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©2005 Jason Cross
All Rights Reserved
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 Friday, May 31, 2002 |
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Tonight I went to see Undercover Brother and...it was very funny. I feel a little guilty saying so, as it's the type of movie that most people I know will say "You saw that! Damn you, you simpering idiot!" just based on its commercials. But it was really funny!
Ok, so none of the people I know would really say "simpering idiot" as I don't know any supervillains, but still, you get the point.
The movie pulled no punches, but in no way was as disgusting as any of those teen-sex comedies or Farrely brothers films (which, too, have their moments), plus it had a good heart - brotherhood between all races and all.
And Neil Patrick Harris - Doogie Howser - in a very funny role.
There you have it, I can see the ads now:
"Simpering idiots...in no way as disgusting as...Doogie Howser" - JasonCross.com Movie Review |
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Thursday, May 30, 2002 |
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This is from Sara, which I thought was funny, being a cat person. I've always liked cats better, because with dogs, it's almost TOO easy, but with a cat you actually have to earn the cats respect.
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EXCERPTS FROM A DOG'S DIARY:
Day number 180
8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 PM - OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE!
4:00 PM - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!
Day number 181
8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 PM - OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE!
4:00 PM - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!
Day number 182
8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 PM - OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE!
1:30 PM - ooooooo. bath. bummer.
4:00 PM - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!
EXCERPTS FROM A CAT'S DIARY:
DAY 752 - My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture. Tomorrow I may eat another house plant.
DAY 761 - Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded, must try this at the top of the stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to cough up a hairball on their favorite chair...must try this on their bed.
DAY 765 - Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body, in attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was...Hmmm. Not working according to plan.
DAY 768 - I am finally aware of how sadistic they are. For no good reason I was chosen for the water torture. This time however it included a burning foamy chemical called "shampoo." What sick minds could invent such a liquid. My only consolation is the piece of thumb still stuck between my teeth.
DAY 771 - There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the foul odor of the glass tubes they call "beer". More importantly I overheard that my confinement was due to MY power of "allergies." Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.
DAY 774 - I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit. The bird on the other hand has got to be an informant, and speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room his safety is assured. But I can wait, it is only a matter of time. |
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Tuesday, May 28, 2002 |
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An unfortunate fact that I've dealt with most of my lift is that I don't seem to tan, but rather go from pale to burnt and back again. Maybe it's my skin type, or maybe it's something to do with being a technology person. Hmm...
So as penance for being outside most of Memorial Day, playing some doubles tennis (kicking some ass at doubles tennis more like it), launching some rockets, etc, I am pretty red today.
Was it worth it?
Yes (did I mention we kicked ass in tennis?) ;) |
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Sunday, May 26, 2002 |
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Back in the day, we used to all stay up hanging out until 2am without a second thought. Now 11pm rolls around and our get togethers seem to fall apart. Yes, my five, the group is getting old. Creaky joints, eyesight blurring, damn these mid-twenty years! ;)
Not that I have any problem with staying out or up late, mind you. I just think as a whole this particular conglomeration of people tend to have enough nod off that it brings the whole event to a close. And I'll admit that some nights, I am one of those people (though some of you know that there are plenty of others when I'll be out later than anyone)! |
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Saturday, May 25, 2002 |
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Yesterday was Jessica's birthday - and of course I had to get pictures online to satisfy the five readers! The group of us went to El Rodeo, where we had them serenade her with their Mexican birthday song - hat and all. Just remember, Jess, if that's the most embarassing thing you ever do, you've made out pretty well!
As an added bonus, I bought myself a new laptop yesterday! I ended up getting a Sony SuperSlim Pro from Best Buy. That's one of those jobbies which is an ultraslim but has a SlimDock base, so if I want the DVD/CD-RW I can clip it onto a portable base, otherwise have the functionality of an ultraslim. It was an open-box, and I did a little negotiating, so I ended up getting it for $1154 rather than the original price of $1699, PLUS there's a $200 mail-in rebate. Not too bad for a 1Ghz PIII laptop. |
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Friday, May 24, 2002 |
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I have this awesome view from my office, looking out over the east side of downtown Des Moines, where I can see the capitol buiding, the river, etc. The downside is that on a very nice day like today, it makes one not want to work so hard. And with a huge project coming to a head on Wednesday - not such a good thing.
Not that I'm complaining, mind you. I really do like my office. I'm just sayin'. |
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Tuesday, May 21, 2002 |
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The Angel finale last night was great, despite ending in a cliffhanger. It's funny how much better than Buffy that Angel has been this season - much more consistantly dramatic and funny intertwined. Too bad Darla is dust, she was amazing with that intensely throaty evil voice..."God doesn't want you...but I do".
I will say that the Buffy season finale looks like it will be good, though, with Dark Willow running around. I'm curious to see how they resolve it, considering that Joss has stated that he will never kill off Willow's character, yet she has now (rather brutally) killed a man. Flashback to Faith and a bit of the Doppelgangland episode vampire Willow..."Bored now." |
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Monday, May 20, 2002 |
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Two big series finales tonight - X-Files and Survivor: Marquesas. Both were heavily watched shows. Both ended rather disappointingly.
First Survivor: I've seen pretty much every episode of every season of Survivor. I am a self-confessed Survivorholic, plus we have "family night" on Survivor night, meaning that during the show my self, my sister's family and my father's family get together and watch. There are parts I like from every season, but so far the original (Palau Tiga) is my favorite, though this season was a close second.
How sad that Vecepia won. I was really hoping that Neleh would beat her, as Neleh might have worked her own agenda, but at least was not as blatently deceitful and hippocritical as Vecepia appeared. Make an arrangement, betrayal, then pray for forgiveness, followed by a repeat a few days later.
Yeah, Survivor is not known for its clean playing, heck MY favorite person from all Survivordom is Richard Hatch, the original pioneer of how to "play the game", but at least Richard didn't hide who he was. Vecepia appears to be all Christian and preachly one moment, and then cut throat when convenient.
Now on to X-Files. Yeesh. Nine years in the making and a concept for a finale that appeared to have merit - putting Mulder on trial where he spells out the conspiracy as his defense. Sounded good, unfortunately the show chickened out, left open many many questions, and ended it with no resolution other than that in about 10 years the aliens are going to invade, that Mulder has found God, and that the X-Files have been shut down again.
They say the next X-Files movie will be a stand-alone story. I can't see how, but here's hoping for the return of the Mexican Goat Sucker. |
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Sunday, May 19, 2002 |
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A few more thoughts after seeing Episode II again:
1 - People, lighten up. Star Wars movies have never equaled great story, script, direction or acting. Lucas is NOT a great director or screenwriter - he makes popcorn childrens movies with great special effects. He admits as much himself. It's sad how high people set their expectations based on nostalgia for the original trilogy which, while very entertaining, ain't exactly Citizen Kane...
2 - Blood. I hear all sorts of complaints about the limbs being chopped off without blood. Lightsabers are hot. Hot things cauterize. Cauterization = no blood.
3 - Yoda. Not a huge fan of Yoda in this one, as I think he works better as this enigmatic little teacher. Showing him fight, using a lightsaber, it takes away his mystery.
4 - The Romance. Trashy - yes. Badly written - see number 1 above. Fitting the dialog and rules established for the Star Wars universe - yup. Star Wars is all high fantasy set in a sci-fi backdrop. Courtly romance is part of this.
Just my opinions of course, but if I can't speak them on my site, then why have it? |
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Saturday, May 18, 2002 |
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Little Ian is growing up... sniff. This weekend was Ian's graduation from Simpson College in our hometown of Indianola. The ceremony was nice, not spectacular but not too bad either. It was kind of funny having a cancer researcher speak out about Enron and indiscretions in the Catholic church, but hey, whatever!
Of course, I already have some pictures online, which you can see by clicking here. |
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Thursday, May 16, 2002 |
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I just got back from the 12:01am showing of Star Wars Episode II. I liked it, better than Ep 1, though I'm not sure if it was my favorite. It was kind of like a chocolate Easter bunny - sweet, enjoyable, but also hollow. Let's face it, though, I was going to see a Star Wars movie not some great drama.
Warning: the following may contain what could be considered spoilers, so don't read if you don't want any interference with your own viewing experience.
Miscellaneous Thoughts: Lots of eye candy. Interesting setup for the third movie. Darker than I expected, especially Anakin and his actions. Not sure if Anakin's stiff acting was a function of Hayden Christiansen or if that was him acting how they expected Anakin would act (was the acting bad, or was he bad acting?). Jar Jar.... The Yoda fight was not as goofy as I had feared.
I like the concept that the Republic is what becomes the Empire, that the Sith are working the system to get the power they want so bad, and that in the next, Amidala and the rest must realize that *wait a second - WE are the bad guys!*
Reviews in the media have been fairly hard on the movie. Come on guys, it's Star Wars. Has there EVER been a Star Wars movie that got rave reviews?
If you like Star Wars, odds are you'll like Episode II. If you don't like Star Wars, odds are you won't see Episode II. So there you have it. |
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Wednesday, May 15, 2002 |
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So once again Gretchen's blog led me to something cool on the net. You five JasonCross.com readers should go thank her, as otherwise you'd have that much less to read here!
Anyway, from her site I went to the Colorgenics site, where based on colors you pick out they build a personality profile, and *man* it does seem oddly familiar. Not perfect, but closer than I'd have guessed.
You are feeling exhausted, worn out, drained. You feel that far too much is being asked of you but you still want to overcome these difficulties and establish yourself despite the effect such an effort seems to have on you. You are a proud person, assertive most of the time, but at this particular moment you are acting as if you have become resigned to the situation. What you need is some tender loving care - a gentle pat on the head (or maybe a 'kick-up-the backside') and then you'll be raring to go.
You are willing to try anything once. You 'need to be needed' and what is perhaps more important you 'need to need.' You can only feel close to a person or persons when you feel you can trust them, but this trust needs to be proven to you.
You have a high opinion of yourself. It is perhaps because of this self-centredness that you become exasperated when you feel that your needs are misinterpreted by those around you. When this happens - and it does quite often - you feel that there is no-one that can understand the way you feel and it is because of this egocentric self that you are quick to take offence.
You are being unduly influenced by the situation that is all around you. You do not like the feeling of loneliness and whatever it is that seems to separate you from others. You know that life can be wonderful and you are anxious to experience life in all its aspects, to live it to the full. You therefore resent any restriction or limitations that are being imposed on you and you insist on going it alone.
You are trying to build up your own position and you resist all external influences. You insist that you are your own person and you will not tolerate any outside interference. Decisive and proud, you are true managerial material.
You need to be respected as an exceptional individual. This is the only way that you can hope to achieve the status that you wish to achieve. You set yourself very high standards - and come what may - you abide by them. |
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Tuesday, May 14, 2002 |
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Glory be to Tenno, great deity of tennis. I am but your humble servant.
Tonight was the first doubles tennis game of "the season" aka "the time when the weather is warm enough to play without requiring bulky clothing that makes my game that much worse". Ian vs Jason vs Ryan vs Gordon. Three sets, mixed and matched. Yeah, I sucked, but I see signs of improvement considering its the first game and all.
Oddly, my doubles game is much more effective than my singles. I think the addition of that extra three feet on each side of the court helps. |
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Sunday, May 12, 2002 |
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According to HumanForSale.com I am worth precisely $2,381,150.00. And to think, the world gets me for free...
Thanks to Gretchen's blog for pointing this little gem of a site out. She always has awesome blog content. |
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Thursday, May 9, 2002 |
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This Sunday, 7pm to 9pm, Gnomeradio, again, on KRNT 1350AM. This time with Jake - call in, ask questions, talk to us! |
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Tired...must get M&M from Will's office...need sugar boost...mmm...peanuty... |
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Wednesday, May 8, 2002 |
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This morning I had to give a presentation to the Southwest Iowa Realtors Association (SWIAR) in Council Bluffs, talking about the FBX partnership with the IAR.
Two hours there. 20 minute speech. Two hours back.
Eesh.
Ian came along for the ride, so at least it wasn't too dull, but man, getting up at 5:50 am certainly is not for this creature of the night. |
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Sunday, May 5, 2002 |
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Well here I am, home again, watching last week's X-Files on the Tivo, writing in my blog. How are you, my five readers?
Jessica's graduation was fun (congratulations, Jess!); Ann Arbor is a beautiful town; seeing most of the old friends together was great.
We stayed at the Residence Inn, right behind the Red Roof off of State St. The place itself was nice enough, with a two bedroom suite, though we had an assortment of troubles, including some overwhelming stench requiring one room switch and a lack of hot water in the new room for a day. To their credit, they gave us a room switch the first night sight unseen, and for our trouble with the water, they also gave a $50 service credit without our request. Some would say it should have been more; I think that considering we were able to use another room for hot water until ours was fixed, the credit was a welcome bit, especially since we didn't have to ask for it. It's easy to give a credit when you think you have to - but to give one without request shows a consideration for the customer.
One word for the actual graduation ceremony - long! Lots of names of people we didn't know, a few we did. Wonkee, Ayelette, George, Joanne, Liz - those we had heard about so many times (and some we had met before) sharing the big day with the rest of the fresh "take on the world" lawyers.
We had dinner at "Grizzly Peak", a kind of brew pub last night. The twenty-somethings then met up with the Law friends of Jess and went bowling before heading back to the hotel.
This morning we met up with Jess, Megan and Brad along with Connie and Emil Dvorak for brunch, had a good omelette (though Jess recommends the french toast, got a tour of the law quad, and hit the road around 11am. 9 hours later, with short stops in towns like Kalamazoo and the Iowa-80 (The Largest Truckstop in the WORLD) we made it back to Indianola.
Miscellaneous Thoughts:
A nine-hour drive isn't that bad, but I'd hate to do it all the time. Don't ask them to hold the tomato on a salad at Steak & Shake, 'cause they won't. Weird things show up under black lights. Ann Arbor has a beautiful classic look, lots of character, and some cute lookin' girls too. Law school students study in opulence when they choose to do so in the quad. The ABA doesn't allow for an actual diploma until grades are certified, so graduates don't get diplomas at graduation time. Ender's Game is a good read. Getting work done on a trip over the cell phone is easy; getting work done on a trip using the laptop is not so easy. Mint skittles are better than they sound, but nobody else will try them. Grizzly Peak is funny, but a restaurant called Grizzly Pete would be funnier. Michigan City is in Indiana. And State St is the key to finding everything in Ann Arbor.
Pictures soon. |
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Near Malcom, Iowa. Almost home. Short update, more later. 19.2K PCS modem connection. Slow web pages. Fire bad. Frankenstein no understand question.
More later once I'm home, along with the inevitable photo gallery. |
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At a computer terminal at the Michigan Law Quad. We're about to head home, so with the somewhat longish drive ahead, I'll post more insight into the trip on the way, including info about out wacky bowling computer last night. Stay tuned... |
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Saturday, May 4, 2002 |
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I really like Ann Arbor. The U of M campus is very scenic - a classic college town look, with lots of brick and trees. We rode into town around 9:15 - a mere hour forty-five later than planned, ate some pizza at a college pizza joint, and met up with Jess, Benn, Megan, Brad as well as Jess' new beau Josh and her cousin from Kansas, Beth.
Kristin is anxiously awaiting warm water as I write this. The Residence Inn is generally nice, but has had its share of problems. Our first room smelled, well, bad. How bad? There *might* have been a dead raccoon in there, we didn't wait around to know for sure. So they gave us another room, a better room, a two-level suite. Of course, it turned out that this room didn't have have water (who needs hot water?!). So we head over to the previous room, the smell having dissipated over the night, with the promise of hot water awaiting. And eventually they will fix our new room. We shall see.
Spirits are generally high, the Untouchables are on the television, and I'm signing off until later. |
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Friday, May 3, 2002 |
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We are now in Michigan, driving down I-94, we the intrepid travelers. My cell phone battery has died once, thanks to lots of stuff going on back at work as well as using it as a cellular modem. Thankfully, Jake loaned me his power invertor giving me a standard AC outlet in the car allowing me to plug in my phone charger. Ah, the toys we boys enjoy!
It's been a beautiful day, perfect for a drive, which certainly has made this somewhat longish trip not too bad at all. Hopefully the weather will keep cooperating (hear me weather demons?!).
Next stop - Ann Arbor. |
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Yup, I am writing this from the car - Ian's driving and we just left Princeton, Illinois. Trying to make up for a later time leaving than planned - darned slow tire center at Wal-Mart! So in the interest of time, we opted not to stop at the Iowa-80 Truck Stop ("The World's Largest Truck Stop") as I-80 tradition dictates. On the way back, though... |
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Ok, not so much the wizard but to Ann Arbor for Jess' law school graduation.
And for a bit of an experiment, I'm going to try to use my cell phone as a wireless modem along the way, updating our progress on this site as we go.
Stay tuned! |
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Thursday, May 2, 2002 |
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So scientists have now made a remote controlled rat by implanting electrodes into the brain of a live rat and sending impulses to turn, jump, climb, etc. Click here if you don't believe me. They say they may one day help with search and rescure efforts.
Now, I'm all for animal testing for responsible reasons (pretty hard to do medical testing without it), but this seems a little overboard. |
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Happy May Day from JasonCross.com!
Yesterday I was out at FB for a meeting, and all of these school kids were there handing out May baskets. Very funny, though I forgot mine there. :(
Luckily my dinner at Mosaix more than made up for it with fine food and even better company. |
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So I'm debating about what to write in my blog today. Funny how I spent all this time creating the site, with all sorts of things to pontificate about before it was up and ready, and since, there have been less bloggy thoughts.
So today I will attempt to just do some random stuff, we'll see! |
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