Odd eBay Item

I'm anxious to see if this sells. How could it not? After all, "...its eyes [have been] replaced by plastic moving eyes".

Okay, my stomach is quite unhappy right now.

Busy Day

Lots of big things happening today:

• Samuel Alito has been confirmed (by a vote of 58-42) and sworn in as the 110th Supreme Court Justice.
• Alan Greenspan will retire today after 18 and 1/2 years as Federal Reserve Chairman.
• President Bush will deliver his State of the Union address this evening.
• I bought a new racquetball racquet.

Happy Birthday, Wolfy

Today marks Mozart's 250th birthday. To celebrate, I'm listening to some favorite recordings of some favorite Mozart works:

Horn Concertos Nos. 1-4
"Der Holle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen" from Die Zauberflöte, K. 620
"Ach, ich fuhl's" from Die Zauberflöte
"Martern Aller Arten" from Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail, K. 384
Exsultate Jubilate, K. 165 (Her "Alleluia" movement...Holy crap!)
Laudate Dominum, K. 339
Requiem, K. 626

If Lee were here, we'd play through several of the Works for Piano Four Hands. The Sonatas in D Major (K.381/123a) and B-flat Major (K.358/186c) are so much fun!

Politics Test

No surprise here...

You are a Social Liberal (68% permissive) and an... Economic Conservative (70% permissive) You are best described as a: Libertarian Link: The Politics Test on Ok Cupid Also: The OkCupid Dating Persona Test

Bravo, BB&T

Today, BB&T announced that it "will not lend to commercial developers that plan to build condominiums, shopping malls and other private projects on land taken from private citizens by government entities using eminent domain.” Not surprising after reading the company's values.

Following Sam Moore's lead, I have sent the following email to my bank and encourage you to do the same.

Please follow BB&T's example and refuse to loan money to developers who plan to build commercial projects on land taken from private citizens by the government through the power of eminent domain.

I am one of your customers. This is very important to me and your action in this matter will influence my decision to remain with [primary financial institution]. I hope that, like BB&T, your "values dictate (y)our decision-making and operating standards. From that standpoint, this (is) a straightforward decision; it's simply the right thing to do."

I look forward to your response.

(Via VC.)

A Tragedy of Gummis

I'm craving something sweet and chewy. Naturally, gummi bears came to mind, which always remind me of this.

A few years ago, Lee, Jonathan and I were on our way to see a movie. Being the cheapskates that we were (are), we didn't want to purchase over-priced snacks at the movie concession stand. Instead, we decided to stop at the grocery store and stock up on the more reasonably-priced goodies there.

Browsing the candy aisle at the store, Lee decided he wanted gummi bears. But not just any gummi bears would do. He only wanted his favorites – the red and clear ones. So he went to the bulk candy aisle, got a pair of tongs, and began the long, tedious task of picking out only the red and clear gummi bears.

Jonathan and I discussed our candy options, weighing the pros and cons of each selection, and made our choices. We ventured over to the bulk candy aisle and found Lee, still rummaging through the barrel of bears, filling his bag with red and clear gummis. We knew it would be a while before he was finished, so we decided to browse the aisles while he finished his task.

About fifteen minutes later, Lee found us a few aisles away. The look of satisfaction on his face was priceless. It didn't matter how good or bad the movie was. He knew he would enjoy it because there would be no green, yellow or orange gummi bears involved. Life was good.

And then, it happened. As Lee started walking down the aisle toward us, holding up his trophy bag of gummis for Jonathan and I to admire, something happened that none of us can explain: the bag slipped from Lee's hand. I can still see it all unfold as if it happened only yesterday...The gasps of terror that escaped from each of us, the horrified look on Lee's face, the frantic but futile fumbling as he tried to catch the bag in mid-air, the bag exploding as it hit the ground, and the countless red and clear gummi bears scattering across the floor. Jonathan and I stood frozen, as Lee took one look at the mess, threw his fists in the air, and screamed, "My life's work!"

Of course, Jonathan and I burst into hysterical laughter, but managed to compose ourselves enough to help Lee clean up the mess. We picked up the bears, returned them to the bag, and left the bag on a random shelf. Lee was so disheartened by his loss that he left the store without bothering to choose another snack.

Poor guy.

Product Review: Blistex Lip Infusion

There's a new product out by Blistex called Lip Infusion. It is fantastic! No more waxy lips. No more sticking your finger in a mini tub of goop. This sheer liquid lip balm, with SPF 15, glides on smoothly and evenly with a rolling metal ball applicator, leaving your lips smooth, soft, and a bit shiny, but not quite glossy. Highly recommended!

Confirm Alito

When asked by Senator Brownback, "Could you articulate your view of how you look and interpret the Constitution?", Alito gave this response:

In interpreting the Constitution, I think we should proceed in the way we proceed in interpreting other important legal authorities; in interpreting statutes, for example. I think we should look to the text of the Constitution, and we should look to the meaning that someone would have taken from the text of the Constitution at the time of its adoption.

But I think we have to recognize that the Constitution is very different from statutes in some important respects.

Statutes are often very detailed, and they generally don't exist without revision for very long periods of time.

The Constitution was adopted to endure throughout the history of our country. And considering how long our country has existed, it's been amended relatively few times.

And the magic of that, I think, is that it sets out a basic structure for our government and protects fundamental rights. But on a number of very important issues, I think the framers recognized that times would change, new questions would come up. And so they didn't purport to adopt a detailed code, for example, governing searches and seizures. That was the example I gave yesterday, and I'll come back to it.

They could have set out a detailed code of search and seizure; they didn't do that. They said that the people are protected against unreasonable searches and seizures, and they left it for the courts -- and, of course, the legislative body can supplement this -- to apply that principle to the new situations that come up.

Now, when that is done, that doesn't amount to an amendment of the Constitution or a changing of the Constitution. It involves the application of a constitutional principle to the situation at hand.

Yes. Yes! Even the Washington Post supports his confirmation:

[...]Judge Alito is superbly qualified. His record on the bench is that of a thoughtful conservative, not a raging ideologue. He pays careful attention to the record and doesn't reach for the political outcomes he desires. His colleagues of all stripes speak highly of him. His integrity, notwithstanding efforts to smear him, remains unimpeached.

If you're still on the fence about whether or not to support Alito's confirmation, what's wrong with you?

Sesame Street Quiz

Which Sesame Street character are you?

Big Bird!

You scored 85% Organization, 45% abstract, and 71% extroverted!

You are both very organized. You almost always know where your belongings are and you prefer things neat. You may even enjoy cleaning and find it therapeutic. Big Bird is never sloppy and always under control...pretty good for a 6 year old bird living without a family.

You both are sometimes concrete and sometimes abstract thinkers. Big Bird can be quite dreamy at times and has no problem using his imagination. At the same time he is also practical and can be methodical in his search for answers to questions. You have a good balance in your life. You know when to be logical at times, but you also aren't afraid to explore your dreams and desires... within limits of course.

You are both extroverts. Big Bird gets along with everyone. He makes friends easily and always has a positive attitude. You definitely enjoy the company of others, and you don't have problems meeting new people... in fact you probably look forward to it. You are willing to take charge when necessary or work as part of a team.

Thanks to OB Juan for the link.

Polly Squawks on Cheating Chick

Yet another reason to keep birds in the wild and adopt a dog. Then you're safe as long as you don't cheat with a guy named Woof.

A Spanking for Sprint

I've used Sprint as my mobile service provider since I first got a mobile phone eight years ago. Overall, I've been very happy with their products and service. Today, they almost lost me. Almost.

I purchased a new phone and renewed my contract with Sprint in October. A few weeks ago, when I flipped open the phone and found a big crack across the inside screen, rendering the screen almost unreadable, I was glad I had added the Total Equipment Protection Service to my plan. This coverage provides a sort of insurance against loss, theft, accidental damage, and mechanical or electrical failure.

I called Sprint to make use of the coverage and was informed that, for a $50 deductible, my phone would be replaced with a good-as-new refurbished phone. As long as it included a warrantee and was guaranteed to be in good physical condition and working order, a refurbished phone was fine with me.

A few days later, I received the phone, went through the entire activation process, programmed all my numbers, and was pleased with the quick remedy. After making and receiving a few calls, I wanted to review the call history stored in the phone, but when I selected that option, I got a BEEP! and a message reading "Recent Call History is empty." I made/received a few more calls and checked again – same result.

Again, I called Sprint to explain the situation. Without hesitation, I was offered yet another good-as-new refurbished phone. Okay, that would work for me. So, again, the phone arrived, I activated it, programmed it, and started making calls. And again, when I tried to review the call history...BEEP!

AGAIN, I called Sprint. This time, after being transferred to several departments and explaining the situation each time, I was told that they could not send another phone. Instead, I would have to take the phone to the nearest Sprint store that offered equipment repair and have it tested. Okay, so where is that store? Rockville. "What?" I replied. "So I'm supposed to drive 25 miles to have this phone tested? A phone which I was told would be 'good as new'?" Yep, that's what had to happen. I said, "No way am I doing that. Can I speak to your supervisor?" I was transferred yet again.

When the supervisor came on the line and asked how I was doing, I replied, "Well, I'm frustrated. I bought a new Sprint phone in October. A few weeks ago, for no apparent reason, the phone broke. I called Sprint to use the Total Equipment Protection Service I pay for each month, paid the $50 deductible, and was sent another phone. That phone didn't work, so I called again. Again, I was sent another phone that doesn't work. Now I'm being told I have to drive 25 miles to the nearest Sprint store to have this supposedly good-as-new phone tested? That is completely unacceptable. I paid $50, plus a monthly fee for a service that is not being provided." She replied, "Ma'am, I'm very sorry for your inconvenience. As a one-time courtesy, I'd like to send you a brand-new phone. Will that be acceptable?" Sigh. Yes, that will work. She was very nice, although seemed anxious to get rid of me, but whatever. The phone should be here early next week.

With my luck, the package will fall out of the UPS truck, be run over by a street sweeper, licked by a rabid raccoon, then picked up by some random hobo who will come to my door to deliver the package and request some sort of reward, then he'll smell the fresh banana bread I just baked and he’ll burst in the door to satiate his empty tummy, accidentally scaring Ernie, who will bite him, so the hobo will sue me for everything I’ve got and I’ll end up roaming the streets of Frederick as a bag lady. But at least my cell phone will be able to maintain a call history.

A New Sweeney

Please, oh please, let it be true!

Penelope Cruz and I – Separated At Birth!

According to the face recognition program at MyHeritage.com, my face most closely resembles the following celebrities:

Penelope Cruz
Sofia Coppola
Vivien Leigh
Beyonce Knowles
Halle Berry
Demi Moore
Leonardo DiCaprio
Mariah Carey
Celine Dion
Christina Ricci

It's scientifically advanced technology and you can't argue with that. Hey...why are you laughing?

Alito Hearings

The media reactions to the two days of Alito hearing have been interesting. My favorite so far comes from Dahlia Lithwick over at Slate:

He is like a very, very smart rock. And this stoniness is slowly wearing down his opposition....Alito is crushing the Democrats with unrelenting tedium and a demonstrable love for material they don't really understand.

New Record Set on Broadway

Last night, The Phantom of the Opera played on Broadway for the 7,486th time, making it the longest-running show in Broadway history. Even more amazing is that Cats is in second place with 7,485 performances. Behind that is Les Miserables, which closed in May 2003 with 6,680. How is that possible?

In case you hadn't heard, The Light in the Piazza is scheduled to close on July 2nd of this year, only a year and three months after it opened. And yet The Lion King and Mamma Mia! are still going as strong as ever. I guess audiences aren't interested in substance anymore. Sigh.

The Gang: 2005

I finally downloaded the pictures from my New Year's Eve celebration with the gang. Here are a few of the highlights.

Lee and I on our way out for an evening of revelry:

Kirstin being coy and enjoying her beverage at the socialist nation of Caribou Coffee:

Gurney and Bobby being lovey-dovey:

JD diving into his dinner at J. Alexander's:

Kirstin...um...tipping the bartender:

What Dreams May Come

For some reason, I was reminded this morning of a dream I had several years ago. I can only recall a piece of it now, but that piece is still as vivid as the night I had the dream.

I dreamt that my mother died unexpectedly. Of course, I was utterly devastated. A friend of mine decided to throw a dinner party to try to cheer me up. (Ridiculous, I know.)

At the party, I was surrounded by friends, but just sat there, picking at the spaghetti in front of me. A CD of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar was playing in the background while we ate. When the song 'Gethsemane' came on, I started sobbing hysterically and insisted that we listen to it over and over again. Then, with a very indifferent tone of voice and a mouth full of spaghetti, one of my friends asked me, "So, what does it feel like to have your mother die?" I slowly raised my head and stood up. Glaring at her, I replied, "You want to know what it feels like? I'll show you what it feels like!" With that, I picked up my plate of spaghetti, shoved it in her face, and screamed "That's what it feels like!" just as the song reached the climactic line, "See how I die!"

Weird, huh? I have no idea what could have brought on the dream, but it has stayed with me ever since.

Random Question

If a movie was being made about your life, what would it be called and who would play you?

My life's movie would be called No Tomatoes, Damnit! Why? Because I hate tomatoes and always order everything without them, yet they always seem to end up on my plate anyway. I would love to say that someone fabulous like Cate Blanchett would play me, but who am I kidding? That's just not realistic. (But a movie about my life is?)

Feel free to leave a comment with your movie title and leading actor!

Mining Tragedy in WV

I cannot believe this. I got online last night a little after 2:00 a.m. and saw the reports stating that 12 of the 13 trapped miners had been rescued. After following the story all day and assuming the worst, I got chills while reading about the miracle. Then I woke up this morning to hear Fox News state that the reports were wrong and that 12 of the 13 were dead. I can't even begin to imagine what their families are going through.

Final Memories of 2005

There were quite a few moments during my holiday adventures in Ohio that will be forever burned in my brain:

• At dinner on Wednesday night, our server came to check on us, saying, “Is everything delish?” Without hesitating, Lee gushed, “It’s terrif!”

• When KB, Lee and I arrived at JD’s apartment, KB went to the refrigerator to put away the leftovers from our dinner at J. Alexander’s (which was fantastic, just as expected). She started chuckling and said, “There’s nothing in here. Nothing!” I went to look for myself. Okay, so she had exaggerated a bit: there were two enormous jars of Mott’s applesauce and some orange marmalade.

• We played several games on Saturday evening: Guesstures, Trivial Pursuit, and Marry, Date or Dump. I don’t remember the question Lee was asked, but it was something obscure about Columbia, for which the answer was Bogota. I said, “If you get this, I will eat my sock.” Of course, he got it. As we were cleaning up our snack buffet later that evening, Lee poured all of our leftover beverages (various sodas, fruit punch, V-8, champagne) into one cup and said, “I will give $10 to whoever drinks this. Anyone? Amanda, it may help wash down that sock.”

• We also played Celebrity Taboo. It was Gurney’s turn to give me clues, so with the timer running, she flipped a card over and said, “Um…um…Mother Hen…um…um…PASS!” When the timer ran out, I asked, “What was the ‘Mother Hen’ one?” She replied, “Oh, it was Busta Rhymes.” We all stared blankly at her, trying to piece together how Mother Hen was a good clue for Busta Rhymes. She explained, “I was thinking Busta Rhymes…nursery rhymes…Mother Hen.” Lee said, “It’s Mother Goose.”

A few one-liners from the weekend that can’t be explained, but the gang will appreciate:

• KB: How’s the soup?

• JD: I’m just goin’ through the motions here, KB.

• Amanda: If "chickens" didn't exist, it would be all "roosters and hens", "roosters and hens".

• Gurney: Oh, I get it. 91, 92, 93, 97...

• KB (as Gurney collapsed on the bed after missing the final word in Guesstures): WHOOOOOOOA!

Home Again

I'm home [sigh of relief]. Overall, my time in PA and OH was enjoyable, but I am very happy to be home and am counting the moments until I can collapse in my own bed.

P.S. Happy New Year!