Today's roundup of stuff, or You Can Tell I Read Mad Magazine

• In the True Confessions Department: My name is Leah, and I have a magazine addiction. And also a storage problem for them. Any good ideas?
  
• In the Kitchen Products You Didn't Know You Needed Department: BananaGuard. (link from the ever-wonderful lauramcewan.) You know the cool thing about these? They have a glow in the dark one. Imagine whipping one of these out and pointing it at someone (which I'm sure would get you suspended in some school districts) in a dark room. Now you can really say "is that a banana in your pocket or are you pleased to see me" without worrying that your banana will turn to icky mush before you have a chance to get hit on with a cheesy pickup line. What could be better?
  
• In the Christmas Is Coming And I Know You All Love Me Department: LED Frisbee. Want want want!
  
• In the Freaky Coincidences Department: 2004 hurricane damage vs. 2000 election results, by county map (from maproom.) Further evidence that Bush really /isn't/ talking to God.
  

Musical note

Sean's singing along with Thom Yorke.

Piratey things (a few days late)

It was another one of those 'only in Portland' days. I didn't see the guy with the didgeridoo on the bus (more's the pity) but I did see a random guy dressed up as a pirate (complete with pirate hat and boots but no eyepatch) outside of the library talking with a punk/goth type.

Is there any earthly reason for the average urban dweller that doesn't live out in the country and doesn't have to do a lot of hauling to actually drive an SUV? I can't think of one. I mean, maybe I'm missing something, but it seems like an awful lot of car for just piddling around the city in. And aren't they horribly cost-ineffective? What with the extra gas and all?
Signed, the hippy mom that takes the bus everywhere.

Also: I want a good japanese intro text. Hey, I need something to do with my spare time. Learning japanese (and brushing up on long-dormant french) might not be a bad idea...