Leslie's Omnibus

A Shout-Out to the Prayer Warriors

Angie's dad is in a bad, bad way. I've been down that road myself with my own father, and I wouldn't wish all that anxiety, guilt and feelings of utter helplessness on anybody.

Won't you please hold Angie and her family in your prayers over the next couple of weeks? It helps. It really does.
Leslie

Bus Fumes

Oh, sure! Absolve men of all responsibility for this:
The midlife crisis is a myth—sort of

Many believe that men go through a midlife crisis when they are in middle age. Not quite. Many middle-aged men do go through midlife crises, but it's not because they are middle-aged. It's because their wives are. From the evolutionary psychological perspective, a man's midlife crisis is precipitated by his wife's imminent menopause and end of her reproductive career, and thus his renewed need to attract younger women. Accordingly, a 50-year-old man married to a 25-year-old woman would not go through a midlife crisis, while a 25-year-old man married to a 50-year-old woman would, just like a more typical 50-year-old man married to a 50-year-old woman. It's not his midlife that matters; it's hers. When he buys a shiny-red sports car, he's not trying to regain his youth; he's trying to attract young women to replace his menopausal wife by trumpeting his flash and cash.
Blame it on the woman. Go right ahead.

More here.
_____

This teacher ranks right up there with my third grade teacher, Mrs. Clark, who announced on the first day of school that she assumed that we all knew that there was no such thing as Santa Claus.

Some people should never be let loose near children.
Leslie

Drive-Bys

Oh, joy. Just what Chicago needs.

Meh.
_____


According to experts, my personality type is :
Assasin for hire
Ink Blot Personality TestOther people like me display these traits.
  • They are good in bed
  • They are trekkies
  • They suffer from bowel problems
  • They smell like cucumbers
  • Take the Ink Blot Personality Quiz at JokesUnlimited.com

    Blame it on BabsRN.
    _____

    Two bits of beauty -- just because I needed some today.
    Leslie

    Bus Fumes

    Ear worm again. Argh! This time it's Guantanamera... but with grade school lyrics:
    One ton tomato!
    I'd eat a one ton tomato!
    One ton toe-mayyyyyyyyyy-toooooooooooe!
    I'd eat a one ton toe-mayyyyyyyyyy-toooooooooooe!
    Aren't you glad I shared?

    (Make it stop. Please???)
    Leslie

    Road Conditions

    Do you want to know where the speed traps are in your town, or wherever you're going visiting? Then go here for listings of know radar and laser speed traps in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Carribean, too!

    In addition, you can add to the list of you've been on the receiving end of one of these little blinds (not you -- never), you can also add to the knowledge base.

    (A tip of the cap to Catfish!)
    Leslie

    Bus Fumes

    If this is true, I hope they slap her unhappy ass in jail for a good, long time. Stupid git.
    _____

    It's not bad enough that they bring us one step closer to a "Big Brother" nation:

    Millions of drivers around the country use E-ZPass and other electronic toll collection systems to speed them on their daily drives, but consumers are discovering that there is a price to be paid for the convenience: loss of privacy, haggling between state systems, accidental fines. Now, add to that list the “orphan exit.”

    You probably know you should read your bills carefully every month looking for signs of fraud or overcharging by retailers. But if you're like most people, you probably don't do it anyway.
    Read the whole thing.
    Leslie

    Drive-Bys

    Your Score: Hieroglyphics

    You scored

    You are Egyptian Hieroglyphics! Monumental, ornate and even in technicolour! Your users contributed virtually all ancient knowledge on inks, dyes and writing surfaces - to the point where the popular reed of Papyrus became the universal name for organic, manufactured writing surfaces in the western hemisphere for thousands of years. Proud, upstanding and dignified.

    Link: The Which Ancient Language Are You Test written by imipak on OkCupid, home of the The Dating Persona Test
    (A tip of the cap to the Confabulator!)
    _____

    For Tammi, LL, Oddybobo and the rest of my military-supporting friends, go here. Just how cool is that?

    (A tip of the cap to the LawDog.)
    _____

    Following in the tradition of the blog novella, here's a story in three parts. Damn fine writing, folks, from three of my favorite reads! (In fact, it's the kind of writing that grips you by the throat in the first three words and doesn't let go until the ride is over. And what a ride it is.)
    Leslie

    Drive-Bys

    You know all the things you dreamed of being when you grew up? I'll bet you Goose Poop Zamboni Driver wasn't on that list. Ick.
    _____

    This animal story, on the other hand, gave me a fit of the giggles. I've had neighbors like that before...
    _____

    Thez LOLcatz thingz r wai 2 fun.
    Leslie

    Drive-Bys

    What color is your soul painted?

    Red

    Your soul is painted the color red, which embodies the characteristics of love, strength, physical energy, sex, passion, courage, protection, excitement, speed, leadership, power, danger, and respect. Red is the color of the element Fire, and is associated with blood, life and death, birth, volcanoes, and intense emotions.

    Personality Test Results

    Click Here to Take This Quiz

    quiz
    Quizzes and Personality Tests

    (Cool quiz via Poppy, who's having a birthday today. Thanks, Poppy!)
    Leslie

    Drive-Bys

    You know, in Kerrville, Erica had us all convinced it was the frosting on GuyK's cake (scroll down) that caused this:

    But now I'm convinced I've finally found the real culprits:

    Kind of festive and tasty looking, no?
    _____

    Your Score: The Wolf

    Here's your results! Your spirit animal has a Nobility ranking of 12 out of 18.



    Your spirit animal is the wolf. It is a ferocious companion, and a loyal friend. It is both a respectable and noble creature; to have this spirit animal says good things about you, and that you are starting to figure things out. Wolves are pretty rare spirit animals.

    ***Wondering how this animal was chosen for you? These questions were carefully thought out to see how important you hold certain virtues such as: humanism, self-knowledge, rationalism, the love of freedom and other somewhat Hellenic ideals. Some of the questions were very subtle. Your score was then matched with an animal of corresponding nobility. However, you shouldn't think this was a right/wrong sort of test, but more of an idealistic values test. It's ok to not hold these values, you'll just get an animal spirit of lower stature if you do!***

    Link: The What is Your Spirit Animal Test written by FindingEros on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test
    (A tip of the cap to Maranda.)
    _____

    Gah!


    The Dirty Little Secret
    Deliberate Gentle Sex Master (DGSM)

    Innocent but fundamentally sexual, like the word "finger". You are the Dirty Little Secret.

    Few women have the confidence for sex mastery, and among nice girls, like you, it's almost unheard of. So congratulations. You've had plenty of adventures, but you've remained a kind, thoughtful person. Your friends appreciate your exploits. They even live vicariously through you.

    Your exact female opposite:
    The Wild Rose

    Random Brutal Love Dreamer
    You seek pleasure, but you're not irresponsible. You are organized and cautious, and you choose your lovers wisely. One, you don't like dirtbags. And two, you like to maintain control. Or at least lose it selectively. You might notice that older men single you out. They have an eye for your sensual nature. Take it as a compliment.

    You enjoy making people happy, and it's inevitable that many guys will fall harder for you than you for them. You're not completely comfortable in a serious, long-term relationship right now. Our guess is that the key to extended happiness will be finding a responsible, but kinky, mate.


    ALWAYS AVOID: The Hornivore (RBSM), The Manchild (RBLD), The Last Man on Earth (RBSD)

    CONSIDER: The Bachelor (DGSM), The Backrubber (DGSD)


    Link: The Online Dating Persona Test @ OkCupid - free online dating.

    _____

    Don't you just love it when someone will actually come out and say what everyone's been thinking all along?
    _____

    She's doing it again! SusiePie of Bluebird Blogs is once again holding a contest with the winning prize a beautiful custom Blogger template with all the trimmings. If you like my template -- which Susie designed -- then get on over here and drop a comment before 8:00 p.m. EST this Friday evening.

    I hope one of my readers wins!
    _____

    I know who I'm voting for for Miss America this year.
    Leslie

    Bus Fumes

    No, no, no, no, NO! Bus drivers have already have enough distractions without adding cell phones to the mix. I'd be going to my school district and raising all sorts of hell if I thought my child's bus driver was chattering away on a cell phone while carrying my kid.
    _____

    Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I ordered a gift and had it sent regular delivery. Bad idea! The U.S. Post Office has now shipped it from a sorting center in Earth City, MO to New Berlin, WI and then to Indianapolis, IN.

    The problem? It's supposed to go to Peoria, IL.

    Do you suppose the U.S. Post Office can even find Peoria on a map? They've certainly hit most of the Midwest surrounding it, anyway. Feels like a bad game of pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey.

    That's it. Next time I'm spending the extra couple of bucks. It'll be well worth it.

    (Don't worry, Pammy. It'll be there before the wedding. I promise!)
    Leslie

    Rubber-Necking

    This is no surprise. Anyone who spends their first night out of rehab in a Vegas nightclub is bound to relapse in a big ol' hurry.
    _____
    Leslie

    Tootin' the Horn

    Today's the first day of the Bar Exam all over the country. Good luck to everyone sitting for the exam... especially to this one. (Who, BTW, I'm taking out to dinner to celebrate tomorrow evening. Yippee!!)
    Leslie

    Drive-Bys

    The Divine Miss Marilyn took this test:

    Your Score: Cheezburger cat

    54% Affectionate, 53% Excitable, 75% Hungry

    Sure, you deserve one. You helped popularized lolcats from a running gag to an online sensation. Now mainstream media writes asinine columns on this 'phenomenon', students write theses on the topic, programming languages adopt the grammar, and losers write tests about them on dating sites. Now take your cheezburger and never touch the internets again.

    To see all possible results, checka dis.

    Link: The Which Lolcat Are You? Test written by GumOtaku on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test
    She waives politely to SFP at Pages Turned.
    _____

    My turn!

    How to Win a Fight With a Liberal is the ultimate survival guide for political arguments

    My Conservative Identity:

    You are a Flag-Waving Everyman, also known as a patriot. You believe in freedom, apple pie, rooting for America at all times, and that God gave us a two-day weekend so we could enjoy football and NASCAR.

    Take the quiz at www.FightLiberals.com


    And...

    How to Win a Fight With a Conservative is the ultimate survival guide for political arguments

    My Liberal Identity:

    You are a Working Class Warrior, also known as a blue-collar Democrat. You believe that the little guy is getting screwed by conservative greed-mongers and corporate criminals, and you’re not going to take it anymore.


    Both from Jay. He's correct, too. No matter what your political leanings, you can find answers you can live with on both!
    Leslie

    Rubber-Necking

    Spit-take of the day here.

    (Made you laugh!)
    Leslie

    Traveling Companions

    Nkwyren mindz wanna noe.
    _____

    In the meantime, don't forget to visit the Friday Ark. Carnival of the Cats goes up every Sunday and the 173rd edition, 7/15, is up at 100 Word Stories Podcast . The 174th edition will be hosted on 7/22 by This Blog Is Full of Crap. There are more weekly cats at Weekend Cat Blogging #111 hosted on 7/21-7/22 by Paulchen's FoodBlog?!
    Leslie

    Tootin' the Horn


    Huh. I am flattered beyond words at the thought, especially coming from such a cool, cool chick. And if you read the whole thing and look at the company she lumps me in with -- whoa, dude. It's an honor, let me tell you.

    I'm also with BabsRN* in that I don't consider my blogging to be schmoozing, per se:
    American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source
    schmooze or schmoose also shmooze (shmōōz) Pronunciation Key
    v. schmoozed or schmoosed also shmoozed, schmooz·ing or schmoos·ing also shmooz·ing, schmooz·es or schmoos·es also shmooz·es

    v. intr.
    To converse casually, especially in order to gain an advantage or make a social connection.

    v. tr.
    To engage in schmoozing with: "how to be a professional artist—how to be a businessperson, how to schmooze the collectors" (Paige Powell).

    n. The act or an instance of schmoozing.

    [Yiddish shmuesn, possibly from shmues, a chat, pl. of shmue, rumor, Hebrew šəmû'â, rumor; see šmʕ in Semitic roots.]

    schmooz'er n., schmooz'y adj.
    (Download Now or Buy the Book) The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
    Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
    Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
    Then again, maybe it is. I certainly have gained social connections I never would have found any other way through this crazy interweb.

    I do believe in reaching out to people who make you laugh, infuriate the hell out of you, make you cry, make you think and make you care.

    I don't believe in burning bridges unless it is absolutely necessary. When you do that, you simple can't go back that way again.

    I've had the very real pleasure of meeting the following folks, some in person and some in the cybersphere, each of whom set the gold standard for schmoozing in blogland:

    Tammi -- This woman schmoozes for a living, and proudly blogs all about. I love a woman with sass and class.

    Redneck -- Just look at that post, will you? If that's not schmoozing, I don't know what is! (And I love the hell out of the guy.) (Note -- If you can't see the post, he's put it back on ice. But believe me, he painted a flattering portrait of yours truly.)

    Elisson -- Is there a blogger on the planet who doesn't absolutely love the guy? I don't think so. And what's not to love?

    Vicki -- Here's a gal who makes friends seemingly effortlessly. One of these days soon she's going to have to make it to Therapy Night. I can't wait.

    K -- She gets people to band together to do good stuff, mostly by the sheer force of her sunny (but not cream puff-ish) personality. A true gitt'er done gal.

    Miles & Sammy Meezer -- Whether you like cat bloggers or not, you've got to admire the incredible number of friends and admirers these two charmers have made all across the interweb. (The Divine Miss Marilyn insisted I include them, and I've got to live with her, okay?)

    Zonker -- I'd be remiss if I didn't include the undisputed King of the Blogmeets. Is there anyone he doesn't know? Anywhere he won't go for a blogmeet? Any blogger he won't raise a glass with? I surely don't think so.

    Eric -- Sometimes smartass, sometimes Mr. Mischief, and sometimes the most wonderful guy in the world to have a deep discussion with. Yeah. Just when you think you've got him all figured out, he'll go and get all nice on you. And gentlemanly. And caring. Sheesh.

    There you have it. Some, but not all, of my favorite schmoozers. And I love every one of them.
    _____

    *Um, BabsRN? I'd really love to meet you at Blogtoberfest. If I can make it all the way from Chicago, surely you can make it from your little corner of Georgia. Then I can thank you in person!
    _____

    Update: I really, really should have added Venomous Kate to the above list, and am remedying that mistake right here. Why does she get the award? She doesn't just schmooze -- she bites.
    Leslie

    Drive-Bys

    Where is your spirit craving to take you to?

    Somewhere Secluded

    Right now you are craving to find some place that offers simplicity because you need peace and serenity in your life. You find the world to be overwhelming at times and need reassurance of the beauty that exists apart from man-made things. You are going to feel fulfilled when you find someplace that brings you to feeling who you truly are.

    Personality Test Results

    Click Here to Take This Quiz

    quiz
    Quizzes and Personality Tests

    Absolutely true.

    (A tip of the cap to the Infinite one.)
    _____

    The Princess Mom can sure show her Yankee roots from time to time... usually when it comes to parting with cash. Yes, I learned to be frugal at the feet of the mistress. Funny, then than my Fairy BlogMother also displays her frugal nature.

    Print the list off and save it for future purchases. I know I'm going to!
    _____

    What Kim said, and then some. Sheesh!
    _____

    Since a couple of the boys seem to get such glee out of things that peg out my sqick-o-meter, here are two* more.**

    *It's not the nudity. It's the doing it in front of a space alien of a minister... or three. What the hell is that on that guy's head?

    **Self explanatory.
    _____

    Hmm. Gotta add this to my Christmas list...

    BTW -- here's where Kathy Hanrahan and I disagree:
    Ms. Hanrahan imagines a situation in which a woman is menaced as she makes her way to her car in a parking garage. She points and clicks her Taser at her target, delivering a 30-second shock (the police’s version transmits a 5-second zap) and then drops the Taser and runs madly. “If I am going to use it, I’m going to fire it and leave,” she said.
    Drop it, hell. I'm hanging on to it for dear life, and giving it brand new batteries when I get it home.
    _____

    BTW -- I've updated the blogroll, but have a nagging feeling I've forgotten to add somebody important. Or to add the (*) to those I've met. If you think you should be there and you're not, or if I've met you and haven't updated to show it, drop me a comment and I'll fix it right away.
    _____

    What the hell. Here's one more:




    Your brain: 140% interpersonal, 80% visual, 60% verbal, and 120% mathematical!




    Congratulations on being 400% smart! Actually, on my test, everyone is. The above score breaks down what kind of thinking you most enjoy doing. A score above 100% means you use that kind of thinking more than average, and a score below 100% means you use it less. It says nothing about how good you are at any one, just how interested you are in each, relatively. A substantial difference in scores between two people means, conclusively, that they are different kinds of thinkers.




    Matching Summary: Each of us has different tastes. Still, I offer the following advice, which I think is obvious:


    1. Don't date someone if your interpersonal percentages differ by more than 80%.
    2. Don't be friends with someone if your verbal percentages differ by more than 100%.
    3. Don't have sex with someone if their math percentage is over 200%.





    Link: The 4-Variable IQ Test written by chriscoyne on OkCupid, home of the The Dating Persona Test
    Leslie

    Psssssst!

    I went over to this site to help a fellow blogger win a custom portrait of a beloved pet who's crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. That's a cause I can certainly get behind.

    But then I see that somebody is wracking up points for a contest she wants to win just because. Nope. She doesn't want the prize. She just wants to win.

    I've gotta stick up for my fellow pet-loving pal and ask for your help. Go here. Scroll down and drop the following comment: REFERRED BY PAM OF PAMIBE.COM. You don't have to be a blogger to play. Lurker comments count, too!

    Do it because it's the right thing to do, m'kay?
    _____

    Update: Michele has done a really stand-up thing and withdrawn from the contest... but Pam still needs your comments to win. If you haven't gone and dropped a comment -- what are you waiting for, for goodness sake?
    Leslie

    Rubber-Necking

    My pal the Confabulator has a little caption contest going on here. Here's my response:

    I r stoopid fer gitten hookd on thez things.
    _____

    Eeeeeeeewwwwwww!!! That's going to have me all squicked out for days!
    Leslie

    Drive-Bys

    Uh oh!

    Your Love Life is Like Annie Hall

    "A relationship, I think, is like a shark. You know? It has to constantly move forward or it dies."

    You believe that love (if you even believe in love!) is a very complicated thing.

    Maybe love is pain. Or maybe it's all a big therapy session. You're still figuring it out.

    Your love style: Brainy and a bit neurotic

    Your Hollywood Ending Will Be: Realistic and reflective


    This is ironic because I hated that movie when it first came out, and I don't like it any better today.

    (A tip of the cap to the lovely Poppy.)
    _____

    Okay. While I'm at it...

    Your Power Element is Fire

    Your power color: red

    Your energy: hot

    Your season: spring

    Like a fire, you are full of power and light.

    A born leader, you easily draw people toward you.

    You are full of courage and usually up for anything dangerous.

    You have a huge ego and love to be the center of attention.


    Yup. Huge ego. That's me.
    _____

    Your Aura is Violet

    Idealistic and thoughtful, you have the mind and ideas to change the world.

    And you have the charisma of a great leader, even if you don't always use it!

    The purpose of your life: saying truths that other people dare not say

    Famous purples include: Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Susan B. Anthony

    Careers for you to try: Political Activist, Inventor, Life Coach


    _____

    Your Interpersonal Intelligence Score: 81%

    Your Interpersonal Intelligence is Very High

    You go beyond being a "people person." Connecting with people is the most important thing in your life.

    You're empathetic, friendly, and outgoing. You are the kind of friend people dream of having.

    Your interpersonal intelligence is a gift. And you use it well.


    Scary.
    _____

    Speaking of scary...

    You Have Your PhD in Men

    You understand men almost better than anyone.

    You accept that guys are very different, and you read signals well.

    Work what you know about men, and your relationships will be blissful.

    Yikes.
    Leslie

    Psssssst!

    If you're in town this evening, we're holding Therapy Night here after work. (It's walking distance to Union Station and the Brown, Red, Orange, Blue and Green lines. It's crawling distance from Ogilvy Transportation Center.) You're more than welcome to join us!

    And, yes -- tonight I need all the therapy I can get.

    Why?


    You might say I'm a little burned out.

    (A tip of the smokey, but still wearable driver's cap to Alx Kive for the swell photo.)
    Leslie

    Bus Fumes

    When are we going to close our ports to any sort of Chinese foodstuff or chemical additives?
    _____

    Got kids of car seat age? Then you're going to want to read this. Aren't you glad to know the manufacturers care so much about your children?
    _____

    Note to self: Not cool to jam your pinkie finger in your sleep. Just not. Ouchie, ouchie, ouchie, ouchie. (Makes it most uncomfortable to type.)
    _____

    Great. Now this:

    Your Score: Sap- ESFJ

    53% Extraversion, 46% Intuition, 46% Thinking, 80% Judging


    Aww...you know that sensitive mamsy-pansy sap I was talking about earlier? Yeah. Well, someone had to get it and you pulled the short straw. Now pull yourself together, crybaby.

    You are quite possible one of the most sensitive people I know and I don't even know you! You care what each and every single person thinks about you. You're the kind of person who sends around a txt to everyone they know saying "i thnk ur prtty. wat do u thnk abt me? rate me frm 1-5."

    That's 1 meaning "I hate you" and 5 meaning "You make me vomit when I look at you." You're still crying, aren't you?

    Sure. All you want is for someone to appreciate you once in a while. Aww... Boohoo. Hold a pity party sometime. The garden's free. Lots of worms down there. Big ones. Small ones. Squishy ones.

    My guess is you don't understand this test one bit. You can't imagine how anyone could be so insulting or why anyone could find it even remotely amusing...STOP THE DAMN WATERWORKS, WOMAN!

    Naive is a word that needs to be branded on your forehead... Alright, now I feel bad. Sure, you do have some redeeming factors, just not many. Sorry.

    *****************

    If you want to learn more about your personality type in a slightly less negative way, check out this.

    *****************

    The other personality types are as follows...

    Loner - Introverted Sensing Feeling Perceiving
    Pushover - Introverted Sensing Feeling Judging
    Criminal - Introverted Sensing Thinking Perceiving
    Borefest - Introverted Sensing Thinking Judging
    Almost Perfect - Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving
    Freak - Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Judging
    Loser - Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Perceiving
    Crackpot - Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging
    Clown - Extraverted Sensing Feeling Perceiving
    Commander - Extraverted Sensing Thinking Perceiving
    Do Gooder - Extraverted Sensing Thinking Judging
    Scumbag - Extraverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving
    Busybody - Extraverted iNtuitive Feeling Judging
    Prick - Extraverted iNtuitive Thinking Perceiving
    Dictator - Extraverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging

    Link: The Brutally Honest Personality Test

    Thanks, Poppy.
    Leslie

    Traveling Companions


    She'll be all the way back soon. I promise.
    _____

    In the meantime, don't forget to visit the Friday Ark and the Carnival of the Cats. Weekend Cat Blogging will be up at Dragonheart's Domain tomorrow.
    Leslie

    Bus Fumes

    Well, poop. I should have brought my camera yesterday, as they were blowing things up and making big fires right down the street from my office.

    Why?

    Batman, of course.

    Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

    (Yes, I have the camera today. I'll grab a few shots of the sea of trailers parked behind my office. And maybe I can catch some of the filming tonight.)
    _____

    Update:

    Some character names to be looking for in the credits:




    The view from above. Impossible to get them all into the frame this way!


    Not particularly glamorous, huh?



    Leslie

    Tootin' the Horn


    The first time I clapped eyes on Kenny and Willie (yes, Willie is the tiger equivalent of a person with Down Syndrome) at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, there were living in a cage with not a lot more than concrete and steel mesh.

    Not anymore.

    If this video of them taking their first steps into their new habitat doesn't bring a tear to your eye or a lump to your throat, nothing will.

    Kudos to the all the folks at Turpentine Creek. Job well done.
    Leslie

    Drive-Bys

    It sounds like China is dead serious (literally) about improving food safety... but it appears that it is only due to fears the Beijing Olympics might be boycotted if the Chinese government did nothing. I'm not convinced that this is a meaningful effort. My personal boycott continues....
    _____

    Remember Livey's computer problems (scroll down)?

    Behold!

    The power of the blogosphere is a magical thing.

    To anyone who kicked in to help, thank you, thank you, thank you!
    _____

    Your Toes Should Be Pink

    You love to dress girly and work your feminine charms, with a bit of an edge.

    Your ideal guy: Is confident enough to get any girl he wants

    Stay away from: Jerks who only see you as eye candy


    Just so you know.

    (A tip of the cap to that sassy Sourpuss.)
    _____

    $60,000 for a mattress??? *Ulp!* Tammi?
    Leslie

    Drive-Bys

    Authorities say Ahmad Abdallah Abu Ghanam had wrapped the gun in aluminum foil and a towel in his checked luggage....

    Abu Ghanam is charged with the removal of a firearm serial number. He told police he bought the weapon on a street a month ago and didn't know the serial number was missing.
    Oh, goody. I'm sure it's all a silly misunderstanding.
    _____
    Being as the three dumbasses in the cab were already "foobically intoxidated," they overshot and landed with an impressive splash, right in the MIDDLE of the waller. Where the truck promptly sank out of sight into the murky water.
    Wonderful story telling! (And I love "foobically intoxidated"!)
    Leslie

    Road Conditions

    Do you live in Chicago? Are you fascinated by the film industry? Hate, hate, HATE it when traffic is rerouted and you don't know WHY? Answer yes to any of the above and the memo received from my office building's management today may be of interest to you:

    Dear Customers:

    Many of you are aware that there is a movie being filmed in the downtown area and in the upcoming weeks they will be closing many important streets as a product of the filming. I'm forwarding to all of you the most recent filming and street closure schedule that has been given to us. I hope this information helps to prevent any inconveniences.

    2006 Film Services, Inc will be filming scenes for “Rory’s First Kiss” on Upper and Lower Wacker beginning Wednesday, July 11th and continuing through Sunday, July 22nd. Prior to filming, members of our crew will be prepping the area with set dressing and lighting equipment.

    With the assistance of the Chicago Police Department, we will be staging nighttime street closures Wednesday, July 11th through Sunday, July 15th.

    Please know that we will make every effort to accommodate local delivery/pick-up traffic, handicap transportation and other essential services. Traffic will be held in the following areas and times:

    On Wednesday, July 11th
    Upper Wacker Drive (From Van Buren to Adams) from 7pm to 9:30pm Van Buren St. (From Franklin to Clinton) from 6pm to 9:30pm Lower Wacker Drive (From Harrison to Michigan) from 7pm to 6am

    On Thursday, July 12th
    Upper Wacker Drive (From Van Buren to Madison) 6:30pm to 9:30pm Van Buren St. (From Franklin to Clinton) from 6:30pm to 9:30pm Monroe (River to Franklin) 6:30pm to 9:30pm Jackson (Canal to Franklin) 6:30pm to 9:30pm Adams (Canal to Franklin) 6;30pm to 9:30pm Lower Wacker Drive (From Harrison to Michigan) from 7pm to 6am

    On Friday, July 13th
    Upper Wacker Drive (From Van Buren to Adams) 6:30pm to 9:30pm Jackson (Canal to Franklin) 6:30pm to 9:30pm Lower Wacker Drive (From Harrison to Michigan) from 7pm to 6am

    On Saturday, July 14th
    Upper Wacker Drive (From Van Buren to Adams) 6pm to 9:30pm Jackson (Canal to Franklin) 6pm to 9:30pm Lower Wacker Drive (From Harrison to Michigan) from 7pm to 6am

    On Sunday, July 15th
    Upper Wacker Drive (From Van Buren to Adams) 6pm to 9:30pm Jackson (Canal to Franklin) 6pm to 9:30pm Lower Wacker Drive (From Harrison to Michigan) from 7pm to 6am

    In addition we will be holding parking on the following streets on all of the above dates:

    East side of Canal (Van Buren to Congress Pkwy Both sides of Franklin (Madison to Jackson) South side of Madison (Wacker to Franklin) Both sides of Lake (Franklin to LaSalle) Both sides of Franklin (Wacker to Randolph) Both sides of Post Pl. (Lake to Lower Wacker)

    _____

    Update: It appears that Rory's First Kiss is the shooting title for the next Batman movie. Ah! So that's why all those movie trailers are parked behind my office building!
    Leslie

    Tootin' the Horn

    I didn't want BabsRN to feel so bad about missing her two year blogiversary... so I went ahead and missed my own three year mark on Sunday.* Even back then it was an odd combination of linking and creative writing.

    (That's a reminder that I really do need to spend more time on the creative writing end of things, I guess. Ah, well... when life slows down a mite, I'll put some more effort in that general direction.)

    I had no idea when I started blogging just how much fun it would be, how many readers I'd pick up along the way, the incredible people it would bring into my realm of friendship and just how far I'd be willing to travel to meet up with them. I am forever grateful for that.

    Milestones like this don't come along without a push in the first place. A huge "thank-you" to my BlogDaddy for the support and encouragement on the technical side of things (let alone for being a marvelous friend) and to my BlogMama for having the funky Blogger comments that catapulted me into signing up for a blog of my own when I was only trying to post a comment.

    Happy Number Three to me!
    _____

    *But since I was still involved in the Ogmeet, I guess I had a good excuse!
    Leslie

    Waving in the Rearview Mirror

    Just a quick shout-out to all the folks who attended Ogmeet 2007 this weekend:

    Shoe
    Redneck
    Zonker
    Oddybobo
    Tammi
    T1G
    Contagion
    Ktreva
    Harvey
    TNT
    Jon
    Bloodspite
    Teresa
    Graumagus
    Biloxi
    The Great and Powerful Og

    It was great to see each and every one of you.

    (If you weren't able to attend -- I'll try to whip off a post about this wild and wacky group later. I haven't laughed like that in months!)
    _____

    And, yes -- we all wore underwear on our heads... Sheesh.
    Leslie

    Drive-Bys

    I'm only biting because a bunch of the cool chicks are doing this one:

    Your Porn Star Name Is...

    Sweetest Sin
    _____

    Um............

    You are Totally Realistic

    "Romance" means you're about to roll your eyes.

    Seriously, you can do without the sap or drama -- save it for someone who has nothing really going on in their relationship

    For you, love is real - and easily integrated into your life.

    You don't need candles, flowers, or chocolates to know he's the one -- just some stimulating conversation... and maybe a great smile.


    Yep.

    (A tip of the cap to BabsRN for this one and the next two, as well.)
    _____

    Your Celebrity Boob Twin:

    Lucy Lawless


    _____

    You Communicate Like a Man

    When you communicate, you like to get to the point.

    You're not afraid to say what's on your mind - and leave it at that.

    Talking about your emotions drains you. You rather keep them to yourself.

    You prefer solving problems to wallowing in your sorrows.

    _____

    Apparently Livey's computer finally bit the big one. A blogger without a computer is a scary, scary thing, and Livey, who lives on a restricted income, just doesn't have the cash to run right out and get a replacement.

    Livey has a big heart and has been more than generous to others in the blogosphere -- just ask K or Nancy or Kellie. I sure hope others will be as generous to her.

    If you can spare a buck or two, please drop by Northwoods Woman and hit her PayPal button.

    Bloggers helping bloggers. It's a beautiful thing. Thanks a million!
    Leslie

    From the Rowdies in the Back of the Bus

    From the Sweetheart of Shell Knob, MO, comes this little tale:

    Ole was walking home late at night, through the park, and sees a woman in the shadows.

    "Twenty dollars!" she whispers.

    He'd never been with a hooker before, but decides, what the hell, it's only twenty bucks.

    So they hide in the bushes They're going 'at it' for a minute when all of a sudden a light flashes on them -- it's a police officer. "What's going on here, people?" asks the officer.

    "I'm making luff to my vife," Ole answers indignantly.

    "Oh, I'm sorry." says the cop. "I didn't know."

    "Vell," says Ole, "I din't neder, 'til you shine that damn light in her face."
    Leslie

    Whew!

    Yes, it's been a crazy week... softened by the early arrival of my pal Shoe on Wednesday evening.

    I picked her up at O'Hare and drove her straight up to the joint where I moonlight on the weekends. Jimmy himself was manning the grill and serving up kebobs, burgers and other goodies for staff, friends of the restaurant and family. Good food, good drinks, good peeps. After a few a few pops and some great conversation, I drove her into the city to her hotel.

    Yesterday, she dragged my sorry butt off for a cocktail and a quick bite to eat after I worked a 10.5 hour day. Stressed? Yes. But not so much after spending a few minutes (um.... hours?) with a good friend. Now she knows where we go for Therapy Nights. Anyhow, good pal that she is, she saw me off to my train and cabbed it back to her hideout.

    Tonight, we're meeting for a brief cocktail out on the patio at this joint. Rumor has it that Mullet Boy and Oddybobo may be joining us there. Then we're piling into my little ride and heading off to Midway airport to pick up my absolute favorite RedNeck on the planet.

    Here's where plans are still hazy -- I'm not sure whether Zonker and Oddy are riding with Shoe, 'Neck and I, or if they have other transport. Ah, well! I've fit more people, pets and paraphernalia into less space than you can imagine more than once in the past. Flexibility is my middle name.

    After Midway, we're straight off to the Ogmeet.

    Thank God. I really needed a vacation, even if it is only about 25 minutes away from home.

    See you there?
    Leslie

    Drive-Bys

    Yep. And stressed, too, thank you. That about sums it up.

    (A tip of the cap to geetarz.org for the image.)
    Leslie

    Road Conditions

    If you're coming in to Chicago from out of town via automobile or motorcycle for BlogHer or the Ogmeet, please keep in mind that you really need to follow the posted speed in road repair zones, even when there's no crew in sight.

    The state has vans they move around to shoot radar and take photos of the plates of anyone who speeds there. You will get a ticket in the mail, and the cheapest one runs around $375.

    Watch yourself out there, okay?
    Leslie

    Drive-Bys


    Mingle2 - Free Online Dating

    Yep.
    _____

    Did I mention that I fell in love when I was down in Kerrville, TX? Yes, indeedy I did:

    View full

    Who could resist all that charm?

    (Make your own sketches from your favorite photos here.)
    _____

    You Are 54% Open

    You are a fairly open person, but you also like to maintain your privacy.

    You definitely will tell all (okay, almost all) to your closest friends...

    But strangers and acquaintances only get a peek into your life.

    You bet.
    _____

    Again, right on the money:

    Your Political Profile:

    Overall: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal

    Social Issues: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal

    Personal Responsibility: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal

    Fiscal Issues: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

    Ethics: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal

    Defense and Crime: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

    _____
    Leslie

    Bus Fumes

    I'm speechless:
    While making no apologies for McCormack, archdiocese spokeswoman Colleen Dolan said the perception of McCormack's crimes was worse than the reality. The priest admitted he pulled down the pants and fondled the genitals of five boys, but prosecutors never accused him of sexual assault, or rape.
    The archdiocese of Chicago will never, never learn.
    Sneed hears rumbles that the Rev. Daniel McCormack, who was sentenced to five years for the sexual abuse of five boys, reportedly vacationed several times with a top religious honcho in the Chicago archdiocese while complaints against him were being probed.
    See?
    Leslie

    Drive-Bys

    I find these critters oddly endearing... although I'll bet they creep this guy out and make this guy grin.

    I'm adding them to my birthday/Christmas/oh-what-the-heck-I-just-felt-like-treating-you list.
    Leslie

    Bus Fumes

    A measely FIVE YEARS??? That should have been for one count, not five!
    _____

    I wonder how many other big media outlets are going to ignore this bit of really good news.
    _____

    What is wrong with people, anyway? Stuff like this makes me think that some people have no moral compass any more.
    Leslie