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.
Bus Fumes
Oh, sure! Absolve men of all responsibility for this:
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.
The midlife crisis is a myth—sort ofBlame it on the woman. Go right ahead.
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.
More here.
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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.
Drive-Bys
Oh, joy. Just what Chicago needs.
Meh.
_____
Blame it on BabsRN.
_____
Two bits of beauty -- just because I needed some today.
Meh.
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| ||||||||
Blame it on BabsRN.
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Two bits of beauty -- just because I needed some today.
Bus Fumes
Ear worm again. Argh! This time it's Guantanamera... but with grade school lyrics:
(Make it stop. Please???)
One ton tomato!Aren't you glad I shared?
I'd eat a one ton tomato!
One ton toe-mayyyyyyyyyy-toooooooooooe!
I'd eat a one ton toe-mayyyyyyyyyy-toooooooooooe!
(Make it stop. Please???)
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!)
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!)
Bus Fumes
If this is true, I hope they slap her unhappy ass in jail for a good, long time. Stupid git.
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It's not bad enough that they bring us one step closer to a "Big Brother" nation:
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It's not bad enough that they bring us one step closer to a "Big Brother" nation:
Read the whole thing.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.
Drive-Bys
Your Score: Hieroglyphics
(A tip of the cap to the Confabulator!)
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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.)
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 |
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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.)
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.
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This animal story, on the other hand, gave me a fit of the giggles. I've had neighbors like that before...
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Thez LOLcatz thingz r wai 2 fun.
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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.
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. |
 Quizzes and Personality Tests |
(Cool quiz via Poppy, who's having a birthday today. Thanks, Poppy!)
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?
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Your Score: The Wolf
(A tip of the cap to Maranda.)
_____
Gah!
_____
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!
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I know who I'm voting for for Miss America this year.
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 |
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Gah!
Link: The Online Dating Persona Test @ OkCupid - free online dating. |
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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.
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.
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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!)
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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!)
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.
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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!!)
Drive-Bys
The Divine Miss Marilyn took this test:
She waives politely to SFP at Pages Turned.
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My turn!
And...
Both from Jay. He's correct, too. No matter what your political leanings, you can find answers you can live with on both!
Your Score: Cheezburger cat
54% Affectionate, 53% Excitable, 75% HungrySure, 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 |
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My turn!
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...
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.
Take the quiz at www.FightConservatives.com
Both from Jay. He's correct, too. No matter what your political leanings, you can find answers you can live with on both!
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?!
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 SourceThen again, maybe it is. I certainly have gained social connections I never would have found any other way through this crazy interweb.(Download Now or Buy the Book) The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
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.
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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.
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. |
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!
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What Kim said, and then some. Sheesh!
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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.
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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.
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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:
- Don't date someone if your interpersonal percentages differ by more than 80%.
- Don't be friends with someone if your verbal percentages differ by more than 100%.
- 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 |
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?
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?
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.
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Eeeeeeeewwwwwww!!! That's going to have me all squicked out for days!
I r stoopid fer gitten hookd on thez things._____
Eeeeeeeewwwwwww!!! That's going to have me all squicked out for days!
Drive-Bys
Uh oh!
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...
Yup. Huge ego. That's me.
_____
_____
Scary.
_____
Speaking of scary...
Yikes.
| 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.
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.)
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.)
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
Thanks, Poppy.
_____
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
Thanks, Poppy.
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.
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?
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?
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.
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....
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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!
_____
Just so you know.
(A tip of the cap to that sassy Sourpuss.)
_____
$60,000 for a mattress??? *Ulp!* Tammi?
_____
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.)
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$60,000 for a mattress??? *Ulp!* Tammi?
Drive-Bys
Authorities say Ahmad Abdallah Abu Ghanam had wrapped the gun in aluminum foil and a towel in his checked luggage....Oh, goody. I'm sure it's all a silly misunderstanding.
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.
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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"!)
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:
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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!
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)
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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!
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!
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*But since I was still involved in the Ogmeet, I guess I had a good excuse!
(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!
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*But since I was still involved in the Ogmeet, I guess I had a good excuse!
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!)
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And, yes -- we all wore underwear on our heads... Sheesh.
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!)
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And, yes -- we all wore underwear on our heads... Sheesh.
Drive-Bys
I'm only biting because a bunch of the cool chicks are doing this one:
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Um............
Yep.
(A tip of the cap to BabsRN for this one and the next two, as well.)
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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!
| Your Porn Star Name Is... |
 |
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.)
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| Your Celebrity Boob Twin: |
 Lucy Lawless |
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| 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!
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."
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."
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?
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?
Drive-Bys
Yep. And stressed, too, thank you. That about sums it up. (A tip of the cap to geetarz.org for the image.)
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?
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?
Drive-Bys
Mingle2 - Free Online Dating
Yep.
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Did I mention that I fell in love when I was down in Kerrville, TX? Yes, indeedy I did:
Who could resist all that charm?
(Make your own sketches from your favorite photos here.)
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| 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.
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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 |
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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?
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.
Bus Fumes
A measely FIVE YEARS??? That should have been for one count, not five!
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I wonder how many other big media outlets are going to ignore this bit of really good news.
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What is wrong with people, anyway? Stuff like this makes me think that some people have no moral compass any more.
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I wonder how many other big media outlets are going to ignore this bit of really good news.
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What is wrong with people, anyway? Stuff like this makes me think that some people have no moral compass any more.
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