When my best friend got married, my gift was to pick up the not inconsiderable tab for my tux rental (I was the best man) and spare them the expense. But they already had a household with too many knicknacks and kitchen implements as it was, so pretty much all of the traditional gifts would have been not only unneeded but actually cluttered the place up worse.

Actually, perhaps *all* Buffistas should be barred from the Vortex Nuptual Hootenanny.

We're talking about the same Vortex, right? I mean, wouldn't there be a ceremonial Squishy receiving line? How would the guests get their glitter applied otherwise?

Former indignant first-graders may be glad to know that in my new lesson plan (not for an actual lesson, just for homework, but still!) I have included the following assessment questions:

Children just learning about addition and subtraction are often told that they can't subtract a larger number from a smaller one. Why? Sometimes these children have already learned outside of class about negative numbers. How would you explain, as simply as possible, to these children why their teacher is apparently lying to them?

I'd say:

Did you know numbers never end? They never end; they go on infinitely. Maybe some of you already have heard about "infinity." So, because there is no end to numbers, we need to break down our lessons to certain kinds of numbers at a time. We call each of these kinds of numbers a system.

When we're teaching you the ways you can use numbers, we use the most simple system. Once you master the ways, you will go on to more complicated systems. So, if a teacher tells you that you can't subtract a bigger number from a smaller number, s/he means you can't do it in the system s/he's using. You most certainly can subtract bigger numbers from smaller numbers in some systems, and you'll learn that when you're [whatever grade]. Right now, we're concentrating on learning the main tricks. It's sort of like walking on a trapeze. When you're learning, you do it, with a safety net underneath. Right now, we're using the easy set of numbers, so if you fall off, you fall safely into the net.

Then I'd yell, "AhhhhhhhhhhhhH look out for the elephant!" but that's just me.

See, I'd yell "Math is evil!" Could be why I don't teach it.

The elephant was totally code for evil. I thought you'd get that.

World's first open-source beer

Vores Øl (Our Beer) is a great tasting energetic beer and it's the world's first open source beer! It is based on classic ale brewing traditions but with added guarana for a natural energy-boost.

Version 1.0 is a medium strong beer (6% vol) with a deep golden red color and an original but familiar taste.

Phew! Laundry pile is cleared. Well, the clean laundry anyway. Just in time too.

Also, babies looking at mobiles are Fun. Nee.

gasps with laughter and says this:

Steph L.: Can we just stuff it down the bosom of your dress?

You think that there'd be room in there?

and I'm COMMing this whole discussion.

Thanks for the laugh. It was desperately needed today!

buffistas I think will appreciate this week's Lulu Eightball

Check my tagline, bay-bee.

The elephant was totally code for evil. I thought you'd get that.

Ah. Well, then, it all makes sense.