Power of two

Now the parking lot is empty
Everyone's gone someplace
I pick you up and in the trunk I've packed
A cooler and a two day suitcase
'Cause there's a place we like to drive
Way out in the country
Five miles out of the city limit we're singin'
And your hand's upon my leg

So we're ok, we're fine
Baby I'm here to stop your crying
Chase all the ghosts from your head
I'm stronger than the monster beneath your bed
Smarter than the tricks played on your heart
Look at them together then we'll take them apart
Adding up the total of a love that's true
Multiply life by the power of two

I know the things that I am afraid of
I'm not afraid to tell
And if we ever leave a legacy
It's that we loved each other well

'Cause I've seen the shadows of so many people
Trying on the treasures of youth
But a road that fancy and fast ends in a fatal crash
And I'm glad we got off to tell you the truth

So we're ok, we're fine
Baby I'm here to stop your crying
Chase all the ghosts from your head
I'm stronger than the monster beneath your bed
Smarter than the tricks played on your heart
Look at them together then we'll take them apart
Adding up the total of a love that's true
Multiply life by the power of two

All the shiny little trinkets of temptation
Something new instead of something old
But all you gotta do is scratch beneath the surface
And it's fool's gold
Fool's gold

Now we're talking about a difficult thing
Your eyes are getting wet
I took us for better and I took us for worse
And don't you ever forget it

Now there's steel bars between me and a promise
Suddenly bend with ease
And the closer I'm bound in love to you
The closer I am to free

So we're ok, we're fine
Baby I'm here to stop your crying
Chase all the ghosts from your head
I'm stronger than the monster beneath your bed
Smarter than the tricks played on your heart
Look at them together then we'll take them apart
Adding up the total of a love that's true
Multiply life by the power of two

— Indigo Girls

Thought for the day

If nothing sticks to Teflon, then how does Teflon stick to the pan?

Lyrics

I don't have the time to reproduce them here so I'll just provide a link this time.

Keb' Mo' - A Better Man

Sad days

According to Reading At Risk: A Survey of Literary Reading in America (.pdf) not only are reading rates in America declining, the rate of decline is speeding up. After you're done reading this report (or at least the four-page executive summary,) go read a book!

Do you take a shower?

Prove it!
I plan on posting tomorrow. (You've been warned.) If you post there, let me know.

What's your cyborg name?

Here's my result from The Cyborg Name Generator. I'd say it's pretty accurate...

Thanks Lousie!

Ooh!

O.k. I just GOTTA have one of these! Trivial Pursuit Book Lover's Edition

Koontz book update

Unfortunately, this is not the announcement that everyone's waiting for... Dean getting back to me with answers to my final questions. This post is for the obsessive compulsives in the room.

Elizabeth George's new book Write Away contains a reference to Dean on page 171.

"Characters working against time—usually in thrillers—are a natural source of suspense. When in Frederick Forsythe's The Fourth Protocol, the hero is on the trail of a Soviet spy in possession of a nuclear bomb...you've got suspense. The same applies to Dean Koontz's Twilight Eyes: Get out of the cave before the bomb goes off.

Internet librarian 2004 update

Just got an e-mail back from the conference chair apologizing for the fact that I wasn't informed. It's not a joke and they want me to speak. I have every intention of doing so but can't 100% confirm until I'm back in the office Monday morning. (They want me to do my Internet Access Policies workshop as a pre-conference. Doing one of their "workshops" actually gets me some $ to cover expenses.)

Heal the Pain

Let me tell you a secret
Put it in your heart and keep it
Something that I want you to know
Do something for me
Listen to my simple story
And maybe we'll have something to show

You tell me you're cold on the inside
How can the outside world
Be a place that your heart can embrace
Be good to yourself
Because nobody else
Has the power to make you happy

How can I help you
Please let me try to
I can heal the pain
Won't you let me inside
Whenever you want me
You know that I will be
Waiting for the day
That you say you'll be mine

He must have really hurt you
To make you say the things that you do
He must have really hurt you
To make those pretty eyes look so blue

He must have known
That he could
That you'd never leave him
Now you can't see my love is good
And that I'm not him

How can I help you
Please let me try to
I can heal the pain
That you're feeling inside
Whenever you want me
You know that I will be
Waiting for the day
That you say you'll be mine

Won't you let me in
Let this love begin
Won't you show me your heart now
I'll be good to you
I can make this thing true
And get to your heart somehow

Who needs a lover
That can't be a friend
Something tells me I'm the one you've been looking for
If you ever should see him again
Won't you tell him you've found someone who gives you more

Someone who will protect you
Love and respect you
All those things
That he never could bring to you
Like I do
Or rather I would
Won't you show me your heart
Like you should

How can I help you
Please let me try to
I can heal the pain
That you're feeling inside
Whenever you want me
You know that I will be
Waiting for the day
That you say you'll be mine

Won't you let me in
Let this love begin
Won't you show me your heart now
I'll be good to you
I can make this thing true
And get to your heart somehow

— George Michael

California here i come

This morning I read Michael Stephens' blog entry "Come to Monterey for a great time!" which let me know that he was speaking at Internet Librarian 2004 in November. Remebering that I'd submitted four proposals for this conference I decided to check the preliminary program only to discover that I was on it. Trouble is, no one told me. I'm invesigating the situtation but things are looking positive at this point.

It's sunday, something must be rotten in my state of mind

I'm in Spokane, WAand it's currently 106F outside. Considering it was 53 when I left Denver this morning that's one Hell of a temperature change. On a related travel note, one of the things that's been keeping me sane lately is the fact that I'm going to places I've never been before. Unfortuantely, untill I hit downtown Spokane I'd completely forgotten that I spent a few evenings here last year when teaching just over the border in Coeur d'Alene, IA. Well, at least I don't have to go hunting for good food since I remember a few places from last time.

Sunshine of your love

Last night Laura, Louise, and I saw Eric Clapton in Denver. It was a surprise for Laura and she definitely enjoyed herself. The opening act was Robert Randolph and the Family Band and Mr. Randolph himself came out to play with Eric during the encore. The extra special treat was the fact that one of Eric's two keyboard players was none other thatn the legendary Billy Preston.

More avp

The Sun has made the Aliens vs. Predator UK trailer available online.

Billionaires for bush

This site is just too funny for words.

Reference desk, day one

Well, I spent my first four-hour shift on a reference desk today and I must say it was a learning experience. 95% of my work load could be boiled down to the following sentence: "You can reserve a computer over there using the computer with the pink sign on the top." I did actually answer five reference questions (though they were all someone looking for a book on a particular topic, not a real ref question like "What's the capital of Zimbabwe?") four of which took me over to the 600s (an odd coincidence I must say.) The other was for a biography of Michael Jordan. Given the choice of a video and a book, the your teen chose the video. (Another big surprise.)

Now there's a police chase i'd love to see

Someone stole a book from Syracuse University's library. "About a dozen police cars and a sheriff's department helicopter" later...

This is not a surprise

I set aside three hours of my life lat night to watch the SciFi channel's documentary of director M. Night Shyamalan. After 30 minutes I turned off the TV and read a book since it just screamed Blair Witch Project in it's complete non-realistic way. Turns out that the SciFi channel now admits it was a hoax.

AVP update

The new Aliens Vs. Predator featurette on set design is now available.

Mt. rainier photos

I've posted about a dozen of the more than 100 photos I took while on my hike up Mt. Rainier last week. These are of a much higher quality than the ones from my Treo.

Ah, those wacky folks in Arizona...

I seems that there's been a rasfh of rock burglaries in Scottosdale, AZ dating back to 1993. Yes, I said "rock burglaries" as in "Honey, come quick! Someone stole our rocks!"

Inside scoop

Here's the story of how the GOP recently bent Senate rules to make sure that parts of the PATRIOT Act were not repealed.

Friday fun

Hey, I'm in Yakima, WA. I've got to go online for a little amusement...

• The 10 Dumbest Moments in Sci-Fi Cinema (And Why We Don't Care)
• Suggested designs for the Iowa state quarter

First photos up

The few photos via my Treo from my Mt. Rainier experience are up on the photoblog. If you think those are impressive, wait until the weekend when I get the ones from my digital camera uploaded...

Passenger data collection plan dies

The plan for the TSA to collect data about passengers who wish to be "pre-screened" to get through security faster has been nixed because the "Homeland Security Chief [cited] privacy concerns." Suprise, suprise!

Web design book update

I've received a three page evaluation from an "outside reviwer" of the manuscript. They were not pleased. I can say that he/she has a point or two but I don't agree with a lot of it. I'll be discussing it with the publisher early next week.

Want some exercise just head three miles due up

I spent three hours today hiking up, and the back down, Mt. Rainier. I started out at 5400 feet and got up to 7000 feet. Needless to day, I hurt. (I'm also deeply sunburned.) Photos frrom my Treo will start to appear on the photo blog in the next few hours. (Or maybe tomorrow considering how tired I am.) Photos from my digital camera will be posted here sometime over the weekend when I can upload them easily.

Careless Child

They stood in the rain
and said that they didn't care
Said they were almost there
and that they were not alone
We are careless souls
following a careless moon
We sing a careless song
hung on a careless tune.
They laughed in the sun
better than anyone
better than anyone I ever new
Does a careless heart
tell a careless truth
when a careless dream
haunts a careless youth ?
Where are you now careless child
were you half way and turned around
or did you fall from higher ground
reaching out ?
Don't be afraid you won't let us down
Wear your heart like a crown
Don't try to hide what you found
Let it out, let it out.
I thought I knew you then
It's true I know you better now
Yes you'll always be the friend
I'll never be without
We are careless souls
following a careless moon
We sung a careless song
hung on a careless tune.
But does a careless heart
tell a careless truth
when a careless dream
haunts a careless youth.
Where are you now careless child
were you half way and turned around
or did you fall from higher ground
reaching out ?
Don't be afraid you won't let us down
Wear your heart like a crown
Don't try to hide what you found
Let it out, let it out. #8212; An Emotional Fish

30 seconds with bunnies

From the folks that brought us The Exorcist in 30 Seconds with Bunnies comes their latest materpiece, and thus far my favorite, Alien in 30 Seconds with Bunnies.
Thanks Laura

Homelad security and your potty break

According to the attendants on this flight the fact that you are not allowed to use a toilet "outside your aassigned seating area" is now a "directive from the Homeland Security Department". Boy do I feel much safer now.

United's ineffeciency

If you've been to an airport in the past year you've probably noticed the self check-in stations which allow you to, using a credit card, identify yourself and get your boarding pass. In most cases you can use these stations is you only have carryon baggage; noting to check. Well, upon arriving at DIA this morning I found that United has made a few changes. All domedtic check in was being done at self service kiosks. Not only was there no common feeder line, thus causing you to hope you didn't get stuck behind someone clueless, but also causing a lot of cluelessness on the part of non-frequent travelers. This of course allowed United to have hald the number of usual staff on site since the customers are doing most of the work. (Staff just took the bags you were checking and helped said clueless people.) Welcome to the bankrupt skies.

Subversive theatre

Avenue Q (2003 Original Broadway Cast)

When in Washington a few weeks ago one of my students played me the song "The Internet is for Porn" from the Broadway play Avenue Q. Finding it hillarious I decided I had to hear the rest of the soundtrack. Today I picked up a copy and laughed my way through the whole CD. Picture Sesamee Street for adults including sexual and drug references. With song titles like "What to Do With a B.A. in English", "It Sucks to Be Me", "You Can Be as Loud as the Hell You Want (When You're Making Love)", "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist" and "My Girlfriend, Who Lives in Canada" how can you not have a great time. Go find a copy of this CD immediately!
Thanks Dani!

Real reference work

Starting Monday the 19th, I'll be putting in some hours at the reference and resder's advisor desks at the Smokey Hill branch of the Arapahoe Library District. The plans are for me to put in four-hour shifts on the Mondays I'm no on the road. (Which works out to eleven of them in the rest of 2004.) This should make for some interesting blog entries.

David's fine

I missed this one. Seems that David Bowie has had "emergency heart surgery".

Excuse me, is your dog small?

Steve Martin will be playing Inspector Clouseau in a forthcoming film. The story goes on to report that at one point Chris Rock was considered for the role! (Link requires RealPlayer)

This could get interesting

My main publisher is hesitating on my latest book idea so I've sent the proposal to another library publisher that is specifically looking for a book on the topic as a previous author bailed. I'll keep you posted.

Cell phone too small?

Attach an old-fashioned handset. Next thing planned is a rotary dial attachment…

Discounted flowers

Need to send someone flowers this summer. Try this version of the FTD.com homepage for a 10% discount. This offer is good through 31 August 2004.

Here's another report Laura won't want to read

A study has been done on the most popular activities at sleepovers for girls eight to 14. Seems that talking about boys and 'truth or dare' are still the most popular.

Have a teen daughter?

Better limit her use of the cell phone. "The use of mobile phones is directly responsible for the early sexual encounters directly, they are as harmful as porn sites and adult magazines."

Does your dog speak English?

This story reminds me of someone who trained their cat to only respond to commands in Russian…

Unfortunately, i've never had this problem

Here's a wonderful article on what books to pack for a vacation when both of you are bibliophiles. Oh, to have this problem. One day... One day...

File under: interesting, only to michael

The book review for Shadow Divers on MSNBC.com features an image of the large print edition.

I'm not the only one...

...that goes to author signings in my family. A few weeks ago, my mom caught up with Phillip Tomasso III at the signing for his latest children's book Jay Walker: The Case of the Missing Action Figure.

Fahrenheit 9/11

Although this is one of the few moviews I've seen in the past several years that I thought were worth paying $9 to see, it is available as a free download from The Internet Archive.

07.08 Update: The version is incomplete with almost a whole reel missing. Mostly the stuff dealing with the PATRIOT Act.

Quote

"Touch passion when it comes your way. It's rare enough as it is. Don't walk away when it calls you by name."
— Marcus Cole, Babylon 5

Exiting the ferry

I had a great ferry ride across Puget Sound. This guy didn't.

Lego theatre at it's finest

Haven’t seen Spider-Man 2 yet? Check out Spider-Man: The Peril of Doc Ock".

Jenny jenny

Yes, now you can have the famous number for your cell phone! Imagine keeping track of those minutes.

Gadget

I like gadgets as much as the next guy but I will not be purchasing a home circumcision kit. The page I've linked you to gives a whole new meaning to the term "end user". (some pages NSFW)

Sunday Morning

Sunday morning rain is falling
Steal some covers share some skin
Clouds are shrouding us in moments unforgettable
You twist to fit the mold that I am in
But things just get so crazy living life gets hard to do
And I would gladly hit the road get up and go if I knew
That someday it would bring me back to you
That someday it would bring me back to you

That may be all I need
In darkness she is all I see
Come and rest your bones with me
Driving slow on Sunday morning
And I never want to leave

Fingers trace your every outline
Paint a picture with my hands
Back and forth we sway like branches in a storm
Change the weather still together when it ends

That may be all I need
In darkness she is all I see
Come and rest your bones with me
Driving slow on Sunday morning
And I never want to leave

But things just get so crazy living life gets hard to do
Sunday morning rain is falling and I'm calling out to you
Singing someday it'll bring me back to you
Find a way to bring myself home to you

And you may not know
That may be all I need
In darkness she is all I see
Come and rest your bones with me
Driving slow?

— Maroon 5

The "windies"

I didn't understand a word of this report but I do find the concept of referring to the West Indies as "Windies" amusing.

Gephardt defeats edwards

You'd think newspapers would learn from the 200 election and wait for the final call before calling it themselves.

If homeland security did computer security

This User Friendly cartoon is just hillarious!

Daleks no more

It seems that the estate of Terry Nation, the creator of the Daleks and someone who once led several hundred people in a round of Happy Birthday (to me), will not allow the Daleks to be used in the new Dr. Who series starting next year.

The battle begins

I've got to admit, having seen both the new Salt Lake City and Seattle libraries, I do agree with most of this article.

John ashccroft and sex

Nerve.com held an amature video contest for thbe "sexiest 1 minute or shorter video that includes a discussion of Attorney General John Ashcroft." You can watch the entries on the Nerve.com site. When asked for a username and password use patriotact/patriotact. (No even vaguely safe for work.)

Tori Amos

MSNBC.com has an interview you can listen to.

Complete waste of time

But fun nonetheless. Gold Miner.

Yeah, brando died but so did...

Hugh b. cave, horror author extraordinaire.

Thinking outisde the box

It seems that certain Domino's employees can't sell you a medium pizza since they were out of medium boxes.

IIII or IV?

Besides this being a story involving a librarian, I seem to recal that the clock in the kitchen when I was growing up, which had Roman numerals on it, used 'IV'. Turns out that may such clocks use 'IIII' instead.
Mom, care to correct my memory?

Roses are… blue!?

Seems that blue roses do exist. Harder to find than blue orchids…

Don't wait 30 years to turn in your pennies

It seems that if you collect one million pennies the U.S. mint won't take them back.

Images from saturn

Here's the page from the Cassini-Huygens mission.

This one just couldn't wait

I just received the following e-mail:

Dear friends:

We have just received word that the Library and Information Science Program at the University of Denver has been accredited by the ALA. Our next comprehensive review will be in 2011.

Thank you all for your faith in us, your support, and your good wishes.

HOOORAY!!

Deborah S. Grealy, Director Library & Information Science Program College of Education, University of Denver