As a teacher, I knew middle school girls were mean, but I didn't think they were this mean. Interesting cover article in this week's NYTimes Magazine.

What a gorgeous day. Too bad it's so windy!

I did my taxes a few nights ago and was freaking out when the software said I had to pay close to $1000! Then I remembered that damn $300 tax rebate. Ugh!!! Damn you George Bush!

From the NY Times [click on link for full article]
...most taxpayers, when they reach line 47 of their 1040's, will discover that they owe $300 more in taxes than they expected. In other words, the one piece of the Bush tax cut that probably did help the economy last year is about to be snatched away. The direct monetary impact will be significant; the psychological impact, as taxpayers realize that they've been misled, may be even greater.

I finally organized my pictures. Here's a link to the page to view some of my completed crafty projects!

Okay, I took some pictures this morning of some finished knitted items. They should be up soon!

I forgot to mention the great jewelry that Jill and I made on our Monday holiday. Jill made this pretty cursive necklace with seed beading. It was called cursive because it had these gradually increasing little loops. I made a fun charm bracelet with different random beads addded on. I bought this cool watch band that looked specifically like it was for a charm bracelet because it little spaces on each link for you to add something on. I'll try to add pictures this weekend.

I am working on a new Rebecca tank top. There's no picture of it on the website, but it has three panels of color: A, B, A. I am using Spettacolo yarn, which is viscose, polyamid, and linen, in red and brown. Hopefully, I will be able to post some pictures of FOs this weekend!

A Photoanthropological Look at Bachelorhood [via kottke]

I completed the poncho last night. I love it! It only took two days because of the chunky wool factor and the size 17 needles. It is so warm and cozy. I think it's time for ponchos to make a comeback.

Why is it that these foofy little dogs always win Best in Show?

I saw The Count of Monte Cristo on Friday night and absolutely loved it! I wasn't familiar with Alexandre Dumas' story except for what the movie reviews said. The story was fantastic! I would highly recommend it. I even went to the bookstore and bought the novel immediately afterwards. I expect the book to be even better, yet probably different. Meg says that is exactly the case:


Are you wondering about the similarities between The Count of Monte Cristo [the movie] and The Count of Monte Cristo [the book]? Well, after seeing the movie last night, I can tell you that the main character in both tales is called the Count of Monte Cristo, and shortly thereafter the two tales diverge. Hollywood spiced this one up for the viewers, adding sex, bastard children, suicides, and murders that didn't occur in the novel. Perhaps if I hadn't read the book I would have enjoyed the film, but I recoiled as element after element of Dumas' classic was manipulated for a 21st century audience.

I finally finished the seed stitch sweater yesterday morning! Yay! I wore it all day long and it kept me very warm. It's beautiful. It felt so satisfying to complete this project.

So I will finally finish the seed stitch sweater this weekend. All the pieces are blocked and ready to be sewn together. I am currently working on a seaman's cap for Bart in Cascade 220 grey and dark green. Then I will start some cotton chenille washcloths using some leftover Crystal Palace chenille that I have and this cool poncho using Rowan polar in white.

Testimony of Enron Executives is Contradictory I don't understand why this isn't more of a scandal.

Play the Enron Blame Game! [via NextDraft]

A picture of my felted bag. You can also sort of see my TechnoFur boa.

Don's Amazing Puzzle This is pretty cool. [via metafilter]