Fay, with your face shape, I'd vote no.

Good. Yes, thank you - that was my thought, but I'm not very good at visualising these things.

Well, Perks, if it's any consolation, Alaska's pretty much going under financially. I mean, all the airlines are hurting but Alaska's *really* hurting.

He's like those 14 y.o. gymnast or tennis prodigies who don't know doubt because they've never felt it

I don't think this is an age thing. I knew doubt and "I can't" sort of self-defeating thoughts by that age. I think some people are just not predisposed to doubt themselves, and haven't had anything happen to change that. Others, like Emmett, have had challenges (like getting hit with the ball) but don't consider doubting themselves and fight right back in. It's an amazingly good ability to have, not just for athletics.

Or Athletics. Go A's! Although they are beating up on not the strongest teams. Looks like Beane wasn't insane to sell Huddy and Mulder; Harden's everything they said he would be. Now if they can just get Zito's head screwed back on, and bring their bats alive...not bad for a rebuilding year.

Of course, the A's seem to always need spring training to end sometime after the All-Star break.

Emmett is such a cool kid. If I had gone to circus camp at his age, I would definitely have imagined myself as preparing for a career as a crime-fighting superhero.

Perkins, sorry about your aborted trip. I hope you're feeling okay today.

Evil microbes! Go away and leave Teppy alone.

Hmm. Someone else has been in touch with me, and we've gone so far as to swap email addresses. Curious thing is, she's listed herself as living in Melbourne, but her email address is Russian. There could be an interesting story behind that.

I tend to think it would be a Bad Thing, but when you wake up I'd be grateful for your thoughts.

Fay, I'm a huge fan of the peekaboo effect of that side part on you. Very Veronica Lake junior. So I vote no on the bangs fringe, also.

Raquel, Zito's actually been great this year. It's just not reflected in his record because he's had so little run support, and he had one game that inflated his ERA. But he's had something like 8 starts where he gave up 2 runs or less and went into the seventh. And he's done a great job mentoring the young pitchers. Also, he added a slider to his repetoire that's got almost as much movement as his curveball.

Any potentials getting email from billytea are in for a treat. My GF gets email responses all the time from her on line queries and they are too boring for words, or replies.

Feel better not feeling well peeps.

I spent much time this morning skimming through sucked threads. Didn't take notes because too lazy.

DH is off with my nephew buying a boat. Mom doesn't get in the existing boat any more, so they are buying one of those pontoon party barge type boats. They are much easier to board for the frailer of bodies. This is a fixer upper for sure, but cheap and functional. It will make a nice swimming and fishing platform for the kids too.

I am also making an offer on a camp that is for sale next door to my mother. Wow. I hadn't actually planned on buying a summer home any time soon, but it is just too good an investment to pass up. Mom has 4 lots on the main road, and this one is 2 more lots, so a big chunk of land on the main drag in a resort town. The camp is in serious need of beautification, but structurally good. Plumbing and electric are fine and it has a nice fireplace. It has 3 bedrooms upstairs and is furnished for snowmobilers or hunters or something. There are 10 single beds upstairs! I don't know why I find that so funny. It also has a fabulous double long picnic table outside. That amuses me too.

Anyway, it is crazy cheap and I can't resist. If we strike a deal I'll take pictures.

That's it for the Adirondack report. Back to vacation for me.

Also, I think Mallory is a most wonderful name. I loved it when I first read the annoucement.

Pop tarts again...

If I buy this camp, not only 10 beds upstairs, but 3 sofas downstairs. I'm thinking Adirondack F2F!

Also, he added a slider to his repetoire that's got almost as much movement as his curveball

This is good news. We only get the overall standings and scores, so thanks for the Zito details. Is he still a cutiehead?

More A's-related: Mallory models the latest in "How to Ensure Your Child is a Giants Fan" [link]

Also, I think Mallory is a most wonderful name

Thank you!

Next time someone wants to highlight how spellcheck can't save you from yourself, they can use me as an example. I just typed "He had a huge groin plastered on his face."