I finished Freedom by Jonathan Franzen tonight.
Franzen writes dialog in a way that is unique and real. Lots of people hate it and think it's not accurate...but i think it is eerily familiar. I see all my interactions play out in his pages. The fights, the secrets, the fear, the love. Everything you've ever said--in some way or another-is captured in his dialog. Half a dozen times while reading i found my self saying, yes...that is exactly right. Or, of course...that is just what i would think/say/do.
This book is similar to his excellent earlier novel, The Corrections. He writes it in chunks, first from this character's point of view, then from another's. You find yourself hating, loving, understanding, and feeling perplexed at these people. Somehow, in the end, you find yourself caring about each, wishing the best for them all. It's really remarkable. I would love to understand how he does it. How he crafts each character. Is it about having their storyline already laid out and just picking up each person at the right moment? Or does he write the twisting interconnected story as is? So many things to learn.
I'm always sad to see Franzen novels end but since i have a gazillion others piling up I'm moving on. Next up, the rise of theodore roosevelt. No worries Gibson, i will get to your Neuromancer soon enough.
~nerdy birdy
25 February 2011
22 February 2011
Question...
"There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my heart are my temples." -His Holiness the Dalai Lama
*******
I just finished watching a Smithsonian show, "Denying the Moon Landings." People who still, 40 years later, believe that the moon landings were faked. They brought up that people thought the first photos of Old Faithful at Yellowstone were faked, that people thought the Wright brothers faked their first flight, that people still think aliens helped Egyptians build the pyramids.
I don't understand this. I find myself constantly stunned by all that humans can do. We can fly through the air at hundreds of miles an hour...we can rocket to space in under ten minutes...we can pull a tumor out of your nose (Fact....gross gross fact).
Why do so many humans love to crap all over our own achievements? The human brain is remarkable...astounding...amazing. All that we can do and create. Why arent more people blown away by this? Why dont people stand slack-jawed at the sheer power of the human brain?
Good news is, we all have a chance to worship the brain this week...watch Discovery slip the surly bonds of Earth this Thursday at 4:50 p.m. EST.
~tweet tweet goes the bird
*******
I just finished watching a Smithsonian show, "Denying the Moon Landings." People who still, 40 years later, believe that the moon landings were faked. They brought up that people thought the first photos of Old Faithful at Yellowstone were faked, that people thought the Wright brothers faked their first flight, that people still think aliens helped Egyptians build the pyramids.
I don't understand this. I find myself constantly stunned by all that humans can do. We can fly through the air at hundreds of miles an hour...we can rocket to space in under ten minutes...we can pull a tumor out of your nose (Fact....gross gross fact).
Why do so many humans love to crap all over our own achievements? The human brain is remarkable...astounding...amazing. All that we can do and create. Why arent more people blown away by this? Why dont people stand slack-jawed at the sheer power of the human brain?
Good news is, we all have a chance to worship the brain this week...watch Discovery slip the surly bonds of Earth this Thursday at 4:50 p.m. EST.
~tweet tweet goes the bird
26 June 2010
Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it*
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer is proving Twain's adage that "A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes."
The governor recently stated that most illegal immigrants are drug mules. Of course that's not true. The Border Patrol knows it's not true. Anyone living in a border town knows it's not true. Anyone who actually studies the issue will know its not true. So why would Brewer just blatantly lie? Why would she say something she knows to be untrue, something that can easily be disproved, and more perplexing, why would she continue to repeat it?
Because she isn't trying to win over intelligent thoughtful people. She is trying to win over those folks who skim headlines looking for "facts" that support whatever position they are trying to prop up...those people who are scared of anyone different and look for "facts" to support their fears.
At the signing of SB 1070 Brewer said that "border violence and crime due to illegal immigration are critically important issues to the people of our state." I am sure that they important issues to her constituents, but I wonder why the governor didnt get around to pointing out that violent crimes dropped in AZ between 2005 and 2008 despite the large growth in the population (up by 600,000)? Why didnt she mention that more than 50 years of non-partisan research on illegal immigration shows that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than those who are native born?
Why tell the truth when you can lie? By the time the truth has leaked out there's oil spweing into the gulf, another anti-gay politician has been outed, and the citizens of Arizona have roundly accepted their new laws.
~B
*Adolph Hitler
The governor recently stated that most illegal immigrants are drug mules. Of course that's not true. The Border Patrol knows it's not true. Anyone living in a border town knows it's not true. Anyone who actually studies the issue will know its not true. So why would Brewer just blatantly lie? Why would she say something she knows to be untrue, something that can easily be disproved, and more perplexing, why would she continue to repeat it?
Because she isn't trying to win over intelligent thoughtful people. She is trying to win over those folks who skim headlines looking for "facts" that support whatever position they are trying to prop up...those people who are scared of anyone different and look for "facts" to support their fears.
At the signing of SB 1070 Brewer said that "border violence and crime due to illegal immigration are critically important issues to the people of our state." I am sure that they important issues to her constituents, but I wonder why the governor didnt get around to pointing out that violent crimes dropped in AZ between 2005 and 2008 despite the large growth in the population (up by 600,000)? Why didnt she mention that more than 50 years of non-partisan research on illegal immigration shows that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than those who are native born?
Why tell the truth when you can lie? By the time the truth has leaked out there's oil spweing into the gulf, another anti-gay politician has been outed, and the citizens of Arizona have roundly accepted their new laws.
~B
*Adolph Hitler
24 May 2010
The Devil's in the Details
There is something wrong with archaeologists. Maybe its the National Register criterion that's the problem. All i know is that archaeologists will not, for the life of them, make a determination of eligibility regarding a site. Its like a fuse in their brains blow in the process of writing their reports and the only words they are able to use are "probably" "likely" "might be" "could be" etc. Makes me want to blow my brains out.
I'm an archaeologist and I have had coworkers/bosses try to talk me out of an "eligible" or "not eligible" determination. Its one thing to argue for one or the other designation but to argue for "possibly"....mind boggling. Of course no one wants to be the one to agree to the destruction of a lithic scatter which later turns out to be a pre-clovis camp, but honestly, does that ever happen? No.
It could be that criteria D is so vague, asking for a determination on a site that may be likely to yield information important in prehistory or history. How can you really know with shovel tests or a couple 1x1's. I understand the idea that you need to test more to be absolutely certain but i cant imagine that anyone thought criteria D would lead to every single site being called "possibly eligible". At some point aren't we being asked to use our education, experience and judgment to decide one way or another?
This wishy-washy determination makes for a sticky wicket when it comes to ICRMPS, PAs, MOAs. (I'm folksy and possibly British!)
So...to all my archaeology pals...nut up and make a decision.
**peaches and tweets**
~birdy
I'm an archaeologist and I have had coworkers/bosses try to talk me out of an "eligible" or "not eligible" determination. Its one thing to argue for one or the other designation but to argue for "possibly"....mind boggling. Of course no one wants to be the one to agree to the destruction of a lithic scatter which later turns out to be a pre-clovis camp, but honestly, does that ever happen? No.
It could be that criteria D is so vague, asking for a determination on a site that may be likely to yield information important in prehistory or history. How can you really know with shovel tests or a couple 1x1's. I understand the idea that you need to test more to be absolutely certain but i cant imagine that anyone thought criteria D would lead to every single site being called "possibly eligible". At some point aren't we being asked to use our education, experience and judgment to decide one way or another?
This wishy-washy determination makes for a sticky wicket when it comes to ICRMPS, PAs, MOAs. (I'm folksy and possibly British!)
So...to all my archaeology pals...nut up and make a decision.
**peaches and tweets**
~birdy
12 May 2010
The 1%
I had a particularly annoying day at work. It was fueled by small mistakes made by various coworkers. The devil's in the details.
Certainly I have made similar mistakes, nothing serious, but the cluster of them today led me to the edge of insanity. Thank god for early hockey games.
One of my bigger frustrations stems from the fact that since my small company has been eaten by a bigger company we no longer have local admin privileges. Again, a small thing, but one that prevents me from downloading scanner software or freeware programs I use for work. This rule is in place because some people in the big company are unable to get their work done without downloading Barbie's Hair Salon (a real program), or some other stupid time wasting/pirated program.
The whole world is full of these laws and rules that we make for the 1% of the population that screws up. Rather than ask managers to actually manage, rather than holding people accountable, we stymie the 99% doing it right.
You see this in every aspect of our lives, even down to the warnings not to put animals in the microwave, because you know there is that 1%....
I do understand that my company needs to manage their licensing because they are liable and that people pick up viruses and they need to protect themselves.
Maybe my real problem is people. Was there or will there ever be a time when you can actually count on humans to not abuse and misuse whatever is handed to them?
...my little aggravation about work turns into my disappointment with all of humanity...
Certainly I have made similar mistakes, nothing serious, but the cluster of them today led me to the edge of insanity. Thank god for early hockey games.
One of my bigger frustrations stems from the fact that since my small company has been eaten by a bigger company we no longer have local admin privileges. Again, a small thing, but one that prevents me from downloading scanner software or freeware programs I use for work. This rule is in place because some people in the big company are unable to get their work done without downloading Barbie's Hair Salon (a real program), or some other stupid time wasting/pirated program.
The whole world is full of these laws and rules that we make for the 1% of the population that screws up. Rather than ask managers to actually manage, rather than holding people accountable, we stymie the 99% doing it right.
You see this in every aspect of our lives, even down to the warnings not to put animals in the microwave, because you know there is that 1%....
I do understand that my company needs to manage their licensing because they are liable and that people pick up viruses and they need to protect themselves.
Maybe my real problem is people. Was there or will there ever be a time when you can actually count on humans to not abuse and misuse whatever is handed to them?
...my little aggravation about work turns into my disappointment with all of humanity...
10 May 2010
Testing the Waters
*dip*.....
*plunge*
I miss blogging. I had a hectic year and really felt that I didnt want to share anything but I am missing the act of writing, even if it is just blather on a page that no one reads. Im going to start up the blog again, maybe with more creative writing. I am sure all of my regular readers are gone. I know that blogs have kind of died in popularity as well. Especially these crappy personal blogs. No matter though, i usually wrote for myself anyway.
Besties to all you bots!
birdie...
*plunge*
I miss blogging. I had a hectic year and really felt that I didnt want to share anything but I am missing the act of writing, even if it is just blather on a page that no one reads. Im going to start up the blog again, maybe with more creative writing. I am sure all of my regular readers are gone. I know that blogs have kind of died in popularity as well. Especially these crappy personal blogs. No matter though, i usually wrote for myself anyway.
Besties to all you bots!
birdie...
28 September 2009
Banned Book Week, What Book Did I Read You Ask? #bbw
Howdy. I have two posts in celebration of Banned Books Week. Sounds strange I know but I look at this week as a way to celebrate my right to read whatever the hell I want to, without interference from teachers, parents, or so called do-gooders.
First, Non and I read, And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Pete Parnell with illustrations by Henry Cole.
This book is numero uno on the ALA's most challenged book list for 2006, 2007, and 2008. Reasons given:
anti-family - Actually, this book isnt anti family. In fact, it is rather pro family. It just isnt the kind of family a person who tries to ban books would like. It's a non-traditional family.
homosexuality - I assume they mean that the book promotes homosexuality. Non, the nine year old who read it didnt pick up on that. He certainly understood that the two penguins were male, and that they didnt hang out with the female penguins, but he didnt walk away from the book saying, homosexuality is great! He didnt even use the word. (He thinks homosexuality is fine of course but this book didnt tip him in that direction)
religious viewpoint - I am not sure what religious viewpoint the people who challenged the book were talking about. From reading it, religion wasnt mentioned and didnt play a part in the book at all. I assume they meant that by not talking about a specific western religion that the book was trying to push some heathen pagan religion but as an atheist, i can attest that there was NO religious point of view in this book at all.
unsuited to age group - Hmm, I suppose this would depend on the age of your children. There wasnt even the slightest hint of penguin baby making, or penguin anal sex. Unless you are disgusted by homosexuals, you can read this book and take nothing more from it than those penguins hatched an egg and now are a family. If you do hate homosexuals, then yes Crazy, this book is trying to indoctrinate your little butterface.
anti-ethnic - This is my favorite reason of all. This is the reason that I went all ranty over chicken with the family and Q had to talk me down. I had to actually m-w.com the word ethnic because the traditional meaning of "racial, tribal, national, cultural" didn't seem to apply. I wasnt aware that religion was included in the meaning, however. After I scoured the book for any mention of ethnicity and checked out all the photos to make sure brown black yellow cracker and red were accounted for I determined that folks who challenged this book must have decided that it was anti-religion. That really angered me. No where in this book is god or religion mentioned. The authors dont bag on christians. There aren't protests of the penguins by Westboro baptist church members. There is nothing anti religion or religious at all in this book. However, thats the problem right there...
There is a significant and loud subset of christians who think that when you dont talk about religion, that you are actively being ANTI religious. Ricky Gervais is dealing with similar criticism about his new movie The Invention of Lying. Critics have said it was anti-religious when in reality the movie says nothing about god or churches or anything else even remotely religious. The fact that Gervais doesnt mention a god at all is what people are referring to when they say it is anti-religious. Isnt that doublethink? I always thought it was okay for me to just be my own little atheist, not out trying to convert. But now i find that if i write a book that neither bashes nor praises the western christian god I am anti-religious?? Fuck, if NOT talking about a god I dont believe in means I am anti-religious then we are all screwed right?
After finishing the book Non declared it, "good, something kids should or could read." I asked him if was anti-family and he said no, because it was about families. I asked if it was anti-ethnic and he didnt understand what that meant. I asked if it was anti-religious and he said, with that distinctly nine year old whats-wrong-with-you-face, "...they are penguins."
From the mouth of babes....
******
Later this week I will be talking about Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz which is ALA's number one most challenged book from 1990-1999.
For more information on Banned Book Week Events in your libraries and bookstores check out this link.
Happy Reading!
~Bird
First, Non and I read, And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Pete Parnell with illustrations by Henry Cole.
This book is numero uno on the ALA's most challenged book list for 2006, 2007, and 2008. Reasons given:
anti-family - Actually, this book isnt anti family. In fact, it is rather pro family. It just isnt the kind of family a person who tries to ban books would like. It's a non-traditional family.
homosexuality - I assume they mean that the book promotes homosexuality. Non, the nine year old who read it didnt pick up on that. He certainly understood that the two penguins were male, and that they didnt hang out with the female penguins, but he didnt walk away from the book saying, homosexuality is great! He didnt even use the word. (He thinks homosexuality is fine of course but this book didnt tip him in that direction)
religious viewpoint - I am not sure what religious viewpoint the people who challenged the book were talking about. From reading it, religion wasnt mentioned and didnt play a part in the book at all. I assume they meant that by not talking about a specific western religion that the book was trying to push some heathen pagan religion but as an atheist, i can attest that there was NO religious point of view in this book at all.
unsuited to age group - Hmm, I suppose this would depend on the age of your children. There wasnt even the slightest hint of penguin baby making, or penguin anal sex. Unless you are disgusted by homosexuals, you can read this book and take nothing more from it than those penguins hatched an egg and now are a family. If you do hate homosexuals, then yes Crazy, this book is trying to indoctrinate your little butterface.
anti-ethnic - This is my favorite reason of all. This is the reason that I went all ranty over chicken with the family and Q had to talk me down. I had to actually m-w.com the word ethnic because the traditional meaning of "racial, tribal, national, cultural" didn't seem to apply. I wasnt aware that religion was included in the meaning, however. After I scoured the book for any mention of ethnicity and checked out all the photos to make sure brown black yellow cracker and red were accounted for I determined that folks who challenged this book must have decided that it was anti-religion. That really angered me. No where in this book is god or religion mentioned. The authors dont bag on christians. There aren't protests of the penguins by Westboro baptist church members. There is nothing anti religion or religious at all in this book. However, thats the problem right there...
There is a significant and loud subset of christians who think that when you dont talk about religion, that you are actively being ANTI religious. Ricky Gervais is dealing with similar criticism about his new movie The Invention of Lying. Critics have said it was anti-religious when in reality the movie says nothing about god or churches or anything else even remotely religious. The fact that Gervais doesnt mention a god at all is what people are referring to when they say it is anti-religious. Isnt that doublethink? I always thought it was okay for me to just be my own little atheist, not out trying to convert. But now i find that if i write a book that neither bashes nor praises the western christian god I am anti-religious?? Fuck, if NOT talking about a god I dont believe in means I am anti-religious then we are all screwed right?
After finishing the book Non declared it, "good, something kids should or could read." I asked him if was anti-family and he said no, because it was about families. I asked if it was anti-ethnic and he didnt understand what that meant. I asked if it was anti-religious and he said, with that distinctly nine year old whats-wrong-with-you-face, "...they are penguins."
From the mouth of babes....
******
Later this week I will be talking about Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz which is ALA's number one most challenged book from 1990-1999.
For more information on Banned Book Week Events in your libraries and bookstores check out this link.
Happy Reading!
~Bird
19 September 2009
"If you once forfeit the confidence of your fellow citizens, you can never regain their respect and esteem."*
Fox recently placed an advertisement in newspapers that asked...
Good Question Fox, the only problem is that all the stations listed there DID in fact cover the rally in Washington D.C.
"CNN provided live coverage of the rally in Washington on Saturday, dispatching more than a dozen personnel, including multiple camera crews and the CNN Express Bus, to cover the event. Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser was live at Freedom Plaza; Correspondent Kate Bolduan reported live from the Capitol and throughout the crowd; All Platform Journalist Jim Spellman provided live hits all day after traveling for weeks on the Tea Party Express Bus; and CNN Correspondent Lisa Desjardins was live for CNN and CNN Radio from the National Mall."
If you read the story you can see that all of the other stations mentioned in Fox's ad also covered the rally.
Why did Fox lie? I cant stand that. It makes me so angry and what really kills me is that it is a ludicrous lie. A lie that can easily be disproved; that's a textbook definition of a pathological liar everyone.
Why would Fox risk looking so partisan and foolish? Its because they know that once the lie is out there, it is all that people will remember. People wont remember that CNN spent an extraordinary amount of time covering the rally. No one ever remembers someone being exonerated, they only remember them being accused. The moment a story leaks it becomes fact.
So Fox feels comfortable lying because the fans of Fox News will feel galvanised and will accept the ad as fact. The folks who dont like Fox will blow it off as some partisan bullshit and will forget about it in half a week when the next politician hits on a lobbyist.
But civility and honesty dies a little and Edward R Murrow spins in his grave.
~tweet tweet goes the cynical bird
*Abraham Lincoln
Good Question Fox, the only problem is that all the stations listed there DID in fact cover the rally in Washington D.C.
"CNN provided live coverage of the rally in Washington on Saturday, dispatching more than a dozen personnel, including multiple camera crews and the CNN Express Bus, to cover the event. Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser was live at Freedom Plaza; Correspondent Kate Bolduan reported live from the Capitol and throughout the crowd; All Platform Journalist Jim Spellman provided live hits all day after traveling for weeks on the Tea Party Express Bus; and CNN Correspondent Lisa Desjardins was live for CNN and CNN Radio from the National Mall."
If you read the story you can see that all of the other stations mentioned in Fox's ad also covered the rally.
Why did Fox lie? I cant stand that. It makes me so angry and what really kills me is that it is a ludicrous lie. A lie that can easily be disproved; that's a textbook definition of a pathological liar everyone.
Why would Fox risk looking so partisan and foolish? Its because they know that once the lie is out there, it is all that people will remember. People wont remember that CNN spent an extraordinary amount of time covering the rally. No one ever remembers someone being exonerated, they only remember them being accused. The moment a story leaks it becomes fact.
So Fox feels comfortable lying because the fans of Fox News will feel galvanised and will accept the ad as fact. The folks who dont like Fox will blow it off as some partisan bullshit and will forget about it in half a week when the next politician hits on a lobbyist.
But civility and honesty dies a little and Edward R Murrow spins in his grave.
~tweet tweet goes the cynical bird
*Abraham Lincoln
14 September 2009
Banned Books Week
Its that time of year again. Banned Books Week is September 26 - October 3 2009.
Last year I read The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier. I found it completely un-ban worthy. Honestly its the kind of books that kids can relate to. One that is didactic without beating you over the head with it (Can you tell I am studying for the GRE?).
This year I am going to read And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell. Its a children's book based on the true story of two male penguins at New York's Central Park Zoo who formed a couple and were seen trying to hatch a rock that was shaped like an egg. Zany penguins.
Its been #1 on the top ten list of most frequently challenged books for three years. The common reasons given are that it is anti-family (you mean anti-the type of family I think is okay), homosexuality, religious viewpoint, unsuited to age group, and anti-ethnic. I cant imagine what the hell that last one is about. Unless the penguins get into it with some African elephant.
Anyway, soon I will know and will, of course, pass that information along to you.
If you would like to read a banned book (which you totally should!) you can check out lists here. Also, check out the National Coalition Against Censorship website. Tons of good info (there is a perm. link on the right margin as well).
This is an issue near and dear to my heart so expect a couple more posts about it.
Happy Reading
~birdy
Last year I read The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier. I found it completely un-ban worthy. Honestly its the kind of books that kids can relate to. One that is didactic without beating you over the head with it (Can you tell I am studying for the GRE?).
This year I am going to read And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell. Its a children's book based on the true story of two male penguins at New York's Central Park Zoo who formed a couple and were seen trying to hatch a rock that was shaped like an egg. Zany penguins.
Its been #1 on the top ten list of most frequently challenged books for three years. The common reasons given are that it is anti-family (you mean anti-the type of family I think is okay), homosexuality, religious viewpoint, unsuited to age group, and anti-ethnic. I cant imagine what the hell that last one is about. Unless the penguins get into it with some African elephant.
Anyway, soon I will know and will, of course, pass that information along to you.
If you would like to read a banned book (which you totally should!) you can check out lists here. Also, check out the National Coalition Against Censorship website. Tons of good info (there is a perm. link on the right margin as well).
This is an issue near and dear to my heart so expect a couple more posts about it.
Happy Reading
~birdy
13 September 2009
Donks and Musings
The season opener was sad and funny and sad all at once (yes, only two things).
The first play, a bungled punt return was a visual representation of what the entire season will be like. Whenever Orton trotted onto the field i watched the game through my fingers...yikes.
If anything, the crazy touchdown in the last 30 seconds just made me feel worse. Sure it was exciting but....if the Donks get a win, that's how it is going to have to happen all season long. So sad and funny.
Also, my fantasy football team has a new name, Dino Eats Jesus based on this photo
I will let you know how it goes. Right now, I have 169 points but he has a couple of players on Monday night so...
******
I get the Denver Post on Sat and Sunday because I am a sucker and when the kid came to the door to sell it to me I couldnt say no. I hate that crap...
Anyway, i hate getting the paper but am lazy (you noticed that already didnt you?) and havent called to cancel. Every week I remember why I dont like the newspaper... i swear there is no new news. Everything I had already read before, online or whatever.
But, today-finally- something I missed, though I am shamed to admit it. When did the Avs pick up Craig Anderson? Jeez, i stink! Didnt even see it. Burgundy White game is this Wednesday everyone. Pre-season opener on the 17th and the season opener and retirement of Sakic's jersey on October 1st.
******
Arent you glad I started blogging again? You're welcome America.
~Bird
The first play, a bungled punt return was a visual representation of what the entire season will be like. Whenever Orton trotted onto the field i watched the game through my fingers...yikes.
If anything, the crazy touchdown in the last 30 seconds just made me feel worse. Sure it was exciting but....if the Donks get a win, that's how it is going to have to happen all season long. So sad and funny.
Also, my fantasy football team has a new name, Dino Eats Jesus based on this photo
I will let you know how it goes. Right now, I have 169 points but he has a couple of players on Monday night so...
******
I get the Denver Post on Sat and Sunday because I am a sucker and when the kid came to the door to sell it to me I couldnt say no. I hate that crap...
Anyway, i hate getting the paper but am lazy (you noticed that already didnt you?) and havent called to cancel. Every week I remember why I dont like the newspaper... i swear there is no new news. Everything I had already read before, online or whatever.
But, today-finally- something I missed, though I am shamed to admit it. When did the Avs pick up Craig Anderson? Jeez, i stink! Didnt even see it. Burgundy White game is this Wednesday everyone. Pre-season opener on the 17th and the season opener and retirement of Sakic's jersey on October 1st.
******
Arent you glad I started blogging again? You're welcome America.
~Bird
10 September 2009
Five Weeks?!
Wow, what kind of slacker am I?
Lets see, whats been going on.
Got married yesterday, watching football as we speak (yay, real football), am currently fighting my new companies discriminitory PTO policy, and am working on Vocab words for the GRE!
I've been busy but more than that....lazy. Not sure what is going on with that. I will try try to post more. Right now, brief alaska stuff.
******
Alaska was wonderful. I saw a buncha moose, like just hanging out in people's front yards peeing and eating the bushes. It was crazy. Also, five bald eagles. I wonder if it isnt as neat to see them if they are hanging out on telephone poles all the time.
Most importantly Q and non and I saw a buncha glaciers. We walked on one and took a boat to the other. It was freakin amazing and made me want to move there immediately.
Luckily Q reminded me of the winters and the lack of sun and so we arent moving but I will be going back.
******
Okay i am out. That's a lot for my first time back. I need to pace myself people!
Lets see, whats been going on.
Got married yesterday, watching football as we speak (yay, real football), am currently fighting my new companies discriminitory PTO policy, and am working on Vocab words for the GRE!
I've been busy but more than that....lazy. Not sure what is going on with that. I will try try to post more. Right now, brief alaska stuff.
******
Alaska was wonderful. I saw a buncha moose, like just hanging out in people's front yards peeing and eating the bushes. It was crazy. Also, five bald eagles. I wonder if it isnt as neat to see them if they are hanging out on telephone poles all the time.
Most importantly Q and non and I saw a buncha glaciers. We walked on one and took a boat to the other. It was freakin amazing and made me want to move there immediately.
Luckily Q reminded me of the winters and the lack of sun and so we arent moving but I will be going back.
******
Okay i am out. That's a lot for my first time back. I need to pace myself people!
04 August 2009
Waiting...
Dont you hate it when you are waiting for an email. You sent one off and now are waiting for the reply...what is taking so long?! Why arent they responding? Ugh...
02 August 2009
I'm Blogging!
Hi everyone. Sorry I have been so out of touch recently. I am super lazy i suppose. Dont think i dont love you because you know I do.
My mother is in town this coming week. Wow, that will be....fun? No, I tease. I am not really worried about it. Besides being pretty crazy she is low maintenance. At least, I think she is. I plan on ferrying her to the Molly Brown House, Tattered Cover, and a tea place I like. If you have other ideas on where to take an aging woman I would really love some ideas. No jogging (that's for me not for her).
******
I am getting excited for our trip to Alaska. I only wish i wasnt working that week as Q and non are going to see some cool shite. No worries my friends, I will be seeing some glaciers for sure. I am hoping to bring back a puffin in my pants. Shh dont tell TSA.
TSA: Is that a puffin in your pants ma'am?
Bird: What? Oh this lump? Why no its just my front balls. Hold up...what's that over there! *points* That man has a 4 ounce bottle of lotion!!
Sneaky
******
Every time i listen to Queen I remember how freakin good they are. Can you get behind that??!!
******
I got a better How-To book for my Uke. This one will teach me how to strum, something i am super crappy at. Also, a book of country tunes. Soon I will be annoying all those around me with hits like, "Tumbling Tumbleweeds, Happy Trails, and Your Cheatin' Heart. But the hits dont stop there!! You'll also get to hear my off key Cold, Cold Heart, Ring of Fire, and King of the Road. PLUS if you act now I will poorly strum I Fall to Pieces! HOW can you pass that up?!"
Okay peoples. I am out. I hope to be around a bit more and to dispatch from Seward's Ice Box....no wait, Seward's Folly.....hmm no, The Final Frontier.....closer. Well, I am sure i will figure it out before i get up there.
~typing and blogging~
birdy
My mother is in town this coming week. Wow, that will be....fun? No, I tease. I am not really worried about it. Besides being pretty crazy she is low maintenance. At least, I think she is. I plan on ferrying her to the Molly Brown House, Tattered Cover, and a tea place I like. If you have other ideas on where to take an aging woman I would really love some ideas. No jogging (that's for me not for her).
******
I am getting excited for our trip to Alaska. I only wish i wasnt working that week as Q and non are going to see some cool shite. No worries my friends, I will be seeing some glaciers for sure. I am hoping to bring back a puffin in my pants. Shh dont tell TSA.
TSA: Is that a puffin in your pants ma'am?
Bird: What? Oh this lump? Why no its just my front balls. Hold up...what's that over there! *points* That man has a 4 ounce bottle of lotion!!
Sneaky
******
Every time i listen to Queen I remember how freakin good they are. Can you get behind that??!!
******
I got a better How-To book for my Uke. This one will teach me how to strum, something i am super crappy at. Also, a book of country tunes. Soon I will be annoying all those around me with hits like, "Tumbling Tumbleweeds, Happy Trails, and Your Cheatin' Heart. But the hits dont stop there!! You'll also get to hear my off key Cold, Cold Heart, Ring of Fire, and King of the Road. PLUS if you act now I will poorly strum I Fall to Pieces! HOW can you pass that up?!"
Okay peoples. I am out. I hope to be around a bit more and to dispatch from Seward's Ice Box....no wait, Seward's Folly.....hmm no, The Final Frontier.....closer. Well, I am sure i will figure it out before i get up there.
~typing and blogging~
birdy
21 July 2009
THAT Family
Have you guys ever seen THAT family? The one that as soon as you lay eyes on them you can tell they are the most annoying people on the face of the planet? They aren't particularly trashy, like the Bundys, or dumb and luckless, like the Griswalds. I dont actually know how to describe them. I suppose they talk a little too loud. Maybe the kids are super-nerdy and not in the good way. One of them has a nasal-whine voice. They stumble over chairs, they get their coats caught in the car door, they drop sodas on the floor. Do you know that family?
They were at the burger-hut during lunch today. I bonded with spanish speaking patrons and black mailmen on lunch break...all of us were horrified and embarrassed for them. THAT family appears to be the great unifier.
They were at the burger-hut during lunch today. I bonded with spanish speaking patrons and black mailmen on lunch break...all of us were horrified and embarrassed for them. THAT family appears to be the great unifier.
07 July 2009
Hejduk For Captain
*ring ring*
Birdy: Hello?
Joe Sakic: Hi Bird.
B: Hey there Joe...what's the word?
JS: I'm done, thought I would let you know first.
B: I appreciate that Joe. Happy 40th by the way...
JS: Thanks for remembering.
B: Of course, so what are you going to do now? Play for Team Canada in 2010?
JS: First I am going to call Chelios and try and talk some sense into him.
B: Good call. Hey, would you tell Sacco to make Hejduk captain?
JS: I will...take care-see ya around the Ice Shack!
B: Thanks!
Bye Captain Joe...no matter what Q says, you were a good player and a stand up guy. Just because I totally knew he was outta here this summer doesnt mean I am not bummed about it. I wonder if he will go the way of Chicken Parm? That would be nice to see.
I think Sakic's retirement and all of the new personnel really does signal a different Avalanche team. One that no fan in Colorado has ever seen...the next couple of years will be disappointing but very interesting.
02 July 2009
Good Stuff
There is some kind of happiness in this line from Vampire Weekend...
His honor drove southward seeking exotica
Down to the Pueblo huts of New Mexico
Cut his teeth on turquoise harmonicas
Maybe you have to hear the song to feel the happiness.
This is the beginning of my 4th of July weekend. Let me be the first to say, happy America Day
~fireworks and trips to the emergency room~
birdy
His honor drove southward seeking exotica
Down to the Pueblo huts of New Mexico
Cut his teeth on turquoise harmonicas
Maybe you have to hear the song to feel the happiness.
This is the beginning of my 4th of July weekend. Let me be the first to say, happy America Day
~fireworks and trips to the emergency room~
birdy
29 June 2009
Tables and Chairs and Rugs Oh My
I know you are thinking to yourself, "What the hell is wrong with bird? She usually can't shut her mouth and here we are at mid-July with hardly a post in the last couple months."
I have no explanation for it. Maybe it is the summer Happy Cynic...work has been busy (i was in Kansas...there were ticks). It certainly isnt that there is nothing to talk about (munpe q and i are getting married [exciting eh?!], the avs hired Steve Konowalchuk and Adam Deadmarsh [this made me happy], dead celebrities everywhere [not Billy Mays!], and annoying political issues [Bill O'Reilly lying, Obama doing stuff i dont dig]). In fact, maybe there is too much to talk about. I dont know. I have felt blah and so i just havent bothered. Sorry if you check out the blog hoping for a time waster at work and have been disappointed.
Today's big exciting news is that we bought a kitchen table and some chairs. Also a rug and some seat cushions.
Yeep....
*****
In other exciting news. The Colorado AIDS Walk is earlier than ever, August 15th. I am not sure if we are going to create a team or just raise money individually but be on the look out for the 20-25 emails I send out asking for money (nah i tease, i only send out three or so). I am kinda bummed about the calender move. August 15th is still mighty hot...
*****
Okay, that's all for now people. Too lazy to think of anything else to say. Perhaps I will find the strength to blog about America Day (quickly approaching). Perhaps a run down of my favorite 4th of july disaster movies they always show on tv. Like the only way we can join together as a nation is when we are nearly exterminated by aliens or rocks from above. Actually, that's probably true...
Happy monday
~lazy bird
I have no explanation for it. Maybe it is the summer Happy Cynic...work has been busy (i was in Kansas...there were ticks). It certainly isnt that there is nothing to talk about (munpe q and i are getting married [exciting eh?!], the avs hired Steve Konowalchuk and Adam Deadmarsh [this made me happy], dead celebrities everywhere [not Billy Mays!], and annoying political issues [Bill O'Reilly lying, Obama doing stuff i dont dig]). In fact, maybe there is too much to talk about. I dont know. I have felt blah and so i just havent bothered. Sorry if you check out the blog hoping for a time waster at work and have been disappointed.
Today's big exciting news is that we bought a kitchen table and some chairs. Also a rug and some seat cushions.
Yeep....
*****
In other exciting news. The Colorado AIDS Walk is earlier than ever, August 15th. I am not sure if we are going to create a team or just raise money individually but be on the look out for the 20-25 emails I send out asking for money (nah i tease, i only send out three or so). I am kinda bummed about the calender move. August 15th is still mighty hot...
*****
Okay, that's all for now people. Too lazy to think of anything else to say. Perhaps I will find the strength to blog about America Day (quickly approaching). Perhaps a run down of my favorite 4th of july disaster movies they always show on tv. Like the only way we can join together as a nation is when we are nearly exterminated by aliens or rocks from above. Actually, that's probably true...
Happy monday
~lazy bird
12 June 2009
Hockey
Sadness
Expect more of this as the summer goes on. I am expecting Sakic's announcement at any moment (You know I will be the first call he makes right?).
******
Game 7 Tonight on NBC at 6pm! Game sevens can be a lot of fun or really horrible. The Capitals can attest to that after pushing the Pens to a final game only to play like crap and lose 6-2. The Avs once lost to the redwings 8-0 (or something horrible like that) in a game seven.
Sadly, i dont think the Pens stand a chance, even though I would like them to win. And if their recent 5-0 loss in Detroit is any indicator of their play away from the Igloo, it wont be a fun night.
But, game sevens are not about the previous six games. It comes down to 60mins and any team can win, so lets get on the bandwagon eh?
Lets Go Pens!
~Blue lines and one-timers~
birdy
Expect more of this as the summer goes on. I am expecting Sakic's announcement at any moment (You know I will be the first call he makes right?).
******
Game 7 Tonight on NBC at 6pm! Game sevens can be a lot of fun or really horrible. The Capitals can attest to that after pushing the Pens to a final game only to play like crap and lose 6-2. The Avs once lost to the redwings 8-0 (or something horrible like that) in a game seven.
Sadly, i dont think the Pens stand a chance, even though I would like them to win. And if their recent 5-0 loss in Detroit is any indicator of their play away from the Igloo, it wont be a fun night.
But, game sevens are not about the previous six games. It comes down to 60mins and any team can win, so lets get on the bandwagon eh?
Lets Go Pens!
~Blue lines and one-timers~
birdy
08 June 2009
*Shakes Fist At the Sky*
I curse the day that i blogged about kids skanking at the lame ass RBF show I worked three years ago.
I curse the day i posted a photo of The Beatles 'Let it Be' cover.
I curse the day i posted a photo of The Beatles 'Let it Be' cover.
07 June 2009
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