A Leo membership form and a club questionnaire was handed out. If you were not at the meeting, please print them out and hand them to Sarah Pradhan (secretary) or Amy (president) by next meeting (September 16th) after you have filled the forms. Or, you can choose to fill them out on the computer and send them to calgarynhleos@gmail.com.

Finally, if you plan to become a Leo member, please remember to join the club's Yahoo group.  Again, the instructions and invite should have been emailed to you. Please email me at calgarynhleos@gmail.com if you have not received an invite.

-Amy

j'espère qu'il aura du monde héhé:d

et un questionnaire sur moi pour mieux me connaitre :d

1) Comment t’appelles-tu ? hamza

2) Oû habite tu ? salé / rabat ( maroc )

3) De quelle couleur sont tes cheveux ? Noir marron, brun, chatain, je sais pas quoi !

4) Pourquoi es-tu sur terre selon toi ? Mouarf, et selon toi ?

5) As-tu de véritables amis ? Ouais je crois

6) Es tu déjà tombé amoureux ? bien sur!!

7) Es tu célibataire ? Fiancé ? Marié ? célib, et c’est bon hé !

Quel est ton acteur préféré ? bof j’en sais rien mai je peux te donner ceux que jaime pas!

9) Quelle est ton actrice préfère ? ché po loOl -_-

10) Quel est ton groupe de musique préféré ? Je vais pas tout dire sinon on en a pour la nuit.

11) Quel est ton chanteur préféré ? y’en a PlEin !!

12) D’oû connais tu la personne qui ta envoyer ce questionnaire ? Je l’ai volé mouahahahaha

13) L’apprécie tu ? Celui a qui je l’ai volé ? Bof pas trop x)

14) Quel est ton chiffre porte-bonheur ? 5 !!!

15) Quelles sont tes activités préférées ? Basket , soccer, PC, Listenning music, and other…

16) Quel est ton sport préfère ? fOOt !!

17) As-tu un GSM? Yes, a Nokia!!!!

18) Si oui lequel ? Et si non ? -_-

19) Quel était ton dessin anime préféré étant petit ? Quand j’était petit ben Tom & Jerry, c’est muet alors je me contentait de les regardait se courir après

20) Quel est ton animal préféré ? La fourmi, étrange petit animal

21) As-tu des phobies ? Ouais les scolopendres (voir google.fr)

22) Quel est ton plat préféré ? …………………le couscous

23) Quel est le sentiment que tu préfères le plus en toi ? Je crois en moi, et moi aussi il croit en moi, donc moi croit en moi !

24) Quel est le sentiment que tu détestes le plus en toi ? Euh, Jen sai rien fodra que vou me le dite!!lol

25) De quoi as-tu peur ? de mourir, c’est affreux ça ! Plus jamais tu veras un kinder de ta vie

26) Quel sont tes couleurs préférées ? BLEU

27) Aimes tu quelqu’un en secret ? En amour peut-être ouais..

28) Crois tu que quelqu’un t’aime en secret ? Jen sai rien…. a TOua de le dIre loOl

29) Quelle est ta boisson préférée ? Eau ! Coca ! Limonade ! Sprite ! Sang

30) Joues tu d’un instrument de musique ? la MuSique éléctrOnique !!

31) Quel couple aimerais-tu voir se former autour de toi ? Moi et quelqu’un, sérieux quoi !

32) Quel est ton pays préféré ? Morocco 4 ever!!!

33) Qui a déjà pleurer pour toi ? non sérieux je sais pas sinon je lui aurait donné un mouchoir !

50) Quel heure est t’il a ce moment précis ? Il est à ce moment précis 15:24…. pk ?!

52) Aime tu la vie ? Ouéééééééééé sinOn ya koi !!

53) Quel est ta citation préférée ? chacun récole ce qu’il a semé !!

54) Où aime tu passer tes vacances ? Dans mon lit!!!

55) Quel est ton plus gros défaut ? A tOua de m le dir nn ??

56) Quelle est ta plus grosse qualité ? …d meme pour çaaaa !!

57) Comment vois-tu ton futur? Mon futur il me vois comment lui ?

58) Aime tu la police ? Oué surOut ” i7di ay !! “

59) Si tu devais partir sur Mars, qu’emmènerais tu ? Un paquet de mars, histoire de manger du mars sur mars

60) Quelle est la première chose que tu fais en te levant le matin ? je me rendort!

61) Quel est la première chose que tu fais le soir en rentrant chez toi ? Je bouffe!! lol

62) Combien d’enfant aimerais-tu avoir plus tard ? 2! fille garcon comme ca pas d’histoire!

63) Crois tu au extra terrestre ? lol non

64) Quelle est ta matière préférée ? Sport (a part gym! lol)

65) Quelle est ta prochaine sortie ? Sortie ? Bah en ville

66) As-tu un journal secret? Non.

67) Quel est ton meilleur souvenir ? Yen a tro

68) Comment peut-on te faire rougir ? En me giflant 5 fois à la suite ou en disan un truc sympa sur moi

69) Pour qui serais tu près à perdre la vie ? oula chaud, pour moi ! Ouais je me tuerai pour moi ! -_- et pour Elle!!!

70) Y a-t-il dans ta vie une personne qui ne t’a jamais déçu ? Non, si je crois, mais pas qu’une

71) As-tu aimé ce questionnaire ? Mouais, 40mn de ma vie pour ça, alors que pendant ce temps j’aurais pu faire des choses plus intéressantes mais non -_-

72) Quel est la personne que tu aimes le plus ? Je sais pas, y’en a plein, le genre de personne qui te fait sourire quand tu la vois

73) Lequel des cinq sens détesterais-tu perdre? La vue

74) Une année ou tu aurais aimé vivre ? 2100

75) Les remerciements regrets que tu as à faire autour de toi ? yen a tro!!!

76) ta déja frappé quelqu’un ? Oué … pk ?!

77) C’est Quoi le mois que tu préfère : ramadan !! ( NesPo !! )

78) Quel pays ou tu aimerais aller : pol nord!!! ( c un pays ?!!!! )

79) c’est quOi Ton numéro de téléphone ? 0… hahaha

80) A quoi penses-tu le soir avant de t’endormir ? À Elle … puis à demain aussi puis à tOut ce qui pourra arrivée !

j'espère que je vous aurez aidez !!

Well, thats about the Sallad.. Paket hemat yang Dua yang biasanya terdiri dari 1 potongan gede Egg Chicken Roll yang dipotong jadi 4 bagian, 2 potong Tori Baaga, nasi ( pasti) dan salad yang lumayan banyak dengan 2 potongan timun tiba2 mengalami Depresiasi menjadi salad dengan 3 irisan wortel, tanpa tomat meskipun mayonaisenya diikutsertakan..pertama kali pesan gw masih ngirain mungkin ini kesalahan pelayannya, but ini terus berlangsung guys, menu salad Hokben tetep aja berkurang drastis kalo gw gak makan disitu alias dibungkus ato istilah kerennya Take Away  dengan Salad yang berupa irisan wortel tipis tipis 3 lembar minus Timun Hijau

mm.. gw jadi inget waktu gw makan di salah satu outlet Hokben di Kawasan Gatot Subroto.. Pacar gw yang biasanya mesen beef teriyaki kecewa bgt ngedapetin beef teriyakinya dalam jumlah yang jauh lebih sedikit dari biasanya.. bukan itu aja, pelayan yang ngelayanin juga cenderung tergesa-gesa sehingga waktu kita mau komplain dia udah nyibukkin diri ama pelanggan yang lain..gw sebenernya udah mau protes, but they were so lucky coz my Boyfriend didn't want to complain., finally, kekecewaan kita juga ditambah dengan sikap kasirnya  yang gak ramah bgt.. tampang jutek terlihat jelas dari mukanya yang bikin kita jadi pengen batalin pembelian..well akhirnya kita coba jalur damai dengan ngisi questionnaire yang mereka sediain dengan minjem pulpen front line man nya yang ramaahh bgt.. sedikit mengobati kekecewaan kami

Gw gak tau apa  yang questionnaire kami masukin direview ulang ama manajemen Hokben setempat atau enggak..yang pasti sejak kejadian itu kami udah gak pernah mau makan disitu lagi.. males keulang lagi.. soal salad Hokben yang berubah jadi irisan wortel kalo dibungkus juga gw terima lapang dada dengan selalu menambah pemebelian Salad porsian seharga 5 ribu.. tapi yang pengen ge tau, apa cuma Hokben cabang kantor gw yang  memotong jatah salad jika dibungkus ato take away?? kalo kesaksian temen gw waktu doi beli di Atrium sih saladnya tetep berada dalam kondisi sebanyak porsi yang kita makan  ditempat.. Hmm... penasaran ..

Palin case highlights teenage pregnancy

The Expressyoureself Blog looks at the problem of teenage pregnancy in the US after the revelation that the 17-year-old daughter of Alaska Governor and new Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin is pregnant.

Bristol Palin's pregnancy was announced on Monday

The US is said to have one of the worst annual rates of teenage pregnancies in the developed world.

According to a report by Population Action International, published at the end of last year, there were 44 births per 1,000 women aged 15-19 in the US for 2000-2005.

This compares with figures in the UK - itself said to be the country with the worst teenage pregnancy rate in Europe - of 27 births per 1,000 women aged 15-19.

Put differently, America is estimated to have some 750,000 teenage pregnancies a year.

Despite the continuous declines, the US teenage pregnancy rate is still among the highest among industrialised nations Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

According to America's leading health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): "About one-third of girls in the United States get pregnant before age 20."

More than 80% of births in this group "were unintended, meaning they occurred sooner than desired or were not wanted at any time", the CDC said.

Separately, in a report on 2002 data, the CDC said: "Despite the continuous declines, the US teenage pregnancy rate is still among the highest among industrialized nations. The costs of teenage childbearing in the United States are substantial.

"The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy recently estimated that $9.1bn in public funding was expended on teenage childbearing in 2004. These costs include public assistance, healthcare, child welfare and other expenses."

Abstinence education

There is a debate state-side as to the reason for this high pregnancy rate.

The US offers government funding for health education programmes that promote sexual abstinence until marriage, although US lawmakers were investigating earlier this year whether to cut the funding.

State governments receive federal money they must match to fund abstinence programs.

Opponents of abstinence education say the approach ignores the fact that teenagers are sexually active and fails to give them accurate medical information or advice on safer sex.

Governor Palin herself has said she opposes funding sexual-education programs in Alaska and has supported abstinence programs in schools.

"The explicit sex-ed programs will not find my support," she wrote in a 2006 questionnaire distributed among gubernatorial candidates, the Associated Press reports.

A social conservative who is opposed to abortion, she said in a statement her daughter Bristol would keep the child and was to get married.

And in 2005, presidential candidate John McCain, who picked Mrs Palin as his running mate, opposed a Senate Democratic proposal that would have spent tens of millions of dollars to pay for pregnancy prevention programmes other than abstinence-only education, including education on emergency contraception such as the morning-after pill, AP reports.

A. Attached or Single? Married to the love of my life.  He's not perfect; hell, we're not perfect, but I adore him and I love our life together.

B. Best Friend? I agree with Sara - I don't like qualifying my friendships either.  But I am so blessed to have some wonderful, incredible friends both here and back home.

C. Cake or pie? I'm not a huge dessert person in general.  So it's a pretty close tie between these two..  If you put down a slice of my mom's apple pie next to a slice of yellow-cake-with-chocolate-peanut-butter-frosting, well I'd have to go ahead and eat them both.

D. Day of choice? Friday is the day I most look forward to every week, because its jeans day at work and obviously the last day of work before the weekend.  But Saturday is probably my favourite day to be IN because I can sleep in and know I have a whole 'nother day off.

E. Essential item? The boring answer is the standard trifecta - keys, phone, travel card.  (When I walk out the door, even if I've put my keys in their usual pocket in my purse less than a minute earlier, I still compulsively HAVE to check that they're still there before I close the door.)
Besides that, it would have to be my Burt's Bees.  Just knowing I don't have it with me makes me lips feel chapped. Like now. (*goes to bedroom to put on some Burt's Bees.)

F. Favorite color? For a car? silver.  To wear? white or black.  To colour or write with? blue.  Eyeshadow? smoky grey.

G. Gummy bears or worms? Either or, not fussed.

H. Hometown? Mukwonago, Wisco.  Aka Muktown

I. Favorite indulgence? Getting a manicure and, if I'm feeling REALLY indulgent, a pedicure too.  This almost NEVER happens.

J. January or July? January because it's my bday month. But in all other ways, it rubbish because we're smack in the middle of winter.  So July I guess!

K. Kids? They're good fun in small doses only!!  Babysitting is the ideal job because you get all the fun of playing and being childlike, and then you get to give them back to their parents and go home to do whatever you want!

L. Life isn’t complete without? Can't decide to give a serious or a silly answer for this one.  So I'll just move on.

M. Marriage date? 20 October 2006.

N. Number of brothers and sisters? One brother. He’s 2 years younger than me, and a whole foot taller than me.  It's hard to believe we come from the same parents, as we're opposites in lots of ways - but we're probably closer than many would think.  I love him.

O. Oranges or Apples? Empire apples or clementines.  I'd take either quite readily.

P. Phobias? I'm scared of the dark - not all the time, mostly just when I'm alone somewhere unfamiliar.  Or outside.  Also terrified of snakes - ALL THE TIME.

Q. Quotes? “I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars.” - Og Mandino

R. Reasons to smile? Right now - because its nearly 3pm and I'm still in my pajamas!!  That signifies a great day.

S. Season of choice? I love fall, because the required wardrobe is perfect - jeans, sweaters, light jackets.  It has beautiful colours and crunchy leaves to walk on!  Perfect.

T. Tag 5 people: No thanks.  Fill this out if you want, just let me know if you do so I can read your answers!

U. Unknown fact about me? Recently, I managed to come up with two physical qualities about myself that I wouldn't change if given the opportunity - my nose (I'm quite happy with the size/shape of it) and the two 'vampire bite' freckles on my neck - I like those.
This was a pretty huge accomplishment for me, really!

V. Vegetable? I like pretty much all of them - except mushrooms.  And uncooked onions.

W. Worst habit? Procrastination.

X. X-ray or Ultrasound? I don't have strong feelings about either, unsurprisingly!  I've had x-rays, never had an ultrasound.

Y. Your favorite food? I couldn't choose just one - most often I crave salty/savoury foods.  Like fried chicken, nachos, chips/dip.. But I also love 'clean' food like raw veggies, fruit, salad, and sushi.

Z. Zodiac sign? This is the dawning of the age of Aquarius!  The water sign.  That isn't me, to begin with, as I'm not a big swimmer and don't love the rain.  But I don't actually know what the Aquarian qualities are, so again, don't know if the sign is me or not, and truthfully don't really care!

Bon, le jeu c'est de savoir lesquels de ces aliments on a déjà mangé, parce que d'après Andrew, tout bon omnivore des temps moderne se doit d'essayer ces 100 aliments au moins une fois dans sa vie. Mmmm.... Les instructions sont les suivantes:

1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions (copier cette liste sur votre blog, instructions inclues).

2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten (mettre en gras tous les trucs que vous avez essayés) (en fait je vous les mets même en vert).

3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating (barrer tous les trucs que vous pensez ne jamais vouloir essayer).

4) Optional extra: Post a comment here at www.verygoodtaste.co.uk linking to your results (en option: postez vos résultats chez Andrew).

1. Venison (venaison? viande d'animaux comme le chevreuil, par exemple) -- j'ai mangé du sanglier, ça compte?
2. Nettle tea (tisane d'ortie) -- pas sûre
3. Huevos rancheros (tortilla mexicaine à manger au p'tit dèj avec des oeufs au plat et plein d'autres trucs dessus)
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding (bouddin noir)
7. Cheese fondue (fondue au fromage)
8. Carp (carpe)
9. Borscht (soupe d'Europe de l'est à base de bettraves rouges)
10. Baba ghanoush (caviar d'aubergines des pays du Moyen Orient)
11. Calamari -- beurk
12. Pho (soupe vietnamienne)
13. PB&J sandwich (sandwich au beurre de cacahuette et gelée de raisin)
14. Aloo gobi (plat indien à base de pommes de terre et choufleur) -- je le fais moi-même!
15. Hot dog from a street cart (hot dog acheté dans la rue)
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle (truffe noire) -- je pense pas
18. Wine made from something other than grapes (vin fait avec autre chose que du raisin) -- l'hydromel, beurk!
19. Steamed pork buns (petits pains fourrés au porc à la vapeur) -- peut-être
20. Pistachio ice cream (glace à la pistache)
21. Heirloom tomatoes (tomates de variétés anciennes)
22. Fresh wild berries (baies fraîchement ramassées dans la nature)
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans (riz avec des haricots secs rouges ou noirs, plat typiquement mexicain)
25. Brawn, or head cheese (fromage de tête) -- je pense pas
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper (un des piments les plus forts du monde, cru)
27. Dulce de leche (sorte de confiture de lait d'Amérique du Sud)
28. Oysters (huîtres)
29. Baklava (pâtisserie du Moyen Orient à base de miel)
30. Bagna cauda (sauce "trempette" italienne à base d'ail, anchois, beurre et huile d'olive)
31. Wasabi peas (pois séchés et assaisonnés avec cette pâte japonaise verte très forte)
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl (soupe de palourdes servie dans un bol en pain)
33. Salted lassi (boisson indienne au yahourt, version salée)
34. Sauerkraut (choucroute)
35. Root beer float (boule de glace à la vanille flottant dans un verre de root beer, boisson non-alcoolisée et dégueulasse)
36. Cognac with a fat cigar (cognac avec un gros cigare) (c'est un questionnaire de mec, ça!)
37. Clotted cream tea (ce que les français appelle le thé à l'anglaise)
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O (jell-O faite avec de la vodka au lieu d'eau, solidifiée dans des petits verres appelés shots) -- je crois pas
39. Gumbo (plat typique de la Louisianne à base de fruits de mer et riz)
40. Oxtail (queue de boeuf)
41. Curried goat (curry de chèvre)
42. Whole insects (insects entiers)
43. Phaal (curry indien le plus fort au monde)
44. Goat’s milk (lait de chèvre)
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more (whisky super cher) (stupide questionnaire de mec!)
46. Fugu (plat japonais à base de poisson super toxique)
47. Chicken tikka masala (poulet avec un sauce indienne à base de tomate)
48. Eel (anguille)
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut (beignets hyper sucrés de la marque la plus célèbre aux Etats Unis)
50. Sea urchin (oursin)
51. Prickly pear (figue de Barbarie (j'aurais jamais deviné la traduction!!))
52. Umeboshi (sorte d'abricots japonais macérés dans du sel, absolument ignoble!!!)
53. Abalone (ormeau)
54. Paneer (fromage indien)
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal (bigmac) -- erreur de jeunesse...
56. Spaetzle (Spätzli, plat suisse)
57. Dirty gin martini (je sais pas ce qu'il a de spécial leur martini)
58. Beer above 8% ABV (bière à plus de 8%) -- en Finlande
59. Poutine (plat national Québecois à base de frites, de "crottes" de fromage, et de sauce brune) ;)
60. Carob chips (chips de fruits du caroubier)
61. S’mores (friandise typique des campeurs américains: marshmallow + chocolat fondu entre deux crackers)
62. Sweetbreads (ris de veau)
63. Kaolin (huh, ça se mange ce truc??)
64. Currywurst (plat allemand à base de saucisse et de sauce au curry)
65. Durian (fruit chinois réputé pour sa puanteur)
66. Frogs’ legs (cuisses de grenouilles)
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake (petits gâteaux ronds et allongés d'Espagne ou d'Amérique latine)
68. Haggis (plat écossais fait avec d'intestins fourrés avec des légumes et des abbats)
69. Fried plantain (bananes plantain frites)
70. Chitterlings (andouillette)
71. Gazpacho (plat espagnol à base de légumes d'été, de pain, et d'huile d'olive)
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe -- pas sûre
74. Gjetost, or brunost (fromage orange de Norvège) -- très probablement
75. Roadkill (animal tué par une voiture)
76. Baijiu (liqueur chinoise)
77. Hostess Fruit Pie (pas exactement sûre de ce que c'est; Hostess est une marque de petits gâteaux ignobles et que j'évite, donc je dirais non et non merci)
78. Snail (escargots)
79. Lapsang souchong (thé fumé chinois) -- probablement
80. Bellini (cocktail italien à base de pêche)
81. Tom yum (soupe thaïlandaise) -- peut-être
82. Eggs Benedict (oeufs bénédicts)
83. Pocky (petits biscuits japonais connus en France sous le nom de Mikado)
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant -- peut-être
85. Kobe beef (boeuf japonais) -- peut-être
86. Hare (lièvre) -- le lapin ça compte?
87. Goulash (soupe hongroise à base de légumes, boeuf et paprika)
88. Flowers (fleurs)
89. Horse (cheval)
90. Criollo chocolate (meilleure fêve de cacao au monde) (on en apprend des choses!)
91. Spam (pâté de jambon en conserve absolument ignoble) (d'où vient d'ailleurs le mot spam pour les emails pourris)
92. Soft shell crab (crabe qu'on peut manger en entier, je ne sais pas comment ça se dit en français mais je sais que ce n'est pas le crabe violoniste)
93. Rose harissa (harissa avec des pétals de rose)
94. Catfish (loup de mer)
95. Mole poblano (sauce mexicaine à base d'épices et de chocolat)
96. Bagel and lox (saumon fumé avec un bagel, petit pain rond et troué d'Amérique du Nord)
97. Lobster Thermidor (homard fouré avec plein de trucs) -- peut-être
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee (un des cafés les plus chers au monde)
100. Snake (serpent)

Edit: Je rajoute le Rivella, boisson suisse à base de petit lait! Il faut l'essayer une fois dans sa vie!

Edit 2: Andrew explique sa liste et certains aliments (comme le kaolin) ici.

L'avantage d'avoir des étudiants internationaux, c'est qu'on goûte à plein de choses intéressantes... mais mon score n'est malgré tout pas génial, minimum 62/100, avec quelques autres trucs que j'ai peut-être mangés mais je ne m'en souviens plus. Et sept trucs que je ne veux même pas essayer. Et franchement, en ce qui concerne la "culture culinaire mondiale," je trouve le sake (boisson alcoolique japonaise) plus intéressante que le gin ou le cognac! Et le crocodile et les cuisses de grenouilles on s'en fout! Ca manque de couscous, de sirop d'érable, de chocolat suisse, de waterzooi, de paëlla...

Et vous? Quel est votre score? Et quels aliments ajouteriez-vous ou bien voudriez-vous enlever dans cette liste?

J'ai pas besoin d'une liste pour manger des trucs bizarres, de toutes les manières. Voilà une salade "fonds de tiroirs" pas mauvaise du tout mais un peu... spéciale:

1. Griller à feu fort et très rapidement quelques tranches de courgettes.

2. Griller rapidement quelques crevettes bien assaisonnées.

3. Ouvrir une boîte de haricots blancs "pinto" (je sais pas ce que c'est en français).

4. Couper quelques tomates en tranches.

5. Mélanger le tout avec quelques petites boules de mozzarella et une bonne vinaigrette!

Réussite: 9/10. Très bon mais assez "space"...

Name: Are you sure you need my name again? Because I just filled it 10 times on the registration form and printed my name under 15 signatures on privacy notices.

After the name, the form goes on with trivial information like DOB, Today's date (I will gift you a calendar so you can see today's date for yourself everyday), place of birth and Reason for visit (Duh!), all of this that was already mentioned in the previous registration/insurance forms.

Family History: Has any blood relative had the following: (Circle if yes)

Mental Illness, Cancer, Diabetes, Stroke, High Cholesterol - Nope none of these even remotely match the word "yes" or even abbreviate to "yes", So I am not circling them.

Social History: And under this comes the occupation. Are you trying to insult me? You want me to say that of all the great things on earth like Mountaineering, Rafting, Photography, Scientists, I am a mere Software Engineer as Occupation when it comes to my Social History? I understand you are enjoying the peak of your career as a doctor but is this your way of asking your patients to fill their profession and calling it a Social History, to have a sarcastic chuckle? Why wasn't this called Employment history?

Then comes a blunt question: Are you (circle): Single Married Divorced Widowed.

I am not Circle, I am not square, I am an irregular shaped humanoid. Now what do you want me to do with the other 4 words?

Do you smoke? Yes No. I answered No but it went on to ask How much? and I am left to wonder how to answer How much I don't smoke!

Exercise Program: Walking around the apartment to get to important places like Bathroom, Fridge, Couch. And as a software engineer I haven't written any "Program" for Exercise.

List all Medication allergies: I don't like medicines. They leave a bitter taste in my tongue, unless it tastes good like Benadryl. So you can take it that I am allergic to all medicines.

Surgical History: Nope, I haven't conducted or performed any surgery on anyone, not even as a 17 year old trying to enter Guinness record, and not even insects or frogs, I was a Computer science major.

Non Surgical History: List all hospitalization without Surgery - Let me check the yellow book and see if there are any hospitals without Surgery department and then get back to you on it.

Sometimes a seemingly trivial but a necessary questionnaire can leave you wondering "WTF", not just a medical form but it can apply elsewhere too. At somepoint we must all have been Vogons, why on earth otherwise we have to fill form after forms for every single thing that needs to be done.

Like Munnabhai said, "Aadmi martha hai, thab form bharna jaroori hai kya?" (When a man is dying, is it necessary for him to fill the form?).

What is your favorite word?  I like a lot of words, but I think I'll go with mellifluous.

What is your least favorite word? smegma. I'll spare you the link to that definition.

What turns you on (creatively, spiritually or emotionally)?  a good vocabulary, wittiness, well-stocked bookshelves

What turns you off (creatively, spiritually or emotionally)? closedmindedness

What sound or noise do you love? my husband's laugh, the little harrumphing sounds my dog makes when she snuggles, the opening chords to "Rain King" by Counting Crows

What sound or noise do you hate?  that incessant beep beep beep of the alarm clock, people chattering on cell phones in public places

What is your favorite curse word?  This is so unladylike and improper, but it's definitely motherf**ker....it's so multipurpose.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?  I'd love to be a travel writer or restaurant reviewer

What profession would you not like to do?  police officer, politician, televangelist

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?  "The library is right this way..."

I tag Jen at Devourer of Books; Jennifer at The Literate Housewife, and Trish at Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin'?  Please tag three more and link back here so I can follow it along.

There are only 3 days left in my Win It Before You Can Buy It giveaway of an ARC of The Gone-Away World.  Click here to enter.

Greetings, faithful readers, and thank you for all the questions. They were funny, clever and insightful, so here's hoping my responses are the same.

Ben asked about my last meal. I'd be remiss if I didn't want some good soul food from home, so here's what I'd get:

• Boiled crawfish
• Chicken and sausage jambalaya
• Cold beer

Justcallmenora asked whether I'd spit or swallow if I had to. While I'd rather not have to make that decision, I'd probably follow the female's lead -- spit if she spits, swallow if she swallows.

Renee asked about my favorite aspect of my relationship with EP. I'll include the headlines of what is a long list: her limitless patience, open-mindedness and constant positive outlook.

Sandy asked how the long distance relationship is working. I can't say it's ideal, but we're doing the best we can. As the time constraints upon both of us grow, it will become harder and harder to keep everything going smoothly, but it's definitely worth a shot!

Erin asked how I feel about cheese. I don't know what to read into this question, but I'm partial to Swiss

Well-intentioned heartbreaker asked about my first impression of EP. I thought she was pleasant (which she is) and looked great (which she still does.)

Matt asked if I read blogs, too. I do, but not generally blogs like EP's. I read the Becker-Posner blog (two brilliant old men musing on "Important Questions,") some political blogs for instant info and a sports blog about college sports at my alma mater.

Tipp asked when I can move to Nashville. Umm, here I am.

La Petite Belle asked whether I'd accept a "massage" from Angelina Jolie if she wouldn't tell EP. I must confess, every man has his limits. And she meets the "celebrity exceptions" clause EP and I haven't gotten around to discussing yet, hahaha.

Mallorypaige asked who I thought the hottest celebrity is. I have to go with Jessica Alba on this one, but I generally feel like celebrities look a lot better on TV/in magazines than they do in real life, so who knows?

BloodRedRoses asked what superpower I would want for one day. I'm old-school, so I'd take flying.

Caz asked what's the most romantic thing I've ever done for EP. To tell you the truth, I'm not all that inentive when it comes to those things. Probably something boring like surprising her with a spur of the moment dinner followed by a lengthy "massage," Angelina-style.

Jessica asked if I ever put the prank about deleting random numbers in cell phones to use. I haven't found the right situation yet, so no. All in good time.

Maxie asked about man crushes, supposing that I and all boys actually have one, haha. If I had to pick someone "famous" I'd like to be, it would probably be someone you've never heard of. He's a U.S. Senator who speaks bluntly, doesn't take shit from anyone and has written several novels about his war experiences and working-class people. I won't name names, but this guy kicks ass. (Hint: It's not John McCain.)

Larissa asked what's the most romantic thing EP has done for me. It's pretty tough to pick one thing out of the many, but I'd have to say doting on me after I got my wisdom teeth out is pretty high up there.

K asked if EP sounds as cute as she writes. Realistically, I don't think there can be an answer other than 'yes' that EP would let me say, but I am happy to report that it is 'yes' without any qualification.

Phil asked about concert favorites and must-sees. I've seen Dave Matthews Band live a few times, and they're amazing (RIP LeRoi Moore.) If I could see anyone, it'd probably be a good '80s band in their prime, like Van Halen or AC/DC.

AuburnKat asked why I took EP on a second date. She was engaging, always smiling and laughing, and had an endearing innocence about her that was very refreshing, and still is.

Thanks for the questions, everyone. It was really fun! Keep on rockin' in the free world...

Since it's our anniversary week (I wanted to do this for our actual anniversary but didn't have enough time), my boy has agreed to answering questions from y'all.

Here's the deal: Leave a question (or a few) in the comments, and I will post his answers Sunday.

This is your chance to get some insight on my boy, so have fun with it. I'm excited to see what y'all ask as well as just how he answers the questions.

OK... go!

Sooooo, as I said I would, I'm nagging again to ask you to please consider clicking on this link to my brief survey about pain management strategies.  What YOU think matters! It takes about 5 - 10 minutes to complete, and it's simple to do, just answer 10 questions on your thoughts on some common pain management strategies.  I'd like to get 100 responses - so keep 'em coming!

Thanks to those of you who have filled the survey out, I'm really grateful.  And to anyone else? Think about clicking, at least to see what I'm raving on about!

This is the link - thanks!

I hope the summer is doing well for everyone!

I've been racking my brains lately trying to figure out an easy solution to writing articles for my clients.

As many of you know, article marketing is a very productive way to market websites. After all, one article, submitted to several sites can then grow exponentially! And better yet, one article can continue bringing in new links even 2 years after they were written!

BUT, and it's a very big BUT! For many business owners and website owners, the act of writing articles is either too difficult or too time consuming, or both. So, what's a web marketer to do? How do I get articles written for my clients without breaking the bank?

Well, I may have come up with a solution, not sure. I came up with a questionnaire for clients to fill out. It's simple, just a few questions. The idea is to get some information from the client based on the keyword phrase that I want to market on their website.

So, take a look at my questionnaire and give me your feedback. I'd love to hear from you.

I must say, I've never quite said any of this out loud, but I've certainly thought about asking people....

The Heterosexual Questionnaire

The Heterosexual Questionnaire was created back in 1972 to put heterosexual people in the shoes of a gay person for just a moment. Questions and assumptions made of Gays and Lesbians that are unfair, are reversed and this time asked to the straight people.

This is a fun survey, but also an activist survey. Please repost this to your email list, myspace bulletin, use it in a group setting, have fun with it but also let the point be made.

1. What do you think caused your heterosexuality?

2. When and where did you decide you were a heterosexual?

3. Is it possible this is just a phase and you will out grow it?

4. Is it possible that your sexual orientation has stemmed from a neurotic fear of others of the same sex?

5. Do your parents know you are straight? Do your friends know- how did they react?

6. If you have never slept with a person of the same sex, is it just possible that all you need is a good gay lover?

7. Why do you insist on flaunting your heterosexuality... can’t you just be who you are and keep it quiet?

8. Why do heterosexuals place so much emphasis on sex?

9. Why do heterosexuals try to recruit others into this lifestyle?

10. A disproportionate majority of child molesters are heterosexual... Do you consider it safe to expose children to heterosexual teachers?

11. Just what do men and women do in bed together? How can they truly know how to please each other, being so anatomically different?

12. With all the societal support marriage receives, the divorce rate is spiraling. Why are there so few stable relationships among heterosexuals?

13. How can you become a whole person if you limit yourself to compulsive, exclusive heterosexuality?

14. Considering the menace of overpopulation how could the human race survive if everyone were heterosexual?

15. Could you trust a heterosexual therapist to be objective? Don't you feel that he or she might be inclined to influence you in the direction of his or her leanings?

16. There seem to very few happy heterosexuals. Techniques have been developed that might enable you to change if you really want to.

17. Have you considered trying aversion therapy?

- Martin Rochlin, Ph.D., 1972

[caption id="attachment_47" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The view almost every day!"][/caption]

Thanks for taking a moment to read this through.  I am in the early stages of developing a new product line for my TAV Creations: Eco-Sewing.  I have tested the concept myself, and am now ready to find out if what I think is a great idea may have a place in the "real world".  The first step is to get an idea of how many people out there might fit the criteria of someone who would use this product.  I have to be vague for now, and the questions will simply help me establish a more accurate picture of how people think and follow through in this area of their lives.  

To answer the questions, you can treat it like one of those viral questionnaires - just copy and paste the questions into the comment block and answer, or even just type the number of each question and your response.  I have offered multiple choice answers, but also welcome more elaborate responses if you feel inclined to express yourself!  Don't worry if your answers don't appear in the comments area once I am gone from the computer, they will be collecting in the great ether and I will post them all when I get back!

The questions relate to how people approach take out food establishments and the how we use them.  If you NEVER buy take out food or beverages, just leave me a quick comment saying something fun to that effect, as you probably won't find that you can answer many of the questions. I still want to hear from you, whether you do take out food or not, to know what percentage of those participating actually do frequent take-out places.  The product line might still be of use to you, so you could still be randomly chosen to receive a prototype and help in the next level of fun!

Once I am back and have a chance to read through the responses, I will then contact a random selection of participants in September, when I will award those lucky folks with prototypes of the product, and ask them to give it a try!  I believe your contact info will be privately available to me only, so no worries there.

Thanks again for taking the time to help me out in this exciting new endeavor!

The questions:

1. How concerned are you with the environment and what we as humans are doing to destroy or protect it? 

2. Do you feel your daily actions reflect how you feel about the environment?

a. no

b. yes, about 1/4 of the time

c. yes, about 1/2 of the time

d. yes, about 3/4 of the time

e. yes, always with only the rare exception

6. Do you take back the disposable serving container, if you frequent a favorite take-out place? example: some Thai food take out restaurants use plastic containers that are sturdy enough that they can be washed and re-used at home as well as returned to be re-filled at the restaurant.

a. no

b. yes, about 1/4 of the time

c. yes, about 1/2 of the time

d. yes, about 3/4 of the time

e. yes,always with only the rare exception

7. Please order the following according to your personal value system: 

      1 being the most important and 6 being the least important :

a. Reducing all waste/ landfill

b. Recycling following the guidelines of your city's definitions and services offered

c. Recycling more than the city suggests

d. Saving money

e. Reducing the use of plastics

f. Buying organic

8.How important is it for your actions, in regards to environmental awareness, to be easy?

a - extremely [ I am a busy person, I recycle my paper and plastic as much as I can]

b - somewhat [ I take my travel mug and tote bag when I can, and recycle faithfully within the city guidelines]

c- not very [ I have my travel cup, tote bag and reduce my personal waste contribution when I can]

d-not at all [ it is more important to do what I can to help the planet, and I make the time and energy to do it.]

Thanks for your time!  I'll be contacting the random winners of protoypes, who may choose to continue into the next level of participation in September. 

Tracey/ Halyma

PS. Boing says thanks too!

[caption id="attachment_66" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="....in judgement"][/caption]

Truth be told, I'd like to play myself. And please do believe everything you are told: Your childhood is your defining period. It's the foundation on which all your believes, the way you will relate to the world in general and people in particular are cemented. Since I am open to anyone and anything, sure, I engage brain, listen to advice given by my most trusted, my most beloved, know they are right - in their own way - and still follow my own heart, judgment, destiny - just as I did as a five year old. Instinct, and instinct only; it's served me well.

U

In 'About Time', one of my characters plays in a grunge band in college. The band is more about volume than musical technique and suffers from anti-establishment aspirations. In case you need to get into character, he doesn't wash much and is going through a swearing phase.

Here's what I've come up with; I'd be grateful if you'd let me know which is your favourite, or feel free to out-gross me with an entirely new suggestion:-

[WARNING: !PROFANITY ALERT!]

1/ The Scary Fuckers
2/ Unstoppable Maggots
3/ The Impotent Barnacles
4/ The Turd-Sniffing Foetuses
5/ The Decapitated Anti Capitalists
6/ Hymen Raider and the Fucking Penetrators

Question 13
Une vache, une brebis ou une chèvre donnent du lait tout le temps
Vrai ou Faux ?

Question 14
Les veaux ont des dents de lait
Vrai ou Faux ?

Question 15
Le cochon est naturellement sale
Vrai ou Faux ?

Question 16
Le cheval n'a pas de clavicule
Vrai ou Faux ?

Question 17
Les dindes sont originaires d'Inde
Vrai ou Faux ?

Je crois en vous ! Oui, je crois en vous chers fidèles ! Je suis certaine que la lumière du savoir tout-puissant va vous éclairer et vous permettre de trouver le chemin jusqu'à cette petite bricole que je vous réserve ! Je crois en vous !

: Plume, fatiguée de jouer le gourou, c'est pas si facile mine de rien :

Ok, c'est crevant d'être une figure emblématique, je vous l'accorde, mais boudiou, quand on voit comme ça galvanise les foules et stimule les neurones d'un petit Yo, franchement, ça le fait ! Voici les réponses :

REPONSES

13°) FAUX - Il est nécessaire qu'elles aient eu un petit. Une vache est traite durant les dix mois qui suivent le vêlage.

14°) VRAI - Comme chez l'homme, elles sont remplacées par des dents d'adulte. La dentition indique par ailleurs l'âge de l'animal.

15°) FAUX - S'il apprécie les bains de boue, c'est simplement pour se rafraîchir. Il ne dispose pas de glandes sudoripares qui permettraient de transpirer et de réguler sa température corporelle.

16°) VRAI - Cet os long, qui relie l'épaule au sternum, a pour fonction d'écarter les membres de la cage thoracique. Elle est inutile chez le cheval dont les articulations bougent que dans le sens du mouvement, en avant.

17°) FAUX - Elles viennent d'Amérique. A l'époque où ce continent a été découvert, les marins croyaient être arrivés en Inde, d'où la confusion. Les habitants de ces terres furent appelés "Indiens" pour la même raison.

Avouez ! Ce niveau de culture est terrifiant, n'est ce pas ? Vous vous coucherez encore moins bête ce soir après avoir lu tout ça (ok, d'accord, y'a encore de la marge... mais on va y arriver !)

A très vite pour un nouveau quiz !