Olivia the Charming Little Pig
Olivia by Ian Falconer
My daughter loves this book, not only because it's also her name, but because this is really a sweet series of books about a spunky little pig and her family. Little Olivia could be any four year-old, thoug I'm not sure if that's really her age, she reminds me of my kid at that age. Her daily activities -- singing the loudest of songs, creating art on walls, and building skyscrapers -- do not tire her in the least. Rather, when it is time for bed, she asks for a plethora of books to be read! Olivia's mom, on the other hand, is drained. Parents and kids alike will marvel at Olivia's abounding energy -- and her mom's abounding patience and love.
The illustrations are simple black, white and red, simplicity and detail go a long way. Throughout the story, Olivia is shown engaging in her many activities, of which the only colored highlight is a shade of red. Perhaps this serves to counter the active and supercharged (but lovable!) antics of Miss Olivia. In any case, it just works -- wonderfully.
150 Whales Die In Mass Stranding
Sad news today, 150 pilot whales died after being stranded off Tasmania's west coast. The numbers nearly doubled from what it was believed to be yesterday.
The whales were discovered Saturday, on a rocky area of coastline of Sandy Cape. Members of the local community and about six Department of Primary Industry and Water members worked in vain to try to save the stranded animals, that had been badly injured by the rocks.
Warwick Brennan, a department spokesman said that the whales' chances of survival were much less in that sort of environment than if the had come ashore in a sandy area.
There were about thirty whales milling around not too far from the stranded whales that had to be shephered out to sea to prevent them from also meeting the same fate.
According to this article and Brennan, this is becoming a more common occurance in the area, with stranded whales appearing almost every twelve days. It is believed that the whales get in to this sort of danger when persuing prey into shallow waters.
Role of the VP
Monday, December 1st
4:48pm
Dear Diary,
I’ve just talked to Barack about specifying my role publicly. I mentioned that this is really embarrassing that I’ve been completely ignored since the election, and that all the other presidents have clarified their Vice Presidents’ roles within the first few weeks. Unfortunately, this rant ended with me saying, “I want some real power, man, and I want it NOW! And I want you to make sure the rest of the WORLD knows how much power I have!!” I may have gotten a little overwrought.
But Barack, maintaining his stoic countenance as always, told me that he was actually saving this address for last, as it would be his best one. He further tried to reassure me that he would “do everything in his power” to get this going as soon as possible. Everything in his power? What does that even mean?! Does he basically have absolute power to make whatever announcements he wants? Ugh, if anything, I’m the one who’s lacking in power. And it’s not like I want to go all Dick Cheney on the country or anything.
I am becoming increasingly concerned that I really am going to be lost in the shadows of Barack and Hillary. Everyone knows that she’s really going to take charge with her role in Secretary of State, and I certainly don’t want to become a spare wheel in this administration; which is why Barack needs to get going on clarifying my role. Not only so I can do it, but so that I can defend it!
Until next time,
Joe the Veep
Originally posted in The Secret Diary of Joe Biden
Joe Needs Some Responsibility
Monday, December 1st
7:48pm
Dear Diary,
Barrack just told the family at dinner about Joe’s “ridiculous” diatribe about not having enough publicity. I do understand where he’s coming from. I don’t think Barack has specified my role enough, and he certainly could do a better job of refuting all those ridiculous “momification” rumors.
But really, I don’t know what Barack’s waiting for. He really should have publicly discussed what Biden’s role will be in the administration, and given him some real power, instead of forcing him to always take the back seat. And I told Barack so. Barack, of course, got all political on me – saying he understood where I was coming from, and that “he’d do everything in his power” to get going on defining Joe’s duties. I certainly hope so, or I’m probably going to be hearing from Joe about this soon.
Yours always,
Michelle
Originally posted in The Secret Diary of Michelle Obama
my 2 boys
hi i m a proud mom of two dals one is 8 yrs old max and his son miller 10 months old. max is such a great dog as my vet says an exception to the dalmation world, but his son is another story although i can tell that he is going to be a a good dog. he has tested all and every nreve in my body. i have found someone that will train him at her house for 2 weeks. he has to pick up and run and then tear apart things in my house someone suggested a GENTLE LEADER AND A PRONG COLLAR,, ANY ONE WITH IDEAS BEFORE I SEND HIM OFF TO BOOT CAMP AT $425.00 HELP
i can't find my chilton manul and need to know the toqure on the head for a head gasket change
sorry on an 86 olds cutlas cerria
champagne basics for beginners
Here is a wine/Sparkling-Wine-and-Champagne.htm" target="_blank">great video from about.com on champagne and sparkling wine basics for all of you recent converts, or anyone who has the occasional trouble opening champagne. The information in the video is transcribed below it as well, and is worth a look!
Went out on the Friday after Thanksgiving and ordered the house champagne. I was asked the whole night what I was celebrating, even though my drinks were less expensive than most of the other wine and cocktail selections. Most people still don't get that there are delicious, unexpensive champagnes that can and should be consumed without a special occasion!
i need help
hey guys!
i need help. i want to learn how to ride dirt bikes. i need a hot guy to teach but needs a good personality. i will take a good guy too. i am in michigan/f /14. please e-mail me
Thanksgiving Weekend Wonderfully Uneventful
Sunday, November 30th
3:15pm
Dear Diary,
Itâ??s been a wonderful and very relaxing weekend. I spent most of it out of the public eye and enjoyed some time with Sasha and Malia. I didnâ??t get to see them nearly enough on the campaign trail, so it was nice to spend some time with them. I wish Barack could have been at home more over the Thanksgiving holiday, but I respect that heâ??s at least trying to do everything he can for our country. Still, I know Sasha and Malia wish they could have seen more of their father too.
Can’t believe we’re already in the holiday season. Seems like we should still be in the middle of fall, but my autumn flew by with all the campaigning. Haven’t decided what I’m going to get everyone for Christmas, but I will probably buy everything online anyway, since I have become somewhat of a celebrity. I made a point of avoiding shopping at all these weekend to avoid the crowds, which I think was the best decision, and may have even saved my lifer, or at least an injury. I can’t believe that a worker was trampled to death in a Wal-Mart. How truly tragic and really quite sick. So sad that we’re still so savage when it comes to shopping that we’d sacrifice a life. Hopefully this has caused people to reflect on how material they’ve become, and perhaps think again on the reason for the season. I’m not saying the holidays necessarily have to be religious, but there has to be more than buying things.
Yours always,
Michelle
Originally posted in The Secret Diary of Michelle Obama
Trying to get in the Modeling professional
My name is Lisa and I'm trying to get into the modeling business. I'm 15 years old. I'm 5'6" and weigh 109 lbs. Any information/advice about the business or job opportunities would be greatly appreciated! My email uymuse@hotmail.com If you are not legit then please don't contact me because my parents will screen any emails I recieve. Thank you!