Saturday, November 12, 2011

Christmas ornaments of nightmares

This is a bizarre mannequin is the eldrich, strange stuff of modern Lovecraftian nightmares.
I do not understand how a naked ornament-headed elongated alien -- in a festive red scarf -- can possibly help a department store sell more items. Is it meant to encourage my purchase of a giant ornament? or a giant collection of ornaments? or scarves, to help my head swell and my limbs lengthen somehow?

This post's theme word is fossorial, "adapted for digging" (like limbs or feet). The anomalous alien's head is hypothesized to be fossorial.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Reunion summary

Months of persistent nagging from various Harvard offices have yielded results. I wrote my 5-year reunion summary of myself. Apparently there will be a book printed and mailed, containing these self-reflecting essays. Here, for your enjoyment, is my submission:
I continue my quest to become an evil mastermind. After obtaining a M. Sc. degree in 2009, I took a brief break from permanent studenthood. During the summer, I set a new world record for hot air balloon distance, travelling from Uqbar to Toronto, Canada in several difficult weeks. Returning to a Ph. D. program that fall, I continue to advance the boundaries of mathematical computer science. Summers are spent strengthening my secret lair, the Gulf coast campus of which was unfortunately broached in 2010, resulting in the tragic loss of my oil collection.

Few people thus far have complied with my desire to be addressed as "mistress (of science)." I hope to finish my next degree soon, so that I can insist on being called "doctor" instead. I continue the development of the chaturathalon, combining alpine skiing, archery, synchronized swimming, and rugby -- truly a sport for all seasons!

I am currently accepting minion applications. Benefits of the position include: unlimited pie, lending library access, and strong encouragement to participate in the employee fitness program. Minions thus far have assisted in writing a short novel of octopus-themed (and -targeted) erotica, executing art projects, and participating in a delightful email list. (Like most email lists, this consists mostly of sharing YouTube videos.) Future plans include creation of matching hats for all minions.
The submission page warned that unnamed editors may change my entry. I wonder what the published one will say.


This post's theme word is vitiate, "to spoil or impair the quality or efficiency of," or "to destroy or impair the legal validity of." Certain claims may vitiate my autobiography.