Soxy

QUOTE (BigSqwert @ May 10, 2010 -> 09:22 AM) Watched State of Play last night via netflix. Decent thriller. I probably liked it more since I had very low expectations. The original bbc miniseries was excellent. I really, really, really enjoyed it. Refused to see the remake on principle.

So, I went for a hike yesterday and the ticks were out of control! I hate ticks. I hate them so much. Does anyone have any good techniques for not getting ticks? I hate them.

Meh.

QUOTE (Rex Kicka** @ May 8, 2010 -> 02:16 PM) Barack's new Facebook feed is up. http://www.slate.com/id/2253217/ Loved the British Prime Minister poll. Usually the lack of Biden would be disappointing--but that one was cracking.

QUOTE (BigSqwert @ May 4, 2010 -> 09:17 AM) I know it's a long read but it's rather fascinating... Do 'Family Values' Weaken Families? Que interesante. Gracias.

QUOTE (BigSqwert @ May 3, 2010 -> 10:34 AM) Thanks! Is that like a "terminal" certification (like the PhD of auditing)? Or do you still want/need to do more of them?

QUOTE (BigSqwert @ May 3, 2010 -> 10:32 AM) Just passed the final part of the Certified Internal Auditor exam. Phew! Congrats! Now you can do that stuff! CIA!

Repealed the Mexico City Policy Increased comprehensive sex education Stimulus package was a real boon for basic research (yay science!)

QUOTE (kapkomet @ May 2, 2010 -> 07:41 PM) Before I answer that, of course, I'm rude. Ok, now I'll answer that, and I won't be an ass like usual. The "global citizens" phrase makes me really ill right now, because it's being used as a huge cliche and to push an agenda. That's why I have a problem with it, and why I have a problem equating our society and trying to model it to everyone else. On the serious side, I have business ties to international places, and I respect people all over the world. In fact, they'll more often then not even joke about their own system and then say right in the same sentance about how the way we do things is so much better; yet, we are throwing it all away. That is on a whole lot of subjects. Of course, they're proud of their country, but so am I. I don't want to be like everyone else, I want to be better then that, because we've always been better then that. So, I guess that makes me an arrogant American, right? IMO, no, because I can respect people and their ways - yet; it's a really fine line. I've traveled enough and been to enough places to understand the difference and then on top of that expect more out of our society then to "just be like everyone else". We've led the world for about 5 or 6 generations now, and I personally hate to see it go to where "we're just like everyone else" and the "global citizen" thing. When people look at history, especially western cultures, they know they wouldn't be where they are without what our country has done for them. Now, I'll do a little Bush bashing here - I don't like the whole "my way or the highway" thought that he planted (to tie back to the fine line sentance above) - nor do I treat things as such. But, to me, when it's proven time and time again that there's an exceptional way to do things, you continue to be exceptional, and not let yourself get pulled back to the rest of the world, so to speak, because "it's not fair" to be better (kind of the concept of giving the kids on the last place team "good job" trophies - you have to learn to want to excel, not just accept that "everyone's swell" world right now). With all that said, "Euroweenie" was meant as the typical Kaperbole ™ smart ass post and wasn't meant to be serious. Thanks Kap. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and honesty. (Can you hear my teacher voice?) I feel like it's so hard to know anymore when people are serious and when they aren't.

QUOTE (kapkomet @ May 2, 2010 -> 07:14 PM) You're not kidding. I have one more friend that will have a wedding, and I know I'll be in it. I'm dreading that. Then, I won't have another wedding until my girls get married (shudder at the thought of what 20 years from now will look like for spending). One couple had three different different vacuums! Three! What? I have one and that's enough. And a bread warming basket--who under the age of 70 needs a bread warmer?

QUOTE (kapkomet @ Apr 26, 2010 -> 10:24 PM) The point here is that Obama is pulling the country hard left. Compared to past years, this is hard left. Not Billy C. left nut on a blue dress left. Hard left. It turns this into a Euroweenie state. And frankly, that's socialism. Obama clearly belives this is the best policy for this country. I saw you use the bolded term in the republican thread and I wanted to ask you about it here (it seemed rude to say anything about it in your home thread). So, do you not like any other countries? Do you even feel like there's a country out there you can respect? Or is it just us? I have to ask because when I've been abroad people always talk about being global citizens--so do you disagree with that concept?

So, I have decided that at all future weddings I am giving donations in honor of the couple. I just can't justify the spendgasm that is modern weddings.

Dear Sweet Lord Jesus: Why isn't it finals week yet? These last few weeks have been killing me. Amen.

Does Puerto Rico actually want to be a state? I always thought that they didn't.

Husband of a high school friend (devout Tea Partier and rabid Obama/democrat hater) just posted this on facebook: Who knew Arzona was the common since state. Sadly, this was one of his better spelled posts.

Yep, just did it this summer. I did have a house to sell--it was a little bit of a nightmare but not a huge issue. Since the market is rough I went with a realtor who really focused on helping me get curb appeal and who was really good at staging. The house had an offer less than a week after she put up the MLS--it was really the banks that dragged things out for nearly three months. My new job offered minimal relocation costs BUT since they are a giant employer they have contracts with different moving companies for discounted rates. So, two moving companies work a lot with my employer so I essentially got half off my moving because of that connection. So that may be something to look into.

Not totally related, but I think it's a similar situation to one in Mexico where a 10 year old was 'raped' (using the Fox News way of talking about rape) by her step father. The girl can't get an abortion because it is too late in her term. The child also says she wants to keep the baby to be a mommy. Saddest story of the year? Probably.

Les Cousins Amoreux: The Map. Interesting. Particularly if you think about states worried about the "sanctity of marriage."

Got invited to have lunch with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Wisconsin, but can't go because of class. Damn!

QUOTE (SoxAce @ Apr 27, 2010 -> 01:07 AM) My mother is gonna have back surgery to repair 2 herniated disks at the TOP of her spine. They will have to cut from her neck to go back there. (barely can lift her right arm as it is, and if they wait any longer, she will be paralyzed from the neck down even though she's walking fine now besides her arm) Very dangerous surgery from her other ones. This will be her 4th major surgery in the last 3 years (dangerous job she has with these surgeries, though the money is good of course), but none are as bad as this one. Good luck and good vibes to your mom! My dad had that surgery a few years ago--and he came out of it just fine. I'm sure your mom will be great!

If I make my points in all caps I CAN'T BE WRONG!

QUOTE (kapkomet @ Apr 26, 2010 -> 10:24 PM) The point here is that Obama is pulling the country hard left. Compared to past years, this is hard left. Not Billy C. left nut on a blue dress left. Hard left. It turns this into a Euroweenie state. And frankly, that's socialism. Obama clearly belives this is the best policy for this country. No, if BS or I were running the country that would be a hard left. Obama has not even wandered off the moderate path.

Happy happy birthday!

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Apr 22, 2010 -> 02:35 PM) As I recall, the Moose population problem in Northern MN and western Ontario is in great part due to a disease carried by ticks. BWCAW and QPP lost something like half their population because of it. And Isle Royale's populations are of course isolated, so any fluctuation is particularly dangerous. If the Moose die off rapidly, Wolves will die off as well, and other predators. True, and the paper said that with warmer winters and summers there are higher rates of the ticks so it is exacerbating the problem. Isle Royale is down to only 19 wolves now--with two whole packs dying out. And since the lake hasn't been getting as deep a freeze as before it seems unlikely that there will be an opportunity for more migration to the isle. Which is sad. I've heard that is one of the most amazing parks in the nation. Story Link.

There is a push up north here to recycle mattresses and box springs. Very cool. Also, I read today that climate change is linked to some problems for Moose and wolves on Isle Royale (a little island in Lake Superior). Hopefully I will get to visit there before they're all gone.