~Off Topic Thread~

[Ban Hammer 13,110]

and I have to say, seeing it as a racist term strikes me as thoughtlessly kneejerk (tautology? ) - rather like making a fuss about 'niggardly'

and g'morning to uk!

[no name 1]

I'm so sad about Kez - I had no idea she was still sick. She was such a cool lady.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

See, this is my problem -- from the context, I would think it would be very clear that I am using some sort of strange idiom, and not making racial slurs. If I left out the "at the" in the phrase and inserted "a", there could be some argument that I was, even accidentally.

Just consulted with Mr. Bruce -- blackface was done primarily with burnt cork or shoe polish. I can understand the confusion, but no offence to anyone was meant!

I have never heard anyone described as a "coal face" -- just looked at the urban dictionary link there. Huh.

I have heard the phrase "coal-faced mammy" which is why I immediately thought it was a ministrel/blackface term. I remember it was one of those phrases when I first arrived in the UK that tripped me up a bit because I didn't wasn't familar yet with the other usage!

I'm so sad about Kez - I had no idea she was still sick. She was such a cool lady.

I know, I don't even know what to say on that other thread I am so shocked. Kez was one of my first friends on VJ when I joined the summer of 05 and was always so helpful. I obviously never met her but am still devastated.

[Jeraly 4]

*hugs everyone here*

We've got NOA2!!! *is sooooo happy*

Gratzies!!

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

I just saw the thread about Kezzie... I can't really believe it.

[*julez* 124]

I just saw the thread about Kezzie... I can't really believe it.

I know! I had no idea she was so ill. And here she was, always still helping others on VJ. What an amazing person! She will be missed.

[Jeraly 4]

what thread?!

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

what thread?!

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=125518

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

I am pleased to report that the first section of my white paper is DONE. Only 4 more to go... I'll be kicking off with the crowd-pleasing topic of "Providing adequate resources to proxy voting" -- it's utterly compelling, I swear.

[Ban Hammer 13,110]

g'morning uk. how's the paper doing, maven?

[Dawny&Tommy 0]

Morning Charles, afternoon too

Dawn.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

g'morning uk. how's the paper doing, maven?

I did more research and then...I kinda shut down mentally around 9.30pm. Mega writer's block. I have GOT to get this thing done -- the conference it's being presented at is in 4 weeks. Oh, and to my eternal delight, because the presenter pulled out of the session where it's being launched and debated, now I have to present it. To 400 people. I am an AWFUL public speaker.

[Jeraly 4]

Aww hun... that really sucks *hugs* I'm sure it will all go swimmingly though

In other non-exciting news, I am playing on Facebook ><

[Robyn-n-Kris 72]

Aww hun... that really sucks *hugs* I'm sure it will all go swimmingly though

In other non-exciting news, I am playing on Facebook ><

Ugh.. 400 people?? and i thought my book signing was bad.. But you'll do fine. My thoughts will be with you when it comes about.

Facebook.. i've yet to go there.. Myspace.. well i have 3 of those now

[Toshtishtash 1]

Morning all

Just thought i'd pop in and say that I got here safely. My POE was completely painless, all over within about 5 minutes!! The first guy at immigration even laughed and joked about the effects of marriage on his hairline Secondary inspection was literally a 5 second ordeal All he said was, 'you know you have 90 days to get married, right?' I said yes, and he said well, congratulations! You can go now!

Our apartment is reallllly nice! Needs a bit of cleaning, I had all the windows off yesterday I am settling into domesticated life rather well... I even shocked myself

I am in a state of shock that I have my very own American front door key and weiss card :lol:

Oh oh oh! AND I am now 'officially' engaged We were in our back yard the day before yesterday and Chris dropped down on one knee (Under a BIG cherry tree!) and gave me the most beautiful ring!

We are at my Dad's at the moment going through wedding plans etc!!

Argh! So excited!!!

Hope everyone is doing well!!

Will try and pop on later.

Speak soon! xxx