Our Founders placed respect for private property as a key principle when writing our nation's Constitution, and the protection of private property resulted in the United States becoming the greatest economic power in the world and a beacon of freedom to all. This principle is even more important today, as homeownership has become an increasingly integral part of our citizens' aspirations for a better future for themselves and their loved ones. If the Supreme Court will not protect our right to ownership, then political leaders must step up to the challenge.
1
Dear Caltech Gal, would love to have you on board!
I'd like to invite you to support Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's candidacy for Vice-President on the Republican Ticket. Sarah is an absolutely remarkable elected official, the nation's most popular state official.
I urge you to read Fred's laudatory piece about Sarah in The Weekly Standard, available by clicking on the following link: The Most Popular Governor
He says the following:
"The wipeout in the 2006 election left Republicans in such a state of dejection that they've overlooked the one shining victory in which a Republican star was born. The triumph came in Alaska where Sarah Palin, a politician of eye-popping integrity, was elected governor. She is now the most popular governor in America, with an approval rating in the 90s, and probably the most popular public official in any state.
Her rise is a great (and rare) story of how adherence to principle-especially to transparency and accountability in government-can produce political success. And by the way, Palin is a conservative who only last month vetoed 13 percent of the state's proposed budget for capital projects. The cuts, the Anchorage Daily News said, "may be the biggest single-year line-item veto total in state history."
Here's what I recently wrote about Sarah on my blog: Campaign2008VictoryA (reachable at http://camp2008victorya.blogspot.com/
"If the Democrats had a Sarah Palin -- which they don't -- she'd be up on stage battling it out with Hillary, Barack, and John. When the Democrats have someone who's highly electable, they put him or her out there in front of the nation -- as they did at the convention with Obama. We Republicans have a lot to learn when it comes to highlighting candidates like Sarah (and Michael Steele and J. C. Watts)."
The mother of four, Sarah is ardently pro-life.
Frankly, if we Republicans are to win in 2008, we have to present candidates -- plural -- who are appealing, dynamic, and diverse. Right now, we're way behind in fundraising and marginally behind in national polls. We won't overcome these deficits by pursuing "business as usual." We need to put our very best people forward.
If you want to learn more about Sarah -- or, to join the number of bloggers and others who support her candidacy for V-P-- please let me know either by e-mail (TalkTop65@aol.com) or by leaving a comment on my site.
Today at that site I've had many visitors from the U.S., but also people from the UK, Denmark, the French Alps, Italy, and Turkey. I guess our movement is becoming worldwide.
Thanks for your interest!
Stephen R. Maloney
Ambridge, PA
National Coordinator, Palin for V-P
P.S. You can learn more about Sarah by visiting my site and, if you wish, by clicking on any of the many links to articles and supporters at Campaign2008VictoryA
In addition to the Barnes piece, other recent articles about Sarah by important conservatives include Dimitri Vassilaros' Palin is GOP's beacon - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and Tom Koenniger's piece at: http://palintology.com/.
Posted by: Stephen Maloney at July 31, 2007 04:02 PM (7MeZM)
1
1. Traditional :: Food
2. Popeye :: Spinach
3. Gin :: and Tonic
4. Harsh :: Brutal
5. Topless :: Bra
6. The thing :: Marvel
7. Defiant :: Student
8. Huge :: Dick
9. Food :: Yummy
10. Lenny :: Kravitz
Posted by: GMTrojan at July 30, 2007 10:26 PM (qPLLC)
2
1. Traditional :: service
2. Popeye :: doyle
3. Gin :: & tonic
4. Harsh :: mellow
5. Topless :: beach
6. The thing :: that ate New York
7. Defiant :: ones
8. Huge :: tiny
9. Food :: pound cake
10. Lenny :: squiggy
Even I can see how old I am when I do these! LOL!
Posted by: Mrs. Who at August 01, 2007 08:05 PM (9FXen)
8
Hello,
We would like to do an interview with you about your blog for
www.BlogInterviewer.com . We'd like to give you the opportunity to
give us some insight on the "person behind the blog."
It would just take a few minutes of your time. The interview form can
be submitted online at http://bloginterviewer.com/submit-an-interview
Best regards,
Mike Thomas
Posted by: Mike Thomas at August 02, 2007 09:37 AM (yrf6G)
9
I got SPAMMED by Mr. Thomas too, I'm not interested in an "interview" or their popularity contest.
Posted by: DirtCrashr at August 02, 2007 10:30 AM (VNM5w)
10
1. Traditional ::wedding
2. Popeye :: spinach
3. Gin :: and tonic
4. Harsh :: words
5. Topless :: beach
6. The thing ::for all
7. Defiant :: few
8. Huge :: land mass
9. Food :: for all
10. Lenny :: the man
Posted by: Prem at August 03, 2007 02:44 AM (q96Jo)
This internet is a funny thing
I cried like a baby this morning, y'all. Seriously. Helen writes:
There's a song I heard by chance when this IVF round started. I heard it and I listened to it constantly, as it's a sweet, calming, pure song that goes in one ear and right out the top of your toe, massaging every nerve in comfort on its way out. I listened to this song through the shots, the surgeries, the positives, the scans, the scares. This song has been with the Lemonheads since before their existence. I got the headphones and placed one beside one baby, one beside the other.
I hit play.
I heard the song myself as I watched the slide move, indicating the song was playing.
I waited.
And waited.
Then I felt it - a flutter from the left. A kick from the right. Mama, we're sleepy.
I smiled as the song ended, then plugged the iPod into my own ears and fell back asleep listening to the song.
Mama, we're sleepy. That was it. Big ol' sobs. I can't wait for the Lemonheads to be here. But I'll wait as long as it takes for them to be healthy!
All this is a long winded way of saying that Helen is home from the hospital, and feeling a bit better after a hell of a scare, although she and the Lemonheads will be closely watched for the next 10-12 weeks (hopefully!)
Do drop by and give her your love, as she is worn out, sore, and scared, and I'm pretty sure your well wishes are more than welcome right now.
1
Bless your heart. I do know how that feels, tho. I cry when I read a LOT of her posts.
And you're NOT a jinx. See?
xoxo
Posted by: Margi at July 30, 2007 02:39 PM (Y7BFR)
2
I couldn't even leave a comment over there this morning after I read her post; I was SO messed up. My heart nearly stopped when I thought the Lemonheads might be in danger, then I cried my eyes out at approximately the same passage you cited.
I was spent.
Thank God she and the babies made it through! And I agree; the internet IS a funny thing!
3
You don't have to ask me. I stop by almost every day, and have for, umm, the last 4-5 years.
I'm glad that she's doing better, albeit in a kidney suffering kind of way. Watching her countdown reminds exactly of my wife's pregnancy. Each week that passed marked another milestone on the way to healthy, surviving baby. Passing the 90% mark did a lot to calm me down.
Posted by: physics geek at August 06, 2007 01:00 PM (MT22W)
1
Hmmm... I got nothing on this one. There aren't any shows I feel compelled to watch. I'll go watch television when I just want to veg and not actively move my brain, many times that's sports or an old movie. As I never remember shows, I don't watch them.
Now I hear that Universal Hi-Def is going to be showing Firefly starting July 28 (tonight 8pm eastern) so I'm going to try and remember to watch that.
Posted by: Teresa at July 28, 2007 06:38 AM (gsbs5)
2
This is difficult for someone who watches a lot of TVLand and Nick at Nite! LOL!
House
Monk
Army Wives
Big Love
That's about it... :/
3
House
Army Wives
Deadliest Catch
Mythbusters
Dirty Jobs
Grey's Anatomy
ER
The Best Years
Las Vegas
and....Good Eats, most Food Network shows
Posted by: Sarah at July 28, 2007 04:04 PM (lNBUL)
4
Maybe I should get cable...I wouldn't be able to come up with ten.
(But if I had History and Sci-Fi channels...then it would be hard!)
Posted by: Mrs. Who at July 28, 2007 05:29 PM (9FXen)
5
Wow. Not sure I can come up with 10.
Jeopardy!
My Name is Earl
CSI
Law and Order
Law and Order: SVU
Mythbusters
Family Guy would go on the list if it were still as good as its first incarnation.
Wow. If I think of any others I'll let you know.
Posted by: Greta at July 28, 2007 09:51 PM (Xl4tG)
8
Eek! 10 only?
Heroes
House
CSI: Miami
Scrubs
The Office
Smallville
American Idol
Best Week Ever
CSI: NY
The Amazing Race
It's sad that 24 and BSG aren't on there, but their seasons sucked this year.
Anyway, you know I'm not gonna watch only 10.
Posted by: sarahk at July 29, 2007 03:44 PM (QLpkT)
9
OK I was thinking about this more and I realized the top ten shows should look more like this:
Jack's Big Music Show
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Sesame Street
CARS (the Movie)
Dirty Jobs
The Sandlot (The Movie)
Did I mention Cars???
Mythbusters
Anything Powerblock
and..........CARS
Posted by: Sarah at July 29, 2007 05:17 PM (lNBUL)
10
In no particular order:
Army Wives
Heartland
ER
LOST
Heroes
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
American Idol
Survivor
Traveler
Bones
Posted by: Sharon at July 29, 2007 05:32 PM (n1OFV)
11
Okay, ten... let's see if I can come up with ten that are actually worth watching.
Deadliest Catch
Ace of Cakes
Good Eats
Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations
Heroes
Mad Fin Shark Fishing
Feasting on Asphalt (starts this weekend again!)
Seconds From Disaster (is this still on?)
Mythbusters
Dirty Jobs
The Office
Hmmmm... four food shows, and two Alton Brown shows. Very telling indeed.
I really struggled to come up with ten. We went through the scheduled recordings on the DVR, but almost everything was something hubby wants to record. Yay! I want to watch less tv than I actually do!
Posted by: wRitErsbLock at July 30, 2007 04:16 PM (0Pi1o)
12
Not having cable and only watching about nine shows anyhow, it appears there's a big vacuum in my TV exposure. I only recognize "Houser" and "Ugly Betty" - neither of which we watch.
Posted by: DirtCrashr at August 02, 2007 10:33 AM (VNM5w)
13
House totally rules. Also I'm watching a summer series on VH1 called "Rock of Love," which is one of those "slow down to rubberneck at the bad accident" things with me: I know I shouldn't watch this crap but I can't tear myself away from the incomprehensibly pathetic awfulness.
Posted by: dogette at August 03, 2007 05:52 PM (q/UVc)
14
Someone else watches Psych besides me and the spousal unit? Very cool.
I'll add in my geeky wish of being backstage on the set of Battlestar Galactica.
Posted by: physics geek at August 06, 2007 01:02 PM (MT22W)
Needing good vibes
As many of you know, from my occasional posts about the subject, my dear friend Helen is 26 weeks pregnant with twins after a series of failed bouts of IVF.
Last night brought word that our girl was in the hospital, with hydronephrosis and a terrible kidney infection. She's being treated for the infection and the twins (her Lemonheads) are being monitored for any signs that they want to jump ship early.
So far so good, as there's no sign yet of early labor and the antibiotics seem to be helping the infection. However, the doctors don't know whether or how they'll treat the hydronephrosis.
Which is all a long way of saying that our girl needs love and good wishes and prayers, which I am sure she and Angus can feel and do appreciate, even in the UK.
Please drop by and give her some love and encouragement.
4
CTG - thanks for the kind words! I can reassure your readers that I've used Spoiler VisionĂ‚â„¢, so you can safely read the reviews and not see anything unless you highlight the big blank spaces. It's like a giant Yes or No book!
Posted by: nightfly at July 27, 2007 10:22 AM (PuuC1)
You are seen by many as a constantly rising star, but with the amount of work on your plate, you're afraid of becoming a shooting star as well. Sometimes you take your bottled-up aggression out on pumpkins, or those younger than you, or even just bottle it up in rockets. Though you aren't much for the opera, Wagner can wake you up in any situation. While many people view you as a Martian, you might be responsible for putting a human on Mars some day.
Posted by: Richmond at July 26, 2007 07:26 AM (EOSWu)
3
Couldn't find my way to Uncle Charlie's Summer Camp, no questions about magic mushrooms or frisbee golf - but I did come up as Davidson College, which is very interesting because on my father's mom's side the ancestral trail goes straight back to Gen. William Lee Davidson after whom the college was named...
Posted by: DirtCrashr at July 26, 2007 03:57 PM (VNM5w)
Mystical and rain-soaked, you remain mysterious to many people, and this makes you intriguing. You also like a good night at the pub, though many are just as worried that you will blow up the pub as drink your beverage of choice. You're good with words, remarkably lucky, and know and enjoy at least fifteen ways of eating a potato. You really don't like snakes.
Revenge of Son of Book Chapter....
Turns out that I need to make some serious edits to the book chapter that I sent out a month ago. I needed to resize figures and fix some of the formatting of the text before it could be accepted, so I am taking today to work on the chapter and get some house work done. And of course the programs that I need for the figures are on Hubby's laptop, and not mine. So I needed to commandeer it yesterday for more than two hours. To get the pictures sized appropriately at the right resolution, I have a bizarre workaround that involves a statistics program of all things, and that program is on DH's computer.
Did I mention that's also the laptop with the screen that works sporadically and is hooked to an external monitor and is effectively a desktop. A desktop set up for a lefty? And I'm trying to do graphics on it???
Yeah. Migraine city. But I think I have the figures mostly done, as well as the text formatting, and I am going to do some more editing while I have the chance.
And since I need to work on the figures at home, rather than in the office, I'm at home today, watching Fox News (as usual) and doing laundry. With all of the work we've been doing ON the house, the work IN the house has been getting neglected, especially the laundry. I've been putting off the heavy house work until everything is put away (I mean really, what is the use of mopping around boxes???), and we have slowly been making progress on the house in fits and starts. Last weekend we finished the sitting room side of the front room (except for the pictures and most of the geegaws) and it's quite a comfy little reading space with an oversized chair and lots of books grouped around the fireplace. Pictures later, I promise, as soon as I'm done putting stuff out. We still need to finish the kitchen/ utility room and get all of the last few things in cabinets and on countertops and clean up some of the moving detritus.
Also, I've discovered a recently blossoming local blog scene, and when I get around to it, I'll be putting up a Pasadena Bloggers blogroll, especially as many of them have been kind enough to put me on their rolls. It's been interesting to get to know these blogs. On a national sense, our politics are often diametrically opposed, but when it comes to home, we're all interested in the same things. Look for that soon.
2
You're linking me somewhere..at least my blog is saying so.
Heh - you were born in Fresno, huh? I spent many a time in that city during my pro-wrestling promoting days. Ahhh..nothing like a crappy fair in Selma. :-)
Posted by: Aaron Proctor at July 25, 2007 06:16 PM (2/AMY)
3
Hope your headache holds off...
And that'll be interesting to see your local blogging community vs. the extended regions.
Posted by: Mrs. Who at July 25, 2007 07:40 PM (9FXen)
2
1. Deputy :: Fife
2. Name :: Me
3. Arrested :: asleep
4. Trade :: buy
5. Old :: new
6. Fingerprint :: hand
7. Dwarf :: giant
8. Newspaper :: books
9. Gabriel :: angel
10. Certificate :: cisco
yaa... I think I am going slowly insane... I was debating on whether I should post these answers for fear someone may come lock me up in a funny farm. ;-)
Posted by: vw bug at July 25, 2007 02:42 PM (FPOeI)
3
1. Deputy :: Fife
2. Name :: Rank, and Serial #
3. Arrested :: Never
4. Trade :: Route
5. Old :: Spice
6. Fingerprint :: Computer
7. Dwarf :: Gimli
8. Newspaper :: Puppy
9. Gabriel :: Arch-Angel
10. Certificate :: Teaching
Posted by: Mrs. Who at July 25, 2007 07:38 PM (9FXen)
4
1. Deputy :: Dawg
2. Name :: That Tune
3. Arrested :: Development
4. Trade :: Mark
5. Old :: Hat
6. Fingerprint :: Dust
7. Dwarf :: Tree
8. Newspaper :: Delivery
9. Gabriel :: Peter
10. Certificate :: of Authenticity
Congratulations Dr. May!
Queen guitarist Brian May is about to hand in his thesis, completing the requirements to be awarded a PhD in Astrophysics:
Brian May is completing his doctorate in astrophysics, more than 30 years after he abandoned his studies to form the rock group Queen.
The 60-year-old guitarist and songwriter said he plans to submit his thesis, "Radial Velocities in the Zodiacal Dust Cloud," to supervisors at Imperial College London within the next two weeks.
May was an astrophysics student at Imperial College when Queen, which included Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor, was formed in 1970. He dropped his doctorate as the glam rock band became successful.
Queen were one of Britain's biggest music groups in the 1970s, with hits including "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "We Will Rock You."
After Mercury's death in 1991, May recorded several solo albums, including 1998's "Another World." But his interest in astronomy continued, and he co-wrote "Bang! The Complete History of the Universe," which was published last year.
Finishing a PhD is a hell of an accomplishment, regardless of the circumstances. Bravo!
Questions for J.K. Rowling
Not that she'd ever even find my humble little site, but I know we all have burning, unanswered questions about things in the Hogwarts Universe. Let's discuss, shall we?
Mine below the fold, and spoiler-iffic discussion (hopefully) in the comments!
more...
1
One niggling detail that bothered me -- what was the deal with Stan Shunpike? In the last book, Harry and Dumbledore were both convinced he could never be a Death Eater, in this book he is. Did he turn? Was he Imperiused? Was he spying for someone? It wasn't explained or justified in any way.
Posted by: Ian Hamet at July 23, 2007 03:12 PM (i5qPG)
2
There was some discussion that Stan was under the Imperius curse, and then he went to Azkaban, IIRC, so he may actually have been a good guy, and it wasn't just speculation. Not sure, though.
Posted by: caltechgirl at July 23, 2007 06:19 PM (qPLLC)
3
I'm guessing that Draco recovered sufficiently from the whole thing to be considerably less repulsive ten years down the line. Though I'm not sure how much of that would be real personality improvement and how much would be that those he needs to impress would be less repulsive. But yeah, eeeewww.
4
Here's something that has not been answered to my satisfaction: Is Snape a vampire or part vampire? He has always been described as bat-like, cloaked in darkness, darkness of the dungeon, etc. And then, it this book, when Snape flees Hogwarts, he flies off like a bat.
Surely if he were an animagus we would know, right? She doesn't come right out and say it, so I'm still wondering.
Posted by: Phoenix at July 24, 2007 01:10 PM (4N2f4)
5
i dunno.... Scrimgeour was always described as if he was a lion animagus... or Crookshanks, but he was neither. I think JKR just likes the animal similes...
Posted by: caltechgirl at July 24, 2007 01:19 PM (/vgMZ)
6
Okay, but page 599 says...
"With a tingle of horror, Harry saw in the distance a huge, batlike shape flying through the darkness toward the perimeter wall."
Posted by: Phoenix at July 24, 2007 01:28 PM (4N2f4)
7
And, just before that, snape escapes by jumping out of the window. He was carrying a wand, but no broom. So, he either wingardium leviosa'd himself or he flew out that window without benefit of a broom.
Or...he learned how to fly sans broom like Voldy.
Posted by: Phoenix at July 24, 2007 01:33 PM (4N2f4)
8
Sorry I'm late.
I don't think Hagrid has a Patronus. He was expelled in his third year, so he never learned that spell. ... Ron's terrier and Hermoine's otter are probably meant to be personality clues. It feels right to me (even if I can't explain quite why). ...
However, I share your puzzlement about Draco. This may have been one of those "left on the cutting room floor" bits, but she set us up for a big change of heart that didn't really get there; it would have helped us get behind his marriage later on.
Posted by: nightfly at July 27, 2007 10:29 AM (PuuC1)
9
I agree on many of these question and im really puzzled ....
What i wonder is Who is the headmaster on Hogwarts?
Is it Harry himself or anyone else in the near being.... And why did Lupin die off scene? I thought his char. was worth a little more than that. And why didnt Harry use the marauders map when going to find
Voldemort when they were looking for him in hogwarts ... was there too many people around?
I will leave these question and be visiting this forum now and then..........
Posted by: Alexander at July 28, 2007 08:12 AM (BHpHh)
Fun with Google Talk
I know, I am both a geek and a Google whore.
But I love google talk. Not the least of which includes the fact that you can run Gtalk from your Gmail without having to download the chat program or that you don't need to add people to your list manually, all you have to do is send them an email from your Gmail account.
But by far my favorite aspect of google talk is the "status message" that you can customize. That's so much better than "available" or "not available"
Recent status messages I've posted:
I am not among the rice-eating robots I wish I'd never been broiled I have a date with Harry Potter Ice! We have Ice! I'm afraid of Farmer Shootypants too
I've noticed some of you getting into the act too! Notably sarahk and Paul Burgess who usually have an amusing message attached to their avatar...
So, fellow googleheads, do you have Gtalk? Do you like to leave wacky messages on your "status" line too?
1
My personal message: "I'm ur huckleberry.", from the movie Tombstone! LOL
I use google chat ALL THE TIME. How come I never see you on there?!
Posted by: c.a. Marks at July 23, 2007 12:05 PM (T7eG4)
2
my AIM away message is usually "this is me ignoring you"
does that count?
Posted by: wRitErsbLock at July 23, 2007 12:07 PM (+MvHD)
3
nope, go with the default most of the time. Occasionally I will use a Pinky and brain phrase... -)
Posted by: vw bug at July 23, 2007 01:01 PM (FPOeI)
4
You..and your blog..both rock.
I'm blog rolling you as we speak.
Posted by: Aaron Proctor at July 23, 2007 01:07 PM (ygCF+)
5
Yes, my away message on Google Talk is "gone to jupiter." Which is short for "gone to jupiter past six months."
And the proper rejoinder to that is, "not father but son."
It's an old in-joke between my brother and myself. Many years ago our dad had a small mail-order business, which we used to help out on. Sometimes he would fall behind on orders, and send customers these rather wacked-out excuses, which my brother and I used to sum up privately as "gone to jupiter past six months," and "not father but son."
Posted by: Paul Burgess at July 23, 2007 02:40 PM (7EVyU)
6
Oh, word...I always g-talk (and I always see you on it, too). The latest? "Be nice to the Joo." Otherwise I usually post crap in Yiddish, German or Hebrew, which nobody besides me understands.
Posted by: Erica at July 24, 2007 05:25 AM (n1ABe)
7
Oh yes. I'm always changing it up. It's to amuse the other gtalkers; yes, I'm a dork.
Posted by: sarahk at July 30, 2007 11:02 AM (QLpkT)
You're a movie geek! You're the type who camps out in lines to score opening-night tickets to Star Wars and Charlie's Angels sequels and probably have stalked more than one celebrity for their autograph. Your home movie collection is to be envied - only some of it pirated, honest! Take this quiz!
As of my taking this, I was only the 6th person to get this result!
Emerging from my Harry Potter Haze...
Of course, I was done with HP7 on Thursday night, courtesy of the dude who photographed the "carpet" book. Thanks, bud. You rawk.
We did go out yesterday morning and get 2 copies, and I finished it with DH yesterday evening (we were reading aloud).
To make up for it, we set ourselves up for some more serious house work, and this morning we nearly finished the front room.
But this evening I am going to snuggle back up with Harry, Ron, and Hermione and re-read a few favorite moments.
So, what did you love? What did you NOT love? Spoilers sure to abound in the comments, if you're a slow reader.....
1
I was SO happy when Neville turned out to be such a hero! The parts that bothered me the most - the students who died fighting in Hogwarts, Dobby ::sniffle::. I was thrilled when Molly Weasley kicked Bella's butt! I laughed out loud at that scene. And what about Kreatcher? He was awesome!! Ack! There's so much I loved about the book, I feel like I am going to pop!
2
I loved the thing insanely, but I haven't wanted to get too excited around Jay since he's only a bit more than halfway through it. The way that man reads my mind, he'd figure some of it out by my extreme level of happiness. Ditto on Snape. If he hadn't turned out to be exactly who I thought he was, I'd have been crushed. I really appreciated that she went ahead and let things unfold logically, rather than trying to be all tricksy. Well done. Very well done. And can I say again that I'm happy the Snape thing turned out the way it was supposed to? LOL.
3
Got my copy Saturday, but haven't read it yet. Instead I am doing what I promised myself... going back and reading from the very first book, slowly, enjoying it. When I finally get to book 7 it'll be that much better!
Yeah, I should take my temp; I could be SICK! LOL!
4
I love that JK broke with tradition and formula on this one. It felt much more adult somehow. I, too, was not surprised with Snape's revelations. I was a bit peeved at one thing, however. I feel that Dumbledore's compartmentalization of information really hurt the Order.
I continue to see about a bajillion symetries between the story and WWII, but that's nothing new.
I loved the way that Kreacher transformed after being shown some kindness. I liked the addition of a pragmatic and realistic Aberforth. It really really upset me when both Tonks and Lupin died, leaving their child orphaned like Harry was. Dobby's death didn't hit me as hard, but it was nice to see him go out on his own terms and in a noble endeavor. I really liked seeing the entire magical community rally there at the end. Somehow, it pleased me to see the Malfoys brought so low and then redeemed, if grudgingly. Snapes death made me really angry but not because I felt sorry for him, but because it so purely defined Voldemort: so evil that he would kill even his most trusted lieutenant (however wrongly - he never knew that Snape had betrayed him) for an advantage - without really thinking things through.
Posted by: Phoenix at July 23, 2007 09:34 AM (4N2f4)
5
What I most wanted from the books was Snape being innocent, and he was, so I was happy.
6
I too was surprised by the Harry/Ginny and in the epilogue, the Ron/Hermione romances/marriage + kids thing. I think it was a little strange given that in the other books Ron and hermione always seem to bicker and argue, whereas Harry and Hermione really seemed close. I was expecting them to hook up. It was almost as if both H/Hr were too afraid to tell each other of their love and it fell through. Harry did save Ginny's life, and he does seem to like her. They never kiss though (?)And in the 6th book Ron is all over Lavender. You'd think they would be the couple in the end, Harry + Hermione, and Ron + Lavender.
Posted by: Francis at July 27, 2007 05:42 PM (mWQIO)
The First Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Review!
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows hasn't been made available to the press yet, but the Baltimore Sun obtained a copy and has posted a review (link not necessarily spoiler-free) (SPOILER-FREE QUOTE!):
Readers could enjoy Rowling's temporary, folksy fix for chasing away the blues (eat chocolate) while applauding the more permanent balm she offers: Concentrate with all your might on the events and people that have made you happy.
Book seven is no less penetrating, but it lacks much of the charm and humor that distinguished the earlier novels. Even the writing is more prosaic, less fanciful.
But, how could it be otherwise?
By book seven, Rowling is no longer inventing her magical world. Here, characters are accustomed to it, so it holds few surprises for them -- and by extension, for us.
In addition, Harry and his friends are no longer children. The early books, in particular, were enchanting because we could watch Harry and his friends struggling with exceptional powers, which they had not yet mastered. So a young witch or wizard would mount a broomstick for the first time and promptly be bucked off. It wasn't unlike watching real boys and girls take their first steps or learn to read -- skills every bit as magical and mysterious as casting a Summoning Spell.
By the end of the article, she does give away some minor spoilers, so read the whole thing at your own risk.
Spoiler stuff below the fold for the brave amongst you!
more...
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I highlighted a FEW lines and then thought better of it... my book has been shipped and I want to read it for myself.
I expect Harry to die and I hope a few others I don't care for, but other than that... nah, I'll find out in a few days.
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Like you, I hate suspense. I love the series but impatience gets the better off me. I don't get incensed when there are spoilers so I read it. Some of my predictions were right
And I don't believe entirely the 700+ scans are real but as I hear from the reviews of the NY Times and Baltimore Sun... Thanks for the insight anyway. (: Have a nice time reading the book!
Posted by: Vanessa at July 20, 2007 08:11 AM (s0DuC)
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I just finished it last night and have started re-reading it. This is truly the best series of books ever. The characters aren't static, the plot isn't a bland re-hashing of books earlier in the series, and while you know where it's going, you have no idea HOW it's getting there.
I *heart* JKR. She deserves every damn dime she's made on this!
Posted by: Mrs. Who at July 22, 2007 10:29 AM (9FXen)
House Update
I owe you all a house update, as some of you have been asking pretty often. Not much has been happening, really because we're both working over the summer and it gets too damn hot to do anything in the afternoons.
Ok, not much isn't really true. We've had the handyman rip out the heater, and now the wall is fixed (we'll get it painted after everything else is done so we can do all the touch ups at once):
Lots more below the jump (and more pictures!) more...
Posted by: Stacy at July 18, 2007 04:23 PM (92p8H)
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Looking wonderful. You have been doing stuff! That's actually quite a bit when you work full time too.
I think once they dumped the concrete there was no picking it back up, so they had to leave the "mini-mountain to harden. At least they didn't have to rip it out again to fix the pipe. That would've been far worse. *grin*
Posted by: Teresa at July 18, 2007 05:06 PM (gsbs5)
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VERY cool. Love the counter & pantry. Pull-out shelves rule. Too bad we don't have IKEA in NY. The closest one to us is in Ontario, Canada, which is fine except for border-crossing delays.
Looks like you guys are doing great with the house!
Posted by: Marie at July 18, 2007 05:32 PM (ocfI9)
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Oooooo. I like those pull out shelves in the pantry! Very much!
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I've wanted that Ikea butcher block thing for ages. I have butcher block envy now!
Posted by: Helen at July 19, 2007 12:04 AM (OR0rC)
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I adore that pantry, CTG! I'll have to see if Ikea has a web site, because there is no Ikea anywhere in this part of the world.
It is all shaping up very nicely. The butcher block table is beautiful, too!
Ok, I love Jon Lovitz now.
I've never been a big fan of Jon Lovitz, except for maybe his "Satan" gig on SNL, but from now on, he's on my "good guys in Hollywood" list, regardless of his politics:
It was fight night at an L.A. comedy club last week when Jon Lovitz roughed up Andy Dick over the murder of their "Saturday Night Live" colleague, Phil Hartman.
Laugh Factory owner Jamie Masada, who witnessed the assault, said, "Jon picked Andy up by the head and smashed him into the bar four or five times, and blood started pouring out of his nose." Lovitz told Page Six, "All the comedians are glad I did it because this guy is a [bleep]hole."
Lovitz and Dick have been at loggerheads since a 1997 Christmas party at Hartman's house, five months before his troubled wife Brynn flipped out, fatally shooting Hartman, then killing herself. "Andy was doing cocaine, and he gave Brynn some after she had been sober for 10 years. Phil was furious about it - and then five months later he's dead," said Lovitz, adding that when he filled in on Hartman's "Newsradio" sitcom, "I told Andy, 'I wouldn't be here now if you hadn't given Brynn that cocaine.' "
Last year, Lovitz related, a drunken Dick strolled up to his table at Ago in West Hollywood, rudely downed his guests' peach liqueur drinks, and "looked at me and said, 'I put the "Phil Hartman hex" on you - you're the next one to die.' I said, 'What did you say?' and he repeated it. I wanted to punch his face in, but I don't hit women."
When the two ran into each other at the Laugh Factory last Wednesday, "I wanted him to say he was sorry for the 'Phil Hartman hex,' " Lovitz told us. "First he says, 'I don't remember saying that.' Then he leans in and says, 'You know why I said it? Because you said I killed Phil Hartman.' Which I never said. Then he asked me to be in his new movie.
"I grabbed him by the shirt and leaned him over and said, 'I don't want to be in your movie! I don't want to be in your life!' I pushed him against the rail. Then I pushed him again really hard. A security guard broke it up. I'm not proud of it . . . but he's a disgusting human being." Dick's rep said he had no comment.
Good Job, Jon. I sincerely hope you don't get arrested for it because this? It's justice. Pure and simple. Not to mention that you pounded him in the coke-hole he calls a nose. Bravo. Dick is such an appropriate name for that schmuck. He needs some help. Maybe you scared him into it. But I doubt it.
For your enjoyment, here's Jon and the late, great Phil Hartman in a sketch entitled "Discover- The Elements":
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This is the post I *wish* I had written. I had a huge crush on both Phil Hartman and Jon Lovitz, before Phil was killed, and so I was devastated and furious over the whole thing.
News Radio (not to mention, SNL, which goes without saying) was one of the best shows ever, and yet, I never took to Andy Dick. He was such a measily little pricklet, so...let me just say...
The guy TOTALLY had it coming to him, and I'm glad that Jon Lovitz was the guy to do it. I feel like I owe it to myself to watch SNL this weekend, to see if they do a sketch about it.
Yeah, I'm with you on this one. Will the *real* J-Lo please step forward?!
Word.
Posted by: Erica at July 18, 2007 11:05 AM (cs95G)
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I loved Phil Hartman's routine and acting. Lovitz was hit and miss, but I hated Andy Dick.
Posted by: Contagion at July 18, 2007 04:13 PM (gSaan)
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Alright, well..you know...I was good friends with John Lovitz. Dat's why he has a mullet now...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TT32h4h6-Jg
Yeah, yeah, that's the ticket!
Posted by: zonker at July 21, 2007 12:19 AM (PrUNH)
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1. Situation :: Normal, All F****** up (SNAFU)
2. Theme song :: ?????
3. Kelly :: girl
4. Club :: DV8
5. Swerve :: squirrel
6. Couch :: potato
7. Bigfoot :: hairy
8. Arbitrary :: legal system
9. Inventor :: Edison
10. Blazer :: hot
Posted by: Mrs. Who at July 17, 2007 12:39 PM (YU6UF)
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1. Situation :: Normal
2. Theme song :: Gilligan's Island
3. Kelly :: Clarkson
4. Club :: Med
5. Swerve :: Sharply
6. Couch :: Potato
7. Bigfoot :: Big shoe
8. Arbitrary :: Law enforcement
9. Inventor :: Edison
10. Blazer :: White