I am the sports jinx of all time. My teams never, ever win. As soon as I crowed about England, Senegal, Korea, and USA being in the quarterfinals, their fates were sealed. Sorry, everybody.

Marci found an amazing article about the practice of many Amish and Mennonite families traveling to Tijuana, Mexico for low-cost medical treatment. I had no idea that stuff happened. Reminds me of that episode of The Simpsons where Homer undergoes a bypass from Dr. Nick. How desperate do you have to be to travel to Tijuana for a hysterectomy? And how the hell do they get to Mexico anyway? They don’t drive all the way there in their buggies, do they?

Snookums and I were most impressed to see the poster for The Two Towers. It looks great. There is, of course, some scholarly debate over whether the towers depicted are the ones Tolkien intended. There’s a great comment on that page from Kevin that sorta explains the confusion. (You have to wade through the usual AICN fanboy slobbering nonsense to get to it, though.)

Is it wrong to find shirtless Ned Flanders from the “Oh Streetcar!” episode of The Simpsons kinda sexy? I mean, I know it’s Flanders and all, but he’s ripped! (Snookums is rolling his eyes at me.)

I was walking through the QVB shopping centre in the city today when I found myself drawn to a fabulous-smelling shop full of soap. To my surprise, I realized it was Lush, the cosmetics store Megan‘s always raving about. I stepped in to look around, and before I knew it I’d let the goateed shop assistant talk me into buying three bath bombs and a tub of scrub. Mmm, everything smells so delicious. I can’t wait to try them out!

Feel the need for some new music? Sign up for the Metafilter CD Swap Part Deux. Registration is only open til July 1!

Hey, you athletic yoga types! Do you know of a good stretch for the lower back? Mine is killing me. It’s right down at the very base of my spine on either side, just above my hips. I can’t seem to figure out a way to work it out, other than having the Snook walk on me. (Ouch!)

SOUTH KOREA WINS!

Friday Five:

1. Do you live in a house, an apartment or a condo?
For the next three weeks, a one-bedroom apartment. Then we’re moving to our new adorable little two-bedroom house!

2. Do you rent or own?
Rent. We can’t afford a mortgage at the moment. Maybe in a few years though…

3. Does anyone else live with you?
The Snook and four fish.

4. How many times have you moved in your life?
Ooh, lots and lots. Probably over fifteen times. (This move to the new place will be the sixth move in just over two years. Sheesh.)

5. What are your plans for this weekend?
I need to finish up the site I’ve been working on (yay, contracting!) and then get to the gym. I’ve been way too lazy since the race last weekend. I’m also probably going to work some more on the Storm at Sea quilt. Oh, and we’ve been invited to this party where everyone has to dress up as ABC characters. (That’s the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, not the US ABC channel.) I’m not sure we’ll go, though. The only characters I know are the “Bananas in Pajamas”, and I don’t fancy going out dressed like that. 🙂

England lost. USA lost. But my Banana Split Cake was a big winner! I decided to go with the “real whipped cream” option. It was goooood.