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Until there's a folklorist song...

2009-10-28T14:38:07Z

Question to the room

2009-09-12T18:09:26Z

I promise a real update is coming at some point, but for the moment I need some suggestions. Apparently folklorists in Indiana love potlucks (who doesn't?) and I have a third one on Tuesday. Need suggestions for what to bring. I have the following restrictions though:
Must be vegetarian
Must be fairly inexpensive
Must be easy to transport by bus (best if it doesn't need to be hot to taste good)
I brought my normally popular French potato salad to the first potluck and no one ate it
Would prefer something on the easy side
Must be delicious

Thoughts people? I'm running out of ideas.

Quick check in

2009-08-15T03:50:53Z

Just popping in briefly to let you all know that I am alive. I'm currently on stage 3 of an overly complicated 4 stage move. My computer access/time for blogging has been limited the last month or so and yesterday we were without power. Fun times. Tomorrow we load the truck and hit the road Sunday. I'm not happy at all to be leaving, but a little excited to get settled in to my place there and definitely excited to go back to being in school rather than teaching school.

There are so many of you I didn't get to see before leaving I will be back at Thanksgiving and Christmas. There will be many festivities then. In the meantime, I'll be better about being online and all.

Aw Man!!

2009-07-03T02:30:11Z

Book Meme

2009-04-24T18:29:30Z

I had some problems with the formatting keys as you'll see shortly

That book meme...

1. What author do you own the most books by?
I think Julia Alvarez, but most of my books are at the parents so it's hard to know for sure

2. What book do you own the most copies of?
The Hobbit, JRR Tolkein, I've bought the most copies of Their Eyes were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, but I keep selling it back in the hopes no one will make me read it again

3. What fictional character are you secretly in love with?
Gwydion from Evangeline Walton's Island of the Mighty

4. What book have you read more than any other?
Their Eyes were Watching God, Zora Neale Hurston. Also if it counts as a book, TS Eliot's The Wasteland

5. What was your favorite book when you were ten years old?
I really don't remember what I was reading back then. A lot of historical fiction

6. What is the worst book you’ve read in the past year?
I haven't read many, this year (and I can't the the italics off) so I'm going to name The Davinci Code, which I didn't read this year, but hated enough to count for multiple years

7. What is the best book you’ve read in the past year?
My invented country, Isabel Allende

8. If you could tell everyone you tagged to read one book, what would it be?
The Historian, Elizabeth Kostova (but don't read it alone in the dark. I tell everyone this and they never listen)

9. What is the most difficult book you’ve ever read?
Nobody, Nothing Elena Poniatowska. First hand accounts of the 1985 Mexico City earthquake. Beautiful, but rough to read.
In terms of actual difficulty probably Alba by Carlos Fuentes

10. Do you prefer the French or the Russians?
Is this a trick question? Russians, hands down

11. Shakespeare, Milton or Chaucer?
That's a tough one. You can mesmerize annoying adolescents by reciting Chaucer to them, and he makes fart jokes... but generally if it's for fun I guess I'd go with Shakespeare

12. Austen or Eliot?
Haven't read enough Eliot to answer fairly

13. What is the biggest or most embarrassing gap in your reading?
Modern US literature. I haven't liked much of what I read so I gave up.

14. What is your favorite novel?
Real tough one but I'm gonna go with Yo by Julia Alvarez

15. Plays?
Morir del cuento (can't remember the playwright) or Entre Pancho Villa y una mujer desnuda by Sabina Berman

16. Poem?
Poema XX by Pablo Neruda (trite I know) or Elegy for the Time at Hand, Adunis and I feel like I have to include William Butler Yeats "Easter 1916"

17. Essay?
I can' t think of one, so since it's fresh on my mind "He Wouldn't Hurt a Fly" Slavenka Draculic, I don't really like it, but "Hijos de la Chingada" by Octavio Paz is so important I think it needs mentioning

18. Non Fiction?
My Invented Country, Isabel Allende

19. Graphic Novel?
Dark Knight Returns

20. Science Fiction?
I've surprisingly read very little science fiction, so I'm going to have to go with "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" Douglas Adams

21. Horror?
If Elizabeth Kostova counts here, I'd put her there. Otherwise I haven't read much beyond Anne Rice who I won't list since I'm not 13 anymore

22. Fantasy?
It's a topic of great debate, but I consider magical realism a subset of fantasy, so So Far From God, Ana Castillo

23. Who is your favorite writer?
Really depends on the criteria you're using

24. What are you reading right now?
Just started Loverboys, Ana Castilo

25. Favorite Genre:
I'm pretty easy to please

Fujimori convicted

2009-04-07T16:23:47Z

Having already been convicted of corruption Alberto Fujimori has been convicted of human rights abuses and sentenced to 30 years in prison. He becomes the first democratically elected president to have this distinction.

He's a strange little man. In the midst of the 2000 election debaucle (Peru's not ours) the US Embassador went to meet with him about major concerns (ie blatant election fraud) and he was telling jokes he found about himself on the internet. I think he still believes that Peru needs him and maybe that's what makes him so insidious. And truth be told, on an economic level he did great things for Peru. I guess it depends on whether economic growth is worth living in a world where the police can pull college students out of their dorms and have them never seen again.

Even stranger, although 64% of Peruvians think he was guilty of human rights abuses, 2/3 of the country thinks he was a good leader.

Strange and yet, there's truth to that.

You know you're in an awesome discipline...

2009-03-10T23:52:02Z

When you get an email titled "Highlander Job Opening" And it's not spam.

Broccoli recipes?

2009-01-13T16:30:12Z

So I have a whole bunch of broccoli and have had a bunch for a while now (long story). Fortunately, I like broccoli a lot, but I'm kinda out of things to do with it. I've been steaming or roasting it as a side dish with everything, which is great, but getting a little boring. My go to standby is stirfry which I'll probably do next week, but do any of you all have brilliant suggestions?

This year may suck, but friends are awesome

2008-12-23T21:48:51Z

So I would be remiss today if I did not say

Happy birthday admarian</span>[Unknown LJ tag]

In happier news though

2008-12-18T02:30:26Z

One of my students (from Peru) came to class with a bag. He told me he'd brought in an ancient drink of the Incas. Fearful he'd brought in chicha I smiled weakly. Nope.

It was Inka Kola!

Yeah, I'm the only prof who would get excited by getting that from a student, and it's not like I can't buy it at Wegmann's, it's the thought.

I'll stop with the meming I promise

2008-12-03T05:04:49Z

But this was too funny not to post. And a good reminder I aught to update my profile...

On the twelfth day of Christmas, Mareska sent to me...

Twelve shiningchilds drumming

Eleven prettyprincessbs piping

Ten msflibbles a-leaping

Nine ragnarok42007s dancing

Eight mel21clcs a-milking

Seven stonethrows a-swimming

Six rspaulettes a-laying

Five co-o-o-osmobs

Four telenovelas

Three cats

Two tin whistles

...and a contortionism in a firefly.

Annual Memage

2008-12-03T03:20:31Z

Dear Santa...

Dear Santa,

This year I've been busy!

In January I helped a_muse_amused see the light (8 points). In March shiningchild and I donated clothes to the needy (11 points). In August I gave rspaulette a wet willie, then I took it back (-5 points). Last Tuesday I pulled dansr's hair (-5 points). In October I gave addergirl a Dutch Oven (-10 points).

Overall, I've been naughty (-1 points). For Christmas I deserve a lump of coal!

Sincerely,
Mareska

Is Dutch Oven a euphemism or does this meme not like to cook as much as I do. Why did I lose points for that?

I guess looking like Sophie Marceau

2008-12-02T16:41:18Z

Just about makes up for being in a movie with Denise Richards.

The Saga Begins

2008-11-25T04:02:04Z

Cut and paste this into "write a note".

1. Put your iPod (itunes) on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 10 friends who might enjoy doing this as well as the person you got this from.

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
Ordinary World--Duran Duran

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
I Got Lost in his Arms--Annie Get Your Gun (sung by Reba)

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Radio--The Corrs (aparently I'm easy to please)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Lost and Found--Brooks and Dunn

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
The Last Unicorn--America

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
My Own Native Land--Cherish the Ladies

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
My Life--Dido

WHAT IS 2+2?
Surrender to Me--Richard Marx and Laura Fabian

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Tango the Night--Falco

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Can't Even Get the Blues--Reba

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
I Will Always Love You--Dolly Parton

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk--Rufus Wainwright

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
In My Prime--Niamh Parsons

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
She's Not the Cheatin' Kind--Brooks and Dunn

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
It's All Been Done--Barenaked Ladies

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
You Wouldn't Know Love--Michael Bolton (seriously, if you play Michael Bolton at my funeral I will haunt the most inconvenient places of your house)

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Little Rock--Reba

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Little Wing--The Corrs

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
MST3K--Moxy Fruvous

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Understanding Women--Elton John

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
With these Hands--Amy Grant and Brian White

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Take Her in Your Arms--Andy M Stewart and Manus Lunny

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
You Really Got a Hold on Me--Cyndi Lauper

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
The Magdalene Laundries--The Chieftains with Joni Mitchell (That doesn't sound promising)

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Whisper of Angels--Amici

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
From Both Sides Now--Anne Murray

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Menta y Canela--Thalia (translation "Mint and Cinnamon" ... yes, that's what I'd change)

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Tiene que ser pecado--Alejandro Sanz

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
The Saga Begins--Wierd Al

Would you like my kidneys as well?

2008-11-14T23:25:43Z

Because application fees, transcripts, etc don't cost enough money, did you know that ETS charges $20 for each copy of your GRE scores?

Yup. Twenty dollars to print a one page document and mail it.

Memes!

2008-11-13T00:47:50Z

My astrology sign never seems to fit me, but this actually does somewhat...

What Your Height Says About You

You are powerful, brilliant, and a bit of a rebel.

You are an idealist, and you will work hard for a better world.

It's hard for other people to keep up with you - both mentally and physically.

And you're so independent, you actually prefer to go it alone.

You are about as tall as the average Italian man.

What Does Your Height Say About You?

And from several others:

If you saw ME in a police car, what would you think I got arrested for?

Answer me, then if you want, post to your own journal and see how many crimes you get accused of.

Call my MacGyver

2008-11-11T22:14:39Z

I just repaired my flash drive with a rubber band. Not sure it's gonna last, but it lasted long enough for me to copy all the files on it to my PC (the important ones already were, I know my purse is a dangerous place to live) so I don't care all that much at this point.

In other news, does anyone, and by anyone I mostly mean stentoriansista know why there's an oversized sarcophagus at the base of one of the stairwells in Robinson?

mareska @ 2008-10-13T23:56:00

2008-10-14T04:57:00Z

A cat that's afraid of the litter box is really funny. Sometimes causes problems, but is really, really funny.

Just for addy

2008-10-02T02:30:07Z

Taken from thatliardiego

As evidenced by Katie Couric, Sarah Palin is unable to name any Supreme Court Case other than Roe v. Wade.

The Rules: Post info about ONE Supreme Court decision, modern or historic to your lj. (Any decision, as long as it's not Roe v. Wade.) For those who see this on your f-list, take the meme to your OWN lj to spread the fun.

Go forth, and edumacate!

Eldred v. Ashcroft. Unsuccessfully challenged the Copywright Term Extension Act. Ginsburg wrote the majority opinion, Breyer and Stevens both wrote dissenting opinions but I'm not sure which was the official one. I'd say more, but I'd get it wrong and admarian would beat me.

Breaking news

2008-09-18T17:14:51Z

hulkingmanchild didn't break this story this year, so I feel it's my duty to step in.

Grocery stores now have in season candy corn.

Like many of you, I'm in denial about the proximity of October, but this is the one upside.

Because I'm teaching indian mythology tomorrow

2008-09-16T22:57:12Z

Your result for Reincarnation Placement Exam...

Lol Cat

41% Intrigue, 46% Civilization, 59% Humanity, 42% Urbanization.

After much consideration, we have decided to make you a LolCat.

Actually, there wasn't much consideration at all. It was the easiest decision we've made all day.

Why? Because, according to your answers, you want to have your good times, but don't seem too interested in all that "other stuff." You know... civilization, adventure, that sort of thing.

We hope you like being fluffy.

I don't know... Can you has cheezburger?

Take Reincarnation Placement Exam at HelloQuizzy

Wow, who knew

2008-08-27T00:16:15Z

Not sure this link will work. But apparently it's all Sarah Michelle Gellar's fault that young women are turning to paganism. At least that's what the results of a new British study show. Who knew?

Question to the group

2008-08-16T00:23:40Z

Because I know some of you will know. Heck, I'm pretty sure I know, my brain just won't access the right files:

For the week I'll be out of town I'm giving my mythology class an assignment that will involve watching a movie. I'd like to give them a couple of options, but I need good movies that are related to mythology/legend. So far all I can think of is Whale Rider and The Secret of Roan Inish. I haven't actually seen either, but have heard enough about them to be fairly certain they'll work. Other ideas?

Please note, I said "good" movies. Clash of the Titans will always have a special place in my heart, but it doesn't qualify. And Troy has eye candy, but I hear it made Homer twist in his grave.

I haven't worked out all details of the assignment yet. Part of me is considering "The Village" because it's got interesting use of legend, but I think I can do better.

Priorities

2008-08-09T00:06:57Z

Please note this is a criticism towards the media not towards anyone in on my friends list who blogged about this (there were several of you).

But um... seriously... did anyone notice how Russia and Georgia went to WAR today? If you did that's amazing because it's largely taking second billing to news that a politician who wasn't even running for office at the moment had an affair.

I'm not saying that the Edwards affair isn't news, but um... WAR people. Not that this is the only war being largely ignored by the American media, by a long shot, but this concerns me as it seems to be part of an ongoing trend for Russian to act suspiciously like the USSR. And it scares me a wee bit.

Props to the NY Times for having the Russia/Georgia situation as the top story on their website when last I looked, and The Washington Post had the two stories side by side, with a bigger headline to Edwards and a bigger photo to Georgia. CNN has mixed the Georgia situation in with headlines about pot farms and stock trends. It's not even a top story at Yahoo news. Seriously, people? Seriously?

In honor of the Psych season premiere

2008-07-19T05:25:46Z

And because I needed something to do with the martini glasses a_muse_amused sent me, I give you, the "Daddy Spencer"

Anyone who's cooked with me knows I don't believe in measuring, and I'm pretty much the same with mixing beverages, so all amounts are approximations.

In a cocktail shaker mix (If you don't have a cocktail shaker I'm sure you can get similar results by stirring).
2 oz pomegranate liquor
1 oz of coconut rum
1 oz of vodka
3 oz of mango juice
dash of pomegranate molasses
(I'm looking at that thinking my cocktail shaker's too small to fit all that--probably less than an oz of vodka, and maybe less of coconut rum)
Strain into a large martini glass and fill the rest of the glass with sour cherry juice
Enjoy!

Initially I thought this was just kooky enough to be called the Shawn Spencer, but a_muse_amused and I concurred with its tartness and tropical flavor it was more reminiscent of Henry's acerbic personality and fun shirts. Upon further contemplation (and a bit of drinking) we also concluded that we would allow Henry to buy Daddy Spencers and that after a couple we might even be persuaded to call him Daddy Spencer.

Further discussion determined that Shawn would absolutely make fun of his dad for ordering such a thing, that Henry may just carry around his own bottle of pomegranate molasses in order to obtain the beverage at his convenience, and that doing so probably attracts women.

How will you be suspended from LJ? by Anonymous LJ User
Username
Years on LJ
Snape
Hours left until your suspension	24
Your crime	Mistaken identity. Your name was too similar to a porn queen BNF.
Who reported you	hyadesophelia
Your fate	We'll never forget you, honest.