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Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in the "gianetta" journal:[<< Previous 20 entries]
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03:49 pm
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RIP
I was on the plane that took Solzhenitsyn back to Russia in 1994 after 20 years of exile. I was glad that I didn't start reading the Gulag Archipelago until AFTER I returned home. I read only about 100 pages before I'd had enough, but they were about the arrests, and were chilling enough to make me appreciate a lot of things that we take for granted in the US.
No matter what they've done or are planning to do, it is nothing but wrong for our government to 'disappear' people out of the US and into foreign jails where they will be tortured and held without charges. I don't envy the jobs of those who are supposed to protect us from terrorists, but I'd rather see one hundred September 11's than see my country stoop to methods perfected by a murderous madman like Stalin. I know people who lost dear friends on Sept 11, and will never forget the look on the face of an acquaintance / fellow graduate student when she saw the towers collapsing on TV as she fumbled with her cell phone trying to get ahold of her best friend, who had flown back to NYC from Cville the day before and who worked on one of the top floors of one of the towers. I understand what is at stake, but there are lines that we don't cross regardless of the price.
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08:03 pm
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The funny thing...
...about McCain's new web ad is that Americans *are* looking for The One to get us out of this mess. I'll take a Messiah figure any day over the status quo.
We are stuck in the middle of two wars that are doing nothing useful for our security. Said wars are being funded by a credit card called China. Our economy is in the tank, and the people who know such things are telling us we're not close to the end of it. Our government has taken away countless civil liberties - used to be that they couldn't force your library to tell them what you've been reading - it's a small thing, but it's what makes us America. The current administration's proposed regulations define birth control pills as abortion - we really do have enough unwanted children in this world already without creating more - I'll worry about the unborn after all of the born (and capable of suffering) children are taken care of. Apparently torture is now acceptable - no problem kidnapping Canadians from JFK and sending them to Syria to be tortured. It's OK to out undercover CIA agents for political gain - that used to be called, and still is - IMO, treason.
Yes, we are looking for a fucking Messiah.
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/01/mccain-web-ad-obama-might-be-the-one-but-maybe-not-ready-to-lead/
And read the fine print if you think that your taxes will be lower under McCain. Unless you're making >$250,000 (not a problem for me or most of my friends), you're better off with Obama's tax plan, which puts the highest brackets back where they were before W screwed our economy and lowers taxes for the poor and for working families, who actually need the money.
It's really disappointing that McCain is letting them do this.
Did I mention that I detest our current administration? Is there anything they haven't fucked up in the past 8 years? Oh wait, oil profits are through the roof - too bad the rest of the market is in the toilet as a result.
I sent Obama a check last night and plan to do so every month until the election. He may not be The One, but he's a hell of a lot better than what we have now, and I fear that McCain may be too far into that mess to be able to use his brain if elected.
Tags: election2008
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08:11 am
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This is ridiculous
Don't mind me - just ranting again...
'Opponents say Massachusetts now could become the "Las Vegas of gay marriage," and they criticized lawmakers for infringing on other states' rights to define marriage.'
States recognize man-woman marriages performed in other states, even if the other states have different rules for marriage - doesn't matter if the legal age to marry in LA is twelve (it's not) - your state will still recognize the marriage if it was legal in the state where it was performed. To do otherwise would cause all kinds of chaos, as it's currently causing for gay couples who live in backwards states like Virginia. It's incredible progress that 20% of states now give gay couples legal protection of one kind or another, but the excuses of the other states are wearing thin. Churches get to decide on their own standards for marriage - gay couples already can get married (not legally) in many types of churches in the US. Massachusetts allowing gay marriage doesn't mean churches there have to recognize or perform same-sex marriages.The fact is that the world is changing, and a lot of people don't like it. Things are not going to go back to how they were 50 years ago. In a couple of decades, the 'defense of marriage' laws will be look just as ridiculous as anti-miscegenation laws look now. Why is it any business of mine whether a black person marries a white person or two women marry each other? I've never understood why I should care about other people's love lives.
I don't care who you marry or sleep with, but I reserve the right to snicker if it's funny (I'm very mature like that), and remember that it makes me twitch to hear about who dated whom 10 years ago - *that* is TMI. hehe *twitch*
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080801/ap_on_re_us/gay_marriage
Tags: rant
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04:46 pm
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Pennsic
Still not in a panic about Pennsic. I need to start packing some accessories and supplies for finishing the last of my hand-sewing. Also need to do some shopping - maybe do that tonight as I'm not feeling like sewing or packing today.
Both linen dresses fit me (they're similar shades of blue, but I swear there are two of them - I'm not just wearing the same thing over and over again!!!) It's amazing that they're still in one piece given my sewing skills, or lack thereof, when I made them 5 or so years ago. All of the pants except for one pair fit me, and those were made at my thinnest.
Unfortunately, they've revised the weather forecast, saying it'll be much warmer than they were saying earlier. If that's the case, I might be hitting Historic Enterprises and other such places looking for clothes that are cooler than Elizabethan things.
I've decided that I just don't care all that much about my clothes this year at Pennsic. I intend to have a good time.
I want it to be Friday afternoon already. We're heading up Saturday morning, hoping to be there in the early afternoon. No tent to set up, but we'll likely pop into V&E to say hi before going shopping. I don't have a serious shopping list like I did last time (bought everything on it in our first three hours onsite), but I still want to hit the merchants before their stock is picked over.
If anyone has their merchants book already, could you please tell me whether Desert Torch is there this year? I have heard rumors of the demise of their business.
I should go do something useful now.
Drama Queens: If you have any drama, please keep it far away from me because there's a very good chance that I couldn't care less about it and don't want to hear about it. I'm just saying...
Tags: pennsic
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06:45 pm
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Obama
Wouldn't it be nice for the world to see America as a shining beacon of democracy again? It made me cry to see 200,000 Germans turn out cheering and waving American flags.
John McCain would not make a truly horrible president. We've seen what that looks like, and it is not McCain, but it would be nice to reclaim our place in the world, and I don't think that McCain is the best man to do it.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/24/obama-in-berlin-video-of_n_114771.html
America is a good idea.
Tags: election2008
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01:32 pm
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Horrible
I admit that I almost fell off my chair laughing at least three times, and there were several other funny bits, but Dr. Horrible's Singalong Blog is pretty bad. Not as bad as 'Beer Bad', but still bad. Damn.
Tags: tv
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08:58 pm
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Storvik
Anyone know if/when there's a morning court at Storvik's event this weekend, and if so, that's not when they're planning to do the laureling, right? We're planning to be there for court, but are trying to find out when Caemfind's thing is happening. I can find nothing resembling a schedule (or even 'door opens at 10 am'), although I could swear I saw someone ask and answer the question on a mailing list the other week, which is why I think it's at 10 am. . .
Tags: sca
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11:39 am
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Do you prefer abstract or representational art?
Yes. What a stupid question.
The King's Bishop Congrats! Only 3-4% of the population score this! 
To others, the King’s Bishop projects confidence. This can be mistaken for arrogance; but its source is easy to find. From an early age most of the King’s Bishops are specialized in their knowledge. When it comes to an area of expertise the King’s Bishop has several. They can know immediately if they can help you and how. They know what they know, but more importantly they know their limits. This Bishop is a perfectionist. They will always attempt to improve upon anything of interest. They have an unusual independence of mind which frees them from authority, convention or sentiment. Anyone who is slacking will lose respect – and be made aware of this. The King’s Bishop can be secretive when making critical decisions. However they are even-handed and will recognize contributions others give. This Bishop is highly ideal with their goals. They attempt to pursue high degree of quality in solutions and can be critical of ideas that compromise this quality. Because of their unwillingness to accept ‘good enough’ they can be unrealistic. They are at their best when they have time to think through a problem, at which point they may have a plan to solve the dilemma. The King's Bishop is an individual with a very analytical attitude. They are like the Queen's Rook, in that they prefer the ascetic quality of solitude. They are not as sociable as others, but are quite prepared to lead if they deem the current leadership as weak. They are thankfully pragmatic and logical individuals. They have very low tolerance for emotional rampaging or the spinning of 'truths'.
http://www.okcupid.com/tests/which-chess-piece-are-you-test
Tags: meme
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02:18 pm
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3-day weekend
Have had a great weekend so far, and am spending today relaxing and getting small things done.
I have the surcoat mostly put together. I need to iron all of the seams and stitch the seam allowances down, and need to slit and press the seams around the neck and arm holes. At that point, I'll just have to sew the bottom closed, most of which can be done by machine.
Found the shirt that fits Adam properly. Found measuring tape. Found directions for Grace's shirt. Must iron linen.
Went for longish walk in neighborhood with Adam today to get used to walking before Pennsic. Am trying to take inventory of what we have and what we need for Pennsic. I'm not feeling very organized, but I have a couple of weeks. . .
Tags: pennsic, sca, sewing
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08:44 pm
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I hate it when people use adjectives as nouns to describe people
Gays, blacks, the handicapped, etc. I know that I sound like a second wave feminist, but it reduces people to that one attribute and makes you sound like a moron at the same time.
In related but more pleasant news, the 'gays' in California can now get married if they so choose. Given California's size and population, as well as its history of leading the way in social movements, the writing's on the wall.
Tags: rant
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04:31 pm
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So where do I find a notary in Charlottesville?
We need paperwork notarized for the sale of the house later this week. . .
Tags: move
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07:21 pm
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'Gitmo detainees win round at Supreme Court' - CNN
Actually, it was the core of our judicial system that won a round at the Supreme Court today.
Guantanamo Bay is a disgrace to our nation. Remember those Japanese internment camps? It's not the same situation, but we're going to think of Gitmo in 50 years the same way we think of those camps today. Don't even get me started about putting our soldiers into situations where they're likely to become involved in war crimes. . .
Tags: rant
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11:24 am
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Apprenticing
I am thrilled to announce that I will be apprenticing to Mistress Elisabeth MacAlester at Pennsic XXXVII. Details TBA.
Adam and I been in the SCA on and off since May 2000 - no 'official' time off, but several de facto inactive periods. Since joining, I have had the privilege and pleasure of meeting countless wonderful people through the Society, and I am honored to call many of them friends.
I've thought long and hard over the years about the apprentice/protege/cadet thing and whether I wanted to do it - there were times when I didn't think it was right for me. I've had a couple of fabulous opportunities in the past that were not right for me at the time, but it means a lot to me that such outstanding people thought I was worth their time. The pieces have finally all fallen into place, and this is precisely the right situation at the right time.
*happy dance*
Tags: sca
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04:30 pm
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*frowny*
Had to talk to the guy whose wife died of liver failure. Again. He wants data that we can't give him. I had to tell him no. He wants to change a policy that let his wife die after 8 years on the waiting list. Nothing in my years of school prepared me to deal with this kind of thing. I run analyses. I deal with the government. I write papers.
I've decided to do everything I can to make sure that this guy's issue makes it to the right people. I don't know that we can do anything about it, but I'm going to make sure that he's heard.
Please go sign up to be an organ donor. Dead's dead, and someone is desperately waiting for my liver if I have the misfortune of dying.
Tags: work
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11:11 pm
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Sapphire
In no particular order:
the good:
1. Dante's pearl
2. Event going very well overall
3. The beautiful weather
4. Sapphire prize winner showing up in court (see below)
5. No major muck-ups in the tournaments
6. Patient and competent MoLs who rolled with the minor muck-ups
7. A couple of very good conversations with friends
8. Caemfind's Laurel Writ - I barely know her, but already know that it is so well deserved
9. New baron and baroness
10. Seeing 'old' baron relaxing with his wife at an event
11. Seeing people I hadn't seen in ages
12. 54 rapier fighters who only resulted in two minor negative reports (of hitting too hard - once each) - I call that a good day for an RMIC
13. Crowns and B&B who run good courts - I knew that M & B were going to be great at this.
14. Probably TMI, but being dehydrated enough that my nose didn't run once during the event - I'm back to the kleenex box tonight. . .
the bad:
1. Realizing in the middle of court that I hadn't done anything to make sure that the winner of the Sapphire prize would be in court. A thousand thank yous to anyone who made sure he was there (not sure whether he was 'encouraged' to attend or just happened to be there)
2. Minor muck-ups with tournament that several MoLs and marshals helped straighten out - I am blessed to have kind and competent friends that can advise me and save my hide in a pinch
Tags: sca
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10:53 pm
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lost
Wow. I'm a little annoyed about who they killed on Lost recently, but I have to say that some of the other occurrences were interesting enough that I'll forgive them for it. I have to admit that they have me hooked.
Tags: tv
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08:50 pm
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Rocket scientist quote of the day:
'No, no, little worm; go, down; go down! Silly earthworms wouldn't listen - perhaps because they don't have ears - and this made the robin very happy.' - M. Theodora
Current Mood:  amused
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08:41 pm
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It's still fricking raining
We really need the rain - still in a mild drought and all.
We do not, however, need this much rain in one day. Especially when it's the day we were supposed to load the smart boxes. We had several tornado warnings tonight. My flower beds are flooded. It'll all be fine, but I'm really ready for it to stop raining already. We really needed today to finish packing the boxes. FFFFFFF
My shoulders are killing me. My arms feel like lead. Almost everything I own is packed in boxes and either in the Smart Boxes or staged in the living room so that we can run it out there as soon as it stops pouring. Current forecast says that'll be in the morning.
We can probably get it all loaded in the morning. If not, we can have them leave one or two of the boxes and take the others to the new house. We'll have to pay for another delivery if we do that, but at this point, I can live with that.
I need a fricking beer, and I'm 99.9% sure that there is no beer in my house. I've already sent Adam out into the rain a couple times tonight, and by now the local roads might be close to flooded, so we're stuck here.
I feel like we should be building an ark or something.
Tags: move
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01:10 pm
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88
They're saying it will be 88F later today. It's only April 19th - how can it be this hot? At least we're not moving in July. In other marvelous moving news, it's supposed to storm tomorrow through Tuesday. Pray for dry weather.
Patrick and John stopped by this morning to help Adam move heavy stuff. Adam's coworker is meeting him at the new house this afternoon to help unload the heavy stuff. I'm glad we don't have a lot of real furniture. We move plants and some other stuff either tonight or tomorrow - probably tomorrow. The SmartBoxes are picked up and moved to the new house on Monday.
Adam is being a doll and driving the Uhaul. I'd hate driving that thing. I'm staying home today finishing up some packing. I pulled the lily of the valley, which have developed an incredible root system, and Adam's Ann Magnolia. I probably should put in the daylilies and the dogwood before it rains, but it's so bloody hot out there in the sun - must cool down a bit first.
Speaking of sun, gardening in the sun will be a new and exciting adventure for us. I will invest in 800 SPF sunblock and wear a hat. We have come to the conclusion that the backyard needs a gazebo for added shade. We have a pergola, but the roses don't cover the top yet, so it's only light dappled shade. (note: the thorns on the roses on the pergola are particularly treacherous - you have been warned). We have lots of trees, but they're around the edges of the property - the lot is 1.5 acres, and it's more or less square. The center of the back yard, between the trees and the house, is in full sun. At our current house, the only part of our yard that is truly sunny is the tiny bed around the mailbox out by the cul-de-sac, and even that gets some shade during part of the day.
The front of the new house faces southwest, so we're eager to put in more flowering trees and such that love the sun. We just need to do some more research on what plants deers avoid - I know quite a few, but will have to look into it further. There's a shrub in front of the house that looks like a giant Q-tip because (I think) the deer eat it only as high as they can reach. I think that one will need to be pulled, and we'll replant it in back if it can be moved without killing it. We heard deer running around outside the deer fence (hidden in the trees in the back) when we did the walk through on Thursday, and we saw 5 deer grazing in a neighbor's yard later that night. I like deer, but I worry about having them on the roads, and I don't want them eating my plants, so I'm going to have to warn all of our friends to drive slowly around here after dusk and and will plant only things that deer hate in our front yard.
Tags: garden, move
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02:32 pm
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Funny
Normally, I couldn't care less about baseball, but I have to admit that attempting to jinx the Yankees by burying a Red Sox jersey in their stadium is pretty funny. What's even funnier is that the Yankees went to the effort to get it out.
The psychology of sports is interesting - they fill our need to beat the crap out of those 'other' people. Happily, most people now spend their time rioting over soccer games, trying to curse the Yankees, or hating the East Kingdom than on wiping out the people who live on the other side of the river. Maybe we should challenge Sadr's folks to a game of football or something. . .
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080413/ap_on_sp_ba_ne/bba_yankees_curse_foiled
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