Hurricane Gustav headed to Katrina zone.

"Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour said Hurricane Katrina victims living in government-issued trailers or mobile homes along his state's coast will begin evacuating this weekend. "

How many years ago was Katrina? Three? Maybe the Hurricane is trying to tell you something. It's saying, "STOP MOOCHING!"

Michael Phelps' early start

Horrible woman on Craigslist.

Yesterday, Paulding County Animal Shelter posted that a Blue Doberman named "Zane" was available for adoption. A woman then posted an ad that said Zane had attacked she and her daughter, and how she had to be rushed to the hospital and now "Paulding County is trying to re-adopt them out."

I didn't believe her. I had seen Zane on Craigslist awhile back for adoption.

The woman then posts pictures of her "bite" on her next ad and came up with this elaborate story about her attack. I did a search for "vicious dog bites," and lo and behold, the psycho woman stole a picture from the New Zealand Medical Journal on fatal dog attacks. That's right. She stole the picture and said it was her bite wound.

This poor dog will probably not be adopted or euthanized because of this woman. I keep posting a rebuttal ad informing others that the pictures are fake. I hope nothing happens to this dog.

What is WRONG with people???

Oh my!

Someone's comment on a website:

"idk about her changiin till mii iitsz all an act 4 t.v..2 mii shesz still the lil spOiled brat..idk about changin in a week but then again anythin can happen..."

I almost couldn't understand what this person was saying.

"I don't know about her changing until ??? It's all an act for television. ??? She's still the little spoiled brat...I don't know about changing in a week, but then again, anything can happen."

Oh dear Lord I wish there was a reality show on eloquence and grammar.

AMAZING PETS!

It's about 8:40 pm on Wednesday, and I happened to come upon a pet show with amazing dogs. The dogs had to do various things and had to show the judges that their dogs trusted them. Dogs ran up a 2 story platform, across a 12-inch beam 2-stories above the ground, and finally, the owner did a zip line down, their dogs had to stay. Then...the dog stood on the edge of a 2-story platform and had to "jump off" on his own zip line and to its owner. The ENTIRE time the owners and DOGS were safety harnessed. Only two or three dogs jumped off the platform and did a zip line to their owners. It was cute...but funny at the same time.

Damn those dogs trust their owners.

A girls' lunch out with Jugs' Mee-ma

Jugs invited me to lunch with she and her Mee-ma today. Mee-ma is at an assisted living center around the corner (Alzheimer's) so once a month, Jugs goes over to give her a vitamin shot. We arrive, and I smile as we walk into the center. The center is set up like a town. Each "hall way" has a "porch" complete with an "outside" seating area. Each resident lives in one of the "houses," and each "house" has its own kitchen and living room as well. The hallways are set up like streets almost. The cafeteria is called the "Vinings Café" instead of the cold-worded "Cafeteria." Mee-ma was "out" socializing in one of the other houses' living rooms when we went to get her.

A spry peppy woman, Mee-ma was great. I told her that her vitamins would make her peppy as she patted Jug's ass and said, "oh I LIKE being peppy!"

We took her out to the U.S. Café to get a burger and a Coke, and I learned real quick where Jugs' sense of humor comes from *grin*.

It was a good lunch, complete with serenading songs from "42nd Street" (movie....IMDB it).

Feel-Good Post of the Day

Penpals wed at ages 85, 96: Couple fell in love through letters

WINDSOR, Conn. -- An elderly couple joined together in holy matrimony on Tuesday at a nursing home in front of family and friends.

Thelma Symonds, a native of Australia, was married for 60 years before moving to Kimberley Hall in Windsor after her first husband past away.

Today, the 85-year-old became Thelma Christofferson. Her new husband, Chauncey Christofferson, is a 96-year-old minister.

The two met after Thelma wrote an article to a military magazine about her late husband.
Chauncey responded, and the two said they fell in love through letters.

“We actually fell in love the old-fashioned way,” Chauncey said. “(We wrote) for seven months until I finally came to meet her. I knew who to look for, her room number. I walked right into her room, unannounced.”

Last year, they decided to get married.

“I dont' feel nervous at all,” Thelma said. “I just feel plain excited. We've talked about it a lot, but never quite got around to doing it.”

Not until now, anyway.

Because only my closest friends would understand...

I'm so excited I could throw up!

The Governor doesn't need expensive sunglasses...

From a friend of mine, James:

So I had to go out to Winder, GA yesterday for a HS softball game. It was raining all fucking day, and was raining on the way, and was raining when I got there....51 miles away for a 5 o'clock game.

Policy is that we go and stay until the game administrator cancels the game. So at like 3:30, when I was 10 miles away and sitting in traffic, I got the cancel call. All is not lost, I figure, because I passed Bass Pro Shops on the way out...I can stop on the way back!

I really need new sunglasses, since I have broken 2 pairs in the last 3 days. I am a oaf. So I start looking at the cheapie glasses, because I am broke, and this guy walks up, puts a pair on, and says "Well, what do you think of these?"

I look at him for like a second or two, and say "Well, Governor Perdue, I like those a lot. I think you should buy them." The Governor of GA and me were shopping for Cheap Sunglasses.

Holy Ghost(busters)

(click to enlarge)

Better Luck Next Time.

I had to get a new phone anyways as with my former phone (while it had survived drops, kicks, river water and such) I could barely hear people speak to me. I have to "thank" the person who posted my cell number publically online though on Craigslist. Really it took an approximate 10 seconds to get a new cell number and have that one canceled.

I opted for a Nokia something or another. I told the salesperson I was looking for a phone that wouldn't crap out during texting and a phone that I could hear people better when they spoke. I told her it also needed to be durable with normal menu options. Voila. My Nokia :) (It is also a music player, though I won't be using it as such).

Because my mother freaks out if I talk and drive, I got a Bluetooth earpiece as well. Yes, now I can talk to myself and really make people wonder. So I've entered into "Borg"dom :) I called mom and dad as a test call to try it out. I like it a lot.

Now I have a new camera (that kicks ass), a new cell phone (and new cell phone number), and a Bluetooth earpiece. Oh, something else cool about this phone...it has a stealth mode that hides my number and information from all callers :)

I also know who the person is that posted my number on Craigslist, and I also know that they are a reader of this blog. Keep in mind the information that you have given to me via our "exchanges" in e-mails and phone calls.

Have a nice day.

D40 Pics Pt. 2

D40 Test Pictures

Okay, here are the first test shots with my D40. Even George got into the festivities!

CHEESE: Updated

I had been researching DSLRs for awhile now, and I settled on a good "starter" DSLR: A Nikon D40. I walked into Wal-Mart, went to the camera department, and there weren't any D40s left in the case. I slightly freaked out and asked the salesperson who smiled and went to the back. He came back with the camera, judged that I had done my research and helped me pick out a quality SD Memory Card and Bag for my camera. He said I had made a good choice and that he started with a D40 as well. He proceeded to show me a picture of his camera...on his cell phone - lol.

I got home, and like a kid with a new toy, I set up my camera. Because my battery has to be charged, I could only play with the zoom and focus manually, and I am all sorts of giddy.

I was reading over some of the settings, and I will learn how to take various photos (especially close up) so that when we go to Chattanooga tomorrow, I'll at least LOOK like I know what I'm doing.

I can't wait to take up close shots at the Butterfly House and a variety of other up close shots (the touch tank) and also random spots around Chattanooga: Walnut Street Bridge, the Trail of Tears trail, etc.

So anyone considering a "starter" DSLR, I would recommend the Nikon D40 (I will upload random pictures that I take in my room tonight so you can see quality).

Chatty.

Well tomorrow is the Southern Brewers' Festival in Chatty. I'm not necessarily going up there for the festival. I'm going up with my friend, Stephen, to snap some pictures and to show him the sights (he's never been). I'll post them on my Facebook and link to the pictures here.

I'll also have a beer for Jugs who can't come and try any others I possibly can.

I can't wait to try the Nikon in the Butterfly House or the beautifully colored sting rays and frogs (of course).

Pictures from Vaughn

Two random pictures I "stole" from my coworker when he went to Europe for work:

Outside of a pub in Dublin, Ireland:
Outside of a Copenhagen Station:

Growing up Retter

Friend's (Paul Bernichon) Search and Rescue K-9 "Retter"

The day that his daddy picked him out and brought him home:

One day, this little pup would fill this harness proudly:

And look at him now! Retter all handsome on a photoshoot for a calendar.

Where else can you find Retter?

http://www.heartstargsd.com/album.htm

http://www.gsdbydesign.com/versatile_Jan.htm

http://www.centralgeorgiak9sar.com/members.html

CHEESE!

After some decision making, I've decided to get a Nikon DSLR (Digital Camera). I love photography and taking pictures, and while this will still be a pretty hefty camera, it takes exquisite pictures and is a good starter DSLR.

My current digital camera is merely a hand-me-down, and sure, I'll keep it as a back up, but be prepared to see kickass pictures from the new guy.

More non-Spencerific Beer

No, Morgenstern, you're right, Fat Tire isn't on the east, but everyone I mention it to sing praises of it.

Tonight:

Flying Dog Old Scratch
Some crappy Hefeweissen
Highland Cattail Wheat

Will write more later...little buzzed right now.

Non-Spencerific Crafted Beers

The past month or so, I've become a beer snob. I've moved on past the Spencer's Gifts beer (beer that is Americanized and popular enough to warrant paraphernalia to be sold at Spencer's) and into more "crafted" seasonal beers (in no particular order):

Leinenkugel Sunset Wheat: This Leinenkugel officially has me addicted to Leinens in general. I haven't had the "Berry Weiss" as I'm a little wary of trying any beer with the word "Berry" in it. The Sunset Wheat has a blueberry almost Fruity Pebbles taste to it. I'm sure it'd be good served with a slice of citrus to accentuate that.

Leinenkugel Summer Shandy: I had Summer Shandy last night. Just when I thought Leinen couldn't get any better for a light summer brew, here comes Summer Shandy: a crisp beer with a hint of (not overpowering) Lemonade in it as well. It was a good complement to steaks...and pork....and portabello mushrooms....and mushrooms and onions....and salad (except for PB 'cause he doesn't eat salad!)

Tommyknocker Jack Whacker: Jack Whacker was suggested by the waitress (Jamie) at Taco Mac. I had the Sunset Wheat and wanted to move onto something else. Of course, the name sounded naughty, and it had my nickname (Jack) in it, so why wouldn't I try it? Though, not as good as Sunset Wheat, it was a slightly heavier, not as fruity wheat beer as Sunset Wheat. It was still good, and, of course, I had to peel the label of a jackass kicking a miner :)

Who knows what beer comes up next? I'll make sure to update them.

K.'s Mom

Thank you for those of you offering the warm wishes for K.'s (brother's fiancée) mom. We are hoping it is just what the doctors originally thought it to be....a benign mass. She will start seeing a lung specialist for further testing. Those of you that know me personally, I will keep you posted on her progress.

To the posers, the "haters," and the persons that are selfish, I am sorry that you feel the need to degrade others, and I hope that one day you can move on from that and grow up, or you will never be happy.

From Jugs (a conversation with her cousin):

Jugs: How are YOU doing?

Cousin: Ah, as good as someone with 5 hours of sleep who awoke to a toddler who insisted on talking NONSTOP all morning. Aidan is driving me batty! He talks to hear himself I think. This morning, he was saying, “Mommy!” over and over again and I was trying to ignore (after 2 hours of entertaining it!) and finally I said, “WHAT?!”. Well he looks at me, smiles and says “I BLINKED!”

Thanks for the newsflash kid. I’m sure it will happen several million more times today. He kills me!

Poison Dart Frogs

We use bright and unique colors to warn people of dangers of various products, items, etc.
We get this idea from nature.
Poison Dart Frogs come in a variety of colors and patterns from vivid blue to stunning orange, and predators know "uh oh - stay away." Sure they hide, but think about it from an animal's standpoint - "I think I will eat that bright blue frog." I don't think so.

Why am I telling you all this? Because I've decided to keep Poison Dart Frogs. Don't freak out. I'm not going to kill anyone because Poison Dart Frogs lose their toxicity when in captivity. Their diets change, and we try to imitate what they eat in the wild.

Keeping poison dart frogs is kind of like keeping a miniature rainforest in your house. The humidity level has to be pretty high, and the temperature should be kept around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. You use LIVE plants in REAL soil, and voila. You have your very own tropical eco-system.

I figure I will start "small." You can keep one adult frog per 5-gallons (rule of thumb) so I figure I'd opt for 20 gallons - 3-4 frogs. PDFs (Poison Dart Frogs) do not have webbed feet either so you shouldn't keep a lot of water in their tank as they could drown.

Stay tuned for updates, etc. I am trying to find a reputable poison dart person here in Georgia or the surrounding states.

Surprises.

My parents arrived safely; thank you to those who asked about their trip.

My mom brought my brother and I surprises today. We received our inheritance checks from Nan and Pop, and my mom took me aside and handed me a blue velvet box. When I opened it, it was a stunning sapphire and diamond cocktail ring. It is absolutely stunning, and this picture doesn't do it justice. It holds a special spot in my heart as it was Nan's and sapphires are my birthstones:

Dog / Cat Rules

Normally, I thumb my nose at forwards, but a choice few actually get reposted. (Thanks, PoolBoy)

To be posted VERY LOW on the refrigerator door - pet nose height:

Dear Dogs and Cats:

The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years --canine or feline attendance is not required.

The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough!

To pacify you, my dear pets, I have posted the following message on our front door:

To All Non-Pet Owners Who Visit & Like to Complain About Our Pets:

1. They live here. You don't.
2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'niture.
3. I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
4. To you, they are an animal. To me, he/she is an adopted son/daughter who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly.

Remember - Dogs and cats are better than kids because they:
1. Eat less
2. Don't ask for money all the time
3 Are easier to train
4. Normally come when called
5. Never ask to drive the car
6. Don't hang out with drug-using friends
7. Don't smoke or drink
8. Don't have to buy the latest fashions
9. Don't want to wear your clothes
10. Don't need a gazillion dollars for college, and..
11. If they get pregnant, you can sell their children.

The Pill Makes Women Choose Bad Mates

Thanks, Laura ;) Great...now because women have to "smell out their mate," we're gonna have smelly babies!

The Pill makes women pick bad mates
Ability to sniff out a compatible partner affected by taking contraceptives

By Jeanna Bryner (MSN - LiveScience)

Birth control pills could screw up a woman's ability to sniff out a compatible mate, a new study finds.

While several factors can send a woman swooning, including big brains and brawn, body odor can be critical in the final decision, the researchers say. That's because beneath a woman's flowery fragrance or a guy's musk the body sends out aromatic molecules that indicate genetic compatibility.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are involved in immune response and other functions, and the best mates are those that have different MHC smells than you. The new study reveals, however, that when women are on the pill they prefer guys with matching MHC odors.

MHC genes churn out substances that tell the body whether a cell is a native or an invader. When individuals with different MHC genes mate, their offspring's immune systems can recognize a broader range of foreign cells, making them more fit.

Past studies have suggested couples with dissimilar MHC genes are more satisfied and more likely to be faithful to a mate. And the opposite is also true with matchng-MHC couples showing less satisfaction and more wandering eyes.

"Not only could MHC-similarity in couples lead to fertility problems," said lead researcher Stewart Craig Roberts, an evolutionary psychologist at the University of Newcastle in England, "but it could ultimately lead to the breakdown of relationships when women stop using the contraceptive pill, as odor perception plays a significant role in maintaining attraction to partners."

Grandma's Boy.

This has got to be my favorite part of the whole movie:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RsMseGBDl4

Unfortunately, I'd love to embed this; however, having difficulties saving the embed code.

Sept 20th : Waterways Clean-Up

Just a reminder:

Hard Core Biking will be participating in this as well.

On September 20th, The Ocean Conservancy will sponsor Coastal Cleanup. For those of us who live in GA, there are local efforts at lakes, rivers, and streams.

Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup is the world’s largest volunteer event of its kind. Last year, 378,000 volunteers from 76 countries and 45 states cleared six million pounds of trash from oceans and waterways and recorded every piece of trash collected.

Sign Up Now! I sent a message to the volunteer coordinator saying a group of us would be doing this together.

http://www.oceanconservancy.org/site/PageServer?pagename=press_icc

I could so rock this!

Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008Scientists Closer to Invisibility Cloak(WASHINGTON)—Scientists say they are a step closer to developing materials that could render people and objects invisible.

Researchers have demonstrated for the first time they were able to cloak three-dimensional objects using artificially engineered materials that redirect light around the objects. Previously, they only have been able to cloak very thin two-dimensional objects. The findings, by scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, led by Xiang Zhang, are to be released later this week in the journals Nature and Science. The new work moves scientists a step closer to hiding people and objects from visible light, which could have broad applications, including military ones.

People can see objects because they scatter the light that strikes them, reflecting some of it back to the eye. Cloaking uses materials, known as metamaterials, to deflect radar, light or other waves around an object, like water flowing around a smooth rock in a stream. Metamaterials are mixtures of metal and circuit board materials such as ceramic, Teflon or fiber composite.

They are designed to bend visible light in a way that ordinary materials don't. Scientists are trying to use them to bend light around objects so they don't create reflections or shadows. It differs from stealth technology, which does not make an aircraft invisible but reduces the cross-section available to radar, making it hard to track.

The research was funded in part by the U.S. Army Research Office and the National Science Foundation's Nano-Scale Science and Engineering Center

History.

Some history for those of you that don't know this.

I went and picked up this dog for a former friend off Craigslist. He wanted a German Shepherd. He ended up keeping her OUTside 24/7. A few weeks later, I went and checked on her, and this is what I found (this was 3 years ago):

I got a collar out of my car, slipped it around her neck and stole her and her two puppies and took her to my friends (the one above holding the dog in the picture). I never had contact with that person (the one that starved her) again.

We spent some weeks getting her better. After FEEDING her and getting her better (she had a flea allergy), this is what she ended up looking like:

It takes time and money to own an animal and to rehabilitate an animal. If you can't afford to do so, give it up to someone who can instead of doing this or complaining to everyone else about how much money you need and how poor you are.

R.I.P. Isaac Hayes

Aug. 11 -- Soul legend Isaac Hayes, who won Grammy and Academy awards for the theme to the 1971 film ``Shaft'' and voiced the character ``Chef'' in the hit comedy series ``South Park,'' died yesterday in Memphis, Tennessee. He was 65.

Family members found Hayes laying unconscious next to a running treadmill in his basement around 1 p.m. local time, said Steve Shular, a spokesman for the Shelby County Sheriff's Office in a telephone interview. Hayes was pronounced dead at Baptist East Hospital. No autopsy is planned, Shular said.

Jack's white house and stuff.

Our interior of the house is white.

It's not white from paint, and it's not symbolically white. We put a partial wall up in the theatre, sheetrocked it, mudded it, and had a guy working with us sanding it. Unfortunately, no one took my suggestion of hanging sheets of plastic in the stair area or anything, and so the ENTIRE house is white: a thin layer of sheetrock dust.

Everywhere. Now those of you that know the house know that we have dark hardwood floors- you can see everyone's footprints (and paw prints). Now we have to paint and trim the wall and clean the whole house before this Friday as that's when the parents are coming up to visit.

I was biking today on the Silver Comet, and started getting a headache. That was 10 hours ago. I still have it :-\

English teachers rock!

HCB: Silver Comet Trail - party of 5.

I just got back from biking the Silvet Comet Trail again. This time, Shane and Kim rented bikes, and Bobbie's husband, Jim came biking, too. We started at the Silver Comet Depot in Mableton and turned right, crossing over Floyd Road heading towards the beginning of the trail. We biked four miles to the start of the trail, and we took a little break.

Bobbie spotted a handsome fawn Great Dane that was there with his "parents." Of course, Bobbie, Jim, and I went over to say Hello to the big guy. The owner said, "he'll just slobber on you." That was fine. I was used to that. What a handsome guy - carrying his own pooper scooper bags in a capsule around his neck.

When we had enough, we biked back to the Depot, and Shane and Kim turned in their bikes. 8 miles down. We had a nice lady take a group shot of the five of us before Shane and Kim left.

Bobbie, Jim, and I all wanted to continue biking so we biked 4.6 miles down to Wildhorse Trail and then turned around and came back.

We saw something neat: a wasp take down and fight a cicada! It was right at one of the crossroads so we watched in semi-awe, semi-horror.

It was a great day for biking! Shane and Kim decided they want to bike more and hope to get over that awkward, "I haven't biked in 20 years" phase as well. Jim, on the other hand, he doesn't count. Mister jumping over small humps on the trail.

Shane and Kim: 8 miles
Bobbie, Jim, and I: 17.2 miles

True Toxic Relationships: "Of Human Bondage"

Almost anyone that knows me (in "real" life) knows that I love old movies. I have a painting of Audrey Hepburn in my bedroom. I own Philadelphia Story, Maltese Falcon, and various other older movies.

One of my favorite movies is from 1934 and is called "Of Human Bondage" starring Leslie Howard and Bette Davis. It is wonderful. People think that "toxic relationships" is a new-age thing, but it's not. The movie is about mild-mannered Philip Carey (Howard) who tries his hand at painting and discovers, well...he sucks. He is told to "place his name elsewhere" where club-footed Carey goes to medical school. Along his way, he meets a waitress named Mildred Rogers (Davis) who latches onto him because she knows she can use him.

Because Carey has a club foot, he has a rather low self-esteem, and she knows she can manipulate him and walk all over him to get what she wants. Carey moves on from her and becomes a success at being a doctor. She, on the other hand, doesn't have such a good future.

The movie progresses, and Rogers is still latched onto Carey until the very end trying to get what she wants, using her charms, and manipulating him.

The classic case of a "toxic relationship," and here it is...literally...in black and white.

September 20th: Coastal Cleanup

Hard Core Biking will be participating in this as well.

On September 20th, The Ocean Conservancy will sponsor Coastal Cleanup. For those of us who live in GA, there are local efforts at lakes, rivers, and streams.

Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup is the world’s largest volunteer event of its kind. Last year, 378,000 volunteers from 76 countries and 45 states cleared six million pounds of trash from oceans and waterways and recorded every piece of trash collected.

Sign Up Now! I sent a message to the volunteer coordinator saying a group of us would be doing this together.

http://www.oceanconservancy.org/site/PageServer?pagename=press_icc

R.I.P. : Bernie Mac

Actor, comedian, and exasperated dad dies at 50

Bernie Mac blended style, authority and a touch of self-aware bluster to make audiences laugh as well as connect with him. For Mac, who died Saturday at age 50, it was a winning mix, delivering him from a poor childhood to stardom as a standup comedian, in films including the casino heist caper "Ocean's Eleven" and his acclaimed sitcom "The Bernie Mac Show."

Though his comedy drew on tough experiences as a black man, he had mainstream appeal — befitting inspiration he found in a wide range of humorists: Harpo Marx as well as Moms Mabley; squeaky-clean Red Skelton, but also the raw Redd Foxx.

Mac died Saturday morning from complications due to pneumonia in a Chicago area hospital, his publicist, Danica Smith, said in a statement from Los Angeles. She said no other details were available.

"The world just got a little less funny," said "Oceans" co-star George Clooney.
Don Cheadle, another member of the "Oceans" gang, concurred: "This is a very sad day for many of us who knew and loved Bernie. He brought so much joy to so many. He will be missed, but heaven just got funnier."

"This is a very sad day for many of us who knew and loved Bernie," said Don Cheadle, a member of the "Oceans" gang. "He brought so much joy to so many. He will be missed but heaven just got funnier."

Mac suffered from sarcoidosis, an inflammatory lung disease that produces tiny lumps of cells in the body's organs, but had said the condition went into remission in 2005. He recently was hospitalized and treated for pneumonia, which his publicist said was not related to the disease.

Awe.

I am in awe of the 2008 Olympics opening ceremonies. It had to have been the BEST opening ceremony I have ever seen. The technology, the finesse, the preciseness of the movements was absolutely beautiful. If you didn't catch the opening ceremonies, you certainly missed a spectacular display: moving printing blocks, 2008 drummers, just amazing.

One of the best images was the printing blocks that created the Great Wall "coming down" and plum flowers sprouting up in its place showing "open-ness." Guess what? The moving printing blocks were computerized. It was all people, and it was amazing. I can't even put words to it. If I can find a video of it on YouTube, I will post it.

Tears almost came to my eyes when thousands of Chinese donned in illuminated suits formed a white dove. When masses of the people moved, it created wings soaring through the air. Absolutely stunning. It's amazing to think of the precision of all of the people that make the opening ceremonies possible. It simply is breathtaking.

They also had 2008 Tai Chi masters that were wonderful and so precise but fluid at the same time. I got chills.

I kind of wish I had recorded it.

Stupid things Bob Costas said:

"I must remind you that the Central African Republic is...a Republic in Central Africa."

"Benin probably won't win any medals, but they did win one race: they were the first in the Olympic village." (that's a great consolation prize, thank you, Bob.)

My celebrity crushes.

Laura and I were talking on my drive home from work today coming up with a list of our various celebrity crushes. So here are mine - what are some of yours?

1. Older actor: Hugh Laurie, Gabriel Byrne

2. Chef: Gordon Ramsey 3. Younger actor: Gerard Butler 4. Action actor: Jason Statham 5. Female actress (if I swung that way): Monica Belluci 6. Irish actor: Stuart Townsend 7. Music: Sting 8. Athlete: Artur Boruc

9. Acting pair: Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus

10. Large Man/ Athlete turned actor: Vinnie Jones

11. Actor Crush of YesterYear: Leslie Howard (plane shot down in WWII)

I'm so excited...

I'm so excited...(and unlike Jessica Spano - I am not so....scared!)

http://www.southernbrewersfestival.com/

$13 advance
$15 at the gate

THANK YOU, JUGS (AKA MEGAN) FOR GETTING ME BUTTERSNAPS PRETZELS SO I DON'T WITHER AWAY AND DIE FROM STARVATION TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks, Deaglan

To brighten up your day!

Best Irish joke for a long time !

Paddy had been drinking at his local Dublin pub all day and most of the night celebrating St Patrick's Day. Mick, the bartender says, " You'll not be drinking anymore tonight Paddy. Paddy replies, "OK Mick, I'll be on my way then."

Paddy spins around on his stool and steps off. He falls flat on his face. "Shoite" he says and pulls himself up by the stool and dusts himself off. He takes a step towards the door and falls flat on his face, "Shoite, Shoite!"

He looks to the doorway and thinks to himself that if he can just get to the door and some fresh air he'll be fine. He belly crawls to the door and shimmies up to the door frame. He sticks his head outside and takes a deep breath of fresh air, feels much better and takes a step out onto the sidewalk and falls flat on his face. "Bi'Jesus... I'm fockin' focked," he says.

He can see his house just a few doors down, and crawls to the door, hauls himself up the door frame, opens the door and shimmies inside. He takes a look up the stairs and says "No fockin' way". He crawls up the stairs to his bedroom door and says "I can make it to the bed."

He takes a step into the room and falls flat on his face. He says "Fock it" and falls into bed. The next morning, his wife, Jess, comes into the room carrying a cup of coffee and says, "Get up Paddy. Did you have a bit to drink last night?".

Paddy says, "I did Jess. I was fockin' pissed. But how'd you know?"

"Mick phoned ........you left your wheelchair at the pub!"

Hitting the big leagues.

I have always enjoyed biking. It wasn't until recently that I picked it up again, and here I am...addicted. Not only am I addicted, but I'm getting others addicted, too and meeting REAL cycling friends that are helping me along.



May I present............

HARD CORE BIKING

That's right: a biking group. A friendly group of people biking for pleasure and biking together competitively: Road and Mountain. There are no dues. It's all free. It's a way to bike safely on various trails and in events together where some people might need a ride or help hauling their bike.

Chris (thank you dahling) is designing a professional logo for the group which, of course, will make its way to CafePress.

Really?

Who cares?

Cute but sad story

I made bold the portion I like :)

"Sea lion makes self at home on family sailboat"

No one wants to be stuck with a large, uninvited visitor. Especially a sea lion that makes itself at home on a family sailboat -- twice.

Lynnea Flarry and her family were picnicking Sunday on Clark Island when her daughter-in-law spotted a sea lion aboard the family's 31-foot boat. The animal had apparently taken advantage of a ladder on the stern of the boat.

Flarry's son and grandchildren took a dingy out to the boat to try to coax the animal back into the water.

When they got close, the sea lion hid "behind the lifesaver like a little kid who hides behind a curtain and doesn't realize his toes are sticking out," Flarry said.

Flarry's granddaughter stayed aboard, taking photo after photo of the sea lion swimming in circles around the boat.

"She was so busy snapping pictures she forgot to bring the ladder up," Flarry said.
The sea lion climbed back onto the boat, and the family returned to evict the animal once again.

Marine mammal rescuers said the animal is likely suffering from the poisoning effects of a toxin found in algae.

Such unusual behavior is a red flag for domoic acid poisoning, said Amy Traxler, coordinator at the San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network in Friday Harbor.

Domoic acid is a neurotoxin that occurs naturally in algae. Marine mammals affected by the toxin can display erratic, aggressive behavior and often become disoriented, said Mieke Eerkens, spokeswoman for Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California.

Maybe I'm not seeing the problem here?

1) I've never been to China.
2) I have read that the air pollution is horrific.
3) I have seen enough travel shows of Beijing and Hong Kong and any major city around China to literally SEE the air pollution haze above the city.

So what's so wrong with highly-trained, tip-top shape athletes wearing masks to filter the air pollution?

U.S. cyclists apologize for wearing masks at upon arrival in Beijing

BEIJING (AP) -- A group of American cyclists are apologizing to Beijing Olympic organizers after arriving in China's capital wearing face masks.
Jim Scherr, the U.S. Olympic Committee's chief executive officer says the athletes regret their actions and have written an apology to BOCOG on their own behalf."

Full Story: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/olympics/2008/08/06/cyclists.masks.ap/index.html?cnn=yes

Oooo Baby, Mop my floors.

It should be noted that when my fling and I flung...he never mentioned any of this to me.

I was recently shocked by a former fling of mine who asked if I had "introduced anybody recently to... 'the Lifestyle.'" Me, oblivious, asked what he was talking about. He said, "you're so cute!" I asked again. He said, "You know....swinging?" I thought, and I asked this person why would I introduce anyone to swinging when I'm not a swinger and never have been? He came up with the response that since I worked at the nudist resort, it lead him to believe I was partaking in the swinging. (Clothing optional does not equal sex-fest)

Fling: "That's too bad 'cause I'm having a housewarming, and there's a cute submissive blonde that's going to be there."

Me: "I don't swing that way....at all....and any facet of a person's personality that is submissive annoys me."

Fling: "I just thought you'd have fun ordering her around."

Me: (gross)

(Read the following completely as it reads - aka - ZERO sex, arousal, whatever - lol)

Then I got talking to Jugs, and I said, "damn, I should have thought of this." This is how my conversation would go with the blonde in question:

"Iron my clothes."
"Do my laundry."
"Pay my bills."
"Sweep and mop my floors. No no.....not in the nude....fully clothed, please."
(unenthusiastic) "Oh yes.....woo.....hoo.....uh huh."
"Pay for my groceries."
"Cook my dinner...no.....fully clothed...again, please."
"Get a boyfriend."

Maybe I could have had fun....or, at least, my chores would get done, and my bills would be paid.

Friends on the Greenway

I biked the Greenway today. I parked at Haynes Bridge, and as I was assembling my bike, a few drops of rain started to fall - then some more - until I was caught in a brisk rain shower by the time I started biking. I was alone this time.

I came from the Haynes Bridge parking lot and turned right, biked up to the start of the trail and turned around and began biking.

Sure there aren't many people on the trail during the week, and I prefer it that way, but there are, by far, more people that smile, wave, say hello, say thank you, and brief chats when you're biking even when you're steadily biking about 14 mph, and they whiz past at 19 or so. I saw the same road bikers four times (they were lapping me with their $3000 bikes) who all smiled and said a breathy, "hi" as I biked past. I just smiled and nodded back at them.

When I came back from Webb Bridge, I stopped at the YMCA camp that was just letting kids out/get picked up. There was an adorable old man in his hat, shirt, and pants, walking a senior citizen German Wirehaired Pointer (think German Shorthaired Pointer with a scruff coat and a beard). I smiled at the man and his dog ("Charlie"), and the old man winked at me, said hi, and nodded as I complimented him on his German Wirehaired Pointer. I really am that much of a dog nerd, and he was shocked I knew "Charlie's" breed. Charlie was 16 years old and still alive and kicking.

I turned around and biked past Charlie and Clarence and continued on my way. I got caught behind two women as I made my approach back across from Rock Mill. They were hogging the crest by the cross-walk and weren't too pleased when I pulled up beside them (dear Lord, was my deodorant wearing off?) Whatever. I crossed the street and continued on my way back to my car.

All in all, it was a nice ride. I wish the Greenway was closer to me though.

Chilly Willy (my bike) didn't give me ANY brake issues (as in disengaging and re-engaging my brakes) and was a perfect little bike save shifting into 4th from 5th giving me fits.

I used to ride 2-3. Now I ride 2-5 or 2-6 on my bike :)

FYI

Yellow Lamborghini

Sometimes...a girl's just gotta bike.

Barring no rain today, I'll be hitting the Greenway in Alpharetta again after work. It's pretty rockin' that we have an air compressor here at work (and home) so I can make sure Chilly Willy's tires are ready to go.

I should be taking more advantage of my ability to fit Chilly Willy in the trunk of my car (trunk with back seats folded down). The goal of the ride today is, "how fast can I complete one loop of the Greenway?"

When I get incredibly excited about something...I throw up.

I feel like I'm going to throw up. (That's a good thing)

Shelby Verbs.

I got bored.

I typed "Shelby (insert verb here)" into google, and here were the results:

"Shelby loves .....her cage."

"Shelby hates ....Tickle Me Elmo."

"Shelby laughs.....a lot."

"Shelby beats....the heat."

"Shelby runs....past the boys."

"Shelby swims....and chases her toy."

"Shelby bakes...wonderful brownies for the volunteers."

"Shelby shoots....a .50 cal Desert Eagle."

Cyanide and Happiness: Irony.

Ironic...and only two people know why.

XKCD Randomness.

To: Morgenstern.

EVERYONE knows where we're going Labor Day (and I do mean everyone) except you :)
It's great.

K2 Claims Victims with help of Avalanche

My thoughts are with the families of the (now) eleven climbers reported dead due to an Avalanche on K-2 (the world's 2nd tallest mountain).

Grisly Greyhound Bus Incident Update

Police tapes refer to murderer as "Badger" in their communications. One part of the communications state that "Badger is armed with knife and scissors" and then that "Badger is in the front of the bus defiling the body as we speak." The police tape goes on to say that "Badger is now at the back of the bus hacking off pieces and eating it." (It being the body).

The report goes further on saying that the killer was a "model employee" - quiet and friendly, etc.

Disgusting.

Bobbie and Me and the Greenway

We opted to bike the Greenway today, Sunday, starting around 10a.m. Already by that time, it was more humid than our bike last weekend. We had no want of pushing ourselves any harder than an enjoyable bike ride on a new trail. I had started the Greenway a couple of times, but for some reason or another, never got to finish it - which was disheartening.

By the time I get to the Greenway and wait for Bobbie, sweat was pouring off my face. The good thing was wham bam the front tire was back on my bike, brakes popped right back in place-voila. Bobbie arrived shortly before 10 a.m., and we were on our way.

I had told Bobbie that the Greenway had more curves and fun hills and bridges than Silver Comet did. I also warned her of a long hill over to Rock Mill Park that she was looking forward to. We had a blast. It was shady, and the breeze on the path was great. We liked the curves, the hills, the bridges. It made the ride fun. "Holy crap" was said at the hill before crossing over to Rock Mill. We joked about our 21 mile ride where we savored every downhill ride and rode it out until we could hear the click-click-click go to click............click.............click on our bikes wherein Bobbie exclaimed, "this is the slowest speed I have ever gone downhill." There was none of that this weekend.

One thing we noticed on the Greenway different from Silver Comet is that more people cared about their dogs on the Greenway than the Silver Comet Trail. We went past a couple with two dogs. One dog was senior sheltie that the owners had in a pull-behind wagon, and a water bottle and blanket in for him, and they were giving him a ride.

We got up to the "end" of the trail, and we also stopped at the YMCA park just down from Webb Bridge for a mini picnic of, what else? Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches and a quick [cat scratch] game of Tic-Tac-Toe on the playground. After filling up my water bottle, off we go again - back to our cars.

Pedaling along, Bobbie got to use her bell a time or two to move people out of the way. A tiny little "ding," and the seas parted...so to speak. We giggled going up over bridges, we even stopped to take some pictures (of course), and we spoke of Rugby. Save a couple of times where our stride had to break due to inconsiderate bikers or walkers (walking 4 across), things were good.

Let's see, I almost wiped out once. I had to hit the brakes....hard when some little kid and his dad decided to just STOP in the middle of the trail (*insert grumbling face here*)...I had to cruise behind two girls speed walking due to traffic and unfortunately heard their conversation which was along the lines of, "he loves it when I do that to him"...I saw a happy little beagle, and I noticed that some people were friendly, but for the most part, they were in their own little worlds: much different from the Silver Comet people.

I am sure pictures will be posted soon. Next Sunday is "Silver Comet Starter Day," as Bobbie and I have named it. Me, Bobbie, Bobbie's husband, Shane, and Kim will all bike from the Depot to a turn-around spot and back: having a picnic at our turn-around spot.

I'm putting money off to the side each paycheck to buy the seat I want for my bike...well I thought I was, but I think I'm just going to start putting money aside (or use my next bonus) to get a new upgraded bike and new seat :)

Builder Shane and Builder Shelby

Here's what we've been doing today: making two wall sections to divide the theatre area better:

And another step:

And yes, Jugs, Shane said you are more than welcome to come watch the Penn State games.

The Ideal.

Good Night, everyone :)

God Speed (Sweet Dreams) by Dixie Chicks

Dragon tales and the Water is Wide
Pirates sail and lost boys fly
Fish bite moonbeams every night
And I love you

Godspeed little man
Sweet Dreams little man
All my love will fly to you each night on angel's wings
Godspeed sweet dreams

The rocket racer's all tuckered out
Superman's in pajamas on the couch
Goodnight moon we'll find the mouse
And I love you

Godspeed little man
Sweet Dreams little man
My love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed Sweet Dreams

God bless mommy and matchbox cars
God bless Dad and thanks for the stars
God hears "amen" wherever we are
And I love you

Godspeed little man
Sweet Dreams little man
My love will fly to you each night on angels's wings
Godspeed
Godspeed
Godspeed Sweet Dreams

Greyhound Bus Decapitation

How many of you are following the news of the Greyhound Bus decapitation in Canada? (Giving you a chance to google it)


Apparently, passengers were riding a bus in Canada. "Tim" (victim) got off at one stop for a smoke and moved to the back of the bus where he fell asleep with his head resting on the window. "Vince" (suspect) shared the seat with him when all of a sudden, the passengers heard a blood-curdling scream. When they looked, "Vince" was repeatedly stabbing "Tim" like a robot with "no rage or emotion" (passenger quote). The driver stopped the bus, and the passengers exited.


A truck driver stopped to see what was going on when they saw "Vince" repeatedly stabbing "Tim." The truck driver gave the bus driver and some passengers crow bars, etc. to keep the man on the bus until the authorities got there. "Vince" went to the open door and told them, "I'm not done yet," taking a swipe at them with the knife and closing the door shut. "Vince" then went back and started decapitating "Tim."


The authorities arrived, subdued, and arrested the suspect. As of now, there are no links between "Tim" and "Vince." Neither one of them caused problems on the bus, etc. There is no clear motive for the brutal slaying and decapitation.


----------------------------

Creeps me out and gives an accurate definition for a cold-blooded killer.

"Within a Mile of Home" - Flogging Molly

One of my favorite songs. I blogged about it before, but I thought I would highlight the lines I like:

Dust falls on the empty halls of my old school
Where the memories fade like the casualty, a forgotten fool
Now wide-eyed has become the blind of spoken rule
As equal only deep is now the word
The lesson's not the answer you once heard

"Don't turn your back on me, don't ever let me down"
She said, "I picked you up each time before you hit the ground
Your selfish face is now erased when someone mentions you
And the darkness that you left is overstepped aside
Will disappear in clouds, the sun arrives
Within a mile of home, within a mile of home"

Oh worry, oh my worry has it been that long?
The whistle keeps on blowing but the chills all gone
His empty frame cannot explain, there's nothing left inside
So sing to me a song from yesterday
When laughter filled the tears that we now make

"Don't turn your back on me, don't ever let me down"
She said, "I picked you up each time before you hit the ground
Your selfish face is now erased when someone mentions you
If only you had seen what I now see
And turned the corner where you would of been
Within a mile of home, within a mile of home"

So sing to me, sing me a song, a song from yesterday
And when the laughter turned these tears before the promises, then they'll slip away
Don't turn your back on me, dont't turn your back on me, don't ever let me down
Don't turn your back on me, dont't turn your back on me, don't ever let me down
We are within a mile, we are within a mile, within a mile of home
We are within a mile, we are within a mile, within a mile of home
We are within a mile, we are within a mile, within a mile of home
We are within a mile, we are within a mile, within a mile of home