Take the 100 Acre Personality Quiz!
| Unshelved | by Bill Barnes and Gene Ambaum |
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Sunday, December 31, 2006
Updating
Thursday I went home and had a nice visit with my mom and grandmother. It was a nice, quiet 'Christmas'. I got my mom a large basket of lotions and bath products (complete with candles and neck pillow) and my grandmother a photo album with frames on the front for pictures of her great-grandchildren and the rest of the family. For my step-father I got a gadget, a radio/flashlight that never needs batteries or bulbs that you crank to run. (Let me tell you the non-electric radio story sometime. Oh, I may as well do it now. Years ago I had a friend who insisted he'd seen a similar radio and that it was a non-electric radio, operating on kinetic energy (he told this in all earnesty to several of us, one of whom was a mechanical engineer who now works for NASA, and nothing we told him would persuade him that it was, indeed, run by electricity, but it was simply generated without an outlet or battery. This was the same guy who thought virus intelligently chose their victims (I think he was really talking about viruses evolving in response to differences in those they attacked), parallel spontaneous evolution (American Indians didn't come from Asia, they evolved here), and that he was an Indian when in fact he had some amount of relatively distant Indian blood that kept multiplying the more he researched his family tree, until his parents would each have to be at least a half Indian each. Mind you, he was a blonde, blue-eyed wannabe who went on about what the white people did to 'his' people (disregarding the fact that most of his ancestors came from Europe and were, therefore, the great evil ones). In other words, he was the kind of white guy that drive Indians bonkers, especially when they start talking about the 'rez' and have never stepped foot on a reservation and try to get government to recognise them as an Indian (and allow them to get benefits, no doubt). Poor Mike. He went off in a huff after a few too many of these interchanges when we told him he was a loon. Then he went off and named his infant son Tecumseh. Imagine being in grade school with that).
Friday I spent with friends. Saturday I worked. Today we didn't have a game but I went ahead and did the normal game preparations and worked on the notes for three hours, much better than my normal hour-a-night. Tomorrow I don't have to anywhere until about 11 so I'm going to sleep in. Then it's back to work at the hospital at my normal schedule pre-motion lab, as the girl I was subbing for will be back.
Oh, by the way, I do know that the public library called the gas station to check on my performance and such. My boss was ribbing me about finding another job. (She really doesn't want me to leave.) But it may be moot because the job is every Sunday, a few nights a week, and every fourth Saturday. I can't give up my Sundays, even for $11 an hour (yeah, I know, it's pretty low, but better than gas station pay). Sunday is the only time I get to spend with my friends. It's possible we could work it out so someone else gets 10 hours and I get 10 hours, with the other person taking Sundays. But other than some variation of that, I don't think I'll be able to take the job, assuming they offer it to me. Hopefully I'll hear from someone this week about it.
Friday I spent with friends. Saturday I worked. Today we didn't have a game but I went ahead and did the normal game preparations and worked on the notes for three hours, much better than my normal hour-a-night. Tomorrow I don't have to anywhere until about 11 so I'm going to sleep in. Then it's back to work at the hospital at my normal schedule pre-motion lab, as the girl I was subbing for will be back.
Oh, by the way, I do know that the public library called the gas station to check on my performance and such. My boss was ribbing me about finding another job. (She really doesn't want me to leave.) But it may be moot because the job is every Sunday, a few nights a week, and every fourth Saturday. I can't give up my Sundays, even for $11 an hour (yeah, I know, it's pretty low, but better than gas station pay). Sunday is the only time I get to spend with my friends. It's possible we could work it out so someone else gets 10 hours and I get 10 hours, with the other person taking Sundays. But other than some variation of that, I don't think I'll be able to take the job, assuming they offer it to me. Hopefully I'll hear from someone this week about it.
I'm doomed
Housework cuts breast cancer risk
Oh, wait a minute. I don't do much housework at home, but I do it for others. Maybe that'll help. Not that I'm doing 16-17 hours of it a week. I'm already at a higher risk being overweight and not having a child by age 30. On the plus side? According to the doctor who read my first (and only) mammogramme, I have perfect breasts. How often do you get that from someone? Apparently you can see right through the tissue, clear as a bell, with no fibrous issues. On the negative side, I rarely do a breast self-exam even though I know how to do it and know the benefits involved. I just don't remember to. I need one of those shower cards, I think.
The weird thing about this study? Having a physical job was not as beneficial as doing housework, so it's not merely physical activity. It seems to be a combination of factors involved.
Oh, well, I guess I'm doing some fairly odd posts today. But it is the end of the year, got to get them in now, right?
Oh, wait a minute. I don't do much housework at home, but I do it for others. Maybe that'll help. Not that I'm doing 16-17 hours of it a week. I'm already at a higher risk being overweight and not having a child by age 30. On the plus side? According to the doctor who read my first (and only) mammogramme, I have perfect breasts. How often do you get that from someone? Apparently you can see right through the tissue, clear as a bell, with no fibrous issues. On the negative side, I rarely do a breast self-exam even though I know how to do it and know the benefits involved. I just don't remember to. I need one of those shower cards, I think.
The weird thing about this study? Having a physical job was not as beneficial as doing housework, so it's not merely physical activity. It seems to be a combination of factors involved.
Oh, well, I guess I'm doing some fairly odd posts today. But it is the end of the year, got to get them in now, right?
Funny how a simple post on medical news became musings on abortion
Down syndrome test urged for all pregnant women, not just those 35 and over as had been recommended. These tests (a blood test that identifies 70% of the cases and an ultrasound that measures fluid on the foetus' neck) can indicate if the more invasive tests of amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (which carry a miscarriage risk) should be performed. Apparently counseling in older women has been so successful that more children with Down's are being born to younger women these days.
Of course, with the advances comes questions of what to do with the information garnered. For many, the availability of abortion as a choice is critical. On the other hand, I know someone whose niece has Down's who really cannot imagine life without her, despite the challenges. Disability advocates question whether such syndromes should be considered defects rather than merely different expressions of the human condition. There are some people who passionately feel that 'fixing a problem' is an offensive way of looking at people. As an example, there is a huge amount of controversy over conchlear implants and what it can mean for deaf culture.
I am in that older age range, and although it's unlikely I'll have children, I can imagine myself in that position. If the preliminary tests came back positive, I'd go on for the more invasive ones. If they confirmed them, then yes, I would probably abort the child and mourn the loss. I would not normally go through an abortion; I don't believe in abortion as birth control. It's something to be reserved for serious issues. But in the case of a major birth defect, yes, I would consider it, just as I would if it presented a danger to my health (yes, it is a life, and a potential person, but I don't believe in sacrificing the mother, who is fully a person, for a potential one. Now if I were brain dead and pregnant, I'd want them to try to bring the baby to term. But if sacrificing the child was the only way for me to live, then so be it.) I'm not sure what I would do in the case of rape, to be honest. I might just see it as a sign from the Gods. Which I suppose sounds strange when I consider a birth defect a result of natural processes (although ultimately there may be some divine hand in that, too). But that's how I feel, anyway. And I suppose the idea that I would have an abortion might seem selfish to some. But I know my own limitations, and I also want to guarantee that any child of mine is both loved deeply and is given every opportunity to flourish.
I remember some time ago stumbling upon the blog of a man in Asia who was blogging along and then had an entry of how he and his wife had flown to Australia for an abortion because tests had shown the foetus had anencephaly. That is a birth defect where a good portion of the brain never develops. If a child does not die in utero or during birth, it may live only a few days or weeks, never attaining consciousness, given comfort care to let nature take its course. It's a heartbreaking condition. Did they make the right decision? I think so, but it's not up to me. It was their decision, and it must have been a very difficult time for them. It bothers me that there are some people who would damn them to hell for daring to have an abortion.
I'm just glad that there are options availiable for women (and their partners) so that they can make the best choice for them, not only in new tests but in options for dealing with the aftermath. I hope abortion as a choice is not taken away from us. As a personal choice I would not have one unless the extreme conditions above were in effect. Nor would I pay for someone else's (but I'd go with her to the clinic and support her in other ways). I've known two women who have had abortions. Both made very difficult decisions. I stayed with one in the aftermath and saw just how physically and emotionally difficult it was. For another I was there for her when she found out she was pregnant, and offered to go with her, but she took a couple of others instead. I never thought less of these women for choosing to have an abortion. I think it was the right decision in each case. But it is choosing to kill a life that will otherwise grow into a child and an adult, with full personality and aspirations. It's not something to do lightly. But it's not something I can decide for anyone but myself. And if it's necessary, I hope it remains safe and legal for those women who find themselves faced with such difficult decisions.
Of course, with the advances comes questions of what to do with the information garnered. For many, the availability of abortion as a choice is critical. On the other hand, I know someone whose niece has Down's who really cannot imagine life without her, despite the challenges. Disability advocates question whether such syndromes should be considered defects rather than merely different expressions of the human condition. There are some people who passionately feel that 'fixing a problem' is an offensive way of looking at people. As an example, there is a huge amount of controversy over conchlear implants and what it can mean for deaf culture.
I am in that older age range, and although it's unlikely I'll have children, I can imagine myself in that position. If the preliminary tests came back positive, I'd go on for the more invasive ones. If they confirmed them, then yes, I would probably abort the child and mourn the loss. I would not normally go through an abortion; I don't believe in abortion as birth control. It's something to be reserved for serious issues. But in the case of a major birth defect, yes, I would consider it, just as I would if it presented a danger to my health (yes, it is a life, and a potential person, but I don't believe in sacrificing the mother, who is fully a person, for a potential one. Now if I were brain dead and pregnant, I'd want them to try to bring the baby to term. But if sacrificing the child was the only way for me to live, then so be it.) I'm not sure what I would do in the case of rape, to be honest. I might just see it as a sign from the Gods. Which I suppose sounds strange when I consider a birth defect a result of natural processes (although ultimately there may be some divine hand in that, too). But that's how I feel, anyway. And I suppose the idea that I would have an abortion might seem selfish to some. But I know my own limitations, and I also want to guarantee that any child of mine is both loved deeply and is given every opportunity to flourish.
I remember some time ago stumbling upon the blog of a man in Asia who was blogging along and then had an entry of how he and his wife had flown to Australia for an abortion because tests had shown the foetus had anencephaly. That is a birth defect where a good portion of the brain never develops. If a child does not die in utero or during birth, it may live only a few days or weeks, never attaining consciousness, given comfort care to let nature take its course. It's a heartbreaking condition. Did they make the right decision? I think so, but it's not up to me. It was their decision, and it must have been a very difficult time for them. It bothers me that there are some people who would damn them to hell for daring to have an abortion.
I'm just glad that there are options availiable for women (and their partners) so that they can make the best choice for them, not only in new tests but in options for dealing with the aftermath. I hope abortion as a choice is not taken away from us. As a personal choice I would not have one unless the extreme conditions above were in effect. Nor would I pay for someone else's (but I'd go with her to the clinic and support her in other ways). I've known two women who have had abortions. Both made very difficult decisions. I stayed with one in the aftermath and saw just how physically and emotionally difficult it was. For another I was there for her when she found out she was pregnant, and offered to go with her, but she took a couple of others instead. I never thought less of these women for choosing to have an abortion. I think it was the right decision in each case. But it is choosing to kill a life that will otherwise grow into a child and an adult, with full personality and aspirations. It's not something to do lightly. But it's not something I can decide for anyone but myself. And if it's necessary, I hope it remains safe and legal for those women who find themselves faced with such difficult decisions.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
I can't imagine
living is a city like Mogadishu waiting to see if there will be a peaceful transition from the people who have had control of the area--the Islamist Courts militias who are disappearing quickly and leaving the capitol--to the people who are marching on the city, the Somali and Ethiopian troops backed by the legitimate government of Somalia.
I don't know much about the situation in Somalia. It sounds like there is relief that the Islamic Courts are gone but uncertainty over forces advancing on the city, and whether the conflict will escalate into civilian deaths. There is backing from the African Union for the defeat of the Islamists, and there is also a lot of finger-pointing at the UN, who have been unable to restore the government of Somalia or prevent the conflict.
I have learnt a little about khat, a plant whose leaves are chewed as a stimulant and whose sale was banned by the Islamic Courts, from the new stories.
Some are already fleeing the city. Others are waiting and watching. My thoughts are with them as they struggle to live their lives in uncertainty.
Somalia: Islamists disappearing in the capital
Daily Update on Somalia
I don't know much about the situation in Somalia. It sounds like there is relief that the Islamic Courts are gone but uncertainty over forces advancing on the city, and whether the conflict will escalate into civilian deaths. There is backing from the African Union for the defeat of the Islamists, and there is also a lot of finger-pointing at the UN, who have been unable to restore the government of Somalia or prevent the conflict.
I have learnt a little about khat, a plant whose leaves are chewed as a stimulant and whose sale was banned by the Islamic Courts, from the new stories.
Some are already fleeing the city. Others are waiting and watching. My thoughts are with them as they struggle to live their lives in uncertainty.
Somalia: Islamists disappearing in the capital
Daily Update on Somalia
I know they say otherwise, but it just seems wrong
FDA likely to allow milk, meat from cloned animals
Of course, I'm a vegetarian, so I'm a little biased anyway. But it just seems wrong to muck with nature to produce food, either through cloning animals or genetic modification such as what they do with plants. I personally wouldn't like to buy either, and I hope they label them appropriately so the consumer can make that decision. I know with the genetically modified stuff they don't seem to be required to label, although many organic foods specifically say that they do not purchase such grains and legumes.
Ew.
Of course, I'm a vegetarian, so I'm a little biased anyway. But it just seems wrong to muck with nature to produce food, either through cloning animals or genetic modification such as what they do with plants. I personally wouldn't like to buy either, and I hope they label them appropriately so the consumer can make that decision. I know with the genetically modified stuff they don't seem to be required to label, although many organic foods specifically say that they do not purchase such grains and legumes.
Ew.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Remember
Across Asia thousands remember the day of the killer waves
Prayers and perseverance, the Asian tsunami remembered
and on this second anniversary of the huge tsunami that struck so much of the area, an earthquake today near Taiwan has triggered a possible tsunami that may hit southern Taiwan and the Philipines. The Japanese Meteorological Agency warned that a three-foot tsunami may be headed for the Philipines.
Prayers and perseverance, the Asian tsunami remembered
and on this second anniversary of the huge tsunami that struck so much of the area, an earthquake today near Taiwan has triggered a possible tsunami that may hit southern Taiwan and the Philipines. The Japanese Meteorological Agency warned that a three-foot tsunami may be headed for the Philipines.
Sad
Military deaths in Iraq exceed 9/11 toll, a milestone hit on Christmas day.
Those who have read this blog for any time know that I opposed this war before it started. I still do. I want the troops home. I want us to concentrate our forces on actually going after those who planned the 9/11 attacks, something that no one has ever credibly linked to Iraq at all.
That said, we can't just pull out all at once. There has to be an exit strategy. Gee, there should have been an exit strategy all along. But for every day of delay, our own military and Iraqi civilians are dying in the streets. It's a shame, heart-breaking. It's something our leaders, especially George Bush, should be ashamed of putting into motion in the first place.
For those who have lost loved ones in this conflict, my greatest condolences. I don't mean to belittle their sacrifice in any way. I am a military brat myself; I have always supported the troops. But I don't believe this war is any service to them; they deserve a more noble cause--something hard to find in today's complicated world, I suppose. And for those injured in this conflict--and for others who have served--we must support them and reward them for their service by taking care of their health and their futures. Some people are comparing this war to Vietnam due to the bog down we're seeing. I don't want to see today's veterans in any way shunned or short-changed in the way that Vietnam vets were as the resistance to war grows. There are certain promises made in exchange for their taking on the dangers they face, and those must be fulfilled. So, our lawmakers should focus on making sure that veterans are taken care of rather than sending more troops to slaughter. And for pity's sake, find some way to bring them home. Soon.
Those who have read this blog for any time know that I opposed this war before it started. I still do. I want the troops home. I want us to concentrate our forces on actually going after those who planned the 9/11 attacks, something that no one has ever credibly linked to Iraq at all.
That said, we can't just pull out all at once. There has to be an exit strategy. Gee, there should have been an exit strategy all along. But for every day of delay, our own military and Iraqi civilians are dying in the streets. It's a shame, heart-breaking. It's something our leaders, especially George Bush, should be ashamed of putting into motion in the first place.
For those who have lost loved ones in this conflict, my greatest condolences. I don't mean to belittle their sacrifice in any way. I am a military brat myself; I have always supported the troops. But I don't believe this war is any service to them; they deserve a more noble cause--something hard to find in today's complicated world, I suppose. And for those injured in this conflict--and for others who have served--we must support them and reward them for their service by taking care of their health and their futures. Some people are comparing this war to Vietnam due to the bog down we're seeing. I don't want to see today's veterans in any way shunned or short-changed in the way that Vietnam vets were as the resistance to war grows. There are certain promises made in exchange for their taking on the dangers they face, and those must be fulfilled. So, our lawmakers should focus on making sure that veterans are taken care of rather than sending more troops to slaughter. And for pity's sake, find some way to bring them home. Soon.
Oh, Gods, I married this
when I was very young, very naive, and very, very stupid, until my brain woke up after an intervention. Thank you, thank you to the intervener.
Profile for KyHorseHung at Resources for Bears
I saw him the other day at the store where he works. He looked my father's age; he's exactly a week younger than I am. Then I found this site. The pictures remind me of some sort of hick (I think it's the baseball cap, something I never saw him wear. He was into those little caps that snap in the front that old men wear, when we were dating). He looks like he's trying to look tough. He says on his website that he's embraced his redneck side. Oh, yes.
I look at him and I am totally repulsed. I really don't understand what I ever saw in him, either on the outside or the inside.
It even gets scarier if you follow the links (definitely not work safe, assuming you could get through any workplace filters--there's a nude picture involved). Maybe I'm a prude, but I just don't understand why anyone would post themselves online like that. Well, okay, in this case it's to get men. But you know what I mean.
I am so glad that a certain videotape was destroyed by both of us at the conclusion of our relationship. I was sure to snag that one when we left, then we met and together destroyed it. Never leave that sort of evidence about.
To quote Lovecraftian horror, it is squamous. It is gibbous. It is a horror worse than those of Great Cthulhu. I think my eyes may burn out of my skull. Eghhhh.
Anyone who wants to say I'm going to hell for ever divorcing him should look at this site. Their eyes would so be opened. And the site is very, very different from his pseudo-religious writings as Chandonn.
There was a time where I thought he had potential. No more. Soon he may be crawling around under their house crying, 'Precious, my precious', and there's no doubt what his precious is. He's always been rather fixated on it and more than willing to show it off at the drop of a hat. He once brought pictures of it out after dinner. I think that was the same dinner his live-in lover (did I mention I was stupid?) was sucking spaghetti up his nose. Gods, how did I wind up in that relationship?
I'd like to think that by comparison I've grown as a person. Leaving him (and his 'Husbear' as he calls his partner (Jordsvin)--they're still together, which is rather remarkable, I suppose), really was the best thing I have ever done for myself.
These are my opinions on the matter, anyway. Hey, he says in his profile he likes honesty. Somehow I suspect he wouldn't care for my honest opinion. It's actually much more scathing and loathing than I've expressed here. I'll probably get a nasty e-mail from him threatening action if I so much as mention him; I have before. Oh, well. The truth will set us free, right? If he's not doing anything embarrassing or wrong, he should be open and not upset by anything. I have witnesses to our relationship and the facts involved, so it's not just my word, so I'm pretty comfortable posting this. And who knows what else he's up to? Trust me, I've been exposed to some pretty lurid stuff. And that was 15-21 years ago. Now? Amputees, for example? I mean, it's great for amputees to have partners, but the fact that there are people out there attracted to amputation, some to the point of wanting to get one themselves or get their partner to do so, that's out there. (If you never have heard of this, try searching for it online. Your eyes will be opened. Even Active Living, a magazine for active amputees, addressed it in one issue.) And he lists that as one of his turn-ons.
I just don't get him. And I think that's a good thing.
Profile for KyHorseHung at Resources for Bears
I saw him the other day at the store where he works. He looked my father's age; he's exactly a week younger than I am. Then I found this site. The pictures remind me of some sort of hick (I think it's the baseball cap, something I never saw him wear. He was into those little caps that snap in the front that old men wear, when we were dating). He looks like he's trying to look tough. He says on his website that he's embraced his redneck side. Oh, yes.
I look at him and I am totally repulsed. I really don't understand what I ever saw in him, either on the outside or the inside.
It even gets scarier if you follow the links (definitely not work safe, assuming you could get through any workplace filters--there's a nude picture involved). Maybe I'm a prude, but I just don't understand why anyone would post themselves online like that. Well, okay, in this case it's to get men. But you know what I mean.
I am so glad that a certain videotape was destroyed by both of us at the conclusion of our relationship. I was sure to snag that one when we left, then we met and together destroyed it. Never leave that sort of evidence about.
To quote Lovecraftian horror, it is squamous. It is gibbous. It is a horror worse than those of Great Cthulhu. I think my eyes may burn out of my skull. Eghhhh.
Anyone who wants to say I'm going to hell for ever divorcing him should look at this site. Their eyes would so be opened. And the site is very, very different from his pseudo-religious writings as Chandonn.
There was a time where I thought he had potential. No more. Soon he may be crawling around under their house crying, 'Precious, my precious', and there's no doubt what his precious is. He's always been rather fixated on it and more than willing to show it off at the drop of a hat. He once brought pictures of it out after dinner. I think that was the same dinner his live-in lover (did I mention I was stupid?) was sucking spaghetti up his nose. Gods, how did I wind up in that relationship?
I'd like to think that by comparison I've grown as a person. Leaving him (and his 'Husbear' as he calls his partner (Jordsvin)--they're still together, which is rather remarkable, I suppose), really was the best thing I have ever done for myself.
These are my opinions on the matter, anyway. Hey, he says in his profile he likes honesty. Somehow I suspect he wouldn't care for my honest opinion. It's actually much more scathing and loathing than I've expressed here. I'll probably get a nasty e-mail from him threatening action if I so much as mention him; I have before. Oh, well. The truth will set us free, right? If he's not doing anything embarrassing or wrong, he should be open and not upset by anything. I have witnesses to our relationship and the facts involved, so it's not just my word, so I'm pretty comfortable posting this. And who knows what else he's up to? Trust me, I've been exposed to some pretty lurid stuff. And that was 15-21 years ago. Now? Amputees, for example? I mean, it's great for amputees to have partners, but the fact that there are people out there attracted to amputation, some to the point of wanting to get one themselves or get their partner to do so, that's out there. (If you never have heard of this, try searching for it online. Your eyes will be opened. Even Active Living, a magazine for active amputees, addressed it in one issue.) And he lists that as one of his turn-ons.
I just don't get him. And I think that's a good thing.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Work, work, work
That's how I spent Saturday, Christmas Eve, and Christmas, working at the gas station. But, for one, it's not my holiday. Better that the ones who do celebrate get a chance to be off. Also, for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day it was double time-and-a-half. Not bad. And one of our regulars brought us some food. I had some jam cake and devilled eggs. It's amazing how many people came in for milk, bread, beer, and batteries. We had lots of people wondering if we sold beer on Christmas, but of course it's Monday, so it was okay. It's also funny what people were looking for--lemons, for one. Oh, and cranberry sauce. I sent a lot of people to Walgreens, which stays open 24/7 at Christmas. Even Wal-Mart was closed on our side of town; it's not a super centre or anything. A lot of people were pissed when the Kroger we're in front of closed 10 minutes early. Gee, guys, it's not like Christmas moves on the calendar or anything. You've got to figure that people will want to get on home to celebrate just like you. Plan ahead. I did, and I'm lucky to remember that the 24th is Christmas Eve.
I finally started wrapping presents tonight. I'll give a friend his and then I'll give the girls at the game theirs when I see them in a couple of week. I still have to wrap presents for my family. I'll see them on Thursday. I have no idea how to wrap my mom's; it's big and unwieldy.
Well, now I'm home and enjoying a little bite to eat and having some downtime.
Merry Christmas to all (well, those of you who celebrate it), and to all a good night. :)
I finally started wrapping presents tonight. I'll give a friend his and then I'll give the girls at the game theirs when I see them in a couple of week. I still have to wrap presents for my family. I'll see them on Thursday. I have no idea how to wrap my mom's; it's big and unwieldy.
Well, now I'm home and enjoying a little bite to eat and having some downtime.
Merry Christmas to all (well, those of you who celebrate it), and to all a good night. :)
Friday, December 22, 2006
What a day (or two)
Yesterday was spent off work running errands, although I did buy one Christmas present. Today was equally busy, having taken off from work as well. I (in no particular order):
- Did some errands with friends.
- Got my mother, step-father, grandmother, friend, and gaming buddies presents. That took about four stores on various sides of town, fighting crowds and traffic, although it was not as bad as I thought it would be. Whew!
- Treated myself to dark chocolate peppermint ice cream with coconut mixed in from Cold Stone Creamery
- Ate lunch with a total stranger who let me sit with her in a crowded Subway (the restaurant, not the mass transit system, which we don't have in Lexington anyway). She is Catholic with 8 children We discussed Christmas and Chanukah. When I told her I was Pagan and celebrated the solstice, she gave me a crucifix carried by Pope John Paul II that she had brought from a recent trip to Italy and had blessed herself that morning, hoping that God would see me on the right path. I told her I was sure He would (although I didn't mention that it was not the God she was thinking of). :)
- Got my hair cut (finally).
- Got my paycheque from the gas station to find it more than twice what I expected, including meeting and bonus pay and took it and another cheque to the bank.
- Received my first-year keyring set from the gas station
- Received a stocking from my boss at the station, including a gift card to McDonald's, a pen, noisemakers, and candy.
- Came home and put together the little candoliers I bought for the windows that flicker like a real candle (it's a fair reproduction). Then I got something to eat and I'm now blogging.
I still have to go work on the notes, so that's what I'm up to next. I'm working tomorrow, Christmas Eve, and Christmas at the gas station (the latter two are at 2 1/2 times pay, at least, and after all, it's not my holiday, so I offered). I'll go home on the 28th and visit family. The game is on hiatus for a couple of weeks, but I'll have pressies for the girls when we get back together. The Secret Santa party was Wednesday night. I got to see Natalie, Julie, and Upsorn, who have all moved on to bigger and better things. And there were so many babies there! I had a good time. It's always fun, although I get anxious before I go.Also, tonight is the last night of Chanukah, so one last present to go. Last night was latke night, and it was using a mix by Schreit's I believe, with vegetable flakes in them. Man, they were good!
No matter what holiday you celebrate, please have a safe and peaceful one. And may you have a happy new year!
PS I did have a gnosis last night as to why I don't live up to my potential. I went form excelling in school to scooting by doing the minimal effort, which I stll do, and in talking with someone I realised I had become depressed when my parents divorced and had stayed that way until I began treatment about three years ago--after I stopped going to school becasue of my health.
But now I'm better; I'm no longer depressed, although like everyone I have days that are better or worse than others. So I should be able to live up to my potential, if I just push myself to give that extra effort, right?
Bizarre
Listening to Rob Thomas' album, Something to Be
A story from my old neighbourhood of Bossier City, Louisiana, where I spent ages 6-12 on Barksdale AFB. This was passed to me from YKWIA, and it left us wondering at the bizarre nature of the story.
A couple awoke to find four of their month-old daughter's toes gnawed off. Yeah, you read that right. Gnawed off. The baby was sleeping in a carrier, according the news reports, right next to the mattress in the living room upon which the parents were sleeping. Her two-year-old brother was at his grandparents' at the time.
There were two pets in the house--a ferret and a 6-week-old pit bull terrier puppy. The father insists that the ferret was in its cage and that the puppy must have done it. The mother says the ferret was out of its cage and thinks it did it. Both animals are in quarantine for rabies as their fates are decided. One news story I read said that if the puppy, who still has it's baby teeth and is extremely small, did it, it would take about four hours to do so. The ferret could easily have done it...they have gnashy teeth like a cat or rat. But the parents' stories conflict. And then there's the fact that they didn't hear the baby crying--even though she was right next to them--while four toes were gnawed off. Tests have been taken to see if they were under the influence of drugs. Meanwhile, they are in custody on a misdemeanour charge of child endangerment with a $50,000 bond each, and the child is in state custody. She has been released from the hospital and the parents have plead guilty to the charges. The boy remains in his grandparents' custody.
Meanwhile, there have been calls flooding city hall about the fate of the puppy--apparently no one cares about the ferret or the child for that matter, as the hospital did not receive similar calls. Granted, the hospital also couldn't have released any information. But it's got the folks at city hall scratching their heads.
Here are some links:
Mother Says Ferret, Not Pup, Chewed Baby's Toes
Some wonder if ferret, not puppy, gnawed off baby's toes
Hospital releases infant maimed by family pet (includes pictures of the parents)
US parents whose baby's toes were gnawed off by pet accept deal with prosecutor
Couple Whose Baby Injured by Animal Seeks Bond Reduction
'Why don't they send get-well letters to the child?' (includes a picture of the puppy)
A story from my old neighbourhood of Bossier City, Louisiana, where I spent ages 6-12 on Barksdale AFB. This was passed to me from YKWIA, and it left us wondering at the bizarre nature of the story.
A couple awoke to find four of their month-old daughter's toes gnawed off. Yeah, you read that right. Gnawed off. The baby was sleeping in a carrier, according the news reports, right next to the mattress in the living room upon which the parents were sleeping. Her two-year-old brother was at his grandparents' at the time.
There were two pets in the house--a ferret and a 6-week-old pit bull terrier puppy. The father insists that the ferret was in its cage and that the puppy must have done it. The mother says the ferret was out of its cage and thinks it did it. Both animals are in quarantine for rabies as their fates are decided. One news story I read said that if the puppy, who still has it's baby teeth and is extremely small, did it, it would take about four hours to do so. The ferret could easily have done it...they have gnashy teeth like a cat or rat. But the parents' stories conflict. And then there's the fact that they didn't hear the baby crying--even though she was right next to them--while four toes were gnawed off. Tests have been taken to see if they were under the influence of drugs. Meanwhile, they are in custody on a misdemeanour charge of child endangerment with a $50,000 bond each, and the child is in state custody. She has been released from the hospital and the parents have plead guilty to the charges. The boy remains in his grandparents' custody.
Meanwhile, there have been calls flooding city hall about the fate of the puppy--apparently no one cares about the ferret or the child for that matter, as the hospital did not receive similar calls. Granted, the hospital also couldn't have released any information. But it's got the folks at city hall scratching their heads.
Here are some links:
Mother Says Ferret, Not Pup, Chewed Baby's Toes
Some wonder if ferret, not puppy, gnawed off baby's toes
Hospital releases infant maimed by family pet (includes pictures of the parents)
US parents whose baby's toes were gnawed off by pet accept deal with prosecutor
Couple Whose Baby Injured by Animal Seeks Bond Reduction
'Why don't they send get-well letters to the child?' (includes a picture of the puppy)
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Mark your aeon with Cthulhu calendars
I tried posting this earlier but ran into technical difficulties.
First, there's the Cthulhu Mythos Vertical Calendar by John Coulthart. There's also the Cthulhu Mythos Calendar by Simon Bucher-Jones.
I didn't find a 2007 version of my Li'l Cthulhu flip calendar that brought so much joy this past year. As an example, yesterday's read that in 1947 a Michigan woman strangled her husband, chopped his body up into parts, and then wrapped them up as Christmas presents. Now that's creative gift giving. The only complaint I have about the Li'l Cthulhu calendar is that it was way off on the Jewish holidays. But as a Jewish friend put it, Jews are the Chosen of G-d; falling to the influence of Cthulhoids is a Gentile thing. (And certainly I can't think of any of the stories where a Jew becomes an evil cultist worshipping, say Yog Sothoth.) :)
First, there's the Cthulhu Mythos Vertical Calendar by John Coulthart. There's also the Cthulhu Mythos Calendar by Simon Bucher-Jones.
I didn't find a 2007 version of my Li'l Cthulhu flip calendar that brought so much joy this past year. As an example, yesterday's read that in 1947 a Michigan woman strangled her husband, chopped his body up into parts, and then wrapped them up as Christmas presents. Now that's creative gift giving. The only complaint I have about the Li'l Cthulhu calendar is that it was way off on the Jewish holidays. But as a Jewish friend put it, Jews are the Chosen of G-d; falling to the influence of Cthulhoids is a Gentile thing. (And certainly I can't think of any of the stories where a Jew becomes an evil cultist worshipping, say Yog Sothoth.) :)
How Utterly Bizarre
YKWIA, in response to a 'King of the Hill' episode asserting that there was a law against defaming beef in Texas, had me check this out. And, yes, there is a 1995 food anti-defamation law designed to help growers from losing dollars because someone spreading false or malicious information about various forms of perishible food products. It was under this law that Oprah Winfrey and others were sued by a Texas cattlemen's group over a comment she made about never eating another burger in light of practices that are suspected to help spread Mad Cow Disease.
And it's not just Texas. There are others with similar laws, all designed to protect the businesses but which essentially impinge upon the free speech of the media, because even if the claims are not false or malicious, they're being sued under such laws. Most people would want to avoid that, right?
For more information, read this article:
http://www.organicanews.com/news/article.cfm?story_id=22
It's amazing what you find on television.
And it's not just Texas. There are others with similar laws, all designed to protect the businesses but which essentially impinge upon the free speech of the media, because even if the claims are not false or malicious, they're being sued under such laws. Most people would want to avoid that, right?
For more information, read this article:
http://www.organicanews.com/news/article.cfm?story_id=22
It's amazing what you find on television.
Public Art Shows as a Means of Overcoming Stereotypes
A colleague on one of the lists I'm on got these responses to a question about public arts shows and the psychiatric patient. Maybe someone out there is looking for something similar, so I'd thought I'd post it here, with her permission.
SAMSHA:
Address Discrimination and Stigma Center: The Arts – Reaching Hearts and Minds to Counter Discrimination Associated with Mental Illnesses
Mass General patient art exhibit
http://www.massgeneral.org/pubaffairs/Issues2006/121506epilepsy.htm
Bluebird Consultants
http://www.bluebirdconsultants.com/
A website currently under construction--but possibly valuable in the future:
http://www.artworksinmentalhealth.co.uk/
ART: GALLERIES AND EXHIBITIONS : PSYCHIATRY: PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS:
A Brief Selection of Published Sources Regarding Art Exhibitions and Displays of Works by Psychiatric Patients <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Net-Gold/message/16298>
And a few citations:
Goode, Erica. "A Protected Space, Where Art Comes Calling." New York Times
151.52195 (2002): F1. MasterFILE Premier. 18 December 2006.
Morris, Kelly. "Does art work in mental health?." Lancet 360.9339 (2002):
1104. Academic Search Premier. 18 December 2006.
SAMSHA:
Address Discrimination and Stigma Center: The Arts – Reaching Hearts and Minds to Counter Discrimination Associated with Mental Illnesses
Mass General patient art exhibit
http://www.massgeneral.org/pubaffairs/Issues2006/121506epilepsy.htm
Bluebird Consultants
http://www.bluebirdconsultants.com/
A website currently under construction--but possibly valuable in the future:
http://www.artworksinmentalhealth.co.uk/
ART: GALLERIES AND EXHIBITIONS : PSYCHIATRY: PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS:
A Brief Selection of Published Sources Regarding Art Exhibitions and Displays of Works by Psychiatric Patients <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Net-Gold/message/16298>
And a few citations:
Goode, Erica. "A Protected Space, Where Art Comes Calling." New York Times
151.52195 (2002): F1. MasterFILE Premier. 18 December 2006.
Morris, Kelly. "Does art work in mental health?." Lancet 360.9339 (2002):
1104. Academic Search Premier. 18 December 2006.
Christmas Carols for the Disturbed
These were sent to me in an e-mail from a co-worker with a background in psychology. And before you say, that's mean, you're making fun of crazy people, I have four--maybe five--of these myself. (Long-time readers should know which ones.) I'm allowed to make fun of crazy, because I'm crazy, right?
1. Schizophrenia --- Do You Hear What I Hear?
2. Multiple Personality Disorder --- We Three Kings Disoriented Are
3. Dementia --- I Think I'll be Home for Christmas
4. Narcissistic --- Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me
5. Manic --- Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and.....
6. Paranoid --- Santa Claus is Coming to Town to Get Me
7. Borderline Personality Disorder --- Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire
8. Passive-Agressive Personality Disorder --- You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll Tell You Why
9. Attention Deficit Disorder --- Silent night, Holy oooh look at the Froggy - can I have a chocolate, why is France so far away?
10. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder --- Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells
I'll add...let's not forget
11. Major Depression --- I'll Have a Blue Christmas Without You
One person on the Internet mentioned trying to type out the Tourette's version of Little Drummer Boy.
I added the Passive-Agressive aspect of the personality disorder above, because it's missing from all the ones I've seen on the Internet but we (YKWIA and I) think that's what they're getting at, even if it's not an official diagnosis anymore.
Personally I've always found the Dreidel Song to be a little manic, too. Of all the above, I love the ADHD one the best. It's so me. And in case you're wondering, it's manic (bipolar), borderline personality, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and ADHD, with the passive-agressive thing not an official diagnosis but I certainly can be a pain because of it.
1. Schizophrenia --- Do You Hear What I Hear?
2. Multiple Personality Disorder --- We Three Kings Disoriented Are
3. Dementia --- I Think I'll be Home for Christmas
4. Narcissistic --- Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me
5. Manic --- Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and.....
6. Paranoid --- Santa Claus is Coming to Town to Get Me
7. Borderline Personality Disorder --- Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire
8. Passive-Agressive Personality Disorder --- You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll Tell You Why
9. Attention Deficit Disorder --- Silent night, Holy oooh look at the Froggy - can I have a chocolate, why is France so far away?
10. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder --- Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells
I'll add...let's not forget
11. Major Depression --- I'll Have a Blue Christmas Without You
One person on the Internet mentioned trying to type out the Tourette's version of Little Drummer Boy.
I added the Passive-Agressive aspect of the personality disorder above, because it's missing from all the ones I've seen on the Internet but we (YKWIA and I) think that's what they're getting at, even if it's not an official diagnosis anymore.
Personally I've always found the Dreidel Song to be a little manic, too. Of all the above, I love the ADHD one the best. It's so me. And in case you're wondering, it's manic (bipolar), borderline personality, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and ADHD, with the passive-agressive thing not an official diagnosis but I certainly can be a pain because of it.
Monday, December 18, 2006
An audio experience celebrating the value of libraries
Loving Libraries (December 17, 2006)
Three tributes to the power of libraries, including short stories by Italo Calvino and Ray Bradbury and a memoir by Edith Wharton, read aloud. I thought it was odd that the web site did not list Fahrenheit 451 among the books of Bradbury, but it sounds like a moving programme.
Three tributes to the power of libraries, including short stories by Italo Calvino and Ray Bradbury and a memoir by Edith Wharton, read aloud. I thought it was odd that the web site did not list Fahrenheit 451 among the books of Bradbury, but it sounds like a moving programme.
Well, I'm starting my day off well
Yes, I'm being facetious. I overslept for one. Last night I fell asleep in the recliner and when I stumbled to bed I forgot to set my alarm. So I woke up 15 minutes after I was supposed to be at work. My boss in the Motion Lab was cool with it, at least, and we didn't have any patients scheduled at the time (or today, for that matter). But as a result I didn't have time to blow dry my hair or do anything like makeup, and I have a job interview later today at a local public library. Nor was I able to get my hair cut over the weekend. So, I'm not putting my best foot forward on that. I'll just have to wow them with my winning charm and knowledge of reference work. :)
Also, I checked my checking account and apparently although I've been very good about writing everything down, somewhere I'm off $17.55, and my account has dipped into the negative, which isn't good, as I don't get paid until Thursday. I went back all the way to September and there wasn't anything I missed, so it has to go back further than that. Nor did I see any obvious bank errors. I had to use algebra to get the amount I was short. Haven't done that in years. :) Oh, well, I'll survive, but I hate paying fees. At least my phone bill, which is set as an automatic debit, went through okay. I have one other debit out that usually takes a couple of days to hit, so that may mean two charges. Grrr. In the meantime I have a couple of dollars and change in my pocket, so I'll have to be frugal. And I am owed some money, so maybe I can collect that. :) Plus, I still have $15 on that Wal-Mart card. The good news is when I get paid Thursday (I'm not counting on getting paid at the gas station before then, as they've been running late going into the holidays, partly because the cheques have to come through the mail), I only have two bills to pay and some money I owe my mom. The rest can go to holiday presents and sit in my account for the coming scale-back once the Motion Lab gig is over, which should be the 27th.
On a brighter note, one of my co-workers in the Motion Lab gave us little tins full of Chex mix, which is very nummy. And my Secret Santa got a little mixed up on the days, so I have a bag of miniature Reese's cups (today it's supposed to be something colourful, tomorrow something sweet). That's okay, though, it's nice to have little bits of chocolate and peanut butter I can eat a little bit at a time. (Well, that's the idea anyway).
Wish me luck on the job interview. It would be nice to have another part-time library job, even if it is in the next town, although not too far away; it's maybe ten miles outside of town.
Also, I checked my checking account and apparently although I've been very good about writing everything down, somewhere I'm off $17.55, and my account has dipped into the negative, which isn't good, as I don't get paid until Thursday. I went back all the way to September and there wasn't anything I missed, so it has to go back further than that. Nor did I see any obvious bank errors. I had to use algebra to get the amount I was short. Haven't done that in years. :) Oh, well, I'll survive, but I hate paying fees. At least my phone bill, which is set as an automatic debit, went through okay. I have one other debit out that usually takes a couple of days to hit, so that may mean two charges. Grrr. In the meantime I have a couple of dollars and change in my pocket, so I'll have to be frugal. And I am owed some money, so maybe I can collect that. :) Plus, I still have $15 on that Wal-Mart card. The good news is when I get paid Thursday (I'm not counting on getting paid at the gas station before then, as they've been running late going into the holidays, partly because the cheques have to come through the mail), I only have two bills to pay and some money I owe my mom. The rest can go to holiday presents and sit in my account for the coming scale-back once the Motion Lab gig is over, which should be the 27th.
On a brighter note, one of my co-workers in the Motion Lab gave us little tins full of Chex mix, which is very nummy. And my Secret Santa got a little mixed up on the days, so I have a bag of miniature Reese's cups (today it's supposed to be something colourful, tomorrow something sweet). That's okay, though, it's nice to have little bits of chocolate and peanut butter I can eat a little bit at a time. (Well, that's the idea anyway).
Wish me luck on the job interview. It would be nice to have another part-time library job, even if it is in the next town, although not too far away; it's maybe ten miles outside of town.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Only at a children's hospital
would they be desperately trying to locate one of the directors who parked her car under the portico because Santa is on his way up the drive (this time with Clydesdales, not reindeer, which don't do well in Kentucky's climate) and the car is blocking it. Hopefully they'll find her before she becomes a Grinch or before she gets 'run over by a reindeer', as one colleage put it. :)
I'm all for eliminating child pornography
but this would be a logistics nightmare, I think. I don't reject it out of hand, but I'm not sure how to make it work for what it intends, especially given that the language as it's written suggests a broader range of sites than the original intention.
Don Wood: Library 2.0 :: Senator McCain Wants Web Sites and Blogs to Report Illegal Images
Don Wood: Library 2.0 :: Senator McCain Wants Web Sites and Blogs to Report Illegal Images
Wikis, wikis, everywhere
ALSC (Association for Library Services to Children) Wiki
Yes, sometimes it seems like everyone's got a wiki these days.
Yes, sometimes it seems like everyone's got a wiki these days.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Thought for the day
What does it say about me that when given a choice from a bunch of sea creature stuffed animals for a customer service programme at work, I chose two that stung--a ray and a jellyfish? Granted, at the time I remember thinking that no one else would want them (and didn't want them to have stuffed animal abandonment, I guess), but the full magnitude didn't hit me until much later. Now I'm reminded of it whenever I look at my computer monitor, upon which they sit with a purple zebra. :)
An article on the role of the medical librarian in patient safety
Safe Medication Information Delivery: The Role of the Medical Librarian
including what committees or teams the librarian should serve on. It's a little more ammunition in terms of the why-we-should-have-medical-librarians-on-staff-when-everything's-on-the-Internet debate.
including what committees or teams the librarian should serve on. It's a little more ammunition in terms of the why-we-should-have-medical-librarians-on-staff-when-everything's-on-the-Internet debate.
Get this, here's irony for you
I don't know if it will pan out, but this is what happened:
I was at the gas station the other day and a girl came through the line, went back out to her car, then came back in and really complimented me on my demeanour and people skills and asked me if I would mind if her boss called me about a job opportunity. I said yes, thinking it was probably some sales scam kind of thing like a pyramid scheme of something.
Well, I got a call today from the guy in charge here in Lexington of Primerica Financial Services. He wants me to come to an overview of the company Tuesday night. It turns out that it's a real company, an arm of Citigroup, and it--yes, get this, if you know me it'll be really funny--teaches people how to use their money and credit wisely. You have to understand, I still have debts from when I was married fifteen years ago. I have a credit score probably in the 200s. I could benefit from their programme (and if nothing else, it might give me an idea of where to go to take care of some of those debts). I'm lucky to finally be balancing my chequebook on a regular basis. This is a real hoot.
But if it does pan out, it'll do so to the tune of a couple thousand dollars a month part-time, which is more than I make as a librarian. That could be really good for me.
So Monday I have a job interview for a reference position in a public library, and Tuesday I have this first step in a process, the overview of the company.
Maybe things are looking up for me. Maybe I'm doing something good karmically. (Yes, I know, all karma is actually inherently bad, YKWIA).
The other day, again at the gas station, a woman came in with a cheque that she needed to cash (we don't do that), wanting enough gas to get her to where she could get it taken care of. She offered to leave her driver's licence for a couple of dollars of gas. I couldn't do that, of course, but I did pull a couple of dollars out of my own wallet and set her for some gas. It hasn't been that long since I ran out of gas myself and a random person paid for us to fill up our gas can. A couple of hours later, the woman came back and gave me $7, $5 more than I'd given her. She thanked me profusely and said I was the answer to her prayers. I was a little embarrassed, because I was just helping out someone and for once I happened to have the money on me to do so. I was 'paying it forward' so to speak. But I really made her day, and in return she made mine--I had a free dinner that night. Sometimes you just have to go on trust that the story someone is telling you is right, and if it isn't, just accept that you tried to help someone because it is the right thing to do. She was really touched that I trusted her in this day and age.
Anyway, things seem to be looking up for me, maybe because I'm learning to go with the flow of things and be there for others when I'm needed. Life is a little easier when you're not so focussed inward.
I was at the gas station the other day and a girl came through the line, went back out to her car, then came back in and really complimented me on my demeanour and people skills and asked me if I would mind if her boss called me about a job opportunity. I said yes, thinking it was probably some sales scam kind of thing like a pyramid scheme of something.
Well, I got a call today from the guy in charge here in Lexington of Primerica Financial Services. He wants me to come to an overview of the company Tuesday night. It turns out that it's a real company, an arm of Citigroup, and it--yes, get this, if you know me it'll be really funny--teaches people how to use their money and credit wisely. You have to understand, I still have debts from when I was married fifteen years ago. I have a credit score probably in the 200s. I could benefit from their programme (and if nothing else, it might give me an idea of where to go to take care of some of those debts). I'm lucky to finally be balancing my chequebook on a regular basis. This is a real hoot.
But if it does pan out, it'll do so to the tune of a couple thousand dollars a month part-time, which is more than I make as a librarian. That could be really good for me.
So Monday I have a job interview for a reference position in a public library, and Tuesday I have this first step in a process, the overview of the company.
Maybe things are looking up for me. Maybe I'm doing something good karmically. (Yes, I know, all karma is actually inherently bad, YKWIA).
The other day, again at the gas station, a woman came in with a cheque that she needed to cash (we don't do that), wanting enough gas to get her to where she could get it taken care of. She offered to leave her driver's licence for a couple of dollars of gas. I couldn't do that, of course, but I did pull a couple of dollars out of my own wallet and set her for some gas. It hasn't been that long since I ran out of gas myself and a random person paid for us to fill up our gas can. A couple of hours later, the woman came back and gave me $7, $5 more than I'd given her. She thanked me profusely and said I was the answer to her prayers. I was a little embarrassed, because I was just helping out someone and for once I happened to have the money on me to do so. I was 'paying it forward' so to speak. But I really made her day, and in return she made mine--I had a free dinner that night. Sometimes you just have to go on trust that the story someone is telling you is right, and if it isn't, just accept that you tried to help someone because it is the right thing to do. She was really touched that I trusted her in this day and age.
Anyway, things seem to be looking up for me, maybe because I'm learning to go with the flow of things and be there for others when I'm needed. Life is a little easier when you're not so focussed inward.
I couldn't watch this, due to some glitch on my computer
but it promises to be very moving. I'll try again later from another computer. In the meantime What have we done? is a video presentation from Newsweek with a photo slideshow of Jan Grarup's pictures of Darfur refugees set against John Lennon's 'Happy Xmas (War Is Over)', and I thought I'd link to it here.
I haven't blogged about this before, but I feel very strongly about genocide and the targeting of civilians by the military during conflicts. Darfur is just the latest of a series of conflicts aimed at eradicating people based on what they are, not what they have done.
We are doing way too little to stop the genocide in Darfur, and we need to let our leaders know.
For more on the conflict in Darfur, read the Wikipedia article. For more on what you can do to help, check out SaveDarfur.org.
One of the aspects of the conflict that is being highlighted, beyond the death and starvation, is the use of rape as a target against civilian women and girls. Like the Balkans and Rwanda before it, rape is being used as a tool for spreading fear among the ethnic groups targeted. The effects of rape and terror linger long after the conflicts subside, haunting women their entire lives.
Save Darfur is a coalition of over 160 faith-based, humanitarian, and human rights organisations. Looking at a listing of the executive committee, I was gratified to see several Jewish groups (regardless of what the conference in Iran thinks, the Holocaust was very real and many Jews are committed to preventing similar attempts at ethnic cleansing), the NAACP, representatives of Catholicism and Evangelical churches, and Amnesty International. The Unitarian-Universalists are also members.
Together, it is hoped, the coalition and other groups can help pursuade the United States and the United Nations to lend a peacekeeping presence capable of controlling the violence. I don't know how likely that is to happen in light of how things went in other conflicts and given the present wars for which there are already concerns about manpower and being mired in civil conflicts, but one thing is certain...we cannot sit by idly while people die all because of their tribe or ethnicity. To do so means we have learnt nothing from history. Preventing genocide is at least a noble cause for war, as causes go.
A few years ago, President Bush scribbled, 'not on my watch' in the margins of a report on the Rwandan crisis. The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are distracting the US from the Darfur crisis. It has not reached its climax, many say; there is still a chance to prevent hundreds of thousands of deaths. But only if we act now. Educate yourself about Darfur. Educate others as well. Find ways to act through your church, your community, and other groups. Write to your leaders. Check out the Darfur Scorecard for how your leaders have voted and to contact them about further support. Donate money if possible. There is a push to provide humanitarian aid to the region, although there are concerns about trying to get aid to the people. Like other areas plagued by armed conflict, it can be a logistics nightmare. Remember the people of Darfur during this holiday season. Remember that there are people who will spend this coming year without food, without hope, wondering whether they or their children will be the next to die. No one deserves to feel like that, and certainly no child deserves to lose a childhood over such worries. Please help save Darfur.
I haven't blogged about this before, but I feel very strongly about genocide and the targeting of civilians by the military during conflicts. Darfur is just the latest of a series of conflicts aimed at eradicating people based on what they are, not what they have done.
We are doing way too little to stop the genocide in Darfur, and we need to let our leaders know.
For more on the conflict in Darfur, read the Wikipedia article. For more on what you can do to help, check out SaveDarfur.org.
One of the aspects of the conflict that is being highlighted, beyond the death and starvation, is the use of rape as a target against civilian women and girls. Like the Balkans and Rwanda before it, rape is being used as a tool for spreading fear among the ethnic groups targeted. The effects of rape and terror linger long after the conflicts subside, haunting women their entire lives.
Save Darfur is a coalition of over 160 faith-based, humanitarian, and human rights organisations. Looking at a listing of the executive committee, I was gratified to see several Jewish groups (regardless of what the conference in Iran thinks, the Holocaust was very real and many Jews are committed to preventing similar attempts at ethnic cleansing), the NAACP, representatives of Catholicism and Evangelical churches, and Amnesty International. The Unitarian-Universalists are also members.
Together, it is hoped, the coalition and other groups can help pursuade the United States and the United Nations to lend a peacekeeping presence capable of controlling the violence. I don't know how likely that is to happen in light of how things went in other conflicts and given the present wars for which there are already concerns about manpower and being mired in civil conflicts, but one thing is certain...we cannot sit by idly while people die all because of their tribe or ethnicity. To do so means we have learnt nothing from history. Preventing genocide is at least a noble cause for war, as causes go.
A few years ago, President Bush scribbled, 'not on my watch' in the margins of a report on the Rwandan crisis. The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are distracting the US from the Darfur crisis. It has not reached its climax, many say; there is still a chance to prevent hundreds of thousands of deaths. But only if we act now. Educate yourself about Darfur. Educate others as well. Find ways to act through your church, your community, and other groups. Write to your leaders. Check out the Darfur Scorecard for how your leaders have voted and to contact them about further support. Donate money if possible. There is a push to provide humanitarian aid to the region, although there are concerns about trying to get aid to the people. Like other areas plagued by armed conflict, it can be a logistics nightmare. Remember the people of Darfur during this holiday season. Remember that there are people who will spend this coming year without food, without hope, wondering whether they or their children will be the next to die. No one deserves to feel like that, and certainly no child deserves to lose a childhood over such worries. Please help save Darfur.
Today I crashed
after days of primering, painting, sorting books--but no notes, bad Lisa--plus some holiday shopping yesterday, it was time for a break. I'd like to say I did a lot of work on the house (I didn't, except gather up papers and other detritous to go out) or read my Amelia Peabody mystery (I'm making it through a little at a time, despite the delightful read), but I can't. I ate, and then I slept, just as I'm likely to sleep now that I've had my bedtime snack of peanut butter sandwich and a tangerine.
The good thing is that I'm ready for Secret Santa at work, which starts tomorrow with 'something fun' and Chanukah, which starts Friday night. Well, almost ready--I'll need to stop by a couple of stores for a couple of small things for Chanukah, but the majority of it is covered. Whew.
I'm going to try to take the 21st and 22nd off (my religious holidays and also prime post-payday shopping) from the hospital, then the 28th and the 29th the next week, since I won't be able to visit my family on Christmas day due to working at the gas station. That leaves me working the Tuesday and Wednesday after Christmas; Wednesday should be my last day in the Motion Lab, so soon it will be goodbye to extra money. But on a bright note, I have an interview next Monday with a local public library for a part-time reference position. Wish me luck.
Okay, I'm decidedly sleepy now. It's off to take meds and sleep. Have a good night, and a good holiday, too.
The good thing is that I'm ready for Secret Santa at work, which starts tomorrow with 'something fun' and Chanukah, which starts Friday night. Well, almost ready--I'll need to stop by a couple of stores for a couple of small things for Chanukah, but the majority of it is covered. Whew.
I'm going to try to take the 21st and 22nd off (my religious holidays and also prime post-payday shopping) from the hospital, then the 28th and the 29th the next week, since I won't be able to visit my family on Christmas day due to working at the gas station. That leaves me working the Tuesday and Wednesday after Christmas; Wednesday should be my last day in the Motion Lab, so soon it will be goodbye to extra money. But on a bright note, I have an interview next Monday with a local public library for a part-time reference position. Wish me luck.
Okay, I'm decidedly sleepy now. It's off to take meds and sleep. Have a good night, and a good holiday, too.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
One last quiz for now
You are 68% English.
You are either native and stupid, or you are foreign and knowledgeable.
"And did those feetIn ancient times,Walk upon England's mountains green?And was the holy Lamb of GodIn England's pleasant pastures seen?"
Well, no, but it's a cracking good tune.
How English are you?
Create a Quiz
Not bad for a Yank who's never been to the country, I suppose. Cricket still throws me, for one.
Another quiz
Your Language Arts Grade: 100%
Way to go! You know not to trust the MS Grammar Check and you know "no" from "know." Now, go forth and spread the good word (or at least, the proper use of apostrophes).
Are You Gooder at Grammar?
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I feel like I'm slipping in terms of time to read
| What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Dedicated Reader You are always trying to find the time to get back to your book. You are convinced that the world would be a much better place if only everyone read more. | |
| Obsessive-Compulsive Bookworm | |
| Literate Good Citizen | |
| Book Snob | |
| Fad Reader | |
| Non-Reader | |
| What Kind of Reader Are You? Create Your Own Quiz | |
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
I'd want to know
New Alzheimer's Detection Study Promising, Protein Patterns In Spinal Fluid Could Help Confirm Disease Early
This article brings up the question as to whether someone would want to know that they're in the early stages of a disease that is progressive and has devastating repercussions, without a cure. I'd want to know. I'd want to make plans to enjoy what time I had left as myself. I'd want to make sure that my family would not be overly burdened with my health care.
My great-grandmother lived with Alzheimer's for fifteen or more years. I watched a woman I loved and admired unravel as I grew up. I watched my grandmother spend countless hours providing care for her mother, only to discover once she was dead that she, herself, had lung cancer. She only outlived her mother by a year or two. I sometimes wonder if it was partly burnout as a caregiver, in addition to the cigarettes, that led to her decline.
Alzheimer's is a real fear of mine. I live in a state with a high proportion of the disease, so if environmental issues are a factor, then there is risk from that. If heredity is a factor, then I have that, too. I already have a much worse memory than I did when I was younger, and I sometimes wonder if it's early signs of the disease, even though it could be a host of other issues. I don't want to slowly fade away as a person. Alzheimer's is horrible in that way, although I suppose it's a blessing that eventually the patient is unaware of what is happening. The one disease that I can think of that is worse is ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), where your mind stays intact, but your body shuts down progressively.
Maybe these markers that may indicate Alzheimer's in 90% of cases may also help scientists understand the disease and eventually find a cure. But in the meantime, it can help patients go on drugs that can help slow down the progression, and give them time--time to be with their loved ones, time to spend doing the things they always wanted, time to live.
This article brings up the question as to whether someone would want to know that they're in the early stages of a disease that is progressive and has devastating repercussions, without a cure. I'd want to know. I'd want to make plans to enjoy what time I had left as myself. I'd want to make sure that my family would not be overly burdened with my health care.
My great-grandmother lived with Alzheimer's for fifteen or more years. I watched a woman I loved and admired unravel as I grew up. I watched my grandmother spend countless hours providing care for her mother, only to discover once she was dead that she, herself, had lung cancer. She only outlived her mother by a year or two. I sometimes wonder if it was partly burnout as a caregiver, in addition to the cigarettes, that led to her decline.
Alzheimer's is a real fear of mine. I live in a state with a high proportion of the disease, so if environmental issues are a factor, then there is risk from that. If heredity is a factor, then I have that, too. I already have a much worse memory than I did when I was younger, and I sometimes wonder if it's early signs of the disease, even though it could be a host of other issues. I don't want to slowly fade away as a person. Alzheimer's is horrible in that way, although I suppose it's a blessing that eventually the patient is unaware of what is happening. The one disease that I can think of that is worse is ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), where your mind stays intact, but your body shuts down progressively.
Maybe these markers that may indicate Alzheimer's in 90% of cases may also help scientists understand the disease and eventually find a cure. But in the meantime, it can help patients go on drugs that can help slow down the progression, and give them time--time to be with their loved ones, time to spend doing the things they always wanted, time to live.
Monday, December 11, 2006
More mayhem at the EPA
EPA SCRUBBING LIBRARY WEBSITE TO MAKE REPORTS UNAVAILABLE — Agency Sells $40,000 Worth of Furniture and Equipment for $350
Read the article for more information. This is horrible in terms of lost access to information but as taxpayers we should also be angry at the way our money is being squandered--all in the name of saving money.
In defiance of Congressional requests to immediately halt closures of library collections, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is purging records from its library websites, making them unavailable to both agency scientists and outside researchers, according to documents released today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). At the same time, EPA is taking steps to prevent the re-opening of its shuttered libraries, including the hurried auctioning off of expensive bookcases, cabinets, microfiche readers and other equipment for less than a penny on the dollar.
Read the article for more information. This is horrible in terms of lost access to information but as taxpayers we should also be angry at the way our money is being squandered--all in the name of saving money.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Doctors warn against babies sleeping in car seats
Doctors warn against babies sleeping in car seats
A new British study is warning parents not to let their babies sleep in car seats because there is a risk they could stop breathing. It's especially a problem with very young babies whose neck muscles are not fully developed who slump over with their necks on their chest, blocking their airways. Parents are urged, of course, to use car seats for their main purpose--preventing injuries in auto accidents, which do so in 90-95% of cases--but not to allow children to sleep in the seats for prolonged periods of time, especially indoors, where there are alternatives. It is better to wake the child up and move it to a crib or other horizontal sleeping area.
A new British study is warning parents not to let their babies sleep in car seats because there is a risk they could stop breathing. It's especially a problem with very young babies whose neck muscles are not fully developed who slump over with their necks on their chest, blocking their airways. Parents are urged, of course, to use car seats for their main purpose--preventing injuries in auto accidents, which do so in 90-95% of cases--but not to allow children to sleep in the seats for prolonged periods of time, especially indoors, where there are alternatives. It is better to wake the child up and move it to a crib or other horizontal sleeping area.
Another issue for sub-Saharan Africa
HIV, malaria in deadly union
Much like tuberculosis here, infection with HIV makes you more likely to get sick with malaria. But conversely, being infected with malaria increases the virus load in the bloodstream tenfold, making it much more likely to pass on HIV through sexual intercourse. HIV/AIDS, caused by a virus, is expected to kill 2.9 million people this year worldwide--2.1 million of those are in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria, which is caused by a parasite, also has a high death toll--between 1 and 2.7 million per year, 90% of which are in sub-Saharan Africa. It is thought that tens of thousands of new HIV can be attributed to infection with malaria and millions of cases of malaria can be attributed to underlying immunodeficiency.
Much like tuberculosis here, infection with HIV makes you more likely to get sick with malaria. But conversely, being infected with malaria increases the virus load in the bloodstream tenfold, making it much more likely to pass on HIV through sexual intercourse. HIV/AIDS, caused by a virus, is expected to kill 2.9 million people this year worldwide--2.1 million of those are in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria, which is caused by a parasite, also has a high death toll--between 1 and 2.7 million per year, 90% of which are in sub-Saharan Africa. It is thought that tens of thousands of new HIV can be attributed to infection with malaria and millions of cases of malaria can be attributed to underlying immunodeficiency.
Big yellow taxi, put up a parking lot
AHA/ Save the Hawaii Medical Library
The HML is scheduled for demolition and replacement with a parking garage. Archivists in Hawaii are concerned that 1) the collection, including the only medical archives in Hawaii, will be destroyed, and 2) the building, which is of historical interest, will be lost.
The resolution doesn't really contain any contact information to write or phone concerns about the library, but there are e-mail contacts for the officers of the Association of Hawaii Archivists on their webpage, so perhaps they can forward any correspondence.
The HML is scheduled for demolition and replacement with a parking garage. Archivists in Hawaii are concerned that 1) the collection, including the only medical archives in Hawaii, will be destroyed, and 2) the building, which is of historical interest, will be lost.
The resolution doesn't really contain any contact information to write or phone concerns about the library, but there are e-mail contacts for the officers of the Association of Hawaii Archivists on their webpage, so perhaps they can forward any correspondence.
Heehee
The Wall of Separation: Falwell’s Flub: Jerry-Rigged Policy Opens Door For Pagan Proselytising In Virginia Public School
Personally, I don't think the school should be distributing any religious advertisements in the school backpack folder system, but if they do, yes, indeed, they have to do so for all religions.
Pesky pagans and Unitarians, putting a wrench into unsuspecting Christians' lives in the name of freedom of religion. Tsk.
Personally, I don't think the school should be distributing any religious advertisements in the school backpack folder system, but if they do, yes, indeed, they have to do so for all religions.
Pesky pagans and Unitarians, putting a wrench into unsuspecting Christians' lives in the name of freedom of religion. Tsk.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Tracy and her husband must be in a tizzy
Evidence for possible water on Mars found
My friend Tracy and her husband work at NASA. Tracy's on one of the Mars surveying projects, so this has got to be exciting news. Go, science!
My friend Tracy and her husband work at NASA. Tracy's on one of the Mars surveying projects, so this has got to be exciting news. Go, science!
Yipee!
Today is the first day since I went back to testing my blood sugar that I'm under 200--in fact, I'm at 140, or at least I was before breakfast. Compare that to 239 the day before. I've cut down on the sweets (I did have a half-piece of cake and punch yesterday at Dr Mier's retirement celebration, but otherwise I've been good and I cut out Pop-Tarts for breakfast and have replaced them with bagels (and eggs when I can) instead). Go, me. Hopefully that will mean this constant tiredness will abate. It's especially good as I am either having allergies or the beginning of a cold, and diabetes can get worse when you're sick.
In our cheques this morning we got a gift card for $75, which will help with holiday shopping immensely.
I saw my nurse practitioner for the last time yesterday. They're no longer taking my insurance after December 15th, and it would mean going from $10 to $50 a visit if I stayed. So, I have to find another medication manager. The good news is she found another coupon for a free bottle of one of my drugs, and set me up with about 6 months of refills for all the others so I won't get off my meds as I look for a replacement.
On a sadder note, I was sorry to hear that James Kim, the father who tried to go get help after his family was stranded in the snow, died in his attempt. He had set out after he, his wife, and two young daughters had been stranded for nine days on a road that was rarely ploughed, leaving items he had taken with him to mark his trail. His wife and the two girls were found a few days ago as they set out for help themselves.
On an unrelated note of weirdness (I might as well update all at once), a friend told me of a bizarre and controversial reality show called Armed and Famous, where Erik Estrada, LaToya Jackson and three other 'E' list 'celebrities' will be given guns, the training that reserve police officers get, and will go out on the beat with cops in Muncie, Indiana, after being sworn in as deputies. Beyond my distaste for reality shows (which tend, in my opinion to be neither reality nor entertaining, and are usually rather boring, as there is no real 'story'), does anyone else think this is a really bad idea--like among other things, a lawsuit just waiting to happen???? Do they go through some sort of elimination like in other reality shows? If so, how? As my friend said, 'oh, you shot a civilian, it's time for you to leave.' I know I would feel soooo much safer if I knew that LaToya Jackson was patrolling my neighbourhood. Um, right.
The snow is coming down in large flakes and making everything look rather Christmas-sy, and I have the little tree on my desk blinking away. I'm thinking of taking tomorrow and Tuesday off from work; I have about 28 days of personal time off accrued and I really need a break from all the stuff I've been doing outside of work. (But the shelves look great.) Plus I need to shop for the holidays. It's not a huge list, but Christmas, Chanukah, and Yule are fast approaching. Well, that's pretty much all for this morning. Have a great day.
In our cheques this morning we got a gift card for $75, which will help with holiday shopping immensely.
I saw my nurse practitioner for the last time yesterday. They're no longer taking my insurance after December 15th, and it would mean going from $10 to $50 a visit if I stayed. So, I have to find another medication manager. The good news is she found another coupon for a free bottle of one of my drugs, and set me up with about 6 months of refills for all the others so I won't get off my meds as I look for a replacement.
On a sadder note, I was sorry to hear that James Kim, the father who tried to go get help after his family was stranded in the snow, died in his attempt. He had set out after he, his wife, and two young daughters had been stranded for nine days on a road that was rarely ploughed, leaving items he had taken with him to mark his trail. His wife and the two girls were found a few days ago as they set out for help themselves.
On an unrelated note of weirdness (I might as well update all at once), a friend told me of a bizarre and controversial reality show called Armed and Famous, where Erik Estrada, LaToya Jackson and three other 'E' list 'celebrities' will be given guns, the training that reserve police officers get, and will go out on the beat with cops in Muncie, Indiana, after being sworn in as deputies. Beyond my distaste for reality shows (which tend, in my opinion to be neither reality nor entertaining, and are usually rather boring, as there is no real 'story'), does anyone else think this is a really bad idea--like among other things, a lawsuit just waiting to happen???? Do they go through some sort of elimination like in other reality shows? If so, how? As my friend said, 'oh, you shot a civilian, it's time for you to leave.' I know I would feel soooo much safer if I knew that LaToya Jackson was patrolling my neighbourhood. Um, right.
The snow is coming down in large flakes and making everything look rather Christmas-sy, and I have the little tree on my desk blinking away. I'm thinking of taking tomorrow and Tuesday off from work; I have about 28 days of personal time off accrued and I really need a break from all the stuff I've been doing outside of work. (But the shelves look great.) Plus I need to shop for the holidays. It's not a huge list, but Christmas, Chanukah, and Yule are fast approaching. Well, that's pretty much all for this morning. Have a great day.
Congratulations
to Mary Cheney and Heather Poe, who are expecting their first child in late spring. The child's famous grandfather-to-be, Dick Cheney, is said to welcoming this, his sixth granchild. The fact that the couple is lesbian has the conservative right in a tizzy, for which I say, get over it. They've been in a stable relationship for fifteen years, have had a good deal of success professionally and personally, and it's only normal to want to share that with a child. What matters most is how loved a child is, not who is doing the loving. Many children are raised by grandparents, an adopted parent, a single parent, and do fine. What's important is to have a circle of people who bring love into a child's life, regardless of their relationship to the child.
The sad thing is that Heather Poe is legally not connected to this child, as she will not be the birth mother and the state they live in, Virginia, does not accept parental rights for same-sex couples. I don't know if she can formally adopt the child or not--from what I've read, it seems like it would be a no.
Regardless, I wish them and the child the best. :)
The sad thing is that Heather Poe is legally not connected to this child, as she will not be the birth mother and the state they live in, Virginia, does not accept parental rights for same-sex couples. I don't know if she can formally adopt the child or not--from what I've read, it seems like it would be a no.
Regardless, I wish them and the child the best. :)
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Interesting--end users becoming more savvy?
Number of "Cyberchondriacs" – Adults Who Have Ever Gone Online for Health Information– Increases to an Estimated 136 Million Nationwide
Eighty-seven percent cyberchondriacs say that the health information they found online has been reliable (25% "very reliable" and 61% "somewhat reliable"). Interestingly, this has declined from 2005 when 90 percent felt this way. Of special note, the percentage of those who indicate that online medical information is "very reliable" has declined substantially from 37 percent in 2005 to the current 25 percent.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
A jab at Microsoft?
This software allows for collaborative projects by storing the documents on Google's own servers rather than locally on a hard drive. The service is free, and unlike other projects by the search giant, advertising is not allowed. As this article points out, it could present a challenge to Microsoft, which usually operates on a single or a local area network (LAN), which doesn't have the reach of the Internet. That, coupled with free verses the $400 price of Microsoft Office, could lead many people to use Google's service. The company is promoting its service throughout schools, which are usually strapped for money, use word and data processing programs, and have a large base of techno-savvy students to experiment with the software.
Google offers free online software
Google offers free online software
Moon Base Alpha?
NASA plans permanent moon base in 20 years
a little late by science fiction's calculations, but an ambitious leap towards space colonisation nevertheless. Several other countries are interested in participating. It's about time we returned to the moon (or got there, just in case you're one of those people who believe they did it all with movie sets the first time). Now let's hope that no one gets the bright idea to store nuclear waste on the moon (okay, if you never watched Space:1999, you won't get the references here and in the title. I know, I'm being somewhat geeky. In that television series, a group of people stationed at Moonbase Alpha are lost in space after the ignition of nuclear wastes catapults the moon away from Earth's orbit, causing calamitous destruction on Earth and leaving the station inhabitants on their own as they hurtle through space.)
a little late by science fiction's calculations, but an ambitious leap towards space colonisation nevertheless. Several other countries are interested in participating. It's about time we returned to the moon (or got there, just in case you're one of those people who believe they did it all with movie sets the first time). Now let's hope that no one gets the bright idea to store nuclear waste on the moon (okay, if you never watched Space:1999, you won't get the references here and in the title. I know, I'm being somewhat geeky. In that television series, a group of people stationed at Moonbase Alpha are lost in space after the ignition of nuclear wastes catapults the moon away from Earth's orbit, causing calamitous destruction on Earth and leaving the station inhabitants on their own as they hurtle through space.)
Fifteen years ago
I left my husband and our bosom companion (his partner now--as far as I know, I don't keep up with them that closely--for nineteen years) and got out of the strange, dysfunctional relationship I was in. I'd been married six months, but my brain had finally kicked in, wondering where I was and why I was with two gay men when I should be anywhere but there. Fortunately, I never promised 'until death do you part', but rather 'until love shall last' (which if it had ever really been there, didn't last much beyond a season), so I didn't break any oaths before God or anything. I just cut my losses and ran. It ended a saga that had lasted six years.
In the fifteen years since that day, I've grown as a person, although probably not as much as I could have, as I am resistant to growth. :) I've learnt a lot about why I wound up in that relationship and why I should have left or at least drawn lines in the sand sooner. I haven't gone on to any other relationship (I've dated hardly at all, and those were all disastrous and odd). I guess that would be the ultimate test of what I've learnt, but I won't settle for anything less than what I deserve in a relationship, and that may mean I never find someone who can measure up. But that's okay. I used to worry because my biological clock was ticking (I'm 39 now; I left at 24); now I doubt I should ever have children, and if I do, it will hopefully be by adoption when I am in a better position to be a mother. But I'm pretty happy alone, and it's not as if I'm totally alone--I have riches in terms of quality in friendship, even if the quantity is small.
I just thought I should mark the day with a little musing, and take a moment to thank one friend in particular for being there throughout it all and helping me come to my senses. You saved my life, and I'm very grateful.
In the fifteen years since that day, I've grown as a person, although probably not as much as I could have, as I am resistant to growth. :) I've learnt a lot about why I wound up in that relationship and why I should have left or at least drawn lines in the sand sooner. I haven't gone on to any other relationship (I've dated hardly at all, and those were all disastrous and odd). I guess that would be the ultimate test of what I've learnt, but I won't settle for anything less than what I deserve in a relationship, and that may mean I never find someone who can measure up. But that's okay. I used to worry because my biological clock was ticking (I'm 39 now; I left at 24); now I doubt I should ever have children, and if I do, it will hopefully be by adoption when I am in a better position to be a mother. But I'm pretty happy alone, and it's not as if I'm totally alone--I have riches in terms of quality in friendship, even if the quantity is small.
I just thought I should mark the day with a little musing, and take a moment to thank one friend in particular for being there throughout it all and helping me come to my senses. You saved my life, and I'm very grateful.
Monday, December 04, 2006
This song makes me cry every time I hear it
It's hard to imagine what it's like when someone you love and often take for granted dies, but sometimes we get reminders of how it will feel, and we step back and look at what we say and do, and at our interactions, because there is no way to turn back time once it has passed. This song is such a reminder, and it makes me think of how I often blame others for my own shortcomings and yet I am very grateful to have friends, despite this, who will put up with my craziness either out of sheer stubborness and love. I just want to say I appreciate our friendship, no matter how frustrated I get sometimes. It's important to have someone in your life that you can really count on, especially to tell the truth, and I am truly blessed with this. That's a rare commodity these days. Granted, the truth can sometimes be brutal, and I hide from it quite often. But deep inside, I know it's important to embrace it--something I've learnt slowly--from just such a friendship.
I had no idea Christina Aguilera did this song until I did a search on it. She has a very powerful voice and does an excellent job with it. It's style is that of a torch song and will no doubt be making the drag circuits.
I had no idea Christina Aguilera did this song until I did a search on it. She has a very powerful voice and does an excellent job with it. It's style is that of a torch song and will no doubt be making the drag circuits.
'Hurt'
Seems like it was yesterday when I saw your face
You told me how proud you were, but I walked away
If only I knew what I know today
Ooh, ooh
I would hold you in my arms
I would take the pain away
Thank you for all you've done
Forgive all your mistakes
There's nothing I wouldn't do
To hear your voice again
Sometimes I wanna call you
But I know you won't be there
Ohh I'm sorry for blaming you
For everything I just couldn't do
And I've hurt myself by hurting you
Some days I feel broke inside but I won't admit
Sometimes I just wanna hide
'cause it's you I miss
And it's so hard to say goodbye
When it comes to
this, oooh
Would you tell me I was wrong?
Would you help me understand?
Are you looking down upon me?
Are you proud of who I am?
There's nothing I wouldn't do
To have just one more chance
To look into your eyes
And see you looking back
Ohh I'm sorry for blaming you
For everything I just couldn't do
And I've hurt myself, ohh
If I had just one more day
I would tell you how much that I've missed you
Since you've been away
Ooh, it's dangerous
It's so out of line
To try and turn back time
I'm sorry for blaming you
For everything I just couldn't do
And I've hurt myself by hurting you
Wow, I'm tired
and a little sore, but it's a good type of tired, the type where you've worked very hard and accomplished a lot. Over the last few days I have sanded, primered, and painted a group of bookcases and then yesterday put in 16 hours in unpacking, sorting, and putting books up on the shelves. There's more to do tonight, actually. The only casualty was a knob that I broke when I dropped a shelf on my foot. I'm having trouble matching the knob, and I may have to call the carpenter to find out where she got them. Everything else has run pretty smoothly, although I am not in my element when it comes to painting--I've done very little, and most of that recently. I am in my element when it comes to the books, though. I have to admit, I resented having to do all this despite the fact that I agreed to it, but I wound up enjoying it. Maybe I'm just masochistic.
I started checking my blood sugar again the other day and it's been running a little over 200, which isn't good. I need to start eating better. At least my testing strips have fallen from $25 to $7, so I don't have an excuse not to test. My metformin is also $7; I take it really regularly in the morning, but I need to remember to take it in the evening.
That's about all I have to report for now. Have a good day.
I started checking my blood sugar again the other day and it's been running a little over 200, which isn't good. I need to start eating better. At least my testing strips have fallen from $25 to $7, so I don't have an excuse not to test. My metformin is also $7; I take it really regularly in the morning, but I need to remember to take it in the evening.
That's about all I have to report for now. Have a good day.
Friday, December 01, 2006
A common enough tale
especially when set in Africa; this one is a photoessay of India, and of the stigma that AIDS has there, and of families torn apart by the disease
Stolen Childhoods
So it's good news that the Bill Clinton's Foundation provided 10,000 free paediatric doses of the medicines required to fight AIDS yesterday in India, and also announced that a deal had been brokered deeply cutting prices for 19 AIDS drugs to treat children worldwide, including halving the cost of the 3-in-1 pill to less than $60 per child. Worldwide, only 1 in 10 children with HIV has access to the healthcare needed to keep them alive, as opposed to 4 out of 10 adults (a depressing number in itself).
Stolen Childhoods
So it's good news that the Bill Clinton's Foundation provided 10,000 free paediatric doses of the medicines required to fight AIDS yesterday in India, and also announced that a deal had been brokered deeply cutting prices for 19 AIDS drugs to treat children worldwide, including halving the cost of the 3-in-1 pill to less than $60 per child. Worldwide, only 1 in 10 children with HIV has access to the healthcare needed to keep them alive, as opposed to 4 out of 10 adults (a depressing number in itself).
25 years ago
The first case of HIV/AIDS was diagnosed, although they weren't sure what they were dealing with at the time. The first actual known case of AIDS is of someone who died in Africa in 1959. But 1981 was the first recognition of a disease that has killed over 25 million people since it came on the scene.
WORLD AIDS DAY 2006: Disease is still winning
Please take a moment to remember those affected by this killer on today, World AIDS Day.
WORLD AIDS DAY 2006: Disease is still winning
Please take a moment to remember those affected by this killer on today, World AIDS Day.
I feel grody
because I'm still covered in primer and paint after much washing of hands and hair and even a long soaking bath. Plus, since I took the bath last night I didn't shower this morning, and I just feel grody when I do that, even though I know I'm basically clean.
I haven't been blogging much because I've been really extremely busy, both at work and elsewhere. I'm primering and painting shelves, and then the book sorting will begin. At work, I had a lot of patients this week and I'm contemplating the need to move all the journals over a bit to even out the spacing and allow for room to grow next year. I am so not looking forward to it. Plus, I have a lot of older issues that need to be weeded, and I've offered them up on lists with some takers, but I'll have to pitch the rest, which bites for someone who's a hoarder. I haven't been working during the week at the gas station, at least, although I work tomorrow.
I'm getting into the holiday mood. I have the library's tree up (it is, after all, a pagan thing, not just a Christmas one, although for my own use I prefer live trees that are in a pot). It has tiny Little Golden Book ornaments left over from when one of the secretaries ran the library. It's on my desk since I rearranged the library and left no room. The blinking lights hypnotise me practically, but I think I'm ignoring them pretty well now. The skeleton has his Santa hat and dreidel. Secret Santa stuff starts next week. When will I shop? Aggh.
Okay, that's enough for now. Time to go start December off, though I just want to crawl back into bed. At least it's jeans day at work, but I'll have to bring a sweater with me. Today it's supposed to plummet from the 50s t0 the 20s and possibly have snow flurries. I can't believe it's December already. What happened to the year? Have a good day.
I haven't been blogging much because I've been really extremely busy, both at work and elsewhere. I'm primering and painting shelves, and then the book sorting will begin. At work, I had a lot of patients this week and I'm contemplating the need to move all the journals over a bit to even out the spacing and allow for room to grow next year. I am so not looking forward to it. Plus, I have a lot of older issues that need to be weeded, and I've offered them up on lists with some takers, but I'll have to pitch the rest, which bites for someone who's a hoarder. I haven't been working during the week at the gas station, at least, although I work tomorrow.
I'm getting into the holiday mood. I have the library's tree up (it is, after all, a pagan thing, not just a Christmas one, although for my own use I prefer live trees that are in a pot). It has tiny Little Golden Book ornaments left over from when one of the secretaries ran the library. It's on my desk since I rearranged the library and left no room. The blinking lights hypnotise me practically, but I think I'm ignoring them pretty well now. The skeleton has his Santa hat and dreidel. Secret Santa stuff starts next week. When will I shop? Aggh.
Okay, that's enough for now. Time to go start December off, though I just want to crawl back into bed. At least it's jeans day at work, but I'll have to bring a sweater with me. Today it's supposed to plummet from the 50s t0 the 20s and possibly have snow flurries. I can't believe it's December already. What happened to the year? Have a good day.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
New warnings for Paxil use, especially for pregnancy
MedWatch - August 2006 Safety-Related Drug Labeling Changes - Detailed
I'm no longer on Paxil, but for those of you who are, you should be aware of these, especially if you are pregnant, plan to be, or at risk of pregnancy. Other warnings include the potential for suicide, especially in young adults and serotonin syndrome, especially with concomitant use of MAOIs. An adverse reaction that has been added is the possibility of hallucinations. Check it out if you're concerned.
I'm no longer on Paxil, but for those of you who are, you should be aware of these, especially if you are pregnant, plan to be, or at risk of pregnancy. Other warnings include the potential for suicide, especially in young adults and serotonin syndrome, especially with concomitant use of MAOIs. An adverse reaction that has been added is the possibility of hallucinations. Check it out if you're concerned.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Humans and Apes joined by Humpbacks in 'Spindle Cell Brigade' - The Money Times
Humans and Apes joined by Humpbacks in 'Spindle Cell Brigade'
Spindle cells are found in the brains of only a few creatures on the planet. They are thought to be linked to intelligence.
Furthermore, in cetaceans they evolved earlier and are found in additional areas of the brain than those of primates.
It does make you wonder just how intelligent whales, dolphins, and porpoises are, and what it means for the ethics of the whaling industry and other hunts for these animals.
I'd also be interested in whether elephants have spindle cells in their brains, since they also exhibit complex behaviour.
Spindle cells are found in the brains of only a few creatures on the planet. They are thought to be linked to intelligence.
Furthermore, in cetaceans they evolved earlier and are found in additional areas of the brain than those of primates.
It does make you wonder just how intelligent whales, dolphins, and porpoises are, and what it means for the ethics of the whaling industry and other hunts for these animals.
I'd also be interested in whether elephants have spindle cells in their brains, since they also exhibit complex behaviour.
Monday, November 27, 2006
By the way, I love Wikipedia
Not only do they have an entry for just about everything, there's one on:
The Amelia Peabody mysteries by Elizabeth Peters, my favourite mystery series
and one on Heroes my current addictive TV show upon which I'm hooked (well, the only one I watch on a regular basis, as I have no cable and watch with a friend). You have to love a show whose taglines include: 'Save the cheerleader. Save the world.' :)
The Amelia Peabody mysteries by Elizabeth Peters, my favourite mystery series
and one on Heroes my current addictive TV show upon which I'm hooked (well, the only one I watch on a regular basis, as I have no cable and watch with a friend). You have to love a show whose taglines include: 'Save the cheerleader. Save the world.' :)
Well, it's back to work
and I'm taking a quick part of my lunch to update. Yesterday was all I hoped it could be; I was very productive in preparing for the game, the game itself went well, Dee and Margaret stayed late and we all had a great discussion on various topics ranging from the Bunyip to silly neo-Pagans with staves to scary neo-Nazi Satanists, and all the time we were talking I was ticky-ticking on the keyboard and finished not only the notes from that day's game but the whole notebook! Woo-hoo! Okay, I was supposed to have finished about 18 notebooks by now. But still, it's a start, right? Plus, there was good conversation. I haven't really had fun, meaningful conversations in a group setting for a good long while, mainly because my circle of friends have shrunk as the loonies have fallen away. It was nice to talk to sane people about estoeric weirdness, too.
Today some of us at work are exchanging e-mails in preparation for our Secret Santa holiday celebration. We take a week and get little presents for someone (and in return, get them), followed by a slightly bigger gift at a party. It's very fun, and went really well last year. Two of the people are on maternity leave, so I hope they can come.
I think I'm going to get some small things for my family (I'm including a couple of friends in that category) and for the members of the game, too and cover all the bases. This year isn't as tight as past years have been, although I'm having an almost irresistable desire to get a $300 computer for a friend who has a slow not-quite-dinosaur of one, and I really can't afford that, so I AM resisting. I don't know where that idea came from, it's out of the blue, but I actually priced some. For $300 you can get a really decent computer these days.
Well, that's enough for now. Nothing in the news struck me as blogworthy. Hope you had a happy holiday. It's hard to believe that by Friday it will be December. Eek! When am I going to be able to go shopping? Oh, well, I have bills to pay first anyway. :)
Today some of us at work are exchanging e-mails in preparation for our Secret Santa holiday celebration. We take a week and get little presents for someone (and in return, get them), followed by a slightly bigger gift at a party. It's very fun, and went really well last year. Two of the people are on maternity leave, so I hope they can come.
I think I'm going to get some small things for my family (I'm including a couple of friends in that category) and for the members of the game, too and cover all the bases. This year isn't as tight as past years have been, although I'm having an almost irresistable desire to get a $300 computer for a friend who has a slow not-quite-dinosaur of one, and I really can't afford that, so I AM resisting. I don't know where that idea came from, it's out of the blue, but I actually priced some. For $300 you can get a really decent computer these days.
Well, that's enough for now. Nothing in the news struck me as blogworthy. Hope you had a happy holiday. It's hard to believe that by Friday it will be December. Eek! When am I going to be able to go shopping? Oh, well, I have bills to pay first anyway. :)
Saturday, November 25, 2006
I wish
| You Should Weigh 190 |
 If you weigh less than this, you either have a fast metabolism or are about to gain weight. If you weigh more than this, you may be losing a few pounds soon! |
A nice day or two
although today was spent working my normal 10-hour shift, things seemed to go pretty quickly. The weather was beautiful, in the 60s. I wish I'd been able to enjoy a little more of it, but tomorrow is supposed to be nice as well. It was also nice to get some rest over the last few days. I feel better than I have in awhile. I'm excited about the game tomorrow and I'm looking forward to the next few weeks and the holidays.
I will be working on Christmas, probably during the evening, but that's okay; I agreed to that to get Thanksgiving off and it's double-time-and-a-half. Besides, I'm not Christian--it's not my holiday. My family will get together sometime around the holiday, even if I have to take some vacation time off another day.
I've changed when I take my meds; the Provigil and metformin are still in the morning, (well, and the metformin is again later in the day) but the Lamictal and Abilify have gone to bedtime, because I was getting very drowsy in the daytime otherwise. Apparently Lamictal can cause drowsiness. I had originally started taking everything in the morning so I'd remember to take all my meds, and the Provigil has to be in the morning, but I'll just have to remember to take the others at bedtime. I think it's doing much better now. The real test will be next week at work, when I'm not necessarily being pelted with lots of stimuli (like at the gas station, which stays busy). I've been having a hard time staying awake, especially once I get to the projects I should be working on that aren't urgent or directly for others. Of course, it would help if I could get enough rest, too. And I'm going to start checking my blood sugar again to see if that's part of the problem (you get really fatigued when blood sugar is high). I just need to get some testing strips this week from the pharmacy.
In a couple of weeks I have an appointment with my nurse practitioner which will be my last; they won't be taking my insurance after December 15th. I got the notice the other day in the mail. So it's time to find another medications manager. I've already had two psychiatrists who have moved away, and now this. Sigh. I also have a dental appointment coming up. Yay. (Yes, that's facetious, although actually I really like my dentist and her staff).
We've cut my hours down at the gas station to mostly Saturdays, which should help for making doctor's appointments and maybe having a bit of a life during the week. I'm wondering if there's a way to fit in the gym. I'm really starting to get winded whenever I walk anywhere and I'm disliking my size. I want to be in better shape (I know I'll never be svelte, but I'd settle for feeling a lot better). It's almost resolution time, I suppose, but also, I pay for the experience--I might as well avail myself of the equipment. It may mean getting up much earlier, though, which is hard for me. :)
Well, I guess that's enough for now. It's almost time to go get a friend from work. Take care.
I will be working on Christmas, probably during the evening, but that's okay; I agreed to that to get Thanksgiving off and it's double-time-and-a-half. Besides, I'm not Christian--it's not my holiday. My family will get together sometime around the holiday, even if I have to take some vacation time off another day.
I've changed when I take my meds; the Provigil and metformin are still in the morning, (well, and the metformin is again later in the day) but the Lamictal and Abilify have gone to bedtime, because I was getting very drowsy in the daytime otherwise. Apparently Lamictal can cause drowsiness. I had originally started taking everything in the morning so I'd remember to take all my meds, and the Provigil has to be in the morning, but I'll just have to remember to take the others at bedtime. I think it's doing much better now. The real test will be next week at work, when I'm not necessarily being pelted with lots of stimuli (like at the gas station, which stays busy). I've been having a hard time staying awake, especially once I get to the projects I should be working on that aren't urgent or directly for others. Of course, it would help if I could get enough rest, too. And I'm going to start checking my blood sugar again to see if that's part of the problem (you get really fatigued when blood sugar is high). I just need to get some testing strips this week from the pharmacy.
In a couple of weeks I have an appointment with my nurse practitioner which will be my last; they won't be taking my insurance after December 15th. I got the notice the other day in the mail. So it's time to find another medications manager. I've already had two psychiatrists who have moved away, and now this. Sigh. I also have a dental appointment coming up. Yay. (Yes, that's facetious, although actually I really like my dentist and her staff).
We've cut my hours down at the gas station to mostly Saturdays, which should help for making doctor's appointments and maybe having a bit of a life during the week. I'm wondering if there's a way to fit in the gym. I'm really starting to get winded whenever I walk anywhere and I'm disliking my size. I want to be in better shape (I know I'll never be svelte, but I'd settle for feeling a lot better). It's almost resolution time, I suppose, but also, I pay for the experience--I might as well avail myself of the equipment. It may mean getting up much earlier, though, which is hard for me. :)
Well, I guess that's enough for now. It's almost time to go get a friend from work. Take care.
Cloak and Dagger Extraordinaire
The Revenge of the Kremlin? gives a fairly in-depth look at the poisoning a former Russian security officer Alexander Litvinenko, who had been highly critical of the Kremlin and specifically Putin. His death by poisoning with a rare radioactive substance had sparked concern that others, such as his family and those who cared for him in the hospital, or those who ate at the restaurant linked to the radioactivity, might have been exposed.
It reads like some Tom Clancy novel, riveting and full of twists. But unfortunately, this is the case not only of historical drama (that will no doubt be researched intently in the future) but that of a man who became a shadow of his former self through exposure to something you'd have to have access to nuclear materials to even obtain. It has also been linked to the death of a Russian journalist last month, so the story (and the human cost) may turn out to be much greater than it is on the surface. Meanwhile, since he had obtained citizenship and there is a strong possibility that foreign concerns are involved, there may be a breakdown in British and Russian relations. It's a far-reaching bit of cloak and dagger. I hope the people responsible--all of them, no matter how high this goes--are brought to justice. Perhaps it is a rogue plan, perhaps part of a personal vendetta of an old comrade, but if it is the result of the Russian forces, that needs to come out. Otherwise the perpetrators win.
It reads like some Tom Clancy novel, riveting and full of twists. But unfortunately, this is the case not only of historical drama (that will no doubt be researched intently in the future) but that of a man who became a shadow of his former self through exposure to something you'd have to have access to nuclear materials to even obtain. It has also been linked to the death of a Russian journalist last month, so the story (and the human cost) may turn out to be much greater than it is on the surface. Meanwhile, since he had obtained citizenship and there is a strong possibility that foreign concerns are involved, there may be a breakdown in British and Russian relations. It's a far-reaching bit of cloak and dagger. I hope the people responsible--all of them, no matter how high this goes--are brought to justice. Perhaps it is a rogue plan, perhaps part of a personal vendetta of an old comrade, but if it is the result of the Russian forces, that needs to come out. Otherwise the perpetrators win.
Listening to
I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker by Sandi Thom
Chorus:
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
In '77 and '69 revolution was in the air
I was born too late into a world that doesn't care
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
When the head of state didn't play guitar
Not everybody drove a car
When music really mattered and when radio was king
When accountants didn't have control
And the media couldn't buy your soul
And computers were still scary and we didn't know everything
[Chorus]
When pop stars still remained a myth
And ignorance could still be bliss
And when god saved the queen she turned a whiter shade of pale
My mom and dad were in their teens
And anarchy was still a dream
And the only way to stay in touch was a letter in the mail
[Chorus]
When record shops were still on top
And vinyl was all that they stocked
And the super info highway was still drifting out in space
Kids were wearing hand me downs
And playing games meant kick arounds
And footballers still had long hair and dirt across their face
[Chorus]
I was born too late into a world that doesn't care
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Of course, I was born in '67, so I was much too young for the hippie movement--I was born right before the Summer of Love to parents of that generation--and was still too young for the punk movement, but I saw the beginning of the changes that made the world she talks about. I always felt, though, that I would have made a good flower child, and instead I'm a GenXer through and through, but my idealism and mentality are kind of stuck in the 60s. I am a product of 70s cartoons and TV that sought to make everyone equal and represented in happy multicultural ways, and I have an annoying habit of asserting that everyone is equal even though I know that each person has unique abilities and background. But I remember when vinyl was all that, radio was king, and computers were still scary. But at least we still don't know everything...we just tend to think we do. I'd never have made a good punker, though...I just never got the whole punk thing, for which a friend mocks me on occasion. :)
Chorus:
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
In '77 and '69 revolution was in the air
I was born too late into a world that doesn't care
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
When the head of state didn't play guitar
Not everybody drove a car
When music really mattered and when radio was king
When accountants didn't have control
And the media couldn't buy your soul
And computers were still scary and we didn't know everything
[Chorus]
When pop stars still remained a myth
And ignorance could still be bliss
And when god saved the queen she turned a whiter shade of pale
My mom and dad were in their teens
And anarchy was still a dream
And the only way to stay in touch was a letter in the mail
[Chorus]
When record shops were still on top
And vinyl was all that they stocked
And the super info highway was still drifting out in space
Kids were wearing hand me downs
And playing games meant kick arounds
And footballers still had long hair and dirt across their face
[Chorus]
I was born too late into a world that doesn't care
Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Of course, I was born in '67, so I was much too young for the hippie movement--I was born right before the Summer of Love to parents of that generation--and was still too young for the punk movement, but I saw the beginning of the changes that made the world she talks about. I always felt, though, that I would have made a good flower child, and instead I'm a GenXer through and through, but my idealism and mentality are kind of stuck in the 60s. I am a product of 70s cartoons and TV that sought to make everyone equal and represented in happy multicultural ways, and I have an annoying habit of asserting that everyone is equal even though I know that each person has unique abilities and background. But I remember when vinyl was all that, radio was king, and computers were still scary. But at least we still don't know everything...we just tend to think we do. I'd never have made a good punker, though...I just never got the whole punk thing, for which a friend mocks me on occasion. :)
Friday, November 24, 2006
A giant leap forward in genetics research
Building on the known areas of the human genome, a new style of mapping shows areas beyond the traditional paired chromosomes that may affect inheritance in myriad ways--and the researchers making the discovery have made their databases public to help fuel further research.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving
The country pauses to remember an incident in which peaceful Indians (later decimated by disease, invaders, and assimilation) invited early Pilgrims to a harvest feast by stuffing ourselves silly, particularly with turkey--a native bird--cranberry sauce, and a variety of side dishes that vary by region, followed by football (American style) and giving a chance for stores to close so they can open to vast after-Thanksgiving sales on the biggest shopping day of year in preparation for Christmas, another national holiday that escapes me (at least as to why it's a national holiday and not merely a religious one).
Yeah, I don't really get it.
In my case, though, it's usually a time to get together with my family and have dinner, although now that we're down to mostly women, we skip the football. This year we had it at my mom's; I went to my grandmother's, picked her up, and took her on to Stanford from Danville. They had turkey with all the trimmings; I had baked cod. It was the first Thanksgiving I can remember where I braved oyster casserole (her husband's family recipe) and we didn't have fruit salad (ours--there was just so much and whereas there were plenty of sugar free desserts for the diabetics--and all but one of us are--it's hard to make a fruit salad low on sugar.
We had a good time. I felt a little out of place there, like I wasn't quite connecting on some level, but rather watching it from the outside. Part of that reason may have been the inclusion of my stepfather's family--his mother, whom I don't really know but who seems rather sweet and my stepbrother, who is painfully shy and doesn't really talk.
Afterwards my mother showed me where she'd subscribed to a major genealogy website and had some of the family back to the 15th century, building on other genealogists' work. I have to admit, I really wanted to add what I have to that, although it's $155 a year, so I doubt I can subscribe.
We went back early; my grandmother decided she was going and so I didn't really get the sides to take back home (I only missed the mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, really, but if I'd taken the latter home, I'd have eaten too much too quickly, and since it's sugar-free, that could have a quite negative effect on my system), and I was a wuss and didn't tell her just to hold her horses like I should have. Ditto on the backseat driving. But hey, she's old and frail, and while we all give her a little too much slack, I don't really want to upset her over small things anyway. I'll save that for, oh, the first girl I ever bring home to Thanksgiving, if ever. :)
The drive was nice both down and up. By the time I got up to Lexington I was hungry again, so I stopped by the Chinese restaurant whose food I've been craving just on the outside chance they were open, but no luck. It used to be you could count on Chinese establishments during the holidays, especially at Christmas, but I guess they weren't making enough business during Turkey Day. So I went to Walgreen's, got a couple of things (like I'm now the proud owner of an electric can opener, since my manual one had gotten difficult, they didn't have any more of those, and an electric one with rebate was about the same price). Then I went home and baked some Tofurkey. I think next time I'll get the complete meal, which comes with gravy, extra stuffing, a couple of sides, and Tofurkey jerky.
Well, that's all for now. I'm off tomorrow and get to sleep in, which is exactly what I plan to do. Hope you have a good holiday, if you're in the US, anyway. The rest of you probably think we're wacky as all get out.
Yeah, I don't really get it.
In my case, though, it's usually a time to get together with my family and have dinner, although now that we're down to mostly women, we skip the football. This year we had it at my mom's; I went to my grandmother's, picked her up, and took her on to Stanford from Danville. They had turkey with all the trimmings; I had baked cod. It was the first Thanksgiving I can remember where I braved oyster casserole (her husband's family recipe) and we didn't have fruit salad (ours--there was just so much and whereas there were plenty of sugar free desserts for the diabetics--and all but one of us are--it's hard to make a fruit salad low on sugar.
We had a good time. I felt a little out of place there, like I wasn't quite connecting on some level, but rather watching it from the outside. Part of that reason may have been the inclusion of my stepfather's family--his mother, whom I don't really know but who seems rather sweet and my stepbrother, who is painfully shy and doesn't really talk.
Afterwards my mother showed me where she'd subscribed to a major genealogy website and had some of the family back to the 15th century, building on other genealogists' work. I have to admit, I really wanted to add what I have to that, although it's $155 a year, so I doubt I can subscribe.
We went back early; my grandmother decided she was going and so I didn't really get the sides to take back home (I only missed the mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, really, but if I'd taken the latter home, I'd have eaten too much too quickly, and since it's sugar-free, that could have a quite negative effect on my system), and I was a wuss and didn't tell her just to hold her horses like I should have. Ditto on the backseat driving. But hey, she's old and frail, and while we all give her a little too much slack, I don't really want to upset her over small things anyway. I'll save that for, oh, the first girl I ever bring home to Thanksgiving, if ever. :)
The drive was nice both down and up. By the time I got up to Lexington I was hungry again, so I stopped by the Chinese restaurant whose food I've been craving just on the outside chance they were open, but no luck. It used to be you could count on Chinese establishments during the holidays, especially at Christmas, but I guess they weren't making enough business during Turkey Day. So I went to Walgreen's, got a couple of things (like I'm now the proud owner of an electric can opener, since my manual one had gotten difficult, they didn't have any more of those, and an electric one with rebate was about the same price). Then I went home and baked some Tofurkey. I think next time I'll get the complete meal, which comes with gravy, extra stuffing, a couple of sides, and Tofurkey jerky.
Well, that's all for now. I'm off tomorrow and get to sleep in, which is exactly what I plan to do. Hope you have a good holiday, if you're in the US, anyway. The rest of you probably think we're wacky as all get out.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Looking at the past
Why Pandemic Influenza Is So Frightening (free with registration)
Although it certainly needs it, it amazes me just how much press pandemic flu gets these days. Even the gas station I work for has a brochure on pandemic influenza. This article gives a glance of what doctors dealt with in 1918, with particular description of postmortem findings in those who have succumbed to influenza, but also a literary view of the aftermath.
Although it certainly needs it, it amazes me just how much press pandemic flu gets these days. Even the gas station I work for has a brochure on pandemic influenza. This article gives a glance of what doctors dealt with in 1918, with particular description of postmortem findings in those who have succumbed to influenza, but also a literary view of the aftermath.
A rude awakening
Blast Sparks Massachusetts Fire
An early morning blast in Danvers, the site of the Salem Witch Trials, had people out in the streets expecting an aeroplane crash or earthquake. For unknown reasons, a plant producing solvents and inks exploded in the wee hours in the morning. Remarkably, only a few people were hurt, none seriously. The area has a lot of homes and businesses, so it could have been much worse.
An early morning blast in Danvers, the site of the Salem Witch Trials, had people out in the streets expecting an aeroplane crash or earthquake. For unknown reasons, a plant producing solvents and inks exploded in the wee hours in the morning. Remarkably, only a few people were hurt, none seriously. The area has a lot of homes and businesses, so it could have been much worse.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Low literacy and web design
Low-Literacy Users (Jakob Nielsen's Alertbox)
It scares me that 48% of the US population has low literacy (defined as being able to read, but having difficulty) According to Nielsen, studies show that low-literacy readers tend to read word for word slowly, rather than scanning portions of text and navigation tools quickly. They skip over anything that is too tedious for them to read and accept things at face value rather than digging for more information. They also tend not to scroll down, and searching is a problem for them as well. As of now, the majority of Internet users are high-literacy readers, but the number of low-level readers is growing, and Nielsen points out that web pages should be designed for these readers and gives suggestions for doing so that would probably work in print as well with some adaptation.
It scares me that 48% of the US population has low literacy (defined as being able to read, but having difficulty) According to Nielsen, studies show that low-literacy readers tend to read word for word slowly, rather than scanning portions of text and navigation tools quickly. They skip over anything that is too tedious for them to read and accept things at face value rather than digging for more information. They also tend not to scroll down, and searching is a problem for them as well. As of now, the majority of Internet users are high-literacy readers, but the number of low-level readers is growing, and Nielsen points out that web pages should be designed for these readers and gives suggestions for doing so that would probably work in print as well with some adaptation.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Run Yourself through the Belief-O-Matic
Beliefnet: Belief-O-Matic, Religion Beliefs, What Religion Am I Quiz -- Beliefnet.com
Here are my results (unfortunately Pagan just falls in neo-Pagan, which I'm not, really, but that's splitting hairs). Also, I have been a member of the UU church, and probably still would be if they didn't clamour so often for money I don't have:
1. Neo-Pagan (100%)
2. Hinduism (88%)
3. Unitarian Universalism (85%)
4. Mahayana Buddhism (83%)
5. New Age (79%)
6. Jainism (77%)
7. Sikhism (77%)
8. Liberal Quakers (69%)
9. Reform Judaism (69%)
10. Theravada Buddhism (67%)
11. Orthodox Judaism (59%)
12. New Thought (57%)
13. Scientology (54%)
14. Secular Humanism (52%)
15. Bahá'í Faith (52%)
16. Taoism (49%)
17. Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (44%)
18. Orthodox Quaker (42%)
19. Islam (41%)
20. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (37%)
21. Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (36%)
22. Nontheist (31%)
23. Jehovah's Witness (27%)
24. Seventh Day Adventist (24%)
25. Eastern Orthodox (20%)
26. Roman Catholic (20%)
27. Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (18%)
Here are my results (unfortunately Pagan just falls in neo-Pagan, which I'm not, really, but that's splitting hairs). Also, I have been a member of the UU church, and probably still would be if they didn't clamour so often for money I don't have:
1. Neo-Pagan (100%)
2. Hinduism (88%)
3. Unitarian Universalism (85%)
4. Mahayana Buddhism (83%)
5. New Age (79%)
6. Jainism (77%)
7. Sikhism (77%)
8. Liberal Quakers (69%)
9. Reform Judaism (69%)
10. Theravada Buddhism (67%)
11. Orthodox Judaism (59%)
12. New Thought (57%)
13. Scientology (54%)
14. Secular Humanism (52%)
15. Bahá'í Faith (52%)
16. Taoism (49%)
17. Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (44%)
18. Orthodox Quaker (42%)
19. Islam (41%)
20. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (37%)
21. Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (36%)
22. Nontheist (31%)
23. Jehovah's Witness (27%)
24. Seventh Day Adventist (24%)
25. Eastern Orthodox (20%)
26. Roman Catholic (20%)
27. Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (18%)
You learn something every day
I discovered that my blossoming biology major (I switched to history and sociology because I was burnt out on chemistry) somehow left me bereft of knowledge regarding Limpets. Now that I've been told about them and looked them up myself, I realise I've seen them before; I just didn't know what they were and probably assumed they were a kind of barnacle.
Where else can you read about creatures that use pedal mucus to remain attached to rocks? :) Thanks to YKWIA for introducing the term to me, even if he was using it to make a disparaging comment about someone at the time.
Where else can you read about creatures that use pedal mucus to remain attached to rocks? :) Thanks to YKWIA for introducing the term to me, even if he was using it to make a disparaging comment about someone at the time.
Friday, November 17, 2006
For male medical librarians (and those who buy them things)
A medical library tie from Amazon.com with books tumbling against a solid background with subjects like paediatrics. :)
A story to brighten your morning
A lady on the radio today called in and told a story we'll entitle, 'I went to jail for Tickle-me Elmo'.
Apparently during the initial craze related to the fuzzy toy, she was with her husband who was in the Army and stationed at a base in Germany. One of the husbands of a friend called and told her that a plane had come in on the flightline and it had Tickle-me Elmos on it. Well, several of the Army wives--you just know the story's going to go bad from that alone--went down to meet the plane and tried to convince the guy there to either give or sell them one of the dolls, without luck. At one point, one of the women (not the one telling the story) said something like, 'well, how about I kick your butt and you give me the Elmo'. The next thing they knew, the MPs were called and they were all taken to jail for communicating a threat and loitering.
When asked how her husband took this, the lady said it was definitely not well. He was an MP himself, for one, and was really embarrassed. Plus, he was up for a promotion and they not only did not promote him as a result, they cited him for failure to control his dependents. He did eventually get the promotion the next year. Any fight they had after that the Elmo incident was brought up. They eventually divorced. The Elmo made it into their divorce papers, as he cited it as an example of her lack of control. She may be the only person on the planet where Tickle-Me Elmo played a role in her divorce. (Mind you, I understand why the husband was upset, losing a promotion over a doll, but as the radio hosts said, sometimes you have to let it go.)
Well, she's married again, this time to an Air Force man. Here's hoping she'll stay under the radar of the SPs there. :) Who knew a doll could cause this much trouble? And it just illustrates what I mean when I say the world I grew up in (the military) is a whole other world from what outsiders experience.
Apparently during the initial craze related to the fuzzy toy, she was with her husband who was in the Army and stationed at a base in Germany. One of the husbands of a friend called and told her that a plane had come in on the flightline and it had Tickle-me Elmos on it. Well, several of the Army wives--you just know the story's going to go bad from that alone--went down to meet the plane and tried to convince the guy there to either give or sell them one of the dolls, without luck. At one point, one of the women (not the one telling the story) said something like, 'well, how about I kick your butt and you give me the Elmo'. The next thing they knew, the MPs were called and they were all taken to jail for communicating a threat and loitering.
When asked how her husband took this, the lady said it was definitely not well. He was an MP himself, for one, and was really embarrassed. Plus, he was up for a promotion and they not only did not promote him as a result, they cited him for failure to control his dependents. He did eventually get the promotion the next year. Any fight they had after that the Elmo incident was brought up. They eventually divorced. The Elmo made it into their divorce papers, as he cited it as an example of her lack of control. She may be the only person on the planet where Tickle-Me Elmo played a role in her divorce. (Mind you, I understand why the husband was upset, losing a promotion over a doll, but as the radio hosts said, sometimes you have to let it go.)
Well, she's married again, this time to an Air Force man. Here's hoping she'll stay under the radar of the SPs there. :) Who knew a doll could cause this much trouble? And it just illustrates what I mean when I say the world I grew up in (the military) is a whole other world from what outsiders experience.
I hope that justice will prevail in this heinous case
Soldier gets 90 years in prison for rape, murder of Iraqi girl and family, but he will be eligible for parole in 20 years as part of a plea-bargain where he will testify against other participants in exchange for escaping the death penalty. Several other soldiers are facing court martial in the case. The soldier who has been fingered for the actual killings had already been discharged for personality issues before the case came to light, so he will be tried in a civilian court. According to allegations and this soldier's testimony, the group went to a house intending to rape a 14-year-old girl. One stayed as lookout, another went along but did not participate in the rape. Three actually raped the girl, including the one who copped the plea-bargain, and one other allegedly shot the rest of the family as the other two raped her. The the girl was then killed and they burnt her body to cover up the crime. So far, it seems they were stupid thugs who have tried to blame lack of sleep and lack of support during the Iraqi mission for their actions. Nothing can bring this girl and her family back. Plus, the case has damaged the already shaky American reputation overseas. It's just sickening, and so counter to the image of brave soldiers defending our country. Unfortunately, the military attracts a certain type sometimes that goes horribly bad. That's not saying all the military is like that, certainly not. But look at the Tim McVeighs of the world. Usually those with authority issues or who are truly unstable get drummed out, like McVeigh and Green, the soldier allegedly responsible for these killings. But there is a certain culture in the military that promotes machismo, violence, and depersonalisation of others. Think of the hazing that recruits go through, for example--and there is extreme pressure not to blow the whistle on any other soldier's actions. I'm glad this case came to light, and I hope that those responsible will get exactly what they deserve.
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