This week's Unconscious Mutterings:
1. Situation ::
2. Theme song ::
3. Kelly ::
4. Club ::
5. Swerve ::
6. Couch ::
7. Bigfoot ::
8. Arbitrary ::
9. Inventor ::
10. Blazer ::

As always, my answers in the extended and feel free to play along in the comments! more...

Posted by: caltechgirl at 11:29 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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1 1. Situation :: room 2. Theme song :: MASH [?] 3. Kelly :: Suburban Blight 4. Club :: Gitmo 5. Swerve :: crash 6. Couch :: potato 7. Bigfoot :: sasquatch 8. Arbitrary :: random 9. Inventor :: marconi 10. Blazer :: truck

Posted by: pam at July 17, 2007 06:21 AM (l6NIn)

2 Now that I've seen yours, my answers look weird... always happens like that.

Posted by: pam at July 17, 2007 06:23 AM (l6NIn)

3 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)

4 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

Posted by: Jay at July 17, 2007 06:35 PM (Z7+lJ)

5 1. Situation :: Upheaval 2. Theme song :: John Williams 3. Kelly :: Irish (World Cup, of course) 4. Club :: Beaters 5. Swerve :: flying car! 6. Couch :: common room 7. Bigfoot :: Crabbe 8. Arbitrary :: Educational Decrees 9. Inventor :: Nicholas Flamel 10. Blazer :: Ginny Weasley

Posted by: sarahk at July 20, 2007 03:47 PM (QLpkT)

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Care to play along?  As always, my answers in the extended...

1. Happen ::

2. Terribly ::

3. History ::

4. Master ::

5. Petrified ::

6. Moan ::

7. Attack ::

8. Picture ::

9. Students ::

10. Potter ::

More weekly mutterings here.
h/t Quicksilver Jenna more...

Posted by: caltechgirl at 12:07 PM | Comments (8) | Add Comment
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It's time to make your "official" predictions for who lives and dies in Harry Potter 7. No major prizes, just brownie points and maybe gratutious linky love. Your prediction should have two parts: 1) Does Harry make it, or not? 2) Who else did she kill off?

Even if you've only seen the movies, I'm interested in other people's takes on it. Especially if you disagree radically, or if you agree, but for different reasons. Post your predictions in the comments. Contest ends July 20, 2007. Void where prohibited. Do not fold, spindle, or multilate.

I'll start: My own "official" prediction is Snape and Hagrid. Maybe Draco Malfoy. Snape is a good guy and proves it via his death. Similarly I suspect Malfoy bites it to prove his own "redemption". And poor Hagrid is the "Innocent" of the stereotypical hero myth, so I suspect he gets caught in the crossfire and his senseless death serves as a spur to Harry's ultimate action against He Who Shall Not Be Named. I think Harry lives too. He almost MUST. And if Harry lives, Ginny probably does too. Remember, Harry WILL end up with Ginny. Hermione is in love with Weasley. Speaking of, if she kills off either Ron or Hermione before they get a happily ever after I will hurl the book at whatever is close and cry for a while. Profanity will be uttered, too. Deep, dark profanity, of the sort that forms the proverbial cloud over Lake Michigan...

this post inspired by sarahk's

Posted by: caltechgirl at 07:21 PM | Comments (9) | Add Comment
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1 I think Neville or Hagrid will die. Oooh - or maybe even Professor McGonagall! I can't wait to get my hands on this book.

Posted by: Kate at July 09, 2007 08:15 PM (XargM)

2 I'm thinking Snape and Neville for sure will die. Snape either because he's proving he's good like you posit or because he's unable to do so. I lean slightly on the Snape is bad side of things though - Dumbledore wasn't completely unfoolable. I kind of wonder if she's going to kill off Ginny though - it adds to the tragic hero bit for Harry (everyone who loves him dies - reference his parents, Dumbledore, and now Ginny) plus it has potential to cause a rift between him and Ron, which she seems to delight in doing. I don't think she'll kill of Harry simply because she's a business woman and knows that doing that really kills off the franchise, no matter how many spinoffs might come from side characters, without Harry she loses a lot of her audience.

Posted by: beth at July 10, 2007 04:45 AM (YxbTJ)

3 I can buy the Snape dying. I believe that Rowling has tried to make this character as misunderstood and at times, ambivalent as possible to later "reveal" that he was working on the good side afterall. Maybe that's wishful thinking. Along with wishful thinking, I hope Draco has some sort of redemption. Rowling again has set that up by showing him as fearful and hesistant during the sixth book. I hope that leads to him to the good side. But I don't want him to die. But that could be poetic at the end if he dies in an attempt to save Harry. I think a Weasley *MUST* die. I don't hate saying that too much either. I don't want it to be one of the twins but I would not be surprised if it were Ginny or Ron. Better Ron than Ginny, I say. And the foreshadowing of Ron sacrificing for the good of the mission has already occurred as witnessed in the chamber of secrets. As for Harry dying? No way. Not in a million years. If she kills off Harry, she'll alienate her younger fans who won't understand his death and that could be tragic for the entire "Harry Potter" enterprise (ie. the theme parks, merchandising, movies, tv specials, possible sequals)...As Beth said, it'd be a bad business decision. Although the Christ allegory that some claim that the Harry Potter series references would be better served if he *did* die (...and maybe somehow was revived/resurrected?) -- but Rowling can still keep that allegory strong by making it clear that Harry Potter is WILLING to die, willing to lay down his life for the greater good. And yes, I'm done. I'm way too involved in this series, as you can tell.

Posted by: Jody at July 10, 2007 06:20 AM (IEpte)

4 I'm hoping they kill of Jar-Jar Binks.

Posted by: wRitErsbLock at July 10, 2007 06:33 AM (+MvHD)

5 I do not believe that Harry will die. He has scraped by too many times to build up to...his death? no way! I think that Neville will die. I also suspect Luna could go and maybe even Ron. I expect that Scabbers/Pettigrew will die because of the debt he owes Harry that must be repaid. And, I suspect that Snape will also shuffle off, though I'm still on the fence as to whether he is good or evil, or perhaps just out for himself? I don't know. I can tell you that I am primed and pumped and farookin' ready to get my hands on the book!

Posted by: Phoenix at July 10, 2007 06:43 AM (4N2f4)

6 If a Weasley has to die, I hope it's Percy.

Posted by: Jenna at July 10, 2007 07:58 AM (fd/rX)

7 I don't think that Percy will die, that's too easy. The readers have no real emotional attachment (other than thinking he's an absolute wanker --hehe-- gotta use the British terms). If he dies, I think another more likable Weasley will die too. And yes, on the baddie side, Pettigrew will have to die, I think she's set us up for that. (And Voldemort as well)...

Posted by: Jody at July 10, 2007 08:05 AM (IEpte)

8 I've never read any of the books nor seen any of the movies, but the rest of my family are card-carrying Potter-heads. This is what I tell them: The BIG SECRET in Book VII will be that Harry and Hermione are really brother and sister and that Valdamort is their father. He'll die only after turning good and reconsiling with Harry. In the meantime, a loveable army of House Elves will save Hogwarts from a surprise attack by the armies of darkness. There are times when my family doesn't like me very much.

Posted by: Robbo the Llama Butcher at July 10, 2007 08:20 AM (0JsTF)

9 I'm scared to guess...I know at least two characters will die, maybe more. I'd say Hagrid, Hermione, and maybe Draco. No matter what, I'll be getting my book at midnight and reading it straight through.

Posted by: Mrs. Who at July 10, 2007 08:34 AM (9FXen)

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Name all 43 Presidents. It took me less than 5 minutes, but I would have been done in under 3 if I had remembered who was before old Abe sooner.

It's not super hard, as Presidents with the same last name are entered together when you type in the name. The timer starts when you click the link.

h/t El Capitan

Posted by: caltechgirl at 03:32 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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Working on a book chapter. If you have keys, feel free to pop in and post! Otherwise, chat in the comments, I guess.

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Posted by: caltechgirl at 09:15 AM | Comments (8) | Add Comment
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One of the CaltechMom's friend's dogs recently had puppies, and as we've been thinking long and hard about getting a little sibling for the Princess, she offered us one, and we accepted!

The new puppy is a little black standard smooth-coated Dachshund, and CaltechMom will pick her up tomorrow.

The only problem is that we won't get to meet her until after Mom has had her for a couple of weeks.  And she needs a name before then!.

This is where you all come in.  We're having a hard time giving Puppy-girl a name!

We'd prefer a girly name, two syllables, since that's easiest for the dog to learn, and something suitable to a little black doxie.

Also, it can't rhyme with "Molly" or "Dolly" because the Princess' name already does.

Have at it folks.  There may be a prize for the person suggesting the eventual name!

No Dog. She called my mom tonight and said her brother took my dog for himself. The rotten bastard.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 12:02 AM | Comments (14) | Add Comment
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1 Oh my. I had my boy about a month before I settled on his name, it took that long to get to know him well enough to name him. Of course, he has his official name on his papers, but I have never called him by that name and I refuse to tell anyone what it is, its too embarassing. Pictures! Pictures would help.

Posted by: LindaSoG at May 06, 2007 01:22 AM (GBBmd)

2 I'm so jealous! I had dachshunds when I was growing up and I love them. I like the standard size - the miniatures are just too nervous. Girl names for a doxie - Gretchen (I had a red long-haired doxie named Gretchen) - Heidi - Hilda - Hannah - Irmgard - Ingrid - Elke. I think of those, I like Hannah the best.

Posted by: Beth at May 06, 2007 05:00 AM (poSM5)

3 Dixie?

Posted by: Christina at May 06, 2007 08:51 AM (d3xGU)

4 Raven - because she's black (and it would start a cool new tradition of naming our pets/children for one another). Vesta - your home already has a princess, how about adding a goddess (Roman goddess of the home). Or I like Beth's suggestion of Hannah.

Posted by: Janette at May 06, 2007 12:20 PM (5R+zg)

5 Oh and congratulations on the new puppy!

Posted by: Janette at May 06, 2007 12:21 PM (5R+zg)

6 YAY a Dachshund baby!! Congratulations!! I remember when little Button fit in the palm of my hand, tail and all... I knew a couple of cool dachshunds when I was young named Schotzy and Candy. I would never have named a dog 'candy' but it really fit this girl. I do love Heidi for a dachshund, of course...

Posted by: pam at May 06, 2007 04:52 PM (l6NIn)

7 Cool! Here are some good "German" names: http://www.babynameworld.com/german-girl.asp Congrats!

Posted by: vw bug at May 06, 2007 05:35 PM (FPOeI)

8 Maybe it's a sign? - Jon - Daddy Detective - www.daddydetective.com

Posted by: Jon at May 07, 2007 05:31 AM (Mxs0h)

9 Oh man!!!

Posted by: Marie at May 07, 2007 05:58 AM (ocfI9)

10 ps -- you have a lot of good stuff posted here! I have to come back & read/watch it all when I have some time.

Posted by: Marie at May 07, 2007 06:01 AM (ocfI9)

11 Aww, that sucks!

Posted by: Janette at May 07, 2007 07:22 AM (5R+zg)

12 I hope puppy shits all over his rugs. LOLLLLLL

Posted by: Margi at May 07, 2007 11:55 AM (qs4Ot)

13 Sorry to hear that...

Posted by: pam at May 08, 2007 05:17 AM (l6NIn)

14 Boo. :-(

Posted by: Richmond at May 08, 2007 09:47 AM (e8QFP)

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Phoenix has a new fiction challenge up.  1,000 words inspired by 3 pictures.  Due Friday April 13.

I think I already have an opening sentence....

Posted by: caltechgirl at 12:52 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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The internets are a funny thing, they bring us so close to people and places we would never have otherwise known.  That can be a wonderful thing.  The real shit of it, though, is when the people you care for are so far away, there is little you can do except offer a virtual hug and some words of comfort.  But what makes it better is the ability to reach out to others and let them help you give those hugs and words.

A couple of my friends are going through some really rough times right now, and  I'd really love it if you could click through and offer whatever support you can.

My dear Vanessa is 8 weeks pregnant with twins after 5 cycles of IVF, and she's alone today and having signs of a possible miscarriage despite a very encouraging report and scan last week.  Drop by and offer her some encouragement, love, and prayers if you are so inclined.

And our Dana, who you may remember from her former blogs The Origin of Soul and Frankensoul as well as her most recent incarnation, The Juggler's Mistress, is starting the process of an emotionally difficult and financially draining divorce.  Her blogdaddy Jim has all the details.  Please click over to Jim's place for more.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 01:05 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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We officially have a realtor.

Here we go, folks.

Anyone house buying advice you can share would be much appreciated.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 04:49 PM | Comments (16) | Add Comment
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...waiting for the realtor to call me back....

Anyway, so I finally got the time to catch up on TV this weekend.

WTF with 24?  I mean really.  They bring back my FAVORITE Character of all time, and he's a f***ing wet nurse to a crazy person?  I thought she was dealing better than THAT at the end of last season.

Yeah, I know that was last week.  I'm just stuck there.

And did anyone else notice that Ricky Schroeder has that Luke Skywalker thing going on... he used to be cute but all of a sudden he looks WAY old?  Hmmmm.

AND DWS (Dancing With the Stars) is back.  Finally.  I love that show.  Yes, people are taking bets about Heather Mills' leg falling off on live TV.  Sad.  Really sad.  As far as she's concerned, if she got all of Paul's $$, why the hell doesn't she have a better prosthetic?  I mean you should see the cool robocop/ six million dollar man legs that some Iraq War amputees are getting.  And the cheap ass VA pays for those.

In fact the TiVo is about to get quite busy.  Deadliest Catch comes back in 10 days, and then LPBW starts the next week.  And House returns next Tuesday courtesy of less AI.

So, what are you looking forward to watching this spring?

Posted by: caltechgirl at 02:05 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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Shamelessly copied from Rachel and Mandy.....

Create your own Friend Quiz here

Posted by: caltechgirl at 11:37 PM | Comments (10) | Add Comment
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Democrats Cancel Fox News Debate

and

Plane crashes on Ind. street; 2 killed

Answer below the fold more...

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So I know that many of you loyal readers (commenters and lurkers, both) are teachers, at many levels from preschool all the way up to college/ adult education.

I've got a question for you:

How do you explain to your students that just because your program is small and all of the faculty are willing to bend over backwards to help them, DOES NOT mean that they can take advantage of that on a regular basis?

For example, how do I explain that even though I told them I would be more than happy to answer questions, I WILL NOT tell them whether a particular number is the right or wrong answer.  ESPECIALLY when the question is part of the take-home portion of the exam.

How do I explain that if there were 700 students in the class (as would be expected at a school like UCLA), as the instructor, I wouldn't give them the time of day, let alone guarantee that I wouldn't laugh at them for begging to have the exam postponed and then ADMITTING they were working on the take home test together???

I guess what I'm asking is how do I explain to these children that even though there are only a few of them I am holding them to a high standard?  And that it's for their own good?  I mean, they are in this program because they want to go to MEDICAL SCHOOL.  They won't get any breaks there.  And they MUST be up to standards, or they'll fail miserably.

I will not set them up for failure.  They can't see that what I am teaching them is the VERY BASE for the next 7-12  years of their education.  And if they don't get this, the rest will be even worse.  If I don't hold them to the same standard, they WILL fail.

So how do I do this without being the bad guy?

Posted by: caltechgirl at 02:03 PM | Comments (10) | Add Comment
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So did you celebrate today?

What (if anything) are you giving up for Lent?

Posted by: caltechgirl at 08:24 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment
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