- really learned how to eat (some) spicy food
- visited a bunch of Shaolin temples in Fujian
- moved countries TWICE
- got a new laptop after five years with my old one — almost a record, I like to think
- ended my relationship with a magazine I slogged to launch and run
- learned to use our old sewing machine again
- made my first sock monkey (and second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth)
- crocheted a shitload of stuff
- continued to suffer from chronic re-designitis
- became an employed writer and professional blooger (not this site, of course)
- was part of a Western-style family Christmas for the first time
Wow. Doesn’t look like very much when it’s written down.
He probably never believed it would end this way for him: “He was very, very, very, broken.” — Saddam Hussein executed in Iraq
I have noticed two programmes tonight — the first about penises, the second about the music of James Bond. I guess James Bond used his penis a lot, so it’s related somehow.
What the hell, dude. There’s a link between housework and reduced risk of breast cancer, but perhaps not with normal physical exercise?
I don’t cook, but I don’t mind doing the dishes or laundry. I’m not that great at vacuuming and I’m seriously bad at ironing. So what are my chances there?
Freakin’ German scientists.
Here’s an experimental theme. I thought I wrote perhaps too much nonsense (but I can’t help myself), so I’m trying out this “one category’s posts in main area, the rest of the posts in the sidebar” idea for the index page. Everyone may not like this format, but I think it suits me for now. The layout is pretty much the same… except for the bottom. The bottom bit’s different.
Since I’m not an artist by any definition, that upset snowman is about the best you’ll get from me in terms of illustration, especially since my graphics tablet is still packed away in a box. I’m still waiting for full-on snow, so I can actually make a real snowman. Although I’ve been instructed to make it in the back garden in case the neighbours think Neil’s mum has gone completely potty. I have no idea what the fuss is about.
Um, I also refreshed Twisted Sockster a little as part of this general re-design. And that’s it.
I’m actually quite mad to read that a Catholic bishop has rejected a request by Spain’s Islamic Board to allow Muslims to pray in the Cordoba cathedral. Sure, there are extremists, but they come from ALL faiths. A place of worship is a place of worship, I don’t think the Islamic Board is asking that Muslims put out a call to prayer during Mass or anything. A lot of people go into churches and places like that to think and maybe do a little navel-gazing — I think quiet contemplation is quiet contemplation, and spirituality shouldn’t discriminate based on professed religion.
It would be very galling if I went into a temple or mosque and wasn’t allowed to sit and be alone with my thoughts because I wasn’t a member of that faith.
They’ll probably also bring up ’security’ concerns as a reason.
Organised religion is stupid. It divides.
Just you try it and watch me run away like a scared little girl: “This guy was like Tony Robbins for drunk guys trying to hook up.” — Johnny Triangles (via Gawker)
You’d think aspiring poiticians wouldn’t be so dumb, but hey, very little surprises me these days. Via Schneier on Security.