Friday Open Thread: All I Want for Christmas

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 09:13:00 AM EST
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Apple began selling the new iMac today. I've been staring longingly at it on the apple site for three weeks, waiting for launch day. Now it's here and media reports say supplies won't last: get it while you can.

It's all I want for Xmas. I'm convinced it will make me a happier person and a more dedicated and innovative blogger. So I'm sending out a Holiday fundraising request, because otherwise it's not in the cards for me this year.

If any of you want to send me a few dollars to buy one, or buy it for me, as a year-end show of appreciation or thanks, for personally funding TalkLeft the past 10 years and keeping it going 24/7, a contribution towards my new Mac within the next week would be a perfect way to express it -- and it would be awesome for me. Whether it's a few dollars, $10 or more, I'd truly be elated.

[More....]

My last request for donations was in June, six months ago. Given the lack of ads on the site this year, TalkLeft has cost me thousands to maintain. Contributions are more important than ever just to keep the site running and fresh.

A second reason to give is more personal: If you've enjoyed the time you spend here and the friends you've made, sending a small donation towards my iMac (or if you can afford it, ordering me the new iMac) would make me eternally grateful, feel very appreciated and ensure I have a super happy holiday. Of course, don't feel obligated, I never hold it against readers who do not give. I realize these are tough economic times for all.

For those who don't like paypal, here's my snailmail address.

What are you hoping for this Christmas?

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

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Friday Open Thread: All I Want for Christmas | 78 comments (78 topical)

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I just contributed to your Santa fund (5.00 / 1) (#1)
by easilydistracted on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 08:13:14 AM EST

Hope it helps

It is on my list too. (5.00 / 1) (#2)
by ruffian on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 08:25:51 AM EST

Still not sure about my contract getting renewed, and trying to line up alternate employment. Probably a good thing iMac supplies are limited right now - I won't feel so bad about having to wait to get one!

On the other hand, I rationalize, if that $1300 is all that is standing between me and homelessness I may as well spend it now!

Wow (none / 0) (#10)
by Ga6thDem on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 11:33:53 AM EST

good luck with finding some work!


thanks! Got some good leads (none / 0) (#22)
by ruffian on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 01:20:01 PM EST

but it is certainly stressful. Trying to look at it as my ticket out of Florida!


A friend (none / 0) (#27)
by Ga6thDem on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 02:22:34 PM EST

of mine just moved to FL (orlando area) back in June or July and she said that she feels like she has moved to a third world country. She said that there's all these wealthy people with their gated estates and then all around there are pockets of extreme poverty just like something you would see in a third world country.


I am in Orlando too (none / 0) (#53)
by ruffian on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 09:20:50 PM EST

It is definitely like that. I am on the southeast side of town in the UCF/tech center area and it seems more uniform around here - techie and white collar, plus students. But over on the west side where the 'attractions' are, and near downtown, there is the mix of older wealthy neighborhoods, newer wealthy neighborhoods, and poor service economy (if there is work at all) neighborhoods right next to them.

Has she mentioned the pedestrian death problem yet? Soon she will notice that barely a week goes by without a pedestrian getting killed by a car. It is statistically the worst big city in the country for pedestrians.

I like the mix in my own neighborhood - a real ethnic melting pot, solid working people, several homes with multigenerational families, several student rentals. My new neighbors across the street are in college and have a jazz/rock band. They are pretty good. When I first heard them start up I was worried until they played a few minutes and I realized I like the music. They play in clubs, and are even going to Europe next year to tour some clubs.

I moved here for the job that is ending, and never expected to even be here this long, still it is a little sad to think about leaving, even though I have not liked it that much. Just hard to uproot from the familiar I guess. I do like my house even though it feels like an anvil around my neck now. I will have to rent it our if I leave.

Decisions, decisions!


: No (none / 0) (#68)
by Ga6thDem on Sat Dec 01, 2012 at 06:41:33 PM EST

she has not mentioned the pedestrian problem. She is in Seminole County.

I don't know/remember (none / 0) (#61)
by lilburro on Sat Dec 01, 2012 at 05:47:36 AM EST

what you do exactly, but if it is anything remotely related to tech think about Austin. The job market here is pretty decent, and you would probably enjoy Austin. Yes it is difficult to get over the stupidity of a super majority of elected state officials but then again you could go to Planned Parenthood protests with me!


Also, for J (none / 0) (#62)
by lilburro on Sat Dec 01, 2012 at 06:37:15 AM EST

not sure if you saw Obama sing "Sweet Home Chicago" (with Jagger) but it's a nice clip. His voice isn't terrible either!


: Wrong thread (none / 0) (#63)
by lilburro on Sat Dec 01, 2012 at 06:38:35 AM EST

nice video still stands.

This year, Christmas is kind of taking (5.00 / 6) (#3)
by Anne on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 09:22:04 AM EST

a back seat as we await the birth of our first grandchild, a boy, who is due on the 11th. He'll be here by the 18th for sure, because my daughter's doctor said she'd only let her go a week past her due date. Considering that her ultrasound the other day shows he may already be well over 8 lbs., he may be here sooner even than the 11th. She told me yesterday that she's issued the baby an eviction notice, and told him he has to be out in 12 days...which at this stage feels like an eternity. Our son-in-law, who is normally Mr. Calm, seems to be getting a little less calm as he realizes he really is going to be a dad!

And my husband and I are going to be grandparents! Forget how we're going to solve the "fiscal cliff;" the really burning question is, what am I going to be called? "Gammy?" "Granny?" "Nana?" "Gramma?" And what if my daughter's mother-in-law wants to be called the same thing I do? These are monumental questions.

Truly, all I really want is for my daughter to have a smooth and uncomplicated delivery and for the baby to be healthy - everything else is just icing on the cake as far as I'm concerned.

This weekend I'm going to be cooking up some meals for the new parents to put in the freezer, so they'll have some easy dinners on hand in those first crazy weeks.

Normally, I'm a middle-of-December shopper, and we don't usually get the tree until mid-month, either, but we can't put it off this year. I think I'm doing most of my shopping online - it's just so easy, and so much less stressful. With most retailers offering free or flat shipping, it's kind of a no-brainer: no traffic, no gas expense, no crowds to contend with, no lugging bags around. And I actually do much less impulse shopping when it's not all arrayed in front of me, so that's good, too.

Can't get the tree online, though, so we may do that one evening next week. Decorations are coming out of the basement, and I'll do that this weekend.

So much to do, but I really can't remember a Christmas with as much happy anticipation as this one is bringing; I feel like a little kid!

Congratulations Anne and family (5.00 / 5) (#4)
by Militarytracy on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 09:33:24 AM EST

What an exciting and wonderful Christmas for all of you. Sending good vibrations to your daughter in this final stretch.

One of the best early Christmas gifts ever (5.00 / 4) (#5)
by MO Blue on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 09:41:44 AM EST

Here's hoping for an easy delivery and a happy and healthy baby for you to spoil.


Sending positive thoughts (5.00 / 3) (#8)
by Zorba on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 11:27:19 AM EST

and energy your way, for the whole family, and may the birth be easy and the baby healthy! I know that he will be extensively loved and doted upon.


I'm so glad (5.00 / 5) (#11)
by Ga6thDem on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 11:36:15 AM EST

to hear that someone is not just getting steam rolled with stress this Christmas as so many people I know are myself included.

Just a suggestion about the name you want to be called, be sure to pick it out yourself and tell you grandchild what you want to be called because we have a family member that did not do that and she is called doodie.


"Doodie!" (5.00 / 2) (#15)
by Zorba on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 12:30:17 PM EST

LOL! Actually, I kind of like it.
I have friends of Serbian background, and they all call their grandmothers "Baba." (Pronounced sort of like "bubba," I kid you not.)
My kids called my mother "Yia-Yia" (the Greek word for "Grandma") and called my mother-in-law "Grandma."
If I were not Greek, I would like "Nana." "Oma," German for Grandma, is rather nice, too.


Go to (none / 0) (#25)
by Ga6thDem on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 02:09:12 PM EST

urban dictionary and look it up. It's not too cut then.


Well (5.00 / 2) (#26)
by Ga6thDem on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 02:20:39 PM EST

that should be cute but darn we get heck from everybody when we have to use this name. Over and over I have explained it to howls of laughter. I'm just surprised doodie let the name stand and didn't try to change it.


: "Doodie Calls" (5.00 / 1) (#40)
by easilydistracted on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 03:24:17 PM EST

The name of a yard service in my area which picks-up after dogs.

Oh, I am more than familiar (none / 0) (#39)
by Zorba on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 03:12:25 PM EST

with what "doodie" means. I still think it's kind of cute. And very, very different. ;-)


I tried for NaNa but nobody tells (5.00 / 2) (#19)
by Militarytracy on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 12:58:09 PM EST

The firstborn what to do. I am NeeNee and that's how that goes.. My husband said he was too young to be called grandpa, he wanted to be called G-pa like an old rapper or something. When the oldest began talking though she said some things backwards and that turned into Podgie. Now that she is almost five, we are NeeNee and Podge.


Yeah (5.00 / 1) (#24)
by Ga6thDem on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 02:06:49 PM EST

but if you start with something "normal" even it if gets "adjusted" you aren't going to end up with up something completely off the wall.


: Hey, I am all about anything (5.00 / 1) (#51)
by Militarytracy on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 06:36:10 PM EST

That discourages Doodie :). I don't even mind NeeNee, it's fairly original without being overly embarrassing. We are supposed to do Disney World this January. I should be able to appropriately answer my call. It might be kind of a bummer answering enthusiastically to shouts of Doodie.

Wishing (5.00 / 2) (#13)
by lentinel on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 11:58:15 AM EST

you and your family the very best.


Thanks to you and everyone for their (5.00 / 6) (#14)
by Anne on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 12:25:56 PM EST

good wishes - I'm almost beside myself with anticipation.

Great suggestion for me to be the one to decide what I want to be called - there's always a chance that the kid won't be able to say it exactly as it should be, and the mangled version will stick, but golly, whatever it is would have to be miles better than "doodie," that's for sure!

My mom was supposed to be "Nana" and my daughter made it "Nanny," and that stuck. What I fear is being "Granny Annie" - which, as it happens, is how my other daughter refers to my role as her dog's "grandmother." I'm sure it would just be reduced to "Granny," which isn't so terrible, I guess. I think I like "Grammy," so maybe we'll go with that.

My husband's going to be "Pop-Pop," which is how my dad was known to my daughters - but since he's no longer with us, seems only fitting that my husband take up that mantle.


Mazel tov, Anne. (5.00 / 4) (#30)
by caseyOR on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 02:46:27 PM EST

What a great gift for your family this baby will be.

Don't forget to post a picture of the newborn here on TL for all of us to ooh and aah over.


: Oh, thanks, casey - I can't wait to (5.00 / 3) (#34)
by Anne on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 02:57:10 PM EST

be able to post pictures of the little guy; my Christmas cards aren't going out until I can enclose a picture of the newest member of the family!

A list of grandmother names. (5.00 / 4) (#36)
by caseyOR on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 03:04:59 PM EST

Here is a list of traditional, modern and foreign language words for grandmother. I am sure it does not include every name used by every grandchild in the world, but it is a good place to start.

I know some people who called their grandmother nonni, which is actually the Italian plural of grandparent, but sounds enough like nonna to work in the U.S.


Congrats Anne and Fam! (5.00 / 2) (#16)
by kdog on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 12:46:32 PM EST

I'm partial to Nana, thats my moms' grandmotherly moniker.


thanks, kdog! (none / 0) (#17)
by Anne on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 12:52:13 PM EST

I like Nana, too, but with my own mom being "Nanny," it might be too confusing!


: I chose Nana when my first (none / 0) (#28)
by MO Blue on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 02:25:48 PM EST

grandchild was born and I am Nana to this day. Never have regretted the choice.

: My MIL goes by "Gram." (Gramma) (none / 0) (#41)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 03:37:47 PM EST

What a happy Christmastime (5.00 / 1) (#20)
by KeysDan on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 01:05:35 PM EST

and great gift for you, Anne, your husband and family. As for that burning question, my "vote" would be for grandma or grandmother (I know, pretty formal), but they seem to wear well as the grandchildren age. But, for your husband, I am not a fan of "grampa" or grandfather, I like Papa or Pop.


thanks, Dan - I don't think I'm (none / 0) (#32)
by Anne on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 02:56:05 PM EST

imposing enough to merit the full-blown "grandmother;" I'd have to start wearing my pearls all the time, and pearls and babies don't get on well together!


: Now, don't underestimate (none / 0) (#37)
by KeysDan on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 03:06:04 PM EST

yourself. Besides, pearls are always good to clutch (see, Bush, Mrs. B.)

My family is so boring (none / 0) (#54)
by ruffian on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 09:26:12 PM EST

Grandma and Grandpa, with last names to distinguish the sides of the family. My dad was not the warmest fellow at best, and I would have pitied the grandchild that tried to call him a cute nickname. Dad's loss though, for sure.


: We did the same thing with my (none / 0) (#56)
by Anne on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 09:34:22 PM EST

grandparents!
How funny...
Maybe it's me, but I feel like there are so many different names for grandparents now; I really don't remember there being such variety back in the day.

congrats! (5.00 / 3) (#31)
by CST on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 02:54:47 PM EST

My nephew is turning 1 in about a week, and I'm still in awe of what a new generation does to a family. My mother (who goes by the turkish an-ne, something that would fit you well!) is like a schoolgirl with a crush and everyone is happier when he's around (once mom gets passed the no sleeping phase). Good luck to you and yours, babies are the best!


Nice to see you here, CST! (5.00 / 1) (#35)
by Anne on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 03:03:21 PM EST

All my friends with grandkids tell me it's just so much more fun than having children! And I can totally see that.

Yesterday, I bought a bunch of books for him, and can't wait to start reading them to and with him!

I've been having dreams lately of my daughter calling to tell me she's in labor - that's one dream that's going to come true (still don't know why I didn't dream the Powerball numbers, though!)

Hope school is going well for you and that you're still excited by and enjoying it!


: Totally missed your comment further (none / 0) (#38)
by Anne on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 03:08:00 PM EST

down on the page - sounds like you have a lot going on, but most of it sounds really good; the money part is always a worry, but things have a way of working out, and I'm positive that will be the case with you.
Happy for your new relationship - and there are kids involved, which has to be making it interesting - hopefully, in a good way!
Take some time to just be in the moment as often as you can - it's one way to help all the other stuff fall away. I say that, but most of the time I'm really bad about taking my own advice...
Hang in there!

What a lucky lil boy (5.00 / 2) (#57)
by Amiss on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 11:06:08 PM EST

He will be! In our family, my daughter called my Mother Nana. In my son-in-laws family their maternal Grandmother Nana. I am Nana to my grandchildren, I think because I have been in their lives more.
My Mother was Mee-ma to my brother's children. In my in-laws family is also a Grammy
Ithink the children pick the nicknames from an informal list that is comfortable for their age to pronounce at the time.
whichever he chooses it will be glorious to hear the word from his mouth and he will be the most wonderful blessing for the whole family.
It does take a village to raise a child.
Much much happiness and health to both Mother, Son, and the new Grandmother.


There are no material things I want... (5.00 / 3) (#6)
by Dadler on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 10:27:11 AM EST

...for Christmas. Period. I wish the same for everyone else -- except for those material things that are actually NECESSARY.

Stuff is killing us. Phuck it.

I'm with you... (5.00 / 3) (#18)
by kdog on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 12:55:30 PM EST

my brother from another mother...I went so far as to tell my loved ones (forcefully!) that if they buy me something they will ruin my Christmas...maybe that will work where past pleas have failed. The spirit of giving can be as simple as a hug or a spliff to share...I don't need nor want another sweatshop fleece.

It's why I much prefer Thanksgiving to Christmas...the same feast and be merry with your loved ones vibe without all the materialism and buying sh*t nobody can really afford and nobody really needs. The Winter Solstice has become quite bastardized in its modern incarnation, like a lot of things in our society.

Well...there is one Christmas wish, for my boss to do the right thing with all that Hurricane Sandy gravy and throw a dog a nice bone...pride is starting to f*ck with me big time and I don't wanna have to quit my job. We shall see.

Enjoy the Johnnies Invasion Dadler, wish I could be there!


: How about suggesting that (5.00 / 3) (#21)
by MO Blue on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 01:19:32 PM EST

they give to some charity that you support rather than buying you another sweatshop fleece.
A Win/Win maybe.

: How about a donation to the Human Fund (5.00 / 1) (#23)
by easilydistracted on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 01:37:55 PM EST

Happy Festivus. And now for the feats of strength.

: No kidding about bossman (none / 0) (#50)
by Dadler on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 06:10:08 PM EST

Spread the wealth is THE route to a healthy economy.
Mrs. Dadler is always asking me what I want, or asking for her mom, as sweet a mother-in-law as a man could have, and I never have an answer. The older I get, the less crap I want. Minimalism all the way. Now, if wifey and junior would just go along. ;-)
And I'll send you some closeup pix of your team.
Peace out, my man.

Cat Friends vs. Dog Friends (5.00 / 2) (#7)
by Dadler on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 10:56:53 AM EST

One more time with this really inspired clip. (link)

That's pretty funny... (5.00 / 3) (#9)
by Anne on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 11:30:52 AM EST

We have a cat and two dogs, so I can relate.

If I had made that video, I would have to include a part where "the cat" wants to go out, then come in, then go right out again, then come in again; when we had three cats (we're down to one now), I used to joke that when they were all outside, they must have been hanging just out of sight of the deck door, conspiring to come to the door one at a time, with each cat not coming to the door until he or she could see that my husband had just sat down again, because that's kind of what would happen - a lot.

Add a couple dogs to the mix, and you'll understand why I've told my husband that I'm going to get him epaulettes for him to wear so he'll look the part of the doorman he plays for these critters.


: The figure 8 between the legs, too (5.00 / 1) (#12)
by Dadler on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 11:44:16 AM EST

And the dog humping the unfortunate legs of visitors. It's pretty, um, ripe territory. But I thought for a short and funny take, they did pretty well.

You don't see many (none / 0) (#48)
by MKS on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 05:58:28 PM EST

cats in SoCal. If they are outdoors they get eaten by the coyotes. Too many have learned that the hard way.


I grew up with cats in LA (none / 0) (#49)
by Dadler on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 06:05:26 PM EST

Never had one taken by a coyote. But in San Diego, living near a canyon, well, enough said. RIP, Santoyo. Last cat I had, twenty years ago now.


Coyotes are amazing in some (none / 0) (#52)
by MKS on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 08:29:06 PM EST

ways. The decline of their natural predator the wolf has allowed them to expand their habitat, seemingly everywhere.

The sighting of a coyote in Central Park a few years ago was the best example of that.


: and the young one (5.00 / 0) (#55)
by leap on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 09:30:36 PM EST

that ended up in an elevator in downtown Seattle... after being mobbed by crows. Poor frightened thing. But he was caged and removed safely, released out into the county.

The holidays this year are a bit rough (5.00 / 2) (#29)
by CST on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 02:43:15 PM EST

I worked on thanksgiving and will probably work on Christmas. I love my classes and I feel like I am finally working toward a fulfilling career, but in the mean time... I miss my old paycheck. The 5 year plan is intact, but I'm still working on figuring out the 1 year plan or I won't be able to afford it....

So I continue to look for additional sources of income, and hopefully something more lucrative and fulfilling than waiting tables in the city in the winter will pan out soon. Internet access would be helpful, and that should be arriving shortly. Right now all I have is my phone.

On the plus side, I just moved into a new place (hence no internet) and I'm working towards creating a life with someone and possibly becoming a step-mom. So I'm trying to focus on the good in my life right now, and just get over this hump. But I'm not really excited about the holidays this year.

Lots going on for you, CST. (5.00 / 3) (#33)
by caseyOR on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 02:56:55 PM EST

School and a new, hopefully temporary, economic reality and a new relationship with maybe a new family. That is quite a lot of change, kiddo.

Having so much of your life up in the air is unsettling. When it all settles down a bit, though, the pay-off of a new and fulfilling career and a solid relationship and family will make all the craziness fade a bit.

Hang in there, CST. I'll keep you in my thoughts. Oh, and don't forget to breathe. Taking the time to catch your breath will help calm things down a bit.

And don't sweat the holidays. They'll be back next year.


thanks (none / 0) (#43)
by CST on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 03:45:42 PM EST

There is a lot going on, but I do get a sense that things are in the process of improving. A little crisis in life helps put things in perspective.


: Best of luck, CST! (5.00 / 1) (#45)
by Zorba on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 03:52:46 PM EST

And I agree with caseyOR. Take some time to just breath an "be." It does look like things are moving in the right direction, though, and may they continue to do so!

Whuuh? No more Single in Sudbury?! ;-) (none / 0) (#42)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 03:39:24 PM EST

Congrats!

How old is the child?


please! (5.00 / 4) (#44)
by CST on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 03:50:45 PM EST

I'm a city girl, I would never live in Sudbury. If I decided to leave the urban life behind I'd move to Vermont, not the burbs :)

He just turned 4. I will say there's nothing like having a kid involved to make things infinitely more serious/real. Also, since we've both been through significant romantic failure, we are also both very aware of what we do and don't want out of a relationship.


: Best of luck, sounds like you both are (none / 0) (#46)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 04:49:07 PM EST

well grounded.
fwiw, probably the best (inadvertent) relationship advice I ever got was from a guy who was selling me some snow skis.
I had demo'd about 6 pairs from him over the course of a couple weeks and was debating the pros and cons of each, and he said to me "Hey dude, just pick a pair and learn how to ski 'em."
Obviously, there are limits to that advice!

: btw, are you taking courses in the summer? (none / 0) (#47)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Nov 30, 2012 at 05:14:03 PM EST

If not, I bet it would not be hard to find summer employment as a CE...

Best of luck, CST. (none / 0) (#64)
by Dr Molly on Sat Dec 01, 2012 at 06:49:37 AM EST

You've got a lot going on.


The Innocent Man, Part One and Two (5.00 / 1) (#65)
by Rojas on Sat Dec 01, 2012 at 07:49:21 AM EST

Michael Morton came home from work one day in 1986 to find that his wife had been brutally murdered. What happened next was one of the most profound miscarriages of justice in Texas history.

Texas Monthly has made Pamela Colloff's excellent two part series on crime and injustice available on their web edition, no pay-wall.
It's and emotional roller coaster. Bring Kleenex and you'll need an outlet for your rage.

Wow... (5.00 / 1) (#71)
by unitron on Sat Dec 01, 2012 at 07:50:20 PM EST

...just, wow.


This... (5.00 / 1) (#74)
by DebFrmHell on Sun Dec 02, 2012 at 11:13:31 AM EST

is why I love Texas Monthly. That story made me cry a couple of times. This author is new to me but I fell "head over" with Paul Burka, Gary Cartwright, and Skip Hollingsworth decades ago.

I will look for more articles that she has written.

If I don't buy one magazine all year, I will always get The Bum Steer Awards Edition (Jan.) Fun, funny and peculiarities so incredibly/outrageously Texan as to not be ignored. HUGE++++ is Perry is a frequent target since he can't quite keep his foot out of his mouth or his cronies out of office.


shaking (5.00 / 1) (#75)
by Philly on Sun Dec 02, 2012 at 12:52:25 PM EST

Michael Morton's story was one of the most intense I've ever read. I broke down reading of his eventual reconciliation with his son.

I don't understand why in legal battles like this, the state tends to fight so hard against DNA testing.


: I don't get that one, either, (none / 0) (#76)
by Zorba on Sun Dec 02, 2012 at 01:10:12 PM EST

Philly. Yes, I realize that people like to "win" and that prosecutors want to have a good conviction rate.
But it has always seemed to me that it's easy enough to do a DNA test, and if you have an innocent man in prison, not only is it a huge miscarriage of justice, but it means that the actual guilty person is still out there, and may do something else bad.
And I agree- it is an intense, powerful story.

Hey! Wait just a darn second... (none / 0) (#58)
by DebFrmHell on Sat Dec 01, 2012 at 02:18:01 AM EST

I remember a drive for a new computer back in June. A Sony Viao? I even donated for it and I am poor...officially. 8-)

If you get a new Apple, can I have your "old" one? LOL! I am still using the virus-riddled one my cousin gave me after my Viao got burgled.

I don't have an old apple (none / 0) (#59)
by Jeralyn on Sat Dec 01, 2012 at 03:04:56 AM EST

It was stolen when my house was robbed in 2008. I replaced the sony laptop that was also taken in the robbery instead of the Apple since that is what I use for work, and that's the laptop that needed replacement in June. Thanks for donating to it.

But now I want the iMac. I don't think twice a year is a lot to ask for donations, considering the effort I put into this site. If you do, then of course there's no reason to donate.


I don't have a problem (none / 0) (#66)
by DebFrmHell on Sat Dec 01, 2012 at 01:43:57 PM EST

with donating to the site. Never said I did. I love this site and if a new Apple makes you happy, it makes me happy, too. Just like the Sony. If you need it, I am happy to help.

@2.13p/hour I promise to donate you my 6 hours for today's shift.

8-)


What became of the old Sony laptop... (none / 0) (#67)
by unitron on Sat Dec 01, 2012 at 02:21:36 PM EST

...which you replaced with the new one in June?


It can only be used (none / 0) (#69)
by Jeralyn on Sat Dec 01, 2012 at 06:54:49 PM EST

plugged in because the battery never rises above 10% and they don't sell the batteries for it anymore (off brand ones are about $300 last time I checked. But I'm typing on it right now. I just prefer desktops to laptops -- I tend to make many more typos on laptops because the print is so small.


: Very glad to hear... (none / 0) (#70)
by unitron on Sat Dec 01, 2012 at 07:49:47 PM EST

...it didn't wind up in a landfill while it still has some life in it.
I commend either your frugality or your ecological awareness, or both.

: I can't (none / 0) (#73)
by DebFrmHell on Sun Dec 02, 2012 at 08:49:51 AM EST

type on regular keyboards. It feels like I am typing on MINI-cliffs. I need a laptop to at least get within reason and could kiss the guys that created spell check. That has done wonders for my typos.
I am hoping for a windfall (for me) around Xmas time so it is either a new computer, which I want desperately, or landscaping for the yard...which I really need for drainage issues.
Need...Want...the head says yard, the heart says computer. LOL.

If you get enough donations (none / 0) (#72)
by nycstray on Sun Dec 02, 2012 at 12:07:22 AM EST

you may want to wait and spring for the 27" iMac when it hits. I bought a 27" a year ago and I love the screen space. Had the olympics taking a up a third of the screen while working on the other two thirds. Also nice for having side by side douments up etc and having everything a decent size. Makes a nice spare TV/movie watching device ;)


it is available now (none / 0) (#77)
by Jeralyn on Sun Dec 02, 2012 at 03:57:48 PM EST

but I think the 21.5 inch will be fine for me, and it's a lot cheaper. Although yes, I'd love the 27 inch too.


: The 27' iMac (none / 0) (#78)
by fishcamp on Tue Dec 04, 2012 at 12:17:48 PM EST

is available now but won't be delivered for three to four weeks. Not sure what that really means. I have a 27' and it's three years old but way faster than my newer MBP. Just did some work on a 21.5" iMac and it was just fine. There are several models available in both sizes and I recommend the least powerful one but with 8 gigs of ram. You don't need 16 gigs of ram unless you're a scientist or filmmaker. There's such a teensy difference between the 2.7, and the 2.9 that you would never notice it. They all have the latest chipset, Nividia GT 640 which is blazingly fast. Be sure and get the Applecare Protection Plan even though it's expensive. I had to use my plan once and they wound up putting $2100 worth of new stuff in a $1700 old G4. Apple also has a refurbished department that is located on the lower left column of the Apple.com store page. They have great deals. $$ arriving soon by snail mail. xoxo

Happy to chip in (none / 0) (#60)
by lilburro on Sat Dec 01, 2012 at 05:44:59 AM EST

hope you get and enjoy the Mac! Thanks for footing the bill for us, and don't hesitate to ask.