Leslie's Omnibus

Drive-Bys

Yikes! That's downright scary.
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[A]n image makeover for Peterson could be a challenge, experts say. For four months, the public has been witness to Peterson's audacious humor, such as his suggestion to a radio talk-show host to hold a "Win a Date with Drew" contest and offhand jokes about women and his admirers.
Ya think?
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In response to the LOL Cats at I Can Has Cheezburger?, meet Fail Dogs!

(A tip of the cap to Julie.)
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Don't forget The Friday Ark is up over at The Modulator. In addition:
Leslie

Rubber-Necking

If you didn't get enough wacky Japanese pranks yesterday, here are a couple more to tickle your funny bone!
Leslie

Drive-Bys




You Should Be a Film Writer



You don't just create compelling stories, you see them as clearly as a movie in your mind.


You have a knack for details and dialogue. You can really make a character come to life.


Chances are, you enjoy creating all types of stories. The joy is in the storytelling.


And nothing would please you more than millions of people seeing your story on the big screen!


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The Princess Mom would be so proud:




You Are Somewhat Like Your Mom



Believe it or not, you and your mom are pretty darn similar.


It may not seem like it at times, but you and your mom have a lot of common ground.


Over time, you'll probably get closer ... especially if you emphasize the things you like about each other.


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There's a 54% Chance That You Need Therapy



If you think you need therapy, you probably do. But there's a good chance you don't.


Like everyone else, you have your fair share of problems. And unlike most people, you're fairly good at solving them yourself.



Well that's a lot of gobbledygook.
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Excuse me? I think I have to hurl now...
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Well done, Sgt. Leyde!
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It's been a while since Drew Peterson has been in the news... and today it's all Drew, all the time.
"I'm concerned that there's more emphasis and more of an effort to cater to the media frenzy than there is to looking into the issues surrounding the investigations," Odeh said. "It just seems to me that when there's nothing going on with the investigation and things are quiet in the media, it seems like sometimes either Joel or Drew says something to start the media frenzy all over again."

Brodsky has mounted an aggressive campaign for media coverage, including interviews with national TV shows.

Asked whether she discussed those issues with Brodsky, Odeh said, "Absolutely. I don't think it's appropriate. I think it is in the client's best interest to keep it quiet and focus on the case. But he just says the case is going to make us famous and we're all going to get book deals."
What'd I tell you?
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And from the Sweetheart of Shell Knob, MO:

One day a florist goes to a barber for a haircut. After the cut he asks about his bill and the barber replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.'

The florist is pleased and leaves the shop.

When the barber goes to open his shop the next morning there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.

Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.'

The cop is happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber goes to open up there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.

Later that day, a college professor comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.'

The professor is very happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber opens his shop, there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen different books, such as 'How to Improve Your Business' and 'Becoming More Successful.'

Then, a Congressman comes in for a haircut, and when he goes to pay his bill the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.

The Congressman is very happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber goes to open up, there are a dozen Congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut.

And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the citizens of our country and the members of our Congress.

Vote carefully this year.
Leslie

Tootin' the Horn

Happy birthday to Miz Sandy!
Leslie

Drive-Bys

This takes live blogging to a whole new level. (Shudder.)
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Say what???
Leslie

Rubber-Necking

This is wrong on many, many levels... and the only one Mark missed is the presence and positioning of the word "fraulein." But I guess with those wacky Japanese you really do need to draw a picture.

And that led me to this gigglefest. If you can get through even the first video without laughing so hard you cry, you're a better man than I.
Leslie

Today's Ear Worm

I was five years old when this came out and I absolutely slaughtered the lyrics, but always sang along with all my might.

I never really knew what the words meant until this movie came out. Then I was conviced that I really, really wanted to be a nun so I could play guitar and sing on television all the time.

Good luck getting this song out of your head!

Leslie

Bus Fumes

Two teenagers hid overnight in a house and spent more than six hours torturing a disabled woman after her mother left in the morning, authorities said.

Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones said the teenage boy and girl tied up the 18-year-old woman, clubbed her, kicked her, shaved her head and soaked her with water before making her walk barefoot outside in the snow.

They also ignored pleas from the woman, who had undergone brain surgery, not to hit her in the head, investigators said.
I hope they try the little bastards as adults. There is no excuse in the world for behavior like this.

I'll bet their parents are really proud of their little darlings.
Leslie

Drive-Bys

I love it when men cat blog. This tale and this tale both had me in stitches. (And had others literally in stitches!)

(A tip of the cap to Kim du Toit and Matt G for giggle after giggle.)
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What global warming?
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The Scattergories Meme gleefully swiped from Nautical Dawn:
Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following...they have to be real places, names, things...nothing made up!

WHAT IS YOUR NAME? Leslie
4 LETTER WORD: Luck
TV SHOW: Lost
CITY: Littleton, MA [my Nana and Grampy are both buried there]
GIRL NAME: Lillian
DRINK: Lime Ricky
BOY NAME: Lemuel
SOMETHING YOU WEAR: Leggings
OCCUPATION: Lion Tamer
CELEBRITY: Lulu
FOOD: Lingonberries
SOMETHING FOUND IN A BATHROOM: Listerine
REASON FOR BEING LATE: Lost track of time [never happens!]
CARTOON CHARACTER: Ludwig von Drake
SOMETHING YOU SHOUT: Loser!

Play along if you want.
Leslie

Drive-Bys

Yum!!!
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I found this test via Matt G:

66 words

Speedtest



If I practiced a bit more, I bet I could up that score by quite a lot.
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I know I've been bellyaching about the weather, but it's not just me:
This winter has been especially bad. It's not just your imagination. According to an array of weather statistics compiled by Illinois state climatologist Jim Angel, it's the third-worst winter in a decade. And weird, besides.
And we're in for more lovely weather tonight and tomorrow:
Just as warmer temperatures began melting the snow and ice, a new storm is expected to hit the Chicago area Monday that could blanket the regional with an additional 6 to 8 inches of snow by Tuesday afternoon.
Oh, joy.
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Your Dominant Intelligence is Interpersonal Intelligence



You shine in your ability to relate to and understand others.

Good at seeing others' points of view, you get how people think and feel.

You have an uncanny ability to sense true feelings, intentions, and motivations.

A natural born leader, you are great at teaching and mediating conflict.

You would make a good counselor, salesperson, politician, or business person.




(A tip of the cap to sourpuss.)
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You Are: 30% Dog, 70% Cat



You and cats have a lot in common.

You're both smart and in charge - with a good amount of attitude.

However, you do have a very playful side that occasionally comes out!



Damn straight, Skippy!
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I agree with everything but cutting the "In Memorium" segment. (Speaking of which, where was Brad Renfro in there?) There's no reason for all that other lousy filler.
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Nearly half of Chicago public school 9th graders who started high school in the last seven years have dropped out without earning a high school diploma, according to a study to be released Monday.
For this I blame the notion that every child should be put on a college track. Vocational training can and should be offered at the high school level. Seems to me we had much higher graduation rates when this kind of classes were offered back in my high school days. (The Dark Ages, I know.)

A failure rate of this magnitude is simply unacceptable.
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The Confabulator is having a contest of sorts:

I have an Acer laptop that is just a little over 18 months old and I just haven’t use it that much, as I was limited in what I could do with editing my home videos using MovieMaker, it just didn’t satisfy my wants. So I have moved over to using a MackBook and am divorcing all my Windows pcs.

I thought about selling it and getting some of money back and the I said what the heck I will just give it to some one who really needs a computer. This decision to give it to a total stranger after considering the various options such as to a senior citizen, a military program, schools etc., I thought that it would be put to a better use in someones home, who just could not swing the money to but a laptop.

Of course with any as the saying goes “There ain’t no free lunch“, so there are some requirements to be the recipient of this laptop.

Get cracking!
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Best Oscar dress? Anne Hathaway, hands down.
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Quick! Hold her down while I go grab my make-up kit and curling iron!
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Origami gone wrong.
Leslie

Drive-Bys

Another genius destined to be a future Darwin Award winner.
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What's your weird food craving?

The Princess Mom favors peanut butter, mayo and lettuce on toast.

The Divine Miss Marilyn goes for Flamin' Hot Cheetos. And cookies -- sugar cookies, almond cookies, just about any kind of cookies there are. (These people clearly have neither seen nor tested the Divine Miss Marilyn's mutant taste buds.)

I go for cream cheese and green olives on rye or spaghetti sauce heated and liberally lashed with parmesan cheeze, no pasta, please, when those odd food cravings hit.
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Quote of the Day:
Gandulf goes all hippie on us.
Who knew Kim du Toit was such a fashionista?
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Never let it be said I don't look out for my friends. Nancy's found a way to make a little pin money. Go here to buy her pretty stuff.
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The Friday Ark is up at the Modulator. Loads and loads of critter goodness.

Also don't forget:
Leslie

Drive-Bys



Huh?

(A tip of the cap to crankyprof.)
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Even more disturbing:


You are 10:02 a.m.

You are breakfasty, like a pile of pancakes on a Sunday morning that have just the right amount of syrup, so every bite is sweet perfection and not a soppy mess. You are a glass of orange juice that's cool, refreshing, and not overly pulpy. You are the time of day that's just right for turning the pages of a newspaper, flipping through channels, or clicking around online to get a sense of how the world changed during the night. You don't want to stumble sleepily through life, so you make a real effort to wake your brain up and get it thinking. You feel inspired to accomplish things (whether it's checking something off your to-do list or changing the world), but there's plenty of time for making things happen later in the day. First, pancakes.

I am not. (So there.)

(A tip of the cap to caltechgirl.)
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Future Darwin Award winners, no?
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This article
brings my pal Rosie to mind. I bet she'd agree with Mr. Katz's assessment of goat personalities!
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Why haven't we seen more about this in the news??? That's appalling!
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An interesting take on Clinton, Obama and McCain.
Leslie

Bus Fumes

Remember my little run-in with DHeLl? Well, the package was finally delivered today, one month and 25 days after it was picked up.

Here's my note to them today:
I received your invoice dated January 25, 2008 for Waybill No. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX with amazement, as the package, which I dropped in the DHL box at 1 North Wacker Drive, UBS Tower, Chicago, on December 24, 2007, had not yet been delivered, nor could it be tracked on your tracking system, as of the date of your invoice.

I have enclosed backups of my email correspondence with DHL, as well as correspondence with the intended recipient of the package.

In addition, I have had three separate telephone conversations with DHL’s customer service department during the month of January 2008, one of which lasted over an hour. All acknowledged that I had entered the package into your online shipping form. Not one person could find any indication that the package had ever been picked up.

Imagine my surprise then, that I should be billed for a package that was apparently lost in your system.

Imagine my even bigger surprise when I received notice this morning (see email and blog post attached) from the recipient, saying that the package had finally been delivered one month and 25 days after I had initially dropped the package off. I could have walked the package there faster.

I trust that this charge will be completely removed from our billing statement. If you have any questions, please call me at 312-XXX-XXXX.
Think hard before you use DHL, folks. And stay tuned to see if they drop the shipping charges for this package.
Leslie

A Glance in the Rear-View Mirror

So where was I this weekend?

Hanging with...

... the cool cats,...

... of course!
Did you miss Lincoln State Cat Club's 48th annual allbreed cat show? Then watch here for pictures. Lots and lots of pictures!
Leslie

Drive-Bys


It's not just Iowans who feel this way about winter, trust me.
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I saw this and giggled myself silly. Posted for Jay, just because!
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You Are 26% Evil



A bit of evil lurks in your heart, but you hide it well.


In some ways, you are the most dangerous kind of evil. [Damn straight, Skippy!]



(A tip of the cap to sourpuss!)
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You Are Fall!



Thoughtful

Expressive

Creative

Poetic

Smart



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Big Fat Lie of the Day:
Building Department spokesman Bill McCaffrey said McGann "is not being punished for sending that report out," nor is he being targeted for blowing the whistle on alleged wrongdoing.
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Finally, an Agony Auntie after my own heart. Sell it, sister!
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Bwahhhhhhhhahahahahaha!
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I'm adding this book to my birthday wish list. Fascinating!
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Quote of the Day:
Candidates for change? Please. What the world needs now is a guy like Fred Rogers.
This is exactly why I heart Erica.
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The tricky part was finding a dinner with more than one man signed up.
True dat.
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Leslie

Rubber-Necking




So.... Valentine's Day. Not my favorite holiday, but I hope yours is wonderful.

Why not my favorite holiday?
  • The way I figure it, if you are not in a loving, romantic, generous relationship 364 other days out of the year, one single day can't possibly make up for that lack.
  • It's a manufactured holiday that we've given far too much emphasis.
  • It sets you up for false expectations.
  • It scares the willies out of some people, causing them to break up a relationship that was great in every other way.
  • I'd rather have an unexpected mixed bouquet of flowers any day of the year than red roses on Valentine's Day.
  • Zales. Jared. The Jewelry Exchange.
  • Valentine's junk that ends up in the trash or in the Goodwill pile.
  • Really bad poetry.
  • Forced romance just isn't romantic.
If you're lucky enough to be in a wonderful relationship, I salute you.

If you and I are friends, you already know I love you.
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Speaking of diamonds, I agree 100% with Rachel.

Gad. When did I finally rip off the rose-colored glasses?
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Not only do I agree with Dr. Helen, I also agree with Kim du Toit.
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Finally, I agree with how this condo going non-smoking was handled.

It was by consensus between the residents of the building and it grandfathered in current residents who are smokers.

It wasn't rammed down the throats of the residents by an outside group that had no equity in the building/business.

The Apocalypse really must be upon us.
Leslie

Drive-Bys

If yesterday's bacon recipe was just to wrong for words, The Bacon Show gets it right today. Quick, easy, yummy!
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Future Darwin Award winners here and here.
The thief, who also left a lit blow torch at the scene, is expected to be badly charred, spiky haired and not exactly the brightest bulb in the socket.
Try not to giggle.
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If you're anywhere but the Midwest right now, consider yourself lucky.

The only good thing I can say about the weather lately is that we had sunshine all day today. Huzzah!
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Know any returned or returning Gulf War vets looking for work in the Chicago area? If so, send 'em here:
Vets, get hired

Talk about coincidences. I was writing up Dutch's story when I got a call from Sam Raines, the vet for whom I found a job last year.

"I'm still working at Weatherguard Construction," he said. "I want to say thanks, and, we had such great success, we were wondering if we could get some more guys."

Marshall Boyle, senior field supervisor, praised the former Marine.

"He's been a real blessing,'' he said. "All I'm focused on right now is finding people, placing them in jobs and getting them trained."

I said I'd print his phone number.

"I will return all calls and hopefully we can help more vets," Boyle promised.

So now the ball is in your court. Weatherguard is the biggest restoration contractor in Northern Illinois and accredited by the Better Business Bureau. They're hiring company representatives -- basically people who find and work with customers who are having new roofs and siding installed.

"No experience is required," Boyle said. "They just have to come to work and put time in and follow their training and they'll do fine."

You can call Boyle at (630) 688-2778.

That's real class.
Leslie

Drive-Bys

Quote of the Day (this one's for Elisson):
That being said, lots of people cannot resist the allure of the Q-tip.
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Which of the presidential candidates would YOU rather have a beer with?
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I love bacon as well as the next person but, as my buddy Yabu would say, this shit just ain't right.
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Who will be the next First Pet?
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Saw this and thought of V-Man immediately.
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How bad is the weather around here? Don't plan on going Greyhound, that's for sure! (And, yes -- I do keep one of these in my little corner of the office.)
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Leslie

Drive-Bys

Three swiped from Christine because they amused me:

You Are 56% Pure

You're usually the typical girl or guy next door...

But you also have a secret naughty side!


Your Love Number is 6

Who you fall in love with is all about who you trust.

Loyalty is important to you, and you want the most faithful of lovers.

In return, you never let your heart or eyes wander.

Open and honest, your relationships tend to be free of secrets.


Your Power Bird is an Owl

You are beyond wise. You are so smart, you're almost prophetic.

Your inner voice always speaks the truth, and you take the time to listen to it.

You are good at seeing who people are... including the darkness of others. As a result, you tend to have a rather dark - yet realistic - outlook on life.

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This sounds like a wonderful program. I've read of similar programs in men's prisons. The recidivisim rates are incredible, and they're contributing in a very positive way to the community.

More, please!
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Illinois bits and bobs:
  • It's no fun hearing our fair state that is one of only eight that allows this. It's a barbaric practice that needs to end right now.
  • Here's an interesting proposition that would force Illinois' Electoral College to follow the popular vote. I'm guessing downstaters won't like it, but I think it has a lot of merit. Discuss among yourselves in the comments, please!
  • I kid you not, it's been bitterly cold here. Rumor has it we'll be back in the 60's and 70's by next week. Is it any wonder that everyone around me has been sick?
  • Not only has it been cold as hell, but it's been DARK, too! Yuck.
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Quote of the Day:
Imagine: various staid, elderly academics making like Poo Rocketeers, flying around like they had shit-powered jetpacks.
I just love a woman who can crap-blog with the big dogs!
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What are you going to believe? This? Or this?
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This cool, brand new blog mixes pop culture with lessons in personal finance. Check it out.
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I'm doomed to failure. What's a guy or gal to do? (And keep that in mind if you're feeding your child diet soda or any sweets made with Splenda.)
Leslie

Drive-Bys

What would Steve H. Graham make of this? Pig Brother, indeed.
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Yeah, yeah, yeah. You'd be bitching about the weather too, if you had to deal with this and this. Yuck.
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I'm speechless.
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I'll see your global warming and raise you a global cooling! (And from where I'm sitting in Chicago, I'd rather bet on the latter!)
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Andrew McCarthy
is blogging Making Lipstick Jungle. It's a really fun read, whether you're a fan or not.
Leslie

Rubber-Necking

I forgot to mention that I was abducted by aliens last Friday night.

I went out in front of my regular Friday night hangout with my friend Dana for a smoke. It looked like half the bar was out there, despite the fact that it was snowing and quite windy. Dana turned towards the building to shield her lighter from the wind.

That's when I saw them.

"Pliss, kenju halp mee? Esscuuuuuzzzz! Pliss, kenju halp?"

Oddly, no one else seemed to notice them. Chicago is funny that way, though. Very few people actually acknowledge a panhandler, so I can understand, sort of, how these two could slide under most Chicagoans' radar.

Still... two guys in black sunglasses after twilight, carrying white canes with red tips -- how do you miss them?

I approached the odd-looking duo and asked what they needed.

"Pliss, wee iz go to Oh-Gil-Bee Tranzportayshn Senner. How to go from heerz?"

I explained that it wasn't far, and asked where they were from.

"Pay-ru. Joo no where is Pay-ru?"

I made the first mistake. "Si. It's in South America on the Pacific coast."

"Oh! Joo spick dee Spanitch?"

Oh, boy. Now I was stuck trying to give directions in a mish-mosh of English and Spanish to a couple of blind guys from Peru.

Let me ask you something. Have you ever tried to give directions to a person standing directly in front of you without gesturing with your hands? Especially when the destination is a block or less away?

It's nearly impossible to stop yourself.

And you feel pretty damned stupid when you realize what you're doing.

Anyhow, the next thing I knew, one of them grabbed my right elbow and the other one slung his right arm around my waist and gripped my left elbow with his left hand. Next thing I knew I was leading them down the block while they chattered away merrily.

I led them to the light at the corner I explained that they simply needed to cross the street, make a right and that the next building was Ogilvy Transportation Center.

They were perplexed.

The light turned red.

I turned them to the right, explained that they should cross the street, make a left when the light changed, and the first building was Ogilvy.

They were more perplexed.

That light turned red.

I turned them left again and led them across the street. We turned to the right and waited for the light to turn green. I was going to send them on their way, but I knew they'd be lost in 30 seconds... right in front of Ogilvy, probably. Off we went.

Good little citizen, I grabbed the first gullible looking person I saw heading for Ogilvy's revolving door, explained that my new pals needed help getting to the correct train, exchanged enthusiastic goodbyes, including much kissing of cheeks and hands, and headed back across the street.

Yes, I was ready for a drink by then.

Dana was waiting for me, much put out by my disappearance. "Where have you been? I turned around and you were just gone."

I couldn't help myself, really. "I was abducted by aliens."

"No, really."

"Yes, really. Blind. Peruvian. Aliens. And I am so blogging this."
Leslie

Drive-Bys

While we haven't gotten nearly the fearsome amount of snow that was predicted, it's still pretty damned yucky outside. And we're in for more of the same. Oh, joy.
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Dr. Helen asks,
Why do today’s men run from commitment — indefinitely delaying settling down in a marriage they take seriously, and having kids?
Why shouldn't they run from commitment?

Women working towards their own career goals are also delaying settling down and having kids. Women are also taking responsibility for their own fertility, and an increasing number are turning to adoption or insemination if they're ready for children and don't have a man around who is.

And then there's the whole culture of hook-ups and friends with benefits. The old adage about the cow and the milk is true; and it's as true for women as it is for men.

Finally, we have become a culture of instant gratification. If we don't get exactly what we want, when we want it, then it's on to something else. It feels like everything is disposable, including relationships.

I know women are in a far better place educationally and financially than they were in the past, but in getting there so fast, we've taken our eye off the ball when it comes to "family" values.
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The Crankyprof reminds me that it's Chinese New Year.

I always knew I was born in the year of the Dog, but I didn't know I was an Earth Dog (scroll all the way down):
Trustworthiness and dependability make Earth Dogs great leaders. Grounded in reality, their sense of fairness enables Earth Dogs to be supportive of others. They are confident and inspire confidence in others.
Cool beans.
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I snagged this interesting meme from Hammer:

10 signs a book has been written by me
  1. The acknowledgements are longer than the first chapter.
  2. It's written in a "women's" genre, but guys will find it interesting, too.
  3. The female protagonist is over the age of 30 and doesn't act like a stupid teenager.
  4. There will be humor, and lots of it.
  5. I will leave you hanging at the end of each chapter, and you'll want to come back for more.
  6. Too many italicized sentences. So sue me.
  7. You'll find enough red herrings to make a satisfying meal.
  8. Characters and reputations may get hurt, but nobody dies.
  9. The setting will be somewhere or in a world I know a lot about.
  10. There will be at least one cat.

Tag. You're it.

Leslie

A Shout-Out to the Prayer Warriors

I'm responding to one request for prayer, and adding one of my own for Charlie's sake. You have no idea how much prayer really can help. Really.
Leslie

Drive-Bys

It's about time. I don't think we'll ever know the true numbers of dogs and cats that died because of this.
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Professor Althouse serves up one of the funniest headlines I've ever seen here. (And no wonder the guy in the photo looks so grumpy. That's surely not the way I'd want to be memorialized.)
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This skeeves me out on about sixteen different levels. Gee thanks, Julie.
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Dear, God. She hit the skeeve button twice in one day! Ack!
Leslie

Bus Fumes

What are you going to believe? This:
The Harvard School of Public Health study also showed there were no substantial differences in toxicity when key indicators were measured for fire-safe cigarettes and their conventional counterparts. The report states, "The majority of smoke toxic compounds (14) tested were not different between New York and Massachusetts brands. Five compounds were slightly higher in New York brands. There is no evidence that these increases affect the already highly toxic nature of cigarette smoke." The research found the majority of toxic compounds were no different between the smoke of the New York and Massachusetts brands that were tested. Five compounds were slightly higher, but no evidence exists that the small increases affect the already highly toxic nature of cigarette smoke. In addition, The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC), which developed the New York State lower ignition strength cigarette regulation, consulted with the New York State Department of Health to consider whether cigarettes manufactured in accordance with the regulation may reasonably result in increased health risks to consumers. The Department of Health advised that cigarettes complying with the fire safety standards set forth in the regulation were not expected to significantly change the inherently high risks associated with cigarette smoking. (This determination was based upon the existing information available on banded cigarettes, the only technology known to OFPC at that time that could feasibly meet the performance standard).
... or this:
Hi kay;
I think in my research I may have found out what's up with those cigarettes. They use an adhesive called ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion based adhesive. At least that it what one of the pattents for reduced ignition propensity cigarettes said was required. I looked up the chemical. It is the same adhesive used for glueing the backing on carpeting. It has shown to cause tumors in mice, but it is not know what it does to humans. Also, I read the metals such as aluminum are used to help keep the cigarette burning where the speed bumps aren't, or something like that. At any rate that explains the metal taste that I am left with. I think there is far more to this. I don't think they care at all about the 700-1000 lives that will be saved, or so they say will be saved. Also, the testing done did not prove conclusively that fsc would not ignite and start fires. What bothers me most is that the only testing done on these cigarettes was in relations to it fire safety. No tests were done as to the health risks created by the changing of the cigarettes. I also am very suspicious as to how they snuck this on us. We hardly heard anything at all about this till it went in to law. Another weird thing is that back in 2004-2005 I used to buy Marlboro's from an indian reservation in NY, they were cheaper. I noticed that the cigarettes went out, however, they did not have the smell, taste or affect that these FSC have now. I know now that the pilot test was done in NY. Everything in the passing of the FSC law was based on what happened in NY. But I can tell you, that the cigarettes in the pilot test in New York are NOT the same as the one's they are pawning off on us now. They changed them. I think we are being experimented on, against our knowledge and will, just as they did medical experiments on prisoners and children in the foster care system. No one cared about them to make a stink and now no one cares about the smoker because we have been made out to be evil bad people who are hated by the general populace. Anyway, as you can see, I am really pissed off about this whole thing. I wish there were something we can do. People are going to get very sick and some are going to die from these cigs. Anyway, gotta go to work. Thanks for Emailing me back. Nance
????
Leslie

Rubber-Necking

My BlogDaddy caused me an acute case of mental whiplash with this post.

Holy crap!

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse must be heading our direction in one hell of a hurry...
Leslie

Drive-Bys



Finally, an aerobic workout even I could do...

(A tip of the cap to Pretty On The Outside.)
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Wonderful. Just wonderful. And another 3-6" tomorrow. Blech.
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Well, this is really cool and encouraging news. It won't make the greenies happy. But it's still cool news.
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If you drive in Chicago, you need to know this:
Last month, the city's Department of Revenue kicked off a $1.5 million program that features 26 roving vans equipped with AutoVu, a camera-based system that officials said allow boot crews to cross-check license plates nine times faster than when they used the old, manual method.

AutoVu is actually much faster than that, according to Alain Cote, executive vice president of Genetec Inc., the Canadian company from which Chicago bought the devices.
Pay your parking tickets, okay?
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On the tobacco front, I recently emailed R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company to ask about the chemical content of the new FSC cigarettes. Here's their response:
PID: 000303003
NAME: RESPONSE, EMAIL

RESTRICTED: This e-mail is intended for the addressee only and should not be forwarded. The following information is being provided to you based on your e-mail to R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.


Thanks for your email letting us know about your concern with our product.

Your state recently passed a law requiring that all cigarettes be fire standard compliant. To meet these standards, we have changed the cigarette paper used in manufacturing our cigarettes.

There are bands at selected intervals on the cigarette paper that are somewhat heavier than the rest of the paper. These bands slow down the burn rate and increase the likelihood that the cigarette will go out when it is lying on the filter paper. Although these cigarettes meet the standards established, they should be handled with the same care and attention as any other cigarette.

We hope this information is helpful and appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concern.

Ann
Customer Care Team
Sorry about that forwarding thing, Ann.

While I'm happy that they actually responded, I'm still not convinced it's just the texture of the paper. Anybody else?
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Never underestimate the woo-woo cuckoos. It must be something in the water...
Leslie

Drive-Bys


Which of the Seven Deadly Sins Are You?





Sloth -- All you ever think about is comfort, don't you?
Take this quiz!








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(A tip of the cap to Dr. Helen.)
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ENFP - "Journalist". Uncanny sense of the motivations of others. Life is an exciting drama. 8.1% of total population.
Free Jung Word Choice Test (similar to MBTI)
personality tests by similarminds.com

(A tip of the cap to Patti, who recently celebrated a big anniversary!)
Leslie

Drive-Bys

Your Celebrity Boob Twin:

Lucy Lawless

All right!
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One quick reminder -- mark your calendar for the Lincoln State Cat Show, okay?
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The weather outside is frightful. I'm outta here. Happy weekend, all!
Leslie