Friends keep asking what's up with Sing Off.
I don't know.
These guys heard something, I suspect weren't supposed to tell, but the news is out:
http://www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/more_names/blog/2009/10/tufts_singers_on_nbc_maybe.html
If we haven't heard, then what does that mean?
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Love this article
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/oct/04/california-failing-state-debt
My favorite line: "You know you have a problem when Nevada – famed for nothing more than Las Vegas, casinos and desert – is laughing at you." It says so much about both Nevada and California!
I like this one, too: ""There is people that sometimes suggest that the American dream, or the Californian dream, is evaporating. I think it's absolutely wrong. I think the Californian dream is as strong as ever," he says, mangling the grammar but not the sentiment."
"Mangling the grammar." LOL.
"If California was an experiment then it was an experiment of mass irresponsibility – and that has failed," says Michael Levine.
If that's what CA was, what was Nevada? Nevada didn't just value irresponsibility--it promoted it, advertised it, built its economy on it. And on sin. I hate to say it, but perhaps these states deserve what they have built for themselves?
Now Riofrio has stopped selling booze in a one-man bid to curb the social problems breaking out all around him.
A hero!
If America emerges from its crisis a greener, more economically and politically responsible nation, it is likely that renewal will have begun here.
Now we know what the rest of the world sees us as: economically, socially, and politically irresponsible. And they're right. Perhaps it's time for America to stop being a teenage nation and grow up.
My favorite line: "You know you have a problem when Nevada – famed for nothing more than Las Vegas, casinos and desert – is laughing at you." It says so much about both Nevada and California!
I like this one, too: ""There is people that sometimes suggest that the American dream, or the Californian dream, is evaporating. I think it's absolutely wrong. I think the Californian dream is as strong as ever," he says, mangling the grammar but not the sentiment."
"Mangling the grammar." LOL.
"If California was an experiment then it was an experiment of mass irresponsibility – and that has failed," says Michael Levine.
If that's what CA was, what was Nevada? Nevada didn't just value irresponsibility--it promoted it, advertised it, built its economy on it. And on sin. I hate to say it, but perhaps these states deserve what they have built for themselves?
Now Riofrio has stopped selling booze in a one-man bid to curb the social problems breaking out all around him.
A hero!
If America emerges from its crisis a greener, more economically and politically responsible nation, it is likely that renewal will have begun here.
Now we know what the rest of the world sees us as: economically, socially, and politically irresponsible. And they're right. Perhaps it's time for America to stop being a teenage nation and grow up.
Homeschool Tip of the Day
Check out Scholastic! This might just be the best resource I've found online yet. And that's saying a lot.
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/learn.jsp
The math mysteries are awesome.
The "writing with writers workshop" is incredible--some of the best writers teaching writing in their specialties (like Jane Yolen teaching writing myths). And your student can publish online at the end of the process. (http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/index.htm)
You should go see. I could practically homeschool my kids from this site alone.
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/learn.jsp
The math mysteries are awesome.
The "writing with writers workshop" is incredible--some of the best writers teaching writing in their specialties (like Jane Yolen teaching writing myths). And your student can publish online at the end of the process. (http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/index.htm)
You should go see. I could practically homeschool my kids from this site alone.
Did I just read that?
No errors in this one, just a outlandish ideas that are so far out it made me laugh.
From Rodale's Book of Practical Formulas, pg 46:
"Good idea! To add texture to a baked potato, garnish with a low-fat topping and sprinkle on shredded raw carrots or beets. Top it all off with lightly toasted sunflower seeds." And then feed it to a rabbit.
Seriously--what kind of texture do they like to add, the same one you get when your potato is not cooked enough? That sounds appealing. Baked potatoes--now with less fat and added texture!
Page 48: "For a yogurt treat appealing to children, spoon newly frozen yogurt into popsicle molds, freeze, and serve."
Since yogurt usually doesn't appeal to children?
And how do you spoon it if it's frozen? Why does the "newly" part matter? And what difference will it make to freeze it again?
And Page 49: "If you're serving carbonated beverages, be sure to stock up on club soda, sparkling mineral water, tonic water, and ginger ale."
Since you need mixers for soda like you do for alcohol? Because people who want carbonated beverages really want to drink most of these? (Have you ever tasted tonic water?).
From Rodale's Book of Practical Formulas, pg 46:
"Good idea! To add texture to a baked potato, garnish with a low-fat topping and sprinkle on shredded raw carrots or beets. Top it all off with lightly toasted sunflower seeds." And then feed it to a rabbit.
Seriously--what kind of texture do they like to add, the same one you get when your potato is not cooked enough? That sounds appealing. Baked potatoes--now with less fat and added texture!
Page 48: "For a yogurt treat appealing to children, spoon newly frozen yogurt into popsicle molds, freeze, and serve."
Since yogurt usually doesn't appeal to children?
And how do you spoon it if it's frozen? Why does the "newly" part matter? And what difference will it make to freeze it again?
And Page 49: "If you're serving carbonated beverages, be sure to stock up on club soda, sparkling mineral water, tonic water, and ginger ale."
Since you need mixers for soda like you do for alcohol? Because people who want carbonated beverages really want to drink most of these? (Have you ever tasted tonic water?).
Did I just read that?
From Rodale's Book of Practical Formulas, ed by Paula Dreifus Bakule, pg 44:
"To cut back on salt, keep this convenient mix on your kitchen counter instead of your salt shaker. It compliments the flavor of any red meat."
First, I don't generally keep anything on my salt shaker. The surface area is too small, and it makes it hard to use the salt shaker. So yes, the kitchen counter would be the place for a convenient mix--not the salt shaker.
Second, I really need to make this mix. I'm just dying to hear it compliment my meat--"Oh, my darling rump roast--your flavor is so succulent and rich when you are cooked all day in that crock pot!"
And these weren't even in a craigslist posting! This is an honest-to-goodness hardcover book!
"To cut back on salt, keep this convenient mix on your kitchen counter instead of your salt shaker. It compliments the flavor of any red meat."
First, I don't generally keep anything on my salt shaker. The surface area is too small, and it makes it hard to use the salt shaker. So yes, the kitchen counter would be the place for a convenient mix--not the salt shaker.
Second, I really need to make this mix. I'm just dying to hear it compliment my meat--"Oh, my darling rump roast--your flavor is so succulent and rich when you are cooked all day in that crock pot!"
And these weren't even in a craigslist posting! This is an honest-to-goodness hardcover book!
Monday, October 05, 2009
Did I just read that?
from craigslist today:
"My client has been nominated to the Latin Grammy's and we're looking for a stunishing girl to accompany him to the gala. What we are not looking for: an escort service. "
What is a "stunishing girl?"
"My client has been nominated to the Latin Grammy's and we're looking for a stunishing girl to accompany him to the gala. What we are not looking for: an escort service. "
What is a "stunishing girl?"
Cruel and Unusual Punishment
Someone should take these cases to court as examples of cruel and unusual punishment, which is unconstitutional.
What happened to warrants? Warnings? Do gang members and child abusers get more rights than small businesses?
http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/05/criminalizing-everyone/
What happened to warrants? Warnings? Do gang members and child abusers get more rights than small businesses?
http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/05/criminalizing-everyone/
Did I just read that?
from google news tonight:
"Weather helping crews keep Sheep fire in check
"Weather helping crews keep Sheep fire in check
Los Angeles Times -
"Good thing. Those sheep can be dangerous when they're burning!
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Part of a Healthy Breakfast?
Three of these are usually considered breakfast foods; one is generally served for dessert. Can you guess which is the "treat"?
Bowl Number 1's Nutrition facts:
Calories: 265
Total Fat: 5.3 g
Cholesterol: 17.5 mg
Sodium: 402 mg
Potassium: NL (not listed)
Total Carbs: 51.6 g
Protein: 9.1 g
Bowl Number 2's Nutrition facts:
Calories: 185
Total Fat: 5 g
Cholesterol: 17.5 mg
Sodium: 250 mg
Potassium: 280 mg
Total Carbs: 29g
Protien: 6 g
Bowl Number 3's Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 140
Total Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30 mg
Sodium: 55 mg
Potassium: 130mg
Total Carbs: 17 g
Protein: 2 g
Bowl Number 4's Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 520
Total Fat: 14 g
Cholesterol: 58 mg
Sodium: 1104 mg
Potassium: NL
Total Carbs: 90.9 g
Protein: 8.3 g
Because one of these bowls has 100% of some vitamins added, we'll assume you take a multi-vitamin every day with breakfast to level the playing field on that count, so the vitamin content doesn't matter. Which bowl do you choose?
I chose 3--it has the lowest calories, lowest sodium (by a LOT), and lowest carbs, with not much more fat than 1 and 2, and is significantly less on everything except protein than bowl 4.
Did you guess what each one was?
Bowl number 1 is Raisin Bran with 1/2 c whole milk.
Bowl number 2 is Total Cereal with 1/2 c whole milk.
Bowl number 3 is vanilla ice cream.
Bowl number 4 is two pancakes with butter and syrup.
Looks like breakfast just got a whole lot tastier!
Bowl Number 1's Nutrition facts:
Calories: 265
Total Fat: 5.3 g
Cholesterol: 17.5 mg
Sodium: 402 mg
Potassium: NL (not listed)
Total Carbs: 51.6 g
Protein: 9.1 g
Bowl Number 2's Nutrition facts:
Calories: 185
Total Fat: 5 g
Cholesterol: 17.5 mg
Sodium: 250 mg
Potassium: 280 mg
Total Carbs: 29g
Protien: 6 g
Bowl Number 3's Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 140
Total Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30 mg
Sodium: 55 mg
Potassium: 130mg
Total Carbs: 17 g
Protein: 2 g
Bowl Number 4's Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 520
Total Fat: 14 g
Cholesterol: 58 mg
Sodium: 1104 mg
Potassium: NL
Total Carbs: 90.9 g
Protein: 8.3 g
Because one of these bowls has 100% of some vitamins added, we'll assume you take a multi-vitamin every day with breakfast to level the playing field on that count, so the vitamin content doesn't matter. Which bowl do you choose?
I chose 3--it has the lowest calories, lowest sodium (by a LOT), and lowest carbs, with not much more fat than 1 and 2, and is significantly less on everything except protein than bowl 4.
Did you guess what each one was?
Bowl number 1 is Raisin Bran with 1/2 c whole milk.
Bowl number 2 is Total Cereal with 1/2 c whole milk.
Bowl number 3 is vanilla ice cream.
Bowl number 4 is two pancakes with butter and syrup.
Looks like breakfast just got a whole lot tastier!
Saturday, October 03, 2009
I haven't talked about writing in a long time!
Moving and then computer troubles interfered with my novel and gave me some bad habits (like reading the news online all day).
So I got my computer fixed up, set up, and ready to go.
And still didn't use it.
I realized last night that I had broken the habit of writing every day by not doing it for 2 months, so I forced myself to open my novel and start reading.
And I was pleasantly surprised. The characters were far more round than I had feared (first drafts are plot drafts for me--I deal with the character development on the rewrites). I cleaned up some wordy sections, noted one spot that was structured so that you don't feel any intensity even though the main characters are escaping the witches, and decided my children are probably wrong--I think it's okay to explode a dog in the second chapter. (They keep saying "Can't the witch just blow it's tail off?" or "Why don't you blow up the castle full of witches instead?" or "why doesn't she miss?").
I thought I was writing lightweight, slightly comic fairytales, but it turns out that's not what I do. No matter how I start, I write action/adventure stories. Think fairytale thriller, mistaken identity, missing persons...that kind of stuff. With fairytale characters and magic. (If I try to write a play, however, it comes out surrealist comedy. Go figure.).
Anyway, it was nice to start writing again. Fun, relaxing, good.
Now if I can just finish!
So I got my computer fixed up, set up, and ready to go.
And still didn't use it.
I realized last night that I had broken the habit of writing every day by not doing it for 2 months, so I forced myself to open my novel and start reading.
And I was pleasantly surprised. The characters were far more round than I had feared (first drafts are plot drafts for me--I deal with the character development on the rewrites). I cleaned up some wordy sections, noted one spot that was structured so that you don't feel any intensity even though the main characters are escaping the witches, and decided my children are probably wrong--I think it's okay to explode a dog in the second chapter. (They keep saying "Can't the witch just blow it's tail off?" or "Why don't you blow up the castle full of witches instead?" or "why doesn't she miss?").
I thought I was writing lightweight, slightly comic fairytales, but it turns out that's not what I do. No matter how I start, I write action/adventure stories. Think fairytale thriller, mistaken identity, missing persons...that kind of stuff. With fairytale characters and magic. (If I try to write a play, however, it comes out surrealist comedy. Go figure.).
Anyway, it was nice to start writing again. Fun, relaxing, good.
Now if I can just finish!
Did I just read that?
Someone else's fun collection of "did I just read thats"
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/6240537/Guerrilla-signs-15-funny-road-and-rail-notices.html
My favorite is Number 6.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/6240537/Guerrilla-signs-15-funny-road-and-rail-notices.html
My favorite is Number 6.
Did I just read that?
from google news:
"McChrystal Flown to Denmark To Discuss War With Obama"
Seems a little extreme--going to war with one man? But I guess some Americans are mad enough at him--why not the Danish, too?
"McChrystal Flown to Denmark To Discuss War With Obama"
Seems a little extreme--going to war with one man? But I guess some Americans are mad enough at him--why not the Danish, too?
Friday, October 02, 2009
Did I just read that?
A real winner from http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2009/08/jackson_a_cappella_group_gets.html:
"Jackson a cappella group gets shot at national TV gig"
I think they meant "a shot at national TV gig"--the article was all about them auditioning for Sing Off!
"Jackson a cappella group gets shot at national TV gig"
I think they meant "a shot at national TV gig"--the article was all about them auditioning for Sing Off!
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Did I just read that?
from las vegas craigslist:
"I need a dope engineer - (Las Vegas)"
Since we advertise for drug makers openly now.
"I need a dope engineer - (Las Vegas)"
Since we advertise for drug makers openly now.
Did I just read that?
Headline on Foxnews.com home page tonight:
"
"
School Rethinks Religious Banner Ban
Public school overturns Bible sign ban on football field, designates area for banners 50 yards from field"
So the school officials now have to stand in a designated area 50 yards from the field? I mean, they are the banners, right? They banned something. They are banners of banners.
Did I just read that?
from google news:
"Most Babies Born Today May Live Past 100
Technically, most babies born EVER may live past 100. But it is nice of ABC news to give them permission.
Or, using the other definition of "may", nice to notice that they might.
Or they might not.
"Most Babies Born Today May Live Past 100
ABC News -
- Technically, most babies born EVER may live past 100. But it is nice of ABC news to give them permission.
Or, using the other definition of "may", nice to notice that they might.
Or they might not.
Did I just read that?
Not a typo or mistake in language, but definitely flawed logic here. I realize the whole world is going through tribulations right now, and that people have spun the global warming thing to cover all kinds of political drives for funding. But this one was ridiculous!
"It could be that the 2016 Games are the last Olympics in the history of mankind," Ishihara told reporters at a Tokyo 2016 press event ahead of the vote.
"Global warming is getting worse. We have to come up with measures without which Olympic Games could not last long.
"Scientists have said we have passed the point of no return," said Ishihara. http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSLU38985020090930
Could somebody please explain to me how Global Warming is a threat to an athletic competition? I think this makes the list of stupidest things politicians have ever said.
This translation had us all laughing our pants off
I hope this isn't a link to a malware site. It's a blog re-posting of moosebutter/corey vidal's Star Wars video, translated into English (from what? I don't know).
It is so so so funny.
http://youtubeuk.start4all.com/2009/09/28/youtube-star-wars-john-williams-is-the-man-an-a-cappella-peter-pence-hq-closed-captioned/
It is so so so funny.
http://youtubeuk.start4all.com/2009/09/28/youtube-star-wars-john-williams-is-the-man-an-a-cappella-peter-pence-hq-closed-captioned/
Chat between Caleb and his Dad--unedited
"Caleb: No. Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote. Road Runner created a massive dust cloud and all of a sudden, the cloud is in the sky along with the other two! Road Runner on a ledge, though.
Mister Tim: Chuck Jones: defies physics.
Regularly.
Caleb: TEENY UMBRELLA TO SHIELD AGAINST MASSIVE ROX? See? Chuck Jones' mind is slightly dysfunctional!"
My 8 year old said "slightly dysfunctional". And he spelled it right! And he got his apostrophes right on a tricky part. I think maybe he is verbally talented? Why are we wasting time with 4th grade?
Did I just read that?
From this article: http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=11235341
"But if they can't show they've looked for work, then we will cut heir benefits off."
No heir benefits if you don't work. Sorry. But you can have benefits for yourself....
"But if they can't show they've looked for work, then we will cut heir benefits off."
No heir benefits if you don't work. Sorry. But you can have benefits for yourself....
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