At least Americans know how to use spell check.Kerstin

Idano about the nylon carry-along, Jahara. Tiur is nearly half mohair, and that stuff wears like iron, especially under stress, strain, sweat, and friction. It may felt a little on the sole, but it will be DURABLE.Rob [rob@threadbearfiberarts.com]

Well, nothing to say about the goobie-kiwi comments, except: gosh, could she please (without recourse to reference manuals and without typos) describe the political setup of the Netherlands for me? Thanks. Or rather, bedankt.

In knitting news, congrats on your Dale Tiur. I'm knitting the "arlington" jacket from Jean Frost Jackets in that stuff (on #2 needles, woo!). You can find pictures on the pics link of my blog.

I *heart* that yarn, it's lovely stuff. dunno about making it into socks though -- it would need a nylon carry-along for sure.
jahara [jahara@drizzle.com]

Ooooooooh, Kerstin. A woman after my own bitchy heart. I wrote our "dear" M-H to give her a piece of my precious mind and called her out on her typos. LOL

She's on a GLBT knitters list and I scolded her for her overall put-down attitude and name calling and basic lack of compassion. You'd think someone who's been the target of undeserved maligning would learn how to check her own tongue (or at least not post her lambasting of Sandy in a public forum--how T-A-C-K-Y).

Me thinks she needs to be reclaimed.........(obscure reference here, but if you get it, MEGA-bonus points to you).Rob [rob@threadbearfiberarts.com]

I have a whole other take on the situation than your kiwi visitor did. The fact that many Canadians are more familiar with American history than Canadian history to me is a sign that America has done a spectacular job telling its story. Other less powerful countries are slowly learning to focus on their own history instead of whining about the world-wide familiarity with the U.S. Plus, I'm always amused by people who think that their knowledge base is the one that's essential for one's well-being. Wouldn't it be a dull world if we all knew just what the other person did? Plus, I'm the only Queen of Canada, and Sandy knows this. That puts her up for an Order of Canada medal. So there.Pioneer Melissa

Sandy, you just ignore miss Merry Hellonwheels. She's obviously got issues and she can just take them and shove them where the sun don't shine. :DDaphne

The troll is a hoot! That crazy Chris. Ha!

Hey, if you liked Icy Sparks, I've sure got more books I could send you, if you'd like to do the book swap thing again--I'd love to read East of Eden.

As for Mary Helen....oh boy, she's hit upon something that gets the Gibometer's blood pressure up. I've reread your post of yesterday. Why is it that when an American admits to not knowing something, they are soundly berated for their admission, and told that it's because Americans feel their "way is the only way". Oh come on, for heavens sake. While I'll admit that our educational system is greatly lacking in some regards, it seems good enough for many non-Americans to take advantage of. And I really don't recall your post making any broad statements of American superiority. Mary Helen is obviously someone with a real chip on her shoulder. Life is too short, Mary Helen. Get over your anger already. If you don't want to answer a question without berating the person asking, just keep your opinions to yourself. They aren't welcome here.

Bah! And with that...happy Friday! Kim [gibknits@earthlink.net]

Gee, Sandy, I didn't know you were such a politcal hot button! Too funny how some people are getting their patties in a wad over us Americans not knowing about other countries! Show me an average citizen of any other country that can tell us who "rules" each and every country in the world. chris [chrisknits@insightbb.com]

Why is it that when we disagree with someone we feel the need to put them down?

Many Americans are woefully ignorant about other parts of the world. This is more a comment on our education system than it is on the person lacking knowledge. If people feel so badly about America and Americans, I cordially invite them to LEAVE and not come back. This is a free country, afterall. And if you are reading from another country (yes, I know that is possible too!) and you don't like what you are reading, go away!

I am totally amazed at the number of Canadian Bloggers. Why? Dunno, perhaps they come to my notice by their beautiful tags claiming proudly to be Canadian. National pride is great, I find myself wishing that I had the graphic skills necessary to make an American Knitter button - just because I am jealous!

Don't fret over Mary Helen... she may know there are Queens and Kings in the world but she could stand a lesson in personal relations.Alissa [alissa@knittingfairy.com]

I think Mary Helen made an excellent point- we Americans don't pay much attention to other countries unless we're upset with them (like, oh, Iraq). Too many people think Canada is just a baby USA or something, which is truly laughable.
I understand why Mary Helen's so pissed, if I were her I would be too.
Shame on us for not knowing or caring about how other nations are run- no wonder our political system is a wreck!Anna [whatever@nevermind.com]

Ignore the ego of M-H. She just has her knickers in a twist :) Heck I got out of school so long ago I have to be supplimented constantly.

Fortunately this links to another of your topics today. I LOVE trade paperbacks. I just went and bought 3 and have ooooodles I've read at home. If you want any fun reads get some by Jane Green she's a hoot or maybe the Shop-a-holic series. Funny thing too is most of these are British based characters so ya get a lot of "bloody" "gobsmacked" "loo" language heheheheVisit me @ http://annesaddictions.blog-city.com

"Pacifist's who disagreed with the war"

Hmmm, so those who supported the are don't want peace?Lynn

Hey Sandy... don't worry one iota about what Mary has to say to you. The fact that you show interest in our Canadian government says a lot for you, and it's all good. I mean, if you don't know something, what the hell is wrong with putting forth a query to gain some more information?

On the record, I know absolutely nothing about Australian government. So Mary, if you want to lambast ME for that, go right ahead. But leave Sandy out of it.Ginny [gareid@wightman.ca]

What nerve! I don't recall you mentioning that you didn't know the Queen info because YOU were the resident of a SUPERIOR Nation! I think she has gripes of some sort. Must be one of those Pacifist's who disagreed with the war. It irks me that for all the complaining other countries do about us they sure love our money and our vacation destinations. Oh, yeah, and our peace keeping soldiers and disaster relief.

That Mary Helen really made my blood boil this am-tell her to get a grip! Of course the previous comments said it better, and at this point I would just be redundant. Just know, I and many others enjoy your blog and your writing. You seem like a wonderful person who shouldn't have to deal with Mary Helen's negativity. Enjoy your weekend! annie [awill@adelphia.net]