This Day in History –
On this day 33 years ago, at 7:10 am, in a hospital in Mexico City, a 24 inch-long baby boy, the longest ever born in that hospital, came into this world. Yes, today is my birthday, but it is not a day for celebrating. It is a day I approach with much trepidation, not because I am afraid of growing older, rather because bad things tend to happen on or around my birthday. It all started when I was four. It may have started earlier, but I can’t remember my birthdays before that one. My parents organized a party at a fun-themed restaurant. The clownish staff thought it would be hilarious to smash a big piece of cake in the birthday boy’s face. I did not find it funny, nor would I expect most four year-olds. I remember crawling under the table to cry.
Following birthdays have included piñatas falling on my head, injuries, illnesses, mishaps, misunderstandings, and even deaths. Yes, both my grandmothers died right around my birthday.
At first people think this is all a crock or just self-fulfilling prophecies. My wife was a skeptic at first, but she has grown to be a believer, more or less.
So for my birthday I avoid big plans, try to lay low, and hope for the best. I have gotten by with some uneventful birthdays, so it can be done. Let’s hope that this one is one of those quiet ones.
And if you are curious, other more interesting things have happened on this day as well.
Update - Since the above link requires you to actually enter the date - I could not get it to work directly - I went through the list of interesting events and birthdays. Actually, nothing really interesting happened on this day. There seem to have been a lot of nuclear tests on this date. I guess the first Supreme Court was convened and the Mormons officially ended their practive of polygamy. Interesting birthdays are Jim Henson (the Muppet man) and F. Scott Fitzgerald. For those of you who are interested following is the list:
On September 24 in history ..
· 0312 - Start of Imperial Indication
· 0366 - Liberius ends his reign as Catholic Pope
· 0673 - Synod of Hertford opens; canons made for English Church
· 0787 - 2nd Council of Nicaea (7th ecumenical council) opens in Asia Minor
· 1493 - Columbus' 2nd expedition to New World
· 1537 - Uprising in Lübeck fails
· 1625 - Dutch attack San Juan, Puerto Rico
· 1629 - Jacques Specx appointed governor-general of Dutch-Indies
· 1657 - 1st autopsy & coroner's jury verdict is recorded in state of Maryland
· 1664 - Dutch Fort Orange (Albany NY) surrenders to English
· 1683 - King Louis XIV expels all Jews from French possessions in America
· 1688 - France declares war on German
· 1732 - 21 homosexuals burned in South Horn
· 1742 - Faneuil Hall opens to public
· 1789 - Congress creates Post Office
· 1789 - Federal Judiciary Act is passed & creates a six-person Supreme Court
· 1789 - US Attorney General Office is created
· 1829 - Russia & Ottoman Empire sign Peace Treaty of Adrianople
· 1838 - Anti-Corn-Law League forms to repeal English Corn Law
· 1841 - Britain obtains Sarawak from Brunei (James Brooke appointed Rajah)
· 1845 - 1st baseball team is organized
· 1850 - Papal Bull issued, establishes Roman Catholic hierarchy in England
· 1852 - Henri Giffard, a French engineer, makes 1st dirigible flight
· 1853 - 1st round-the-world trip by yacht (Cornelius Vanderbilt)
· 1853 - France annexes Caledonia
· 1862 - Confederate Congress adopts confederacy seal
· 1865 - James Cooke walks tightrope from Cliff House to Seal Rocks, SF
· 1869 - Black Friday; Wall St panic after Gould & Fisk attempt to corner gold
· 1881 - Henry Morton Stanley signs contract with Congo monarch
· 1883 - National black convention meets in Louisville, Kentucky
· 1890 - Pres of Mormon Church in Salt Lake City issues a manifesto advising members that teaching & practice of polygamy should be abandoned
· 1895 - 1st round-the-world trip by a woman on a bicycle (took 15 months)
· 1919 - Babe Ruth sets season homer mark at 28 off of Yankee Bob Shawkey
· 1923 - Premiere of 1st celluloid film "Das Leben auf dem Dorfe" (Berlin)
· 1924 - Boston, Massachusetts opens its airport
· 1927 - NHL's Toronto St Patricks become Maple Leafs
· 1927 - Yanks set record of 106 victories
· 1929 - Lt James H Doolittle guides a Consolidated N-Y-2 Biplane over Mitchell Field in NY in 1st all-instrument flight
· 1930 - Portsmouth beats Brooklyn in 1st NFL game played under floodlights
· 1934 - 2500 fans see Babe Ruth's farewell Yankee appearance at Yankee Stadium
· 1938 - Don Budge becomes 1st tennis player to grand slam
· 1940 - Luftwaffe bombs Spitfire-factory in Southampton
· 1941 - 9 Allied governments pledged adherence to Atlantic Charter
· 1941 - Bomb explosion in German headquarter in Hotel Continental in Kiev
· 1943 - Soviet forces re-conquer Smolensk
· 1950 - "Operation Magic Carpet"-All Jews from Yemen move to Israel
· 1951 - Industrial estate at Harlow New Town UK opens
· 1951 - USSR performs nuclear test
· 1952 - Dutch minister Dark sentences war criminal W Lages to death
· 1952 - Underwater volcano explodes under research vessel Kaiyo-maru-5
· 1954 - Tonight Show premieres on NBC (Johnny takes over 8 years later)
· 1955 - Pres Eisenhower suffers a heart attack on vacation in Denver
· 1956 - 1st trans atlantic telephone cable in use (Newfoundland-Scotland)
· 1957 - Eisenhower orders US troops to desegregate Little Rock schools
· 1958 - 1st welded aluminum girder highway bridge completed, Urbandale, LA
· 1960 - 1st nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, launches (USS Enterprise)
· 1960 - International Development Association (UN agency) comes into existence
· 1960 - USS Enterprise, 1st nuclear power aircraft carrier, launches
· 1962 - KWSU TV channel 10 in Pullman, WA (PBS) begins broadcasting
· 1962 - US Circuit Court of Appeals orders Meredith admitted to University of Mississippi
· 1963 - Senate ratifies treaty with Britain & USSR limit nuclear testing
· 1964 - "Munsters" premieres on TV
· 1964 - 1st Minuteman II ICBM was tested
· 1964 - Willi Stoph succeeds Otto Great as premier of German Democratic Republic
· 1965 - Belgium Victor Leemans elected chairman of European Parliament
· 1965 - Saudi-Arabian & Egyptian accord about Yemen
· 1965 - Stefan Stefanopoulos forms Greek government
· 1966 - -30] Hurricane Inez, kills 293 in Caribbean, Florida & Mexico
· 1966 - France performs nuclear test at Fangataufa Island
· 1968 - "60 Minutes" premieres on CBS-TV
· 1968 - US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
· 1969 - 1st Elvis convention, 2500 fans attend in Cincinnati
· 1969 - Ton Duc Thang elected president of North Vietnam
· 1969 - Trial of "Chicago 8" (protesters at Dem Natl Conv) begins
· 1970 - 1st Automated return of lunar sample by Luna 16
· 1970 - Soviet Luna 16 lands on earth after 1st unmanned round trip to moon
· 1971 - 90 Russian diplomats expelled from Britain for spying
· 1971 - Eyskens-Cools disbands Belgium parliament
· 1972 - Antique F86 Sabrejet fails to takeoff at air show, kills 22
· 1973 - Guinea-Bissau declares independence
· 1976 - Newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst sentenced to 7 years for her part in a 1974 bank robbery. Released after 22 months by Pres Carter
· 1977 - 1st broadcast of "Love Boat" on ABC-TV
· 1978 - USSR performs underground nuclear test
· 1979 - CompuServe began operation as 1st computer information service
· 1979 - Ghana adopts constitution
· 1979 - Russian ice skaters Protopopov & Beloussova ask for asylum in Switzerland
· 1979 - USSR performs nuclear test at Novaya Zemlya USSR
· 1980 - Iraqi troops cross Iran's border, encircling Abadan
· 1981 - US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
· 1982 - Tennis great Bj”rn B”rg retires at 26
· 1982 - US, Italian & French peacekeeping troops begin arriving in Lebanon
· 1983 - USSR performs underground nuclear test
· 1984 - Paul McCartney release "No More Lonely Nights"
· 1985 - Apollo Computer Inc lays off 300 employees
· 1985 - Fastest English Channel crossing by a relay team set (15h 30m)
· 1987 - US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
· 1988 - Barbara C Harris of Mass, elected 1st woman Episcopal bishop
· 1988 - Canada's Ben Johnson runs drug-assisted 100 m in 9.79 sec
· 1990 - East Germany leaves Warsaw Pact
· 1990 - Supreme Soviet gives approval to switch to free market
· 1990 - West German Pres Richard von Weizsaecker signs reunification treaty
· 1991 - Doogie Howser loses his virginity
· 1993 - 1st Israeli killed by Islamics after PLO signs peace accord
· 1993 - Norodom Sihanouk again installed as king of Cambodia
· 1994 - Parliamentary election in Ukraine
· 1995 - Mt Ruapehu Volcano (North Island, NZ) erupts
· 1997 - Drug kingpin Ramon Arellano Felix placed on FBI's 10 most-wanted
Famous birthdays on September 24 ..
· 1501 - Girolamo Cardano, Italy, mathematician/astrologer (Ars Magna-1545)
· 1583 - Albrecht Eusebius Wenzel von Wallenstein, German general
· 1625 - Johan de Witt, statesman/advisor of Holland
· 1717 - Horace Walpole, England, British horror writer (Cattle of Ontario)
· 1739 - Grigorij A Potemkin, Monarch of Tauris/friend of Catherine II
· 1755 - John Marshall, Va, 4th Supreme Court Chief Justice (1801-35)
· 1762 - William Lisle Bowles, English poet (14 Sonnets)
· 1817 - Ramón de Campoamor Campoosorio, Spanish poet (Doloras)
· 1821 - Cyprian K Norwid, Polish painter/poet/playwright (Wanda)
· 1825 - Frances E W Harper, famous African
· 1848 - Pieter Louis Tak, literary (The Chronicle)
· 1859 - Julius Klengel, cellist/composer
· 1860 - Samuel Rutherford Crockett, novelist
· 1870 - Georges Claude, inventor (neon light)
· 1885 - Herman Bouber, Dutch actor/playwright (Sailor's Wives)
· 1890 - Alan Herbert, England, journalist/writer (Punch, Helen)
· 1892 - Sam[uel] de Vries, actor (Wandering Jew)
· 1895 - Andr‚ Cournand, physician
· 1896 - F Scott Fitzgerald, St Paul Minn, author (Great Gatsby)
· 1898 - Charlotte D baroness of Pallandt, Dutch sculptress
· 1898 - Howard W Florey, Aust, pathologist; purified penicillin (Nobel '45)
· 1899 - Eduardo Hernandez Moncada, composer
· 1904 - Owen Saunders, mechanical engineer
· 1910 - Leonarda da Vinci MacLaren, founder (LSE)
· 1911 - Konstantin Chernenko, USSR leader
· 1921 - Jim McKay, Phila Pa, sportscaster (ABC's Wide World of Sports)
· 1921 - Leonardo Lopez Salzedo, composer
· 1922 - David Lane, CEO (Commission for Racial Equality)
· 1923 - Ladislav Fuks, writer
· 1924 - Sheila MacRae, London England, actress (Jackie Gleason Show)
· 1924 - Simpson Guillen, cricketer (wicket-keeper for West Indies & NZ)
· 1924 - Walter Fufido, Bronx NY, Iwo Jima casualty (WW II)
· 1927 - Richard Swift, composer
· 1930 - John Watts Young, SF Calif, astronaut (Gem 3 10, Apol 10 16, STS 1 9)
· 1932 - Svetlana Beriozova, ballerina
· 1934 - Bernard Nevill, textile designer
· 1934 - Manfred Wärner, German general/sect-gen (NATO, 1988-94)
· 1934 - Robert Lang, actor (Night Watch)/director
· 1936 - Jim Henson, Greenville Miss, muppeteer (Sesame Street, Muppet Show)
· 1941 - Linda Eastman McCartney, NYC, Mrs Paul McCartney, rocker (Wings-Ram)
· 1946 - "Mean" Joe Greene, NFL tackle (Pitts Steelers), Coke spokesman
· 1946 - Carson Van Osten, rocker
· 1946 - Marc Edward Neikrug, composer
· 1946 - Pat Pocock, cricketer (intermittent England off-spinner 1968-85)
· 1948 - Phil Hartman, Brantford Ontario, actor (SNL, Peewee's Playhouse)
· 1950 - Mohinder Amarnath, cricketer (son of Lala Indian batsman of 70's/80's)
· 1952 - Joseph P Kennedy II, (Rep-D-Massachusetts)
· 1954 - Stephen Jones, art historian
· 1956 - Ilona Briesenick-Slupianek, German DR, shot-putter (Olympic-gold-1980)
· 1964 - Rafael Palmeiro, Havana Cuba, 1st baseman (Baltimore Orioles)
· 1967 - Chris Swan, rower (Olympics-1996)
· 1967 - Roland Jansen, soccer player (Willem II)
· 1969 - Gene Hunt, R&B musician (Acid Man)
· 1969 - Lisa Matthews, Peoria Ill, playmate (Apr, 1990)
Wednesday, September 24, 2003
Tuesday, September 23, 2003
HAPPY AUTUMN EVERYONE!
Yes, I call it autumn instead of fall - probably because of my British schooling. Whatever you call it, it is a season that brings mixed emotions for me. I love it because the weather is just right, at least most of the time in New England (today, of course it is gray and rainy - just to prove me wrong). Warm sunny and breezy days, crisp cool nights. The colors are fabulous (I sound too much like those queer guys on Bravo). The negative is that you know winter is coming and the days are starting to get shorter. The increased darkness does funky things to me. So I hate the feeling of impending winter doom.
It is definitely a CARPE DIEM season.
Yes, I call it autumn instead of fall - probably because of my British schooling. Whatever you call it, it is a season that brings mixed emotions for me. I love it because the weather is just right, at least most of the time in New England (today, of course it is gray and rainy - just to prove me wrong). Warm sunny and breezy days, crisp cool nights. The colors are fabulous (I sound too much like those queer guys on Bravo). The negative is that you know winter is coming and the days are starting to get shorter. The increased darkness does funky things to me. So I hate the feeling of impending winter doom.
It is definitely a CARPE DIEM season.
Monday, September 22, 2003
New Experience
Today I experienced something new. I got chided online. Thanks Lux for getting me back on track! You just earned yourself a mention in my acknowledgements. Maybe with your help I will get this dissertation finished.
Today I experienced something new. I got chided online. Thanks Lux for getting me back on track! You just earned yourself a mention in my acknowledgements. Maybe with your help I will get this dissertation finished.
Stood up?
I was supposed to meet my mentee today at a dinner on campus. He did not show up :-( . Does this count as getting stood up? I have his email address...he better have a good excuse! And I had so many lovely activities planned...
I did meet some other students that didn't have mentors who were pretty nice. There are plenty of fish in the sea...
I was supposed to meet my mentee today at a dinner on campus. He did not show up :-( . Does this count as getting stood up? I have his email address...he better have a good excuse! And I had so many lovely activities planned...
I did meet some other students that didn't have mentors who were pretty nice. There are plenty of fish in the sea...
Anxiety Attacks and Dog Mysteries:
Last night as I settled in to sleep, I got slammed with a period of anxiety. You know, one of those moments when all the crisises and issues and problems and stresses and crap that complicate your life all come to a head and fall on you like a boulder. Yeah, I had one of those.
So to soothe my troubled mind I swore that today would be an exceedingly productive day. I need to keep my promise. Or else I might have another one of those moments tonight...and they are not pleasant.
Before I go, however, I want to thank you for your comments on the template. I quite like the translucent nature of the text box, so I might keep it. I will try to change the color on the links (eventually, see above) so that they are easier to read.
I also would like to thank you all for your hypotheses on why our dog is so enthralled with Oman. To review, this what people have said:
Radmilla: Maybe he's got family there? [I doubt it. We adpoted him from an obscure corner of Rhode Island where the mentality is such that if it is more than a five minute drive it is REALLY far away. He is, however, some convoluted mix of breeds - we never have really figured them out - so it is quite possible that he might have some Omani Retriever in him - whatever that is].
Lux: Maybe that's his real name, and you have been calling him by the wrong name all this time [We had not though of this before. So we tried calling him that. He would get excited, but did not respond the same way as he does to his name. Just to note, when we got him, he already had his name and knew it - it is that of a Greek Diety. Although we probably would not have named him that, the name does seem to suit him and his personality well].
Smivey: [Wait, he just wrote to tell me that it seemed to him like my site was written on invisible ink. Nothing to do with the dog and Oman.]
Kat: Perhaps he's a big Linda Blair fan and thought you said "Omen". Imagine his disappoint. [While this seem to be an excellent and entertaining explanation, when we called out "Omen", the reaction was not the same. He definitely reacts to Oman. By the way, Kat has a cool new template as well, go check it out].
So the mystery remains. Academics shall continue to puzzle over this for years to come...
Happy Monday!!! Yeah, right....
Last night as I settled in to sleep, I got slammed with a period of anxiety. You know, one of those moments when all the crisises and issues and problems and stresses and crap that complicate your life all come to a head and fall on you like a boulder. Yeah, I had one of those.
So to soothe my troubled mind I swore that today would be an exceedingly productive day. I need to keep my promise. Or else I might have another one of those moments tonight...and they are not pleasant.
Before I go, however, I want to thank you for your comments on the template. I quite like the translucent nature of the text box, so I might keep it. I will try to change the color on the links (eventually, see above) so that they are easier to read.
I also would like to thank you all for your hypotheses on why our dog is so enthralled with Oman. To review, this what people have said:
Radmilla: Maybe he's got family there? [I doubt it. We adpoted him from an obscure corner of Rhode Island where the mentality is such that if it is more than a five minute drive it is REALLY far away. He is, however, some convoluted mix of breeds - we never have really figured them out - so it is quite possible that he might have some Omani Retriever in him - whatever that is].
Lux: Maybe that's his real name, and you have been calling him by the wrong name all this time [We had not though of this before. So we tried calling him that. He would get excited, but did not respond the same way as he does to his name. Just to note, when we got him, he already had his name and knew it - it is that of a Greek Diety. Although we probably would not have named him that, the name does seem to suit him and his personality well].
Smivey: [Wait, he just wrote to tell me that it seemed to him like my site was written on invisible ink. Nothing to do with the dog and Oman.]
Kat: Perhaps he's a big Linda Blair fan and thought you said "Omen". Imagine his disappoint. [While this seem to be an excellent and entertaining explanation, when we called out "Omen", the reaction was not the same. He definitely reacts to Oman. By the way, Kat has a cool new template as well, go check it out].
So the mystery remains. Academics shall continue to puzzle over this for years to come...
Happy Monday!!! Yeah, right....
Saturday, September 20, 2003
New Template:
I had been considering getting a new template and Sara over at Corn Smut (who has been very artistic in designing her new snazy template) suggested I download a template from some crafty Dutch people. I had a difficult decision between this one and a cool Easter Island motif. I want to thank her for her help in getting it all set up, she has been a godsend.
Hopefully this will end all the scrolling problems people have been having.
So what do you think?
Yeah, yeah, I know, I should have been working on my dissertation instead. Procrastination is a virulent disease...
I had been considering getting a new template and Sara over at Corn Smut (who has been very artistic in designing her new snazy template) suggested I download a template from some crafty Dutch people. I had a difficult decision between this one and a cool Easter Island motif. I want to thank her for her help in getting it all set up, she has been a godsend.
Hopefully this will end all the scrolling problems people have been having.
So what do you think?
Yeah, yeah, I know, I should have been working on my dissertation instead. Procrastination is a virulent disease...
Could it be that I have been productive?Finally got back to working on the dissertation this afternoon. I have been typing notes from some interview transcriptions. It is a bit tedious but there is some good material for my chapter. I can sense a little excitement beneath the thick layers of apathy...can a I conjure out this enthusiasm for my research topic? Hmmm....
Hey, I have noticed that I have been getting some new visitors. I would like to request that you sign the guest map (this also goes for those of you who have been coming around for a while, but haven't gotten a chance to sign it). I would like to see where you are visiting from. No pressure, though...It's just for fun...
:)
Hey, I have noticed that I have been getting some new visitors. I would like to request that you sign the guest map (this also goes for those of you who have been coming around for a while, but haven't gotten a chance to sign it). I would like to see where you are visiting from. No pressure, though...It's just for fun...
:)
It's one of those warm moist days...a hold over from summer. Dog is passed out in the hallway, I guess that is the coolest spot around. Wife is still not feeling too well. Laundry continues to go (did not get all done yesterday - see below). The dissertation awaits...
Note: I understand some of you have been having problems scrolling (sometimes). Cheap fix: Hit reload, then quickly stop. As for the invisible ink issue, I am not quite sure what is up with that. Things may be changing around here, so perhaps that will fix the problems.
Note: I understand some of you have been having problems scrolling (sometimes). Cheap fix: Hit reload, then quickly stop. As for the invisible ink issue, I am not quite sure what is up with that. Things may be changing around here, so perhaps that will fix the problems.
Friday, September 19, 2003
Roller-coaster Day [Warning: rambling and verbose post]
I am completely drained. Today was one of those days full of ups and downs. For once I got up this morning feeling good and full of energy. I was determined that I was going to get a lot done. There was laundry to do, some ironing, and the usual dog-walking duties. I also had promised my wife that I would go with her to the mall. She has been a bit under the weather recently and this outing was supposed to cheer her up. We had planned to get lunch at the Nordstrom Café that overlooks downtown Providence. While we were there I also wanted to pop into a bookstore to buy a guidebook for Puerto Rico. I was then planning to come home and get some work done on my dissertation.
The day started off well, got the laundry going, ironed some clothes that had been begging for a pressing, and took the dog out for his daily run. My wife slept in, so we decided to have lunch at home and head to the mall later. No problem. As we were heading to the mall, the *Check Engine* light came on in our car. I asked my wife what she thought we should do. We agreed that we should head back home. I looked at the engine, but as far as I could tell everything seemed to be in order. I was going to need help with this one. When we walked in to our apartment, our wonderful dog found his way up on to a counter and got a paper bag full of used tissues. He rearranged them quite wonderfully on our living room floor. My wife with a exasperated and sad face turned to me and said, “I’ll clean this up, you look into the car.”
The car issue is more complex than most car issues. In our wisdom, we bought a Daewoo a few years back. It is a nice car and it has been very good to us. The problem is that Daewoo went bankrupt in the US last year. The other problem is that here in Rhode Island there is only one dealer (a Nissan place that used to also sell Daewoos) that has parts for it and it is about twenty miles from Providence. I called them up to see if they could take a look at it today. No such luck, I would have to wait until Thursday. Not good, especially since we really need to use our car next week.
Plan B: take it to some local mechanics to see if they can at least tell me what is wrong.
Mechanic #1: Can’t look at it until Friday.
Mechanic #2: Can’t look at it until Thursday.
What is it that has mechanics so backed up?
Note: all this time the car seems to be running fine.
I decide to head home when I remember that there is a Pep Boys with a service department nearby. Ok, last try. There they tell me that I would have to leave it there and they can take a look at it tomorrow morning. Fine. Perfect. When they find out it is a Daewoo, this brings on looks of concern. Mechanic conference call. While I stand there nervously awaiting the verdict, all I can hear is mumble, mumble, mumble. The guy I had talked to comes over and says that they don’t know whether their computer can communicate with the car’s computer. They can try, but even if they find out what is wrong, they might not be able to fix it because Daewoo parts are hard to find. So we work out the deal: I leave the car and they do the diagnostic, which costs $80. If they can’t find out what is wrong, they won’t charge me. I agree and leave the car. As I am leaving they tell me they might be able to look at it this evening, but I am pessimistic.
Now I have to get home, which is about four miles away. The weather is tropical and stormy. Not good walking weather. The bus depot is nearby, though, I know there are taxis there. The walk there is unpleasant because it is a desolate part of town and the weather was so muggy. I get there fine and make my way home. Barely. On the ride home the taxi driver decides to have an argument with his cell phone, and while messing with the buttons almost slams into a turning school bus.
Once at home, my wife and sat in our sultry living room fretting over the recent events. My wife is disappointed that her day of escape and retail therapy came to an end even before it began. I sit wondering how much this is going to cost us and how we are going to get through the next week without a car. We will have to rent one. But what can I do to cheer my wife up? I suggest taking a taxi to the mall, but the inclement weather and wife’s poor health lead us to decide against this.
The energy that I was exuding in the morning is long gone. I am drained, yet terribly anxious. I mope, my wife mopes, even the dog, who is still recovering from the stern “what did you do?” reprimands from earlier and probably sensing our current feelings, mopes.
In the midst of our self-wallowing the phone rings. It is Pep Boys. They ran the diagnostic and it said something like the alternate manifold vent exhaust something blah, blah, blah. Huh? What does that mean? Nothing serious. They can’t do anything, but it should not pose a problem. I arrange a ride from our neighbor back to Pet Boys to pick up the car. Once there the guy explains that sometimes certain emission cause the computer in the car to freak. The mechanic cleared the computer and the light did not go back on. Their computer also did not register any problem. So it was probably nothing. I was expecting to pay $80 for this, and while it is a lot of money, I would have been happy to pay it given the good news and the fact they looked at my car within a couple of hours. The guy said, sign here and there is no charge. What? No charge? Why, thank you.
PLUG FOR PEP BOYS. I will be returning there whenever I need car parts.
Ok, this post has gone on for way too long, so I will be brief. So I get home, convince my wife that we can still go to the mall. We go there and get all the things we wanted to get, including a skirt my wife saw in a magazine over a month ago, but the store that was supposed to sell it did not offer it online. My wife has been dying to get that skirt. The day ended well.
We did decide to get take-out because we were too exhausted to cook, and we did need a few margaritas this evening to put the remaining bits of adrenaline to bed.
If you’ve read all of this venting, I thank you for your attention and I wish you a great weekend. I will be busy doing the work on my dissertation that did not get done today.
Cheers. {Clinking margarita glass}
I am completely drained. Today was one of those days full of ups and downs. For once I got up this morning feeling good and full of energy. I was determined that I was going to get a lot done. There was laundry to do, some ironing, and the usual dog-walking duties. I also had promised my wife that I would go with her to the mall. She has been a bit under the weather recently and this outing was supposed to cheer her up. We had planned to get lunch at the Nordstrom Café that overlooks downtown Providence. While we were there I also wanted to pop into a bookstore to buy a guidebook for Puerto Rico. I was then planning to come home and get some work done on my dissertation.
The day started off well, got the laundry going, ironed some clothes that had been begging for a pressing, and took the dog out for his daily run. My wife slept in, so we decided to have lunch at home and head to the mall later. No problem. As we were heading to the mall, the *Check Engine* light came on in our car. I asked my wife what she thought we should do. We agreed that we should head back home. I looked at the engine, but as far as I could tell everything seemed to be in order. I was going to need help with this one. When we walked in to our apartment, our wonderful dog found his way up on to a counter and got a paper bag full of used tissues. He rearranged them quite wonderfully on our living room floor. My wife with a exasperated and sad face turned to me and said, “I’ll clean this up, you look into the car.”
The car issue is more complex than most car issues. In our wisdom, we bought a Daewoo a few years back. It is a nice car and it has been very good to us. The problem is that Daewoo went bankrupt in the US last year. The other problem is that here in Rhode Island there is only one dealer (a Nissan place that used to also sell Daewoos) that has parts for it and it is about twenty miles from Providence. I called them up to see if they could take a look at it today. No such luck, I would have to wait until Thursday. Not good, especially since we really need to use our car next week.
Plan B: take it to some local mechanics to see if they can at least tell me what is wrong.
Mechanic #1: Can’t look at it until Friday.
Mechanic #2: Can’t look at it until Thursday.
What is it that has mechanics so backed up?
Note: all this time the car seems to be running fine.
I decide to head home when I remember that there is a Pep Boys with a service department nearby. Ok, last try. There they tell me that I would have to leave it there and they can take a look at it tomorrow morning. Fine. Perfect. When they find out it is a Daewoo, this brings on looks of concern. Mechanic conference call. While I stand there nervously awaiting the verdict, all I can hear is mumble, mumble, mumble. The guy I had talked to comes over and says that they don’t know whether their computer can communicate with the car’s computer. They can try, but even if they find out what is wrong, they might not be able to fix it because Daewoo parts are hard to find. So we work out the deal: I leave the car and they do the diagnostic, which costs $80. If they can’t find out what is wrong, they won’t charge me. I agree and leave the car. As I am leaving they tell me they might be able to look at it this evening, but I am pessimistic.
Now I have to get home, which is about four miles away. The weather is tropical and stormy. Not good walking weather. The bus depot is nearby, though, I know there are taxis there. The walk there is unpleasant because it is a desolate part of town and the weather was so muggy. I get there fine and make my way home. Barely. On the ride home the taxi driver decides to have an argument with his cell phone, and while messing with the buttons almost slams into a turning school bus.
Once at home, my wife and sat in our sultry living room fretting over the recent events. My wife is disappointed that her day of escape and retail therapy came to an end even before it began. I sit wondering how much this is going to cost us and how we are going to get through the next week without a car. We will have to rent one. But what can I do to cheer my wife up? I suggest taking a taxi to the mall, but the inclement weather and wife’s poor health lead us to decide against this.
The energy that I was exuding in the morning is long gone. I am drained, yet terribly anxious. I mope, my wife mopes, even the dog, who is still recovering from the stern “what did you do?” reprimands from earlier and probably sensing our current feelings, mopes.
In the midst of our self-wallowing the phone rings. It is Pep Boys. They ran the diagnostic and it said something like the alternate manifold vent exhaust something blah, blah, blah. Huh? What does that mean? Nothing serious. They can’t do anything, but it should not pose a problem. I arrange a ride from our neighbor back to Pet Boys to pick up the car. Once there the guy explains that sometimes certain emission cause the computer in the car to freak. The mechanic cleared the computer and the light did not go back on. Their computer also did not register any problem. So it was probably nothing. I was expecting to pay $80 for this, and while it is a lot of money, I would have been happy to pay it given the good news and the fact they looked at my car within a couple of hours. The guy said, sign here and there is no charge. What? No charge? Why, thank you.
PLUG FOR PEP BOYS. I will be returning there whenever I need car parts.
Ok, this post has gone on for way too long, so I will be brief. So I get home, convince my wife that we can still go to the mall. We go there and get all the things we wanted to get, including a skirt my wife saw in a magazine over a month ago, but the store that was supposed to sell it did not offer it online. My wife has been dying to get that skirt. The day ended well.
We did decide to get take-out because we were too exhausted to cook, and we did need a few margaritas this evening to put the remaining bits of adrenaline to bed.
If you’ve read all of this venting, I thank you for your attention and I wish you a great weekend. I will be busy doing the work on my dissertation that did not get done today.
Cheers. {Clinking margarita glass}
Thursday, September 18, 2003
Don’t tell the Department of Homeland Security…
…but our dog has a strange fascination with Oman. A while ago I think we were watching the opening of the Olympic games where the athletes march into the stadium according to their nationalities, holding the flag of their respective countries. Being the weirdo that I am, I was reading out the countries’ names as they marched in. When I called out “Oman!” the dog, who up until then had been sleeping, jumped up with a burst of unbridled enthusiasm as though I had said one of his most favorite words: walk, beach, or treat. Since then if we say the word, he still gets excited and does his puppy dance. I am not quite sure why he wants to go there…
…but our dog has a strange fascination with Oman. A while ago I think we were watching the opening of the Olympic games where the athletes march into the stadium according to their nationalities, holding the flag of their respective countries. Being the weirdo that I am, I was reading out the countries’ names as they marched in. When I called out “Oman!” the dog, who up until then had been sleeping, jumped up with a burst of unbridled enthusiasm as though I had said one of his most favorite words: walk, beach, or treat. Since then if we say the word, he still gets excited and does his puppy dance. I am not quite sure why he wants to go there…
Squirrel Update
The landlord finally got around to plugging the hole in our attic yesterday (after two postponements). He said he filled the hole with cement and covered the area with a steel plate. That should keep those buggers out.
It did make for an exciting day today. At 6:00 this morning, from somewhere in the depths of my slumber, I hear a plucking noise. I wake up to see a squirrel lying on the skylight window we have. I get up and chase it away. I tried going back to bed, only to be awoken by the pitter-patter of squirrel feet on our gutters. All day today they have been running around the gutters, along the roof, and on the skylight. Needless to say, this drove our dog nuts as he ran from staring up at the skylight to the window on the other side of our apartment.
I figure all the commotion was because they sensed the storm coming (we will only get hit marginally by Isabel, but the wind has picked up) and they were freaking out because the door to their home was sealed shut.
Hahaha.
I know that is mean, but they should go live in a tree; there are plenty of them around.
The landlord finally got around to plugging the hole in our attic yesterday (after two postponements). He said he filled the hole with cement and covered the area with a steel plate. That should keep those buggers out.
It did make for an exciting day today. At 6:00 this morning, from somewhere in the depths of my slumber, I hear a plucking noise. I wake up to see a squirrel lying on the skylight window we have. I get up and chase it away. I tried going back to bed, only to be awoken by the pitter-patter of squirrel feet on our gutters. All day today they have been running around the gutters, along the roof, and on the skylight. Needless to say, this drove our dog nuts as he ran from staring up at the skylight to the window on the other side of our apartment.
I figure all the commotion was because they sensed the storm coming (we will only get hit marginally by Isabel, but the wind has picked up) and they were freaking out because the door to their home was sealed shut.
Hahaha.
I know that is mean, but they should go live in a tree; there are plenty of them around.
Technical Difficulties Update...
The scrolling problem seems to lie in the links in my sidebar, but I am not quite sure what it is. Take the links out, problems is gone. But I need my links...
The scrolling problems seems to be an issue only for a few people. So if you are one of the few and you want to scroll and can't, the only thing I can say is try the home-made solution for now: Hit reload and once the center text has loaded, hit stop. That will have to do until I can get Lux to tell me where you can get the pills that will solve the problem.
I will continue to look into it, but I won't be losing any sleep over it.
The scrolling problem seems to lie in the links in my sidebar, but I am not quite sure what it is. Take the links out, problems is gone. But I need my links...
The scrolling problems seems to be an issue only for a few people. So if you are one of the few and you want to scroll and can't, the only thing I can say is try the home-made solution for now: Hit reload and once the center text has loaded, hit stop. That will have to do until I can get Lux to tell me where you can get the pills that will solve the problem.
I will continue to look into it, but I won't be losing any sleep over it.
We are having technical difficulties, please excuse the inconvenience...
Someone pointed out that they cannot scroll down on this screen. I wasn't having any trouble with Mozilla, but when I tried it with IE, I couldn't scroll down either. I have tried taking things out of the side bar and at the end of the blog to see if that would fix the problem, but it hasn't.
Are any of you having troubles scrolling down? If so, what browser are you using?
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to fix this?
A quick solution for those of you dying to scroll down is to hit reload and quickly afterward hit stop. The sidebar won't load but you can scroll down.
I'll keep working on this.
Someone pointed out that they cannot scroll down on this screen. I wasn't having any trouble with Mozilla, but when I tried it with IE, I couldn't scroll down either. I have tried taking things out of the side bar and at the end of the blog to see if that would fix the problem, but it hasn't.
Are any of you having troubles scrolling down? If so, what browser are you using?
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to fix this?
A quick solution for those of you dying to scroll down is to hit reload and quickly afterward hit stop. The sidebar won't load but you can scroll down.
I'll keep working on this.
Wednesday, September 17, 2003
Funny Dog
Ok, now for something light-hearted since my previous two posts were rather depressing.
Today my wife and I were sitting in my office discussing film characters that have mental illnesses. During this conversation our dog was laying on the floor next to us, seemingly sleeping. I mentioned that I thought most of these characters seemed to be men. My wife replied that there have been many instances where there have been females. I asked her to give some examples. In her list, she mentioned “The woman who boiled the rabbit.” As soon as those words left her mouth our dog’s tail started wagging vigorously, although he nonchalantly remained stretched out on the floor. Yes, it was almost dinnertime and while bunny soup seemed to be an appetizing menu choice for him, it was important for him to continue to look cool and not jump around like an uncontrollable puppy.
Alas he got Science Diet kibble like every other evening.
Poor dog.
We got a laugh from it though. It reminds me of that Far-Side cartoon: “Why dogs can’t play poker.”
Ok, now for something light-hearted since my previous two posts were rather depressing.
Today my wife and I were sitting in my office discussing film characters that have mental illnesses. During this conversation our dog was laying on the floor next to us, seemingly sleeping. I mentioned that I thought most of these characters seemed to be men. My wife replied that there have been many instances where there have been females. I asked her to give some examples. In her list, she mentioned “The woman who boiled the rabbit.” As soon as those words left her mouth our dog’s tail started wagging vigorously, although he nonchalantly remained stretched out on the floor. Yes, it was almost dinnertime and while bunny soup seemed to be an appetizing menu choice for him, it was important for him to continue to look cool and not jump around like an uncontrollable puppy.
Alas he got Science Diet kibble like every other evening.
Poor dog.
We got a laugh from it though. It reminds me of that Far-Side cartoon: “Why dogs can’t play poker.”
What kind of world do we live in?
For this academic year I volunteered to be a mentor for an incoming first year student. We had our orientation meeting today where the program organizers explained how the program works and what is expected from us the mentors. The meeting ended with a list of things we are not to do. Among these:
Do not provide the student alcohol.
Do not supply drugs to the student.
Do not request money from the student.
Do not have sexual relations or activities with the student.
One of the mentors asked what kind of liability we have should a student hurt himself or herself when we are doing something with them. The organizers said that the students were signing release forms, but in reality these have very little validity and if the parents wanted to they could sue us.
This is the reality we live in: a world that is dictated by abuse and litigation, even when you try to help someone out.
For this academic year I volunteered to be a mentor for an incoming first year student. We had our orientation meeting today where the program organizers explained how the program works and what is expected from us the mentors. The meeting ended with a list of things we are not to do. Among these:
Do not provide the student alcohol.
Do not supply drugs to the student.
Do not request money from the student.
Do not have sexual relations or activities with the student.
One of the mentors asked what kind of liability we have should a student hurt himself or herself when we are doing something with them. The organizers said that the students were signing release forms, but in reality these have very little validity and if the parents wanted to they could sue us.
This is the reality we live in: a world that is dictated by abuse and litigation, even when you try to help someone out.
Mail from California
Even though I am in school here in Rhode Island, I am still registered to vote in California. I also have a California driver’s license [the reason behind this should be separate post, but I can summarize it in two words DMV nightmare - ok, I am not sure if DMV counts as one word, but I don't care].
Today I got mail from California.
Envelope number one was my driver’s license renewal. As I pulled out my spiffy new license, the first thing my wife said, “Now everyone will think you are an illegal alien!” Oh no!
Envolope number two was my application for an absentee ballot for the recall election. It includes a sample ballot with the ludicrous list of all 180 something candidates. While I was looking it over, reading names such as Robert C. Newman II (Psychologist/Farmer), Mary “Mary Carey” Cook (Adult Film Actress), William “Bill” S. Chambers (Railroad Switchman/Brakeman), David Laughing Horse Robinson (Tribal Chairman), Kurt E. “Tachikaze” Rightmyer (Middleweight Sumo Wrestler), Daniel Watts (College Student), and Angelyne (Entertainer), I became rather upset. Many have claimed that this is an example of democracy in action, but I think this is a slap in the face of democracy and the governing institutions. It is an abuse of a system that was supposed to guarantee the rights of voters in the face of criminal action by a leader. While Gray Davis might be unpopular, he has done nothing wrong or criminal. I am also appalled at all the people with “celebrity” names (or those that have names that resemble those of politicians or celebrities) who got on the ballot. These include Jack Grisham, S. Issa (similar to Daryl Issa – the original recall organizer), D.E. Kessinger, Edward Kennedy, Robert “Butch” Dole, Dan Feinstein (similar to Dianne Feinstein), Michael Jackson, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Oh no, that last one is not a clown trying to cash in on his name resembling a celebrity, it's just a clown trying to cash in on his being a celebrity.
Please excuse this tirade, it just angers and upsets me that at a time when funding for schools, for health care (especially mental health), for elderly care, for the environment, and for many other things is being cut, the citizens of California have to pay for this carnival of fools.
Even though I am in school here in Rhode Island, I am still registered to vote in California. I also have a California driver’s license [the reason behind this should be separate post, but I can summarize it in two words DMV nightmare - ok, I am not sure if DMV counts as one word, but I don't care].
Today I got mail from California.
Envelope number one was my driver’s license renewal. As I pulled out my spiffy new license, the first thing my wife said, “Now everyone will think you are an illegal alien!” Oh no!
Envolope number two was my application for an absentee ballot for the recall election. It includes a sample ballot with the ludicrous list of all 180 something candidates. While I was looking it over, reading names such as Robert C. Newman II (Psychologist/Farmer), Mary “Mary Carey” Cook (Adult Film Actress), William “Bill” S. Chambers (Railroad Switchman/Brakeman), David Laughing Horse Robinson (Tribal Chairman), Kurt E. “Tachikaze” Rightmyer (Middleweight Sumo Wrestler), Daniel Watts (College Student), and Angelyne (Entertainer), I became rather upset. Many have claimed that this is an example of democracy in action, but I think this is a slap in the face of democracy and the governing institutions. It is an abuse of a system that was supposed to guarantee the rights of voters in the face of criminal action by a leader. While Gray Davis might be unpopular, he has done nothing wrong or criminal. I am also appalled at all the people with “celebrity” names (or those that have names that resemble those of politicians or celebrities) who got on the ballot. These include Jack Grisham, S. Issa (similar to Daryl Issa – the original recall organizer), D.E. Kessinger, Edward Kennedy, Robert “Butch” Dole, Dan Feinstein (similar to Dianne Feinstein), Michael Jackson, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Oh no, that last one is not a clown trying to cash in on his name resembling a celebrity, it's just a clown trying to cash in on his being a celebrity.
Please excuse this tirade, it just angers and upsets me that at a time when funding for schools, for health care (especially mental health), for elderly care, for the environment, and for many other things is being cut, the citizens of California have to pay for this carnival of fools.
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
Fortune Cookie Wisdom [Courtesy Gourmet House, Providence]:
"Don't expect romantic attachments to be strictly logical or rational!"
[Kinda knew that already - I *am* married after all. However, that's what makes it all so fun!].
"Don't expect romantic attachments to be strictly logical or rational!"
[Kinda knew that already - I *am* married after all. However, that's what makes it all so fun!].
Fodder for a Hypocondriac:
How's this for bad timing? I wrote earlier that I have not been feeling well and I just got this email:
To All Faculty, Staff and Graduate Students:
On Monday, September 15, a university student was diagnosed with bacterial
meningitis. Although we do not yet have results of further tests, it is
possible this could be a case of meningococcal meningitis, a serious
bacterial infection. The student is in the hospital and doing well. As
a precaution, Health Services is individually notifying all close
contacts and roommates of this student and providing preventative
treatment. We are providing preventative treatment to a wider circle of
contacts than recommended by the Rhode Island Department of Health.
While I doubt I have menigitis or any of the stupid mosquito-borne illnesses (the symptoms aren't right), news such as this does not make me feel better. Especially when I am not sure what is wrong with me.
How's this for bad timing? I wrote earlier that I have not been feeling well and I just got this email:
To All Faculty, Staff and Graduate Students:
On Monday, September 15, a university student was diagnosed with bacterial
meningitis. Although we do not yet have results of further tests, it is
possible this could be a case of meningococcal meningitis, a serious
bacterial infection. The student is in the hospital and doing well. As
a precaution, Health Services is individually notifying all close
contacts and roommates of this student and providing preventative
treatment. We are providing preventative treatment to a wider circle of
contacts than recommended by the Rhode Island Department of Health.
While I doubt I have menigitis or any of the stupid mosquito-borne illnesses (the symptoms aren't right), news such as this does not make me feel better. Especially when I am not sure what is wrong with me.
Bad Blah Bug...
Been feeling icky. My wife and I were at Staples the other day looking at desk chairs for her. I was sitting in one, trying it out. When I got up, I suddenly felt dizzy, as you do sometimes when you get up to fast. But this did not go away. After a day or so the dizziness waned and was replaced by a headache. Now the headache is gone but the dizziness is back. I can't figure out what it is. Maybe an allergy? Hard to be productive under these circumstances...
Been feeling icky. My wife and I were at Staples the other day looking at desk chairs for her. I was sitting in one, trying it out. When I got up, I suddenly felt dizzy, as you do sometimes when you get up to fast. But this did not go away. After a day or so the dizziness waned and was replaced by a headache. Now the headache is gone but the dizziness is back. I can't figure out what it is. Maybe an allergy? Hard to be productive under these circumstances...
Monday, September 15, 2003
It is a matter of class…
My wife and I don’t have much money, but we do have a lot of class. We might not be able to afford the highest and latest fashion, but we know how to look good with what we can afford. We also know how to behave in distinguished establishments. I was rather appalled the other night during our romantic dinner with the behavior of some of the people around me in what is a fine restaurant in Providence. One woman, probably in her fifties, sitting behind my wife, turned to her husband and yelled to him quite loudly, “Do you have a vagina? Do you have estrogen?” It was quite obvious that she had had a few too many drinks. With them was a young couple, one of the two probably being the older couple’s child. At one point, the young couple got up and left the restaurant only to come back with iced coffee and some donut holes from the Dunkin Donuts down the street. It was obvious from the clothes they were wearing, the expensive bottle of wine they ordered, and the SUV they drove off in that they had a lot of money. Too bad they lacked the class to go along with it.
My wife and I don’t have much money, but we do have a lot of class. We might not be able to afford the highest and latest fashion, but we know how to look good with what we can afford. We also know how to behave in distinguished establishments. I was rather appalled the other night during our romantic dinner with the behavior of some of the people around me in what is a fine restaurant in Providence. One woman, probably in her fifties, sitting behind my wife, turned to her husband and yelled to him quite loudly, “Do you have a vagina? Do you have estrogen?” It was quite obvious that she had had a few too many drinks. With them was a young couple, one of the two probably being the older couple’s child. At one point, the young couple got up and left the restaurant only to come back with iced coffee and some donut holes from the Dunkin Donuts down the street. It was obvious from the clothes they were wearing, the expensive bottle of wine they ordered, and the SUV they drove off in that they had a lot of money. Too bad they lacked the class to go along with it.
What is it with the British and Squirrel Videos?
In honor of Sara's squirrel video and Scott getting stuck in his car and having to climb out his window I present you with The Duel [it starts slow, but it gets better, I promise].
*Correction* - Scott has contacted me and pointed out that he only thought about climbing out his window while he was stuck in his car. I sincerely apologize for this misrepresentation and I hope that Scott was not too terribly inconvenienced by it.
In honor of Sara's squirrel video and Scott getting stuck in his car and having to climb out his window I present you with The Duel [it starts slow, but it gets better, I promise].
*Correction* - Scott has contacted me and pointed out that he only thought about climbing out his window while he was stuck in his car. I sincerely apologize for this misrepresentation and I hope that Scott was not too terribly inconvenienced by it.
Sunday, September 14, 2003
Nothing in this world…
Our date last night was magically romantic.
There is nothing more exhilarating than seeing my wife emerge from our bedroom dressed up and looking as beautiful as ever for our special night out.
There is nothing more enchanting that gazing deeply into my wife’s eyes across the dinner table, only to have her blink, grin, and shyly look away.
There is nothing more lovely than feeling her hand gently take mine as we wait in the warm and moist evening drizzle for the valet to bring our car.
There is nothing more sensuous than kissing the delicate L between her neck and her shoulder.
There is nothing more reassuring than feeling her close to me as we snuggle together.
There is nothing in this world that I love more than my wife.
We have something incredibly special and it is important to reaffirm it by spending time together to highlight the reasons we fell in love in the first place.
I think I will ask her out again.
Our date last night was magically romantic.
There is nothing more exhilarating than seeing my wife emerge from our bedroom dressed up and looking as beautiful as ever for our special night out.
There is nothing more enchanting that gazing deeply into my wife’s eyes across the dinner table, only to have her blink, grin, and shyly look away.
There is nothing more lovely than feeling her hand gently take mine as we wait in the warm and moist evening drizzle for the valet to bring our car.
There is nothing more sensuous than kissing the delicate L between her neck and her shoulder.
There is nothing more reassuring than feeling her close to me as we snuggle together.
There is nothing in this world that I love more than my wife.
We have something incredibly special and it is important to reaffirm it by spending time together to highlight the reasons we fell in love in the first place.
I think I will ask her out again.
Saturday, September 13, 2003
Friday, September 12, 2003
Ok, I analyzed my dog's name and got a fairly accurate analysis as well:
Brief Analysis [with Xolo's commentary]:
Your name causes you to place considerable importance upon the material aspect of life. You have an eye for quality, desiring always the very best that money can buy, and you are not content with anything that is second best [but treats will do fine]. You are quick to size up others, and this appraisal is based upon their physical appearance, their clothes, and whether they have achieved material success and the standards of quality that you have set in your own mind. You have a keen business sense, knowing a lucrative proposition when it is presented [like a walk or a ride in the car], and it is likely others would come to you for business counsel. You are a capable leader and organizer who should never be in a subordinate position [he definitely does not like to be subordinate, and he hates getting humped - he is the Alpha Dog!]. You have the ability to organize and see the whole picture where any prospective business venture is concerned. It is a name, however, which almost destroys the finer, sensitive qualities that should be expressed. It makes spontaneous, natural expression difficult. Any physical weaknesses relative to this name would show in the generative organs [yep, the poor guy got neutered].
Brief Analysis [with Xolo's commentary]:
Your name causes you to place considerable importance upon the material aspect of life. You have an eye for quality, desiring always the very best that money can buy, and you are not content with anything that is second best [but treats will do fine]. You are quick to size up others, and this appraisal is based upon their physical appearance, their clothes, and whether they have achieved material success and the standards of quality that you have set in your own mind. You have a keen business sense, knowing a lucrative proposition when it is presented [like a walk or a ride in the car], and it is likely others would come to you for business counsel. You are a capable leader and organizer who should never be in a subordinate position [he definitely does not like to be subordinate, and he hates getting humped - he is the Alpha Dog!]. You have the ability to organize and see the whole picture where any prospective business venture is concerned. It is a name, however, which almost destroys the finer, sensitive qualities that should be expressed. It makes spontaneous, natural expression difficult. Any physical weaknesses relative to this name would show in the generative organs [yep, the poor guy got neutered].
From kabalarians:
This is scarily acurate [using my real name, unfortunately they did not have Xoloitzquintle in their database]...
Brief Analysis
Your name makes you dynamic, restless, independent, ready to accept challenges, and outspoken. You enjoy change, travel, and new experiences. Reacting against injustice, you go out of your way to assist in creating fairness. You are very creative and promotional, and work intensely to carry out your plans. Though you have limitless enthusiasm for new ventures, you lose interest quickly once things become routine, as you dislike being forced to attend to detail and do monotonous work. Your lack of patience and consistency in your affairs and your tendency to act impulsively can lead to actions you later regret taking, or to accidents, particularly to the head. You find that you often do the hard, pioneering work in an undertaking, only to see others reap the benefits. While this name makes you very honest and sincere in your personal relationships, your tendency to retaliate with caustic remarks over even slight offenses could spoil many friendships.
Health Weaknesses for your name:
You are prone to suffer moods of depression, and physical and mental tension which could have a serious affect upon the nervous system, causing stomach ulcers. Health weaknesses could also affect the eyes, ears, sinuses, or result in loss of hair.
This is scarily acurate [using my real name, unfortunately they did not have Xoloitzquintle in their database]...
Brief Analysis
Your name makes you dynamic, restless, independent, ready to accept challenges, and outspoken. You enjoy change, travel, and new experiences. Reacting against injustice, you go out of your way to assist in creating fairness. You are very creative and promotional, and work intensely to carry out your plans. Though you have limitless enthusiasm for new ventures, you lose interest quickly once things become routine, as you dislike being forced to attend to detail and do monotonous work. Your lack of patience and consistency in your affairs and your tendency to act impulsively can lead to actions you later regret taking, or to accidents, particularly to the head. You find that you often do the hard, pioneering work in an undertaking, only to see others reap the benefits. While this name makes you very honest and sincere in your personal relationships, your tendency to retaliate with caustic remarks over even slight offenses could spoil many friendships.
Health Weaknesses for your name:
You are prone to suffer moods of depression, and physical and mental tension which could have a serious affect upon the nervous system, causing stomach ulcers. Health weaknesses could also affect the eyes, ears, sinuses, or result in loss of hair.
Hee hee, did you hear what he said?
Brazilian soccer players usually pick a one-word playing pseudonym because their real names are usually long and complex. For example, Edson Arantes do Nascimento is commonly known as Pele and Ronaldo Luiz Nazario De Lima is known as Ronaldo (ok, so he just picked his first name but most make up a name). The new young and emerging star in Brazil is Ricardo Izecson Santos Leite who has picked Kaká as his nickname. I am not quite sure why. It makes for some funny soccer commentary, especially on Spanish language broadcasting (which is already entertaining in itself).
Let me illustrate. A few weeks ago I was watching Brazil play on Univision and the commentator in describing the action exclaimed “Sale Kaká!” which means that Kaká went on the attack with the ball, but literally sounds like Kaká comes out. In a different incident, the Univision news was summarizing the South American qualifying matches. Brazil beat Colombia 2 to 1 with Kaká scoring the second goal. It was described as follows “Con Kaká haciendo el numero dos” (with Kaká doing the number two). It did not seem like they realized that what they were saying sounded pretty silly. Hee-hee...
Or maybe it is that sometimes my sense of humor belongs in an elementary school…whatever, I thought it was funny! :)
Brazilian soccer players usually pick a one-word playing pseudonym because their real names are usually long and complex. For example, Edson Arantes do Nascimento is commonly known as Pele and Ronaldo Luiz Nazario De Lima is known as Ronaldo (ok, so he just picked his first name but most make up a name). The new young and emerging star in Brazil is Ricardo Izecson Santos Leite who has picked Kaká as his nickname. I am not quite sure why. It makes for some funny soccer commentary, especially on Spanish language broadcasting (which is already entertaining in itself).
Let me illustrate. A few weeks ago I was watching Brazil play on Univision and the commentator in describing the action exclaimed “Sale Kaká!” which means that Kaká went on the attack with the ball, but literally sounds like Kaká comes out. In a different incident, the Univision news was summarizing the South American qualifying matches. Brazil beat Colombia 2 to 1 with Kaká scoring the second goal. It was described as follows “Con Kaká haciendo el numero dos” (with Kaká doing the number two). It did not seem like they realized that what they were saying sounded pretty silly. Hee-hee...
Or maybe it is that sometimes my sense of humor belongs in an elementary school…whatever, I thought it was funny! :)
Thursday, September 11, 2003
Wednesday, September 10, 2003
HOT DATE!!!
The past couple of weeks have been hectic and the pressures of the dissertation, the future, and life continue to mount. My wife and I need a break from this, so I asked her out on a date Saturday evening. She said YES!!! All right!
I am so excited, I can't wait! The plans are in the works.
The past couple of weeks have been hectic and the pressures of the dissertation, the future, and life continue to mount. My wife and I need a break from this, so I asked her out on a date Saturday evening. She said YES!!! All right!
I am so excited, I can't wait! The plans are in the works.
More Political Ranting:
Arnold QOTD: "I saw this toilet bowl. How many times do you get away with this — to take a woman, grab her upside down, and bury her face in a toilet bowl? I wanted to have something floating there ... The thing is, you can do it, because in the end, I didn't do it to a woman — she's a machine! We could get away with it without being crucified by who-knows-what group." -describing a scene in "Terminator 3"
During the Presidential Election campaign of 2000, Will Ferrell did a parody of what the US would be like in a few years if George W. Bush won the election. It showed Bush giving a television address from the Oval Office. On his desk there was a little hibachi that was smoking. Behind him there was a map of the US that showed the country in disarray, including the Great Lakes that were on fire. Ferrell played Bush as being confused and dimwitted. It was hillarious at the time. Little did I know that, sadly, the parody was actually prophetic. Just think of all the country has gone through in the past three years: attacks, war, increasing pollution, blackouts, recession, the list goes on and on. I miss the days when our biggest concern was who was fooling around with whom in the White House.
In the Alabama, Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore commenting on his not removing the Ten Commandment monument in the courthouse stated, "I am accountable to God before I am accountable to the law." How is this guy different from the Taliban in Afghanistan? Hello, first amendment? We live in a democracy, not a theocracy.
Ok, I will stop. Enough aggravation for one day.
Arnold QOTD: "I saw this toilet bowl. How many times do you get away with this — to take a woman, grab her upside down, and bury her face in a toilet bowl? I wanted to have something floating there ... The thing is, you can do it, because in the end, I didn't do it to a woman — she's a machine! We could get away with it without being crucified by who-knows-what group." -describing a scene in "Terminator 3"
During the Presidential Election campaign of 2000, Will Ferrell did a parody of what the US would be like in a few years if George W. Bush won the election. It showed Bush giving a television address from the Oval Office. On his desk there was a little hibachi that was smoking. Behind him there was a map of the US that showed the country in disarray, including the Great Lakes that were on fire. Ferrell played Bush as being confused and dimwitted. It was hillarious at the time. Little did I know that, sadly, the parody was actually prophetic. Just think of all the country has gone through in the past three years: attacks, war, increasing pollution, blackouts, recession, the list goes on and on. I miss the days when our biggest concern was who was fooling around with whom in the White House.
In the Alabama, Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore commenting on his not removing the Ten Commandment monument in the courthouse stated, "I am accountable to God before I am accountable to the law." How is this guy different from the Taliban in Afghanistan? Hello, first amendment? We live in a democracy, not a theocracy.
Ok, I will stop. Enough aggravation for one day.
Tuesday, September 09, 2003
Starving Graduate Students:
Offer graduate students free food and you will get a crowd. In fact, the welcome back dinner with the deans had a better turn out than the grad student happy hour where there is free alcohol. That is something I find rather surprising. Of course, there weren't many archaeologists at the dinner, they were probably out drinking somewhere. And they did well because the food, if you can call it that, was not good. So tonight there will definitely be some late night snacking in this household.
I did get some good info at the events, so the afternoon and evening was not a complete waste. There will be some interesting former heads of state giving talks on campus this fall. Of course this means more distractions from the dissertation, but, hey, you need to take these opportunities when you have them.
Offer graduate students free food and you will get a crowd. In fact, the welcome back dinner with the deans had a better turn out than the grad student happy hour where there is free alcohol. That is something I find rather surprising. Of course, there weren't many archaeologists at the dinner, they were probably out drinking somewhere. And they did well because the food, if you can call it that, was not good. So tonight there will definitely be some late night snacking in this household.
I did get some good info at the events, so the afternoon and evening was not a complete waste. There will be some interesting former heads of state giving talks on campus this fall. Of course this means more distractions from the dissertation, but, hey, you need to take these opportunities when you have them.
You know it's going to be one of those days...
...when you hear the pitter-patter of squirrel feet in the attic early in the morning when you are trying to enjoy your coffee. This calls for immediate attention because it drives the dog nuts. So up in the attic I go, still not quite awake, with a flashlight to chase them out. Indeed they burrowed a hole right next to the old one that our landlord covered up last spring. Looking around I saw him (her?) sitting in the corner. I found a piece of wood to coax her (him?) out through the opening. I tried sticking the wood in the hole, but I know from experience that will not work for long. I climbed back down from the attic to find the dog making a fuss at the window. Our furry friend was on the gutter just above our window. I grabbed a broom, opened the window, and *suggested* to the bushy rodent to go somewhere else. She (he? it?) is gone for now, but will be back soon. I know. Time to call the landlord again. He needs to cover that hole soon before all the furry friends in the neighborhood crash the party in our attic. Man, I hate those critters!
Now I am trying (unsuccessfully) to get some work done before I have to run off to campus this afternoon for more of those "It's a new school year!" events. The plus side is that there will be more free food, although I am already tiring of campus produced meals. How did I survive in college? Oh yeah, ordering pizza and running off campus with my friends to hole-in-the-wall "ethnic" restaurants.
ok, back to work buddy....
...when you hear the pitter-patter of squirrel feet in the attic early in the morning when you are trying to enjoy your coffee. This calls for immediate attention because it drives the dog nuts. So up in the attic I go, still not quite awake, with a flashlight to chase them out. Indeed they burrowed a hole right next to the old one that our landlord covered up last spring. Looking around I saw him (her?) sitting in the corner. I found a piece of wood to coax her (him?) out through the opening. I tried sticking the wood in the hole, but I know from experience that will not work for long. I climbed back down from the attic to find the dog making a fuss at the window. Our furry friend was on the gutter just above our window. I grabbed a broom, opened the window, and *suggested* to the bushy rodent to go somewhere else. She (he? it?) is gone for now, but will be back soon. I know. Time to call the landlord again. He needs to cover that hole soon before all the furry friends in the neighborhood crash the party in our attic. Man, I hate those critters!
Now I am trying (unsuccessfully) to get some work done before I have to run off to campus this afternoon for more of those "It's a new school year!" events. The plus side is that there will be more free food, although I am already tiring of campus produced meals. How did I survive in college? Oh yeah, ordering pizza and running off campus with my friends to hole-in-the-wall "ethnic" restaurants.
ok, back to work buddy....
Monday, September 08, 2003
Future Plans:
My mother just sent me a CD-ROM with pictures she took when her and my stepfather traveled through Mediterranean Europe last April and May. Note to self: Need to plan a trip to Spain and Portugal. Wow do those places look amazing! Must visit Granada, Barcelona, and Lisbon. Gibraltar looked pretty cool as well. The architecture seems to be the big draw at most of these places. I have always admired Gaudi's architecture in Barcelona, but my mom's pictures make me want to hop on the next plane to see them. And the moorish architecture in Granada left me in awe.
Of course, who knows when I will get there. And there are so many other places I want to go. Can one be a professional tourist?
I do have some travel plans in the near future, so life is not completely hopeless. Next month is Puerto Rico, and Chicago in November. If anyone has suggestions for things to see, places to eat, etc., please share them.
My mother just sent me a CD-ROM with pictures she took when her and my stepfather traveled through Mediterranean Europe last April and May. Note to self: Need to plan a trip to Spain and Portugal. Wow do those places look amazing! Must visit Granada, Barcelona, and Lisbon. Gibraltar looked pretty cool as well. The architecture seems to be the big draw at most of these places. I have always admired Gaudi's architecture in Barcelona, but my mom's pictures make me want to hop on the next plane to see them. And the moorish architecture in Granada left me in awe.
Of course, who knows when I will get there. And there are so many other places I want to go. Can one be a professional tourist?
I do have some travel plans in the near future, so life is not completely hopeless. Next month is Puerto Rico, and Chicago in November. If anyone has suggestions for things to see, places to eat, etc., please share them.
Political Thoughts:
How informative and reassuring was Bush's speech last night? I don't know both my wife and I fell asleep while he was gushing rhetoric.
Arnold, in reacting to Davis off-hand comment that someone should not be governor of a state whose name he cannot pronounce, replied, "Lost jobs is a word Davis does not like. Another word he does not like is energy crisis." While I think Davis' comment was not appropriate because I don't think we should make fun of people on the way they speak, maybe Arnold should also learn English better, seeing that he is advocating making it the official language. In English we don't compound two nouns into one like in German.
In reading Stanton's book about Buddy - the mayor of Providence, it becomes even more clear to me how screwed up, corrupt, and nepotistic politics are in Rhode Island.
Enough cynicism for one day...
How informative and reassuring was Bush's speech last night? I don't know both my wife and I fell asleep while he was gushing rhetoric.
Arnold, in reacting to Davis off-hand comment that someone should not be governor of a state whose name he cannot pronounce, replied, "Lost jobs is a word Davis does not like. Another word he does not like is energy crisis." While I think Davis' comment was not appropriate because I don't think we should make fun of people on the way they speak, maybe Arnold should also learn English better, seeing that he is advocating making it the official language. In English we don't compound two nouns into one like in German.
In reading Stanton's book about Buddy - the mayor of Providence, it becomes even more clear to me how screwed up, corrupt, and nepotistic politics are in Rhode Island.
Enough cynicism for one day...
Sunday, September 07, 2003
Department Cookout:
Friday evening's event was actually quite nice. It was nice seeing everyone again and meeting some of the new arrivals. The food was actually quite good, an eclectic mix of Cuban, Indian, and Southeast Asian dishes, mostly vegetarian. It was an appealing change from the usual burger fare found at these events. Unfortunately that was not the only buffet there. All of the people present offered a quite delicious smorgasbord for the ubiquitous mosquitoes. We were bit often and even through our clothing. It has made for an itchy and unpleasant weekend. I will refrain from further mosquito laments at this point.
Squirrels:
Mosquitoes are not my only bane. Over the past year we have made battle with squirrels on numerous occasions. They invaded our attic, they taunt our dog through the window, and there used to be a mangy, gimpy, evil one that lived in our garbage can behind our house. We named that one "Pet Cemetery Squirrel." Haven't seen him around lately, though. I used to think they were cute, but now I realize that they are just rats with bushy tails. And I am not the only one who thinks they are evil, nutty, and ratty. We seemed free from them for a while, but I suspect they are making another run at our attic and they are definitely taunting our dog from the tree branches that abut our windows. I am tempted to buy a SuperSoaker™ water gun and blast them off the branches. So much for my peaceful nature. If only our dog could climb trees, they would be in serious trouble.
Quick Immigration Updates:
Things do not look good for my Guatemalan and Syrian *friends*. The Syrian gentleman was arrested last week and it looks like he might get deported to Syria (where he faces retribution) soon. The Guatemalan, also imprisoned, might not be able to make his appeal. Again, these are people that helped our communities. May I ask where Kenneth Lay (AKA Mr. Enron) is? Something is wrong here.
Productivity Zero:
Progress on my chapter is stalled. That needs to change today!
Sports:
Go Andy Rodick! I like the way he plays. I hope he finally wins a big event today.
The Red Sox are making a run at the Yankees. Go Sox! I am not a big baseball fan, but I hate the Yankees!
European Cup qualifiers in soccer are underway. Not that most people in this country care.
After today we will have the Pats to talk about. They play Buffalo today.
==========
My dissertation is calling. So is the dog. I need to be productive today, but the weather is fabulous and a walk with the dog along the Providence River is also in order. Ok now, where are my priorities? Hmmm….
Friday evening's event was actually quite nice. It was nice seeing everyone again and meeting some of the new arrivals. The food was actually quite good, an eclectic mix of Cuban, Indian, and Southeast Asian dishes, mostly vegetarian. It was an appealing change from the usual burger fare found at these events. Unfortunately that was not the only buffet there. All of the people present offered a quite delicious smorgasbord for the ubiquitous mosquitoes. We were bit often and even through our clothing. It has made for an itchy and unpleasant weekend. I will refrain from further mosquito laments at this point.
Squirrels:
Mosquitoes are not my only bane. Over the past year we have made battle with squirrels on numerous occasions. They invaded our attic, they taunt our dog through the window, and there used to be a mangy, gimpy, evil one that lived in our garbage can behind our house. We named that one "Pet Cemetery Squirrel." Haven't seen him around lately, though. I used to think they were cute, but now I realize that they are just rats with bushy tails. And I am not the only one who thinks they are evil, nutty, and ratty. We seemed free from them for a while, but I suspect they are making another run at our attic and they are definitely taunting our dog from the tree branches that abut our windows. I am tempted to buy a SuperSoaker™ water gun and blast them off the branches. So much for my peaceful nature. If only our dog could climb trees, they would be in serious trouble.
Quick Immigration Updates:
Things do not look good for my Guatemalan and Syrian *friends*. The Syrian gentleman was arrested last week and it looks like he might get deported to Syria (where he faces retribution) soon. The Guatemalan, also imprisoned, might not be able to make his appeal. Again, these are people that helped our communities. May I ask where Kenneth Lay (AKA Mr. Enron) is? Something is wrong here.
Productivity Zero:
Progress on my chapter is stalled. That needs to change today!
Sports:
Go Andy Rodick! I like the way he plays. I hope he finally wins a big event today.
The Red Sox are making a run at the Yankees. Go Sox! I am not a big baseball fan, but I hate the Yankees!
European Cup qualifiers in soccer are underway. Not that most people in this country care.
After today we will have the Pats to talk about. They play Buffalo today.
==========
My dissertation is calling. So is the dog. I need to be productive today, but the weather is fabulous and a walk with the dog along the Providence River is also in order. Ok now, where are my priorities? Hmmm….
Saturday, September 06, 2003
As all you Blogger users and Blogspot related blog-readers are probably well aware, Blogger has been having difficulties as of late, including its own version of a Blackout.
I had stuff to say earlier but now I have lost my inspiration. Maybe I will garner some up for tomorrow...I guess I am having my own difficulties.
Not to leave you empty-handed, here is yet another episode of
100 Things About Me (Episode 12):
88. I used to stay up all night just to see the sunrise.
89. Now I find it hard to stay awake past 1 am.
90. I want to learn how to scuba dive.
91. I have crossed the Equator on a ship.
92. I am shy.
93. Blue is my favorite color.
Now I am off to see what kind of trouble I can get into...definitely not going to work on my dissertation. Bad me, bad me...
I had stuff to say earlier but now I have lost my inspiration. Maybe I will garner some up for tomorrow...I guess I am having my own difficulties.
Not to leave you empty-handed, here is yet another episode of
100 Things About Me (Episode 12):
88. I used to stay up all night just to see the sunrise.
89. Now I find it hard to stay awake past 1 am.
90. I want to learn how to scuba dive.
91. I have crossed the Equator on a ship.
92. I am shy.
93. Blue is my favorite color.
Now I am off to see what kind of trouble I can get into...definitely not going to work on my dissertation. Bad me, bad me...
Thursday, September 04, 2003
"Optional" Social Events:
I recently wrote that the semester started this week, but not much changed for me because I still have to write my dissertation. That was not quite right. The beginning of the semester comes with a host of events and activities that *demand* one's attendance. Of course, none of there events are really required, but it behoves one to be present at them and be seen by the powers that be.
Tonight's event was the Minority Graduate Student Association's Welcome Back Dinner. Tomorrow is my department's Welcome Back cookout. Next week there is the International Studies Center's welcome back reception, the Welcome Back dinner with the deans, the Orientation Lunch for the Minority Mentor program, and who knows what else. In addition there are lectures, seminars, film showings, brown-bags, and on and on. Don't get me wrong. A lot of these things are what I love about being in an academic environment. But in addition to this blogging thing, it sucks up the time I should be using to write my dissertation. All the key words and cliches come to mind:
Strike a balance.
Prioritize.
Just say no.
Use your time efficiently.
Focus.
These things are easy to spew, but hard to put into practice. In the end, it will be ok. Really. It just dawned on me that the beginning of the semester does bring change to the way I live and the things that I have to do. In someways there are benefits. For example, I did not have to cook dinner tonight (which is a good thing now that I am on a different grant that has a significantly smaller stipend). It was institutional food, but when you are poor you cannot be too picky.
The cookout tomorrow should be fun. It will be nice to see the people from the department and get caught up. It is also nice meeting the incoming students and hear about their interests. I think it will also be a reminder that my time in grad school needs to come to an end. It is time to move on. But where...? That remains to be seen....
Again, stay tuned....
I recently wrote that the semester started this week, but not much changed for me because I still have to write my dissertation. That was not quite right. The beginning of the semester comes with a host of events and activities that *demand* one's attendance. Of course, none of there events are really required, but it behoves one to be present at them and be seen by the powers that be.
Tonight's event was the Minority Graduate Student Association's Welcome Back Dinner. Tomorrow is my department's Welcome Back cookout. Next week there is the International Studies Center's welcome back reception, the Welcome Back dinner with the deans, the Orientation Lunch for the Minority Mentor program, and who knows what else. In addition there are lectures, seminars, film showings, brown-bags, and on and on. Don't get me wrong. A lot of these things are what I love about being in an academic environment. But in addition to this blogging thing, it sucks up the time I should be using to write my dissertation. All the key words and cliches come to mind:
Strike a balance.
Prioritize.
Just say no.
Use your time efficiently.
Focus.
These things are easy to spew, but hard to put into practice. In the end, it will be ok. Really. It just dawned on me that the beginning of the semester does bring change to the way I live and the things that I have to do. In someways there are benefits. For example, I did not have to cook dinner tonight (which is a good thing now that I am on a different grant that has a significantly smaller stipend). It was institutional food, but when you are poor you cannot be too picky.
The cookout tomorrow should be fun. It will be nice to see the people from the department and get caught up. It is also nice meeting the incoming students and hear about their interests. I think it will also be a reminder that my time in grad school needs to come to an end. It is time to move on. But where...? That remains to be seen....
Again, stay tuned....
Ok, I feel like I am spending WAY too much time on this blog and reading other people's (and not on my dissertation). So I took another quiz [via Claudia - yes I have to pass the blame], instead of working on the chapter I am hoping to finish soon...
And the results are in:
My weblog owns 6.25 % of me.
Does your weblog own you?
And according to this, I am not doing too bad. But I know that I need to spend more time working on my dissertation or there will be big trouble....
And the results are in:
Does your weblog own you?
And according to this, I am not doing too bad. But I know that I need to spend more time working on my dissertation or there will be big trouble....
Wednesday, September 03, 2003
Fall Preview-
Now that the days are getting shorter (and before long we will have to leave the glorious daylight-savings time to return to that wretched standard time - Indiana, Arizona, and Hawaii excepted), the weather is taking a turn for the worse, the long-promised insects are making a full-scale assault, and a general malaise is coming over our collective conscience, I offer you a sneak-peak of upcoming highlights to keep your spirits bright:
1. The final episodes of 100 Things About Me.
2. The revelation of what exactly does the name of this blog mean (which is not too hard to find out - Google it), and why I chose it (which is more of a mystery).
3. An exposé of my dissertation topic.
4. The riveting tale of when my father was kidnapped.
5. And much, much more....
So stay tuned...
Now that the days are getting shorter (and before long we will have to leave the glorious daylight-savings time to return to that wretched standard time - Indiana, Arizona, and Hawaii excepted), the weather is taking a turn for the worse, the long-promised insects are making a full-scale assault, and a general malaise is coming over our collective conscience, I offer you a sneak-peak of upcoming highlights to keep your spirits bright:
1. The final episodes of 100 Things About Me.
2. The revelation of what exactly does the name of this blog mean (which is not too hard to find out - Google it), and why I chose it (which is more of a mystery).
3. An exposé of my dissertation topic.
4. The riveting tale of when my father was kidnapped.
5. And much, much more....
So stay tuned...
Completely Gross yet Disturbingly Satisfying...
The mosquito assault continues. Why is it that these insects waited until now to invade my office?
In any case, I just killed one of them. Let me ask, do you get a sense of vengeful satisfaction when you squash a mosquito and you find a miniscule bloody mess? I know it is gross, but it does feel good because in all likelihood the blood is mine. So I am just taking back what was once mine. Or the blood could be my wife's or even my dog's, so I am finding justice for my family. Or ... there is the chance that it could be some complete stranger's. Yuck! Good thing I washed my hands.
Nevertheless, I still feel disturbingly satisfied. Stupid insect!
The mosquito assault continues. Why is it that these insects waited until now to invade my office?
In any case, I just killed one of them. Let me ask, do you get a sense of vengeful satisfaction when you squash a mosquito and you find a miniscule bloody mess? I know it is gross, but it does feel good because in all likelihood the blood is mine. So I am just taking back what was once mine. Or the blood could be my wife's or even my dog's, so I am finding justice for my family. Or ... there is the chance that it could be some complete stranger's. Yuck! Good thing I washed my hands.
Nevertheless, I still feel disturbingly satisfied. Stupid insect!
Tuesday, September 02, 2003
Monday, September 01, 2003
Evil Mosquitos:
Earlier this year I read that this summer was going to be hellish for mosquitos because of the wet spring we had. For someone who is a mosquito magnet, this was not good news. The summer went by without any major trouble, a bite here, a bite there - quite to my surprise. Until tonight...
Those mosquitos are out with a vengence. I have killed several over the course of the evening. Earlier tonight as I was cutting some basil on our porch for dinner, I got three bites on my legs. And just right now one bit me on the forehead. Damn insects! It doesn't help that the news this morning said to not be alarmed if you find dead birds in your yard or street: West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis are at their peak right now. Yeah, right...don't be alarmed with all these stupid bites and dead birds! And they itch like the dickens to boot...
Earlier this year I read that this summer was going to be hellish for mosquitos because of the wet spring we had. For someone who is a mosquito magnet, this was not good news. The summer went by without any major trouble, a bite here, a bite there - quite to my surprise. Until tonight...
Those mosquitos are out with a vengence. I have killed several over the course of the evening. Earlier tonight as I was cutting some basil on our porch for dinner, I got three bites on my legs. And just right now one bit me on the forehead. Damn insects! It doesn't help that the news this morning said to not be alarmed if you find dead birds in your yard or street: West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis are at their peak right now. Yeah, right...don't be alarmed with all these stupid bites and dead birds! And they itch like the dickens to boot...
100 Things About Me (Episode 10):
79. I would like to learn Romanian, Catalan, and an indigenous language of Mexico such as Nahuatl.
80. I always take my swimsuit when I travel, you never know when you will get the chance to go for a swim.
81. When I was in the third grade, I was the bugle boy at my school.
82. I prefer extreme cold to extreme heat.
83. Playing rugby wrecked my knees, but I had fun.
84. I wear both boxers and briefs (it depends on what I am wearing and the season). When it is really cold, I wear long underwear (even though my wife laughs at me).
79. I would like to learn Romanian, Catalan, and an indigenous language of Mexico such as Nahuatl.
80. I always take my swimsuit when I travel, you never know when you will get the chance to go for a swim.
81. When I was in the third grade, I was the bugle boy at my school.
82. I prefer extreme cold to extreme heat.
83. Playing rugby wrecked my knees, but I had fun.
84. I wear both boxers and briefs (it depends on what I am wearing and the season). When it is really cold, I wear long underwear (even though my wife laughs at me).
Buying Condoms
My wife recently went off her birth control. This meant that I had to go to the drugstore to buy, um, er, ah....condoms (I even have trouble writing it here). I don't know what it is that makes me so uneasy going out to buy these things. Maybe it is my prudish upbringing in Mexico or perhaps it is the result of the Victorianesque British education. I have no problem buying other, how would you say, uncomfortable items. When my wife needs pads or tampons, I have no problem picking some up on my trip to the grocery store. Athlete's foot ointment - no sweat (sorry about the bad pun). But condoms....
It makes me feel like the whole store is staring down on me. The whole world scrutinizing my sex life...
So I went out to buy some the other day. I got to the section where they sell them and I wandered around to make sure no one else is in the aisle before I turned to examine the choices. The variety was limitless: thin, extra-strenth, extra-sensitive, textured, ribbed, studded, feminine pleasure, X-large, snug (euphamism for small), lubricated, spermicide, flavored, and some downright twisted stuff. My wife had been clear that she did not want spermicide, but beyond that there was no guidance....Yikes! I grabbed a box, found something else to buy (mostly to hide the box of condoms under) and ran to the cashier. When I got home my wife pointed out that I had bought the kind with desensitizing luibricant. "You definitely don't want that!" she exclaimed. Now I had to go back. Oh no! Luckily she volunteered to go with me. Although I could not bring myself about to return some condoms, nor go back to the same drugstore. So we went somewhere else and got the right kind.
My wife cannot undertand why I get so flustered. Honestly, I don't either. It's just one of those things...
My wife recently went off her birth control. This meant that I had to go to the drugstore to buy, um, er, ah....condoms (I even have trouble writing it here). I don't know what it is that makes me so uneasy going out to buy these things. Maybe it is my prudish upbringing in Mexico or perhaps it is the result of the Victorianesque British education. I have no problem buying other, how would you say, uncomfortable items. When my wife needs pads or tampons, I have no problem picking some up on my trip to the grocery store. Athlete's foot ointment - no sweat (sorry about the bad pun). But condoms....
It makes me feel like the whole store is staring down on me. The whole world scrutinizing my sex life...
So I went out to buy some the other day. I got to the section where they sell them and I wandered around to make sure no one else is in the aisle before I turned to examine the choices. The variety was limitless: thin, extra-strenth, extra-sensitive, textured, ribbed, studded, feminine pleasure, X-large, snug (euphamism for small), lubricated, spermicide, flavored, and some downright twisted stuff. My wife had been clear that she did not want spermicide, but beyond that there was no guidance....Yikes! I grabbed a box, found something else to buy (mostly to hide the box of condoms under) and ran to the cashier. When I got home my wife pointed out that I had bought the kind with desensitizing luibricant. "You definitely don't want that!" she exclaimed. Now I had to go back. Oh no! Luckily she volunteered to go with me. Although I could not bring myself about to return some condoms, nor go back to the same drugstore. So we went somewhere else and got the right kind.
My wife cannot undertand why I get so flustered. Honestly, I don't either. It's just one of those things...
Sunday, August 31, 2003
Quote of the Day:
"Women are like tea bags. They don't know how strong they are until they get into hot water."
- E. Roosevelt
[From my Honest Tea bottle cap]
"Women are like tea bags. They don't know how strong they are until they get into hot water."
- E. Roosevelt
[From my Honest Tea bottle cap]
Saturday, August 30, 2003
Disturbing Sight of the Day:
As I was driving to our local famers' market today I saw something that bothered me. In front of a house there was a very pregnant woman in a mumu watering her yard. In one hand she held the hose and in the other a cigarette and a can of Budweiser.
Poor child, not even born yet and already abused.
As I was driving to our local famers' market today I saw something that bothered me. In front of a house there was a very pregnant woman in a mumu watering her yard. In one hand she held the hose and in the other a cigarette and a can of Budweiser.
Poor child, not even born yet and already abused.
Friday, August 29, 2003
Ok, now for a much overdue episode of
100 Things About Me (Episode 9: #s 70):
71. In love, I have hurt others, but usually I was the one who got hurt (fortunately this is no longer an issue).
72. I have never hunted.
73. I love the meditative state I go into when I am swimming.
74. Math and the natural sciences come naturally to me, but I find them terribly boring. I am more drawn to the social sciences.
75. I can’t stand the taste of gin.
76. I would like to relive my childhood except that it would mean that I would have to go through adolescence again.
77. I enjoy watching people.
78. I have eaten insects on my own free will – I did not like them.
100 Things About Me (Episode 9: #s 70):
71. In love, I have hurt others, but usually I was the one who got hurt (fortunately this is no longer an issue).
72. I have never hunted.
73. I love the meditative state I go into when I am swimming.
74. Math and the natural sciences come naturally to me, but I find them terribly boring. I am more drawn to the social sciences.
75. I can’t stand the taste of gin.
76. I would like to relive my childhood except that it would mean that I would have to go through adolescence again.
77. I enjoy watching people.
78. I have eaten insects on my own free will – I did not like them.
Evil Telemarketers...
Just now the phone rang and when I answered it I got a recording, "Thank you for your patience while holding." It is bad enough that anytime I call any type of business I have to engage in a finger dance on my phone's dials and wait for far too long before I can speak to a human being. Now someone who is trying to sell me something puts me on hold before assaulting me with a sales pitch. I can't believe their gumption.
I hung up right away. But I wonder how many people might actually sit there and wait...
Just now the phone rang and when I answered it I got a recording, "Thank you for your patience while holding." It is bad enough that anytime I call any type of business I have to engage in a finger dance on my phone's dials and wait for far too long before I can speak to a human being. Now someone who is trying to sell me something puts me on hold before assaulting me with a sales pitch. I can't believe their gumption.
I hung up right away. But I wonder how many people might actually sit there and wait...
Pig Roast...
I am not a big meat eater, but yesterday I went with my neighbor to a local pub for their weekly pig roast. It wasn't quite what I imagined. In my mind there was going to be an open spit with a whole pig (apple in its mouth, of course) roasting. In reality there was a barrel roaster in the parking lot and inside it was pretty much a typical night, except you could order roasted pork. Yes, I did get the pork and it was pretty good, tender and moist. However, since my stomach is not used to confronting large quantities of meat, I have had a hard time digesting.
Today will definitely be a cleansing day: fresh fruits and vegetables only. Ok, I had yogurt for breakfast and a requisite cup of coffee, so sue me.
I am not a big meat eater, but yesterday I went with my neighbor to a local pub for their weekly pig roast. It wasn't quite what I imagined. In my mind there was going to be an open spit with a whole pig (apple in its mouth, of course) roasting. In reality there was a barrel roaster in the parking lot and inside it was pretty much a typical night, except you could order roasted pork. Yes, I did get the pork and it was pretty good, tender and moist. However, since my stomach is not used to confronting large quantities of meat, I have had a hard time digesting.
Today will definitely be a cleansing day: fresh fruits and vegetables only. Ok, I had yogurt for breakfast and a requisite cup of coffee, so sue me.
Thursday, August 28, 2003
MLK Jr.
Thank you Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Everytime I hear the speech you gave 40 years ago at the Lincoln Memorial, I am deeply moved and I get goosebumps.
You made this country a better place.
Thank you Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Everytime I hear the speech you gave 40 years ago at the Lincoln Memorial, I am deeply moved and I get goosebumps.
You made this country a better place.
Updates...
Whaling:
A while ago I posted on how dismayed I was about resumption of Icelandic whaling. I recently came across an intersting posting by Kristiv who lives in Iceland. It gives a different perspective on the issue. I do understand that Minke whales are not endangered, yet it still bothers me because I have witnessed the grace and magesty of these animals. I understand that it is hypocritical for me to favor the life of one animal over another, but that's the way I feel.
Illegal Immigrants in RI:
Syrian - Sen. Lincoln Chafee (one of the few honorable politicians) has become involved in the case. He is trying to get a stay of the deportation order until the fall. By then the Syrian man's wife will receive her citizenship and be able to keep her husband in the country. Sen. Chafee, who is traveling to Jordan to participate in peace talks, will bring up the issue with Jordanian officials so that he can be sent there if he is deported, rather than being sent back to Syria where he could face retaliation.
Guatemalan - His stay has been extended until the end of September so that his lawyers can review his case.
Whaling:
A while ago I posted on how dismayed I was about resumption of Icelandic whaling. I recently came across an intersting posting by Kristiv who lives in Iceland. It gives a different perspective on the issue. I do understand that Minke whales are not endangered, yet it still bothers me because I have witnessed the grace and magesty of these animals. I understand that it is hypocritical for me to favor the life of one animal over another, but that's the way I feel.
Illegal Immigrants in RI:
Syrian - Sen. Lincoln Chafee (one of the few honorable politicians) has become involved in the case. He is trying to get a stay of the deportation order until the fall. By then the Syrian man's wife will receive her citizenship and be able to keep her husband in the country. Sen. Chafee, who is traveling to Jordan to participate in peace talks, will bring up the issue with Jordanian officials so that he can be sent there if he is deported, rather than being sent back to Syria where he could face retaliation.
Guatemalan - His stay has been extended until the end of September so that his lawyers can review his case.
Quitin' the Quizes
Now that I am fully aware of the person that I never knew I was thanks to the multiple quizes I have taken over the past few days, I will refrain from taking any more. Ok, if there is one that looks like fun maybe I will take it, but this needs to stop. I discovered some of the most inane things through the magical journey. Quizes to determine what type of sex porn star you are, what kind of condom you are, what item of clothing best describes you, and on and on. Some people just have too much free time on their hands and help those of us who don't to fall in a destructive cycle of procrastination. I also believe in taking resposibility in one's own actions and I am breaking the cycle, so I say "Enough!"
Maybe there is a 12 step program I can join.
Now that I am fully aware of the person that I never knew I was thanks to the multiple quizes I have taken over the past few days, I will refrain from taking any more. Ok, if there is one that looks like fun maybe I will take it, but this needs to stop. I discovered some of the most inane things through the magical journey. Quizes to determine what type of sex porn star you are, what kind of condom you are, what item of clothing best describes you, and on and on. Some people just have too much free time on their hands and help those of us who don't to fall in a destructive cycle of procrastination. I also believe in taking resposibility in one's own actions and I am breaking the cycle, so I say "Enough!"
Maybe there is a 12 step program I can join.
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
More self-actualization:
YOU ARE CHAMOMILE
What herb are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
This might explain why I put people to sleep.
YOU ARE CHAMOMILE
What herb are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
This might explain why I put people to sleep.
Another step in a journey of self-discovery:
What Psych-Ward do you belong to?
I guess this fits in with being a geek liason and an imaginary number.
What Psych-Ward do you belong to?
I guess this fits in with being a geek liason and an imaginary number.
Continuing with the Quiz taking....
...I figured out what number I am (sort of)...[link brought to me by Sara]
what number are you?
this quiz by orsa
What does that mean? What would Descartes have to say about this?
...I figured out what number I am (sort of)...[link brought to me by Sara]
I am an imaginary number 1i I don't really exist _ |
this quiz by orsa
What does that mean? What would Descartes have to say about this?
Random Movie Thoughts...
Just finished watching El Crimen del Padre Amaro...
Holy Cow!
Or as we say in Mexico, Ayayayay!
I think I liked it (I am still thinking about it - but movies that I have to think about are usually the ones I like), but don't see it if you are a hardcore practicing Catholic because you will be offended. Unless, of course, you are a hardcore practicing Catholic that likes to be offended.
I do find it amazing that it was made in Mexico, the most Catholic country that I know. And it was a hit there.
It is also telling that a Portuguese book written in 1875 by Jose Maria Eca de Queiroz can be remade into a contemporary film that resonates with current events. The Church really has not changed all that much over the past 100 years.
Just finished watching El Crimen del Padre Amaro...
Holy Cow!
Or as we say in Mexico, Ayayayay!
I think I liked it (I am still thinking about it - but movies that I have to think about are usually the ones I like), but don't see it if you are a hardcore practicing Catholic because you will be offended. Unless, of course, you are a hardcore practicing Catholic that likes to be offended.
I do find it amazing that it was made in Mexico, the most Catholic country that I know. And it was a hit there.
It is also telling that a Portuguese book written in 1875 by Jose Maria Eca de Queiroz can be remade into a contemporary film that resonates with current events. The Church really has not changed all that much over the past 100 years.
Tuesday, August 26, 2003
I took the Geek Quiz...
Results:
Just as I suspected...
Results:
| You are 35% geek | You are a geek liaison, which means you go both ways. You can hang out with normal people or you can hang out with geeks which means you often have geeks as friends and/or have a job where you have to mediate between geeks and normal people. This is an important role and one of which you should be proud. In fact, you can make a good deal of money as a translator.
|
Take the Polygeek Quiz at Thudfactor.com
Just as I suspected...
Today's reminder that I am not as young as I used to be...
I washed and waxed our car. By then end when I was trying to get the grime splashed up by the wheels, I was hurting. I remember when I could wash and wax a couple of cars and then run off and play tennis, go swimming, and stay out late. Car looks good, though. Too bad I don't.
I washed and waxed our car. By then end when I was trying to get the grime splashed up by the wheels, I was hurting. I remember when I could wash and wax a couple of cars and then run off and play tennis, go swimming, and stay out late. Car looks good, though. Too bad I don't.
Monday, August 25, 2003
100 Things About Me (Episode 8: #s 65-69):
65. I fractured my skull in two places when I was three after falling head-first off a six-foot wall onto concrete.
66. I have been to 36 states (and DC) in the US and 28 (and the Federal District) in Mexico (Bonus points to the person who can tell me how many states there are in Mexico - the official name is after all the United Mexican States).
67. I went swimming in the Baltic Sea – it was very cold.
68. I almost knocked down former Italian Prime Minister and current EU President Romano Prodi on a street in Bologna (that’s my thing – I almost knock down famous people).
69. I love downhill skiing, but it is too expensive.
65. I fractured my skull in two places when I was three after falling head-first off a six-foot wall onto concrete.
66. I have been to 36 states (and DC) in the US and 28 (and the Federal District) in Mexico (Bonus points to the person who can tell me how many states there are in Mexico - the official name is after all the United Mexican States).
67. I went swimming in the Baltic Sea – it was very cold.
68. I almost knocked down former Italian Prime Minister and current EU President Romano Prodi on a street in Bologna (that’s my thing – I almost knock down famous people).
69. I love downhill skiing, but it is too expensive.
Sunday, August 24, 2003
EU Standardization
Many Europeans lament the standardization of products and rules that has come about through EU regulation. They see the end it as the end to tradition and to the quirkiness and individuality of the different cultures that exist. While I may agree that this may be the case most of the time, when it comes to European toilets, standardization will be a very positive thing. Traveling around Europe I have always been amazed at the different designs they have over there for toilets. While at times it was fun to run into the bathroom in a new country to see how the design differed, the actual practicality of some leaves much to be desired. In fact, some of their toilet designs have to go. What some have termed the German toilet [Link via Volume 22] has to be the worst design ever (Note: I cracked up laughing when I read the article because it is SO true). I am not sure if German is the right name for them because there was one in an apartment I rented in Italy, and I have had the misfortune to have them in my hotel room throughout Europe. Whatever they are called, the things are awful (read the link to find out why) and the EU would do well to make them illegal.
Forgive the crudeness of this post, but having seen that I am not alone in my observations, I had to share my thoughts.
Many Europeans lament the standardization of products and rules that has come about through EU regulation. They see the end it as the end to tradition and to the quirkiness and individuality of the different cultures that exist. While I may agree that this may be the case most of the time, when it comes to European toilets, standardization will be a very positive thing. Traveling around Europe I have always been amazed at the different designs they have over there for toilets. While at times it was fun to run into the bathroom in a new country to see how the design differed, the actual practicality of some leaves much to be desired. In fact, some of their toilet designs have to go. What some have termed the German toilet [Link via Volume 22] has to be the worst design ever (Note: I cracked up laughing when I read the article because it is SO true). I am not sure if German is the right name for them because there was one in an apartment I rented in Italy, and I have had the misfortune to have them in my hotel room throughout Europe. Whatever they are called, the things are awful (read the link to find out why) and the EU would do well to make them illegal.
Forgive the crudeness of this post, but having seen that I am not alone in my observations, I had to share my thoughts.
Beautiful Sunday
Woke up to one of the most beautiful mornings in a long time. The air was cool and crisp, the sky was a deep blue, the breeze was refreshing. Ahhh....
I know there are some people who don't like mornings, but this one was glorious. Perfect to cozy up with a warm cup of coffee and the Sunday paper.
Our dog has been quite clear that he thinks that it would be a good idea for us to take advantage of the day and go for a long, peaceful walk. He has a way of getting his head under the newspaper, shoving it aside, and poking your body. It's almost as if he is saying, "Look at me, I am cute. Why are you wasting your time reading that drivel?"
Maybe I will go sailing....hmmmmm...tempting...
Dog says: No. You need to take me out.
I say: ok, let me get my shoes.
Woke up to one of the most beautiful mornings in a long time. The air was cool and crisp, the sky was a deep blue, the breeze was refreshing. Ahhh....
I know there are some people who don't like mornings, but this one was glorious. Perfect to cozy up with a warm cup of coffee and the Sunday paper.
Our dog has been quite clear that he thinks that it would be a good idea for us to take advantage of the day and go for a long, peaceful walk. He has a way of getting his head under the newspaper, shoving it aside, and poking your body. It's almost as if he is saying, "Look at me, I am cute. Why are you wasting your time reading that drivel?"
Maybe I will go sailing....hmmmmm...tempting...
Dog says: No. You need to take me out.
I say: ok, let me get my shoes.
Saturday, August 23, 2003
Carwash Sweatshop
As I was flipping through some channels last night, I caught an interesting segement on one of those tv magazines (I think it was dateline). It was about the labor abuses by most car washing businesses. They often hire illegal aliens, working them excessively, and paying them next to nothing (or sometimes nothing at all - they get whatever tips they receive). So in other words, they are just like sweatshops.
Something to think about the next time you take your car to be washed. Maybe leave a bigger tip or maybe just wash the car yourself.
As I was flipping through some channels last night, I caught an interesting segement on one of those tv magazines (I think it was dateline). It was about the labor abuses by most car washing businesses. They often hire illegal aliens, working them excessively, and paying them next to nothing (or sometimes nothing at all - they get whatever tips they receive). So in other words, they are just like sweatshops.
Something to think about the next time you take your car to be washed. Maybe leave a bigger tip or maybe just wash the car yourself.
Friday, August 22, 2003
COST OF WAR
While I thought it was important to remind people and myself how much this war in Iraq is costing us, especially at a time when we are cutting services, programs, and taxes for wealthy people, the counter was creating too many problems for people with slow connections. As a result, I have taken it off.
If you miss it or if you are curious to see how much it has cost, you can go to COST OF WAR. I doubt people will actually do it, but I wanted to put that option up.
While I thought it was important to remind people and myself how much this war in Iraq is costing us, especially at a time when we are cutting services, programs, and taxes for wealthy people, the counter was creating too many problems for people with slow connections. As a result, I have taken it off.
If you miss it or if you are curious to see how much it has cost, you can go to COST OF WAR. I doubt people will actually do it, but I wanted to put that option up.
Friday Night...
Ok, it's Friday night and I seem to be the only living creature on my block. The wife, the neighbors, the friends, they are all out of town. There is our dog, but he is passed out on the floor so I am not sure if he counts as a living creature.
Tangent: He (our dog) got to go to this cool place outside of Providence. Officially it is called Chase Farm, but he knows it only as THEFARM (one word). It is a former farm that has been turned into a park. It has a number of trails that wind through the hilly fields of tall grass. Nestled in the middle is a small pond in which he loves to swim. Although he is not supposed to be off the leash, he does get unhitched for some time in the water. While we are meandering through the fields he stays on the extended leash. So we follow the rules, but he still gets to run. All this excitement, along with the hot and humid weather that has returned with a vengance, took its toll and now he is off in doggie-dreamy land.
Back to the issue at hand. Here I am in my quiet solitude in the middle of Providence. It seems like I am the only one around. It is strange - really quiet.
I don't mind being on my own. In some ways I like the tranquility. There are definitely many things I could do that could keep me busy, but those can wait. I am going to enjoy this time to myself.
Ok, it's Friday night and I seem to be the only living creature on my block. The wife, the neighbors, the friends, they are all out of town. There is our dog, but he is passed out on the floor so I am not sure if he counts as a living creature.
Tangent: He (our dog) got to go to this cool place outside of Providence. Officially it is called Chase Farm, but he knows it only as THEFARM (one word). It is a former farm that has been turned into a park. It has a number of trails that wind through the hilly fields of tall grass. Nestled in the middle is a small pond in which he loves to swim. Although he is not supposed to be off the leash, he does get unhitched for some time in the water. While we are meandering through the fields he stays on the extended leash. So we follow the rules, but he still gets to run. All this excitement, along with the hot and humid weather that has returned with a vengance, took its toll and now he is off in doggie-dreamy land.
Back to the issue at hand. Here I am in my quiet solitude in the middle of Providence. It seems like I am the only one around. It is strange - really quiet.
I don't mind being on my own. In some ways I like the tranquility. There are definitely many things I could do that could keep me busy, but those can wait. I am going to enjoy this time to myself.
100 Things About Me (Episode 7: # 51-64):
51. I love listening to 80s music, even the songs I hated back then.
52. When I was in high school I wanted to be an oceanographer.
53. When I was five I wanted to be an airline pilot.
54. I still would like to learn how to fly.
55. I have driven cross-country five times, once by myself.
56. Comedies are my favorite movie genre, although I do enjoy a good drama as well. I don’t like horror films. Suspenseful films keep me up at night, but I will watch them.
57. I have never really forgiven my father for walking out on our family. Or cheating on us for that matter. I probably won’t be able to until he shows some sign of remorse.
58. I never wore braces.
59. Electrical storms fascinate me. I can watch them for hours.
60. I used to give blood. Now they won't take it because I lived in Europe too long and they are afraid of Mad Cow disease.
61. I recently took a sailing course and I loved it.
62. I lived in Mexico until I was fifteen.
63. I can be incredibly stubborn.
64. Usually I am easy going.
51. I love listening to 80s music, even the songs I hated back then.
52. When I was in high school I wanted to be an oceanographer.
53. When I was five I wanted to be an airline pilot.
54. I still would like to learn how to fly.
55. I have driven cross-country five times, once by myself.
56. Comedies are my favorite movie genre, although I do enjoy a good drama as well. I don’t like horror films. Suspenseful films keep me up at night, but I will watch them.
57. I have never really forgiven my father for walking out on our family. Or cheating on us for that matter. I probably won’t be able to until he shows some sign of remorse.
58. I never wore braces.
59. Electrical storms fascinate me. I can watch them for hours.
60. I used to give blood. Now they won't take it because I lived in Europe too long and they are afraid of Mad Cow disease.
61. I recently took a sailing course and I loved it.
62. I lived in Mexico until I was fifteen.
63. I can be incredibly stubborn.
64. Usually I am easy going.
So where do you want to live?
Mala recently brought up the issue of vacation time discrepancies between Europe and the US. On a related note, USB, a Swiss company, recently released a report entitled “Prices and Earnings: A comparison of purchasing power around the globe.” Definitely worth a look (it is a PDF file).
I can spend hours perusing the data, such as how much are rents in different cities, what are the average salaries, how much does the upkeep of a car cost, etc.
Here are some tips:
If you like your vacation time, you should head to Frankfurt, Barcelona, Athens, Rio de Janeiro or Lima, where there are on average 30 days of paid vacation per year. However, in Rio and Lima you have many more working hours per year than in the European cities. In fact, Paris has 26 days of vacation, but the lowest amount of working hours per year (1,561). Copenhagen was right behind with 28 days of vacation and only 1,658 work hours per year. Lima compares with 2,152 hours per year. Vacation lovers need to stay away from Hong Kong where there are only 8 days of vacation, yet the highest number of work hours (2,398).
Republicans should stay away from Copenhagen, Brussels, and Frankfurt where they have the highest taxes and social security contributions (respectively 44%, 38%, and 36%). Instead they should head to Caracas or Bangkok (9% and 4%). Or better yet, Dubai where there are no taxes.
The most expensive city? Oslo, followed by Hong Kong (no wonder they have to work so much), Tokyo, New York, and Zurich.
Cheapest? Karachi, Kiev, Buenos Aires, and Mumbai (formerly Bombay). Although I am not sure how many people would want to live in Karachi right now.
Mala recently brought up the issue of vacation time discrepancies between Europe and the US. On a related note, USB, a Swiss company, recently released a report entitled “Prices and Earnings: A comparison of purchasing power around the globe.” Definitely worth a look (it is a PDF file).
I can spend hours perusing the data, such as how much are rents in different cities, what are the average salaries, how much does the upkeep of a car cost, etc.
Here are some tips:
If you like your vacation time, you should head to Frankfurt, Barcelona, Athens, Rio de Janeiro or Lima, where there are on average 30 days of paid vacation per year. However, in Rio and Lima you have many more working hours per year than in the European cities. In fact, Paris has 26 days of vacation, but the lowest amount of working hours per year (1,561). Copenhagen was right behind with 28 days of vacation and only 1,658 work hours per year. Lima compares with 2,152 hours per year. Vacation lovers need to stay away from Hong Kong where there are only 8 days of vacation, yet the highest number of work hours (2,398).
Republicans should stay away from Copenhagen, Brussels, and Frankfurt where they have the highest taxes and social security contributions (respectively 44%, 38%, and 36%). Instead they should head to Caracas or Bangkok (9% and 4%). Or better yet, Dubai where there are no taxes.
The most expensive city? Oslo, followed by Hong Kong (no wonder they have to work so much), Tokyo, New York, and Zurich.
Cheapest? Karachi, Kiev, Buenos Aires, and Mumbai (formerly Bombay). Although I am not sure how many people would want to live in Karachi right now.
Getting Somthing to Drink in England...
Mala's post on pronunciation made me think of a funny incident:
Last year my wife and I flew to England. We were living in Italy at the time so we were on a European super-discount bargain airline. The crew was English. When they came by offering beverages, my wife asked for water. The flight attendant looked puzzled and then inquired, "Wine?" My wife glanced over at me with a slightly panicked look. "Water," I explained. The flight attendant then smiled and looked relieved, "Of course, water!" And he proceded to pour my wife a glass of water.
What was the problem? It was not that my wife has a speech impediment or did not speak loudly or clearly. The issue was that she was American and pronounced water in a typical American way: with an open a and soft t. Having attended a British school in my youth, I was familiar with the inability for some Brits to understand the Yankee pronunciation and came to the rescue with the *proper* way to say it: wuotter. Of course, had either of us used an *improper* pronounciation, such as a cockney accent (wuo'ah), the flight attendant would have still understood. For it may be improper, but it is still recognizable.
So what is the purpose of speaking? To communicate? To establish one's position in society? To establish one's right to belong to a particular community? And why do certain ways of speaking drive us crazy?
Throughout our trip my wife had a hard time communicating. To her credit, in one instance our waiter was from South Africa and he had a very thick accent. However, I can empathize with her. After my first day of school at the British school, I came home feeling a little lost. When my mother asked me how the day went, all I could say was, "I can't understand a word they are saying!"
Mala's post on pronunciation made me think of a funny incident:
Last year my wife and I flew to England. We were living in Italy at the time so we were on a European super-discount bargain airline. The crew was English. When they came by offering beverages, my wife asked for water. The flight attendant looked puzzled and then inquired, "Wine?" My wife glanced over at me with a slightly panicked look. "Water," I explained. The flight attendant then smiled and looked relieved, "Of course, water!" And he proceded to pour my wife a glass of water.
What was the problem? It was not that my wife has a speech impediment or did not speak loudly or clearly. The issue was that she was American and pronounced water in a typical American way: with an open a and soft t. Having attended a British school in my youth, I was familiar with the inability for some Brits to understand the Yankee pronunciation and came to the rescue with the *proper* way to say it: wuotter. Of course, had either of us used an *improper* pronounciation, such as a cockney accent (wuo'ah), the flight attendant would have still understood. For it may be improper, but it is still recognizable.
So what is the purpose of speaking? To communicate? To establish one's position in society? To establish one's right to belong to a particular community? And why do certain ways of speaking drive us crazy?
Throughout our trip my wife had a hard time communicating. To her credit, in one instance our waiter was from South Africa and he had a very thick accent. However, I can empathize with her. After my first day of school at the British school, I came home feeling a little lost. When my mother asked me how the day went, all I could say was, "I can't understand a word they are saying!"
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
Worms, viruses, and other nasty stuff...
The recent outbreak of internet worms and viruses is alarming. This morning my mailbox had over thirty messages with suspicious attachments. I deleted them all. The messages keep coming, though. It becomes a pain because they are all large, so they end up filling my mailbox. Just like the power outage, I think these worms expose the vulnerability of the internet. Are we becoming too reliant on the information superhighway?
Reminder to self (and anyone else reading): Backup everything that is important.
The recent outbreak of internet worms and viruses is alarming. This morning my mailbox had over thirty messages with suspicious attachments. I deleted them all. The messages keep coming, though. It becomes a pain because they are all large, so they end up filling my mailbox. Just like the power outage, I think these worms expose the vulnerability of the internet. Are we becoming too reliant on the information superhighway?
Reminder to self (and anyone else reading): Backup everything that is important.
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
100 Things About Me (Episode 6: # 32-50):
32. I used to collect sand from different beaches (and other sandy spots too). I should start that collection up again.
33. I have been to 26 countries on three continents.
34. I love to cook.
35. I love to eat more than I love to cook.
36. Cold, gray, rainy days depress me.
37. I have no tattoos. Never wanted one.
38. No body piercings either. Never wanted them either.
39. I love watching soccer, especially the World Cup. I used to love playing as well, but I am too out of shape now.
40. Not having found organized religion inspiring; I have constructed my own theology and spirituality.
41. I do occasionally attend the Unitarian-Universalist Church, and I probably would call myself one.
42. I love to cuddle, snuggle, and just be close to my wife.
43. Until I was 13, the only music I listened to was classical and jazz.
44. I want to live by the ocean or by some mountains. Best-case scenario: by some mountains that are by the ocean.
45. Despite the Latin rhythm that burns inside of me I can’t dance for the life of me.
46. Crossing the International Date Line really screws me up. Worse jet lag I ever had was coming back from Hong Kong.
47. I used to be a Republican. I am not one any more and I haven’t been one for a while.
48. I have never been a Democrat, but I usually vote for them.
49. I have been to Carnival in Venice. I am glad I went, but I never want to go again.
50. If I never make it to Mardi Gras in New Orleans before I die, I won’t be disappointed. I don't particularly like drunken pandamonium and debauchery.
32. I used to collect sand from different beaches (and other sandy spots too). I should start that collection up again.
33. I have been to 26 countries on three continents.
34. I love to cook.
35. I love to eat more than I love to cook.
36. Cold, gray, rainy days depress me.
37. I have no tattoos. Never wanted one.
38. No body piercings either. Never wanted them either.
39. I love watching soccer, especially the World Cup. I used to love playing as well, but I am too out of shape now.
40. Not having found organized religion inspiring; I have constructed my own theology and spirituality.
41. I do occasionally attend the Unitarian-Universalist Church, and I probably would call myself one.
42. I love to cuddle, snuggle, and just be close to my wife.
43. Until I was 13, the only music I listened to was classical and jazz.
44. I want to live by the ocean or by some mountains. Best-case scenario: by some mountains that are by the ocean.
45. Despite the Latin rhythm that burns inside of me I can’t dance for the life of me.
46. Crossing the International Date Line really screws me up. Worse jet lag I ever had was coming back from Hong Kong.
47. I used to be a Republican. I am not one any more and I haven’t been one for a while.
48. I have never been a Democrat, but I usually vote for them.
49. I have been to Carnival in Venice. I am glad I went, but I never want to go again.
50. If I never make it to Mardi Gras in New Orleans before I die, I won’t be disappointed. I don't particularly like drunken pandamonium and debauchery.
Icelandic Whaling Update
Iceland killed its first whale (story). Again, I find this terribly sad.
If you ever get the chance, you should go whale watching. It is a very humbling experience.
Iceland killed its first whale (story). Again, I find this terribly sad.
If you ever get the chance, you should go whale watching. It is a very humbling experience.
Monday, August 18, 2003
ICELAND
Commenting on #10 on the 100 things about me list, Mala mentioned that she always has wanted to go to Iceland.
Iceland was really cool (actually it was pretty cold when I was there in the beginning of May). It was really expensive too. It did not help that I stopped on my way back from a month in Italy where I had spent way too much.
I stayed in a hostel run by the Salvation Army (it was quite nice). The only cheap thing was coffee, so I sat in a cafe, getting extremely wired, writing postcards to all my friends.
The lanscape there is amazing, it almost feels other-worldly. There are numerous volcanoes that dot the landscape and the countryside is made up of lava flows. The ocean is a deep indigo that make the vistas all the more dramatic. I would have loved to have toured the country more, seeing the nature, but my budget did not allow me (see above). I would like to go back sometime.
The people in Reykjavik were very friendly and helpful. You notice the pride they take in their country and their resourcefulness. It is difficult living in such an isolated place and in such harsh conditions.
I was expecting to be able to understand some of the language because I speak a little Swedish (and I can understand Danish and Norwegian because the languages are quite similar). Icelandic, however, must have branched off much earlier and thus is quite different. Reading it I can see the similarities, but I really could not understand it when I was there. Everyone spoke English, though, so it was not a problem.
On a negative note, I read recently that Iceland just sent out a fleet of whaling ships to hunt Minke whales. This saddens me. Whales are such magnificent creatures and are on the verge of extinction that it puzzles me why they must be hunted.
I do recommend visiting Iceland - it is unlike any other place I have been.
+++++++++++
No 100 things about me today....check in tomorrow.
Commenting on #10 on the 100 things about me list, Mala mentioned that she always has wanted to go to Iceland.
Iceland was really cool (actually it was pretty cold when I was there in the beginning of May). It was really expensive too. It did not help that I stopped on my way back from a month in Italy where I had spent way too much.
I stayed in a hostel run by the Salvation Army (it was quite nice). The only cheap thing was coffee, so I sat in a cafe, getting extremely wired, writing postcards to all my friends.
The lanscape there is amazing, it almost feels other-worldly. There are numerous volcanoes that dot the landscape and the countryside is made up of lava flows. The ocean is a deep indigo that make the vistas all the more dramatic. I would have loved to have toured the country more, seeing the nature, but my budget did not allow me (see above). I would like to go back sometime.
The people in Reykjavik were very friendly and helpful. You notice the pride they take in their country and their resourcefulness. It is difficult living in such an isolated place and in such harsh conditions.
I was expecting to be able to understand some of the language because I speak a little Swedish (and I can understand Danish and Norwegian because the languages are quite similar). Icelandic, however, must have branched off much earlier and thus is quite different. Reading it I can see the similarities, but I really could not understand it when I was there. Everyone spoke English, though, so it was not a problem.
On a negative note, I read recently that Iceland just sent out a fleet of whaling ships to hunt Minke whales. This saddens me. Whales are such magnificent creatures and are on the verge of extinction that it puzzles me why they must be hunted.
I do recommend visiting Iceland - it is unlike any other place I have been.
+++++++++++
No 100 things about me today....check in tomorrow.
Sunday, August 17, 2003
Illegal Alien Weekend Update
- The illegal Guatemalan man who is to be deported after testifying in a murder trial has gotten a little break. A Federal District Court judge in Boston issued a stay of deportation on Friday until a court hearing on August 26. Immigrant groups and the Guatemalan Consulate have been making a lot of noise, so perhaps that helped.
- A man who lives in Kingston, Rhode Island who immigrated to the US illegally 20 years ago from Syria has received a deportation notice. He was to leave the country by Friday, but he said he would not go willfully. The deportation notice came even though he owns a successful pizzeria, has a family here who are US citizens, and is an active member of the Southern Rhode Island community. He initially fled Syria because he opposed the government there and it is likely that he will be arrested (or worse) if he returns to his home country. He is going to fight the deportation order in the courts.
Why are we harassing people who are helping our communities?
+++++++++++++
Rhode Island Tip of the Day:
If you are pulled over by the police in Rhode Island at night, the law states that you must turn your interior lights on. The police will seldom ticket you for failing to follow this law, but they will if they are cranky or if you argue (it is at their discretion) with them.
Tip brought to you by the show “Caught in Providence” shown on ABC 6, weekdays at 10AM and Saturdays at 7:30PM (also on public access in the Providence area at random times).
=============
100 Things About Me (Episode 5: #s 16-31):
16. I am 6’5”.
17. However, I am not very good at basketball.
18. But I am a decent volleyball player.
19. My weight fluctuates between 210 to 220 pounds.
20. Keith Jarrett is my favorite pianist.
21. Growing up my favorite super hero was the Incredible Hulk.
22. I prefer the West Coast to the East Coast for many reasons, but number one is that nothing beats a sunset on the beach.
23. I hate the way Microsoft Word tries to format everything you type.
24. I despise the little MS Word paperclip helper.
25. I hate eating soup or cereal with a teaspoon.
26. I speak seven languages, three of them fluently (Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, Swedish, and English).
27. I am allergic (technically it is an intolerance) to onions.
28. Having attended a British school growing up, I still put a “u” in color, favor, and neighbor. I still find myself using quite instead of really and perhaps instead of maybe.
29. I almost knocked Newt Gingrich down a flight of stairs in the US Capitol Building.
30. I sing, whistle, and hum in the shower. I am very bad.
31. Even though I don’t get them very often, I love getting flowers.
- The illegal Guatemalan man who is to be deported after testifying in a murder trial has gotten a little break. A Federal District Court judge in Boston issued a stay of deportation on Friday until a court hearing on August 26. Immigrant groups and the Guatemalan Consulate have been making a lot of noise, so perhaps that helped.
- A man who lives in Kingston, Rhode Island who immigrated to the US illegally 20 years ago from Syria has received a deportation notice. He was to leave the country by Friday, but he said he would not go willfully. The deportation notice came even though he owns a successful pizzeria, has a family here who are US citizens, and is an active member of the Southern Rhode Island community. He initially fled Syria because he opposed the government there and it is likely that he will be arrested (or worse) if he returns to his home country. He is going to fight the deportation order in the courts.
Why are we harassing people who are helping our communities?
+++++++++++++
Rhode Island Tip of the Day:
If you are pulled over by the police in Rhode Island at night, the law states that you must turn your interior lights on. The police will seldom ticket you for failing to follow this law, but they will if they are cranky or if you argue (it is at their discretion) with them.
Tip brought to you by the show “Caught in Providence” shown on ABC 6, weekdays at 10AM and Saturdays at 7:30PM (also on public access in the Providence area at random times).
=============
100 Things About Me (Episode 5: #s 16-31):
16. I am 6’5”.
17. However, I am not very good at basketball.
18. But I am a decent volleyball player.
19. My weight fluctuates between 210 to 220 pounds.
20. Keith Jarrett is my favorite pianist.
21. Growing up my favorite super hero was the Incredible Hulk.
22. I prefer the West Coast to the East Coast for many reasons, but number one is that nothing beats a sunset on the beach.
23. I hate the way Microsoft Word tries to format everything you type.
24. I despise the little MS Word paperclip helper.
25. I hate eating soup or cereal with a teaspoon.
26. I speak seven languages, three of them fluently (Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, Swedish, and English).
27. I am allergic (technically it is an intolerance) to onions.
28. Having attended a British school growing up, I still put a “u” in color, favor, and neighbor. I still find myself using quite instead of really and perhaps instead of maybe.
29. I almost knocked Newt Gingrich down a flight of stairs in the US Capitol Building.
30. I sing, whistle, and hum in the shower. I am very bad.
31. Even though I don’t get them very often, I love getting flowers.
Friday, August 15, 2003
Blackout
Even before the Great Blackout of the Northeast, I have always thought how dependent we are on electricity. Without it our lives more or less stop, as many people have discovered over the past 24 hours. I appreciate the conveniences electricity brings - especially over the past couple of weeks when a/c has been my best friend in the battle against the heat and humidity. But is it really a good thing to be dependent on one energy source?
I think it illustrates our vulnerability.
On the other hand, I think the blackout also shows our resourcefulness and camaraderie.
I am amazed that violence and looting have not descended upon the darkened areas. I have seen examples of people helping each other, which makes me think that we live in a pretty decent society. I do think that the good will would begin to deteriorate should these conditions persist.
To put things in perspective, we (not me, actually, power did not go out in Rhode Island) have had to endure a day or so without electricity. Some people in Iraq have had to go months. I don't really want to go into the politics of the matter, but it is just a comparison to think about.
For once last night, I was consciously thankful that when I flipped the switch, something actually happened.
+++++++++++++++++
100 Things About Me (Episode 4: #s 8-15):
8. I still love getting a handwritten letter, even if they are almost non-existent nowadays.
9. I rarely write letters anymore- damned technology.
10. The farthest North I have been is Reykjavik, Iceland.
11. The farthest South I have been has been somewhere on Java, Indonesia.
12. My inability to properly use commas drives my wife crazy.
13. I envy my sister’s adventurousness: she has biked from San Francisco to LA, studied in Africa, rock climbs, and gone skydiving.
14. My left foot is half a size bigger than my right foot.
15. People who drive and talk on their cellular phones drive me crazy – pull over.
Even before the Great Blackout of the Northeast, I have always thought how dependent we are on electricity. Without it our lives more or less stop, as many people have discovered over the past 24 hours. I appreciate the conveniences electricity brings - especially over the past couple of weeks when a/c has been my best friend in the battle against the heat and humidity. But is it really a good thing to be dependent on one energy source?
I think it illustrates our vulnerability.
On the other hand, I think the blackout also shows our resourcefulness and camaraderie.
I am amazed that violence and looting have not descended upon the darkened areas. I have seen examples of people helping each other, which makes me think that we live in a pretty decent society. I do think that the good will would begin to deteriorate should these conditions persist.
To put things in perspective, we (not me, actually, power did not go out in Rhode Island) have had to endure a day or so without electricity. Some people in Iraq have had to go months. I don't really want to go into the politics of the matter, but it is just a comparison to think about.
For once last night, I was consciously thankful that when I flipped the switch, something actually happened.
+++++++++++++++++
100 Things About Me (Episode 4: #s 8-15):
8. I still love getting a handwritten letter, even if they are almost non-existent nowadays.
9. I rarely write letters anymore- damned technology.
10. The farthest North I have been is Reykjavik, Iceland.
11. The farthest South I have been has been somewhere on Java, Indonesia.
12. My inability to properly use commas drives my wife crazy.
13. I envy my sister’s adventurousness: she has biked from San Francisco to LA, studied in Africa, rock climbs, and gone skydiving.
14. My left foot is half a size bigger than my right foot.
15. People who drive and talk on their cellular phones drive me crazy – pull over.
Thursday, August 14, 2003
In honor of the sluggish economy I present -
Things I bought today:
1. Pizza lunch for my wife and myself (at Bertucci's).
2. A salad spiner (nifty invention, but way overpriced - I do like the dry salad, though).
3. Moisturizer for my wife (she also got the free gift).
4. Twine (got to tie up our slouching tomato plant).
5. An extension cord (we are currently using all of the ones we own).
6. Sterile gauze (someone has a wound).
7. Harpers Bazaar (my wife reads it).
8. Caffienated candy (we are going to give it a try).
9. Bottled water (it is still hot).
So there you have it. Not an exciting day as far as purchases go. Well, I guess the free gift was nice for my wife.
100 Things About Me (Episode 3: #s 4, 5, 6, and 7):
4. I love dogs, all dogs (ok, really mean ones I may not like, but it is probably not their fault that they are mean).
5. I probably daydream too much.
6. Cats are ok.
7. My first swimming lesson was when I was 11 months old.
*************
I am off to watch "The Amazing Race". It is my guilty pleasure (my wife likes it too).
Things I bought today:
1. Pizza lunch for my wife and myself (at Bertucci's).
2. A salad spiner (nifty invention, but way overpriced - I do like the dry salad, though).
3. Moisturizer for my wife (she also got the free gift).
4. Twine (got to tie up our slouching tomato plant).
5. An extension cord (we are currently using all of the ones we own).
6. Sterile gauze (someone has a wound).
7. Harpers Bazaar (my wife reads it).
8. Caffienated candy (we are going to give it a try).
9. Bottled water (it is still hot).
So there you have it. Not an exciting day as far as purchases go. Well, I guess the free gift was nice for my wife.
100 Things About Me (Episode 3: #s 4, 5, 6, and 7):
4. I love dogs, all dogs (ok, really mean ones I may not like, but it is probably not their fault that they are mean).
5. I probably daydream too much.
6. Cats are ok.
7. My first swimming lesson was when I was 11 months old.
*************
I am off to watch "The Amazing Race". It is my guilty pleasure (my wife likes it too).
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
100 Things About Me (Episode 2: #2 and #3):
2. I was the longest baby ever born at that hospital (I am sure that record has been broken by now though).
3. My wife is my best friend.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Musings:
You'll know that we have achieved true gender equality when there is a contraceptive pill for men.
Having a dog is like having an eternal two year old (at least they don't have opposable thumbs).
Why is the hair on my head disappearing and reappearing everywhere else that I don't want it?
2. I was the longest baby ever born at that hospital (I am sure that record has been broken by now though).
3. My wife is my best friend.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Musings:
You'll know that we have achieved true gender equality when there is a contraceptive pill for men.
Having a dog is like having an eternal two year old (at least they don't have opposable thumbs).
Why is the hair on my head disappearing and reappearing everywhere else that I don't want it?
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
100 Things About Me
Both Sara and Mala have started their 100 things about me list. So bowing to peer pressure, here I go with mine. Mala went the full 100 (see # 74 about her), Sara only managed 7. I can do better...
Today you get #1.
1. I am a dual national.
Stay tuned for #2 - #100.
************
It is still way too humid for any normal human here....
************
May Liberia find peace now that Charles Taylor is gone.......
Speaking of which, it is dumbfounding that Charles Taylor was living in Central Falls, RI a few years ago. How does one go from living in a small, run-down, former industrial corner of Rhode Island to being a murderous warlord/tyrant/dictator of an African country? Note: he was deported for being here illegally. Maybe if we had let him stay, things may have turned out differently....
....although President Blah (yes, that is his name) does not seem to be too promising.
***********
Stop and think of the people in the Congo, suffering so much, yet forgotten by most.
***********
Stop and think of the people who also suffer elsewhere and no one thinks of.
***********
Both Sara and Mala have started their 100 things about me list. So bowing to peer pressure, here I go with mine. Mala went the full 100 (see # 74 about her), Sara only managed 7. I can do better...
Today you get #1.
1. I am a dual national.
Stay tuned for #2 - #100.
************
It is still way too humid for any normal human here....
************
May Liberia find peace now that Charles Taylor is gone.......
Speaking of which, it is dumbfounding that Charles Taylor was living in Central Falls, RI a few years ago. How does one go from living in a small, run-down, former industrial corner of Rhode Island to being a murderous warlord/tyrant/dictator of an African country? Note: he was deported for being here illegally. Maybe if we had let him stay, things may have turned out differently....
....although President Blah (yes, that is his name) does not seem to be too promising.
***********
Stop and think of the people in the Congo, suffering so much, yet forgotten by most.
***********
Stop and think of the people who also suffer elsewhere and no one thinks of.
***********
Monday, August 11, 2003
What are they thinking?
A Guatemalan man was arrested by the new incarntation of INS (I have forgotten the name) here in Southern New England after volunteering to testify in a murder trial, where the accused was eventually convicted. Now he is going to be deported from the country because he was here illegally.
There has been no leniency in the matter. He is here illegally and he has to go. They won't allow him to marry his fiancee (an American citizen) before he is deported either.
So here is a man who helped our community, who is going to be a future part of our community (he will eventually marry his fiancee and return - after much red tape, no doubt), and he is being expelled.
What is the message that our law enforcement is sending out to potential informants, witnesses, etc. who happen to be here illegally? Don't help us because then we will come after you. This is especially serious if the threat of terrorism is as great as they make it out to be. People will not risk their necks to inform of potential threats.
How many criminals in this country are given leniency because they testify in some other crime? Why can't this be extended to illegal immigrants?
This ties into the larger issue of immigration and scape-goating of social ills on immigrants...but I will refrain from discussing that now (although I think my position is rather obvious).
=====================
Trivial Questions:
My wife and I live in an apartment with only one bathroom.
Why is it that when either of us has to use it, the other one seems to be in it?
Why do drivers in Rhode Island never stop at a stop sign, but stop at an intersection with no stop sign?
==============
My wife just served me some sherbert (better for you than ice cream, but still produces happiness)....
A Guatemalan man was arrested by the new incarntation of INS (I have forgotten the name) here in Southern New England after volunteering to testify in a murder trial, where the accused was eventually convicted. Now he is going to be deported from the country because he was here illegally.
There has been no leniency in the matter. He is here illegally and he has to go. They won't allow him to marry his fiancee (an American citizen) before he is deported either.
So here is a man who helped our community, who is going to be a future part of our community (he will eventually marry his fiancee and return - after much red tape, no doubt), and he is being expelled.
What is the message that our law enforcement is sending out to potential informants, witnesses, etc. who happen to be here illegally? Don't help us because then we will come after you. This is especially serious if the threat of terrorism is as great as they make it out to be. People will not risk their necks to inform of potential threats.
How many criminals in this country are given leniency because they testify in some other crime? Why can't this be extended to illegal immigrants?
This ties into the larger issue of immigration and scape-goating of social ills on immigrants...but I will refrain from discussing that now (although I think my position is rather obvious).
=====================
Trivial Questions:
My wife and I live in an apartment with only one bathroom.
Why is it that when either of us has to use it, the other one seems to be in it?
Why do drivers in Rhode Island never stop at a stop sign, but stop at an intersection with no stop sign?
==============
My wife just served me some sherbert (better for you than ice cream, but still produces happiness)....
Sunday, August 10, 2003
MALA wrote in her blog about watching the Sunday political shows. I was just watching Meet the Press where they were discussing the recall election in California. I had to turn it off - it is just so depressing....
As a former Californian I just have to ask, what are they thinking over there?
Is it me, or does it seem that the Republicans are constantly engaging in the sabotage of elected Democrats? I guess they do it because they can. And no one seems to mind. In fact, people seem to like the process. Perhaps it is entertaining to see politicians squirm. As if reality television were not enough....
Yet I have to ask, have we become a vendetta society where we need to get back at politicians just because they raise the tax we pay on our cars? Is our society really that petty?
Is there anyone more full of it or more narcissistic than Congressman Issa?
Can anyone who supports good ol' Arnold (the big steriod guy, not the little one from Diff'rent Strokes) tell me one thing he has proposed, other than getting rid of Gov. Davis, to fix the problems California faces?
Does anyone else believe that someone whose father was a Nazi should stay away from politics?
I think the events in California will be a perfect illustration of the idiom: You reap what you sow. The mess is just beginning. I have been longing to return to California, but for once I am happy I am not there and my hopes for a return will be put on hiatus.
*****************
Prozac seems to be working ...... despite the Sunday shows and the California mess.
*******************
Despite the political messes surrounding us, we live in a great country - one where you can have Guatemalan, Mexican, Korean, Ethiopian, Thai, and Italian food all in one week.
******************
Speaking of Ethiopian food, there is something about eating with your hands that I find appealing. And I don't mean shoving a sandwich or a burger in your mouth, rather breaking of small pieces of *bread* and dipping it in your dish. Somehow the aromas and flavors come together in a way that they never do with an eating utensil. I also like the faint smell of spices that remain in your fingers hours afterward even if you have washed your hands.
******************
I feel like I need scuba gear to breathe in this humidity.
******************
Need to walk the dog.....
As a former Californian I just have to ask, what are they thinking over there?
Is it me, or does it seem that the Republicans are constantly engaging in the sabotage of elected Democrats? I guess they do it because they can. And no one seems to mind. In fact, people seem to like the process. Perhaps it is entertaining to see politicians squirm. As if reality television were not enough....
Yet I have to ask, have we become a vendetta society where we need to get back at politicians just because they raise the tax we pay on our cars? Is our society really that petty?
Is there anyone more full of it or more narcissistic than Congressman Issa?
Can anyone who supports good ol' Arnold (the big steriod guy, not the little one from Diff'rent Strokes) tell me one thing he has proposed, other than getting rid of Gov. Davis, to fix the problems California faces?
Does anyone else believe that someone whose father was a Nazi should stay away from politics?
I think the events in California will be a perfect illustration of the idiom: You reap what you sow. The mess is just beginning. I have been longing to return to California, but for once I am happy I am not there and my hopes for a return will be put on hiatus.
*****************
Prozac seems to be working ...... despite the Sunday shows and the California mess.
*******************
Despite the political messes surrounding us, we live in a great country - one where you can have Guatemalan, Mexican, Korean, Ethiopian, Thai, and Italian food all in one week.
******************
Speaking of Ethiopian food, there is something about eating with your hands that I find appealing. And I don't mean shoving a sandwich or a burger in your mouth, rather breaking of small pieces of *bread* and dipping it in your dish. Somehow the aromas and flavors come together in a way that they never do with an eating utensil. I also like the faint smell of spices that remain in your fingers hours afterward even if you have washed your hands.
******************
I feel like I need scuba gear to breathe in this humidity.
******************
Need to walk the dog.....
Wednesday, August 06, 2003
First, thank you to MALA and Sara for their messages. It is nice knowing that I am not alone in cyberspace.
The muggies continue - will it ever end? The weather around the world is really screwed up. Europe is insanely hot. I am so happy I am not over there this summer. I would have gone mad (not that I am totally sane now, but it could be worse).
Speaking of madness...Lexapro is a no go. The darned medication was not really working for me and it was making me extremely tired. The heat and humidity did not help, but I did notice that the fatigue was not letting me concentrate. This made my work, which involves long periods of writing, nearly impossible. So my doc switched me over to good ol' Prozac. I never taken this medication before, so we will see how it goes. It is a bit weird starting on a medication that has received so much attention and was considered almost a fad for a while. But if it helps me....I really do not care.
I am very tempted to go sailing today, but I am so far behind in my work, I really can't. The weather has been so bad lately, though, and there seems to be a small window of oportunity right now. No, no, no....I can't :(
Pet peeve of the day: Delivery trucks that stop in the middle of the road, even if there are places to park. I almost got hit by yet another delivery truck that was trying to get around the stopped one.
The muggies continue - will it ever end? The weather around the world is really screwed up. Europe is insanely hot. I am so happy I am not over there this summer. I would have gone mad (not that I am totally sane now, but it could be worse).
Speaking of madness...Lexapro is a no go. The darned medication was not really working for me and it was making me extremely tired. The heat and humidity did not help, but I did notice that the fatigue was not letting me concentrate. This made my work, which involves long periods of writing, nearly impossible. So my doc switched me over to good ol' Prozac. I never taken this medication before, so we will see how it goes. It is a bit weird starting on a medication that has received so much attention and was considered almost a fad for a while. But if it helps me....I really do not care.
I am very tempted to go sailing today, but I am so far behind in my work, I really can't. The weather has been so bad lately, though, and there seems to be a small window of oportunity right now. No, no, no....I can't :(
Pet peeve of the day: Delivery trucks that stop in the middle of the road, even if there are places to park. I almost got hit by yet another delivery truck that was trying to get around the stopped one.
Monday, August 04, 2003
The heat and humidity continue. It is so humid outside that anytime I exit an airconditioned place my glasses fog up. Having grown up in a very dry climate, I find this weather oppressive. Thankfully there is a/c. I read somewhere that a/c was one of the most influential inventions of the 20th century. It claimed that a/c has allowed the development of areas of the world that would otherwise be very difficult to inhabit. It also has allowed the movement and storage of foods.
I am thankful for the a/c in my home. I would not be able to sleep at night otherwise. I have lived in Italy several times and summers there were extremely difficult. Many nights I would sit in bed drenched in sweat wondering why I was there. It is not the romantic image most people hold of Italy.
I have not gone sailing recently. No wind and the threat of lightning has kept me ashore. I miss it.
I need to figure out what I am going to do when I grow up....
I am tired of being poor....so is my wife. Our dog doesn't seem to have an opinion. As long as he gets fed and walked, he is happy.
I am thankful for the a/c in my home. I would not be able to sleep at night otherwise. I have lived in Italy several times and summers there were extremely difficult. Many nights I would sit in bed drenched in sweat wondering why I was there. It is not the romantic image most people hold of Italy.
I have not gone sailing recently. No wind and the threat of lightning has kept me ashore. I miss it.
I need to figure out what I am going to do when I grow up....
I am tired of being poor....so is my wife. Our dog doesn't seem to have an opinion. As long as he gets fed and walked, he is happy.
Friday, August 01, 2003
The rain and the humidity are back. I am happy I went sailing yesterday because the week outlook on the weather page does not look promising.
I am trying to be productive, I really am, but I just cannot keep a stream of though going.
Tai chi tonight. I love it, yet I do not practice in between classes. It would behoove me to do it, but I still can help but feel silly going out to a park or field and moving around in slow motion. And there isn't enough room in our apartment to really do it well.
Our dog is sitting next to me expectantly - it is almost dinner time. Is there anything cuter than a dog that really wants something from you? I guess that is how the species survives....
I am trying to be productive, I really am, but I just cannot keep a stream of though going.
Tai chi tonight. I love it, yet I do not practice in between classes. It would behoove me to do it, but I still can help but feel silly going out to a park or field and moving around in slow motion. And there isn't enough room in our apartment to really do it well.
Our dog is sitting next to me expectantly - it is almost dinner time. Is there anything cuter than a dog that really wants something from you? I guess that is how the species survives....
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