Again, not a surprise....

Halberd You preferred a weapon with 38% power over speed and 49% range over melee.

You use a Halberd. Possibly the most versatile polearm ever made, the Halberd is an elegant mix of spear and staff, remaining relatively light while having an effective cutting edge and stabbing point. Your enemies will never get near you; your personal space will be as unreachable as a faraway land.

(h/t: Jay)

Posted by: caltechgirl at 07:54 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 119 words, total size 3 kb.

Ok, we all know that people comment on the DU boards for one of two reasons (mostly):
1. They have no where else to spew their hateful ignorant shite.
2. They're right-wing gluttons for punishment and trolling.

Elizabeth Edwards has been a commenter at DU for quite a while including some notable comments about the "reign of witches" etc. Today, however, she serves as a voice of reason on the hate-board. In a discussion of Laura Ingraham's recently discovered (and just yesterday removed) breast cancer, Mrs. Edwards takes the high road. A breast cancer patient herself, she says, in part:

"I have been a Democrat for a long time, and part of the Democratic principles that attracted me as a young person and kept me a Democrat all these years is our compassion. Democrats are simply good and decent people. And good and decent people want everyone to do well -- those who agree with them and those who do not. We fight for the right of voices with which we disagree to speak out, for the right of people to say things we don't believe to be true, even for the right to be malicious and mean-spirited. If we fight for the right for LI to say what she says, how in the world can we use our disagreement with those words as an excuse not to be compassionate in her fight with cancer. Being willing to have her voice muted by illness is the same thing as not wanting her voice to be heard. It is not Democratic or democratic."

AKA You've really lost it this time you unbelievably ignorant fools.

She speaks of Democrats as good and decent people, which most, in fact, are, being concerned with social justice and peace, after all. But she's preaching to the wrong crowd. The DU boards are filled with the kind of crazy doctrinal hate speech that lefties are so wont to accuse righties of spewing.

Like Mrs. Edwards, I can even understand some of these retards being happy that Ms. Ingraham is off the air while she convalesces from her surgery, but to wish her death because you disagree with her politics? Come on. I thought you all were the compassionate party of peace and love and free speech.

Oh that's right. Only for the people who agree with you.

I can't tell you how appalled I am that these people have left simple human decency and compassion behind just because the object of their discussion happens to be a conservative. I hate to say it, but isn't that what happened in Germany? In Turkey? In the USSR? When the people you don't like/disagree with/blame politically become less than deserving of your compassion, less than human, perhaps, it's time to start rethinking your strategy. Otherwise you become no better than Hitler, Attaturk, or Stalin.

BTW, it's not like the voice of reason had any effect, even from someone like Mrs. Edwards. While there are a few posts agreeing with her, check out some of the posts AFTER Mrs. Edwards had her say:

She probably gave it to herself...

I don't pray for Nazis or other Totalitarian Scum (there are a lot of entries of people declining to pray for Ms. Ingraham based on her politics)

I hope she goes into remission and fucking chokes to death. (This tard has an upside down US flag as his avatar)

There are more. Including this little gem hoping she goes bankrupt paying for her medical bills and loses her house and faces ridicule.

Unbelievable. Here's a hint, Howie: the more we hear about this kind of thing, the more you lose touch with the center. No matter how any biblical references you pull out.

(h/t Michelle Malkin)

Posted by: caltechgirl at 01:37 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 628 words, total size 4 kb.

I am a Giant Mecha-Blob. Did I mention I kicked Ith's butt?

Mwahahahahahaha.
Get your own here. Or do battle against another web monster.

(h/t Princess Jami subbing for Ith)

Posted by: caltechgirl at 01:29 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 83 words, total size 2 kb.

Have you ever been amazed by the poor fashion choices some people make? I'm not talking about stripes with polka dots or purple with orange. I mean like a woman pushing her kid's stroller at the zoo in a see-through halter, leather mini, and stiletto heels. I'm talking hoochie-mama at the grocery store, jeans so low the dude's boxers are showing and he can't walk, and all other manner of inappropriate attire. I myself am unbelievably tired of seeing the top of your thong underwear and your bra staps, ladies. There's a reason it's called UNDERWEAR.

Anyway, if you want to pause and have laugh at these poor people's expense, or you want to share a ludicrous outfit you've seen with others for their amusement, your outlet is now available, thanks to Michele.

Just go to http://inappropriatelydressed.com/ and click through the archives (which is just 3 pictures now, but sure to increase) or add a pic of your own, instructions are on the page.

Enjoy!

Posted by: caltechgirl at 01:50 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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The Niners took Alex Smith and there really weren't any exciting last minute deals, but hey, here's wishful thinking.

I went out shoe shopping.

Thoughts, post-draft, anyone?

Posted by: caltechgirl at 06:35 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 37 words, total size 1 kb.

1 Just what you need...a Seahawks fan on your site Although I disagree with a lot of the newsgroup regulars, the Hawks did ok in this years draft, at least the first day. They shored up the OL a bit and added some energy to the LBs, plus, possibly found a backup QB to replace Dilfer. Who knows? These are delicious! Baby back ribs...cover them completely with this rub, http://bbq.about.com/od/rubrecipes/r/bl91211a.htm and I mean cover them. The twist I add is to apply this glaze for the last ten minutes of cooking on each side. It's a mix of a jar of blackcurrant jam, other flavors work well too, 2TB of mustard, OJ and lemon juice. I cook mine slowly over the lowest setting on a gas grill so the cooking time with the glaze may vary. It's a great mix of heat and sweet. I'll reemphasize the need to completely cover the ribs with the rub. cheers, Dick

Posted by: hairofthedawg at April 24, 2005 12:13 AM (SQhq+)

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This is the sh*t that happens when your team is exceptionally good.

Dammit. Whatever happened to an education? I get that the $$ will be better this year than next year since they just won, but damn, guys, college is the best time of your life.

UNC just lost the 7 leading scorers and 7 of the 8 players on the roster who have ever started a game. The sum total of starts remaining on the bench? 1. Quentin Thomas started in UNC's lead-off loss to Santa Clara while Ray Felton was suspended for participating in an "unapproved" charity game, which had previously been allowed.

Here's hoping JJ goes too. And Coach K goes to LA.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 06:46 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 122 words, total size 1 kb.

By now you've probably heard that Sesame Street plans to cut back on the blue guy's cookie consumption next season.

Jonah Goldberg responds, and skewers the prospective change with reasoning direct from Hannibal Lecter (and Marcus Aurelius)...

An Excerpt:

Lecter: “First principles, Clarice. Read Marcus Aurelius. Of each particular thing, ask: What is it in itself? What is its nature? What does he do, this creature you seek?

Starling: He entertains childrenÂ….

Lecter: “No! That is incidental. What is the first and principal thing he does? What need does he serve by entertaining children?

Starling: Social acceptance? Personal frustration?

Lecter: No: He craves. ThatÂ’s his nature. And what does he crave? Make an effort to answer.

Starling: Food?

Lecter: No! He is not a “food monster!” He is a cookie monster!

Read the rest!

Posted by: caltechgirl at 06:15 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 148 words, total size 1 kb.

Hell, after seeing this video, you don't NEED any more reasons...

Click here, and then scroll to (48:50) to skip the Bio1a lecture.....

Here's the audio of the relevant part only if you don't want to wait for the video to load. You may have to click and save. It's worth it!

From BoingBoing, via Michelle Malkin

Posted by: caltechgirl at 06:24 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 75 words, total size 1 kb.

Now, I've said someone was full of sh*t before, but this guy really is. I think he was the model for one of Caltechdad's favorite jokes....

See the extended entry.... more...

Posted by: caltechgirl at 10:39 PM | Comments (7) | Add Comment
Post contains 164 words, total size 1 kb.

1 OK... I'm having a hard time getting past, "the patient underwent manual disimpaction under general anesthesia". Whose job is that? Blech.

Posted by: Boudicca at April 17, 2005 12:15 AM (z7nbM)

2 Yeah...but try draining an oral abscess sometime!

Posted by: Flap at April 17, 2005 01:19 AM (xHzi+)

3 Ouch. No other word for it.

Posted by: Karen at April 17, 2005 10:52 PM (HWTma)

4 Not my fave. topic to discuss while I am eating my lunch.

Posted by: Rachel Ann at April 18, 2005 02:32 AM (IJkka)

5 Damn, I was shifting in my seat uncomfortably just looking at that. That has gotta hurt! And do they have the equivalent of apprentices in surgery, 'cause you know they always get the crap jobs to do!

Posted by: Amanda at April 18, 2005 02:56 AM (yQjzp)

6 I fear that I have the unfortunate honor of relating to how this person felt... somewhat, at least. I learned that surgery shuts down the um, "system" for days...

Posted by: Marie at April 18, 2005 02:07 PM (cRiTs)

7 Oh my! That's not good, not good at all.

Posted by: Paladin at April 18, 2005 02:49 PM (Rfqkp)

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Ok, it's not really a quiz since you just enter your name... but it's funny
(again stolen from Michele, who is on a roll this week)

What are your boobies' names?

According to the quiz, Caltechgirl's boobies are:

However, my boobies' real names are:

Posted by: caltechgirl at 04:43 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
Post contains 72 words, total size 1 kb.

Found TODAY for the first time ever in Chapel Hill:
(drumroll.....)

And it's actually pretty good. Tastes like cherry coke mixed with cream soda and a little Dr. Pepper. Go here for a more in-depth review

Don't worry, Darling Husband, there's one in the fridge for you. And I won't hold it against you either. I know you don't frequent the med school snack shop

Posted by: caltechgirl at 01:39 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 72 words, total size 1 kb.

Ok, I admit it. I watch it. Once they get to Hollywood, and I don't have to sit through painfully embarrassing auditions I watch it.

In fact, since it's on before House, my friend and I watch it together. We're both singers. In fact, she's so much of a better singer than I am that I hate to put myself in the same group as her, but in any case.... let's say we've both taken enough music lessons and singing lessons to know the difference between crap and not crap.

From that perspective, Randy Jackson is frequently closest to our criticisms. Occasionally Simon (when he's not being too harsh) is too, but Paula is on happy pills.

In any case, I just wanted to get this much off my chest: Quit gushing about Carrie. She's awful. Yeah, she's cute, but I've never heard anyone turn so many good songs into country music. Hell, even Garth Brooks managed to do rock and blues as rock and blues. Simon was right, that was her worst performance.

here's my thoughts on the others:

Scott: needs to go. At least you could hear him last night.

Nadia: get a life. She reminds me of a female impersonator on a cruise ship.

Anthony: Lovely voice, but he's Clay Jr. Last night's performance had some energy, though, and I liked it.

Vonzell: a beautiful instrument (voice) but her performances hold her back. Anyone who can make a Whitney Houston song her own has something there. Last night was a turning point for her, though since her performance was good as well as her voice.

Anwar: Creepy. Just creepy. His voice is weak and he needs to cover that nasty hairless chest.

Bo: what can I say? i love him. he's sexy and evidently the same age as my husband! He's got a great voice and he looks like the reincarnation of Lynyrd Skynyrd or the Allman brothers. I have been waiting to hear "Freebird" since he started the competition. I was a little disappointed with it, though, because the accompaniment was an orchestra and a little regimented. Where was the frickin' guitar solo, dammit? And WTF with Simon telling him to do a "well known rocking song" What the hell IS a well known rocking song if it isn't Freebird? I mean it's only the national anthem of the south. Yes, I do know all the lyrics. No, I didn't know them before I moved here.

Constantine (aka Creed Boy): Wait, he's my age? Damn. He's got an amazing voice. I think some of his performances were so-so. I have to give him credit for tackling Bohemian Rhapsody, though, which is hard as hell to sing and probably the most stylized song to hit pop music other than Frampton's "do you feel like i do" (guitar synth voice), and for doing it well.

I'm guessing the bottom 3 will be Scott, Carrie, and Nadia. Bottom 2: Scott and Nadia. Loser: Scott.

But then again, I picked Scott and Nadia last week and Nikko went home....
Thoughts?

Posted by: caltechgirl at 01:20 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
Post contains 514 words, total size 3 kb.

ok here goes:
1. WTF with the bus drivers these days? Arrgh. It drives me nuts. Ok, really I have no room to complain, Chapel Hill transit is free. Yes, free. The town and the university each chip in and they got a federal grant to cover some of the expenses, so there's no fare.

That doesn't excuse the bus drivers who seem to have made it their personal mission to run stop signs, drive through EVERY pothole, turn too fast, and generally be as rude as they can and induce the maximum amount of nausea.

There's one bus driver who refuses to pick people up on one side of the street if he's coming back to stop on the other side of the street later, unless they're getting off somewhere before where he turns around. Doesn't matter that it's perfectly legal to ride the bus for any length of time shorter than one full circuit of the route, he won't pick you up. He won't pick you up if you're more than 5 feet from the bus stop either. Some folks stand away from the signs in bad weather because of the trees, and I've seen him go roaring past people, even with the passengers inside telling him to stop. This guy is also the king of whiplash and nausea.

There used to be this incredibly nice bus driver who talked to everyone and sang and was generally fun. Until somebody took umbrage at his pleasant attitude, and he got told to lay off....

2. People you work with who go off on an ego trip all over you. Especially your juniors.
'nuff said.

3. People who like to complain about the weather. I like the rain very much, thank you. I just wish I could stay home and curl up with a good book and enjoy it, rather than come to work.

4. Waiting to hear back from people when you have a deadline.

There may be more additions as the day goes on.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 11:50 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 340 words, total size 2 kb.

Heh. Boromir tries again.

For those of you who missed the original Boromir and the Ninja Wizards, you can find it here.

Be warned, part II has more adventuresome (and adult) language.....

Enjoy!
(h/t Jen)

Posted by: caltechgirl at 05:04 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 49 words, total size 1 kb.

1 Pretty funny, I think I preferred the first one though. Maybe I am not adventuresome enough!

Posted by: amanda at April 11, 2005 06:47 PM (cqrWD)

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The little silver guy on the rightleft is GIR, he's the stupid but loveable robot sidekick of Invader Zim.

Who, for those of you who have never been blessed enough to see the show, is an incompetent Irken Invader sent to conquer Earth just to get him out from underfoot after he destroyed the Irken homeworld....
This is Zim:

Zim was on Nickelodeon for about a year and is still on Nicktoons every once in a while from what I'm told (too poor for those extra channels, you know?) but it is SOOO not a kids show. It's like Animaniacs, only more twisted. Kids like it, but adults like it even more.

The Nickelodeon Zim site is here, and one of my favorite fan sites is here.

For more Zimmy goodness, drop in on fellow MuNuvian Gir at YourMooseyFate.

The phrase "The Bacon in My Soap" is from one of the episodes, and the audio of the bit is now linked there. Scroll down and click. Zim is the angry one, GIR is the silly one.

The girl with the "gameslave" down below (with the archives) is also from Zim. She's Gaz, the younger sister of Zim's nemesis Dib, and my personal favorite character on the show. I was Gaz for halloween year before last, and my friends were Gir, Zim, and Dib. Very cool.

Posted by: caltechgirl at 04:30 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
Post contains 235 words, total size 2 kb.

1 Yes! The series was great; probably my favorite episode involved Zim deciding he needed to get human organs inside his body before visiting the school nurse, and if one spleen was good, 4 must be better.

Posted by: owlish at April 09, 2005 12:32 AM (sBj9U)

2 In my browser, the little silver guy is on the left. Is this one of those IE versus Mozilla things, or is it because I'm in France? :-P

Posted by: Jack at April 09, 2005 09:10 AM (7GUn3)

3 My favorite episode, hands down is Pustulio. Second place: Gir Goes Crazy and Stuff. But they're all good.

Posted by: caltechgirl at April 09, 2005 01:17 PM (iCaDI)

4 Well, he didn't "destroy" the Irken homeworld. He set a lot of fires, blew up supplies, infrastructure, etc. Which pretty much destroyed Irken plans for galactic conquest. What was the name of the operation? "Impending Doom" or something like that? Well, Zim's the reason why the operation name in the 1st episode is "Impending Doom II". ("I put the fires out." "You made them -worse-!" "Worse, or -better-?") My current favorite is Game Slave. Gaz is scaaaaaaary. ("AAAAA-hey, how did you write that when you're out there?!")

Posted by: Patrick Chester at April 12, 2005 01:52 AM (dzwUR)

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Today started out pretty ok. I got on the bus, I went to work, I finished another chapter of my thesis (Yay!). I even remembered to drop by the student health pharmacy and pick up my prescription. Then it all just went downhill. I had scheduled some time to do some imaging using my co-mentor's confocal microscope (holy crap even it has a wiki! Check it out, the idea is really cool!), but there were 2 problems.
1. It's sort of not working (it works, but it's buggy right now)
2. He wanted to see my sections and he was at a symposium.
more...

Posted by: caltechgirl at 03:26 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 359 words, total size 2 kb.

for some reason I'm getting trackback errors.... trying to sort that out

Update: They're working now. Thanks Jim

Posted by: caltechgirl at 10:39 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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