This is the website I work for. That is NOT my picture in the upper left-hand corner, although I get asked that often.

So, if you're ever in the mood for a fireplace mantel, you'll know where to go.

I scrapbook.

There, I said it.

I feel quite torn about it (not to mention queasy at the thought of using "scrapbook" as a verb). On the one hand, it's a hobby that I enjoy. On the other hand, it has a bad reputation for being cheesy. And it is - in the wrong hands. But it is a way to preserve photos in an artistic and creative way. I don't buy the crap that it's "for future generations." Perhaps one in a thousand scrapbooks will make it to hallowed shelf space in a descendant's home, and even then it will be used more as a record of the past ("Look at the colors they chose! How dated!") than as the labor of love it purports to be.

There are exceptions. Layouts that are simple, elegant, and highlight the artistic qualities of the photographs are wonderful. Layouts that rely on brightly-colored paper and stickers and die cuts are not. Clever? Yes. Cute? Absolutely. But not, perhaps, something you will love in 10 years.

I don't use stickers. I don't use elaborate layouts. I don't use thought bubbles.

Good scrapbooking starts with good photography. No amount of creative juice will cover up a bad picture. In fact, a slick layout will only make a bad photo look worse.

I'm going to be honest: I can't stand John Kerry. But even if I was a Democrat (God forbid!) I would cringe a bit at his assertion that "world leaders" are backing him. He's been called on it several times, and he always tries to weasel out of answering. It only makes him look worse. And now that Colin Powell has said, in not so many words, to "put up or shut up," he's got a bigger problem on his hands. Every time he asks Bush, "Where are the WMDs?" Bush can retort, "Who are the world leaders?"

I am actively seeking a new job. But sssshhhhh, don't tell my boss.

This job is fine. But the pay sucks and my boss is, at his core, a soulless and spineless little man. He yells at his wife every time she comes into the office.

My moo says, "Don't piss off anyone who can poison your dinner."

Amen, moo. Amen.