I've been thinking about it -- if someone said "pram," I would picture Jess's link. If I were describing that thing, I'm pretty sure I would call it a "big-ass baby carriage, you know?" Because I'm pretty sure the only time I've ever talked about that specific item is when I've seen one on the subway, and its big-assed-ness is the defining factor.

I think more people should use the word "perambulate" in general. Sounds much more fun than walking.

Aims, is that Volvo a turbo?

My boss avoids the turbo models - not sure if that's for reliability reasons or whatever. Although it is hard to find non-turbo stick shift Volvo wagons...

(He's still in a phone meeting.)

The only accident I've ever been in, I was in a Volvo. My mother (who was driving) and I crashed through a low stone wall, over a 15-foot drop and into our backyard. We were both wearing our seatbelts and walked away without a scratch. It took two tow trucks to haul the thing up to street level again, but IIRC, we were driving it again the next day -- almost no damage. That was also the car I learned to drive on (a '78 station wagon). I t heart Volvos.

Aims, I talked to my boss.

That Volvo has the "low-pressure turbo." My boss said that's a fair price.

Stuff to check:

• Transmission needs to be flushed regularly, so maybe check the transmission dipstick to see if the fluid's clean, in addition to checking how it shifts.

• AC is a trouble-area, and expensive to fix. So make sure it's working (but even then, they could have filled it with refrigerant a day before you look at it).

• The rubber accordion-thingies on the ends of the steering rack need to be in good condition. If not, the steering rack will quickly rust and will need to be replaced.

My boss says that over all they are nice cars.

My dad sent me this link and it cracked me up, so I thought I'd share. It's Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers singing "The Atheist Song."

[link]

I freaking love my city council lady! I'm about to write her and tell her so. [link] Seriously, I could cry. City services have been horrible, and this can help put people back to work and/or stop them from losing their jobs.

Somewhat NSFW photo of a woman's Spock tattoos: [link]

She has Spock on one boob and Evil!Spock on the other one. Pretty NSFW, but you can't see nipple....

Shana Tova to all those that celebrate! May your New Year be sweet!

I'm having a bloody mary instead of a salad. The V-8 can said it was OK!