Nonetheless, I'm excited for her, not only because of the wedding, but because she has lost a ton of weight and looks fantastic. She's even featured as a success story on e-diets! Check it out:
I'm so proud of her. :-)
Chico's Journal
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07/14/2006 10:10 #21194
damn proud of my sisMy sister Liz is getting married this weekend. I'm happy for her but pissed about the fact that we have to drive to Baltimore on the final weekend of my big push to finish my dissertation, and with only 3 weeks left till the big move to B-lo. *sigh*
Nonetheless, I'm excited for her, not only because of the wedding, but because she has lost a ton of weight and looks fantastic. She's even featured as a success story on e-diets! Check it out:
I'm so proud of her. :-)
Nonetheless, I'm excited for her, not only because of the wedding, but because she has lost a ton of weight and looks fantastic. She's even featured as a success story on e-diets! Check it out:
I'm so proud of her. :-)
07/13/2006 18:00 #21193
Bad jujuCategory: middle east
No that title is NOT meant as an ethnic or religious slur.
In case you haven't seen the news, the Middle East is on the brink of war, thanks to what many see as an overreaction by Israel to the kidnapping and killing of its soldiers by Hezbollah.
Video of the attack on the airport in Beirut:
I'm intensely interested in this not only because I study war, but because I have a friend who was in Lebanon when the Israelis bombed the Beirut airport. Fortunately she's nobody's fool so she scampered back to Syria, where she is studying Arabic this summer.
Her recent blogs give an interesting first-person take on the crisis from the point of view of an American political scientist in a country hostile to Israel. If I know Emily, she'll keep the news coming. She uses fifty-cent words but she's perceptive and the posts could be really intriguing.
At the moment, we're just hoping that the crisis/war doesn't escalate to include Syria...
In case you haven't seen the news, the Middle East is on the brink of war, thanks to what many see as an overreaction by Israel to the kidnapping and killing of its soldiers by Hezbollah.
Video of the attack on the airport in Beirut:
I'm intensely interested in this not only because I study war, but because I have a friend who was in Lebanon when the Israelis bombed the Beirut airport. Fortunately she's nobody's fool so she scampered back to Syria, where she is studying Arabic this summer.
Her recent blogs
give an interesting first-person take on the crisis from the point of view of an American political scientist in a country hostile to Israel. If I know Emily, she'll keep the news coming. She uses fifty-cent words but she's perceptive and the posts could be really intriguing.At the moment, we're just hoping that the crisis/war doesn't escalate to include Syria...
metalpeter - 07/14/06 19:13
I know this is going to sound hatefull but this is what needs to happen. All of our US troops need to come home from iraq now. All americans need to leave all middle eastern countries. For all I care they can all kill each other and bomb the shit out of each other. The middle east has been a war zone since before we where a country if they want to invade each other fine. If they want to have holy wars fine. We have enough problems in our country and shouldn't worry about what is going on over there. In fact we have made things worse. We put Saddam in power then didn't like him so we pulled him out and iraq fell apart. We Put Bin Laden in power and you see how that worked out. We are buddies with isreal. Don't evern get me started on the Iran Contra trading hostages for weapons. Who are we to stick out nose in where it isn't wanted. I'm not saying anything negative about anyone who you know. But lets get all the americans out of that area.
I know this is going to sound hatefull but this is what needs to happen. All of our US troops need to come home from iraq now. All americans need to leave all middle eastern countries. For all I care they can all kill each other and bomb the shit out of each other. The middle east has been a war zone since before we where a country if they want to invade each other fine. If they want to have holy wars fine. We have enough problems in our country and shouldn't worry about what is going on over there. In fact we have made things worse. We put Saddam in power then didn't like him so we pulled him out and iraq fell apart. We Put Bin Laden in power and you see how that worked out. We are buddies with isreal. Don't evern get me started on the Iran Contra trading hostages for weapons. Who are we to stick out nose in where it isn't wanted. I'm not saying anything negative about anyone who you know. But lets get all the americans out of that area.
chico - 07/14/06 09:51
I'm not so sure Russia has all that much credibility in tsk-tsking Israel for using disproportionate force, given what the Russians have done in Chechnya... but then, that's a whole different ball of wax...
I'm not so sure Russia has all that much credibility in tsk-tsking Israel for using disproportionate force, given what the Russians have done in Chechnya... but then, that's a whole different ball of wax...
imk2 - 07/13/06 23:58
i've been following this story for the past few days and now am getting seriously worried. the whole middle east is on the brink of war, and all our president can talk about is roasted pigs? but seriously, he is standing behind israel on this, saying that they have a right to defend themselves. i however, don’t see why they feel the need to defend themselve, since this started over a kidnapping. russia nailed it right on the head when it stated that israel is using "disproportionate force" in it's attacks. um ya, you think!?!?
i've been following this story for the past few days and now am getting seriously worried. the whole middle east is on the brink of war, and all our president can talk about is roasted pigs? but seriously, he is standing behind israel on this, saying that they have a right to defend themselves. i however, don’t see why they feel the need to defend themselve, since this started over a kidnapping. russia nailed it right on the head when it stated that israel is using "disproportionate force" in it's attacks. um ya, you think!?!?
ajay - 07/13/06 21:38
Thanks for posting the link to your friend Emily's blog. It is always interesting to read first-hand news, instead of the crap filtered through several layers of spinning filters...
Israel opens 2 fronts; Iraq still burns; bombings in India; there's a lot of killing going on.
I think it's time all San Franciscans got together to hold hands and hug each other (the standard response....)
Thanks for posting the link to your friend Emily's blog. It is always interesting to read first-hand news, instead of the crap filtered through several layers of spinning filters...
Israel opens 2 fronts; Iraq still burns; bombings in India; there's a lot of killing going on.
I think it's time all San Franciscans got together to hold hands and hug each other (the standard response....)
ajay - 07/13/06 21:29
(e:Zobar), with that much spam, a heart-attack would get you long before any "enemy" did... ;-)
(e:Zobar), with that much spam, a heart-attack would get you long before any "enemy" did... ;-)
chico - 07/13/06 19:00
Zobar, thanks for bringing some serious levity to the situation.
As much as I'd like to see a photo of you huddled under your bed with 60 cans of Spam and some AK-47s, I understand that for security reasons you should probably refrain from posting such photos.
Oh, and you'll probably want some recipes for all that canned meat: :::link:::
and don't forget the Spambalaya: :::link:::
Zobar, thanks for bringing some serious levity to the situation.
As much as I'd like to see a photo of you huddled under your bed with 60 cans of Spam and some AK-47s, I understand that for security reasons you should probably refrain from posting such photos.
Oh, and you'll probably want some recipes for all that canned meat: :::link:::
and don't forget the Spambalaya: :::link:::
zobar - 07/13/06 18:47
Holy fucking shit.
This whole shit's fucked up. You will find that many people will take sides in this conflict and defend them vehemently. I cannot join them, because what it comes down to is that nobody is right, and the only goals war could achieve are political.
My thoughts are with your friend in Damascus. She is smart and can take care of herself. As for me, I have stockpiled Spam and am blogging from under my bed, where I also have several Kalashikov rifles.
- Z
Holy fucking shit.
This whole shit's fucked up. You will find that many people will take sides in this conflict and defend them vehemently. I cannot join them, because what it comes down to is that nobody is right, and the only goals war could achieve are political.
My thoughts are with your friend in Damascus. She is smart and can take care of herself. As for me, I have stockpiled Spam and am blogging from under my bed, where I also have several Kalashikov rifles.
- Z
07/12/2006 18:53 #21192
Sabres 2006-2007 SeasonHey, just in case anyone cares, they announced the 2006-2007 Sabres schedule today...tix page at
I'm damn disappointed that my beloved NY Islanders will be at HSBC just once this year, and on New Year's Day no less. Oh yeah, that crowd will be REAL interested in getty noisy. Noise is always good medicine for hangovers. Ouch.
Anyway, for those of you nursing wounds from last month and wishing for revenge, there are a few chances to see the Sabres take on the Hurricanes.
I leave you with a funny picture of DP, the Isles' netminder. He looks a little hung over in the photo. Hmm, maybe even still drunk.
keep your eye on the puck
I'm damn disappointed that my beloved NY Islanders will be at HSBC just once this year, and on New Year's Day no less. Oh yeah, that crowd will be REAL interested in getty noisy. Noise is always good medicine for hangovers. Ouch.
Anyway, for those of you nursing wounds from last month and wishing for revenge, there are a few chances to see the Sabres take on the Hurricanes.
I leave you with a funny picture of DP, the Isles' netminder. He looks a little hung over in the photo. Hmm, maybe even still drunk.
keep your eye on the puck
ajay - 07/13/06 21:35
WTF? How come the Sabres never play the Sharks??!?!
WTF? How come the Sabres never play the Sharks??!?!
chicoschica - 07/13/06 14:09
Meanwhile, I've been informed that the NJ Devils are a VALUE ticket.
=(
Sucks.
(let's go devils...)
Meanwhile, I've been informed that the NJ Devils are a VALUE ticket.
=(
Sucks.
(let's go devils...)
carolinian - 07/12/06 22:55
I'd definitely like to catch some Canes games at HSBC. Though I might decline the offer of revenge part and instead cheer for another year with Lord Stanley's cup.
I'd definitely like to catch some Canes games at HSBC. Though I might decline the offer of revenge part and instead cheer for another year with Lord Stanley's cup.
mrdt - 07/12/06 22:02
last season Peca played for Edmonton. This year he's a free agent.
last season Peca played for Edmonton. This year he's a free agent.
codypomeray - 07/12/06 20:46
sorry chico, i am not a big isles fan, mostly because of peca. really really really really really dislike him. i know i know he is not there anymore, but i have a funny story for you. well two. firstly i was asked to leave an outback resturaunt because, well, my buddies thought tall boys with no dinner were a great idea while watching buffalo play the isles for the first time against peca. the outback is for families...use the imaigniation. also i was at a game in the coliseum and i am a leafs fan. so i am chanting go leafs go go leafs go. this guy in front has a leafs flag and points to me. so while i am out getting beers for my buddy (whose season tickets we were using) the two guys next to him say, "hey buddy, next time leave your asshole friend at home!" hey i am passionate about hockey. on another note. you guys should do well this year. great team in the office and behind the bench. really.
sorry chico, i am not a big isles fan, mostly because of peca. really really really really really dislike him. i know i know he is not there anymore, but i have a funny story for you. well two. firstly i was asked to leave an outback resturaunt because, well, my buddies thought tall boys with no dinner were a great idea while watching buffalo play the isles for the first time against peca. the outback is for families...use the imaigniation. also i was at a game in the coliseum and i am a leafs fan. so i am chanting go leafs go go leafs go. this guy in front has a leafs flag and points to me. so while i am out getting beers for my buddy (whose season tickets we were using) the two guys next to him say, "hey buddy, next time leave your asshole friend at home!" hey i am passionate about hockey. on another note. you guys should do well this year. great team in the office and behind the bench. really.
07/10/2006 15:05 #21191
Best Graffiti Ever?Category: x-dressing toons
I have seen some choice graffiti in my time, but this is a new one on me. Sure beats all that stupid garbage about sitting on the toilet broken-hearted.
I found it scratched into a metal bistro table on Rutgers' College Avenue campus in New Brunswick, NJ. Apparently, from what I can tell, it's the Kool-Aid guy ( ) in drag. Note the fishnet stockings and high heels. Sweet.
I guess the artist almost got caught because the requisite "Ohh YEAHHHHHH" caption is unfinished.
Also, when I emailed the photo to someone, freaky old G-mail suggested some sponsored links, including this interesting one:
Do people really use that stuff? I can't tell if the Kool-Aid guy does or not.
I found it scratched into a metal bistro table on Rutgers' College Avenue campus in New Brunswick, NJ. Apparently, from what I can tell, it's the Kool-Aid guy (
) in drag. Note the fishnet stockings and high heels. Sweet. I guess the artist almost got caught because the requisite "Ohh YEAHHHHHH" caption is unfinished.
Also, when I emailed the photo to someone, freaky old G-mail suggested some sponsored links, including this interesting one:
Do people really use that stuff? I can't tell if the Kool-Aid guy does or not.
paul - 08/13/06 10:28
Spray on Nylons :::link::: - that is insane. I was goingthrough your journal for some research for my thesis -which is done today!- and decided to visit the link that google suggested as a sponsor link. I had seen this journal entry before but didn't get a chance to visit the link at work. Anyways, spray on nylons is insane. I assume no one else had visited the link if they didn't coment on weirdness. Has anyone ever used these?
Spray on Nylons :::link::: - that is insane. I was goingthrough your journal for some research for my thesis -which is done today!- and decided to visit the link that google suggested as a sponsor link. I had seen this journal entry before but didn't get a chance to visit the link at work. Anyways, spray on nylons is insane. I assume no one else had visited the link if they didn't coment on weirdness. Has anyone ever used these?
jason - 07/10/06 21:53
kool aid man in drag? that's a new one for me. gotta say it's pretty hilarious.
kool aid man in drag? that's a new one for me. gotta say it's pretty hilarious.
jenks - 07/10/06 19:07
that is too too funny.
that is too too funny.
chico - 07/10/06 18:39
Kara, that Kool Aid man sketch is REALLY funny...thanks for the link. I am now afraid that some 400-lb dancing pitcher of red juice is going to smash up the walls of my house. :-)
Kara, that Kool Aid man sketch is REALLY funny...thanks for the link. I am now afraid that some 400-lb dancing pitcher of red juice is going to smash up the walls of my house. :-)
kara - 07/10/06 18:06
I can't think about or drink koolaid without having this sketch by Dane Cook :::link::: pop into my head.
Oh yeah.
I can't think about or drink koolaid without having this sketch by Dane Cook :::link::: pop into my head.
Oh yeah.
07/07/2006 12:41 #21190
Developers, dead trees, and disbeliefCategory: wtf ?!
OK, so I'm no tree-hugger, and I know some (e:strip)pers don't give a damn about the suburbs, but this story in the Buffalo News reminds me of some of the crap I was so happy about leaving behind in New Jersey.
Developer back to cut down foliage
Amherst officials say work appears to be legal
Hey, why not? They're there, right? Who the fuck needs trees? Useless obstacles to creating a new vacant lot or something. This guy's got some nerve... Oh! But I'm just some sort of wacko environmentalist, right? And this developer is actually just doing what he needs to do to make a living, right? Read on:
OK, so maybe a little he-said, she-said bickering. They're probably both wrong. But remember the developer's snotty remark, OK? It's important. Now, keep going:
So wait... lemme see if I've got this straight... the developer bought the land 14 years AFTER the town's agreement with the EPA to preserve the wetlands area, and NOW he's complaining because the town won't give him a waiver to build an office building in that area? You've got to be kidding me.
I say, hey there asshole, if you wanted to build an office building, you should have bought property that's connectable to the town sewer line!
Ugh. For any of you who is sensitive to foul language or who has a developer in your family, I apologize if I've gone too far. But these bully tactics are total garbage, and no one should level a wooded area just because they're having a temper tantrum because they didn't do their own damn homework!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUGH
Developer back to cut down foliage
Amherst officials say work appears to be legal
Amherst's foliage is on the chopping block - again.
Chain saws sputtered to life Thursday afternoon, clearing underbrush and felling more than 100 small trees in a Wehrle Drive plot owned by developer William Huntress. But while residents on nearby Bellingham Drive fretted over losing their backyard woodland, town officials assured residents that the developer's men appeared to be within legal bounds.
"We're just taking down all the trees that we are legally able to do," Huntress said.
Hey, why not? They're there, right? Who the fuck needs trees? Useless obstacles to creating a new vacant lot or something. This guy's got some nerve... Oh! But I'm just some sort of wacko environmentalist, right? And this developer is actually just doing what he needs to do to make a living, right? Read on:
Area homeowners were variously incensed and saddened by the renewed clearing.
"This is a spite cut," said Bellingham resident Ann Suchyna. "He [Huntress] will just destroy for the point of destroying."
"If Ann wants a park in her back yard, she should have moved in behind one," Huntress said.
OK, so maybe a little he-said, she-said bickering. They're probably both wrong. But remember the developer's snotty remark, OK? It's important. Now, keep going:
Construction of an office building on the site has long been stalled over a 1983 agreement between the town and the EPA, which forbids wetlands developers from connecting with the town's sewer line. Huntress' company, Acquest Wehrle LLC, which took over the land in 1997, has since sought a waiver from the regulation, but support from the Amherst Town Board has been tough to come by.
"There's no approval to build any kind of building on that property," [Amherst Assistant Building Commissioner F. Robert] Danni emphasized.
So wait... lemme see if I've got this straight... the developer bought the land 14 years AFTER the town's agreement with the EPA to preserve the wetlands area, and NOW he's complaining because the town won't give him a waiver to build an office building in that area? You've got to be kidding me.
I say, hey there asshole, if you wanted to build an office building, you should have bought property that's connectable to the town sewer line!
Ugh. For any of you who is sensitive to foul language or who has a developer in your family, I apologize if I've gone too far. But these bully tactics are total garbage, and no one should level a wooded area just because they're having a temper tantrum because they didn't do their own damn homework!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUGH
jenks - 07/07/06 13:51
you make me feel like a bad buffalonian... you don't even live here yet and you know more about local stuff than I do... I think I've read the buffalo news TWICE in the two YEARS I've been here. Pathetic.
you make me feel like a bad buffalonian... you don't even live here yet and you know more about local stuff than I do... I think I've read the buffalo news TWICE in the two YEARS I've been here. Pathetic.
ladycroft - 07/07/06 13:16
maybe lex luthor was on the right track in creating a new continent :P
seriously though, even if you want to build, there's nothing wrong with keeping trees in a parking lot, or on the sidewalks...i wish developers would at least consider more eviro/asthetic/concious designs to implement in their concrete jungles.
maybe lex luthor was on the right track in creating a new continent :P
seriously though, even if you want to build, there's nothing wrong with keeping trees in a parking lot, or on the sidewalks...i wish developers would at least consider more eviro/asthetic/concious designs to implement in their concrete jungles.
mrmike - 07/07/06 13:11
That is one of the main thing that pisses me off about AMherst. If a store vacates a spot, it rarely gets reused. They throw up new buildings like a virus, but rarely work to reuse anything. Stuff at the Corner of Sheridan and NF Blvd. has been vacant for years, yet 1 mile up the road construction on more craptastic store continues unabated. No wonder the deer have no place to go.
That is one of the main thing that pisses me off about AMherst. If a store vacates a spot, it rarely gets reused. They throw up new buildings like a virus, but rarely work to reuse anything. Stuff at the Corner of Sheridan and NF Blvd. has been vacant for years, yet 1 mile up the road construction on more craptastic store continues unabated. No wonder the deer have no place to go.
Congrats to your sis for dropping weight she wanted to. Hope the wedding is a good day, and that her marriage is a happy one. :)