Phew. This week has been a bit of a whirlwind (as is evidenced by the fact that this round up is getting posted at 3:30 in the afternoon. When NO ONE will have the chance to read it. Sigh. Sorry folks). While I try to regain my bearings and try to figure out why I have a pear in my purse (that’s not a euphemism. There is actually a pear in my purse.), you enjoy these links.

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My husband recently sent me this photo essay of pictures from Bhutan. In the words of Liz Lemon, “I want to go to there.”

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As tough as it was to imagine, it looks like Daniel Day Lewis is going to make a great Abraham Lincoln – though he’ll probably not be wearing jeans in the movie.

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I’ve spent the last week at home. It’s been all kinds of fabulous, really. I got to do laundry. And sit on my own couch. And sleep in my own bed, never once waking up to wonder where the heck I was.

Fabulous, I tell you. Of course, it’s only temporary, but I’m going to enjoy it. And have another slice of cake, which I baked myself in my very own kitchen.

While I do that, take a gander at the week that was …

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Seattle’s own Octogenarian activist Dorli Rainey was pepper sprayed by police at an Occupy Seattle protest. In an interview with Keith Olbermanm, she talks about her experience with wit and grace. To quote The Stranger, Ms. Rainey really is a civic treasure.

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Famous album covers, recreated with kittens. It’s just as awesome as it sounds.

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It’s a grey Friday here in Seattle, and while I should be rather bummed about it, there’s too much to celebrate to let a few clouds get me down. Let’s talk about the week that was.

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Today is Veteran’s Day. Take some time to read up about the history of this holiday, and if you have the chance, why not hug/make-out with a Veteran? It’s basically your duty as an American to thank those young, muscular folks who’ve chosen to serve.

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Today is also Nigel Tufnel Day, which means that, for the first time in a century, the date goes all the way to 11. Celebrate by reading NPR’s analysis of Spinal Tap’s 11 greatest songs. And for your viewing pleasure, my absolute favorite song from Nigel and the crew.

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I’m in Idaho right now, after spending a whopping 36 hours in Seattle. When we got home, Rand looked around and said, “This hotel … looks vaguely familiar.”

I suppose we should be stressed from all the non-stop travel, but at the moment, we’re not. Rand is outside playing football. I’m listening to Johnny Cash and blogging, while a precocious four-year-old keeps me company as she plays on an iPad. Things are ridiculously simple and wonderful.

I’m sure, in a matter of hours or days, they won’t be. Things will be stressful and crazy once again. But right now, I’m just enjoying things. In hopes that you, too, will find some peace, here are some links. Enjoy.

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As much as I hate to disagree with Indiana Jones, sometimes things don’t belong in museums. This informational sign for the World Trade Center made a more powerful statement where it was.

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Though these spoof signs in the U.K. came out ages ago, I still got a huge kick out of them (and looked in vain for a couple when I was in London last week).

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It’s grey and dreary in Seattle – seems like the city finally figured out what season it is. I am dealing with this like any reasonable person would: I’ve turned the heat waaaay up, and I’m sitting in shorts and a tank top under a lamp, pretending I’m at the beach. It’s really a flawless plan, right up until this month’s electric bill arrives.

Sigh. While I deal with the changing seasons, you deal with these links. They’re more fun than a sunless October day. I promise.

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This flow chart accurately traces my thought-processes when determining whether or not I can have a cookie. Or a cupcake. Or … any baked good, really.

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The new iPhones are out, and along with them comes Siri – a voice-activated personal assistant designed to answer all your questions. Naturally, things have gotten a little bit dirty.

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Man, was I cranky this week. One weensy little cold had me whining on the couch and complaining to my dear husband for days. I am a wimp. He is a saint. I am going to go do something nice for him (like … I dunno, laundry. Who doesn’t like clean laundry?) You, in the meantime, enjoy these links.

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What happens when you get a Twitter stalker … and it’s your dad. 

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The wittiest comebacks of all time. Happy to see my literary idol, Dorothy Parker, made the cut.

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It’s been an eventful week. Yes, the pioneer of modern personal technology died, but perhaps more significantly (at least, in my world) one of my friends lost her mother, while another became a mother. I suspect there’s nothing that wraps up existence more succinctly than that. Just when you are getting to the party, someone else leaves.

If you are less inclined to sit and contemplate existential ideas such as these (and believe me, I do not blame you), please enjoy these links – an act which, I promise, requires very little philosophical thinking.

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It’s fall. You know what that means, right? It’s decorative gourd season, motherf*ckers!

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Sigh. When I was a kid, I remember loving this Pepsi commercial starring Michael J. Fox. Twenty-five odd years later, and I still get a kick out of it.

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