heard from Cashmere. they still have no power and are just going to shack up in a hotel tonight.

I sounds like such a loser when I say this, but carnival is/was my least favorite time in Rio - except the parade, which was a blast.

ETA: I really sounds like a loser when I can't conjugate my verbs.

Ans poor cash and owen and husband - what an unpleasant way to spend Christmas. I hope their power is back soon.

I sounds like such a loser when I say this, but carnival is/was my least favorite time in Rio

I can see that. Crowds, noise, freakin' tourists. I imagine it must not be very fun if you live there. But the parade is gorgeous, even on TV (which is the only place I've seen it. I've never been in the Sambodromo) and whenever I eventually do get to go, I plan to join one of the Samba schools so I can dance in the Sambodromo. So I gotta go soon before the boobs fall.

If you ever have to do random last minute shopping for kids in your family, do not, for the love of all things holy, go into Old Navy. No matter what those snarky carol singers in the commercials promise you, Old Navy does not offer an easy, breezy holiday shopping excursion. It will scar your soul.

Considering the commercials have already scarred my soul, I can only assume that actually setting foot in the store would lead to ultimate suffering.

my shopping trophy - a couple of strands of hair snatched from the head of a woman who tried to knock me into the middle of next week

Good on you. So glad I did all my shopping early or online.

ooh.. Brazil....

doppelkat, the story of Old Navy made me laugh. I was just there yesterday buying some hats and gloves, mostly to donate for kids who are going to England from school and who will need them for that trip.

And a gift for Lori.

And a pair of purple pants for me.

sumi, just say NO to Oliver. Steph, it's true, they could have done something interesting with his character, though I'm not sure what. He was just... well...irritating.

Aaah, more proof of the doppel-y goodness. The purple pants sound divine. I managed to get a black sweater for me which I shall wear on the plane tomorrow and the most adorable pink and white polka dot sweater/hat/mittens set for my newest little cousin, Jenna.

I love that you bought hats and gloves for your kids for their trip. And how cool that they are going to England! How did it come about?

the most adorable pink and white polka dot sweater/hat/mittens set for my newest little cousin, Jenna.

I bought the blue version. I also bought the pink hat with flowers on the top for me. I can fit in the 4T size.

How did it come about?

Another teacher planned it. They aren't my students, but they are going in February.

I'm thinking of planning a trip for next year. But not thinking about it yet.

I'm thinking of planning a trip for next year. But not thinking about it yet.

I'm guessing not Rio during carnival.

I bought the blue version.

I almost went with the blue, but I could not resist the overwhelming cuteness of the pink. And I loved that it was hot pink, not the normal baby pastel pink.

2004 Year-End Google Zeitgeist - Search patterns, trends, and surprises

Based on billions of searches conducted by Google users around the world, the 2004 Year-End Zeitgeist offers a unique perspective on the year's major events and trends. We hope you enjoy this aggregate look at what people wanted to know more about this year.

I'm guessing not Rio during carnival.

Probably not, no.

But probably Stratford and London.