the white cat who was hit by the pick-up truck
I finally had the nerve to ask my mother to finish telling me about the cat she and another woman had found lying near the median where she walked.
She said that the owner who came out and recognized it as her cat cradled its head and said softly, "Oh, Tommy, Tommy...I'm so sorry..."
*sob*
If that was my baby-cat, I would have wailed to the heavens, then run out into the traffic. But that's just me.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Hurricane Katrina tragedy
f*cken looters are just making it worse
I only know one person living in Louisiana, and, thankfully, he and his wife and doggie are safe. They're in Shreveport, which wasn't affected, but, ohmygosh, New Orleans may not recover for years.
The stories coming out of Mississippi and New Orleans are just terrible. And all the thousands of poor people who lost their homes and took shelter in the broken-down Superdome who will have to move (or have moved already) to the Astrodome in Texas...nearly 25,000, ohmy. They're saying they could be there for weeks..!
Yeah, I just said in the entry below that human tragedies don't affect me as much as sad animal tales, but I guess I lied. The story of the woman whose common-law husband died while she was out trying to get help and the difficulty she had getting assistance with taking his body to the morgue; the suffering and loss; and just about every article I read in the papers is almost too heartbreaking to take. (I rarely watch TV so haven't seen much in the way of disaster footage, thank goodness.)
But the looters breaking into stores and even hospitals, and crazies who are robbing and attacking people as needy as they are, should be shot by those in authority who also seem to be losing control as well as their grasp of what's right and wrong. Oh, never mind, it seems that they're already been shooting it out.
People need to fr*cken BEHAVE and HELP each other, dammit! Tragedies can bring out the worst in human nature. But, as in the case of 9/11, it can also bring out the best. Maybe the media is focusing on mostly the worst, for some reason, but I feel like people are truly taking advantage of the situation. I mean, what the hell are they going to do with so many TVs, shoes, iPods, whatever??
Want to help ? I was hoping there'd be a nifty little PayPal link like there was for 9/11 donations, but I didn't see one yet. But there is this (NetworkForGood.org).
I only know one person living in Louisiana, and, thankfully, he and his wife and doggie are safe. They're in Shreveport, which wasn't affected, but, ohmygosh, New Orleans may not recover for years.
The stories coming out of Mississippi and New Orleans are just terrible. And all the thousands of poor people who lost their homes and took shelter in the broken-down Superdome who will have to move (or have moved already) to the Astrodome in Texas...nearly 25,000, ohmy. They're saying they could be there for weeks..!
Yeah, I just said in the entry below that human tragedies don't affect me as much as sad animal tales, but I guess I lied. The story of the woman whose common-law husband died while she was out trying to get help and the difficulty she had getting assistance with taking his body to the morgue; the suffering and loss; and just about every article I read in the papers is almost too heartbreaking to take. (I rarely watch TV so haven't seen much in the way of disaster footage, thank goodness.)
But the looters breaking into stores and even hospitals, and crazies who are robbing and attacking people as needy as they are, should be shot by those in authority who also seem to be losing control as well as their grasp of what's right and wrong. Oh, never mind, it seems that they're already been shooting it out.
People need to fr*cken BEHAVE and HELP each other, dammit! Tragedies can bring out the worst in human nature. But, as in the case of 9/11, it can also bring out the best. Maybe the media is focusing on mostly the worst, for some reason, but I feel like people are truly taking advantage of the situation. I mean, what the hell are they going to do with so many TVs, shoes, iPods, whatever??
Want to help ? I was hoping there'd be a nifty little PayPal link like there was for 9/11 donations, but I didn't see one yet. But there is this (NetworkForGood.org).
Monday, August 29, 2005
Kept trying to tell her to stop
I'll find out more..when I can take it
I was at my mother's house and she started to tell me about her walk back from the mall today. She saw something on the street across the bank, right where the median started. As she approached, the object came clearer into view and she realized it was a large white cat, perfectly still. Lying there. With its eyes open.
It was still warm.
I told her to stop telling me any more, that I didn't want to hear.
She continued, said it didn't look injured at all, and told how a woman made a U-turn in the street, parked, and came over. The woman told her that she had just seen a white pick-up truck hit the cat and not even slow down as it left the scene. The woman pulled the cat by its feet to the side of the road and said she'd take it home to give it a decent burial. My mother said a little prayer for it and told it that it was loved.
I backed away and told her to stop talking. She asked, "Why? It's reality." I didn't need reality and walked quickly to the door.
She spoke faster and louder as I was making my escape, saying that another woman from across the street came out to see what was going on. In a heavy accent, the woman told them that the cat looked like hers.
I rushed for the door and was halfway out.
The woman turned the cat over and confirmed that it was.
I screamed as I slammed the door shut.
===================
Breathless and freaked, I rushed home to Rocky Raccoon and told he never was to go out of the house ever again because there are people in white pickup trucks who kill cats. And I hugged and cried on him 'til he couldn't stand it.
It's been hours, and it was still difficult to type this tonight. Kinda hard with tears streaming down your face.
I'll have to ask my mom for the rest of the story..when I'm strong enough to hear it. (She's annoyed with me that I ran out on her.) Tragic tales about humans don't affect me the way animal stories do. Don't bother telling me, I've always know that my priorities were screwed.
Rocky Raccoon, JUST RESTING, as I blog
I was at my mother's house and she started to tell me about her walk back from the mall today. She saw something on the street across the bank, right where the median started. As she approached, the object came clearer into view and she realized it was a large white cat, perfectly still. Lying there. With its eyes open.
It was still warm.
I told her to stop telling me any more, that I didn't want to hear.
She continued, said it didn't look injured at all, and told how a woman made a U-turn in the street, parked, and came over. The woman told her that she had just seen a white pick-up truck hit the cat and not even slow down as it left the scene. The woman pulled the cat by its feet to the side of the road and said she'd take it home to give it a decent burial. My mother said a little prayer for it and told it that it was loved.
I backed away and told her to stop talking. She asked, "Why? It's reality." I didn't need reality and walked quickly to the door.
She spoke faster and louder as I was making my escape, saying that another woman from across the street came out to see what was going on. In a heavy accent, the woman told them that the cat looked like hers.
I rushed for the door and was halfway out.
The woman turned the cat over and confirmed that it was.
I screamed as I slammed the door shut.
===================
Breathless and freaked, I rushed home to Rocky Raccoon and told he never was to go out of the house ever again because there are people in white pickup trucks who kill cats. And I hugged and cried on him 'til he couldn't stand it.
It's been hours, and it was still difficult to type this tonight. Kinda hard with tears streaming down your face.
I'll have to ask my mom for the rest of the story..when I'm strong enough to hear it. (She's annoyed with me that I ran out on her.) Tragic tales about humans don't affect me the way animal stories do. Don't bother telling me, I've always know that my priorities were screwed.
Rocky Raccoon, JUST RESTING, as I blog
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Safety Information
"This product should not be used on swollen or inflamed areas or skin eruptions. Do not use on unexplained calf pain. Consult a physician. "
Why would one use it on calf pain? And why is it so expensive? Ah, must be the remote control feature..
Before you think less (or more) of me, I know nothing about this product, just found the link on another blog.
Why would one use it on calf pain? And why is it so expensive? Ah, must be the remote control feature..
Before you think less (or more) of me, I know nothing about this product, just found the link on another blog.
Friday, August 26, 2005
What. A. Week.
Re-entry back to school was more difficult than in past years, but then, I knew it would be. I was just trying to avoid the inevitable.
Our school is undergoing renovations, which means every little specks in classrooms (and computer labs!) need to be boxed and removed, then unceremoniously crammed back in. Students and teachers have to be relocated, and oftentimes, doubled up in their temporary quarters.
Boxes, furniture, and equipment end up where they shouldn't. The most important items go missing.
Fingernails get broken :(
Our lab is still a maze of boxes and computer parts, and I lug in my laptop every day because while we've helped to set up teachers in their classrooms, we're still a mess ourselves in the lab.
On top of everything, some very disturbing events have unfolded. A rep at a large computer retail store (can you say 'dumbass CompUSA' ??) dropped the ball and may have caused us to lose over $36K in Federal technology monies, which we've been dependent on for the last couple of years. You don't f*ck around with Federal grants, and I've always made sure every thing was proper to the last decimal place, but after today's revelation, I was wondering just how much trouble we could be in.
sidster wondered tonight if I'd have to go to jail.
Our school is undergoing renovations, which means every little specks in classrooms (and computer labs!) need to be boxed and removed, then unceremoniously crammed back in. Students and teachers have to be relocated, and oftentimes, doubled up in their temporary quarters.
Boxes, furniture, and equipment end up where they shouldn't. The most important items go missing.
Fingernails get broken :(
Our lab is still a maze of boxes and computer parts, and I lug in my laptop every day because while we've helped to set up teachers in their classrooms, we're still a mess ourselves in the lab.
On top of everything, some very disturbing events have unfolded. A rep at a large computer retail store (can you say 'dumbass CompUSA' ??) dropped the ball and may have caused us to lose over $36K in Federal technology monies, which we've been dependent on for the last couple of years. You don't f*ck around with Federal grants, and I've always made sure every thing was proper to the last decimal place, but after today's revelation, I was wondering just how much trouble we could be in.
sidster wondered tonight if I'd have to go to jail.
Friday, August 19, 2005
Back to the grind
Or How I Spent the Last Week of My Summer Vacation
School will start for students on Tuesday, but you wouldn't think so by the state of some of the classrooms undergoing renovation. Most of the boxes and computers are stacked up in the lab (where I live), but the furniture is still out in the hall, interior painting isn't done (and might not ever be since the painters walked off the job a few days ago), and everything is covered with a layer of paint dust and other debris. At least we got our lights hooked up yesterday.
*Sigh* I'm not enjoying the craziness at work, but it's good to be back home to my own old house and my own mellow fat cat. Freakazoid Frankie kitty is the most aggressive, chomp-crazy feline I've ever met. I've got the bite marks and scratches to prove it. Lucky thing for him that he's cute and tiny.
Seeing Butch live was pretty much everything I expected it to be, and it was great to be able to sneak down to the floor section and sit with a fellow fan the second night. I'll definitely need to go to one of his headlining tours when the timing is right. It's not aways easy to just fly off to the mainland during the work week.
While I didn't go shopping much, I did stop by some places I've always thought Hawaii could use: Ikea, Olive Garden, and of course, Trader Joe's. On Sunday we met up with my brother at The Grove, which is a cool collection of stores, restaurants, and a theater (similar to Universal City Walk, but a little more upscale). Right next to The Grove is the historic Farmer's Market; a maze of vendors, various ethnic restaurants, and little shops.
Krispy Kreme gives out entire doughnuts as samples when their Hot Doughnuts Now sign is lit.
Movie ticket prices are $10 in LA. Gas is even more expensive than here, but varies widely, even within gas stations across the street from each other.
LA drivers have got to be the worst. Well, maybe not as bad as the crazies in big cities on the East Coast. I've gained a new appreciation for our safe-but-slow Hawaii drivers.
Smog sucks.
School will start for students on Tuesday, but you wouldn't think so by the state of some of the classrooms undergoing renovation. Most of the boxes and computers are stacked up in the lab (where I live), but the furniture is still out in the hall, interior painting isn't done (and might not ever be since the painters walked off the job a few days ago), and everything is covered with a layer of paint dust and other debris. At least we got our lights hooked up yesterday.
*Sigh* I'm not enjoying the craziness at work, but it's good to be back home to my own old house and my own mellow fat cat. Freakazoid Frankie kitty is the most aggressive, chomp-crazy feline I've ever met. I've got the bite marks and scratches to prove it. Lucky thing for him that he's cute and tiny.
Seeing Butch live was pretty much everything I expected it to be, and it was great to be able to sneak down to the floor section and sit with a fellow fan the second night. I'll definitely need to go to one of his headlining tours when the timing is right. It's not aways easy to just fly off to the mainland during the work week.
While I didn't go shopping much, I did stop by some places I've always thought Hawaii could use: Ikea, Olive Garden, and of course, Trader Joe's. On Sunday we met up with my brother at The Grove, which is a cool collection of stores, restaurants, and a theater (similar to Universal City Walk, but a little more upscale). Right next to The Grove is the historic Farmer's Market; a maze of vendors, various ethnic restaurants, and little shops.
Krispy Kreme gives out entire doughnuts as samples when their Hot Doughnuts Now sign is lit.
Movie ticket prices are $10 in LA. Gas is even more expensive than here, but varies widely, even within gas stations across the street from each other.
LA drivers have got to be the worst. Well, maybe not as bad as the crazies in big cities on the East Coast. I've gained a new appreciation for our safe-but-slow Hawaii drivers.
Smog sucks.
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Reliving the moment(s)
Sifted through the hundreds of Butch pictures
My camera isn't the greatest for taking pictures in the evening from far distances, but I did manage to get a few decent ones from the hundreds I took.
My camera isn't the greatest for taking pictures in the evening from far distances, but I did manage to get a few decent ones from the hundreds I took.
I thought this would cure me
I was sort of hoping that once I got to see Butch in person I'd be cured of my obsession, but it didn't turn out that way. Eight songs is not enough. Two brief concerts is not enough. Most of all, I need to have a better picture of us together. The first night we were told we couldn't take pictures while in line, so snunk this one in.
On the second night we got smarter, but my camera wasn't cooperating and I was frantically urging my friend to take the darn shot already! because the staff/rent-a-cop was telling me to hurry and move on.
Butch is great. He answered my questions, signed my stuff, even spoke on the phone to a fan in Hawaii when her friend (with whom I sat on the second night) asked him to.
On the second night we got smarter, but my camera wasn't cooperating and I was frantically urging my friend to take the darn shot already! because the staff/rent-a-cop was telling me to hurry and move on.
Butch is great. He answered my questions, signed my stuff, even spoke on the phone to a fan in Hawaii when her friend (with whom I sat on the second night) asked him to.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
*cough* *cough*
monitor on airplane
I don't remember LA being so smoggy before. About 10 minutes out of the airport my eyes actually began to burn and I have a sore throat. Haven't slept for about 30 hours (that might have something to do with it), but I'm here!
Saw some big@ss crows (we don't have such critters in Hawaii) and played w/a freakazoid kitty. When my friend comes back from work we'll need to go shopping for provisions (gotta check out Trader Joe's Two Buck Chucks) and basic necessities this bachelor pad is missing. I discovered a huge jug of Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum in his fridge, probably from the last time I was here, years ago. All I need for a party now is OJ and cranberry juice!
Monday, August 08, 2005
Gotta be a good sign
Gap's free iTunes song promotion started today, and just swung by on my way as I went to the bank. Figured I'd just try on a pair and get the card for the free iTunes song.
I was rushing in, but the music playing stopped dead in my tracks -- it was Butch's "Maybe It's Just Me"!! A salesgirl greeted me and asked me how I was doing, and I couldn't help but gush that I suddenly was having a great day because I'll be leaving to go to his concerts and no one plays Butch since no one knows who he is... She must've thought I was nuts :)
But not only did I try on a pair of jeans, I decided to get them (and used my 10% coupon, to boot). I hope I can hem them NOW and wear them on the plane and at at the concert!
That's the iTunes card sitting on my brand new jeans below.
I was rushing in, but the music playing stopped dead in my tracks -- it was Butch's "Maybe It's Just Me"!! A salesgirl greeted me and asked me how I was doing, and I couldn't help but gush that I suddenly was having a great day because I'll be leaving to go to his concerts and no one plays Butch since no one knows who he is... She must've thought I was nuts :)
But not only did I try on a pair of jeans, I decided to get them (and used my 10% coupon, to boot). I hope I can hem them NOW and wear them on the plane and at at the concert!
That's the iTunes card sitting on my brand new jeans below.
Saturday, August 06, 2005
I should start to pack
But not really in the mood
The event I'd been looking forward to for months and was going to end my summer with a bang has petered out and fizzled.
I really should start packing for my trip, but can't seem to summon up the energy. I'm usually excited when I go on vacation, but am actually now dreading the upcoming week. Oh, I'll still get to see Butch in concert. Alone. Well, with about 5000 others, about 4500 of them screaming Avril fan preteenies.
The event I'd been looking forward to for months and was going to end my summer with a bang has petered out and fizzled.
I really should start packing for my trip, but can't seem to summon up the energy. I'm usually excited when I go on vacation, but am actually now dreading the upcoming week. Oh, I'll still get to see Butch in concert. Alone. Well, with about 5000 others, about 4500 of them screaming Avril fan preteenies.
Friday, August 05, 2005
Another concert: Collective Soul
September 11, 2005
Collective Soul will perform here on Sept. 11 in a concert benefiting the Windows of Hope Family Relief Fund. [The Fund was formed after 9/11 to provide aid to families of the World Trade Center victims who worked in the food, beverage, and hospitality professions at the WTC. Heather Ho, who grew up in Hawaii, was one of those who died in the attack.]
I've always liked Collective Soul, and while I did see them in concert a few years ago at the Kaneohe Bayfest, I'd love to check 'em out again at Pipeline Cafe. I've got their earlier CDs and a few songs from their latest, but didn't realize they're from Georgia, just like my latest obsession. No wonder Butch performed on their song "Over Tokyo" (Blender, 2000). Gotta dig that one out now...
Collective Soul will perform here on Sept. 11 in a concert benefiting the Windows of Hope Family Relief Fund. [The Fund was formed after 9/11 to provide aid to families of the World Trade Center victims who worked in the food, beverage, and hospitality professions at the WTC. Heather Ho, who grew up in Hawaii, was one of those who died in the attack.]
I've always liked Collective Soul, and while I did see them in concert a few years ago at the Kaneohe Bayfest, I'd love to check 'em out again at Pipeline Cafe. I've got their earlier CDs and a few songs from their latest, but didn't realize they're from Georgia, just like my latest obsession. No wonder Butch performed on their song "Over Tokyo" (Blender, 2000). Gotta dig that one out now...
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Summer vacation coming to an end
Thank goodness.
I know I'm an ingrate, but this was the first time I felt that my summer vacation was too long. It'll be my last of the long summer breaks, since all public schools will be on the same modified schedule next year. In fact, next year's transition will make the summer break of 2006 the shortest one ever (June 8 - July 27). Yeah, I know that's still long for anyone who doesn't get school-related time off. Sorry.
So you'd have thunk I'd take advantage of it. But no, I squandered it away.
I didn't work out, wasn't too productive, didn't solve any world problems. Just took care of the usual appointments and chores that are easier to do during time off, but pretty much let most of the summer slip through my fingers. I'm actually feeling guilty because I usually work during the summer and take classes, but the couple of classes and work I did from home this summer didn't amount to all that much.
Gonna end it on a high note, though. My girlfriend and I will replace our Starbucks Saturday with a "happy hour" at a nearby beach, then I'll fly off for my two Butch Walker concerts in LA.
New development tonight: Just found out I might have to find my own way to the concerts. Very sad since I wanted to share the experience, but I'm being pressured to do something I can't do. Someone's bound to regret this...
I know I'm an ingrate, but this was the first time I felt that my summer vacation was too long. It'll be my last of the long summer breaks, since all public schools will be on the same modified schedule next year. In fact, next year's transition will make the summer break of 2006 the shortest one ever (June 8 - July 27). Yeah, I know that's still long for anyone who doesn't get school-related time off. Sorry.
So you'd have thunk I'd take advantage of it. But no, I squandered it away.
I didn't work out, wasn't too productive, didn't solve any world problems. Just took care of the usual appointments and chores that are easier to do during time off, but pretty much let most of the summer slip through my fingers. I'm actually feeling guilty because I usually work during the summer and take classes, but the couple of classes and work I did from home this summer didn't amount to all that much.
Gonna end it on a high note, though. My girlfriend and I will replace our Starbucks Saturday with a "happy hour" at a nearby beach, then I'll fly off for my two Butch Walker concerts in LA.
New development tonight: Just found out I might have to find my own way to the concerts. Very sad since I wanted to share the experience, but I'm being pressured to do something I can't do. Someone's bound to regret this...
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
When you care enough to send the very best*
..of your cheating heart
The new Secret Lover Collection of greeting cards is exclusively for people having affairs.
Evidently there's a large enough market for these. I'm rolling my eyes and shaking my head too much to think of anything else to say.
* apologies to Hallmark
The new Secret Lover Collection of greeting cards is exclusively for people having affairs.
Evidently there's a large enough market for these. I'm rolling my eyes and shaking my head too much to think of anything else to say.
* apologies to Hallmark
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Elvis Costello in concert -- here!
Yeah, in Hawaii!
It was announced before I attended his wife's (Diana Krall) concert last May that he would be performing with our Honolulu Symphony in the spring.
My subconscious must've remembered, because, for some reason, for the past few weeks I've been downloading and listening to a lot of his music. Then today I found out that tickets for his March 31-April 1, 2006 (!) concerts go on sale on Monday!
Woohoo! I'm hoping his late 70s-early 80s stuff, but he'll be performing with the Symphony, so I'm not sure what we'll get. His music ranges from new wave to classics, from jazz to torch ballads.
I don't care. I'm always just so grateful when artists/bands bother to stop by and I'm able to enjoy them. Of course, the rockin'er the better, but I'll take what I can get.
It was announced before I attended his wife's (Diana Krall) concert last May that he would be performing with our Honolulu Symphony in the spring.
My subconscious must've remembered, because, for some reason, for the past few weeks I've been downloading and listening to a lot of his music. Then today I found out that tickets for his March 31-April 1, 2006 (!) concerts go on sale on Monday!
Woohoo! I'm hoping his late 70s-early 80s stuff, but he'll be performing with the Symphony, so I'm not sure what we'll get. His music ranges from new wave to classics, from jazz to torch ballads.
I don't care. I'm always just so grateful when artists/bands bother to stop by and I'm able to enjoy them. Of course, the rockin'er the better, but I'll take what I can get.
Friday, July 29, 2005
No extra Butch concert in LA
such disappointing news
Just found out that Butch's "secret" show won't be a go for Los Angeles. There'll be no extra full-length concert held separately from his too-brief opening gigs for Avril/Gavin at the Greek Theatre.
I just hope I don't miss out on his Meet & Greets after his sets. But I'll probably stand there like an idiot and not be able to mumble out anything coherent.
Just found out that Butch's "secret" show won't be a go for Los Angeles. There'll be no extra full-length concert held separately from his too-brief opening gigs for Avril/Gavin at the Greek Theatre.
I just hope I don't miss out on his Meet & Greets after his sets. But I'll probably stand there like an idiot and not be able to mumble out anything coherent.
"Female" android unveiled
in Japan, of course
Her appearance can momentarily fool people into thinking that she's human.
I know someone who might be tricked -- it's that Asian female thing that seems to cast a spell on some guys!
Her appearance can momentarily fool people into thinking that she's human.
I know someone who might be tricked -- it's that Asian female thing that seems to cast a spell on some guys!
Read the BBC News story .
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Stuff you come across when you clean up
Previous lives
Trips I hardly recall having gone on. People and places I barely remember. Some I'd rather forget.
Musty-dusty photo albums dug up while going through my old closet in my parents' house.
Threw out nearly all the photos, but did spend more than a few seconds on some for one last time. All were taken during college and after. All represented "significant" people, er, periods in my life.
It occurred to me as I started my Butch Walker obsession early this year, that one of those "significants" over 20 years ago had a remarkable resemblance to him, and one photo in particular nearly freaked me out.
It's in the trash now, along with the others.
Trips I hardly recall having gone on. People and places I barely remember. Some I'd rather forget.
Musty-dusty photo albums dug up while going through my old closet in my parents' house.
Threw out nearly all the photos, but did spend more than a few seconds on some for one last time. All were taken during college and after. All represented "significant" people, er, periods in my life.
It occurred to me as I started my Butch Walker obsession early this year, that one of those "significants" over 20 years ago had a remarkable resemblance to him, and one photo in particular nearly freaked me out.
It's in the trash now, along with the others.
I'll ease off on the cat blogging
just a bit =^.^=
Sorry about yesterday's entry; I realize not everyone is a cat person, and even those who are don't necessarily want to know all about Rocky's "movements". (And this was the second time I wrote about it!) It's just that it was, pathetically, the main event of our day. I'll have to put a filter at the end of my fingertips to keep myself from running off at the..well, fingertips.
He's a funny cat, though. Well, I think so, anyway; others might think he's weird. He wakes me up by licking me and tries to get as many licks in as he can throughout the day. He also likes to groom my hair, but all that cat spit grosses me out.
So unless he does something really blog-worthy, I'll try to limit posts about him. To tide us over, here's a pic of him licking (not smelling!!) my foot. Feet aren't necessarily his favorite body part (wrists and insides of elbows are), but that's all I offered him a few minutes ago.
Sorry about yesterday's entry; I realize not everyone is a cat person, and even those who are don't necessarily want to know all about Rocky's "movements". (And this was the second time I wrote about it!) It's just that it was, pathetically, the main event of our day. I'll have to put a filter at the end of my fingertips to keep myself from running off at the..well, fingertips.
He's a funny cat, though. Well, I think so, anyway; others might think he's weird. He wakes me up by licking me and tries to get as many licks in as he can throughout the day. He also likes to groom my hair, but all that cat spit grosses me out.
So unless he does something really blog-worthy, I'll try to limit posts about him. To tide us over, here's a pic of him licking (not smelling!!) my foot. Feet aren't necessarily his favorite body part (wrists and insides of elbows are), but that's all I offered him a few minutes ago.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Not feeling well today
Poor stinky kitty
[Warning: yet another poopy cat post]
On Saturday and Sunday I gave in to Rocky's cries and let him out briefly. He rolled, ate grass, did a lot of sniffing (and even some marking), and caught at least one lizard that I know of.
On Sunday night he puked up some food, but I attributed that to the fact that he doesn't chew (hardly any teeth in his head) since he does that periodically.
Monday (yesterday), he was fine.
This morning he was more talkative than usual, but even if I knew what it was he was trying to tell me, I couldn't have helped him. I went outside for a while, but when I opened the door to come in, without even seeing him I could tell what had happened. I could smell it. He was blocking my way, trying to get out as usual, and he smelled bad. I made my way past him to check out the damage in his bathroom...and ewww.
Poor sh*tty kitty had the wetsh*ts again. In the fifteen minutes I was away, he used his box, then sat on several things downstairs..with his long, matted, poopy-gross butt fur.
I've tried my best to clean him, but he's still stinky, so I'm trying to get him to stay downstairs in an old area where he often takes naps because the floor is cool. Best thing is it will be easy to clean, and is away from where I hang out.
But his "episodes" usually are repeated at least one more time in the day..so I'll probably be greeted by the same scenario when I return later this afternoon.
This is all so much more disgusting than I can write about here.
[Warning: yet another poopy cat post]
On Saturday and Sunday I gave in to Rocky's cries and let him out briefly. He rolled, ate grass, did a lot of sniffing (and even some marking), and caught at least one lizard that I know of.
On Sunday night he puked up some food, but I attributed that to the fact that he doesn't chew (hardly any teeth in his head) since he does that periodically.
Monday (yesterday), he was fine.
This morning he was more talkative than usual, but even if I knew what it was he was trying to tell me, I couldn't have helped him. I went outside for a while, but when I opened the door to come in, without even seeing him I could tell what had happened. I could smell it. He was blocking my way, trying to get out as usual, and he smelled bad. I made my way past him to check out the damage in his bathroom...and ewww.
Poor sh*tty kitty had the wetsh*ts again. In the fifteen minutes I was away, he used his box, then sat on several things downstairs..with his long, matted, poopy-gross butt fur.
I've tried my best to clean him, but he's still stinky, so I'm trying to get him to stay downstairs in an old area where he often takes naps because the floor is cool. Best thing is it will be easy to clean, and is away from where I hang out.
But his "episodes" usually are repeated at least one more time in the day..so I'll probably be greeted by the same scenario when I return later this afternoon.
This is all so much more disgusting than I can write about here.
Monday, July 25, 2005
Yahoo has Widgets
Over a thousand of them -- all for free!
Apple might've made a big mistake not buying Konfabulator (maker of the original widgets) when they decided to make "Dashboard" and widgets part of their Mac OS X Tiger operating system. It was announced yesterday that Yahoo purchased Konfabulator, and, voila, has made their widgets available for free today! (Mac OS X 10.2+, Windows XP and Windows 2000)
If you have no idea what I'm talking about, check out Yahoo's new widgets. Widgets are attractive little applications that float on your desktop, giving quick access to all kinds of information. And since there are over 1000 available, you might find a few that you can't live without. I use several of Apple's Dashboard widgets regularly, but might try Yahoo's. Below are four that are included when you download the program.
Oh, while there are 1042 Mac widgets currently available, there seem to be only 646 for Windows so far. That's bound to increase. Hey, that's 646 more than what was available up 'til today!
Apple might've made a big mistake not buying Konfabulator (maker of the original widgets) when they decided to make "Dashboard" and widgets part of their Mac OS X Tiger operating system. It was announced yesterday that Yahoo purchased Konfabulator, and, voila, has made their widgets available for free today! (Mac OS X 10.2+, Windows XP and Windows 2000)
If you have no idea what I'm talking about, check out Yahoo's new widgets. Widgets are attractive little applications that float on your desktop, giving quick access to all kinds of information. And since there are over 1000 available, you might find a few that you can't live without. I use several of Apple's Dashboard widgets regularly, but might try Yahoo's. Below are four that are included when you download the program.
Oh, while there are 1042 Mac widgets currently available, there seem to be only 646 for Windows so far. That's bound to increase. Hey, that's 646 more than what was available up 'til today!
Two more weeks
Can barely stand it
I'm so ready to get outta here. Used to go on trips up to three times a year (before I had Rocky Raccoon), so this is tough.
And hot. And boring. And recently annoying.
Daily pics from both Butch and his legions of fans at concerts and outings are making me antsy. But I won't be satisfied with the two short sets he'll put on with Avril and Gavin in LA. He said he won't be able to stand such short performances, either, so is announcing club gigs after the concerts. His LA ones are TBA and I'm on edge waiting to hear where/when since I'm dependent on a non-BW fan to at least dump me there.
He did look like he had interesting moments in Nashville and St, Louis, partying on his way to LA! (pics taken by BW). Yeah, one of 'em is a a sweaty, half-nekkid pic. Enjoy.
I did.
I'm so ready to get outta here. Used to go on trips up to three times a year (before I had Rocky Raccoon), so this is tough.
And hot. And boring. And recently annoying.
Daily pics from both Butch and his legions of fans at concerts and outings are making me antsy. But I won't be satisfied with the two short sets he'll put on with Avril and Gavin in LA. He said he won't be able to stand such short performances, either, so is announcing club gigs after the concerts. His LA ones are TBA and I'm on edge waiting to hear where/when since I'm dependent on a non-BW fan to at least dump me there.
He did look like he had interesting moments in Nashville and St, Louis, partying on his way to LA! (pics taken by BW). Yeah, one of 'em is a a sweaty, half-nekkid pic. Enjoy.
I did.
Friday, July 22, 2005
Apple iPhone around the corner?
We might find out on Monday
Last year Apple and Motorola announced that they'd work together on a phone that would be iTunes-enabled. This Monday Motorola will announce its new products. It's expected that an iTunes phone will be one of them.
I'd probably be one of the silly "Apple loyalists" who'd buy an iPhone. At least I would actually use it, unlike my U2 Special Edition iPod.
=======================
On another computer-related note, Microsoft announced today that it has changed the name of its (long-delayed) upcoming operating system from "Longhorn" to "Vista". I always thought that "Longhorn" was awkward and invited jokes/plays on its name, but what do I know; Apple's use of feline species' names is kind of silly, too.
Jaguar --> Panther --> Tiger
But I love cats, and I love Apple, so it's a great combination for me. =^.^=
Last year Apple and Motorola announced that they'd work together on a phone that would be iTunes-enabled. This Monday Motorola will announce its new products. It's expected that an iTunes phone will be one of them.
I'd probably be one of the silly "Apple loyalists" who'd buy an iPhone. At least I would actually use it, unlike my U2 Special Edition iPod.
=======================
On another computer-related note, Microsoft announced today that it has changed the name of its (long-delayed) upcoming operating system from "Longhorn" to "Vista". I always thought that "Longhorn" was awkward and invited jokes/plays on its name, but what do I know; Apple's use of feline species' names is kind of silly, too.
Jaguar --> Panther --> Tiger
But I love cats, and I love Apple, so it's a great combination for me. =^.^=
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Grommet and Tag puzzle
I resorted to cheating :(
I admit it, after not being able to solve the puzzle for 14 years, I had to cheat. Thank goodness for the internet.
Got this puzzle at some education workshop years ago. None of my colleagues were able to solve it, either. Every few years I'd try again (yes, I knew where I'd kept it and periodically took it out, only to be frustrated). After a while, no one remembered what puzzle I was talking about, so I was on my own, and had to introduce it to new people. To no avail.
Don't know quite why I decided to finally search online for the answer after trying to solve it in vain the past few weeks.
OBJECTIVE: Get the darn string out without tearing the tag.
Wanna make your own so you can actually try for yourself?
Rocky even lent a hand. Uh, teeth.
After you try for at least 14 years and still haven't solved it without resorting to looking up the solution, here it is: check it out yourself <-- you cheater!!
PS: If you solve it within the day (without resorting to CHEATING), I officially hate you.
PPS: I think I've gotten dumber. Ohyes. But much better at cheating.
I admit it, after not being able to solve the puzzle for 14 years, I had to cheat. Thank goodness for the internet.
Got this puzzle at some education workshop years ago. None of my colleagues were able to solve it, either. Every few years I'd try again (yes, I knew where I'd kept it and periodically took it out, only to be frustrated). After a while, no one remembered what puzzle I was talking about, so I was on my own, and had to introduce it to new people. To no avail.
Don't know quite why I decided to finally search online for the answer after trying to solve it in vain the past few weeks.
OBJECTIVE: Get the darn string out without tearing the tag.
Wanna make your own so you can actually try for yourself?
Rocky even lent a hand. Uh, teeth.
After you try for at least 14 years and still haven't solved it without resorting to looking up the solution, here it is: check it out yourself <-- you cheater!!
PS: If you solve it within the day (without resorting to CHEATING), I officially hate you.
PPS: I think I've gotten dumber. Ohyes. But much better at cheating.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Window users toss their corrupted PCs
and, evidently, are wising up to Macs
This Sunday the New York Times had a story about how PC users are tossing their infected machines and, evidently, buying computers that wouldn't be susceptible to spyware, adware, and viruses. In other words, Macs :)
This Sunday the New York Times had a story about how PC users are tossing their infected machines and, evidently, buying computers that wouldn't be susceptible to spyware, adware, and viruses. In other words, Macs :)
Times like this..
..bring it back
Let me set the scene; candles, wine, Elvis Costello/Butch Walker (or whatever's my favorite music is at the time), and myself. Despite what others might think, I do really like my solitude at home.
(Uhoh, there goes my cat thrashing through the living room. So much for peace and quiet.)
Met up with an old friend last night, probably my oldest, since I met her when we moved back to Hawaii when I was in the third grade. Every five years or so our paths converge.
She feels sorry for me, I think. Finds it hard to believe that I really find satisfaction in my old age with just a cat for a companion. She's known me, well, as much as she can every five years or so, through the various milestones/relationships in the past too-many years to count.
Not that her relationships have been ideal, but I knew when to quit. Or, rather, when the one quit it for me, I was no longer willing to entertain the thought of persuing another romantic relationship. Believe me, it's not because I'm pining for him; each time he periodically contacts me makes me even more certain that I have no feelings for him anymore. It's the principle of the damn thing. Something about a fri*cken vow. Which means more to some, apparently, than to others.
Several girlfriends were concerned for me, but, after nine years, most have pretty much given up. thank goodness. Hard to believe at times that it was so long ago. Untiil someone asks about it..like every five years or so.
And then it feels like it was yesterday.
Let me set the scene; candles, wine, Elvis Costello/Butch Walker (or whatever's my favorite music is at the time), and myself. Despite what others might think, I do really like my solitude at home.
(Uhoh, there goes my cat thrashing through the living room. So much for peace and quiet.)
Met up with an old friend last night, probably my oldest, since I met her when we moved back to Hawaii when I was in the third grade. Every five years or so our paths converge.
She feels sorry for me, I think. Finds it hard to believe that I really find satisfaction in my old age with just a cat for a companion. She's known me, well, as much as she can every five years or so, through the various milestones/relationships in the past too-many years to count.
Not that her relationships have been ideal, but I knew when to quit. Or, rather, when the one quit it for me, I was no longer willing to entertain the thought of persuing another romantic relationship. Believe me, it's not because I'm pining for him; each time he periodically contacts me makes me even more certain that I have no feelings for him anymore. It's the principle of the damn thing. Something about a fri*cken vow. Which means more to some, apparently, than to others.
Several girlfriends were concerned for me, but, after nine years, most have pretty much given up. thank goodness. Hard to believe at times that it was so long ago. Untiil someone asks about it..like every five years or so.
And then it feels like it was yesterday.
Sunday, July 17, 2005
They have a winner
Half a billion songs sold on the iTunes Music Store
Someone won 10 iPods, a 10,000-song gift card, and four Coldplay tickets + backstage passes.
Someone won 10 iPods, a 10,000-song gift card, and four Coldplay tickets + backstage passes.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
At least it kind of rhymes
fayesspace.com
So did fayesdays.com and fayesphase.com, but I didn't really care for them much. Then there were the names that had "three" in them (my favorite number): threebeesknees.com, threegreenpeas.com, threebvds.com, but those were just silly. All are available, if anyone's interested; but of course, the domain names I *really* wanted weren't.
So my latest domain name is fayesspace.com . I think I'll use it for my "Somewhere I Belong" site. Should take effect in a day or so. And I guess I'll stop purchasing domain names for a while. One a day is plenty enough ;)
So did fayesdays.com and fayesphase.com, but I didn't really care for them much. Then there were the names that had "three" in them (my favorite number): threebeesknees.com, threegreenpeas.com, threebvds.com, but those were just silly. All are available, if anyone's interested; but of course, the domain names I *really* wanted weren't.
So my latest domain name is fayesspace.com . I think I'll use it for my "Somewhere I Belong" site. Should take effect in a day or so. And I guess I'll stop purchasing domain names for a while. One a day is plenty enough ;)
Friday, July 15, 2005
talkintomyself.com
Much shorter than http://homepage.mac.com/fayeh/iblog/index.html - whew
Thanks to my friend's comment on my other blog, I now own the domain name talkintomyself.com . It never occurred to me to even check to see if it was available because I've always wanted shorter, spiffier domain names, but this one I can actually use! I'm using it to point to my regular blog website, but at least the unwieldy URL http://homepage.mac.com/fayeh/iblog/index.html doesn't have to be used anymore.
I registered it late last night through GoDaddy.com . Everything went smoothly until the last page, when the final form couldn't be submitted, claiming a required field hadn't been filled out. All required fields had been filled out, and multiple failed attempts at re-doing the form, even re-starting the entire process was getting me pretty frustrated. I called their 24/7 tech support and the person who assisted me (restarted the process, which I wasn't able to do from my end) was great.
Thanks to my friend's comment on my other blog, I now own the domain name talkintomyself.com . It never occurred to me to even check to see if it was available because I've always wanted shorter, spiffier domain names, but this one I can actually use! I'm using it to point to my regular blog website, but at least the unwieldy URL http://homepage.mac.com/fayeh/iblog/index.html doesn't have to be used anymore.
I registered it late last night through GoDaddy.com . Everything went smoothly until the last page, when the final form couldn't be submitted, claiming a required field hadn't been filled out. All required fields had been filled out, and multiple failed attempts at re-doing the form, even re-starting the entire process was getting me pretty frustrated. I called their 24/7 tech support and the person who assisted me (restarted the process, which I wasn't able to do from my end) was great.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Everything good has been taken
domain name-wise
Try to think of an original domain name. Betcha someone already beat you to the punch!
We've known for years that all the decent domain names have been snatched up, but it's still irritating when you think of one and *really* want it, only to find it's not available.
And that "freakazoid.com" is not even being used, just being cybersquatted by enterprising sh*theads.
Try to think of an original domain name. Betcha someone already beat you to the punch!
catrick.com -- already taken
sushicat.com -- already taken
freakazoid.com -- already taken
hissyfitz.com -- oh wait, that one's mine :)
We've known for years that all the decent domain names have been snatched up, but it's still irritating when you think of one and *really* want it, only to find it's not available.
And that "freakazoid.com" is not even being used, just being cybersquatted by enterprising sh*theads.
I need a hobby
for a few weeks, at least
School's been out for a month, and I'm bored. Helped to clear out the computer lab, took a couple of classes, mended/altered clothes, purged a lot of clutter from this old house, and now, other than driving myself and others to appointments several times a week, I have no real schedule to speak of.
I usually go on trips, take more classes, or work at school, but not this summer.
I'll try to resume a sorta-kinda workout regimen starting tomorrow, but can't guarantee that I'll stick to it. I have quite a bit of work to do from home, but that's not fun. There are about 3.5 slow weeks 'til things get interesting again (Butch Walker concerts), then school resumes.
Any suggestions?
PS: I'm very lazy.
School's been out for a month, and I'm bored. Helped to clear out the computer lab, took a couple of classes, mended/altered clothes, purged a lot of clutter from this old house, and now, other than driving myself and others to appointments several times a week, I have no real schedule to speak of.
I usually go on trips, take more classes, or work at school, but not this summer.
I'll try to resume a sorta-kinda workout regimen starting tomorrow, but can't guarantee that I'll stick to it. I have quite a bit of work to do from home, but that's not fun. There are about 3.5 slow weeks 'til things get interesting again (Butch Walker concerts), then school resumes.
Any suggestions?
PS: I'm very lazy.
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Maybe we can help
Is your kitty balding?
If so, Rocky has more than enough fur and can share. This was collected after just a few minutes of brushing. It's about as big as his head, and he's got a big head. Is there a "Locks of Love"-like organization for cats?
If so, Rocky has more than enough fur and can share. This was collected after just a few minutes of brushing. It's about as big as his head, and he's got a big head. Is there a "Locks of Love"-like organization for cats?
Frankie Kitty
awww!
sidster's kitty is doing well and his eyes haven't "changed" yet! I've never known a black cat to have blue eyes. Such a pretty kitty!
view slideshow
sidster's kitty is doing well and his eyes haven't "changed" yet! I've never known a black cat to have blue eyes. Such a pretty kitty!
view slideshow
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Bad Macromedia
Wonder if things will be more Mac-friendly now that Adobe bought them?
Needed to view some images from the other day's free Butch Walker concert in Chicago that someone put up as a Shockwave PhotoJam. The page said that Shockwave Player 8 was required, so I downloaded the latest Shockwave Player 10.x.x.
Tried it using Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer. PhotoJam didn't work.
Oh, did I mention I use a Mac??
Damn Macromedia (maker of Shockwave). They've been getting less and less Mac-friendly in recent years. Hope Adobe's buyout improves things.
Oh, in case you were wondering, I was able to view this and other PhotoJams using a laptop running Windows XP Pro that I just happen to have lying around here. Having multiple computers sometimes does come in handy. Wouldn't want to have to use that laptop too often, tho, and become spyware-infested like just about every Windows user.
======== Butch Chicago pics below =========
Hmm, Butch might be gettin' too purty. Maybe his new dangling earring was borrowed from his wife.
Needed to view some images from the other day's free Butch Walker concert in Chicago that someone put up as a Shockwave PhotoJam. The page said that Shockwave Player 8 was required, so I downloaded the latest Shockwave Player 10.x.x.
Tried it using Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer. PhotoJam didn't work.
Oh, did I mention I use a Mac??
Damn Macromedia (maker of Shockwave). They've been getting less and less Mac-friendly in recent years. Hope Adobe's buyout improves things.
Oh, in case you were wondering, I was able to view this and other PhotoJams using a laptop running Windows XP Pro that I just happen to have lying around here. Having multiple computers sometimes does come in handy. Wouldn't want to have to use that laptop too often, tho, and become spyware-infested like just about every Windows user.
======== Butch Chicago pics below =========
Hmm, Butch might be gettin' too purty. Maybe his new dangling earring was borrowed from his wife.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
And the day before was such a good day for England
London bombing kills at least 37, wounds 700
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Coincidence?
Much sympathy to those who witnessed the carnage and mourn the loss of loved ones; admiration to those embodying the "Great" in Great Britain and are displaying their strength, resilience, and spirit.
Wednesday:
- London was awarded the bid to host the 2012 Olympics, beating out Paris
- G-8 conference of world leaders commenced
Thursday:
- Three trains and a double-decker bus were targets of a coordinated bomb attack
Coincidence?
Much sympathy to those who witnessed the carnage and mourn the loss of loved ones; admiration to those embodying the "Great" in Great Britain and are displaying their strength, resilience, and spirit.
Tree giveaway
or How to Landscape Your Yard at No Cost
Yesterday I went through one of my spare/storage rooms (omg I have so much cr*p!) and now have several piles of stuff that are in good condition and might be useful to someone else. I'll probably end up donating most of it, including TVs, but thought I'd check out those online free exchange sites.
Wonder if these items from FreeCycle Honolulu have stories behind them?
Craigslist Honolulu had more interesting freebies:
Yesterday I went through one of my spare/storage rooms (omg I have so much cr*p!) and now have several piles of stuff that are in good condition and might be useful to someone else. I'll probably end up donating most of it, including TVs, but thought I'd check out those online free exchange sites.
Wonder if these items from FreeCycle Honolulu have stories behind them?
- cigarette coupons
- 2 pairs 36/30 slacks "with pillings on the butt area"
- baby book, "beaten up & well-worn"
- large rocks
- men's magazines
- beloved teacup chihuahua (aww)
Craigslist Honolulu had more interesting freebies:
- diapers
- rice cooker, "not good for stoners"
- inflatable 6' beer bottle
- "crappy old twin size bed with frame"
- and trees - how would one take the "very large" tree home?
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Just an earthbound misfit
Pink Floyd reunites after more than 20 years
Live 8 is being broadcast all day, but it was just after noon in Hawaii when pigs flew once again. They sounded amazing. David Gilmour said earlier, "Any squabbles Roger (Waters) and the band have had in the past are so petty in this context, and if re-forming for this concert will help focus attention, then it's got to be worthwhile." Could this be the start of a reunion tour?
I think they performed just four songs, but my favorites were "Wish You Were Here" and "Comfortably Numb". Absolutely incredible.
Live 8 is being broadcast all day, but it was just after noon in Hawaii when pigs flew once again. They sounded amazing. David Gilmour said earlier, "Any squabbles Roger (Waters) and the band have had in the past are so petty in this context, and if re-forming for this concert will help focus attention, then it's got to be worthwhile." Could this be the start of a reunion tour?
I think they performed just four songs, but my favorites were "Wish You Were Here" and "Comfortably Numb". Absolutely incredible.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Live 8 and G8
July 2: day of action. July 6: summit meeting
Live 8 is a series of eight simultaneous concerts and events across the world being held on July 2nd to highlight the problem of global poverty. It's a chance for ordinary people to call on George Bush and seven other world leaders at this year's G8 summit and tell them to put a stop to the needless deaths of 30,000 children every single day.
G8 is the annual summit meeting of leaders from the world's eight wealthiest and most powerful countries. On 6th July 2005, the leaders of Great Britain, the USA, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Russia will meet at Gleneagles in Scotland to talk about world affairs, including Africa. They will be presented with a workable plan to double aid, drop the debt and make trade laws fair.
Join the ONE campaign to make poverty history. The ONE campaign seeks to give Americans a voice to fight the global AIDS emergency and extreme poverty. Sign the declaration and lend your voice. Ask President Bush to lead a historic deal to help Africa and the poorest nations at the G8 summit in July. Wear the wristband and show your support for the ONE campaign.
Live 8 is a series of eight simultaneous concerts and events across the world being held on July 2nd to highlight the problem of global poverty. It's a chance for ordinary people to call on George Bush and seven other world leaders at this year's G8 summit and tell them to put a stop to the needless deaths of 30,000 children every single day.
G8 is the annual summit meeting of leaders from the world's eight wealthiest and most powerful countries. On 6th July 2005, the leaders of Great Britain, the USA, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Russia will meet at Gleneagles in Scotland to talk about world affairs, including Africa. They will be presented with a workable plan to double aid, drop the debt and make trade laws fair.
Join the ONE campaign to make poverty history. The ONE campaign seeks to give Americans a voice to fight the global AIDS emergency and extreme poverty. Sign the declaration and lend your voice. Ask President Bush to lead a historic deal to help Africa and the poorest nations at the G8 summit in July. Wear the wristband and show your support for the ONE campaign.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
She's not doing us any favors
Working w/Apple computers isn't "a handicap", dammit!
Today's Honolulu Star-Bulletin ran an article about Hawaii residents who responded to their "Help Wanted" series. The few stories they printed were all from people who said that, despite Hawaii's low 2.7% unemployment rate, they were unable to find suitable jobs.
I feel for these people, and I know what I'm going to say will come off as snotty, so I apologize in advance. But those who know me know how passionate and loyal I am to Apple, and would never view using it as a "handicap", as the writer, Stewart Yerton, put it. On the contrary, it's a beautiful advantage.
The woman pictured below (shame on CraigKodama Kojma, the photographer, for even having her pose like that!) can't find employment after leaving the work force 17 years ago to raise a family. She says she has significant clerical and administrative skills, but "as soon as she tells potential employers that she has always used Apple computers, they 'shut down and won't give me the time of day'."
She continued, "A lot of them seem to have the attitude that it's totally different, and just because I have Mac, I'm incapable of using PC."
She says she's gone repeatedly to temp and employment services, with the same results.
So WHY, for gawd's sake, does she keep telling them the same thing? She's the one leading them to believe that she's "incapable of using PC".
I use Macs at home and at work. Our school is filled with PCs. I have to support teachers and instruct students using Windows, but the computers I personally use at school to create our website, parent newsletters, lessons and everything else, are Macs running OS X (of course). Windows is not hard to learn at all, just lamer. Ms. Kadena should take the brief time required to familiarize herself with it, and stop telling prospective employers that she "has always worked on Apple computers". Knowing that she keeps telling them that makes me think that there may be some other handicap involved. <-- that was the snotty part, I know. Sorry.
Today's Honolulu Star-Bulletin ran an article about Hawaii residents who responded to their "Help Wanted" series. The few stories they printed were all from people who said that, despite Hawaii's low 2.7% unemployment rate, they were unable to find suitable jobs.
I feel for these people, and I know what I'm going to say will come off as snotty, so I apologize in advance. But those who know me know how passionate and loyal I am to Apple, and would never view using it as a "handicap", as the writer, Stewart Yerton, put it. On the contrary, it's a beautiful advantage.
The woman pictured below (shame on Craig
She continued, "A lot of them seem to have the attitude that it's totally different, and just because I have Mac, I'm incapable of using PC."
She says she's gone repeatedly to temp and employment services, with the same results.
So WHY, for gawd's sake, does she keep telling them the same thing? She's the one leading them to believe that she's "incapable of using PC".
I use Macs at home and at work. Our school is filled with PCs. I have to support teachers and instruct students using Windows, but the computers I personally use at school to create our website, parent newsletters, lessons and everything else, are Macs running OS X (of course). Windows is not hard to learn at all, just lamer. Ms. Kadena should take the brief time required to familiarize herself with it, and stop telling prospective employers that she "has always worked on Apple computers". Knowing that she keeps telling them that makes me think that there may be some other handicap involved. <-- that was the snotty part, I know. Sorry.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
iPod for sale
Cat not included
Well, it was bound to happen. Apple announced that it has converted its full-sized iPods to an all-Photo (color display) lineup as well as cut their prices. This includes the Special Edition U2 iPod that I have. Of course, my version isn't color and can't display photos, so I'm thinking of upgrading.
I need to unload this one, though. It's in mint condition since I rarely use it and is in a clear case, so its beautiful black and red front and silver U2-autographed back are unscratched and fur-free. Up 'til yesterday it was still going for $350, but I'm willing to sell it for, let's see...around $285. Or so. The new version is $329.
Anyone interested?
Well, it was bound to happen. Apple announced that it has converted its full-sized iPods to an all-Photo (color display) lineup as well as cut their prices. This includes the Special Edition U2 iPod that I have. Of course, my version isn't color and can't display photos, so I'm thinking of upgrading.
I need to unload this one, though. It's in mint condition since I rarely use it and is in a clear case, so its beautiful black and red front and silver U2-autographed back are unscratched and fur-free. Up 'til yesterday it was still going for $350, but I'm willing to sell it for, let's see...around $285. Or so. The new version is $329.
Anyone interested?
Monday, June 27, 2005
Look out..
..they're watching us!
Both the tail and head of this dinosaur were sticking out of the pipe as it watched me the whole time I hung the laundry yesterday. By the time I got my camera, it had retreated, but peeked its head out a little while later.
Notice the poopies on the outside of the pipe?
Both the tail and head of this dinosaur were sticking out of the pipe as it watched me the whole time I hung the laundry yesterday. By the time I got my camera, it had retreated, but peeked its head out a little while later.
Notice the poopies on the outside of the pipe?
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Visitors?
Why only now?
I've had this blog for a while, but neglected it for months. In all that time I've only had one person leave a comment. Today, as I've decided to conduct my "taste test" and add entries from my other blog, two people have already left comments.
Gonna put up a site meter soon and conduct a non-scientific study: do Blogger sites receive that many more hits than independent (hard-to-find) sites? duh.
I've had this blog for a while, but neglected it for months. In all that time I've only had one person leave a comment. Today, as I've decided to conduct my "taste test" and add entries from my other blog, two people have already left comments.
Gonna put up a site meter soon and conduct a non-scientific study: do Blogger sites receive that many more hits than independent (hard-to-find) sites? duh.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Alcohol-related accident
And I wasn't even drinking
My good friend picked up several bottles of our favorite Riesling the other day and discovered she still had some in her stash, so asked if I would like a few. Silly question.
The drop-off was conducted in the parking lot, then we headed off to Starbucks, as is our usual Saturday routine. I later went shopping so ended up with quite a few bags of stuff. As I carried them to my house some of the bags started slipping, and wouldn't you know it, one of the precious bottles of wine went crashing to the ground -- and on my foot.
My garage smells like a winery and my foot is still sore, but nothing's broken. Well, except for that lovely bottle of wine... :(
My good friend picked up several bottles of our favorite Riesling the other day and discovered she still had some in her stash, so asked if I would like a few. Silly question.
The drop-off was conducted in the parking lot, then we headed off to Starbucks, as is our usual Saturday routine. I later went shopping so ended up with quite a few bags of stuff. As I carried them to my house some of the bags started slipping, and wouldn't you know it, one of the precious bottles of wine went crashing to the ground -- and on my foot.
My garage smells like a winery and my foot is still sore, but nothing's broken. Well, except for that lovely bottle of wine... :(
Friday, June 24, 2005
Strunkenwhite virus
Too bad it was just a joke
Some people actually thought it was true, while others claimed it was a hoax. In fact, it was neither. In May 1999, Bob Hirschfield wrote a humorous satire in The Washington Post about a computer virus that refused to deliver emails containing grammatical mistakes. As Lynne Truss, author of my favorite book Eats, Shoots & Leaves, writes: "...he paints such a heavenly vision of future grammatical happiness that he inadvertently broke the hearts of sticklers everywhere..."
You can read the Washington Post story in its entirety, or skim through paragraphs I found particularly funny:
Some people actually thought it was true, while others claimed it was a hoax. In fact, it was neither. In May 1999, Bob Hirschfield wrote a humorous satire in The Washington Post about a computer virus that refused to deliver emails containing grammatical mistakes. As Lynne Truss, author of my favorite book Eats, Shoots & Leaves, writes: "...he paints such a heavenly vision of future grammatical happiness that he inadvertently broke the hearts of sticklers everywhere..."
You can read the Washington Post story in its entirety, or skim through paragraphs I found particularly funny:
The virus is causing something akin to panic throughout corporate America, which has become used to the typos, misspellings, missing words and mangled syntax so acceptable in cyberspace. The CEO of LoseItAll.com, an Internet startup, said the virus has rendered him helpless. "Each time I tried to send one particular e-mail this morning, I got back this error message: 'Your dependent clause preceding your independent clause must be set off by commas, but one must not precede the conjunction.' I threw my laptop across the room."
A broker at Begg, Barow and Steel said he couldn't return to the "bad, old" days when he had to send paper memos in proper English. He speculated that the hacker who created Strunkenwhite was a "disgruntled English major who couldn't make it on a trading floor. When you're buying and selling on margin, I don't think it's anybody's business if I write that 'i meetinged through the morning, then cinched the deal on the cel phone while bareling down the xway.' "
If Strunkenwhite makes e-mailing impossible, it could mean the end to a communication revolution once hailed as a significant timesaver. A study of 1,254 office workers in Leonia, N.J., found that e-mail increased employees' productivity by 1.8 hours a day because they took less time to formulate their thoughts. (The same study also found that they lost 2.2 hours of productivity because they were e-mailing so many jokes to their spouses, parents and stockbrokers.)
There is concern among law enforcement officials that Strunkenwhite is a harbinger of the increasingly sophisticated methods hackers are using toexploit the vulnerability of business's reliance on computers. "This is one of the most complex and invasive examples of computer code we have ever encountered. We just can't imagine what kind of devious mind would want to tamper with e-mails to create this burden on communications," said an FBI agent who insisted on speaking via the telephone out of concern that trying to e-mail his comments could leave him tied up for hours.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Rocky and I might get a housemate
He might have to sleep in the garage
A friend asked if it'd be OK if he stays with me for a few years. Seems he's thinking of selling his place, make a sh*tload of dough, and hang out in Hawaii 'til the housing market where he's from stabilizes so he can buy a bigger, better place.
I'm very fortunate to be able to live in this old two-story, four-bedroom house with so much storage space (extra bedrooms and closets) for all my clothes and shoes and shoes and clothes. I've been by myself for almost nine years, and love the freedom to do whatever I want whenever I want. I love all the space I have. I love not having to deal with anyone else (catsicle excluded), especially a man.
Don't think I want to give that up. But maybe having a guy around might be useful..let's see, it's been a while; what are they good for? Oh yeah, bug-killing, oil-changing, box-lifting.
Lest you're starting to think otherwise, he's been informed that there would be none of those "friends-with-benefits" perks.
A friend asked if it'd be OK if he stays with me for a few years. Seems he's thinking of selling his place, make a sh*tload of dough, and hang out in Hawaii 'til the housing market where he's from stabilizes so he can buy a bigger, better place.
I'm very fortunate to be able to live in this old two-story, four-bedroom house with so much storage space (extra bedrooms and closets) for all my clothes and shoes and shoes and clothes. I've been by myself for almost nine years, and love the freedom to do whatever I want whenever I want. I love all the space I have. I love not having to deal with anyone else (catsicle excluded), especially a man.
Don't think I want to give that up. But maybe having a guy around might be useful..let's see, it's been a while; what are they good for? Oh yeah, bug-killing, oil-changing, box-lifting.
Lest you're starting to think otherwise, he's been informed that there would be none of those "friends-with-benefits" perks.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Our dinosaur population is out of control
Enough, already
Again, as I exited through the washroom door this afternoon, a couple of dinosaurs scampered away in a panic. They were trying to stealthily squeeze their way in through the space between the door and the threshold (the house is old and that area is pretty shabby) and I surprised them.
Then as I went for the garden hose so I could rinse Rocky's litter box, I noticed several dinosaurs in the nearby bush, and one was actually a rarely-seen green anole lizard! I don't know if it was being mugged by the others, but part of its tail was missing, and not in the way gecko and dinosaur tails naturally break off. It was dark at the injured end, so I think he was beaten up. I never knew the anoles to have break-away tails, but was happy to see this guy alive.
After shooing the others away, I lifted the hose, which had water running through it, only to find a huge dinosaur hanging on the end! It couldn't walk off without getting in the water stream, so headed up toward my hand, which it also didn't care for, so was trapped :) He held on as I proceeded to rinse Rocky's litter box until I guess he had enough and leaped off sideways.
I love critters of all kinds, including lizards, but these green anole-killling dinosaurs (see March 26's post) are really too much. Never before have I seen any that traveled in packs, were so bold and curious, and so damn populous. Fr*cken frequent-fornicating (see April 7th's post), freakazoids. I expect to trip over them the next time I go into the back yard. Or get mugged.
Again, as I exited through the washroom door this afternoon, a couple of dinosaurs scampered away in a panic. They were trying to stealthily squeeze their way in through the space between the door and the threshold (the house is old and that area is pretty shabby) and I surprised them.
Then as I went for the garden hose so I could rinse Rocky's litter box, I noticed several dinosaurs in the nearby bush, and one was actually a rarely-seen green anole lizard! I don't know if it was being mugged by the others, but part of its tail was missing, and not in the way gecko and dinosaur tails naturally break off. It was dark at the injured end, so I think he was beaten up. I never knew the anoles to have break-away tails, but was happy to see this guy alive.
After shooing the others away, I lifted the hose, which had water running through it, only to find a huge dinosaur hanging on the end! It couldn't walk off without getting in the water stream, so headed up toward my hand, which it also didn't care for, so was trapped :) He held on as I proceeded to rinse Rocky's litter box until I guess he had enough and leaped off sideways.
I love critters of all kinds, including lizards, but these green anole-killling dinosaurs (see March 26's post) are really too much. Never before have I seen any that traveled in packs, were so bold and curious, and so damn populous. Fr*cken frequent-fornicating (see April 7th's post), freakazoids. I expect to trip over them the next time I go into the back yard. Or get mugged.
Monday, June 20, 2005
People can be quite pleasant
I could've left and found another cashier with a shorter line, but I was in no rush. She was a trainee, and it was just kind of, well, nice, that the man in front of me was making a return and commented that she would get good practice from it. It did take more than several minutes, and just about any other time I would've gone to another cashier since the store was pretty empty and there was no one behind me, but I didn't mind waiting tonight.
Don't know why that should surprise me
Everyone was in a good mood, and the guy looked at my items laid out on the converter belt and said, "Maybe I should join you tonight" because I had several bottles of wine lying there. (Not at all in a flirtatious way, mind you.) He apologized for the delay and asked if it was making me tired because I was yawning, but I told him that it was allowing me to catch up on my sleep, and honestly, I didn't feel like moving. The trainee was learning what she needed to learn, no one was impatient, and it was all good.
When his transaction was finally completed he thanked her, then turned to thank me and tell me good night.
But the best part was when he had said earlier, "Sorry to to keep the young lady waiting" -- meaning me. Hah.
Don't know why that should surprise me
Everyone was in a good mood, and the guy looked at my items laid out on the converter belt and said, "Maybe I should join you tonight" because I had several bottles of wine lying there. (Not at all in a flirtatious way, mind you.) He apologized for the delay and asked if it was making me tired because I was yawning, but I told him that it was allowing me to catch up on my sleep, and honestly, I didn't feel like moving. The trainee was learning what she needed to learn, no one was impatient, and it was all good.
When his transaction was finally completed he thanked her, then turned to thank me and tell me good night.
But the best part was when he had said earlier, "Sorry to to keep the young lady waiting" -- meaning me. Hah.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
We're infested
Is this guy smiling?
Took a stroll in the yard to take pictures of veggies and plants this morning, but everywhere I turned yard dinosaurs were scampering about! I was struck by how many babies there were, but they were teenie and skittish so wasn't able to get decent pictures of them. One had a beautiful long tail, unproportional to its little body.
One of the dinosaurs in the slideshow below appears to be pregnant.
These guys are weird. The larger ones seem particularly bold and curious. One guy kept hanging around as I hung clothes the other day. Another keeps trying to sneak into the washroom. I tossed a small rock toward a huge one this afternoon, and he didn't flinch, but actually leaned toward to inspect the rock as it landed. The babies are so cute, and even the littlest males try to do the head nod thing to show they're tough, but their red dewlaps under their throats haven't developed yet. (See March 26's blog with slideshow)
click to view slideshow
I never let Rocky out anymore, poor guy. It could've been just a coincidence, but after he caught a couple (see earlier entries), he had the wetsh*ts, so maybe they're toxic to him.
Took a stroll in the yard to take pictures of veggies and plants this morning, but everywhere I turned yard dinosaurs were scampering about! I was struck by how many babies there were, but they were teenie and skittish so wasn't able to get decent pictures of them. One had a beautiful long tail, unproportional to its little body.
One of the dinosaurs in the slideshow below appears to be pregnant.
These guys are weird. The larger ones seem particularly bold and curious. One guy kept hanging around as I hung clothes the other day. Another keeps trying to sneak into the washroom. I tossed a small rock toward a huge one this afternoon, and he didn't flinch, but actually leaned toward to inspect the rock as it landed. The babies are so cute, and even the littlest males try to do the head nod thing to show they're tough, but their red dewlaps under their throats haven't developed yet. (See March 26's blog with slideshow)
click to view slideshow
I never let Rocky out anymore, poor guy. It could've been just a coincidence, but after he caught a couple (see earlier entries), he had the wetsh*ts, so maybe they're toxic to him.
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