With Bush's help, GE will profit from India's nuclear program

"Just over an hour after the White House's surprise pledge to help India develop its civilian nuclear power sector, the head of General Electric, the American company that could benefit most from the policy change, sat down for a celebratory dinner. The host was President Bush; a few feet away was India's prime minister, Manmohan Singh, and his top aides. GE Chief Executive Jeff Immelt, a contributor to Bush's presidential campaigns, had a coveted seat at the president's table." Read the Reuters article.

Today Benjamin and I took Maple to Tacoma to see my mom, Rich and Carol. The puggy girls played together and the humans had a great time watching them. They're super cute together. My mom and Benjamin barbequed meat and we ate meat, potatoes, bread and corn in their backyard. After that we hung out in the house until about 11:30, when we finally drug ourselves home. We had a really nice day.

Friday night I went to my friend Piper's bachelorette party. We all met up at her future sister-in-law's house for snacks, drinks, and gag gift giving. Eventually we got it together to go out and went to the new-ish Pioneer Square bar Cowgirls, Inc.. It was wall to wall pretty 21 year old's and was in some ways gross, but was also highly entertaining. This is a picture of Piper dancing on the bar (this is something they encourage). I also took movies of Piper and other girls in our party riding the mechanical bull (I'll post those later). We finished off the night at the non-descript neighborhood bar in Shoreline near Piper's apartment. We met up there with the bachelors, who'd been playing poker and drinking all night. We also sang kareoke. I don't think I'd ever actually done that before. Overall I had a really great time and I think Piper and Eric did, too.

Poopy puppy feet gave me yet another reason to do laundry on Thursday evening.

I printed some photos of my sweet puppy and posted them outside my office door and on the corkboard over my desk.

Earlier this week I got (half) phished by the most convincing phishing email I have ever seen. It was supposedly from PayPal telling me that there may have been unauthorized access to my account (that'll motivate you to click the link!). Clicking the link took you to a site that looked exactly like PayPal where they prompted you to login and then told you that you needed to verify your credit card information as part of a periodic security check. All the graphics were right. The tone of the writing was right. The only tip-offs were: the actual URL of the site once you got there and the fact that the email wasn't addressed to me by name. Apparently all legitimate PayPal emails are addressed to you by name. I've forwarded the email to PayPal and changed my account password and secret questions. Phew. Be careful out there! (I tried to post a screenshot of the site but Hello was having none of that.)

House votes to extend Patriot Act - 14 of 16 provisions made permanent

House votes to extend Patriot Act: "House Republicans generally cast the law as a valuable asset in the war on terrorism. Most Democrats echoed that support but said they were concerned the law could allow citizens civil liberties to be infringed." Idjuts I say! They're all idjuts!!!

Donate $10.10 to Jim McDermott

Washington Representative Jim McDermott is raising money to defend himself in a lawsuit brought by Republicans. I haven't read the detailed history of the lawsuit but basically they're suing him for releasing an audio tape of Newt Gingrich violating a Congressional mandate. McDermott sent mail to his supporters asking that each of us donate $10.10 toward his lawsuit. The reason for this amount is explained by Jim: If each one of you, the 200,000 people who voted for me in the last election, gave $10 each, I would have $1,000,000 in the bank. We can really do this and here’s how: Make a donation at my Web site - Add 10 cents to your donation, so I will know my message reached you. Forward this e-mail to 10 of your friends and ask them to do the same. ...We can be a model for other politicians on how to effectively raise large amounts of the money from modest donations of middle- and lower-income people. Imagine if all politicians could raise the money for their campaigns without corporate donations? ... Whatever money I raise that I do not need will go to progressive candidates. Read the details of the case from McDermott's perspective.

This is one of the flowers in my bee-u-tee-ful birthday hanging flower basket.

The dahlias I planted next to the sidewalk are blooming!

Tonight I pulled this giant dandelion out of one of my outdoor potted plants. Quite the roots on this one!

On Sunday Rob and Benjamin LAN gamed all afternoon and then Steph came over and we all had dinner. Steph grilled salmon and I made salad. Afterward we had some blackberry pie that Steph made. I love it every time she cooks for us! We don't cook much ourselves plus she always makes really yummy stuff. :-)

I finally finished posting the photos from the 4th of July including some amazing ones from Harvey.

Maple has developed a strange and intense issue with feet recently. I don't know if it is fear, hate, love, fascination, fetish, or some other doggie thing, but it is sure interesting.

Last Tuesday after work I gave Maple her second bath 'cuz she was one stinky little puppy. It was far from her favorite experience and I got quite wet in the process. This is Maple just after her bath.

We've been having mostly very pretty and warm weather lately.

Designer takes a stand against ass bulges

My mom bought me a new pair of women's Dockers for my birthday. She lamented that the front pockets were very shallow compared to normal pants. I agreed it was sub-optimal but decided to wear them anyway. This morning I put them on to wear for the first time and discovered the rear pockets were sewn shut. I was running late (of course) and figured I would cut them open at work. Later that morning in the bathroom I was about to use my handy mini leatherman to cut the rear pockets open when I, luckily, realized that they were faux pockets! Since there was clearly a place for them and I don't think they were skimping on fabric, I can only surmise that some fashion designer was sick and tired of everyone having wallet and cell phone shaped bulges on their asses so they proactively prevented this from happening in their pants. Interesting choice.

Marine had cousin shoot him in the leg to avoid returning to Iraq

Recently a young Marine convinced his cousin to shoot him in the leg in order to avoid returning to Iraq. He had just returned from a 6 month stint there. Unfortunately he lied and said he was hit by random gun fire so now he's being charged with filing a false report. In addition, the Marines are "investigating the incident". Someone on a liberal email alias I belong to is saying his is a dishonorable coward but I think that is a rash and unnecessary judgment. We have no idea what this kid has been through and maybe the thought this was the only way to avoid returning to what he perceived as a hellish situation. He was clearly desperate to do something so extreme. Read the story MSNBC.com.

Smoking marijuana is less harmful than email

I keep telling people about this so I figured I should blog it too. ;-) A recent study in Britain found that the constant infux of information from email, IM, cell phones, text messages, etc., decreases your IQ by more than twice the amount done by smoking marijuana! It's true. Read an article about the study.

Corry's Fine Dry Cleaning near the University Village gets a demerit

I had multiple negative experiences with Corry's Fine Dry Cleaning near the University Village this week. Due to several years of neglect plus various puppy fluids, I wanted to get my couch cushion covers cleaned. Corry's cleaned a rug of ours so I thought of them for this job. I called and asked about this service and was told yes they do this and to bring them down. So, minding the puppy simultaneously, I took all of the couch cushion covers off and loaded them into the car. The puppy and I drove down to Corry's. When I arrived they told me that I should have brought the whole pillows rather than just the covers because the covers were likely to shrink and wouldn't go back on. I told them that this would have been a good thing to mention over the phone. They quoted me prices of $10, $12, and $14 each for the three sizes of cushions and I packed my covers back into my car and went home. The next night after work, again with puppy in tow, I put all of the cushion covers back on and then hauled all seven cushions down our 27 stairs (one-way, each trip) to the car. I loaded up the dog and rushed down to Corry's before they closed. The counter people welcomed me and I unloaded all of the cushions and brought them in. They took my name and as I was leaving I asked them to please confirm the price. It was going to be ~$175 for all the cushions (compared to the $82 previously quoted). Apparently the quote I was given before was for just the covers, not the entire cushion. Which is completely illogical given the flow of conversation and the fact that they were recommending the entire cushion cleaning. I said all of this but they stood by their price. So then the girl mentions that for about the same price they could send out a technician who would clean our couch from top to bottom. Needless to say the arm rests and other parts of the couch would also benefit from cleaning. I was pissed. After having a little debate with myself I decided to go ahead and do it even though they are total fuckers and idiots. I want to get it over with and I've gotten a price quote for couch cleaning before so I knew it was in the ballpark. I told off the counter people pointing out that when they'd had two opportunities (the phone call and my first visit) to explain the full range of options and they failed on both occasions. They cost me a lot of time and headache because they are morons. So I packed all the cushions back into the car (a tight fit) and then carried them all back up the stairs to the house. The technician is scheduled to come this morning so I am praying he is on time, competent, and there are no hidden fees.

Sports=traffic jams

If you live in Seattle, use Outlook, want to know when sports games are for traffic purposes, then this is for you.

Download and import these schedules into Outlook:

• Mariners
• Storm
• Sonics (season finished, next season not yet scheduled)

Directions to import into Outlook:

1. File --> Import and Export...
2. Select Import from another program or file and click Next
3. Select Comma Separated Values (Windows) and click Next
4. Find the .csv file you just downloaded and select Do not import duplicate items and click Next
5. Select Calendar and click Next
6. Click Next
7. Click OK
8. Then click Finish
9. Optional: Use the search function to find all the appts. (ex: search for “storm @” or “sonics @”) and delete all the away games Note: the appointments created should have no reminders and the time set to Free

Copy these zipped appointments into Outlook:

• Seahawks
• Huskies (football) In Outlook, drag-and-drop the appointments onto your calendar

Yesterday was my 5 year anniversary at Microsoft. Shocking! This is the fancy clock I got as a service gift along with my having my office decorated with little 'Congratualtions' confetti. Go me.

All Maple, all the time

If you haven't had your fill yet you can see more recent photos of Maple in the gallery.

After brunch a a foray to Petco for crickets and the Mac store for a copy of Fallout for OS X, we went home for the puppy and took her to Univeristy Village. She was a huge hit. We went to Mud Bay Granery for dog things, the Apple store for Mac and iPod accessories, and QFC for groceries and whatnot. It took about 3 hours with the pup in tow.

Saturday night we stayed up until around 2 AM. Sunday morning I got up when the puppy cried around 8 AM. Lucky for me, after a potty break she went back to sleep with me on the couch. Amazingly we slept there until 1 PM. At that point I took a shower and then Benjamin took me out to brunch at Portage Bay Cafe. This is a picture of Benjamin's "short stack" of pancakes. He also got a steak omlette and then just about busted!

I think this look is too funny.

On Friday evening I took Maple for a walk on her new 6' nylon lead and gave her treats when she would walk right beside me. It's slow walking with her since she gets distracted all the time, but we had a nice (short) walk anyway.

She has such a big personality that sometimes I forget that Maple really is pretty tiny. ;-)

My mom re-planted my hanging basket as a renewing birthday present. I love it! It is happy and pretty every time I leave the house and come home. :-)

This is Maple at her first Puppy Kindergarten class at Dog Gone Fun Dog Training in Ballard. She was shy with the other puppies but they were all bigger than she was, too.

Looking at Maple sleeping here you would never imagine what a miniature terror she can be sometimes. We're having some face biting and dominance issues but we're working on them.

I took the day after my birthday off from work to rest. I had to go to Bellevue anyway for a Feldenkrais appointment. When I went to my car it didn't want to start and my alarm was acting funky. So after my appointment I took my car to Sears to get the battery tested and the oil changed (6 months late). The battery test was weak so I had it replaced. While they were doing the work I walked across the street for a shopping spree at Fred Meyer. The Bellevue Fred Meyer is currently being remodeled so everything is a bit of a mess. I was amused by this aisle where Barbies and My Little Ponies were across the aisle from toxic lawn and garden products.

Monday was the Independence Day and my 27th birthday. Benjamin and I hosted our 4th annual party and had a wonderful turnout. It was a bit of work and went by fast, but we both felt extremely loved by all of the people who were able to come. I got several great presents (including an iPod Photo from Benjamin), but I think the best part was the presence of my friends and family. And of course people's non-gift contributions - like food, cleanup, dinnerware, etc. - were also very appreciated. It was Maple's big debut and the first time most people had seen the basement finished. Maple was very popular and got almost as many presents as I did. ;-)

We got the house looking pretty spiffy. :-)

Sunday the 3rd we spent with the puppy and getting ready for the 4th of July party. Isn't my little pup cute?!

After Piper's shower Natalie and my mom came over to my house to play with Maple and hang out. My mom didn't stay very long because she had to drive back to Tacoma. But Natalie stayed for a long time including dinner. She and I walked with Maple up to Casa d'Italia to get dinner. It was Maple's first real walk and she did very well. She walked the whole way even though we went 14 blocks and some of it was up hill. What a good little girl!

Last Saturday was my friend Piper's bridal shower. True to Piper's style it was hilarious and very enjoyable. I'll post more photos in my photo gallery soon.

Saturday Brian came over Saturday and helped Benjamin with some jobs around the house like building the shelving system in Benjamin's new office closet and putting up new shelving in the laundry closet.

Wednesday night I went to the first Puppy Kindergarten class. The first class is owners only. Benjamin and I agreed on a name finally: Maple. She doesn't like the harness or leash but she mostly puts up with it.

Last Tuesday evening my mom and Rich came over for dinner on their way home from doing an appraisal in Blaine (northwest Washington). Of course they brought Carol with them, and she and the puppy had a wonderful time together playing. At first we thought Carol might be too rough with the pup, but it soon became clear that the puppy was as much or more of an agressor than her aunt despite the fact that Carol outweighs her by about 16 pounds. At that point there were three names on the puppy name short list: Maple as mentioned before, Georgia after Curious George, and Pavi short for Pavita - the feminine for frightened in Latin since she shivered whenever she was nervous or scared. See more photos and videos of Carol and the puppy.

Steve Jobs' commencement address at Stanford

Steve Jobs gave the commencement address at Stanford this year and it is quite good. It takes the form of three stories from his life. I found a couple of his comments a bit narcissistic (ex: that computers wouldn't have multiple typefaces if it weren't for him), but it was still enjoyable and mostly not too full of himself. Read the commencement address on Snopes.com.

On Monday the 27th we went to my sister-in-law's house to celebrate Zane's 3rd birthday. The extended family was there and we ate yummy burritos and did cake and presents. Zane continues to be thrilled by all things cow, so we all had fun watching him go crazy over his new presents. This was also where we got the name for our puppy. Benjamin's brother-in-law's niece had been to Remlinger Farms that day and had wanted to know a black cow there "Maple". Benjamin's brother-in-law's mom, Linda, suggested that Maple might make a good name for the puppy given her coloring. Benjamin and I both liked it so it immediately went to the top of the short list of names.

Claire and Erik came by the house for a little bit on Sunday the 26th and we hung out with the puppy and the baby. I also fed them leftover Indian food that Benjamin had picked up for me from Cedar's the night before. Click above for a movie of Amelia practicing her vocalization. :-)

We hired someone to fence in our side yard for the puppy. Here it is partially complete.

Saturday the 25th I attended the funeral of my great uncle, my maternal grandmother's brother. He was a war vetran in his upper eighties but ironically was killed in a car accident while riding in the VA transport van to a doctor's appointment.

I have Elmo to look after the pup when I'm not at home. ;-)

I went to Dunn Lumber in Bellevue and bought a bunch of Lumber. We managed to fit a good bit into my Honda Accord. It was an adventure.

Last Friday, the 24th of June, Claire came over with her mom and Amelia to meet the new puppy. (I know, I am way behind on blogging but I blame it on the puppy!)

Benjamin may be allergic to the puppy, but I think he likes her anyway. ;-)

Supreme Court Justice O'Connor stepped down

Early this morning Sandra Day O'Connor stepped down from the Supreme Court, leaving the first open seat in more than 10 years. She is a moderate and has been a frequent swing vote. Rumor has it Bush may nominate someone to fill the post on Tuesday. Sign the MoveOn petition to tell your senator to demand a Supreme Court nominee who will protect the rights and freedoms of the American people. They're trying to get 250,000 signatures this weekend. You can also read the CNN article to learn more.