Steph, I'm not sure. I was talking to my grandmother which is always interesting over the phone (what iwth her hearing aids)but she said something that sounded like mycoradial infarction so maybe she wasn't sure what that was? But it sounded like there were some other things that they were clear about. But I'll talk to my aunt on Monday or Tuesday.

hey! You're up pretty early! Go back to bed, West Coaster!

I got my full 8. I crashed at about 11 last night. And actually, since I've not been sleeping all that much lately, I kinda woke up at 5, but forced myself back to sleep for another couple of hours.

she said something that sounded like mycoradial infarction so maybe she wasn't sure what that was?

A lot of people aren't familiar with the term if they haven't dealt with it before. Makes sense. And it makes your grandmother lucky, that she hasn't had to deal with it until now. PLUS, it makes her not-a-nerd, which might please her to know! (I would winky emoticon there if I did that.)

ION, we're going to a Cardboard Boat Regatta today (link goes to a PDF): [link] The Boy's brother built his own kayak last year (NOT out of cardboard; a real, fibreglass kayak that was issued a boating license and everything), and one of his nephews decided that they should build a cardboard boat for this regatta. They "race" along a 200-yard course in the Ohio River.

The rules (also a PDF): [link] They aren't allowed to use cardboard that's bonded to vinyl or coated with wax, etc., and they aren't allowed to use glue or other liquid adhesives, but they ARE allowed to use any kind of tape (but can NOT wrap the entire boat in tape or plastic). They can paint the boat, but only with "one-part" paint; no epoxy, urethane, etc.

One of the awards given out is the Titanic award for the most dramatic sinking. I imagine that there are a LOT of sinkings.

The town that does this shindig (and this year is the 16th running of the race) actually has a cardboard boat museum. Hand to god. I love stuff like that.

Okay, seriously? I want to pound the snot out of somebody over this: [link]

The CNN headline for that interview is "Why Scarlett Johansson Kissed Penelope Cruz."

Aside from the fact that this question is never asked of Johansson in the interview (the question that does get asked is "What was it like kissing Penelope Cruz"), the answer to the headline question is: BECAUSE IT WAS IN THE SCRIPT, FUCKTARD!

Scarlett johansson does a good job in that interview.

I liked her answer to the question "What was it like kissing PC?":

"It was a lot less hairy than kissing Javier Bardem."

Okay, seriously? I want to pound the snot out of somebody over this: [link]

Oy.

It's so unbelievably sad that I'm beginning to accept the utter shoddiness that passes for journalism these days with little more than a shrug and wondering what the hell ever happened to basic knowledge of spelling, grammar, you know... that useless shit.

I was reading an AP article this morning on Michael Phelps that referred to him "wracking up the medals."

No shit.

Oh good lord.

(((Drew))) All my wishes for the best outcome go to your mom, and strength and courage to you and Kristin and your family. I'm so sorry things are happening this way, it just isn't fair.

sj, I'm so relieved TCG is unhurt, and I'm sorry about the scare and the loss of the car.

Askye! Congratulations on the most wonderfulest nephew yet! I can't wait till you actually get to see and hold him and then report back to us. Your brother is beyond cute with the holding and the doting. All speedy recovery-ma to your SiL.

Congrats to CJ. It's the somewhat scattered kids that well-taught martial arts can most benefit. The philosophy can pervade the rest of their lives and provide a sense of peace, power and strength for them in so many other venues. My ADD boy was one of those. Still is, in many ways.

(((Sean))) You've received the best advice from folks who've walked in your moccasins. It's not ever going to be easy, but one day you will have moved beyond the worst of it. Strength to you until you do.

Teppy, I wish I could attend the cardboard boat races. When DH and I master/mommed the Cub Scouts, the Pinewood Derby was just such an event. SO much fun for the kids, and the adults, too. I don't think we ever outgrow wanting to watch things go fast--and crash (or sink) spectacularly. Pictures, please.

I...just can't concieve of Iris and Mal contained in the same physical space. The synergy must be awesome to behold.

I meant to include GG and Azkaban in this post. I'm appalled and angered on your behalf. Had I the wherewithal, I'd school the miscreant faculty, and turn you loose on the students to actually, you know, teach.

Drew- sending good thoughts your way. I can't believe how much the universe is throwing at you and your's right now.

askye, love the nephew's name.

Go cj!

askye, the nephew's name is lovely.