all the fun of the fair...

where's the packing tape?

2007-06-07T16:44:00.000-07:00

I need it 'cause I'm moving.Oh, not physically - I'll be hanging out in Burbank for a while longer. It's just that my blog needs a change of scene, so I'm moving it over to just an ordinary goddess. It also needed a change of name, more in keeping with the URL. Legal forms were a bitch, but there you go.I've got most of the redecorating done, but there's always the chance things may change, so

damn it...

2007-06-04T16:53:00.001-07:00

I can't make it better.It drives me crazy, but there's nothing I can do. No concrete way I can help. No way for me to make it all go away.I hug when in the same room, murmuring positive words, stroking hair and soothing furrowed brow, expressing my love. When on the phone, I still murmur, trying to make my voice convey that, were we in the same room, I would be hugging and stroking and

i'm screwed

2007-06-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

29%Mingle2 - Free Online DatingMuch like Kymm, this whole "caring about other people, especially my loved ones" thing is going to get me seriously zombified.

it be a-changing...

2007-05-30T16:40:00.000-07:00

My pirate name, that is: My pirate name is: Mad Prudentilla Read Every pirate is a little bit crazy. You, though, are more than just a little bit. Even through many pirates have a reputation for not being the brightest souls on earth, you defy the sterotypes. You've got taste and education. Arr! Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.part of the fidius.org

giles is dreamy...

2007-05-30T09:43:00.000-07:00

...at least my iPod and iTunes think so.While riding the bus into work this morning, I was listening to my lovely iPod, as I am wont to do while riding on the bus. And my lovely iPod decided that it really, really wanted me to listen to Music for Elevators, which I bought several years ago whilst in the throes of my deep Anthony Stewart Head crush.(I still think he's impossibly yummy, mind you.

ambivalent...

2007-05-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

So. Jerry Falwell is dead.Huh.Several of my friends are happy that he is no longer breathing the same air as those of us who don't have deep, festering, hate-filled wounds where souls usually reside, but I can't quite bring myself to join in their rejoicing. Death has always made me a little sad, no matter who it is. I can't help it. And, oddly enough, that's the case here.I didn't like

it's all mine...

2007-05-14T17:20:00.000-07:00

...and it's soooo pretty! Came all charged up, ready to run, which was good, since I needed it for meetings on Saturday (which is when I picked it up). At the Coordinating Committee meeting I stroked it lovingly, in full view of everyone, and made MusicianMan sputter a laugh as I mouthed, "My preciousss..." The chair of SoCal Grassroots even made mention of my new acquisition, since I opened

gettin' my geek on...

2007-05-14T16:39:00.000-07:00

So there I am, just minding my own business, checking out the JPL site, when a headline flashes across the screen: Mission Could Seek out Spock's Home Planet:Astronomers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory have recently concluded that the upcoming planet-finding mission, SIM PlanetQuest, would be able to detect an Earth-like planet around the star 40 Eridani, a planet familiar to "Star Trek" fans

oh, crap...

2007-05-09T11:13:00.000-07:00

Today is Noodlefest in Missouri and there's no way I can get there to attend it.Anyone going there, worship His Noodly Appendage on my behalf, mm'k?*sigh*UPDATE: I still can't go, but I have found the perfect iBook accessory, as soon as I get my iBook:It can be found at GelaSkins, which has all sorts of cool Apple skins.

seems okay with it...

2007-05-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

...Pluto, I mean.Y'all know I have some Pluto issues. I don't know why I'm so attached to that lil' planet, but I am. In December I took HSTeacher and his kids on a tour of JPL, where I discovered in the observation gallery of the mini-mission control room that someone had removed Pluto from the solar system display. I just about lost my mind over it (though calmly - no need for the kids to

suck it up, bitch...

2007-05-07T18:34:00.001-07:00

I hate the celebrity society in which we live. Hate how the deaths in Iraq and Darfur and Afghanistan are less important than the Alec Baldwin tape. I despise it with a white-hot passion.But I feel I have to respond to this whol P*r*s H*lt*n crap happening. I feel I have to respond to her cries of, "I feel that I was treated unfairly and that the sentence is both cruel and unwarranted. I don't

fun with photos...

2007-05-07T17:25:00.000-07:00

I have a nice little digital camera that ModelGirl gave to me a few years ago. I carry it in my purse, because I never know when I'm going to see something that I think is picture worthy. Like this:(Good to know, Person-Who-Lives-In-My-Neighborhood. I'll look you up if I'm ever in need of sadism or masochism.)Or this:(All hail the Three-Eyed Simpsons Fish!)Or even when in San Diego for the

now-now-now-now-now...

2007-05-07T15:33:00.000-07:00

That's when I want it. I've been waiting for it forever, or so it seems. It would have been mine two weeks ago, were it not for accidental holds on bank accounts and PayPal moving slower than slow. Not in time for the California Democratic Convention the last weekend of April, when it would have proven incredibly useful. Not in time for the Communications Committee meeting this past Saturday,

she's a man, baby!

2007-04-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

Or at least I bear a strong resemblance to one (or several):http://www.myheritage.comHow weird is it that my first match (at 78%) is a guy? I just don't know what to make of it.

so it goes, mr. vonnegut

2007-04-12T10:16:00.000-07:00

I came to Kurt Vonnegut's work late. My first sit-down was Slaughterhouse Five, picked up from a Bookcrossing meeting in 2004. Much like my first experience with John Irving that same year, I wondered what had taken me so long to immerse myself in his worlds. I later found that I enjoyed Hocus Pocus better than his seminal work, but I still have so much Vonnegut to read.RIP, Mr. Vonnegut.

machines have noses?

2007-04-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

They must, for what else would they turn up at my poor nickel?Backing up: the candy vending machine in my building seems to only like the brand new coins. You know, the fancy ones with all the changes that make the older coins look like the poor cousin with the Salvation Army clothes. I mean, my 1986 nickel is a good nickel. It's worth as much as those flashy nickels with their offset

you're nobody 'til somebody quizzes you...

2007-03-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't been around much. I'm actually working on a few changes for the blog and these days my computer time is limited to work hours and weekend time at HSTeacher's place. I hope to have the new version of the blog unveiled soon.Until then, some quizzes for your enjoyment: You scored as Spiritual Atheist. Ah! Some of the coolest people in the world are Spiritual Atheists. Most of them

this is just a test...

2007-03-02T11:24:00.000-08:00

Can you name all 50 US states in 10 minutes? I could, but it wasn't easy (it took me 8:05 minutes) and I had to cheat for the spelling of Massachusetts.I used to be so much better at all of this. States, capitals, Canadian provinces, countries - in my childhood I was a geographic force to be reckoned with. Now? I'm lucky if I can remember if a particular street is east or west of me. And if

i want a moon pie!

2007-03-01T12:39:00.000-08:00

I miss marshmallows.I haven't had one on purpose since I went and did this veggie thing over ten years ago, because marshmallows have gelatin. Since gelatin is derived from animal bones (most likely cow bones), me no can have.And don't tell me about kosher marshmallows either - they've got fish gelatin. So, again, not so good for the vegetarian shiksa.*sigh*Maybe it's just time for a

beware my terrifying quiz...

2007-02-27T11:10:00.000-08:00

Get Your Monster NameFine! I admit it! I'm not the vegetarian I've been portraying myself to be all these years! Happy now?! But Lawyer Abduction is so much fun...

it's about damn time...

2007-02-20T08:22:00.000-08:00

Experts Issue New Heart Disease Guidelines for WomenAmerican Heart Association recommendations now focus on a woman's lifetime riskThe American Heart Association has updated and sharpened its guidelines for preventing heart disease in women.The focus now is on a woman's lifetime risk for heart disease, not just her short-term risk, as was the case in the 2004 guidelines.The 2007 Guidelines for

you don't quiz me the way you used to...

2007-02-16T15:46:00.000-08:00

Your results:You are Kaylee Frye (Ship Mechanic)You are good at fixing things. You are usually cheerful. You appreciate being treated with delicacy and specialness.Kaylee Frye (Ship Mechanic) 75%Malcolm Reynolds (Captain) 65%Zoe Washburne (Second-in-command) 60%Dr. Simon Tam (Ship Medic) 60%River (Stowaway) 60%Inara Serra (Companion) 50%Wash (Ship Pilot) 50%Derrial Book (Shepherd) 45%Jayne Cobb (

tripping to and fro...

2007-02-16T15:00:00.000-08:00

...Tucson, that is.Last weekend HSTeacher and I drove to Tucson for an overnight stay so that we could attend the naming ceremony for BestFriend's new baby girl. It was a long drive, to be sure, and I admit to a bit of trepidation, as road trips are notorious for bringing out the worst in people. Thankfully my fears (and, I found out later, HSTeacher's) were unfounded, as the outing went well.

channelling jimmy carter...

2007-02-08T15:45:00.000-08:00

Oh, not in the diplomatic way, or in the building homes for Habitat for Humanity way (though I've done some work with them in the past) or even in a lust in my heart sort of way (though, you know, I have many times since puberty).No, much like the country over which Carter presided when he spoke of a crisis in confidence, I'm feeling malaise.All day I've tired and achy, with a bit of crankiness

whoops!

2007-02-06T09:40:00.000-08:00

Methinks someone on JPL's web team needs to do a little proofreading (click on picture to read the fine print):Everyone knows cheese isn't vegan!

wanna hear a joke?

2007-02-01T14:52:00.000-08:00

How many JPL employees does it take to figure out how to use an IKEA can opener?Five: one deputy program manager, one engineer, one administrator and two secretaries. For over twenty minutes. And it was one of the secretaries (not me) that found the hidden lever in the handle.BTW, the can opener was brought by yours truly. Leave it to me to cause a ruckus in the work place.

more about the walk...

2007-02-01T13:25:00.000-08:00

As many of you may know by now, yesterday Molly Ivins passed away, after a long struggle with breast cancer. She was 62.It's sobering to look at her age, to realize that when she died, Ms. Ivins was younger than my mother is now.My commitment to this walk is even keener. Not only am I doing this in honor of my mother - a wonderful woman who's had too much of life's darker side kick her in the

woohoo!

2007-02-01T12:56:00.000-08:00

It was only yesterday that registered for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and set up my fundraising page. Already I have $150 in donations, which is already over half of what I had when I tried the APLA Half-Marathon (I was horrible at fundraising).Yeah, I'm jazzed. Whee!(Yet more proof that it really doesn't take much to make me happy. Such a simple girl, am I.)

well...FINE!

2007-02-01T12:13:00.000-08:00

This morning I was reading an MSN TV piece about picking TV's best campy classics, nodding my head at the selections, though many of them I'd barely seen. Dukes of Hazzard? Yep. MacGyver? You betcha. The double Hasslehoff whammy of Knight Rider and Baywatch? Oh, hell yes.But then I came to the end of the "article" and my face fell, my eyebrows knitting over the bridge of my nose in

i've gone and done it again...

2007-01-31T17:03:00.000-08:00

...I've lost my ever-lovin' mind.I know that comes as no surprise to anyone - except the surprise that my mind ever came back for me to lose it again - but, well, I'm throwing myself in over my head again."And what is it this time, Carol?" you may ask, slowly backing away with furrowed brow.I've signed up for the the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.Oh, stop with the eye-rolling.It's not until

yeah, it's still there...

2007-01-30T14:58:00.000-08:00

...my heart, I mean.Yesterday I went and had myself an echocardiogram. Not because anything new had developed, but just as a "Gotta Make Sure" measure. It lasted about half an hour and was pretty easy on my end, since all I had to do was lie on my left side, try not to shiver as the doctor smeared cold clear gel around my left breast and try to relax while the doctor kept pushing the echo

no one has ever quizzed me like you...

2007-01-27T20:04:00.000-08:00

What Classic Movie Are You?personality tests by similarminds.com What Famous Leader Are You?personality tests by similarminds.com

the fuck-memes meme

2007-01-26T11:56:00.000-08:00

I'm a sucker for a good meme, but sometimes you just have to say, "Fuck memes." Unapologetically stolen from Karl Elvis, who yanked it from Shoeless:Reply to this post, and I'll tell you one or two (maybe even three) reasons why I hate you.Then put this in your own journal, and spread the hate.I love all of you so much that I hate you for making me love you.(Except you, HSTeacher. I love loving

update...

2007-01-25T13:50:00.000-08:00

Sorry I've been gone two weeks. I've been in a whirl of busy!Re: the delegate elections - no one on my slate was elected. We would have been were it not for our new assemblyman bascially backing the other slate and using his connections to get out voters who are part of a very cohesive ethnic community in my neck of the woods. I don't fault anyone for that - such are the ways of politics. And

today...

2007-01-11T13:54:00.000-08:00

...is HSTeacher's birthday. I won't tell y'all his age, 'cause a lady never tells. But a very happy birthday to you, honey!And yes, I have a very special birthday present planned for him...

don't worry your pretty little head...

2007-01-11T12:21:00.000-08:00

...there really is a National Step In A Puddle and Splash Your Friend Day! And it's today!Here you thought that there was no day on the calendar that would allow you turn your dearest friends into sopping wet messes, thereby ensuring you a lifetime (or at least a week) of well-deserved purple nurples.(muttering Holy freaking A...)

vote for me!

2007-01-10T13:37:00.000-08:00

Shameless Plug: If any of y'all are registered Democrats living in the 43rd Assembly District (which includes Burbank, Glendale, Los Feliz, Silverlake and parts of North Hollywood and Valley Village - see LAVote.net to find your assembly district) and are interested in helping to revitalize the California Democratic Party, please please please email me and let me know. It's going to be a stiff

driving me crazy...

2007-01-10T13:16:00.000-08:00

In the past I've mentioned that I'm a bit on the hirsute side. It's something I battle with, despite knowing that ultimately I will lose the war.But since I've got an election on Sunday where I've got to look as good and professional as possible, I've decided to get my facial hair waxed on Saturday. Which means I've been letting that hair grow out for almost two weeks. And it's driving me

shiver me quizzes!

2007-01-09T15:52:00.001-08:00

Betterrrr late than neverrrr: My pirate name is: Mad Mary Rackham Every pirate is a little bit crazy. You, though, are more than just a little bit. You have the good fortune of having a good name, since Rackham (pronounced RACKem, not rack-ham) is one of the coolest sounding surnames for a pirate. Arr! Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.part of the

even my dreams are geeky...

2007-01-05T18:10:00.001-08:00

Last night I dreamed I was at JPL, chasing after one of the scientists I knew to get information, and he was dressed up like a Klingon, with forehead ridges and everything. And he wasn't the only costumed Klingon - several were around me. In my dream JPL, this, apparently, was not an unusual occurance.I love the geeky side of me, but this? There has got to be an antidote for this much

i'm a yummy quiz...

2007-01-04T09:38:00.000-08:00

Found on The MoronosphereIf I were a man: What James Bond Actor are You You are Pierce Brosnan. The loyal to country, sex crazed man that would go to the edge for any women.Take this quiz!Quizilla | Join | Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab CodeBut since I'm a woman: Which Bond Girl Are You? You are Solitare -- mystical and irresistable. You're gifted with amazing intuition,

adios, 2006...

2007-01-02T15:44:00.000-08:00

...it was nice knowing you. And I mean that sincerely.2006 marked an interesting time, I have to say. For the first time in a long time, the good outweighed the bad by such a huge margin that I almost can't remember the bad.It started out on a somber note, even though I was a little excited about it - unemployed, scared for the health of my mother as she struggled with newly diagnosed breast

writing a letter to santa...

2006-12-27T14:44:00.000-08:00

cross-posted from Ordinary GoddessDear Santa...Dear Santa,This year I've been busy!In June I gave Gryffud a kidney (1000 points). Last month I invaded Iraq, broke it, and couldn't glue it back together before Mom got home (-1012 points). Last Tuesday I saved a busload of nuns in Angola (326 points). Last Friday I helped Kymm across the street (6 points). In February I gave Polarbeast some

cruelness personified...

2006-12-20T13:42:00.000-08:00

...not that they realize it.Not only are caffeinated drinks playing holy havoc with my oh-so-freking-delicate body right now, but even decaf coffee and decaf green tea seem to be sending my head into spirals of light-headedness and my heart into a thumpy little dance. Since I've rarely had coffee and tea for the caffeine, it kills me that such taste delights are now out of reach.When I walk down

cows are smarter than we think...

2006-12-20T10:20:00.000-08:00

...at least the Common Cow is:This was sent to me by one of my political compatriots. This lil' Taurus girl is tickled pink by it.

'ere, he says he's not dead

2006-12-18T16:47:00.000-08:00

But this weekend sure scared me enough to think I wasn't too far behind.Okay, that is more than a little hyperbolic, but having to have to go to the emergency room was more than a little jarring.I had a pretty bad episode on Saturday - HSTeacher had to take me to the emergency room because it lasted much longer than usual. As a rule the epidoses come and go, with maybe a minute or so per episode

on and off...

2006-12-15T16:21:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went and done got myself a Holter monitor strapped to my chest:Five lovely electrodes were taped to several strategic points, including under my breasts. It's always kinda funny when electrodes have to be placed there, because the nurses - all female - are always a little hesitant, especially since I possess rather large breasts that tend flop a bit, what with them belonging to a

i lied...

2006-12-13T16:34:00.000-08:00

...all is not right with the world.I have an incipient headache and I've promised to babysit for ModelGirl and her hubby tonight. LilR should be in bed before they leave, so hopefully there will be a minimum of toddler angst. I mean, he's a good kid, and I like babysitting him, but he's still a toddler.On top of that, I am out of kettle corn.At least I've refreshed my ice water...

yum...

2006-12-13T15:19:00.000-08:00

I have a small bag of kettle corn and a 32 ounce cup of ice water with fresh lemon squeezed into it.All is right with the world.

puttin' on the ritz...

2006-12-13T13:05:00.000-08:00

Peter Boyle has died.In my thoughts, you'll always be wearing a white tie and tails, dancing a little soft shoe and sending Madeline Kahn into song.Rest in peace, Mr. Boyle.

flames on the side of my face, breathing, breath...

2006-12-12T13:13:00.000-08:00

Christopher Hitchens is an ass.I know this comes as no surprise to a number of y'all, but this time he has truly surpassed himself. Why? Because in the January 2007 Vanity Fair he deigns to explain to us, "Why Women Aren't Funny."Granted, the name of the column is, "Provocation." It is expected that what is written there is likely to raise more than a few hackles.But this bilge? Please,

expecting new electronics...

2006-12-11T16:19:00.000-08:00

...too bad I'm not excited about it.Things have been going far too well in the World of Carol, so I've kinda been expecting the other shoe to drop any second. It seems like it just might have done so.A couple of weeks ago I went to a clinic to have tests run on my heart and blood and the like. Everything tested normal, including my thyroid, so there should be nothing to worry about, right?Not

ooh, baby...

2006-12-08T15:31:00.000-08:00

...you know how Mama likes it.This morning HSTeacher sent me a link, saying he thought of me when he read the Wired story: Firefly Reborn as Online Universe.Lookee! My nipples are all tingly!Ooh, yeah, HSTeacher has been a very good boy. I think I shall reward him accordingly...

my ipod is psychic...

2006-12-08T11:06:00.000-08:00

Every morning I wake up with a song running through my head. While sometimes the genesis of the song is a puzzle (Afternoon Delight? WTF?), usually I know why a certain song has turned into earworm, including this morning's song, which I'm positive came about due to all of the news about the Iraq Study Group over the last two days.A few minutes ago I plugged my iPod into my computer and set it

vitamins: they keep a body upright...

2006-12-06T14:50:00.000-08:00

I'm sure the only reason I haven't slid under my desk today - after staying up until 2am to do friggin' laundry (one washer + one dryer x four loads + evening hours = heartache) - is due to all of these most excellent vitamins I've been taking.Miraculously enough, not only did I do four loads of laundry last night, but I also put all the clothes away. And managed to hang up the shirts fresh out

making it mine...

2006-12-04T16:49:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of November, when I was moved back to my current desk, BigBoss made a point of telling me, multiple times, to make this space my own. It was his way of telling me that I needn't worry about being displaced again any time soon.It took me a while, but I finally started imbuing my desk with my own personality (one that is somewhat less precious than my predecessor).Of course, there

who'da thunk?

2006-12-04T11:35:00.000-08:00

For many, many decades, rumors have been whispered that eating relatively healthy meals and taking vitamins and minerals - as well as cutting back on the caffeine - is very effective in making humans more energetic. I have long ignored these oft-whispered rumors. After all, I had no idea where these rumors had originated. How could I trust their veracity, as the rumors seemed to flourish in

rewind last weekend...

2006-12-01T16:37:00.000-08:00

...let it begin again.This past week has been absurdly busy (hence no updates), but last weekend? Wonderful.A quick recap: Thanksgiving Day was good. The sweet potatoes were a big hit, though I changed the recipe a bit: after doing everything that was called for, the syrup was still not absorbed, so into the oven it went for 10-15 minutes at 200 degrees. Perfect! One of ModelGirl's guests

time to baste the tofurkey...

2006-11-22T13:45:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. It's going to be a weird one for me. This will be the first Thanksgiving in over ten years that I haven't spent with family members. The last couple of years I rode up to Fresno with BabySis and her family to spend the holiday with the Fresno contingent. But now that BabySis and her family are living in Florida, that's not really an option anymore.I could rent a car

city girl in the hills...

2006-11-21T15:28:00.000-08:00

Long ago I established that I am an unrepentant city girl. I've gone hiking in the hills before - such mountain ranges as Santa Monica, San Gabriel and Santa Susana have felt my feet trod upon them. I've come across a rattlesnake in the hills (only the one time, but yeah, scary!). But my continued wonder at the deer which call JPL home prove that I'm a definite city girl.So imagine my surprise

okay, i'm highly skeptical...

2006-11-16T16:29:00.000-08:00

...but wouldn't this be cool, if it were true?Such cute little dotties!*************************One of the books I'm currently reading is Lucifer's Hammer by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle (the other is The Android's Dream by John Scalzi - good book, as usual - go buy it). I recently finished - after about a billion days - Space by James A. Michener.(A little background about my relationship

ooh, that feels soooo good....

2006-11-09T16:48:00.000-08:00

Burns and Allen have conceded their tight Senate races in Montana and Virginia to Tester and Webb; Democrats will be taking control of the Senate in January.I think I need a cigarette, because I haven't felt this good since, well, okay, since Sunday (fantastic sex on a regular basis is a very good thing in the World of Carol). Actually, I'd prefer something a little less tobaccony...Ooh, look at

whoa...

2006-11-08T10:49:00.000-08:00

Too much swirling around in my brain right now. Can't settle down long enough to turn in any coherent thoughts. Just...whoa.So much happiness filling my heart right now that I'm afraid it's going to burst. Dems in charge of the House. Senate in a tight toss-up that might go The Way of Blue. Debra Bowen pretty much assured a victory as California Secretary of State. Pombo - a man who never

today's the day...

2006-11-07T14:37:00.000-08:00

And I took pictures of my ballot to prove how I voted. Too bad I can't upload them right now.Want another reason to vote?(Tip o' the election cap to the fantastic Ray in New Orleans for this video.)Polls are open until 8pm. For those of you here in California, you can fing your polling place by visiting the California Democratic Party website. And if you can, take pictures of your ballot to

political geekery...

2006-11-07T12:47:00.000-08:00

I've been a geek for so long and on so many different fronts that it should come as no surprise to anyone that I've added "political geekery" to my repertoire.Case in point:After voting this morning I walked by a Yum Yum Donuts and saw this bag o' donut holes as I ordered a coffee and egg and cheese bagel sandwich. So I purchased it (for a whopping $1.50!), brought it to work, and made up a cute

fun and factual...

2006-11-06T13:20:00.000-08:00

An ad that's been making the rounds:If you haven't voted via early voting or absentee yet, be sure to vote tomorrow!(PS - it looks like the guy with the clipboard is Colin Ferguson, who stars in one of the few shows I've tried to catch this season, Eureka. Funny, cute and smart - I may just have to add him to my male retinue...)BTW, here's my new favorite quote: "We the People are the rightful

i'll avenge you, my fallen planet...

2006-11-02T11:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was walking about the lab, as I am wont to do during lunch, and I spied a board announcing an upcoming talk. Imagine my interest when I read the title:The copy reads:The IAU and the Pluto AffairJoin Lars Lindberg Christensen for a glimpse into last summer’s biggest astronomy story, Pluto’s fall from planetary status.Lars Lindberg Christensen is a press officer for the International

cool...

2006-10-27T10:43:00.000-07:00

Some time ago I signed up with UmmYeah.com and was even spotlighted in its Directory 2.0 a couple of weeks ago. I thought that was cool, but not necessarily link-worthy.Until I looked up my referral logs today and noticed a new referral:http://ko.ummyeah.com/directory2/politics. Apparently the Korean version of Directory 2.0 found something worth linking. Unfortunately, even with the Google

not quite real...

2006-10-26T16:51:00.000-07:00

That's what today feels like: not quite real.It's been an exceptionally slow day here. I was very warm in my cube and falling asleep at my desk, so I got up and broke my two recents vows - no caffeine and no soda - in one fell swoop by going to the cafeteria and getting a mix of Barq's root beer and Mr. Pibb. Sickeningly sweet, I know, but something drastic had to be done. I needed something

dartin' in...

2006-10-26T15:46:00.000-07:00

...and out again.Too tired to write properly, so two quick links:* My premiere on The Membrane has been uploaded by the marvelous Mr. Amaya. Check it out - it's a great episode. I'm not just saying that, either. I think y'all will enjoy it. And if you can figure out which voice is mine, let me know and I'll tell you if you're right.* As part of the Endorsement Committee for SoCal Grassroots

coda...

2006-10-24T11:10:00.000-07:00

Last week I urged y'all to vote for California Secretary of State candidate Debra Bowen on Russ Feingold's Progressive Patriots Fund site so that she could get a donation of $5,000 for her campaign.Well, she didn't come out as the top vote getter. That honor went to Jennifer Brunner, who is running for SoS in Ohio. Not surprising, actually, considering all the voter fraud in Ohio that is

we had quizzes in the sun...

2006-10-23T16:03:00.000-07:00

Your Inner Child Is HappyYou see life as simple, and simple is a very good thing.You're cheerful and upbeat, taking everything as it comes.And you decide not to worry, even when things look bad.You figure there's just so many great things to look forward to.How Is Your Inner Child?Your Aura is VioletIdealistic and thoughtful, you have the mind and ideas to change the world.And you have the

what now?

2006-10-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

So on Friday I was plugging along at work, just minding my own business, when BigBoss (who had been out Monday through Thursday, as well as all the previous week) called me into his office. I had an inkling that something was up, as I had seen a series of people file into and out of his office that normally don't show up in that area.I went into his office, closed the door and sat at the table,

debra bowen: she does an electorate good...

2006-10-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

*pulls out the political soapbox, steps up confidently*I don't do a heck of a lot of political posts on here anymore, since that jones is satisfied by the SoCal Grassroots blog. However, SoCal Grassroots is a Political Action Committee and since the subject of my post involves another Political Action Committee, I thought I'd bring this over here, as posting over there could be construed to be

what took so long?

2006-10-19T09:39:00.000-07:00

Andromeda has itself a violent collision over 210 million years ago and we're only now hearing about it?Damned mainstream media - always suppressing real news. Yeesh.(BTW, Boychik - the man responsible for introducing me to JPL - works on the Spitzer program. He's not responsible for that incredibly gorgeous photo up top, but it's still pretty cool, even if I don't understand what he's doing.)

the fate of worlds...

2006-10-18T16:59:00.000-07:00

One never knows what an IM conversation will yield. It may inadvertently place the fate of innocent planets in the hands of madmen. Or bored office workers:me: How're ya holding up?jim.etchison: Good!jim.etchison: PM Hey, did you read my friend's idea about submitting a bill where the FCC would mandate that no news programs be subject to ratings?me: I did read that, actually, I think that would

g-d bless lily st. quiz...

2006-10-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

Sweet Transvestite You scored 85% Wow. You probably know more than I do about the movie. Congratulations. Now get a life. My test tracked 1 variable How you compared to other people your age and gender:You scored higher than 78% on points Link: The Rocky Horror Picture Show Test written by Ewic on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of

yeah, right...

2006-10-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

"I'm going to bed early tonight!"How many times have I said those words over the last couple of weeks? Don't know. Lost count. And always something happens that prevents it: errands to be run after work, political stuff to do, calls to make, Daily Show and Colbert Report to watch. I just can't seem to get to bed before 11:30pm (on a good night). And since I'm supposed to be up by 5:30am and

such a weekend...

2006-10-16T17:31:00.000-07:00

There's the good part...and there's the bad part. I'll start with the bad part, because I'd rather leave y'all with an upper:HSTeacher had to take me to the emergency room on Saturday evening. I was scared, let me tell you. I had a racing heart (HSTeacher and I timed it at about 120 beats a minute at one point - my heart doesn't get that fast even when I work out) and I was feeling very fuzzy

i'm going to be a STAH!

2006-10-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

Remember when I did some hard pimpin' for my man, Steve Amaya and his oh-so-fabu The Membrane?Well, it turns out your humble blogger is going to be part of that esteemed podcast. After a lovely dinner last night, Steve and I moseyed over to my abode, whereupon he set up sound equipment and proceeded to record my sparkling remembrances for the sake of posterity. Or future episodes. They're the

ooh...

2006-10-11T17:06:00.000-07:00

But, Daddy, I want one of those! And I want it NOW!*stomps foot*

TONIGHT - Screening of Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers, featuring a Q &A with filmmaker Robert Greenwald

2006-10-11T11:14:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I didn't write about this earlier. Crossposted from SoCal Grassroots:A horrifying catalog of greed, corruption and incompetence among private contractors in Iraq, focusing primarily on Halliburton, Blackwater Security Consulting and CACI International.SoCal Grassroots is hosting a screening of Iraq for Sale with Special Guest, filmmaker Robert Greenwald.WHAT: Iraq for Sale: The

verry interestink...

2006-10-10T16:35:00.000-07:00

Rrrowwr! Ovulating women dress to impressI'd better start charting my clothing choices over the next few weeks. Because in thinking about my wardrobe over the last few weeks, I do recall dressing even more provacatively around HSTeacher during the time I would have been most fertile. It's a good thing we're otherwise taking precautions...

hee! part deux...

2006-10-10T13:59:00.000-07:00

I think I may be starting a new collection: ultra-nerdy pocket protectors.See what I got at a promotional table at JPL whilst in the cafeteria:I don't know why these tickle my fancy as much as they do, but they make me ridiculously happy.Proof positive that I am way too easily amused...

this just in...

2006-10-09T15:53:00.000-07:00

...from the pages of Duh Magazine:Be advised, hemorrhoid cream not for the faceGood to know...

my quiz sense is tinglin'...

2006-10-09T12:39:00.000-07:00

Cool! I've always liked this guy. However, two of the questions asked if I wear thongs and push-up bras. As I answered the affirmative for both, well, it made me start wondering about ol' Spidey...Your results:You are Spider-ManSpider-Man 75%Supergirl 75%Wonder Woman 75%Green Lantern 60%Superman 60%Iron Man 60%Robin 50%Batman 50%Catwoman 45%Hulk 45%The Flash 40%You are intelligent, witty, a

hee!

2006-10-05T17:28:00.000-07:00

I'm such the little drama queen sometimes. Yeesh!I am feeling a bit better today. I got a sweet Apple card from HSTeacher that made me all warm and fuzzy today, plus I spied this at the JPL Store:Yes, that is what you think it is. See?I'm probably a bit twisted for finding that adorable, but it's a JPL pocket protector! How can a nerd lover like me not fall in smit with it?*sigh*

ache...

2006-10-04T23:48:00.000-07:00

I ache.I know - how Gen X of me. I'm verging on emo here.I'm not talking physical aches, though being sick ensures that I have my share of those.My heart and my soul ache and I'm not sure why.It's not depression, I'm pretty sure of that. I've been there before and I know what the symptoms are. At least, I think that I do.Part of it may be due to being sick. I'll allow that. I'm not at my

this will be fun...

2006-09-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

I'm a sick girlie today.Well, I was sick yesterday, too, but I wisely stayed home and slept a good portion of the day in an effort to keep the cold from entrenching itself further. It hit me fast and hard Monday afternoon. Today I decided to come into work (which may not have been the smartest move I've ever made), but I can't interact with one of my bosses very much because his wife hasn't

uh oh...

2006-09-25T17:42:00.000-07:00

Another terrific weekend spent with HSTeacher. More talking, more bonding, more intimacy, more hot monkey sex. (I've had some terrific lovers in my day, but HSTeacher is blowing them out of the water. So to speak...)Hell, while I still didn't sleep all that well, as I have trouble sleeping on waterbeds, I still slept better in his arms than I have with most of the other men I've been with,

nerds rule...

2006-09-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

I've got two bosses here at the wonderous JPL (cue angels singing): BigBoss and Slightly-Not-So-Big-Boss (SNSBBoss). I've been helping SNSBBoss with compiling PowerPoint presentations from others for reviews this week. I noticed one of the presentations had a graphic on a corner of each of the pages - a graphic of a secondary, yet very important, character from a huge film franchise from the

avast ye!

2006-09-19T09:51:00.000-07:00

Argh! It be Talk Like a Pirate Day, and I'd be remiss if'n I overlerked it. 'Specially since me boyfriend be working fer the Pirates and be a Pirate himsel' (not the baseball team, ye scurvy curs).Get ye to yer work places and talk like pirates all day!(Thanks be to Karl Elvis fer the reminder. Arrrgghhh!)

noooooooo!!!!!!!!!

2006-09-13T15:46:00.000-07:00

Pluto is Now Just a Number: 134340KHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA *takes deep breath* AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNN!!!!!!(I just don't have Shatner's breathing control.)

because sometimes...

2006-09-13T12:55:00.000-07:00

...you just have to tape bacon to a cat.*************************In other news, my Nano loves Simon and Garfunkel.I've got over 200 songs on the thing, but when placed on shuffle, it seems to pick out Essential Simon & Garfunkel more than any other. Granted, it's a two CD set, but the higher ratio of Simon and Garfunkel to, say, Up Up Up Up Up Up by Ani DiFranco is still a bit odd.It's a good

more words from the not-so-wise...

2006-09-12T17:16:00.000-07:00

Let's say that a good political friend is organizing a blow-out election protection forum. Let's also say that you've agreed to do something you've never done and organize tabling for said event.Should you concentrate on the unwieldy task of telling people who can put what tables where? Or, when there appears to be a vacuum in the ranks of responsibility, should you also take on the role of

word from the not-so-wise...

2006-09-12T10:59:00.000-07:00

Precinct walking in the high heat of the Moreno Valley when one is drop-dead tired, fighting off a headache and has just sat through a two and half hour coordinating committee meeting? Probably not the smartest thing to do.Not that I know anyone who has...

five years...

2006-09-11T15:24:00.000-07:00

Red/White/Blue=the country I love - the United States of America;Black=mourning for all who have died in the events of 9/11/01 and have died in the ensuing conflicts.Within a week after the horrible events of 9/11, I made myself a ribbon that I wore for several weeks afterwards and on every anniversary since, using a red/white/blue ribbon and a black ribbon. When I wasn't wearing it the ribbon

never gonna get over the wonder...

2006-09-08T21:37:00.000-07:00

Hi. Big city girl here.Well, technically I'm more of a suburban girl, as all of the naval housing I grew up in was pretty suburban, as were the suburbs I've lived in since my father retired from the Navy in '81. Thing of it is, I've never lived in any area that was remotely countrified. Even the Pensacola and El Centro Naval Bases, situated as they were across a bay and in the middle of the

it was forty years ago today...

2006-09-08T08:24:00.000-07:00

...that "Man Trap" was first broadcast on NBC. I was a wee slip of a four month old, barely aware of anything that wasn't food, sleep or poop related. Therefore I had no idea that the flickering images on the screen that evening would actually factor into my life in any way, let alone be the focus of one of my three obsessions that carried me through a somewhat troubled, and painfully shy,

pimpin' for the man...

2006-09-07T14:47:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, the dreamy Steven Amaya (he of the late and dearly lamented Evaporation) emailed me to let me know about his latest project - podcasting - and bade me take a listen. Unfortunately, due to my nearly superfluous home computer and a reluctance to play anything on my work computer that wasn't music, I could not do so.Until yesterday.The g-ds that are Apple enabled me to