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I spent some time this weekend remembering fondly my favorite comic books that I haven't read for some time, the Asterix Series. I remember them mostly because of their immense cleverness and prolific puns. And the fact that they take place in Ancient Gaul during the Pax Romana , which is unusual for a children's comic book. Some of my favorite bits are the names of the characters, as you'll see...
Asterix is the little one on the left. He's the smallest, most fierce warrior in the village. Obelix, the larger one, is a menhir salesman. Look up menhir and think of a synonym to see why his name is funny. Dogmatix, Obelix's little dog, is very stubborn and loves trees.



Getafix is the village's druid. He brews many magical potions, the most famous being one that gives the drinker "a fix" of superhuman strength.






Vitalstatistix is the chief of the village; the bureaucracy, if you will. His nosy and slightly controlling wife in named Impedimenta.






The village's bard is named Cacofonix, the only bard in ancient comicdom whose singing induces violent thunderstorms.



Also among the lovely cast: Fulliautomatix, the village blacksmith, Unhygienix, the fishmonger (whose wares are typically less than fresh) and his wife Bacteria, and the fat Roman centurion Gluteus Maximus.
For the full effect of these clever comics, read them yourself. The wordplay is astounding. Meanwhile, I'm off to the library to take out some of my old favorites.

The Baking Bible

One of my favorite presents that I have ever received was Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook. My then 12-year-old brother bought it for me for Christmas and since then, I've pored over it's pages and baked delicious brioche, award-winning key lime pie, cream cheese and chive biscuits, and my masterpiece lemon curd cake. I really love to bake.
I'd been craving a good baking session for some time, since my Dad got about 60 pounds of organic blueberries and we froze them. Today I finally got around to it and made 4 dozen delicious buleberry muffins. So thanks go out to my brother, who bought me the baking bible, the neighbours who lent me baking powder, IKEA for making such wonderful red-coloured measuring spoons and mixing bowls (that inspire me to cook whenever I see them) and finally, to Martha. You make me believe that I, too, can bake light, golden croissants and ice a devil's food cake with mint-chocolate ganache to perfection. You've taught me the difference between a rubber scraper and a true spatula. Who cares about the inside trading? You are my idol.

My Attempt at Environmental Commentary

I don't know how many of you know my feelings on global warming, but let me sum it up in these two observations:
1. An Inconvenient Truth was a farce. I couldn't take it seriously, especially after several graphs shown by Al Gore used techniques right out of the "Graphical Deception" section of my economic statistics class.
2. We know so little about the way that the world works that I believe that it is difficult for us to determine what effect we are having on the planet.
In conclusion, the planet may be warming up. It may even be doing so because of man's presence and because of their gas-guzzling cars. I don't know, and frankly, I don't care. What I do care about is people like Al Gore trying to frighten the general populace into submission. Read Michael Chrichton's "State of Fear" for an interesting perspective.
For now, though, I came across a great explanation for the phenomenon. Before you respond, consider the environmental consequences.

Celebration!

One of my quirkier life's ambitions has been to see a Matchbox Twenty concert
This has caused me some consternation in recent years while Rob Thomas was off doing his solo thing. I had missed my chance to ever attend a Matchbox Twenty concert, which just about killed me, since they're probably my favorite band. I'd heard their new song on the radio, but thought it was another Rob Thomas sosol endeavor. Imagine my joy, my delight, when I was informed that they are back together! Now I won't have to wait for the reunion tour!

Sarcasm Is the Recourse of a Weak Mind

The UPS man thinks I'm crazy. On Tuesday, there was approximately a bijillion deliveries, which made me really happy. Taking deliveries, unpacking them, and checking them off on our ordering list is a way to break up my day. So when they arrived, I blurted out in my excitement, "Yes! Deliveries!" to which the funny British UPS man replied, "You really need to get out more." When I tried to explain, all he did was give me a funny look and say, "You need a drink. Or maybe to let all the ones you had on the long weekend get out of your system." Then he left.
Today, I saw the UPS truck pull up and was excited already. It's been a quiet day, you see. He brought them in, I was happy, etc. Then he came again this afternoon with one more package.
"Alright," he says "I have one more present for you. But this is the absolute LAST ONE. It's going to be tough, but I think you'll be okay in time."
Har de har har.

Why I Miss School Already

10.The neon coloured institute parking stickers.
9. Blogging in class (only in Dr. Yuan's classes. Yawn.)
8. Hanging out at the institute between classes, especially visiting with Sister Wahlberger.
7. Doing the daily crossword with Jane.
6. The beginning of semester dash for used textbooks.
5. Dr. Wen's classes. He was one of the best profs.
4. I finally just got honours status and my chosen minor in business. And now I'm leaving.
3. Random classes of learning for my electives (Art History, German, and Poli Sci...)
2. Other people who understand my economics fetish and even support it.
1. I just really love learning and school. Even tests, assignments, and studying. And I'm not ready for it to be gone yet.