It's interesting how life is... my schedule at work has become more like that of a "real" job. This has actually led to me having much less time at the computer to do thing like post, and build sites. Not that this is a bad thing. I actually get to spend a lot more time with TBWITWW. Which is, of course, much better than hanging out at the computer. There's also the fact that I'm pretty content with what I've got going at the moment as far as the design, so there's less I actually want to do with the site as a whole (although I am open to suggestions.) I'm not a writer, by any means, which, when combined with the fact that there's not much changing in my life right now (other than [the baby], which has it's own page, and I'm not able to do much about right now) there's not a lot to talk about. Maybe I'll go hunt own some more memes or something to put in this space. If you actally read this stuff with any sort of regularity, and you want me to post more, leave comments send other people to leave comments. I'm really an argumentative sort and it's kind of tough to argue and debate with yourself. Also, go check out [my brother]'s site. He's a writer. Tell him he needs to write more. Seriously.

Here in Chicago, we do our fireworks early. Why? Why the hell not.
As Apu (from the Simpsons) once said: "Celebrate the independence of your country by blowing up a small part of it." And so we do. We combine the greatest loves of America here in Chicago: Music, Food, and Blowing Shit Up. It's good stuff.
This year I think they used more big shells than usual. It was fairly impressive. About 20 minutes overall. Oh, and we do ours to live music.

I need to redo my main page. It doesn't match the rest of the site. I knocked together this version, but I'm not really happy with it. Any suggestions?

So... in exchange for a Gmail account, unteins said he'd give me one in exchange for me imatating Steve Ballmer's "Monkey Dance." I got the Gmail invite although I was told I didn't have to do the dance. But I'm not one to back out on a challenge promise. So here...

Ray Charles Robinson 1930-2004
I Chose to Sing the Blues

I could have been a gambler 'coz I'm good with the cards I could have been a lover breakin' other's hearts and I feel so silly bettin' on the dice and a lover seldom sees the same girl twice and that is why (that is why) that's why I chose (that's why I chose) I chose to sing the blues, yes I did now, I could have been a doctor helping the sick and I could have been a lawyer but you know that ain't my stick 'coz I feel so bad if a patient didn't do well and I feel just as bad to leave a client in jail and that is why (that is why) that's why I chose (that's why I chose) I chose to sing the blues Now a man has a lot that he could present just to think I could have been president but I can't understand what politicians say so I wanna talk to you in my own little way and that is why (that is why) that's why I chose (that's why I chose) I chose to sing the blues Yes I did, friends Don't you know what I mean I like what I'm doin' You know, I like the blues Everybody understands What I mean when I say Something like this here Unnnnnnn-hoo Yeah Yeah-hoo That's what I'm talkin' 'bout when I sing

Announcing the Death of Ronald Reagan By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES: It is my sad duty to announce officially the death of Ronald Reagan, the fortieth President of the United States, on June 5, 2004. We are blessed to live in a Nation, and a world, that have been shaped by the will, the leadership, and the vision of Ronald Reagan. With an unshakable faith in the values of our country and the character of our people, Ronald Reagan renewed America's confidence and restored our Nation. His optimism, strength, and humility epitomized the American spirit. He always told us that for America the best was yet to come. Ronald Reagan believed that God takes the side of justice and that America has a special calling to oppose tyranny and defend freedom. Through his courage and determination, he enhanced America's security and advanced the spread of peace, liberty, and democracy to millions of people who had lived in darkness and oppression. As America's President, Ronald Reagan helped change the world. President Reagan has left us, but he has left us stronger and better. We take comfort in the knowledge that he has left us for a better place, the shining city that awaits him. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, in honor and tribute to the memory of Ronald Reagan, and as an expression of public sorrow, do hereby direct that the flag of the United States be displayed at half-staff at the White House and on all buildings, grounds, and Naval vessels of the United States for a period of 30 days from the day of his death. I also direct that for the same length of time, the representatives of the United States in foreign countries shall make similar arrange-ments for the display of the flag at half-staff over their Embassies, Legations, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and stations. I hereby order that suitable honors be rendered by units of the Armed Forces under orders of the Secretary of Defense. I do further appoint Friday, June 11, 2004, as a National Day of Mourning throughout the United States. I call on the American people to assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, there to pay homage to the memory of President Reagan. I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth. GEORGE W. BUSH

Morydd.net will be black today in honor of Ronald Wilson Reagan

From dooce

Chuck trembles and licks his empty nut sack every time he hears Leta crying for more binky, and after four days of detox his ass has become a rubbery, hairless knob.

I like Dooce's site. It reminds me of all the joy we have to look forward to.