Boucing back after a debilitating computer crash just in time to finish the last of the Dru deathmatch! The winner of this bracket goes to the final round!

Elena "The Quotable Buffy: She said that? When?" Aug 6, 2003 2:40:54 pm PDT

August Astronomy:

The best time to look for the Perseid Meteor Shower this year is Aug. 8, 9 & 10. Because of the full moon on Aug. 11, seeing them will be tricksy. You have to catch them between moon set and sunrise. The window will be greatest on the 8th, less on the 9, lesser still on the 10th. The link below gives exact times and windows for 12 U.S. metropolitan areas. [link]

In the absence of moonlight a single observer might see up to 100 meteors per hour on the peak night, a number that sadly cannot be hoped for in 2003. (I'm trying anyway.)

Also, "Mars recently emerged into the morning sky and has begun an orbital dance with Earth that will, over the next several months, lead to the best viewing opportunity since Neanderthals looked skyward. We’re not kidding." For more info, go to [link]

(exerpts:) "So it's not like you're going to see something gigantic in the sky," he said. "It’s not like Mars is going to look like the Moon or anything."

Mars will appear strikingly brilliant, however. It will be about as bright as Jupiter ever gets. It will shine like a beacon in its characteristic red or orange, in stark contrast to most of the other planets and stars, which exhibit little color.

A handful of even closer oppositions, seven to be exact, will occur between the August 2003 event and the year 3000. The next one that will be closer than this year's occurs in 2287.

The closest of all comes in 2729, when Mars will be about 34,580,000 miles (55,651,000 kilometers) from Earth.

Baltimore Dinner Update:

I have made reservations for 6pm on Sunday the 10th at The Helmand (806 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD). If anyone wants to join the party, needs directions to the restaurant, or would like to meet at my house to carpool, please send me an email at my profile addy (missweber AT hotmail DOT com).

For those waiting by CNN and slavering, Michael Adams (author of Slayer Slang) will be on tomorrow night starting at 7 EDT, not tonight.

Hey Cuties!

Come see Secret Crush Society playing with Our Nation's Capitol's affections.

When: This Saturday August 9th 9 pm or so

Where: Blue Nile 600 Florida Ave NW (at 6th St.) (It's around the corner-ish from the 9:30)

How Much: $5

Who With: Morris and we don't know who else. Morris is described as playing "pretty solid power pop/punk type stuff." I like to say we're playing with Morris...sey

FYI - Our webhost has begun migrating everyone over to our new server. They have promised us zero downtime but don't be shocked if you find yourself unable to connect for a little while this evening. It's only temporary and should result in a much more pleasant posting experience.

I'm leaving for Canada tomorrow morning before the crack of dawn, and will be dark until next Monday. Don't lose any more posts while I'm gone!

We're deathmatching Cordelia! It's not only season 7 friendly, it's seasons 4, 5, and 6 friendly too!

Elena "The Quotable Buffy: She said that? When?" Aug 11, 2003 8:34:58 am PDT

Very late, I think this is the place to post this...

Food of the wonderful and strange from lisah's Buffy party. Sad to say, no photos of the rummed watermelon.

Here's the (wonderful) Very Buffy Tiramisu (by Rachel, I believe.)

And here's the bloody (strange) tequila lime tart with flamey whipped cream and a wooden stake.

We're continuing the Cordy deathmatch.

Elena "The Quotable Buffy: She said that? When?" Aug 12, 2003 2:42:44 pm PDT