gaviotacoastline

Oh really? Come on

noreply@blogger.com (bigd Flanagan) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 20:56:00 +0000

One of the paramount things you have to do in my line of work is communicate. Anyone and everyone. Sadly some of the communication deals with young people who are struggling with growing up and taking care of business.

I tell all my young people that school, like life, is a game. They are rules. They are shortcuts. I try to ingrain into them that what they do in the classroom, how they act when they move from class to class, how they treat other people, and importantly how they act when no one else is looking is a fairly reliable predictor to what they are going to represent as an adult. It's simple really but oh so elusive for some.

I have a student who is really struggling and just incredibly negative. I wanted to touch base with his parents, because I've got to communicate, right? I compose the email offering support, informing them of his current status in class, generate strategies to help him turn it around.

I search the school data base for his parents email address and this is what comes up:

**********cokehead@******.com

I send the email for all the good it will do. Why we don't mandate parenting licenses is beyond me. Have a great Friday and Halloween.

The ascendancy of Bufoonery

noreply@blogger.com (bigd Flanagan) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 16:52:00 +0000

We all work around some people who for lack of a better, more delicate phrase, are idiots. To be honest, I tend to keep my own personal idiocy well cloistered in the home environment. May be a blessing, may be a curse. I dunno. Probably both.

I feel that it is very challenging, and perplexing when one can honestly appraise their individual line of work and confidently say: they are more idiots than ever. I realize that all human endeavors are fraught with inconsistencies and eccentricities but stupidity really isn't a qualifier.

I don't rush to judgement when bestowing the mantle of imbecility on those who are learning the ropes and may have other challenges that may mitigate their effectiveness. That would be unfair and after all, I do try to be fair. It's a job requirement.

I feel my career is important despite that scarlet letter than so many are hellbent to attach to it. The red T I wear is by choice. I think the benefits still far outweigh the drawbacks. I purposefully use the term career and not job. I haven't had a job in a long time, I've had a career for 17 years now! I'm proud of that because of the longevity and not letting the dark side envelope me as it has so many in my career. The attrition rate is appalling.

It's the atmosphere, it's the funding, it's the people. No, it is not any of those. When you keep the priorities foremost, it's all doable. I'm happy and content in what the career entails. It's a good life. Not perfect, good. Perfection is an illusion foisted on us by people trying to move cold cream and other sundry health and beauty aids.

I am, however, quite alarmed at the plethora of tiny kingdom builders who populate the higher levels of my profession. Their loci of interest is themselves. Their platitudes speak of the paramount importance of this and that and their respect and support for you in your profession are there as long as the grass grows and the wind blows.

What alarms me is that I really think they are starting to believe their own malarkey. Otherwise how could you voice such verbiage devoid of content when everyone knows it is mere rhetoric? I can not look at my fellow workers without fear of rolling eyes or more likely, an outburst of spontaneous laughter. Soon to grow into a groundswell amongst the assembled.

Well I shall persevere onward. It's what I do and it is what I expect of myself and others who have chosen our profession. Some days you feel like Diogenes and some days you got some Homer Simpson in you. Such is Life's Grand Pageant.

By the way......I teach high school.

A sad closing

noreply@blogger.com (bigd Flanagan) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:17:00 +0000

About a week ago there was some very sad news. A school, a building was closing its doors. It was actually far more than four walls and an occasionally leaky roof. It's name was Sinagua High School in beautiful Flagstaff, Arizona.

It's importance is manifested in so many memories and crucial events in my life in the past twenty years. I met my wife there. Make a long story short, after all this is a blog not a novella, I met Kim there who for all intents and purposes was beholden to another. I called bullshit on that. I do that when I sense inequity. A tragic personal flaw perhaps.

Our courtship was unlike any other in my life. She was so inherently calm and peaceful. She radiated goodness. She was different! I fell and fell hard. Best thing I ever did in this life.

Our 4 children were born while I taught there. Our first two grew up inside of those walls. Play-yards were set up in classrooms and the boys got used to pretty girls fussing over them. Maybe that wasn't a wise move, but whatever. It was a place of incredible fulfillment on a lot of levels.

Was it perfect? Hell no, what is? But there is something otherworldly about being a young family. It's all so new, all so meaningful.

To me, Flagstaff will be eternal. It will always be a place where I was younger. A place where I actually took the time to watch my sons and daughter sleep and had the foresight to say to myself, "Remember this, it will pass but it's importance will never be diminished." I continue to keep those images fresh in my mind. It's a commitment I've made to myself and my family.

I would be remiss if I failed to mention the image of a new mother holding her new born son and both sleeping so soundly. I can still in my minds eye see his little measured breaths and Kim's sweet face so in the Mom zone. Good stuff to be sure.

Very strong place in terms of professional satisfaction also. I got to train 5 student teachers to be teachers and the last I heard all we're still engaged in the profession. I'm pleased with that considering how many bail after the unsavory reality of the profession can rear it's ugly head. Kim and I garnered much well earned praise for her innovative ideas regarding inclusionary practices in secondary education. The Fed's even gave us some love for that. Atta girl!

So for many reasons through many seasons I will miss you Sinagua. You always gave me far more than I gave back. Once a Mustang, always a Mustang.

Thanks, but no thanks

noreply@blogger.com (bigd Flanagan) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:03:00 +0000

As I was looking through my school my email yesterday I was informed about a visit from our State Superintendent of Public Instruction to the school I teach at. Normally this would be some measure of a point of pride for our campus. Sadly, in todays environment it is not.

Our school, district and state is in the worse shape in terms of educational funding that I have ever witnessed in my 16 years of teaching. While the economic struggles are well documented throughout the entire nation, in our state, they are at a crisis.

Our state is a Republican infested mess. Frankly, I think both political parties are just a mess. Either they are elements of destruction or are so preoccupied with doing what is politically correct, they in effect do nothing. Arizona is a haven for retirees who feel that there obligation to public education has passed with their children being grown up. Many of our state legislators, who are in fact Republican scum, wouldn't think of sending their children to public schools. They opt for a private education. They won't come out and say it, but.....the thought of their precious darlings attending school with those pesky people of color is just too proletarian for their fabricated socially elevated status.

You may say, "How can this be? Have we not an A-A elected president?" Well, keep in mind that Arizona has been referred to as the "South Africa of the Southwest" not too many years ago. This tradition of intolerance and thinly veiled racism is alive and well in the Grand Canyon State.

I DIGRESS

I do not wish to hear any palaver from a man who has dismantled so many valuable assets for publically educated students in our state. This big footed boob has not championed the importance of education for the students, including my own damn kids!!!, and the impact education has on their respective futures. He is here to feast on the achievements of students, teachers and parents despite his bungling and misguided efforts at the Arizona Department of Education. What a self-seeking political parasite. Away with him!!

This individual has political aspirations of serving as the next Attorney General of Arizona. It might interesting to see him prosecute himself for malfeasance of office. Oh wait, he couldn't do that as an elected Attorney General could he?

Another blinding zap of knowledge gained afflicts this life long learner.

Warning Signs

noreply@blogger.com (bigd Flanagan) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:43:00 +0000

When having an alt isn't working

First off, I want to preface this blog by asking those of you that use alts in SL to please don't stop. You have no idea how much you can energize a place by your mere presence. People will ponder who you are and many times the subterfuge is so pathetically lame, it's magical.

People come and people go in the metauniverse. Some by choice, disinterest or by their sheer nastiness when they are socially removed by a group. I'll focus on the latter for the remaining portion of this blog.

The sure giveaway about many alts is that they travel in pairs. A nasty, manipulative person will always find one dupe-accomplice to roam with. This is a dead giveaway. Often they will also incorporate some segment of their name into their alts identity. Vanity is a bitch isn't it?

Alts can provoke such reactions in people. Most are curious if not bemused. Some want to leap into the mystery with both feet and tenaciously hang on until an identity can be ascertained. I imagine I can float to all viewpoints.

My favorite person to be with when alts are afoot is Blissie Boucher. They irk her. Alts I mean. Other stuff irks her to, but for this we will go with alts. I will never talk to her on voice. see RL pictures of her and that is ok. But if were to tell her that I think our neighborhood is being invaded by alts she would fly out of NY non-stop to Phoenix, cab from the airport and start kicking some alt ass upon her arrival. She's like that. Alts do that to her.

What do they do to you?

A step back in time....

noreply@blogger.com (bigd Flanagan) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:21:00 +0000

Yesterday at the Wordpress WordCamp in Phoenix was interesting. Not so much the content which was frankly over my head for the most part. It was a glimpse or a vignette into the gaping maw of what is the human condition. In myself and outside of myself.

I was really disgusted at what cruel spirited comments can be posited forth when they can be semi-anonymous. This guy, I thought he was pretty cool and effective, was giving his talk and people were tweeting some of the rudest bullshit about his presentation.

Really brought home the fact that courage and risk taking are rare commodities these days. Not extinct but rare. These people in the crowd snipped and just made the most lameass comments. Most were little college kissasses who would never have the guts to say something face to face. That might be scary!

One of the more unsavory elements of technology is a decline in face to face social skills. Lots of people are so disconnected. They can't read someones facial expressions or body language because they have that disconnected elements via facebook, twitter or what have you. They live with a self-imposed buffer between them and others.

Back to the aforementioned speaker. Kim was so upset by the behavior of the audience towards this presenter that we spoke to him about a possible grant collaboration. The brief conversation illuminated us to the fact that he has worked with at-risk youth, has had a gun held to his head. Real shit in the real world. Not hiding behind this device or that. Fucking pussies.

I doubt these negative nabobs could speak before 5 people, let alone 500. Oh, by the way, the dudes name is Jayson Cote. He is not a coward and the audience was full of them. Google him for some interesting stuff.

Observations...

noreply@blogger.com (bigd Flanagan) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 02:57:00 +0000

I've often heard people comment about the similiarities of SL to middle school and high school. While its been ages since I was in those environments as a young person, I am afforded the opportunity as a close observer being a teacher of that age group. Recent occurances have made the aforementioned cliche ring true once again.

One thing I've noticed in my job is the amount of trash talked from JV players with respect to their varsity counterparts. They plot, they scheme, they prevaricate but after all of these nefarious activities, they are still on the JV squad. Ain't it funny?

Doesn't matter if it was in the 80's, 90's or the 2000's, it is what it is. I imagine if I had a time machine and fast forwarded to 2050, we would see the same thing unfolding.

On a far more positive note, great things have been occuring. Lots of new faces and talents have been showing up at Bistro. People have grown and are now ready to accept roles different for them than what has been in the past. It's really cool to see that occur. New DJ's, New Trivia types, New live performers. It's been great. Of course, those of quality have endured and always will.

Hope you can swing by Bistro and check some of these things out. The alt traffic in itself has been amazing!!

Try this...you'll like it

noreply@blogger.com (bigd Flanagan) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 04:15:00 +0000

See more funny videos and TBT Videos at Today's Big Thing.

Monday laugh!!

noreply@blogger.com (bigd Flanagan) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:20:00 +0000

Nurses aren't supposed to laugh...

'Of course I won't laugh, said the nurse. I'm a professional. In over twenty years I've never laughed at a patient.'

'Okay then,' said Fred, and he proceeded to drop his trousers, revealing the tiniest "man thingy" the nurse had ever seen.
Length and width, it couldn't
have been bigger than a AAA battery.

Unable to control herself, the nurse started giggling, then fell to the floor laughing. Ten minutes later, she was able to struggle to her feet and regained her composure.

"I am so sorry," she said. 'I don't know what came over me. On my honor as a nurse and a lady, I promise it won't happen again. Now, tell me, what seems to be the problem?'

"It's swollen," Fred replied.

She ran out of the room.

Year two

noreply@blogger.com (bigd Flanagan) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:16:00 +0000

My rez day and my RL birthday are only a month apart so I figured I would roll them all into one for the purpose of this blog. However, before I start I would be remiss to not extend my warm appreciation for those who sent me sweet birthday wishes and made the day a great one. Thanks to you all!

I can safely say that some patterns have been set as far as my SLife goes. I am still not involved in a a SL relationship to any romantic degree. I have friends that I think the world of and that is more than ok with yours truly. I care about them and both of their lives and they do likewise. It really works! The only avatar I get really excited to see and still marvel at the beauty of is Kimala. No big shocker there is there? Maybe its my limited amount to fantasize, but I can't just divorce myself from RL reality.

It's not to say I haven't been drawn to people. I have. The one experience where I actually tried to attempt a relationship in SL was a total disaster. I have never had my chain yanked by such a tormented, narcissistic soul. Wow.... I still shudder to think of that foolish attempt on my part. I figured that the uncomplicated path works best for me and I let people know upfront when they ask about this person or that and my relationship with them.

My worse SL experience? Only one sticks out in my mind. Going on a blind date with someone I got suckered into sympathy bidding on. I should have been paid. It was wretched to say the least. My best SL experience? Vast amounts of them. I know people, mostly women : ), from a wide array of places I have dreamed about going to and spending time at. I'll mention one: my friend Goss who lives nearby the epic Aussie surf break of Margaret River. I get my own surf reports from a world class spot when I see her. Friends from all over the world is just beyond belief. I am very blessed.

I am very comfortable in my SL skin. I'm not looking for anything or looking to get something from somebody. The longer you are in SL the more closely it aligns with who you are in RL. You see people for who they are, warts and all. Some who like, some you love, some you avoid and some drive you nuts.

Yeah, its just like real life come to think of it.....

Here we go

noreply@blogger.com (bigd Flanagan) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:16:00 +0000

I'm about ready to pull the plug on Bistro. The owners seem to be the only ones on the case. No shows...sparse attendance, guggling gigs so as to not conflict with others. Screw it. It just does not feel worth it. Plenty of hands extended to get something but few to extend a helping hand.

Guess what I'm extending to you?

A test, only a test

noreply@blogger.com (bigd Flanagan) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:10:00 +0000

Who Is Your Real Friend?

This really works...!
If you don't believe it, just try this experiment.

Put your dog & your spouse in the trunk of your car for an hour.
When you open the trunk, which one is really happy to see you?

back again

noreply@blogger.com (bigd Flanagan) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 14:45:00 +0000

I guess this is the part where I relate some strong compulsion to start putting my thoughts down on this blog again. Not really the case.

People have been gently prodding me to start blogging once again, so out of respect for them, I shall acquiesce. I wish I could share with you some blinding realization regarding the human condition, but I'm fresh out.

I might have had a paradigm shift in that I no longer look at life as some daily dramatic unfolding of key concepts that should provide us with direction. Life is more like an endurance race, with true "winning" only being something you yourself know.

I don't want to freak you out so I'll leave you with this. Both worlds are still crawling with r tards, misfits and qweebies. See, its still me :)

Not happening

noreply@blogger.com (bigd Flanagan) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 12:37:00 +0000

Deep sigh......

I'm not blogging. I don't feel anything pressing to share. The pressure of RL is all too consuming. This would probably be the time were it would be in my best interest to blog but..............nothing.

The stupidity of people is truly appalling. I include myself in that not too exclusive club. This blog is stupid.

My kids are like forces of nature that require taxing amounts of energy to just maintain. We all need to take a collective winters nap.......

Today

noreply@blogger.com (bigd Flanagan) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:49:00 +0000

Today is a day that many, including myself, did not believe would happen for a long time. Many felt that an Anglo woman would be sworn in as President of the United States prior to the inauguration of an African-American. It makes me really proud to call myself an American when you look back a mere 50 years to the gathering momentum of the Civil Rights movement.

President Obama. Sounds new and refreshing. What this country needs and deserves. However, I must caution myself, and all others reading, that he is but one man.

In so many ways, the ball is in our court. Yes, all of us Americans. Hard times continue to lurk on the horizon. Many of us who call ourselves Americans have grown up with a sense of entitlement. A feeling that we are owed something because of our age, education, marital circumstance, what have you.

The real challenge that faces America, and its citizens, is not threats from around the world, which are undeniably real, but the entrenched belief that it is someone else's responsibility to make our country better.

Despite our current challenges, we need to emerse ourselves in an attitude of gratitude. Doesn't matter your particular set of circumstances, get it. We all need to make sacrifices for one another in the years ahead. We need to look out for each other on a daily basis, not December 23 to December 25th.

This country arose from the Depression of the 1930's not from the skilled leadership of one man, but from the sense that American can do it, can sacrifice and can collectively help all that call America home.

Our country could use another Roosevelt type leader in these times. But more than that, we could really use some Americans who sacrifice, work and persevere to see a successful outcome to our current challenges. Will it be easy? No, not really. But can it be done? It can and will.

Godspeed to you President Obama and to the country you lead. But please remember, he is but one man and we are hundreds of millions.

January 21, 2009 the parties and balls will be over. Now its time to get to work. What are you going to work on that day?

Word for the Day....

noreply@blogger.com (bigd Flanagan) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 20:47:00 +0000

Is Mopery

It means exposing yourself to a blind person. Thanks to Revenge of The Nerds through the new eyes of my 13 and 11 year old boys. Funnier than the first time.

Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (bigd Flanagan) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 07:55:00 +0000

I hope that the coming year is one filled with prosperity and joy. I think that this country is taking a turn in the right direction and I am excited to witness that. More than that, I am excited to be part of that.

I have hopes, you could even say borderline resolutions for 2009. Mine are:

1. Be more organized :)

2. In some ways, not give a fuck.

3. In some ways, care more.

4. Look for the best in people despite my own misgivings.

So thats it. Short and sweet. What are yours? Happy New year once again...

Reflection Inspection

noreply@blogger.com (bigd Flanagan) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:05:00 +0000

You Feel Humbled By Your Family

You are very quick to forgive your family for wrongdoings. You don't expect them to be perfect, and you try to help them out whenever it's possible.

You believe that your family is truly happy, even if there are minor disagreements and squabbles.

You've improved your family relationships through introspection. You always look at your own behavior first, and you've made changes to how you act.

You are honest and very outspoken with your family. You sometimes hurt feelings by saying things they don't want to hear.

How Do You Really Feel About Your Family?

Thats pretty spot on. I do need to shut it and zip my lip more often. That could be a New Years Resolution baby.

The next one.....

You Spread a Lot of Holiday Cheer

During the holidays, you represent the true spirit of Christmas.

You give freely, and you enjoy this special time of the year.

There's a good chance that you spread cheer every time of the year... not just during the holidays.

You're kind, upbeat, and generous. Anyone who crosses your path is lucky.

Do You Spread Holiday Cheer?

This one I like. You have to teach the value of being charitable. Whenever we are together and see a red kettle, I give them the money to put in themselves. My folks did that with me and it has stuck. You got to look out for those less fortunate. You just have to.

Christmas was fab. I think after all these years in the kid business, we have figured out the path is less is more. Everyone did so well. I will always cherish the 2008 holiday season:)

Everyone deserves a bit.......

noreply@blogger.com (bigd Flanagan) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:38:00 +0000

Of Beach time!! Wish we could all celebrate it together at the beach. One of my fondest Christmas memories does not involve snow, presents or any of that stuff. Waking up before dawn, getting the beach prior to sunrise and being out in the surf as the sun rose on a Christmas morning always connected with me. Of course, if the waves were good, there is your present!!

Merry Christmas to you all. You've already given me so many presents this past year. Thanks!!

So Long

noreply@blogger.com (bigd Flanagan) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 13:30:00 +0000

End of the semester are times of transitions. You get used to one group of students in a class and poof, they are gone. I was/am so fortunate in the kids I see and the two guys I team-teach with. Like I've said, I really like my job. Mr. D and I collaborated, of course, on the following letter to our 10th grade World History class. Good kids, I'll miss them.

Friday, December 19, 2008… our last “World History class” but an ending is really only the beginning of something new. However, before we go our separate ways, there are a few things I would like to share. Although, this is Mr. D's my third year as a teacher, and Mr. F's 15th … watching you learn, helping you find pieces of yourself, watching your world expanding before my vary eyes .. And still we are filled with awe.

As it was in the beginning, at the end of the school year we write for our students. It is a time to reflect on where we have been and where we are headed next. As we reflect on our semester with you, We really realized that we truly belong in this practice. Reflecting through writing is a powerful experience that changes both the writer and those who read the words. And now, from us to you, here are a few rambling thoughts …

This is what we want to share with you now --- in these final moments together --- the power each of us has to influence other and the world. Remember this, “you are a shaker, a mover and a builder of society” all you must do is be engaged. Do not stand in the side lines of life. We think about the last few weeks and what we hope you have learned and experienced, that you have gained something of value by the time we have “used” on each other.

Here are a few secrets we can share: (a). There is no substitute for hard work and if you will commit yourself to doing whatever is necessary, regardless of whether you receive a momentary payment or even a positive recognition, then you will do what’s right. (b). Know that the joy is in the doing, in the getting there, in the process. Everything is a process – learning, doing, living … it is all a process. (c) Embrace the in-betweens, the unknowns, the letting go, and good fortune will guide you through those moments of darkness. Listen within and you will find your way and know what to do next. Be personal. Be true to yourself.

It is time for you to move on. This piece of excerpts summarizes what I, Mr. D, feels about my role in your education and the role I have played in your lives:

The teacher said, “Come to the edge.”
The students replied, “We are afraid.”
The teacher said, “Come to the edge.”
The students replied, “But we are afraid.”
The teacher said, “Come to the edge.”
They came. He pushed them, And they flew.

You are my little eagles. It is time for you to fly and you are ready to take the next step. Be fearless and embrace life – everything is possible. And remember, take nothing for granted and know in your hearts that you once had a teacher who cared about you, who wanted the best for you, who believed in you, who was proud of you, and who respected you.

Enjoy life.
Laugh often.

So that was it. It took about 3 minutes. Some parts of the farewell message were his and some were mine. Part of their final was a reflective essay on what they had learned in World History. Many of the kids wrote the nicest things. Not fluffy things like you are my fav teacher but cool things that they learned this and they looked at things differently know that they knew this.

Like I said, I really like my job.....

Still well kept...

noreply@blogger.com (bigd Flanagan) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 23:27:00 +0000

I hear some people
been talkin' me down,
Bring up my name,
pass it 'round.
They don't mention
happy times
They do their thing,
I'll do mine.
Ooh baby,
that's hard to change
I can't tell them
how to feel.
Some get stoned,
some get strange,
But sooner or later
it all gets real.
Walk on, walk on,
Walk on, walk on.
I remember
the good old days,
Stayed up all night
gettin' crazed.
Then the money
was not so good,
But we still did
the best we could.
Ooh baby,
that's hard to change
I can't tell them
how to feel.
Some get stoned,
some get strange,
But sooner or later
it all gets real.
Walk on, walk on,
Walk on, walk on.

The Cycle

noreply@blogger.com (bigd Flanagan) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:43:00 +0000

Probably one of the more painful, albeit interesting, things to witness in SL is the cycle. By that I mean when someone comes to the point where they realize that very few people are their friends and that very few people have their back.

No, I'm not talking about myself. In both worlds, I'm a person that dispenses friendship, true, enduring friendship in small measures. The few I have mean the world to me and thats that. It's just a dynamic I grew up with and has been reenforced occasionally in my life.

So whats the better way? To give of yourself freely and without hesitation or playing it very measured? I think the answer is both and as individual as the person is. I got to be the way I am and other people are the way they are. It's all good!

It's hard to see someone struggle inworld. During the conversation it dawned on me that the ever present silver lining was in effect. I told my friend, "be grateful that you know them in this context rather than RL." Frankly, I don't know if that statement was of any comfort, but some how it made sense to me.

People can be such shits. I know I can. I have always attempted to be upfront with people. If I do something harsh, I'll tell you why. If I fuck up, I'll cop to it. One thing I will not do is play both sides and the middle at the same time. That's just way too messed up.

Big changes are on the horizon. I think the Bistro's toast. It's sad but then again, its the cycle. While its true than some stops on the cycle are more challenging than others, they all have something to offer.

Another flashing gem.....

noreply@blogger.com (bigd Flanagan) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 21:25:00 +0000

Roots.....Just Beautiful

noreply@blogger.com (bigd Flanagan) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 20:11:00 +0000

Love this place....may be gone soon

Time for a grab bag

noreply@blogger.com (bigd Flanagan) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 15:49:00 +0000

Ok you know the drill! An odd assortment of news stories, mayhem and strange bits of nonsense. Here we go....

Randall Webb, 42, of Hobe Sound, Florida, and his girlfriend had a dispute with two men from whom they purchaed twenty dollars' worth of crack cocaine. In the course of the altercation, Mr. Webb was shot in the right thigh. He proceeded to drive home, where he removed the bullet with a box cutter. He then smoked the crack. (Mr. Webb is available for ammo-removal by appointment only.)

The girlfriend. Where was the gf?

On October 9, 1562, the esteemed Italian anatomist and physician Gabrielo Fallopio died at the age of only 39. He is the namesake of the fallopian tubes--the two tubes leading from the ovaries to the uterus -- which he first identified. The aquaeductus Fallopi, the canal through which the facial nerve passes after leaving the auditory nerve, is also named after him. Fallopi, a professor of anatomy at Ferrara, Pisa, and University of Padua, inagurated many anatomical terms, naming the cochlea, the placenta, the vagina, and the clitoris.

This guy needs a holiday in his honor. Come on now....

Regarding the topic of body size, I think of SL. In an article "Distorting Reality for Children: Body Size Porportions of Barbie and Ken Dolls," two researches used hip measurements as a constant to calculate changes necessary for a young, healthy, adult woman and man to attain the same body proportions as Barbie and Ken. The woman would have to gain 24 inches in height, 5 inches in the chest, and 3.2 inches in neck length, while losing 6 inches in the waist. Ken wannabes would have to gain 20 inches in height, 11 inches in the chest, and 7.9 inches in neck circumference. If Barbie were a real female, she would be 7'2" with a 22" inch waist and a neck that could barley support her head. Ken would be 7'8" with a 43" inch waist. A little unrealistic, no?

I know them!! I am them!!

"Das ist absurd! Das ist absurd!"
(Translation: This is absurd! This is absurd!")

Last Words of Sigmund Freud...... I wonder what he saw :)