Best Description of My Job Yet

... found in an article talking about the best Super Bowl ads ever.

We still don’t know what EDS does, but it has 117,000 employees and just signed a $1.27 billion contract extension with the British Ministry of Defense — so the ad certainly didn’t hurt the company.

Sweet... Literally!

Doughnuts laced with caffeine
Scientist creates jolt-laden pastry, but watch out for the trans fats
LiveScience
Updated: 11:53 a.m. CT Jan 26, 2007

NEW YORK - Still sleepy after your first three double espressos? Try eating your way to wired. Caffeinated doughnuts could be the next new thing in nutriceutical fast-food to hit your drive-through or walk-up breakfast stop.

Each pastry, or bagel if you were to prefer this caffeine-delivery system, would contain a jolt worth one to two cups of coffee, thanks to years of experiments and brainstorms performed by molecular biologist Robert Bohannon.

Make way for the Buzz Donut and the Buzzed Bagel.

Bitter sweetThe challenge, Bohannon said, was overcoming the bitter taste of coffee beans ground up in the a.m. pastry: No amount of creme filling could cut it.

"I eventually worked with some flavoring experts and designed a method to mask the bitterness, which led to successfully adding the caffeine equivalent of one to two cups of coffee to the food item," said Bohannon, president of the biotechnology company Onasco, Inc. in North Carolina.

"Some people get their caffeine buzz from soda, chocolate and other sources besides coffee," Bohannon said. "The Buzz Donut and the Buzzed Bagel lets them get the caffeine buzz by simply eating a delicious pastry item."

The delicious caffeinated doughnut will still likely come chock full of fats, particularly trans fats, and sugars. Trans fats, which behave like saturated fats, are found in many prepared foods, particularly baked goods. As they offer no nutrition and can increase “bad” LDL cholesterol, trans fatty acids are the latest targets for nutritional scrutiny.

In December, New York became the first U.S. city to ban restaurants from using artificial trans fats. Small amounts of trans fats are found naturally in some animal-based products. And Starbucks recently announced it would gradually eliminate trans fats from its baked goods.

In any case, Bohannon's edible wake-me-ups could be right around the corner. He has patented the jolt-laden pastry idea, along with the method that controls the amount of injected caffeine.

Now he is shopping around for takers, and has already contacted the usual suspects.

© 2007 LiveScience.com. All rights reserved.

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16827665/wid/11915773?GT1=8921

"Kansas is a different state today than it was just 20 days ago"

At least it is as related to concealed carry.

Working at the shoe store, we deal with the possibility of robbery. Fortunately, I did not have to experience the holdup at the store during the 2005 holiday season. Yet it is still recent enough to continue to effect my manager's behavior and job performance.

Earlier this week, we had a discussion as to whether we should display the "no guns allowed" placard. This led us to the debate of whether permitted gun owners are just as welcome a customer as the unarmed shoplifter (or potential shoplifter, for the PC readers).

On the whole, I'm a pretty liberal, "love everybody, man" hippie when it comes to gun control. However, should someone present a physical threat to me or those I love, for their own gain and my loss... then I have no qualms whatsoever in seeing them maimed for their transgression. It's even better if I'm able to lay the smackdown on them myself.

Of course, I realize wishing them all the way dead would ding my karma no small bit... but they would have put the kibosh on that themselves should they decide they can disrupt my world.

Anyway... long story finally getting back on topic-- I was happy to read in this article today:

Payco Phillips 66 owner Dean Yee was working when two youths entered. One pointed a gun at Yee, 39, and demanded money. Yee hesitated, and the youth demanded money a second time while continuing to point the gun at him, Gish said.

Meanwhile, Gish said, store customer Michael Mah, 57, drew a handgun and told the would-be robber to drop his weapon. Mah then shot the man once.

The shooter has an Oklahoma permit to carry a concealed weapon. Gish said Kansas Attorney General Paul Morrison concluded this month that Kansas will accept the validity of concealed-carry permits issued in 22 other states, including Oklahoma, that require permit owners to meet requirements similar to those mandated by the state of Kansas.

Gish said the gun used by the would-be robber was found to be stolen.

He said the second teenager fled and was last seen running south on S.W. Randolph. Police haven't arrested that youth, who was described as a Hispanic male about 18 years of age who wore a black coat, white T-shirt, blue jeans and a red do-rag.

Kansas Sen. Phil Journey, R-Haysville and author of the law that took effect Jan. 1 allowing the issuance of concealed-carry permits, said the incident proves permit holders are capable of using lawful and deadly force in a reasonable way to protect other individuals.

"Hopefully this will put other criminals and thugs on notice that Kansas is a different state today than it was just 20 days ago," Journey said Monday.

And the irony of a Haysville (Wichita suburb) legislator behind the law is not lost on me!

Insight to Me

Everclear's feature on AT&T's blueroom website. "Glorious" is their next single, with a performance video.

http://blueroom.att.com/mainstage/index.php


I don't care for the "Hater" song at all. But I am pleasantly surprised to find them playing "The Drama King". Art as usual screws up some lyrics, but it is a fair performance.

The most fun I had was simply watching/listening to the interview portion. He is getting very LA... his face looks great!

Possibly My Next Favorite Show

Dan recently wrote about the new season of '24'.

While I've heard and known of the series, I never seemed to catch an episode. I feel a little sorry for the former president, now featured in insurance ads.

Anyway, I guess I had forgotten the series was directed and produced by this guy and this guy behind Nikita.

If I HAD been watching... I would have already realized they were keeping love for the Nikita folks. Madeline kept a job for most of one season....

And now they have Mick Schtoppel!
He is the life of the party, isn't he?

Looks like I'm in for some serious catching up.

The Making of A Good Day

This song popped up on my iPod today... I love absolutely everything about it. The lyrics, Art's voice, the blend of orchestra with amplifiers... just everything. Although the album received lukewarm promotion and success, it is by far my favorite overall album.

It also reminds me of the west coast, making me want to get back to the beach.

Everclear's "A Beautiful Life", from the album Slow Motion Daydream

You seem to make the same mistakes everyday
Sometimes it’s hard to open your eyes
You wanna be the only cake on the table
Yeah, you say you don’t like surprises
You wanna find a pretty place you can stay
Yeah, you just don’t want to live in LA

I just wanna be
Where the sun shines down
I just wanna be
Where the sun shines down

I just wanna be with you

(Oh)

I really hate the way you push me away
I do not like it when you shut me out
I say I love you but I don’t really know you
I wanna change you but I don’t know how
I wanna leave when it gets ugly and cold
I wanna leave but I got nowhere to go
(Oh yeah)

I just wanna be
Where the sun shines down
(Yeah)
I just wanna be
Where the sun shines down
On a beautiful life
I just wanna find a beautiful life
I wanna be where the sun shines down
I just wanna find a beautiful life
I don’t care where we go
I don’t care what we do
(Oh)

You seem to make the same mistakes all the time
Sometimes it’s not so hard to understand why
You say you hate the things that you have done
Yeah, you have been running with your back to the sun
you wanna find a place you don’t have to hide
You say you’re happy just to be alive

I just wanna be
Where the sun shines down
(Yeah)
I just wanna be
Where the sun shines down
(Oh yeah-ee-yeah)
I just wanna be
Where the sun shines down
On a beautiful life
I just wanna find a beautiful life
I wanna be where the sun shines down
I just wanna find a beautiful life
(Oh)
I wanna be where the sun shines down
(Oh)
I wanna be where the sun shines down
(yeah-ee-yeah yeah)
I wanna be where the sun shines down
(Oh)
I wanna be where the sun shines down
(yeah-ee-yeah yeah)

I don’t care where we go
I don’t care what we do
As long as I can be with you
I just wanna be with you

Katie Holmes Cheers

Posh and Becks moving to LA

Guess What?

We're getting married!

Sometime.

Not sure when.

But we'll let you know!

I'm just giggly that I get to design my engagement ring! We're headed to Vulcan's Forge/Aquarius this weekend to talk options with their jewelers.

I was already thinking of some type of amethyst, citrine, and garnet combo. After reading this, now I realize why:

Amethyst:
I am Amethyst, handmaiden to the goddess Diana. Many centuries ago, I was caught in a bitter quarrel between the gods. Protecting me from the wrath of Bacchus, my goddess transformed me into a transparent crystal. When the quarrel had ceased, Bacchus, filled with remorse, poured a gentle libation of wine over me, covering my body with an elegant violent gown. Wear me as an amulet, I will protect you from intoxication and evil spells. My presence will calm your spirit and give you focus.

Qualities: Amethyst, due to its beauty, affordability and durability, is the most popular variety of the mineral quartz. Most gemstones, including diamond, need enhancement through cutting or treatment to be enjoyed in a piece of jewelry. Occasionally, Amethyst is heated to permanently purify its purple hue.

Care: Cherished for its beauty, affordability and durability, Amethyst is an excellent choice for everyday wear, yet remove it before activities which may cause scratches. With proper care, your Amethyst jewelry can be passed through generations.

Why Amethyst? While today we are not limited to tradition, the symbolism of Amethyst is treasured as the birthstone for February and the traditional gift for couples celebrating their sixth anniversary. The color of Amethyst has long been associated with passion and hope.

Citrine:
I am Citrine, daughter of Amethyst. Deep in the heart of a primordial jungle, as my mother cradled me in her arms, the sun's brilliant rays kissed my face and bestowed on me an aura of golden radiance. Gaze upon my sunny glow and I will banish thoughts of evil from your mind. Wear me as a talisman and I will protect you from the venomous bite of the serpent. At all times, my energy will focus your mind, emotions and intuition into singular harmony.

Qualities: Like Amethyst, Citrine is a variety of the mineral quartz. Most gemstones, including diamond, need enhancement through cutting or treatment to be enjoyed in a piece of jewelry. Citrine is frequently heated to permanently coax out its fiery gold color.

Care: Prized for its beauty, affordability and durability, Citrine is an excellent choice for everyday wear. Care for your Citrine by removing it before engaging in activities that may cause scratches, such as housework, gardening, and sports.

Why Citrine? While today we are not limited by tradition, the symbolism of Citrine is treasured as a birthstone for November, for celebrating the thirteenth anniversary and as a talisman for the sign of gemini. It's color is associated with lightheartedness and cheerfulness.

Garnet:
I am Garnet, the talisman of warriors. Knights and soldiers the world over have placed their destiny in my hands, trusting that I would protect them from death and injury and that my presence would bring them swift victories and guarantee them tranquility after battle. Dream of me and I will reveal the answers to your questions. Give me to your loved ones and I will bestow upon them loyalty and affection.

Qualities: Garnets are a complex and exciting family of gemstones. The Garnet family has six species and, like exotic flowers, these can naturally "hybridize" and form other varieties which cover a rainbow of hues, except blue.

Most gemstones, including diamond, need enhancement through cutting or treatment to be enjoyed in a piece of jewelry. Yet Garnet is one of the few gemstones that requires no processing other than cutting to bring out its beauty.

Care: While Garnet is worn by many active people, to ensure the longevity of Garnet, remove before engaging in activities that can subject the gemstone to scratches and sharp blows, such as housework, gardening, or sports, as well as extreme temperature changes.

Why Garnet? While today we are not limited by tradition, Garnet is treasured as a gift for January birthdays and a talisman for the sign of Aquarius. A Garnet of any color is associated with increased imagination and inspiration.

The Goddess Loves Me, This I Know...

... for I get little signs all the time she is looking out for me.

At Christmas time, I thought of sending a card to her mama and family. Just to let them know we were all well, thinking of them, and update on how big monster boy has become. For fear of upseting them or making the holiday harder than necessary, I refrained. Today, thisclose to 20 years from the day that changed everything... Mama J called me at work!

It was hard not to cry-- thankfully this time from joy, rather than sadness. She felt the same. Mainly, she just wanted to catch up, and had some things for me. It was wonderful to hear from her. She said her family was well, and she and papa were leaving the 'dotte to move closer to the grandbabies. As all retirees would love to do.

Unfortunately, Camille's cute boy has not been handling her absence well at all. I was afraid he wouldn't. While quite loving and supportive when she needed that most in a man... he is not strong of will on his own. He succumbed to the stress of her illness in those last days, and apparently has fallen even further.

Part of me feels guilty for not watching over him... but I knew at the time I couldn't take on that responsibility. Not only am I too far away, with my own family responsibilites, but I'm also not a very good enabler. Fortunately, he wants to feel better, and is willing to move back with his family. I'm glad mama won't have to continue to babysit him. Hopefully it will begin a happier chapter of his life.

More Reason Than Ever...

I really need to start watching "Heroes". Not only would Adrian then stop ridiculing me at work, but now there's additional appeal...