You Don't Say?

How to choreograph your next dance routine...

ciaomeow — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:40:09 GMT

I just loved this latest gem from the Very Short List’s daily offering (www.veryshortlist.com): “Think about how a movie is itself a special effect: A sequence of still images flashes rapidly, convincing your brain that you’re actually looking at, say, a steel locomotive hurtling at you, a giant ape climbing up the Empire State Building, or a stick figure made from pipe cleaners joyously dancing to pop songs. That last concept is all that David Bessler’s website offers, and yet it’s somehow enough to keep us occupied for an insanely long time. Choose from one of seven songs (like OutKast’s “Ms. Jackson” or Kenny Loggins’s “Footloose”), then type on the top three rows of your keyboard or move your mouse over the onscreen icons to cycle through a series of pictures of a pipe-cleaner man in all manner of boogie-down poses (some of which only a pipe-cleaner man should attempt). You can create elaborate choreography for your dancing avatar, but you’ll be surprised at the way random keystrokes can generate a pretty plausible routine. Maybe you’ll pick up a few new moves yourself.” Now it’s your turn....bust a move, hoe-may... http://www.davidbessler.com/pulldown/pipecleaner_dance3.swf ^..^

Terri & the Gypsy

ciaomeow — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 01:50:45 GMT

Ever hear of Gogol Bordello? The friggin' kick ass Gypsy Punk band? Well, you should...and if they ever come to play in your town, you should go see them. Beyond amazing.... So when Terri called and asked if I wanted to go to see them up at the Warfield, I nearly jumped out of my skin. I've been a fan since a gal in one of my belly dance troupes turned me on to their music...but I'm nothing compared to Terri....oh she's a fan....hell, she's ready to run away with the Gypsies! Terri, Siobhan and I were hanging out before the show, upstairs by the bar. I was looking over the banister down into the lobby area, when I noticed a girl taking pictures of a funny looking dude sitting behind the Voice of Roma table. I asked Terri “Is he someone in the band?” She looked and squealed “That’s Eugeeeeene!!!!!” (i.e. Eugene Hutz, the singer of Gogol Bordello)...she has a major crush on him (and the fiddle player). Quick as a flash she was down the stairs, with me following behind, camera in hand. He was signing autographs and talking to people, very nice guy. Terri tried to situate herself so I could get a picture of her near Eugene. Then he stood and started to leave, it was nearly time for their show. This was my chance! He had to squeeze by Terri to get out from behind the table, placing him right next to her...if I could just get the shot in time....digital cameras have that damn delay but I couldn’t take a step back, I knew someone would get between us and ruin the picture....so I bent backwards at the waist....further and further as he moved towards us.....thank god for belly dancing and stomach muscles......at the moment when the camera was ready and I took the picture, Eugene had turned his head and was treated to quite a view of my cleavage in a low cut top doing a perfect backbend away from him....he smiled & laughed, stopping in his tracks “Now that was very nice, very impressive!!" (with that great Russian/Ukrainian accent of his). I laughed and thanked him for the picture & the compliment. Best part of all, I got the shot! Terri & Eugene....ok, so he’s getting an eyeful of my rack but still....good picture!!! ^..^ www.gogolbordello.com

Killing time until the holiday....

ciaomeow — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 23:14:11 GMT

http://www.howmanyfiveyearoldscouldyoutakeinafight.com/ Also check out the other ones at the end....I have a 55% chance of surviving a Zombie Apocalypse...damn I need more canned goods!!! xo^..^ (Am I there yet?) PS I could take 20 of em in a fight....is that good?

Giving away the store!

ciaomeow — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 03:08:01 GMT

Inspired by Kiki and Alexis and Ivy.....I have some gifts/tokens to pass along! Be one of the first five to reply to this AND repost it and the gifty is yours. Email me a mailing address off line. (Let me know if you're a burner, it influences what gift I send you!) Groovy goodies are yours for the asking! ^..^

Jenny-ology

ciaomeow — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 14:11:37 GMT

Happy birthday to me! Since today is all about me (didn’t you get that memo?), here’s a little slice o’ Ciao for your viewing pleasure (or if you just need to kill a couple minutes). When you’re done there will be a quiz....actually, just repost this as your name followed by "ology". (Stolen from Witch Chick – thanks doll!) MOUTHOLOGY Q. What is your salad dressing of choice? A. Currently? Marie’s Blue Cheese Q. What is your favorite fast food restaurant? A. Bleh. Just give me a salad bar at Whole Foods and I’m happy....If I really must (& I’m drunk), In N’ Out… Q. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? A. Narita (Japanese place by my house) Q. On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant? A. 20% Q. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? A. Cheese Q. What are your pizza toppings of choice? A. All kinds of cheese! Parmesan, asiago, feta, goat, blue....mmmmm cheese.....have I mentioned I like cheese? Q. What do you like to put on your toast? A. Butter with a tiny sprinkle of sugar (my mommy used to make that for me when I was sick:-) TECHNOLOGY Q. What is your wallpaper on your computer? A. An aerial view of Black Rock City Q. How many televisions are in your house? A. 1 Q. What color is your iPod? A. Black, white and blue (yeah I have 3, I’m a spoiled brat!!!) BIOLOGY Q. Are you right-handed or left-handed? A. Right Q. Have you ever had anything removed from your body? A. Never Q. When was the last time you had a cavity? A. As a kid, though I had the fillings (2) replaced a couple years ago Q. What is the last heavy item you lifted? A. Boxes of pharmacy at work yesterday Q. Have you ever been knocked unconscious? A. No RANDOMOLOGY (Part 1) Q. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? A. No thank you Q. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? A. Something a little more unique but not too lame...I’m open to suggestions!! Ginger is my evil twin, maybe I should just embrace the Ginger in me.... Q. What color do you think looks best on you? A. Turquoise blue Q. Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake? A. Yep, a shooter (marble) that got caught in my throat for a couple seconds...ambulance ride to the hospital & everything...don’t ask why I had a marble in my mouth.... Q. Have you ever saved someone's life? A. Yes (sort of, pulled someone back onto a curb before he stepped in front of a car) Q. Has someone ever saved yours? A. No DAREOLOGY Q. Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100? A. You bet! Q. Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000? A. Sadly, I think I would...it’s all a timing thing and with the split I’m paranoid about money...yikes... Q. Would you never blog again for $50,000? A. Not a problem, where do I sign up? Q. Would you pose naked in a magazine for $250,000? A Bwahahahaha!!! Don’t know WHAT magazine it would be, but I’d consider it.... Q. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? A. I would! Unless it was one that WaltSnipe chose for me, then it might be TOO hot! Q. Would you, without fear of punishment, take a human life for $1,000,000? A. No DUMBOLOGY Q: What is in your left pocket? A: No pockets, Baby! Q: Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie? A. Wasn’t blown away but if it’s on TV I usually stop and watch for a bit... Q: Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house? A: Carpet Q: Do you sit or stand in the shower? A: Stand Q: Could you live with roommates? A: Always have, until now... Q: How many pairs of flip flops do you own? A: 5 Q: Last time you had a run-in with the cops? A: Last November Q: What do you want to be when you grow up? A: Content Q: Who is number 1 on your top 8? A: How sad, I’m not even sure what that means...... LASTOLOGY Q: Friend you talked to? A: Kiki Q: Last person to call you? A: Mamma Q: Person you hugged? A: My Diffa Kittens - Kiki, Princess & Sparky (in that order) FAVORITOLOGY Q: Number? A: 10 (oh come on, it’s 10/10!) Q: Season? A: Winter Q: Book? A: Right now? “You Suck” by Christopher Moore (so many good quotes, right Kiki?) Q. Website? A. SFGate.com Q. Month? A. October...birthday AND Halloween? Oh come on... Q. Alcohol? A. Vodka (I’m Russian!) CURRENTOLOGY Q: Missing someone? A: Tremendously Q: Mood? A: Giddy Q: Listening to? A: The Dresden Dolls Q: Watching? A. Kitty Smackdown 2007 (i. e. Sid & Simon chasing each other from room to room) Q: Worrying about? A: My divorce...handling all of the paperwork, getting the details worked out, hoping things go smoothly and calmly.... RANDOMOLOGY, pt 2 Q: First place you went this morning? A: Kitchen, to feed the cats (I value my life!) Q: What can you not wait to do? A. Get on that plane tomorrow Q: What's the last movie you saw? A: Children of Men Q: Do you smile often? A: Yeah, so I’ve been told... Q: Are you a friendly person? A: No, I hate people, go away... *snort* I can’t even fake that one! Q: Someone you wish you never met? A: Absolutely. G.B. Though I wonder...if I never met him, would I be the person I am today? Have the strength I have? Maybe so... Now it’s your turn, don’t just lurk! Repost this as your name followed by "ology" & tell me a little bit about yourself.... ^..^

Toasting marshmallows...

ciaomeow — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 08:49:03 GMT

Oh I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am! I’m still revved up from tonight’s “Virgin Burn.” All 12 wicks have been sullied (3 on each fan, 2 per staff and 2 fire palms). We did so GOOD. I can’t sleep I’m just too excited. I want to do it again...NOW!!! Hey Kiki, wake up! Can I come back over and do it all again? It felt wonderfully right...the staff was an extension of my body, the muscle memory from my practice spinning really helped keep all fear at bay...I didn’t think I’d do it but I even tried some of my more fancy moves, including this over head double twirl behind the back thingie (I’m sure it must have a name, I just haven’t learned it yet) and a pirouette. I love my staff... The fans will be pretty once I figure out how to really move them well. They’re heavy, that’s ok. But the hand grip is really uncomfy, it’ll need some tweaking. But look at the amount of fire in that picture! My goodness that makes me happy.....I do believe my toes are curling with glee....yeah I said it, GLEE!! What a fine, fine evening. ^..^ PS There are more pix in my photo album...And check Kiki's album, I'm sure she'll post some of hers too...

Please put me out...

ciaomeow — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 18:33:41 GMT

Kiki and I will be lighting up tomorrow evening, finally breaking in these virgin wicks. She’ll be doing her staff and maybe her fire palms, I’ll be lighting my staff and fans. She’s spun her fire poi before, but this will be the first time I’ve ever lit up. We’ve been practicing for a few months, and this last month I’ve been spinning a lot more. But I need to learn what the fire is going to do. Tricks I can do unlit will be totally different lit...and I need to see what it feels like...and what it sounds like....I’m so excited.... So if you hear some fire engines blasting by....wave hello! ^..^

Hey Kiki, DandelionSF, WaltSnipe, Terri & Stefanie...Tag, you're it....

ciaomeow — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:56:50 GMT

Beth tapped me in this here book tag game thingie...I admit, I was tempted to NOT grab my nearest book...maybe find something a little more, eh, tame? Alright then, you asked...... He rejects any attempt to analyze the possible unconscious significance of fetish fashion on the grounds that all psychological accounts of fetishism are necessarily reductionist and repressive because they interpret the phenomenon in “pathological” terms. Apparently in response to such protests, the most recent edition of DSM has changed the diagnostic criteria for fetishism from “act[ing] on these urges” to “caus[ing] clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important activities of functioning.” Kunzle prefers to rely exclusively on the “feelings, experiences, and judgments” of “dedicated fetishists.” “Fetish – Fashion, Sex & Power” by Valerie Steele Here are the rules of the game: 1. grab the nearest book 2. open book to page 28 3. find the 3rd sentence 4. post the text of the next three sentences in your blog along with these instructions. Do not look for your favorite book, the cool book, or the intellectual one: pick the CLOSEST book. 5. tag 5 other peeps to do the same. I’m tagging Kiki, DandelionSF, WaltSnipe, Terri & Stefanie. I’m curious to see if the non-bloggers will comply.....Now go to it! ^..^ PS This activity has gotten me to post again, even if it’s just a smidge....a couple of you know some major shit has been going down in my life over the last 4 months....and if you don’t, you probably will soon....it’s nothing personal, I just haven’t really felt like telling the world....in time....

Got a light?

ciaomeow — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 18:57:12 GMT

My new "hobby," dancing with fire. . . Am I crazy to even consider this? I’m committed now, I’ve bought the gear. I just got a pair of fire fans and a fire staff. Kiki got a staff too, we treated ourselves to the uber cool balancing staffs made by Riz (www.firewhip.com). So besides spinning them we can dance with them on our heads, balancing them like we do our belly dance swords. Fire. Fire?!?! Me?? Am I insane to tackle this new skill of dancing with fire? I’m a klutz, seriously I am. Remember my last post? My mom has been known to say “she’s a graceful dancer, but walking seems to be an issue at times.” I’ve sprained my ankle while walking on perfectly smooth pavement. I’ve sprained my ankle standing still. STANDING STILL PEOPLE! I always have at least 2-3 bruises somewhere on my body, usually acquired by knocking into some unmoving object. I broke my little toe in August running into a file cabinet. So why, WHY, do I think I’ll be able to survive this? Because I am determined. Those of you who know me, know that when I get that bee in my bonnet (or bug up my whatever), then it has to be. I may be tempting fate. I don’t care. This is going to be one crazy ride. . . ^..^ (Photo taken from the Fire by Riz website. His balancing staffs are just so wicked!)

Kiss & make it better. . .

ciaomeow — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 06:16:40 GMT

I am a big lame pansy girl. I am a dainty flower. Jeeeez louise on a cracker. Look at this nasty bruising and swelling! Crapola, looks like I sucker punched a wall or something!!! Know what I did? I put a ring on. Or maybe it was when I took it off? WTF?!?!?!? My girlfriends gave me this amazing ring for my birthday, huge thing with a seal on it. Totally bitchin’. Of course, it’s way too big for my finger, so I rig it with moleskin to make it fit better. And somehow, while putting it on and taking it off a couple times, I popped something in my knuckle, like a blood vessel or something? Suddenly the ring is waaaaaaay to tight! I could barely get it off!! Knuckle swells, bruise spreads, hard to bend. And I can’t stop staring at my finger. Such a puss. Ouch. ^..^

Well you know my name is Simon & I like to do draw-rings…

ciaomeow — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 00:18:19 GMT

Has it been a month already? Well, it must be…he’s getting bigger, longer actually. Nearly doubled his size. And yet still appears seemingly miniscule when next to Sid (or under him as is so often the case). He attacks like a cat 10 times his size, shows no fear. And when he’s done slaying the universe (or his chicken bell toy), he runs over to me and hurls himself onto my lap. . .C-R-A-S-H!!! Kitten crashing is an amazing phenomenon; I’ve forgotten how funny young creatures are when they get too pooped to party. He’s sweet. He’s got a rumbly purr that makes his whole body quiver. And that belly? Oooh he loves his belly. And you must love it too. Sid enjoys his company, I’m sure of it now. The hissing ended after about 3 or 4 days. Now the two of them thunder around the house, chasing each other back and forth. Sid prefers to sit on Simon’s face and bite his belly. Wicked. Simon likes to bite Sid’s Achilles’. Evil!! And then, when I’m not supposed to be looking, Sid starts to lick Simon on his head. They’ve been caught on tape grooming each other, so they can’t deny it. And yes, his name is Simon. Simon Gallup, actually (bass player for the Cure). And since Sid’s full name is Sid Vicious (bass player for the Sex Pistols), we’ve stayed within our musical theme once again. Had to get away from the one hit wonder bands though. . .there will never be another Kajagoogoo. And that’s ok. Simon has won me over. ^..^

What a lucky Friday the 13th. . .

ciaomeow — Sat, 14 Oct 2006 06:08:32 GMT

. . .at least for this little guy it is. My good friend Lou called me up yesterday, "You've got to meet his kitten." She wasn't sure if it was too soon but this guy was special. He's a spitfire, full of hell. . .but rips into a huge purr with one kind word. She knew I wanted, or maybe needed, a cuddle type kitty. And this might be the one. So we brought him home today. Sid's not quite sure yet. He's watching closely, even let a couple hisses slip out. I've never once heard him hiss before. The little guy doesn't have a name yet. He hasn't told us what it is yet. . . One more thing. . .since he's a rescue, we don't know what his birthday is. Our vet estimates him to be 8 or 9 weeks old. My Kaja passed away 9 weeks ago. He's got some funny behaviors that are identical to her. I don't think he IS her, but I do believe she sat him down and gave him some inside information. Sneaky girl. I miss you, Goo. ^..^

Let the Love & Adoration Begin!!!

ciaomeow — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 14:35:31 GMT

In about an hour, at 8:39 am, I will be born! Breathe mamma, breathe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This happens every year on my birthday. . .I can’t help but to feel pretty damn lucky. So many amazing people have come into my life, they’ve loved me unconditionally and have allowed me to do the same. I feel a shade giddy! So happy birthday to me! And by proxy, YOU! You rock my world. . . ^..^ P.S. 37 years later and my hair hasn't changed a bit. . .

Jinkies! Let's put on a show!!!

ciaomeow — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 18:44:33 GMT

I’ve been slackin’ on the blog thing this past month. Wanted to post entries while I was at Burning Man, never did. I suck. I owe you the scoop, I’ll get to it! But first, business. . . Belmont Art in the Park Twin Pines Park on Ralston Ave. Next weekend, 9/30-10/1 The Diffa Dance Tribe will be performing on Sunday 10/1, 11:45-12:30! And this time, we’re bringing our friends along! It’s a veritable cornucopia of Belly Dance! Antonia brings to the stage her beautiful Cabaret style of dance, with over 20 years of experience! Gorgeous!! Pirate Tribal presents American Tribal Style Belly Dance, complete with sharp, pointy swords. Totally improv, totally HOT! And the Diffa gals round it out with our Folkloric Fusion dances. We aim to please! It’s a Belly Buffet! A Smorgasbord of Styles! It’s a. . .a. . .a. . .what is it? I need to come up with a catchy title for this crazy FrankenBelly performance! What do you think? ^..^

Goodnight, Sweetheart, goodnight...

ciaomeow — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 03:28:37 GMT

Kajagoogoo 1/7/97 - 8/12/06 I wanted to thank you, my friends, for all of the love and kind, supportive words that you’ve given me these past couple weeks. Kaj fought a brave battle, pretty strong for such a tiny thing. And she had such a wonderful group of people rooting for her, praying for her, and sending her good healing kitty thoughts. Thank you for that. I’m sad to say that Goo passed away some time this morning in her sleep. So she’s resting now, I can picture her stretched out & soaking up the sunshine somewhere beautiful…and I know someday I’ll see her again. Thank you for your love, ^..^

So how are things...

ciaomeow — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 18:59:36 GMT

My vet contacted a colleague in San Francisco who has treated dogs with this "internal" variant of mycobacteriosis(vs. the leprosy/skin one). Never seen it in a cat before, only read about it. He's apparently "excited" about this case since it's so rare. He'll probably be doing a load of research on our behalf because he's so jazzed. Uh, thanks? I think the enthusiasm is due to the fact that she's still alive. And if she makes it a week (this weekend), then she's a miracle in the making. If she survives this whole experience, she will most likely be the topic of a veterinary medicine paper. Huh. Can you picture a serious medical paper written about a cat named Kajagoogoo? She is eating again, enjoying the pleasures of Gerber's Stage 2 baby food (so far both beef and turkey are hits) and deli sliced turkey meat. Hand feeding her takes time but warms my heart to see her excited about eating. She has no ability to move about, not even to sit herself up, so she doesn't drink water from her bowl. I dribble some in her mouth to keep it moist. I'm pushing subcutaneous IV fluids to keep her hydrated. Peeing is the hardest part. She can't get to her box, so when she has to go she wiggles around. Hopefully we're there to see her cue & carry her into the litter box. If not, she just pees. So we're keeping her on puppy training pads, they're absorbent but she still gets all wet. That's the part that really, really breaks my heart. But we try. She's sleeping now...lounging on her Queen of Sheba pillow, she looks more like she's at a spa on holiday rather than fighting for her life.... ^..^

Leave it to Kaj...

ciaomeow — Sat, 05 Aug 2006 07:10:24 GMT

The report came back, it’s not cancer. Leave it to my exotic little girl, however, to come up with an exotic ailment. “Cytological Interpretation: Moderate/marked pyogranulomatous inflammation intralesional negative staining bacilli, consistent with mycobacteriosis. Moderate numbers of mixed lymphocytes, possible aspirate from a lymphoid organ.” Mycobacteriosis. Both her regular vet and the internal medicine specialist were completely thrown for a loop. We don’t know what the particular variant is, and after a quick search on the web I see that there are many. Mycobacterial syndromes seen in cats include tuberculosis, feline leprosy and opportunistic mycobacteriosis. And check this out, according to one of the sites: Certain breeds of cat appear to be predisposed to infection with MAC organisms, including Siamese, Abyssinian and Somali breeds. So her condition, according to the vets, is considered to be “guarded.” And we’ve started her on a cocktail of antibiotics. Thing is, it’s got a strong hold on her system already. Her ability to walk had deteriorated so much yesterday, even from the time I dropped her off at VMS at 11 am and picked her up at 4pm. Today I stayed with her the entire time, watching her breathing…waiting for that moment when she would just stop. I could tell she was struggling. But she wasn’t in pain. She was calm. Even managed to purr for me to make me feel better. So I feel hopeful now, only because there’s something I can do. To feel like I’m helping, not just waiting. ^..^

Waiting waiting waiting...

ciaomeow — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 20:55:18 GMT

Waiting waiting waiting… So we dropped Kajagoogoo off this morning with an internal medicine specialist in San Mateo. After hearing her history, the doctor wanted to keep Goo there for a couple hours. Physical exams, neurological exams…maybe a sonogram if need be. Just depends. Now we wait… ^..^

A reply to Patrice....

ciaomeow — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 23:26:49 GMT

From my last blog post: Skwerly's picture challenge to me was this "The 3 wishes that the Genie granted you. Or....if you want to do just one thats ok too." My three wishes, yes all three, would be for my kitty Goo. We don't know what's wrong with her. She's suddenly (within 4 months) dropped from 9.5 to 6.5 pounds. Blood work is off but inconclusive. Abdominal x-ray was normal. Now she's suddenly showing neurological signs of something bad. She's stumbling, losing her balance, falling over. She never was the most graceful of cats, but this is hard to watch. My wishes are: 1. That whatever is wrong with her is easily fixed. She's only 9 1/2, too young in my mind for, well, you know. 2. It can be fixed for a relatively manageable expense...maybe that's a pipe dream...but it's so expensive that I just don't want that to be a factor. 3. if it can't be fixed, don't let my Goo hurt. She's not in pain now, seems pretty ok...I just don't want her hurting. Ever. So, Genie....what do you say? ^..^

Hmmm, this could be interesting...

ciaomeow — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 20:55:32 GMT

Pillaged from the wonderful KSea...a challenge for you and me: Ask me to take a picture of any aspect of my life that you're interested in/curious about - it can be anything from the house I live in to my favorite shoes. Leave your choice here as a comment, and I will reciprocate by taking the pictures and posting them as blog entry here on Tribe. That way you get to know a little bit about my life. By the by, it doesn't need to be a physical thing. It can be a thought, a feeling, a dream, a memory. I will do my best to portray it. Challenge me. ^..^

Bio-identical Hormone Therapy is Under Attack!

ciaomeow — Wed, 01 Mar 2006 19:39:25 GMT

Ok, I need to focus. . .this has me all ticked off. Please take a moment and read the below information. I got this email from Women's International, a compounding pharmacy that I deal with quite often at work. Some of you may not yet at the point of needing HRT, and some may be past the point of worrying about it. Bottom line, if it doesn’t affect you now it either will soon or it will have a great impact on someone you care about. You know I work in an office with Naturopathic and medical doctors. Both work with Bio-identical Hormones. More and more women are choosing this route over the synthetic hormones; some opt to do so because they’ve had difficulty with or side effects from the synthetics. Others are responding to the not so positive reports that came out about 2 years ago. Basically, they made a choice that better suits them and their bodies. This is something that I, myself, want to be able to do when the time comes. Now there’s a chance that we won’t be able to make these choices for ourselves anymore? And who is pushing this agenda? The pharmaceutical companies who make the synthetic hormones? Excuse me?? While part of me is shocked that this idea is even being entertained by the FDA, the other part is, sadly, not surprised. Greed is a driving force here. Don’t let them make the choice for you. Don’t let them make this choice for the women in your lives (Or men! Men also benefit from compounded prescriptions!). Ok, I’ll jump down off of my soap box. Thanks for your ear. I hope you’re all well. You rock. Much love, ^..^ PS Please forward this information on. +++++++++++++++++++++ THE FACTS: Recently, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, makers of Premarin® and Prempro®, filed a Citizen’s Petition with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asking the FDA to impose harmful restrictions on the compounding and dispensing of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). This petition would eliminate the availability of compounded bio-identical hormones, which are prescribed by healthcare providers and prepared by pharmacists, to meet the unique needs of each individual patient. THE FUTURE: Wyeth’s petition asks for strategic restrictions that, if granted, would put an end to all pharmacy compounding. These restrictions would severely restrict or limit the ability of healthcare providers to treat all of their patients, not just men and women on BHRT. With your help, Wyeth can and must be defeated in its attempt to restrict your right to choose “compounded” medications! WHAT CAN YOU DO? Time is of the essence! We need 20,000 comments filed with the FDA by April 4, 2006! It is also extremely important that you file your comments with your U.S. Congressional elected officials. Please note that your comments should be in written form sharing your personal experience with bio-identical hormones stating the positive impact it has had on you and your quality of life. HOW DO I SUBMIT MY COMMENTS? Please visit www.womensinternational.com. Women’s International Pharmacy working in conjunction with the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists (IACP), will link you to the site that is dedicated to protecting BHRT. We, at Women’s International Pharmacy, thank you for working together with us to fight for freedom and your right, to continue taking bio-identical hormone therapies essential to your health, quality of life! Please forward this information to any family or friends who would support this effort.

My mom sent me this. . .

ciaomeow — Tue, 31 Jan 2006 06:42:33 GMT

. . .so I sure hope it doesn't get censored! I mean, come on, it's from my mom!! So until then. . . Top Ten Most Polite Ways to Say Your Zipper Is Down by David Letterman 10. The cucumber has left the salad. 9 . Quasimodo needs to go back into the tower and tend to his bells. 8 . You need to bring your tray table to the upright and locked position. 7. Paging Mr. Johnson. . .Paging Mr. Johnson. . . 6 . Elvis is leaving the building. 5 . The Buick is not all the way in the garage. 4 . Our next guest is someone who needs no introduction. 3 . You've got a security breach at Los Pantalones. 2 . Men may be From Mars.....but I can see something that rhymes with Venus. And the #1 way to tell someone his zipper is unzipped..... 1. I always knew you were crazy, but now I can see your nuts.

Rockin' Good Time, Peanut!

ciaomeow — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 07:19:49 GMT

What a great time we Diffa Grlz had on Friday at the Bean Scene in Sunnyvale! Paloma (of Lunatic Fringe fame) puts on a belly boogie-fest 4 times a year at this local coffee shop. Friday was the first time my troupe performed there, hopefully the first of many. What a great time we had! The energy was up and fun and the crowd warmly welcomed us. We tossed in AC/DC (“You Shook Me All Night Long”) as our closer just for shits and giggles, figured it would be fun to mix it up for this venue. It’s my personal favorite and I always enjoy the crowd reaction (“Whatda??”). And this crowd was ready to party. . .they cheered. . .they clapped. . .in short, they raq-ed!!! A good time was had by all, especially all us Diffas! Cool beans. Then today, the neatest thing happened: I got a message via Tribe from someone there that evening, someone who gave us two big thumbs up. Here’s her message: You ladies BLEW ME AWAY!!!!!! Such originality!! Whodathunkit? AC/DC's You Shook Me All Night Long!!! I can't stop telling peeps about it!!! You ladies have amazing stage (coffee shop floor) presence. It is apparent that you love to dance - it really shows!!! Thanx for raq-in us out!! Now THAT is too cool for school. We always have a wicked good time dancing together, and usually that’s enough for us. But Friday we had a great time with *everyone* in the room! A night like that makes up for all of the nasty crap that we had to deal with while still dancing with the Sabra Dancers. How ironic that 2 of them were there to see the show. That’s a story for another time. So if you’ve never made it down to Sunnyvale for one of these events, then I highly recommend you make the trek. Good times, yeah, good times. . . ^..^ Photo by Michael Baxter 1/6/06

Cats RAWK! ! !

ciaomeow — Mon, 02 Jan 2006 19:53:20 GMT

Cat Calls 911 to Help Owner, Police Say ------ Monday, January 2, 2006 The Columbus Dispatch (01-02) 03:39 PST Columbus, Ohio (AP) -- ------ AP Breaking News Police aren't sure how else to explain it. But when an officer walked into an apartment Thursday night to answer a 911 call, an orange-and-tan striped cat was lying by a telephone on the living room floor. The cat's owner, Gary Rosheisen, was on the ground near his bed having fallen out of his wheelchair. Rosheisen said his cat, Tommy, must have hit the right buttons to call 911. "I know it sounds kind of weird," Officer Patrick Daugherty said, unsuccessfully searching for some other explanation. Rosheisen said he couldn't get up because of pain from osteoporosis and ministrokes that disrupt his balance. He also wasn't wearing his medical-alert necklace and couldn't reach a cord above his pillow that alerts paramedics that he needs help. Daugherty said police received a 911 call from Rosheisen's apartment, but there was no one on the phone. Police called back to make sure everything was OK, and when no one answered, they decided to check things out. That's when Daugherty found Tommy next to the phone. Rosheisen got the cat three years ago to help lower his blood pressure. He tried to train him to call 911, unsure if the training ever stuck. The phone in the living room is always on the floor, and there are 12 small buttons — including a speed dial for 911 right above the button for the speaker phone. "He's my hero," Rosheisen said. (ROWR ^..^)

Happy New Year Peeps!

ciaomeow — Mon, 02 Jan 2006 04:06:23 GMT

So. . .what time did y'all wake up this morning? I know one dear friend who finally got out and about in the latest of the late pm (*cough*Sparx*cough*). Murph and I actually landed home at a decent hour, trying to keep it under control a smidge while I deal with this pesky little cold (not too bad, just almost too pooped to party). We hit the Sea of Dreams up in SF to see the Dresden Dolls and enjoy a huge venue full of the freakies. . .ah, home sweet home. . . Went shopping on a whim at the fabric store & picked up what may prove to be my first Burning Man project. . .cookie monster fur for my bike. How did this happen? How did Nola/KiKi/KnittyKitty talk me into this madness?? Me, the delicate flower that I am, willingly subjecting myself to the heat of the desert? What do I do? Make sacrifices to the Gods & Goddesses of the Playa? For now. . .I'll send my wishes to you all for a loving, peaceful and joy filled new year. . . Much love, ^..^