Hermes' Neuticles

No Podcast

2012-01-09T09:08:00.000-06:00

So, it's been over a year since I said we'd put out a podcast and we've not fulfilled our promise. Sorry about that. 2011 was a wacky time and podcasting just kept slipping to the bottom of the list.

I can't promise a podcast anytime soon, but the idea is still alive and well. Hope 2012 is a good year for you.

Podcast?

2010-12-20T13:28:00.001-06:00

Yup, Baby G and I are going to start a podcast soon. I don't have any other details to give now, but i'll post more later.

Gray

2009-06-10T08:40:00.001-05:00

I discovered three gray hairs in my right eyebrow this morning. AHHHH!

I've had gray hairs on my head for years. I've gotten used to them and I sometimes appreciate their 'sparkle'. I wasn't ready for gray eyebrows. Those, Gentle Readers, are on my face. They can't be swept back into a ponytail or colored.

Why am I so concerned about this one little thing? I'm not sure. I gave up makeup years ago (it's too hot to wear it here), I don't put product in my hair, I even started wearing glasses every day instead of contacts. I've become more low-maintenance as time has gone on, yet I have to draw the line somewhere. Gray eyebrows appear to be it.

Wacky Cakes

2009-05-29T09:20:00.003-05:00

I'm hooked on this site! Cake Wrecks has pics of just about every horrible cake out there.

One of the scarier ones:

Home Ownership Thus Far

2009-05-22T13:57:00.003-05:00

Well, it's been almost a month since we bought the house, and 10 days since we actually moved in. A huge branch fell in the backyard (that was the first day), the water heater conked out, we had to get a new sewage line put in, our old range was a piece of crap so we got a new one installed, I had to install a curbside mailbox since our original one was no longer protected by a grandfather clause, and the cats pooped & vomited on the new carpet.

Other than that, it's been peachy!

The Joys of Property

2009-05-04T08:34:00.000-05:00

Baby G and I are officially homeowners. We bought a lil' place last week and have started cosmetic renovations. Wallpaper came down, paint went up. I am exhausted, my right arm is dead, and I could sleep for 1000 years, but I still have enough excitement to muster the energy to do a little happy dance!

Huh?

2009-04-29T09:01:00.002-05:00

Why does Florida offer a decapitated Jesus as a license plate option?

Support Winter Stef!

2009-04-29T08:17:00.004-05:00

She's got a new hilarious line of wearables featuring everyone's favorite depressed bear, Sad Panda.

The End of Christian America?

2009-04-13T10:02:00.002-05:00

Jon Meacham's essay on the decline in the numbers of Christian Americans is a milder take on the notion of a "Post-Christian" nation.

I don't think we're post-anything yet; there's simply too much change going on. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as major shifts do not happen overnight. However, I am keen to see how these changes will affect society and politics in the future.

From the folks at LOL News

2009-04-05T13:49:00.001-05:00

see more Political Pictures

All the Star Trek Trailers to date....

2009-04-02T10:33:00.000-05:00

Check 'em out! Opens May 8.

Health "Care"

2009-04-02T09:04:00.002-05:00

"Just nine people accounted for nearly 2,700 of the emergency room visits in the Austin area during the past six years at a cost of $3 million to taxpayers and others, according to a report. The patients went to hospital emergency rooms 2,678 times from 2003 through 2008, said the report from the nonprofit Integrated Care Collaboration, a group of health care providers who care for low-income and uninsured patients."

And the beat goes on...

2009-03-26T09:47:00.004-05:00

Turns out the Texas State Board of Education is headed by an out-n-proud "Young Earth Creationist" who wants to put Creationism into the textbooks used by public schools in the state. News blurb here.

What is a "Young Earth Creationist" you ask? Well, it's someone who, despite ample scientific evidence to the contrary, believes that the Earth was created in a literal 6 (six) days and that the planet is a mere 10,000 years old because the Bible says so. Now, what I want to know is, who put this guy in charge of what the children of this state will learn? Why does he think it's okay to put his religious and political beliefs ahead of scientific facts?

Scary stuff. Next thing you know, the fire department will hire an arsonist to run their operation.

UPDATE: How to argue with a Creationist.

From the "Why, God? Why?" Department

2009-03-18T16:52:00.000-05:00

American Idol trading cards. Sheesh.

Show My Favorite Charity Some Love

2009-03-18T11:31:00.002-05:00

Girls Rock Camp Austin is part of the Social Media Charity Smackdown for Charity March 16-26, where various celebrities with a team of people are trying to raise money online for their favorite charities. Girls Rock Camp's celebrity is Brea Grant, best know for her role on Heroes. We've been doing pretty well, but the High School Musical guy is kicking everyone's ass. Help us out with just a $5 (or whatever you can give) through PayPal, here.

Cost Curious

2009-03-09T16:06:00.002-05:00

Curious about what something or a service might cost? This site has helpful estimates and allows people from around the country to post what they paid for a similar service/good. It's not exact, but knowing a ballpark number before you set out to do something or get something done can bring you back down to earth.

Brand new cedar fence around the backyard? Sure it sounds lovely and desirable! The three to five thousand dollars you're going to spend doesn't sound as pleasant.

I finally joined the 21st century

2009-03-02T08:14:00.001-06:00

I bought this marvelous thing called a cable and used it to connect mp3 player to a tiny jack in my dashboard and now I can listen to podcasts in the car! WOO! nerd out!

Buggin' Out

2009-02-27T08:24:00.002-06:00

I killed a bug this morning in the kitchen. Not just any bug, but a weird semi-translucent thing with 100 legs. Sure, the pest control ppl came out last week and hosed the house down with pesticide, and yes, the bugs that don't die inside the walls usually stagger out for a dramatic death in the open where they can just get sucked up by the vaccum, but damn, this particular bug looked like it was from another planet.

I smacked it deftly with my shoe, but got so weirded-out that I couldn't do the clean-up. Baby G came the rescue and scraped the tiny corpse into the trash for me. Usually I don't get so worked up, but this bug was just so foreign and so odd that it triggered the goosebumps and I was momentarily incapacitated by a ridiculous dose of fear.

[Shudder!]

I'm goin' back to Cali...

2009-02-26T08:34:00.003-06:00

It seems the Mormon & Catholic churches did not go through the proper procedures when putting the discriminatory Proposition 8 on California's ballot last November. Oops.

Turns out you cannot simply slap a prop on the ballot to legislate discrimination by majority rule. (However thin that majority may be.) The CA "State Senate Judiciary Committee voted 3-2 Tuesday to approve a resolution that says the proposition's ban on same-sex marriages was a constitutional revision. As such, it would have needed approval from the Legislature to reach last November's ballot." The state Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments in the case on March 5.

Holy Crap!

2009-02-24T20:51:00.002-06:00

Can our President be ANY cooler? Seriously!

I watched his report to Congress tonight and feel so uplifted and so hopeful and SO ready to LIVE. He totally gets it --- WE have to be responsible for OURSELVES. WE can change this SITUATION. WE have power to make our lives, and AMERICA, a better place.

I'm near tears.

Cool stuff in Space

2009-02-20T15:17:00.000-06:00

"The US space agency's Fermi telescope has detected a massive explosion in space which scientists say is the biggest gamma-ray burst ever detected, a report published Thursday in Science Express said." Check it!

Daemonia Nymphe

2009-02-16T16:06:00.001-06:00

Daemonia Nymphe Live from ermitikos on Vimeo.

Bacon Storm Moves Across Texas

2009-02-10T22:15:00.008-06:00

This is when I first noticed it: And then, barely a minute later, it's moving out of Austin:

Catholic Church reinstates Indulgences

2009-02-09T15:44:00.002-06:00

Yep, they're back. Apparently just going to confession and praying aren't enough to get you lowly sinners into heaven, you also need one of these babies. The Church isn't selling them this go-around, but they are bringing them back as a way to get Catholics to stop reading self-help books.

The NY Times reports:

According to church teaching, even after sinners are absolved in the confessional and say their Our Fathers or Hail Marys as penance, they still face punishment after death, in Purgatory before they can enter heaven. In exchange for certain prayers, devotions or pilgrimages in special years, a Catholic can receive an indulgence, which reduces or erases that punishment instantly, with no formal ceremony or sacrament.
There are partial indulgences, which reduce purgatorial time by a certain number of days or years, and plenary indulgences, which eliminate all of it. You can get one for yourself, or for someone else, living or dead. You cannot buy one — the church outlawed the sale of indulgences in 1857 — but charitable contributions, combined with other acts, can help you earn one. There is a limit of one plenary indulgence per sinner per day.

Bad News for Jennifer H

2009-02-05T08:52:00.001-06:00

Jen, I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this, but your boyfriend, Joaquin, has turned into a mountain man/rapper. I'm not kidding! I couldn't make this up!

"Fashion"

2009-02-04T15:58:00.001-06:00

Oddly, the NYT put this article about old-guard separatist lesbian communities from the 60s and 70s in their Fashion & Style section. I don't get that, but the article is pretty interesting.

Need a creepy voice?

2009-01-30T08:23:00.002-06:00

Check out this text-to-speech program. Just type in what you'd like the robot to say and he'll say it back. (Or she --- there's a female voice option too.)

Well, I got all excited for nothing

2009-01-26T08:44:00.002-06:00

I saw on various calendars around the house and online, that there would be an annular eclipse today. Being someone who appreciates astronomical activity, I wondered if we'd be able to catch a glimpse of it. Regardless of the full cloud cover and fog advisory today, only India will be able to view the eclipse this afternoon. (Well, not directly view it, unless they want to go blind.)

Oh, and only China and India will see the full solar eclipse that's supposed to happen in July. Man! What's a robot to do? Guess I'll catch it online or something.

Dubya's Eight Years in Eight Minutes

2009-01-22T10:05:00.001-06:00

Keith Olbermann's review of the horror that was the Bush presidency.

Ouch

2009-01-22T09:40:00.005-06:00

The Oscar noms came out this morning. There weren't many surprises, save for the shut-out of The Dark Knight from the best motion picture category. Whah? I have seen all the nominated films, except for The Reader. While I am disappointed that Christopher Nolan's film didn't snag a nom, I hope that that mediocre Benjamin Button doesn't win. Slumdog Millionaire was an exhilarating film, and Frost/Nixon was intriguing; however, I would like to see Milk take home the prize. The film really moved me.

In the end it doesn't really matter. I plan to enjoy myself that evening, eat a little, drink a lot, and have a good time during the show.

Got Hope?

2009-01-20T09:15:00.002-06:00

Now that Obama's being inaugurated, we can officially retire that silly phrase.

Gene Robinson to speak at Inauguration

2009-01-13T08:37:00.002-06:00

Obama has also asked Gene Robinson to speak at his inauguration next week. Rick Warren is still speaking, but the addition of Robinson, in this robot's humble opinion, balances the event as well as shows Obama to be who he says he wants to be: a uniter.

'Bout time.

Distractions at work

2009-01-12T09:12:00.002-06:00

I've become a podcast nut. I've listened to every "Lovecast" by Dan Savage to date, as well as the wunderbar nerds over at Galactica Watercooler. You can find podcasts on just about any subject at Podcast Alley.

Gay Marriage Will Save the Economy?

2009-01-07T15:30:00.003-06:00

Well, if that's the only way...then I guess, "Why not?"

"Prop 8 - The Musical" starring Jack Black, John C. Reilly, and many more... by Jack Black

And so it begins again....

2009-01-06T09:16:00.005-06:00

A new year, a new president (well, in 2 weeks...), a new starting point for people who like starting points. I don't usually make new year's resolutions because I think they're crap. I think people should start doing good/healthy/positive things any day of the week and keep doing them because they are good/healthy/positive, not because it's a certain day on the calendar.

That said, here are a few good/healthy/positive things I've been doing but plan to continue to do or do more of in 2009:

Composting. It's easy and it's good for your garden. What? You're not growing your own food? Relax, I'm not either. Well, I tried to grow veggies, but I failed. I will try again this year with the help of the organic compost pile I started last summer. Now that I've learned many lessons from the many mistakes I made as a novice gardener, I think '09's crop will be bigger and better (and hopefully tasty...?)! Check out Martha's site for tips on composting. I also wanna give a big shout-out to my housemates for saving egg shells, veggie scraps, and coffee grounds for me this year. I hope to repay them with yummy homegrown veggies in the coming year.
Recycling. Duh. Been doing it, will keep doing it. Am quite pleased about the addition of plastics 3-7 to the list of acceptable plastics. Not so pleased about it all being carted off 100 miles away for processing, but hopefully the city will get its act together for a local recycling plant soon.
Activism. It's no secret this robot is a gay robot in love with a gay guanaco. Some say our love is wrong. Some think we're adorable. I've decided this year I'm actually going to get down and dirty and participate in various public protests to gain some civil rights for gays and lesbians. I'm also going to try to help out some puppies and kitties while I'm at it.
Spirituality. It's been over a decade since I've felt even remotely spiritual, much less religious. That's slowly changing. The ziegeist has felt particularly hypocritical in the sphere of the Divine in the past 8+ years. But I think 2009 is going to be a year of rebirth (forgive the cliche) for me. And that's all I'm going to say about that.
Shakin' my booty. Yep, I'm talking about exercise. The thing everyone talks about in January. It's almost as if the national psyche aligns into one giant hive mind causing the throngs of overweight Americans to buy sweatpants and head to the nearest gym en masse. You wanna talk about New Year's cliches? Well, this is it! But seriously, I've actually been exercising lately. Baby G and I went to SF and walked EVERYWHERE for 10 straight days, I've been biking, walking, hiking... I can even climb the 3 flights of stairs at work now and not want to fall down and die at the top. Now that is some change I can get behind! (Pun totally intended.)

So, there you have it. Tiny Robot's five things she's been doing but plans to continue doing and/or plans to do more of for 2009. You got 5 things? Post em in the comments section or on your own blog.

I [will leave] My Heart in San Francisco

2008-12-16T09:08:00.003-06:00

Robot and Guanaco are off to visit the great city by the bay! We will regale you with tales of our travels when we return. May all our readers have a wonderful holiday season, however you celebrate it. Don't forget to check back with us in 2009 --- we have some 'funky fresh' ideas to liven up this blog so as to stay hip with the young people. Or, at least, try to become hip...???

Copernicus for Pres!

2008-11-20T09:45:00.006-06:00

Actual remains of Copernicus, the guy who dared to say the Earth revolved around the Sun and not the other way around, have been found.

In other news, Dubya plans to ROLL BACK protections on endangered species before he leaves office next month. One more "fuck you" to the world, I guess. Seems Dubya subscribes to a "The Sun revolves around ME" kind of worldview.

Another "WTF?!" Brought to you by the AFA

2008-11-18T09:45:00.003-06:00

Those wacky folks at the AFA are selling "Christmas Crosses" for front yard display this holiday season.

Some thoughts:

1. Um, Christmas is about the birth of Christ, not his death. That's Easter.

2. If someone in my neighborhood (or any neighborhood for that matter) put such a display up, I'd think they were part of the Klan. I mean look at it! It looks like a burning cross! Yikes!

Bits and Bobs

2008-11-18T09:14:00.005-06:00

Sad News First:

A woman with Alzheimer's mysteriously disappeared at DFW 7 years ago. It turns out her remains were found recently, and she died of a blow to the head. Yikes.

Tis the Season:

I have joined Martha Stewart's 6-week Christmas workshop. It's free. Each week, you get a new list of crafty ideas and how to make them. This week's theme is handmade gifts.

Wanda Sykes:

She's just awesome.

We've got a new Prez

2008-11-05T13:24:00.001-06:00

and it's so awesome! I feel like the sun is shining for the first time in 8 years.

Vote Yes on R

2008-10-31T09:40:00.002-05:00

San Franciscans will vote on Prop R this Tuesday to name their local sewage treatment plant after sitting POTUS Dubya. Will it pass? You betcha.

A Hedwig Moment

2008-10-29T10:48:00.001-05:00

TOMMY: Have you... have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal lord and savior?
HEDWIG: No, but I... I love his work.
TOMMY: No. What he was saving us from was his fucking father. What kind of god creates Adam in his image and then pulls Eve out of him to keep him company? And then tells them not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge? He was so micromanaging. So was Adam. But Eve... Eve just wanted to know shit. She took a bite of the apple, and she found out what was good and what was evil. Then she gave it to Adam, so he would know, because they were in love. And that was good, they now knew. Hedwig... would you give me the apple?

– Hedwig and the Angry Inch

How Ironic

2008-10-24T16:07:00.001-05:00

Sarah Palin stated her favorite secondhand shop back in Alaska is called Out of the Closet.

Stupid Idiot

2008-10-24T15:08:00.003-05:00

This idiot lied to police about being mugged and having a "B" carved into her face by a mugger who supposedly supports Obama for president.

If you ask me, it looks more like an ass. Very fitting.

Wait. Strike that. Reverse it.

2008-10-24T09:54:00.002-05:00

McCain had a Willy Wonka moment on the campaign trail...

Surely you can't be serious!

2008-10-24T08:52:00.003-05:00

I am. And don't call me Shirley.

It has been the longest week. I swear the hands on the office clock are rotating to the left. Of course time never "stops" when I need or want it to, say at 7am. No, it becomes sluggish at 10:09am and doesn't resume until 5pm.

I have a busy weekend ahead. Tomorrow, I'll watch 1000 folks do the Thriller dance. Then Baby G is taking me to some sort of mega meat restaurant for a date. (Salads be damned!) Sunday is our annual pumpkin carving party. This year I've decided to forgo the carving of flesh and instead paint a series of pumpkins with various designs. Ghay, I know, but easier on my wrists.

Okay, it's time for a coffee and a chex mix bar. Later Sugah!

New London Bus Slogans

2008-10-23T13:31:00.002-05:00

"There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life." Velly interesting...

I'd like to note that were such signs put on buses here, people would shit themselves trying to get them removed. 'Cuz America's a "Christian nation." Pay no attention to all the other folks who live here.

TV

2008-10-22T14:09:00.004-05:00

Is anyone else watching this show? Fringe is so great -- I can't get enough of it. Sure, the writing is a bit off, but so far the characters are developing at a steady pace, the comedy touches are light but placed well, and the various conspiracies in the show are just real enough to be engaging. It shows every Tuesday night. Check out online episodes.

Whatever

2008-10-14T08:17:00.002-05:00

HBO is shooting some movie on campus today. I almost didn't get a parking spot because of this silly mayhem. Apparently Claire Danes is in it; she plays an autistic woman who helps animals or something.

I saw this 12 lb woman outside my window and thought it was Danes for a moment, then realized it was just some other ridiculously skinny person in a 50s outfit.

John McCain's ties to Domestic Terrorism

2008-10-13T16:46:00.001-05:00

Via Feministing:

"With all the vicious, racist attacks on Obama as of late and the McCain campaign's desperate attempts to tie him with terrorism, we have found that McCain is the one who has connections with domestic terrorists. Not only does he have a relationship with former extreme anti-choice activist Paul Schenck, but has overwhelmingly voted against bills that would protect abortion clinics from anti-choice terrorists. "

Political Updates '08.13 Exclamation! Edition!

2008-10-13T16:33:00.002-05:00

(This is a repost of a semi-weekly email I send out. A friend suggested I just blog it, so here goes!)

The Palin Grandchild!

Levi Johnston is 18. As you know, he got his girlfriend, 17-year-old Bristol Palin (daughter of Sarah Palin), pregnant. They plan to marry in December (you know, right before Gov Palin's hoped-for swearing-in ceremony in January (we can't have any bastard relatives running around the White House, ya know...). Mr. Johnston spoke to the press about the various rumors swirling around him, his girlfriend, their fetus, and their upcoming nuptials. But here's the tidbit that really caught my eye:

'The baby is due Dec. 18. Johnston has dropped out of high school to take a job on the North Slope oil fields as an apprentice electrician.' (Emphasis mine)

Wow. So not only will neither mom nor dad have a high school diploma, but Sarah Palin's new grandchild will also always have the distinction of being a walking representation of why grandma's abstinence-only sex education stance is so sadly ironic. That, and I'm sure he'll have some unfortunate name, like Tic Tac or Broom or something.

Poll-o-Rama!

According to some polls, Dubya has an approval rating of a mere 23% (eatcha heart out, Nixon!). Other polls have Obama leading McCain in the presidential horserace. Still other polls say that the University of Texas Longhorns are NUMBER 1! (Sorry, couldn't resist putting that out there.)

The Economy!

Yep, it's still in the toilet. If you have any shiny beads or soft animal pelts, you may want to take them out and dust them now. We'll be using them to trade for goods and services soon.

All Image! No Substance!

Apparently "Investigator Stephen Branchflower concluded in a report late Friday that [Gov] Palin abused her powers as governor by trying to have her former brother-in-law fired as a state trooper. But there was no recommendation in that report for any action against Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee." Wow, she abused her powers yet there will be no consequences for her. Must be nice.

According to others, however, it seems Palin's ex-brother-in-law was a real jerk and Palin was being civic-minded in trying to remove him from the ranks of Alaska's State Troopers. If that's the case, then yes, he probably shouldn't have a job where he gets to carry a gun and have authority.

Gosh, with all the nonsense surrounding Gov Palin, I just don't know what to think about anything concerning her anymore, save for the fact she is one "hot tranny mess."

Don't know what politicians are saying?

2008-10-08T14:00:00.002-05:00

Or where they get those crazy numbers from? Or if they've said the opposite just a few days ago? Check out factchecker.org. It's a helpful site that, get this, actually checks up on what pols say to see if it's truthful!

What? Truth? Yes. Truth.

Yay!

2008-10-03T16:11:00.000-05:00

Fox is not canceling Fringe, the new sci-fi show I'm hooked on! Yay!

Podcasting

2008-09-29T13:57:00.002-05:00

Baby G and I are considering incorporating a semi-regular podcast into HN. Since there has been a dearth of posts here lately, we figured it might help spice things up as it were.

Stay tuned!

Please give!

2008-09-16T18:23:00.001-05:00

This is one of my favorite magazines. It's enlightening, informative, and witty.

Sarah's got no experience!

2008-09-12T13:00:00.001-05:00

Watch her not answer any questions directly. It's enlightening (and frightening!) how little experience she has.

Something a little more gay-postive

2008-09-10T10:42:00.002-05:00

That last post was a downer. Here's a short vid of Ellen & Portia's wedding. They're so adorable!

Somebody's been listening to crappy Top 40 radio again...

2008-09-10T10:34:00.004-05:00

...and doesn't have a sense of humor.

I didn't caption this one, but I had to share it!

2008-09-08T13:22:00.000-05:00

see Sarah Palin pictures

Librarians against Palin

2008-09-05T15:27:00.003-05:00

I was reading this recent expose about VP candidate Tracy Flick and saw in the comments that there is a new (days old) blog called Librarians against Palin. It is so-so, but they are trying to get as much info relating to her book-banning attempt. Perhaps something will come of it. Pass it on.

Is anyone else...

2008-09-03T14:06:00.001-05:00

...as annoyed by the Sara Palin soap opera as much as I am? Sheesh! I love how everyone on her team keeps saying she has foreign policy experience because she lives in the one state closest to Russia. Huh?

Things I Like Summer 2008 Edition

2008-08-28T19:44:00.002-05:00

I'm working late tonight and traffic is sloooooow. So I thought I'd make some lists. Or a list, rather. I'm not that ambitious tonight.

Favorite things:

Larimar. It's a lovely understated stone that doesn't have the trashy connections that turquoise sometimes connotes. It's soothing to the eye and is accented well with sterling silver or gold.
Wait Wait Don't Tell Me! There's nothing funnier to wake up to on a Saturday morning. I mean, run errands and clean house to on a Saturday morning.
DVR. How cool is it to not have to worry about missing your favorite program ever again? I know, I know, I'm about 5-10 years behind the times on this, but no one has ever accused me of being hip. In fact, the technology is so not-new that hacks are commonplace. If only I could shift and condense time at work.
Lantana. It's about the only thing I can grow in my garden (and I use that term very loosely) that doesn't die. Hardy and beautiful, who can ask for more?
Composting. My roomies may say otherwise, but composting is so great! I have quite a pile going. It's full of yard trimmings, decaying fruits and veggies, and the occasional bio-degradable cup or plate. Next spring, I'll have a mountain of fabulous soil just ready to be put to use. Most likely as home to more Lantana.
Cherry Coke Zero. I never thought I'd get hooked on Coca-Cola again after giving up Coke Classic 6 years ago. Now I guzzle the sugar-free stuff. Sad, but true. The flavor is so nice: all of the cherry none of the super-sweetness. Parfait.
Samantha Brown. At first, I couldn't stand her apparently over-the-top chipper personality. But I kept watching because she went to so many cool places. Soon I realized she was actually just a very nice person who has a healthy sense of curiosity and adventure. That, and she always makes sure to stop in a bar in every episode. How can you dislike a gal who makes a point of trying local beers and cocktails?

We'll inherit the Earth, but we won't want it*

2008-08-25T15:58:00.003-05:00

The Democratic Nat'l Conv starts today. Obama picked Joe Biden, a safe and experienced candidate. Lots of folks wonder why he didn't pick Hillary. Simple -- she and Bill would have struggled with Obama for power every day. It would have been a messy joke of an Administration. Granted, we are pretty used to that. But if such things can be avoided, then they should.

Check out this dumb kid and his attempt at weightlifting!

*So says Paul Westerberg.

So...we can do it, but they can't?

2008-08-15T15:45:00.003-05:00

You've probably heard this week that Russia has invaded its neighbor, Georgia. Of course, Dubya and Condi are making statements here, there, and everywhere that Russia can't just go barreling into a sovereign country and start shooting.

But of course it was okay when the Bush Administration decided to send U.S. troops into the sovereign country of Iraq five years ago...

Geez.

Dubya on the Sauce?

2008-08-14T15:28:00.002-05:00

Check out these humorous shots of Dubya at the Olympics.

Morgan Freeman: Pull through!

2008-08-05T09:48:00.002-05:00

Morgan Freeman was in a car accident and is badly injured. He's in a Memphis hospital.

Everyday I write the book

2008-07-15T13:33:00.002-05:00

I've been around, just not posting lately. Sorry, Gentle Readers. It's nothing personal, I've just been caught up in various things and haven't had time to commit here. It is the Summer Doldrums, however, so I don't feel too terrible about taking a break. I'll be back soon.

No Midwives in MO?

2008-07-02T14:23:00.002-05:00

Apparently it's a felony for a midwife to assist in a birth in Missouri. WTF?

Some guys have all the luckSome guys have all the pain

2008-07-02T08:53:00.005-05:00

Stupid Criminals File:

"An exhaustive, two-state manhunt for an ex-convict suspected in eight grisly slayings has ended with the man quietly arrested outside a bar known as a police hangout."

"Man accused of hitting mom with Polish sausage."

"A convenience store became an unwilling drive-in when a 74-year-old woman plowed her car through the front window and then tried to buy a six-pack of Budweiser, police and the owner said."

2008-07-02T08:50:00.000-05:00

Rhyming "Back" with "Back"

2008-06-26T10:22:00.005-05:00

Check out [Douchebag*] Cornyn's re-election ad. Gee...if we make it sepia-toned and get a Johnny Cash sound-alike, them Texans will eat it up!

After I finished laughing, I threw up a little in my mouth because he'll probably get re-elected to the Senate easily because most Texans are dumb**.

*I can call him that. He's a big Dubya supporter.

**I can say that too. I'm a Texan who has seen how this state votes.

Late June Tidbits

2008-06-24T13:27:00.005-05:00

As a 1930s wife, I am Poor

Take the test!

George Carlin has passed away. I've been watching clips of his comedy routines on YouTube and trying not to laugh too loudly at work.

Overly self-righteous dude, James Dobson, is telling anyone who'll listen that Barak Obama is "distorting the Bible." Whatever. I don't see Dobson following the Bible letter for letter. If he was, he'd be sacrificing goats and have a long beard, as well as stoning adulterers and thieves, just as the Bible directs.

UPDATE: Obama to Dobson: Shut up.

'Allo! 'Allo!

2008-06-20T09:29:00.002-05:00

"President McCain's Women's Clinic"

2008-06-18T08:52:00.001-05:00

Wickywoo

2008-06-17T09:14:00.002-05:00

Same-sex couples are legally marrying in California.

I haven't seen any summer movies yet. No Indy, no Sex & the City, no Ironman. I know. I know.

FDA still isn't sure about who/what/where in the recent salmonella outbreak on tomatoes.

Who will replace beloved Tim Russert at NBC?

Obama, The Doll?

2008-06-11T10:59:00.004-05:00

This German dude has made a doll of Barack Obama that looks nothing like him. Also, the doll has a flag pin on the lapel. Obama is famous for not wearing a flag pin.

Foreign Media does it again: Tells us what's really happening in our own country.

2008-06-06T10:21:00.003-05:00

The Independent reports that Dubya wants to set things up in Iraq so that the U.S. has long-term control of the country and he can claim "victory" before he leaves office. This deal would secure our military presence in Iraq no matter who wins the election in November.

The Guardian reports that Katrina victims are being booted out of their FEMA trailers. One last twist of the knife, eh? First the government doesn't respond, then they do but they fuck it up, then they stick everyone in tiny trailers that have formaldehyde in them, then they kick survivors out. Nice.

Holy Fuck, Walnuts!

2008-06-06T10:18:00.002-05:00

Exactly where does John McCain stand on various issues? No one knows -- he gives opposing answers to different people on the same questions. Watch and learn:

Kitties and Cakes

2008-06-04T10:00:00.005-05:00

Stef is Super had a birthday bash last weekend. Baby G and I made a cake to celebrate! It's a Bette Midler cake. I baked the cake, iced it and added a tasty border of slivered almonds. Baby G did the Bette portrait in whipped icing. It was a success! Not only attractive, but tasty (thanks, Betty Crocker!).The kits have been using these hot summer days to perfect their lounging positions. As you can see, they're doing well.

New Coen Bro's Film

2008-06-03T13:54:00.001-05:00

BSG

2008-05-28T15:12:00.004-05:00

If you are still reeling from BSG not being on the air last week due to the holiday weekend (like me!) you can catch a 10 minute preview of this week's episode! It's only 48 hours away...you can get your fix then.

And you can always listen to the Galactica Watercooler podcast. Those nerds are HI-larious! I'm hooked!

UPDATE: Amazon has season four episodes for $2/ea. So those of you who don't have cable can score the full length eps there.

Post-Holiday

2008-05-27T10:37:00.003-05:00

This weekend was bliss. Everyone went out of town at our house, save for me and Baby G. We went a-hunting Saturday morning for the "best bbq in Texas" in Lexington. We managed to find the town, but the bbq was all sold out when we got there. So we drove NW to Taylor and had some yummy brisket and sausage at another of the top 50 bbq joints.

Sunday brought bike rides and swimming at Barton Springs pool. What a delicious afternoon! The sun was warm, the water chilly, and the quasi-napping state I tranced into after my swim rejuvenating. Shout-out to Nanny and JJ.

Monday Baby G and I did some shopping, dropped off a few bags of donations to Goodwill, and had a leisurely lunch. I took not one, but two naps yesterday. Decadent!

All in all it was a wonderful three days. As you can imagine, it's pretty hard to be at work today.

American Airlines...what are you thinking?

2008-05-21T10:39:00.002-05:00

First they took away the food. Then they removed all the pillows. Now they're charging passengers for the first checked bag. It's gonna cost you $15 to check a bag. I wasn't planning on using AA to get anywhere due to the circus freakshow they put me through last time I used them, but now I'm definitely not going to use them.

In Search Of: _______________

2008-05-21T08:48:00.003-05:00

I'm currently listening to Yo Yo Ma play Bach's Cello Suites I-III. "Play" is hardly a word I'd use to describe his craft. Ma's cello work is alternately heavy and emotional, light and playful, whatever Bach's score calls for. But Ma not only performs, he becomes one with his instrument. There are moments on the recording where a sharp intake of breath can be heard. In my imagination, I wonder if it is him or the cello.

This is what I listen to at the office to escape the banality of everyday life here.

Friday Morning Zeitgeist

2008-05-16T08:43:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday, Folks! I drink your milkshake. I drink it up! At the gas pump, that is.

Oh, and now gay peoples can get married in California and petition their home states to recognize it. I feel a song comin' on.

Only one week to go until Memorial Day. I see rollercoasters...

Post number 666

2008-05-15T09:04:00.004-05:00

Yep, we finally reached the "number of the beast" or whatever. What to blog about on this momentous occasion? Generic Evil? Dubya? Halliburton? FLDS Wackos? Death metal?

Nah. Too easy, too boring.

Instead, I bring you Lowly Worm. He's a worm that not only wears hats and bow ties, but a shoe. A lace-up shoe at that. One, why does a worm need a shoe, and two, how does he tie it? He's got no hands! But seriously, as a child I read all of Richard Scarry's oeuvre. I loved Lowly Worm. He drove a car shaped like an apple.

Lowly Worm's not evil per se, but he does seem to have some sort of satanic assistance...those shoelaces don't just tie themselves.

Those wacky Duggars are at it again...

2008-05-14T14:53:00.003-05:00

Yep, they're expecting kid number 18. I found it funny how annoyed the other kids looked when mom announced she was pregnant AGAIN...

Honestly, they can have all the kids they want, but I have to take issue with all the energy and food consumed by just one family.

A Series of Odd Events

2008-05-13T10:40:00.004-05:00

The animals running the Burmese government aren't giving cyclone victims the food that has been donated by various other countries. Instead, the victims are getting moldy biscuits and old rice to eat. It is believed that the good stuff is being horded in military warehouses. What a bunch of jerks! (That's me, being diplomatic.)
"Chubby" gays need love too. Now they have their own dating site. Interesting choice of words, I say. (Oh, and if you're at work, or if you value your own eyesight, you probably don't want to click on that link!!)
You think Senator Obama's ex-pastor is nuts? Just listen to John McCain's pastor -- he's a certifiable whack-job. He actually says, "We get off on warfare" in the video. True, yes, but still frightening to see this crazy guys' message endorsed by a former POW. That's not odd at all, McCain! Geez!
Einstein's views on god are explained in a recently discovered letter he wrote. Interesting how the American news media hasn't covered this at all...

FLDS Children and their Brainwashed Mothers

2008-05-07T13:53:00.004-05:00

This is video (the sync is off, so just listen, don't look at their mouths) of three of the mothers whose children were removed from their home (a.k.a. "The Ranch") and their lawyer. It saddens me so much, not only to know the abuse those kids suffered, but the blatant brainwashing these women have undergone. Their eyes are vacant, their voices meek, and their thoughts are not their own. They don't answer questions, they merely repeat over and over how they are "free" and their children are "free" and so on. It's disgusting on multiple levels. This other video reports that there is much evidence that many young girls were "spiritually married" to older men and then had children by them. There is speculation that no one is legally married to anyone so that wives and kids can be moved around, young girls are sexually available to men, and welfare checks can be received for the dozens of kids each technically single mother has. This is beyond fucked up.

Congrats to the kid. He made it!

2008-05-05T09:14:00.002-05:00

Now, on to the real world... Good luck, kiddo!

Hear! Hear!

2008-05-01T11:59:00.001-05:00

"As Barack Obama has perhaps belatedly learned, the Democrats had it right the first time: Awesome,blue-state, red-state, whatever -- keep God out of it, and the men who claim to speak for him, too."

Little Britain in NYC

2008-04-30T14:10:00.001-05:00

HBO's Ameri-cun version of Little Britian is being filmed in New York. Pictures are here. I'm curious to see how this version will pan out, as the British show is hilarious.

Oh, Uncle Sam...

2008-04-29T14:28:00.004-05:00

You gave me $600 today so I can "stimulate the economy" or something. Thanks.

I know you want me to spend it on baked goods or electronics or some such, but I plan to use it to replace the $600 you taxed me in 2006 for daring to give my then-unemployed partner health insurance through the domestic partner program at my office. To twist the knife a little, I plan to spend that $600 toward legal fees for power of attorney, medical power of attorney, and living will documents that give my same-sex partner and I a lot of the legal and tax benefits you deny us as gay citizens by not allowing us to legally marry.

So suck on that, Sam. You and your puritanical heterosexual hegemony can just suck it. (Yeah, that was pretty pretentious of me, but I don't really care.)

Bored of Stupidity

2008-04-24T09:28:00.005-05:00

I'm really surprised that I even bothered to blog about this, as one of the issues I've claimed to be really bored of is the whole creationism vs. evolution thing. Basically I, along with I think many other rational people, are just really tired of responding to people who are clearly trying to pass off religious belief as science. The Institute for Creation Research was trying to get the State of Texas to approve their master's degree in science education. Luckily, commissioners in our state have better sense than to approve something like that.

I used to have the patience to discuss this issue with people, and with the intent of being "tolerant," hold off on calling creationists "stupid." Please don't get me wrong--I am certainly not saying religion and faith are stupid, anymore than any other kind of philosophical inquiry is stupid. I feel that those are very valid pursuits for humankind, just as much as science is; and as much as one field may inspire and influence the other, most people understand that faith and the scientific method are not the same thing. Even those that dip their feet into both pools, such as myself, understand that they are two different kinds of pursuits. Including creationism in science education would be about as productive for humanity as trying to convince porpoises that they should really stop all that silly swimming around already, since they're mammals with lungs and all, so they should be on land.

For your nerds only

2008-04-23T16:48:00.003-05:00

Remember the "Last Supper" style promo ad for Battlestar Galactica that supposedly tells something about the last cylon? Well, these nerds think they've figured it out! (Yes, it is spoiler-y, so don't click the link if you don't want to know.)

I was here (I wish I was still there...)

2008-04-21T10:38:00.001-05:00

Eww.

2008-04-17T13:55:00.004-05:00

Okay, now I've heard everything. Check out this article on a Yale senior art student:

"Art major Aliza Shvarts '08 wants to make a statement. Beginning next Tuesday, Shvarts will be displaying her senior art project, a documentation of a nine-month process during which she artificially inseminated herself "as often as possible" while periodically taking abortifacient drugs to induce miscarriages. Her exhibition will feature video recordings of these forced miscarriages as well as preserved collections of the blood from the process."

I can't wait for the weekend to begin

2008-04-15T08:56:00.003-05:00

Michael Gray's "The Weekend" is still in heavy rotation here. It's so damned catchy! Yes, it's a Monday-wish-it-was-Friday kinda week. (I leave for a campout Friday...)
Check out this silkscreening tutorial from no media kings.
Stef is blogging again, hence her move from "dead and neglected blogs" to "the others." Check her out! (And we'll very slyly mention here we'd love to see a reciprocal link to HN on her site...)
The FLDS wackiness is still playing out. The children of the group have been separated from their mothers due to the investigation into physical and sexual abuse. I feel really bad for those kids, born into that bizzaro world of sequestered life, especially all the young girls that were forced to marry much older men (WTF?!). Look, I'm all for religious freedom, okay? Wear your hair in a funny way, dress your kids like little farmers, have multiple wives/husbands, whatever---just don't abuse kids or women or animals! When your religion gets into centralized patriarchal power mode, with male power, pleasure, and dominance at the core of all things, then you've got a big mess on your hands. That shit never ends well. Hello...Davidian Branch or Jim Jones, etc, anyone?

Oh dear.

2008-04-14T16:45:00.002-05:00

It's true -- Project Runway is moving to the Lifetime network. Geez, why don't those Weinstein bitches just come to my house and put their lit Virginia Slims out in my eye themselves?

"What do you mean it's 7am?!"

2008-04-14T10:10:00.004-05:00

That's what I said to myself this morning after wrestling with the alarm clock since 6. My apologies to Baby G for my being one of those people.* We had a busy weekend, so it's really no wonder I had trouble getting up. We scored free tix to the Texas Wine & Food Festival Friday night and ate our weights of some really good gourmet and some kinda meh gourmet. I also sampled all the wine, vodka and rum that I could. I had some very bizarre dreams that night, as you can probably imagine. Best sample? Definitely the Dallas Fish Market's Hawaiian Escarole Sashimi with lemon glaze and capers. Holy gods that was heaven in my mouth! And the chef was a very nice guy, too!

Baby G and I also biked a lot. We probably rode about 8 miles total over two days. I take that back, I did about 8 miles, Baby G did more, as she went out a 2nd time yesterday evening. I was still sore from Saturday's ride.

I'm currently listening to "The Weekend (Extended Vocal Mix)" by Michael Gray. It's some of the gayest music I've ever heard, but I can't stop shakin' my booty. Funny side story: I knew a guy in college named Michael Gray. He was an adorable gay man who wouldn't acknowledge he was in fact gay. I hope he's out and proud now.

*Yes, I'm one of those assholes who sets my alarm to ring an hour ahead of time, so I have time to "wake up" before I actually have to get up. It doesn't work yet I still do it, hence my status as "asshole."