365 Days of Knowledge #70, 71, 72, 73, and 74

It's illegal to put change into someone else's parking meter. In other words, the government doesn't want you to be nice.

The superstition surrounding the unluckiness of Friday the 13th has it's origins in Christianity. 13 is thought to be unlucky because Judas (Jesus' betrayer) was the 13th attendant at the last supper. Friday is the supposed day Jesus died on the cross. Therefore, bad things occur on Friday the 13th.

I always get a cold when spring is around the corner.

When I don't have cable, I don't miss it.

A queen bee only uses her stinger to sting another queen bee. Queen bees are divas, a diva is a female version of a hustler.

365 Days of Knowledge #62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, and 69

Back from the Phish show and it was nothing short of amazing. The energy of the crowd was insane, to say the least. RZ and I only had tickets for the first night so we decided to spend the rest of the time in Washington DC, which was just as amazing. It was a great trip but I am exhausted and not 100% ready to go back to work in the morning. So, what did I learn? A lot of my tidbits came from late night radio shows I listened to on the drive during our trip.

1. Over the past two decades, a Japanese cosmetics company has been researching hair length and how it coincides with the economy. According to their study, women tend to cut their hair shorter when the economy is in a slump and leave it longer when the economy is doing well. This kind of makes sense because when people are looking for jobs you want to try to have a clean-cut look, which is more easily attainable with shorter hair.

2. When there is a child abduction in or around Chicago, the city puts the vehicle information the supposed abductor is driving on signs over the motorway.

3. Phish fans brought an estimated $7 to $8 million dollars of retail revenue to the Hampton area in Virginia during the three day concert this last weekend.

4. Cops confiscated approximately $1.2 million dollars worth of illegal drugs from Phish fans during the three day concert in Hampton. Wasn't me! FYI - I saw maybe a handful of cops while I was there. You'd have to have been pretty obvious to have gotten busted, but that's just my opinion.

5. Barbie, who recently turned 50, was a risk for Mattel because they weren't confident mothers would buy their children a doll with breasts.

6. Rabbits don't make as good of pets as cats do. Rabbits charge and grunt.

7. When you go on a long trip you may begin to form a relationship with the voice inside your GPS navigational system. You may even find yourself asking them philosophical questions and then become disappointed when they don't respond.

8. When a person is tired they tend to be slothful and not insightful, hence this post. All apologies.

9. Last but not least I learned that I don't travel nearly as much as I used to and I really miss it.

I'm going to leave you with an awesome picture from the concert on Friday. I didn't take this because I was told I couldn't bring my camera in the venue, even though by the time I got in the venue people were just charging ahead and I didn't even get my bag checked and I could have easily gotten my camera in and taken some really awesome pictures and perhaps a video so I could remember that moment for ever and put it in my scrapbook next to the ticket I have........I'm a bit jaded and will now stop rambling.

365 Days of Knowledge #61

Yesterday Sir Richard and I decided to go out for breakfast with our Turkish friend. We went to this dive bar of sorts that serves really good breakfast on the weekends. Now, Richie and I have been trying our darndest not to go out to eat, and we've been doing a fairly good job. We have both been working a lot lately, haven't spent a lot of time together, been feeling sick (physically and sick of the cold weather), and didn't feel like cooking so we made the decision to treat ourselves to brunch. I was having a really good time, chatting and drinking coffee. I was really really looking forward to the vegetarian eggs benedict that I ordered.

Now, some background information. I've been a vegetarian for about four years now. Growing up I never ate much beef because my mom didn't, so, she didn't cook it. Even before I gave up meat, I always struggled with eggs. I think this is because I don't particularly like the way my mom cooks them and whenever we did have them, my sister would "cluck" in my direction, I'm serious, "cluck". Fast forward to now; I do like the way Richie prepares his eggs, scrambled with a bunch of nummies mixed in. (I don't know if that semi-colon is used properly in the previous sentence but I somehow "felt" it belonged there).

So yesterday I order the vegetarian benedict, envisioning a cooked egg, a top a wheat english muffin, lathered in spinach, cheese, and holandaise sauce. When my food arrived, it was just as I envisioned it, until a stuck a fork in it that is. I have never had a poached egg and did NOT realize the yolk is runny. Gross, gross, gross. The minute I saw the yellow ooze, I could hear my sister clucking in my head. I was very disappointed and realized I should have inquired a bit more before jumping in. Since becoming a vegetarian I've become so accustom to trusting when an item is labeled vegetarian or vegan, I'll automatically like it. Buyer beware.

If you weren't able to guess, I learned what a poached egg is.

Now here's a funny egg cartoon for you to suck on.

365 Days of Knowledge #57, 58, 59, and 60

#57. So, I've been reading Into the Wild for my book club. It's about the kid who attempted to rough it in Alaska and was found dead in a bus. I've read quite a few survival-type books and am so far enjoying this one. Anyway, I read that in 1867, the US bought Alaska from Russia for two cents an acre. Alaska is roughly 586,400 square miles. I did the math and Alaska cost the United States about 750 billion dollars. I'm sure the price in land has gone up considerably since 1867, so I propose we sell it back and that will take care of our debt and help jump start the economy. Just an idea.

#58. One more Alaska fun fact. Dog mushing is the state sport. I kind of knew this but I think the word mushing is fun to say. I promise that if anytime this month, someone happens to ask me what my hobbies are, I'm going to say dog mushing.

#59. There are approximately 18 million vacant homes in the United States.

#60. There are approximately 1 million homeless people in the United States.

Something doesn't add up.

I know this post is all over the place, it's been a long week(end).

Peace out.

365 Days of Knowledge #55 and 56

I'm going on a mini vacation next week and have decided to take a pit stop in Washington D.C.. I have never been there and find that at 27 years of age, that is unacceptable. While looking up attractions and unattractions, I found out that DC is home to one of the world's largest churches. the Basilica of the National Shrine of the immaculate Conception is the largest Roman Catholic church in North America. I think I was surprised by this because I thought big, over-the-top churches were an old world European thing.

Today, I haven't learned yet but am going to learn after I eat the dinner my lovey ;) has made for me, how to drive stick shift. I'm nervous, support would be nice....hint hint.

365 Days of Knowledge #50, 51, 52, 53, and 54

I'm going to blame my blog slacking on my upcoming "vacation" and the preparation that goes into leaving your home for an extended period of time.

First and foremost I want to give a big shout out to the Wisconsin Parks and Recreation Department, you all rock! While I always knew the folks at the Wisconsin Parks and Recreation Department were a pretty fine group of people, I didn't learn until this weekend how really awesome they are. This past weekend I went to visit my sister who lives in north central Wisconsin and we went to nearby Rib Mountain State Park (not really a mountain). The parks department had helped to organize a candle-lite snowshoe hike in the pseudo-mountain. I wasn't really expecting too much but it was awesome, and so beautiful with the candles lighting the trail and the city lights far beneath us. At the end of the hike they had a huge bonfire and free refreshments (donations welcomed, and gladly given). It was so much fun and just a great experience overall.

Funny story. At one point during our hike the binding on one of my sister's snowshoes came loose so we stopped so I could fix it for her. An elderly couple passed us and the gentleman, who was probably in his early sixties, stopped and said, "I don't know why the hell I'm out here, I don't even buy green bananas at my age." Miss Lippy, if you're reading this, please put that on the quote board.

Another thing I learned while visiting my sister is, the old cliche, "the more things change, the more they stay the same", is often true. My sister goes to college at the same university I attended. On Friday evening we decided to "go out". My sister took me to her and her friends' "hangout" which just happens to be the same establishment my friends and I frequented circa 2001-2004. The only difference from then to now, is the name of the place. Seriously, everything was exactly the same, even down to the clientèle and their outfits. I also learned that my 21 year old sister's love interest is a 30 year old man but that's a blog in and of itself.

Last week I learned that throughout your life, you may come to a point when you do something you always swore, and believed whole-heartedly, that you would never do. I recently experienced one of these moments. I broke down, and bought....it shames me to type this......a pair of skinny jeans. Go ahead, tar and feather me, I deserve it.

I need to thank my friend Melbarney for this tidbit of information. There's a band called Vampire Weekend and they sing a song called Oxford Comma. The first line of this song is, "Who gives a fuck about an oxford comma?" I like the song, I've listened to it, sung along with it, and danced amongst it, all without knowing what an oxford comma was, just knowing that I shouldn't give a fuck about it. Well, it turns out an oxford comma is the optional comma used when listing items in a sentence. The oxford comma is typically found before an and and it's completely optional, you can take it or leave it. I choose to take it. You can find the oxford comma in the title of this blog, "53, and 54". Click this link to check out Vampire Weekends, Oxford Comma video.

Last but not least I learned that the colors for Mardi Gras were chosen in 1837. Green represents faith, gold stands for power, and purple signifies faith. Happy Fat Tuesday everyone!

365 Days of Knowlege #48 and 49

Supposedly the world is ending on December 21st 2012. I learned that people will do anything for a buck because if you go to this website you can buy your very own end of the world souvenirs. Definitely something worth investing in. I mean, who doesn't want their very own Doomsday Snuggie? I wonder if they have 12212012 Sham Wows.....

Today I was visiting with a client of mine and he was telling me how he just finished reading a biography about Harry Houdini. I learned that Harry Houdini took a year away from the stage during WWI to help with war efforts. During this time Harry taught soldiers how to get out of handcuffs. Good thing they didn't let him visit a prison.

365 Days of Knowledge #42, 43, 44, 45, 46 & 47

I apologize for not keeping up but I do have two really good excuses. I was really busy all last week and the internet here at home was working and we had to get it fixed today. All better now, green means GO!

1. According to a new study, American teenagers spend an average of 31 hours per week online. That's 3/4 of a typical work week! Get ready to yack because apparently just over an hour of their time spent online is devoted to researching cosmetic surgery procedures.

2. Humans have "plantigrade" feet, both heel and toe make contact with the ground when walking. Panda bears share this trait. Yes! For some strange reason I get so excited when I hear about human/animal similarities.

3. All information on facebook belongs to facebook, including your shitznit. Even if you delete your profile facebook still holds the rights to your crap and can use it anyway they want. I didn't personally look in the terms and conditions to verify this but apparently it's written in there.

4. James Buchanan was ranked the #1 worst president in United States history before George W. Bush stole his place. Buchanan landed this position by not challenging the confederacy or the spread of slavery.


5. Cats can get acne. I know this because my cats have it, I've just ordered a three month supply of pro-active and got the free refining mask. Score!

and last but not least

6. Cooled coffee grounds are a great fertilizer for house plants. This one is a double score because I love the smell.

365 Days of Knowledge #41

While watching Wheel of Fortune this evening, Pat Sajak informed me that Hawaii is the only state in the US to commercially grow coffee. Thanks Pat!

The Wheel of Fortune was shooting on location in Hawaii and it looked as though Pat had one too many Mai Tais and fell asleep pool side. Home boy was looking crispy!

365 Days of Knowledge #40

Today I learned why the movie "Slumdog Millionaire" won four Golden Globes and is nominated for 10 Oscars. The answer is simple, this movie is simply AMAZING! It's in my top 10 favorite movies of all time. Probably one of the most beautiful love stories I've seen on the big screen. Please, next time you go to the theater, check it out. You will NOT be disappointed.

Forget reading your horoscope, here's your fortune for the day.

365 Days of Knowledge #38 and 39

Apotemnophilia, heard of it or happen to suffer from it? Apotemnophilia is a psychological disorder characterized by a desire to BE an amputee. No joke, apotomenophiliacs have a strong desire to have one or more of their healthy limbs removed. Doctors won't just remove a healthy limb so some apotomenophiliacs will purposely do harm to a limb in order to force an amputation. I was discussing this with a co-worker of mine and he asked me this question, "If you were sitting next to a apotomenophiliac and they fell off their chair, would you help them up?" So, would you?

Apotomenophiliac should not be confused with acrotomophilia, which is an erotic interest in people who ARE amputees.

Well perusing some wedding stuffs I discovered that many wedding site establishments charge a cake cutting fee. I've never heard of such nonsense. Isn't that why aunts were invented?

365 Days of Knowledge #37

Blonde moment!

Today I learned that there are only 28 days in February 2009.

My boss is expecting a baby at the end of this month and like good minions we held a baby shower for her. During this baby shower we played the typical game where you guess the date and time when the baby will be born and who ever wins gets a slap on the ass or something just as favorable.

The baby's due date is February 27th and she still hasn't "dropped" (I don't know what the hell that means but it sounds uncomfortable). I thought I'd play it smart and guess February 29th. My plan backfired because I come to find out there is no February 29th until 2012. So, unless this baby is going to be celebrating it's 3rd birthday in the womb, I lose and make an ass of myself in the process.

365 Days of Knowledge #34, 35 and 36

While surfing the web for origami patterns, I came across a craft called "iris folding". Iris folding is a simple and inexpensive craft that involves folding paper and layering it in a pattern to create a beautiful effect for cards, scrapbooks, and decorations. I should probably stick with my crane making since my quota of 1,000 paper cranes isn't even close to being met but I thought this was just as interesting. This is a great craft to do with kids because it's simple and yields beautiful results. Here's an example of a simple iris folding project.


To learn how check out Iris Folding @ Circle of Crafters

Sternutation is the medical term for sneezing.

Lastly, today I learned that there will be six more weeks of winter.....Thanks Miss Lippy.

365 Days of Knowledge #31

I skipped a day somewhere so I'm just going to cheat and direct you to this link because I don't have the energy or the eloquence to relay this as well as the source can.

http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/02/chimp-baby-smart.html

365 Days of Knowledge #32 and 33

Yesterday I learned that whenever I do I have children I'm pretty sure I'm going to love them more than I ever thought possible and I know this love is going to hit me like a mac truck and scare the shit out of me. While I've been carrying this notion with me since RZ and I became doting "parents" to our two lovely felines, it really didn't hit me until this weekend.

A friend of mine asked if I would transport her seven year old daughter to a nearby city that I was just happening to be traveling to to visit some friends. On the drive down my little stowaway (we'll call her Pea) entertained me with a game of ABC, gossip from her second grade class, and High School Musical facts. We sang, we laughed, we even discussed the atrocity that is McDonald's.

After dropping Pea off I proceeded to hang out with my favorites. I had a great time, celebrating birthdays, reminiscing, and just doing what we do best, make each other laugh.

The next morning I was tired, lazy, a bit hung over, and not wanting to drive to pick up Pea. I did of course, and immediately felt guilty for having sour feelings about having to pick her up. Pea was a breath of fresh air and instantaneously brightened my mood. She told me all about her day with her aunt and she asked me about my evening (I melted). Although she didn't sleep, I could tell Pea was tired on our drive back, she lazily stared out the window, occasionally commenting on the scenery and fellow commuters. I found myself keeping my eyes less on the road and more on my rear view mirror, just waiting to see what she would do or say next, literally hanging on her every word, and she's not even my child.

I'm not sure if this is my biological clock trying to tell me something or if children just fascinate me but I'm pretty sure my kids are not going to lack love.

Today I learned a less inspirational notion and if you don't want to puke a little in your mouth you might want to stop reading.

While President Obama speaks to our nation and calls the recession of our economy a "continuing disaster", Miley Cyrus decides to trade in her Porsche for her "dream car", a black Mercedes with pink stitching. Yeah!

365 Days of Knowledge #28

Ooops! I skipped a day.

On Wednesday I learned that all work and no play makes me a dull girl.

This can be exemplified by my blog error.

365 Days of Knowledge #29

Today I learned how to make an origami paper crane.

The paper crane is a sign of world peace and it is said that whomever makes a thousand of them will get a wished granted by a crane.

I plan on making them and using them as decorations for my wedding. While I doubt I'll make a thousand, I'd like to make an honest effort, we'll see how many folders I can recruit....

Here's an example of how I want to incorporate them into the decor. I like how they're used in this image, although I would use colored paper and space them a little farther apart. I think they might look nice by the gift and guest book area. What do you think?


If you are interested in learning how to make them here's a website I found that really simplified the process: http://origami.org.uk/origamicrane.htm

Once you're finished let me know if I can take any off your hands and I'll send you my address....hint hint.

365 Days of Knowledge #26 and 27

Two weekends ago I went to visit a friend of mine who lives about an hour away from me. My friend has two little girls, a 3 year old and a 4 month old. When I arrived at my friend's home, her 3 year old daughter (let's call her Bean) was very excited to see me and kept saying my name over and over. I was already impressed at this point because I know grown adults who experience difficulty pronouncing my name correctly and I've known them for years. After about a half hour of chatting with my friend, her 4 month old began crying so I played with Bean while she tended to her wee one.

Now when it comes to playing, having fun, and toys in general, I'm pretty well versed. However, I was not familiar with the Littlest Pet Shop, which is just the toy that Bean whipped out. I soon found it needed no explanation, it's just a bunch of miniature plastic animals that are apparently very popular among wee ones. So Bean whips out this plastic tree house thing about the size of the average woman's shoe box. Inside the tree are four miniature animals, a pink poodle, a white cat, a foxy looking skunk, and a brown chimp. I immeditely said I wanted the skunk and the monkey but some how wound up with the poodle and the cat, which I wasn't too upset about because the poodle had a skateboard accessory....score!

So, here we are, playing this game, making up one outrageous plot after the next when I pick up the chimp and randomly say to Bean, "When it's time for chimps to go to bed at night they make a nest up in the trees and sleep there." Without hesitation Bean asks why. I reply (not ever having formally learned this but just assuming) "To keep away from other animals that might try to hurt or eat them when they're sleeping." Of course Bean asks what animals try to hurt and eat the chimps so I say lions, tigers, and hyenas, all the while praying that I'm not steering this young mind wrong. After I give her this (cross your fingers) hopefully accurate list of predators, she peers down at the chimp with this "look" on her face. I can translate non verbal communication well but I didn't have enough experience with 3 year olds to predict what would come next. I hypothesized that Bean would either:

a) burst into tears at the thought of her little monkey being savagely devoured
b) have no idea what I was talking about and continue where we left off in the world of the Littlest Pet Shop
or
c) privately ask her mom when I would be leaving, seeing as how I am a complete weird-o and all

Evidently, the "look" was one of contemplation because Bean then looked up at me and asked (I shit you not)....."What about the hawks?" The only response I was able to muster was a quite and amazed, "Wow....you're smart." I didn't really have an answer, I know there are hawks in Africa and I remembered reading about them capturing baby chimps but I don't know if they're a real threat to adult chimps and I wasn't about to tell that little face that hawks only eat babies. So I played it safe and said, "Yeah, they do have to be careful of the hawks but they're less of a threat." Then I fumbled over explaining what a threat was. I was blown away.

Bean isn't only smart, she's pretty creative too. My friend informed me that Bean has an imaginary friend named Gabriella who just showed up one day. I asked Bean where Gabriella was and she informed me that Gabriella wasn't with us because Gabriella was mad at Bean. I asked Bean why Gabriella was mad at her and she said, in a very confused and concerned voice, "She says I hit her, but I didn't." I laughed hysterically. I later came to find out that Gabriella lives in Chicago and is often home sick so Bean doesn't get to see her much. I wonder if this is a typical tactic children use to phase out their imaginary friends when they're no longer needed. Dr. Spock?

Anyway, back to the two things I learned. I wanted to share this story so I'll give you two chimpanzee (my favorite animal by the way) facts that I found.

1. I knew chimpanzees were extremely smart but I did not know that scientists have actually observed chimps eat feeding on medicinal plants when they're feeling ill or are injured.

I couldn't find another interesting fact about chimpanzees that I didn't know (I'm seriously not a braggart, they are my favorite animal and I honestly know a lot about them) so I'll share a fact about Jane Goodall that I just learned.

2. Jane Goodall was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II.

"The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves."
-Jane Goodall-

Bonus fact: When chimpanzees are happy they will make a grunting noise. When a chimpanzee "grins" and gives a toothy "smile" people often assume they are happy but in fact that is a sign that they are feeling anxiety or fear. Please remember this next time you are watching a film or television show where they use chimpanzees for entertainment purposes.

365 Days of Knowledge #22, 23, 24, and 25

Haven't been able to blog much, it's been a pretty crazy week, good crazy though, not the kind that makes you fantasize about strangling don't knows (alternative word for strangers) in the grocery store.

Four things that I've learned in the last four days huh?

1. Both Albert Einstein and Adolf Hitler were vegetarians.

"I have always eaten animal flesh with a somewhat guilty conscience."
- Albert Einstein-

2. The original title for John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is Something that Happened. Good thing he slept on that one. Of Mice and Men is one of my favorite books. I read this novel for the first time in sixth grade. After finishing it I remember feeling very old and wise. Being eleven years old it didn't take me long to recover.

3. Sasha Obama is the youngest child to live in the white house since John F. Kennedy was in office. Amy Carter was nine years old when her father was President and Malia Obama is just one year older than her. I think the presence of President Obama's daughters in the White House will add some much needed energy and freshness. I found this article which discussed a letter written to the Obama girls from Bush's twin daughters, it is very sweet and touching, you can check it out here:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/21/bush.twins.letter/index.html



4. About four seconds ago I learned that an eleven year old matador apparently beat a bull fighting record. After killing six young bulls in a single fight, Michelito Lagravere Peniche became the youngest matador to achieve this feat and set a new record.

Sorry to rain on your parade Michelito but I think bull fighting is a cruel and disgusting act. People call it sport, I don't think anything that results in the death of a living thing can be considered sport. One of the main aspects of sport is fun for all involved, unless you can prove to me that the creatures being executed are suicidal, I don't buy it.

Sorry for my rant, I hope everyone has a good week!

365 Days of Knowledge #21

Today I learned that people are inherently kind, you may disagree but just trust me on this one.