"Based on Britain's nation driving exam, [South Africa's] K53 effectively requires and applicant to imagine that he is driving a live claymore mine under assault by guerrillas in bumper cars. The hand brake must be engaged silently at all stops (ratchet-clicking is strictly forbidden), and all mirrors must be checked every seven seconds. Points are deducted for glancing at the gearshift, driving too slowly, failing to ensure that head- and taillights are securely attached, failing to check play on the clutch pedal, failing to look beneath the car for leaks and several score other sins."
-- From the NYT's Johannesburg Journal, Oct. 30, 2007.
In keeping with my general scattershot theme of the week:
* Before I forget again, I'll be part of a kick-line reading at Hartwick College tonight at 7. My forgetting isn't because I'm not thrilled to do it but because my brain is more sieve-like than usual. Thanksgiving break can't come too soon.
* Tim Walker talks about what a writer needs more than a pen or some paper.
* This is just wrong on a number of levels. At least it's organic!
* We have a couple of babysitters that the kids love; however, Sittercity would be a great resource for those who don't. And, yeah, I didn't think that Oneonta would have any options listed, either. Color me surprised.
* Redneck Mama ponders the mother's calling card. Be sure to read the comments. I think Heather's hits the nail: "
I think more bothersome than the trend to define yourself by your children is the idea that if you DON'T, you're a bad mother."
* I appear to be fixated on Julie Powell and her amazing (and deserved) success. But, still, Meryl Streep? Crap. I am bitter. Bitter, bitter, bitter - and a wee bit obsessed.