Here we go again.....

1. Traditional ::
2. Popeye ::
3. Gin ::
4. Harsh ::
5. Topless ::
6. The thing ::
7. Defiant ::
8. Huge ::
9. Food ::
10. Lenny ::

You know the rules. My answers in the extended post..... more...

Posted by: caltechgirl at 08:16 PM | Comments (10) | Add Comment
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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.

More later. Back to work.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 11:16 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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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?

Posted by: caltechgirl at 11:45 AM | Comments (7) | Add Comment
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From the Bookworm Geek:

What Kind of Geek Are You?

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!

Posted by: caltechgirl at 10:54 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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First, two Happy Birthdays:
Ith and Ktreva both have their special day today!

And also, Happy 41st wedding anniversary to CaltechMom and CaltechDad. I love you.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 09:54 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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1 Happy 41st to your parents! That is wonderful.

Posted by: vw bug at July 16, 2007 11:26 AM (FPOeI)

2 Thank you! And happy anniversary to your parents.

Posted by: Ith at July 16, 2007 02:57 PM (Xoeyh)

3 OH wonderful! Happy Anniversary to the Caltech Parental Units! May they have many many more.

Posted by: Teresa at July 16, 2007 03:40 PM (gsbs5)

4 Happy 41st Anniversary to your parents!

Posted by: pam at July 16, 2007 05:51 PM (l6NIn)

5 Thanks for the birthday wishes, and congrats to your parents!!

Posted by: ktreva at July 17, 2007 07:14 PM (gSaan)

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I hate to say it, but Fresno State has a history of robbing the poor (women's sports programs) to feed the rich (men's football and basketball).  Volleyball coach Lindy Vivas was fired for standing up to them, so she took them to court.

And won.  $5.85 MILLION.  And guess what?  She's not the only one.  There are two more lawsuits pending, including one from the former women's basketball coach that ought to blow the doors off the good ol' boys club that is the FSU athletic office.

A jury on Monday awarded a former Fresno State volleyball coach $5.85 million in damages, ruling that the school discriminated against her for speaking up on behalf of female athletes.

Lindy Vivas, 50, was fired in 2004, two years after coaching her team to its best season in history. University officials said Vivas was let go because she did not meet performance goals and ran a program that often played in empty arenas.

Vivas sued in civil court, saying her contract was not renewed because she raised her voice to advocate for equal treatment of women athletes and access to facilities at Fresno State, a Division I school with a sprawling central California campus.

The jury award, which took into account Vivas' back wages, future lost pay and emotional distress, is likely the largest ever granted to a coach suing for retaliation under Title IX, a landmark federal law requiring gender equity in scholastic athletics, said the coach's lawyer, Dan Siegel.

"Fresno State wants to be a big-time athletic power, but it has to start acting like one. That means treating men and women the same," Siegel said. "This is a complete vindication of her and who Lindy is as a person, as a coach, and what she had to live with as a result of their actions."

Read the whole thing here, or the local article here.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 08:15 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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A Prius can do 100 MPH!

The 24-year-old son of former Vice President Al Gore was arrested for drug possession on Wednesday after he was stopped for allegedly speeding in his hybrid Toyota Prius, a sheriff's official said.

Al Gore III -- whose father is a leading advocate of policies to fight global warming -- was driving his environmentally friendly car at about 100 miles per hour on a freeway south of Los Angeles when he was pulled over by an Orange County sheriff's deputy at about 2:15 a.m..

A subsequent search yielded a small amount of marijuana, along with prescription drugs including Valium, Xanax, Vicodin and Adderall, said sheriff's spokesman Jim Amormino. There were no prescriptions found, he said.

Gore was arrested on suspicion of drug possession and booked into the Inmate Reception Center in Santa Ana, about 34 miles south of Los Angeles, on $20,000 bail, he said.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 12:57 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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Babies as young as 6 months are capable of deception:

Behavioural experts have found that infants begin to lie from as young as six months. Simple fibs help to train them for more complex deceptions in later life.

Until now, psychologists had thought the developing brains were not capable of the difficult art of lying until four years old.

Following studies of more than 50 children and interviews with parents, Dr Vasudevi Reddy, of the University of Portsmouth's psychology department, says she has identified seven categories of deception used between six months and three-years-old.

Infants quickly learnt that using tactics such as fake crying and pretend laughing could win them attention. By eight months, more difficult deceptions became apparent, such as concealing forbidden activities or trying to distract parents' attention.

By the age of two, toddlers could use far more devious techniques, such as bluffing when threatened with a punishment.

Dr Reddy said: "Fake crying is one of the earliest forms of deception to emerge, and infants use it to get attention even though nothing is wrong. You can tell, as they will then pause while they wait to hear if their mother is responding, before crying again.

"It demonstrates they're clearly able to distinguish that what they are doing will have an effect. This is essentially all adults do when they tell lies, except in adults it becomes more morally loaded."

It kind of makes me sad though, as I'd prefer to see babies as little innocents, rather than this more cynical view of children as pre-programed manipulation machines.

Oh, and 10 points to the first person who identifies the source of the title....don't Google it, Google has a bunch of sources....

h/t Wired Science

Posted by: caltechgirl at 07:30 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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Fresno's best export in the world of entertainment (NO, not K-Fed. As if) is about to hit the small screen full-time in the Grey's Anatomy spinoff series "Private Practice":

Broadway actress Audra McDonald is set to co-star in ABC's Grey's Anatomy spinoff, Private Practice, where she will replace Merrin Dungey.

The new medical drama centers on neonatal surgeon, Addison Forbes Montgomery (Kate Walsh), who moves to Los Angeles and joins the private medical practice of her once-married, newly divorced medical school friends, Naomi and Sam Bennett.

McDonald will play Naomi Bennett, a role played by Dungey in the two-hour "Grey's" episode that launched "Practice." (Sam Bennett is played by Taye Diggs.)

McDonald has won four Tony Awards, and was nominated for a fifth this year for her lead role in the Roundabout Theatre's revival of the musical "110 in the Shade."  She next appears in ABC's adaptation of the play "A Raisin in the Sun," reprising her role as Sean Combs' wife in the 2004 revival of Lorraine Hansberry's 1959 play about black identity.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 05:02 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Given all of the chatter going 'round about the UK bombings, and how this hearkens back to the heyday of the IRA and all that, I can't help but wonder two things:

1. Did these bomb plotters actually hire former IRA bombmakers to teach them what to do?

and

2. Did those IRA bombmakers intentionally fuck them over so they wouldn't hurt anyone and would get caught?

I mean, the IRA hates the UK, but it's their island. Letting muslim terrorists blow it up kind of negates their point, right?

Posted by: caltechgirl at 11:42 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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A little bird tells me that today is a very special day for a very special person!

Chrissie turns the big 4-0 today! Drop by and wish her all the best, as I do.

Happy Birthday my friend, and may the next year bring immeasurable blessings... in straightforward and entirely pleasant ways!

Posted by: caltechgirl at 04:12 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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The Shackleford clan has increased by one.  Mrs. Rusty gave birth via C-section to a healthy daughter earlier today.  Drop by the Jawas and give Rusty and family some love.

I sure hope she takes after her mom.  Dad is on the left, below:

Posted by: caltechgirl at 06:21 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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It's time for a brain dump.  I have been posting like crap over the last few weeks.  Going through the house buying process will do that to you , I suppose.  Not to mention that I have to go to work and get that paycheck for the mortgage.....

Anyway, we are mostly settled.  Oh yeah, the house still looks like a box tornado hit it.  Boxes in every room.  But everyday the number of boxes decreases, and every day we get a little closer to "settled".

This weekend we focused on the backyard. We planted tomatoes and peppers and flowers.  We ripped out a bunch of trash (dying annuals) that the previous owners planted to make the house pretty.  Oh, and we mowed the lawn.  Yep, we bought a lawnmower. We also attacked the honeysuckle bush that grows over the top of our patio's arbor.  It was far to heavy for it's own good, and the growth underneath is dying from lack of sun, so we cut it way back. 

We're also trying out different types of squirrel repellent.  I hate the little bastards.  They ate ALL of our apricots, and are currently trying to duplicate that feat with the plums. DH says he's like Ralphie, and he wants a BB gun for Christmas.

I don't think he'll shoot his eye out, do you?

The list of things we want to do to the house keeps getting longer, as we get settled.  However, it's also getting pushed back by the list of things we NEED to do in the house.... like when the hot water in the shower mysteriously stops working all of a sudden...Needless to say, DH is now known far and wide as MASTER PLUMBER.  It was a $25 repair, the plumber would have charged me AT LEAST 10X as much.

Things at work are settling down, too.  My book chapter is in.  Not quite on time, but certainly not the last one, either.  I have been busy doing the part of my job that I refer to as "the other stuff": student business, community outreach, etc.  I sure as hell like this stuff better than being in the lab.

I know I haven't blogged about it much, but I have been keeping up with the news.  This Jessie Davis case has made me sick.  What the hell kind of asshole kills the mother of his child, and his unborn child when his wife already knows about them?  He had nothing to gain from killing Jessie and Chloe.  Not a damn thing.  And now his little boy will grow up without either of his parents.

And I must tell you, I am so glad this whole Paris Hilton crap is over. I STG I now know why people in other countries hate us and think we're weak.  We watch a billionaire's daughter get chauffered to and from jail.  And this is SUPPOSEWDLY IMPORTANT.  Never mind that people are fighting and dying in places most Americans can't find on a map, a rich blonde is going to jail!  Stop the presses!

Give me a friggin' break.

I'm still on the Fred bandwagon.  The more I hear from Fred, the more I like.  And the thing is, Fred and I may disagree on some issues, but he has the cojones to get the job done.  I really believe it.  Like Reagan, there's something about Fred that tells me he's got an agenda, and nothing is going to stop him from making it happen.  The comparison to Reagan, is especially apt, I think.  Not even because Fred is also an actor.  But maybe that gives him an edge, too.  He has ties outside of Washington, he's in touch with the rest of the world. I mean, heck, he has a BLOG!  He actually blogs (sometimes, the majority of the posts are excerpts from his daily commentaries).  And he's already spoken out on a number of very touchy issues that others won't touch: Cuba, Israel, National Health Care.

I suppose that's about it for now. I'm sure I'll think of something else later....

Oh, and it's been one year since we lost Acidman.  I still have him on the blogroll, listed as the "Evil Fairy Godfather"  which, in many ways, he was to me.  At least in the blogworld.  Rob was always good for a laugh, and he always spoke his mind, a rare enough trait in this world.  Rob introduced me to many many folks I am proud to call friends, and made me feel welcome when I was just a noob.

Rob wasn't everyone's cup of tea, but he was always a gentleman to me, and I loved him for it.

Why, Rob, did you have to drink so much? And leave the party so early?  We loved you just as well sober.  And I know you wanted to spend more time with Sam and Quinton and Mommie.

I wish I could have met you.  I tried, you know.  God damn food poisoning.  I thought we'd have more time, and more chances.

In my mind's eye there's a beach and a bar out there somewhere, and a guitar with soft strings, and wimmin with red toenails aplenty.... rest in peace.  Or not.  I suppose raising hell is more your style.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 05:55 PM | Comments (9) | Add Comment
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1 I do miss the Acidman. On squirrels, though, you might consider making the acquaintance of this lovely lady. Deapite her protestations to the contrary, I strongly believe she made a twitcher of him.

Posted by: Ken S, Fifth String on the Banjo of Life at June 26, 2007 07:05 PM (Yh9SA)

2 And just for the record, I shoot squirrels for fun and profit. Well, not profit in the sense that I make money from it, only in the sense that I tune up my shootin' eye for the next squirrel.

Posted by: Ken S, Fifth String on the Banjo of Life at June 26, 2007 07:07 PM (Yh9SA)

3 It's that kind of day, isn't it?? And we are just embarking on your path - well, the *moving* part, anyway. So glad you are getting a chance to make the house your own - that's wonderful...

Posted by: Richmond at June 26, 2007 07:25 PM (e8QFP)

4 Oh I know all about that house thing. The unpacking, the stuff you want to do, the stuff you have to do. One thing at a time and it will get done (or not *grin*) On the BB gun - make it an air rifle - quiet is the key to not attracting the notice of the neighbors when you shoot the suckers. LOL. We had one of them get into our house the first Thanksgiving we were here! Oh yeah - Run Fred Run!

Posted by: Teresa at June 26, 2007 07:49 PM (gsbs5)

5 Yes DH will shoot his eye out, but he would look very piratey with a patch. Hmmmmmm.....pirate ....patch...shiver me timbers.....*wink wink*.

Posted by: Sarah D at June 26, 2007 10:24 PM (lNBUL)

6 Gah. Squirrels. A big fat neighbor cat is really helpful at keeping them away. The joys of home ownership! You never actually see the bottom of the list! It just keeps growing. But it's rewarding and it's worth it. And it's your OWN space!! Enjoy! And go, DH on the plumbing!!!

Posted by: Marie at June 27, 2007 04:18 AM (ocfI9)

7 Ah, moving... What a relief it is once you get settled in, and can stay put for a spell. It's been eight years for me now in one spot, and that comes on the heels of moving 25 times in my first 25 years out of high school... I repeat, what a relief it is to get settled in and stay put for a while...

Posted by: Paul Burgess at June 27, 2007 05:50 AM (7EVyU)

8 Thanks for the newsletter! I was wondering how things were going for ya'll. Have you seen the "Fred On?" I almost peed my pants.

Posted by: Margi at June 28, 2007 10:05 AM (WrQF7)

9 I like Fred. I actually have yet to hear or read any words from him that I disagree with. Maybe that will change, but right now I'm considering registering as a Republican for the sole purpose of voting for him in the primaries.

Posted by: gus3 at July 01, 2007 01:39 AM (eNZX3)

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As if I'd tell you. 

Helen and Angus found out what flavor(s) of twins they're getting. 

I'll let her tell you, though.

Now that I know, however, it's off to the yarn store for appropriate baby-colored yarn.  I already have a pattern in mind.

I wish all you people would just quit having babies, already!  I'm already behind with their presents! (j/k)

Posted by: caltechgirl at 09:38 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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AT&T is offering $10/month DSL service to some eligible customers as part of a deal brokered with the FCC to garner approval for their takeover of BellSouth:

The $10 offer is available to customers in the 22-state AT&T service region, which includes former BellSouth areas, who have never had AT&T or BellSouth broadband, spokesman Michael Coe confirmed Monday. Local phone service and a one-year contract are required. The modem is free.

The plan was not mentioned in a Friday news release about AT&T's DSL plans, and is slightly hidden on the AT&T Web site. A page describing DSL options doesn't mention it, but clicking a link for "Term contract plans" reveals it. It's also presented to customers who go into the application process, Coe said.

The service provides download speeds of up to 768 kilobits per second and upload speeds of up to 128 kbps, matching the speeds of the cheapest advertised AT&T plan, which costs $19.95 per month in the nine-state former BellSouth area and $14.99 in the 13 states covered by AT&T before the acquisition.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 12:55 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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Charleston, SC mourns nine of its bravest today:

Fire swept through a furniture warehouse, collapsing its roof and killing nine firefighters inside in a disaster the mayor described Tuesday as "difficult to fathom or quantify."

"Nine brave, heroic, courageous firefighters of the city of Charleston have perished fighting fire in a most courageous and fearless manner, carrying out their duties," Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley said at a morning news conference. "To all of their loved ones, our heart goes out to them."

Two employees in the building were rescued from the blaze, which broke out at about 7 p.m. Monday in the Sofa Super Store and warehouse, Riley said. One was rescued quickly, and firefighters punched a hole through a wall of the warehouse to reach the other, he said.

Firefighters, police officers and other rescue workers saluted as the firefighters' bodies were carried from the warehouse during the night.

"To lose nine is just a tragedy of immense proportions," Riley said. "To lose nine is just unbelievable."

The department has 237 firefighters in 19 companies located throughout the city of about 106,000.

UPDATE: The nine Firefighters have been identified

Capt. William "Billy" Hutchinson, 48
Capt. Mike Benke, 49
Capt. Louis Mulkey, 34
Engineer Mark Kelsey, 40
Engineer Bradford "Brad" Baity, 37
Assistant Engineer Michael French, 27
James "Earl" Drayton, 56
Brandon Thompson, 27
Melven Champaign, 46

Godspeed.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 10:29 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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The wonderful and amazing Caltech Dad turns 73 today.  Those of you who have had the pleasure of meeting him know that "wonderful and amazing" is pretty much an understatement.

I love you Daddy. Have a wonderful day!

Posted by: caltechgirl at 10:23 AM | Comments (15) | Add Comment
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1 Happy birthday to your dad!

Posted by: Fausta at June 14, 2007 10:44 AM (Nd3r3)

2 Wishing you the best year of your life with many more to follow! Cheers!

Posted by: Greta at June 14, 2007 10:46 AM (Xl4tG)

3 Happy birthday, Caltech Dad! May your day and year to come be filled with the things and people that you love!

Posted by: Janette at June 14, 2007 10:49 AM (5R+zg)

4 Happy, HAPPY birthday to the CT Dad, and many many more! I, too, have a beloved Daddy, so I know what a wonderful blessing it is for CT Girl to have an amazing Dad. Lots of men can be a parent - but it takes a special guy to be a DAD... Best blessings on this special day! -- Kat www.CatHouseChat.com

Posted by: Kat at June 14, 2007 11:01 AM (6R2nV)

5 Happy birthday, Caltech Dad!! And many more to you...

Posted by: Marie at June 14, 2007 11:11 AM (ocfI9)

6 WooHoo! Happy Birthday CTD... hope you have an outstanding day. *grin*

Posted by: Teresa at June 14, 2007 11:59 AM (gsbs5)

7 Wow, happy birthday CTDaddy! Seems I left a birthday wish for you here last year too! As I said then: ANY MAN can be a father but it takes someone special to be a Dad. You certainly are special. Best wishes to you today!

Posted by: Raven at June 14, 2007 01:04 PM (7KJCS)

8 Happy Birthday, Caltech Dad!!!!

Posted by: BethW at June 14, 2007 02:04 PM (jXpgu)

9 You are lucky to still have your dad. Love him up EXTRA SPECIAL from all us little girls of The Cotillion! xoxoxo C.Jane

Posted by: seejanemom at June 14, 2007 03:11 PM (jmTO5)

10 Happy Birthday to your wonderful Dad!!!

Posted by: pam at June 14, 2007 03:25 PM (l6NIn)

11 Happy Birthday CalTech Dad!

Posted by: seawitch at June 14, 2007 08:10 PM (EHaPu)

12 Happy Birthday Dad!

Posted by: oddybobo at June 15, 2007 06:22 AM (mZfwW)

13 I'm a little late to the celebration... Happy birthday, CalTech Dad!! May you have many more wonderful years.

Posted by: Amanda at June 15, 2007 10:38 AM (ay+rD)

14 Happy Birthday!

Posted by: Ith at June 15, 2007 10:45 AM (9Bmwv)

15 Happy Belated Birthday!!!

Posted by: vw bug at June 15, 2007 12:00 PM (FPOeI)

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An explanation here.

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The man who taught millions of young Americans about science through fun experiments has died.

Don Herbert, who as television's "Mr. Wizard" introduced generations of young viewers to the joys of science, died Tuesday. He was 89. Herbert, who had bone cancer, died at his suburban Bell Canyon home, said his son-in-law, Tom Nikosey.

"He really taught kids how to use the thinking skills of a scientist," said former colleague Steve Jacobs. He worked with Herbert on a 1980s show that echoed the original 1950s "Watch Mr. Wizard" series, which became a fond baby boomer memory.

In "Watch Mr. Wizard," which was produced from 1951 to 1964 and received a Peabody Award in 1954, Herbert turned TV into an entertaining classroom. On a simple, workshop-like set, he demonstrated experiments using household items.

"He modeled how to predict and measure and analyze. ... The show today might seem slow but it was in-depth and forced you to think along," Jacobs said. "You were learning about the forces of nature."

Herbert encouraged children to duplicate experiments at home, said Jacobs, who recounted serving as a behind-the-scenes "science sidekick" to Herbert on the '80s "Mr. Wizard's World" that aired on the Nickelodeon channel.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 09:19 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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I couldn't do what you have just done.  But I am so much more than proud.  Godspeed.

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