It's August 10!

That means Stardust starts!

Back to Reality

Leaving Phoenix yesterday, 5:20 p.m local time..... 90 degrees

Landing at KCI two and a half hours later.... 37 degrees. Good lord!

All in all, an awesome trip. No problems with the flights. Managed to avoid Yuppiebees (Chili's is better anyway), and found a new favorite with El Toro Bravo.

We wrapped up our tour with excellent chill time at Fox and Hound. Their set up was pretty similar to the one in Overland Park, other than they have a pool table in the huge foyer. Makes me want to go back to the one in KC again soon.

And, bonus! Finished Prachett's "Wee Free Men" and the first in a series of Anita Blake, vampire hunter books-- appropriately enough titled "Guilty Pleasures". Don't judge me!

Degolar, I tried... I really did... to try and finish "The Hobbit". Made quite a bit of progress. But after in comparison to the writing style of the other two, I was struggling mightily. The truth be told, I think it's just because Bilbo is not my favorite Tolkien character. Can you really blame me... when you have all those other pretty warrior boys?

PS: That reminds me-- Girls, take note! Saw the trailer for Karl Urban in "Pathfinder". He's awful pretty. AND! He's appearing with that yummy Christian Bale in the next Batman movie.

It's Been A Long Time Coming

... but we finally got to wrap the first of our big federal Medicaid cases. While it has been only over a year since they were federally indicted (props to Ali's mom's team!), my department has been dealing with these fools from the state perspective since early 2005.

The paper doesn't have it quite right on the sentencing part. With their previous federal convictions (yes, they've done time already!), they could face up to 25 years. Good thing I realized a long time ago, you can't believe everything you read in print.

Wichitan convicted of defrauding Medicaid
Wichita Business Journal - 6:36 PM CDT
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
by Shane T. Farley

A Wichita couple that operated a drug and alcohol counseling center were convicted of making more than $1.25 million in false Medicaid claims, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Peggy Franklin-El, 50, was convicted on 69 counts including conspiracy to defraud Medicaid, health care fraud, money laundering and obstruction of justice.

Johnnie Franklin-El, 53, was convicted on 22 counts including conspiracy, health care fraud, money laundering and obstruction of justice.

The defendants operated a business called the Great Meeting is on for Your Success, Inc. at 1015 E. Ninth St. The business made false claims for 67 Medicaid beneficiaries who were supposed to have received community-based drug and alcohol treatment.

Among the claims were supposed treatment for infants and children 12 years and younger and people who had no known substance addiction. In one case, the beneficiary named in the claim was only 36 days old.

Sentencing is set for June 11. The couple face a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on both the conspiracy and obstruction charges.

The Kansas Attorney General's office investigated and aided the U.S. attorney's office in prosecuting the case.

Evidence presented at trial showed that Peggy Franklin-El received a salary of $65,000 to serve as executive director and Johnnie Franklin-El was paid as much as $5,000 a week to serve as president and program director and to provide counseling.

Stayin' Alive, Stayin' Alive..

No longer will I feel guilty if I have no loyalty to other Big 12 schools.

For my "real" bracket, I picked Texas to go to the finals against Oregon. Even though I left the Jayhawks behind in the final four. Even though I don't like coach "Ratboy" Barnes.

But for my loyalty? My Eastern bracket is toast. My Midwest one is on life support, with only Florida and Oregon left. Even then, I have Florida going out next.

My dream bracket is doing better, with only Tennessee really throwing a wrench in the works.

After two rounds: "real"= 35 right, 13 wrong "dream" 39 right, 9 wrong

Pity young Adrian, he's screwed. He had a Duke/Texas final, with Texas winning it all. Poor fool. He's from Texas, though. I still like him, anyway.

PS: tomorrow after work, we head to historic Dodge City-- via McPherson, Garden City, Great Bend, and Ft. Larned. D's going to rack up some stamps in his historical landmarks passport, and we all are going to rack up some serious family time. I'm *so* ready for the break from work!

PPS: I was so excited to see Kirk Hinrich in the local newspaper, cheering on KU in Chicago. Then one of the shoe girls goes all wonder killer and tells me he's getting married. Wah!

My Newest Artist Crush

Eric Poulten has posted another Steampunk Star Wars drawing and synopsis.

One of the commentors opined a steampunk series would have been much cooler than Episode I-III. Other than being way out of time line, that would totally rock.

I also have a craving for more Edward Gorey work.

Days It's Good to Be a Geek

Justice League movie coming to big screen

Now To Only Find the Time...

I'm slightly geeking for this to arrive, and hopefully before I have to go out of town for work.

Though I ought to be a good girl and take The Hobbit with me, so that Degolar doesn't kick me off the book club blog. Fortunately, a lack of book blogging doesn't mean I haven't been reading along!

And if I get ambitious, then I can resume the Tiffany Aching book as well.

I'll Get You, My Pretty!

Lookee what I got!









































The jeweler was not kidding when he said the amethyst would be "sitting proud". Oy!

Yikes, I'm going to be a bride (again!).

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.

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...