• Hot Off The Presses

    Forgotten, But Not Gone

    How a ‘Good War’ in Afghanistan Went Bad – New York Times A year after the Taliban fell to an American-led coalition, a group of NATO ambassadors landed in Kabul, Afghanistan, to survey what appeared to be a triumph — a fresh start for a country ripped apart by years of war with the Soviets and brutal repression by religious extremists.With a senior American diplomat, R. Nicholas Burns, leading the way, they thundered around the country in Black Hawk helicopters, with little fear for their safety. They strolled quiet streets in Kandahar and sipped tea with tribal leaders. At a…

  • Mini-Posts

    links for 2007-08-13

    Cwear C-swim pants: adult unisex swim tights :: Solartex Sun Gear, Inc. (tags: swim tights) Itinerary of the XPERIENCE kayak/snorkel combination tour (tags: kayak snorkel beginners) History Matters: The U.S. Survey Course on the Web College survey course on the Web, with source materials (tags: History Politics Religion Writing)

  • Movies

    This Isn’t Us: The Thriller That Dares To Be Political

    My husband David and I saw “The Bourne Ultimatum” earlier this afternoon -and it was a thoroughly enjoyable couple of hours’ worth of entertainment, thrills, and surprisingly apt commentary that transcends mere “spy movie” convention. The Trib had this to say about it, and it cheers me to see that I also picked up on the three important little words that boost this flick from “ho-hum second sequel action movie” to “great thriller that dares to be political.” It’s (pant) not just (pant) a chase movie (whew!) — chicagotribune.com People may be drawn to the film by the promise of…

  • Religion

    Not The Kind of Christianity Christ Expects of Us?

    Church cancels gay vet’s memorial – Focus on Faith – MSNBC.com ARLINGTON, Texas – A megachurch canceled a memorial service for a Navy veteran 24 hours before it was to start because the deceased was gay.Officials at the nondenominational High Point Church knew that Cecil Howard Sinclair was gay when they offered to host his service, said his sister, Kathleen Wright. But after his obituary listed his life partner as one of his survivors, she said, it was called off. “It’s a slap in the face. It’s like, ’Oh, we’re sorry he died, but he’s gay so we can’t help…

  • Funnies

    Comics Relief

    When things are bad, laughs and weird humor come naturally. This is probably why I was always so fond of Calvin and Hobbes. Today’s strip (from a site that reruns them daily, in order) is one of my personal favorites. I’m a weird girl that way.

  • Geek Out! - Uncategorical Weirdness

    Just Don’t Bend Over

    According to Gizmodo, a lot of people apparently are in the habit of cleaning house in the nude. They might or might not like this high-concept countertop juicer. Chacon a son gout, as the French say, or “Some people like goats(e).” Does not come with unicorn chaser. Kitchen Gadgets: Juicer Hugs Countertops, But Look Out! – Gizmodo

  • Uncategorical Weirdness

    Insecure about security

    Earlier today, I mislaid something and went to the security office of the building to see if anything had been turned in. It was late in the afternoon, and when I stepped through the door, I noted the big EVACUATION map plan on the wall, the bank of Matrix-like security monitors, another computer monitor that was partly visible but mostly turned away from public view, and the very large, very sweaty, very sound asleep security guard nodding off in front of the displays. I stood there, uncertain as to whether my problem was worth disturbing the rest of one of…

  • Politics, Schmolitics

    The DINO-mite Mayor of FLL

    Yeah, yeah. I’m a travel agent, so when I see “Fort Lauderdale,” I automatically type “FLL.” Go cry, emo kid. But here’s what caught my eye: the Democratic mayor of FLL sounds exactly like yet another intolerant religious conservative Republican – especially when it comes to gay people or “moralitah.” Thank goodness for term limits, this guy sounds like a right-wing asshat. Gays protest Fort Lauderdale mayors remarks – CNN.com According to the Greater Fort Lauderdale Visitors and Convention Bureau, nearly 1 million gay tourists visited the city last year and spent more than $1 billion. Thats income that may…