I had one of these as a pet once when I was a kid. Gorgeous creature.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Can I? Can I? Huh? Huh?
I so want to go to THIS. My favorite thing to do, and my favorite place to go, all wrapped up in one.
Avocado & Cheese Sandwiches
I stumbled upon a recipe for baked avocado and cheese sandwiches, but it had a couple of ingredients I wasn't fond of, so I've altered the recipe a little to suit my own tastes. Can I just say that I HEART AVOCADOES? Because I really, really do.
SPREAD:
2 T mayonnaise
1 T freshly grated Romano cheese
1 clove garlic, pressed
SANDWICH:
2 slices of artisan bread (I like to go to the little bakery a few blocks from my house and pick up some cheese bread or sunflower seed bread)
2 slices of fresh tomato
2 slices of smoked gouda cheese (or your favorite -- be creative)
2 quarter-inch slices of ripe avocado
Freshly-ground black pepper
Apply spread to bread, then assemble the sandwich with alternating slices of tomato, cheese and avocado. Sprinkle black pepper to taste, then put the top slice of bread on. Wrap the sandwich in foil and bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes. Enjoy!
SPREAD:
2 T mayonnaise
1 T freshly grated Romano cheese
1 clove garlic, pressed
SANDWICH:
2 slices of artisan bread (I like to go to the little bakery a few blocks from my house and pick up some cheese bread or sunflower seed bread)
2 slices of fresh tomato
2 slices of smoked gouda cheese (or your favorite -- be creative)
2 quarter-inch slices of ripe avocado
Freshly-ground black pepper
Apply spread to bread, then assemble the sandwich with alternating slices of tomato, cheese and avocado. Sprinkle black pepper to taste, then put the top slice of bread on. Wrap the sandwich in foil and bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes. Enjoy!
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
Just got home from Alice's neurology appointment. It seems that her EEG from last week showed no improvement whatsoever from the completely non-medicated EEG. They're going to pull out the "big guns" now and try her on another medication that has a chance of helping.
The problem is that they now suspect she has what's called "Lennox-Gastaut", which is one of the severest forms of epilepsy that a child can have. It doesn't look too great, to be honest. It's an intractable form, meaning that no medication seems to give any improvement in seizure control, and it can grow progressively worse over time. One web site said that up to 10% of LG kids don't live past eleven.
Alice is 9.
Hopefully this new med will achieve some happy results; it's not likely that she will ever be seizure-free, but we're hoping we can at least lessen the frequency and severity of them.
In the meantime, we pray and we wait. This new med is pretty hefty and requires a very slow introductory period. It will be eight weeks before her dosage will enough to even tell if it's having an effect.
She's such a sweet little kid, and so incredibly patient and accepting of all her issues. I'm quite sure I wouldn't be as pleasant.
The problem is that they now suspect she has what's called "Lennox-Gastaut", which is one of the severest forms of epilepsy that a child can have. It doesn't look too great, to be honest. It's an intractable form, meaning that no medication seems to give any improvement in seizure control, and it can grow progressively worse over time. One web site said that up to 10% of LG kids don't live past eleven.
Alice is 9.
Hopefully this new med will achieve some happy results; it's not likely that she will ever be seizure-free, but we're hoping we can at least lessen the frequency and severity of them.
In the meantime, we pray and we wait. This new med is pretty hefty and requires a very slow introductory period. It will be eight weeks before her dosage will enough to even tell if it's having an effect.
She's such a sweet little kid, and so incredibly patient and accepting of all her issues. I'm quite sure I wouldn't be as pleasant.
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Hello, my name is Kris, and I am genetically inferior.
(UPDATE: This is possibly a hoax; I certainly hope it is.)
(UPDATE 2: Yep. It's a hoax.)
According to some researchers, I am genetically inferior because I am overweight... therefore I should not be allowed to reproduce.
Think this is a lunatic fringe somewhere? Think again. It's guiding public health policy in San Francisco, California.
Curing Obesity through Sterility: California 's Controversial Program Under the Microscope
A few choice paragraphs:
Folks, I'm speechless.
So even if I might be an incredibly gifted artist and musician, the simple fact that I'm considered obese would disqualify me from having children? Because SOMEONE ELSE determines that my quality of life is low based on this one criterion?
This physician is sick, and the state of California is sick to have "established commitment to this way of thinking."
This blogger only hopes that the rest of the nation sees this as the horror that it truly is and tells Joseph Williams and his pals to go practice their gene-line-cleansing on themselves. It's a sad testimony to the culture of death and the devaluation of life here in the US and around the world that would engender such ways of thinking. The depravity displayed here astounds me.
(UPDATE 2: Yep. It's a hoax.)
According to some researchers, I am genetically inferior because I am overweight... therefore I should not be allowed to reproduce.
Think this is a lunatic fringe somewhere? Think again. It's guiding public health policy in San Francisco, California.
Curing Obesity through Sterility: California 's Controversial Program Under the Microscope
A few choice paragraphs:
Beginning last November, the city of San Francisco began a program whereupon clinically obese men between the ages of 18 and 55 could undergo a procedure whereupon approximately 1/2 an inch is removed from each vas and the ends are sealed - commonly referred to as a vasectomy - completely free of charge. The overwhelming turnout led the State of California to follow suit, and now California is the first state in the Union to offer state-funded vasectomies to men who have been diagnosed as obese.
Why would a state adopt such a controversial program? The basis is simple: vasectomy is a popular method of birth control (in 1983, figures showed that approximately 10 million men had been sterilized in the U.S. since 1969). By offering such a highly effective form of birth control freely to men who, by clinical diagnosis, have been deemed genetically inferior to the normalized median of homo sapien development, such a gene line would effectively be eliminated.
...
A major challenge for physicians when dealing with quality-of-life measures in subjects is that many patients with serious and persistent disabilities (such as obesity) report that they experience a good or excellent quality-of-life, when to external observers these individuals seem to have a diminished quality of life. Two articles examining this disability paradox [14] critique this paradox, and it has been established that often times, the physician involved must make a determination on their own as to the best interest of the subject. Thus far, the program has been purely voluntary, which means that people who undergo the procedure are doing so of their own free will and thus emphatically understand that they have a low quality of life. If we are to make this procedure mandatory, we must clearly draw the lines where physician judgment is concerned.
When establishing such a program, simple concerns still remain, such as the possibility that those undergoing vasectomy for reasons of obesity and gene-line cleansing might have preserved their fertility by depositing semen in sperm banks. Such semen samples are frozen in liquid nitrogen below -300°F (-185°F) and are considered to be viable for an indefinite period. However, there is considerable debate over the scientific and ethical aspects of sperm freezing, and the practice is still considered experimental. To truly cure the epidemic of obesity through this manner, the community at large would need to properly motivate our representative lobbyists in Washington to make such a practice illegal.
One potential solution to the permanence of sterility would be conjunctive reproductive analysis based on the physical condition of the subject. Efforts to overcome the irreversibility of vasectomy have also led to experimentation with the implantation of faucetlike devices that can be made to open or close the sperm duct in a simple operation. Such devices have functioned successfully in animals but are still considered experimental in humans because of their unproved reversibility, high cost, and the degree of surgical skill needed to implant them. Should sufficient strides be made in this field, it could be monumental in the motivational efforts of the medical community to bring clinically obese people to a sufficient level of fitness by rewarding such people with permission to procreate and switching on the control valves implanted in the subject.
So the question of whether or not sterility is valid and socially responsible solution to the obesity epidemic plaguing this country no longer remains. The physicians' job, as professor M. Sullivan from the University of Washington said, is "to focus on patients' lives rather than patients' bodies" [8]. It is paramount that the overall condition of life for people be improved to the point where poor genes do not hold one back from proper development of fitness and overall well-being. The State of California has established commitment to this way of thinking - and this researcher only hopes that the rest of the nation follows suit.
Joseph Williams
Folks, I'm speechless.
So even if I might be an incredibly gifted artist and musician, the simple fact that I'm considered obese would disqualify me from having children? Because SOMEONE ELSE determines that my quality of life is low based on this one criterion?
This physician is sick, and the state of California is sick to have "established commitment to this way of thinking."
This blogger only hopes that the rest of the nation sees this as the horror that it truly is and tells Joseph Williams and his pals to go practice their gene-line-cleansing on themselves. It's a sad testimony to the culture of death and the devaluation of life here in the US and around the world that would engender such ways of thinking. The depravity displayed here astounds me.
Thanks
I managed to sleep through the night last night; thanks to you all who prayed for me yesterday. It was a very gentle, subdued day for the most part. My students were all kind and cooperative, the weather was splendid, and Martha only threw one fit in the living room floor.
She was miffed about something, sighed hugely and threw herself onto the floor. Yes, this is a ten year old. I calmly told her that when she was ready to cut the attitude, she could come back downstairs, but right now she'd better spend some time alone in her room. She howled and shrieked all the way up the stairs, but later was quite meek and obedient when I allowed her to come back down. She truly hates having to be alone in her room. For her, and for certain kinds of infractions, I've found that being forced to stay in her room and away from the swim of family activity is just as effective (if not more so) than spanking.
Another extremely effective method I've used is a suggestion my mother passed on to me from a friend of hers. It's called a "Think Sheet", and I make her sit down at the kitchen table and fill it out. She has to write down what she did, who needs an apology, what she'll do differently next time, and what the Bible says about what she did. It has been a very useful tool because it forces her to admit wrongdoing and think through the choices she should've made instead.
Anyway, back to yesterday -- it was a quiet and simple day, which I needed very much. God and I talked quite a lot yesterday; I pretty much spent the day sitting in my Father's lap getting hugged up close, listening to Him singing gently to me and reminding me of Who He Is and Whose I Am.
I think that someone with the capacity to experience intense joy and beauty is also capable of experiencing intense fear and sorrow. It comes with the territory. I am encouraged by the fact that, even in the midst of my night-time terror, I remembered to cry out to God for help instead of sinking into the abyss. He did help me, and continues to carry me even now. I need not fear.
She was miffed about something, sighed hugely and threw herself onto the floor. Yes, this is a ten year old. I calmly told her that when she was ready to cut the attitude, she could come back downstairs, but right now she'd better spend some time alone in her room. She howled and shrieked all the way up the stairs, but later was quite meek and obedient when I allowed her to come back down. She truly hates having to be alone in her room. For her, and for certain kinds of infractions, I've found that being forced to stay in her room and away from the swim of family activity is just as effective (if not more so) than spanking.
Another extremely effective method I've used is a suggestion my mother passed on to me from a friend of hers. It's called a "Think Sheet", and I make her sit down at the kitchen table and fill it out. She has to write down what she did, who needs an apology, what she'll do differently next time, and what the Bible says about what she did. It has been a very useful tool because it forces her to admit wrongdoing and think through the choices she should've made instead.
Anyway, back to yesterday -- it was a quiet and simple day, which I needed very much. God and I talked quite a lot yesterday; I pretty much spent the day sitting in my Father's lap getting hugged up close, listening to Him singing gently to me and reminding me of Who He Is and Whose I Am.
I think that someone with the capacity to experience intense joy and beauty is also capable of experiencing intense fear and sorrow. It comes with the territory. I am encouraged by the fact that, even in the midst of my night-time terror, I remembered to cry out to God for help instead of sinking into the abyss. He did help me, and continues to carry me even now. I need not fear.
Varmints everywhere
Teacher jailed for firing pellet gun at vandals
Um... a pellet gun? Or, as I prefer to call it, a varmint gun? Ridiculous. Notice that the article says little about the actual CRIMINALS in this case, the vandals who continued to pester this woman. Notice that she didn't bring the pellet gun to SCHOOL. She was protecting her HOME. I just love the message this sends to other violent youths in the UK: Go ahead and make all the mischief you want; if someone bothers you about it, we'll put them in jail for you so you can go on about your criminal activities unhindered.
No, I think they should've given this woman an honorary policeman's badge. Heck, any teacher who deals with behavior disorders should get honorary policeman's badges and be allowed to pack heat at all times, in school and out. It would cut down significantly on the crap that kids try to get away with in school; if those little creeps down in the BD room here at this high school (and don't get me wrong, I love them all and know them well, but a couple of them are truly creeps) knew that Mrs. K packed a pistol and knew how to use it, they'd change.
Yes, this is the UK -- Gun Control Heaven.
Manchester, UK -- A teacher who opened fire with a pellet gun after "yobbos" launched a campaign of vandalism against her family has been jailed for six months.
Linda Walker, 48, who teaches children with behavioural problems, kept the gun in her underwear drawer for four months after her shed was burgled.
In August last year a confrontation with a gang of youths drove her to fire the weapon at the pavement near one teenager's feet. Walker was found guilty of affray and possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence after a week-long trial at Manchester Crown Court.
The teacher was sentenced to six months in jail for possessing the firearm and one month in jail for affray.
Recorder Louis Browne told her the sentences would run concurrently. He said she would serve half the sentence and that the rest of the term would be suspended.
Walker, wearing a light pink skirt and white shirt, showed little emotion as her sentence was read out at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court.
Her 56-year-old partner John Cavanagh, who was cleared of affray last month, showed no emotion either.
Sentencing Walker, the judge told her the offences she had committed were "serious" and that her response to the incident had been "wholly disproportionate".
A spokesman for Salford City Council said: "Linda Walker was suspended from her teaching post pending this police investigation and court action.
"Now legal proceedings are ended, any formal disciplinary action can also be concluded. This will be completed as quickly as possible."
Um... a pellet gun? Or, as I prefer to call it, a varmint gun? Ridiculous. Notice that the article says little about the actual CRIMINALS in this case, the vandals who continued to pester this woman. Notice that she didn't bring the pellet gun to SCHOOL. She was protecting her HOME. I just love the message this sends to other violent youths in the UK: Go ahead and make all the mischief you want; if someone bothers you about it, we'll put them in jail for you so you can go on about your criminal activities unhindered.
No, I think they should've given this woman an honorary policeman's badge. Heck, any teacher who deals with behavior disorders should get honorary policeman's badges and be allowed to pack heat at all times, in school and out. It would cut down significantly on the crap that kids try to get away with in school; if those little creeps down in the BD room here at this high school (and don't get me wrong, I love them all and know them well, but a couple of them are truly creeps) knew that Mrs. K packed a pistol and knew how to use it, they'd change.
Yes, this is the UK -- Gun Control Heaven.
Monday, March 28, 2005
Highs and lows
Seems like my emotional highs often precede precipitous drops.
Yesterday was a hugely awesome day, musically. I felt really confident on the keys, I didn't botch anything too badly during any of the services, and we did cool songs that turned out well. Also, Rick and the kids looked great in the clothes I'd gotten for them. The weather was outstandingly gorgeous.
This morning I awoke at 4 AM in a cold sweat, with enormous waves of fear and panic and despair and ultimate acts gripping my mind like a giant python. I prayed and tossed until 4:30, then got up to take a shower and prayed some more. I don't really think it had all that much to do with school starting back up this morning after Spring Break, because school never causes me that much stress... but I do know this -- I was attacked viciously by an unseen enemy this morning and I'm still reeling a little and feeling a little shaky.
I'll be okay. It'll just take some time. I have always been somewhat prone to wild emotional swings, but they've been fewer and further between as I've gotten older. I don't normally go this far down, though. I'm going to spend a lot of time talking to God today.
Yesterday was a hugely awesome day, musically. I felt really confident on the keys, I didn't botch anything too badly during any of the services, and we did cool songs that turned out well. Also, Rick and the kids looked great in the clothes I'd gotten for them. The weather was outstandingly gorgeous.
This morning I awoke at 4 AM in a cold sweat, with enormous waves of fear and panic and despair and ultimate acts gripping my mind like a giant python. I prayed and tossed until 4:30, then got up to take a shower and prayed some more. I don't really think it had all that much to do with school starting back up this morning after Spring Break, because school never causes me that much stress... but I do know this -- I was attacked viciously by an unseen enemy this morning and I'm still reeling a little and feeling a little shaky.
I'll be okay. It'll just take some time. I have always been somewhat prone to wild emotional swings, but they've been fewer and further between as I've gotten older. I don't normally go this far down, though. I'm going to spend a lot of time talking to God today.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Me Mum's Gettin' Hitched!!
My blog-mom SarahK, that is. My for-real biological mom, MamaSue, has been married to my dad, Poppi, for nigh on 39 years now. I'm hoping I didn't send MamaSue's new transplanted heart into arrhythmia over the title of this post!
Anyway, FrankJ over at IMAO has officially popped the question AND forked over the bling-bling -- in a BIG way. That ring is throwing major wattage in the photos.
It's a truly romantic story... the high points seem to always involve firearms of some sort. I like to delude myself by pretending that I actually had a small part in their relationship, since I *was* one of those initial commenters on IMAO who posited the notion that FrankJ should consider dating his Official T-Shirt Babe.
I previously offered up my piano skilz as an addition to their nuptial celebration, but even if they don't want me to kick pinkytoe on the keyboard for them, I hope I at least get an in-vite. I'm voting for the Grand Canyon, since that's where they met in person for the first time.
Frank & Sarah -- may God richly bless both of you in your commitment to one another and to responsible gun ownership. Be honorable.
Anyway, FrankJ over at IMAO has officially popped the question AND forked over the bling-bling -- in a BIG way. That ring is throwing major wattage in the photos.
It's a truly romantic story... the high points seem to always involve firearms of some sort. I like to delude myself by pretending that I actually had a small part in their relationship, since I *was* one of those initial commenters on IMAO who posited the notion that FrankJ should consider dating his Official T-Shirt Babe.
I previously offered up my piano skilz as an addition to their nuptial celebration, but even if they don't want me to kick pinkytoe on the keyboard for them, I hope I at least get an in-vite. I'm voting for the Grand Canyon, since that's where they met in person for the first time.
Frank & Sarah -- may God richly bless both of you in your commitment to one another and to responsible gun ownership. Be honorable.
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Freaking out in the fitting room
What is that old Yiddish curse again -- May your life always be interesting...? Or something to that effect? There's never a dull moment in MY life, it seems. Today is no different.
My best friend works in an upscale department store at the new mall here. Quite often, she will call me shortly after she gets to work because something really GOOD has gone on clearance and I should get up there as fast as I can to snap it up, whatever it is. It's handy to have her there, I admit.
Today, I had a wide-open day for getting stuff done. Rick was taking the kids with him to run errands, so I went to the mall to sit at the food court, log onto the wi-fi and turn in my Saturday assignments for my class. Then I was going to get the key to my best friend's apartment so I could go there and work on my other big project. I trotted down to her end of the mall and found her extremely busy at the cashier desk. To kill a little time while she whittled down the line of customers, I shuffled through some of the racks and actually found a couple of things I wanted to try on. I took them to the fitting room nearest to her service desk and let her know I was going in. In a minute or two, she came into the fitting room to pass judgment on my choice (we do this kind of thing for one another; it's helpful to have an objective eye in such matters). We hemhawed about it, then I decided to try a different shirt underneath the jacket. I brought it back in, tried it on, and she looked at it critically.
Eventually she decided that it was growing on her, that I should probably go for it. She had an armful of clothes that she'd gathered from the other fitting rooms and was going to head back out onto the sales floor to replace them. I closed the door and pulled off my shirt while she talked to me. Then she stopped talking, so I asked her something. Suddenly the pile of clothes appeared under my door, quickly followed by a dull thump. She had collapsed in front of my fitting room door.
I'll back up here for a moment to let you know that she has an odd heart condition that causes her to have a VERY irregular heartbeat. Until recently she always wore a monitor, but the leads had caused her skin to be terribly irritated so she had stopped wearing it for a while. In the next couple of months she is supposed to undergo a fairly new procedure that hopefully -- hopefully -- will correct or at least lessen the severity of her irregularities. Anyway, she has had her heart slow down to almost stopping a couple of times in the past three or four months, causing her to faint and fall out. I wasn't with her the other two times, however.
Back to the story... I'm standing in my bra in the fitting room, and my best friend has just hit the floor. I just opened the door -- I didn't care at that point WHO saw me, because I was going to take care of my girlfriend. I could immediately tell that she was breathing, so I checked her pulse. It was fluttery, but it was there. A customer came into the fitting room just then, and I looked up. I must've made quite a sight, huddled in my underwear over a prone salesclerk. "Can you get me some help?" I asked her calmly. She immediately turned around to go fetch someone, and I began straightening my friend's limbs to try to make her a little more comfortable. Then it dawned on me that I wasn't dressed and that there were about to be a number of people converging on this room! I reached around into my fitting room, grabbed my t-shirt and yanked it back on just in time. I was SO thankful I hadn't been trying on pants!!!
She was out cold for probably two to three minutes, but she was breathing and her heart was beating, so I just kept stroking her face and hair and talking to her, calling her name. Eventually her eyelids fluttered a bit. One of the other salesclerks came in with a card.
"May I ask your name, please?"
I told her my name and that I was her best friend. "Oh, this must be your name as the emergency contact," she said, reading the card. "Pretty lucky you were here, huh?"
"Yes, that's me. She's going to be okay, we just need to give her a couple of minutes to get her bearings and get up." I handed the gigantic armload of clothes to her, since it was still piled on the floor next to us.
My friend's eyes began to open on and off, and then she asked if I would help her sit up. I helped her, and she sat against the wall for a few minutes. Then I helped her up to sit on a nearby sofa for a while, and I headed up to the main customer service desk to fetch a band-aid for her skinned elbow. She was also nursing a nasty knock on the forehead, which will likely be a bruise tomorrow.
The only reason the doctors haven't already done this new procedure is that they're waiting on the new piece of equipment to arrive that will actually let them do the procedure on her. I wish it would come NOW because this is getting ridiculous. I drove her home because neither of us thought it wise for her to drive herself home, and I'm spending the night with her in her apartment just to make sure she gets up in the morning.
Note to Blue & Red Fish -- call or e-mail me before you mention this to anyone at church, okay? Thanks.
My best friend works in an upscale department store at the new mall here. Quite often, she will call me shortly after she gets to work because something really GOOD has gone on clearance and I should get up there as fast as I can to snap it up, whatever it is. It's handy to have her there, I admit.
Today, I had a wide-open day for getting stuff done. Rick was taking the kids with him to run errands, so I went to the mall to sit at the food court, log onto the wi-fi and turn in my Saturday assignments for my class. Then I was going to get the key to my best friend's apartment so I could go there and work on my other big project. I trotted down to her end of the mall and found her extremely busy at the cashier desk. To kill a little time while she whittled down the line of customers, I shuffled through some of the racks and actually found a couple of things I wanted to try on. I took them to the fitting room nearest to her service desk and let her know I was going in. In a minute or two, she came into the fitting room to pass judgment on my choice (we do this kind of thing for one another; it's helpful to have an objective eye in such matters). We hemhawed about it, then I decided to try a different shirt underneath the jacket. I brought it back in, tried it on, and she looked at it critically.
Eventually she decided that it was growing on her, that I should probably go for it. She had an armful of clothes that she'd gathered from the other fitting rooms and was going to head back out onto the sales floor to replace them. I closed the door and pulled off my shirt while she talked to me. Then she stopped talking, so I asked her something. Suddenly the pile of clothes appeared under my door, quickly followed by a dull thump. She had collapsed in front of my fitting room door.
I'll back up here for a moment to let you know that she has an odd heart condition that causes her to have a VERY irregular heartbeat. Until recently she always wore a monitor, but the leads had caused her skin to be terribly irritated so she had stopped wearing it for a while. In the next couple of months she is supposed to undergo a fairly new procedure that hopefully -- hopefully -- will correct or at least lessen the severity of her irregularities. Anyway, she has had her heart slow down to almost stopping a couple of times in the past three or four months, causing her to faint and fall out. I wasn't with her the other two times, however.
Back to the story... I'm standing in my bra in the fitting room, and my best friend has just hit the floor. I just opened the door -- I didn't care at that point WHO saw me, because I was going to take care of my girlfriend. I could immediately tell that she was breathing, so I checked her pulse. It was fluttery, but it was there. A customer came into the fitting room just then, and I looked up. I must've made quite a sight, huddled in my underwear over a prone salesclerk. "Can you get me some help?" I asked her calmly. She immediately turned around to go fetch someone, and I began straightening my friend's limbs to try to make her a little more comfortable. Then it dawned on me that I wasn't dressed and that there were about to be a number of people converging on this room! I reached around into my fitting room, grabbed my t-shirt and yanked it back on just in time. I was SO thankful I hadn't been trying on pants!!!
She was out cold for probably two to three minutes, but she was breathing and her heart was beating, so I just kept stroking her face and hair and talking to her, calling her name. Eventually her eyelids fluttered a bit. One of the other salesclerks came in with a card.
"May I ask your name, please?"
I told her my name and that I was her best friend. "Oh, this must be your name as the emergency contact," she said, reading the card. "Pretty lucky you were here, huh?"
"Yes, that's me. She's going to be okay, we just need to give her a couple of minutes to get her bearings and get up." I handed the gigantic armload of clothes to her, since it was still piled on the floor next to us.
My friend's eyes began to open on and off, and then she asked if I would help her sit up. I helped her, and she sat against the wall for a few minutes. Then I helped her up to sit on a nearby sofa for a while, and I headed up to the main customer service desk to fetch a band-aid for her skinned elbow. She was also nursing a nasty knock on the forehead, which will likely be a bruise tomorrow.
The only reason the doctors haven't already done this new procedure is that they're waiting on the new piece of equipment to arrive that will actually let them do the procedure on her. I wish it would come NOW because this is getting ridiculous. I drove her home because neither of us thought it wise for her to drive herself home, and I'm spending the night with her in her apartment just to make sure she gets up in the morning.
Note to Blue & Red Fish -- call or e-mail me before you mention this to anyone at church, okay? Thanks.
Friday, March 25, 2005
You'd better go read this...
It's what Blue Fish said last night.
He's right... Florida had better figure this whole mess out, because it's all smelling rather fishy. Terri Schiavo gets murdered by court order, while they storm someone else's house to prevent them from committing suicide. Can we get some consistency somewhere?
He's right... Florida had better figure this whole mess out, because it's all smelling rather fishy. Terri Schiavo gets murdered by court order, while they storm someone else's house to prevent them from committing suicide. Can we get some consistency somewhere?
Hospital blogging
Alice, my 9-year-old daughter, had several medical appointments today. First, she got her 25-day shot of Lupron at the endocrinologist's office. She has to have that injection every twenty-five days because she has a condition called "precocious puberty", basically meaning that she began to experience the onset of puberty way too soon (age 4 was when we first noticed). They believe this happened because she experienced a TBI (traumatic brain injury) of some sort when she was around eleven months old. That was before we adopted her, and because she was born overseas, the records of what happened are very sketchy and unclear. She joined our family at 20 months, and we were aware that there was a significant potential for her to have health problems relating to her TBI. We're not saints or heroes, we're just doing what God told us to do, which was bring her into our family. We trusted Him to take care of the future, since none of us knows what that's going to be. Would you "turn down" your kid if she were born to you with some of these issues? I doubt it. Well, this was our daughter. We weren't turning her away. Just because she wasn't born into our family didn't really make that much of a difference.
Anyway, she also has congenital brain issues which have resulted in epileptic seizures. Right at this moment, I'm sitting in a dark exam room at the hospital, where Alice is undergoing an EEG to record whether or not her new medication is effectively controlling her seizures. The EEG is an interesting process; they ask that we bring her with very clean hair and have her be sleep-deprived. The clean hair is so that the electrodes will all stick properly to her scalp, and the sleep deprivation is because part of the test requires the patient to go to sleep so they can record the electrical patterns. They also do different kinds of stimulation; one is deep-breathing, where they "hyper-oxygenate" (don't know if that's the right word) her brain to see what it does then. They also use a strobe light at different intervals to see if those trigger seizures.
Before we left to come up here for the EEG, I leaned her head over the bathtub to wash her hair so that it would be squeaky clean. Afterwards, while I was using the blow dryer, she had another seizure. Her seizures are what they term "partial seizures", meaning that they only affect the one side of her brain that is the most abnormal. She is alert during her seizures. Apparently, according to the neurologist, she has seizures quite frequently, but we don't always know she's having one. If it's obvious, it takes the form of making the left side of her body spasm every two to five seconds. Anyway, the seizure she had this morning was one of the obvious ones, so I had her sit down to let it pass while I continued drying her hair. She’s a very matter-of-fact little kid and takes it all in stride.
Currently I'm watching the tech's computer monitor and seeing each invisible seizure as it happens. She's definitely still having them; I'm guessing that the medication is helping, but not completely controlling them. Imagine being in the middle of a train of thought and having someone push the "reset" button on your brain; that's kind-of what happens with Alice, which has obvious ramifications for her ability to learn and retain information. She does read, although she's probably at least three years behind normal kids her age, which means she gets by on kindergarten-level stuff even though she's technically a third-grader.
Unfortunately they don't have wi-fi here at this hospital (Stone Agers in charge or something, I'm thinking), so I'm just composing this and I'll post it when I get home. I'm also working on reading through some of my assigned reading material for my current master's class. Can I just say that I heart my laptop? It's absolutely wonderful to have with me, where I can actually be productive during times like this, where really all I can do is sit and be bored otherwise. This laptop has an extremely quiet keyboard, so I can do it while I'm sitting in the EEG room and not even disturb Alice's sleep.
The reading selection for my class this week has to do with why you're choosing teaching as a profession. Do they really want me to be honest? I teach because it's something I can do and that I can be good at, and it keeps me on the same schedule as my kids so I can be off on the same vacation days as them. It doesn't bore me to death like some jobs would, although I could certainly live without all the staff meetings, etc. If I really could just pick what I'd like to do, it would probably be to be a professional artist and musician. But that hasn't materialized as of yet, so someone has to actually make money and provide health insurance for these kids. Thankfully both Rick and I have good jobs that provide benefits.
Well, the EEG is done. I can see for myself that she's still having seizures quite frequently, at least one to three per minute. Next week we see the neurologist again; I'm guessing he'll change her medication to some other kind.
Lunch today will be with some old friends who used to live here in Des Moines but have since moved away. It will be nice to hang out with them again; we were very close when we all lived here together. Now they, like my family, keep up with us via this blog.
Anyway, she also has congenital brain issues which have resulted in epileptic seizures. Right at this moment, I'm sitting in a dark exam room at the hospital, where Alice is undergoing an EEG to record whether or not her new medication is effectively controlling her seizures. The EEG is an interesting process; they ask that we bring her with very clean hair and have her be sleep-deprived. The clean hair is so that the electrodes will all stick properly to her scalp, and the sleep deprivation is because part of the test requires the patient to go to sleep so they can record the electrical patterns. They also do different kinds of stimulation; one is deep-breathing, where they "hyper-oxygenate" (don't know if that's the right word) her brain to see what it does then. They also use a strobe light at different intervals to see if those trigger seizures.
Before we left to come up here for the EEG, I leaned her head over the bathtub to wash her hair so that it would be squeaky clean. Afterwards, while I was using the blow dryer, she had another seizure. Her seizures are what they term "partial seizures", meaning that they only affect the one side of her brain that is the most abnormal. She is alert during her seizures. Apparently, according to the neurologist, she has seizures quite frequently, but we don't always know she's having one. If it's obvious, it takes the form of making the left side of her body spasm every two to five seconds. Anyway, the seizure she had this morning was one of the obvious ones, so I had her sit down to let it pass while I continued drying her hair. She’s a very matter-of-fact little kid and takes it all in stride.
Currently I'm watching the tech's computer monitor and seeing each invisible seizure as it happens. She's definitely still having them; I'm guessing that the medication is helping, but not completely controlling them. Imagine being in the middle of a train of thought and having someone push the "reset" button on your brain; that's kind-of what happens with Alice, which has obvious ramifications for her ability to learn and retain information. She does read, although she's probably at least three years behind normal kids her age, which means she gets by on kindergarten-level stuff even though she's technically a third-grader.
Unfortunately they don't have wi-fi here at this hospital (Stone Agers in charge or something, I'm thinking), so I'm just composing this and I'll post it when I get home. I'm also working on reading through some of my assigned reading material for my current master's class. Can I just say that I heart my laptop? It's absolutely wonderful to have with me, where I can actually be productive during times like this, where really all I can do is sit and be bored otherwise. This laptop has an extremely quiet keyboard, so I can do it while I'm sitting in the EEG room and not even disturb Alice's sleep.
The reading selection for my class this week has to do with why you're choosing teaching as a profession. Do they really want me to be honest? I teach because it's something I can do and that I can be good at, and it keeps me on the same schedule as my kids so I can be off on the same vacation days as them. It doesn't bore me to death like some jobs would, although I could certainly live without all the staff meetings, etc. If I really could just pick what I'd like to do, it would probably be to be a professional artist and musician. But that hasn't materialized as of yet, so someone has to actually make money and provide health insurance for these kids. Thankfully both Rick and I have good jobs that provide benefits.
Well, the EEG is done. I can see for myself that she's still having seizures quite frequently, at least one to three per minute. Next week we see the neurologist again; I'm guessing he'll change her medication to some other kind.
Lunch today will be with some old friends who used to live here in Des Moines but have since moved away. It will be nice to hang out with them again; we were very close when we all lived here together. Now they, like my family, keep up with us via this blog.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Frank J., modern-day Swift
One of the funniest people on the internet today is Frank J. over at IMAO. He gets all Jonathan Swift-y on us with his latest modest proposal:
The Humane Thing To Do Is Let Africa Starve
The Humane Thing To Do Is Let Africa Starve
Prairie City postal workers sick
Bird Droppings In Vent Sicken Post Office Workers
Folks, this is no laughing matter. There are some really deadly things in bird poop. Remember a few years back when people got a weird rare disease from breathing in the dust from rat poop? Well, the same goes for the dust from bird poop. They have a pretty good suspicion that cleaning up bird droppings was what caused my mom to contract sarcoidosis of the heart, which eventually caused her to have to undergo a heart transplant.
At the very least, wear a mask whenever you're cleaning up dried poop... of any kind. You have NO IDEA what filth you're breathing in.
Folks, this is no laughing matter. There are some really deadly things in bird poop. Remember a few years back when people got a weird rare disease from breathing in the dust from rat poop? Well, the same goes for the dust from bird poop. They have a pretty good suspicion that cleaning up bird droppings was what caused my mom to contract sarcoidosis of the heart, which eventually caused her to have to undergo a heart transplant.
At the very least, wear a mask whenever you're cleaning up dried poop... of any kind. You have NO IDEA what filth you're breathing in.
Planned Parenthood working to change its image
Planned Parenthood working to change its image
Hmm... good luck with that.
Here's the article, quoted from Texas Tech University's University Daily site, interjected occasionally with my humble efforts at fisking it:
Then there's the old Joycelyn Elders line about "every child a planned and wanted child", yadda yadda. Planned by whom? Planned by their parents? If that were the case, how many of us would not be here today? I shudder to think how much poorer the world would be if the only children allowed to live were the ones whose parents planned them ahead of time. And what about "wanted"? I daresay there isn't a pregnant woman in this country who, if she knew she couldn't properly care for her baby after it's born, couldn't find a couple who WANTED very much to take that baby and give it a life. I honestly can't fathom why someone would rather KILL their baby than let it grow up with someone else as its parents. Blows my mind.
UPDATE: Check out this article before you start blathering about how abortion clinics always report underage sexual activity to the authorities...
Hmm... good luck with that.
Here's the article, quoted from Texas Tech University's University Daily site, interjected occasionally with my humble efforts at fisking it:
The growing debate of pro-life vs. pro-choice was the topic in Wednesday's Tech Council for Family Relations as guest speakers from Planned Parenthood, Lubbock tried to better inform students about abortion.Umm, maybe that's because that's what this organization STANDS FOR? It's what this organization is at the forefront about, demanding the right to do. I'm sorry, Ms. Qi, but Planned Parenthood = Abortion. I don't care how much other "good stuff" you guys do. The KKK may be involved in all sorts of good community service projects, but it doesn't change the fact that their organization is immoral. You'd pitch a fit (and so would I) if the KKK got federal funding for soup kitchens and homeless shelters, even though those are noble and worthwhile activities, because THEY'RE THE KKK. Duh!
Tony Thornton, CEO of Planned Parenthood Association of Lubbock, tried to create an outline of what the service is all about.
"We do lots of good work for the community and provides lots of good services for the people of Lubbock and the surrounding areas," he said.
The discussion focused on an ongoing problem of Texas and the education it provides to the students at all levels when it comes to sex education and reproductive health services.
Lindsey Qi, president of Tech the Council for Family Relations, said a lot of debate about Planned Parenthood's reputation has to do with being misinformed.
"The problem is that when people think of Planned Parenthood and what they can provide, its almost like they have blinders on their eyes and can only see abortion related services," she said.
Beth Shapiro, head of the Board of Directors for Planned Parenthood in Lubbock, tried to show students they identify information associated with Planned Parenthood that is false.Again, I don't care how much good stuff you do. And I don't care if the bad stuff you support is not funded by my tax dollars. I don't want ANY of your stuff supported by my tax dollars because you participate in the murder of unborn children. Can you not see the difference?
"People seem to think that we provide abortion services at our clinic, and we don't," she said.
Shapiro also touched on the false fact that people seem to believe the funding for Planned Parenthood agencies also helps pay for abortions.
"The only money that is for abortion services is self-pay," she said. "People would not be allowed to use the funds from Title X if it were for abortion."
According to Texas Legislature, Title X has to do with federal money for family planning. The Texas Department of Health states Title X is the only federal legislation relating solely to family planning. Congress passed the Family Planning Services and Population Research Act in 1970, which added Title X to the Public Services Health Act.
Wednesday's lecture aimed at many issues involving Planned Parenthood and women's rights as well. One issue was to support measures requiring health insurance companies provide prescription drug coverage for all FDA-approved contraception methods and to cover prenatal care.I have to say that I find this fact hugely hypocritical and nonsensical on the part of insurance companies. It's ridiculous that he can go charge up for 36 hours of fun & games, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield foots the bill, but they won't have anything to do with oral contraceptives for women. That's just wack. Seems like it would be much more cost-effective than all the coverage they do for extensive fertility treatments and for the 36-hour Happy Pills. I have never understood this. Either cover both, or cover neither.
Shapiro said most companies provide funding for products such as Viagra or Cialis for sexual male enhancement, but will not provide help in paying for services such as birth control pills. Shapiro cited instances where pharmacies have even denied the pills, because of their political views, to women wanting to purchase them.
Amber Mahan, a senior human development and family studies major from Mineral Wells, said she believes the reason funding is not provided for birth control is because of a false view of women.I think part of the problem is the name we've always called them -- birth control pills. That's an inaccurate name, anymore, because they are just hormones, used to externally regulate one's system. It doesn't control "birth", it controls a woman's hormone cycle.
"People automatically make the assumption that you are sexually active if you're on birth control," she said. "They don't realize that a lot of women use birth control to regulate their periods before they are ever sexually active."
Shapiro also discussed the "Pro Life Activists Encyclopedia," which refers to Planned Parenthood as the "anti-life organization."Ms. Hill, it's because that's what you're doing. It's easy to couch it in terms of "choice" but whose choice is it? Here's a direct quote from Planned Parenthood's own web site:
Irving native Amanda Hill, a senior majoring in human development and family studies, said the this idea about Planned Parenthood is a misunderstanding.
"It seems like if you say you are pro-choice people look at you and think you want to kill babies," she said.
Planned Parenthood Federation of America is the world's largest and most trusted voluntary family planning organization. We believe that everyone has the right to choose when or whether to have a child -- and that every child should be wanted and loved.Don't you see that this organization is NOT concerned about the life of the child. It's a convenience clinic. Sure, you may have the right to "choose" when you have children, but even that is such a humanistic joke, as if we mortal humans have much control over when a life begins. I always laugh inwardly when I hear women talk about planning how far apart their children will be born, assuming automatically that they do the baby-dance and it's an automatic given that nine months later the baby's coming. You don't know that. You have no way of really, truly controlling that. It's a convenient way to mentally leave God out of the equation, but you can't do that. God's in charge of it, people. Take it or leave it, but it doesn't change the fact.
Then there's the old Joycelyn Elders line about "every child a planned and wanted child", yadda yadda. Planned by whom? Planned by their parents? If that were the case, how many of us would not be here today? I shudder to think how much poorer the world would be if the only children allowed to live were the ones whose parents planned them ahead of time. And what about "wanted"? I daresay there isn't a pregnant woman in this country who, if she knew she couldn't properly care for her baby after it's born, couldn't find a couple who WANTED very much to take that baby and give it a life. I honestly can't fathom why someone would rather KILL their baby than let it grow up with someone else as its parents. Blows my mind.
Shapiro said the debate about abortion has been increasing because President George W. Bush made Texas an abstinent state when he was governor of Texas.This is such an old, bogus argument. The death penalty is for someone who willfully chose to do a wicked, evil act, thereby forfeiting their own rights. Comparing an unborn infant to a convicted death-row murderer is unconscionable, Ms. Bustillos. You can do better than that, I'm sure.
Liana Bustillos, a junior child education student from Meadow, said Bush's abstinence ruling confuses her.
"How can we be pro-life but we are still supporting the death penalty here in Texas," she said.
Bustillos also discussed the issue on the new textbooks for health classes in Texas schools and the fact that abstinence is all they support.Maybe because abstinence is the ONLY method of birth control or protection against STDs that actually WORKS EVERY TIME IT'S TRIED. Why should we tell our kids it's okay to do something that's only partially protective? Why not encourage them not to do it in the first place? And for that matter, why are my tax dollars going to teach this stuff in the public schools? This is Mom & Dad's job, folks. Yes, I know Mom & Dad don't do it a great deal of the time, but that doesn't make it okay for The State to step in and determine what should and shouldn't be taught. This isn't a matter of academics. It's a moral issue, and if Mom & Dad won't do it, then churches and privately-funded after-school programs can take up the issue. We're clogging up our school day with this crap and it's pushing the academics further and further to the back.
"All it seems to say is no," she said. "No information regarding the use of condoms or even how to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases."
Planned Parenthood provides tests and counseling for those who are HIV positive or may have other STDs.You have GOT to be kidding me. That is the stupidest thing I have heard in a while. I'm so sure that enters into everyone's mind when they get their little bottle of blue pills... Elmer's on a rampage through the phone book, but he knows them magic blue pills will protect him from all harm. Uh-huh.
"We have around 172 people in our program here in Lubbock who are HIV positive and range between the ages of 12 and 63," Thornton said. "Some people did not realize that when Viagra and all these other medicines came out that they did not protect against transmitted diseases."
Shapiro and Thornton also said they are fighting against such legislation that would violate client/physician relationships for minors such as whether or not they are sexually active and if they are allowed to have an abortion.Excuse me? MINORS? These girls are UNDER-AGE. Sex with an underage person is AGAINST THE LAW. If she's in for an abortion, it's because someone COMMITTED A CRIME. This isn't about privacy. This is about protecting our daughters from assault, whether it be someone her own age or someone twenty years older. If she's showing up at some clinic somewhere asking for contraceptives, I WANT TO KNOW ABOUT IT BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE'S DOING SOMETHING THAT IS CONTRARY TO HER BEST INTERESTS. But you Planned Parenthood-types want to be able to distribute medication to my daughter, who I am legally liable for, and you want her to be able to undergo a surgical procedure without my knowledge or consent, if she chooses. Sorry, she doesn't get to choose to have surgery without my input, any more than she gets to choose to have her bellybutton pierced or her ankle tattooed. If she wants those done, we talk about it. If she's 18, she gets to be liable for the decisions she makes. But before then, I'm responsible. And that means I had BETTER know what she's doing.
One of the biggest issues is emergency contraception for women in the emergency room.Unfortunately, "all the options" also includes murdering someone who's inconvenient. I find that morally reprehensible, whether it's Terri Schiavo or an unborn child.
"Only 40 percent of hospitals in the state provide any type of services for those who need emergency contraception such as survivors of sexual assault," Shapiro said.
Emergency contraception, Shapiro said, is kind of like taking a "double-dose" of a birth control pill at once in where it prevents implantation of a fertilized egg in the woman's body.
Thornton said he hopes people's views on Planned Parenthood will become more positive.
"We provide information and knowledge so that people may have children one day when they want to," he said. "We give them all the options so that they may make the right choice for themselves. That's why we're called Planned Parenthood."
UPDATE: Check out this article before you start blathering about how abortion clinics always report underage sexual activity to the authorities...
This stuff fascinates me
Hat tip to Kris of Random Mentality for digging this one up:
Classic math puzzle cracked at last
It really strikes a chord down deep in me when I read about someone pursuing what they love like this, even though it's totally wack with regard to most of the rest of the mundane world. I think it's why I found Derbyshire's book about the Riemann Hypothesis so fascinating. No, I'm not a mathematician, and in fact can barely wrap my brain around calculus, but I think it's wonderful whenever someone fully and wholeheartedly embraces and pursues who God made them to be.
Classic math puzzle cracked at last
A number puzzle originating in the work of self-taught maths genius Srinivasa Ramanujan nearly a century ago has been solved. The solution may one day lead to advances in particle physics and computer security.
Karl Mahlburg, a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, US, has spent a year putting together the final pieces to the puzzle, which involves understanding patterns of numbers.
"I have filled notebook upon notebook with calculations and equations," says Mahlburg, who has submitted a 10-page paper of his results to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The patterns were first discovered by Ramanujan, who was born in India in 1887 and flunked out of college after just a year because he neglected his studies in subjects outside of mathematics.
It really strikes a chord down deep in me when I read about someone pursuing what they love like this, even though it's totally wack with regard to most of the rest of the mundane world. I think it's why I found Derbyshire's book about the Riemann Hypothesis so fascinating. No, I'm not a mathematician, and in fact can barely wrap my brain around calculus, but I think it's wonderful whenever someone fully and wholeheartedly embraces and pursues who God made them to be.
Okay, Tom. You're right... THIS TIME.
Tom Harkin and I are actually agreeing [coff coff] on something very important -- the Terri Schiavo issue.
Statement of Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) on the case of Terri Schiavo
This may be the only time this ever happens, and I find it an interesting divergence from his usual stance, but I'm glad that we at least see eye-to-eye on something.
Statement of Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) on the case of Terri Schiavo
This may be the only time this ever happens, and I find it an interesting divergence from his usual stance, but I'm glad that we at least see eye-to-eye on something.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Shopping spree
I couldn't stand it one moment longer; I had to get out of the house and breathe some real air. Besides, the girls needed Easter dresses. So I took Martha with me (she was The Crab Queen this morning and I figured she probably needed out as much as I did) and we went to the mall. First things first... I have put off having my hair colored & cut for, oh, a couple of months now. It was looking a little tired. So while I had my hair "did", I let Martha get a manicure. I love this little salon I've been going to; it's in an obscure corner of the mall and every stylist in there has always been terrific. They're not the cheapest place in town, but I'm tired of the McHaircut that you get at the cheapie places. I don't treat myself often, but I feel like I need to look like I care about my appearance now that I'm in the career-woman position... not to mention that I'm on a stage under lights nearly every weekend in front of about 700 people. It's my one real splurge on myself -- I have my hair highlighted AND lowlighted, and I'm incredibly pleased with the results. No-one ever notices that I've been "streaked", but they DO seem to have lots of compliments for it. Worth the money, I'd say.
The stylists there are all Korean except for one Caucasian guy. The owner, Mak, a Korean woman, remembers me because the first time I came in there, I had Alice with me. Now, every time I go in, Mak wants to talk about adoption and Korea and Alice's disabilities, etc. This time, while she was foiling me, she wanted to talk about Terri Schiavo. Mak is a Buddhist, I found out, and has a difficult time understanding our culture's reaction to the situation. I spoke with her a little about the value of life and the finality of death, neither of which is a feature of Buddhism (or at least her interpretation of it). I look forward to more conversations with her. I may see if I can get a Hangul Bible from one of my Korean Christian friends and share the Gospel with her.
After the hairstyle, Martha and I went to browse at Limited Too and GapKids. I chose a couple of very sweet dresses at Gap; pink for Alice and purple for Martha, with matching cardigans but different dresses. We picked out shoes at Payless; for Alice, I have to get something with a Maryjane strap across the top because she can't keep them on otherwise. Martha chose some mega-chunky-heel sandals. I reminded her that it would probably be freezing, and she said, "I can take it." What a woman will do for the sake of fashion.
At home, Isaac was in tears. "Where's MY new clothes?" he moaned. Oh, good grief... I've got a stylin' son. "Okay, Buddy-boy, after supper we'll go see if we can find you a new shirt to wear on Sunday."
Got him a very cool Claiborne button-down with a palm-tree pattern to it. With a pair of sharp khakis, he and his bad self will be lookin' REAL good. While I was out this time, I decided that Rick needed a clothing update too. I got him some shirts (with ties -- he hasn't had a new tie in probably ten years, and as much as I loved those Rush Limbaugh ties, they're definitely out-of-date now) and some slacks.
No, I didn't get myself a thing. I tend to collect things for myself little by little rather than all in one big spree. I'll be on stage, so I don't want to look too out-there or frumpy or dressed-up; I don't want to be too noticeable. I'm up there to lead people to worship GOD, not me.
I did get my issue of InStyle in the mail today... WOOT!! I love thumbing through that mag -- it's the coolest.
The stylists there are all Korean except for one Caucasian guy. The owner, Mak, a Korean woman, remembers me because the first time I came in there, I had Alice with me. Now, every time I go in, Mak wants to talk about adoption and Korea and Alice's disabilities, etc. This time, while she was foiling me, she wanted to talk about Terri Schiavo. Mak is a Buddhist, I found out, and has a difficult time understanding our culture's reaction to the situation. I spoke with her a little about the value of life and the finality of death, neither of which is a feature of Buddhism (or at least her interpretation of it). I look forward to more conversations with her. I may see if I can get a Hangul Bible from one of my Korean Christian friends and share the Gospel with her.
After the hairstyle, Martha and I went to browse at Limited Too and GapKids. I chose a couple of very sweet dresses at Gap; pink for Alice and purple for Martha, with matching cardigans but different dresses. We picked out shoes at Payless; for Alice, I have to get something with a Maryjane strap across the top because she can't keep them on otherwise. Martha chose some mega-chunky-heel sandals. I reminded her that it would probably be freezing, and she said, "I can take it." What a woman will do for the sake of fashion.
At home, Isaac was in tears. "Where's MY new clothes?" he moaned. Oh, good grief... I've got a stylin' son. "Okay, Buddy-boy, after supper we'll go see if we can find you a new shirt to wear on Sunday."
Got him a very cool Claiborne button-down with a palm-tree pattern to it. With a pair of sharp khakis, he and his bad self will be lookin' REAL good. While I was out this time, I decided that Rick needed a clothing update too. I got him some shirts (with ties -- he hasn't had a new tie in probably ten years, and as much as I loved those Rush Limbaugh ties, they're definitely out-of-date now) and some slacks.
No, I didn't get myself a thing. I tend to collect things for myself little by little rather than all in one big spree. I'll be on stage, so I don't want to look too out-there or frumpy or dressed-up; I don't want to be too noticeable. I'm up there to lead people to worship GOD, not me.
I did get my issue of InStyle in the mail today... WOOT!! I love thumbing through that mag -- it's the coolest.
Poetic Justice
Killer Poet Caught On Chicago's West Side
Gotta watch them artistic-types, y'know? The oxymoronic phrase "killer poet" just kinda grabbed me, I must admit.
That being said, how well do you know the people you think you know? What if the guy repairing your phone line is a pedophile? Or the guy yukking it up in the next cubicle is running from the law in another state? It's not outside of the realm of possibility... believe me.
I don't have the same level of trust for people that I once did. I've never been a real "people-person" anyway, but I'm even less so now than I used to be. Maybe it's stemming from reading the news too much, or maybe just being exposed to too many people with closets full of skeletons. Yes, people can change, but I haven't met very many that really do, particularly on their own apart from Christ's transforming power.
What does it take for you to trust someone to be alone with your child? Your car keys? Your wife? Are you sure that's enough?
In Chicago, J.J. Jameson's voice resonated deeply on poetry stages. He marched for peace and even helped set up chairs at community policing meetings in his Far West Side neighborhood.
But in Massachusetts, Jameson's story is a much darker tale of murder and jail break and a 20-year run from the law.
On Tuesday morning, Massachusetts authorities finally caught up with Jameson -- whose real name is Norman A. Porter Jr. -- and arrested the twice-convicted murderer. Porter was picked up at the West Side church where he worshipped after simply walking into the church office.
Porter, 65, appears to have been in Chicago for at least the past decade and possibly the whole time he's been a fugitive. He made a name for himself as a poet, local handyman and quirky neighbor. He occasionally talked of family and growing up on the East Coast, but neighbors said the anecdotes were short on details.
"This is a huge one,'' said Marc Smith, a Chicago poet. "It will be shocking to everybody and a little disconcerting. That's pretty wild.''
Members of the Massachusetts State Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit arrived in Chicago Sunday to coordinate the arrest with their Illinois counterparts, said Illinois State Police Sgt. Lincoln Hampton. The Boston Herald reported that the Chicago connection was made after the FBI matched Porter's fingerprints to a 1993 arrest here. The paper also reported Porter had been arrested four times between 1989 and 1993 in Illinois and Washington state.
The Illinois and Massachusetts teams set out to visit several addresses Tuesday, Hampton said. While investigators were at Third Unitarian Church, 301 N. Mayfield, Porter just happened to walk in and surrendered, Hampton said.
Gotta watch them artistic-types, y'know? The oxymoronic phrase "killer poet" just kinda grabbed me, I must admit.
That being said, how well do you know the people you think you know? What if the guy repairing your phone line is a pedophile? Or the guy yukking it up in the next cubicle is running from the law in another state? It's not outside of the realm of possibility... believe me.
I don't have the same level of trust for people that I once did. I've never been a real "people-person" anyway, but I'm even less so now than I used to be. Maybe it's stemming from reading the news too much, or maybe just being exposed to too many people with closets full of skeletons. Yes, people can change, but I haven't met very many that really do, particularly on their own apart from Christ's transforming power.
What does it take for you to trust someone to be alone with your child? Your car keys? Your wife? Are you sure that's enough?
Time Waster
Smack the Penguin
Take out a little of the frustration you felt when you got up to let the dog out this morning and saw SNOW on the ground. Oh... you didn't see fresh snow on the ground? You must be anywhere but here, then.
heh
Hat tip to my SoulFire pal Amy for this link!
Take out a little of the frustration you felt when you got up to let the dog out this morning and saw SNOW on the ground. Oh... you didn't see fresh snow on the ground? You must be anywhere but here, then.
heh
Hat tip to my SoulFire pal Amy for this link!
Oh, very droll indeed...
"Arm", "Leg" become new price of gasoline in Baltimore
I can imagine that the employees at gas stations get the brunt of customers' ire, when in reality it isn't their fault. Me, I just pay at the pump and avoid human contact altogether.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Iowa Treasures For Sale
Just read in the Register that some Maynard Reece originals are up for sale on eBay. Not just any Maynard Reece originals, however...
4 MAYNARD REECE ORIGINALS STATE OF IOWA
These are the originals that were used for many years as the actual designs for the state seal, state flower, state bird, etc. They're simple and lovely. They belong at Terrace Hill (the governor's mansion) or at the Capitol. There's got to be somebody with an extra five grand lying around to foot the bill for these so they can go to the Historical Building or the Capitol or somewhere significant.
4 MAYNARD REECE ORIGINALS STATE OF IOWA
These are the originals that were used for many years as the actual designs for the state seal, state flower, state bird, etc. They're simple and lovely. They belong at Terrace Hill (the governor's mansion) or at the Capitol. There's got to be somebody with an extra five grand lying around to foot the bill for these so they can go to the Historical Building or the Capitol or somewhere significant.
Monday, March 21, 2005
The "SH" word
I just went upstairs to do something, and all three of the kids are riveted to the TV, watching The Incredibles for probably the sixth time in two days. What a wonderful movie. Isaac informed me, however, that it was inappropriate because they use the "sh" word in it.
Alarmed, I looked at him. "SH word? What's that?"
Under his breath, he said, "You know. SHUT UP."
Relieved, I said, "Yes, you're right. That is not appropriate in our house and I'd better not find out any of you are saying it."
Alarmed, I looked at him. "SH word? What's that?"
Under his breath, he said, "You know. SHUT UP."
Relieved, I said, "Yes, you're right. That is not appropriate in our house and I'd better not find out any of you are saying it."
I agree
I've just been informed by my howling five-year-old son Isaac that I am "the worst mother EVER!"
Yep, that just about sums up my day.
I told him that he should think of who a better mother would be, then pack up his suitcase and I'd be glad to take him there.
He decided he'd stay here.
Yep, that just about sums up my day.
I told him that he should think of who a better mother would be, then pack up his suitcase and I'd be glad to take him there.
He decided he'd stay here.
Wrong... just wrong...
Spring break is here, and the weather is decent out, and I feel like complete pigpoop. I have so much work to do, but I am SICK and weary and worn out. I've probably got the flu, but I don't have time to deal with it. Nor would anything I did be helpful. I guess I should be glad I don't have to take any days off work, huh? [grouchy muttering]
The kids are driving me crazy. They've done little except pick at each other and tattle on each other all day, and I don't have an ounce of energy to put a stop to it. I have been faithfully parked in front of my laptop when I'm not lying comatose in bed, so I really have been accomplishing work, but it would be so much easier if the kids would just get along.
Even though it was relatively mild out today, my body didn't know it. I was shivering, probably feverish, and used an electric space heater turned up full-blast near my feet. No, Rick, I did not have it plugged in to the same outlet as my laptop.
I'm aaaaaaaaalmost finished with my massive project, but there are still loose ends that I'm trying to make sure are tied up. It's a big ginormous project, bigger than I've ever been asked to do before, and it's eating my lunch with all the details. I was supposed to turn it in last week (the 15th) and here it is, still in my laptop and not sent. I was hoping for today, but am still combing through it and making sure it's to my satisfaction. A lot of it just isn't, not yet. They're paying me a tremendous amount of money, and I want to give them a commensurate product.
All that, and I'm sick. Of course I am. I always manage to be sick when something huge is sitting on top of my head like this.
I want my life back.
The kids are driving me crazy. They've done little except pick at each other and tattle on each other all day, and I don't have an ounce of energy to put a stop to it. I have been faithfully parked in front of my laptop when I'm not lying comatose in bed, so I really have been accomplishing work, but it would be so much easier if the kids would just get along.
Even though it was relatively mild out today, my body didn't know it. I was shivering, probably feverish, and used an electric space heater turned up full-blast near my feet. No, Rick, I did not have it plugged in to the same outlet as my laptop.
I'm aaaaaaaaalmost finished with my massive project, but there are still loose ends that I'm trying to make sure are tied up. It's a big ginormous project, bigger than I've ever been asked to do before, and it's eating my lunch with all the details. I was supposed to turn it in last week (the 15th) and here it is, still in my laptop and not sent. I was hoping for today, but am still combing through it and making sure it's to my satisfaction. A lot of it just isn't, not yet. They're paying me a tremendous amount of money, and I want to give them a commensurate product.
All that, and I'm sick. Of course I am. I always manage to be sick when something huge is sitting on top of my head like this.
I want my life back.
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Peter Cottontail in the Greybar Hotel
I'm betting that every person on the planet who's ever dressed up as a giant bunny or Santa and sat in a mall has got some serious sympathies for this dude.
Easter Bunny Removed From Mall In Handcuffs
Easter Bunny Removed From Mall In Handcuffs
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa -- Council Bluffs police had to remove the Easter bunny from the Mall of the Bluffs Saturday afternoon.
Michael DiSantiago Sr. was wearing the bunny suit to pose for pictures with children in the mall. Police said he got upset when someone threw water on his costume.
DiSantiago left to take the bunny suit off and when he returned, an employee told him his shift wasn't over. That employee told police DiSantiago then threatened her. Witnesses told police DiSantiago told that employee and another man that if they didn't get out of his way, he would kill them.
DiSantiago was arrested on two charges of harassment.
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday
Today was a weird Sunday. Last week Jeff told me I had the week off from playing, which threw me for a bit of a loop. But I was actually a little glad at the time because practice night was going to be fouled up with the parent-teacher conferences and I wouldn't have been able to make it anyway. I wasn't looking forward to today, however.
First off, I didn't get up in the pre-dawn hours and head off for church. I actually slept in... sort-of... I can't sleep in as well as I used to, because my body has become accustomed to the school schedule. But I did sleep longer than usual. I didn't leave the house before anyone else was awake, which meant that I got to style my daughters' hair. They're always excited when Mom's home in the mornings, because it's such a rare treat to have me braid, bind, twist and updo. Also, I got to veto Alice's clothing choice. Poor kid just doesn't have a real clue as to how to dress.
We all drove to church in the same vehicle, together, and sat together. In the congregation. I watched as they came out on stage and they sounded great without a keyboard. They don't need me! Waaahh! I am pathetic. Duh, obviously they got along just fine before I showed up last fall.
Jeff broke a string on the Taylor this morning. He was able to pick up the Takamine and move right along. Rick was wondering if it was just a technique issue, but I personally think it's just because he's playing his heart out every time he gets up there. I'm glad he had the backup, though.
I did actually get to play tonight, though, since they're still letting me on stage with SoulFire. Most of the youth were gone on the mission trip to Chicago, but there were still a fair number of them there. After we played, I went out to sit with the kids and listen to the youth director. I chose the Goth table; several of these kids are brand-new Christians, and I think that some of the more strait-laced kids are a little afraid of the black clothes and chains and multiple piercings. Me, I figure I've got a lot in common with them. I sat down next to a girl with spiky short hair, and immediately she pointed to my tragus piercing. "Did that hurt when you had it done?" she asked. I told her no, that it really didn't, but that a day or so later it was sore for a while. We struck up a conversation about body piercing and tattooing and such stuff. Later, after the whole thing was over, I waved goodbye to her. "Bye, Kris!" she said cheerfully. I think I've made a friend.
First off, I didn't get up in the pre-dawn hours and head off for church. I actually slept in... sort-of... I can't sleep in as well as I used to, because my body has become accustomed to the school schedule. But I did sleep longer than usual. I didn't leave the house before anyone else was awake, which meant that I got to style my daughters' hair. They're always excited when Mom's home in the mornings, because it's such a rare treat to have me braid, bind, twist and updo. Also, I got to veto Alice's clothing choice. Poor kid just doesn't have a real clue as to how to dress.
We all drove to church in the same vehicle, together, and sat together. In the congregation. I watched as they came out on stage and they sounded great without a keyboard. They don't need me! Waaahh! I am pathetic. Duh, obviously they got along just fine before I showed up last fall.
Jeff broke a string on the Taylor this morning. He was able to pick up the Takamine and move right along. Rick was wondering if it was just a technique issue, but I personally think it's just because he's playing his heart out every time he gets up there. I'm glad he had the backup, though.
I did actually get to play tonight, though, since they're still letting me on stage with SoulFire. Most of the youth were gone on the mission trip to Chicago, but there were still a fair number of them there. After we played, I went out to sit with the kids and listen to the youth director. I chose the Goth table; several of these kids are brand-new Christians, and I think that some of the more strait-laced kids are a little afraid of the black clothes and chains and multiple piercings. Me, I figure I've got a lot in common with them. I sat down next to a girl with spiky short hair, and immediately she pointed to my tragus piercing. "Did that hurt when you had it done?" she asked. I told her no, that it really didn't, but that a day or so later it was sore for a while. We struck up a conversation about body piercing and tattooing and such stuff. Later, after the whole thing was over, I waved goodbye to her. "Bye, Kris!" she said cheerfully. I think I've made a friend.
Saturday, March 19, 2005
What a vile excuse for a human
John Evander Couey, that is. They found Jessica's body today. A few quotes from the article that stood out for me:
Yes, that law requiring sex offenders to notify the police whenever they move -- very effective. Creeps like that will always obey the law.
WTF?????!?!?!?!? Why are we trying to prevent this man from doing away with himself and saving the taxpayers' money? Help him, for pete's sake. Give him a bottle of cyanide pills and a glass of water. It's certainly more merciful than what little Jessica got.
Pedophiles need to be removed from the planet. They don't get better. They don't get rehabilitated. They are sick and dangerous.
John Evander Couey, 46, confessed to kidnapping and killing Jessica after taking a lie-detector test Friday in Georgia, Dawsy said. Police said he was arrested Thursday in Augusta, Ga., on a probation violation for failing to notify officials that he was moving, a requirement for sex offenders.
Yes, that law requiring sex offenders to notify the police whenever they move -- very effective. Creeps like that will always obey the law.
"We're en route to bring him back home," said Dawsy, who added that he wants Couey to face the death penalty. "This guy is not a quality person, by any means ... He's truly a piece of trash."
Couey, who has not yet been charged in Jessica's abduction or slaying, has been under a suicide watch at the Richmond County Jail in Georgia, sheriff's deputy Susan Herring said.
WTF?????!?!?!?!? Why are we trying to prevent this man from doing away with himself and saving the taxpayers' money? Help him, for pete's sake. Give him a bottle of cyanide pills and a glass of water. It's certainly more merciful than what little Jessica got.
Pedophiles need to be removed from the planet. They don't get better. They don't get rehabilitated. They are sick and dangerous.
Spring? Are you kidding?
This morning, FCC had what they call the "Spring Scramble"... basically a community-wide candy/goody dash for kids up to 5th grade. It's been so mild this week, weather-wise, but of course this morning the frigid Blue Norther would decide to blooooowwwwwww in, so the kids and Rick & I along with several hundred others huddled shivering in the raw zero-degree wind. I was glad that at least it was dry out, though; there had been a prediction of snow earlier in the week. I think it was probably the fastest Spring Scramble ever on record; they blew the air horn at 10:08 AM and by 10:15, we were already in our cars and leaving the parking lot.
SoulFire led worship at Ignite, a youth leaders conference held at one of the larger evangelical churches in the Des Moines metro. I saw a few people I used to rub elbows with through my former church's denomination, which was honestly a little surreal. I feel like for the past several months I've dropped off the face of the known world into a completely new one, and it's an odd feeling when the two worlds commingle a little bit.
Martha is in a snit at the moment. This is not an unusual occurrence around here. The snit of the moment is because she is on a web site that requires a username and password, and can't understand why it has to be typed exactly the same way every time. She calls us in to help, but refuses to listen and kicks the floor. So we quit helping; I explained that if she wanted us to come help her, she would actually have to DO what we were suggesting. If she didn't want to do that, we weren't going to continue wasting our breath on it. Stamp! Stamp! [violent head toss, loud impatient sigh] She's getting perilously close to being banished to her room for the rest of the evening. For her, that's absolutely the worst punishment we can dispense, because she can't stand being away from the "action" and knowing what everyone else is up to.
We drove by a couple of houses for sale in Norwalk this morning after the Spring Scramble. I think we're thinking fairly seriously about making the move at some point in the near future, but Rick brought up a valid point -- do they offer high-speed internet in those parts of Norwalk? I'm going to ask someone at church tomorrow; if they don't, that would be a pretty major NO for us. Particularly if I'm doing my master's online; I can't rely on a dialup for e-mailing research papers and Powerpoint presentations.
I just had the discussion with Martha; sometimes it's better to wait five minutes or so until her vitriol has finished spewing, and she can actually listen to reason. I explained her options to her. She stood listening to me and doing some waggly motion with her hips; I asked her to stop. She said, "Which one? The attitude? Or this? [waggle motion]"
"BOTH."
"Oh, okay."
SoulFire led worship at Ignite, a youth leaders conference held at one of the larger evangelical churches in the Des Moines metro. I saw a few people I used to rub elbows with through my former church's denomination, which was honestly a little surreal. I feel like for the past several months I've dropped off the face of the known world into a completely new one, and it's an odd feeling when the two worlds commingle a little bit.
Martha is in a snit at the moment. This is not an unusual occurrence around here. The snit of the moment is because she is on a web site that requires a username and password, and can't understand why it has to be typed exactly the same way every time. She calls us in to help, but refuses to listen and kicks the floor. So we quit helping; I explained that if she wanted us to come help her, she would actually have to DO what we were suggesting. If she didn't want to do that, we weren't going to continue wasting our breath on it. Stamp! Stamp! [violent head toss, loud impatient sigh] She's getting perilously close to being banished to her room for the rest of the evening. For her, that's absolutely the worst punishment we can dispense, because she can't stand being away from the "action" and knowing what everyone else is up to.
We drove by a couple of houses for sale in Norwalk this morning after the Spring Scramble. I think we're thinking fairly seriously about making the move at some point in the near future, but Rick brought up a valid point -- do they offer high-speed internet in those parts of Norwalk? I'm going to ask someone at church tomorrow; if they don't, that would be a pretty major NO for us. Particularly if I'm doing my master's online; I can't rely on a dialup for e-mailing research papers and Powerpoint presentations.
I just had the discussion with Martha; sometimes it's better to wait five minutes or so until her vitriol has finished spewing, and she can actually listen to reason. I explained her options to her. She stood listening to me and doing some waggly motion with her hips; I asked her to stop. She said, "Which one? The attitude? Or this? [waggle motion]"
"BOTH."
"Oh, okay."
Friday, March 18, 2005
Mallblogging
I'm working on a project, but thought I'd take a sec to blog from the mall since I think it's so cool that I can.
The Jordan Creek Town Center is packed to the gills with high schoolers... many, of course, from Des Moines because we're out for Spring Break. But there are a fair number of out-of-towners here for the boy's state basketball tournament. I saw three girls walking in a line, and I kid you not, three boys who were obviously "attached" to them were each walking about three feet behind them, also in a perfect line. The girls were chatting and obviously "at home" in the mall. The boys looked about as whipped as I've ever seen, looking around in a daze, not knowing quite what to do with themselves in such a place. They're the same guys you'll see in about forty years, sitting in the middle of the mall on the couch, waiting for their wives to come out of Christopher & Banks, staring into the floor and wondering why they're there when they could be asleep on their own couch at home.
Okay, blogging's done for a while. I have more than enough work to do. Catch y'all later.
The Jordan Creek Town Center is packed to the gills with high schoolers... many, of course, from Des Moines because we're out for Spring Break. But there are a fair number of out-of-towners here for the boy's state basketball tournament. I saw three girls walking in a line, and I kid you not, three boys who were obviously "attached" to them were each walking about three feet behind them, also in a perfect line. The girls were chatting and obviously "at home" in the mall. The boys looked about as whipped as I've ever seen, looking around in a daze, not knowing quite what to do with themselves in such a place. They're the same guys you'll see in about forty years, sitting in the middle of the mall on the couch, waiting for their wives to come out of Christopher & Banks, staring into the floor and wondering why they're there when they could be asleep on their own couch at home.
Okay, blogging's done for a while. I have more than enough work to do. Catch y'all later.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Can't... stop... laughing...
I have a very tiny toy poodle, a black female named Bijou. I occasionally look in the newspaper classifieds for toy poodles, just out of curiosity. I came upon this ad, and nearly fell onto the floor laughing:
"Shih-Tese"? BWA-HA-HA-HA-HA!!!
[coff coff] I thought that was what the little monsters left behind on the carpet. Can you imagine someone asking you what kind of dog you have, and having to answer, "Shih-Tese" ?
QUALITY Puppies,
Maltese, Poodles,
Papillons, Lhasa-Poos,
Chic-Poo's, Shih-Tese
$300-$450 Krutsinger
Knoxville ###-###-####
"Shih-Tese"? BWA-HA-HA-HA-HA!!!
[coff coff] I thought that was what the little monsters left behind on the carpet. Can you imagine someone asking you what kind of dog you have, and having to answer, "Shih-Tese" ?
You either love it or hate it...
Marmite, that is. What in the world is Marmite, you ask? Check with John Derbyshire, my favorite writer for National Review... he's the one who first introduced me to Marmite. It's a salty, savory spread that's popular in the UK, made from brewer's yeast and, well, stuff. You butter your toast, then spread a very thin coating of Marmite onto it. It's not bad, really, but I can understand why not everyone would love it. The product's slogan really is "You either love it or hate it." I think it's pretty good. I don't eat it that often, but it's not because I don't like it, it's because I rarely eat breakfast.
Apparently not everyone likes Marmite's new television advert, either:
Commercial leaves kids afraid to watch TV
Personally, I find Cialis commercials frightening. What commercials do you find frightening?
Apparently not everyone likes Marmite's new television advert, either:
Commercial leaves kids afraid to watch TV
LONDON (Reuters) - A Marmite commercial that parodied 1950's science fiction film "The Blob" has been banned from all children's programs in Britain after leaving kids too scared to watch television, the advertising watchdog said.
Two Marmite adverts featured a giant brown blob rolling along a crowded street, terrifying some people who tried to flee while others ran toward it with delight.
The ad ended with Marmite's slogan: "You either love it or hate it."
Six people complained to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) that their toddlers had been terrified by the adverts, with four refusing to watch television after seeing them and two suffering nightmares.
Unilever Bestfoods, makers of the dark brown savory spread, argued against imposing a tougher "ex-kids restriction" as broadcasters were likely not to show it during general programs such as "Pop Idol," which attracted younger viewers.
But the ASA said the complaints were strong enough to ban the advert from all children's programming.
"We accepted that the advertisements' effect on young children would have been hard to anticipate," it added. "However, it was clear from the complaints we received that they had caused distress to very young children."
Personally, I find Cialis commercials frightening. What commercials do you find frightening?
Oh, for pete's sake
David Yepsen can't be bothered by reality. Here's a bit of his column from today's Des Moines Register, entitled "Gay bashing seems to be the priority":
I'm going to assume that he's not so stupid as to actually believe this. It might be a stretch, but I'll give his intellect the benefit of the doubt and just assume that he's getting it wrong on purpose to spin the story to his viewpoint.
I can't believe that a ban on same-sex "marriage" is what's keeping new workers from moving here, or what's driving young people out of the state, for that matter. I'm sure it isn't the fact that there is NOTHING TO DO HERE and that it takes SIX GAZILLION HOURS to get anywhere else and you have to drive through endlessly undulating cornfields... and speaking of endless, why would anyone choose to live in a place where it's this stinkin' cold for most of the year, especially when they could pick a sunny, warm locale? As for English, what incentive does anyone moving here from another country have to assimilate unless they have to? I don't see the tide of immigrants stemming; no, they're continuing to seek asylum in our quiet little state. There are kids from at least ten different countries just here in this high school, and I am not talking about exchange students.
Yes, I gripe about Iowa. I do like it here, despite the drawbacks, but it's not because of Iowa. It's because there are people I love here, and I'm doing things I like doing. Iowa? Maybe it's because I'm not a native, but Iowa just ain't the most happenin' place on the planet. If I were a young, single chick fresh out of college, and I could pick anyplace in the country to work, I'd be heading for New York City or Miami, or even Dallas or Phoenix. Iowa wouldn't even hit the radar screen.
I sincerely doubt that most of the young singles are checking out our gay-marriage policy before deciding whether or not to move here.
No, Mr. Yepsen. Are any of you ever going to cease with this tiresome old fallback? Please. We're discussing the legal definition of MARRIAGE. No-one cares what you or anyone else does in your bedroom. I couldn't possibly care less, to be honest. You're a grownup and you can make good or bad choices, same as I can. Just don't expect me to say you're married if you're keeping house and sleeping with another guy. That isn't marriage.
He goes on to argue that it's a ploy to mobilize the Evangelical Right during the next election, when Tom Harkin's term will be up and when a large conservative turnout would help oust him from office. Heavens... I can only hope that they're actually thinking along those lines! It's obviously something that worries Mr. Yepsen... enough that he feels he has to drag out all the shopworn Cassandra Croakings to stir up the obviously overwhelmingly vast base of GLBTs here. I can't imagine that anyone else is remotely bothered. Or convinced. [yawn]
It's not even an election year, but political games still rule the day at the state Capitol. It's why the Republican-controlled Iowa House decided this week to approve a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.
Never mind that Iowa has more important issues - ones that affect a lot more people - to address. Things like economic growth, balancing budgets, education reform, lawsuit limitations, cleaning up the environment and paying for health care for the poor, just to state a few.
Never mind how - so far - the Legislature has done darn little about any of it. And never mind that the proposed ban is DOA in the Iowa Senate.
No, siree. Out of all the issues facing Iowa, our state representatives took time out of their busy 3 1/2 day work week to do a little gay and lesbian bashing.
At a time when we're trying to make Iowa an appealing place to live in order to attract new workers and keep young people in the state, lawmakers have time to send another hostile, unwelcoming signal. (If you aren't heterosexual, House Republicans don't seem to want you in Iowa. Some of them don't want you here if you can't speak English, either.)
I'm going to assume that he's not so stupid as to actually believe this. It might be a stretch, but I'll give his intellect the benefit of the doubt and just assume that he's getting it wrong on purpose to spin the story to his viewpoint.
I can't believe that a ban on same-sex "marriage" is what's keeping new workers from moving here, or what's driving young people out of the state, for that matter. I'm sure it isn't the fact that there is NOTHING TO DO HERE and that it takes SIX GAZILLION HOURS to get anywhere else and you have to drive through endlessly undulating cornfields... and speaking of endless, why would anyone choose to live in a place where it's this stinkin' cold for most of the year, especially when they could pick a sunny, warm locale? As for English, what incentive does anyone moving here from another country have to assimilate unless they have to? I don't see the tide of immigrants stemming; no, they're continuing to seek asylum in our quiet little state. There are kids from at least ten different countries just here in this high school, and I am not talking about exchange students.
Yes, I gripe about Iowa. I do like it here, despite the drawbacks, but it's not because of Iowa. It's because there are people I love here, and I'm doing things I like doing. Iowa? Maybe it's because I'm not a native, but Iowa just ain't the most happenin' place on the planet. If I were a young, single chick fresh out of college, and I could pick anyplace in the country to work, I'd be heading for New York City or Miami, or even Dallas or Phoenix. Iowa wouldn't even hit the radar screen.
I sincerely doubt that most of the young singles are checking out our gay-marriage policy before deciding whether or not to move here.
So much for the Republican talk about less government in our lives. So much for the Republican notion of defending freedom and leaving people alone. When it comes to the American bedroom, many GOPers seem determined to set up a video camera to make sure everyone is making love only to their adult spouse of the opposite sex in the missionary position.
No, Mr. Yepsen. Are any of you ever going to cease with this tiresome old fallback? Please. We're discussing the legal definition of MARRIAGE. No-one cares what you or anyone else does in your bedroom. I couldn't possibly care less, to be honest. You're a grownup and you can make good or bad choices, same as I can. Just don't expect me to say you're married if you're keeping house and sleeping with another guy. That isn't marriage.
He goes on to argue that it's a ploy to mobilize the Evangelical Right during the next election, when Tom Harkin's term will be up and when a large conservative turnout would help oust him from office. Heavens... I can only hope that they're actually thinking along those lines! It's obviously something that worries Mr. Yepsen... enough that he feels he has to drag out all the shopworn Cassandra Croakings to stir up the obviously overwhelmingly vast base of GLBTs here. I can't imagine that anyone else is remotely bothered. Or convinced. [yawn]
Tree news
Snap! Iowa's oldest oak tree dies
It was in the Red Rock Preserve near Hartford, and it was over 400 years old. A 400+ tree in Dubuque County has now taken its place as the oldest tree in Iowa. I like the plant ecologist's point of view about the whole affair:
What do you bet me the hikers and naturalists are wailing much more about this tree than about Terri Schiavo? Just saying...
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My nine-year-old's class took a field trip to a nearby park a few days ago. She informed me that they were planning to hug trees. [shudder] The indoctrination starts early, doesn't it?
It was in the Red Rock Preserve near Hartford, and it was over 400 years old. A 400+ tree in Dubuque County has now taken its place as the oldest tree in Iowa. I like the plant ecologist's point of view about the whole affair:
"The news of the Hartford oak is too bad, but it was inevitable that it would happen someday," Pearson said. "A nice way to look at it is that that tree has now entered the second phase of its continuing life as a natural feature of the forest, that of a decaying log that will support microorganisms."
What do you bet me the hikers and naturalists are wailing much more about this tree than about Terri Schiavo? Just saying...
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My nine-year-old's class took a field trip to a nearby park a few days ago. She informed me that they were planning to hug trees. [shudder] The indoctrination starts early, doesn't it?
Random Quotes from my kids
We're sitting here at the high school... I have to be here until 8 PM. Since I have no-one to keep the kids, they're here with me as well.
One of my students just came in with her mom and we chatted. This student is a lovely girl with bright red hair and a cheerful countenance. When she left, Isaac asked, "What was her name?"
"Taylor," I replied.
"That's a beautiful name," he said.
"Yes, it is," I said. "What would be a name that isn't beautiful?"
"Oh, like Chipmunk or Skunk," he said.
------------
Martha, age ten, is not happy having to be in this place for five hours with no TV or GameCube (poor thing). She is lolling on a blanket on the floor and just now taped up a little paper sign next to her:
"Do NOT
bother trying
to sleep
And trying
to have some
PEACE"
Anybody need an insufferable little tyrant for a couple of weeks?
One of my students just came in with her mom and we chatted. This student is a lovely girl with bright red hair and a cheerful countenance. When she left, Isaac asked, "What was her name?"
"Taylor," I replied.
"That's a beautiful name," he said.
"Yes, it is," I said. "What would be a name that isn't beautiful?"
"Oh, like Chipmunk or Skunk," he said.
------------
Martha, age ten, is not happy having to be in this place for five hours with no TV or GameCube (poor thing). She is lolling on a blanket on the floor and just now taped up a little paper sign next to her:
"Do NOT
bother trying
to sleep
And trying
to have some
PEACE"
Anybody need an insufferable little tyrant for a couple of weeks?
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Conference time
Tonight and tomorrow are parent-teacher conferences here at the high school. [yawn] Which, for my particular area, means lots and lots and lots of loooooooooooong stretches of uninterrupted time in my classroom.
Although it would really behoove me just to clean off my desk and get a few things re-organized in here.
Yeah, uh-huh. That's what I'll do. Yep.
The nicest thing about this week? Friday off. And then an entire week of Spring Break next week. Mighty thoughtful of 'em to arrange for conferences to fall right before Spring Break, dontcha think? Almost makes up for having to be in this windowless, vent-less cinderblock cell from 7 AM to 8 PM for two days in a row. Almost.
Although it would really behoove me just to clean off my desk and get a few things re-organized in here.
Yeah, uh-huh. That's what I'll do. Yep.
The nicest thing about this week? Friday off. And then an entire week of Spring Break next week. Mighty thoughtful of 'em to arrange for conferences to fall right before Spring Break, dontcha think? Almost makes up for having to be in this windowless, vent-less cinderblock cell from 7 AM to 8 PM for two days in a row. Almost.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Drummed out of a job
In the Des Moines Register today:
Man drums himself right out of a job
Dude... if you can't beat 'em... you get to keep your job.
I think I'm going to turn this article into some kind of assignment for my classes... now if only someone will write an article decrying "desk pounding", since that's what every boy in this school thinks they've got to do with their hands, fists, heads, feet, whatever is handy.
-------------
As an aside, the germs have finally caught up with me. I've managed to remain healthy throughout the entire winter, and now find myself beset with a nasty cold. I'd stay home, but this week is parent-teacher conferences, so I don't really have a choice. Blech. My arms hurt... my neck hurts... my head hurts... my left eye that always gets weepy whenever I'm sick, well, it's weepy today. I went ahead and turned in my last assignments for my college class a day early because I just have a feeling I'm not going to want to be bothered with them tomorrow.
Man drums himself right out of a job
A service station attendant scared the customers with his riffs, the manager says.
A Cedar Rapids service station attendant's penchant for "air drumming" has cost him his job.
Last summer, Christopher Garcia began working at the Hawkeye Downs Sinclair station and convenience store in Cedar Rapids.
Soon after he was hired, customers complained to store manager Judi Moorman that the 46-year-old Garcia was constantly playing an imaginary set of drums - using real drumsticks - while listening to music through headphones. Some of the customers reportedly said they were fearful of being struck by an errant drumstick during one of Garcia's air solos.
"My customers were feeling threatened by it," Moorman testified at a recent state hearing to determine whether Garcia was entitled to unemployment benefits. "They didn't feel comfortable that these sticks were flying around. And, you know, he would get rather close to people."
Moorman reviewed the store's security videotapes, which allegedly showed Garcia air drumming while behind the cash register and while moving about the store. She said Garcia was "very inattentive" while engaged in air drumming, and the store experienced an increase in shoplifting. She said that after Garcia ignored her warnings to keep his drumsticks at home, she decided to fire him.
Garcia testified at the hearing that his drumsticks went everywhere with him.
"I never go anywhere without my drumsticks," he said. "I guess the best way to put it - and it's going to sound silly - is that they're like my pacifier. I always have them in my hands. I do. I do."
Garcia said Monday that he has played drums since he was 5 years old.
"My drums are not a joke; they are a part of me," he said. "People used to come into the store and say, 'Dude, you're so good with those drumsticks.' "
An administrative law judge has denied Garcia's request for benefits, ruling that he committed job misconduct. Garcia is appealing that decision.
Dude... if you can't beat 'em... you get to keep your job.
I think I'm going to turn this article into some kind of assignment for my classes... now if only someone will write an article decrying "desk pounding", since that's what every boy in this school thinks they've got to do with their hands, fists, heads, feet, whatever is handy.
-------------
As an aside, the germs have finally caught up with me. I've managed to remain healthy throughout the entire winter, and now find myself beset with a nasty cold. I'd stay home, but this week is parent-teacher conferences, so I don't really have a choice. Blech. My arms hurt... my neck hurts... my head hurts... my left eye that always gets weepy whenever I'm sick, well, it's weepy today. I went ahead and turned in my last assignments for my college class a day early because I just have a feeling I'm not going to want to be bothered with them tomorrow.
Why Tom Harkin Gets Re-elected
Iowa Schools Get $8 Million For Building, Repairs
Notice that the construction and renovation money requires local matching funds.
Harkin gets re-elected because he brings home chunks of bacon and hopes we won't remember the nut-case stuff he says and does on Capitol Hill. So far it's working out for him. Not so much for the rest of us.
State Districts Will Receive $2.6 Million In Fire Safety Grants
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Sen. Tom Harkin said Iowa schools will share in more than $8 million for building and repair projects. The funding comes through two pilot programs Harkin created to help local school districts with construction and upgrades to meet fire codes.
Iowa districts will receive almost $2.6 million in fire safety grants and districts will receive nearly $5.6 million for construction and renovation that will require local matching funds.
According to the General Accounting Office, 79 percent of Iowa schools report a need to repair or upgrade their buildings.
Notice that the construction and renovation money requires local matching funds.
Harkin gets re-elected because he brings home chunks of bacon and hopes we won't remember the nut-case stuff he says and does on Capitol Hill. So far it's working out for him. Not so much for the rest of us.
Monday, March 14, 2005
Can't have it both ways
Planned Parenthood is suing the attorney general of Indiana because the AG's Medicaid fraud unit wants access to a number of Medicaid patients' files there.
Group sues state over medical records
Liberal groups want it both ways. They want gimmees from Uncle Sow, but don't make anyone accountable for it. In my book, folks, if you take money from someone for a specific reason, you are then responsible to them to account for exactly how you spend it. If you don't like it, how's about not taking the dough? And if you simply must take the dough, live with the consequences of that decision and realize your life won't be private anymore. At least it shouldn't be... they're taking the public's money, they should have to account for it to the public. Medicaid programs shouldn't have any guarantees of privacy with regards to oversight by governmental officials.
Group sues state over medical records
Liberal groups want it both ways. They want gimmees from Uncle Sow, but don't make anyone accountable for it. In my book, folks, if you take money from someone for a specific reason, you are then responsible to them to account for exactly how you spend it. If you don't like it, how's about not taking the dough? And if you simply must take the dough, live with the consequences of that decision and realize your life won't be private anymore. At least it shouldn't be... they're taking the public's money, they should have to account for it to the public. Medicaid programs shouldn't have any guarantees of privacy with regards to oversight by governmental officials.
A question for y'all
I'm just curious... do you have any spiritual beliefs? If so, what are they? You can either post them in the comments, or just e-mail me at gradualdazzle@gmail.com if you'd rather.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Let it be said that she died happy...
...that is, if I die tonight.
Just finished playing in my first concert with SoulFire... phew! That was incredibly energizing, I have to say. Energizing and exhausting at the same time. I could NOT believe how many youth were there tonight. The gym was packed out, and there were teenagers everywhere jumping up and down, rocking the house. Five or six of them prayed to receive Christ tonight, as well, which was the absolute pinnacle of the whole evening. I can't wait to hear the recording that they made of it.
Blue Fish & Red Fish were also in attendance, which cheered my soul even more.
Next Saturday we're playing at Ignite, which is a youth leaders conference. It's funny; I actually attended this conference last year because I was beginning to have some leadership responsibilities with the youth group at my former church. It's funny to think of how much has changed over the year...
Okay, I've got some actual real work to attend to, but I haven't posted in a couple of days because I've been so busy with other stuff, so I felt I should at least check in with y'all. If I can stop sneezing long enough to post again tomorrow, I will. Cindy gave me a Zyrtec-D since my plain Zyrtec didn't touch this today; she promises it'll dry me up, and I'm hoping she's right. I'm tired of the drips.
Just finished playing in my first concert with SoulFire... phew! That was incredibly energizing, I have to say. Energizing and exhausting at the same time. I could NOT believe how many youth were there tonight. The gym was packed out, and there were teenagers everywhere jumping up and down, rocking the house. Five or six of them prayed to receive Christ tonight, as well, which was the absolute pinnacle of the whole evening. I can't wait to hear the recording that they made of it.
Blue Fish & Red Fish were also in attendance, which cheered my soul even more.
Next Saturday we're playing at Ignite, which is a youth leaders conference. It's funny; I actually attended this conference last year because I was beginning to have some leadership responsibilities with the youth group at my former church. It's funny to think of how much has changed over the year...
Okay, I've got some actual real work to attend to, but I haven't posted in a couple of days because I've been so busy with other stuff, so I felt I should at least check in with y'all. If I can stop sneezing long enough to post again tomorrow, I will. Cindy gave me a Zyrtec-D since my plain Zyrtec didn't touch this today; she promises it'll dry me up, and I'm hoping she's right. I'm tired of the drips.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Multiple intelligences
Multiple intelligences theory is something I've become interested in over the past couple of years. While teaching at a small private Montessori/Classical school, I was exposed to this theory and its ramifications for effective teaching. Today, while working on an assignment for my U. of Phoenix class, I was researching the MI theory and came upon this online assessment tool so you can determine for yourself what your own learning style is. It's a useful exercise; when you click the link, scroll down past the "user number" box and enter your information down at the bottom of the page. There are 80 questions, each one appearing by itself so you aren't distracted by other questions. It doesn't take very long and gives a pretty accurate picture of -- not how smart you are -- but -- how you are smart.
My results?
Music -- 50 (highest possible)
Intrapersonal -- 42
Visual/Spatial -- 39
Linguistic -- 34
Body/Kinesthetic -- 28
Naturalistic -- 25
Mathematics -- 23
Interpersonal -- 21
My results?
Music -- 50 (highest possible)
Intrapersonal -- 42
Visual/Spatial -- 39
Linguistic -- 34
Body/Kinesthetic -- 28
Naturalistic -- 25
Mathematics -- 23
Interpersonal -- 21
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Wednesday wrapup
...but I am not sure I could possibly get any tired-er. I've already got an overdue paper for my class, but I think I can finish it up in the morning during my planning period.
Guess what? My middle daughter, Alice, who's disabled, played the harp today in a solo contest. It's the first time I've ever heard her play it, and I was stunned. She actually was using her left hand to pluck strings... her left hand, which is the one that doesn't work well. Not only that, but she even used the graceful gestures which all harpists seem to use. It was simply beautiful to hear. I'd just love it if she's actually able to continue doing this. It's an amazing thing to see, especially if you know just how disabled she really is. I love this school; it's the fine-arts magnet elementary school for the city of Des Moines and it is COOL. The kids get all kinds of extra fine arts things -- free music lessons, and they get to choose their instrument... free dance, art enrichment, all kinds of cool things. Next year Martha will be moving on to middle school, and I am seriously considering transferring her to Norwalk schools so she can go to school with the kids she goes to church with. But I think I'll leave Alice & Isaac at the academy so they can get the benefits of all the very cool music & art stuff.
Okay, it is way later than I need to be up. I may post tomorrow, or I may not. I've got an enormous amount of writing to do, not just for my class, so I really shouldn't be giving time to blogging right now... but it's an addiction and an obsession, so if something occurs to me to be blogworthy, I will probably take the time to post it.
Guess what? My middle daughter, Alice, who's disabled, played the harp today in a solo contest. It's the first time I've ever heard her play it, and I was stunned. She actually was using her left hand to pluck strings... her left hand, which is the one that doesn't work well. Not only that, but she even used the graceful gestures which all harpists seem to use. It was simply beautiful to hear. I'd just love it if she's actually able to continue doing this. It's an amazing thing to see, especially if you know just how disabled she really is. I love this school; it's the fine-arts magnet elementary school for the city of Des Moines and it is COOL. The kids get all kinds of extra fine arts things -- free music lessons, and they get to choose their instrument... free dance, art enrichment, all kinds of cool things. Next year Martha will be moving on to middle school, and I am seriously considering transferring her to Norwalk schools so she can go to school with the kids she goes to church with. But I think I'll leave Alice & Isaac at the academy so they can get the benefits of all the very cool music & art stuff.
Okay, it is way later than I need to be up. I may post tomorrow, or I may not. I've got an enormous amount of writing to do, not just for my class, so I really shouldn't be giving time to blogging right now... but it's an addiction and an obsession, so if something occurs to me to be blogworthy, I will probably take the time to post it.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
And speaking of moonbats...
Teresa Heinz Kerry hasn't lost her outspoken way
She's always good for a little entertainment... some quotes from this Seattle Post-Intelligencer column:
No doubt, Teresa. No doubt.
Mmmm... yep. It was rigged, honey. [snicker snicker]
I nominate you to head up this DNC committee, THK. Please, oh please please please please please please please?
She's always good for a little entertainment... some quotes from this Seattle Post-Intelligencer column:
What made Teresa Heinz Kerry so refreshing to some voters, and threatening to others on the 2004 campaign trail, is summed up when THK talks about her speech to last year's Democratic convention:
"Nobody told me what to do," she told a Saturday fund-raiser here.
No doubt, Teresa. No doubt.
Heinz Kerry is openly skeptical about results from November's election, particularly in sections of the country where optical scanners were used to record votes.
"Two brothers own 80 percent of the machines used in the United States," Heinz Kerry said. She identified both as "hard-right" Republicans. She argued that it is "very easy to hack into the mother machines."
"We in the United States are not a banana republic," added Heinz Kerry. She argued that Democrats should insist on "accountability and transparency" in how votes are tabulated.
"I fear for '06," she said. "I don't trust it the way it is right now."
Mmmm... yep. It was rigged, honey. [snicker snicker]
"We have to develop a discipline for this party, so the people of this country know more clearly what it is to be a Democrat," she said.
I nominate you to head up this DNC committee, THK. Please, oh please please please please please please please?
SIGH
I have one student, a very tall and imposing young man with an extreme alpha-male attitude, who probably doesn't really need to be in my class because he's pretty bright and handles his other subjects with little trouble. He is one of those guys who makes moonbatty statements and refuses to listen to reason... his imperious and vigorous assertion during my last class was that AIDS was man-made and was intentionally inflicted upon the human race to exterminate blacks (he's black, himself). We weren't even talking about anything remotely close to that subject, but with him, it doesn't matter. I calmly told him it wasn't true; of course, that's of little use because HE is RIGHT and there's no convincing him otherwise. Of course he can't document his sources... but that doesn't matter, either. One of the girls in class perceptively changed the subject for us, and he kept right on talking. We all just rolled our eyes and kept going.
He is a classic, textbook case of a kid who's grown up around highly intelligent but militantly liberal grownups... grieves me, I tell you.
LaShawn Barber dealt with this subject yesterday. According to this article from the New Scientist:
He is a classic, textbook case of a kid who's grown up around highly intelligent but militantly liberal grownups... grieves me, I tell you.
LaShawn Barber dealt with this subject yesterday. According to this article from the New Scientist:
Two new retroviruses - the type of virus which causes AIDS - have jumped from non-human primates to people, a new study reveals.
The study of blood samples from nearly a thousand bushmeat hunters or handlers in Cameroon showed that at least six viruses had crossed from monkeys to the people who were exposed to freshly caught bushmeat. And two of these viruses have never been seen before in humans.
The newly discovered human T-cell lymphotropic virus 3 (HTLV-3) and HTLV-4 are closely related to the known viruses, HTLV-1 and HTLV-2. These are implicated in cancers like leukaemia and can cause inflammatory or neurological diseases.
Retroviruses such as HTLV or HIV insert their genetic material into a host cell's DNA. The emergence of HIV is widely blamed on a primate retrovirus, SIV, jumping to humans. Previously, it was thought that the emergence of these viruses was limited by the rarity of successful cross-species transmission.
But the identification of two entirely new human retroviruses from one study, along with a previous discovery by the same group that simian foamy viruses can jump from monkeys to humans, may be ominous.
No fluke
"What's increasingly clear is that the hunting and butchering of non-human primates is associated with the transmission of retroviruses to humans," says Nathan Wolfe, at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, US, who led the study.
He says the new results suggest the team's previous find of simian foamy viruses in bushmeat hunters was "not just a fluke". In the blood-screening study, 13 out of 930 people were found to be infected with simian retroviruses, and two with the new human strains.
The new findings are no surprise, agrees Martine Peeters at the retrovirus laboratory of the Institute of Research for Development in Montpelier, France. She and her colleagues, along with other groups, had described simian TLV-3 in primates in Cameroon in 2004 so the discovery of a human equivalent is not unexpected. Now scientists will look for the simian equivalent of HTLV-4.
HTLV-1 and -2 are not very pathogenic says Peeters, but about 1% of those infected may go on to develop leukaemia.
Global distribution
Wolfe points out that HTLV-1 and 2 are now global viruses, infecting 22 million worldwide. "This finding is in a class of disease known to have global distribution and known to cause disease. It's not just a few obscure viruses crossing over and staying only in hunters," he told New Scientist.
He says the next issue to tackle is whether these new retroviruses reach a "dead end" in hunters, or are capable of human-to-human transmission.
While HTLV-3 and HTLV-4 are not a serious threat to global health, Peeters warns that "it shows that there is still retroviral transmission from primates to humans, so maybe one day another SIV could become another HIV".
HIV-2 is believed to have jumped from mangabey monkeys and HIV-1 from chimpanzees. A new HIV could potentially jump from another species, she cautions.
The work was presented at a retrovirus conference in Boston, US, on Friday.
Monday, March 07, 2005
My favorite class
Dominique noticed just now that he had somehow gotten ballpoint ink on the sleeve of his nice new white shirt. He was rather annoyed, thinking it wouldn't come out. I suggested that he spray some hairspray on it to get it out, since that sometimes loosens ink stains.
"You're just ghetto, Mrs. Wood," he replied, shaking his head.
I was working on his IEP (Individualized Education Plan) just a bit ago, and I was asking him some of the basics (address, middle initial, etc.) so that I wouldn't have to dig around his file for it. I called out the category "Race/Ethnicity," and he said (completely seriously), "Do they list Blaxican?"
The whole Race/Ethnicity thing is so bogus anymore. Especially at this school. I'm going to start writing my own in, under the Other heading: "Human".
"You're just ghetto, Mrs. Wood," he replied, shaking his head.
I was working on his IEP (Individualized Education Plan) just a bit ago, and I was asking him some of the basics (address, middle initial, etc.) so that I wouldn't have to dig around his file for it. I called out the category "Race/Ethnicity," and he said (completely seriously), "Do they list Blaxican?"
The whole Race/Ethnicity thing is so bogus anymore. Especially at this school. I'm going to start writing my own in, under the Other heading: "Human".
Time Waster
You're going to hate me for this. Do NOT click the link if you have work to get done. Thanks to Jonah Goldberg again for this one. He's the king of finding time-wasters.
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Anything happen in the world?
I've been in my usual weekend whirlwind, and I'm finally sitting home with a moment to work on all the stuff I should have been doing all weekend if I weren't a rabid musician. I have no idea -- did anything exciting happen in the world? I guess I should go actually read some blogs and foxnews.com and Drudge and all the places I get my news from, huh?
The Sunday morning & Sunday night music went well, I think. I didn't detect any anomalies, although Cindy said there was some kind of disturbance in the Force because the person who was in charge of the Powerpoint slides was really slow on the uptake and didn't always get the right one to show up. The guys project the slides onto the front, which is behind me. They do also project it onto the back wall so the musicians can see what everyone else is seeing, but I rarely look up there because it distracts me. Normally I'm not singing, so it doesn't matter. Today I was actually singing while playing because the guy who was supposed to do the tenor line was sick... Jeff came in early and told me that the tenor was staying home sick -- could I find a tenor note somewhere? Yeah, sure, no problem man. I didn't have too much trouble with it, actually, because the songs were all songs I was fairly familiar with: "Trading My Sorrows," "Forever," "Not To Us," "You Are My King," and then"Purify Me," which is one of Jeff's originals. The song set was a little shortened because some people were going to share faith stories during Pastor Rob's talk.
Musicians this morning were Stratman on lead guitar, Jeff on acoustic (as always -- and this morning Taylor did her first gig and she sounded great), Frank on bass guitar, and Neal on drums.
I've already introduced you to Stratman, so I will just say that he came in this morning wearing very cool sunglasses. The weather here was unbelievable today -- summery, even.
Frank is fun to watch when he plays bass because he's very, um, enthusiastic. He jumps up and down, moves around, etc... a total trip. He's just been part of the team for a couple of months, so I'm still getting to know him. His wife Leslie is helping out in the coffee-shop bookstore place in the church lobby and she's nice. They have a very cool house that's not far from mine; it's kind-of an adobe-style place (very unusual for Iowa) and it's painted bright blue.
Neal is one kickin' drummer, I have to say. He actually gigs with a country band called Red Rock, and I've never heard anyone quite like him. He keeps a metronome beat going in his earpiece at all times, so he is ALWAYS on beat and you can set your watch by him. He can reproduce just about any style you can imagine. He doesn't always have a lot to say, but when he does, it's dry and funny. I know he's got a bit of a flair that he doesn't always let on, because he'll be in the middle of some cool riff and he'll twirl his drumstick. I got to meet his wife this morning; they normally attend a different church, but he comes once or twice a month to play in the rotation for us. I'm incredibly grateful that God brought him our way; a drummer as talented as he is doesn't come along just every day.
The afternoon practice was a tiny bit annoying because we didn't start playing for an hour. Sunday afternoon is prime napping time, and although I did have a nap, I could've used a little longer one!
Okay, Rick just rained on my personal parade by informing me that the summer-like weather was disappearing tomorrow and in its place would be rain, turning to ice, then turning to snow for the ENTIRE WEEK. Welcome to Iowa, Kris. Come visit us in August when it's sweltering and the humidity from all the cornfields hangs like a woollen blanket over the entire state.
On that cheery note, I'll sign off on this post and get back to work on my homework.
The Sunday morning & Sunday night music went well, I think. I didn't detect any anomalies, although Cindy said there was some kind of disturbance in the Force because the person who was in charge of the Powerpoint slides was really slow on the uptake and didn't always get the right one to show up. The guys project the slides onto the front, which is behind me. They do also project it onto the back wall so the musicians can see what everyone else is seeing, but I rarely look up there because it distracts me. Normally I'm not singing, so it doesn't matter. Today I was actually singing while playing because the guy who was supposed to do the tenor line was sick... Jeff came in early and told me that the tenor was staying home sick -- could I find a tenor note somewhere? Yeah, sure, no problem man. I didn't have too much trouble with it, actually, because the songs were all songs I was fairly familiar with: "Trading My Sorrows," "Forever," "Not To Us," "You Are My King," and then"Purify Me," which is one of Jeff's originals. The song set was a little shortened because some people were going to share faith stories during Pastor Rob's talk.
Musicians this morning were Stratman on lead guitar, Jeff on acoustic (as always -- and this morning Taylor did her first gig and she sounded great), Frank on bass guitar, and Neal on drums.
I've already introduced you to Stratman, so I will just say that he came in this morning wearing very cool sunglasses. The weather here was unbelievable today -- summery, even.
Frank is fun to watch when he plays bass because he's very, um, enthusiastic. He jumps up and down, moves around, etc... a total trip. He's just been part of the team for a couple of months, so I'm still getting to know him. His wife Leslie is helping out in the coffee-shop bookstore place in the church lobby and she's nice. They have a very cool house that's not far from mine; it's kind-of an adobe-style place (very unusual for Iowa) and it's painted bright blue.
Neal is one kickin' drummer, I have to say. He actually gigs with a country band called Red Rock, and I've never heard anyone quite like him. He keeps a metronome beat going in his earpiece at all times, so he is ALWAYS on beat and you can set your watch by him. He can reproduce just about any style you can imagine. He doesn't always have a lot to say, but when he does, it's dry and funny. I know he's got a bit of a flair that he doesn't always let on, because he'll be in the middle of some cool riff and he'll twirl his drumstick. I got to meet his wife this morning; they normally attend a different church, but he comes once or twice a month to play in the rotation for us. I'm incredibly grateful that God brought him our way; a drummer as talented as he is doesn't come along just every day.
The afternoon practice was a tiny bit annoying because we didn't start playing for an hour. Sunday afternoon is prime napping time, and although I did have a nap, I could've used a little longer one!
Okay, Rick just rained on my personal parade by informing me that the summer-like weather was disappearing tomorrow and in its place would be rain, turning to ice, then turning to snow for the ENTIRE WEEK. Welcome to Iowa, Kris. Come visit us in August when it's sweltering and the humidity from all the cornfields hangs like a woollen blanket over the entire state.
On that cheery note, I'll sign off on this post and get back to work on my homework.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Mallblogging!!!!
Thank you A MILLION TIMES OVER to Blue Fish for his masterful help in setting me up to wi-fi away from home. I've offered him my firstborn, but he says he's already got one of those. A gigantic bowl of my homemade guacamole, perhaps?
I'm sitting in the Food Court at the Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines, Iowa. The only thing that's missing now is a little electrical outlet underneath every table so I can plug in my laptop and not have to use the battery. I'm not spoiled, am I?
The Tomlin/Chapman/Casting Crowns concert last night was wonderful... Casting Crowns is a simply terrific group of folks from Atlanta, Georgia. I thought Tomlin's hair was a little scruffy-looking, though, and not in a good way. He has a really nice voice, and thankfully we were far enough away from the stage that I wasn't too distracted by his appearance. His lead guitarist, however... well, I didn't NEED to see him to be totally bowled over by his talent. He was unbelievable on that electric guitar. Blew me away. He could've looked like a Martian toad, I don't know. I didn't pay too much attention. Slam me a few more of those riffs, buddy, and I'm yours. heh
The manager here at the Villa Pizza food stand is getting on my nerves. He has this weird code thingy where he claps his hands a certain number of times to mean certain things. I have no idea what the code is, but I'm a little concerned that if he claps any louder, my laptop will turn off. And then on again.
I really should be getting something done. I have an assignment to turn in for my ProfCom class, so I'll knuckle under and actually be productive. SoulFire practice today -- wahoo!!
I'm sitting in the Food Court at the Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines, Iowa. The only thing that's missing now is a little electrical outlet underneath every table so I can plug in my laptop and not have to use the battery. I'm not spoiled, am I?
The Tomlin/Chapman/Casting Crowns concert last night was wonderful... Casting Crowns is a simply terrific group of folks from Atlanta, Georgia. I thought Tomlin's hair was a little scruffy-looking, though, and not in a good way. He has a really nice voice, and thankfully we were far enough away from the stage that I wasn't too distracted by his appearance. His lead guitarist, however... well, I didn't NEED to see him to be totally bowled over by his talent. He was unbelievable on that electric guitar. Blew me away. He could've looked like a Martian toad, I don't know. I didn't pay too much attention. Slam me a few more of those riffs, buddy, and I'm yours. heh
The manager here at the Villa Pizza food stand is getting on my nerves. He has this weird code thingy where he claps his hands a certain number of times to mean certain things. I have no idea what the code is, but I'm a little concerned that if he claps any louder, my laptop will turn off. And then on again.
I really should be getting something done. I have an assignment to turn in for my ProfCom class, so I'll knuckle under and actually be productive. SoulFire practice today -- wahoo!!
Friday, March 04, 2005
Growling, muttering, gnashing of teeth
The principal has just sent out an e-mail calling an ad hoc STAFF MEETING immediately after school today.
Does he realize it's FRIDAY? AFTERNOON? And the weather outside is GORGEOUS? And I have a CONCERT to go to tonight? (Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns & Stephen Curtis Chapman are in Ames at Iowa State University at the Hilton Coliseum tonight)
And we all know how much I love MEETINGS. Particularly when they're about the budget, which is what he says it's about. Apparently they've had some kind of decision from on high. Do I care?
I could not possible care any less than I care right now, hence my "care" level is ZERO. Let them cut my job. I can get a job somewhere else. But the position I'm in, it's highly unlikely they're cutting ME. They're already desperate for more special ed teachers.
I'm already irritable today because our refrigerator's icemaker has been broken for two days. I'm a compulsive, habitual ice-cruncher and I haven't had any of my OWN ice to crunch in that time. I've stopped at the QuikTrip several times for crushed ice, which is a passable substitute and certainly a better option than the nasty sharp-edged cubes you get at places like McD's. But I'm particularly fond of my own icemaker and my own ice, and I get cranky if I don't get it. It's pretty much the only modern convenience I really miss when I'm in Haiti. Whenever I get back on the plane in Port-au-Prince, I request just a cup full of ice.
Anyway, the bell just rang, so it's off to the meeting. Growl, grumble.
UPDATE: The meeting was just to tell us that there would NOT be any staff cuts. Like they couldn't have e-mailed that to us? Pulleeeze. As for my own job, that's still a who-knows? kind of thing because I haven't signed any sort of contract. I kind-of doubt they want to get rid of me because it's hard to find enough special ed teachers. I'm sure that if they don't need me back next year, I can find a position somewhere else...
Does he realize it's FRIDAY? AFTERNOON? And the weather outside is GORGEOUS? And I have a CONCERT to go to tonight? (Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns & Stephen Curtis Chapman are in Ames at Iowa State University at the Hilton Coliseum tonight)
And we all know how much I love MEETINGS. Particularly when they're about the budget, which is what he says it's about. Apparently they've had some kind of decision from on high. Do I care?
I could not possible care any less than I care right now, hence my "care" level is ZERO. Let them cut my job. I can get a job somewhere else. But the position I'm in, it's highly unlikely they're cutting ME. They're already desperate for more special ed teachers.
I'm already irritable today because our refrigerator's icemaker has been broken for two days. I'm a compulsive, habitual ice-cruncher and I haven't had any of my OWN ice to crunch in that time. I've stopped at the QuikTrip several times for crushed ice, which is a passable substitute and certainly a better option than the nasty sharp-edged cubes you get at places like McD's. But I'm particularly fond of my own icemaker and my own ice, and I get cranky if I don't get it. It's pretty much the only modern convenience I really miss when I'm in Haiti. Whenever I get back on the plane in Port-au-Prince, I request just a cup full of ice.
Anyway, the bell just rang, so it's off to the meeting. Growl, grumble.
UPDATE: The meeting was just to tell us that there would NOT be any staff cuts. Like they couldn't have e-mailed that to us? Pulleeeze. As for my own job, that's still a who-knows? kind of thing because I haven't signed any sort of contract. I kind-of doubt they want to get rid of me because it's hard to find enough special ed teachers. I'm sure that if they don't need me back next year, I can find a position somewhere else...
Just so we don't forget
Tom Harkin is an embarrassment to this state. A liar in the highest tradition of Democrat liars, Harkin has managed to land himself in the Senate and hobnobs with Boxer, Clinton, Feinstein, etc. Unlike our other U.S. Senator, Chuck Grassley, whose plain-spoken style truly does seem to embody the stereotypical Iowan (I swear whenever I hear him talk, he sounds like just about every rural Iowan I ever met), Harkin has shot his mouth off recklessly and has shown himself to be a Coastal Liberal rather than a real Midwesterner. I don't always agree with Grassley, but I know he means what he says and doesn't stretch the truth to fit his current set of goals. He's an honorable man. Unlike his counterpart, unfortunately.
Recently there's been a bit of a flap here because our beloved Dem governor Vilsack has appointed Harkin's wife Ruth to the Board of Regents at the University of Iowa. What's the flap over? The fact that she's not a resident of the state of Iowa. Her husband is one of the U.S. Senators from this state, but she's not a resident of the state. Which actually means he's not, either. Oh, I know... he maintains a home somewhere. But he doesn't LIVE there.
Anyway, I wanted to post a few links so we wouldn't forget just what a steaming truckload of manure this man's every word seems to be.
From the Wall Street Journal OpinionJournal: Candidate Harkin Stretches The Truth
and
Vietnam Lies
From Daniel Pipes: A French Lesson For Tom Harkin
And from the Washington Post, let's not forget his most recent campaign dirty tricks: Tape-Gate
Harkin even claims to be in touch with God: God Wants Kerry to Win
I'm sorry, Mr. Harkin. You're a Catholic, right? Yet you wholeheartedly support the murder of unborn children... somehow that doesn't jive.
Tom Harkin is a wicked, self-serving creep. I'd like nothing more than to see him go the way of Tom Daschle... the people of South Dakota finally woke up and saw who he really was, and kicked his pinkytoe out of the Senate. It's time for Iowans to end the hypnosis and get a whiff of the smelling salts... Harkin has got to go.
Recently there's been a bit of a flap here because our beloved Dem governor Vilsack has appointed Harkin's wife Ruth to the Board of Regents at the University of Iowa. What's the flap over? The fact that she's not a resident of the state of Iowa. Her husband is one of the U.S. Senators from this state, but she's not a resident of the state. Which actually means he's not, either. Oh, I know... he maintains a home somewhere. But he doesn't LIVE there.
Anyway, I wanted to post a few links so we wouldn't forget just what a steaming truckload of manure this man's every word seems to be.
From the Wall Street Journal OpinionJournal: Candidate Harkin Stretches The Truth
and
Vietnam Lies
From Daniel Pipes: A French Lesson For Tom Harkin
And from the Washington Post, let's not forget his most recent campaign dirty tricks: Tape-Gate
Harkin even claims to be in touch with God: God Wants Kerry to Win
I'm sorry, Mr. Harkin. You're a Catholic, right? Yet you wholeheartedly support the murder of unborn children... somehow that doesn't jive.
Tom Harkin is a wicked, self-serving creep. I'd like nothing more than to see him go the way of Tom Daschle... the people of South Dakota finally woke up and saw who he really was, and kicked his pinkytoe out of the Senate. It's time for Iowans to end the hypnosis and get a whiff of the smelling salts... Harkin has got to go.
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