An outside perspective to my inside life

New Blog

2009-08-24T13:00:00.002-07:00

Probably should have mentioned I started a new blog over at www.amberthepuma.com

See ya there!

Time for a change

2009-07-20T07:48:00.001-07:00

This weekend almost killed me.

Hi, I am Amber, the Idiot.

2009-07-17T10:36:00.004-07:00

I was reminded last night how it feels to be unimportant. I was reminded this morning how it feels when you find out the reason you are unimportant.

It's funny how you can be the last person or thought on someones mind when they have something distracting them. Especially if that something is a little blond with her boyfriend out of town for the night.

I wonder if I am better off now knowing that I am a complete idiot. When your gut tells you something is wrong, it means something is wrong. I solidly vow to myself that I will listen to my instincts from this point forward.

Oh, and fuck guys. Every last one of you (except my dad- he is a good guy)

And the beat goes on . . .

2009-07-15T08:40:00.005-07:00

After a four month break from my blog, I realized that I missed having an outlet to share my thoughts and feelings. I don't keep paper journals any more because I always forget to use them or have this fear that someone will read them unsuspectingly.

I also have not been reading others blogs. This is rude, I know. I promise to catch up on all of you.

The past four months have been busy, stressful, fun, challenging, warm, sad, exciting, new and filled with a lot of new.

I bought a house, finalized a breakup, spent every cent to my name, took a girls trip, started connecting with my family, started at least five diets, and a bunch of other things that I just really cant remember right now.

My goal with re-insertion into the blogging world is to not bitch and moan about things that piss me off, so if you can help keep me on track, I would appreciate it :)

2009-03-19T08:16:00.001-07:00

It's interesting that the decisions you think won't really impact you end up being the ones that change you the most.

Life is confusing.

M.I.A.

2009-03-12T11:07:00.002-07:00

I have not written a blog in a while over here because I started a new blog that I basically write notes to Dallas (my BF) in. I know that is obscenely cheezy, but he likes it and it gives me an outlet to share my feelings about things without making conflict. I recommend you try it if you have stuff to get off your chest. It also acts as a nice timeline... allows you to document events you have together.

Anywho... I have a lot going on right now. We are one week away from moving into the new office. This has been a giant pain and stressor, but I am excited for the end result. I went over there this morning and all they need to do is lay the carpet and some last finishing touches. It's really exciting.

I am in the initial stages of buying a house. Just waiting for my financing to come through so I can make an offer. It's amazing how much there is going on in the real estate market right now, even with the 'recession.' I really hope someone doesnt buy my house before I can put in an offer. The sucky thing is that it is a short sale, so it could be three months before I hear back! Ack!

So, I am all cheezy in love. It feels amazing. People hate me and don't want to hear about it. I forgot what it's like to be bitter. Thank god.

My man is the best!

2009-02-24T12:29:00.001-07:00

I loooooooooooooove flowers :)

I really love when I get them for no reason :)

oh and P.S. ...

2009-02-23T10:51:00.002-07:00

Being in love with someone who loves YOU back ... is such an amazing feeling :)

As the page turns..

2009-02-23T10:05:00.003-07:00

Sometimes getting to the bottom of things is the most challenging part of life. Working through or dealing with thoughts and feelings is never easy, but its necessary. I realize I had been putting some soul searching off for a while, afraid of what I would find. Luckily, because I am a giant pussy, I was forced to sort through all of this shit circling through my brain and heart, and we all had a little pow wow.

I cannot tell you how excited I am about this, because I feel like a blindfold has been lifted from my eyes and it has really allowed me to see. Where once it seemed like my head existed separately from the rest of my body, I now feel whole. Complete.

What's more important is that I am now truly free to love uninhibited and happily. All of the inhibitions and fear that I once felt is resolved, and the past two days I have felt so free and happy.

I am so stoked about this new chapter in my life!

10 Things I Have Learned Recently

2009-02-17T16:37:00.003-07:00

1. My ex boyfriend is quite possibly the largest prick on the planet.

2. Gaining 15lbs in 3 months is 450 time easier than losing 15lbs in a year. Go figure.

3. Antibiotics + alcohol REALLY REALLY REALLY do not mix.

4. Throwing up olive tapenade is the worst possible thing imagineable

5. You can become french in four days by not shaving your arm pits.

6. Silicone breast implants feel way better and way more natural than saline.

7. People get pot hangovers? (it wasnt me, I dont smoke)

8. A good filing cabinet is extremely expensive.

9. My dog will eat ANYTHING. Razors, moldy pizza, paper, hair clips, etc etc

10. 'Black & White' People hardxcore clash with 'Grey' people.

R O Y G B V

2009-02-02T10:47:00.003-07:00

Why do I only blog when I'm upset? Actually, I'm not upset. I just have that horrible feeling you get when you know something is about to go terribly wrong. I'm hoping that it's just my body reacting poorly to the Cardinals loss.

I'm a very black and white person, and I operate best when I live within black and white rules. When I start seeing things in grey, things get topsy turvy and I feel like the world is crashing down on me.

Life is so much easier when you think in zeros and ones. The problems start when you read between the lines, look for deeper meaning in things, waste time worrying about potential outcomes or project your thoughts and feelings onto other people.

I feel like I'm floating on a river right now being tossled from bank to bank and I can't seem to find good footing on shore. Everything is liquid. I want solid.

Oh, Nine

2009-01-05T12:19:00.003-07:00

Wow. I am so incredibly motivated and I have no clue why. Generally it takes me a while to get back into the flow of things, but my new health program has already sunk in and my new way of thinking seems to be working as well!

My big goal this year is to be healthy. This is going to require the most effort because I have spent the past three months destroying my body. I started day one of a cleansing program today. I will let you know how it goes when I am done in 10seven days.

Overall I am really glad to see 2008 gone. It was such a big year of transition and self discovery for me, and I am excited to face the new challenges of 2009 with the knowledge and experience of this past year behind me.

I have one loose end to tie up, and I cannot seem to figure out how to do it. I learned to listen to my heart this past year, but I can't stop letting my head get in the way on this one. I think I need some Nathan advice.

Well anyways, welcome 2009. I am happy to have you here.

Ketchup

2008-12-29T11:27:00.003-07:00

Well, it appears that I have not "blogged" in about 13 days. What's funny is I went to my paper journal at home to write last week and it was about the same amount of time since I wrote there. Yes, I have a paper journal. That's where all the juicy stuff goes ;-)

This was by far the best Christmas I ever had. I was so stoked to see my family open their gifts, and I could have cared less if I got anything. It was amazing to spend Christmas Eve and all of Christmas Day without having to run off somewhere else or split time with Bryan's family. I thought I would feel a little emptier, but the truth is, it felt so right.

I finished recording my bass tracks last night. Drums, guitar and bass are done, now we just have to record vocals. We should have three songs ready to roll early next week, then I can start pestering everyone to buy a ticket for our show on the 17th.

Light rail is open! I am super stoked. It is really going to be a great asset to a lot of people, including me, and I look forward to the opportunity to ride it often. The actual opening day was not really put together well, but hey, this is Phoenix.

No huge NYE plans... going to hang with my crew at a friends house.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Blackberry Storm. I am so excited I decided to get it :)

I think that is about all for now. I will try to keep up and write more than once every two weeks.

Ciao~

As Paula Abdul Said, "Rush, Rush" ....

2008-12-16T15:23:00.002-07:00

Instant gratification is an interesting thing. The 'Power of Now' becomes so overwhelming that people are willing to compromise quality and longevity just so that they can have what they want the moment they want it.

Every time you purchase anything, and this is probably true for relationships as well, you engage in the "Price - SPeed - Quality" trifecta, and the most you can ever end up with is two out of the three.

I'm specifically talking about my band and recording our EP. The boys so desparately want to have something recorded that they are willing to sacrifice the quality of the project for the speed, and there is a huge conflict over home recording versus studio recording that brings price into play.

To me, the quality of the project is most important, which means that home recording is out, and obviously the speed of completion is slowed.

One out of three, no matter how you look at it. Why does it seem that I am the only one with the right priorities?

Just wait one second, reality... I'm enjoying myself here

2008-12-10T13:06:00.004-07:00

I'm controlled. I rationalize every situation before I enter it. I make decisions with my head after running through all possible outcomes. Kind of like a robot. A guarded robot.

But every now and again I make the decision to stop. I just let go. My heart gets a chance to breathe. It's in that moment that I am truly happy. I can really feel. And be.

I hope that reality waits just a little while to sink in, because this feels so good.

2008-12-03T09:58:00.004-07:00

I am SO embarassed to admit, that in the past 30 days, I have spent $1,547.03 on my debit card alone on going out... whether it is for breakfast, lunch, coffee or drinks. Basically my "meals and entertainment" category.

OH
MY
GOD

Life has a really funny way of working itself out.

2008-12-01T10:55:00.004-07:00

Sometimes you just know better, but you cannot help yourself, and just when things are about to spiral horribly out of control, something happens and the solution presents itself in an undeniable way.

My solution presented itself as a result of an interesting story of lesbian anal sex (a story I heard, not participated in). I'm pretty sure I never could have anticipated a story of lesbian anal sex being a solution to anything, but that is why this blog is entitled "Life has a really funny way of working itself out."

In the end all parties are better off and it all makes sense. Otherwise, I would probably consider meandering out into the I-10 on my lunch break.

Who wants a candy cane?

2008-11-26T08:41:00.003-07:00

I'll admit, I have been in a slump. I have been whiny, crabby, angry, depressed and generally pretty miserable. And rightfully so.

But today. Today I am no longer miserable because the universe has balanced and brought to me the most amazing of amazing things: The Holiday Season

I may be the only person who actually looks forward to writing out Christmas cards. I may enjoy each Starbucks Gingerbread Latte a little too much. I may tap my foot a little too vigorously to Christmas tunes. I may even nauseate my house guests with the smell of candy cane candles.

But I could care less because no matter what happens, I will be blissfully ignorant for the next 35 days delighting in the smells, sights and sounds of the season.

The Absence

2008-11-24T10:15:00.002-07:00

I woke up really sore this morning, but relished in it, because once the pain is gone I will appreciate its absense so much more.

I Love Machete Incidents

2008-11-21T09:22:00.002-07:00

A southern Arizona man known as "Chops" was sentenced Thursday for using a machete to attack a man who refused to give him a beer.

Angelo Antonio, 38, of Sells was sentenced in Tucson to six years in federal prison for assault on the Tohono O'odham Indian Reservation. He had pleaded guilty on Sept. 3 and sentenced by a U.S. District Court judge on Thursday.

Antonio attacked another man with a machete on Dec. 1, 2006 in the Pisinimo Village. He became angry when the victim's friends refused to give him a beer, and the men began fighting.

Antonio struck the victim on the head with the machete and stabbed him in the back. The victim treated at a Tucson hospital, where he stayed for three days.

I think the lesson we learn here is to never deny a man named "Chops" a beer.

Band Practice

2008-11-20T10:16:00.002-07:00

Last night I went to my first band practice since the breakup. I really thought I was going to be nervous and uncomfortable, and that it would be really awkward for everyone (Me = Bass; Ex = Drums) but it ended up being so much fun. I am reallly happy with how well I played after not picking my bass up for over a month.

It always seems that I play best after a break. Maybe I am just less stressed and feel less pressure? Whatever it is, I am happy because my love for playing is back and we have an AMAZING new song that I am so stoked about.

Ahhhh... life is good. :)

Let's get to acceptance, shall we?

2008-11-17T16:19:00.005-07:00

I had been dreading this past Saturday (11/15) because it was the "would be 4-year anniversary" day with my ex... and marked the "two week anniversary" of our breakup. I knew I would be a wreck, and I was. I cried several times throughout the day, in public. I spent a ton of money on clothes and wine glasses. I drove around aimlessly trying to keep myself occupied. Then I went home, showered, ordered pizza, had a glass of wine and fell asleep on the couch.

It was a bad day.

But I woke up Sunday morning relieved, because Saturday was over. I can move on and past this tough time in my life with a new found appreciation for what is to come. I have no more "sad" benchmarks, and I realized that the past two weeks I have been sad because I was telling myself to be sad. I think it's natural, but I am happy that I don't want to feel sad anymore, and I wont be. Not for me, anyway.

I know that our relationship was over when I moved out in June, it just took me 5 months to let go of the fear and sadness I felt in my heart. I guess the sadness I have left is for him, because although I started my process (Denial, Fear, Anger, Bargaining, Guilt, Depression, Acceptance) quite a while ago, he is just at the beginning. I know in time he will realize that we are better off and that this was the right decision, but until then I think I am going to be stuck feeling guilty. I really wish he would find some chick to bang so he would feel better.

That's kind of twisted.

Meh-day, Meh-day I'm going down

2008-11-13T12:15:00.003-07:00

I wonder how long it will take to feel 'normal' again. When will I stop consciously thinking about being single, and actually be a single person. Or just A person. I should not be defining myself by my relationship status. But it feels like it is consuming my life.

I guess when you spend four years in a relationship loving someone day in and day out, saying good morning, good afternoon, good night, snapping pictures of me and the pup sending them along for a smile, making Friday night date plans, etc.. and all the sudden it is gone, you really don't know what to do with yourself.

So, I spent the first week trying to preoccupy myself with things I thought would fill the void, and they did for a minute, but at the end of the day, all I am left with is me. And I am nothing more than an empty shell.

I guess for as lonely as I felt throughout my relationship, its not even as close to being as deep and troubling as how lonely I feel now. This isn't a "being with people" lonely, because I can be in a room full of people and still feel it. It's a disconnect from myself, and a disconnect from the feeling of love.

I had an idea that the worst part would be the first few days, but I was wrong. Each day it gets just a little worse. I wonder why.

WHOOAAAA Nelly

2008-11-10T11:35:00.005-07:00

I got to work this morning and entered a complete shit storm. A complete and utter mess.

We have a new call center manager that we groomed and trained, and she officially stepped into the role about a month ago. We gave her some small increases as she took on more responsibility and promised a substantial raise once she became the full blown manager and successfully managed the call center while my partner was out of the office. Last week was his firt week back.

Friday we met with her to give her the raise and bonus structure. It was pretty substantial if you ask me. We asked if she had any questions, and she said no. Over the weekend she sent a quick email clarification and I thought everything was fine.

Well, it wasn't. She came in this morning completely riled up unwilling to settle down and discuss like an adult. Screaming, yelling, claiming we were scamming her. SCAMMING. Telling us we have no idea what it is like to have to work through lunch and stay late and put your family on the back burner.

UMMMMMMMMMM..... Little Miss Cuntface, let me explain something to you. I have put EVERYTHING on the line for this job, and have dedicated every waking second of my life to the success of the company and everyone who works for us. I have been here working until 1 or 2 in the morning, I rarely take a lunch break, and I have sacrificed and had my relationship destroyed as a result of this place.

I have no idea what the hell she was thinking. When you want something don't you normally walk in PLEASANTLY and say "I have reviewed my compensation package and I do not think that the pay is equitable with the work I am doing and I would like to discuss some alternatives..." We would have paid her more. She was worth it. But she blew it HARDCORE.

What did her in was when she said she didn't respect us. Yoink. Conversation over. Ditch the bitch. I don't care what you want, what you can do. The second you tell me you do not respect the opportunity you have been given and the blood sweat and tears we have put into training and grooming you and building the company to where it is, you are DONE.

D.
O.
N.
E.

I swear to god I set off thermal satellite scanning because I was HEATED. AM Heated.

***Update... she has been sending crazy texts to all the employees claiming she is bringing a police escort to pick up her stuff... Oh man, what the hell! This lady is a whack job. Bear in mind she is at least 36, but is acting like she is 12.

DUH

2008-11-09T21:19:00.005-07:00

It's so ridiculously amazing how stupid I am and the worst part is I really don't care. hah!

***Afterthought... normally I would delete a post like this, but I am going to leave it up to remind myself of my stupidity.

***Second Afterthought... I actually do care about being stupid, or I would not have posted this... I just don't know how NOT to be stupid.

TRUST: to rely upon or place confidence in someone or something

2008-11-09T14:15:00.008-07:00

I forgot, for just a moment, that you cannot trust anyone.

People operate out of a place of pain and unhappiness, and will always act on what they think is in their best interest at the time.

Note to self.. stop being friends with girls

Anddddd I'm over it.

2008-11-08T09:06:00.002-07:00

Sometimes I forget that I am an adult, and then I will be in the middle of some task like loading the dishwasher, switching clothes from the washer to the dryer or scrubbing the bathtub and it hits me like a ton of bricks. Then I start thinking about all of the adult things in my life and I start to get claustrophobic.

I frequently miss the days of living at home having my mom take care of my laundry and cook dinner, my dad fixing stuff when it was broken, sleeping in, and only ever having to worry about getting my homework done or keeping my room clean.

I don't know what good growing up has done me.

License to Breed

2008-11-07T10:40:00.005-07:00

I hate when people yell at their kids. Especially when the kid is just being a kid. It is atrocious. People treat their children like little inconveniences that plague their lives.

If you cannot show the child you created unconditional love and make the child feel like it a miracle, because it is, then don't have one or give it up for adoption. It's not fair. BIRTH CONTROL PEOPLE. Pills, condoms, spermicide, morning after pill, etc etc.

Listen, I don't want kids, at least not any time soon. But if I were to have one, I would never treat him or her with anything other than love and respect. I wouldn't scream at them for acting like a kid. Children need to be children.

Creating life is a miracle. People take it for granted. There are so many people out there who desperately want to experience creating a life with the person they love and can't because of fertility issues.

Explain to me how it's fair that miserable bags of death women can pop out kids they loathe, but someone who wants to have a child more than they want to breathe cannot.

Thursday Morning High

2008-11-06T08:29:00.004-07:00

Wednesday nights are my favorite time of the week.

The worst part (Sunday night - Wednesday morning) is over and you have the best part of the week (Thursday morning - Sunday morning) to look forward to. It's smack dab in the middle of it all. The pinnacle, if you will. And, America's Next Top Model is on.

What's almost equally as good is the Thursday morning high you have coming off of an especially great Wednesday night.

Maybe it's just the red bull, two cups of coffee and two hydoxicut talking here, or the fact that I woke up at 550am to start my marathon training program. Maybe it's the smile I got this morning when I walked in the door. It could be the feeling of liberation. Maybe it's the amazing new people in my life, or it could just be that I had a really great night last night.

Whatever the reason, I am so happy to say that for the first time in a very long time, I am genuinely happy in this moment. Happy as a pig in shit.

Quite a Surprise

2008-11-05T15:33:00.004-07:00

I woke up election day certain that John McCain was going to win. I had a feeling that Obama winning would be too good to be true.

Nevertheless, I spent the whole day in excited anticipation and at 4pm I was finally able to cast MY vote. I proudly connected the arrow next to one Barak Obama and a proud smile creeped across my face.

The rest of the day was so very enjoyable as I listened to the votes roll in and celebrated with new friends as McCain made his concession speech.

My only disappointment was that 102 passed. I cannot believe it. Well, I can. But I don't want to.

Maybe someday this world will be a better place. Welcome, President Obama.

Victory!

2008-11-02T08:52:00.004-07:00

I made it past day one. The day of tears and ripped heart valves.

For the first time in four years I went out as a single female. I felt it was premature because the breakup had literally just happened, but I realized that it was not going to do me any good to sit around and cry all night. The point of this breakup is for me to find myself and become a stronger, more stable person and wallowing in self pity is not going to help that.

I'm glad I went out. I had a really fun time. More fun that I would have had if I wasn't "single" because for the first time in years I didn't feel guilty for it.

Now on to day two...

Déclaration de Mission

2008-11-01T08:01:00.000-07:00

We recently went through and devised a business plan here at the office. Surprisingly, developing our mission statement was the most challenging piece. All of the other information was factual. Hard evidence supporting our profits, yearly projections and market demographics is my forte, but truly defining our purpose and core values proved to be a task of miserable proportions.

Despite my dismay for this daunting task, I realize that running a business or a life without set of values and principals is like travelling to a foreign country with no maps, guide books, language dictionary or idea what you are going to do.

Now, that may seem fun and spontaneous at first. I give you that. But once the initial excitement of ‘living on the edge’ dissolves, you are left scared, hungry and alone.

The purpose of the mission statement is to define your intentions and the way you plan on going about achieving your goals. You use it to benchmark your progress and reconnect with your ideals when you get off track.

We had been operating the business for almost two years with no mission statement. I don’t know how we survived this long. Sheer luck?

Now for the interesting revelation… I have been living without a personal mission statement for 25 years. 25 years of aimless wandering without any real goal and no place to tie myself back to. It’s so shocking to me that I am as successful as I am. I feel like I should be a crack whore living on the streets looking for my next hit.

The good news is, at least now I know and can do something about it.

Thank God for November 4

2008-10-31T11:37:00.000-07:00

First off I want to start by thanking John McCain for greatly enrinching my life. Anywhere I can have a background picture, this is it. -------->

I am just so sick of all the petty bickering that is taking place. People taking quotes and completely misconstruing them. I guess this should not be shocking to me.

Also, I fell asleep watching Anderson Cooper last night, and I had dreams about Palin's nasaly obnoxious voice all night long. Even if McCain was my grandfather (which he is not), I would not cast a vote for him for the mere fact that he picked this horrific beast of a woman as his VP. Well, that and the 450 thousand other reasons I don't like him.

Finally, I am done with having phone calls at all hours of the day from recordings telling me how to vote. I get it. I get why I received seven separate "Yes on 102" postcards in my mail last week. Necessary evil. I get it, but I don't have to like it.

Ultimately... I am excited to actually find out who and what props win.

The Perfect Love

2008-10-31T09:36:00.000-07:00

There is no more perfect love than that of your dog. It's a level of ‘unconditionalism’ that humans cannot comprehend.

Light-Bulb Moments

2008-10-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what takes place in our brains to create a light-bulb moment, but I sure as hell wish that I knew.

In every relationship I have ever had (friend or romantically), it gets to a certain point where things are going so terribly wrong and you can see a messy path ahead but you are naively optimistic or fearfully resisting the change or pain that comes as a result of splitting.

You continue down this path making little interjections here or there to stave off the inevitable. You throw it out there every now and again to test the waters and to get reassurance that ‘everything is going to work out fine.’

Then one day, as if for no reason whatsoever, you have your light bulb moment and the optimism, fear and pain that had consumed you for the past however long dissipates and you are left with the stark realization that it's done.

You are no longer bound by the apprehensions you once had and somehow you have this new autopilot feature that takes control of the details. You don’t even think; you glide. Somehow you can no longer relate with those feelings you once had.

Maybe I’m nuts and nobody else experiences this. Lucky you.

Protecting Marriage? F Prop 102

2008-10-29T16:35:00.000-07:00

The last time I checked, there were a shitload of loveless marriages out there. People beating their wives, sleeping with the neighbor, yadi yadi.. it angers me that people have to waste their time and energy on discriminatory causes, especially when same sex marriage isn't even allowed in Arizona. Let it be, man.

I have absolutely zero idea how two people of the same sex getting married has any effect on the 'sanctity of marriage.' I'm blown away that there are still people out there that hate homosexuals enough to fight to prevent them from getting married.

UGGGGGGGGG

Latest "To-Do"

2008-10-28T12:05:00.001-07:00

Find a way to literally 'stop' time.. just like they used to do in Duck Tales.

WTF is a blog?

2008-10-27T15:34:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be real honest. I have no real idea what the hell I am supposed to write in a blog. But here I am.

I rediscovered my old LJ account... which I guess is the same as blogging... so I'm going to add old, relevant stuff as I find it.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

2005-04-08T11:49:00.001-07:00

Last night i went out.. and this woman, who must have been 8 months pregnant.. walks up to the bar, buys a shot, sits down, and takes the fucker....

As a society, are we ALL (ESPECIALLY PREGNANT WOMEN) aware that alcohol causes birth defects? Even in small quantities?!?!?!

When pregnant women drink, the alcohol passes RIGHT through to the baby.. and to an undeveloped baby, it wreaks havoc on their poor little systems... they cant break that shit down.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year between 1,300 and 8,000 babies in the United States are born with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), a combination of physical and mental birth defects.

FAS is one of the most common known causes of mental retardation, and the only cause that is entirely preventable.

As many as 10 times the number of babies born with FAS are born with lesser degrees of alcohol-related damage. This condition is sometimes referred to as fetal alcohol effects (FAE) or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). These children may have some of the physical or mental birth defects associated with FAS.

That woman.. in my opinion.. is a piece of shit and has no regard for anyone but herself. How can you do something like that to your baby, I just dont get it...

I mean, am I wrong here?

Einstein was right

2004-10-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Einstein was right -- again. Satellites that have been pulled slightly off their orbits show that the Earth is indeed twisting the fabric of space-time as it rotates, scientists said on Thursday.

They said their findings are the first to directly measure and prove an important aspect of Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity -- that a rotating body warps and twists the "fabric" that combines the three dimensions of space and the fourth dimension of time.

"As the Earth turns, it is actually twisting space-time with it. Near Earth, the twisting is greater," said Michael Salamon, a physicist at NASA in Washington.

"This twisting of space-time, which is also referred to as frame-dragging, has never been directly observed before," Salamon told reporters in a telephone briefing.

"This is the first real, solid, direct evidence we have for the twisting of space-time caused by the spinning of a rotating body."

Erricos Pavlis of the Joint Center for Earth System Technology at NASA and the University of Maryland and colleagues observed two satellites orbiting the Earth and found that they did shift as the planet pulled on space.

"We measured the distance from the Earth to the satellite with the accuracy of millimeters," Pavlis said. Their research was reported in the journal Nature.

The Laser Geodynamics Satellite I or LAGEOS I, a NASA spacecraft, and LAGEOS II, a joint NASA/Italian Space Agency satellite, are basically hunks of metal covered with reflectors that make them easy to follow and measure from the ground.

Their butterfly-shaped orbits are meant to simulate the movement of a spinning gyroscope. Einstein's theory predicts that a nearby spinning body -- such as the Earth -- will pull on space and cause a gyroscope to shift slightly on its axis.

There is no proof that some other force is not acting on the satellites, Pavlis said, but it is unlikely.

"It would have to be a very smart force to exactly mimic general relativity," he said.

Election Time

2004-10-13T12:19:00.000-07:00

You know what.. I am almost to the point where I do not want to even vote anymore. Who would I vote for? Do you vote for the lesser of two evils? The more charismatic of the two? The winner of the debate?

Come on, the president should be chosen because they are the best choice to run our country. There IS NO BEST CHOICE out of the two.

I guess I will vote third party. I am a registered Green, but Nader is not on the ballot. THAT is who I would vote for. Not that he would be a better choice anyways...

Actually, I am going to do a write-in, for my daddy.

Jack Williams, of Phoenix Arizona

THATS MY VOTE!

W...T...F...

2004-09-24T12:21:00.000-07:00

MILWAUKEE - An 11-year-old boy was charged Wednesday with sexually assaulting a 76-year-old neighborhood woman in her home as three of his friends stood watch.

Police said that for a week before the attack, the boys had been "terrorizing" the woman in her house, repeatedly breaking in and taking cash and other items.

The woman, who lived alone, told police she was taking a sponge bath in the kitchen Friday when the 11-year-old walked in, demanded money and then ordered her to take off her clothes and go into the bedroom, according to court papers.

The boy's brother, a 13-year-old who was among the three other boys also charged, said he heard the woman say: "I'm just an old, half-crippled lady, I'm not going."

The woman said the 11-year-old put on a condom and tried to rape her, followed by a second boy.

The 11-year-old was charged in juvenile court with sexual assault and being a party to burglary and criminal trespassing. The other boys - ages 11, 12 and 13 - were charged with being a party to burglary and criminal trespassing.

In court Wednesday, the 11-year-old facing the less serious charges called out, "Hi, Mom" after spotting his adoptive mother.

"I'm very hurt because my son was raised as a good boy," she said outside court. She complained that police abused the boys to obtain confessions.