Saturday, December 31, 2005
the last post of 2005
i'm putting this up just cause. happy new year everyone.
i saw an awesome local band
last night at sully's. check out lovesickcousin.com.
i walked in and they were singing 'son of a preacherman.' how much better can life get? oh, yeah, they did it well. that's better.
i walked in and they were singing 'son of a preacherman.' how much better can life get? oh, yeah, they did it well. that's better.
Friday, December 30, 2005
lists lists
the end of the year is known for lists. here's a few:
Top 10 National Geographic News Stories - in case you were interested.
10 Grossest Things We Saw On TV from EW.
The Year's Biggest Discoveries from wired.
100 things we didn't know this time last year - 78 is priceless.
Most outrageous statements of 2005 - these are great!
25 Dumbest Quotes - similiar list, politics abound.
2005 Most and Least Annoying - i'm linking to the j-walk site so you can read his commments.
Top 10 National Geographic News Stories - in case you were interested.
10 Grossest Things We Saw On TV from EW.
The Year's Biggest Discoveries from wired.
100 things we didn't know this time last year - 78 is priceless.
Most outrageous statements of 2005 - these are great!
25 Dumbest Quotes - similiar list, politics abound.
2005 Most and Least Annoying - i'm linking to the j-walk site so you can read his commments.
this is dumb
KentuckyFriedCruelty.com. i'm an animal lover and all, but i hate living in the same town as the PETA headquarters. cause i'm always sure to catch news like this.
because i've been so busy around the house, this is a meme break
from frog: 1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought? i don't even remember...
2. How much cash do you have on you? none
3. What's a word that rhymes with 'TEST'? best
4. Favorite planet? pluto
5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell? eric
6. What is your favorite ring on your phone? the one that actually sounds like a telephone
7. What kind of shirt are you wearing? my favorite sweatshirt
8. Do you 'label' yourself? no
9. Name the brand of your shoes you're currently wearing? sketchers
10. Bright or dark room? i'm in a bright one, but prefer a dark one
11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you? i don't know her but she seems nice
13. what happened to number 12? didn't even notice...
14. What were you doing at midnight last night? maybe sleeping
15. What did your last text message you received on your cell say? 'have good news'
16. Where is your nearest 7-11? a few blocks down
17. What's a saying that you say a lot? omg, becky
18. Who told you they loved you last? eric
19. Last furry thing you touched? the cat that is currently on my lap
20. How many drugs have you done in the past three days? one
21. How many rolls of film do you need to get developed? none
22. Favorite age you have been so far? this one is good
23. Your worst enemy? the aforementioned cat
24. What is your current desktop picture? pretty purple flowers
25. What was the last thing you said to someone? technically? 'okay'
2. How much cash do you have on you? none
3. What's a word that rhymes with 'TEST'? best
4. Favorite planet? pluto
5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell? eric
6. What is your favorite ring on your phone? the one that actually sounds like a telephone
7. What kind of shirt are you wearing? my favorite sweatshirt
8. Do you 'label' yourself? no
9. Name the brand of your shoes you're currently wearing? sketchers
10. Bright or dark room? i'm in a bright one, but prefer a dark one
11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you? i don't know her but she seems nice
13. what happened to number 12? didn't even notice...
14. What were you doing at midnight last night? maybe sleeping
15. What did your last text message you received on your cell say? 'have good news'
16. Where is your nearest 7-11? a few blocks down
17. What's a saying that you say a lot? omg, becky
18. Who told you they loved you last? eric
19. Last furry thing you touched? the cat that is currently on my lap
20. How many drugs have you done in the past three days? one
21. How many rolls of film do you need to get developed? none
22. Favorite age you have been so far? this one is good
23. Your worst enemy? the aforementioned cat
24. What is your current desktop picture? pretty purple flowers
25. What was the last thing you said to someone? technically? 'okay'
Thursday, December 29, 2005
US Mayor's Report on Hunger and Homelessness
i put the link to this survey report over on the LOTW spot. i know that most of the readers of this page don't care at all about this report. but in my job, i anxiously await this report each year. it is the results of a hunger and homelessness survey of about 25 US cities, depending on the year. the 2005 report of 24 cities, though, has brought a surprise. the numbers are basically the same, requests for food assistance and emergency shelter has increased across the nation. no surprise there. what does get me is the fact that norfolk is not included in the survey. our mayor, who has been outspoken about his ten-year plan to end homelessness and all that he, we, and the city should do to curb this problem didn't get the survey filled out! grrrr.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
43
assuming that i do not read anymore this year, i have read 43 books in 2005. i don't think that means very much, except when most everyone i talk to says 'i haven't read a book in years.'
Labels: books
lots to catch up on
here's some stuff i've missed the last couple of days:
America’s Best (and Worst) Cities for Dating has Norfolk on the best list. Kansas City and Wichita are on the worst.
the prairie dog exhibit at the Virginia Zoo, here in Norfolk, collapsed. the collapse was blamed on heavy rains this fall that weakened the soil. five of the ten prairie dogs have been found.
j-walk points out just how much Dubya has aged in the past five years. take a look at the pictures. wow. i guess f-ing up a country will do that to you.
and i came across this quote that i liked from Ronald Reagan: The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'
America’s Best (and Worst) Cities for Dating has Norfolk on the best list. Kansas City and Wichita are on the worst.
the prairie dog exhibit at the Virginia Zoo, here in Norfolk, collapsed. the collapse was blamed on heavy rains this fall that weakened the soil. five of the ten prairie dogs have been found.
j-walk points out just how much Dubya has aged in the past five years. take a look at the pictures. wow. i guess f-ing up a country will do that to you.
and i came across this quote that i liked from Ronald Reagan: The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'
Saturday, December 24, 2005
jeez, when is santa gonna get here?
happy holidays everyone.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
i missed something
i just turned on the tv and the view was on, a show i haven't seen a glimpse of in forever. what happened to star jones???
Labels: tv and movies
do unto others
[quiz] What's Behind Your Emotions?: Jessica, your emotions are triggered by your underlying belief in Loyalty
In other words, your uncompromisingly loyal nature directly affects how, and how often, you experience certain feelings.
For example, your test results indicate that you're most fulfilled when you can connect on a meaningful level with friends, family, and others in your community. That factor is directly related to your fundamental belief in loyalty and the range of emotions it triggers.
In other words, your uncompromisingly loyal nature directly affects how, and how often, you experience certain feelings.
For example, your test results indicate that you're most fulfilled when you can connect on a meaningful level with friends, family, and others in your community. That factor is directly related to your fundamental belief in loyalty and the range of emotions it triggers.
Labels: quiz
who'd a thunk the south
[quiz] What's Your Signature City?: Jessica, your signature city is Savannah
With your lovable, down-to-earth personality, you'd be a perfect fit in a seaside city like Savannah. Maybe you enjoy taking life at your own leisurely pace — it is more civilized, after all. And who needs the breakneck hustle and bustle of the big city when you can kick your heels up in a clean, friendly, well-organized city?
Like your signature city, you've got a friendly and welcoming way about you. You'd probably rather spend time with people over mint juleps served under a magnolia tree than fighting traffic, loud cars, and crowded streets. When it comes right down to it, Savannah's the perfect place to take in all of life with a genteel attitude. So slow things down — then get ready to revel in the romance, beauty, and old world charm of Savannah.
With your lovable, down-to-earth personality, you'd be a perfect fit in a seaside city like Savannah. Maybe you enjoy taking life at your own leisurely pace — it is more civilized, after all. And who needs the breakneck hustle and bustle of the big city when you can kick your heels up in a clean, friendly, well-organized city?
Like your signature city, you've got a friendly and welcoming way about you. You'd probably rather spend time with people over mint juleps served under a magnolia tree than fighting traffic, loud cars, and crowded streets. When it comes right down to it, Savannah's the perfect place to take in all of life with a genteel attitude. So slow things down — then get ready to revel in the romance, beauty, and old world charm of Savannah.
Labels: quiz
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
i think it's more
via j-walk, i found out this stat: the number of TV commercials seen by the average American by age 65: 2 million
i think it is way more, especially for those who watch football.
i think it is way more, especially for those who watch football.
Labels: tv and movies
search engine fun
someone found my site by searching for: what does jessica's mom think of this
i wonder the context. and i wonder what does jessica's mom think of this?
p.s. - it's cold as you-know-what in my house.
i wonder the context. and i wonder what does jessica's mom think of this?
p.s. - it's cold as you-know-what in my house.
merry christmas [said sarcastically]
news from talkleft:
update 12/22: here's highlights of the bill and a summary.
VP Dick Cheney cast the tie-breaking vote to pass the stalled budget bill that reduces spending for social programs and hurts low income Americans. The bill slashes money for Medicaid, student loans, welfare and child support, while giving new tax breaks to the rich.let us rejoice. [more sarcasm, of course.]
update 12/22: here's highlights of the bill and a summary.
norfolk hits 60
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
amazon.com
for a while there (re: xmas) i was poking around amazon a bit too much. there is some amazing stuff on the site. for instance, 9,000 ladybugs. or $72,000 earrings. and this book looks helpful: How to Become a Professional Con Artist.
you can buy a tank, a Trojan neon sign or chicken poop. [it's a lip balm.]
even an Atari 2600. wow.
you can buy a tank, a Trojan neon sign or chicken poop. [it's a lip balm.]
even an Atari 2600. wow.
it's carb-free
[quiz] What Jones Holiday Soda Are You?: You Are Pecan Pie Soda - Sweet, but totally nuts.
i find this amusing because i had never even heard of such a product until this year. i bought a four-course meal [in soda] for someone for christmas.
i find this amusing because i had never even heard of such a product until this year. i bought a four-course meal [in soda] for someone for christmas.
Labels: quiz
free association #23
Replenish:: anew
People:: suck
Trend:: setter
Girlfriends:: and boyfriends
Spirit:: free
Oasis:: spring
Thrills:: roller coaster
Fountain:: drink
Boxes:: packing
People:: suck
Trend:: setter
Girlfriends:: and boyfriends
Spirit:: free
Oasis:: spring
Thrills:: roller coaster
Fountain:: drink
Boxes:: packing
Labels: free association
i want howard to take this test
Monday, December 19, 2005
another 'thumbs up' for gov. warner
for this: Va. governor adds sexual orientation to employment protections - State's gay workers now protected
Friday, December 16, 2005
friday fun - holiday edition
1. Have you finished your holiday shopping yet? no, but i am further along than i normally am at this time.
2. Do you give gifts to everyone in your family, or is it focused on kids? Or maybe pull a name? it's everyone, of course.
3. Do you exchange gifts with your friends as well? surely do.
4. For those with questioning kids, what is your favorite explanation of why there are Santa’s in every store and how he can get around the world in a single night?! elves are in the stores, and magic makes it all happen. :-)
5. Are you relieved or sad when the holidays are over? a bit of both. mostly sad.
6. What is your favorite thing about the holiday season,… and the least favorite? i love being with family. i love presents. i love to see everyone smile. i hate putting up/on lights.
7. Are you having a white Christmas, or can you see the grass? it's [almost] always grass.
2. Do you give gifts to everyone in your family, or is it focused on kids? Or maybe pull a name? it's everyone, of course.
3. Do you exchange gifts with your friends as well? surely do.
4. For those with questioning kids, what is your favorite explanation of why there are Santa’s in every store and how he can get around the world in a single night?! elves are in the stores, and magic makes it all happen. :-)
5. Are you relieved or sad when the holidays are over? a bit of both. mostly sad.
6. What is your favorite thing about the holiday season,… and the least favorite? i love being with family. i love presents. i love to see everyone smile. i hate putting up/on lights.
7. Are you having a white Christmas, or can you see the grass? it's [almost] always grass.
this is just terrible
Former homeless shelter director investigated for missing funds
The former director of the Suffolk Shelter for the Homeless used shelter money to buy personal items, pay her daughter while she was away at college and overbill the agency for mileage, according to court documents filed by police this week.taking away from those who need it. terrible.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
i have a question for you
should the owners of dogs that bite people be held criminally responsible?
that is the pilotonline poll for today following this story.
that is the pilotonline poll for today following this story.
The parents of a 2-year-old boy who was mauled to death by the family’s dogs in October were charged Wednesday with second-degree murder, felony child neglect and abuse, and involuntary manslaughter.really, i would like to hear your answer. classes are over so (last exam is today) i can't ask the students. that means your up.
Labels: crime and social justice
do you have a few hundred million dollars?
gov. warner's reviewing cases
again. good for him for getting some more stuff done before he's out in january.
DNA Tests Exonerate 2 Former Prisoners: Va. Governor Orders Broad Case Review
DNA Tests Exonerate 2 Former Prisoners: Va. Governor Orders Broad Case Review
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
overhead at the post office today
okay, not so much overhead, as spoken forcefully right into my face. pardon the foulness, but what appeared to be sweet older lady said to me today: we’re going to cut off bush’s dick so that he can’t screw the country anymore.
yep, she said that to me. there was some sort of dick cheney protest outside of the post office.
yep, she said that to me. there was some sort of dick cheney protest outside of the post office.
a fire, a fire
there’s an apartment building on fire very near my house. i just returned from a cold (cause it's really cold outsie) investigation after a moment of panic as i noticed that the smoke was coming from the direction of my best friend’s apartment building. the good news is that my friend is safe, the building on fire is three doors down from her.
update: here's the story. 3-alarm. three hours. 60 firefighters. the building was vacant, so no one was hurt.
update: here's the story. 3-alarm. three hours. 60 firefighters. the building was vacant, so no one was hurt.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
dr. phil - who knew?
this is kinda funny, but still cool:
The case of Charles "Ed" Hicks, the Alexandria area man who has been married seven times but divorced only five, was featured yesterday on the syndicated "Dr. Phil" television show to emphasize the danger of bigamous men. A North Carolina woman spotted Hicks during the show's airing in the Charlotte area and said, "Oh my God, he's dating my sister!"
She called her sister, and then she called police.
Hicks, 61, was indicted last week in Chesapeake, Va., on a charge of felony bigamy. A warrant was issued, but he had not been arrested ... Hicks was arrested at a girlfriend's home.
no more death penalty in mexico
with all the talk about arnold denying clemency for tookie williams, and him being executed,* i thought i would share this fact: mexico just abolished the death penalty.
The Mexican legal system has not put anyone to death since 1961, and courts usually refuse to extradite suspects to the United States or other countries if there is a chance they could wind up on death row.* tookie williams was the founder of the crips who was executed in CA after midnight this morning.
But capital punishment was, until Friday, still technically legal, especially in military courts.
Labels: crime and social justice
Sunday, December 11, 2005
this puppy is adorable
i found this pic after a friend
asked me to keep my ears open
for anyone selling yorkies.
so ya'll keep your ears open,
too, and let me know. thanks.
verbatim from talkleft*
What a frightening story. A man and his 14 year old son disembark from public transit, the DART police arrest the father for jaywalking, rough him and his son up, take the father into custody, leave the kid alone to find his way wherever, and the father can't make bond and does 11 days in jail.
* hope they don't mind. just wanted to share.
* hope they don't mind. just wanted to share.
Labels: crime and social justice
ten reasons to drink during the holidays
let me start with this quote: 'When done in moderation, drinking can be a positive component of any holiday gathering.' ha ha. okay, here's the list:
• You can tolerate your in-laws • Beer goggles -- who said the holidays have to be lonely? • Why eat your calories when you can drink them? • You give the best gift...alcohol • New Year's resolutions seem attainable when you're drunk • You love everyone...and everyone loves you • Be the funny guy at the party • Drinking in winter means staying warm...or at least feeling like you are • You bring spirit to the occasion, literally • The holidays go by much quickerfound via gennie.
rip Richard Pryor
let us remember what a pioneer he was. and that he was awarded the first Mark Twain Prize for humor.
Friday, December 09, 2005
grammys schmammys
this sucks. they just don't make good music anymore.*
Carey's eight Grammy nominations put her atop the leader board, where she tied rapper Kanye West and R&B singer John Legend. Stevie Wonder, 50 Cent, Beyonce and will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas were two strokes off the pace with six nominations apiece, while Stefani, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Keys and Missy Elliott received five each.* jeez, i sound old.
Gretchen Wilson and Brad Paisley were the leading country artists, with four nominations each.
this is good news
Suspect In Suffolk Shooting Turns Himself In
this was the talk of yesterday. for me, anyway. a 14 year old shot a 17 year old in his front yard yesterday. he did a drive-by on a bicycle.
i'm curious to know his motivation.
this was the talk of yesterday. for me, anyway. a 14 year old shot a 17 year old in his front yard yesterday. he did a drive-by on a bicycle.
i'm curious to know his motivation.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
three things
you may have noticed i post 'three things.' here's a round-up [permapost]:
three recycled links
three fave breakfast foods
three places i've lived
three recycled links
three things i love to hear
three unseen tv characters
three jobs i've had
three things i buy every time at the grocery store
three things in my purse
three recycled posts
three things i wanted to be
three cars i've had
three things that irritate me
three word facts
three words
three things that i am scared of
three names
three places i want to go
three fun links
three actors
three condiments
three great old sitcoms
three things to see [this one was first]
three recycled links
three fave breakfast foods
three places i've lived
three recycled links
three things i love to hear
three unseen tv characters
three jobs i've had
three things i buy every time at the grocery store
three things in my purse
three recycled posts
three things i wanted to be
three cars i've had
three things that irritate me
three word facts
three words
three things that i am scared of
three names
three places i want to go
three fun links
three actors
three condiments
three great old sitcoms
three things to see [this one was first]
Labels: three things
and before i forget
happy birthday jim.
#164
exonerated by DNA testing and released from prison, that is. after 24 years in prison for a rape he did not commit. more on robert clark (GA) from the innocence project.
and here at the NYT.
and here at the NYT.
Labels: crime and social justice
Monday, December 05, 2005
do you know what sucks
about being a well-liked university teacher?* the fact that i have to respond to so many emails from students complaining about how the classes fill up so quickly. eh, things could be worse.
* and i say this only because of the nearly 100 emails asking for overrides in to my classes each semester.
* and i say this only because of the nearly 100 emails asking for overrides in to my classes each semester.
is this me?
[quiz] What Temperment Are You?: You Have a Sanguine Temperament
You are an optimistic person who is easily content.
You enjoy casual, light tasks - never wanting to delve too deep into anything.
A bit fickle, it's easy for you to change plans or paths when presented with something better.
You enjoy all of the great things life has to offer - food, friends, and fun.
A great talker, you can keep the conversation going for hours.
You are optimistic and sure of your success. If you fail, you don't worry about it too much.
At your worst, you are vain. You are obsessed with your own attractiveness.
A horrible flirt, you tend to jump into love affairs and relationship drama easily.
You're very jealous - which just magnifies the craziness around you.
You are an optimistic person who is easily content.
You enjoy casual, light tasks - never wanting to delve too deep into anything.
A bit fickle, it's easy for you to change plans or paths when presented with something better.
You enjoy all of the great things life has to offer - food, friends, and fun.
A great talker, you can keep the conversation going for hours.
You are optimistic and sure of your success. If you fail, you don't worry about it too much.
At your worst, you are vain. You are obsessed with your own attractiveness.
A horrible flirt, you tend to jump into love affairs and relationship drama easily.
You're very jealous - which just magnifies the craziness around you.
Labels: quiz
did you know
Saturday, December 03, 2005
last year's christmas [2004]
becuse it is december and i am thinking about christmas (and doing a bit of online shopping-i've got some good stuff!), i'm posting my own meme about last year's christmas.
1. how was your christmas?
fantastic [i've said this before.]
2. what was your best present?
this is a tie between the computer and the best blanket ever. really. ever.
3. what was the silliest present you received?
easy. this gift from kathy.
1. how was your christmas?
fantastic [i've said this before.]
2. what was your best present?
this is a tie between the computer and the best blanket ever. really. ever.
3. what was the silliest present you received?
easy. this gift from kathy.
do it
i don't remember where i found this, but it's funny if you dial this number: 1.888.ELF.POOP
favorite quotes
a list of my fave quotations [permapost]:
Freedom has always been an expensive thing. - MLK
The truth is out there. - The X-Files
The philosophy of one century is the common sense of the next. - Anon.
The obstacles you encounter are your life. - Anon.
Without death, there is no life. - spoken to me
Without struggle, there is no progress. - Fredrick Douglass
If the world didn't suck, then we'd all fall off. - Anon.
In the 60s, people took acid to make the world look weird; now that the world is weird, people take prozac to make it normal. - Anon.
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
If you are going through hell, keep going. - Sir Winston Churchill
I have never doubted that equal rights was the right direction. Most reforms, most problems are complicated. But to me, there is nothing complicated about ordinary equality. - Alice Paul -- founder of the National Woman's Party
If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you. - Anon.
I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. - Thomas Edison
Maybe this world is another planet's Hell. - Aldous Huxley
The beginning is always today. - Mary Wollstonecraft
The hardest lesson in life to learn is which bridge to cross and which to burn. - Anon.
The consumption of alcohol may actually cause pregnancy. - Anon.
The good ole days weren't always good, and tomorrow ain't as bad as it seems. - Billy Joel
Well-behaved women seldom make history. - Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
Bad ideas flourish because they are in the interest of powerful groups. - Paul Krugman
Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives. - John Stuart Mill
Oh, you hate your job? Why didn't you say so? There's a support group for that. It's called EVERYBODY, and they meet at the bar. - Drew Carey
Liberals got women the right to vote. Liberals got African-Americans the right to vote. Liberals created Social Security and lifted millions of elderly people out of poverty. Liberals ended segregation. Liberals passed the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act. Liberals created Medicare. Liberals passed the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act. What did Conservatives do? They opposed them on every one of those things – every one. So when you try to hurl that label at my feet, ‘Liberal,’ as if it were something to be ashamed of, something dirty, something to run away from, it won’t work, Senator, because I will pick up that label and I will wear it as a badge of honor. - The West Wing debate
Alice in Wonderland
Lenny's Alice in Wonderland Site Take a look at this; there may be some things you haven't thought about.
you made it down here?
what? you want a reward?
