A couple of things that amused the hell out of me, before I consign myself to my work day.

First, a bunch of Smiths fans got together to protest the Iraq War, using modified lyrics for their protest signs, such as, "This war is a MISERABLE LIE!" and "Hang the Newsmen" (I assume they're referring to Fox News?), and "If it's not love, then it's the bomb[...etc.]". One of those post-geek moments when you're sort of stuck between admiration and embarrassment, like if a bunch of D&D enthusiasts (a group I can't really count myself out of) marched behind the Smiths guys in plate mail and robes carrying signs like, "Bush is CHAOTIC EVIL!" or "My brother lost all his HIT POINTS in Iraq!" I have to say I'm impressed by their gumption, although I'm not sure they're preaching to anyone other than the faithful.

The other thing is something my brother clued me onto after trying to make me think Arnold Schwarteneggar was trying to get ahold of me. The Arnie thing didn't work too well, but this is hysterical, although you have to see Slingblade first.

Oh boy (or son of a bitch! depending on frequently swinging mood), have I been busy over the past couple of weeks. There's the ever-present piece-o'-crap job that I've been keeping up, but also the hours I've ben putting in at the Center for Desert Archaeology, which is reminding me that I'm an archaeologist, and I should probably be getting paid for it. The work's fairly cool -- basically classifying hundreds of Late Classic period Hohokam redware ceramic sherds from sites along the San Pedro River. northeast of Tucson. Ah, the sweet stain of the ruddy 700-year-old smashed-pot dust on my fingers. There's a John Denver song in here somewhere.

Either way, I've seen a few more jobs come down the pike, like this one I'm applying for, which is here in Tucson for the Forest Service (an "advanced trainee" position with a strong writing component!). I'm also looking into spending a few months away from the Southwest, potentially renting myself out as a freelance shovel for hire (I think I mentioned this possibility in the past, although it was mostly in jest. It no longer is). This decision opens my working options WAY the hell up, allowing me to take a stab at positions like this, a temporary position in Moose Pass, Alaska! MOOSE PASS! Where people who look like Janine Turner will swap witty banter with me! Or I'll die of boredom. Either way.

Meanwhile, I blew off some steam at a local gay bar over this past weekend -- I was meeting a few friends there, who were watching a drag show. My friends identified me to the crowd as straight as soon as I got through the door, and the guy with the spotlight on some upper level made me the entertainment for the next ten or so minutes. One of the dancers (dressed like Tina Turner) incorporated me into his routine, pulling me onto the floor and grinding my face into his stuffed bra. And nobody bought me a freakin' drink! Nice to feel appreciated, though!

Janine and Carter watching Freddy Vs. Jason!


Wow, I didn't know I could post pictures! This changes everything! Or at least this particular thing.

An actual post of substance is forthcoming.

create your own personalized map of the USA
or write about it on the open travel guide

Hmmm, those few remaining grey states lurk like an opposing army...

create your own visited country map
or write about it on the open travel guide

Good god, I've only been to 6% of all countries! And I'm 30! Am I going to be one of those 80-year-olds, hobbling from European hamlet to Masai village? Well, hopefully, but only if I hit some prime terrirtory in the meanwhile...

Thanks to SL-K for the link!

I swear to god, if I read many more stories like this, I'm tearing up my USA membership card.

I wanna give a shout out to all my peeps in Precinct 127, Legislative District 28, Ward 2, Congressional District 8, Supervisory District 4! Where is the love, yo?