Girl Scouts Overhaul

My parents recently cleaned out our attic and found my Girl Scout uniforms- complete shirts, ties, vests and sashes with patches gallore. Yes, I was an overachieving girl scout. Why sell 249 boxes when 250 boxes of cookies got you the cow stuffed animal and the big octagon-shaped patch, hello?

My mother, a leader, music leader, first aider. My sister, a gold-awardee. Me, a daisy, a brownie, a girl scout drop-out.

So I didn't make it all the way. But I know what the Girl Scouts stand for and was proud to be one. However, coming upon this article about revamping the girl scout uniforms to broaden their appeal to the technologically advanced young girls of today, I am disappointed.

At its national convention in October, the Girl Scouts will officially endorse the new uniform for scouts in the fourth grade and older: a sash or vest that displays achievement badges, worn over the scout's own white shirt and khaki pants or skirt.

"That gives them the opportunity for self-expression," says Ms. Cloninger. Scouts at the Daisy and Brownie levels, usually students from kindergarten through the third grade, will keep their trademark blue and brown uniforms.

Aside from new decals on cookie boxes (um, won't sell more, they still taste the same and everyone knows what a Thin Mint is w/o the box), reaching out to the "non-activity" mall-goers, why do I feel the girl scouts are apologizing for their trademarks, and bending to allow 'self-expression' and not offend anyone? Did Planned Parenthood give you these ideas?

Don't get me wrong, I'm all about expanding GS outreach and updating a look for the times. However, Girl Scount uniforms look sharp for a reason.

The worst thing is having a ceremony, and you've got girls lined up in their skirts, shirts, ties, and sashes or vests at a ceremony, and then one lone girl on the end in jeans and a dirty t-shirt. It was always embarrasing. Now with this 'wear their own shirt and khakis' tude- which by the way won't happen - these girls are going to look like the schmucks working at Walmart with only a dress code too.

Every girl, and every parent, is going to have a different idea of what's acceptable and what looks good. Frankly, I think it's dirty, sloppy, and reflects poorly on the organization. Let them wear their own gear when you're camping, but not at meetings or ceremonies.

I guess I should be thankful they haven't proposed an overhaul of the promise by now. God forbid a group of girls recite "On my honor, I will try to Serve God, and my country...."

I guess I can handle the "dress code" now, but let's clean it up GirlS!

GO away

Tuesday: Intermittent flurries and snow showers, especially early. High 38F. Winds NW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of snow 30%.

This woman is an idiot

"Woman crashes her car, saves her morning coffee

"A 22-year old woman from Oakland, California may have landed in the waters of the Oakland Estuary after losing control of her car on Thursday, but she never lost her grip on her morning coffee, APP writes. She was apparently reaching for her cell phone around 6 a.m. when the car sped out of control and became lodged under a home on stilts on the water."

And the blogger eagerly cooed "She got out of the car uninjured and holding her coffee cup. This woman should be the next Bond girl!"
No, she should be the next postergirl for Allstate or State Farm- as in, this is dangerous behavior: we will not insure you!

Awesome lesson: One hand on the coffee, the other on your cell phone. Where was the steering wheel?

They always find some reason to Boo....

"Cheers and Jeers," they say?

By the time Bush emerged onto the baseball field, he had ditched the gray sports coat and popped out of the home dugout in a red Nationals jacket. He was greeted by plenty of loud jeers, but also determined cheers, as if the fans in both camps were trying to outduel each other.

The president didn't dawdle on the pitcher's mound. He quickly released the ceremonial first pitch high and to the third-base side of the plate, where Washington Nationals manager Manny Acta caught it with ease.

It wasn't surprising that Bush's pitch went high. People tend to have long memories when the ball is bounced to home plate. So Bush made time this week to hurl some practice pitches in his backyard — the South Lawn of the White House. He took some private throws just before his prime-time toss Sunday.

"I didn't want to bounce it, that's for certain," Bush later told ESPN announcers Jon Miller and Joe Morgan. "That's why I came in with high heat."

They can't even show him respect for the twenty seconds it takes to throw out the first pitch.

I guess it doesn't matter anyway. Bush isn't bothered by it, his self esteem takes no hits. Afterall, the pitch went high, it didn't bounce.

Who else needs a new garment?

I love Joel Osteen. I think he's great.

New Garments
Today's Scripture
“Provide for those who grieve…a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor” (Isaiah 61:3 NIV).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Do you need a new garment today? I’m not talking about a physical garment. I’m talking about what’s covering your mind and emotions. Are you clothed with despair and disappointment? Are you wearing “heaviness”? If you’ve gone through a hurtful situation, the Bible says there is a time to grieve, and it’s important to release that hurt to the Lord. But the Bible also tells us that God wants to give you a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. You can put on a garment of praise instead of a heavy, burdened spirit. What’s holding you back today? Are the garments of yesterday weighing you down and holding you back? The garment of praise is light and filled with peace and joy. Don’t carry those heavy burdens around anymore! Today is the day for new garments! Forgive those who have hurt you and begin to praise Him! Thank God for life today. Thank Him for the beautiful sunrise. Thank him for restoring you, even if you don’t see it yet. And this verse says, you will be called an oak of righteousness, strong and secure, and you will display the splendor of the Lord all the days of your life!

Martina McBride - Where Would You Be (LIVE)

If I had a mic, this is what I would belt.

Islam is #1

In numbers, that is.

Islam has overtaken Roman Catholicism as the biggest single religious denomination in the world, the Vatican said on Sunday.

Does this make anyone a tad concerned? I would like to know the percentage of these folks that are Muslim extremists.

Now that they are outnumbering the pope's men, they're gettin' ballsy and

"Al Qaeda is training fighters that "look western" and could easily cross U.S. borders without attracting attention, CIA Director Michael Hayden said on Sunday."

What will they think of next? Perhaps:

The militant Islamist group has turned Pakistan's remote tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan into a safe haven, and is using it to plot further attacks against the United States, Hayden said.

or

"They are bringing operatives into that region for training -- operatives that wouldn't attract your attention if they were going through the customs line at Dulles (airport outside Washington) with you when you were coming back from overseas," Hayden said during an interview on NBC's television show Meet the Press.

"(They) look western (and) would be able to come into this country without attracting the kinds of attention that others might," Hayden said, without offering further details.

It seems a simple concept and a knock on our intelligence, but put your guard up folks.

Muslims might as well join with Easter protestors and have at us. We're already outnumbered...

Women!

Of course Hillary isn't dropping out any time soon.

A day after Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean urged the candidates to end the race by July 1, Clinton defied that call by declaring that she will take her campaign all the way to the Aug. 25-28 convention if necessary, potentially setting up the prolonged and divisive contest that party leaders are increasingly anxious to avoid.

"I know there are some people who want to shut this down and I think they are wrong," Clinton said in an interview during a campaign stop here Saturday. "I have no intention of stopping until we finish what we started and until we see what happens in the next 10 contests and until we resolve Florida and Michigan. And if we don't resolve it, we'll resolve it at the convention -- that's what credentials committees are for.

She's a woman. We can't let stuff go.

Oh, and there's no way she, or anyone else, should actually listen to what Howard Dean says, unless it's a replay of the best campaign downfall ever.

Dan in Real Life - Steve Carell Sings

Loved this scene. Steve Carell, even not funny, shines.

Elephants give more than asses... I mean, Democrats

George Will has a wonderful article on Real Clear Politics this morning: Conservatives More Liberal Givers. Some noteworthy comments:

Sixteen months ago, Arthur C. Brooks, a professor at Syracuse University, published "Who Really Cares: The Surprising Truth About Compassionate Conservatism." The surprise is that liberals are markedly less charitable than conservatives.

If many conservatives are liberals who have been mugged by reality, Brooks, a registered independent, is, as a reviewer of his book said, a social scientist who has been mugged by data. They include these findings:

-- Although liberal families' incomes average 6 percent higher than those of conservative families, conservative-headed households give, on average, 30 percent more to charity than the average liberal-headed household ($1,600 per year vs. $1,227).

-- Conservatives also donate more time and give more blood.

Whenever I try to give blood, they can never "find" my veins...so I appreciate that my peeps are coming through on that effort in my place. I also love this one:

Residents of the states that voted for John Kerry in 2004 gave smaller percentages of their incomes to charity than did residents of states that voted for George Bush.

I distinctly remember knocking doors in 2004 for President Bush and came upon a decidedly liberal Kerry-loving couple who proceeded to pick a fight with me about how we need to do more to help the homeless and give to others, etc. They wanted us to be taxed more.
TAXED MORE?!

Yes, to give to the poor and help the homeless get off the streets, etc. I suggested they go bring all the bums on State Street over for a nice hot meal, shower, and a slumber party and left to huffs in the background and a slammed door. Their rational seemed a little cuckoo to me!

I'm absolutely sure this family barely donates to charity, they likely just bitch about those societal conservatives who don't express their same sentiments. And yep, Wisconsin was a Kerry state.

He says a lot more, and more eloquently than I, so I'll leave you to read the rest.

President Bush

I love that when President Bush gives a speech, and announces something as awe-inspiring as "Iraq is close to paying 100% of their budget expenses, already outpaying us 11-1," he pauses for applause.

And when that feat is recognized with applause, his face shows a half-smile, an eye twinkle, and this beautiful expression:

"I told you so."

No shame

Anti-war protesters have no shame. Cindy whats-her-face was a nuissance to President Bush's home in Crawford. And now, anti-war protestors disrupt Easter service and throw fake blood.

Chicago, Mar 24, 2008 / 12:53 pm (CNA).- Six people protesting the war in Iraq were arrested after they disrupted an Easter Mass at Chicago’s cathedral and threw fake blood at parishioners, the Chicago Tribune reports.

The protesters stood and shouted at the beginning of Cardinal Francis George’s homily in the auditorium at Holy Name Cathedral. As ushers and security guards tried to remove them from the area, the protesters squirted fake blood on themselves and parishioners dressed in their Easter best.

Some of the 600 worshippers in attendance booed the protesters. The demonstrators, who call themselves “Catholic Schoolgirls for Peace,” chanted as they were removed, saying, "Even the pope calls for peace."

It makes me wonder what I would have done if I had been there. Afterall, I walk out of political sermons more often than I sit through them... I don't need politics on Sunday from the pulpit. I need the Word.

A small number of worshippers followed the protesters into the lobby to berate them for their actions.

"Are you happy with yourselves?" Mike Wainscott of Chicago shouted at the demonstrators as they were being handcuffed. "There were kids in there. You scared little kids with your selfish act. Are you happy now?"

Not sure it's about the little chillin's, but I am glad some congregation members got in their faces. Perhaps we should turn the other cheek. But, it is one thing to make a political statement outside of a religious venue. It is another to disrupt a place of worship in the middle of mass on a holy day such as Easter. That is neither the time nor the place.

The anti-war movement becomes less and less attractive by the minute. I think the question should be, "Are you proud of yourselves?"

Email etiquette

I'd like to complain about email etiquette in the workplace. There are a few things I'd like to ban from email conversational dialect and some general rules I've come up with for communication via email. And even though no one cares, I'd like to share them:

1. Replying to emails with one-word answers. In the case of someone I work with, I often ask multiple questions in an email. The response? "Yes." Spare me. "Yes" is is not helpful. It only leads me to more questions.

2. Asking questions about emails you are awaiting when the answer is already sitting in your inbox. Nothing irritates me more than when people do not read through all of their emails before they chastise me for something they believe "wasn't done" or "wasn't sent to them." Now I understand calling someone if you haven't had a chance to look at your email in a while or perhaps you're anxiously awaiting a document and need to check if your email is working... HOWEVER, when you E-MAIL someone your anxiety attack, I know you're sitting in front of your computer and should just take the time to check your in-box. LAZY.

3. When documents are sent to you for editing or approval - OPEN THEM. READ THEM. and EDIT THEM. In a timely fashion, please.

4. Ignoring emails. When is it ever OK to ignore an email with important questions in it, that are pertinent to getting a job done? Let me check...that's right, it's NOT!

And finally 5. Pretending you did not get them. That is even worse, because you are holding up someone's productivity.

But since most of this is probably foreign to people who actually use proper email etiquette, and really, I've only made this post a rant about one individual that I have to email and it doesn't apply to the rest of you, I suppose I sound like a crazy person. Do I? What else should I mention?

Yes.
Does anyone know if LMS has posted on email etiquette yet?

Don't know, I didn't get that one.

A JIF-T to all mankind

JIF Peanut Butter now comes in mini cups.

I kid you not.

Christ is Risen!

He is Risen, Indeed!!



Happy Easter Everyone.

Disrespect

Charlie Sykes is discussing this morning the vandalism that took place in Milwaukee yesterday at an Army Recruitment office, on the anniversary of the Iraq war.

Milwaukee's own newspaper failed to report this as an actual event, or as something worthy of a story.

No one seems to care that Milwaukee's was the only Army Recruitment center that suffered vandalism. Even Berkeley went unscathed. There is no outrage though. There is no sense of urgency that people are disrespecting our troops.

Have we become so complacent? If it was an abortion clinic or some other center for liberal thought that had been attacked by the other side, would it not run at 6,7, and 10 pm news as well?

I will let Owen speak for me.

Right to protest, or take up space

On Capitol Square today there are three Homeland Security Federal Cop cars parked. There are also three hometown loser protestors parked as well, on the sidewalk.

Walking past a large paper mache doll of what is supposed to look like President Bush w/ large monkey ears, I can't help but marvel at the impact they have made. What a wonderful exercise to your free-speech rights - to sit out on a beautiful day stonin' and bitching w/ your cohorts about how Bush is the worst president ever. They aren't even trying to talk to passersby, or hand out informational sheets about whatever they hate so much about America and America's leader. What a statement they have shouted at those empty vehicles. Another stands across the street on the corner with a sign "G.O.P" something about alien takeover.... at least it might as well say that.

And back at my house, where the trash situation has only returned for me to deal with this week- thank goodness the snow has melted and I can move the cans myself - I greet my stoner neighbor once again to an empty blank stare and a "you live here?"

Yeah, Louie (this is obviously an alias to protect stoner-neighbor's identity), I live here. Why don't you go join your friends on the square. They could use one more I'm sure.

Or, think about a job. That could work too.

Fantasy land

Katie Holmes was recently asked, along with a gaggle of celebrity females, "What's the first thing our next president should do for women?"

Her answer?

"End the war. I would like to see a world of peace for my daughter."

Mrs. Cruise, you really are living in a scientological world of fantasy. To believe that the President ending the war will bring peace to the world is a joke. Ending the war should be something that the terrorists should do for your daughter. Vote for Obama so he can sit at a round table with them and discuss it. But the terrorists started this war and only the devastation of thier ideology will end it.

I can think of a number of things that our President can influence that would be more beneficial to women. Ending the war isn't one of them.

Bad play on words

I admit, I am an occasional reader of what I call "smut magazines." On a lazy Sunday, I'll walk thru the Walmart and pick up a Glamour, an US, maybe even a Cosmo for my afternoon couch potato ritual. While I do not consider this something I am proud of, nor do I obsess over the latest breakdown Britney is having, I do enjoy some aspects of these magazines - even if it's just a good laugh. Afterall, every girl needs to at least know what the latest trends are, even if she can't spend $500 on a pair of Manolos...

Anywho, to my surprise, I came upon a Glamour "buzz" page entitled, "Meet the sperminators!" Around the hideous title were pictures of the latest celebrities who've been knocked up out of wedlock.

Not only is Casey Aldridge, father of the latest Spears' family addition, the first face we see, this is evidently the norm and something he should be crowned for - yes, impregnating 16 year old Jamie Lynn. 4 of the 5 celebrity duos (Cash & Jessica Alba, Matthew McConaughey & Camila, Halle Berry and Gabriel, and the Aguileras) are not married, nor engaged. They are happily flaunting their love children.

Now, before I continue, I merely want to flash the caution sign. This is not an entry meant to, in any way, insult those who have children without being married, deal with unexpected pregnancy, etc. I would just like to use this as an introduction to a discussion about changing societal norms. I welcome your comments.

I was having a chat with a friend the other day and we realized that marriage has been in some ways, taken out of the picture. Society doesn't really put a lot of stock in it anymore. Having children out of wedlock is in many ways, a new societal norm- and not just according to Hollywood. But how does it translate to the real world? Are we becoming lazier- less interested in commitment and more in temptation? It is a license to leave? I don't know for sure. Tom and Katie got married after Suri came along. Angelina and Brad simply add to their brood practically daily, and yet no rings. Heck, Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn- also Tim Reynolds and Susan Sarandon have coexited for years with children and yet without the legal binding. Female celebrities think about having babies when they are completely unattached! Do those examples just encourage a greater problem? Is it even a problem?

I'm a conservative gal. I guess I'm feeling a little lost in this new age. Some argue as long as the baby has parents to love it, who cares if they are married parents? Does it matter anymore? I think it does, but I'm curious what others out there believe now. Does Hollywood have any sway on whether or not a 19 year old college sophomore gets pregnant with her boyfriend, and keeps it? While their parents may frown, is that now accepted behavior?

If Halle Berry and her beautiful beau want to have a baby, good for them. Far be it from me to tell a financially stable, mother-in-practice that she can't. But to put Casey Aldridge in the mix and crown him a "sperminator"? NOT on the same level. NOT OK.

Are we reaching a point where it says more or speaks louder if you have a baby and you don't get married?

Michigan calls for a do-over

Talk about inconveniencing voters. They already HAD their say - and it was Hillary.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Michigan Democrats agreed Friday to push a do-over primary in early June to give them a say in the close presidential race between Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama.

And what's more, why do individual states just get to say they're going to have a do-over to have "relevance"?

The national party punished Michigan and Florida for moving up their primaries before Feb. 5, stripping them of all their delegates. The two states have been struggling to come up with alternative plans to ensure their delegates are seated at the national convention this summer in Denver.

Michigan held its primary Jan. 15 and Florida voted Jan. 29. Clinton won both, although she was the only major candidate on the Michigan ballot.

Now they want Obama, it's obvious. Michigan had its chance, and the Democrats should accept the outcome. Just because you don't like how it turned out, doesn't mean you get a do-over.

The pain of our fathers

People is reporting Amy Winehouse suffered from her father's afair. I guess that explains why she's a drug addict and total loser - or at least it explains her angry song about men.

And now Governor Eliot Spitzer, known evidently as "holier than thou," betrays the women of his life- wife and three grown teenage daughters. To hear the news analysts talk about what kind of emotional damage his behavior will cause to those young ladies simply saddens me. To think the one person they trusted so much and found their expectations of men in has turned their back on them. He has abandoned them in more ways than just having sex with a hooker.

I shake my head, though perhaps I'm a hypocrite to comment since my father was nothing like those kind of men. My father is the kind of father that loves his children with the unconditional love of God, and reflects that in almost all the choices he makes. I have a special relationship with my dad, and he would never have wronged my sister and I, nor my mother.

Your father should be the first love of your life. He should be your hero, the man you run to when your heart aches, the man you measure your future husband to, the man who treasures you no matter what your faults are. It's a tall order, men. But for little girls, you have a tremendous impact.

I suppose we can give Mitch Winehouse a break, since he is acknowledging Amy suffered from his behavior. And then the jerk says this:

"It is easy for me to say it is my fault, and that had I been a better parent this would not have happened. But who knows whether it would or not?" he says.

It certainly wouldn't have hurt if you had been a better parent. Duh!

And I'm not the only one to worry about this, the message that men like Eliot Spitzer are sending. David North of Long Island writes:

"Most of the analysis about this case has focused on law, career, marital fidelity and America's attitudes about prostitution. Less discussed, but equally important, are the expectations and outlook of daughters about relationships with their fathers and the future men in their lives. Does Spitzer's case lead young girls to believe that a vow to forsake all others is meaningless to men? Does it normalize prostitution?

Spitzer has three daughters, ages 13, 15 and 17. Did it cross his mind that "Kristen," 22, is also somebody's daughter?"

Probably not. It's a wonder what "Kristen's" own father was like, to lead her to prostitute herself...maybe we can't blame a father that isn't there?

North continues:

"Fear may be the stick, but education and confidence are the carrot. He says his goal is to convince them that becoming independent and accomplished women is the best, safest route for girls. "But I do wonder, with stories like this [Spitzer's], if they think, 'What's up with guys?'"

Yeah, what's up with guys? A successful term or two in office and Spitzer could have been a candidate for president. He risked his career and lost it, and he may yet lose his family. Transcripts indicate "Client 9" was even willing to put his wife's health at risk."

And while I didn't want to go there, it only fits:

"By all accounts, Chelsea, now 28, is an accomplished woman, but who knows what emotional effects her dad's very public infidelity had on her?"

I know I've gone on about the effect on women, but North doesn't leave out men. And I agree. To stand up to the tall order, how will they learn from the men making news headlines today?

"Women and girls need to believe men can be trusted. And we, men and boys, need models to live up to - not excuses to live down to."

Oh. I forgot to say, thank you Daddy.

Ladies' Napoleon syndrome?

Fox News this morning is telling me that for ladies- if you are short and you have "an opponent" who is taller than you, you're going to be jealous of her.
If you are short no matter what, you will probably resent taller people.

I disagree. I recently met a woman who is easily 6'1''. Am I jealous of her? No. She plays volleyball and is beautiful, but imagine how difficult her life might be in other areas? How about dating- what 5'8'' guy would ask her out? Her hugs are awkward because people are wrapping themselves around her waist. While she should of course accept her body and love what God gave her, I am in no way jealous of this woman.

In fact, it has taken me over two decades, but I now accept my petite-ness. In fact, I rejoice in it. From the height I gain in 3 inch heels, to the array of boys I can date, to the small places I can climb through and fit between - being petite has its perks!

Do I think this "Napoleon Syndrome" exists for some men, though? Absolutely!

You have GOT to be kidding me

A few days ago, THIS ran as the front page of the The Cap Times online. I couldn't even bare to pick up a hard copy for fear it would actually be on the front page... a little drama much? Blame it on the Project Runway marathon tonight, but I'm feeling Fierce!

I lost my water on the title alone: Will global warming affect Packers' success? PFFFFF! I had to wipe the computer screen. But wait:

Losing Brett Favre is hard enough, but what if the Green Bay Packers lost their home field advantage?

Global warming could remove those icy cold days and snowstorms that tend to benefit the Pack if they're playing against a team more accustomed to warm weather.

An analysis by Environment America found that cold weather teams won more than 65 percent of their home games played from November through January against warm weather teams from 1998 through 2005.

And though all cold weather stadiums saw average football season temperatures rise during the past seven years compared to the previous 30 years, Green Bay had the highest increase at 4.1 degrees.

So what about this past season, when cold and snow triumphed? Perhaps that's the exception that proved the rule, environmentalists say. The Packers did very well in 2007-08.

As if it's a surprise that we had a decent season? What, did the weather improve from 22 to 26 degrees?

Oh it gets better:

"In fact, temperatures rising at Lambeau could fumble away our home field advantage. We have solutions available. It's time to use them and have a new game plan for a second-half comeback," Kohler said.

Other more serious effects are ahead for the environment, economy and public health because of rising temperatures, unless state and federal legislators take decisive action, he warned.

I am sickened, Anita Weier. That you would take something as sacred as the Packers and as tragic as Brett Favre's retirement and use them to produce a crap political piece about the "effect of global warming on Wisconsin," trying to pull the Cheeseheads' heartstrings in the way of actually caring about global warming, makes me want to vomit - and makes me embarrassed to read this paper.

After a record year of snowfall, temperatures way below average into March, I hardly believe anyone is feeling sympathetic to the woes of global warming. Bring the polar bears to Madison if we're so afraid of their extinction. I'm sure they'll last longer here than on their apparently melting icecaps. Heck, the alleyway next to my house is still a layer of sheer ice.

I'm finally proud of the commenatators on the CapTimes website, who seem to see the complete and utter BULL SHIT that is this article. Editors- excuse me, but this is worthy of the front page? (Will you print an editorial about why my whiteness rocks? Ok, sorry, that BS is getting old too...but you see my point). My favorite is "pete" who says to stick global warming where the sun don't shine!

Thanks Pete. And if any Packers want to sign my petition to tell Anita Weier to do the same, it's printing...

Obama in MS

I've been agreeing that Obama's rhetoric is beautiful and intelligent...

and then today he says: "We can disagree without being disagreeable."

Good one. Who wrote that?

P.S. Senator Obama, would your wife take a look at my "My Whiteness Rocks" thesis?

All American

I have watched this guy since he was a high school senior UVA-recruit.

The evidence is in the anecdotes. After Chris was honored as the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in December, he flew home from the awards banquet with Virginia sports information director Jim Daves. During a layover in Philadelphia they learned that the Cavaliers would play Texas Tech in the Gator Bowl. Chris grabbed Daves's laptop computer, called up the Texas Tech website and clicked on the bio of left tackle Rylan Reed. Daves asked him why. "Because he's got my lunch money," Chris responded.

Virginia lost to Texas Tech 31-28; but even before the game began, Long had impressed Reed. "When you watch film, it can be kind of boring," says Reed. "But it was actually fun watching Chris Long. The guy won't quit. He thinks he's going to make every play. He will not accept getting beat. It was really an honor to be on the field with him."

He will be a quality NFL player.

I live with trash

I'd like the opportunity to expostulate upon the trash I live among.

I live in a house apartment with four other units. In the alley way between our house and another complex, sit multiple trashcans. I think the goal is we all have our own, but they're communal, no biggie.

They have sat and packed and packed full of trash for the past few weeks. Why? Because no one is evidently capable of taking the trash cans out to the street on garbage day. Nor is anyone capable of bearing the wind and weather to move the cans, allowing snow to pile up on top of them.

Why can't I do this? I have done this multiple times- November, even December with the first snowfalls. And, I bring them back in the next morning. I have only seen myself performing this magical act. Yes, it remains a "shared responsibility" according to my lease. Hmmmm. However, now I am not physically strong enough to lift the cans out of their snow-packed coccoons and drag them to the street. Yes, this is sad.

They are overflowing and attracting the animals. And what brilliance do my housemates have, but to continue to add the trash to those cans?! Pile it on, no problem neighbors!!

A squirrel surprised me the other morning, which of course my mind followed with an overdramatization that I could acquire rabies should I be surprised by an infected rodent one night walking past their newfound trash-engorged lair and perhaps bitten!.... While this is completely disgusting in and of itself, the smell and decomposition now occuring makes even walking past the cans almost unbearable.

And yet upon my latest exit, I met my neighbor for the third time. He didn't remember our previous introductions I guess. I can no doubt blame the stoner for at least his trash cans - and probably some of that excess trash - and of course, I will remain irritated.

I see London

I see France!

LONDON(Reuters)- A British company has developed a camera that can detect weapons, drugs or explosives hidden under people's clothes from up to 25 meters away in what could be a breakthrough for the security industry.

The T5000 camera, created by a company called ThruVision, uses what it calls "passive imaging technology" to identify objects by the natural electromagnetic rays -- known as Terahertz or T-rays -- that they emit.

The technology, which has military and civilian applications and could be used in crowded airports, shopping malls or sporting events, will be unveiled at a scientific development exhibition sponsored by Britain's Home Office on March 12-13.

"Acts of terrorism have shaken the world in recent years and security precautions have been tightened globally," said Clive Beattie, the chief executive of ThruVision.

"The ability to see both metallic and non-metallic items on people out to 25 meters is certainly a key capability that will enhance any comprehensive security system."

I can't wait for the libs to start protesting this. I already predict: "What a violation of personal privacy!"... "there has to be an amendment preventing this kind of intrusion"... and of course, "This is all Bush's fault!"

My response to them? Just start wearing a bra and it won't be a problem!

Feeling that pre-teen angst

I hate you!

I never want to see you again!

SNL - a little too live?

This may be all too real for my stomach...

The face of a legend

His face says it all. I could scroll this slideshow forever.

We will miss you, Brett.

Open-minded... but closed-doored

Muslim women now have a private gym at Harvard. Well, not quite, but they have private hours with only female staff on hand for about 6 hours a week. BOSTON

— In a test of Harvard's famed open-mindedness, the university has banned men from one of its gyms for a few hours a week to accommodate Muslim women who say it offends their sense of modesty to exercise in front of the opposite sex.

The policy is already unpopular with many on campus, including some women who consider it sexist.

There they can work out in private, able to dawn a more appropriate exercise attire while not offending the male sex. I'm sorry, I should cite the article:

The special hours allow the Muslim women, who adhere to traditional dress codes by covering their hair and most of their skin while in public, to dress more appropriately for exercising, said Susan Marine, director of the women's center.

"It's a pretty big breach of their moral and religious code for a man to see them with their hair uncovered and it's just not possible for them to be in a mixed environment," she said.

Frankly, I'm surprised Muslim women can exercise at all. Are they not to cover themselves from head to toe around men, related and non-related? Aren't they to reject the western ideals of femininity and the west's obsession with sexuality and beauty? So why a need to exercise at all? You shouldn't be thinking about your bodies- you should be hiding so as not to be seen or annoy.

Oh no, was that politically incorrect of me?

Do I disagree with this whole ordeal? Yes. Am I a huge bitch for not recognizing another religion and discriminating against those that want to use the gym? Go ahead and say whatever it is you like. Yes, it's only 6 hours a week. Do I think a lot of guys are going to the gym from 8-10 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays? Well, I'm not sure. But no matter what day it is I go to the gym, there's bound to be some dudes walking around. It's about a schedule, and inconveniencing others' schedules.

What is it I love the most about this story?

An Associated Press reporter who went to the gym Monday did not see any Muslim women entering. Efforts to reach some of the women who requested the policy through the Women's Center were unsuccessful.

Love it. First of all, these "lobbyists" should be touting this as a victory for Muslim women. Second, if you lobby so hard for it, you should be there. If you want to inconvenience others, get your ass in gear and get to the gym. Every hour of your precious 6 allotted.