Back from Bonaire

and in hibernation. It's gorgeously spring out, but after two weeks on the small sleepy island of Bonaire, I'm a little overwhelmed by the sheer amount of people outside. And the busyness of the city.

Give me a few days, and I'll be back to my usual self. Until then, these are usually the moments when I feel like I don't belong in this city. That I ought to be living somewhere where my life is more outside and the pace of life leaves room for reflection...

Chuck Norris sues?

Really Chuck?

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN2129580420071222

Tough-guy actor and martial arts expert Chuck Norris sued publisher Penguin on Friday over a book he claims unfairly exploits his famous name, based on a satirical Internet list of "mythical facts" about him.

Penguin published "The Truth About Chuck Norris: 400 facts about the World's Greatest Human" in November. Author Ian Spector and two Web sites he runs to promote the book, including www.truthaboutchuck.com, are also named in the suit.

The book capitalizes on "mythical facts" that have been circulating on the Internet since 2005 that poke fun at Norris' tough-guy image and super-human abilities, the suit said.

It includes such humorous "facts" as "Chuck Norris's tears cure cancer. Too bad he has never cried" and "Chuck Norris does not sleep. He waits," the suit said, as well as "Chuck Norris can charge a cell phone by rubbing it against his beard."

"Defendants have misappropriated and exploited Mr. Norris's name and likeness without authorization for their own commercial profit," said the lawsuit.

seen on facebook today

"Free financial advice from someone who knows... The best 401K plan is called JESUS! You'll never go wrong with that one."

And that one's not even below the Mason Dixon line. I do love this country and the freedom of speech.

Happy Birthday Chuck!

Picture from http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800040682
Excerpts of a post from Mike Krumboltz at http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/buzz-log-chuck-norris.html

Tuesday is Chuck Norris' 69th birthday. The macho star of such mind-blowing epics as "Slaughter in San Francisco" and "Lone Wolf McQuade" has made a career out of looking tough and kicking butt... all while rockin' a serious mullet.

"Chuck Norris puts the 'laughter' in 'manslaughter.'"
Over the years, Mr. Norris (we dare not call him Chuck) has built up a dedicated fan base... "Chuck Norris facts" are particularly popular. For those who are unaware, these are "Paul Bunyanesque exaggerations" of Norris' powers. They became a popular online joke several years ago and are still a source of amusement for many. An example: "Chuck Norris doesn't sleep. He waits." Another: "Chuck Norris' tears can cure cancer. Too bad he has never cried." You get the point.

"Superman owns a pair of Chuck Norris pajamas."

"Death once had a near-Chuck-Norris experience."
Mr. Norris has commented on the facts, saying, "Some are funny. Some are pretty far out." And sometimes, it's hard to tell the "facts" from the facts. Regardless, have a happy birthday, Mr. Norris. And please don't hurt us.

Why I live above the Mason Dixon line

I think I've been living in NYC too long. I thought the people in the following exchange were being ironic and sarcastic:

Jami: Hi Amy...I have enjoyed reading your profile and looking at your pics. When did you get saved? I can see you love the Lord and I'm sooo happy for you. God bless!

Amy: Hi Jami. The Lord is my Rock and my Redeemer. Girl, I was saved in the 5th grade at a Baptist Revival and baptized in Deep Creek in the middle of January! It was just awesome. I've only learned in the last 5 years what it really means to live for Him! My life is so blessed as a result! God is good, all the time!

And then, I realized that the exchange was sincere. It was between two of B's old grade school friends from Lake City, FL. Thanks to the miracle of Facebook, B and I are reminded of why we live above the Mason Dixon line.

My latest obsession

...split toe socks. They're perfect for keeping my feet warm while wearing flip flops.

CKY got me a pair (pink with flowers), and I've worn them around the apartment all winter long. I'm tempted to start wearing them under my thicker socks for when I'm out and about, but I'm hesitant to cross that line. I'm worried that once I start doing that, it's a slippery slope to never throwing away newspapers, collecting plastic bags and hoarding cats.

Dahlia Soleil

I was in Williamsburg over the weekend to visit a surf shop (yes, a legit surf shop in Brooklyn), and I stopped in at Artists & Fleas where I came across the work of Dahlia Soleil. She's mostly known for her gorgeous crotchet work (esp hats), and will be a featured artist at the Studio Museum.


I got me a shirt with a bird on it similar, but not exactly like the one pictured. I like birds. I like owls.

There is a blizzard outside

After 8-12 inches of accumulated snow, NYC has declared a snow day.

I have decided I will not leave my apartment today.
Unless chocolate is involved.

More specifically, Lindt's Wafer Milk Chocolate Bar. I've fallen into a habit of having one whole bar a day. They're quite delicious!