanasia
Death Penalty

~Money~
Taxes
Outsourcing
Campaign Finance

~Environment~
Greenhouse gas emissions
Pollution
Exploratory drilling for oil

~Homosexuality~
Gay Marriage
Gays in the Military
Hate Crime Legislation

~Families~
Welfare
Childcare
Violence on TV/in Films

~Social Services~
Social Security
Medicare/Medicaid
Prescription Drugs
Medical Research
AIDS and other disease education

If you are going to send a statement about one of these issues, or another that is important to you, please put the name of the issue in the subject line of your email to: takingondemocracy@gmail.com

You will get a reply statement when your statement is received including when your statement will be posted with a link to the site (it is as yet to be determined, depending on response rate).

Any questions can also be referred to the above email address. Questions about how to vote, registering to vote, etc. are welcome as well.

Thank you for reading this through to the end. We are the future of our country. It's time we started making some decisions for ourselves.

Silenced Scientists

2006-02-09T17:55:00.000+01:00

I know I have said it alot lately, but I think the book Atlas Shrugged is coming true. I really hope this is an over extended writer making news out of nothing. But then again, it probably isn't.

Rubix Cube

2006-02-02T22:24:00.000+01:00

In case you have spare time on your hands (literally) try to beat the new Rubix Cube record: 11.13 seconds.