Life Changes

Well, it's been years, literally, since I've posted here. I've moved from Spokane to Missoula. I moved for a great new job at a fantastic company. My children love it here. For me, moving to Monatana was coming home. I grew up here, not in Missoula, but in a small town in Montana. While the place is different, the people are much the same. There is a Monantana mindset that I have been unable to find anywhere else. I've become engaged to my boyfriend. We've set a few different dates, but, alas, the fates have conspired against us actually having a wedding. Hopefully, we'll be able to remedy that next summer. I still read a great deal. And, that's pretty much it.

Under Construction

This blog is underconstruction until further notice.

This really shouldn't suprise anyone...

You scored as Nerd Cat. Holy crap, poindexter. Try buying some new specs instead of taping them together. Yeah, Bill Gates made a lot of money, but he's also the devil. You've got a long way to go. Nerd Cat 42% Pissed at the World Cat 33% Ninja Cat 33% Drunk Cat 25% Love Machine Cat 25% Derranged Cat 17% Couch Potato Cat 17% Which Absurd Cat are you? created with QuizFarm.com

Hat tip: Tsykoduk

and, yet, more meme

You Are a Warrior Soul

You're a strong person and sometimes seen as intimidating. You don't give up. You're committed and brave. Truly adventuresome, you are not afraid of going to battle. Extremely protective of loved ones, you root for the underdog. You are picky about details and rigorous in your methods. You also value honesty and fairness a great deal. You can be outspoken, intimidating, headstrong, and demanding. You're a hardliner who demands the best from themselves and others. Souls you are most compatible with: Old Soul and Peacemaker Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

Yeah, yeah, I suppose I might be a little like that...

Hat Tip: Dave Justus

And so it goes...

and goes and goes and goes. Sadly, most in Washington State should know what I am talking about. While this is a victory for Republicans across the state, it looks like more and more things are going to end up in court. I had hoped it wouldn't end up this way, but I guess sometimes (in politics) people see litigation as the only answer.

Well, I suppose...

this could be true:


Hotlips Houlihan


What classic sitcom character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla


Nah!

Thought Provoking

A very thought provoking post from The Questing Cat. You should check it out.

More Meme

Naomi

The name of Naomi gives you a clever, quick, analytical mind, but you suffer with a great deal of self-consciousness, lack of confidence, and much aloneness because of misunderstandings. Your idealistic and sensitive nature gives you a deep appreciation for the finer things of life and a strong desire to be of service to humanity. There are times when you experience inner turbulence at your inability to say what you mean. It is far easier for you to express your deeper thoughts and feelings through writing than verbally. You find pleasure in literature, in poetry, and in your ideals and will turn to them when you feel you have been misunderstood. You are deeply moved by the beauties of life, especially nature. Because your feelings run deep, you must guard against the ups and downs, being very inspired one minute, then moody, reserved, and depressed the next. Your reactions to people vary according to how you feel. You tend to be secretive and noncommittal about private matters, yet at times you will talk effusively in order to hide your self-consciousness or to lead others away from personal subjects. You are inspired by encouragement from others, yet suspicious of their intent. You crave affection but seldom find anyone who understands your nature. Physical weaknesses would show in your heart, lungs, or bronchial organs.

You can find this here.

I don't think this is accurate:

What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

And, the winner is...

most likely, still unknown. According to this Dino Rossi won by 42 votes. With that slim of a lead, I would definitely think we'll be having a hand recount. Not really something the state can afford, but fair. The thing that worries me is the Dems saying they'll demand a hand recount in "at least part of the state." That's complete garbage! Count them all, or don't count any of them. We should have learned that from the Presidential race of 2004. It will be interesting to see what happens. Hopefully, we'll have a govenor before Christmas.

Odd

Ya know, it's kind of odd. I've heard over and over how the MSM only reports the bad stuff and it's up to the bloggers to report the good. I just found this in an MSM source. In fact, it looks like it's a big story everywhere, yet, none of the blogs I read have one peep about it. Well, I'm very excited about these people being set free with their heads still connected to their bodies. Afghanistan is starting to look positively civilized.

I am...

Myers Briggs Jung Explorer Test
Actualized type: ISFP
(who you are)

ISFP - "Artist". Interested in the fine arts. Expression primarily through action or art form. The senses are keener than in other types. 8.8% of total population.

Preferred type: ESFP
(who you prefer to be)

ESFP - "Entertainer". Radiates attractive warmth and optimism. Smooth, witty, charming, clever. Fun to be with. Very generous. 8.5% of the total population.

Attraction type: ENTP

(who you are attracted to)

ENTP - "Inventor". Enthusiastic interest in everything and always sensitive to possibilities. Non-conformist and innovative. 3.2% of the total population.

Take Myers Briggs Jung Explorer Test
personality tests by similarminds.com

I'm not sure if these results are entirely accurate, but they could be. :)

I really enjoyed...

...Reality Check number 2 from this column. Personally, I think some serious reality checks are in line for the Democrats. I've said, time and time again, that I don't agree with Bush. I actually paid attention to the Democrats primaries, so I could see who I might be voting for. Then they chose Kerry. Sadly, after some research, I vowed to vote Republican. And, I did.

Hat Tip: Fox News

Foamy

On a lighter note, I've been unwinding after the election by perusing my favorite animated squirrel, Foamy. You, too, can enjoy great Foaminess by going here and here. I just luuuuuvvvvv Foamy! My favorite is the KAVORKIAN SCARF toon.

Squirrelly Goodness

This is for that special someone in my life, who also happens to have some sort of bizarre squirrel fetish. :)

Whoops! I guess they do...

have one for countries:



create your own visited countries map
or check out these Google Hacks.

Thanks to Angel for the link!! :)

Too bad they don't have one for countries.

These are the states I've visited (I might even be able to name most of them) -


create your own visited states map
or check out these Google Hacks.

Tomorrow's the big day!

It's a good thing that I am poor right now. Sadly, I don't have time for this right now. Add to that, my significant other's obsession with Halo. It's a really good thing I'm poor. I value my job and relationship more. :)

Update:

Nevermind, he went out and bought it. We'll see how this goes. *SIGH*

Neat!

This has me hoping that we are moving closer to being able to utilize alternative energy sources. I would love to be able to use technology like a "photocapacitor" to completely power my life (house, car, cell phone, etc.) While the cost may be more at first, is our continued dependancy on foriegn oil worth the little money we might save?

I'm not sure I agree...

with this article . I think that any way we conserve our rainforests is great. I totally agree with the Tropical Forest Conservation Act. I think that it shows that our government is willing to do something to conserve natural resources without being forced to by an outside entity. Now that they are proving this to their constituents, maybe they can pull out of the crap at the UN, like the author states. At one time, though, the UN programs were necessary, becuase no governments were willing to step up and help, without being forced.

And, the stem cells have it!

Good news out of California. I've never really seen eye to eye with President Bush on the stem cell issue. I find it ironic that the main arguements against stem cell research seem to revolve around where the stem cells came from. Especially, that people are so upset about the ones that come from fetuses. Please, this country aborts thousands of babies a day. You lose your moral high ground about stem cell research when abortion is legal. If you want to be economical, put the stem cell research facility next to the abortion clinic. Waste not, want not!

Apparently, I am...

You're a "Purple Angel". You're a fighter
and you know it. If you were an angel, you'd be
part of the celestial army. You're tough as
nails and definately a go big or go home
person. You do everything to the best of your
ability. You're not like the gaudian angel
where you just protect your friends but you
protect everybody. You can't stand to see
people suffering and you'd do anything to
change that. You're a very fun person as long
as people are on your good side and you're very
laid back. (if you cannot see the pics, go near the
bottom of my homepage and find your result.
look closely to make sure your look in the
right place)


What Color Angel Are You? (ANIME PICS)
brought to you by Quizilla

An Iraqi Voice

This is a wonderful read. You have to admire this woman's courage. I was especially interested in reading this:

"Syrians and Iranians make up most of the foreign fighters. Iraqis can identify them by accents, among other things. Syria and Iran clearly do not want Iraq to be a success because "they know they will be next - not necessarily with an invasion but certainly their people will demand democracy if Iraqis demonstrate it is possible." She noted the recent Syrian Kurdish uprisings and said that Kurds there are waiting for things to get a bit better in Iraq, but haven't given up their desire and demand for change in Syria."

Her statement about Iran and Syria being next interests me because I've been hearing that for a while from a friend here. I had hoped it might be true and it is nice to hear it from someone who knows the culture much better than we do.

hat tip: INDC Journal

A new way to remember where I parked?

If these can help me find my car in a parking lot, I will definitely get a pair when they become available. :)

hat tip: Slashdot

Terror in the Classroom

Today I heard a horror story that no mother wants to hear. I'm sure the title of this post brings to mind Beslan or Columbine, but that's not the case. Instead, it's a post about how things in a classroom can go horribly wrong for the teacher. Last week, at the elementary school across the street, a second grader attacked the resource room teacher. By attacked, I mean that he hit, kicked and, eventually, knocked her out cold with a thrown shoe, all the while cursing her out with words that I would hope most school children don't know. The teacher in question ended up with a cut on her face, bruises to her face and pelvic area, not to mention the knot on her head from being knocked out. This happened in class, in front of other children. I'm not sure of the particulars, as I got the story third hand, from the grandparent of one of the children in the room. I'm not sure what led up to the attack or what issues the child in question has. It just really caused me concern. It's a smaller school and my children attend it. In fact, I have a child in the second grade. What if this was one of my child's classmates? Could this child attack other children? Should this child still be attending school? After discussing this with my better half, who is attending college to become a teacher, I'm still left with all these questions. I understand that kids with disabilities have been 'mainstreamed' into regular schools. This is a wonderful thing. If not for that, my son might not be attending the school across the street. Not that he's got disabilities, but he is a year behind his twin sister in grades because he's had hearing and speech issues. However, where do you draw the line? I don't know that the child that did this is disabled. I do know that he is seven years old. How much rage is trapped in that seven year old body? It must be a lot for him to be able to inflict those kinds of wounds to an adult. And, what could he have done to another child before the teachers could separate them? I'm torn. While I understand the right of all children to get an education, at what cost does it come?

Alien Thunder

I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for this audio. Is that not very cool? Not only will they be getting first time data, but they will also be listening to it's soundtrack at the same time. Hopefully, it works as well as they've planned. If it does, I'll be looking for some of it for my play list.

D & D

Apparently, I am...

I Am A: Chaotic Good Half-Elf Ranger Fighter


Alignment:
Chaotic Good characters are independent types with a strong belief in the value of goodness. They have little use for governments and other forces of order, and will generally do their own things, without heed to such groups.


Race:
Half-Elves are a cross between a human and an elf. They are smaller, like their elven ancestors, but have a much shorter lifespan. They are sometimes looked down upon as half-breeds, but this is rare. They have both the curious drive of humans and the patience of elves.


Primary Class:
Rangers are the defenders of nature and the elements. They are in tune with the Earth, and work to keep it safe and healthy.


Secondary Class:
Fighters are the warriors. They use weapons to accomplish their goals. This isn't to say that they aren't intelligent, but that they do, in fact, believe that violence is frequently the answer.


Deity:
Solonor Thelandria is the Chaotic Good elven god of archery and the hunt. He is also known as the Keen Eye, the Great Archer, and the Forest Hunter. His followers respect nature, and only hunt when needed, but are quick to defend the forest from intruders. Their favorite weapon is the bow, and they tend to be extremely talented with it. Solonor Thelandria's symbol is an arrow with green fletchings.


Find out What D&D Character Are You?, courtesy ofNeppyMan (e-mail)

Chipping our kids backpacks

I found this article to be fairly interesting. I'm not sure something like this could catch on in the states, but getting a page or email when my kids enter and leave school is a fairly comforting idea. My children are 7 and 9. I'm not sure how this would infringe on their rights at 15 and 17. I think this is a good idea for younger children, but I think we need to extend our teenagers a bit more respect and trust. While the article doesn't mention the age groups of the children, it does imply that older kids are covered also. I think this is a technology we'll definitely have to watch in the future. I've seen a number of uses discussed for the RFID chips and they seem to be getting more and more imaginitive.

The Red Queen

This was an excellent book. It looks at why we reproduce sexually. Honestly, sexual reproduction is not a very effecient way to reproduce, so why did we evolve that way? I didn't really come away from this book with any definite answers; however, I found a whole new set of questions and theories that I didn't know existed. The writer, Matt Ridley, does an excellent job of keeping what could be very complex and dry material entertaining and understandable. Definitely a must read for genetics or nature nuts. :)

Peanuts!

Oh, and, as an added bonus, I am:


You are Rerun!


Which Peanuts Character are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

And time goes by...

Wow. Another summer has sped by with the speed of light. I have piles and oodles of wonderful books to talk about. I've been very lax in keeping my blog up. :( I would feel bad about this, except that I know that no one reads it. LOL Anyway, a list of books that I'll be blogging about over the next week:

The Red Queen
Nature via Nurture
The Rice Mother
Giant Squid
The Probable Future
The Seven Daughters of Eve
The Divine Comedy: Inferno
... and many more.

The #1 Ladies Detective Agency

*sigh* This book was OK in a cutesy-cutesy sort of way. It was entirely too predictable. I don't recommend this as a must read.

Ambulance Girl

This one is a quick read. It's the story of a middle aged, successful, neurotic women who decides to become an volunteer EMT. It's funny at some points, sad at others. An alright read, but not one I'd call gripping or a must.

The Rule of Four

This was an excellent book. When I read the Da Vinci Code, I was fascinated by the idea of codes in works of art. This goes one better. The code is in a Renaissance book called the Hypnerotomachia Poliphili. The story is wonderful, with believable, three dimensional characters. The neatest part of it is that there really is a Hypnerotomachia Poliphili. It was published in 1499. No one knows who wrote it. You can read more about it (and the book itself) here.

A direction for my blog...

Aha! I have found it. I shall post on books. 'nuff said! :)

Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books

The weirdest thing happened on Sunday. I saw a book and bought it on a whim. When I got home, I started reading it. Now, I know that, so far, I haven't described anything strange. Anyone who knows me knows that I read books at light speed. Greedily gobbling up every word like a child with forbidden candy. I'm really not that discriminating in the books that I read. But this book, it was different. I didn't really get very far the first day. I had to put it down. It made me angry. It made me feel. That so rarely happens, those feelings caused by words on paper. I was intrigued, so I picked it up and tried again. The second time, there was anger and sadness. Two feelings! And now, I've finished it. There are so many feelings, it's so hard to explain. There's so much anger and sadness at the repression the Iranian ladies in this book suffer. There's the helplessness. There's the great respect for their courage in the face of tyranny. And, there's so much else. Most of all, though, I just feel helpless. It's odd. Here, in the US, I have great personal power. I can vote: nationally, statewide, locally. I have a choice in what I read, see, hear and wear. I choose where I work and live. I choose who I marry. I can drive, travel and move about freely. No one tells me what to think, how I should feel, how (what)to worship or what I should do. That's always been something I took for granted. I've always known that I was lucky to have these freedoms. But, it was a theoretical kind of knowing. It never seemed tangible. The women in this book had their freedoms taken away. *poof* Gone. To an American, that is the unimaginable. Worse, those freedoms disappeared in the name of religion and revolution. Devolution, maybe, but not revolution. I saw, through this book, how it would be to be robed and veiled, to be hidden away. Why? Because the mere sight of a strand of hair would be a sexual temptation to a man. What? Are men such animals that they can't control their lust? I think not. I work in a male dominated field. I come into contact with men on a daily basis. I am no raving beauty, but I'm not fugly, either. I refuse to believe that the sight of my hair, legs, or even my cleavage is enough to incite violent lust in men. I saw what it would be like to lose my voice, to become less than silent. I'd like to believe that my opinions matter. I voice them when I vote or debate with friends. But, to be ignored because of my sex, it's unimaginable. I saw what it would be to be property. To be owned, by father, brother, uncle, cousin, husband, is unacceptable to me. I'm not a car or house. I saw what it would be to be a nonperson and it saddens me. It makes me feel so helpless. I can't make their society change. I can't make them see that they do their sisters, mothers, daughters, wives such a great injustice. To be flogged, jailed or killed for wearing nail polish seems unforgivable. Oddly, if the women in this book were happy with their situation, it wouldn't bother me so much. But, they aren't happy. They know that the way they are treated isn't right. Their escape, through books, is one I understand thoroughly. Even their books are censored. Any pleasure is wrong, anathema. Does one have to suffer to be pious? Is that the lesson? Should one be forced to be pious?

The other thing that struck me about this book was how the books they read intertwined with their lives. It was interesting how they identified with different characters. I've always identified with one or more characters in any book I've read. I've mostly read western books, so it's never been a stretch for me to identify with the characters. These ladies had nothing in common with the characters of some of these books, except maybe species. Yet the purely human traits of courage, cowardice, etc., resonated with them. It proves to me that people are people, no matter what cultural background. It'll be interesting to revisit some of the books they discuss with a new perspective.

I will definitely be putting this book on the list of books my children should read. I think they need to see the opposite side of what they are used to. I know they need to understand how lucky we are. Hopefully, they will.

Hello

Well, I now have two friends blogging here. Sadly, I can't post comments to their blogs unless I have a username and password. So, here I am.