Portugal

I wrote a haiku about Kleenex vs. a handkerchief, but it was pretty gross, so I'm not going to post it.

You're welcome.

I am feeling okay now, still pretty stopped up in my sinuses, but functioning. Went to happy hour at Chuy's with the work Biostats chicks yesterday. Always a grand time with them! Hmm- actually I'm the only one still a Biostats chick. Well, what's important is that I got a New Mexican martini. Huzzah!

Finally met Mel's BFF, Cory, at this meetup! The two of them have a lot of great stories, one of which was when they were in Madrid for work and met some guys from Portugal who made fun of their American accents.

Mel: Where are you guys from?
Guys: Portugal.
Cory: Where?
Guys: Portugal.
Mel and Cory: *giggle*
Guys: eh-Spain (gesturing with their hands up)...  Port-you-gahl... (gesturing with their hands to the indicate the left side)...  eh-Spain...  Port-you-gahl...
Mel: OH! PORCH-UH-GUHL!
Guys (sighing): Yes. PORCH-UH-GUUUHL.

Americans.

Ha!

Saturday 9: Magic (1980)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This 1980 video depicts Olivia Newton-John as a performer in small club. For the past few years, she's been performing regularly at the Flamingo in Las Vegas. Have you ever been to Las Vegas?

I've been twice- once with a large group of girlfriends for a concert at the MGM, and once with Teresa and her friend

2) Many tourists who want to get away from the glitz of Vegas travel less than 20 miles to visit Red Rock Canyon. This national park is known for its hiking trails, which provide a view of the desert flora and red rock peaks. Tell us about a time you were impressed by natural beauty.

I'll go local here. There's a hell of a view of the Hill Country on a random curve on Hwy 165 going south to Blanco. HELL of a view, more than 180 degrees, straight into the valley.

3) One of the best-reviewed restaurants in Las Vegas is Andiamo Italian Steak House. When you order a steak, how do you request it be cooked: rare, medium rare, medium, medium well or well done?

medium rare, baby

4) Olivia Newton-John's father was an officer in MI5, the UK's secret service. Sam's most recent encounter with the law didn't have much drama or intrigue: she asked a cop for directions to the highway. Tell us about the last time you spoke to an officer of the law.

Last encounter with a police officer in uniform was my warning for speeding in Galveston near Pirate's Beach, years ago.

5) ONJ was awarded the OBE -- Order of the British Empire -- by Queen Elizabeth in honor of her contributions to the arts. Here's your opportunity to boast. What is something you've done lately that you received praise for?

User acceptance test case writing and testing. It's a curse.

6) A breast cancer survivor, Olivia helped found a cancer center in her hometown of Melbourne, Australia. When you think of Australia, what comes to mind?

photos of several of my friends who have climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge

7) "Magic" was one of the top-selling records of 1980. Also that year, Post-It notes debuted. Do you enjoy shopping for office supplies, or do you consider it a chore?

LOVE office supplies

8) In 1980, the NASA space probe returned the first photos of Saturn back to earth. Do you believe intelligent life forms from other planets are trying to learn more about us?

maybe

9) Random question: Are you more confident in your looks or your intelligence?

intelligence