This particular one is also uses shades of purple to show which counties were just slightly Republican or Democrat.

A much better picture for the Democrats than we were originally seeing in the county map.

Found at Pearly Gates.

Posted by: Ensie at 05:47 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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1 Things look much brighter for the Democrats in Jackson Pollock's America.

Posted by: Mediocre Fred at November 10, 2004 02:50 PM (mYTgd)

2 Well said, Fred.

Posted by: ensie at November 10, 2004 05:43 PM (4k5pf)

3 Still an awful lot of red. And most of those purple counties are safely in the Republican column as well. (I think they used purple for anything

Posted by: Richard at November 10, 2004 07:59 PM (ySs5Q)

4 Damn thing cut me off... ...anything under 10%, so many aren't very close at all.) Just wanted to kick you while you're down.

Posted by: Richard at November 10, 2004 08:01 PM (ySs5Q)

5 Thanks for thinking of me, Richard.

Posted by: ensie at November 11, 2004 05:31 PM (4k5pf)

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Can someone please tell me where the thermometer is? I've been looking for it for a good 15 minutes with no luck. When you are feeling sick and possibly a little feverish it's really not so good to spend 15 minutes in bare feet seraching for a stupid thermometer.

Did I mention it's fucking cold here? I know it's autumn and all, but enough with the rain and the frost and the coldness. It's San Diego. On the upside, the dogs are quicker when they go out to pee.

Posted by: Ensie at 05:39 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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My sister got a job! She starts on Friday. Yay! (And discounts for me!)

Posted by: Ensie at 05:36 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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I just find the possibility of Alan Keyes' daughter being a lesbian so...words fail me. It is truly one of life's little ironies that statements like this will come back and bite you in the ass every time.

Posted by: Ensie at 10:40 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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Well, that whole election thing sucked. And if you're happy that Bush was relected, then good for you. I really am happy for you. I just wish I could be happy for me, too. Because I really don't like our President's take on many issues. I can't grasp the way that his brain works. And yes, I do believe that he thinks. I don't think he's an idiot, as many seem to. I have enough faith in America that we wouldn't pick a complete moron to run our country.

I just can't wrap my mind around the belief that two people loving eachother enough to want to make a lifelong committment is wrong. Just horribly, horribly wrong.

Or that making America strong means elevating ourselves above every other country with an arrogance that is stunning.

Or that admitting mistakes and changing our approach makes us weak somehow.

Or that it's more important to have power and grant favors than to do the right thing.

Or that our natural resources are only there to be used up.

These are not the values I want to teach to my children someday. I want to have a President that I can admire and be proud of. I sincerely hope that this term will be different than the last.

Posted by: Ensie at 05:20 PM | Comments (11) | Add Comment
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...then by Sunday afternoon it turned serious. Finklin tended to the problem, but by the evening our computer had gone into some sort of coma and nothing we did would bring it back. You could turn it on, and then...nothing.

We spent Sunday night and this morning debating taking it down to Frys, but decided to give it one last try--the restore disks. They worked! And all is well again. The computer is up and running, albiet a little lighter in the software department and missing any and all favorites, passwords, and settings, but all that can be fixed.

Thank you, Computer gods.

Posted by: Ensie at 07:39 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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This is great.

Posted by: Ensie at 08:08 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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...when you're looking at possibly purchasing a house in Tacoma, Washington.

What an incredible child, and a horrifically evil father.

Posted by: Ensie at 08:58 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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...you start reading a book and get reasonably far into it, and then realize that the book really sucks. And when I say sucks, I mean it has pulled me into a blackhole of whiny, dislikable characters and a horribly depressingly totally pointless plot. But now I'm 200 pages in. I read a few pages a day, thinking it will get better, and it's just not.

I hate to give up on it, because I really do want things to turn out OK in the end. I want to know that there was a reason for the characters to survive such a terrible story. Plus, it feels like I've failed to comlete what I've set out to do, which is just to read a simple book.

When I saw the cover it certainly seemed simple:

Doesn't it look like a fluffy, chick-lit sort of thing? Exactly what I need to give my brain a rest from all semblence of thought. I enjoy immersing myself in a world where the biggest problem is how to explain your honeymoon purchases to your new (rich and handsome) husband.

The back cover promised that Hunger Point would be "wickedly funny and heartbreakingly bittersweet." I wish it would have specified which page those things occurred on, because I'm still waiting.

Posted by: Ensie at 08:02 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Your Tifa! Sexy and Deadly. You seem to get the
guys. They might get intimidated by you but
you don't really care. Only problem is that you
might get too attached when you find that
special guy.


Which Female Character from Final Fantasy Vii Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Posted by: Ensie at 06:38 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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I get to stop stressing about moving to Michigan. I'm not going. Johnnie, my new best friend in the HR Department of Bob's Hogs and Weiner Pigs, contacted me to tell me that I was not selected for the position I had applied for. Relief washed over me and I allowed myself to stop thinking of reasons why I couldn't take the job. Truth be told--I just don't want to go. I would have been chasing a job, and since it's not my dream job, it's not worth giving up my family, my friends, and the sunshine in San Diego.

I must say, this was the nicest rejections I've ever gotten. After your interview is over and you don't get the job they always offer "feedback" on your interview(s). The interviewers really liked me and had nothing negative to say. They found someone who has a little more experience for the position. Most likely, this person also doesn't need relocation costs paid, and is able to start within the next couple of weeks--a couple of drawbacks to my being in California. The buzz is still good about me though. They offered me an interview for another position (which I turned down) and asked that I continue to interview for new positions that become available.

All in all, the very best ending to all this drama that I could have hoped for.

Yay!

PS--Sorry, Violet. I'm just not ready to live in a place that requires you to chip ice off your windshield for much of the year.

Posted by: Ensie at 07:43 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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Check out Blurbomat's excellent post on gay marriage.

Posted by: Ensie at 08:39 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Inspired by the banned book list I posted last month, I picked out a few books I wanted to read. This was the first from the list, and it was incredible. Overtones of 1984, from a woman's perspective. I've continued to think about this story days after finishing it.

Think I'll have to pick up the Blind Assassin next. Or maybe The Edible Woman...

Posted by: Ensie at 06:15 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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Ok, so not really (I just wanted to use this great image that I found on Eden's blog) But the right wing blog world sure dislikes Jon Stewart. Check out the below:

Right On Red
IN DC
American Digest
Protein Wisdom
Ghost of a Flea
Hog On Ice

I'm sure there are plenty of others who are hating Jon for calling out Tucker Carlson and the rest of the Crossfire crew. I noticed that most of these blogs seem to focus on labeling Jon Stewart as a pompous ass and/or an idiot (or else it comes up in the comments). If you've ever read a real interview with Mr. Stewart (see the Rolling Stone with Stewart on the cover from a couple of weeks ago) you would know he has a pretty good head on his shoulders. I don't pretend to be politically knowledgeable in any way, but I think what the conservatives are more pissed off about is that he's not on their side (suppressing urge to nyah nyah and stick tongue out). I don't think Jon Stewart has any obligation to be fair to both sides. He has a political opinion and has made it public. I say more power to him. And he's lucky enough to have a television show.

Posted by: Ensie at 06:34 PM | Comments (11) | Add Comment
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1 Thanks for your link. I believe you will find my post says Stewart's Crossfire appearance "reminded me why I like and respect the man."

Posted by: Ghost of a flea at October 21, 2004 06:55 PM (kMnXL)

2 Ghost, I did see that...I debated listing you here, and I really like what you have to say for the most part. Would you like me to remove you from my list of Jon Stewart haters? I was especially pleased that you mentioned Dennis Miller in your post, who has used his own show to support George Bush. I fully support his right to do that on his own show. I just think his show bites, while the Daily Show, and Jon Stewart, speaks to me and makes me laugh every time I watch.

Posted by: ensie at October 21, 2004 07:05 PM (4k5pf)

3 "I'm sure there are plenty of others who are hating Jon for calling out Tucker Carlson and the rest of the Crossfire crew." Wrong, I think the Crossfire crew is horrid. "I don't pretend to be politically knowledgeable in any way, but I think what the conservatives are more pissed off about is that he's not on their side" Sort of. When he provides people that "aren't politically knowledgable" false information, it bothers me.

Posted by: Bill from INDC at October 21, 2004 08:15 PM (WTVnR)

4 Please feel free to keep the post linked here. I think this sort of debate is precisely what Stewart is asking for and believes is missing from the phony debate at Crossfire. And I agree with Bill that "the Crossfire crew is horrid."

Posted by: Flea at October 22, 2004 07:17 AM (zpZLs)

5 And I forgot to say... I love the Ani di Franco blogtitle!

Posted by: Flea at October 22, 2004 07:19 AM (zpZLs)

6 Watching the original interview, the main thought I had was that Tucker Carlson seemed to be unde rthe impression that "TDS" is a *news* show when it isn't. No matter what JS said, he clung desperately to his original thought, which is part of the problem with today's political conservativism IMO. Stubborn rigidity in opinion and refusal to alter the original idea. I always think of Kevin Bacon in *Animal House* waving his arms in the midst of a fleeing crowd, yelling, "All is well!"

Posted by: Eden at October 22, 2004 07:23 AM (Nix3e)

7 As a devoted fan of Tucker Carlson AS WELL AS Jon Stewart (I know, how is that possible?) I have to say that Jon was really bagging on the entire *Crossfire* game...all of the hosts, as he ended up clarifying on his show on Monday. TUCKER just got a little too close to the Jon fire and was the one that faced a bit of the burn, but Begala, who is working for Kerry...was whipped around too, he just knew better than to provoke his guest.

Posted by: Jennifer at October 22, 2004 04:36 PM (/NTmN)

8 Thanks Flea. I'm glad to see you recognized the title.

Posted by: ensie at October 22, 2004 05:10 PM (4k5pf)

9 I don't know how you got "Jon Stewart hater" out of my post either. But I'm with Bill on this one: when Stewart provides people who "aren't politically knowlegeable" the information they believe makes them qualified to pontificate on political matters...well, then he's become a major media figure, and dismissing his partisanship just silliness doesn't fly. Doesn't make him unfunny, though. Just a partisan who needs to be called to account.

Posted by: Jeff G at October 22, 2004 05:45 PM (J1e8V)

10 When I said I'm "not politically knowledgeable" I meant to imply that I don't find myself obsessed with the politics of everything. I know how my political choices effect myself and my family, and I see how political statments and actions effect the world we live in. I didn't mean to imply that I feel I am ignorant or stupid, but merely that I don't consider myself an expert. I aplogize if I grabbed your blog or any others as examples of Jon Stewart "haters," when you don't feel that you are. I should have clarified that I was looking at both your post and many of the comments left by others. I can pull your link off my post if you would like, Jeff. And...the point that Jon Stewart has made is that he is partisan, and that he doesn't need to apologize for it. He has never stated that his is an objective news show (like, say, Sinclair Broadcasting is attempting to do with Stolen Honor. He has always maintained that comedy is the first priority of The Daily Show, has stated his own political beliefs within all types of media, and nailed Tucker Carlson to the wall (along with the rest of the Crossfire crew) for claiming to "debate" topics on their show when instead they just spout their own partisan talking points.

Posted by: ensie at October 22, 2004 06:03 PM (4k5pf)

11 I heart Jon Stewart! But seriously - how can someone say he's "a partisan who needs to be called out" when he has absolutely no call to be BIpartisan? He's not a journalist, people! Comedian! Comedian! Smart, sure, but an entertainer as opposed to an informer nonetheless. Oh, and I wondered about the Ani title, too, but never bothered asking. That's a beautiful song... reminds me of boys who broke my heart in college (good thing I can still chill with them these days...)

Posted by: Katie at October 22, 2004 07:14 PM (Nw/01)

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Apparently I'm not the only one who doesn't think that members of Congress need to be first in line to receive the much-in-demand flu vaccine right now. While I appreciate the fact that Seanators and Representatives say that they spend a lot of time hand-shaking and meeting with the public, I just don't think they should get a free pass to the front of the line.

I will not be getting a flu shot this year. I work in retail, and between myself and the 80+ people who work with me, we probably come in contact with hundreds, if not thousands of people everyday. Not mention their money. I will be washing my hands, occasionally using antibacterial hand lotion (I'm not a fan), and generally keeping my germs to myself as much as possible. I may get the flu, I may not, but I'm not likely to die from it, being in pretty good health and only 28 years old.

Doesn't much of the US come in contact with other people on a daily basis? Isn't this the same logic that the CDC is using to keep people from getting flu shots unless they:

are over 65 years of age
are under 2 years of age
have a chronic medical condition
will be pregnant during the flu season
are in a nursing home
are a health-care worker
are a child-care worker (who works with kids <6 mo)

I find it interesting that the same people who are encouraging the general public to hold off on their flu shots unless absolutely necessary seem to be OK "cutting in line" in front of the elderly, the infirmed, and the very young in our society. And isn't there a flu nasal spray that is supposed to work just fine on those who are considered "low risk" for the flu? Plenty of that available if you want it (and only approved for those in low-risk categories).

Well done, idiots.

Posted by: Ensie at 07:10 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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Seriously. I unconsciously look at this every time I see someone. When my husband tries on pants, this is the first thing I look at, every time. I wear large, clunky shoes that connect with my boot cut jeans perfectly, all for this same reason. It's all about balance, people.

Posted by: Ensie at 06:25 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Since my last name change finally went through, I ordered new checks from coolchecks.com (plus, my old checks were vegetarian---Be kind to animals! Don't eat them!--and I haven't been one in over two years). It took a few weeks to receive them, but it was so worth it. I love my new checks!

Posted by: Ensie at 08:23 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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It rained in San Diego today. In most places it rains and people just go on with their daily lives. Here in San Diego, people are loathe to give up their sandals, shorts, and tank tops and insist that they should act exactly the same as they always do.

Especially on the freeways.

298 car accidents since midnight on Sunday. 298!! Slow down people! I know we only see rain once in a great while, but learn from your neighbors' mistakes!

Just because we set a new dry spell record for San Diego (182 days!) before Sunday, I refuse to believe that you've all never seen rain; even if that 1/10th of an inch has inspired every news station in the county to lead off with their "Stormwatch 04!" coverage. (and just for the groovy music--check out this San Diego Stormwatch site)

Posted by: Ensie at 08:56 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Check it out:

On Google; search for "weapons of mass destruction" and hit the "I'm feeling lucky" button. You must include the quotes within the search.

Funny.

Posted by: Ensie at 05:44 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Just when someone got it right, now they're going to fuck it up! I'm a big fan of Netflix and wouldn't be happy to see Amazon buy them.

Blockbuster, with their shitty selection and censorship policies, can suck my big toe.

Tip to HackingNetflix.

Posted by: Ensie at 05:18 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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