RITA's XLVIII: Some Fun Now

[Guapo Méndez]

Last friday, mere 4 minutes after we let students go forth to their well deserved weekend, two students got into a fight. One kid is much stronger than the other one, so the other one got a torn nose cartilage for his trouble.
We spent about 2-3 hours dealing with it, talking to parents, other students and the kids involved, laying down some Code of Conduct judgment and all was well.
(weaker kid hit stronger kid three times, they got into a shoving match, stronger kid poped him one, blood dripped, hospital was visited...)

Saturday noon, the mother of the torn cartilage kid decided that, since her kid got the flashier injuries, his being expelled two days (and missing a partial evaluation and a mid-term) is unfair. Nevermind that his kid hit the other guy three times!
I decided to give the kids equal punishment because a)they both threw hands at each other and b) I can't give the most beaten up kid the least amount of punishment. I don't want to know what that would encourage.

So, I may receive an irate parent, thinking that his kid should be left off the hook for starting the fight but receiving the most physical damage.

[Dom]

The tattoos are there to trick people into thinking those are shirts for cool guys.

Then I bought this shirt for nothing?

What the fuck is L33T anyway?

If you really want to be radical, wear these:

http://www.kitschcapers.com/acatalog/womens_retro_tshirts.jpg

That's hot.

[Guapo Méndez]

The tattoos are there to trick people into thinking those are shirts for cool guys.

I dunno. Alien, The Shining and Terminator-related shirts?

I'd love some of that. And around here not many would recognize what the t-shirts are about.

[Winslow]

That's hot.

The supergirl pink T always turns heads.

[Matt Algren]

Last friday, mere 4 minutes after we let students go forth to their well deserved weekend, two students got into a fight. One kid is much stronger than the other one, so the other one got a torn nose cartilage for his trouble.
We spent about 2-3 hours dealing with it, talking to parents, other students and the kids involved, laying down some Code of Conduct judgment and all was well.
(weaker kid hit stronger kid three times, they got into a shoving match, stronger kid poped him one, blood dripped, hospital was visited...)

Saturday noon, the mother of the torn cartilage kid decided that, since her kid got the flashier injuries, his being expelled two days (and missing a partial evaluation and a mid-term) is unfair. Nevermind that his kid hit the other guy three times!
I decided to give the kids equal punishment because a)they both threw hands at each other and b) I can't give the most beaten up kid the least amount of punishment. I don't want to know what that would encourage.

So, I may receive an irate parent, thinking that his kid should be left off the hook for starting the fight but receiving the most physical damage.
You should pop her one.

[Dom]

The supergirl pink T always turns heads.

Is it your massive pectorals or your 21 inch guns?

[Agent Helix]

Is it your massive pectorals or your 21 inch guns?

Fun-Fact: Winslow is actually an ED-209.

[jessecuster3]

I dunno. Alien, The Shining and Terminator-related shirts?

I'd love some of that. And around here not many would recognize what the t-shirts are about.

Check that site they have a bunch of ones from other movies, too.

[Dom]

Fun-Fact: Winslow is actually an ED-209.

If only I hadn't traded my Cobra Assault Cannon for an offical OCP Delta City model.

[Winslow]

I decided to give the kids equal punishment because a)they both threw hands at each other and b) I can't give the most beaten up kid the least amount of punishment. I don't want to know what that would encourage.

So, I may receive an irate parent, thinking that his kid should be left off the hook for starting the fight but receiving the most physical damage.

Sounds reasonable Guapo.

And the parent most likely didn't get the true story from their kid.

[Winslow]

Is it your massive pectorals or your 21 inch guns?

I think it's the 'fro.

Fun-Fact: Winslow is actually an ED-209.

Way to go Helix, Jesse's lusting after me now.

[Agent Helix]

Just avoid stairs while you run away and you'll be fine.

[Merey]

You might be craving the sugar burst, but it's more likely the sensation of carbonated bubbles bursting on your tongue. I find that drinking seltzer or club soda helps with that -and by 'that' I mean soda craving.



-Das



I gave up soda years ago and water is pretty boring, so if I don't have any unsweetened iced tea around, I usually drink lime flavored seltzer. We have it here at work, so that's pretty much was I drink 90% of the time.

[mattbib]

Merey, was in NYC this weekend with my troop. Stopped down at Rocketship on Saturday. Would've let you or Cronin know but I left my phone in my car in DE. Hopefully I can get back up soon.

[Merey]

Merey, was in NYC this weekend with my troop. Stopped down at Rocketship on Saturday. Would've let you or Cronin know but I left my phone in my car in DE. Hopefully I can get back up soon.

Damn. We would have taken you to see Juno with us. It was very muchly awesome.

Did you take your troop to the shop?

[Jared_Humpherys]

Hiya Ritalins. How are things?

[Ray R.]

Just really unnerved right now. Unpleasant way to wake up.

Absolutely. Glad to hear you're both okay.

[Typo Lad]

I smell dead people.

[jessecuster3]

Wow that Dark Knight trailer is awesome!

[Paradox]

Typo Lad has a certain aura:

I smell dead people.

He who smelt it, dealt it.

[Michael P]

So these two guys broke out of prison in Jersey last night by hiding the holes they'd made in their cell walls with posters of girls in bikinis.

I'm not so much dismayed by the fact that these guys are on the loose as by the fact that apparently, none of the prison staff have ever seen The Shawshank Redemption.

[Tadhg]

He who smelt it, dealt it.

Typo is the Death Dealer?

http://www-personal.umd.umich.edu/~econtino/cremedelacreme-images/31_death_dealer.jpg

[Dom]

So these two guys broke out of prison in Jersey last night by hiding the holes they'd made in their cell walls with posters of girls in bikinis.

I'm not so much dismayed by the fact that these guys are on the loose as by the fact that apparently, none of the prison staff have ever seen The Shawshank Redemption.

They should be set free if the posters were of Rita Hayworth and or Raquel Welch.

[Ray R.]

Finished my X-mas shopping Saturday.

Giselle got a Nintendo DS Lite and Nintendogs, Brain Age 2, and Enchanted, plus the latest Harry Potter flick (which was dark, dark, dark). Denny got a Thomas the Train table (knockoff), a Hotwheels Shark-bite rollercoaster, and moonsand (which grinds right into the carpet, unsurprisingly).

Now to do my CBR-related X-mas packages this week and I'm done.

Fell asleep during Bourne Ultimatum. Either it hit a boring stretch or I was over-tired. Thinking it was the latter.

[Ray R.]

So these two guys broke out of prison in Jersey last night by hiding the holes they'd made in their cell walls with posters of girls in bikinis.

I'm not so much dismayed by the fact that these guys are on the loose as by the fact that apparently, none of the prison staff have ever seen The Shawshank Redemption.

"Mandatory attendence for a VCR showing of Frank Darabont's Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile in the multipurpose room. Bring a notepad."

[Jared_Humpherys]

Finished my X-mas shopping Saturday.

Giselle got a Nintendo DS Lite and Nintendogs, Brain Age 2, and Enchanted, plus the latest Harry Potter flick (which was dark, dark, dark). Denny got a Thomas the Train table (knockoff), a Hotwheels Shark-bite rollercoaster, and moonsand (which grinds right into the carpet, unsurprisingly).

Now to do my CBR-related X-mas packages this week and I'm done.

Fell asleep during Bourne Ultimatum. Either it hit a boring stretch or I was over-tired. Thinking it was the latter.

Glad you got that all out of the way, Ray. Your daughter will love the DS.

And yeah, that Harry Potter movie really had some creepy stuff. Voldemort in the subway - brrrr....

[Jeff Brady]

Morning.

The wind is pushing a neighbor's garbage can all over the street.

[Typo Lad]

So these two guys broke out of prison in Jersey last night by hiding the holes they'd made in their cell walls with posters of girls in bikinis.

I'm not so much dismayed by the fact that these guys are on the loose as by the fact that apparently, none of the prison staff have ever seen The Shawshank Redemption.
If I were them, I'd send copies to the guards with a note saying "We can't believe you morons fell for that!"

[Agent Helix]

"Mandatory attendence for a VCR showing of Frank Darabont's Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile in the multipurpose room. Bring a notepad."

I like to imagine they've got Tom Hanks stored away in a cabinet labeled "USE ONLY IN CASE OF MAGICAL NEGRO".

[Michael P]

Finished my X-mas shopping Saturday.

Giselle got a Nintendo DS Lite and Nintendogs, Brain Age 2, and Enchanted, plus the latest Harry Potter flick (which was dark, dark, dark). Denny got a Thomas the Train table (knockoff), a Hotwheels Shark-bite rollercoaster, and moonsand (which grinds right into the carpet, unsurprisingly).


Tell me you named your kid after Denny O'Neill.

[Mac Danny]

If I were them, I'd send copies to the guards with a note saying "We can't believe you morons fell for that!"

Evil will always triumph because good is Dumb

http://www.thatsstupid.net/pie/images/Dark_Helmet.jpg

[Ray R.]

Glad you got that all out of the way, Ray. Your daughter will love the DS.

I love Brain Age 2. Spent half the night doing Sudokus. Introducing the stylus element into the action games like Enchanted is really pretty cool. The audio part is neat when it actually works (which is like 20% of the time). And Nintendogs is much, much deeper than I gave it any credit for. The chihuahua actually can't make friends with the big dogs, and can't catch a frisbee to save its life. Now she's saving up for a dog with some "outside" skills. The chihuahua will probably die of neglect, alas.

And yeah, that Harry Potter movie really had some creepy stuff. Voldemort in the subway - brrrr....

Harry is a depressed dick for most of the movie, Helena Bonham-Carter plays her nutcase in Fight Club but with a fright wig, and there's a retarded giant for some reason. And it looks like it was filmed through a mold-infested petri dish.

"Honey, this is what Christmas really feels like for adults."

How was your weekend, Jared?

[Tadhg]

You should totally take her DS and play New Super Mario Bros.

[Typo Lad]

Touch stopping me!

[jessecuster3]

You gave them their X-Mas presents already? Are they with mom for the actual day?

[Dom]

You should totally take her DS and play New Super Mario Bros.

Super Mario Bros.

The greatest Italians since Chef Boyardee and Uncle Ben.

[Paradox]

Ray R. gives me a twitch:

Harry is a depressed dick for most of the movie,

Haven't seen the movie yet, but he's like that in that book, too. "Emo Harry" is my least favorite of the series. Sure, teenagers get like that, but it's not very entertaining to read about.

[Typo Lad]

Super Mario Bros.

The greatest Italians since Chef Boyardee and Uncle Ben.
Uncle Ben is Italian?

Does Aunt May know?

[jessecuster3]

Super Mario Bros.

The greatest Italians since Chef Boyardee and Uncle Ben.

Don Corleone? Tony Soprano?

[Tadhg]

Don Corleone?

Sonny is greater than Michael or Vito.

[Guapo Méndez]

Haven't seen the movie yet, but he's like that in that book, too. "Emo Harry" is my least favorite of the series. Sure, teenagers get like that, but it's not very entertaining to read about.

He's less depressing in the movie than in the book.

[Guapo Méndez]

Sonny is greater than Michael or Vito.

Yeah, but nobody missed him in that toll-booth.

[Dom]

Uncle Ben is Italian?

Does Aunt May know?

No. But Aunt Jemmima loved it.

Don Corleone? Tony Soprano?

Are those questions? Because I don't know the answer.

Either way, mobsters that perpetuate a false stereotype are not great Italians.

Plumbers that poke princesses and chefs foisting fake pasta on unsuspecting masses are cultural heroes.

[Dom]

Sonny is greater than Michael or Vito.

Sacriliege.

Vito Andolini is the master of all.

[Paradox]

C'mon...



It's all about Johnny Fontane and you all know it.

[Tadhg]

Sacriliege.

Vito Andolini is the master of all.

But he perpetuates that false stereotype. Make up your mind.

[Dom]

But he perpetuates that false stereotype. Make up your mind.

No he didn't.

He created it. I can't fault him for being himself.

[Guapo Méndez]

Sacriliege.

Vito Andolini is the master of all.

Don Cortino owns him.

[Paradox]

Don Pardo! Don Novello!

[Jared_Humpherys]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2126/1806295991_ce1b0d71d9.jpg

[Dom]

Don Barzini was apparently very powerful as well.

Tartaglia was a pimp.

[jessecuster3]

Don Pardo! Don Novello!

Don Knotts.

[Paradox]

That's got a lot of deterrence factor THERE, Jared. :eek:

[Mac Danny]

Don Knotts.

Carmine Sabatini, aka Jimmy The Toucan!

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a175/ripplepig/freshman.jpg

[Jared_Humpherys]

I love Brain Age 2. Spent half the night doing Sudokus. Introducing the stylus element into the action games like Enchanted is really pretty cool. The audio part is neat when it actually works (which is like 20% of the time). And Nintendogs is much, much deeper than I gave it any credit for. The chihuahua actually can't make friends with the big dogs, and can't catch a frisbee to save its life. Now she's saving up for a dog with some "outside" skills. The chihuahua will probably die of neglect, alas.



Harry is a depressed dick for most of the movie, Helena Bonham-Carter plays her nutcase in Fight Club but with a fright wig, and there's a retarded giant for some reason. And it looks like it was filmed through a mold-infested petri dish.

"Honey, this is what Christmas really feels like for adults."

How was your weekend, Jared?

Sarah had to get rid of Nintendogs. She'd forget to play for a week and experience heartbreak when the digital puppy was neglected.

And we had a pretty good weekend. Bit of a car scare, as we were leaking coolant(turned out to be a leaky hose), but we found this excellent Pan Asian restaurant(I had a fantastic Red Snapper in Tamarind-Garlic sauce), as well as a new gaming store that opened near us. Also, Sarah started DMing a D&D game module with some friends, and it's going well so far. Despite the fact that I had absolutely no time to play video games, and the fact that I now have to shake off even more car paranoia, it was a better-than-average weekend.

[Ray R.]

Tell me you named your kid after Denny O'Neill.

Short for Dennis, which was bastardized by the ex on the birth certificate into the French Denis (pronounced Deh-knee). His middle name is Antoine, and we'll have none of that, thank you. If I need to call him in a loud voice by his full name I'll say, for example, "Put the cat's legs down, Dennis Anthony!"

In protest I started calling him Jake after birth, but he really is a Denny (sweet and cute) more than a Jake. For some reason, I always thought of Denny McLain, the pitcher who won 31 games in 1968, and then ended up doing 8 years in prison for embezzling millions of dollars from a meat-packing plant.

Denny O'Neill is probably more savory from a dad's (and comic fan's) perspective, though.

[Slam_Bradley]

I thought for sure it was Don Ho.

http://www.wrhs.net/webdesignprojects/meb_final_project/Artists/Don%20Ho.jpg

[Guapo Méndez]

Don Provolone could never get the respect he wanted.

[Dom]

Don Cornelius.

On the Soul Train.

[Paradox]

Figure a lawyer to go right for the Ho.

[Ray R.]

You gave them their X-Mas presents already? Are they with mom for the actual day?

I don't see them again until the 28th. I had to pick gift-giving either before or after. I decided, since I'm as much into kid-stuff as any kid, to give them their presents early. Maybe overly self-serving and indulgent on my part, but they seemed not to mind too much. I'm still trying to work through this custody with no holidays thing.

My mom comes into town in early January, so we'll do Christmas, part deux, in any case.

[Slam_Bradley]

I don't see them again until the 28th. I had to pick gift-giving either before or after. I decided, since I'm as much into kid-stuff as any kid, to give them their presents early. Maybe overly self-serving and indulgent on my part, but they seemed not to mind too much. I'm still trying to work through this custody with no holidays thing.



I find this bizarre. Unless I'm missing something.

[Ray R.]

Sarah had to get rid of Nintendogs. She'd forget to play for a week and experience heartbreak when the digital puppy was neglected.

And we had a pretty good weekend. Bit of a car scare, as we were leaking coolant(turned out to be a leaky hose), but we found this excellent Pan Asian restaurant(I had a fantastic Red Snapper in Tamarind-Garlic sauce), as well as a new gaming store that opened near us. Also, Sarah started DMing a D&D game module with some friends, and it's going well so far. Despite the fact that I had absolutely no time to play video games, and the fact that I now have to shake off even more car paranoia, it was a better-than-average weekend.

Sorry for Sarah. Giselle used that same justification to keep the Nintendo DS when she went back to her mom. Usually toys from dad, stay with dad. But I trust she'll take care of it.

Car Scares do suck. My brother's car crapped out on him this weekend, but lucky he was near home. And finding a good Asian restaurant is really, really fabulous news for the long term. I'm still trying to find a reasonably priced Chinese restaurant that delivers.

[Josh S]

Sarah had to get rid of Nintendogs. She'd forget to play for a week and experience heartbreak when the digital puppy was neglected.

Is there no way to start over?

[jessecuster3]

I don't see them again until the 28th. I had to pick gift-giving either before or after. I decided, since I'm as much into kid-stuff as any kid, to give them their presents early. Maybe overly self-serving and indulgent on my part, but they seemed not to mind too much. I'm still trying to work through this custody with no holidays thing.

My mom comes into town in early January, so we'll do Christmas, part deux, in any case.

That's kind of rough, but you get to see them before and after so that's at least some positivity.


So no holidays at all? Not even 1 for me, 1 for you?

[Ray R.]

I find this bizarre. Unless I'm missing something.

Hence my motion for reconsideration, to be argued in early January.

We asked my ex through her attorney, and were summarily rejected, for the 21st through the 23rd, without me having to give up a weekend in return, so we could celebrate Christmas together. My daughter is off for three weeks from school, and I don't get any of it with the children beyond my regularly scheduled visitation.

Next year, in 2008, if all goes according to her plans, I get Christmas, from 9:00 to 5:00 PM. The way they argue the judge's ruling, and for which the judge hasn't provided any input despite being asked, any holiday for which I get custody, I get to pick up the kids 35 miles away and keep them from 9:00 to 5:00. No overnight, no Christmas Eve, etc.

It's been a bitter pill to swallow, but I'm not letting the kids know any of that. I'm just making the best of it, and will keep fighting in court as long as the money holds out.

[Jared_Humpherys]

Sorry for Sarah. Giselle used that same justification to keep the Nintendo DS when she went back to her mom. Usually toys from dad, stay with dad. But I trust she'll take care of it.

Car Scares do suck. My brother's car crapped out on him this weekend, but lucky he was near home. And finding a good Asian restaurant is really, really fabulous news for the long term. I'm still trying to find a reasonably priced Chinese restaurant that delivers.

I already have some paranoia, as there is some oil seepage from the valve cover on the engine, so I know I need a new gasket for those and some o-rings. That'll cost me about $150 or so(even after labor, whew!), but at least I have some time, as it's nothing that will hurt the car in the short term. If it becomes an out-and-out leak, then I'll really worry(but I hope to take it in this weekend if all goes well). I also need to refill most of the fluids, etc. It just really spooked me to see the heat gauge start to climb like it did. Several years back, I blew a headgasket(because of my own stupidity), and the memory of that scares the heck out of me.

[Ray R.]

That's kind of rough, but you get to see them before and after so that's at least some positivity.


So no holidays at all? Not even 1 for me, 1 for you?

Alternating federal holidays. Major ones (X-mas, New Year's, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, etc.) in alternating years. The ex defined holidays as "days", i.e., from 9:00 to 5:00 PM.

I get Martin Luther King Day and President's day next year, and then X-mas and New Year's. 2009 for the others.

[Josh S]

Alternating federal holidays. Major ones (X-mas, New Year's, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, etc.) in alternating years. The ex defined holidays as "days", i.e., from 9:00 to 5:00 PM.

I get Martin Luther King Day and President's day next year, and then X-mas and New Year's. 2009 for the others.

Why did she get to define what "days" means?

[Ray R.]

I already have some paranoia, as there is some oil seepage from the valve cover on the engine, so I know I need a new gasket for those and some o-rings. That'll cost me about $150 or so(even after labor, whew!), but at least I have some time, as it's nothing that will hurt the car in the short term. If it becomes an out-and-out leak, then I'll really worry(but I hope to take it in this weekend if all goes well). I also need to refill most of the fluids, etc. It just really spooked me to see the heat gauge start to climb like it did. Several years back, I blew a headgasket(because of my own stupidity), and the memory of that scares the heck out of me.

$150? With labor? That's what it costs me to get a sparkplug changed around here.

Glad to see you didn't suffer a breakdown in the snow or anything though. That's very dangerous. Get that fixed, particularly at that price.

[Slam_Bradley]

Hence my motion for reconsideration, to be argued in early January.

We asked my ex through her attorney, and were summarily rejected, for the 21st through the 23rd, without me having to give up a weekend in return, so we could celebrate Christmas together. My daughter is off for three weeks from school, and I don't get any of it with the children beyond my regularly scheduled visitation.

Next year, in 2008, if all goes according to her plans, I get Christmas, from 9:00 to 5:00 PM. The way they argue the judge's ruling, and for which the judge hasn't provided any input despite being asked, any holiday for which I get custody, I get to pick up the kids 35 miles away and keep them from 9:00 to 5:00. No overnight, no Christmas Eve, etc.

It's been a bitter pill to swallow, but I'm not letting the kids know any of that. I'm just making the best of it, and will keep fighting in court as long as the money holds out.


I have the sinking feeling I'm going to be dealing with this soon. I'm hoping not...but it seems to be in the cards.

[Ray R.]

Why did she get to define what "days" means?

At least in our case (someone like Slam can comment generally,) the lawyers on both sides were tasked to put together the final order on the divorce decree based on the transcript of the oral ruling of the judge.

Depending on whether you want to be hostile and bitter, or whether you want to argue points ad infinitum in court, the judge's words are intended to be taken with a certain level of reasonable interpretation, worked out by both sides. In this case, his words were taken without interpretation, word-for-word, and he used the word "holiday", not "holiday weekend", "holiday break", or "holiday away from school." They interpret that as "9:00 AM to 5:00 PM."

Taken verbatim, we need to follow word for word on the transcript, put together a final divorce decree, and then flesh out the meaning on a motion for reconsideration. Fucking expensive and unnecessary, but welcome to my world.

[Puma]

If a necessary piece of office equipment is malfunctioning wouldn't you put a note on it so the person coming in on Monday wouldn't become a raging tyrant when it doesn't work?

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

I find this bizarre. Unless I'm missing something.

Oh, you're missing something, no doubt about it.

But in this case, I concur. Family law isn't my area, but frankly, I've never even heard of a custody order that doesn't split time on the major holidays.

[Ray R.]

I have the sinking feeling I'm going to be dealing with this soon. I'm hoping not...but it seems to be in the cards.

I'm really sorry. If anyone can commiserate and give you support, I can, so my telephone number and e-mail are always available if you need it.

[Puma]

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/funny-pictures-cat-with-santa.jpg

[Jared_Humpherys]

$150? With labor? That's what it costs me to get a sparkplug changed around here.

Glad to see you didn't suffer a breakdown in the snow or anything though. That's very dangerous. Get that fixed, particularly at that price.

Yeah, the labor cost is under $100, or so the local Midas guy insisted. And the gasket itself is only like $30 or so.

The good news is, most cars with over 30,000 miles have some form of oil seepage from the valve cover gasket. As long as it's not an out-and-out leak, it won't hurt the engine. The leaking antifreeze, however, could have trashed my engine if I'd let the heat get too high. Got a new hose on it and some Bars leak in the radiator(just in case), and it looks like that'll be fine.

There's also apparently a quick fix I can use this week before bringing the car in. Some 3mm silicate gel on the outside can stop any more seeping for a time. I'm also going to check the PCV valve to make sure it didn't cause the seep by letting too much pressure build up.

Man, I've still got only 79k miles on it, and just over a year's worth of payments to go. Cars suck.

[Jared_Humpherys]

I have the sinking feeling I'm going to be dealing with this soon. I'm hoping not...but it seems to be in the cards.


That sucks, Slam. Hope things go better than you're afraid of.

[Ray R.]

Oh, you're missing something, no doubt about it.

But in this case, I concur. Family law isn't my area, but frankly, I've never even heard of a custody order that doesn't split time on the major holidays.

I wish I could make this stuff up.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Hence my motion for reconsideration, to be argued in early January.

We asked my ex through her attorney, and were summarily rejected, for the 21st through the 23rd, without me having to give up a weekend in return, so we could celebrate Christmas together. My daughter is off for three weeks from school, and I don't get any of it with the children beyond my regularly scheduled visitation.

Next year, in 2008, if all goes according to her plans, I get Christmas, from 9:00 to 5:00 PM. The way they argue the judge's ruling, and for which the judge hasn't provided any input despite being asked, any holiday for which I get custody, I get to pick up the kids 35 miles away and keep them from 9:00 to 5:00. No overnight, no Christmas Eve, etc.

It's been a bitter pill to swallow, but I'm not letting the kids know any of that. I'm just making the best of it, and will keep fighting in court as long as the money holds out.

Holy crap. That's insane. Even for lawyers.

I have the sinking feeling I'm going to be dealing with this soon. I'm hoping not...but it seems to be in the cards.

Jeez, I hope not, Slam. Let me know if I can be of any support/help.

[Josh S]

At least in our case (someone like Slam can comment generally,) the lawyers on both sides were tasked to put together the final order on the divorce decree based on the transcript of the oral ruling of the judge.

Depending on whether you want to be hostile and bitter, or whether you want to argue points ad infinitum in court, the judge's words are intended to be taken with a certain level of reasonable interpretation, worked out by both sides. In this case, his words were taken without interpretation, word-for-word, and he used the word "holiday", not "holiday weekend", "holiday break", or "holiday away from school." They interpret that as "9:00 AM to 5:00 PM."

Taken verbatim, we need to follow word for word on the transcript, put together a final divorce decree, and then flesh out the meaning on a motion for reconsideration. Fucking expensive and unnecessary, but welcome to my world.

That's ridiculous. The courts can be so fucking bizarre.

[Ray R.]

Yeah, the labor cost is under $100, or so the local Midas guy insisted. And the gasket itself is only like $30 or so.

The good news is, most cars with over 30,000 miles have some form of oil seepage from the valve cover gasket. As long as it's not an out-and-out leak, it won't hurt the engine. The leaking antifreeze, however, could have trashed my engine if I'd let the heat get too high. Got a new hose on it and some Bars leak in the radiator(just in case), and it looks like that'll be fine.

There's also apparently a quick fix I can use this week before bringing the car in. Some 3mm silicate gel on the outside can stop any more seeping for a time. I'm also going to check the PCV valve to make sure it didn't cause the seep by letting too much pressure build up.

Man, I've still got only 79k miles on it, and just over a year's worth of payments to go. Cars suck.


Well, you know what the hell the problem is, so you're probably a tougher mark to get "upsold" on. If it's just hoses and sealant, that's a good thing.

As for cars, I think they have a built-in obsolescence meter that goes off just as soon as the last payment clears your bank. On my Infiniti I've replaced the muffler, the transmission, tire rods, and most everything else once. Not too expensive to make me junk it, too cheap compared to buying a new car. I feel your pain.

[Matt Algren]

At least in our case (someone like Slam can comment generally,) the lawyers on both sides were tasked to put together the final order on the divorce decree based on the transcript of the oral ruling of the judge.

Depending on whether you want to be hostile and bitter, or whether you want to argue points ad infinitum in court, the judge's words are intended to be taken with a certain level of reasonable interpretation, worked out by both sides. In this case, his words were taken without interpretation, word-for-word, and he used the word "holiday", not "holiday weekend", "holiday break", or "holiday away from school." They interpret that as "9:00 AM to 5:00 PM."

Taken verbatim, we need to follow word for word on the transcript, put together a final divorce decree, and then flesh out the meaning on a motion for reconsideration. Fucking expensive and unnecessary, but welcome to my world.
I posted it elsewhere, but damn, you need to get this (http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/gear/86dd/) for yourself.

http://images.thinkgeek.com/action/large/2118fd7.jpg

[Ray R.]

That's ridiculous. The courts can be so fucking bizarre.

That, and having sociopaths for ex-wives helps.

[Ray R.]

I posted it elsewhere, but damn, you need to get this (http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/gear/86dd/) for yourself.

http://images.thinkgeek.com/action/large/2118fd7.jpg

Nice. I may want to get one for my lawyer, my mom, and my stepdad as well. Do they sell it in groups of 6?

I'm wondering if the figure resembles me or is wish fulfillment. Guess it depends on the day.

[Matt Algren]

Nice. I may want to get one for my lawyer, my mom, and my stepdad as well. Do they sell it in groups of 6?

I'm wondering if the figure resembles me or is wish fulfillment. Guess it depends on the day.
Wish fulfillment. Definitely wish fulfillment.

[Jared_Humpherys]

Well, you know what the hell the problem is, so you're probably a tougher mark to get "upsold" on. If it's just hoses and sealant, that's a good thing.

As for cars, I think they have a built-in obsolescence meter that goes off just as soon as the last payment clears your bank. On my Infiniti I've replaced the muffler, the transmission, tire rods, and most everything else once. Not too expensive to make me junk it, too cheap compared to buying a new car. I feel your pain.

Oh, yeah. I can't stand most mechanics, as they'll do most anything to freak you out about your car. The issue is, we got rid of Sarah's car(too expensive to keep fixing it, especially since the same problem kept happening over and over again), so this one is the only one we've got. If it goes, we're pretty much screwed.

[Paul McEnery]

That's the thing about nicotine, its a physical addictive ddrug but has the weakest most minor withdrawal symptoms of anything, you do not even realize your experiencing them.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Every hour like clockwork, I'm withdrawing and cranky and need another smoke.

[Tadhg]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Every hour like clockwork, I'm withdrawing and cranky and need another smoke.

I thought you couldn't smoke?

[jessecuster3]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Every hour like clockwork, I'm withdrawing and cranky and need another smoke.

Bullshit, that's the brainwashing not the physical addiction.

[Puma]

Bullshit, that's the brainwashing not the physical addiction.

Agreed. I was still having smoking dreams five years after quitting, and wanting one when I woke up.

[jessecuster3]

Agreed. I was still having smoking dreams five years after quitting, and wanting one when I woke up.

When they smoke on TV and in movies and they have commercials on TV and ads in magazines and newspapers, how can it not be in the collective conscious?

[Valmore]

When they smoke on TV and in movies and they have commercials on TV and ads in magazines and newspapers, how can it not be in the collective conscious?

Yes, but Wolverine and Gambit no longer smoke, so how can comic book fans think smoking is cool?

[Matt Algren]

When they smoke on TV and in movies and they have commercials on TV and ads in magazines and newspapers, how can it not be in the collective conscious?
So's this:

http://www.rsingh.net/gender/images/surgeon1.jpg

[jessecuster3]

So's this:

http://www.rsingh.net/gender/images/surgeon1.jpg

Are you kidding that one is the worst, smokers get so stressed at those that they then smoke more.

[mattx110]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Every hour like clockwork, I'm withdrawing and cranky and need another smoke.
Maybe you're just a withdrawing and cranky person?

Maybe instead of smoking, you need hugs...

[Typo Lad]

I have the sinking feeling I'm going to be dealing with this soon. I'm hoping not...but it seems to be in the cards.

Aww... crap. Thought things were doing well.

Sorry to hear that.

[Justin D.]

I posted it elsewhere, but damn, you need to get this (http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/gear/86dd/) for yourself.

http://images.thinkgeek.com/action/large/2118fd7.jpg

I've saw that on Top Chef a while back and immediately wanted one. To spin off of that, I love the cafeteria here. I'm eating some type of herb crusted NY strip with a side of wild rosemary rice and peas. With a drink, it was about seven bucks. When the chef was cutting a piece of the loin off, he started cutting off the fat. I had to stop him. That's where all the flavor is. What's the point of working out if I don't get to eat the fat every once in a while.




I talk about food a lot.

[Matt Algren]

Typo: Now do you know why you never had a politics tag?

[Typo Lad]

Typo: Now do you know why you never had a politics tag?
Not only that, I'm thinking I need to never, ever get into issues of continuity again.

[Matt Algren]

Not only that, I'm thinking I need to never, ever get into issues of continuity again.
Or contractions.

[Typo Lad]

I actually kind of suspected I was wrong on that.

Ah well. At least I got to be publically corrected by Michael.

Why yes, young man, I do know my participle was dangling. Thank you for... fixing it.

[Gilda Dent]

Oh, you're missing something, no doubt about it.

But in this case, I concur. Family law isn't my area, but frankly, I've never even heard of a custody order that doesn't split time on the major holidays.

This is how Molly's custody is split between my mom and Molly's father. We got her for Thanksgiving, custody during Christmas break is split. She flies off to her father's Saturday the 22nd, he has her through the 26th, and she comes home the rest of holiday break. There was some squabbling regarding what the meaning of "through the 26th" meant, whether that meant she was supposed to come home the evening of the 26th or the morning of the 27th, but otherwise there has been a minimum of bickering.

I'm sorry things aren't working out as you'd hoped, Ray. Hopefully you'll get something a little more equitable with the reconsideration.

[Typo Lad]

O holy crap!

My wife got my dad a Chanukkah present.

She got him Syphilis (http://www.giantmicrobes.com/us/products/pox.html)!

[jessecuster3]

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l32/jessecuster2/fuckwadedit.jpg

[Justin D.]

O holy crap!

My wife got my dad a Chanukkah present.

She got him Syphilis (http://www.giantmicrobes.com/us/products/pox.html)!

Even as cuddly, stuffed creatures, some of those remain disgusting. Although, I like the look of the T4.

http://www.giantmicrobes.com/us/files/images/productdetails/T4.jpg

[Jared_Humpherys]

Even as cuddly, stuffed creatures, some of those remain disgusting. Although, I like the look of the T4.

http://www.giantmicrobes.com/us/files/images/productdetails/T4.jpg

Awww, it has a d20 for a face!

[Jared_Humpherys]

All of a sudden I feel this huge wave of depression rolling over me, and I have no idea why.

[Chris Nowlin]

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l32/jessecuster2/fuckwadedit.jpg

Evidence does suggest that this equation is sound.

[mattx110]

Evidence does suggest that this equation is sound.
It don't apply to me!

Everyone on the internet likes me.

Even Samurai and Hyz and Paul, and Howy...

irrevocably!

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

All of a sudden I feel this huge wave of depression rolling over me, and I have no idea why.

Because you have a premonition that Jesse is going to start expounding upon the defects of the Transformers Voice Modulator helmet at any moment?

[howyadoin]

Evenin', fuckers.

[thespianphryne]

Evenin', fuckers.

How's Nova Scotia, fucker?


-Das

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Hiya, Bret. How hangs the hammer?

[Jared_Humpherys]

Because you have a premonition that Jesse is going to start expounding upon the defects of the Transformers Voice Modulator helmet at any moment?

Now you're trying to make me suicidal.

[howyadoin]

Nova Scotia is cold and snowy.

But there's plenty of booze and food, and a brand new 46" Sony Bravia.

I also have a new pipe, but very little opportunity to use it.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Now you're trying to make me suicidal.

Nah, if I wanted to do that, I'd ask Samurai to opine regarding Hillary Clinton's chances of becoming the POTUS.

[Jared_Humpherys]

Btw howy: tried to get the Appleton, but the liquor store was out. Have yet to make another attempt elsewhere. Will try again this weeked.

[Jared_Humpherys]

Nah, if I wanted to do that, I'd ask Samurai to opine regarding Hillary Clinton's chances of becoming the POTUS.

You really are as evil as they say.

[thespianphryne]

Anybody here ever read The Boy Who Could Make Himself Disappear?


-Das

[Dom]

Btw howy: tried to get the Appleton, but the liquor store was out. Have yet to make another attempt elsewhere. Will try again this weeked.

Where do you live? Prohibition era Chicago?

I can go to 10 liquor stores in my immediate vicinity, each with gallons of Appelton Estate.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

You really are as evil as they say.

*blushes*

Gosh, and I didn't get you anything for Christmas this year. I feel bad.


Oh, wait. There. It's gone.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Where do you live? Prohibition era Chicago?

I can go to 10 liquor stores in my immediate vicinity, each with gallons of Appelton Estate.

And he has, too. Frequently.

[Gilda Dent]

Nova Scotia is cold and snowy.

But there's plenty of booze and food, and a brand new 46" Sony Bravia.

I also have a new pipe, but very little opportunity to use it.

The XBR4?

We just got the 52" version. It is truly awesome. We've been having a little war turning the smooth motion feature on and off. It still does the 120 hz thing with it off, but it repeats frames instead of creating new ones in between. I like the smoother looking images, but Emily thinks it makes movies look like video.

[Nick Soapdish]

Where do you live? Prohibition era Chicago?

I can go to 10 liquor stores in my immediate vicinity, each with gallons of Appelton Estate.

My guess would be the South. It's weird for how much alcohol you'd think that we drink, but there are a lot of places that don't sell alcohol on Sunday and sometimes we aren't very discriminating.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

My guess would be the South. It's weird for how much alcohol you'd think that we drink, but there are a lot of places that don't sell alcohol on Sunday and sometimes we aren't very discriminating.

And they say irony is dead.

[Jared_Humpherys]

Where do you live? Prohibition era Chicago?

I can go to 10 liquor stores in my immediate vicinity, each with gallons of Appelton Estate.

Almost as bad.

Suburban Kansas.

[Jeff Brady]

O holy crap!

My wife got my dad a Chanukkah present.

She got him Syphilis (http://www.giantmicrobes.com/us/products/pox.html)!

Am I evil for wanting to get this for someone?

http://www.giantmicrobes.com/us/files/images/productdetails/herpes.jpg

[thespianphryne]

Am I evil for wanting to get this for someone?

http://www.giantmicrobes.com/us/files/images/productdetails/herpes.jpg

I was right, it is HSV.


-Das

[Michael P]

Short for Dennis, which was bastardized by the ex on the birth certificate into the French Denis (pronounced Deh-knee). His middle name is Antoine, and we'll have none of that, thank you.

What the hell is wrong with that woman?

[thespianphryne]

What the hell is wrong with that woman?

She's not from 'round here.


-Das

[Jared_Humpherys]

What the hell is wrong with that woman?

I imagine he has a list.

[Michael P]

Am I evil for wanting to get this for someone?

http://www.giantmicrobes.com/us/files/images/productdetails/herpes.jpg

Yeah, but we knew that anyway.

I so want to give my friend Jessie HIV.

[jessecuster3]

I so want to give my friend Jessie HIV.



What the hell did I do to you?

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

What the hell did I do to you?

If he wants to give you the HIV, I'm not sure I want to know the answer to that question.

[Merey]

Now to do my CBR-related X-mas packages this week and I'm done.
.

The mailroom guy just handed me my internet-ordered CBR-related gift. I was afraid it was going to come after I left for California. That was my last gift of my list. Hooray!



How's Nova Scotia, fucker?


-Das

Hey Das! I saw Juno on Saturday and my bf and I agreed that you sound almost exactly like Ellen Page. Your voices are almost identical and we can even imagine you saying some of the same lines she was given.


It was just an amazingly fun and awesome movie. And like you, I didn't want it to end. In general I tend to hate sequels, but I'd love to get a sequel about her college years.

[howyadoin]

Btw howy: tried to get the Appleton, but the liquor store was out. Have yet to make another attempt elsewhere. Will try again this weeked.Keep me posted. I'm hoping that if I recommend it to enough people, the company will recognize my valiant efforts on their behalf.

The XBR4?

We just got the 52" version. It is truly awesome. We've been having a little war turning the smooth motion feature on and off. It still does the 120 hz thing with it off, but it repeats frames instead of creating new ones in between. I like the smoother looking images, but Emily thinks it makes movies look like video.Nope. Something like KDL-46S3000.

[Dom]

What the hell is wrong with that woman?

Nothing. She is french.

Therefore she is easy and can cook.

What the hell did I do to you?

He sais my friend Jessie, you're safe.

[howyadoin]

He sais my friend Jessie, you're safe.Plus you spelled it differently.

[Tadhg]

Hey Das, have you seen Once? It comes out on DVD this week, you should give it a viewing.

[Mac Danny]

Tonight is our company holiday dinner.

Time to play, "Who doesn't want to sit with the boss"

[Dom]

I am officially working with the human form of incompetence.

If you ever wondered what a character trait looks like in human form, I am sitting in front of him.

If I ever finish this mandate, it will be while dragging a humanoid adjective with me.

[Dom]

And I double post, because that's how I roll biatch!

[thespianphryne]

[...]

Hey Das! I saw Juno on Saturday and my bf and I agreed that you sound almost exactly like Ellen Page. Your voices are almost identical and we can even imagine you saying some of the same lines she was given.


It was just an amazingly fun and awesome movie. And like you, I didn't want it to end. In general I tend to hate sequels, but I'd love to get a sequel about her college years.

I'm putting this in spoilers because I do not want to unduly influence anyone Just such a great movie. And I am pre-ordering DVDs as Christmas presents for next year.


-Das

[Gilda Dent]

Keep me posted. I'm hoping that if I recommend it to enough people, the company will recognize my valiant efforts on their behalf.

Nope. Something like KDL-46S3000.

Ah. That's a good set.

[howyadoin]

If a necessary piece of office equipment is malfunctioning wouldn't you put a note on it so the person coming in on Monday wouldn't become a raging tyrant when it doesn't work?Is Buried Alien coming in on Monday?

[Tadhg]

I am officially working with the human form of incompetence.

If you ever wondered what a character trait looks like in human form, I am sitting in front of him.

If I ever finish this mandate, it will be while dragging a humanoid adjective with me.


I bet my incompetences can beat your incompetence.

[howyadoin]

Hey Das, have you seen Once? It comes out on DVD this week, you should give it a viewing.If that's the one about the two musicians, I've heard nothing but good things about it.

[Puma]

Is Buried Alien coming in on Monday?

I could beat his pent up rage any day. I'm a public servant.

[Paul McEnery]

I bet my incompetences can beat your incompetence.

The interview question I would ask:

What is your core incompetence?

[Tadhg]

If that's the one about the two musicians, I've heard nothing but good things about it.

That's the one. Seeing the DVD release made me think of Das since she was asking about August Rush. August Rush = not good. Once = Sublime

[Michael P]

What the hell did I do to you?

Other than liking the prequels?

(She's a friend from high school who works in Sex Ed.)

[howyadoin]

That's the one. Seeing the DVD release made me think of Das since she was asking about August Rush. August Rush = not good. Once = SublimeThis is useful information.

Not as useful as the Redbreast recommendation, but still...

[Paul McEnery]

That's weird. I've never come across a single thread before with the curse of the invisible post.

[Tadhg]

The interview question I would ask:

What is your core incompetence?

Very, Very high.

[Michael P]

Oh, and I'm one chapter into The Chinatown Death Cloud Peril, and I already love it.

[Dom]

I bet my incompetences can beat your incompetence.

I'll wager that.

I'll start with

Him: "This test I did doesn't work, I'm off by $300k"
Me: "Ok, let me look"

(3 minutes later)

Me:"How about you finish the whole thing, and then we'll look at it. Take into account all the lease adjustments"
Him: "Ok"

(2 hours laters)
Him: "Still off"
Me: "Let me see....ok still not finished, do all the steps I outlined in the memo"

(repeat 3 or 4 times until I do it myself)

[Matt Algren]

Other than liking the prequels?

(She's a friend from high school who works in Sex Ed.)

You should get her a red blood cell so she can do little shows.

http://www.giantmicrobes.com/us/files/images/productthumbnails2/human_immunodeficiency_viru.jpg

http://www.giantmicrobes.com/us/files/images/productdetails/red-blood-cell.jpg

[Ray R.]

This is how Molly's custody is split between my mom and Molly's father. We got her for Thanksgiving, custody during Christmas break is split. She flies off to her father's Saturday the 22nd, he has her through the 26th, and she comes home the rest of holiday break. There was some squabbling regarding what the meaning of "through the 26th" meant, whether that meant she was supposed to come home the evening of the 26th or the morning of the 27th, but otherwise there has been a minimum of bickering.

I'm sorry things aren't working out as you'd hoped, Ray. Hopefully you'll get something a little more equitable with the reconsideration.

Thanks, Gilda. I know other people have better situations and other people have worse situations (I'm talking and giving advice to dads and moms whose exes skipped the country with their kids. I can't even imagine that and don't want to).

Sounds like Molly is in a situation with a little normalcy involved, inasmuch as that's possible.

I have to keep reminding myself that I can't show my kids anything resembling the pure hate and vitriol I feel towards my ex right now. They need to be kept clean in all this, or as much as I can muster, even if they're getting read the riot act as to how evil their daddy is, and their mom is pulling out every petty, nasty little trick in the book. So we just pretend nothing is different, and we start our own little X-mas traditions, even if they don't conform with the norm.

I still have faith that common sense and justice will win out. If not, well, you deal the hand you're dealt, and just be the best dad or mom you can be, until the kids are old enough to be emancipated or speak up for themselves, and even beyond that or despite that.

I told a dad via e-mail today whose daughter is 10 and won't speak to him that the best he can do is love his daughter unconditionally even if she won't reciprocate. As long as he keeps the door open, there's always the chance that his daughter will realize that keeping hate alive isn't going to make the hurt and pain go away.

Best wishes to you and Emily.

[Ray R.]

Nova Scotia is cold and snowy.

But there's plenty of booze and food, and a brand new 46" Sony Bravia.

I also have a new pipe, but very little opportunity to use it.

Lack of privacy or lack of green?

[Ray R.]

Almost as bad.

Suburban Kansas.

Didn't they drop nukes there?

Or am I confusing it with The Day After Kingdom Come? Which is a movie comic, right?

[Paul McEnery]

I have to keep reminding myself that I can't show my kids anything resembling the pure hate and vitriol I feel towards my ex right now.

Well sure. They're a little young to learn what brains look like on a half brick.

[Tadhg]

I'll wager that.

I'll start with

Him: "This test I did doesn't work, I'm off by $300k"
Me: "Ok, let me look"

(3 minutes later)

Me:"How about you finish the whole thing, and then we'll look at it. Take into account all the lease adjustments"
Him: "Ok"

(2 hours laters)
Him: "Still off"
Me: "Let me see....ok still not finished, do all the steps I outlined in the memo"

(repeat 3 or 4 times until I do it myself)


Sadly I can't post any conversations since my only communication with him goes like this.

"What the fuck? Why did you do it that way? Why didn't you follow the directions."
"I use the Dawg."
"Die of Syphilis"

I wrote software that makes his job so easy. I could literally hire anyone on this board to do the job, and it would get done properly. Yet, he refuses to use it, and instead does things "His way" which means nothing works ever. I have computers connecting to wrong servers, computers not connecting to servers, computers printing to Printers in different Zip Codes, and machine security compromised. The guy doesn't understand software licensing so I have to spend extra hours making sure we don't get out of compliance because he sees no problem with installing fucking iLife on anything he ever touches. Fixing his mistakes accounts for roughly 1/3 of my working week.

[Jeff Brady]

You should get her a red blood cell so she can do little shows.

A white blood cell would be more accurate.

[Ray R.]

I could beat his pent up rage any day. I'm a public servant.

It's true. I always go to the post office packing heat. Survival instinct.:D

[Michael P]

Sadly I can't post any conversations since my only communication with him goes like this.

"What the fuck? Why did you do it that way? Why didn't you follow the directions."
"I use the Dawg."
"Die of Syphilis"

I wrote software that makes his job so easy. I could literally hire anyone on this board to do the job, and it would get done properly. Yet, he refuses to use it, and instead does things "His way" which means nothing works ever. I have computers connecting to wrong servers, computers not connecting to servers, computers printing to Printers in different Zip Codes, and machine security compromised. The guy doesn't understand software licensing so I have to spend extra hours making sure we don't get out of compliance because he sees no problem with installing fucking iLife on anything he ever touches. Fixing his mistakes accounts for roughly 1/3 of my working week.

Sounds like you need to bring in a consultant from Pol Rua Solutions.

[Dom]

Sadly I can't post any conversations since my only communication with him goes like this.

"What the fuck? Why did you do it that way? Why didn't you follow the directions."
"I use the Dawg."
"Die of Syphilis"

I wrote software that makes his job so easy. I could literally hire anyone on this board to do the job, and it would get done properly. Yet, he refuses to use it, and instead does things "His way" which means nothing works ever. I have computers connecting to wrong servers, computers not connecting to servers, computers printing to Printers in different Zip Codes, and machine security compromised. The guy doesn't understand software licensing so I have to spend extra hours making sure we don't get out of compliance because he sees no problem with installing fucking iLife on anything he ever touches. Fixing his mistakes accounts for roughly 1/3 of my working week.


I win, because I can't tell my guy to die of syphillis.

I can't even tell him he is an incompetent waste of perfectly serviceable organs that could be used to help dozens of people.

That is the high point of his life, knowing that his organs have value only for harvesting.

[Jared_Humpherys]

Didn't they drop nukes there?

Or am I confusing it with The Day After Kingdom Come? Which is a movie comic, right?


I have no idea.

[Puma]

It's true. I always go to the post office packing heat. Survival instinct.:D

I'd recommend doing that at any facility staffed with public employees.

[Merey]

Hey Das, have you seen Once? It comes out on DVD this week, you should give it a viewing.

Seconded. I'm going to have my sister rent it (Hee... just updated her Netflix queue for her) and have the family watch it while I'm visiting. And I'm anticipating that she will like it because I put the soundtrack onto a mix cd I made her.

[Tadhg]

I win, because I can't tell my guy to die of syphillis.

Why not? I've also chucked a tin of mints at his head.

I can't even tell him he is an incompetent waste of perfectly serviceable organs that could be used to help dozens of people.

That is the high point of his life, knowing that his organs have value only for harvesting.

I think I win, my guy doesn't even have organs worth harvesting. Plus he had Lasic and still can't see but because of the surgery refuses to wear glasses because that would be admitting defeat.

[morna]

hi kidz! Gary and I saw No country for Old Men. It's a goodie. I want to see it again. Pleased and surprised that Hollywood allowed such a non bowtied ending. There was a preview for Juno. I didn't think anything of it 'cause pregnancy and/or weddings in the title or main plot tend to indicate a chick flick (which I'm allergic to) but maybe I'll rent it on your recommendations.

[Jared_Humpherys]

I watched "Paprika" with Sarah over the weekend. As far as anime movies go, it was quite good. Great animation and a better-than-average story. Also, the soundtrack is by one of my favorite Japanese artists.

[Dom]

Why not? I've also chucked a tin of mints at his

I can't even tell him he is an incompetent waste of perfectly serviceable organs that could be used to help dozens of people.

That is the high point of his life, knowing that his organs have value only for harvesting.

I think I win, my guy doesn't even have organs worth harvesting. Plus he had Lasic and still can't see but because of the surgery refuses to wear glasses because that would be admitting defeat.[/QUOTE]

You win.

Damn my guy and his useful organs!

[Matt Algren]

A white blood cell would be more accurate.I know, but red blood cell is sexier.

http://www.giantmicrobes.com/us/files/images/productdetails/red-blood-cell.jpg

http://www.giantmicrobes.com/us/files/images/productdetails/white-blood-cell.jpg

These make me wish I had someone in my family who would appreciate them.

[Ray R.]

I have no idea.

I'm looking for any explanation of Kansas. Nuke, time warp, worm hole, what have you.

The home of progressive radicalism turns into the home of school boards espousing creationism. Bob LaFollette is break-dancing in his grave.

[Ray R.]

I watched "Paprika" with Sarah over the weekend. As far as anime movies go, it was quite good. Great animation and a better-than-average story. Also, the soundtrack is by one of my favorite Japanese artists.

I just saw that too. My review is identical to yours.

[Ray R.]

I think I win, my guy doesn't even have organs worth harvesting. Plus he had Lasic and still can't see but because of the surgery refuses to wear glasses because that would be admitting defeat.

You win.

Damn my guy and his useful organs!

I pity the organ-receiver who gets his eyes, though.

[Tadhg]

I'm looking for any explanation of Kansas. Nuke, time warp, worm hole, what have you.

Everyone left.

[Gilda Dent]

hi kidz! Gary and I saw No country for Old Men. It's a goodie. I want to see it again. Pleased and surprised that Hollywood allowed such a non bowtied ending. There was a preview for Juno. I didn't think anything of it 'cause pregnancy and/or weddings in the title or main plot tend to indicate a chick flick (which I'm allergic to) but maybe I'll rent it on your recommendations.

We were considering Juno for this week, but it apparently opened, played one week, and went away, so it's wait until it hits the discount theater, if it does, or wait for the DVD. It's gotten a very good rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

[Merey]

hi kidz! Gary and I saw No country for Old Men. It's a goodie. I want to see it again. Pleased and surprised that Hollywood allowed such a non bowtied ending. There was a preview for Juno. I didn't think anything of it 'cause pregnancy and/or weddings in the title or main plot tend to indicate a chick flick (which I'm allergic to) but maybe I'll rent it on your recommendations.

It's definitely not a chick flick (I'm generally allergic to them as well). It's more indy-quirky than anything else. It's more in the vein of Welcome to the Dollhouse or Ghost World.

[Winslow]

Dang.

My Christmas Bonus was a 1/4 of what I usually get.

[morna]

I know, but red blood cell is sexier.

http://www.giantmicrobes.com/us/files/images/productdetails/red-blood-cell.jpg

http://www.giantmicrobes.com/us/files/images/productdetails/white-blood-cell.jpg

These make me wish I had someone in my family who would appreciate them.

I love those! Gary gave me a "stomach ache" bug a couple of years ago - he was my desk mascot therafter.


Ray, sorry to hear about your ongoing custody woes. Thank you for holding on to the vitriol. When my parents got divorced it was messy and stupid and I lost a lot of respect for both parents but my Dad never said anything bad about my mom (the sentiment was definitely not reciprocated) and we became good friends later in my life. It always disappointed me that my mom - love her as I did - trashed my dad so badly for no reason that I could understand.

Here's hoping the appeal goes a bit better, cause the present situation's insane - and the kids will know it!

[Matt Algren]

Dang.

My Christmas Bonus was a 1/4 of what I usually get.

Ouch. They know you're leaving?

[Tadhg]

Dang.

My Christmas Bonus was a 1/4 of what I usually get.

Just take it as incentive to not give them 2 weeks notice when you get your teaching gig.

[morna]

Dang.

My Christmas Bonus was a 1/4 of what I usually get.

aww that's harsh. My condolences.

[Jared_Humpherys]

I'm looking for any explanation of Kansas. Nuke, time warp, worm hole, what have you.

The home of progressive radicalism turns into the home of school boards espousing creationism. Bob LaFollette is break-dancing in his grave.

There's a lot of stupid people here. That's the only explanation I have.

[Winslow]

Ouch. They know you're leaving?

Just take it as incentive to not give them 2 weeks notice when you get your teaching gig.

I screwed up and told them that I'm leaving and when.

Maybe I'll quit early.

I really needed the money too. Oh well.

[Jared_Humpherys]

I just saw that too. My review is identical to yours.

I always knew you had good taste.

[Matt Algren]

I screwed up and told them that I'm leaving and when.

Maybe I'll quit early.

I really needed the money too. Oh well.How aggravating.

I'm gonna keep linking to this every time it comes up. (http://wistechnology.com/article.php?id=1757)

[Winslow]

How aggravating.

I'm gonna keep linking to this every time it comes up. (http://wistechnology.com/article.php?id=1757)

I've worked for them for 10+ years and thought I should give them the heads up.

Anyway . . I'm disappointed. Especially since they had a great year this year.

[Ray R.]

Ray, sorry to hear about your ongoing custody woes. Thank you for holding on to the vitriol. When my parents got divorced it was messy and stupid and I lost a lot of respect for both parents but my Dad never said anything bad about my mom (the sentiment was definitely not reciprocated) and we became good friends later in my life. It always disappointed me that my mom - love her as I did - trashed my dad so badly for no reason that I could understand.

Here's hoping the appeal goes a bit better, cause the present situation's insane - and the kids will know it!

Thanks, morna. Seriously, thanks for the personal note.

CBR has been a great outlet for me for energy and frustration, as all of you are probably annoyingly noticing.

CBR's loss is my kids' gain. Or something like that. ;)

[Ray R.]

There's a lot of stupid people here. That's the only explanation I have.

Stupid doesn't bother me. Stupid with political power is dangerous.

[Ray R.]

I've worked for them for 10+ years and thought I should give them the heads up.

Anyway . . I'm disappointed. Especially since they had a great year this year.


Sorry to hear that, Winslow. Loyalty is the first thing over the side when a company knows you're looking elsewhere. I'm dealing with the same thing, although not as badly financially as you are.

Clearer skies and more personal achievement and growth ahead, I hope.

[Ronald Bryan]

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/iiiber/TreeandPresents.jpg

[Elegance Liberty]

I was in 3D Studio today and I got done sculpting a mug/pencil holder earlier than I thought I would. So I got some more clay and in a moment of artistic creativity or true stupidity -however you wish to look at it-... I made Stormbreaker. (Ya'know, Beta Ray Bill's hammer?)

So when the instructor comes up to me and asks "So... what d'you plan to do with this hammer?" I just stared blankly at him and said "Uhhhh... it's functional in that it functions as a decorative piece?"

... Yeah, I probably shouldn't have done that (considering the assignment was for a functional piece of ceramics), but he didn't really feel one way or the other about it.

Now I just have to hope that it holds up after I fry it. The handle seemed kinda wimpy, so I layered it with extra clay to make it a little more 'solid'.

Also, the people in my Drawing for Electronic Media class are hilarious. And I mean that in a non-sarcastic way too, for once.

[jessecuster3]

He sais my friend Jessie, you're safe.

Plus you spelled it differently.

Am I really that unfunny, that you cannot tell I am joking?


Note: this is RHETORICAL!

Other than liking the prequels?

(She's a friend from high school who works in Sex Ed.)

Thank you.

Dang.

My Christmas Bonus was a 1/4 of what I usually get.

At least it wasn't a yearlong membership to the jelly of the month club.




So I read Neverwhere and American Gods this summer and really liked them. I stumbled across Anansi Boys this weekend so I started it today, I really love Gaiman's writing. I just never really dug the Sandman I read, so I was hesitant at first, but now I am totally hooked. He is teh awesome.

[Ray R.]

So I read Neverwhere and American Gods this summer and really liked them. I stumbled across Anansi Boys this weekend so I started it today, I really love Gaiman's writing. I just never really dug the Sandman I read, so I was hesitant at first, but now I am totally hooked. He is teh awesome.

I finished Anansi Boys a couple of weeks ago. I thought it started slow and picked up a bit of steam about a third of the way in. More character study than big set piece like American Gods. The narrative maybe wrapped up a little too neatly and predictably, but all in all, it was a pretty well written story. Gaiman is a gifted writer. I think working with Terry Pratchett in Good Omens may have unlocked his sense of humor and whimsiness as a writer for good, because Anansi Boys is definitely full of both. Tell us what you think.

[thespianphryne]

Hey Das, have you seen Once? It comes out on DVD this week, you should give it a viewing.

I will. I felt bad about having missed it on the screens after Cronin gave it such a glowing review. He was pretty much shilling the movie


-Das

[jessecuster3]

I finished Anansi Boys a couple of weeks ago. I thought it started slow and picked up a bit of steam about a third of the way in. More character study than big set piece like American Gods. The narrative maybe wrapped up a little too neatly and predictably, but all in all, it was a pretty well written story. Gaiman is a gifted writer. I think working with Terry Pratchett in Good Omens may have unlocked his sense of humor and whimsiness as a writer for good, because Anansi Boys is definitely full of both. Tell us what you think.

I was torn on picking Good Omens up, you think its a must?

[Donald M.]

I finished Anansi Boys a couple of weeks ago. I thought it started slow and picked up a bit of steam about a third of the way in. More character study than big set piece like American Gods. The narrative maybe wrapped up a little too neatly and predictably, but all in all, it was a pretty well written story.

Sure the ending was predictable, but I think that the ending was predictable was part of the point of the book. The whole thing was a modern day Spider myth and whatever trouble all those old tricksters got up to in the old myths, things usually turned out well for them. Not necessarily for anyone else.

Can't really say any more than that without going into spoilers.

[jessecuster3]

Anyone seen The Lookout? With Joseph Gordon Levitt, Stephen King put it in his top 10 of the year.

[Slam_Bradley]

Sure the ending was predictable, but I think that the ending was predictable was part of the point of the book. The whole thing was a modern day Spider myth and whatever trouble all those old tricksters got up to in the old myths, things usually turned out well for them. Not necessarily for anyone else.

Can't really say any more than that without going into spoilers.


Exactly my take. There's just a huge difference between big-sprawling American Gods and smaller intimate Anansi Boys. Taken together they make two interesting sides of the myth coin.

I started re-reading American Gods early this weekend.

[Michael P]

I was torn on picking Good Omens up, you think its a must?

Abso-freakin'-lutely.

[jessecuster3]

Abso-freakin'-lutely.

Aren't you the one who told me Anansi Boys was your favorite?

[Michael P]

Aren't you the one who told me Anansi Boys was your favorite?

My favorite what?

Regardless, Good Omens is a great book. I'd say there's more Pratchett in it than Gaiman (since it's technically Gaiman's first novel, while Pratchett had a great many under his belt by then), but it's still one of the best satires I've read, and one of the best books about modern religion and faith I've read.

[jessecuster3]

My favorite what?

Regardless, Good Omens is a great book. I'd say there's more Pratchett in it than Gaiman (since it's technically Gaiman's first novel, while Pratchett had a great many under his belt by then), but it's still one of the best satires I've read, and one of the best books about modern religion and faith I've read.

Yeah I just remember you raving about it, when I talked about Gaiman before.

[Michael P]

Yeah I just remember you raving about it, when I talked about Gaiman before.

Well, I did love Anansi Boys. But then, it hit me right where I live.

[Jared_Humpherys]

I second the reccommendation for "Good Omens." It may just get you hooked on Pratchett, and that's nothing if not healthy for a mind.

[Tadhg]

Speaking of Gaiman, you can get a free download of him reading a A Study in Emerald (http://us.perfectbound.ret.overdrive.com/3B8BFD91-5A6B-49D5-8ED4-AEE8FFCF0B51/10/125/en/neilgaiman?WT.mc_id=REFL_AWXX_NGAISTUDY_092807)

[StoneGold]

I think I am going to put together an evil Christmas movie marathon. Die Hard, Silent Night, Deadly Night, Black Christmas, Beavis and Butthead Do Christmas... what am I missing?

[Tadhg]

I think I am going to put together an evil Christmas movie marathon. Die Hard, Silent Night, Deadly Night, Black Christmas, Beavis and Butthead Do Christmas... what am I missing?

Jingle All the Way

[Jared_Humpherys]

Jingle All the Way

"Michael."

.

[Ray R.]

I second the reccommendation for "Good Omens." It may just get you hooked on Pratchett, and that's nothing if not healthy for a mind.

Yup. I loved Good Omens. I am forevermore hooked on Pratchett, and after reading Monstrous Regiment, plan to devour all the Discworld books (which sounded formulaic ForeverWorlds-esque until I dove headfirst into one). Good Omens is one of my favorite books, and high on my recommended list to people familiar or unfamiliar with Gaiman or Pratchett.

[Matt Algren]

I think I am going to put together an evil Christmas movie marathon. Die Hard, Silent Night, Deadly Night, Black Christmas, Beavis and Butthead Do Christmas... what am I missing?
Grinch (Jim Carrey version)

[jessecuster3]

"Michael."

.

That scene where he dies, I used to work in that building, he died on its lawn.

[Donald M.]

I think I am going to put together an evil Christmas movie marathon. Die Hard, Silent Night, Deadly Night, Black Christmas, Beavis and Butthead Do Christmas... what am I missing?

Bad Santa!

I'm pretty sure there's a dvd of South Park Christmas episodes.

It's a Bundyful Life is on VHS, but for DVD I think you have toy get the full season.

[StoneGold]

Jingle All the Way

Grinch (Jim Carrey version)
Neither is evil enough

Bad Santa!

I forgot to list that. I have it, I just didn't list it.

[Tadhg]

Neither is evil enough



But Sinbad!

[Ronald Bryan]

Lethal Weapon?

[Ray R.]

I think I am going to put together an evil Christmas movie marathon. Die Hard, Silent Night, Deadly Night, Black Christmas, Beavis and Butthead Do Christmas... what am I missing?

"Deck the Halls" is truly one of the worst movies I've ever had the displeasure of viewing.

[Matt Algren]

Neither is evil enoughYou obviously don't remember the shititude of Carrey's performance.

New additions to the list: Black Christmas (2006) *but for a completely different reason than the original*, and Spacemen, Go-Go Girls and the True Meaning of Christmas looks awesomely bad.

[Matt Algren]

What's the deal with the Limeys pronouncing it "Leftenant"? There's no "f" in the word. I don't get it.

[Kid Omega]

What's the deal with the Limeys pronouncing it "Leftenant"? There's no "f" in the word. I don't get it.

They are pronouncing the "u" as a "v".

[thespianphryne]

What's the deal with the Limeys pronouncing it "Leftenant"? There's no "f" in the word. I don't get it.

They're as mystified as you are. It was long ago lamented as a vile corruption, but somehow took hold.


-Das

[morna]

Yup. I loved Good Omens. I am forevermore hooked on Pratchett, and after reading Monstrous Regiment, plan to devour all the Discworld books (which sounded formulaic ForeverWorlds-esque until I dove headfirst into one). Good Omens is one of my favorite books, and high on my recommended list to people familiar or unfamiliar with Gaiman or Pratchett.

I guess I'm ripe for that one. Never clapped (what a ridiculous expression) eyes on either Pratchett or Gaiman.

[Matt Algren]

They are pronouncing the "u" as a "v".
Well that's just stupid. It sounds so common.

[Kid Omega]

Well that's just stupid. It sounds so common.

YOUR FACE sounds so common!

[thespianphryne]

Well that's just stupid. It sounds so common.

Well, that's what they said back in 1780 something.


-Das

[Tadhg]

I just got the Captain America comics DVD. It's okay, but it's kind of sad when the file-sharers put out higher quality product.

[Kid Omega]

Well, that's what they said back in 1780 something.


-Das

Or even further back... Somebody should google up a page on naval traditions... some of them are stupid old.

Me, I think anything older than forty years should be set on fire.

[Matt Algren]

YOUR FACE sounds so common!
Well, that is where my mouth is.

Last night I was listening to a DVD Commentary from a British (now that I think about it, he's French, so WTF?) director and he was constantly doing that kind of thing.

Without getting into the whys and wherefores, I get to watch Extreme Makeover: Home Edition every fucking week. They have this British character who makes it a point to say 'brava' instead of 'brother' and others like that A HUNDRED TIMES AN EPISODE.

At any rate, I'm glad the British agree with me that it's a stupid pronunciation. Cheerio, I say!

[Puma]

I guess I'm ripe for that one. Never clapped (what a ridiculous expression) eyes on either Pratchett or Gaiman.

*shakes head sadly*

[thespianphryne]

Or even further back... Somebody should google up a page on naval traditions... some of them are stupid old.

Me, I think anything older than forty years should be set on fire.

No, no, I meant that they said it was stupid and common to pronounce it with a "v" or "f" sound, back then. Unless that's what you meant, in which case, yes, yes, exactly.


-Das

[thespianphryne]

Well, that is where my mouth is.

[....]

Not to mention, your teef


-Das

[Paul McEnery]

They are pronouncing the "u" as a "v".

Is that yours, or did you learn it somewhere?

Because I've never heard the explanation, or any explanation, for that matter, and it actually makes sense.

[Michael P]

I always figured "leftenant" was a completely different rank that only the British had.

[Matt Algren]

I always figured "leftenant" was a completely different rank that only the British had.
Kind of like the Romulans have Sub-Commander.

...

Oh, I've wasted my life.

[StoneGold]

I swear I remember reading somewhere that it was about not having a French word be a rank in your army when you had a better than average chance of fighting the French that week, but I can't find a reference to that anywhere online.

[howyadoin]

Lack of privacy or lack of green?Privacy. The green situation is handled.

[kmeyers]

Privacy. The green situation is handled.

Your song of the moment is awesome, but the one you sent me is even better, Foo Fighters Cold Day in the Sun....One of my favorite songs ever. Thanks again bro. It just popped up randomly on my playlist.

[DoctorDoom]

Ugh... 'Ease on Down' is stuck in my head!

[mattx110]

Privacy. The green situation is handled.
Knock knock
Who's there?
Al Gore
Al Gore who?
Exactly... Howyadoin over at CBR solved global warming, who gives a damn about Gore?

[kmeyers]

Knock knock
Who's there?
Al Gore
Al Gore who?
Exactly... Howyadoin over at CBR solved global warming, who gives a damn about Gore?

Gore's Kryptonite is Canadians. I thought everyone knew that.

[mattx110]

Gore's Kryptonite is Canadians. I thought everyone knew that.
I thought it was old jewish women in Florida...

[kmeyers]

I thought it was old jewish women in Florida...

Where do you think they make Kryptonite?

Dude, Kryptonite is like a sexually transmitted disease for the elderly in Florida, as horrible as that mental picture is.

And I'm sorry for that horrible mental image.

[Dan Apodaca]

Me, I think anything older than forty years should be set on fire.

You ain't got much longer, homey.

[kmeyers]

You ain't got much longer, homey.

Should he have other people start his car soon?

Ok, more relevant, have someone unlock the store for him?

That's what employees are for, right?

[Dan Apodaca]

Should he have other people start his car soon?

Ok, more relevant, have somneone unlock the store for him?

I heard he's putting rubber floors in the place, 'cause he's too embarassed to buy Depends.

[kmeyers]

I heard he's putting rubber floors in the place, 'cause he's too embarassed to buy Depends.

When it's your place, there's no such thing as too proud.

Unless people start to complain about the smell.