A Day in the Life...

Everybody Loves Raymond-Not So Fast Episode Clip

2009-11-10T23:15:32Z

OMG! They're talking about Grammy!!!!!

Mad Men

2009-11-09T14:00:12Z

I haven't watched the season closer yet - probably will tonight, but this made me a little swoony. Apparently, you can buy a Mad Men inspired suit from Brooks Brothers. I wonder if this means the 80s fashion craze is coming to an end and we'll start seeing a return to 60s fashion for women, too. One can dream, right?

The World of Chemistry

2009-11-09T13:43:29Z

gakked from lolscience
FUN!

Birthday Catch-up!

2009-11-09T13:39:17Z

In typical fashion, I've missed birthdays. That doesn't mean I haven't been thinking about you guys! Hope your birthdays were wonderful and fun!

11/1 - giftchild
11/8 - bearon68 and brendan440

NaNo Count - Day 5

2009-11-06T17:02:32Z

Over 11,000 words now! Woot! :D

Birthday Wishes!

2009-11-05T17:28:03Z

First a belated birthday to froglady! I hope it was a good and happy one!

And now a happy birthday to sillyviking! Best returns of the day and all that! :D

Gastronomic Overkill

2009-11-05T14:31:37Z

Leftover Halloween Candy Pie

The link is courtesy of my darling husband, who just sent me into diabetic shock with just the link. LOL

NaNo Count - Day 4

2009-11-05T03:26:09Z

I've made it to 9,204.

And I'm falling asleep sitting up. Time for bed!

Nano Count - Day 3

2009-11-04T15:20:49Z

Little bitty update last night: 6667. My brain was VERY tired.

NaNoWriMo 2009 - And we're off!

2009-11-01T20:33:44Z

~~2051 words so far today.~~

Make that 3480! Woot!

Funnies from my Mom

2009-10-29T14:32:36Z

What To Say When You Snap in Work

There are days when you reach beyond what you can bear and snap at work. Instead of saying something completely mundane and non impactful, here are a few good suggestions of what you can say under those circumstances.

If you are gonna crack, might as well make it a good one right?
1. I can see your point, but I still think you’re full of shit.
2. I don’t know what your problem is, but I’ll bet it’s hard to pronounce.
3. How about never? Is never good for you?
4. I see you’ve set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public.
5. I’m really easy to get along with once you people learn to see it my way.
6. I’ll try being nicer if you’ll try being smarter.
7. I’m out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message.
8. I don’t work here. I’m a consultant.
9. It sounds like English, but I can’t understand a damn word you’re saying.
10. Ahhhh .. I see the screw-up fairy has visited us again.
11. I like you. You remind me of myself when I was young and stupid.
12. You are validating my inherent mistrust of strangers.
13. I have plenty of talent and vision; I just don’t give a damn.
14. I’m already visualizing the duct tape over your mouth.
15. I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you.
16. Thank you. We’re all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view. (this is my personal favorite and may actually get used at the next meeting I run.)
17. The fact that no one understands you doesn’t mean you’re an artist.
18. Any connections between your reality and mine is purely coincidental.
19. What am I? Flypaper for freaks?!
20. I’m not being rude. You’re just insignificant.
21. It’s a thankless job, but I’ve got a lot of Karma to burn off
22. Yes, I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial.
23. And your crybaby whiny-assed opinion would be?
24. Do I look like a people person?
25. This isn’t an office. It’s Hell with fluorescent lighting.
26. I started out with nothing and I still have most of it left.
27. Sarcasm is just one service we offer.
28. If I throw a stick, will you leave?
29. Errors have been made. Others will be blamed.
30. Whatever kind of look you were going for, you missed.
31. I’m trying to imagine you with a personality.
32. A cubicle is just a padded cell without a door.
33. Can I trade this job for what’s behind door #1?
34. Too many freaks, not enough circuses.
35. Nice perfume. Must you marinate in it?
36. Chaos, panic and disorder…my work here is done.
37. How do I set a laser printer to stun?
38. I thought I wanted a career; turns out I just wanted a salary.
39. Who lit the fuse on your tampon?
40. Oh, I get it…like humor…but different.

Two Little Old Ladies were sitting on a park bench outside the local town hall where a flower show was in progress.

The thin one leaned over and said, 'Life is so boring. We never have any fun anymore. For $10 I'd take my clothes off and streak through that stupid flower show!'

'You're on!' said the other old lady, holding up a $10 bill.

The first little old lady slowly fumbled her way out of her clothes and completely naked, streaked (as fast as an old lady can) through the front door of the flower show.

Waiting outside, her friend soon heard a huge commotion inside the hall, followed by loud applause and shrill whistling. The smiling and naked Old lady came through the exit door surrounded by a cheering crowd.

'What happened?' asked her waiting friend.

'I won 1st prize as Best Dried Arrangement! .

Penquin Funerals
Did you ever wonder why there are no dead penguins on the ice in Antarctica - where do they go?

Wonder no more!!!

It is a known fact that the penguin is a very ritualistic bird which lives an extremely ordered and complex life.

The penguin is very committed to its family and will mate for life, as well as maintaining a form of compassionate contact with its offspring throughout its life.

If a penguin is found dead on the ice surface, other members of the family and social circle have been known to dig holes in the ice, using their vestigial wings and beaks, until the hole is deep enough for the dead bird to be rolled into and buried.

The male penguins then gather in a circle around the fresh grave and sing:

"Freeze a jolly good fellow."

Happy Thursday!!! Go Phillies!!!

It's Boot Lust...

2009-10-27T20:21:02Z

Not a commitment because ... well... the price is just too much.

But serious boot lust...

And this makes me giggle: DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND, A CUSTOMER MAY ORDER NO MORE THAN THREE UNITS OF THIS ITEM EVERY THIRTY DAYS.

Why would you need to order more than one pair of these boots? Seriously.

Bhakail Yule - Updates!

2009-10-27T13:23:15Z

As the shadows lengthen and fall turns to winter, time comes for friends to gather in bright places to enjoy the company of old friends and find the chance to make new ones. Their Excellencies of Bhakail invite their neighbors to join them in Their Yule revel, this year following the theme of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

Heavy weapons, fencing and youth combat lists will be open through the day to exemplify the travails of Gawain as he passed through the wilderness. The lists will be using a double elimination tourney format to determine their respective champions for the day. Those champions will end up fighting the Green Knight himself to test their mettle.
For those of a less martial mindset; our rendition of Castle Hautdesert will contain many amusements, including a children’s area, period games, music and a Court of Love.

Their Excellencies will also be holding their Arts & Sciences and Brewing Championships during the day. Persons interested in entering into either of these competitions are encouraged to contact Lady Jane Milford and/or Lord William Graham respectively to state your intent (contact information below).

- Arts and Sciences Championship:

The competition is open to all, who can fulfill the duties of the Baronial Arts & Sciences Champion.
Duties of the Arts & Sciences Champion are as follows:
Ø Willingness to promote Arts & Sciences in the Barony of Bhakail throughout the year.
Ø Willingness to wear Baronial regalia.
Ø Ability to organize the Baronial Arts & Sciences competition next year.

There is not a theme for the competition; however, bonus points will be given for entries that incorporate the Arthurian Legends. All Arts and Sciences entries are welcome, regardless of entry history. Bardic & brewing are encouraged to enter the competitions specific to those arts. Participants are allowed to enter as many entries as they wish. Overall scores will be tallied and the entrant with the highest overall average will be declared the Champion. In the case of a tie, the winner will be determined by Their Excellencies of Bhakail, the Baronial Arts & Sciences Officer, and the outgoing Arts & Sciences Champion. Entrants will receive their score and commentary sheets at the end of the day of competition.

All entries must include proper documentation, including: a general description, method of construction, and proper source information. Only
entries with documentation will be eligible for Championship consideration.

Research Papers:
Research papers will be split into two categories: five pages and less and six pages and more. There is no limit on the number of pages, but 10pt or 12pt typeface in a plain font is requested. Research papers are due to the current Champion, Lady Jane Milford (janeeve2001@yahoo.com), by November 13, 2009, in order to leave time for the judges to read them.

Entries for Evaluation Only or Display are welcome at this event. Evaluation and Display entries are not held to the Championship rules however the current Champion must be made aware of the entries prior to the event so that adequate space can be set aside. Entries (other than research papers) will be accepted up to, and including, the day of the competition. If your entry will take up more than a small section of a six foot long table, please contact Lady Jane Milford so that the appropriate space can be set aside. Entries must be on site and checked in with Lady Jane Milford, by 10:30 AM.

- Bhakail Brewing Championship:
As the cold winds blow we have much more time on our hands and our hearts yearn for warmth and fellowship. Their Excellencies call the brewers of their Barony to this year’s Baronial Brewing championship. The categories will be Best beer, best wine/mead, best cordial/other and best overall. Period recipes are not required but documentation counts toward 10% of your total score and can mean the difference of a win or not. So enter your best potables and try out to be this years Bhakail Baronial brewing champion.
The competition this year will be overseen by Mistress Lettice Peyton, OL. Persons wishing additional information on the competition are encouraged to contact her directly (ladypeyton AT yahoo DOT com).

- Southern Region Chatelaine’s Meeting:
Upon the request of Lady Lilie Dubh inghean ui Mordha, we will be hosting the Southern Region Chatelaine’s Meeting at Yule this winter. This meeting has been scheduled for 12 Noon. Please check at the Troll for the location of this meeting.
- Silent Auction
A silent auction will be held to benefit the East Kingdom Travel Fund. Please donate those relics you have been hoarding in your closet, or a trinket or two to the cause. Collection for the auction will be made next to Troll and the Auction will take place between noon and 3:00. Winners will be announced at 3:30 before feast.

- Toys for Tots collection
There will also be a collection point at Troll for the Toys for Tots program. Please bring a new, unwrapped gift with you to Yule and help us spread the season of giving with others.

- Bhakail Order Meetings
Their Excellencies have requested that the members of Their polling orders in the Barony meet to discuss new and old business. The exact schedule of these meetings will be forthcoming.

Refreshments will be provided during the day, prepared by Lord Mael Eoin and will serve to tantalize your appetites for a splendid feast crafted by Lady Alesone Gray of Cranlegh and served in period form.

For those gentles wanting to be seated “above the salt”, there will be additional dishes prepared by Lady Violet Coleson, Lord Bran ap Rees and Lady Brunissende Dragonette de Brocéliande. Also, persons seated above the salt will enjoy specialized servicefrom the populace of the Barony. Seating above the salt is limited to sixty (60) so get your reservations in early for this special event.

The evening Court will be held during feast and off-board seating will be made available. This site is considered “wet”.

In Bhakail tradition music and dancing will continue after the feast, under the careful eye of Lord Arglwydd Dafydd Cyhoeddwr.
Merchants are welcome, though space is limited. Interested individuals should contact the Master Steward directly. (contact information below)
Their Excellencies of Bhakail look forward to hosting you all this year and to seeing you all soon.

Directions:
From Areas North:
Route I-476 South to Pennsylvania Turnpike 276 West. Remain in right lane and exit at Norristown (exit 333). Follow signs to Plymouth Road. Turn right at the bottom of the ramp (stop sign). Go approximately ½ mile to the traffic light-Butler Pike. Turn left onto Butler Pike to Lu Lu Shriners about 1 mile on right.

From Areas South:
Route I-476 North to Plymouth Meeting Exit 20 (last exit). Follow signs to Plymouth Road. Turn right at the bottom of the ramp (stop sign). Go approximately ½ mile to the traffic light-Butler Pike. Turn left onto Butler Pike to Lu Lu Shriners about 1 mile on right.

From Areas East:
Pennsylvania Turnpike - West to Norristown Exit (exit 333). Follow signs to Plymouth Road. Turn right at the bottom of the ramp (stop sign). Go approximately ½ mile to the traffic light-Butler Pike. Turn left onto Butler Pike to Lu Lu Shriners about 1 mile on right.

From Areas West:
Pennsylvania Turnpike - East to Norristown Exit (exit 333). Follow signs to Plymouth Road. Turn right at the bottom of the ramp (stop sign). Go approximately ½ mile to the traffic light-Butler Pike. Turn left onto Butler Pike to Lu Lu Shriners about 1 mile on right.

From Philadelphia:
Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) West to Route I-476. North on I-476 to Plymouth Meeting Exit 20 (last exit). Follow signs to Plymouth Road. Turn right at the bottom of the ramp (stop sign). Go approximately ½ mile to the traffic light-Butler Pike. Turn left onto Butler Pike to Lu Lu Shriners about 1 mile on right.

At-a-Glance Event Information
Site:
Lulu Shriners
5140 Butler Pike
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Show me a map!

Site Opens: 9:00 AM
Site Closes: 10:00 PM

Event Fees:

Site : Pre-Registration rates:
Day Trip (includes sideboard) – Adult: $12, Youth (6-17): $10

Rates after November 20, 2009
Day Trip (includes sideboard) - Adult: $15, Youth (6-17): $13
Feast: Below the Salt - Adult $8, Youth (6-17) $6
Above the Salt - Adult $13, Youth (6-17) $11.

Pre-registration deadline for feast: November 20, 2009. Only paid reservations will be honored.

Please send dietary questions to: Lady Alesone Gray of Cranlegh (contact info below).

Requests for refunds must be received in writing by November 27th.

Send Reservations to:
Master Lorcan Dracontius, c/o John St Dennis, 2035
Kater St., Philadelphia PA 19146. Telephone: 215-731-1884. Email: lorcan@dracontius.net. Please, no calls after 9 PM. No mail requiring signature except by prior arrangement.

To receive a reservation confirmation and to speed your way through Troll send either a SASE or your email address with your reservation. Please send reservations with the following information: Mundane Name, SCAdian Name, On-board/Above the Salt/Off board, Adult/Child, & Amount Enclosed.

There is a non-member surcharge of $3. Proof of membership will be required at the door.

Autocrat:
Baron Seoan William Odonndubhain (Casey O'Donovan). caseyodonovan@yahoo.com; 215-508-3162

Other Contact Information:
Master Chef: Lady Alesone Gray of Cranlegh (Wendy Marques)wendy.marques@yahoo.com

A&S Competition Questions: Lady Jane Milford (Nicole Salomone)janeeve2001@yahoo.com

Brewing Competition Questions: Mistress Lettice Peyton (Beth Ann Bretter)ladypeyton@yahoo.com

Make Checks Payable to: SCA Inc. – Barony of Bhakail

Hope to see you there!

PS If anyone is interested in assisting at the Gate/Troll, please let me know.

Random Music from my Childhood

2009-10-23T18:15:57Z

auntiero @ 2009-10-20T10:00:00

2009-10-20T14:08:18Z

Okay. I'll admit it. I don't know where I stand on health care reform. I don't know if I'm entirely comfortable with what's being proposed in the government. But then I don't see it as a single issue ... issue... (sorry, it's early.) At the very least, there are three main parts to the whole problem:

1. Care itself
2. Access to care
3. Insurance coverage

Each point has little subsections. All of them seem to boil down to cost and availability.

For care itself, patients need to be sure that the care they're getting is quality care. I can't tell you how often I've heard friends and family say they don't trust the care they receive at xyz hospital because they rush you in and out and don't listen, or they make you wait for hours before you're finally seen, or... the list goes on. When challeneged on why they put up with the lack of quality and provided with possible solutions - switch doctors, don't go to that hospital, etc. they counter with either other doctors cost too much, their insurance only covers certain doctors/hospitals, or there are no other options in their areas.

That leads us to access to care. This has several components to it. First there's the availability of care in your area. Do you have the right doctors and hospitals in your area? I'm sure someone with more time and talent for it can hunt up the statistics for the numbers of hospitals and practices that have closed in the last 10 years due to rising malpractice insurance costs.

Assuming the care is available in your area, do you have insurance? If you do, do you know exactly what it covers? Would it cover a major trauma should you need it? What would your out of pocket costs be? Would you be able to afford your out of pocket costs. I'm very lucky. I work for a pharmaceutical company and have very good insurance coverage. I also take full advantage of my flexible spending accounts and health care reimbursement account. And my employer picks up 90% of the premium for our EPO and our POS options. I selected the Consumer Driven Healthcare Plan option, so my employer picks up the whole premium for me and my husband. Yeah, there's a high deductible of $1250 per person, but that's covered by what's in our FSA (employee pre-tax contributions, must use by the end of the year) and our HRA (employer funded, rolls over from year to year). My coverage is not normal. I know this. Many workers are lucky if their insurance premiums are split in half.

My sister and brother run their own businesses. They pay for their own insurance. My brother has a family - a wife and 2 kids. His business partner also has a family. I have no clue how any of them afford the insurance coverage. I really don't. But they do and the kids are covered, and my sister is covered with all of her pre-exisiting conditions.

But what happens to your access if you're unemployed and single? Most people go without coverage and put off going to the doctor/hospital until they have no choice. At that point there's an even higher cost for care because the problem has gotten that much worse. How do they afford it? If you're not on COBRA (which costs money), Medicaid or Medicare, how does the average Joe access medical care without digging themselves into a huge debt hole? Very few can do it.

And that leads me to insurance coverage. Most employers offer it, that's true. Yay for them. Yay for you if you're lucky enough to have an employer sponsored insurance plan. However, not all insurance plans are created equal. My employer offers three plans to US employees (4 if you're in CA, don't ask) - a consumer driven plan (high deductible, then covers 90% if you're in network, 80% out of network), a POS plan (managed care, $20-$25 co-pay, no referrals, low deductible, then 95% coverage in network, 85% out of network), and an EPO (works like an HMO on the patient side, $15 co-pay, referrals required, must stay in network, no out of network coverage). Our plans are administered by Aetna.

My husband's employer offers multiple plans too, but they're administered by Keystone Health. And they're more expensive. And they don't cover nearly as much as my employer's plans cover. Oh... and he works down the street from me.

If you own your own business, you need to decide if you can afford health insurance for yourself and your family (if you have one). The question of cost becomes even bigger when you have employees. What's the point of owning your own business if you can't afford to run it?

Then let's talk about the unemployed. When you're first let go - for whatever reason - if your employer offered you insurance, they're required to offer you COBRA coverage for 18 months. Great, right? Well... if you elect the COBRA coverage, you can expect to pay the full premium plus a 2% administration fee each month. For a family, this can run anywhere from $900-$2,000. A month. With no income (or half your family income if your spouse is in the workforce) until you find a new job. Most people I know, forego the COBRA option because they just can't afford it. Then there's the issue of finding a job during the 18 month time frame even if you do take the coverage. We all know how difficult that is these days.

Clearly, something needs to be done, but it can't all be done in one bill. To think that it can, is ludicrious. But the American People want it done, it seems. Fine. The question to ask is who is going to pay for it in the end and how much more will it cost? And is it right to ask the government to legislate everything?

Down another dress size.

2009-10-19T13:50:23Z

That is all. :)

Tony Orlando & Dawn sing Knock Three Times

2009-10-15T19:33:49Z

I'm having way too much fun listening to this station today. LOL

Note to Self

2009-10-15T14:54:52Z

Your next writing deadline is 10/30/09.

Then NaNoWriMo starts. EEK!

James Marsters gets a stormtrooper costume

2009-10-11T05:30:30Z

Posted for ladypeyton :)

THE ORIGINAL Scary 'Mary Poppins' Recut Trailer

2009-10-08T13:03:42Z

HEeheehee!

Thanks for sharing, Casey! :D

Weight Watchers Coupons

2009-10-05T13:42:54Z

If anyone's interested, I get a coupon with my weekly trackers. They're usually $.50 off any 4 Smart Ones entree, dessert or breakfast and good until April 2010. I would be surprised if I was able to use all of them. If you want some, let me know here. :)

Birthday Wishes

2009-10-02T13:31:17Z

The last few months have been moving waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too fast for me and I missed wishing princessakasha a happy birthday. So I'll do it now: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, princessakasha!!!! And today's birthday... HAPPY BIRTHDAY, stonetimber!!!!!! Hope the coming year is wonderful and filled with love and good things!

A request to my friends

2009-09-30T20:19:52Z

I'm continuing some research on the French and Indian War. Those of you who are fond of these things - do you have any good books to recommend? I'm looking for research books on military history, political history and frontier life in the mid-1700s in Pennsylvania (specifically the Altoona area). The story is coming together, but I need details from these types of sources to make sure the feel is right.

Thanks!

Echo in the Bone

2009-09-30T13:43:40Z

OMG!!!!!!

Page 613!!!!!

OMG!!!!!

OMG!!!!!

SPOILERS IN THE COMMENTS!!!

For my Librarian Friends

2009-09-24T14:17:40Z

courtesy of bunnyjadwiga