Monday, April 20, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Book Lust
Image: metroactive.comWhat is it about the library that incites such lust?
Or maybe it's just the free computer usage.
In the three minutes I took to find a computer and sit down at it, I have seen someone looking at a hetero porn sight, someone browsing plentyoffish.com, and another person clicking through pictures of jockstrap-clad muscular men on Flickr. I knew that this stuff happened before, of course, but never have I seen so much of it in three minutes.
I can draw two conclusions from this:
1. The internet has become a main source of sexually stimulating materials and a means to find a sexual partner in the last few decades.
2. Many people who come to use the computers at the library are acively seeking these materials.
I also get the feeling of being ogled a lot here. This could be merely coincidental or it could indicate that these people come here in that state of mind. Hmmm. Anecdotal postulations.
1. The internet has become a main source of sexually stimulating materials and a means to find a sexual partner in the last few decades.
2. Many people who come to use the computers at the library are acively seeking these materials.
I also get the feeling of being ogled a lot here. This could be merely coincidental or it could indicate that these people come here in that state of mind. Hmmm. Anecdotal postulations.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Googles the Duck
At long last I have finished Googles the Duck. He was intended to be a Christmas present for my stepsister, but uncontrollable circumstances delayed his completion until today. His design comes from the book Kyuuto! Japanese Crafts!: Amigurumi by Chronicle Books. It was originally published in 主婦と生活社, which roughly translates to Housewife and Life Style Co.
Hmm I'm no housewife, but it'd be a compliment to be considered as crafty as one!
Here are some pictures of Googles in his natural habitat--Botanica by Barnes and Noble Books:
Hmm I'm no housewife, but it'd be a compliment to be considered as crafty as one!
Here are some pictures of Googles in his natural habitat--Botanica by Barnes and Noble Books:
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Craigslist Hilarity
This has got to be the funniest Craigslist ad I have ever read. I am sure it is a spoof... I think.
seattle-tacoma craigslist > seattle > petsBaby M needs new home ASAP!!! (Seattle)
Reply to: comm-azeak-1068187409@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Date: 2009-03-09, 9:29PM PDT
15 year old treasure!!! Magpie has been a part of our family for what 'feels' like a lifetime! While her presence will most likely scar both the adults and children alike with her unique screech, moaning, crying, growling, snarling and gnashing of teeth - whenever there is a moment that she feels less than a 'princess'....
We keep her in a secure cage (most of the time) but have let her out on special occasions like Christmas evening and her birthday.
A $5 RE-HOMING fee is a 'steal' but hard times have forced us to put our princess up for adoption.
Magpie is (most likely) disease free and hardly ever bites (except when you pet her. Just be sure to use thick leather gloves in handling her) Great with kids and a 'special needs' dog who has spent the last 15 years of her life 'playing' with our neighbor's Mature, naked Autistic son. (usually not too rough)
Slight emotional 'issues' and separation anxiety may present themselves from time to time. In the form of biting, blood-traced urine trails, malicious pooping, vomiting, and her bi-annual “heat” cycles. You will know it is “that time” because her princess parts will take on the appearance of an engorged strawberry. Not too worry, she licks most of it up herself.
Magpie comes with her cage, her antique pleather kotex holder, a half-used package of maxi pads, what is left of her food, her blanket, leash, and favorite toy. She is two halves of two pure-bred dogs. Were just not sure which breeds for sure.
ADOPTION TO A GOOD APPROVED HOME ONLY!!! RE-HOMING FEE OF $5 APPLIES!!! Priced to move ASAP.
No flaggers, scammers, posers, animal abusers, beastiality partakers..You just must love dogs!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sad?
How sad is this ad?
I wonder what criteria they use to determine "members unfit to date." Sounds a smidge elitist to me.
Time for hard-hitting investigative journalism!?
I wonder what criteria they use to determine "members unfit to date." Sounds a smidge elitist to me.
Time for hard-hitting investigative journalism!?
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Senator Patty Murray's Synopsis of Economic Recovery Bill's Effect on Washington State
TAX CUTS
INCOME TAX CUT: Includes income tax cut of up to $800 for Washington workers and their families. This means that shortly after this bill is enacted over 2.4 million Washington state workers will begin to see a tax cut in their paychecks. Workers would begin to see this tax cut in their paychecks roughly 90 days after enactment of the bill. Workers would receive the full value of the cut after a full year.
AMT: Includes protection for working families across the state from the Alternative Minimum Tax, representing thousands of dollars in additional income taxes. According to the Congressional Research Service, 348,000 Washingtonians would be protected from the Alternative Minimum Tax in 2009.
FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT: This bill includes an $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers who purchase their homes between January 1st and December 1st, 2009. Under the provision, fist-time buyers would not be required to pay the government back for this credit. The credit is available for buyers with an adjusted gross income of up to $75,000 ($150,000 in the case of a joint return).
SALES TAX DEDUCTION FOR VEHICLE PURCHASES: The bill provides most taxpayers with a deduction for State and local sales and excise taxes paid on the purchase of new cars, light truck, recreational vehicles, and motorcycles through 2009.
TRANSPORTATION
HIGHWAYS: Includes nearly $500 million to improve Washington state roads, highways, and bridges and create jobs. Also includes $1.5 billion for nationwide competitive grant program for projects of major national or regional importance.
TRANSIT: Includes nearly $180 million in new transit funding for Washington state to keep residents moving and create jobs.
FERRIES: Includes a $60 million nationwide grant program to fund ferry and ferry terminal upgrades.
SMALL SHIPYARDS: Includes a $100 million nationwide grant program to improve small shipyards, create jobs and ensure that our shipyards have the tools to compete in the global economy.
HELPING THOSE HURT BY RECESSION
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE: Will give an additional $100 per month in unemployment insurance benefits for unemployed workers in Washington. Will provide extended unemployment benefits to many more laid-off workers. Unemployment will be extended for a total of 33 weeks.
WORKER TRAINING: Includes more than $66 million to train unemployed Washington state workers and get them the skills needed to embark on new careers.
ONE-TIME PAYMENT: This bill will provide a one-time payment of $250 to Washington state Social Security beneficiaries, veterans receiving pensions, and low-income people receiving Supplemental Security Income payments.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: The bill includes over $100 million to prevent homelessness, and create and preserve affordable housing for Washingtons most vulnerable families.
FOODSTAMPS: Will provide $380 million in additional support for struggling Washington state families to afford food. This is an immediate stimulus for our economy and moral obligation in these difficult times.
COBRA: The bill includes $21 billion nationwide to help many laid-off workers keep their health insurance under the COBRA program. The funding would allow laid off workers to continue to receive health insurance from their previous employer but would make that care affordable by providing a 60% subsidy for COBRA premiums for up to 9 months.
WASHINGTON STATE VICTORIES
HANFORD: Includes $6 billion for Environmental Management (EM) nationwide. Historically, Hanford Nuclear Reservation receives a significant portion of EM funding. This funding would help save or create jobs at Hanford, would accelerate cleanup efforts, and would save taxpayers millions in future cleanup costs. Estimates are that Hanford would receive nearly $2 billion in funding.
BPA: Includes $3.25 billion in additional borrowing authority so that the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) can modernize the regions power grid and bring alternative energy sources online. BPA is the largest marketer of wholesale electricity in the Pacific Northwest. This funding will mean that BPA can improve their aging transmission lines so that new sources of energy can be made available to customers and new green jobs can be created throughout the state.
MEDICAID: The bill includes $2.06 billion for Washington state to ease the burden of rising Medicaid costs. This payment will help Washington state sustain Medicaid help to familiesat a time when they need it most and it will help the state during a time of strained budgets and decreased revenue.
EDUCATION
STATE STABILIZATION FUND: This bill includes $812 million for Washington state from the State Stabilization Fund. Most of this funding will go directly to the state to be used for education priorities. These funds will help the state avoid cutbacks and protect against job cuts. Gov. Gregoire has also discussed using these funds for reducing class sizes and ensuring that districts with low property values get their fair share of education funding. Portions of this funding will be used by the state for bonus grants to districts that meet key performance measures. An additional portion will be allotted to the state to be used at their discretion for any public service needs.
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY: The bill includes over $13.1 million for Washington state in the Education Technology funding to purchase up-to-date classroom computers and software, and to provide professional development to ensure the technology is used effectively in the classroom.
SPECIAL EDUCATION: The bill includes over $220 million in special education grant funding to Washington to help local school districts fund educational services for those with disabilities. This funding will help prevent these rising mandatory state costs from forcing the state to cut other areas of education.
HELPING DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN: The bill includes over $176 million to help disadvantaged students in Washington state reach high academic standards and to ensure that in this period of tight state and local budgets we continue to serve these children.
MAKING COLLEGE AFFORDABLE: This bill increases the higher education tax credit for Washington state students to a maximum of $2,500 a year and will allow more low-income students in our state to qualify. This bill will also increase Pell Grants by $500 for eligible students in our state.
HEAD START AND EARLY CHILDHOOD GRANTS: This bill contains over $33 million in child care funding and $10.5 million for Head Start and Early Head Start for Washington state. These funds will help more Washingtonians access critical child care, pre-school, and family support services, allowing parents to work and provide their children with the tools needed to succeed.
ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT/WATER PROGRAMS
STATE ENERGY PROGRAM: This bill includes over $60 million for Washington state to address their energy priorities, including the expansion of emerging renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
WEATHERIZATION: Includes $60.7 million to help weatherize homes and businesses throughout our state, creating jobs, lowering energy bills, and reducing our dependence on foreign oil.
WATER RESOURCE NEEDS: Washington state will receive $42.1 million through Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to address the backlog of drinking water infrastructure needs and $69.2 million through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to address the backlog of clean water infrastructure needs
HEALTH CARE
HEALTH/IT: Will provide $19 billion nationwide to accelerate adoption of Health Information Technology systems by doctors and hospitals in order to save money, reduce medical errors and improve overall health care quality. Health IT systems will save billions through cutting waste and eliminating the need to repeat medical tests.
NIH: This bill includes $10 billion nationwide for NIH-funded research at research facilities through the country as well as construction of new facilities. This will mean more high-paying research jobs. The money will enhance U. S. competitiveness in science and technology and provide funding for the training and hiring of new scientists. Investments in research will yield new drugs and technologies that will stimulate the U.S. economy. Every dollar invested in medical research can save money in health care costs and economic productivity.
LAW ENFORCEMENT/FIREFIGHTERS
LAW ENFORCEMENT: Will provide Washington state with over $36 million for Byrne Justice Assistance Grants to support state and local law enforcement crime-fighting efforts. Will also include $1 billion nationwide for COPS grants that will help communities avoid laying off police officers throughout our state.
FIREFIGHTERS: Includes language that will allow Washington communities to take advantage of SAFER firefighter hiring grants without having to provide a local match. This will allow more communities to be able to afford to create stable, family-wage firefighting positions. It will also ensure that that firefighters and the safety of our communities dont fall victim to state and local budget cuts. The bill also includes $210 million nationwide for competitive grants to modify, upgrade or construct fire stations.
VETERANS
VA MEDICAL FACILITIES: Includes $1 billion for upgrades and renovations to VA medical facilities nationwide to ensure the VA can continue to provide quality medical care. This funding will be distributed to regions throughout the country and will then be given to facilities based on need. It will also create construction jobs. Washington state facilities are expected to receive a portion of the funding.
Additional funding in the bill:
$150 million to VA extended care facilities
$150 million for hiring additional benefit claims processors to reduce wait times
ADDITIONAL INFO/ACCOUNTABILITY
There are no earmarks in this bill
Much of the formula funding in this bill is distributed to existing programs with proven track records of success and promoting financial stability.
President Obama will be establishing a website recovery.gov that will track how recovery funding is spent.
The programs and funding above include some of the highlights of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It is not a complete listing of all the programs included in the legislation.
murray.senate.gov
INCOME TAX CUT: Includes income tax cut of up to $800 for Washington workers and their families. This means that shortly after this bill is enacted over 2.4 million Washington state workers will begin to see a tax cut in their paychecks. Workers would begin to see this tax cut in their paychecks roughly 90 days after enactment of the bill. Workers would receive the full value of the cut after a full year.
AMT: Includes protection for working families across the state from the Alternative Minimum Tax, representing thousands of dollars in additional income taxes. According to the Congressional Research Service, 348,000 Washingtonians would be protected from the Alternative Minimum Tax in 2009.
FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT: This bill includes an $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers who purchase their homes between January 1st and December 1st, 2009. Under the provision, fist-time buyers would not be required to pay the government back for this credit. The credit is available for buyers with an adjusted gross income of up to $75,000 ($150,000 in the case of a joint return).
SALES TAX DEDUCTION FOR VEHICLE PURCHASES: The bill provides most taxpayers with a deduction for State and local sales and excise taxes paid on the purchase of new cars, light truck, recreational vehicles, and motorcycles through 2009.
TRANSPORTATION
HIGHWAYS: Includes nearly $500 million to improve Washington state roads, highways, and bridges and create jobs. Also includes $1.5 billion for nationwide competitive grant program for projects of major national or regional importance.
TRANSIT: Includes nearly $180 million in new transit funding for Washington state to keep residents moving and create jobs.
FERRIES: Includes a $60 million nationwide grant program to fund ferry and ferry terminal upgrades.
SMALL SHIPYARDS: Includes a $100 million nationwide grant program to improve small shipyards, create jobs and ensure that our shipyards have the tools to compete in the global economy.
HELPING THOSE HURT BY RECESSION
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE: Will give an additional $100 per month in unemployment insurance benefits for unemployed workers in Washington. Will provide extended unemployment benefits to many more laid-off workers. Unemployment will be extended for a total of 33 weeks.
WORKER TRAINING: Includes more than $66 million to train unemployed Washington state workers and get them the skills needed to embark on new careers.
ONE-TIME PAYMENT: This bill will provide a one-time payment of $250 to Washington state Social Security beneficiaries, veterans receiving pensions, and low-income people receiving Supplemental Security Income payments.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: The bill includes over $100 million to prevent homelessness, and create and preserve affordable housing for Washingtons most vulnerable families.
FOODSTAMPS: Will provide $380 million in additional support for struggling Washington state families to afford food. This is an immediate stimulus for our economy and moral obligation in these difficult times.
COBRA: The bill includes $21 billion nationwide to help many laid-off workers keep their health insurance under the COBRA program. The funding would allow laid off workers to continue to receive health insurance from their previous employer but would make that care affordable by providing a 60% subsidy for COBRA premiums for up to 9 months.
WASHINGTON STATE VICTORIES
HANFORD: Includes $6 billion for Environmental Management (EM) nationwide. Historically, Hanford Nuclear Reservation receives a significant portion of EM funding. This funding would help save or create jobs at Hanford, would accelerate cleanup efforts, and would save taxpayers millions in future cleanup costs. Estimates are that Hanford would receive nearly $2 billion in funding.
BPA: Includes $3.25 billion in additional borrowing authority so that the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) can modernize the regions power grid and bring alternative energy sources online. BPA is the largest marketer of wholesale electricity in the Pacific Northwest. This funding will mean that BPA can improve their aging transmission lines so that new sources of energy can be made available to customers and new green jobs can be created throughout the state.
MEDICAID: The bill includes $2.06 billion for Washington state to ease the burden of rising Medicaid costs. This payment will help Washington state sustain Medicaid help to familiesat a time when they need it most and it will help the state during a time of strained budgets and decreased revenue.
EDUCATION
STATE STABILIZATION FUND: This bill includes $812 million for Washington state from the State Stabilization Fund. Most of this funding will go directly to the state to be used for education priorities. These funds will help the state avoid cutbacks and protect against job cuts. Gov. Gregoire has also discussed using these funds for reducing class sizes and ensuring that districts with low property values get their fair share of education funding. Portions of this funding will be used by the state for bonus grants to districts that meet key performance measures. An additional portion will be allotted to the state to be used at their discretion for any public service needs.
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY: The bill includes over $13.1 million for Washington state in the Education Technology funding to purchase up-to-date classroom computers and software, and to provide professional development to ensure the technology is used effectively in the classroom.
SPECIAL EDUCATION: The bill includes over $220 million in special education grant funding to Washington to help local school districts fund educational services for those with disabilities. This funding will help prevent these rising mandatory state costs from forcing the state to cut other areas of education.
HELPING DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN: The bill includes over $176 million to help disadvantaged students in Washington state reach high academic standards and to ensure that in this period of tight state and local budgets we continue to serve these children.
MAKING COLLEGE AFFORDABLE: This bill increases the higher education tax credit for Washington state students to a maximum of $2,500 a year and will allow more low-income students in our state to qualify. This bill will also increase Pell Grants by $500 for eligible students in our state.
HEAD START AND EARLY CHILDHOOD GRANTS: This bill contains over $33 million in child care funding and $10.5 million for Head Start and Early Head Start for Washington state. These funds will help more Washingtonians access critical child care, pre-school, and family support services, allowing parents to work and provide their children with the tools needed to succeed.
ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT/WATER PROGRAMS
STATE ENERGY PROGRAM: This bill includes over $60 million for Washington state to address their energy priorities, including the expansion of emerging renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
WEATHERIZATION: Includes $60.7 million to help weatherize homes and businesses throughout our state, creating jobs, lowering energy bills, and reducing our dependence on foreign oil.
WATER RESOURCE NEEDS: Washington state will receive $42.1 million through Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to address the backlog of drinking water infrastructure needs and $69.2 million through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to address the backlog of clean water infrastructure needs
HEALTH CARE
HEALTH/IT: Will provide $19 billion nationwide to accelerate adoption of Health Information Technology systems by doctors and hospitals in order to save money, reduce medical errors and improve overall health care quality. Health IT systems will save billions through cutting waste and eliminating the need to repeat medical tests.
NIH: This bill includes $10 billion nationwide for NIH-funded research at research facilities through the country as well as construction of new facilities. This will mean more high-paying research jobs. The money will enhance U. S. competitiveness in science and technology and provide funding for the training and hiring of new scientists. Investments in research will yield new drugs and technologies that will stimulate the U.S. economy. Every dollar invested in medical research can save money in health care costs and economic productivity.
LAW ENFORCEMENT/FIREFIGHTERS
LAW ENFORCEMENT: Will provide Washington state with over $36 million for Byrne Justice Assistance Grants to support state and local law enforcement crime-fighting efforts. Will also include $1 billion nationwide for COPS grants that will help communities avoid laying off police officers throughout our state.
FIREFIGHTERS: Includes language that will allow Washington communities to take advantage of SAFER firefighter hiring grants without having to provide a local match. This will allow more communities to be able to afford to create stable, family-wage firefighting positions. It will also ensure that that firefighters and the safety of our communities dont fall victim to state and local budget cuts. The bill also includes $210 million nationwide for competitive grants to modify, upgrade or construct fire stations.
VETERANS
VA MEDICAL FACILITIES: Includes $1 billion for upgrades and renovations to VA medical facilities nationwide to ensure the VA can continue to provide quality medical care. This funding will be distributed to regions throughout the country and will then be given to facilities based on need. It will also create construction jobs. Washington state facilities are expected to receive a portion of the funding.
Additional funding in the bill:
$150 million to VA extended care facilities
$150 million for hiring additional benefit claims processors to reduce wait times
ADDITIONAL INFO/ACCOUNTABILITY
There are no earmarks in this bill
Much of the formula funding in this bill is distributed to existing programs with proven track records of success and promoting financial stability.
President Obama will be establishing a website recovery.gov that will track how recovery funding is spent.
The programs and funding above include some of the highlights of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It is not a complete listing of all the programs included in the legislation.
murray.senate.gov
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