My Soapbox

We're having a baby boy!

feiruz_al-bnefsagia — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:48:04 GMT

Today we got an ultrasound to find out what we're expecting. So now we know. It's a relief to stop wondering and finally be able to call the baby "he" instead of "it" or whatever. He's on track to join us March 17. :)

Long Time No Update

feiruz_al-bnefsagia — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:53:44 GMT

So I've been busy. I've been living in Twitterland. And it's addictive. But in between tweets, my day job, volunteering and all the other little things I do... I'm busy growing this baby inside me. Due around St Patrick's Day. Ever seen a Jewish Leprechaun? LOL ;)

He's employed!

feiruz_al-bnefsagia — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:07:08 GMT

My husband just got called by the company he interviewed with last year. They're hiring him full-time with benefits. And it's the perfect job for him. They were looking for a "computer Macguyver" and he's nothing if not the Swiss-army-knife of technogeeks. That is so AWESOME. The amount of relief I feel

Talking About Sex and Religion

feiruz_al-bnefsagia — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:07:20 GMT

It's inevitable that someone will bring up religion, but the in-your-face "Have you found Jesus" types really set me off. I could never pinpoint why, but I think I understand this reaction a bit better. You see, religiosity like sex is very personal to me. Just as I would hate for someone to braggingly get in my face with "Have you had an orgasm today?" I don't want them to make an issue of the frequency or degree of my religion. It's mine. It's between me and the object of my "affection" just like sex is between me and my husband. It ain't NONE of your bizness. Religion and sex are essential parts of life and to some people they mean more and to some they mean less. Some think you need to connect with your god and partner daily, while others think it should be left for special occasions. Some make a big public display of their religiousness/sexuality, while others keep it low-key and private. Some talk about it openly, and some just to close friends and family. Then there are those who hide or deny it altogther--and we know the type of psychosocial issues they have! If I confide in you about sex or religion, it's because I trust you. But if you try to push your sexual or religious exploits on me, I'm going to get offended. I know you have sex and I know you go to church (or whatever religious community activity you do), but that does NOT mean that I want to hear about it. Likewise, when someone insults my religion or religiosity, they might as well be insulting my sexuality. These are both deeply rooted parts of my being and mean to me something uniquely all my own. I wouldn't tread on other's sex or religion and I'd appreciate it if others don't stomp on mine. So enjoy your religion as you enjoy your sex, but leave me and mine to myself.

The Doctor (Application) is IN

feiruz_al-bnefsagia — Tue, 05 May 2009 16:33:24 GMT

Today I sent off the application to the department of Technical Communication and Rhetoric. This is separate and in addition to the requirements to apply the university/graduate school. It's like a job application on crack. The application introduces myself and my writing skills. It's a first impression of great import. Screwing up any part of this (most often the statement of intent) can not only cause them to refuse an applicant, but set the stage for a negative relationship should they allow you to reapply at a later time. *fingers crossed* Say a prayer for me, woncha?

PhDecisions

feiruz_al-bnefsagia — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 20:17:43 GMT

A couple years ago I was inspired as to an idea for a Thesis for my PhD. Since then I've been more than just a little busy with life. Now that I have a house and a husband and a 'stable' job, it's time to move forward. I'm applying to Texas Tech's PhD in Tech Comm for fall. I need 12-3 classes to get my postgrad course requiremnt out of the way. Taking only one per semester (including summer) would mean 3-4 classes a year. I'd have 3-4 years to continue doing what I'm doing and work on my dissertation... and, more importantly, the defense thereof. The whole idea of getting interrogated for a PhD is what made me go the "practicum" route for my Master's. However, I really feel this area has to be researched and expounded upon and I believe I am the best person to do this. Wish me luck. I think I'm really gonna need it!

Two fun and interesting words

feiruz_al-bnefsagia — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 06:41:35 GMT

Just for kicks, try using either of these words today. Hopefully not together... nudiustertian (noo-dih-uhss-TER-shee-un) Pertaining to the day before yesterday. This is an anglicized version of the Latin phrase nunc dies tertius est or "now it is the third day." "Aw, come on Mom, those clothes are sooooooooooo nudiustertian!" veisalgia (vye-SAL-juh) An alcohol-induced hangover. You don't see this word every day, but researchers used it in the medical journal called Annals of Internal Medicine, in an article about the results of too much imbibing. It's from the Norwegian kveis or "uneasiness following debauchery," and the Greek algia, which means "pain," as in the pain-reliever called an analgesic. Incidentally, the Norwegians have an even more colorful word for this condition: if you have a hangover in Norway, you're said to have toemmermenn, or literally, "lumberjacks" -- presumably some who are plying their trade bright and early inside your head. "I'm so sorry, but I'm afraid I just can't come in to work today, because I've been diagnosed with a terrible case of veisalgia."

On the Fringes of English

feiruz_al-bnefsagia — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:47:20 GMT

It seems that the rest of us live on the fringes of the English language. I come to this conclusion having found the Center of the English Language. Did you know it had a center? Well, I drove by it yesterday. Doubting mine eyes, I looked them up and found out that really is what they call themselves (see http://english-classes.com/). Well, if they're the Center, we must all be on the Fringes. That surely explains a great deal!

Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense Mini-Workshop

feiruz_al-bnefsagia — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:52:35 GMT

Do you find yourself in verbal interactions that start out civil and for little or no apparent reason become confrontational? Are you tired of being misunderstood in verbal and written communication where the other party becomes aggressive and even abusive? The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense is gentle because aggression usually cannot be solved with reciprocal aggression nor does it mean permitting the other party to continue their aggressive behavior. It is an art because it is neither a science, a therapeutic approach, nor a treatment for social or psychological problems. Rather, it is a theory with techniques for practical application. By the end of the presentation, you will know when you are being verbally attacked, what type of attack you are under, how to defend yourself without escalation, and how to follow through. Please join us on Thursday, April 16th for what should be an interesting and valuable program. Location: Crowne Plaza North Dallas/Addison Hotel 14315 Midway Road Addison, Texas Room: The meeting is scheduled for the Whispering Oaks Room, but is subject to change. If you do not see your fellow STC members in the Whispering Oaks Room, check with the front desk. Schedule: 5:45 PM--Registration, Networking, and SIN SIG (Topic: Newsletter News with Jackie Damrau) 6:15 PM--Announcements and Dinner 7:00 PM--Program 8:00 PM--Wrap-up 8:10 PM--Additional networking Price: Members: $30 Students: $25 Guests: $35 Program Only (all): $15 Reservations: To view the menu and register online, visit http://www.stc-dfw.org and then click the Reservations link. You don't want to miss out on this hot topic! Come and hear The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense! Questions: E-mail: 1stvp@stc-dfw.org

Daddies of D&D Both Dead

feiruz_al-bnefsagia — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 21:04:06 GMT

That's right, the second mythological deity behind TSR's original fantasy system passed away. Dave Arneson lost the battle with cancer just a year after an aneurysm killed Gary Gygax. Nether man was a young fella and certainly neither were saints, but anyone who enjoys computer or console games (or even some board games) owes a HUGE debt of gratitude to these fellows. So many genre concepts we take for granted were established by Dave and Gary. Dave went on to champion the importance of gaming in education and game design in software development. The cultural changes he made contributed in their own special way to the Geek culture we know today. I never met them, but they are like uncles to me. And I mourn their passing. Rest in peace in Gamer's Heaven.

Happy Spring Holidays!

feiruz_al-bnefsagia — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 18:32:35 GMT

Just wanted to wish you all a Happy Passover and early Easter.

The Facebook Haggadah

feiruz_al-bnefsagia — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:12:07 GMT

I really wish I could just repost this here, but it wouldn't look right. So you've gotta see it for yourself. http://9a4440c5.fb.joyent.us/haggadah/ultraModern2.php "The Passover Seder, the oldest continuously observed religious ceremony in the world, tells the story of the Jews' Exodus from Egypt. Jewish tradition says that people of each generation must imagine that they personally had departed from Egypt, and the sages say that each generation must tell the story in its own terms. The sages probably did not intend this."

That explains it!

feiruz_al-bnefsagia — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:33:17 GMT

This morning as I'm grabbing my lunchbag and purse, my cat reaches out from the back of the couch and scratches me as I go by--for no apparent reason! Then, later today, I get twittered a LOLcat and suddenly BAM it all makes sense... Next time, I'll use correct change. Promise.

Need "Godzilla Ate Tukwila" by Dave Phillips (1980)

feiruz_al-bnefsagia — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:25:08 GMT

Mom wants a song. A very silly song. Of course. It was played locally on stations in the Pacific Northwest for a very short period of time. It's almost impossible to find. It's called "Godzilla Ate Tukwila" and was performed by Dave Phillips in 1980. If you know where to get it, please leave a comment or email me! Don't bother linking to the songbook. Or the lyrics. Or some discussion about any of the above. All we want is the song. Any format. Really. Thanks from my Ma.

Death by CUTE

feiruz_al-bnefsagia — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:22:59 GMT

Prepare to suffer FUZZY & CUTE. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2F4EFYM_MA It's worse than the Comfy Chair (SM).

OMG Tovi Mediterranean Cafe Falafel Sandwich FTW!

feiruz_al-bnefsagia — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 18:05:26 GMT

I had an errand to run in Richardson today (www.nerdbooks.com) and stopped at a random Mediterranean cafe on my way back to work. I ordered a "falafel sandwich," dolmas, baklava and soda for about $12. Nothing special right? Upon arriving to work I opened the generic Thank You bag and discovered a falafel wrap that would leave all others with pita envy. Let me put it to you this way: I could use this thing as a ruler. I swear, it's at least 12 inches long. It's got four generously proportioned pieces of falafel in it (which are scrumptious if a bit overcooked) and tons of veggies in a home-make Texas-sized wrap that in and of itself is delish. The dolmas are good too. As are the olives they threw in there with 'em. Yum yum... messy yum yum. ;) But those are nothing to shout about. The shouting is totally reserved for the falafel sandwich. I've not finished downing the meal to get to the baklava. I'm sure it's good and will report appropriately. But I suspect I won't get to eat it today. This falafel sandwich is lunch, snack, and dinner. Good heavens, it's HUGE! I know, I keep repeating myself. But I swear in all my years of falafel eating (which is most of my years altogether) I have never ever seen a restaurant serve (To Go, even!) a falafel sandwich this enormous. If you're in Richardson off 75 near Beltline, drop in and be amazed for yourself.

Hypocritical Sarcastic Rant

feiruz_al-bnefsagia — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:30:32 GMT

"Typically ensuant to such corresponding erroneous conclusions and as deplorable as government [or PH(W)Bs] misuse of and obsession with unnecessarily bombastic polysyllabic terminology is Academia's devotion to convoluted construction and tautological verbosity." Written in response to complaints about Point Haired Bosses (and WannaBes) who feel the need to impress us all by using BIG WORDS... incorrectly. And they don't even realize it. ;)

A funny word for today

feiruz_al-bnefsagia — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:32:33 GMT

From A-Word-A-Day we received this new addition to our vocabulary: SCHWERPUNKT noun: The point of focus; an area of concentrated effort, especially in a military operation. From German Schwerpunkt (center of gravity, focal point), from schwer (weighty) + Punkt (point). "In the only arty shot, the Dalai Lama, seen in silhouette, sits at the schwerpunkt of a Mondrian-like composition." --Meir Ronnen; Happy Families?; The Jerusalem Post (Israel); June 25, 2004. "But is the pledge to abolish Australian Workplace Agreements a masterstroke or a blunder? That question could be the greatest contest of judgment between Beazley and Prime Minister John Howard. Should it be the schwerpunkt of Labor's attack or will it be an unproductive dilution of forces?" --Terry Sweetman; Kim Finds a Sore Point; The Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Australia); Jun 16, 2006. I just like the way it sounds. LOL

When someone says, "That's impossible"...

feiruz_al-bnefsagia — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 21:18:17 GMT

This is from a presentation by Paul Buchheit, the founder of FriendFeed and the Creator of GMail.

Overheard at work

feiruz_al-bnefsagia — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 18:09:04 GMT

"These meetings keep interfering with my stream of unconsciousness." Um... TGIF?

Arm exercise for belly dancers (and anyone else)

feiruz_al-bnefsagia — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:49:25 GMT

Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side. With a 5-lb potato sack in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides, and hold them there as long as you can. Try to reach a full minute, and then relax. Each day you'll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer. After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-lb potato sacks. Then try 50-lb potato sacks, and eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-lb potato sack in each hand, and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute. (I'm at this level.) Once you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each sack. (stolen from a meetup.com board)

Eulogy by Rabbi Gittlesohn at Iwo Jima

feiruz_al-bnefsagia — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:31:55 GMT

"Here lie men who loved America because their ancestors generations ago helped in her founding, and other men who loved her with equal passion because they themselves or their own fathers escaped from oppression to her blessed shores. Here lie officers and men, Negroes and whites, rich men and poor . . . together. Here are Protestants, Catholics and Jews together. Here no man prefers another because of his faith or despises him because of his color. Here there are no quotas of how many from each group are admitted or allowed. Among these men, there is no discrimination. No prejudices. No hatred. Theirs is the highest and purest democracy … Whosoever of us lifts his hand in hate against a brother, or who thinks himself superior to those who happen to be in the minority, makes of this ceremony and the bloody sacrifice it commemorates, an empty, hollow mockery. To this, then, as our solemn duty, sacred duty do we the living now dedicate ourselves: to the right of Protestants, Catholics, and Jews, of white men and Negroes alike, to enjoy the democracy for which all of them have here paid the price … We here solemnly swear that this shall not be in vain. Out of this and from the suffering and sorrow of those who mourn this will come, we promise, the birth of a new freedom for the sons of men everywhere." Rabbi Roland B. Gittelsohn (1910-1995), assigned to the Fifth Marine Division, was the first Jewish chaplain the Marine Corps ever appointed. The American invading force at Iwo Jima included approximately 1,500 Jewish Marines. Rabbi Gittelsohn was in the thick of the fray, ministering to Marines of all faiths in the combat zone.

Latin phrase of the day...

feiruz_al-bnefsagia — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:58:23 GMT

Incendesne? Meaning: Are you on fire?

To say it's not my week...

feiruz_al-bnefsagia — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:06:58 GMT

...would be a huge understatement! We have a MAJOR product release Monday. I have to provide all the documentation (user guide, help system, readmes, etc). The project is way behind and they won't budge the date. I am on staff at a convention this weekend and I cannot work Fri-Sun. So I have to have this ALL done today. As of right now I've got the equivalent of 3-4 days of work to do. And only between now and 5pm to get it done. At 5:30 I've got my professional society meeting. I'm the registration person. I have all the reg info, badges, payment info, etc... so I can't play hooky. And I'm in a walking boot from an injury I got four weeks ago. And on top of all of that... I GOT STUCK IN A GODDAM ELEVATOR. You can't make this kinda' stuff up. *cry*

Funny commercial

feiruz_al-bnefsagia — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:08:57 GMT

Most commercials don't do more than amuse me. It's rare to get more than a groan or shaken head from me. But one of the latest GEICO commercials had me truly rolling. I found it on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTXm1zvWf9I "Oh dear..." HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH......