Your results:
You are Uhura
You are a good communicator with a pleasant soft-spoken voice. Also a talented singer.
Click here to take the Star Trek Personality Test
Monday, July 09, 2007
Hailing Frequencies Open, Captain
Snagged from Anomalous Data.
Your results:
You are Uhura
You are a good communicator with a pleasant soft-spoken voice. Also a talented singer.
Uhura - 65%
Will Riker - 60%
Mr. Sulu - 60%
Deanna Troi - 60%
Beverly Crusher - 55%
Worf - 50%
Jean-Luc Picard - 45%
Geordi LaForge - 40%
James T. Kirk (Captain) - 40%
An Expendable Character (Redshirt) - 40%
Spock - 32%
Chekov - 30%
Mr. Scott - 30%
Leonard McCoy (Bones) - 25%
Data - 15%
Click here to take the Star Trek Personality Test
Your results:
You are Uhura
You are a good communicator with a pleasant soft-spoken voice. Also a talented singer.
Click here to take the Star Trek Personality Test
Friday, July 06, 2007
Size Does NOT Make A Difference
Get your mind out of the gutter!
I'm talking about clothing size. Sheesh!
I was doing laundry last night. As I folded some old tshirts - 10-year old tshirts - I glanced at the size label. They were marked L (Large). No surprise. Being, um, *blessed* in womanly curves, even if I weighed less, I simply don't have the body type to wear a Small.
Here's the thing. Those particular old tshirts are huge on me... always have been. I haven't changed that much in 10 years. However, yesterday I went to the very same store, bought the very same brand tshirt, and had to buy an XXL in the Women's department -- not Misses.
The brand new XXL (Extra Extra Large) is form-fitting on me. The 10-year-old L (Large) is huge on me. I held them up together. The XXL is less than 3/4 the width of the L.
If there's any proof of the fashion industry sizing-down clothing, this would be it.
Next year, I'm looking forward to trying out the new Giganta-size baby tees.
I'm talking about clothing size. Sheesh!
I was doing laundry last night. As I folded some old tshirts - 10-year old tshirts - I glanced at the size label. They were marked L (Large). No surprise. Being, um, *blessed* in womanly curves, even if I weighed less, I simply don't have the body type to wear a Small.
Here's the thing. Those particular old tshirts are huge on me... always have been. I haven't changed that much in 10 years. However, yesterday I went to the very same store, bought the very same brand tshirt, and had to buy an XXL in the Women's department -- not Misses.
The brand new XXL (Extra Extra Large) is form-fitting on me. The 10-year-old L (Large) is huge on me. I held them up together. The XXL is less than 3/4 the width of the L.
If there's any proof of the fashion industry sizing-down clothing, this would be it.
Next year, I'm looking forward to trying out the new Giganta-size baby tees.
In Honor of CONvergence 2007
This weekend, Science Fiction and Fantasy fans will gather for the geek Bacchanalia lovingly known as CONvergence. If you have one nerdly bone in your body, come and join in the fun. This is one of the best run conventions in the country.
There are kid-friendly things, and Avindair and I bring our kids for part of the day, but the evenings belong to drinking, partying geekdom. In honor of the fun to come, please enjoy "The Philosopher's Drinking Song" from Monty Python!
- Great discussion panels run at all hours.
- Guests of Honor mingle with convention goers. (Ever had a drink with Gowron?)
- Two 24-hour movie rooms - 1 anime, 1 everthing else (with free snacks).
- BIG dealer room - everything from shiney, sharp steel to well, everything else fandom related.
- GAMING - all varieties
- Themed room parties
- If it's Science Fiction-y or Fantasy, you'll find it here.
There are kid-friendly things, and Avindair and I bring our kids for part of the day, but the evenings belong to drinking, partying geekdom. In honor of the fun to come, please enjoy "The Philosopher's Drinking Song" from Monty Python!
Immanuel Kant was a real pissant
Who was very rarely stable.
Heidegger, Heidegger was a boozy beggar
Who could think you under the table.
David Hume could out-consume
Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, [some versions have 'Schopenhauer and Hegel']
And Wittgenstein was a beery swine
Who was just as schloshed as Schlegel.
There's nothing Nietzsche couldn't teach ya
'Bout the raising of the wrist.
Socrates, himself, was permanently pissed.
John Stuart Mill, of his own free will,
On half a pint of shandy was particularly ill.
Plato, they say, could stick it away--
Half a crate of whisky every day.
Aristotle, Aristotle was a bugger for the bottle.
Hobbes was fond of his dram,
And René Descartes was a drunken fart.
'I drink, therefore I am.'
Yes, Socrates, himself, is particularly missed,
A lovely little thinker,
But a bugger when he's pissed.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
TAGGED: 8 Things About Me...
CubeZoo has tagged me to reveal 8 random things about myself.
8 Things About Me:
1. I lived in Germany for three years.
2. I'd rather live in Europe than in the U.S.
3. I played viola for 10 years.
4. I've been married for 20 years. Half my life and loving every day of it!
5. I have a degree in English, but almost decided to get a degree in Vocal Performance.
6. I'd love to refresh my French language skills.
7. I'd love to spend my life traveling the world.
8. I'm maddeningly eclectic.
Taggy-taggy-tag... You're IT! Anomalous Data, Saveau, MagicMarmot, MadBlonde, Illiante, Conrad Zero, ForeignHotel, and Miss Molly Grue.
THE RULES
1. All right, here are the rules.
2. We have to post these rules before we give you the facts.
3. Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
4. People who are tagged write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
5. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.
8 Things About Me:
1. I lived in Germany for three years.
2. I'd rather live in Europe than in the U.S.
3. I played viola for 10 years.
4. I've been married for 20 years. Half my life and loving every day of it!
5. I have a degree in English, but almost decided to get a degree in Vocal Performance.
6. I'd love to refresh my French language skills.
7. I'd love to spend my life traveling the world.
8. I'm maddeningly eclectic.
Taggy-taggy-tag... You're IT! Anomalous Data, Saveau, MagicMarmot, MadBlonde, Illiante, Conrad Zero, ForeignHotel, and Miss Molly Grue.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Color Me Wow
Trying to find the words. Mostly, when I think about last night, I just shake my head in stunned, wide-eyed silence... in a good way.
Last night was the big screen premiere of "Pray for Daylight" at the Riverview Theater in Minneapolis. Our first feature length movie, filmed in the fall of 2005, was finally getting a real debut. It was planned mostly as a big "thank you" to all of the cast and crew that graciously volunteered their time and talents, and the location owners who allowed us to invade their space for a few intense hours.
Then it grew. We decided to open up the free showing to the general public. We set ourselves up with a publicist. We duplicated DVDs, had a big movie poster made and alerted the media.
If you screen it, they will come.
After just 2 weeks of here and there promoting, 80 - 100 people were in attendance... and not just cast and crew. Family, friends, neighbors, co-workers -- and people who had no prior affiliation with our little vampire movie -- showed up.
And I think they had fun!
Before the show started, Tony got up and said a few words. One of the most important things he did was to give people permission to have an opinion and VOICE it. It sounds like a given, but it isn't. People have a tendency, when asked about someone else's creative efforts, to politely smile and nod -- even if they hated it. He asked them to be involved; express whether they liked something or not - in the moment - and I think that paid off.
As for the movie itself. Wow. Everyone who worked on it is painfully aware of all of the movie's problems. But I have to say this: it looked better, played better, sounded better and all-around *was* better than I had ever imagined it would. Sure, it has its warts. Sure there are things we would have like to have done differently or done better. But "Pray for Daylight" is now complete. If we entertained a few people for little while - brought them a few minutes of escape from day to day life - it's all worth it.
Thank you to everyone who came to the premiere and made it such a special event.
Thank you to the guys of Jagged Spiral: Conrad, Colin and Josh. "Pray for Daylight" is a melodrama - and your music brought new depth to each and every scene. (www.jaggedspiral.com)
Thank you to Sasha for Syiera's dangerous beauty and grace. With no training you made difficult martial arts moves look easy... and better than those of us *with* training. (Dammit!)
Thank you to Robin for vibrantly breathing life and vitality into our big, bad! (Oh, and thanks for getting shot, too!)
Thank you to Rob for making the movie look so "pretty" (MORE MAGENTA! MORE CHINA BALLS!) and sound so good (ADR RULES!)
Thank you to Rick for creating the vision of Eric Saveau and Cassie Banning that we've all come to love, and for bringing an earnest and believable Saveau to life.
Thank you to Teresa for fantastic fight sequences and putting the "kick" in Cassie's "ass".
Thank you to Trey for your skills as an actor, insights, humor and for sitting in a chair for three days with a nasty polyester gag in your mouth. (SPOILER ALERT)
Thank you to EVERYONE - cast, crew, generous location owners... and the families / friends who put up with our cast and crew being involved!
Most of all, thank you to Tony, our fearless leader, for being the driving force behind Stone Soup. Nothing would have happened without you.
What's next for Stone Soup? There are ideas in the works. Nothing to announce quite yet. But one thing's for certain. Stone Soup films will be back.
Last night was the big screen premiere of "Pray for Daylight" at the Riverview Theater in Minneapolis. Our first feature length movie, filmed in the fall of 2005, was finally getting a real debut. It was planned mostly as a big "thank you" to all of the cast and crew that graciously volunteered their time and talents, and the location owners who allowed us to invade their space for a few intense hours.
Then it grew. We decided to open up the free showing to the general public. We set ourselves up with a publicist. We duplicated DVDs, had a big movie poster made and alerted the media.
If you screen it, they will come.
After just 2 weeks of here and there promoting, 80 - 100 people were in attendance... and not just cast and crew. Family, friends, neighbors, co-workers -- and people who had no prior affiliation with our little vampire movie -- showed up.
And I think they had fun!
Before the show started, Tony got up and said a few words. One of the most important things he did was to give people permission to have an opinion and VOICE it. It sounds like a given, but it isn't. People have a tendency, when asked about someone else's creative efforts, to politely smile and nod -- even if they hated it. He asked them to be involved; express whether they liked something or not - in the moment - and I think that paid off.
As for the movie itself. Wow. Everyone who worked on it is painfully aware of all of the movie's problems. But I have to say this: it looked better, played better, sounded better and all-around *was* better than I had ever imagined it would. Sure, it has its warts. Sure there are things we would have like to have done differently or done better. But "Pray for Daylight" is now complete. If we entertained a few people for little while - brought them a few minutes of escape from day to day life - it's all worth it.
Thank you to everyone who came to the premiere and made it such a special event.
Thank you to the guys of Jagged Spiral: Conrad, Colin and Josh. "Pray for Daylight" is a melodrama - and your music brought new depth to each and every scene. (www.jaggedspiral.com)
Thank you to Sasha for Syiera's dangerous beauty and grace. With no training you made difficult martial arts moves look easy... and better than those of us *with* training. (Dammit!)
Thank you to Robin for vibrantly breathing life and vitality into our big, bad! (Oh, and thanks for getting shot, too!)
Thank you to Rob for making the movie look so "pretty" (MORE MAGENTA! MORE CHINA BALLS!) and sound so good (ADR RULES!)
Thank you to Rick for creating the vision of Eric Saveau and Cassie Banning that we've all come to love, and for bringing an earnest and believable Saveau to life.
Thank you to Teresa for fantastic fight sequences and putting the "kick" in Cassie's "ass".
Thank you to Trey for your skills as an actor, insights, humor and for sitting in a chair for three days with a nasty polyester gag in your mouth. (SPOILER ALERT)
Thank you to EVERYONE - cast, crew, generous location owners... and the families / friends who put up with our cast and crew being involved!
Most of all, thank you to Tony, our fearless leader, for being the driving force behind Stone Soup. Nothing would have happened without you.
What's next for Stone Soup? There are ideas in the works. Nothing to announce quite yet. But one thing's for certain. Stone Soup films will be back.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
The Ghost That Typed
The Life of a Corporate Contract Writer
Every day we’re surrounded by words. Most of the time, people don’t even think about it. Not just books and newspapers. Who writes what you see on your cereal box in the morning? The information on your shampoo bottle? The message on your fast food drive-thru bag? Weekly sale ads in the Sunday paper? Product information at your favorite online stores?
Then go a step further. Who writes your company’s newsletters and Intranet? The instructions you go to for submitting your timecard? The information for your medical insurance? Behind everything is a writer…
…or at least there should be. Frankly, if you’ve ever been confused by what you’ve read, the company was probably too cheap to hire a professional. How a company presents itself through written communications makes an impression; the right words have impact. As with anything, you get what you pay for; and experienced, professional writers, are often far undervalued.
MARCH 2002
“Welcome to the team! We couldn’t do it without you!”
I set the insert card on the table next to a vase filled with 2-dozen spring tulips. The sudden shift from I-really-need-a-job data entry back to being a Web and marketing writer had been dizzying. Not only were my real skills finally being dusted off after one year post-layoff, but I was appreciated, too. Pretty heady stuff.
What followed was four intense years of being the sole writer for one of the largest, most successful and critically-lauded school fundraising programs in the nation, run by one of the world’s largest food companies. I was brought on to bring the communications for their program both consistency and style. Yes, I was a contractor, but I was part of the team. My opinion was valued. My ideas were used and were successful for both the program and the K-8 schools it served.
For four years, every month I wrote and edited eight to twelve articles, three emails, multiple ads, and much more. There were four quarterly newsletters, each with two versions. There were printed materials, flyers, letters, notifications, and special events. I created earning ideas, contests, and gave advice. I constantly monitored the forums where school volunteers voiced their problems and concerns so my writing could be relevant to their unique needs. I wrote all of the copy through four yearly website overhauls for two websites… plus two more. I worked days, nights and weekends to meet their needs. For four years I ate, drank and slept this program.
AUGUST 2006
“As of the October website updates, your services will no longer be needed. This is no reflection on your abilities as a writer. Due to budget constraints we will now be doing the writing in-house.”
The brief, impersonal Dear Jane email that ended my contract was a direct hit. Even today I feel it like a physical punch to the gut. Not a personal call. Not a meeting. Four years and I was summarily dismissed. The email didn’t even come from the head of the program, but from another contractor.
Four years of carefully crafting their entire message, branding and image through words – without so much as a goodbye lunch.
I could go into the evolution of the “team”, the corporate politics, lying and thoroughly unethical business behavior behind it all, but that’s not the point of my posting today.
I’ve moved on for the most part. I have a good regular job right now, with a good company, and a great boss. It’s steady, pays the bills, provides my family with medical insurance and keeps a roof over our heads. I still accept the occasional freelance writing job for other areas of the fundraising program when they ask. From what I’ve heard through the grapevine, the “in-house” writers provided by the other contractor haven’t worked out very well – they’ve been through several in just a few months – so much for consistency.
This wasn't my only client. Just the most startling example of just how disposable and invisible contractors -- in any profession -- have become. We're expected to show up, solve the company's problems with no tangible recognition or benefits other than a paycheck, and leave. A temporary employee that you don’t have to provide benefits for, that you don’t have to keep happy or give incentives to, who’s an expert in their field, that you can let go when the project is done AND get recognition for their work? For businesses, what’s not to like?
My point is that all the work I took such pride in… the effect it had on tens of thousands of schools across the nation and millions of kids… the fact that the words I crafted made an impression on millions of people and really did make a difference… no one… not one of those people… will ever know that it was me behind it. Corporate contract writers don’t get a by-line. My portfolio and resume will never fully demonstrate to a future employer the dedication I had for my work.
I’m just one of many nameless, faceless writers whose words and work are taken for granted.
I’m just the ghost that typed.
Every day we’re surrounded by words. Most of the time, people don’t even think about it. Not just books and newspapers. Who writes what you see on your cereal box in the morning? The information on your shampoo bottle? The message on your fast food drive-thru bag? Weekly sale ads in the Sunday paper? Product information at your favorite online stores?
Then go a step further. Who writes your company’s newsletters and Intranet? The instructions you go to for submitting your timecard? The information for your medical insurance? Behind everything is a writer…
…or at least there should be. Frankly, if you’ve ever been confused by what you’ve read, the company was probably too cheap to hire a professional. How a company presents itself through written communications makes an impression; the right words have impact. As with anything, you get what you pay for; and experienced, professional writers, are often far undervalued.
MARCH 2002
“Welcome to the team! We couldn’t do it without you!”
I set the insert card on the table next to a vase filled with 2-dozen spring tulips. The sudden shift from I-really-need-a-job data entry back to being a Web and marketing writer had been dizzying. Not only were my real skills finally being dusted off after one year post-layoff, but I was appreciated, too. Pretty heady stuff.
What followed was four intense years of being the sole writer for one of the largest, most successful and critically-lauded school fundraising programs in the nation, run by one of the world’s largest food companies. I was brought on to bring the communications for their program both consistency and style. Yes, I was a contractor, but I was part of the team. My opinion was valued. My ideas were used and were successful for both the program and the K-8 schools it served.
For four years, every month I wrote and edited eight to twelve articles, three emails, multiple ads, and much more. There were four quarterly newsletters, each with two versions. There were printed materials, flyers, letters, notifications, and special events. I created earning ideas, contests, and gave advice. I constantly monitored the forums where school volunteers voiced their problems and concerns so my writing could be relevant to their unique needs. I wrote all of the copy through four yearly website overhauls for two websites… plus two more. I worked days, nights and weekends to meet their needs. For four years I ate, drank and slept this program.
AUGUST 2006
“As of the October website updates, your services will no longer be needed. This is no reflection on your abilities as a writer. Due to budget constraints we will now be doing the writing in-house.”
The brief, impersonal Dear Jane email that ended my contract was a direct hit. Even today I feel it like a physical punch to the gut. Not a personal call. Not a meeting. Four years and I was summarily dismissed. The email didn’t even come from the head of the program, but from another contractor.
Four years of carefully crafting their entire message, branding and image through words – without so much as a goodbye lunch.
I could go into the evolution of the “team”, the corporate politics, lying and thoroughly unethical business behavior behind it all, but that’s not the point of my posting today.
I’ve moved on for the most part. I have a good regular job right now, with a good company, and a great boss. It’s steady, pays the bills, provides my family with medical insurance and keeps a roof over our heads. I still accept the occasional freelance writing job for other areas of the fundraising program when they ask. From what I’ve heard through the grapevine, the “in-house” writers provided by the other contractor haven’t worked out very well – they’ve been through several in just a few months – so much for consistency.
This wasn't my only client. Just the most startling example of just how disposable and invisible contractors -- in any profession -- have become. We're expected to show up, solve the company's problems with no tangible recognition or benefits other than a paycheck, and leave. A temporary employee that you don’t have to provide benefits for, that you don’t have to keep happy or give incentives to, who’s an expert in their field, that you can let go when the project is done AND get recognition for their work? For businesses, what’s not to like?
My point is that all the work I took such pride in… the effect it had on tens of thousands of schools across the nation and millions of kids… the fact that the words I crafted made an impression on millions of people and really did make a difference… no one… not one of those people… will ever know that it was me behind it. Corporate contract writers don’t get a by-line. My portfolio and resume will never fully demonstrate to a future employer the dedication I had for my work.
I’m just one of many nameless, faceless writers whose words and work are taken for granted.
I’m just the ghost that typed.
Friday, June 15, 2007
My Spidey Sense is Tingling
Don't ask why. The Spiderman theme song was running through my head this morning. I had to go find the lyrics to help with the sections I was singing "la, la, la" to instead of the real words.
I share them with you, gentle reader...
Spiderman, Spiderman,
Does whatever a spider can.
Spins a web, any size,
Catches thieves just like flies.
Look out! Here comes the Spiderman.
Is he strong? Listen bud—
He's got radioactive blood.
Can he swing from a thread?
Take a look overhead.
Hey there! There goes the Spiderman.
In the chill of the night,
At the scene of the crime,
Like a streak of light,
He arrives just in time!
Spiderman, Spiderman,
Friendly neighborhood Spiderman.
Wealth and fame, he's ignored—
Action is his reward.
To him,
Life is a great big bang-up—
Wherever there's a hang-up,
You'll find the Spiderman!
I share them with you, gentle reader...
Spiderman, Spiderman,
Does whatever a spider can.
Spins a web, any size,
Catches thieves just like flies.
Look out! Here comes the Spiderman.
Is he strong? Listen bud—
He's got radioactive blood.
Can he swing from a thread?
Take a look overhead.
Hey there! There goes the Spiderman.
In the chill of the night,
At the scene of the crime,
Like a streak of light,
He arrives just in time!
Spiderman, Spiderman,
Friendly neighborhood Spiderman.
Wealth and fame, he's ignored—
Action is his reward.
To him,
Life is a great big bang-up—
Wherever there's a hang-up,
You'll find the Spiderman!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Peel the Grapes, Slave!
You are Cleopatra Beautiful and Charming. You are able to persuade anyone to do anything you would like, because of your hotness and charisma. You are an expert in gaining power over anyone you choose. Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com |
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
D20 or Percentiles?
Your SaniTest(TM) Results
Your score is: 123
For easier understanding, the HPLHS SaniTest assessment algorithm converts your raw score to a scale of 1 to 10. This number is your INSANITY INDEX.
INSANITY INDEX 6.73 Thank you for taking the SaniTest(TM). Your score indicates that you are totally unhinged. It seems likely that the rational parts of your mind are completely separated both from your emotions, and from all practical views of reality. You should beware of overreacting to situations, and you might want to get a few opinions before investing in real estate. Others who scored at this level include mime sensations Shields & Yarnell and serial killer Ted Bundy.
How Insane Are You?
Your score is: 123
For easier understanding, the HPLHS SaniTest assessment algorithm converts your raw score to a scale of 1 to 10. This number is your INSANITY INDEX.
INSANITY INDEX 6.73 Thank you for taking the SaniTest(TM). Your score indicates that you are totally unhinged. It seems likely that the rational parts of your mind are completely separated both from your emotions, and from all practical views of reality. You should beware of overreacting to situations, and you might want to get a few opinions before investing in real estate. Others who scored at this level include mime sensations Shields & Yarnell and serial killer Ted Bundy.
How Insane Are You?
Thursday, June 07, 2007
New 7 Wonders of the World
Yes. You read that right.
Want to help choose the new 7 wonders of the world? Log on to www.new7wonders.com, register and place your vote! The top picks will be announced 7/7/07 in Lisbon, Portugal.
What's that? No! I'm not telling you who I voted for! Go out and vote for yourself!
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Ticketslaves
A couple of years ago we took the kids to a Weird Al Yankovic concert in Minneapolis. I've seen a lot of great performers in my time, but rarely someone with such talent and energy. Plus, it was kid-friendly. A great time was had by all.
This year Weird Al will be playing the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, as he has several times in years past. Tickets to see him are $20 each and the seating is still fairly close to the stage. $80 for four people. Not bad, right? Just wait.
Problem #1: The tickets are through the great-grand daddy bastard of entertainment fleecing -- Ticketmaster. (Does that make us Ticketslaves?) Per ticket, add a $2.00 "Facilities Charge" and $5.25 "Convenience Charge" -- $27.25 per person. Ticketmaster raises it from $80 for all four of us to $109.
Problem #2: That doesn't cover the cost to get INTO the fairgrounds - $11 per adult plus $8 for Kate. That tacks on another $41 just to walk through the fairgrounds gate and into the Grandstand. The total now stands at $150.
Problem #3: Fairground parking - $9. That is if we didn't have to use one of the other outrageous parking methods.
Total for four people to attend a Weird Al concert at the Minnesota State Fair?
$159
For what would have been a relatively reasonable concert, the cost has been DOUBLED by fees, entrance charges and parking. Is that sick or what?
This year Weird Al will be playing the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, as he has several times in years past. Tickets to see him are $20 each and the seating is still fairly close to the stage. $80 for four people. Not bad, right? Just wait.
Problem #1: The tickets are through the great-grand daddy bastard of entertainment fleecing -- Ticketmaster. (Does that make us Ticketslaves?) Per ticket, add a $2.00 "Facilities Charge" and $5.25 "Convenience Charge" -- $27.25 per person. Ticketmaster raises it from $80 for all four of us to $109.
Problem #2: That doesn't cover the cost to get INTO the fairgrounds - $11 per adult plus $8 for Kate. That tacks on another $41 just to walk through the fairgrounds gate and into the Grandstand. The total now stands at $150.
Problem #3: Fairground parking - $9. That is if we didn't have to use one of the other outrageous parking methods.
Total for four people to attend a Weird Al concert at the Minnesota State Fair?
$159
For what would have been a relatively reasonable concert, the cost has been DOUBLED by fees, entrance charges and parking. Is that sick or what?
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
In Honor of the Buffy Musical
HEY! The live Buffy Musical (a la Rocky Horror) is coming to Minneapolis June 1 and 2. In its honor, I'm doing some blog silliness.
Which Buffy Girl Are You? Find out @ She's Crafty
Who's Your Inner Buffy Bad-Girl? Find out @ She's Crafty
And just to be fair to the gents...
Which Buffy Guy Are You? Find out @ She's Crafty
Who's Your Inner Buffy Bad-Boy? Find out @ She's Crafty
Which Buffy Girl Are You? Find out @ She's Crafty
Who's Your Inner Buffy Bad-Girl? Find out @ She's Crafty
And just to be fair to the gents...
Which Buffy Guy Are You? Find out @ She's Crafty
Who's Your Inner Buffy Bad-Boy? Find out @ She's Crafty
Monday, May 21, 2007
10k of Cold and Camaraderie
After a balmy and beautiful Saturday, we woke Sunday to a precipitous drop in temperature. I'd seen the weather reports, but it didn't sound that bad. In the mid-50's is what I'd read. Heck, dress in layers with a long-sleeved shirt and a sweatshirt. No problem.
Thus, the morning of the 2007 Minnesota AIDS Walk began.
Avindair, MonkeyDude, SportyGirl and I set out on our adventure. Being a prepared mom-type person, I carried a backpack filled with: granola bars, non-aspirin pain relievers, a small first aid kit, hand sanitizer (cause I knew we'd be in porta-potty land), one compact umbrella (just in case), and the more important contents of my purse. At the last moment, I added a cute little stuffed frog as our mascot. He'd been a gift from my uncle when I was a little girl. Since I was walking in his memory, I thought it only appropriate I bring Froggy along for the ride!
Not being familiar with Minnehaha Park, it took us a little time to negotiate the area and find parking, but since we were early it was blessedly close.
"It's cold," MonkeyBoy observed.
"Uh-huh. That's your Mom's fault," said Avindair.
Eh, I thought. It's early yet. It'll warm up. Right.
Our first stop was the registration building. After verifying the donation in my name I was handed a yellow ticket to pick up my official t-shirt.
"There's been a delay opening the Boutique," my friendly volunteer indicated, meaning the tent where we were to pick up our goodies. "They struck a water main with a tent spike."
No way. We had to see this.
Next to the "Boutique" was a rather lovely fountain, springing forth from the earth, sending rushing water across the walking path. Remember the Beverly Hillbillies? "And up from the ground came-a bubblin' crude." It was like that... but water.
The Starbucks booth had just opened across the sidewalk with free, bitter, hot goodness in a cup. On a day like yesterday, there couldn't have been a more pleasant sight at 9am! The kids wrinkled their noses.
"I don't like coffee," MonkeyDude said through chattering teeth. "I'll be okay."
SportyGirl agreed with her brother with her best "yuch" face.
"Nope. You're having coffee. Both of you. It'll help warm you up," said Avindair.
"Yeah," I offered. "Besides, you can fill it up with cream and sugar. It'll be good."
The girl behind the counter had been watching our exchange. "We have decaf, too, if you don't want the kids to have caffeine."
"Nah," Avindair countered, "give them the regular stuff. It'll be funnier that way."
We wandered a bit more. Nearly everyone we met was cold, determined... and smiling. People helping each other set up, answer questions, or just joining in a friendly, shivering chat.
As nice as that was, we had cold kids and the walk didn't start for another 2 hours. We hoofed a couple of blocks to a local Senior Citizen breakfast joint for coffee, hot chocolate and toast for a bit. After an hour or so, we decided to head back over.
The weather hadn't warmed up and the wind was still blowing, but the park was getting full of walkers. We were very glad we'd decided not to give up our parking spot to go get chow. To pass the time, we wandered some more, filled out an "In Memory Of" placard for Dale to carry with us, joined an impromptu game of frisbee, petted lots of cute dogs, and listened to the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus and the cast of "Menopause: The Musical".
The only other volunteer to join Team Stone Soup this year, Garret, showed up just in time to get his official walk t-shirt and hook up with us to start a-walkin'. THANK YOU, GARRET!
Without waiting for the opening ceremonies to end, we decided to start out, along with bunches of other folks. The brisk pace we set actually warmed us all up, almost as much as the laughter and great conversation along the way. About one mile into the 6.2 miles, the skies opened up on us. Great big drops of rain soaked us through - but my brave Stone Soupers and the rest of the walkers just kept on moving! Volunteers cheered us on from many points along the path... 7 rest stops offered water, bananas, other snacks and porta-pottys.
We hit the finish line back at Minnehaha Park cold, tired, soaking wet and sore... but strangely happy. I can't speak for everyone else, but I had a great time. The kids had far more endurance and good cheer than I thought them capable of under those conditions. Garret was a good sport and a great friend for joining in on our crazy quest. Avindair, my incredible husband, was his wonderful, supportive self.
THANK YOU, to our fantastic TEAM STONE SOUP walkers.
THANK YOU, to our friends and family who, by supporting us, raised $825! So we didn't hit our goal. That's okay. Every bit... every single cent is appreciated by the Minnesota AIDS Project.
We couldn't have done this without any of you. THANK YOU, all.
... and see you next year!
Thus, the morning of the 2007 Minnesota AIDS Walk began.
Avindair, MonkeyDude, SportyGirl and I set out on our adventure. Being a prepared mom-type person, I carried a backpack filled with: granola bars, non-aspirin pain relievers, a small first aid kit, hand sanitizer (cause I knew we'd be in porta-potty land), one compact umbrella (just in case), and the more important contents of my purse. At the last moment, I added a cute little stuffed frog as our mascot. He'd been a gift from my uncle when I was a little girl. Since I was walking in his memory, I thought it only appropriate I bring Froggy along for the ride!
Not being familiar with Minnehaha Park, it took us a little time to negotiate the area and find parking, but since we were early it was blessedly close.
"It's cold," MonkeyBoy observed.
"Uh-huh. That's your Mom's fault," said Avindair.
Eh, I thought. It's early yet. It'll warm up. Right.
Our first stop was the registration building. After verifying the donation in my name I was handed a yellow ticket to pick up my official t-shirt.
"There's been a delay opening the Boutique," my friendly volunteer indicated, meaning the tent where we were to pick up our goodies. "They struck a water main with a tent spike."
No way. We had to see this.
Next to the "Boutique" was a rather lovely fountain, springing forth from the earth, sending rushing water across the walking path. Remember the Beverly Hillbillies? "And up from the ground came-a bubblin' crude." It was like that... but water.
The Starbucks booth had just opened across the sidewalk with free, bitter, hot goodness in a cup. On a day like yesterday, there couldn't have been a more pleasant sight at 9am! The kids wrinkled their noses.
"I don't like coffee," MonkeyDude said through chattering teeth. "I'll be okay."
SportyGirl agreed with her brother with her best "yuch" face.
"Nope. You're having coffee. Both of you. It'll help warm you up," said Avindair.
"Yeah," I offered. "Besides, you can fill it up with cream and sugar. It'll be good."
The girl behind the counter had been watching our exchange. "We have decaf, too, if you don't want the kids to have caffeine."
"Nah," Avindair countered, "give them the regular stuff. It'll be funnier that way."
We wandered a bit more. Nearly everyone we met was cold, determined... and smiling. People helping each other set up, answer questions, or just joining in a friendly, shivering chat.
As nice as that was, we had cold kids and the walk didn't start for another 2 hours. We hoofed a couple of blocks to a local Senior Citizen breakfast joint for coffee, hot chocolate and toast for a bit. After an hour or so, we decided to head back over.
The weather hadn't warmed up and the wind was still blowing, but the park was getting full of walkers. We were very glad we'd decided not to give up our parking spot to go get chow. To pass the time, we wandered some more, filled out an "In Memory Of" placard for Dale to carry with us, joined an impromptu game of frisbee, petted lots of cute dogs, and listened to the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus and the cast of "Menopause: The Musical".
The only other volunteer to join Team Stone Soup this year, Garret, showed up just in time to get his official walk t-shirt and hook up with us to start a-walkin'. THANK YOU, GARRET!
Without waiting for the opening ceremonies to end, we decided to start out, along with bunches of other folks. The brisk pace we set actually warmed us all up, almost as much as the laughter and great conversation along the way. About one mile into the 6.2 miles, the skies opened up on us. Great big drops of rain soaked us through - but my brave Stone Soupers and the rest of the walkers just kept on moving! Volunteers cheered us on from many points along the path... 7 rest stops offered water, bananas, other snacks and porta-pottys.
We hit the finish line back at Minnehaha Park cold, tired, soaking wet and sore... but strangely happy. I can't speak for everyone else, but I had a great time. The kids had far more endurance and good cheer than I thought them capable of under those conditions. Garret was a good sport and a great friend for joining in on our crazy quest. Avindair, my incredible husband, was his wonderful, supportive self.
THANK YOU, to our fantastic TEAM STONE SOUP walkers.
THANK YOU, to our friends and family who, by supporting us, raised $825! So we didn't hit our goal. That's okay. Every bit... every single cent is appreciated by the Minnesota AIDS Project.
We couldn't have done this without any of you. THANK YOU, all.
... and see you next year!
Friday, May 18, 2007
UPDATE - Minnesota AIDS Walk
We're almost there! Sunday, May 20 is only 2 days away and Team Stone Soup is only $300 short of our goal! A big thanks goes out to everyone who's been able to support the cause. No contribution is too small - every bit is appreciated.
If you'd still like to help out or, better yet, come along and join us on Sunday, just follow the links below in my last blog entry.
THANKS EVERYONE!
If you'd still like to help out or, better yet, come along and join us on Sunday, just follow the links below in my last blog entry.
THANKS EVERYONE!
Monday, May 07, 2007
Minnesota AIDS Walk - May 20, 2007
This is Dale Christopher, my uncle. The world lost Dale on September 27, 1995, just minutes after finishing his 47th birthday. On May 20, 2007, I walk for him in the hopes that what money we raise will make a difference for those who live with AIDS now, and in the hopes that people in the future will never have to live with it again.
To learn more about the Minnesota AIDS Walk, you can visit their website at mnaidswalk.org. If you'd like to support me, please visit my personal page and click the "Make a Gift" link under my progress chart. If you'd like to join Team Stone Soup, just go to the team page, click on "Join a Team" and type in Stone Soup. We'd love to have you walk with us!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Whew!
What's that sticky stuff?
It had been a long day at work. A weary commute home. I looked down to see big white sticker under my shoe. The wind has a nasty habit of depositing leaves and every piece of blowing trash in a three block radius in front of our door.
I reached down, removed the offending sticker, and opened the door. I knew was waiting for me on the other side.
The 2-Day FedEx envelope sat on the floor of our entryway. It leaned casually against the wall in a black beret, smoking a thin, brown cigarette... mocking me. I think I would have rather encountered an axe murderer on the other side of that door.
I considered it carefully. Would it bite? I picked it up by the edge.
Phew. What stinks in here?
The heavy envelope made an audible thud as it hit the kitchen counter. I considered putting a match to it, but thought better of it. What horrors would it hold? Could my heart stand it?
I took a deep breath (yeesh - what is that smell?) ripped the envelope like a giant band-aid. The quicker, the better.
Our 2007 taxes.
Suddenly, I could breathe again.
Our tax guy is worth every, freaking cent.
Good news: we got a return.
Eh news: we're handing it all over to Uncle Sam to cover the taxes I will eventually have to pay on my extra business income next year.
Bad news: I tracked in dog shit on my shoe.
All we have to do are sign the forms, mail them on time, and pay the tax guy for his expertise.
My taxes in 2004 and 2005 were something that even Freddie Kruger couldn't have devised in his wildest ravings. I won't post the totals, but let's just say that April 2005 left me gasping for air to the tune of tens of thousands. I still blanche at the thought of it.
And the worst part, was that he was wrong.
For 2006, I got the tax guy of my dreams (let me know if you want a recommendation). He fixed the previous guy's mistakes to the tune of so much of a return, that it prepaid my quarterly taxes for almost half of the next year. Yowch.
It's funny. But even though I know what the end number of the tax return reads, I still involuntarily shrink from it. It's like being bitten by a big dog. He may look friendly now, but you never trust him again.
Yeah. Like I ever trusted the IRS before.
Tonight I toast my tax guy and look forward to next year's simpler... much simpler... tax return.
It had been a long day at work. A weary commute home. I looked down to see big white sticker under my shoe. The wind has a nasty habit of depositing leaves and every piece of blowing trash in a three block radius in front of our door.
I reached down, removed the offending sticker, and opened the door. I knew was waiting for me on the other side.
The 2-Day FedEx envelope sat on the floor of our entryway. It leaned casually against the wall in a black beret, smoking a thin, brown cigarette... mocking me. I think I would have rather encountered an axe murderer on the other side of that door.
I considered it carefully. Would it bite? I picked it up by the edge.
Phew. What stinks in here?
The heavy envelope made an audible thud as it hit the kitchen counter. I considered putting a match to it, but thought better of it. What horrors would it hold? Could my heart stand it?
I took a deep breath (yeesh - what is that smell?) ripped the envelope like a giant band-aid. The quicker, the better.
Our 2007 taxes.
Suddenly, I could breathe again.
Our tax guy is worth every, freaking cent.
Good news: we got a return.
Eh news: we're handing it all over to Uncle Sam to cover the taxes I will eventually have to pay on my extra business income next year.
Bad news: I tracked in dog shit on my shoe.
All we have to do are sign the forms, mail them on time, and pay the tax guy for his expertise.
My taxes in 2004 and 2005 were something that even Freddie Kruger couldn't have devised in his wildest ravings. I won't post the totals, but let's just say that April 2005 left me gasping for air to the tune of tens of thousands. I still blanche at the thought of it.
And the worst part, was that he was wrong.
For 2006, I got the tax guy of my dreams (let me know if you want a recommendation). He fixed the previous guy's mistakes to the tune of so much of a return, that it prepaid my quarterly taxes for almost half of the next year. Yowch.
It's funny. But even though I know what the end number of the tax return reads, I still involuntarily shrink from it. It's like being bitten by a big dog. He may look friendly now, but you never trust him again.
Yeah. Like I ever trusted the IRS before.
Tonight I toast my tax guy and look forward to next year's simpler... much simpler... tax return.
Hotsy-Totsy
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Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Firefly, We Hardly Knew Ya...
You are Zoe Washburne (Second-in-command)
You love your significant other and
you are a tough cookie when in a conflict.
Click here to take the "Which Serenity character are you?" quiz...
Monday, March 26, 2007
Well, duh...
Drama, Musician and Gamer run pretty neck and neck and neck.
| What Be Your Nerd Type? Your Result: Drama Nerd You sure do love the spotlight and probably have a very out-going and loud personality. Or not. That's just a stereotype, of course. Participation in the theatre is something to be very proud of. Whether you have a great voice for musicals, or astounding skills for dramas/comedies; keep up the good work. We need more entertainment these days that isn't television and video games (not that these things are bad, necessarily.) | |
| Literature Nerd | |
| Musician | |
| Gamer/Computer Nerd | |
| Social Nerd | |
| Artistic Nerd | |
| Science/Math Nerd | |
| Anime Nerd | |
| What Be Your Nerd Type? Quizzes for MySpace | |
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