I interrupt this bad mood to bring some good news
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the ADA in the Tennessee vs. Lane case, to everyone's surprise. Did you read about this? The guy, George Lane, has to crawl up the steps of a Tennessee courthouse because they didn't comply with ADA. Easter Seals was very involved in this case, and Beverly Jones was our Adult Spokesperson for awhile there. People weren't extremely hopeful over the outcome during the hearing, but it paid off.
Monday, May 17, 2004
Cranky? I am!
I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. I felt lazy and prickly and didn't want to come to work, but wouldn't have wanted to stay home, and wouldn't have wanted to do anything else either...except maybe sit around with my arms crossed, shooting people dirty looks. Now THAT I can do anywhere. I know, I know: you'll have to get in line to hang out with me tonight. I have to confess, sometimes it's fun to be this grumpy as we're all entitled to a black cloud over us every once in awhile.
My mom and I are heading to Austin this Friday for Robin's graduation, and are making a long weekend of it. I am quite thrilled at the prospect of a little vacation. Honestly, the last time I had a real day off was when we went to New Haven in January to visit Christie. That's been over three months, which is pretty brutal for me. Because I am a princess.
And as if the day couldn't get any sexier, all I have to snack on are prunes, and I am going to town on them, which I'm sure will be regrettable in the near future. That is wise planning, my friends.
I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. I felt lazy and prickly and didn't want to come to work, but wouldn't have wanted to stay home, and wouldn't have wanted to do anything else either...except maybe sit around with my arms crossed, shooting people dirty looks. Now THAT I can do anywhere. I know, I know: you'll have to get in line to hang out with me tonight. I have to confess, sometimes it's fun to be this grumpy as we're all entitled to a black cloud over us every once in awhile.
My mom and I are heading to Austin this Friday for Robin's graduation, and are making a long weekend of it. I am quite thrilled at the prospect of a little vacation. Honestly, the last time I had a real day off was when we went to New Haven in January to visit Christie. That's been over three months, which is pretty brutal for me. Because I am a princess.
And as if the day couldn't get any sexier, all I have to snack on are prunes, and I am going to town on them, which I'm sure will be regrettable in the near future. That is wise planning, my friends.
Friday, May 14, 2004
Bastard
Anne and I watched Survivor, AMERICA'S TRIBAL COUNCIL last night, and it was totally lame (well, lamer than you would even expect). I was sad to see Rupert, the self-important lug, win the million. Anne described him as a "crazy bear baby" (is that right?) when he bared his teeth into a self-satisfied grin, which cracked me up, though.
Anne and I watched Survivor, AMERICA'S TRIBAL COUNCIL last night, and it was totally lame (well, lamer than you would even expect). I was sad to see Rupert, the self-important lug, win the million. Anne described him as a "crazy bear baby" (is that right?) when he bared his teeth into a self-satisfied grin, which cracked me up, though.
Oh, If that's the case, okay then.
All right, so I was reading the Washington Post this morning on my way to work, and was flipping through the Metro section. Deep in its bowels (like that imagery? Yummy, right?) there was a story following the case of this Maryland teenager who murdered his friend by putting cyanide in his vanilla Coke. I couldn't even find the link to the article, but then again, I only skimmed.
Anyway, the story is pretty tragic--this lonesome, screwed up kid murdered his childhood friend because he was jealous, and felt neglected, and apparently also had quite a thing for his friend's girl. The article details the screwed up kid's rationale for the murder, though, which is morbidly entertaining:
Rarely during the interrogation did Furlough [screwed up kid] mention Caroline Smith, Vassiliev's girlfriend. Furlough declared his love for her the year before the poisoning, and prosecutors have offered that as a motive for the slaying. Furlough instead focused on Vassiliev's failure to give him gifts. Furlough said he took his friends' birthdays seriously, spending never less than $15 and usually about $20 on their gifts. But Vassiliev did not reciprocate.
....One one occasion, Vassiliev gave him a Japanese cookbook. Furlough, however, recognized it as having come from a bookshelf in Vassiliev's home. "It wasn't even wrapped," he said. "He just didn't care."
Well, if you put it that way, then I can see your point!
All right, so I was reading the Washington Post this morning on my way to work, and was flipping through the Metro section. Deep in its bowels (like that imagery? Yummy, right?) there was a story following the case of this Maryland teenager who murdered his friend by putting cyanide in his vanilla Coke. I couldn't even find the link to the article, but then again, I only skimmed.
Anyway, the story is pretty tragic--this lonesome, screwed up kid murdered his childhood friend because he was jealous, and felt neglected, and apparently also had quite a thing for his friend's girl. The article details the screwed up kid's rationale for the murder, though, which is morbidly entertaining:
Rarely during the interrogation did Furlough [screwed up kid] mention Caroline Smith, Vassiliev's girlfriend. Furlough declared his love for her the year before the poisoning, and prosecutors have offered that as a motive for the slaying. Furlough instead focused on Vassiliev's failure to give him gifts. Furlough said he took his friends' birthdays seriously, spending never less than $15 and usually about $20 on their gifts. But Vassiliev did not reciprocate.
....One one occasion, Vassiliev gave him a Japanese cookbook. Furlough, however, recognized it as having come from a bookshelf in Vassiliev's home. "It wasn't even wrapped," he said. "He just didn't care."
Well, if you put it that way, then I can see your point!
Thursday, May 13, 2004
It's a sad week
Bandit, the world's heaviest raccoon, died on Saturday. Bandit's weight topped 75 pounds at one point. The Baltimore Sun has a story about his passing (that includes photos!)
My favorite part of this article:
Tim Pitts, owner of Ice Cream World, recalls watching Bandit sit in Klitsch's sport utility vehicle, holding a cup of blue raspberry Slush with his paws and drinking it through a straw.
''He was a good customer,'' said Pitts.
Pitts said he was surprised to learn Monday of Bandit's death, having sold a birthday cake for the raccoon just days earlier.
The most poignant part of the article:
Klitsch said Bandit was put down by a vet who came to her house Saturday, the day after Bandit's birthday party. She laid Bandit to rest beneath a maple tree in her yard. He was buried wearing her favorite T-shirt, the one featuring the monster truck Grave Digger.
Bandit, the world's heaviest raccoon, died on Saturday. Bandit's weight topped 75 pounds at one point. The Baltimore Sun has a story about his passing (that includes photos!)
My favorite part of this article:
Tim Pitts, owner of Ice Cream World, recalls watching Bandit sit in Klitsch's sport utility vehicle, holding a cup of blue raspberry Slush with his paws and drinking it through a straw.
''He was a good customer,'' said Pitts.
Pitts said he was surprised to learn Monday of Bandit's death, having sold a birthday cake for the raccoon just days earlier.
The most poignant part of the article:
Klitsch said Bandit was put down by a vet who came to her house Saturday, the day after Bandit's birthday party. She laid Bandit to rest beneath a maple tree in her yard. He was buried wearing her favorite T-shirt, the one featuring the monster truck Grave Digger.
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Best News that I've Heard All Day
UPN is going to air the first season of America's Next Top Model this June! Hooray!
UPN is going to air the first season of America's Next Top Model this June! Hooray!
Smearing Tactics
Here's is a lengthy, interesting article in the Atlantic Monthly all about how the parties work to smear one another during campaigns. They also mention a BBC documentary about this topic and the 2000 election that never aired here but I would love to watch.
Here's is a lengthy, interesting article in the Atlantic Monthly all about how the parties work to smear one another during campaigns. They also mention a BBC documentary about this topic and the 2000 election that never aired here but I would love to watch.
You don't say?
Yesterday, I went to lunch with some people in my office, including the two highest-up individuals, both men in their late 50s or 60s. Conversation was the kind you'd expect at a work meal when the only thing many of the people have in common is that they get paychecks from the same organization. I'm not sure how it came up, but at one point, one of the VP-types asked the table if people still used the term "going steady" [as an aside, I totally think that term is underused]. I opined that people my age used the terms "dating" or "seeing someone" now to connote a relationship.
Then two of the women at the table (one of them an avid church-goer) looked at eachother and both threw out "Knocking boots! That's what people say now." I looked at them immediately to see if they were joking, but I couldn't tell if they were or not. The best part is that both of these older, grandfatherly men repeated "knocking boots, knocking boots..." to themselves, mulling it over and trying out the phrase. They never were informed that the term refered specifically to the act of intercourse. God forbid that they use that term sometime in a public setting.
Yesterday, I went to lunch with some people in my office, including the two highest-up individuals, both men in their late 50s or 60s. Conversation was the kind you'd expect at a work meal when the only thing many of the people have in common is that they get paychecks from the same organization. I'm not sure how it came up, but at one point, one of the VP-types asked the table if people still used the term "going steady" [as an aside, I totally think that term is underused]. I opined that people my age used the terms "dating" or "seeing someone" now to connote a relationship.
Then two of the women at the table (one of them an avid church-goer) looked at eachother and both threw out "Knocking boots! That's what people say now." I looked at them immediately to see if they were joking, but I couldn't tell if they were or not. The best part is that both of these older, grandfatherly men repeated "knocking boots, knocking boots..." to themselves, mulling it over and trying out the phrase. They never were informed that the term refered specifically to the act of intercourse. God forbid that they use that term sometime in a public setting.
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
Kristin is a very rare male name.
Did you know that:
Kristin is the #214 female name?
Or that
0.099% of females in the US are named Kristin?
Find out your own name statistics here.
Did you know that:
Kristin is the #214 female name?
Or that
0.099% of females in the US are named Kristin?
Find out your own name statistics here.
Monday, May 10, 2004
OOOh
Blogger's updated it so that their web site is pretty fancy right now. I like.
It was indeed a lovely weekend, what with the sunshine, the picnics, and the flawless weather. Mother's day was nice as well, despite the tough leather meat that I made. It was so tough that my parents had to masticate their meals and Erik wisely stayed away. Now I'm back at work again...how did that happen so quickly?
Blogger's updated it so that their web site is pretty fancy right now. I like.
It was indeed a lovely weekend, what with the sunshine, the picnics, and the flawless weather. Mother's day was nice as well, despite the tough leather meat that I made. It was so tough that my parents had to masticate their meals and Erik wisely stayed away. Now I'm back at work again...how did that happen so quickly?
FOUND Magazine
Annie and I went to see the FOUND Magazine tour at Politics & Prose this past Saturday. We were expecting it to be swamped with people, but overestimated the popularity of the magazine since we got there at 5:30 and the reading area was empty for their show at 6. We installed ourselves in the front row, bought the new book, and waited breathlessly. The show was great. Davy Rothbart, who created the magazine, was this outrageously personable young fellow who was dressed in mad hip hop gear, sporting some crazy fake bling (my favorite was the big, metal peace sign that was *taped up*). He read aloud and told the stories of some of the Found items from the book, and then his brother came up and sang a couple of numbers based on some of the items (the best was a sweet folk number called "The Booty Don't Stop").
Annie and I stayed around after to talk to Davy and have him sign our books, and I totally degenerated into a silent, wide-eyed puddle of nerves when he started talking to us...you know, really emanating with coolness. I'm proud to say that Davy signed my book with the message: Kristin, It's grass roots leaders like you that make a difference! Love, Davy. Matt was all, "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" when I showed it to him, but I'm telling you, it's very meaningful. Believe. Anyway, this is all to say that FOUND is doing a 50 state tour over the next year or so, and I highly recommend trying to catch up with them if you can. Plus, the book is awesome.
Annie and I went to see the FOUND Magazine tour at Politics & Prose this past Saturday. We were expecting it to be swamped with people, but overestimated the popularity of the magazine since we got there at 5:30 and the reading area was empty for their show at 6. We installed ourselves in the front row, bought the new book, and waited breathlessly. The show was great. Davy Rothbart, who created the magazine, was this outrageously personable young fellow who was dressed in mad hip hop gear, sporting some crazy fake bling (my favorite was the big, metal peace sign that was *taped up*). He read aloud and told the stories of some of the Found items from the book, and then his brother came up and sang a couple of numbers based on some of the items (the best was a sweet folk number called "The Booty Don't Stop").
Annie and I stayed around after to talk to Davy and have him sign our books, and I totally degenerated into a silent, wide-eyed puddle of nerves when he started talking to us...you know, really emanating with coolness. I'm proud to say that Davy signed my book with the message: Kristin, It's grass roots leaders like you that make a difference! Love, Davy. Matt was all, "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" when I showed it to him, but I'm telling you, it's very meaningful. Believe. Anyway, this is all to say that FOUND is doing a 50 state tour over the next year or so, and I highly recommend trying to catch up with them if you can. Plus, the book is awesome.
Friday, May 07, 2004
Apparently I'm a gay man, according to Amazon.com. Over the years, I've purchased from them a few books from well-known gay men (David Sedaris, Stephen Macauley, and I'm blanking on others), and Amazon thinks that must mean that I am indeed a gay man who may or may not be thoughtful about his sexual life. What is amazing to me, is that these were all fairly main-stream authors, so it's not as if I was buying books on the very cutting edge of gay sub-culture. I mean, they made a movie with Jennifer Aniston out of one of Macauley's books for God's sakes. Regardless, every few months or so, Amazon sends me recommendations, or my "personal picks" ("Based on your past purchases, we think that you would enjoy...").
Today, it was Ultimate Gay Sex, by Michael Ford Thomas. "More to Explore" is SEXBOMB! by Lalli X and Bruno Gmunder Verlag.
Today, it was Ultimate Gay Sex, by Michael Ford Thomas. "More to Explore" is SEXBOMB! by Lalli X and Bruno Gmunder Verlag.
Thursday, May 06, 2004
Sad Stuff
Today is my work friend, Don's, last day here in the office. He's joining the Peace Corps and going to Armenia in a month! This creates major waves in our office since he's the jack-of-all-trades here, everyone's sounding board, and has been here for eleven years so knows the ropes. Don showed me his language book that they sent him with key Armenian phrases such as, "I would like to drink some beer." Awesome. In an hour we're going to celebrate with some cake (yay) and I know several people are going to have to work hard to fight back their tears.
A couple of months ago, I suggested to Don that he find a Russian bride. I had watched a Discovery Channel "documentary" on the topic the night before and after that, considered myself an expert. Apparently, there are many hot Russian brides to be found. Once Don told me that he was setting off for Armenia, we looked at eachother and both burst out with: "Russian bride!" He'll be all the closer to Russia so he can check out his options. I told Don that if he gets married over there, I want to be invited and stand as his Best (wo)Man, since I was the one who planted the original seed for this possibility. Remember that, Don!
Today is my work friend, Don's, last day here in the office. He's joining the Peace Corps and going to Armenia in a month! This creates major waves in our office since he's the jack-of-all-trades here, everyone's sounding board, and has been here for eleven years so knows the ropes. Don showed me his language book that they sent him with key Armenian phrases such as, "I would like to drink some beer." Awesome. In an hour we're going to celebrate with some cake (yay) and I know several people are going to have to work hard to fight back their tears.
A couple of months ago, I suggested to Don that he find a Russian bride. I had watched a Discovery Channel "documentary" on the topic the night before and after that, considered myself an expert. Apparently, there are many hot Russian brides to be found. Once Don told me that he was setting off for Armenia, we looked at eachother and both burst out with: "Russian bride!" He'll be all the closer to Russia so he can check out his options. I told Don that if he gets married over there, I want to be invited and stand as his Best (wo)Man, since I was the one who planted the original seed for this possibility. Remember that, Don!
Wednesday, May 05, 2004
Want to be a successful politician?
Then you've got to be able to bring the funny, according to The Atlantic Monthly. Hey, I want my own personal comedy writer as well.
Then you've got to be able to bring the funny, according to The Atlantic Monthly. Hey, I want my own personal comedy writer as well.
Tuesday, May 04, 2004
To Noone's Surprise...
...I spent my morning at the dentist's office. I know: shocker. I actually went to get molded for a mouth (mouf) guard and then I have another appointment to pick up my new guard in a couple of weeks. I imagine it to be like one of those sports mouth guards. Sexy! I also gave the dentist another $200, you know, because I just felt like he should have it.
Don at work (who only has three days left here!) wrote this:
They need to add your name to their sign. "Patient of the year" or something. If you go back next year and the dentist is driving a new BMW with license plates "THX KRSTN" you'll know why.
I love that.
...I spent my morning at the dentist's office. I know: shocker. I actually went to get molded for a mouth (mouf) guard and then I have another appointment to pick up my new guard in a couple of weeks. I imagine it to be like one of those sports mouth guards. Sexy! I also gave the dentist another $200, you know, because I just felt like he should have it.
Don at work (who only has three days left here!) wrote this:
They need to add your name to their sign. "Patient of the year" or something. If you go back next year and the dentist is driving a new BMW with license plates "THX KRSTN" you'll know why.
I love that.
Monday, May 03, 2004
I love Derek Kirk
I linked to one of his online graphic tales, Small Stories, before, but I was perusing his site and found the great little stories, "My Sistine Chapel" or the fabulous "The Sound."
I linked to one of his online graphic tales, Small Stories, before, but I was perusing his site and found the great little stories, "My Sistine Chapel" or the fabulous "The Sound."
Freaking and Geeking
This weekend was spent putting in a lot QT with my new Freaks and Geeks dvd set. The show...is amazing. I can't say much more. Plus, the dvd set is truly a valentine to the fans, as it's chock full of commentaries and deleted scenes. If you like the show, run out and purchase it. If you're short of funds, you can borrow mine, but just make sure that you return it.
This weekend was spent putting in a lot QT with my new Freaks and Geeks dvd set. The show...is amazing. I can't say much more. Plus, the dvd set is truly a valentine to the fans, as it's chock full of commentaries and deleted scenes. If you like the show, run out and purchase it. If you're short of funds, you can borrow mine, but just make sure that you return it.
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