He calls this an outstanding

He calls this an outstanding development.

Sha. Right.

As for the suspicion all of you are holding: Yes, all those
larger Danish bust measurements are for real, and not artificially
derived. "The breasts are genuine [ægte]," Ms. Andersen states
flat-out. (What, not even any rounding errors?) It's all due to rising
health and nutrition standards, with most childhood diseases now
eliminated through vaccinations and many more vitamins and minerals
consumed in Danish girls' diets.

I can't read the original article because, duh, it's in Danish and they
want me to register, so I suppose I'll have to take the guy's word for
it. All those larger boob measurements are for real?

Yeah. Ok. Whatever. I'm not buying it.

Posted by: Kathy at 11:06 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 128 words, total size 1 kb.

He calls this an outstanding

He calls this an outstanding development.

Sha. Right.

As for the suspicion all of you are holding: Yes, all those
larger Danish bust measurements are for real, and not artificially
derived. "The breasts are genuine [ægte]," Ms. Andersen states
flat-out. (What, not even any rounding errors?) It's all due to rising
health and nutrition standards, with most childhood diseases now
eliminated through vaccinations and many more vitamins and minerals
consumed in Danish girls' diets.

I can't read the original article because, duh, it's in Danish and they
want me to register, so I suppose I'll have to take the guy's word for
it. All those larger boob measurements are for real?

Yeah. Ok. Whatever. I'm not buying it.

Posted by: Kathy at 11:06 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 128 words, total size 1 kb.

--- Since it's Friday night,

--- Since it's Friday night, let's get a little wild with international relations theory.

Realist Theory Versus Utopianism
"Realist theory dominated the study of international relations in the
United States from the 1940s to the 1960s. Moreover, what is termed the
traditional paradigm of the international system is based upon the
assumptions found in realist theory: 1. that nation-states, in a
“state-centric” system, are the key actors; 2. that domestic
politics are clearly separated from foreign policy; 3. that
international politics is a struggle for power in an anarchic
environment; 4. that there are gradations of capabilities among
nation-states---greater powers and lesser states---in a decentralized
international system of states possessing legal equality, or
sovereignty. Nevertheless, since the 1970̢۪s there has been not only a
revival of interest in realism but the emergence of a broadly based
neorealist approach, described in this chapter. Textbooks by realist
scholars and their other writings, often policy-oriented, especially in
the generation after WWII, have had wide currency both in official and
academic circlesâ€Â¦ Realist theory, like utopianism in this respect, is
normative and policy-oriented, although its proponents purport to
present an analysis based upon a theoretical framework drawn from
history of the international system, especially the era of Europe̢۪s
classical balance of power. In part, realist theory stand as a critique
of utopianism, whose normative emphasis is the possibility of
transforming the nation-state system through international law and
organization. In marked contrast, realism posits that the prospects for
effecting a dramatic and fundamental transformation in the
international system are not great. The international system is shaped
by numerous forces, many of which are unchanging and unchangeable.
Unlike utopians, realists assume there is no essential harmony of
interest among nations. Instead, they suggest that nation-states often
have conflicting national objectives, some of which may lead to war.
{â€Â¦}Realist theorist assume that certain largely immutable factors
such as geography and the nature of human behavior shape international
conduct. In contrast to utopianism, realism holds that human nature is
essentially constant, or at least not easily altered. In the utopian
framework human behavior is said to be improvable, and perhaps even
perfectible. Utopianism is based on the idea that politics can be made
to conform to an ethical standard. Norms of behavior, such as those
specified in international law and organization, can be established,
and, later if not sooner, can be made the basis for international
behavior. In contrast the realist posits that there are severe
limitations on in the extent to which political reform or education can
alter human nature: Humankind is evil, sinful, and power seeking.
According to realist theory, human nature is not innately good or
perfectible. The task of the statesman lies in fashioning political
frameworks within which the human propensity to engage in conflict can
be minimized. Hence the realist writers emphasize regulatory mechanisms
such as balance of powerâ€Â¦ Because of the difficulty of achieving
peace through international law and organization, or even by means of
world government, it is necessary to devise other arrangements for the
management of power. The balance of power is said to furnish an
important regulatory device to prevent any other nation or other
political group from hegemony. {â€Â¦}Realists assume, moreover, that
moral principles in their abstract formulation cannot be applied to
specific political actions. The statesman operates in an international
environment within the state by the absence of authoritative political
institutions, legal systems, and commonly accepted standards of
conduct. Therefore, the standards of conduct at the international level
differ from those governing behavior within a national unit. In the
words of George F. Kennan, “Government is an agent, not a principal.
Its primary obligation is to the interests of the national society it
represents, not to the moral impulses of the individual elements of
that society may experience."" -Contending Theories of International Relations. James Dougherty and Robert Pfaltzgraff, Jr.

Posted by: Kathy at 11:02 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 652 words, total size 5 kb.

--- Since it's Friday night,

--- Since it's Friday night, let's get a little wild with international relations theory.

Realist Theory Versus Utopianism
"Realist theory dominated the study of international relations in the
United States from the 1940s to the 1960s. Moreover, what is termed the
traditional paradigm of the international system is based upon the
assumptions found in realist theory: 1. that nation-states, in a
“state-centric” system, are the key actors; 2. that domestic
politics are clearly separated from foreign policy; 3. that
international politics is a struggle for power in an anarchic
environment; 4. that there are gradations of capabilities among
nation-states---greater powers and lesser states---in a decentralized
international system of states possessing legal equality, or
sovereignty. Nevertheless, since the 1970̢۪s there has been not only a
revival of interest in realism but the emergence of a broadly based
neorealist approach, described in this chapter. Textbooks by realist
scholars and their other writings, often policy-oriented, especially in
the generation after WWII, have had wide currency both in official and
academic circlesâ€Â¦ Realist theory, like utopianism in this respect, is
normative and policy-oriented, although its proponents purport to
present an analysis based upon a theoretical framework drawn from
history of the international system, especially the era of Europe̢۪s
classical balance of power. In part, realist theory stand as a critique
of utopianism, whose normative emphasis is the possibility of
transforming the nation-state system through international law and
organization. In marked contrast, realism posits that the prospects for
effecting a dramatic and fundamental transformation in the
international system are not great. The international system is shaped
by numerous forces, many of which are unchanging and unchangeable.
Unlike utopians, realists assume there is no essential harmony of
interest among nations. Instead, they suggest that nation-states often
have conflicting national objectives, some of which may lead to war.
{â€Â¦}Realist theorist assume that certain largely immutable factors
such as geography and the nature of human behavior shape international
conduct. In contrast to utopianism, realism holds that human nature is
essentially constant, or at least not easily altered. In the utopian
framework human behavior is said to be improvable, and perhaps even
perfectible. Utopianism is based on the idea that politics can be made
to conform to an ethical standard. Norms of behavior, such as those
specified in international law and organization, can be established,
and, later if not sooner, can be made the basis for international
behavior. In contrast the realist posits that there are severe
limitations on in the extent to which political reform or education can
alter human nature: Humankind is evil, sinful, and power seeking.
According to realist theory, human nature is not innately good or
perfectible. The task of the statesman lies in fashioning political
frameworks within which the human propensity to engage in conflict can
be minimized. Hence the realist writers emphasize regulatory mechanisms
such as balance of powerâ€Â¦ Because of the difficulty of achieving
peace through international law and organization, or even by means of
world government, it is necessary to devise other arrangements for the
management of power. The balance of power is said to furnish an
important regulatory device to prevent any other nation or other
political group from hegemony. {â€Â¦}Realists assume, moreover, that
moral principles in their abstract formulation cannot be applied to
specific political actions. The statesman operates in an international
environment within the state by the absence of authoritative political
institutions, legal systems, and commonly accepted standards of
conduct. Therefore, the standards of conduct at the international level
differ from those governing behavior within a national unit. In the
words of George F. Kennan, “Government is an agent, not a principal.
Its primary obligation is to the interests of the national society it
represents, not to the moral impulses of the individual elements of
that society may experience."" -Contending Theories of International Relations. James Dougherty and Robert Pfaltzgraff, Jr.

Posted by: Kathy at 11:02 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 652 words, total size 5 kb.

--- Look out, Omaha City

--- Look out, Omaha City Council. I have a feeling my mother is gonna go on a rampage.

Why?

A City Councilman in Omaha is proposing a workplace" smoking ban.

It's time to clear the air for Omaha employees, according to City
Councilman Marc Kraft. Kraft is proposing a workplace smoking ban. He
hopes the council will consider the measure by August, a timetable that
should give everyone involved a chance to voice their opinion. Kraft
said the city should ensure that workers have a safe, healthy
atmosphere. "We don't allow people to work in areas full of asbestos or
other carcinogens," he said.
Uh-oh. This could get really ugly.

Posted by: Kathy at 10:51 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 120 words, total size 1 kb.

--- Look out, Omaha City

--- Look out, Omaha City Council. I have a feeling my mother is gonna go on a rampage.

Why?

A City Councilman in Omaha is proposing a workplace" smoking ban.

It's time to clear the air for Omaha employees, according to City
Councilman Marc Kraft. Kraft is proposing a workplace smoking ban. He
hopes the council will consider the measure by August, a timetable that
should give everyone involved a chance to voice their opinion. Kraft
said the city should ensure that workers have a safe, healthy
atmosphere. "We don't allow people to work in areas full of asbestos or
other carcinogens," he said.
Uh-oh. This could get really ugly.

Posted by: Kathy at 10:51 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 120 words, total size 1 kb.

Again, it's a Friday night.

Again, it's a Friday night. Let us continue with some really exciting international relations theory. Try and stay awake.

Balance of Power
The oldest, most persistent and most controversial of all theories of
international politics---the balance of power---was recognized at least
implicitly in ancient India and in ancient Greece, although it was
never formally articulated. David Hume noted that although the term balance of power
may be modern, “the maxim of preserving the balance of power is
founded so much on common sense and obvious reasoning that it is
impossible that it could altogether have escaped antiquity,”
concluding that it had been practiced from ancient times to the
eighteenth century.
Insofar as it could be called a formal theory of international
politics, the modern concept of balance of power was associated with
the Newtonian conception of the universe in equilibrium.
{â€Â¦}Naturally, theorists of international social reality employ
“balance” as a central organizing concept for the power relations
of nation-states, and then assume that the latter are driven, almost by
a law of their own nature, to seek their security by some form of
power-balancing. Balance of Power: Problems and Definitions

The term balance of power
has been roundly criticized for causing considerable semantic
confusion. Ernst B. Haas found at least eight distinct meanings for the
term: 1. any distribution of power, 2. equilibrium or balancing
process, 3. hegemony or search for hegemony, 4. stability and peace in
a concert of power, 5. instability and war, 6. power politics in
general, 7. a universal law of history, and 8. a system and guide to
policymakers. “The trouble with the balance of power,” says Inis L.
Claude, Jr. “is not that it has not meaning but that it has too many
meanings.” The term that has been used to connote equilibrium and
disequilibrium, or any distribution of power whether balanced or
unbalanced, or as both policy and system (either automatic and
self-regulating or wholly dependent upon manipulation by shrewd
statesmen). Claude concludes that the concept of balance of power is
extremely difficult to analyze because those who write about it not
only fail to provide precise clues as to its meaning but often “slide
blissfully from one usage of the term ro another and back again,
without posting any warning that plural meanings exist.”
It is true that the concept of balance of power is riddled with
ambiguity. Many statesmen have sought a unilateral superiority rather
than an objective bilateral balance with their principal rival.
Nevertheless, it is theoretically possible to conceive of the balance
of power as a situation or condition, as a universal tendency or law of
state behavior, as a guide for statesmanship, and as a mode of
system-maintenance characteristic of certain types of international
systems. As long as we think in terms of equilibrium rather than
superiority, these four usages need not be inconsistent with each
other. Conceived as a situation or condition, balance of power implies
an objective arrangement in which there is relatively widespread
satisfaction with the distribution of power. The universal tendency or
law describes a probability, and enables one to predict, that members
of a system threatened by the emergence of a “disturber of the
balance”---that is, a power seemingly bent on establishing an
international hegemony---will form a countervailing coalition. Balance
of power as a policy guide prescribes to statesmen who would act
“rationally” that they should maintain eternal vigilance and be
prepared to organize a countervailing coalition against the disrupter
of equilibrium. Balance of power as a system refers to a multinational
society in which all essential factors preserve their identity,
integrity, and independence through the balancing process. Contending Theories of International Relations James E. Dougherty and Robert L. Pfaltzgraff, Jr.

Posted by: Kathy at 10:45 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 628 words, total size 4 kb.

Again, it's a Friday night.

Again, it's a Friday night. Let us continue with some really exciting international relations theory. Try and stay awake.

Balance of Power
The oldest, most persistent and most controversial of all theories of
international politics---the balance of power---was recognized at least
implicitly in ancient India and in ancient Greece, although it was
never formally articulated. David Hume noted that although the term balance of power
may be modern, “the maxim of preserving the balance of power is
founded so much on common sense and obvious reasoning that it is
impossible that it could altogether have escaped antiquity,”
concluding that it had been practiced from ancient times to the
eighteenth century.
Insofar as it could be called a formal theory of international
politics, the modern concept of balance of power was associated with
the Newtonian conception of the universe in equilibrium.
{â€Â¦}Naturally, theorists of international social reality employ
“balance” as a central organizing concept for the power relations
of nation-states, and then assume that the latter are driven, almost by
a law of their own nature, to seek their security by some form of
power-balancing. Balance of Power: Problems and Definitions

The term balance of power
has been roundly criticized for causing considerable semantic
confusion. Ernst B. Haas found at least eight distinct meanings for the
term: 1. any distribution of power, 2. equilibrium or balancing
process, 3. hegemony or search for hegemony, 4. stability and peace in
a concert of power, 5. instability and war, 6. power politics in
general, 7. a universal law of history, and 8. a system and guide to
policymakers. “The trouble with the balance of power,” says Inis L.
Claude, Jr. “is not that it has not meaning but that it has too many
meanings.” The term that has been used to connote equilibrium and
disequilibrium, or any distribution of power whether balanced or
unbalanced, or as both policy and system (either automatic and
self-regulating or wholly dependent upon manipulation by shrewd
statesmen). Claude concludes that the concept of balance of power is
extremely difficult to analyze because those who write about it not
only fail to provide precise clues as to its meaning but often “slide
blissfully from one usage of the term ro another and back again,
without posting any warning that plural meanings exist.”
It is true that the concept of balance of power is riddled with
ambiguity. Many statesmen have sought a unilateral superiority rather
than an objective bilateral balance with their principal rival.
Nevertheless, it is theoretically possible to conceive of the balance
of power as a situation or condition, as a universal tendency or law of
state behavior, as a guide for statesmanship, and as a mode of
system-maintenance characteristic of certain types of international
systems. As long as we think in terms of equilibrium rather than
superiority, these four usages need not be inconsistent with each
other. Conceived as a situation or condition, balance of power implies
an objective arrangement in which there is relatively widespread
satisfaction with the distribution of power. The universal tendency or
law describes a probability, and enables one to predict, that members
of a system threatened by the emergence of a “disturber of the
balance”---that is, a power seemingly bent on establishing an
international hegemony---will form a countervailing coalition. Balance
of power as a policy guide prescribes to statesmen who would act
“rationally” that they should maintain eternal vigilance and be
prepared to organize a countervailing coalition against the disrupter
of equilibrium. Balance of power as a system refers to a multinational
society in which all essential factors preserve their identity,
integrity, and independence through the balancing process. Contending Theories of International Relations James E. Dougherty and Robert L. Pfaltzgraff, Jr.

Posted by: Kathy at 10:45 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 628 words, total size 4 kb.

--- Do you remember Don

--- Do you remember Don Music from your childhood? If you watched
Sesame Street, you might remember him---vaguely.
Don was a composer who could never get the words to rhyme. Invariably,
as he became increasingly frustrated, he would start banging his head
against his piano, as if that would solve the problem. I don't know
what exactly they were trying to teach us becuase I can't remember the
moral of his little stories---all I can remember is the head banging
and the frustration that led up to it.
There are many times I feel like Don Music. This would be one of them.
Scientists Embrace Plot for 'Tomorrow'

No one is pretending the forthcoming film ``The Day After Tomorrow''
is anything but implausible: In the $125 million movie, global warming
triggers a cascade of events that practically flash freeze the planet.
It's an abruptness no one believes possible, least of all the
filmmakers behind the 20th Century Fox release. ``It's very
cinematic to choose the worst-case scenario, which we did,'' said
co-screenwriter Jeffrey Nachmanoff.
Nonetheless, scientists are embracing the movie, unusual for those
whose stock in trade is fact.
``My first reaction was, 'Oh my God, this is a disaster because it is
such a distortion of the science. It will certainly create a
backlash,''' said Dan Schrag, a Harvard University paleoclimatologist.
``I have sobered up somewhat, because the
public is probably smart enough to distinguish between Hollywood and
the real world.''

Oh, we're probably
smart enough to distinguish between Hollywood and the real world? Gee
thanks for your overwhelming vote of approval. Could you can wipe the
drool from my cro-magnon chin because you seem like a really nice guy
and all and God only knows I really depend upon people like you to help
me realize what's really important in this world. / sarcasm.
The backlash is comin' boy---it's going to be just as you predicted,
though, because I'm plenty smart enough to realize your arguments are
overhyped, sensationalized, psuedoscientific crap. But wait---it gets
even better. The movie also has mobilized activists, who are seizing on it as
an occasion to spark public discussion about a subject they feel is
getting short shrift from the public and policy-makers alike. ``The Day
After,'' a similarly titled 1983 television movie that dealt with the
aftermath of nuclear war, engendered similar debate.

Hold on to your diapies, babies! It's gonna be a bumpy ride!

Moveon.org, the San Francisco-based liberal advocacy group, is
organizing a town hall meeting to coincide with the movie's New York
City premiere later this month. Former Vice President Al Gore, comedian
and author Al Franken and environmentalist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are
among those expected to attend.
Oh, good heavens. They're rolling out Al Gore to talk about Global
Warming! Woohoo. What exactly does he know about it? Oh, that's right
he wrote a book about it. He's an expert. (Yeaaah...right) But if Al Gore is an expert, what does that make Al Franken---the Pope?

``To have a major studio release of a movie tackling a serious issue
is a terrific opportunity for Americans to start talking about the
reality of the problem, what can be done about it and the enormous
threat that President Bush is not dealing with,'' said Peter Schurman,
Moveon.org's executive director.

And if I can get my nose any further up the ass of whomever might
give me a job after Kerry tanks, I'll be able to continue fighting for
the cause because the cause is so DAMN important and if you don't agree
with me, well then you're of course you probably work for Halliburton
and drive an SUV and support chopping down the rainforests, you bad,
bad woman, you!

Ah, I hate to point this out to you, but you still have shit on your nose.

Producer Mark Gordon hopes his movie will make people think. He
stressed it wasn't made to suit an agenda, but he clearly reveled in
the stir it's caused.

Oh, fer chrissakes. Go and look at your website and
tell me the movie wasn't made to suit an agenda. If you really believe
that after peeking around, well, there's some land in Florida that you
might be interested in...
I still feel like Don Music. I still want to slam my head against a
piano keyboard. I think I'll go bake some cookies instead. That's
productive at least.

Posted by: Kathy at 10:40 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 743 words, total size 5 kb.

--- Do you remember Don

--- Do you remember Don Music from your childhood? If you watched
Sesame Street, you might remember him---vaguely.
Don was a composer who could never get the words to rhyme. Invariably,
as he became increasingly frustrated, he would start banging his head
against his piano, as if that would solve the problem. I don't know
what exactly they were trying to teach us becuase I can't remember the
moral of his little stories---all I can remember is the head banging
and the frustration that led up to it.
There are many times I feel like Don Music. This would be one of them.
Scientists Embrace Plot for 'Tomorrow'

No one is pretending the forthcoming film ``The Day After Tomorrow''
is anything but implausible: In the $125 million movie, global warming
triggers a cascade of events that practically flash freeze the planet.
It's an abruptness no one believes possible, least of all the
filmmakers behind the 20th Century Fox release. ``It's very
cinematic to choose the worst-case scenario, which we did,'' said
co-screenwriter Jeffrey Nachmanoff.
Nonetheless, scientists are embracing the movie, unusual for those
whose stock in trade is fact.
``My first reaction was, 'Oh my God, this is a disaster because it is
such a distortion of the science. It will certainly create a
backlash,''' said Dan Schrag, a Harvard University paleoclimatologist.
``I have sobered up somewhat, because the
public is probably smart enough to distinguish between Hollywood and
the real world.''

Oh, we're probably
smart enough to distinguish between Hollywood and the real world? Gee
thanks for your overwhelming vote of approval. Could you can wipe the
drool from my cro-magnon chin because you seem like a really nice guy
and all and God only knows I really depend upon people like you to help
me realize what's really important in this world. / sarcasm.
The backlash is comin' boy---it's going to be just as you predicted,
though, because I'm plenty smart enough to realize your arguments are
overhyped, sensationalized, psuedoscientific crap. But wait---it gets
even better. The movie also has mobilized activists, who are seizing on it as
an occasion to spark public discussion about a subject they feel is
getting short shrift from the public and policy-makers alike. ``The Day
After,'' a similarly titled 1983 television movie that dealt with the
aftermath of nuclear war, engendered similar debate.

Hold on to your diapies, babies! It's gonna be a bumpy ride!

Moveon.org, the San Francisco-based liberal advocacy group, is
organizing a town hall meeting to coincide with the movie's New York
City premiere later this month. Former Vice President Al Gore, comedian
and author Al Franken and environmentalist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are
among those expected to attend.
Oh, good heavens. They're rolling out Al Gore to talk about Global
Warming! Woohoo. What exactly does he know about it? Oh, that's right
he wrote a book about it. He's an expert. (Yeaaah...right) But if Al Gore is an expert, what does that make Al Franken---the Pope?

``To have a major studio release of a movie tackling a serious issue
is a terrific opportunity for Americans to start talking about the
reality of the problem, what can be done about it and the enormous
threat that President Bush is not dealing with,'' said Peter Schurman,
Moveon.org's executive director.

And if I can get my nose any further up the ass of whomever might
give me a job after Kerry tanks, I'll be able to continue fighting for
the cause because the cause is so DAMN important and if you don't agree
with me, well then you're of course you probably work for Halliburton
and drive an SUV and support chopping down the rainforests, you bad,
bad woman, you!

Ah, I hate to point this out to you, but you still have shit on your nose.

Producer Mark Gordon hopes his movie will make people think. He
stressed it wasn't made to suit an agenda, but he clearly reveled in
the stir it's caused.

Oh, fer chrissakes. Go and look at your website and
tell me the movie wasn't made to suit an agenda. If you really believe
that after peeking around, well, there's some land in Florida that you
might be interested in...
I still feel like Don Music. I still want to slam my head against a
piano keyboard. I think I'll go bake some cookies instead. That's
productive at least.

Posted by: Kathy at 10:40 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 743 words, total size 5 kb.

Reuters scores an email interview

Reuters scores an email interview with Rance.

Rance loves shrimp and logic puzzles. He's tolerant of
paparazzi but tough on gossips. He's bored by Shakespeare and the
summer blockbuster "Troy" but admires Joan Rivers. And through it all
he's amused by life in Los Angeles -- the way a birthday party in the
suburbs can turn into an unexpected meeting with a dominatrix and a
late-night nude dip in the Chateau Marmont pool can be interrupted by
an SUV crash on Sunset Boulevard. "It is tough in L.," Rance says of
the city. "The good news is there are Fatburgers." Though he has
received two "serious" proposals from people in publishing to turn his
blog into a book, Rance said he has not yet pursued that idea, content
for now to communicate to the outside world through the Internet. "With
no disrespect intended, media in general seldom if ever permits a
person, be he actor or President, to present himself the way he would
like -- and certainly not to the degree a blog does," Rance said.
"Still, there's a megabyte or two's worth of irony in my situation," he
said.

If it's Owen I'll be happy. It sounds like Owen. Don't ask me what the hell Owen sounds
like, but it seems a plausible notion that it would indeed be Owen. Gut
feeling. He's got that whole "I'm somewhat perplexed by life thing"
going on that Carrey, Clooney, and Affleck just don't have. He sees the
other side of life. Whereas they've got the world on a string and
there's all the depth of a wading pool with those three. But Owen? I
dunno. It makes sense somehow. He did co-write Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums.
(And of course obligtory grudge moment against the Academy for dissing
Bill Murray's performance in Rushmore. GRRRR.)
However, just in case I'm wrong and it indeed turns out to be Ben
Affleck, I will have to scrub my fingers with lye for typing words that
promoted a blog of his. It's not really an earth shattering deal one
way or another for me. It's just a puzzle to be solved. An interesting
story. A potential hoax. Something to wonder about in odd moments.

Posted by: Kathy at 10:38 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 380 words, total size 2 kb.

Reuters scores an email interview

Reuters scores an email interview with Rance.

Rance loves shrimp and logic puzzles. He's tolerant of
paparazzi but tough on gossips. He's bored by Shakespeare and the
summer blockbuster "Troy" but admires Joan Rivers. And through it all
he's amused by life in Los Angeles -- the way a birthday party in the
suburbs can turn into an unexpected meeting with a dominatrix and a
late-night nude dip in the Chateau Marmont pool can be interrupted by
an SUV crash on Sunset Boulevard. "It is tough in L.," Rance says of
the city. "The good news is there are Fatburgers." Though he has
received two "serious" proposals from people in publishing to turn his
blog into a book, Rance said he has not yet pursued that idea, content
for now to communicate to the outside world through the Internet. "With
no disrespect intended, media in general seldom if ever permits a
person, be he actor or President, to present himself the way he would
like -- and certainly not to the degree a blog does," Rance said.
"Still, there's a megabyte or two's worth of irony in my situation," he
said.

If it's Owen I'll be happy. It sounds like Owen. Don't ask me what the hell Owen sounds
like, but it seems a plausible notion that it would indeed be Owen. Gut
feeling. He's got that whole "I'm somewhat perplexed by life thing"
going on that Carrey, Clooney, and Affleck just don't have. He sees the
other side of life. Whereas they've got the world on a string and
there's all the depth of a wading pool with those three. But Owen? I
dunno. It makes sense somehow. He did co-write Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums.
(And of course obligtory grudge moment against the Academy for dissing
Bill Murray's performance in Rushmore. GRRRR.)
However, just in case I'm wrong and it indeed turns out to be Ben
Affleck, I will have to scrub my fingers with lye for typing words that
promoted a blog of his. It's not really an earth shattering deal one
way or another for me. It's just a puzzle to be solved. An interesting
story. A potential hoax. Something to wonder about in odd moments.

Posted by: Kathy at 10:38 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 380 words, total size 2 kb.

--- Just when you think

--- Just when you think you can't be possibly be offended any further;
that the idiocy of certain people really can numb your mind---Monty
Hall shows off his dentures and informs you in his cheesy voice that
has something just for you behind door number three.

You become disheartened that God would allow such a flaming asshole to walk the Earth. But you surf further and read something like this and know that things will probably turn out just fine because you were able to laugh about it.

And then you tell your husband about it and he adds to your feeling of impending well being by saying this:

"Ted Rall has all the intelligence of my long since discarded foreskin."

Posted by: Kathy at 10:36 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 131 words, total size 1 kb.

--- Just when you think

--- Just when you think you can't be possibly be offended any further;
that the idiocy of certain people really can numb your mind---Monty
Hall shows off his dentures and informs you in his cheesy voice that
has something just for you behind door number three.

You become disheartened that God would allow such a flaming asshole to walk the Earth. But you surf further and read something like this and know that things will probably turn out just fine because you were able to laugh about it.

And then you tell your husband about it and he adds to your feeling of impending well being by saying this:

"Ted Rall has all the intelligence of my long since discarded foreskin."

Posted by: Kathy at 10:36 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 131 words, total size 1 kb.

This certainly isn't welcome news.

This certainly isn't welcome news.

A few days after Libya's historic pledge on Dec. 19 to
abandon the quest for nuclear weapons, Libyan intelligence officials
met with visiting U.S. diplomats to deliver some unsettling news: A
sizable quantity of nuclear equipment purchased by Libya appeared to be
missing.
The equipment -- sensitive components of machines used to enrich
uranium -- had been ordered from black-market suppliers months earlier
and was now long overdue, the Libyans disclosed. According to U.S.
officials present at the meeting, the Libyans wanted to prepare the
Americans for the possibility that more illicit nuclear shipments could
suddenly appear on Tripoli's docks.
"They clearly expected more things to turn up," said one of the U.S.
participants.
Four months later, the wait continues. Despite a search that has
spanned the globe, U.S. and international investigators are still
struggling to account for a number of sensitive parts Libya ordered for
construction of its uranium enrichment plant -- parts that potentially
could be used by other countries or groups seeking nuclear weapons.
The whereabouts of the parts is one of several mysteries that has
preoccupied officials involved in the biggest investigation of nuclear
smuggling in history -- the probe into the black-market network led by
former Pakistani nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan. U.S. and U.N.
investigators have identified many of the network's operatives and
methods and recovered tens of thousands of parts in a dragnet that has
reached from Southeast Asia to the Middle East and Europe. Yet, the
investigators believe that some of the suppliers to the network have
not yet been identified -- and perhaps some customers, as well.
"We haven't gotten to the bottom of the story," acknowledged one senior
Bush administration official involved in the investigation. "We
continue to look for, and expect to make, new discoveries. We don't
think the story is fully revealed yet."

I can't believe the Libyans actually thought they'd turn up, like a J.Crew sweater that's been backordered.

Sheesh.

Posted by: Kathy at 10:32 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 338 words, total size 2 kb.

This certainly isn't welcome news.

This certainly isn't welcome news.

A few days after Libya's historic pledge on Dec. 19 to
abandon the quest for nuclear weapons, Libyan intelligence officials
met with visiting U.S. diplomats to deliver some unsettling news: A
sizable quantity of nuclear equipment purchased by Libya appeared to be
missing.
The equipment -- sensitive components of machines used to enrich
uranium -- had been ordered from black-market suppliers months earlier
and was now long overdue, the Libyans disclosed. According to U.S.
officials present at the meeting, the Libyans wanted to prepare the
Americans for the possibility that more illicit nuclear shipments could
suddenly appear on Tripoli's docks.
"They clearly expected more things to turn up," said one of the U.S.
participants.
Four months later, the wait continues. Despite a search that has
spanned the globe, U.S. and international investigators are still
struggling to account for a number of sensitive parts Libya ordered for
construction of its uranium enrichment plant -- parts that potentially
could be used by other countries or groups seeking nuclear weapons.
The whereabouts of the parts is one of several mysteries that has
preoccupied officials involved in the biggest investigation of nuclear
smuggling in history -- the probe into the black-market network led by
former Pakistani nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan. U.S. and U.N.
investigators have identified many of the network's operatives and
methods and recovered tens of thousands of parts in a dragnet that has
reached from Southeast Asia to the Middle East and Europe. Yet, the
investigators believe that some of the suppliers to the network have
not yet been identified -- and perhaps some customers, as well.
"We haven't gotten to the bottom of the story," acknowledged one senior
Bush administration official involved in the investigation. "We
continue to look for, and expect to make, new discoveries. We don't
think the story is fully revealed yet."

I can't believe the Libyans actually thought they'd turn up, like a J.Crew sweater that's been backordered.

Sheesh.

Posted by: Kathy at 10:32 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 338 words, total size 2 kb.

--- It's Open Mic Night

--- It's Open Mic Night over at A Small Victory.

Subject matter: five things you should be ashamed of, but aren't. You can read my entry here and maybe learn a few new things about me. Because it's all about me. Me me me me...me.

And now maybe I'll see how this trackback thing is supposed to work. Hmmmm.

UPDATE: Hot damn! It worked! On the third try, but it worked!
Woohoo! I rule...for the next twenty-five seconds until I screw
something up.

Posted by: Kathy at 10:26 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 93 words, total size 1 kb.

--- It's Open Mic Night

--- It's Open Mic Night over at A Small Victory.

Subject matter: five things you should be ashamed of, but aren't. You can read my entry here and maybe learn a few new things about me. Because it's all about me. Me me me me...me.

And now maybe I'll see how this trackback thing is supposed to work. Hmmmm.

UPDATE: Hot damn! It worked! On the third try, but it worked!
Woohoo! I rule...for the next twenty-five seconds until I screw
something up.

Posted by: Kathy at 10:26 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 93 words, total size 1 kb.

I'm not a big follower

I'm not a big follower of pro basketball, but hey, it seems it might be
the Wolves' year. They actually made it out of the first round of the
playoffs. They just wrapped up the second round
and are going up against the Lakers on Friday night for the Western
Conference Championship.
Well Done.
Although, it would have made my life easier come Friday night if you
guys had lost. No offense or anything, but I have a party to go in
downtown that night. Thaaaaaaanks. Traffic is going to suck.

Posted by: Kathy at 10:18 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 101 words, total size 1 kb.

I'm not a big follower

I'm not a big follower of pro basketball, but hey, it seems it might be
the Wolves' year. They actually made it out of the first round of the
playoffs. They just wrapped up the second round
and are going up against the Lakers on Friday night for the Western
Conference Championship.
Well Done.
Although, it would have made my life easier come Friday night if you
guys had lost. No offense or anything, but I have a party to go in
downtown that night. Thaaaaaaanks. Traffic is going to suck.

Posted by: Kathy at 10:18 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 101 words, total size 1 kb.