giovedì, ottobre 30, 2003
Big fat Americans and the end of Smoking
There are more and more media-borne alarmist interludes about how obesity is at epidemic levels in the US, and that obesity has increased dramatically over the past ten years. It is clear that it is a huge (sic) problem. There are many factors that play into this, including: huge portion sizes, overabundance of food, hydrogenated fats and fast food, low quality food, lack of exercise, eating mindlessly while watching TV, etc. But there is one factor that I have not heard mentioned, and I want to point it out here. Smoking. Is it not interesting that the explosion in fat corresponds to the huge success in the war against smoking?
Living in Italy, I found the attitude towards food to be important: high quality but small portions. Italians also don't have the fat issues we have here. But, don't forget. Italians smoke a lot. The no-smoking initiatives are just starting there right now.
Nicotine is an appetite suppressant. I think most people know this.
Now don't get me wrong, I think it is great that fewer people smoke. Smoking is proven to be dangerous to your health and often it is fatal. What I am trying to say here is that in the larger good of no-smoking public health campaigns, some little inconvenient facts have been suspiciously unannounced. Smoking is bad for you, but it is disingenuous to propose that it is all bad without any potential good effect at all. If a side-effect of a good drug is a smaller bad result, then a side-effect of a bad drug (nicotine) is a smaller good result (appetite suppression).
So, when the media images of fat bellies and thundering thighs come on, and the oddly thin anchorperson says it's an epidemic of fat!, there's some blame in there. And there should be some - let's face it. But there is also something else nobody says: we told you to stop smoking, and we're proud of ourselves, so we don't want to ruin it by admitting that there is any negative effect, even if the overall effect is still worth it...
There are more and more media-borne alarmist interludes about how obesity is at epidemic levels in the US, and that obesity has increased dramatically over the past ten years. It is clear that it is a huge (sic) problem. There are many factors that play into this, including: huge portion sizes, overabundance of food, hydrogenated fats and fast food, low quality food, lack of exercise, eating mindlessly while watching TV, etc. But there is one factor that I have not heard mentioned, and I want to point it out here. Smoking. Is it not interesting that the explosion in fat corresponds to the huge success in the war against smoking?
Living in Italy, I found the attitude towards food to be important: high quality but small portions. Italians also don't have the fat issues we have here. But, don't forget. Italians smoke a lot. The no-smoking initiatives are just starting there right now.
Nicotine is an appetite suppressant. I think most people know this.
Now don't get me wrong, I think it is great that fewer people smoke. Smoking is proven to be dangerous to your health and often it is fatal. What I am trying to say here is that in the larger good of no-smoking public health campaigns, some little inconvenient facts have been suspiciously unannounced. Smoking is bad for you, but it is disingenuous to propose that it is all bad without any potential good effect at all. If a side-effect of a good drug is a smaller bad result, then a side-effect of a bad drug (nicotine) is a smaller good result (appetite suppression).
So, when the media images of fat bellies and thundering thighs come on, and the oddly thin anchorperson says it's an epidemic of fat!, there's some blame in there. And there should be some - let's face it. But there is also something else nobody says: we told you to stop smoking, and we're proud of ourselves, so we don't want to ruin it by admitting that there is any negative effect, even if the overall effect is still worth it...
Bits
1. Yes, I know linking pictures from elsewhere makes it load slower. I just can't help myself.
2. Is the internet extra slow today? Is it from the solar flares?
3. I have a mega case of writer's block/lack of motivation/laziness. Can't you tell by the sheer number of [nonsensical] posts lately?
4. Do I have any readers left? I think there should be at least 4 or 5. Or did I scare everyone off with my innermost thoughts and/or pictures of anal office equipment? [psssst, wanna see my stapler?]
1. Yes, I know linking pictures from elsewhere makes it load slower. I just can't help myself.
2. Is the internet extra slow today? Is it from the solar flares?
3. I have a mega case of writer's block/lack of motivation/laziness. Can't you tell by the sheer number of [nonsensical] posts lately?
4. Do I have any readers left? I think there should be at least 4 or 5. Or did I scare everyone off with my innermost thoughts and/or pictures of anal office equipment? [psssst, wanna see my stapler?]
(Temporary?) Overflow Sidebar
Can now be found here. I may also have to put the blogroll over there because it is taking so long. We'll see. Any thoughts?
Can now be found here. I may also have to put the blogroll over there because it is taking so long. We'll see. Any thoughts?
I think that I have added too many things to my sidebar, and now it is taking too long for all of them to load. I guess I will put them somewhere else for the moment.
Liked this one
Founded by a bunch of Englishmen in 1848, "The group popularized a theatrically romantic style, marked by great beauty, an intricate realism, and a fondness for Arthurian legend." (artcyclopedia.com.) Creative license is taken here; not all Pre-Raphaelite art was dark, mediaeval, and deathly serious, like you are. But there were a lot of drowned maidens, and you'd like that.
Famous Pre-Raphaelites: Waterhouse, Millais, Rossetti, and You.
which art movement are you?
this quiz was made by Caitlin
Link via Pixie with a Crash Helmet
Founded by a bunch of Englishmen in 1848, "The group popularized a theatrically romantic style, marked by great beauty, an intricate realism, and a fondness for Arthurian legend." (artcyclopedia.com.) Creative license is taken here; not all Pre-Raphaelite art was dark, mediaeval, and deathly serious, like you are. But there were a lot of drowned maidens, and you'd like that.
Famous Pre-Raphaelites: Waterhouse, Millais, Rossetti, and You.
which art movement are you?
this quiz was made by Caitlin
Link via Pixie with a Crash Helmet
mercoledì, ottobre 29, 2003
Talking Asshole Typewriter from Naked Lunch!!!!!
Found it.
(the telebimbo doll, Rummy, and George W. made me think of talking assholes, by the way)
Found it.
(the telebimbo doll, Rummy, and George W. made me think of talking assholes, by the way)
And for all of you social theorists out there
Social theory Lego dolls - including Judith Butler and Michel Foucault. See also the full set Anthony Giddens in his study. (Yes, these are fake. They're social theorists! What is reality, anyway?)
Social theory Lego dolls - including Judith Butler and Michel Foucault. See also the full set Anthony Giddens in his study. (Yes, these are fake. They're social theorists! What is reality, anyway?)
Telebimbo Barbie?
There is now a doll of my least favorite telebimbo (whose name I have vowed not to mention here). She talks - what a surprise! (Link via Feministe.)
Also check out these other lovely action figures:
Rummy
Top Gun George W.
Shushing Librarian
Action Figure Checklist Diorama: Violator Vs The Smurfs A bit dark, both literally and figuratively.
Karate Kid and Miyagi
He-Man (with free Flogg)
This Japanese company has a whole host of interesting items: (only available in Japan)
Killer condom? From the Friction Collection
Twiggy (60s model; not sure if there is also one for the Marilyn Manson bandmember. There are, indeed, Marilyn Manson, Marilyn Monroe, and Charles Manson (in the serial killer series)?)
Edward Scissorhands
Barbapapa!
The dog system?
A set including: large banana, Andy Worhol, teddy bear, and red tiger?
I came here searching for a promised action figure of the talking asshole typewriter from Naked Lunch, but I never found it.
Update: if you came by earlier and the japanese toy links didn't work, they should work now.
There is now a doll of my least favorite telebimbo (whose name I have vowed not to mention here). She talks - what a surprise! (Link via Feministe.)
Also check out these other lovely action figures:
Rummy
Top Gun George W.
Shushing Librarian
Action Figure Checklist Diorama: Violator Vs The Smurfs A bit dark, both literally and figuratively.
Karate Kid and Miyagi
He-Man (with free Flogg)
This Japanese company has a whole host of interesting items: (only available in Japan)
Killer condom? From the Friction Collection
Twiggy (60s model; not sure if there is also one for the Marilyn Manson bandmember. There are, indeed, Marilyn Manson, Marilyn Monroe, and Charles Manson (in the serial killer series)?)
Edward Scissorhands
Barbapapa!
The dog system?
A set including: large banana, Andy Worhol, teddy bear, and red tiger?
I came here searching for a promised action figure of the talking asshole typewriter from Naked Lunch, but I never found it.
Update: if you came by earlier and the japanese toy links didn't work, they should work now.
martedì, ottobre 28, 2003
Harrowing Airplane (and boat) Tales Pt. 2: Paraguay
I spent some time in a very isolated location in North-Eastern Paraguay. It was not accessible by road, and it took a two-day ride up the Paraguay river on a cargo/passenger boat to get there. People brought on chickens, vats of frozen fish. etc. and they went into a space below the deck, covered by a wooden trap door.
I was lucky to have a bunk in a cabin (most people just slept on the deck), and my bunk was at the top. The ceiling was probably 2-3 inches above my face when I was lying down. I was also taking Lariam, the malaria preventive, which has the tendency to give people horrible, vivid nightmares (or worse). One night I woke up screaming because I had the most vivid nightmare that I was shut in the cargo space, with the wood trap door closing me in from above. I was also reading Stephen King's Insomnia on the boat, which made really way too much sense at the time. At one point, I found myself sharing a bottle of some kind of very hard liquor with a man missing part of his finger. This wasn't a hospital-cured wound either, the flesh had healed around a bit of bone that was still sticking out a from the end.
Anyway, on the way back we heard that an airplane would be leaving from the town down the river, which was apparently a sporadic occurrence. So we canoed down before dawn. I have never ever seen so many stars - this is a place with very little electric light, and it is very far from everything. The milky way was a vivid path in the sky.
The plane itself was a military run passenger plane service. Passengers brought vats of frozen fish, and put it in the cargo area, but no chickens this time. On the plane, the back two rows of seats were just where you throw your luggage in a large heap. We found some un-luggaged seats and sat. I was by the window.
The pilots were all in full military gear. And there was a stewardess! I think she had a short, olive green skirt. After we took off, she came by and gave everyone a paper cup half-filled with some unidentifiable flat soda. The way they navigated was literally to follow the river, twisting and turning with the flow. I looked out the window and saw this. Did they have instruments on the plane? I don't know.
Then we made our first stop. It looked like the plane was going to crash into the jungle, but it actually landed on a little dirt runway in the middle of the jungle. We were told to wait outside for a while. They had to refuel. The method they used was to siphon gas from another nearby plane using a big hose.
Eventually, we took back off from the dirt strip. The stewardess brought us another a paper cup half-filled with some unidentifiable flat soda, and we made it to Asuncion.
The End
I spent some time in a very isolated location in North-Eastern Paraguay. It was not accessible by road, and it took a two-day ride up the Paraguay river on a cargo/passenger boat to get there. People brought on chickens, vats of frozen fish. etc. and they went into a space below the deck, covered by a wooden trap door.
I was lucky to have a bunk in a cabin (most people just slept on the deck), and my bunk was at the top. The ceiling was probably 2-3 inches above my face when I was lying down. I was also taking Lariam, the malaria preventive, which has the tendency to give people horrible, vivid nightmares (or worse). One night I woke up screaming because I had the most vivid nightmare that I was shut in the cargo space, with the wood trap door closing me in from above. I was also reading Stephen King's Insomnia on the boat, which made really way too much sense at the time. At one point, I found myself sharing a bottle of some kind of very hard liquor with a man missing part of his finger. This wasn't a hospital-cured wound either, the flesh had healed around a bit of bone that was still sticking out a from the end.
Anyway, on the way back we heard that an airplane would be leaving from the town down the river, which was apparently a sporadic occurrence. So we canoed down before dawn. I have never ever seen so many stars - this is a place with very little electric light, and it is very far from everything. The milky way was a vivid path in the sky.
The plane itself was a military run passenger plane service. Passengers brought vats of frozen fish, and put it in the cargo area, but no chickens this time. On the plane, the back two rows of seats were just where you throw your luggage in a large heap. We found some un-luggaged seats and sat. I was by the window.
The pilots were all in full military gear. And there was a stewardess! I think she had a short, olive green skirt. After we took off, she came by and gave everyone a paper cup half-filled with some unidentifiable flat soda. The way they navigated was literally to follow the river, twisting and turning with the flow. I looked out the window and saw this. Did they have instruments on the plane? I don't know.
Then we made our first stop. It looked like the plane was going to crash into the jungle, but it actually landed on a little dirt runway in the middle of the jungle. We were told to wait outside for a while. They had to refuel. The method they used was to siphon gas from another nearby plane using a big hose.
Eventually, we took back off from the dirt strip. The stewardess brought us another a paper cup half-filled with some unidentifiable flat soda, and we made it to Asuncion.
The End
lunedì, ottobre 27, 2003
Nobody likes me, everybody hates me, I guess I'll go eat worms...
Sometimes I still feel the need to sing this song.
Sometimes I still feel the need to sing this song.
We Love Stereotypes!
Great job Joe Millionaire people! How inventive to choose a f-ing idiotic Texas cowboy to be Joe #2! European women would never ever expect an American to be like that!
And wow, is this guy stupid. (Maybe I just shouldn't watch trashy TV, right? Good point.)
Great job Joe Millionaire people! How inventive to choose a f-ing idiotic Texas cowboy to be Joe #2! European women would never ever expect an American to be like that!
And wow, is this guy stupid. (Maybe I just shouldn't watch trashy TV, right? Good point.)
Harrowing Airplane Tales Pt. 1: Acrobatics
After Scott told us about his one and only airplane experience, I have decided to tell my scariest tales.
A professor in my department has a small airplane, and he will take students flying sometimes. He also competes in acrobatic competitions, and if you're really really lucky he will take you up to do acrobatics.
This airplane seats two, one in front of the other. It is very tiny and a tight squeeze. Now, whenever you go flying, he will give you a barf bag. That is standard. He will also explain the extremely complicated harness seatbelt system and intercom headset system. Fine. This time, though, I had to put on a parachute. This is when I started to get a bit nervous. He was explaining how it works and at some point said, "if there is a problem, you might not be able to hear me. So if I open the door, just jump out immediately!" uhhhhhh, ok....
So up we go, and everything is going fine. He has been flying planes for many many years, and takeoff and landing are always quite smooth even in the mini plane. Then, there you are above Rhode Island - you can see most of it because it is so teeny tiny. This is a bit odd, but actually less scary than some trips in commercial planes.
Next, the acrobatics. He has to practice his routine for some regional competition. First, a backwards flip, where you go up and over. During this flip, I bonk my head on the ceiling of the plane. My harness needs to be tightened.
Then, more flips, rolls, plunges, flip-to-rolls, spins. The scariest part is actually when you are upside down, and have that weightless no-gravity feel. You look down above your head and see the ground (the way this plane is set up, the sides and some of the top are windows). It was, indeed, scary. But I didn't barf, and he didn't open the door, so no jumping out.
Finally, it was time to go back. I was a little bit shaken up, and he says, "do you want to fly the plane?" I didn't really, and since I was in the back seat it is hard to see, but I said OK for a few minutes. I made a few turns, which he pronounced excellent, then I was ready to hand the controls back. Maybe it would have been better if not for the 30+ minutes of acrobatics that had already made my head swim a bit.
We landed, and he congratulated me for not barfing in the plane. I guess one student did so once, or something. I'm glad I did it, but I think once was enough.
The End (stay tuned for part 2:Paraguay)
After Scott told us about his one and only airplane experience, I have decided to tell my scariest tales.
A professor in my department has a small airplane, and he will take students flying sometimes. He also competes in acrobatic competitions, and if you're really really lucky he will take you up to do acrobatics.
This airplane seats two, one in front of the other. It is very tiny and a tight squeeze. Now, whenever you go flying, he will give you a barf bag. That is standard. He will also explain the extremely complicated harness seatbelt system and intercom headset system. Fine. This time, though, I had to put on a parachute. This is when I started to get a bit nervous. He was explaining how it works and at some point said, "if there is a problem, you might not be able to hear me. So if I open the door, just jump out immediately!" uhhhhhh, ok....
So up we go, and everything is going fine. He has been flying planes for many many years, and takeoff and landing are always quite smooth even in the mini plane. Then, there you are above Rhode Island - you can see most of it because it is so teeny tiny. This is a bit odd, but actually less scary than some trips in commercial planes.
Next, the acrobatics. He has to practice his routine for some regional competition. First, a backwards flip, where you go up and over. During this flip, I bonk my head on the ceiling of the plane. My harness needs to be tightened.
Then, more flips, rolls, plunges, flip-to-rolls, spins. The scariest part is actually when you are upside down, and have that weightless no-gravity feel. You look down above your head and see the ground (the way this plane is set up, the sides and some of the top are windows). It was, indeed, scary. But I didn't barf, and he didn't open the door, so no jumping out.
Finally, it was time to go back. I was a little bit shaken up, and he says, "do you want to fly the plane?" I didn't really, and since I was in the back seat it is hard to see, but I said OK for a few minutes. I made a few turns, which he pronounced excellent, then I was ready to hand the controls back. Maybe it would have been better if not for the 30+ minutes of acrobatics that had already made my head swim a bit.
We landed, and he congratulated me for not barfing in the plane. I guess one student did so once, or something. I'm glad I did it, but I think once was enough.
The End (stay tuned for part 2:Paraguay)
domenica, ottobre 26, 2003
Shifted by Time
I hate the time change. I am not a morning person. The extra hour of light in the morning does nothing to impress me, and now it is getting dark too early. Sunset for Mon. = 4:47 PM. Miserable.
I hate the time change. I am not a morning person. The extra hour of light in the morning does nothing to impress me, and now it is getting dark too early. Sunset for Mon. = 4:47 PM. Miserable.
Burning
Watching the video of the fires in Southern California is terrifying. It is moving so fast.
It is scary to know that one day everything can be fine, regular, everyday, and the next day your home can burn to the ground.
Let us all hope that the fires are put out before they can do much more harm.
Watching the video of the fires in Southern California is terrifying. It is moving so fast.
It is scary to know that one day everything can be fine, regular, everyday, and the next day your home can burn to the ground.
Let us all hope that the fires are put out before they can do much more harm.
mercoledì, ottobre 22, 2003
Where have I been?
Yes, I went to Puerto Rico - San Juan. My husband was attending a conference there (the same one as Xoloitzquintle, indeed), and when I heard where it was going to be, I said I'm going too! His way was paid already, so that took care of the hotel, and we used frequent flier miles to get me there. I really needed a break.
So the winners are....
Kat/Enigma, who correctly guessed where I went, and Shy Lux, who said she knew (and I believe her).
Each of you win:
Small size bag of real Puerto Rican Coffee!!!!!!
To get it email me:
To: miabuna AT yahoo DOT com
1. Your surface address, for sending purposes.
2. If you don't drink coffee, tell me, and I'll find something else to send.
3a. For Kat only: what is n/m? I don't know my sms vocab very well.
3b. For Lux only: If you really didn't know after all, tell me. You can still have coffee. (But I think you knew)
PS I am notoriously slow at sending things on time.
Mini-Vacation
I really had a great time in Puerto Rico - perhaps explaining my sorrow at being back in the lands of freezing drizzle. It was so warm, and I swam in the ocean, which was warm as briny bathwater. I love the ocean, and there it is clear and turquoise blue.
Also:
I did get a sunburn. Even on my forehead, in spite of repeated applications of SPF45. [indeed, Scott, I am so pasty pale after a few months in RI that I probably would even get a sunburn in North Dakota]. The PR sun was working well.
I ate like a pig. Like a really happy, well-fed pig. Things to try: Mafongo with meat or seafood, various types of plantain, tres leches, fruit frappe, and coffee with milk. I don't usually eat meat, but when I am traveling, I do. I like to try the local foods - it gives a good sense of the place.
I want to live there now. Seriously. It is a fascinating place.
I love the travelers palms and other tropical plants. And the coqui frogs, which you can hear chirping everywhere.
The low point of the trip: When we arrived late Thu pm, our room wasn't ready yet, but then as consolation they upgraded us to ocean view (which was worth it) and gave us coupons for 2 free drinks each at the bar. At this point, the Red Sox were winning 4 to 0. As we slurped down our Pina Coladas, all seemed well in the world. Then.... well you know how it turned out, right?
The Joys of Air Travel Parts 4 & 5
Yes, I went to Puerto Rico - San Juan. My husband was attending a conference there (the same one as Xoloitzquintle, indeed), and when I heard where it was going to be, I said I'm going too! His way was paid already, so that took care of the hotel, and we used frequent flier miles to get me there. I really needed a break.
So the winners are....
Kat/Enigma, who correctly guessed where I went, and Shy Lux, who said she knew (and I believe her).
Each of you win:
Small size bag of real Puerto Rican Coffee!!!!!!
To get it email me:
To: miabuna AT yahoo DOT com
1. Your surface address, for sending purposes.
2. If you don't drink coffee, tell me, and I'll find something else to send.
3a. For Kat only: what is n/m? I don't know my sms vocab very well.
3b. For Lux only: If you really didn't know after all, tell me. You can still have coffee. (But I think you knew)
PS I am notoriously slow at sending things on time.
Mini-Vacation
I really had a great time in Puerto Rico - perhaps explaining my sorrow at being back in the lands of freezing drizzle. It was so warm, and I swam in the ocean, which was warm as briny bathwater. I love the ocean, and there it is clear and turquoise blue.
Also:
I did get a sunburn. Even on my forehead, in spite of repeated applications of SPF45. [indeed, Scott, I am so pasty pale after a few months in RI that I probably would even get a sunburn in North Dakota]. The PR sun was working well.
I ate like a pig. Like a really happy, well-fed pig. Things to try: Mafongo with meat or seafood, various types of plantain, tres leches, fruit frappe, and coffee with milk. I don't usually eat meat, but when I am traveling, I do. I like to try the local foods - it gives a good sense of the place.
I want to live there now. Seriously. It is a fascinating place.
I love the travelers palms and other tropical plants. And the coqui frogs, which you can hear chirping everywhere.
The low point of the trip: When we arrived late Thu pm, our room wasn't ready yet, but then as consolation they upgraded us to ocean view (which was worth it) and gave us coupons for 2 free drinks each at the bar. At this point, the Red Sox were winning 4 to 0. As we slurped down our Pina Coladas, all seemed well in the world. Then.... well you know how it turned out, right?
The Joys of Air Travel Parts 4 & 5
- They didn't make me take my shoes off this time, but they made me take off my belt on the way back. I tend to wear the same comfy clothes when flying everywhere, so these are the same shoes as always and the same belt I have worn before in numerous airports. None ever sets off the alarm. In fact, I think the last time I actually set off the beep was when I was 16 leaving Japan. My host family had given me a big metal barrette as a gift, so I wore it that day, and it set off the alarm.
- On the way there, between Atlanta and San Juan, the flight wasn't so much fun. First, we paid the $5 for the movie. Because, even though this is like robbery, you are stuck in a plane so what the hell are you going to do anyway? That dingy reading light just isn't adequate. So we paid for the crappy headphones, and they didn't work. It turns out that a few rows didn't have sound. They gave us the money back, but still, if they can't manage to keep some crappy sound system afloat, it makes me wonder about how well they maintain the parts of the airplane that we need to not fall from the sky!
- So we were flying along, not enjoying the movie (on a bitty screen just above my left shoulder, anyway), and I had almost finished a styrofoam cup of coffee, which tasted like styrofoam. Goin along... goin along... when wham, the plane starts to bounce around quite violently. The little bit of coffee sloshed out of the cup, and those who had not slurped it up fast enough were covered in coffee. The stewardesses ran for cover in the back.
Now, usually a little bit of turbulence doesn't scare me, but this time it did. I think it was because there was absolutely no warning - very sudden. I remember thinking that I was glad I had checked under the seat to make sure my flotation vest was actually there. (Flying over the ocean - I like to check. I don't trust that seat cushion as flotation device claim). It freaked me out.
- Getting one of those "we searched your bag" cards in your bag is kind of creepy. I mean, they poked through my dirty underwear. Uck.
- No, indeed, no old ladies with swivel-up lipstick knives attacked me in the airport! Yay!
martedì, ottobre 21, 2003
Back to the Cold Place
Does anyone remember how it felt to be at the end of school vacation, when you have to go back to the doldrums of everyday work, slogging around in the cold, confronted with the same things you failed to do before you left...
That's how I'm feeling being back from mini-vacation at the moment. So, after having done mostly nothing today, I am going to have to postpone everything - including blogging - until tomorrow. When I will tell you where I went and how it went...
Tonight I think I need to continue to wallow a bit in post-vacation sadness.
Does anyone remember how it felt to be at the end of school vacation, when you have to go back to the doldrums of everyday work, slogging around in the cold, confronted with the same things you failed to do before you left...
That's how I'm feeling being back from mini-vacation at the moment. So, after having done mostly nothing today, I am going to have to postpone everything - including blogging - until tomorrow. When I will tell you where I went and how it went...
Tonight I think I need to continue to wallow a bit in post-vacation sadness.
mercoledì, ottobre 15, 2003
Mini Vacation!!
Yay!!!!!! I will be gone from tomorrow to Monday on a mini-vacation! I definitely need a vacation, I have been losing it a little bit these past couple of days, with the wrath of the Moon Goddess coupled with the unstable [yet obsolete] Curse of the Sox.
Who can guess where I'm going?
Hint: I may get a sunburn...
Yay!!!!!! I will be gone from tomorrow to Monday on a mini-vacation! I definitely need a vacation, I have been losing it a little bit these past couple of days, with the wrath of the Moon Goddess coupled with the unstable [yet obsolete] Curse of the Sox.
Who can guess where I'm going?
Hint: I may get a sunburn...
GO SOX!!!!!
Yay!!!!!! I have never watched so much baseball in my life. Now I understand the unstable world of the Red Sox fan!
Cheering for the team, I'm afraid I got a little bit rowdy at Shy Lux's Happy Hour today. I have now gained the nickname !
I think I may need to lay off the virtual booze...
Yay!!!!!! I have never watched so much baseball in my life. Now I understand the unstable world of the Red Sox fan!
Cheering for the team, I'm afraid I got a little bit rowdy at Shy Lux's Happy Hour today. I have now gained the nickname !
I think I may need to lay off the virtual booze...
martedì, ottobre 14, 2003
Creativity in the Blogosphere
AND
More complaining about how I don't have time to participate in any of it
AND
More complaining about how I don't have time to participate in any of it
- Burn It Music Swap, from Neurotic Fishbowl. Introduce some other bloggers to your favorite tunes, learn about new music, and thumb your nose at some big evil music organization (to remain nameless here). This looks like fun, and I might even sign up for it! (If music organization henchmen are reading - By this I mean: don't do it! Bad bad bad). Link from Texas T-Bone.
- Change of Plans, started by Estella and B2. Did you ever play that game where a group of people would take turns writing a piece of a story, and the outcome was hilarious? This is what they are doing online. I wish I had time to do this - I love these. But I don't. I don't even have time to read it, they're so prolific! [insert frowny face here]
- NaNoWriMo = National Novel Writing Month = November. Write a novel in November! Come on, everyone's doing it! A great idea, obviously I don't have time for it. Link from Sassy Little Punkin, who is participating (can we read it?).
- Some individual bloggers have started some fun communal activities:
Shy Lux has been hosting some Wednesday happy hours, where I have already consumed virtual Gin and Tonic, a Cosmopolitan, and some really strong Absinthe. Wheeeeeee!
Texas T-Bone has a "What's for Dinner" contest going on. I wish I had time to think of a recipe and take a picture!
Radmila has recently shown us the contents of her handbag and other people did so as well! This is fun in a somewhat voyeuristic way, reminiscent of the now defunct web fridge project. Next, medicine cabinets? Actually now that I think of it, Radmila should enter the dinner contest with her Garlic Pork and Cod Fish Balls with Scotch Bonnett & Chili Sauce recipes.
- Finally, is it not strange to read the online journal of someone you know in real life? It is even stranger to see a post of theirs reach some level of fame and be cited in another unrelated blog you read regularly (What Kind of Sick Weirdo Are You?)
So then, if you haven't already, go on along and read the translation of "Baby Got Back" into Latin over at cuiuslibet commentaria. I can assure you personally that you will find no more accurate nor more finely crafted Latin translations of rap music anywhere on the web!
Jhumpa Lahiri
I have mentioned before that Jhumpa Lahiri taught my undergraduate creative writing class. At that point, she was not yet famous, and she was still a graduate student. I find it really funny how she is always glamorously dressed in all of her pictures in magazines and newspapers (and online, above), since when I knew her she looked like a grad student - ponytail; little or no makeup; long, flowy skirt.
She is really nice. And a really great creative writing teacher.
Anyway, last week I went to a reading of her new book The Namesake. It was great - and drew a huge crowd. I stood in the line to get it signed, and she actually recognized me! It's been 10 years. I was a bit starstruck, I must admit.
Buy her book, she is a terrific writer!
I have mentioned before that Jhumpa Lahiri taught my undergraduate creative writing class. At that point, she was not yet famous, and she was still a graduate student. I find it really funny how she is always glamorously dressed in all of her pictures in magazines and newspapers (and online, above), since when I knew her she looked like a grad student - ponytail; little or no makeup; long, flowy skirt.
She is really nice. And a really great creative writing teacher.
Anyway, last week I went to a reading of her new book The Namesake. It was great - and drew a huge crowd. I stood in the line to get it signed, and she actually recognized me! It's been 10 years. I was a bit starstruck, I must admit.
Buy her book, she is a terrific writer!
Crap
A crappy day may include such things as:
A crappy day may include such things as:
- Finding a big, scary centipede in the bathroom and having to squish the bugger. Splat! Bleh.
- Car trouble! Pay $$, do not pass go.
- Unusually severe cramps! (see below)
- One's baseball team, which one is just recently quite fond of, losing to the nemesis baseball team
- Getting nothing done even though one was supposed to get lots done today!
- Didn't manage to return library books, which were due
- Ate lots of chocolate. Oooops - diet?
- Supposed to turn in next dissertation chapter tomorrow to advisor. Chapter? What chapter?
commentary on the monthly tyranny of female hormone related pain
You know it is a great day when, at 2pm, you find yourself on the bed curled up into a fetal-position ball, gazing with glazed eyes at the ceiling.
You know it is a great day when, at 2pm, you find yourself on the bed curled up into a fetal-position ball, gazing with glazed eyes at the ceiling.
lunedì, ottobre 13, 2003
Thoughts on Fenway Scuffle
Having read a bit of commentary on the Pedro Martinez vs Don Zimmer scuffle on Sunday, I feel compelled to offer my own commentary. Yes, I saw it with my own eyes (on TV).
1. For Pedro: Even though he was attacking you (and he was), throwing a 72-year old man to the ground is nonetheless excessive. I do believe we have the right to defend ourselves against whoever attacks us, no matter their age, but still. You could have held him off without throwing him down, no? Shame on you.
2. For Don: You are 72-years old! Shouldn't you know by now that you shouldn't attack a young athlete at your age? What did you expect to happen in this scenario, anyway? Shame on you, too.
And yes, I am a Red Sox fan. That will be all.
Having read a bit of commentary on the Pedro Martinez vs Don Zimmer scuffle on Sunday, I feel compelled to offer my own commentary. Yes, I saw it with my own eyes (on TV).
1. For Pedro: Even though he was attacking you (and he was), throwing a 72-year old man to the ground is nonetheless excessive. I do believe we have the right to defend ourselves against whoever attacks us, no matter their age, but still. You could have held him off without throwing him down, no? Shame on you.
2. For Don: You are 72-years old! Shouldn't you know by now that you shouldn't attack a young athlete at your age? What did you expect to happen in this scenario, anyway? Shame on you, too.
And yes, I am a Red Sox fan. That will be all.
Uma
I was watching the re-broadcast of Conan O'Brian on Comedy Central**, and he had Uma Thurman on to talk about her new film, Kill Bill (which I do want to see). My first thoughts (as a heterosexual female) upon seeing Uma arrive on stage were: "Damn, she's hot!" I mean, most women that beautiful have an air of flaunting it/ showing off. But she seems perfectly nonchalant about it - very comfortable in her own (perfect) skin.
While I'm at it, I also find these other actresses to be hot:
Angelina Jolie
All 3 of the new Charlie's Angels (but not Demi Moore)
Halle Berry
Rose McGowan
Has fallen off the list:
Nicole Kidman. She must have lost lots of weight recently, because she is looking rather scrawny/gaunt/skeletal.
Never understood what the big deal about her was:
Jennifer Aniston. Really! What's so great about her? I find her face to be very masculine - a trait much preferred on men.
Who's on your list?
**You may ask: doesn't she complain about not having cable? Actually, I have the sub-standard cable, which is supposed to just be free channels and public access, but for some reason we also get Comedy Central, Discovery, and a few others.
I was watching the re-broadcast of Conan O'Brian on Comedy Central**, and he had Uma Thurman on to talk about her new film, Kill Bill (which I do want to see). My first thoughts (as a heterosexual female) upon seeing Uma arrive on stage were: "Damn, she's hot!" I mean, most women that beautiful have an air of flaunting it/ showing off. But she seems perfectly nonchalant about it - very comfortable in her own (perfect) skin.
While I'm at it, I also find these other actresses to be hot:
Angelina Jolie
All 3 of the new Charlie's Angels (but not Demi Moore)
Halle Berry
Rose McGowan
Has fallen off the list:
Nicole Kidman. She must have lost lots of weight recently, because she is looking rather scrawny/gaunt/skeletal.
Never understood what the big deal about her was:
Jennifer Aniston. Really! What's so great about her? I find her face to be very masculine - a trait much preferred on men.
Who's on your list?
**You may ask: doesn't she complain about not having cable? Actually, I have the sub-standard cable, which is supposed to just be free channels and public access, but for some reason we also get Comedy Central, Discovery, and a few others.
domenica, ottobre 12, 2003
Home Sweet Home?
One of my biggest dreams is for us to have a house of our own - particularly with a yard for the dog and a space for the garden. Of course, knowing where we will live would help. Having some money would also help.
In the area where we live, houses are extremely expensive. The prices in Providence have gone up noticeably since I arrived about 7 yrs ago, and this neighborhood more than any other. Even a tiny house will be in the $ 300,000 - 400,000 range.
So, I have recently become somewhat fixated on alternative housing. Starting with Dwell magazine (and their Dwellhome contest), there has been quite a bit on modernist prefab & similar. Take a look through fabprefab, for example.
I like these, but they appear only to be available in Europe:
--The Loftcube, designed to be delivered to a rooftop via helicopter! (I couldn't link a photo, but this one is worth a look).
--The Swiss Small House, very alpine.
These appear to be available in the US:
--The LV home - lots of light
--The UP house
Other things that catch my fancy include:
Did anyone else read the Barbapapa series as a kid? I loved their houses:
Now take a look at the Monolithic dome house, in a few incarnations:
Make up your own with the online home evaluator!
Or, perhaps a nice Yurt house?
Finally, for the very ambitious, the self-sustaining earthship type houses,
or an earth house
Well, maybe not that last one. It's too intestinal for my taste in houses.
One of my biggest dreams is for us to have a house of our own - particularly with a yard for the dog and a space for the garden. Of course, knowing where we will live would help. Having some money would also help.
In the area where we live, houses are extremely expensive. The prices in Providence have gone up noticeably since I arrived about 7 yrs ago, and this neighborhood more than any other. Even a tiny house will be in the $ 300,000 - 400,000 range.
So, I have recently become somewhat fixated on alternative housing. Starting with Dwell magazine (and their Dwellhome contest), there has been quite a bit on modernist prefab & similar. Take a look through fabprefab, for example.
I like these, but they appear only to be available in Europe:
--The Loftcube, designed to be delivered to a rooftop via helicopter! (I couldn't link a photo, but this one is worth a look).
--The Swiss Small House, very alpine.
These appear to be available in the US:
--The LV home - lots of light
--The UP house
Other things that catch my fancy include:
Did anyone else read the Barbapapa series as a kid? I loved their houses:
Now take a look at the Monolithic dome house, in a few incarnations:
Make up your own with the online home evaluator!
Or, perhaps a nice Yurt house?
Finally, for the very ambitious, the self-sustaining earthship type houses,
or an earth house
Well, maybe not that last one. It's too intestinal for my taste in houses.
Females for Sale!
Scott over at Volume 22 often finds funny pictures from 104 Random AltaVista Photos. Usually, when I click on it, I get a bizarre mixture of home-made porn, vacation photos, logos, and some other crap. This time, I decided to click on this one:
It comes from a web site dedicated to selling llamas. Unfortunately, Lady Pearl, the handsome llamette featured above, has already been sold! But there are plenty more llamas just waiting to hear from you! Click on the photo above to see what females are for sale!
Gives new meaning to mail-order companionship?
Also check out this one:
That's VegiErotic if I ever saw it! It comes from a page entirely in Japanese.
Scott over at Volume 22 often finds funny pictures from 104 Random AltaVista Photos. Usually, when I click on it, I get a bizarre mixture of home-made porn, vacation photos, logos, and some other crap. This time, I decided to click on this one:
It comes from a web site dedicated to selling llamas. Unfortunately, Lady Pearl, the handsome llamette featured above, has already been sold! But there are plenty more llamas just waiting to hear from you! Click on the photo above to see what females are for sale!
Gives new meaning to mail-order companionship?
Also check out this one:
That's VegiErotic if I ever saw it! It comes from a page entirely in Japanese.
giovedì, ottobre 09, 2003
Kiddie Boxing?
We were flipping through the channels looking for "Caught in Providence" on the public access channel. Caught in Providence is a great show - REAL reality TV. They have put a camera in the traffic court, and you can see the excuses that people come up with to try to get out of their parking tickets. And the judge, who is quite the ham, will go easy on people using certain techniques... now if I ever get a ticket, I know exactly how to get out of it. Unless it's for parking in a handicapped zone. He never lets anyone out of that one.
Anyway, today the show wasn't on, and instead there was a local home-made sports show. It was Kiddie Boxing! There were two 8-year-old boys in gloves and masks. In a real boxing ring. With officials and trainers and a pretty large audience as well. Little kids!
The trainers prepped them - it looked almost like a parody. Don't they realize these are little kids? Then the boxing began. Yes, they had gloves and all the paraphernalia, but in the end it was just two little boys hitting each other in the face. With adults cheering them on!
This seems like a kind of boy version of the kiddie beauty pagents that got so much press around the time of Jon Benet Ramsey's murder. What are these parents thinking? I probably don't even want to know.
We were flipping through the channels looking for "Caught in Providence" on the public access channel. Caught in Providence is a great show - REAL reality TV. They have put a camera in the traffic court, and you can see the excuses that people come up with to try to get out of their parking tickets. And the judge, who is quite the ham, will go easy on people using certain techniques... now if I ever get a ticket, I know exactly how to get out of it. Unless it's for parking in a handicapped zone. He never lets anyone out of that one.
Anyway, today the show wasn't on, and instead there was a local home-made sports show. It was Kiddie Boxing! There were two 8-year-old boys in gloves and masks. In a real boxing ring. With officials and trainers and a pretty large audience as well. Little kids!
The trainers prepped them - it looked almost like a parody. Don't they realize these are little kids? Then the boxing began. Yes, they had gloves and all the paraphernalia, but in the end it was just two little boys hitting each other in the face. With adults cheering them on!
This seems like a kind of boy version of the kiddie beauty pagents that got so much press around the time of Jon Benet Ramsey's murder. What are these parents thinking? I probably don't even want to know.
mercoledì, ottobre 08, 2003
Gallery of Disturbing Plastic Toys
PART 2
Gallery of Disturbing Plastic DOG Toys
My dog has many Nylabone chew toys, most of which look like regular bone shapes. But this one, below, well, look for yourself:
It's called "Galileo", and it is meant to be heavily chewed:
Galileo®
Made of super-tough virgin DuPont nylon, these chews are tougher than any other nylon or polyurethane bone. Recommended especially for aggressive chewing dogs.
Aggressive chewing? Does this make any of you men out there nervous?
PART 2
Gallery of Disturbing Plastic DOG Toys
My dog has many Nylabone chew toys, most of which look like regular bone shapes. But this one, below, well, look for yourself:
It's called "Galileo", and it is meant to be heavily chewed:
Galileo®
Made of super-tough virgin DuPont nylon, these chews are tougher than any other nylon or polyurethane bone. Recommended especially for aggressive chewing dogs.
Aggressive chewing? Does this make any of you men out there nervous?
martedì, ottobre 07, 2003
*Duhhhhhhhh*
I was reading today on Unraveling the Enigma that:
"The states have been ranked from smartest to dumbest based on how their public education system ranked nationally. The smartest state in the union is Massachusetts. The dumbest, for the second consecutive year, is New Mexico."
So then, since I went to New Mexico public schools (Kindergarten - 12th Grade!), I must be particularly dumb.
I'm going to sue New Mexico for making me dumb! Then I'll sue McDonalds for making me fat! Then, hmmmm, how about I sue George Bush for giving me a headache. Ok, that last one was too smart. Nevermind.
How does your state rank?
I was reading today on Unraveling the Enigma that:
"The states have been ranked from smartest to dumbest based on how their public education system ranked nationally. The smartest state in the union is Massachusetts. The dumbest, for the second consecutive year, is New Mexico."
So then, since I went to New Mexico public schools (Kindergarten - 12th Grade!), I must be particularly dumb.
I'm going to sue New Mexico for making me dumb! Then I'll sue McDonalds for making me fat! Then, hmmmm, how about I sue George Bush for giving me a headache. Ok, that last one was too smart. Nevermind.
How does your state rank?
Update: Busy, busy, busy.
1. Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. (One of my favorite books)
2. "Busy, busy, busy, is what we Bokononists whisper whenever we think of how complicated and unpredictable the machinery of life really is" (51).
Thank you to everyone who guessed! (ie Shy Lux)!
1. Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. (One of my favorite books)
2. "Busy, busy, busy, is what we Bokononists whisper whenever we think of how complicated and unpredictable the machinery of life really is" (51).
Thank you to everyone who guessed! (ie Shy Lux)!
lunedì, ottobre 06, 2003
I don't have anything to say, so instead I'll put up some sexy pictures of your favorite sexy men:
I must have a sort of goth readership. Not goth enough to be turned on by Dickens' ghost, though. Maybe Christmas Past wasn't the best choice, after all. How about the Ghost of Christmas Present - he looks pretty jolly, if you know what I mean:
Or, for the true goth, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come:
Don't you like a man(?) who knows what he wants?
(thanx to smivey for batman link)
I must have a sort of goth readership. Not goth enough to be turned on by Dickens' ghost, though. Maybe Christmas Past wasn't the best choice, after all. How about the Ghost of Christmas Present - he looks pretty jolly, if you know what I mean:
Or, for the true goth, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come:
Don't you like a man(?) who knows what he wants?
(thanx to smivey for batman link)
domenica, ottobre 05, 2003
Busy, busy, busy.**
The past few days I have been extremely busy and exhausted. This will continue on for a while if not longer.
Sorry I can't be around so much anymore. I do promise sporadic updates. Yay! Sporadic!
** Bonus points to anyone who knows 1) to which book does this post title allude? and 2) what does the phrase mean? (be specific)
The past few days I have been extremely busy and exhausted. This will continue on for a while if not longer.
Sorry I can't be around so much anymore. I do promise sporadic updates. Yay! Sporadic!
** Bonus points to anyone who knows 1) to which book does this post title allude? and 2) what does the phrase mean? (be specific)
Red Sox!!!
I am not a big baseball fan in general, but I have to say that I am caught up in Red Sox fever. I've lived in the Boston and Providence areas for about 10 years now, and of course I'm going to join in with a "this is the year"!
It would be a great thing for Boston, and the whole city would be in a great mood. Go Sox!
I am not a big baseball fan in general, but I have to say that I am caught up in Red Sox fever. I've lived in the Boston and Providence areas for about 10 years now, and of course I'm going to join in with a "this is the year"!
It would be a great thing for Boston, and the whole city would be in a great mood. Go Sox!
giovedì, ottobre 02, 2003
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In the past few years, both my mother-in-law and my academic advisor have been diagnosed with breast cancer, have undergone treatment, and have beaten the cancer and returned to good health.
I have already had Xolo ask me where to get the button for the sidebar. I had been searching for a button at breast cancer research sites, but I didn't find any. Eventually, I found various buttons available for download at Carol Sutton's site. I linked it up myself to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, but there are also other foundations and research organizations to choose from.
Awareness of this issue is essential. It is astounding how many women are affected by breast cancer within their lifetimes. Support breast cancer research!
In the past few years, both my mother-in-law and my academic advisor have been diagnosed with breast cancer, have undergone treatment, and have beaten the cancer and returned to good health.
I have already had Xolo ask me where to get the button for the sidebar. I had been searching for a button at breast cancer research sites, but I didn't find any. Eventually, I found various buttons available for download at Carol Sutton's site. I linked it up myself to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, but there are also other foundations and research organizations to choose from.
Awareness of this issue is essential. It is astounding how many women are affected by breast cancer within their lifetimes. Support breast cancer research!
Gallery of Disturbing Plastic Toys
Am I the only one who finds Sponge Bob Square Pants to be more than a little bit menacing?
These are from Kinder Surprise eggs. When you wheel him around, the first one hits himself in the head with a spoon. When you wheel him around, the second one hits himself in the face with a spoon ("eats"). When you wheel her around, the third one irons.
Another Kinder Surprise. What exactly is going on here?
Am I the only one who finds Sponge Bob Square Pants to be more than a little bit menacing?
These are from Kinder Surprise eggs. When you wheel him around, the first one hits himself in the head with a spoon. When you wheel him around, the second one hits himself in the face with a spoon ("eats"). When you wheel her around, the third one irons.
Another Kinder Surprise. What exactly is going on here?
mercoledì, ottobre 01, 2003
VegiErotica: Organic Love Triangle
A large version of this picture was featured on the "Food" section of the Providence Journal today with the headline: "Organic Love Triangle." The picture above is from the paper's web site.
After last week's corn pictures, I am beginning to think that either:
a. Providence is the hotbed of VegiErotic innovation, like Seattle was for grunge
or
b. The people at the Providence Journal are reading my blog
What do you think?
A large version of this picture was featured on the "Food" section of the Providence Journal today with the headline: "Organic Love Triangle." The picture above is from the paper's web site.
After last week's corn pictures, I am beginning to think that either:
a. Providence is the hotbed of VegiErotic innovation, like Seattle was for grunge
or
b. The people at the Providence Journal are reading my blog
What do you think?
