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February 26, 2003

Did you know, etc

The Origins of Mardi Gras

Though New Orleans is the city most commonly associated with the Mardi Gras celebration in America, many historians believe that the festival actually originated in nearby Mobile, Alabama.

The celebration, which can be dated back to 1703 in Mobile, was originally called Boef Gras (Fat Beef). The name changed to "Fat Tuesday" as it became a widely known festival in the 1830s and 1840s.

The date of Mardi Gras depends on the date of Easter. Mardi Gras takes place the day before Ash Wednesday, which begins the 40-day season of Lent before Easter. "Fat Tuesday" is the last day to celebrate before the season of discipline and contemplation that leads up to Easter Sunday.

This year, Mardi Gras will be celebrated on March 4.

Source: www.mobilemardigras.com

Still a little sick, but muchos better than I was. Quite peeved because the AC adapter for my laptop is broken, so no power to the laptop, and not that much power left on it cause I didn't realize it was losing power cause the darn thing was plugged in. Sheesh. Peevish cause a new one costs $65 unless you can find them on eBay which I'll probably do. Even if I get a new comp I'd have to get a new cord so I could have enough power to transfer the stuff over. Bleh.

Bookbuying spree today...and Clinique spree...freebies my butt. Ah well.

Mom was seriously angry with me this morning and yesterday. She wants me to move out. As soon as I get a job, of course. Apparently I'm hard to be around. Now, don't take this the wrong way. I probably *should* move out, it would be better for all involved. It's just that she's sick, she's got this disease which could and probably will kill her unless it gets under control. She gets angry easily which isn't good for her. And I just don't know what to do cause whatever I do seems to be the wrong thing.

To be clear: I'm not getting kicked out, or disowned or anything. It's just that it's getting harder to stay at home. We're all under too much stress.

I don't want to air too much dirty laundry here. It's not something that y'all should be worried about. I don't really want people sending me emails or commenting on how you hope she feels better and that I'll find a job or whatever. I just thought I should let you know why I haven't been around lately.

That's all. Bowl...



file under: miscellany

February 22, 2003

I'm alive, really

it just doesn't feel that way. I've been pretty sick lately, not a fun thing to be. I don't know what it is, just that it sucks. But never fear, I'm getting better. Even writing some.

I have two job interviews on Tuesday. Hopefully I'll come to the right job. Cross your fingers. And hope I'm not still sick.

and until the end of the month: Go to the Guidant web site at:

http://www.heartcenteronline.com/goto.cfm?d=441&gdtct=WomenHeart

and click on the red icon and the Guidant Foundation will donate $1.00 to help inform people of this important issue. Heart disease affects everyone...and now you can help in getting the message to those that need to know.

Dear God, keep my parents well.



file under: reallife

February 14, 2003

A gift from Moll

She rocks.

[ETA, 02-21-05: Unfortunately Moll's site and the domain it was hosted on no longer exist. But you can visit Til-Morning, an ATTS sister site, aka Moll's Domain!]



file under:

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!
(courtesy of The Cowell Family)

And it's not belated, cause I wished him happy birthday on the right day, but Happy Birthday Daddy! He's 57. He shares a birthday with Lincoln. Two great men born on the same day :)



file under: celebration

February 10, 2003

Rings Thing

We've mostly discussed the heroes in LOTR. What about the villains? What do you think of the way they were written and portrayed in the movies? If you read the books, are they as you pictured them?

(visit the new Rings Thing LJ)

So. Villains. I definitely liked Saruman better in the book than I like him onscreen, he was developed more. However, I really like how Christopher Lee plays him. He looks like he should. Sauron...He looks pretty good for a flaming eyeball. Obviously, it's easier to portray a flaming eyeball as a villain in a book where you can just accept the concept, whereas in the movie it's gotta be an actual force, and that's tough to do. I think it flew pretty well...I think the baddies (orcs, Uruks, etc) were done really well. Esp. the wraiths. You really get a chill when they come by! I usually read those parts really quickly and never formed an image of them. Besides, who wants to carry that around in your imagination if you don't have to? lol. And if you consider Gollum a villain (which he definitely can be) he was a) wonderfully created in the book and in the movie and b) much better than I expected in the movie. It's great to have one of those ambiguously villainous characters that you don't know whether to pity or hate.

Course, now that I have the dvd I'll just skip over all the ugly parts and focus on Legolas wink Kidding. I almost never skip. I do occasionally rewind...



file under: lordoftherings

February 8, 2003

Orlicandie and more

I'm hosting my first site! Whoohoo! Go check out Orlicandie and let Nessa know what you think!

Saw Shanghai Knights with Alex last night. Very good, very funny, and some nice cinematographic moments. And Randy Edelman did the music, which is a good thing. I think it might have been funnier than the first one. Lots of niiiice martial arts. A good villain. Swordplay. A girl who could kick ass. Rock on.

So I was silly and got the 2-disc set of Moulin Rouge. Very cool. There's this interactive version that shows behind the scenes stuff, but only got to see some of the extras on the second disc cause (get this) I'm supposed to search for these old-version shoes my mom wants and antique glass eyes for this miniature ox statue we've got. Something from a chinese legend. I have a feeling I'm not going to find either. Ah well.

Had a longish chat with Jem about Moonstone words last night. Er, this morning. I just get lost in talking about stuff I've made up. Isn't that silly? But it's so fun. cer'athe elthione i'c� laeva, tuo cire. Arro ish bian quor, min Chief cist� mo. and cedde tuon bianne e bie! and Pad na corure? ish tu'toranar. None of which are in use yet, but will be shortly smile I know what they all mean and I made up present tense conjugation. lol. my made up language has some grammar! hopefully I can get many chapters written this year. lol. And I haven't forgotten about Decadence, it's just tough to get in the mood with that one. Someday, grasshopper. If you have anything to say about either of these, please, please leave a comment or something. I love feedback.



file under: orlando , writings

February 7, 2003

Rings Thing Extravaganza

We've now seen two countries, Rohan and Gondor (well, a *bit* of Gondor!) that we hadn't seen in FOTR. Given the choices so far, where in Middle Earth would you want to live? If you answered this last year for FOTR, has your answer changed, and why?

I'm still with the elves, for anyone who is wondering. The forests of Rivendell and Lothlorien, the darkness of Mirkwood...and who knows, you might catch a glimpse of Legolas somewhere...although it would be nice to see the Window on the West.

What are your favorite moments in TTT? Specifically, and in general? What makes them your favorites--most moving, most emotional, most beautiful? Are they other than what you might have expected them to be, prior to seeing the movie?

Favorite moments: anything to do with Legolas. Seriously. Also, Gandalf and Eomer's charge down the hill at Helm's Deep. Such great music. Such a great way to end the seige. The Ents attacking Isengard. It's just so much fun. Esp. when the burning ent quenches himself in the flood. And wonderful music, to boot. Sense a trend? Legolas getting on the horse (or should I say flying?) Legolas telling Aragorn, Le abdollen. Sense another trend? lol.

I sure hope all you PC folk out there appreciate what I did for you. Cause this layout is still being weird on my Mac. Enjoy it, regardless.



file under:

February 4, 2003

v.6 - vanya elda

okeydokey, there's a new layout. still working out the kinks, as you can tell. Why does it never work right the first time? you can still comment, though, so send me your thoughts. K?



file under: webetcetera

February 3, 2003

You know you're an LOTR fan when...

You've probably seen this before...but since May so nicely provided it for me, I thought I'd share it with you. Kind of sad how many apply to me wink

1. You get pulled over by a cop, and when he is writing you a ticket, he asks you for your name and you respond: "Tell me your name officer, then I shall tell you mine."

2. If someone tries to get by you, you turn and exclaim loudly: "YOU SHALL NOT PASS!"

3. When you check your email, you start speaking to Sauron.... After all, your computer is your Palantir! Just hope no one throws it down the stairs....

4. When you hear a knock at the door, you look around suspicously and mumble: "They are coming...."

5. When you are surfing the web, you get another annoying pop-up window, and you rub your chin and say to yourself: "What is this new devilry?"

6. You come to Math class on the day of the finals and mutter under your breath: "You find more cheer in a graveyard!"

7. You call the ugliest person that you know "Smeagol," and when he/she replies: "What are you smoking?" You say: "The finest weed in the Southfarthing."

8. You go to the local old folks home to visit mom, and you see an old, decrepid, elderly man sitting on a chair. Thinking quickly, you grab a nearby staff, hold out your hand, close your eyes, and say: "From my power, I release you!"

9. You run through a load of pigeons, shouting: "Fly, you fools!"

10. You change your answering machine message to: "This is the Dark Lord Sauron! Give me a ring!"

11. Next Olymics, when the torch bearer enters, you jump up and shout: "Kill him, Legolas! Kill him!"

12. You explain to your children/little sibling that "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" were really trying to cross the Bridge of Khazad-Dum to the greener pastures of Lothlorien.

13. You refuse to go anywhere unless plans are made at least a week in advance. Any sooner would just be too hasty.

14. You walk into your local bakery and ask for two loaves of lembas bread.

15. You've read all three books more than ten times.

16. You've kept it hidden and safe.

17. You've turned you back on your faithful tv and now watch the palantir.

18. Since you've seen the first one of the three LOTR movies you're listening to Enya all day long.

19. You think it is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt for so small a thing.

20. Words like "Yrch" make sense to you.

21. You dedicate all your free time to learning Sindarin or another Tolkien language.

22. You know when Durin IV lived.

23. You've become strangely obsessed with mushrooms.

24. Whenever you close a door, you say "They have a cave troll!"

25. When you come to a dead end you're still convinced that the road goes ever on and on.

26. There's a sign on your door saying "Speak Friend and enter!"

27. Whenever you get a chance, you burst into song. Preferably one that has more than 20 verses.

28. The only map you can read is the one of Middle Earth.

29. You're starting to make strange hissing noises when you speak and call all your possessions "my precious".

30. You change your name by deed poll to a Tolkien character and seriously consider naming your children after LOTR characters.

31. You have more than thirty sets of the books - and several are in languages you can't read.

32. You buy the bookmark with "the one ring" tied to the tassel, and then wear the ring around and pretend to be invisible.

33. Every time you see birds in the sky you have the urge to say "Fly you fools!"

34. When someone knocks on your door you grab them, pull them inside and ask "Are you frightened?... Not nearly frightened enough!"

35. You try to walk on top of snow like the elves do.

36. You think about getting toupees for your feet.

37. You have made up names for all the nameless characters in the movie, like various hobbits at Bilbo's party or the elves at the Council of Elrond.

38. You are able to reenact the whole movie in character.

39. Your computer's screensaver is a marquee reading, "Ennyn Durin atan Moria: pedo mellon a mino" and the password is actually "mellon".

40. You print out the whole movie script and religiously study it.

41. You've highlighted all your favorite parts of the books, and your highlighter has ran out of ink.

42. You have a special clock that always tells you how many days, hours, and minutes are still left until the next part of the movies opens in theaters.

43. You find yourself taking many detours and shortcuts

44. The last five times you went to see the movie, you only went to see the preview trailer.

45. All day you hear words such as 'habit' and 'going', in your mind as 'hobbit' and 'Gollum'.

46. Whenever you see a tree you give it a hug and say "Hail Treebeard!".

47. You grow long hair and tie it back, and prance around delicately - and you are male.

48. You get someone to shoot you with 3 arrows, just so you can reenact Boromir's death scene.

49. You start to put 'elvish' down as your religion.

50. You cannot see a beer without blurting out "It comes in pints? I'm getting one!"

51. You manage to bring the words 'hobbits' and 'Mirkwood' into every sentence.

52. Your friends instantly know you are going to say something about LotR even before you open your mouth.

53. You get a long blond wig and give yourself an elvish name.

54. You see a carrot and can't help but think of Merry.

55. You learn all 25 pages of Very Secret Diary by heart and say phrases from them at all times (And after he found a carrot that was just the right shape...)

56. You just can't keep yourself from saying "nobody tosses a Dwarf" at inappropriate moments.

57. You point out one word differences between speech in the film and in the book.

58. You notice everyone else goes "aaaahhh" at the same time when Legolas gets off his horse.

59. You're certain that tiny bits have changed since the eighth time you've seen the movie.

60. You have organized your bookmarks into subcategories "elvish" and "Legolas".

61. You devote free time to drawing sketches of LotR characters from the various posters around your room, then realise you don't need the poster, you know the faces off by heart.

62. A shadow and a threat is growing in your mind.

63. You stayed up 'til 5am watching the Oscars and threw things at the screen when Ron Howard/Russell Crowe/Jennifer Connelly appeared.

64. You go to lordoftherings.net and spend hours refreshing the page, just to hear the actors say "Hello, I'm Elijah Wood (or whatever). Welcome to lordoftherings.net"

65. You start saying "a star shines on the hour of our meeting."

66. You're determined to refresh lordoftherings.net until you discover how to pronounce 'Viggo'.

67. You have more than 20 LotR sites in your browser's favourites.

68. You are attracted to all people with long blond hair regardless of their sex.

69. You begin to cry when someone tells you it's just a book and a movie.

70. You start digging for mithril.

71. You see birds flying towards you and shout "Crebain from Dunland!", then tell everyone to hide

72. You shamelessly wear LOTR clothes and try to convince trees and animals that you are actually an elf.

73. You refuse to date because you're afraid you'll fall in love and have to give up your immortality.

74. Your swearing vocabulary consists of "A Eru", "Elbereth Gilthoniel" and "urca"

73. If you see anyone with a ring you order them to give it to Frodo and become violent when they don't.

74. You've started forging the Great Rings and try to give them to 3 beautiful people, 7 short people, 9 power hungry people and one seriously evil person.

75. When people go against your will you warn them that you are not a conjurer of cheap tricks.

76. You've started stealing vegetables with your shortest, most Scottish friends.

77. You've started trying to convince orcs and goblins to breed, with flowers and candlelit dinners.

78. You had nine dogs named after each member of the Fellowship. After the death of Boromir, you only had eight dogs.

79. You are constantly asking the trees in your yard if they've found the Entwives yet.

80. Every September 22nd, you throw a birthday party for Bilbo and Frodo.

81. When someone asks you your name, you respond with "I am [blank] son (Or daughter) of [blank]."

82. You named your cubicle "Helm's Deep" and brag that no one has ever broken through

83. Whenever you do something wrong, you blame it on Isildur's bane.

84. You have friends over for dinner and only serve one piece of Lembas bread.

85. You refuse to give your kids vitamins because you want them to be hobbit-size forever.

86. When your car breaks down, instead of calling someone for help, you wait for the Eagle Lord to swoop down and save you.

87. You put Rogaine on your toes and feet.

88. You call your best friend "Sam". He gets annoyed and says that his name is Peter, and he won't talk you if you call him Sam again.

89. When a friend tells you that your love for Legolas is becoming dangerous, you tell her you're marrying him in a month.

90. You throw all your mom's rings to the fire trying to see if one of them is the One ring.

Oh yeah, and Punxatauney Phil (the groundhog) saw his shadow, so we're supposed to have another six weeks of winter. Even though it was near 70 deg F yesterday. Go fig. Gotta love StL weather.



file under: lordoftherings

February 1, 2003

Gung hai fat choi

Welcome to the Year of the Ram. May peace and prosperity favor you in the coming year.

Today is the Chinese new year. So shoot off those fireworks (virtual ones, anyway) wear red, eat some take-out, do some calligraphy, enjoy yourself. And say hi to me on the way wink



file under: celebration