I read that chimera article-- it bothered me that it didn't name this apparently "eminent" and "high-powered" committee formed only four years ago. I tried googling Ruth Faden to find out, and all I see is that she is indeed a prominent bio-ethicist but no committee. Searched google news for other instances of that article-- apparently, the Australian (paper?) is the only source. So what is going on here?

the Australian (paper?) is the only source. So what is going on here?

Australians are up to no good?

t hugs JSw

Exactly. But I'm still gonna dance about the fact that hockey is BACK!

Weddings....I may have a few things to say about this subject. Vortex, the bride is absolutely and unequivocally off her rocker. There is no way on God's green earth that I'd ask a tenth of that from my bridesmaids. And she wants you to solve her space issue. You can't help that she didn't think before she booked a reception site, but now you have to come to the rescue? No gift, and attend one shower. Beg off the bachelorette party. You've got to wash your hair or something.

My bridesmaids paid for their dresses, but I found a place that sold them for half off the salon price. I'm letting them wear any black shoes they'd like, and it's up to them if they want to get their hair and makeup done. One of them wanted to throw me a shower, but I said no. Too much hassle, and schedules never coordinate. I'll probably have 2 bachelorette parties--one in DC, and one the Thursday before the wedding. I want my cousin from Paris there, and there's no way she can make a special trip just for dinner and some dancing. My sister has been informed that there is to be none of the following: strippers, silly veils on ugly tiaras, lifesaver t-shirts, penis straws, kissing of strange men, and general airheaded stupidity. Drinks, dinner, and dancing (if people feel like it) is just fine. I just want to spend time with everyone.

Now I'm wondering if my gifts are stupid. Each bridesmaid will get a personalized, hand-drawn tote that will contain a black shawl to go with their dresses, flip-flops for the reception, and either jewelry (see last week's discussion on "What Goes With This Dress?!?!") or a cute funky handbag to use as they see fit.

The guest list is still hovering around 330, and we expect 250 to show up. The original plan was for 200, but I knew that would change so I found a reception site that would hold more. If necessary, I could fit 350 people in there. No entree choice for dinner--it's either going to be filet mignon and a crabcake or filet mignon and Chilean seabass--but there will be a vegetarian option for the non-meat eaters. This is considered a small wedding by Italian standards.

Personally, I wouldn't think very much of getting money as a wedding gift. It seems a little tacky.

For years, I didn't even know you gave a gift gift at weddings. Italians always give money. I've known newlyweds that have been given $20K. The first time I realized china was an acceptable gift was in college, at a non-Italian wedding (I know, it's a shock). On the flip side, the money dance is never done by the Calabrese I know, yet it's popular among Italians from other regions.

I just want to throw a party where people will have a good time. If the table linens don't match the chairs exactly will not constitute a crisis in my book.

We made the bridesmaid dresses, paid for the groomsmen's tux rentals, and I made sterling and garnet necklaces and earrings for the bridesmaides.

I got no bachelorette party. Sadly.

Australians are up to no good?

I suspect mad Australian genetic scientists have been making poisonous and odd mutant animals for years. Well, when they aren't drinking Fosters and driving their Subaru Outbacks.

Now I'm wondering if my gifts are stupid. Each bridesmaid will get a personalized, hand-drawn tote that will contain a black shawl to go with their dresses, flip-flops for the reception, and either jewelry (see last week's discussion on "What Goes With This Dress?!?!") or a cute funky handbag to use as they see fit.

That sounds fabulous to me, FWIW.

Now I'm wondering if my gifts are stupid. Each bridesmaid will get a personalized, hand-drawn tote that will contain a black shawl to go with their dresses, flip-flops for the reception, and either jewelry (see last week's discussion on "What Goes With This Dress?!?!") or a cute funky handbag to use as they see fit.

I don't think that's stupid at all. I'd dig getting it.

a personalized, hand-drawn tote that will contain a black shawl to go with their dresses, flip-flops for the reception, and either jewelry (see last week's discussion on "What Goes With This Dress?!?!") or a cute funky handbag to use as they see fit

I think that sounds lovely. Also? Flip-flops for the reception=brilliant.

ETA: If the x-post doesn't convince you... heh.

I suspect mad Australian genetic scientists have been making poisonous and odd mutant animals for years.

Seriously. I mean, what the fuck is a Wombat? No way life could evolve into that.

eta: ::hides from Billytea::

Cat Town is WRONG and those cat's look kinda pissed.