Brooklyn States

"New Decade. New Rules." - Scream 4

2011-04-15T15:50:00.000-07:00

It's a new installment to the Scream series, which means: Some New Rules for the New Millennium. Here are, in my humble movie-viewing opinion, some of the new rules of the horror movie genre:

Then: anyone can be the killer. Now: anyone can be the victim. (Even the main character can sacrifice him/herself.)
Archetypal stereotypes are out, body counts are in. Killers need to keep their body-count numbers up
Yup, that means virgins can die.
Body-counts and complexity level of the kill will always rise with each installment.
On the bright side, the rest of those pesky archetypal constraints of last century are totally non sequitur- African Americans, ugly people, hotties, Asians, drug dealers, and addicts all can actually survive.
In order to survive, you must gain something valuable from the experience.
To survive, don’t dilly-dally, chances are you’re being timed.
You’ll be strapped down. If you cry… you die.
To survive, assess the situation immediately and don’t spend all that time “coming to.” (Really, all of this could have been avoided if you just grabbed that key in the beginning before it went down the drain.)
Don’t check your cell phone; you won’t have a signal and it’s a death wish.
Don’t expect a chase sequence. This is the new lazy America, expect to be kidnapped or drugged in a quick, clean, efficient manner.
Even more lazy- Killers don’t get their hands dirty… It's ok to rely on an indoctrinated minion, desperate hostage or even a god damn puppet-thing on a bike (ps- multiple killers are no longer a surprise).
Even MORE lazy- Killer abdicates responsibility. They will control your choices by putting the victim’s life in your hands (“See little Sue on the monitor… she will die if you don’t make me a sand which now”).
Surgical tools, technology/machines are the new ax and chainsaw.
The cleaner and more efficient the kidnapping is, the more tense, rusty, highly inefficient your death will be.
Expect extreme death. Unstoppable contraptions and slow mutilating torture will be your demise now (really makes you long for the quick stab to the heart).
Made in the USA- Though everything is rusted through and compiled from a garbage dump with no obvious fuel source, the duct tape and Elmer’s glue will hold… These mechanisms aren’t going to fail or fall apart. Sorry.
Despite being incredibly complex, these mechanisms don’t require a high-level degree in engineering, physics or construction… it can easily be done by some handicapped janitor.
EVERYTHING is being recorded. Despite no power outlets or connections you ARE being watched.
If it’s a remake- old rules apply. Remember guys, the original was always better.

Top 10+ Activists Caught Being Gay:

2010-10-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

Here is a short (and recent) list of anit-gay gay leaders. The ones who vote against gay legal rights, marriage, simple anit-bulling laws for children, and even adoption rights. These are the "wicked witches of the westvillege." ;-)

In the list are:

George Rekers
Pastor Eddie Long
Troy King
Richard Curtis
Ted Haggard
Glenn Murphy Jr.
David Dreier
Bruce Barclay
Roy Ashburn
Jim West
Larry Craig
Ed Schrock
Robert Allen
Mark Foley

Check it out here: http://www.ranker.com/list/top-10-anti-gay-activists-caught-being-gay/joanne?page=1&format=blogstyle_view

But it totally miss some of the others like Bush Campaign Manager Ken Mehlman, the handful of Ronald Reagan's gay advisors, Michael Bussee and Gary Cooper who worked in Exodus Gay Elimination (and left each other's wives to run away together), along with fellow former Exodus leaders Jeremy Marks and Darlene Bogle, each outted as gay or lesbian. Also, Focus on the Family's John Paulk, a well-known "ex-gay" public figure and Chairman of Exodus International, was removed by Exodus International Board of Directors due to his constant sex with other men. Washington's Spokane Mayor James West (R) an opponent of gay rights, went to court for accusations of having molested two boys while he was a sheriff's deputy and Boy Scout leader and came under investigation (2005) for offering municipal jobs to men he met in gay online chat rooms, or Republican Jeff Gannon admitted to being a $200/day gay prostitute in 2005. What about the men and women who would eat their own young-- like Dick Cheney who's daughter is gay, or Ronald Regan who's son is gay.

ESPN/CNN writer, LZ Granderson, had a wonderful article on this topic called: Closeted anti-gays are the enemy within.

http://articles.cnn.com/2010-05-11/opinion/granderson.gay.hypocrites_1_ex-gay-research-and-therapy-public-enemy?_s=PM:OPINION

"The gay and lesbian community has plenty of Uncle Toms trying to blow us up from inside, but what we don't have is our own word or phrase to identify them. Some call them "closet cases," but there is a difference between someone who is unwilling to live openly and honestly, and someone who takes that a step further and hurts those who do [...] People like Rekers, a Baptist minister who was paid to testify against gay adoption and travel the globe preaching that therapy can "cure" gay people, do not deserve the same sympathy given to those who are afraid of losing their jobs. Not when they consciously morph from being victims of homophobia to attack dogs eating their young."

Let's Look at the Resemblance: One Nation's Marriage Based in Bible

2010-02-12T11:08:00.000-08:00

There is a bill pending in the Bahamas which would outlaw marital rape, and it is facing a lot of opposition. There is a common theme in the arguments against it: see if you can figure out what it is.

"It is ridiculous for them to try to make that a law, because I don't think a man can rape his own wife. After two people get married, the Bible says that they become one - one flesh. How is it possible to rape what is yours?" asked Mr. Sutherland.

"Even if a woman says no to her husband it still can't be considered rape because she is his wife. He already paid his dues at the church and she already said 'I do,' so from then on, even if [a man] forces sex on his wife, it isn't rape," he said.

"I disagree with the bill because I disagree that a man can rape his wife. The Bible tells me that a man's body is his wife's and her body is his. How could he rape her?" asked Ms. Sweeting.

It looks to me as if being brought up with a belief in the literal truth of a misogynistic document like the Bible can inculcate the evil idea that women are possessions, and that marriage is an act of handing over a woman's bill of sale to a man. I thought a wife was a partner, not a slave.

Popular Poetry, Pantomime

2010-02-02T15:23:00.000-08:00

Pantomime
Marcus Lane

Don't cry, this kiss is a kiss goodbye.
Don't cling, it's time to part.
Don't look at me nor ask me why
I've taken back my heart.

No questioning, no pleading;
No door remains ajar.
No doubt your heart is bleeding,
Deep wounds will leave a scar.

Don't hope to ever turn back time,
Nor resurrect the flame
Of what's become a pantomime
Of love, in all but name.

TV News Template Exposed!

2010-01-29T10:45:00.000-08:00

Hilarious Breaking Story on Yahoo! Homepage Today

2010-01-28T17:45:00.000-08:00

Today, I had the pleasure of logging into Yahoo!’s Homepage and seeing a comical “news article” as the main headline. Littered with grammatical errors, erroneous journalism tactics, unabashed opinions and, most of all, hilariously inappropriate innuendo.

Let me start with the author's choice word in the title. Within the bold, size 15 font in the actual title- “gropes” right next the Presidents picture. "Reality Check: President Gropes." That is an extreme word with strong sexual and violent connotations not usually attributed to our nations first black President, so I read on.

But wait! There is more than just synonms for rape, there's also "erogenous zones." Yes, it gets better, following the groping with this sentence: “touching every political erogenous zone he and his advisers can think of...” Hahaha, are you serious! "touching" ha! But there is more...

And then the writer follows that up with “inescapable that his 69-minute speech” …wait, what? Generally, with time measurement and in proper grammar once it reaches past 60 mins you attribute that to 1 hour. I mean no one would say: his 4,140 second speech. It should say 1:06 mins. But 69! So, I guess there is an exception when the number can be added up to equal a popular sex move. (And to be exact it was actually 1:09:44.)

There is more, the writer then took full advantage of the term “bang.” “talk then was of a presidential big bang.” And continues to loosely use bang for the rest of the article. "With the banging..."

And then winds down to his final thought... something about “revealed in real-time a president groping.”

Ha ha ha ha hahahaha. WHAT KIND OF CRAP IS THIS. This is the top story! Let me remind you Yahoo! receives 477 million unique monthly visitors. The story is from Politco, a blog. Generally, I don’t mind bloggers having fun, or expressing opinion or breaking their “journalistic integrity” but that’s because Blogs stay in the realm of Blogs, all while The Associated Press and Reuters stay in the realm of information and newsfeeds.

What, the AP, Reuters, International Herald, NY Times, or Washington Post didn’t have a story on the President’s freakin’ State of the Union address! What a piece of crap journalism editing. I am not sure what is wrong with Yahoo!’s New Editorial Team, or if there is one, but I find it irresponsible and reprehensible to professionally report a blog (though fine it its own realm) as a main source for news information. Sure, this story was hilarious as shit, but wildly unprofessional and given as fact for millions of consumers. No integrity.

As for John F. Harris, he ended his piece with “In many ways his tone belittled the speech’s substance.” Your tone, sir, belittle your entire writing capability.

Check it out for yourself- http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20100128/pl_politico/32143

Obama Rank: Promise Kept or Change Achieved?

2010-01-22T14:58:00.000-08:00

THIS IS GREAT!!!! Politifact has been counting up Obama’s post-election success and pre-election promises. I have been trying to do the same… but this guy was far more successful- stupid office work, family, social life and boyfriend getting in the way of my obsession of tracking and measuring... things and stuff. Check our this amazing Obamameter from the St. Petersburg Times newspaper: http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/

"PolitiFact has compiled more than 500 promises that Barack Obama made during the campaign and is tracking their progress on our Obameter."

The pole contrasts Promises Kept, Compromised, Promises Broken, Stalled, In the Works. There are a few pieces I would like to point out, firstly that it has only been one year since taking the oath and I cant seem to remember any other president that has received such unprecedented attention for only a single year in office, perhaps it is because of my second point. 2- These are some massive issue and yes, that is probably why so many are so impatient and are receiving a lot of attention thus for only one year I can understand where “In the Works” is an important measurement for meter. Thirdly, I take issue with the term “Compromised” as its own singular force. I would like to remind everyone of his initial promise to reach across the aisle and:

“A good compromise, a good piece of legislation, is like a good sentence; or a good piece of music. Everybody can recognize it. They say, 'Huh. It works. It makes sense.”

“I think that there's a tradition of us working together to make sure that we are dealing with the threats that are out there and that we are building a consensus here in the United States. That's the kind of approach I intend to take when I'm president of the United States.”

With all this, allow the numbers still speak for themselves- do the math and add it up, 124 accomplishments, 276 working towards and 16 lost of about 505.

I wish this was on Stumble, or trending topics, or even Digg. But I don’t think people are as excited NOR really want to be informed. From what I have experienced (regardless of the facts) if people like him- he has kept his promises, if people don’t like him- then he just hasn’t. Not much middle ground, not much fact-base, not much anything beyond “well, I feel that he has…..” But that’s why I want people to really look at it.

Get informed and inform others.

Why Fox News is good for Liberals- Part 2

2010-01-20T13:00:00.000-08:00

In my previous blog- http://ufornography.blogspot.com/2010/01/why-is-fox-news-good-if-youre-liberal.html - I discussed why this biased, poorly researched, (and hugely unprofessional) news channel is detrimental for the Republican movement in this country. In this blog I would like to take a proactive focus on how this channel can be used to help Liberals, and how Democrats can effectively use Fox New's irrationality.

As proposed in the last blog, the news channel has a clear bias and right-friendly reporting, and it has arguably become a mouth of the Republican Party. This is the source where they can get there slogans, endorsements, and facts on which they build their platform. This is practically a selective conservative news feed… which can be controlled.

They are still a news service thus always need new stories and they can be directed to one story or another through ratings, advertiser tactics, clever agenda setting methods and misdirection.

Let’s just say for an upcoming 2016 election, a leader says how “democrats have failed in the agriculture issue” or create a scandal in Dept of Ag. That is setting the agenda. Fox News will jump on it faster than Hillary can jumps in a pantsuit. They will talk to the American people about the importance of our countries agriculture, run specials on Mid west farmers who demand a candidate understanding of agriculture, and promote the issue onto the forefront of viewers minds with repetitive catchy messages and buzz words.
Then, unveil the Democrat's waiting candidates-- the agriculturally-primed, farmer-ready, rural background democrat nominee that has served on every agricultural development board and powerful crop cultivation committee. Yes, this selection of Midwest Democrats that have been being prepped waiting until this moment when “all of America cries out to its farmers.” So suddenly, there is an ideal candidate with all the answers, experience and all the perfect talking points. All for the issue that has been on the forefront of the American’s minds. Score 1 for Dems.

My advice to Dem- Don’t view the News entity as an enemy and keep you distance… bate the mouse trap.

Create the perfect candidate: Before the 2016 post-Obama presidential election, an event surely marred with "liberal foreign policy" and "educated elitism of the world." Find a governor with speaking appeal like Brian Schweitzer, from Montana, opposes gun control, has that "all American leader" quality and has improved the job market in his state. Over the next 6 years promote him to serve as head to many agricultural committees to find employment committees for blue collar workers and have him take a hard stance against gun control. Make him appear to be expert in the field for national topics, not international.
During the second term Pres. Obama can illude to weakness in domestic policies, or say “some say Dems are weak with the issues facing farmers… but that just isn’t true” (egging Fox on) and have an official say they “just don’t understand middle America and gun rights.” Fox will be quick to pick this up and run with it-- “our candidates need to understand gun control policy, have a history or strong employment, and recognize the constutional rights" ... "We need a leader who knows rural American, not from the city.” Create a cultural awareness get people talking, and then bring out Schwieitzer, with impeccable credentials, extensive experience and the perfect choice for the American people.

You can take it one step further with a “Bate and Switch.” Find specific critiques Americans have, and create a solid strategy for it while you bait the Republicans to follow another issue. Much like financial woes and gas prices in the last election. Then set the agenda about Democrats inability to handle a completely different issue like airport security (one that isn’t really a make or brake issue to most voters). --Get the conservatives to focus in on this issue for the election year. They will be happy to point out the cracks in the party’s platform, get them to focus on those trivial facts... obsess on this issue... and let Fox News bombard republicans with that issue. Conservatives pick a team of security minded candidates and build their platform on this irrelevant issue. Liberals pick candidates on a more centrist platform with a financial understanding, and promises of gasoline tax breaks. This basic issues more appealing to general Americans concerns and America will respond.

This is similar to what happened in the 2008 elections. People were talking about war and people were talking about the first woman president. So the republicans got a veteran, and (to attempt to appease female voters) hastily included the ill-prepared Mrs. Palin. But soon the Economy went right into the limelight and McCain couldn’t have been more out of touch.

So remember, agenda setting—it’s important...

How does Obama "Stack Up"? ...Or is that even the right question?

2010-01-20T10:44:00.000-08:00

This Is SO IMPORTANT. As the anniversary of President Barack Obama's Inauguration arrives, Jeffrey Brown speaks with a panel of experts about how the president has performed thus far in the Oval Office. WATCH this PBS News video, it is slow for the first few seconds but picks up quickly. The in-studio guests have wonderful incite and solid points of view.

Beware of historical analogies when it comes to politics, your best bet is to keep a keen eye and informed mind. But one quote I would like to end on, and it is a very important one in the midst of this extreme-hyper-partisan and individual-totalitarian-voting era:

"the question isn't is our government too small or too large, but rather- does our government work?"

What a wonderful moderate quote.

The Rise of Fringe Movements

2010-01-19T11:01:00.000-08:00

As further proof of the remarkable political changes taking place in the conservative movement, NPR touched on the power of the Tea Party. I mentioned this in the last blog about Fox News and how they helped this party gain mass recognition and more control. I would like to further back up my point with the story named “7 Things At Stake In Massachusetts” and the prevailing attention this party is getting:
“As he put the final touches on his Inauguration Day address, President Obama could scarcely have imagined that one year later, his agenda and his presidency would hang on the outcome of a cliffhanging special election in Massachusetts.
But that is the message this morning from Boston to Washington and in the news media everywhere. To take the coverage at face value, the president will be staying up late tonight to see whether it's worth coming to work tomorrow.
Number 6 on the NPR list-
The momentum of the Tea Party: Dismissed as a fringe phenomenon in the spring of 2009, the anti-tax Tea movement gained great visibility in a series of marches against the stimulus, the health care bill and the Washington of Obama in general. The party claimed at least partial credit for overthrowing Democratic regimes in New Jersey and Virginia in the fall. Frustrated in a special House race in upstate New York, the party has turned with renewed vigor to its crusade in the Commonwealth, pumping money and energy into the late phase of the campaign. And a win in Massachusetts would be the perfect set-up for the Tea movement's planned convention in Nashville in early February. Think there's any chance a newly minted Sen. Brown would be there?”

For more on this great story click here:
http://www.npr.org/watchingwashington/2010/01/seven_things_at_stake_in_brown.html

As for the MA election… I just can't get myself to say it. I just can’t. Though I don’t think it is 100% that a republican will win, it is important to take into account that there is a major push from out of state support (from Tea partiers, conservative, anti-health care movement… The people in CA know how powerful out of state funding can be). Secondly, Rep. Scott has smoothly transitioned to a more moderate stance, while Coakley, never a strong candidate, has been complacent and lacks some community roots. Thirdly, remember the MA people in this “liberal paradise” just voted out gay marriage… its not as sure fire as one would think for Dems. They have JUST successfully ran this conservative initiative there and can do it again, but this time for the super majority in the house. Oh I really hope my political gut is wrong for once on this.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/magotvFB/

Why is Fox News Good if You're a Liberal? Pt. 1

2010-01-18T23:00:00.000-08:00

This is why…
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/10/magazine/10florida-t.html?ref=magazine

Yes, splinter movements. Republicans can lose there conservative voters to small groups and the party itself begins lose its identity.

These other parties will start to undercut the Republican base attracting more extreme people to these momentous fringe parties. We all saw what Nader did to the Democrats and what Ross Perot did to the Republicans. This news channel can over inflate confidence in these right fringe movements and unintentionally take away from a conservative base. When they begin to highlight many types of right extremes and no left groups, then all these right groups (with different agendas/terms/ideas) begin to take hold. They are all getting air time, all get rallies and are all after the same conservative base. For Dems, its simply a matter of “divide and conquer.” Republican leaders, supporters, libertarians and tea partiers are not friends—they are competitors. Its a single unified Democrat party going against a separated community.

Fox News doesn’t just stand to deteriorate conservative unity, it also has greatly alienated their base party, the Republicans. Fox has done a superb job of making one view look like everyone’s view. The station is geared to a right-wing audience and is equipped with slanted statistics, biased commentary and selective news exposure. If you were to watch Fox News for a week you could easily believe the Republicans should be ruling the world and the only people with the capacity to do so. And its that assumption and false confidence in an audience that isn’t there (adding 100,000+ supports to small rallies) that you begin to lose site of an effect message and strong leaders. In short you wind up with examples of over inflated confidence like this… A Republican "Purity Test" that violates moderates, undecided voters and people in your own pary (http://blogcritics.org/politics/article/a-republican-purity-test-mdash-a/).

Appealing to moderates and listening to American critiques is how the Democrats easily won the 2008 election. If every message is the best message, how do you find the most effective one? If every leader is the best leader, how do you weed out the weakest? If every conservative movement has 100,000+ supporters at their rallies, which one will garner the most actual support at the voting booth?

Criticism is good and constructive, make sure you listen to it. Republicans are being lied to and are ill prepared. They are navigate through a thick fog of false confidence, skewed numbers, poor leadership and inaccurate support.

Lack of "unpleasant truth" is something that many leaders had, and it is to their detriment.

Hitler, Stalin, and countless other dictators eventually came to live in fantasy worlds, which were finally shattered only by some reality-based event like a military invasion or revolution. One common aspect of nearly all dictatorships is that their leaders come to believe the "reports" of their own propaganda machines, namely, that the masses are happy, even if in reality they are desperate. Stalin, for example, believed his "Socialist Realism" films that depicted happy peasants singing in the fields, even though actual peasants were resorting to cannibalism trying to survive the man-made famine [caused when fearful underlings misinformation about the lagging productivity of the nations agriculture].

Make sure to look at the "Dictators receive little accurate information," under the Dictatorship header, to show how inaccurate information is a killer to your party, here: http://www.huppi.com/kangaroo/L-PowerDistribution.html

For Part 2, click here http://ufornography.blogspot.com/2010/01/why-fox-news-is-good-for-liberals-part.html

Timeless Ideologies of MLK

2010-01-18T10:02:00.000-08:00

This Just In: Pat Robertson... Crazy LONG Before Haiti's Earthquake

2010-01-15T13:02:00.002-08:00

From Twitter:
Pat Robertson: Haiti Needs Help, Not Stupidity
Pat Robertson... That is not God talking to you, that is Alzheimer's disease.
Rush Limbaugh and Pat Robertson should be put in chains and forced to work in Haiti
Call Pat Robertson 700 Club (800)759-0700 reply 2 his comments abt Haiti. Costs them $1 4 each 800 call.
There's a special room in hell being prepared for Pat Robertson and Rush Limbaugh.
Pat Robertson, why is your god so lazy? Surely he could have smited (smoten?) the Haitians earlier than 219 years later
Jon Stewart shows Pat Robertson how to be a better Christian.

Top Robertson Gaffes

VIEW MORE AT: http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1953778_1953776,00.html

Quote from Daily Kos-

2009-12-09T11:33:00.000-08:00

Here is some behavioral semantics to invoke powerful political responces, just guess you they are in relation too...

A "Homeland" and all the imagery connected to it (also prominently featured in patriotic songs) Invocation of patriotism, of which there is supposedly never enough
Glorification of the military while regarding actual soldiers as disposable
Glorification of motherhood with ulterior motives (the Lebensborn movement got started with homes for unwed mothers to prevent abortions)
"We" are the good guys, not because of what we do (or don't do) but because we say so - "We" are superior at anything and everything, again because we say so
Discrimination against a particular minority is morally justified to preserve national security
Even though racism and gender discrimination are considered morally right, ideology supersedes racial, ethnic, or gender affiliation. Minority members are tolerated ("We decide who's a Jew") and women can have careers if they are useful to the party
A crime or injustice was committed against us, so we must punish somebody, whether they had anything to do with it or not
If we lose a war, it's the left-wing traitors' fault
Everybody else is out to get us, and we must get them first - Messed up grammar and nonsensical sentence structures interrupted by bumper sticker-style slogans.

...Fox News.

Brilliant!

2009-11-24T10:56:00.000-08:00

One of my all time favorit movie is getting a part 2

2009-09-09T17:11:00.000-07:00

...And I think I already hate it. This is one of my beloved personal classics. Its philosophical, entertaining, funny, shocking, well written and impeccably acted. This second installment looks seriously lame, they got rid of 2 of the most pimp characters and replaced one of with some chick who visibly does not have the acting chops for the role. Even in the selected scenes for the trailer she lacks the intensity of others and seems to do more imitating (poorly) than acting. And she's not that hot, not that it really matters. The film itself looks glossy and immature, like another shitty Crank sequel. Have a sad and tortured look for yourself:

I mean who really watched this taint-linking, scrod-infested, shit-piece:

I am not saying I am for Universal Health Care But...

2009-08-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

You didn't get mad when the Supreme Court stopped a legal recount and appointed a President.

You didn't get mad when Cheney allowed Energy company officials to dictate their own energy policy.

You didn't get mad when a covert CIA operative got outed and our own government allowed a leak.

You didn't get mad when the Patriot Act got passed.

You didn't get mad when we put our servicemen and women in harm and illegally invaded a country that posed no threat to us.

You didn't get mad when we spent over 600 billion(and counting) on said illegal war.

You didn't get mad when over 10 billion dollars just disappeared in Iraq.

You didn't get mad when you saw the Abu Grahib photos.

You didn't get mad when you found out we were torturing people.

You didn't get mad when the government was illegally wiretapping us and violating Americans.

You didn't get mad when we didn't catch Bin Laden.

You didn't get mad when you saw the horrible conditions at Walter Reed.

You didn't get mad when we let a major US city drown.

You didn't get mad when the deficit hit the trillion dollar mark.

You finally got mad when.. when... wait for it... when the government decided that people in America deserved to see a doctor if they are sick. That they will ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions. That they will end how much you can legally charge for out of pocket expenses, or ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill and ends your Lifetime Cap. Yes, illegal wars, lies, corruption, torture, stealing your tax dollars to make the rich richer, are all ok with you but helping other Americans... well fuck that. That about right? You know it is.

You people have all lost your fucking minds. You are selfish, greedy, obnoxious, narcissistic, and frankly... stupid. Your pathetic little misspelled protest signs are embarrassing. Maybe you ought to find the smart person in your midst and let them make up all the signs, cause man, you look like a bunch of idiots. Also you're ugly and your mother dresses you funny.

For Those 25 And Over

2009-07-29T16:22:00.001-07:00

I fond this on another blog: If you have reached the age of 25, I have a bit of bad news for you: it is time, if you have not already done so, for you to emerge from your cocoon of post-adolescent dithering and self-absorption and join the rest of us in the world. Past the quarter-century mark, you see, certain actions, attitudes, and behaviors will simply no longer do, and while it might seem unpleasant to feign a maturity and solicitousness towards others that you may not genuinely feel, it is not only appreciated by others but necessary for your continued survival. Continuing to insist past that point that good manners, thoughtfulness, and grooming oppress you in some way is inappropriate and irritating.

Grow up.

And when I instruct you to grow up, I do not mean that you must read up on mortgage rates, put aside candy necklaces, or desist from substituting the word "poo" for crucial syllables of movie titles. Silliness is not only still permitted but actively encouraged. You must, however, stop viewing carelessness, tardiness, helplessness, or any other quality better suited to a child as either charming or somehow beyond your control. A certain grace period for the development of basic consideration and self-sufficiency is assumed, but once you have turned 25, the grace period is over, and starring in a film in your head in which you walk the earth alone is no longer considered a valid lifestyle choice, but rather grounds for exclusion from social occasions.

And now, for those of you who might have misplaced them, marching orders for everyone born before 1980.

1. Remember to write thank-you notes. If you do not know when a thank-you note is appropriate, consult an etiquette book — the older and more hidebound the book, the better. When in doubt, write one anyway; better to err on the side of formality. An email is not sufficient thanks for a physical gift. Purchase stationery and stamps, set aside five minutes, and express your gratitude in writing. Failure to do so implies that you don't care. This implication is a memorable one. Enough said.

2. Do not invite yourself to stay with friends when you travel anymore. Presumably you have a job, and the means to procure yourself a hotel. If so, do so. If not, stay home. Mentioning that you plan a visit to another city may lead to an invitation to stay with a friend or family member, which you may of course accept; assuming that "it's cool if you crash" is not. Wait for the invitation; if it is not forthcoming, this is what we call "a hint," and you should take it and make other arrangements.

3. Do not expect friends to help you move anymore. You may ask for help; you may not expect it, particularly if your move date is on a weekday. Your friends have jobs to go to, and you have accumulated a lot of heavy books by this point in your life. Hire a mover. If you cannot afford a mover, sell your books or put them in storage — or don't move, but one way or another, you will have to cope.

4. Develop a physical awareness of your surroundings. As children, we live in our own heads, bonking into things, gnawing on twigs, emitting random squawks because we don't know how to talk yet. Then, we enter nursery school. You, having graduated college or reached a similar age to that of the college graduate, need to learn to sense others and get out of their way. Walk single file. Don't blather loudly in public spaces. Give up your seat to those with disabilities or who are struggling with small children. Take your headphones off while interacting with clerks and passersby. Do not walk along and then stop suddenly. It is not just you on the street; account for that fact.

5. Be on time. The occasional public-transit snafu is forgivable, but consistent lateness is rude, annoying, and self-centered. If we didn't care when you showed up, we'd have said "any old time"; if we said seven, get there at seven or within fifteen minutes. Do not ditz that you "lost track of time" as though time somehow slipped its leash and ran into traffic. It shows a basic lack of respect for others; flakiness is not cute anymore, primarily because it never was. Buy a watch, wind it up, and wear it everywhere you go.

6. Have enough money. I do not mean "give up your scholarly dreams and join the world of corporate finance in order to keep up with the Joneses." I mean that you should not become that girl or boy who is always a few dollars short, can only cover exactly his or her meal but no tip, or "forgot" to go to the ATM. Go to the ATM first, don't order things you can't afford, and…

7. Know how to calculate the tip. Ten percent of the total; double it; done. You did not have to major in math to know how this works. You are not dumb, but your Barbie-math-is-hard flailing is agonizing and has outstayed its welcome. Ten percent times two. Learn it.

8. Do not share the crazy dream you had last night with anyone but your mental wellness professional. Nobody cares. People who starred in the dream may care, but confine your synopsis to ten words or fewer.

9. Learn to walk in heels. Gentlemen, you are at your leisure. Ladies: If you wear heels, know how to operate them. Clomping along and placing your foot down flat with each step gives the appearance of a ten-year-old playing dress-up, but a pair of heels is like a bicycle — you need momentum to stay up. Come down on the heel and carry forward through the toe, using your regular stride. If you feel wobbly, keep practicing, or get a pair that's better suited to your style of walking. It isn't a once-a-year prom thing anymore for a lot of you, so please learn to walk in them. <--- I guess the equivalent to that would be: know how to press your slacks and tie your tie (but i refuse to do either really).

10. Have at least one good dress-up outfit. A dress code, or suggested attire on an invitation, is not an instrument of The Man. Own one nice dress, or one reasonable suit, or one sharp pair of pants and chic sweater — something you can clean up nice in for a wedding or a semi-formal dinner. You don't have to like it, but if the invitation requests it, put it on. Every night can't be poker night. Which reminds me…

11. Do as invitations ask you. Don't bring a guest when no such courtesy is extended. Don't blow off an RSVP; it means "please respond," and you should. "Regrets only" means you only answer if you can't come. If the party starts at eight, show up at eight — not at seven-thirty so you can go a "better" party later, not at eleven when dinner is cold. Eight. Cocktail parties allow for leeway, of course, but pay attention and read instructions; your host furnished the details for a reason.

12. Know how. Know how to drive. Know how to read a map. Know how to get around. Know how to change a tire, or whom to call if you can't manage it, or how to get to a phone if you don't have a cell phone. We will happily bail you out, until it becomes apparent that it's what you always need. The possibility of a fingernail breaking or a hairstyle becoming compromised is not grounds for purposeful helplessness.

13. Don't use your friends. It's soulless. It's also obvious. If the only reason you continue to associate with a person is to borrow his or her car, might I remind you that you have now turned 25 and may rent your own.

14. Have something to talk about besides college or your job. College is over. The war stories have their amusements, but not over and over and not at every gathering. Get a library card, go to the movies, participate in the world. Working is not living. Be interested so that you can be interesting.

15. Give and receive favors graciously. If you have agreed to do a favor, you may not 1) remind the favoree ceaselessly about how great a pain it is for you, or 2) half-ass it because the favoree "owes you." It is a favor; it is not required, and if you cannot do it, say so. If you can do it, pretend that nobody is watching, do it as best you can, and let that be the end of it. Conversely, if you ask for a favor and the askee cannot do it, do not get snappish. You can manage.

16. Drinking until you throw up is no longer properly a point of pride. It happens to the best of us, but be properly ashamed the next day; work on your tolerance, or eat something first, but amateur hour ended several years hence.

17. Have a real trash receptacle, real Kleenex, and, if you smoke, a real ashtray. No loose bags on the floor; no using a roll of toilet paper; no plates or empty soda cans. You are not a fierce warrior nomad of the Fratty Bubelatty tribe. Buy a wastebasket and grown-up paper products.

18. Universal quiet hours do in fact apply to you. They are, generally, as follows — midnight to six AM on weekdays, 2 AM to 8 AM on weekends. Mine is a fairly generous interpretation, by the by, so bass practice should conclude, not start, at ten PM. Understand also that just because nobody has complained directly to you does not mean that a complaint is not justified, or pending. Further, get your speakers off the floor. Yes, "now." Yes, a rug is still "the floor."

19. Take care of yourself. If you are sick, visit a doctor. If you are sad, visit a shrink or talk to a friend. If you are unhappy in love, break up. If you are fed up with how you look, buy a new shirt or stop eating cheese. If you have a problem, try to fix it. Many problems are knotty and need a lot of talking through, or time to resolve, but after a few months of all complaining and no fixing, those around you will begin to wonder if you don't enjoy the problems for the attention they bring you. Venting is fine; inertia coupled with pouting is not. Bored? Read a magazine. Mad at someone? Say so — to them. Change is hard; that's too bad. Effort counts. Make one. Your mommy's shift is over.

20. Rudeness is not a signifier of your importance. Rudeness is a signifier of itself, nothing more. We all have bad days; yours is not weightier than anyone else's, comparatively, and does not excuse displays of poor breeding. Be civil or be elsewhere.

Religous Leader on Gay Marriage

2009-07-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

A quick statement in regards to the religious freedoms of America, current political tactics and gay rights in a Wisconsin Ballot initiative:

Quaker statement on gay marriage:
By DAVE CHAKOIAN | Viroqua, Wis.

On November’s ballot, Wisconsin will vote on a constitutional ban on same-gender marriages. We of Religious Society of Friends believe the movement to isolate and scapegoat homosexuals, to promote hatred against them, and to impose in law one group’s religious beliefs on us all, is blatantly immoral and contrary to Jesus’ teachings.

With half of marriages ending in divorce, unquestionably the right thing to do is to strengthen marriages. But diverting the question to whether two people of the same sex can have legal rights together completely loses track of the problem of frail marriages.
The proposed constitutional amendment really has nothing to do with marriage; it is a thinly veiled attack on gays and lesbians, part of a pattern of discrimination and institutionalized hatred. It is a strategy of power practiced by would-be tyrants throughout history.

Some have portrayed persecution and hatred of gays as a Christian thing to do. We can find nowhere that Jesus said anything about homosexuality. Nor did Jesus ever suggest encoding Christian teachings into a Sharia-like law to force religious beliefs on society.

We believe that God loves us all equally, and that we are called to treat each other with the same love in which God created us. We have no need to hate, or to discriminate against, any group for any reason. It is simply not Christian to do so.

David Chakoian is clerk of the Kickapoo Valley Monthly Meeting, Religious Society of Friends (Quaker).

Click here for story: http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2006/10/20/opinion/letters/04letter20.txt
.

Ultimate Comparison - USA-Z vs. Korea's Game

2009-07-22T15:26:00.000-07:00

I heard the ultimate comparison, this morning NPR show influenced by Spencer Ackerman's theory international climate infused with the rap community. Two VERY interesting perceptions juxtaposed, putting Jay-Z as a counter-revolutionary actor which placed "D.O.A." at the center of the story (though I like the Game a lot more than he does).

Some of the greatest minds in national security have turned their attention to a classic problem: When there is one dominant power, the rest of the world tries to challenge it. That's what happened to Britain in the 19th century and to the United States today. The same thing is happening in the world of rap. Currently, we're in a uni-polar world with the United States on top. In the rap world, Jay-Z is that guy.

Here the interview here:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106857447

See the after thoughts here:
http://lynch.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2009/07/22/the_realest_stuff_i_ever_wrote

The clash is between established rapper Jay-Z and and up-and-comer known as The Game. Jay-Z has been attacking other rappers for using Auto-Tune software, which corrects pitch while singers record. Auto-Tune is widely used in the industry, but Jay-Z is making a call for authenticity [….] The Game, sezing his chance to take away from Jay after a controversial, is a erratic wildcard. "He's North Korea; he's Iran," Lynch says. "He might not win, but he can hurt you if he drags you down into this extended occupation, this extended counterinsurgency campaign."

“There's a lot more I could have said -- the Nas vs Jay-Z history lesson, the nature and depth of Jay-Z's hegemony, Game's strategic mistakes like insulting Kanye when he should be wooing him, the difficulty of coding cases (amazingly, some people refuse to admit that Nas won his beef with Jay-Z or that the Game defeated G-Unit and 50 Cent.. it's like coding Russia as a winner of World War One or something) -- but you can only do so much in 8 minutes!”

The one point which I do wish I had developed more in the on-air interview, though, is the reason why rap beefs are about soft power and not hard power. Soft power is the ability to obtain what you want through co-option and attraction. It is in contradistinction to 'hard power', which is the use of coercion and payment. And correlations to Topac and Biggie and WWII.

Same-Couples Dancing Lessons.... Cute

2009-07-21T12:31:00.000-07:00

I have hear the the first Tango was developed for two men, just and interesting piece of information.

Sterilizing Sarah’s Speech: Vanity Fair Editor and Fact-Checking Dpt. Review Palin’s Address

2009-07-21T11:54:00.000-07:00

If you watched Sarah Palin’s resignation speech, you know one thing: her high-priced speechwriters moved back to the Beltway long ago. Just how poorly constructed was the governor’s holiday-weekend address? We asked V.F.’s red-pencil-wielding executive literary editor, Wayne Lawson, together with representatives from the research and copy departments, to whip it into publishable shape. Here is the colorful result.

See the rest here.

bored at work

2009-07-17T17:28:00.001-07:00

Popular Poerty: ONE MOMENT IN TIME

2009-06-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

Each day I live I want to be
A day to give the best of me
I'm only one, But not alone
My finest day is yet unknown

I broke my heart
Fought every gain
To taste the sweet
I face the pain
I rise and fall
Yet through it all
This much remains

I want one moment in time
When I'm more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time
When I'm racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time
I will feel
I will feel eternity

I've lived to be
The very best
I want it all
No time for less
I've laid the plans
Now lay the chance
Here in my hands

Give me one moment in time
When I'm more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time
When I'm racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time
I will feel
I will feel eternity

HCwDB: Perez you are a pastiche ... a dim echo of 1980s

2009-06-24T14:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Perez Hilton:

You are Warholian superstar pastiche without the self awareness. You are dim echo of 1980s gay counterculture, reprocessed and defanged as a slightly edgier version of the typical host on "E!" You make Michael Musto look like Oscar Wilde.

Take your blank page and fill it with the latest starlet drama. Repeat it enough times and the noise will be loud and fame enhanced. But it's simply a feedback loop of white-noise douchosity. Clown.

Now get off my internets and go back to penis drawing.

-From HotChicksWithDouchebags.com, greater words have never been spoken.

HAARM: Healthy Americans Against Reforming Medicine

2009-06-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

You have to check out this mock PAC site, it's hilarious, but it also uses a clever method to debunk false and misleading statements. The parody pokes at an inept conservative media and some of the arguments the media has used. good times:

http://haarm.org/

HA! So-Me (social media) vs. Iran Govt.

2009-06-19T14:16:00.001-07:00

National Security Cartoon

2009-06-18T16:49:00.000-07:00

What, are you anti-America or something

Bible quote of the Day

2009-06-17T10:21:00.001-07:00

"Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence."
~1 Timothy 2:11-12

"Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says."
~1 Corinthians 14:34

Dealing with Designers got you Stressed!

2009-06-12T11:43:00.000-07:00

Howdy, long time no talk.

I am going to let y’all in on a little thing that I don’t commonly do. I am going to talk about me and my life. Usually, I post my reaction or reviews, or articles and videos done by others. But I got to vent :- ) (the initial point of the blog).
I am so worried about my job, I am not sure if they are dissolving my position or if they are going to contract me out to another company. I’m seriously worried about my position. And I am worried about my metal stability (would out sourcing be so bad?). I am getting irritated far too easily. As a designer and previously journalist, I have thick skin. I thought I had a very thick skin, between my past working in city government and leading the production on the area news paper, I have come to understand and learn criticisms, bureaucracy and stress of a time crunch by loosing hundreds of thousands of dollars on an almost impossible deadline… but right now, these peeps are driving me nuts.

Things for office etiquette- 1) be polite, especially with critiques. Its just good human nature and a little bit can go a long way. 2) Stay mature, as a early 20-something-year-old I should not have to tell a senior official to “grow up.” Working as a concierge at a business hotel, I find so many business travelers childish, rude, inconsiderate, self-indulgent and plain silly. Emails and posts that are equivalent to a 13-year-old girl’s texts are not a sign of running a company well. 3) keep your nose out of others’ business if it doesn’t apply to you or your concern, reading other’s computer screens is rude, critiques on a design not done is not constructive, particularly when you are not a designer. 4) Hold your temper- this on is for me… lord, I am trying. 5) Put yourself in others shoes don’t blare crappy glam metal hits from the 80s, it ruins others work momentum, I don’t blare my Coldplay. (BONUS: Don’t interrupt, this is extremely disrespectful especially if it is a repeat offender).

Designs are important, they elect new presidents, change social opinion, get you to buy a double beacon mushroom burger at midnight and sell billions of CDs for a singer that can not sing.

Here is a short list for Professionals dealing with Designers. 1) Do your job before- get them the information upfront and finished. If the text changes so does the balance of the design. Its not the designers job to proof read (if you haven’t notices I CAN NOT spell) 2) Trust the designer, they understand the Golden ratio, how to align, things to watch out for, complimenting colors and how to draw the eye deeper and deeper into the ad (i.e. it is a sign of a bad designer if everything is centered). Have actual critiques- “hmm, I don’t know, I just don’t like the background” … “ok.” Not helpful. This might take a little thought, but it is important, what specifically don’t you like about the “background” the color, the gradient, symbol ect. AND come up with alternatives (yeas, plural to alternative), if you can’t come up with any… maybe it should be left OR the “background” isn’t really the problem. Discuss the alternativeS, get his professional opinion, and allow him to critique suggestions and vice versa. This is how you get to the bottom of a good design. 3) Be organized; don’t send a fleet of emails and contradicting messages and one update after another “oh not the last on but this one”. Be relevant, clean and concise (like your ad/design should be). 4) Be polite, be nice but firm, understanding and demanding. Its not a designs job to rip you off (put some clip art on a word doc and call it an online ad). Let them work, get updates, keep invilved and make sure they are keeping you informed. 5) You contribution you deadline. Deadlines are important to hit, but if you give them and important piece of text the day before deadline… your not getting a quality or even finished ad.
(BONUS: do your research before hiring your designer. Make sure to look at their work and style, does it mesh with the aesthetic of your business clientele (and NOT your personal taste (i.e. Its great that you like the color blue… but that wont sell you hamburgers). Research and interview, all designers will have a book of previous work, this will help avoid creative differences later down the line).

Ahhhhhh…, *relief* Thanks for the intimate read.

A man who left christianity

2009-05-29T17:03:00.000-07:00

Found this on a blog, it was interesting and so simplified yet still all-inclusive and thought out. I will neither endorse or condemn his opinion, nor will i say it is my own personal viewpoint. However, i will say it is interesting, well written and for Catholics, this is the creed you will have to battle against both internally and across society. I would like to point out 2 things, he doesn't denounce God per say just "the God of the Bible" (what has been written about said God). His grips tend to be about literal believers of the text too. Most Catholics don't believe in word-for-word translation nor is that endorsed by the papacy (the bible is a religious truth not historical truth-http://www.dula.tv/watch.php?file=if-atheists-ruled-the-world.flv). But this serves as a strong contender in logic vs faith arguments.

"For those wondering, here is a condensed “Top 20 List” of the things that led to my rejection of Christianity.

God is wrathful, jealous, hateful, and kills nations of people like it is a bodily function. He is certainly not just or “holy” in nature.
The act of throwing people into infinite torture and punishment for not believing a Jewish guy from 2,000 years ago was God’s son, or unknowingly worshiping the wrong god, is extremely cruel and sadistic.
The statements, “God works in mysterious ways,” or “It will all make sense in heaven,” are little more than irrational cop outs. This God allows horrible atrocities to be committed against innocent men, women and children every day.
Bloody animal and human sacrifices are illogical demands by a divine god as payment for petty wrong doings. These actions are no different than the rituals of archaic pagan religions. Not to mention the bizarre ritual of symbolically drinking human blood and eating human flesh.
If God loves us and wants us to know and believe in him, why be so completely invisible? What is the purpose of being so illusive to those who believe and worship him?
God never manifests himself or performs miracles as he regularly did for the Israelites in Old Testament stories.
Prayers are never answered. Certainly not in the way Jesus described. Prayer has absolutely no affect on the world around us.
Jesus did not fulfill major Old Testament prophesies or even fulfill his own promises and predictions.
The authors of much of the Bible are unknown. And of these unknown authors, the men who wrote the gospels likely never even met Jesus considering they were written 40-70 years after his death. A far cry from reliable testimony.
The Bible is repeatedly contradictory with itself, reality, and the laws of morality. Couldn’t God inspire a less poorly written book?
The Bible is open to interpretation. Everyone interprets it in the way that suits them best or serves their purposes.
Throughout history, Christians have justified horrific actions by the Bible and its teaching.
The Bible promotes hate and persecution against women, homosexuals and those who worship other gods or no god at all.
According to the Bible, nearly 70% percent of the people in the world will burn in hell because they don’t believe Jesus was the son of God.
The only reason I was a Christian was because I was indoctrinated into the religion as a child as a result of the culture and region of the world in which I was born.
Christianity has no more rational or factual foundation than any other religion on earth that I openly reject.
The Christian church is disjointed and can’t even agree with one another.
Christians are not at all ethically or morally different from non-Christians.
Today, powerful church leaders steal, lie and molest young children. The church repeatedly attempts to cover up these atrocities, only to reluctantly apologize as a last resort.
It is absolutely irrational to continue to believe archaic teaching with the amount of knowledge we’ve gained through science and technology. The Bible reads like a book of primitive folklore, not divinely inspired insight into our true reason for existence."

The "About Me" Section

2009-05-28T13:39:00.000-07:00

I'm a modern man, a man for the millennium. Digital and smoke free. A diversified multi-cultural, post-modern deconstruction that is anatomically and ecologically incorrect. I've been up linked and downloaded, I've been inputted and outsourced, I know the upside of downsizing, I know the downside of upgrading. I'm a high-tech low-life. A cutting edge, state-of-the-art bi-coastal multi-tasker and I can give you a gigabyte in a nanosecond! I'm new wave, but I'm old school and my inner child is outward bound. I'm a hot-wired, heat seeking, warm-hearted cool customer, voice activated and bio-degradable. I interface with my database, my database is in cyberspace, so I'm interactive, I'm hyperactive and from time to time I'm radioactive. Behind the eight ball, ahead of the curve, ridin the wave, dodgin the bullet and pushin the envelope. I'm on-point, on-task, on-message and off drugs. I've got no need for coke and speed. I've got no urge to binge and purge. I'm in-the-moment, on-the-edge, over-the-top and under-the-radar. A high-concept, low-profile, medium-range ballistic missionary. A street-wise smart bomb. A top-gun bottom feeder. I wear power ties, I tell power lies, I take power naps and run victory laps. I'm a totally ongoing big-foot, slam-dunk, rainmaker with a pro-active outreach. A raging workaholic. A working rageaholic. Out of rehab and in denial! I've got a personal trainer, a personal shopper, a personal assistant and a personal agenda. You can't shut me up. You can't dumb me down because I'm tireless and I'm wireless, I'm an alpha male on beta-blockers. I'm a non-believer and an over-achiever, laid-back but fashion-forward. Up-front, down-home, low-rent, high-maintenance. Super-sized, long-lasting, high-definition, fast-acting, oven-ready and built-to-last! I'm a hands-on, foot-loose, knee-jerk head case pretty maturely post-traumatic and I've got a love-child that sends me hate mail. But, I'm feeling, I'm caring, I'm healing, I'm sharing-- a supportive, bonding, nurturing primary care-giver. My output is down, but my income is up. I took a short position on the long bond and my revenue stream has its own cash-flow. I read junk mail, I eat junk food, I buy junk bonds and I watch trash sports! I'm gender specific, capital intensive, user-friendly and lactose intolerant. I like rough sex. I like tough love. I use the "F" word in my emails and the software on my hard-drive is hardcore--no soft porn. I bought a microwave at a mini-mall; I bought a mini-van at a mega-store. I eat fast-food in the slow lane. I'm toll-free, bite-sized, ready-to-wear and I come in all sizes. A fully-equipped, factory-authorized, hospital-tested, clinically-proven, scientifically- formulated medical miracle. I've been pre-wash, pre-cooked, pre-heated, pre-screened, pre-approved, pre-packaged, post-dated, freeze-dried, double-wrapped, vacuum-packed and, I have an unlimited broadband capacity. I'm a rude dude, but I'm the real deal. Lean and mean! Cocked, locked and ready-to-rock. Rough, tough and hard to bluff. I take it slow, I go with the flow, I ride with the tide. I've got glide in my stride. Drivin and movin, sailin and spinin, jiving and groovin, wailin and winnin. I don't snooze, so I don't lose. I keep the pedal to the metal and the rubber on the road. I party hearty and lunch time is crunch time. I'm hangin in, there ain't no doubt and I'm hangin tough, over and out!" --George Carlin

Images of American "Chastity, Faith, and Tradition"

2009-05-07T16:57:00.001-07:00

Bristol Palin

Miss. California Prejean

This is a wonderful piece in the Washington Post and asks the questions I have been asking for quit some time. Please read

Under God: Palin, Prejean and Pre-Marital Ambivalence
by David Waters

Unwed, single, teenage mom Bristol Palin was being lauded on talk shows Wednesday -- National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy -- for encouraging other teenagers to abstain from sex. Meanwhile, Carrie Prejean (Miss California) was defending her title -- and her advocacy of "traditional marriage" -- because of sensual and revealing photographs taken of her when she was a teenage model.

I'm confused. Are we in favor of teenage sexuality or not? Are we OK using teenagers to model lingerie until they become public figures? Are we not OK with unwed teenage moms until they admit their mistakes on national TV?

I ask because teenage sexuality is one of the leading causes of illegitimacy, which believe it or not is more pandemic than the swine flu and more damaging to the institutions of family and marriage than any same-gender commitment ceremony in California or Iowa.

Why aren't Catholic bishops withholding communion from illegitimate parents? Why are evangelical and black church leaders campaigning for opposite-sex marriage to save the family? Why aren't progressive Christian leaders pushing for more social programs to help children conceived out of wedlock? Why aren't Mormon leaders opposing polygamous relationships (which are common) rather than polygamy (which is not)?

Don't Mess With Texas ... Get Rid Of It

2009-04-28T12:03:00.000-07:00

This is a brilliant analysis of why the "likely to be the violently xenophobic Republic of Texas" should be able to secede, (along with other 3 fiscally draining states). You think they could take FoxNews with them too?

By David Faris, NPR.org, April 28, 2009 · During the campaign, President Obama talked a good game about bipartisanship. Now he has the perfect opportunity to achieve something that people on both sides of the aisle desperately want: kicking Texas out of the union.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry recently implied that Texas might need to leave the United States if the mean old federal government doesn't stop doing things like sending stimulus money and slightly raising the top marginal tax rates. These things being obvious markers of impending fascism (unlike, say, unsympathetically institutionalizing a global torture regime), Perry thinks it's time to go. Unsurprisingly, a majority of Texas Republicans approved of these remarks.

Texas asking Blue America for a divorce is like a woman asking her boyfriend if he'd like to sit around all day drinking Miller and watching football, or like the Patriots offering Tom Brady to the Redskins for a 19th-round draft pick. Befuddled liberals can only shake their heads in gratified amazement while they pop the cap on their first beer, settle into the sofa and watch Brady pilot the 'Skins to the Super Bowl.

The transition should be peaceful — no need for 600,000 Americans to die like the last time a state tried to leave the union. These kinds of things are best handled with negotiations — just ask the Czechs and the Slovaks, who dissolved Czechoslovakia like an old married couple who remain great friends but just don't want to sleep together anymore.

First, Texas should be given the option of taking neighboring Oklahoma, Alabama and Louisiana with them. These states are reliably deep red, and are also three of the biggest tax drains in the country, raking in federal dollars while kvetching about Obama's tyranny. In return, the U.S. gets to keep the liberal oasis of Austin, like the little swath of Azerbaijan surrounded by Armenia and Iran.
Second, Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton should immediately be seized by the Washington Nationals as part of the deal. The Washington Wizards should also demand star San Antonio point guard Tony Parker, who is French and therefore probably unwelcome in what is likely to be the violently xenophobic Republic of Texas. The U.S. would, of course, have to cough up some native Texans, like Houston Astros meatballer Brandon Backe.
Finally, the Republic of Texas should arrange a population transfer with the United States, like how Turkey and Greece exchanged all their misplaced Turks and Greeks after the first World War — only this time without the forced marches and famine. Basically, we get all the New Yorker-reading lefties, and Texas can have all the crazies — millenarians with basement stockpiles of semiautomatics, true believers who blockade abortion clinics, paranoiacs who think The Gays are coming to get them, and anyone who believes that evolution is "just a theory."

Getting rid of Texas is a once-a-century opportunity for America's new leader. Texas Republicans have spoken. The only question is, "Are you listening President Obama?"

David Faris recently completed the 27th grade at the University of Pennsylvania, where he studies Middle East politics. He looks forward to adding another rogue state to his passport when he visits the Republic of Texas.

Some random Lifetime clip

2009-04-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

I know, life time is cheesy. But if you look past that i am sure you can find similarities that most people have gone through. Personally, my mom wouldn't be the antagonist (as far as the gay thing goes i would discriber her as: convientently judgemental, religous, stanchly republican, appropiately concered yet hasnt really put much thought into the "gay thing" and generally isn't in her plane of thought). Though if i had a Lifetime movie i would totally put Sigourney Weaver in her roll.

Trial and Tribulations of being just Pretty

2009-04-21T12:10:00.000-07:00

Here is the best of MISS USA PAGEANT: I was inspired by Miss California 2009 to put together a little countdown after her incoherent answer, which stumbled and fell to a conclusion after a painful logical crawl and yet, she was still remarkably high ranked. I cant believe pageants are still around to be honest, to me it seems obvious its more about the sparkles you can load onto a dress and less about inner beauty, intellect or poise.

Miss Americas Fall from Grace

California- "Ummmm, opposite marriage"

(Please Gay men and women, have dignity and take yourselves out out this field, or at least away from Miss California.)

Sum it up What-the-Buck

All time favorite: "like such as"

Adam and Steve... Colbert

2009-04-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

The Colbert Coalition's Anti-Gay Marriage Ad

colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

NASA Name Contest

The response:

A Gaythering Storm from Jane Lynch

Equal Marriage for NY

2009-04-16T10:28:00.000-07:00

AP: NEW YORK – Gov. David Paterson announced plans Thursday to legalize same-sex marriage in New York, making a political gamble that he can ride the momentum of other states that have recently allowed the practice.

The governor's approval ratings have plunged to below 20 percent, and it's still unclear how the legislation will play in the state. Paterson says gay marriage is a crucial issue of equal rights in America that cannot be ignored.

Paterson, who is black, framed the issue in sweeping terms, invoking Frederick Douglass and Harriet Beecher Stowe and drawing a parallel between the fight to eliminate slavery in the 1800s to the current effort to allow gay marriage.

"I'm introducing a bill to bring marriage equality to the state of New York," Paterson said to applause, surrounded by leaders including Mayor Michael Bloomberg and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn.

The proposal is the same bill the Democrat-controlled state Assembly passed in 2007 before it died in the Senate, where the Republican majority kept it from going to a vote. Democrats now control the Senate, but opponents are vowing to make sure this one fails, as well.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090416/ap_on_re_us/gay_marriage_new_york

Popular. You gonna be Popular

2009-04-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

Centuries of obsession: It takes looks, personality, and ... well, thats it. Jee golly, if only i had brains i could probably think of other influences, what could it be hmm.

Picture Show: Scott Strazzante & Robert Adams

2009-04-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

Both of these photographers were published in NPR this week. The first i loved because it took me back to the family farm in Texas and later into my ivory suburban childhood. Its called Common Ground:

On July 2, 2002, Jean and Harlow Cagwin watched as their home — the last remnant of their 118-acre cattle farm in Lockport, Illinois — was torn down clearing the way for a new housing development. Several years later, Ed and Amanda Grabenhofer and their four children moved into, what is now, the new Willow Walk subdivision. This is the work of photographer, Scott Strazzante, for almost over a decade.

http://mediastorm.org/0023.htm

The second is a beautiful and poignant representation of the Midwest personal sprawl and tranquil terrain. I always found the beauty of Nebraska (and its pictures) not in the subject, but the void around it. Photographer, Robert Adams, who recently won the Hasselblad Award, does a great job translating that peaceful emptiness and bland encasing into character.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/pictureshow/2009/04/robert_adams.html

Everything is amazing, and nobody is happy

2009-04-14T15:02:00.000-07:00

I.Love.This

American Idol's Adam Lambert Ruins Historic Piece of Music

2009-04-08T12:25:00.000-07:00

I am sorry, did we already forget how stunning, lingering and evocative Mad World truly is and how it lost ALL meaning.

Can I just say something about this- That song is one of the most brilliant songs written and way before its time and later made infamous by a beautiful, deep, haunting vocals from Gary Jules. Adam blew it he was absolutely undeniable awful and --everyone loved it? I cant believe he got away with such a grisly murder.

Originally written by tears for fears in 1982, the early 80s were incapable sustaining its true musical capacity (performed in an early pop-80’s ‘Tiffany’ sort of way) and it wasn’t truly realized until later versions were released after the grudge era. It is now an Iconic song gracefully looming throughout so many forms of our culture, from Gears of War to Donnie Darko:

The Adam Lambert rendition was a step back for music, why does it sound like he is getting kicked in the balls. It was unnaturally self indulgent, void of meaning and emotion… wow, I mean, that song has power.

I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard it; I was offended as a fan of the song (just check my MySpace page)

That song is beautiful, that song is enduring, that song delivers chills in the first few chords… and that song is not Adam.

Mad Word, Tears for Fears (early conceptual allegro)

Donnie Darko (famous low tempo)

Fuck Face’s (retarded version)

Vermont Overrides a Vetoed Gay Marriage Bill! DC Recognizes Out of State Marriage

2009-04-07T13:49:00.000-07:00

BREAKING NEWS: Moments ago, the Vermont House voted 100-49 to override the marriage bill veto!

Moments ago, the Vermont House voted 100-49 to override the marriage bill veto! The House vote, which followed the Senate voting 23-5 this morning to override Gov. Douglas’s veto, means that Vermont becomes the first state to OK marriage equality through the legislative process.

Today Vermont joins Massachusetts, Connecticut and Iowa in allowing gay and lesbian couples to legally marry.

Statement by Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin regarding the passage of S. 115 “An Act Relating to Civil Marriage”:

Today Vermont legislators did the right thing by overriding Governor Douglas’ veto and granting equal rights to all Vermonters. The struggle for equal rights is never easy. I was proud to be President of the Senate nine years ago when Vermont led the country by creating civil unions. Today is another historic day for Vermont and I have never felt more proud as we become the first state in the country to enact marriage equality not as the result of a court order, but because it is the right thing to do.”

Many thanks to all the Vermonters who participated in this debate, Vermont Freedom to Marry, MassEquality, the Human Rights Campaign, and everyone who helped make today’s victory possible.

http://www.hrcbackstory.org/2009/04/victory-vermont-votes-for-marriage-equality/

THIS JUST IN: DC Council votes to recognize out-of-state same-sex marriage

The D.C. Council has voted to recognize gay marriages performed in other states on the same day that Vermont became the fourth state to legalize same-sex unions.

Domestic partnerships already are legal in the nation’s capital, and gay couples married in other states are recognized as domestic partners when they move the city. But today’s legislation, billed as an important milestone in gay rights, explicitly recognizes them as married couples.

Obama's Weekend Speech

2009-04-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

"We do not consider ourselves a Christian nation, Jewish nation or a Muslim nation, but a nation of citizens." -Barrack Obama

"give to Cesar what is Cesar's, give to God what is God's" -Jesus ... Christians need to study more

Equal Marriage Passes in Iowa: Midwest Paving the Way

2009-04-03T09:21:00.000-07:00

I woke to an ecstatic text messages this morning and saw the flurry of Facebook activity. Here is the Washington Post and NY Times stories at 9:00am this morning! :-) :-) :-) :-)

Washington Post: DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa's Supreme Court legalized gay marriage Friday in a unanimous and emphatic decision that makes Iowa the third state _ and first in the nation's heartland _ to allow same-sex couples to wed.

In its decision, the high court upheld a lower court's ruling that found a state law restricting marriage to between a man and woman only violated Iowa's constitution.

"It's a big win because, coming from Iowa, it represents the mainstreaming of gay marriage. And it shows that despite attempts stop gay marriage through right-wing ballot initiatives, like in California, the courts will continue to support the case for equal rights for gays,"

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/03/AR2009040300376.html?hpid%3Dtopnews⊂=AR

New York Times: DES MOINES — Iowa became the first state in the Midwest to approve same-sex marriage on Friday, after the Iowa Supreme Court unanimously decided that a 1998 law limiting marriage to a man and a woman was unconstitutional.

The decision was the culmination of a four-year legal battle that began in the lower courts. The Supreme Court said same-sex marriages could begin in Iowa in as soon as 21 days.

“I’d like to introduce you to my fiancee,” said Kate Varnum, 34, reaching over to Trish Varnum. “Today I am proud to be a lifelong Iowan.”“We are blessed to live in Iowa,” she added.

The case here was being closely followed by advocates on both sides of the issue. While the same-sex marriage debate has played out on both coasts, the Midwest — where no states had permitted same-sex marriage — was seen as entirely different. In the past, at least six states in the Midwest were among those around the country that adopted amendments to their state constitutions banning same-sex marriage.

“The decision made by the Iowa Supreme Court today to allow gay marriage in Iowa is disappointing on many levels," State Senator Paul McKinley, the Republican leader, said in a statement on The Des Moines Register’s Web site. "I believe marriage should only be between one man and one woman and I am confident the majority of Iowans want traditional marriage to be legally recognized in this state."

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/04/us/04iowa.html?_r=1&hp

Godly Reflection

2009-03-26T22:44:00.000-07:00

“And even if we did have only Christians in our midst, if we expelled every non-Christian from the United States of America, whose Christianity would we teach in the schools? Would we go with James Dobson's, or Al Sharpton's? Which passages of Scripture should guide our public policy? Should we go with Leviticus, which suggests slavery is ok and that eating shellfish is abomination? How about Deuteronomy, which suggests stoning your child if he strays from the faith? Or should we just stick to the Sermon on the Mount - a passage that is so radical that it's doubtful that our own Defense Department would survive its application? -So before we get carried away, let's read our bibles. Folks haven't been reading their bibles.”
— Barack Obama

2012 American Economy Armageddon !!!!...?

2009-03-25T09:37:00.000-07:00

This guy predicts the economy like I predict politics :-)
"Economic trends foreceaster Gerald Celente bears news nobody wants to hear: the economic crisis is going to get worse." It's a little scary, Gerald Celente is predicting an Economic Armageddon between 2009 - 2012 and, according to himself, has been for some time now.

Concerning? Yes. However, I would like to say that this does seem pretty sensationalized, and the reporters don't seem to show any descending views or intricate background (maybe when he has been wrong, or some loop holes within his theory). They took a lot of what he said for granted. The report should have checked to see if this is what Celente has REALLY been saying for the last few years and "bought the URL," not just taking Celente's word for it. (Notice my "according to himself" in the opening paragaph). This is usually a dead on sign of poor/lazy/rushed journalism or poor, yet sensational, substance. This doesn't necessarily mean this expert is wrong, it just means you should be cautious because we are getting a very limited story (we can't make good decisions without more info). The televised news might have even re-edited it to make what he said seem more dramatic (cutting out sober minded commentary for sensational sound bites because of 'time' or **eh-hum** ratings. Regardless, it is interesting and worrisome-- hopefully it won't come to this.

Words of Wisdom from Our Forefathers

2009-03-23T15:40:00.000-07:00

Sweet Vibes

2009-03-19T16:17:00.001-07:00

Stewart vs Cramer: The Complete Guide

2009-03-18T16:30:00.000-07:00

The Interview

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Jim Cramer Pt. 1

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

How did this idea that John Stewart in attacking Crammer for being a 'non-supporter of Obama’s views'? John Stewart- yes, he is a comedian, yes, he is to the left/Dem., yes, his show is not on CNN or FoxNews but on an MTV subsidiary. Yet he has more sense, intellect, research, and value than most other TV Journalists out there. This is not to defend Stewart, the comedian, but condemn the rest of the “ TV journalists.” If anyone was watching before hand, and knew the SLIGHTEST information on this topic, then you would undoubtedly understand where the feud spawned from... and where it did not. I have tracked down ALL the media i could find, make up your own mind.

The Episode that started it all. You try and figure out why John is mad, hmmm?!

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

CNBC Gives Financial Advice

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

What an odd story this was, such drama! It was unique because for the first time I was totally plugged into all facets and saw the whole thing unfold like some bystander watch a ten car media pile up. What has made me so angry is the utter misinformation being supplied by the greater media.

Why i disagree with the assumption that this was a TV assassination attempt aimed at the Republicans
A. He didn't attack Cramer he attacked the whole financial show market
B. Pull up many of Stewart's past criticisms of Obama and his cabinet choices ( far more than Cramer's -if Cramer even has any)
John Stewart criticizes Obama

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Senate Confirmation Hearings Roast

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Moment of Zen - Geithner vs. Sanders

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

C. Watch the episode –it clearly explained WHY he is going after him with such ferocity (video at top)
D. The interview obviously pertained to the idea the Cramer's stock choices not his ideologies
E.Look at the facts: (why isn’t that enough-- to ask some serious questions)

-----It was during the March 17, 2008, segment, titled "Broken Arrow: Crisis in the Chartland," Stewart criticized Cramer after airing a clip of CNBC's Mad Money, during which Cramer said:

"Bear Stearns is fine. Do not take your money out.
This is -- look, if there's one takeaway other than a plus 400 [inaudible] --
Bear Stearns is not in trouble. I mean, if anything, they are more likely to be
taken over. Don't move your money from Bear. That's just being silly. Don't be
silly." -----

The only thing that is silly here is it took a comedian to point this out seriously. But it was spun into Stewart (angry, at the obvious, because “this guy is screwing people’s hard earn money over” [and I personally still think he was a little angry over the cancelation]) into a puppet for the liberal elite.

But where did this spin come from? The O’Reilly Factor. (video below)

O’Reilly’s fun house mirror take on the situation

(This is the back story) This is how i cam to accidentally watch the whole thing unfold. In a debate with my parents, I told them I would watch an O’Reilly episode with a pen and paper and make notes of each error covered by the show. Last week, O’Reilly aired a segment (obviously with out having done any type of research before hand) on the Stewart/Crammer story. There he accused Stewart of attacking Cramer for his views on Obama. Ok, A) I can't really find ant decenting remarks made about Obama were in 2008/2009 B) Crammer shies any form partisan topics on his show about finance.
The last criticism of the Obama administration for Stewart: last week. With the debacle of electing a person to head up the IRS with a history of not paying taxes. The reason Stewart was PISSED was because of a finance guy telling people to buy AIG and Bear Sterns the same week it closed. After the last minute cancellation: Comedian + an axe to grind + open air time= legendary comedy.
Bill O’Wrongly, got it wrong… Again. It was wrong to accuse Crammer of partisanship and it was wrong to report conjecture as fact.
My dad and I, my dad being the University Chair of the Finance Dpt. And Republican, had been exchanging emails on this Cramer topic right after the first Stewart episode aired. Both thinking it was funny and my dad was relieved by Stewart’s take on “those finance shows for cads.” Then by chance seeing the O’Reilly Factor –seeing this as my golden opportunity to show my parent’s of how wrong O’Reilly is… and now I get to show how much of a Fox lap-dog Tucker is (BONUS POINTS!) [video above]. Lets be honest here, at least John Stewart admits to being left, its obvious his show leans left.. no ands ifs and buts about it. But tucker can’t even man up and admit he is Right leaning?! Obviously, not the most truthful reporter.

Watch the episode, and see for yourself: is John going after crammer for being Republican or is it for wrongly advising people. Tucker should

This just shows once again how wrong the media is now a days. It hit two no three birds with one stone a) shaming them by doing a better job than the other news personalities b) lack of research, which might be cause the first c) THE STOCK MARKET IS IMPLODING and you report on a TV feud… what is wrong with you guys!
Be your own judge.

Best Irish Videos

2009-03-17T12:24:00.000-07:00

Mobile, Alabama sees "crack head" leprechaun.

Mmmmm Beer.

The Irish temperament.

Best St. Pat's Day Movie... ever!

Spring Breakdown: Cartels Take Brutal Turn

2009-03-12T17:01:00.000-07:00

Party’s Over: Mexico Reaches Critical Boiling Point in midst of Spring Break

I just finished reading a great piece in the New York Times about spring breakers in stumbling into the volatile situation in Mexico. “’Did I just see that?’ asked one of those who glimpsed the federal anti-drug unit going by, a baby-faced girl wearing a ‘party animal’ T-shirt over her bikini.” (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/11/world/americas/11cancun.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss)

The article references an email sent from former CIA director, George Tenet, to his college son convincing him to cancel the trip. I hunted down the e-mail here is a clip from his writing:

“What the American public allegedly does not know at this point (according to my friend) is that the drug cartels have offered an ultimatum to Mexican intelligence. Although I do not know the specific terms of this ultimatum, I have heard that if the terms are not met by the end of this week, the drug cartels have threatened to begin targeting young spring-breaking Americans next week with kidnappings and shootings in the 3 biggest hot-spots of Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, and Acapulco (the one destination of the three that is already very unsafe, more so than the others). Some Americans have already been caught in crossfires in Acapulco when they weren’t even being targeted. If drug cartels were to start targeting American spring breakers next week, the situation would become such a clusterfuck…”

A few months ago Newsweek ran a story on Juárez drug war spilling over into the tiny Texas town of El Paso. The area hospital is now outfitted in bullet proof glass and metal security to protect the medical workers when rival gangs come to “finish the job.” The last few week splashed across American headlines and in gory detail on new stands which documented how bad the war between 5 major drug cartels has steeped, a line of tortured bodies lie across a banner, rows heads found in coolers leading up to a city, bodies thrown in barrels of lye (a calling card of sorts for one gang leader). In a photo spread from the LA Time (a B-rate publication) chronicles some of the more gruesome photos of what is happening in areas like Tijuana.
(http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-mexico-cancun-drugs2-2009mar02,0,3441309.story)

Gay Marriage

2009-02-18T17:29:00.000-08:00

Its so well summed up!

The Worst is yet to Come... Brother, you have no idea!

2009-02-18T12:42:00.001-08:00

"The average American used to be able to borrow to buy a home, send their kids to a good school [and] buy a car," Davidowitz says. "A lot of that is gone." The end of rampant consumerism is ultimately a good thing, he says, but the unraveling of an economy built on debt-fueled spending will be painful for years to come.

In the video Davidowitz makes the assumption that people are spending less and thus must be saving more. I don’t think that is quit right, many people I know can’t save money… they don’t have enough of it. I know I am living paycheck to paycheck, and it isn’t easy. I will say however, that people have stopped living above their means and began surviving to make ends meet.

Simply: if people aren't spending the money and people aren’t saving the money, where did the money go? It’s not like we have less monetary currency. Someone spends a dollar at a company, that company pays someone a dollar and they then spend that dollar. I doubt if the companies are hording the money at the top so thus the money must be pooling at the bottom like Davidowitz suggests. Though, being at the bottom I can say: I don’t know anyone who is not depleting their savings trying to pay rent and food.

But then where did the money go? I didn’t exist… it was loans and credit, spending the dollar we never had, accustoming the companies to getting money that didn’t exist and inflating the prices (if we will pay 2 dollars then they will charge 2 dollars, even if we only actually have 1). Then the debt got too big, we couldn't pay off the credit cards, after that we defaulted on the loans and then realized we can’t buy whatever whenever. This is how the economy should have always been, before was an illusion. That’s where we are at, not saving… but not spending what we don’t have. Which is good, but i think could be a big threat to the middle class.

I have been desperate for a new pair of shoes, having worn mine for the last 4 years. But to pay off rent and food each month, breaking even. I don’t get paid enough because the job market is flooded. How am I going to get new shoes, I can't even save for them or pay them off of credit.
I wonder if the difference between a recession and a depression is the difference between wanting to buy a new pair of shoes but knowing the value of that money and savings; and not at all even being able to even save for a new pair of shoes. Many of Davidowitz's observations are correct, except for people aren’t saving the money instead of consuming-- they’re just not capable of consuming.

Obama's Foreclosure Package: Click here to watch the video

New York Fashion Weak

2009-02-18T11:13:00.000-08:00

NY Fashion Week
Thus far one of the best summaries of the recent fashion week was by Kathy Horn of the New York Times. Oddly, my praise of this is less about the fashion and more about the coverage. She is so dead on and purely poetic. She “senses a fight between the good girls and the bad” and describes the “models with floss colored hair.”
Click here to watch the video. (http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/02/17/fashion/20090218-fashion-feature/index.html)

In this I heard and underlining tone of either indifference or disappointment . If you’re trying to reflect the people and era, to resonate with culture and stay relevant at this time, then, just because we are in a depression doesn’t mean we want to see all black. A point so potently highlighted by Horn: “just because its black, doesn’t make it chic.” (hahaha- ouch, but true).

Established Designers:

Marc Jacobs

Anna Sui

Donna Karan

Jill Stuart

New Designers

Aussie designer Michael Angel

New comer Jason Wu (known for the inaugural gown)

New Comer Lanvin

All the black only makes the depression worse. After the fashion week, I was greatly disappointed with how the designers were unable to appropriately adjust to this time leaving a general mood of discontentment and a deep disconnect. The age restrictive, Jacob, “couldn’t answer the unanswerable” and didn’t know how to deal with the recession, so he just designed pretty dresses.
Where was the creativity? Does any one really want to see a black jacket and tights or a garish 1980s flash-back. Where is the creativity, the trend setting, the edifying relevance and, most important, the style?
My humble suggestion, to deal with “the unanswerable,” is quite easy to answer- elation in simplicity. I wanted to see vibrant, intense colors (breaking out of the gloom), energetic patterns on familiar fabrics. Offer all fashion in one piece.
To still maintain relevance: neglect overindulgence (like that of costume designer Patricia Field). Instead of heaping on pricey layered outfits, exotic textiles and mountains accruements, I wanted a powerful piece. A direct, single fashionable force calling for only minimalist accessories (simple shoes, purse and coat [if any]). Lose any of the unnecessary. Trend setting should be made in the brilliant colors, cuts, forms and folds on basic material.
I was hoping for the designers to take on this challenge, break through the gloom and empathize with the audience. Maybe the newer designers have experienced this era first hand and better understand the remedies for the situation. At the end of the day I felt the classic houses fell through and saw the newer designers rise to the occasion.

How drab? London's Fashion Week

An interesting side note, the recent fashion weeks are at a little bit of war, British capital faces a cut from six days to just four because the New York organisers want to push their shows a few days later. According to the council, Fashion Week attracts nearly 5,000 buyers, journalists and designers from across the world and injects 20 million pounds ($43 million) into London's economy. Maybe this will put the pretentious designers in the right place once they see the fanfare slowly dying.

Fun Posting! Evolution in Overdrive

2009-02-12T14:22:00.000-08:00

Here are some fun things, the video is of an ape that walks upright (remarkably well). I thought it was a bit of a coincidence because yesterday I found a story about a fish that had grown webbed legs (posted further below). In the video, zoo care takers feel the ape is brain damaged-- could that mean that our bipedal evolutionary heritage could have spawned from emulating other retarded chimps?! Wouldn't surprise me. I am no zoologist so my "feelings" don't have much pull, but the ape looks to be socializing quit normally, and responds the to the same stimuli in the same time frame as the other apes. She also appears to have normal movements and motives (other than the obvious upright walking).

Monkey Walks Like A Human

Then from SlightlyWarped.com: A worker of the Malaysian Fisheries Development Board (LKIM) in Batu Maung, Penang, made this unusual find when she was given the 1.7kg fish by a fisherman at the jetty recently.

When contacted, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Muka Head marine research station head Prof Dr Zulfigar Yasin said this is the first time he had heard of fish with legs found in the Malaysian waters. Similar discoveries have been found in South Africa.

http://www.slightlywarped.com/crapfactory/curiosities/sharkwithfeet.htm

Maybe evolution is starting to kick in full force! Perhaps triggered by enviromental changes or global warming or *insert random useless Buzz word here*.

Todays Picture

2009-02-05T11:26:00.001-08:00

Snap Shot

2009-02-02T13:31:00.000-08:00

Here is one of the best snapshots into the American mind, a micro-culture from a cross section of ages, backgrounds, education levels and regions. People from all over the country (from the very smart to the very ...odd) come to ComicCon in San Diego. It is a mix between nerds and nonconformists. One interesting thing to pick up on is: see who most of the people dressed as "bad guys" are voting for...

Britney vs. Kelly

2009-01-31T21:59:00.000-08:00

Kelly Clarkson's song just flew from the 97th postion to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard's Top 100, breaking the record for the largest leap. Beating the previously held record by Britney Spears's "Womanizer," which jumped from No. 96 to No. 1 last year, 2008, makes me think- there is a God.

Documentary Lover

2009-01-30T14:04:00.000-08:00

As seen in my previous post, I love documentaries. Past suggestions were No End in Sight, What Happened to the Electric Car and Crazy Love. Well, here is the latest development- a site FILLED with FREE documentaries. yay!
http://www.freedocumentaries.org/
Love it, love it, oh i love it! i know what i am doing this whole weekend. These have been mostly collected from Youtube or other sources. I also like the Sundance Channel on YouTube (that's where i got Crazy Love)
http://www.youtube.com/user/sundancechannel
And of course PBS has so many great docs between Frontline and Independent Lens, I might not leave the house... ever. ha
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/

Great New Blog

2009-01-29T18:05:00.001-08:00

I was excited the second i saw it...
http://www.facesofus.blogspot.com/

Sleepless Night Pondering World Plight

2009-01-29T17:07:00.000-08:00

Does any one a fund, government program or company investing in new eco resources? One that is easy to get by a college graduate working on the internet for a living? ha.
Ok, so I know this sounds crazy. But I have been having a hard time going to sleep, I am so excited about idea that has been haunting me for the last few days. I have been thinking of a way to outfit my car and no longer run on short term sources, as in periodically refilling or recharging (I hate filling up gas and never charge my phone) and using a source more environmentally friendly than oil.
I think I stumbled onto a concept, that not only meets my two car criteria, but could actually solve energy issues across the bored -a simple generating devise that could easily last beyond a life time, made from abounded cheap recourse and has absolutely no emissions. Mentally, everything kind of wrapped up in one complete concept on the way back from a trip from (energy wasting) Las Vegas. ugh, such a long drive!
It should work in theory, I just need the resources, like a wind generator. But seriously, image every house with their own energy generator (no grid waste), never refueling a vehicle, train or airplane, no more pollution from those sources and dramatically changing not only geo-politics but we could carry this technology far beyond the globe (we wouldn’t be constrained by resources). Ok- I know, I am getting a little crazy, but this is a step in the right direction.

Electricity

World Issues

Me on Youtube

2009-01-22T16:52:00.000-08:00

Here are some videos from me on the movie set:

Crazy in Love Right Now

2009-01-11T11:19:00.000-08:00

Here is one of the best plotted documentaries I have seen in a long time. It is an amazing story of how twisted love can get. This is the intro to Crazy Love, and I LOVE it. See the whole thing, it gets so-- crazy.

Photo-log of 2008

2008-12-18T17:39:00.000-08:00

This will be an ever-growing photo-log (or plog) of the years most power photos, seen from the year beginning to the end:

Lightning bolts appear above and around the Chaiten volcano as seen from Chana, some 30 kms (19 miles) north of the volcano, as it began its first eruption in thousands of years, in southern Chile May 2, 2008.

A U.S. Marine, from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, has a close call after Taliban fighters opened fire near Garmser in Helmand Province of Afghanistan May 18, 2008. The Marine was not injured.
A Kenyan boy screams as he sees kenyan policeman with a baton approach the door of his home in the Kibera slum of Nairobi 17 January 2008.
Wounded Palestinians lay near Reuters news agency reporter Fadel Shaana's car after it was hit by an Israeli missile on April 16, 2008 in the central Gaza Strip.
Fireworks light up the sky for the Chinese Olympics

Oh Yea!

2008-12-16T13:07:00.002-08:00

More must have sites:

http://booshmagazine.com/articles/cat/14/item/103

Add this to it along with my old blog

http://mixturtle.com/
http://ufornography.blogspot.com/2008/09/in-your-spare-time.html

The Looks

2008-12-12T16:38:00.000-08:00

For men's fashion now there is a cohisive ealry 60's movement. The popular designs seem to have this wonderful 1960 mod flavor to them, complimented buy a slim fit style and either fine or wooly/tweed fabrics. Below are my favorite outfits of the winter season. Afterward, men's fashion leader, Dolce and Gabbana's 2009 collection is shown. Then, my newest favorite male designer, Duckie Brown's 08 Fall collection highlights and followed by the latest shoe watch.

http://www.fashion-ation.net/

http://www.dolcegabbana.com/dg/fashion-show-ss09/

http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2008/fall/main/newyork/menrunway/duckiebrown/

http://www.fashion-ation.net/

I am:

2008-12-09T14:28:00.001-08:00

Extroverts
Both (in a very contradicting manor) Sensing types & Intuitive types
Thinking types
Perceiving types

What are you?

http://www.socionics.com/main/types.htm

It's all about the Benjamins.

2008-11-19T09:28:00.001-08:00

Quote of the week:
Beware of small expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.
-Benjamin Franklin

Did anyone else see that disgusting MTV U cheap Fiance Chow, sponsored by City Bank Cards. It wasnt how to save money, it was about spending money and where it is best to spend this money (using your credit card)... like large, expensive, difficult to pay back purchases. http://www.mtvu.com/creditcard/getpoints.jhtml OMG

here are some things that i have been looking at:
http://www.ft.com/home/us
http://www.portfolio.com/
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081119/ap_on_bi_go_ec_fi/economy

In Pain

2008-11-14T09:59:00.000-08:00

Hope is a long road

2008-11-05T23:19:00.000-08:00

True change is a long, winding, treacherous journey. Don't worry Obama, we, as Americans, know that --and you still have my backing, my faith and... hope.

Congratulations.

Diebold Leak the 08 Election Results Early

2008-10-29T12:22:00.000-07:00

Fun video from the primaries. I love the onion...

Obama vs McCain: Even Nebraska up for Grabs

2008-10-24T15:03:00.000-07:00

Here is an article illustrating what i have suspected: For the first time ever, NE might split its electoral votes between Obama and McCain. This just goes to show the significant strides the Democratic Party has made in Republican strong hold states. Image the news flash that NE could split for a Democratic, a shock like that could affect the voting in the rest of the country changing voting polls and turnout in the midwest, mountain, and west coast. Republican voters are less likely to vote if they feel that their party will not win, this could cause changes in swing state such as Colorado. Right now, Barrack has a pretty solid grasp on the Democratic state (monsters like New York and California) where as John McCain might even lose his home state of Arizona (along with many other southern states like North Carolina). Right now if Barrack keeps his strong states (very likely) and wins two or three other states (very likely) Obama will get it. It seems to me that Barrack Obama is America's next president.

http://omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2835&u_sid=10467500

I also think it’s funny that throughout the turmoil in the McCain Campaign showing weakness, the loss of classic republican states, and, lest we not forget, Obama vanquishing Hilary Clinton (a far more viable, bloodthirsty foe then the Old McCain and Folksy Palin) in the primary but the media still reports the crisis and tight race, yea the tight race in Republican territory. In many cases i hear 'the polls show barrack with a lead, but is he really?' yes, all he will need is a Pennsylvania (thus far seems relatively secure) or a Colorado (the location of this year’s DNC). Though it admittedly this crisis works and i do stay tune, journalist… do your jobs and enough with the drama.

Flash backs: remember John McCain did start with great turmoil and mass firing thus many predicted that his camp was dead in the water, but he rose up and snatched the nominee. But Obama survived a much more viable, cutthroat, shrewd, politically minded rival in a MUCH MORE close race (one the likes of which has never been seen before) and still survived to win the nom. Though media seems to just rehash the primaries and copy paste last year’s stories it is interesting to see that both survived similar situation. But other have barely won the primary’s and still lost the Presidential while it is rare that anyone beats a Clinton and lives to tell about it. The miracle it took to overcome a Clinton, I think it should be easier for Obama to get this (particularly when considering McCain suffered campaign turmoil only at the beginning of the primaries not the end). So there you are :-)

Stumbled across an Essay

2008-10-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

Tom, my face book friend, wrote:

Recently I started a job at Hi-Vee supermarket. Yeah, I know, whatever... But during orientation I had to get to know more about someone else at orientation. I met Natalie who said she wanted to work because she had been raising her 3-year-old son and got bored. I felt I could relate that hanging around all day with a 3-year-old might be boring. But then I wondered how it used to be done. Like, years ago was the housewife just bored out of her mind?

In my women's studies class tonight I made a discovery. Before America was industrialized the stay-at-home mom was busy producing things. Instead of idly passing time or watching TV these women MADE things. Things that I think most people have no clue as to how they are made. After America was industrialized the women went from producers to consumers. This sounds very familiar. Industrialization leads to consumerism. Then the woman at home had less to do and before you know it she had to go get a job... at Hi-Vee. Is Hi-Vee the solution to boredom? Not for me. And I don't think it is to Natalie either. But if your going to be bored you might as well make the time worth something. So she works in the deli and I work in the kitchen now. They have taught me how to do dishes and mix salads and make some foods like chicken. Actually, it doesn't require very much thought and I don't even care if I do a good job. I have converted my time to pure monetary value.

Something I'd like to do is re-learn what goes into producing things. I feel like if I could spend my time doing those things I'd be making more out of my time. But today value is measured in dollars and cents. I feel like there is a right way to be a stay-at-home mom or even father. People are beginning to realize the value of child raising. When I look at the economy I can't help but think the real problem is the entrepreneur. No one knows how to do anything anymore. If I wanted to start a side job making soap for the neighbors I'd have alot to learn. By getting a job I'm not actually helping the economy. Sure, I'll make money and spend it, but if I didn't have this job someone else would. We don't need more jobs, we need more self-made people. That's how America became so great.

Industrialization promotes ignorance. There is a long line between producer and consumer that wasn't there before. No one wants you to know everything that went into your making your cheeseburger or filling your tank with gas. If you knew everyone who produced the things you used then wouldn't that be wild. You would have a chance at finding the true value of what your getting. But something so simple as a pencil would require you to travel around the world to get to know the people who got the lead or rubber or wood or whatever pencils are made out of. I know this sounds hippish but you'd also have to get to know Mother Earth. Yeah, most people forget that things come from there. So we value money right? Well, how much does Mother Earth make each year? $0. How worthless is she! Freeloader! I have to stop and admit here that some of my thoughts on value were taken from Michael Pollan's "Omnivore's Delimma", so read it if your interested in this.

Oh My!!!: Vote John McCain

2008-10-19T20:58:00.000-07:00

at the risk of being flagged, nobody fucks with John McCain

Na na na Nana... Batman!

2008-10-16T12:40:00.000-07:00

A Revolution for the Millenium

2008-10-08T09:43:00.000-07:00

"A week after the insurance giant, the American International Group, received an $85 billion federal bailout, its life insurance subsidiary, AIG General, held a weeklong retreat for its top sales agents at the exclusive St. Regis Resort in Monarch Beach, Calif. Expenses for the week, lawmakers were told, totaled $442,000, including $200,000 for hotel rooms, $150,000 for food and $23,000 in spa charges." -New York Times, October 7, 2008

Haven't there been revolutions started from this kind of thing?

Why Can't We Bring These Back

2008-10-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

Went swimsuit shopping over the weekend, they all had a weird cut and fell below my knees. Why can't we bring these truncks back (see below), people looked so good in them --far better than now. I think they just fit the human body. I mean just look...

HOT position!!!!

I want it back.

Ideas Worth Spreading

2008-09-30T14:54:00.000-07:00

Amazing design blog sums up the best TED speakers. My mind is absolutely blown away...

http://proxonicvisuals.com/blog/2008/02/24/top-10-ted-videos/

The organization's Web site for "Ideas worth spreading"

http://www.ted.com/

September Project

2008-09-29T12:51:00.000-07:00

As September winds down here is an amazing project. For all those who have Sept. birthdays and for those who know someone with one here is an interesting link:

Here is the offical link for Charity: Water

http://www.charitywater.org/

My sister helped out with the Peace Corp. helping well water as an environmental engineer.

West Coast vs East Coast

2008-09-26T14:11:00.000-07:00

Regional differences between coasts- East Coast “You do you, I’ll Do me”: Look out for number one, Do what ever it takes. Midwest- “Do it yourself”: self preserve (stock up some close family/ friends) work hard to get what you need. West: “Let’s do lunch”: screw over enough people to succeed (not just do whatever it take for yourself, do it by whatever means it takes to bring the others down).

The best example (based off of my real life personal experiences). Imagine you have a job interview in each area-

Upper East- You’re lost and visibly confused, New Yorker: “get out of my way, what you cant understand a simple map or something. I can read people really well and you’re lost. Here, I’ll take the map… where you headed, I don’t have all day. Go down Broadway to lower Manhattan, take a right on 5th walk five blocks… are you fucking listening to me, right? Walk five blocks to Hampton Street, take a left. I wouldn’t move here to New York if I were you, this place is already too crowed, too many *insert random racial slur or stereotype*. You’ll get there in 20mins if you start walkin and get out of my way.” Perfect directions, you make it there in exactly 20 mins.
Attitude: Meanly nice.
Culture: High strung, blunt, doing not asking, short tempered
Money: rent…
If they were a flavor of ice-cream: rocky road

Central Midwest: If you look lost, nobody will help you, you will need to ask, keep an exaggerated personal bubble of space. When you ask, they will give you basic directions and general friendly demeanor (not so much if you are 'unique'). “yup… lets see… the best way to get there… well…. I would… keep takin’ the 80 North until the 6 turn at the large brick building. Good luck with the interview sir, you have a nice day now.” Tip the hat and slowly walk away, no further conversation unless you make it. The person will leave with a ‘good day’ smile on their face. No extra directions (like right or left or info), you have what you will need, find it yourself (if not you can always ask again). They are very individualistic in the sense that they think of the 'individual' as made of your family and friends and that who you look out for.
Attitude: Indifferent nice
Culture: plain
Money: sufficient
Ice cream: vanilla
Lower West: You will have to ask and say you are lost once again to make it to your interview, probably after somebody walks by and wishes you a good day. They will smile and talk nicely, “ok sure, welcome to the area. You want to continue down the road, make a right merge on to the interstate, stay on for 3 miles, exit to Crenshaw, Compton or *some other ghetto*”[Warning: LA they will only talk to you or be nice if you have something they want]. After giving you the wrong directions with a gleaming smile and passive attitude, they will take the address, go to the interview themselves, talk about how perseverant they are (they were going to stay all day but as luck would have it the scheduled interviewee, you, never showed). And then they would proceed to talk about how unprofessional you must have been for missing the interview. When they happen to run into you again… they will be mad at you because you didn’t give them enough time to change into a more professional ensemble, and perhaps threaten to frivolously sue you over it.
Attitude: Nicely mean.
Culture: pretentious, self-centered, careless, passive and disingenuous
Money: its all debt- cells, sunglasses, glossy cars
The most delicious ice cream dessert filled with broken glass… glass that blames you for how uncomfortable digestion is.

This has been something that I have noticed a lot; West coast peeps can really screw someone over AND THEN get pissed at them. The west coast mentality operates something like this: you throw your red drink on to somebody’s white dress and then come back later and ask nicely for that person to reimburse for your drink.

Look, I will take someone being meanly nice over somebody stabbing me with an over-bleached smile any day.

Presidential Muse: top Obama/McCain Vids:

2008-09-24T14:16:00.001-07:00

The best Presidential campaign YouTube viral videos, some scary and informative, or light and funny- enjoy!

1) OBAMA'S PLAN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONM7148cTyc&eurl=http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/samgrahamfelsen/gGg42R

2) JUST FOR FUN: MCCAIN GETS BARACK ROLLED AT THE RNC (see wikipedia if you don't know about rickrolling: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_rolling)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TiQCJXpbKg

3) OBAMA'S SWING STATE STRATEGY:

https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/strategy1?match_campaign_id=15&source=20080917_DP_ND_X

4) MCCAIN'S ECONOMY:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/2674794426747944

5) THE PALIN DOCTRINE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z75QSExE0jU

6) THE MCCAIN GAMBLE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHazb4FAREE&eurl=http://mclobbyist.com/

7) FOREIGN POLICY EXPERIENCE?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYYiw_y2qDI

8) LIES, LIES, LIES

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH0xzsogzAk

9) EVEN KARL ROVE THINKS MCCAIN HAS GONE TOO FAR:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/14/karl-rove-mccains-ads-hav_n_126280.html

10) WHAT DOES THE VP DO EVERYDAY?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4gkPXSDtGQ

* And an extra one for kicks*

TINA FEY AS SARAH PALIN

http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/palin-hillary-open/656281/

Tech News: Ogle Over New Google Phone

2008-09-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

Affectionately known as GPhone/Android, the G1 is about to drop, if you go online to YouTube you can search personal video of the unveiling of the prototype at a conference (with duck tape masking logos and the makers names. Google and T-Mobile's G1 phone is ready for its mega debut (iPhone looks like you were just a flash in the pan).

It will have:

Touch screen
Customizable home screen
Phone flips open for a full QWERTY keyboard
Three megapixel camera
Google Maps Street View—this is where my jaw dropped. You can pan in the Street View photos by just moving the phone in the direction you want the image to turn. (!)
One-touch Google search

Google’s blog released a number of bold predictions of what the future might hold for phones as they see it:

· Smart Alerts: Your phone will let you know if something has happened that impacts you or needs your attention.

· Augmented Reality: Your phone will tell you information about your location, desires or needs before you are even aware of them.

· Instant Crowd Sourcing: You’ll be able to use your phone to review the most recent uploads of images, music, text, Tweets and blog posts by persons in your vicinity and you can go interact with them (after receiving directions from your phone).

· Sensory Perception: Weather updates, traffic reports, news events - these will all be at your fingertips the instant they are available.

· Business Tool: Your phone as your meal ticket, allowing you to work remotely, track your investments, keep up with clients, build your business and increase your communication ability.

· Intelligent Phones: Web 2.0 comes to mobile, where you can create apps on the fly, add content to your site and your phone will automatically download the latest updates to your favorite apps based on your preferences. Your phone *learns* based on your activity and makes it easier for you to use over time.

As Google prepares to take over the world, (now through telecommunications, aerospace satellites and its own personal navy) these two quote seem ominous:

“Sensors everywhere: Your phone knows a lot about the world around you. If you take that intelligence and combine it in the cloud with that of every other phone, we have an incredible snapshot of what is going on in the world right now.”

“Safer software through trust and verification: Your phone will provide tools and information to empower you to decide what to download, what to see, and what to share.”

http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2008/09/future-of-mobile.html

Watch Out Film: Upcoming Screenings

2008-09-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

I have friends in these areas:
Starting:
Sep 27 2008
7:00P
WATCH OUT -- Coney Island Film Festival
Brooklyn New York33
Oct 4 2008
9:00P
WATCH OUT -- Raindance Film Festival (Best International Festure nominee)
London
Oct 13 2008
7:00P
WATCH OUT -- Liberty Hall
Lawrence Kansas17
Oct 17 2008
11:30P
WATCH OUT -- Reel Affirmations Film Festival
Washington DC Washington DC9
Oct 21 2008
9:45P
WATCH OUT -- Seattle Lesbian/Gay Film Festival
Seattle Washington48
Nov 5 2008
8:00P
WATCH OUT -- The Oriental Theater
Denver Colorado6
Nov 5 2008
9:30P
WATCH OUT -- The Oriental Theater
Denver Colorado6
Nov 19 2008
9:30P
WATCH OUT -- El Cid
Los Angeles, California5

Palin Threat to National Security

2008-09-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

Palin's yahoo mail password is 'popcorn'

In a blog posted today, Palin’s “popcorn” Password is a National Security Problem discusses her understanding of current technology, basic internt privacy and overall understanding of the modern world

http://officeofstrategicinfluence.com/blog2/174

Ouch, That Hurts

2008-09-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

Benefits for Pets, Not Partners

"When trustees of Palm Beach Community College reached a tie vote in August on a proposal to offer health insurance for the domestic partners of employees, the measure failed and advocates for gay professors and other employees were disappointed. Because the college only pays for employees’ benefits, the proposal wouldn’t have cost the college a penny, but would have opened up quality insurance at a lower cost for the partners of gay and lesbian employees.
Now — in a move that is seen as adding salt to those wounds — the college has added a new health insurance benefit for some (unmarried) household members of employees: pet health insurance. All employees were told that they would get a 5 percent discount and group rates on a health insurance plans for their pets. A range of plans are offered, covering wellness care, vaccinations, X-rays, surgery and hospitalization (although pre-existing conditions may not be covered)."

http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2007/11/26/benefits

In your spare time

2008-09-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

here are two message boards i love (or if you have been there a reminder to revisit)...

http://postsecret.blogspot.com/

http://www.onesentence.org/

Also I would highly recommend http://www.stubleUpn.com to entertain and enlighten the slowest of days. With such an wealth of mind-attracting resources I would also suggest stating a del.icio.us account as to not clutter up your important bookmark folder. Ahh, Stumble and Delicious the perfect marriage for an entertained mind. Well, i am stacked with work at the office, so i better get back to reality.

Hollywood on Palin... Is this a good thing

2008-09-12T12:22:00.000-07:00

Wow. Hollywood on politics is usually a vile, ignorant, stupic, egocentric, distasteful, bias or combustible cocktail. I never care who Julia Roberts is voting for. So when I see the title, Hollywood on Palin, I get worried. But here is a surprisingly coherent political response by Matt Damon, of all people,…. Take that Angelina Jolie! Its not perfect he still uses one unsubstantiated rumor (tho saying he didnt know if it was true or false, later supporting his main point) BUT his idea as a whole is right on target and thought out and up-to-date. He makes sense and came to a correct conclusion.

Here is what I am used to…

So, who is more like Britney/Paris again?

To Remember

2008-09-11T13:50:00.000-07:00

Today is the anniversary of 9/11, one of the most monumental moments of my generation and an unforgettable era for generations to come. I remember where i was when i first heard the news begin to unfold (like a true millennial i was connected to these happenings with in seconds listening to the broadcast in first period). where were you? I would like for everyone to take the time to reflect on this day the events that took place around the country and the lives lost and to be lost.

Here is an interesting viral video that is both entertaining and still reverent.

In my humble opinion this is a day to remember, certainly, but not a day to eternally be relived.

Yea, Google is trying to rule the world...

2008-09-11T09:55:00.000-07:00

...if it doesn't already.

Here were the top stories in my inbox today:

NBC, Google hook up in ad deal

Google So Excited About Satellites, It's Launching 16 More

Top Lawyer Is Selected As U.S. Mulls Google Suit
Google, Google Everywhere – Even In The Air?

I subsrice to a few tech newsletters and try to keep up with the world. Today, out of the 10 stories in my inbox google occpied 6 of them. *ahem* the internet is big how is one entity maintaining over half of the online buzz...

On another, but still very relevent, note Google, in the midst of creating an ad empire with Yahoo!, will be launching chrome- a new web browser, similar to safari. This will inevitably spell the end for Mozilla Fire Fox as word the Internet Explorer will be discontinued. Here is section 11 of Google's Chrome contractual terms of service giving Google

“a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, and non-exclusive license to reproduce, adapt, modify, translate, publish, publicly perform, publicly display and distribute any Content which you submit, post or display on or through, the Services.”

That seems pretty extreme for a browser, doesn’t it?

Update: after a big fuss on the internet the terms have changed to: 11.1 You retain copyright and any other rights you already hold in Content which you submit, post or display on or through, the Services.

Why Young People Should Vote:

2008-09-10T11:42:00.000-07:00

This is a great example of how relevant anti-trust laws and monopoly/company regulations are important to you and your personal life or social day-to-day activities. Personally, this really does matter to me as i try to stay on top of rent, gas, student loans and bills (including mobile prices).

Congress questions high cost of texting

The price of text messaging has doubled industry-wide in the last three years, and Congress wants to know why.

Sen Herb Kohl, chair of the Antitrust Subcommittee in the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent a letter Tuesday to the four major wireless carriers--AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, and T-Mobile--asking them to explain the dramatic price increases for text messaging services....

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10037221-38.html?tag=newsEditorsPicksArea.0

On another not here is an intersting read, we should have seen this coming 8 years ago, as Chaney used to work under the Nixon Admin. (an executive branch plagued with 'leaks' which lead to Nixon's resignation).

http://thinkprogress.org/2008/09/08/historians-records/

Condensed Life

2008-08-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

My life in short, in case you were wondering: living-rent too much, job-doesnt pay enough, love life-in the shitter like always, family-dont really know, friends-wish i had some, random moments of Matt-I have a court date. there you have my life in 10 sec :-)

Georgia Reporter Shot

2008-08-14T16:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1045030/Video-Georgian-TV-reporter-shot-Russian-sniper-live-broadcast-carries-report-bleeding-arm.html

If you havent been following the news, Russia invaded Georgia at the beggining of the Olympics.

This is the dramatic moment a TV reporter was shot by a sniper as she reported live from war-torn Georgia.

Tamara Urushadze took a bullet to her left arm in the flashpoint town of Gori as Russian forces continued their illegal occupation.

Bravely, or foolishly, the 32-year-old brunette continued her report after a few moments as other journalists and aid workers dashed for cover.

Siege-town Gori has become a deadly 'sniper's alley' with citizens at the mercy of rampaging militiamen - believed to be from the breakaway republic South Ossetia - looting and firing guns, some drunkenly.

The Kremlin stands accused of turning a blind eye to renegades bent on 'ethnic cleansing' in revenge for Georgia's ill-conceived invasion of South Ossetia last Friday.

But in turn Moscow blames the Georgians for abandoning their own people.

The slippery slope of international politics: I was waiting for somebody to make an obvious comparison of US invasions and Russia’s invasion. The Blog-a-sphere is a buzz with an alleged censorship of the US news during a press conference.

“The Truth about Georgia gets censored again on TV. A reporter makes a comparison to the US reaction to 911 to Russia's reaction to Georgian attacks and the satellite feed drops off in the middle of his question. TV is censored every day and every hour but sometimes the censorship is plain to see.”

Here is an interesting blog written in english covering issues from the Russian perspective: http://street-streetmachine.blogspot.com/

Luvs it:

2008-07-31T14:22:00.000-07:00

luvs it: i like Barrack but lets face it, its true the media ardor him. And the bias is even obvious to me an Dem and a 'B' supporter.

This was my exact intervew:

2008-07-31T10:25:00.000-07:00

this horror story happened to me too!!!!

the number 2 job nightmare:
Horror Story No. 2: A Nightmare on Elm Street
"I once called regarding an ad for a 'marketing rep.' The interview consisted of walking door to door (in coat and tie) with another employee as we tried to sell car servicing vouchers," Phil G., an account executive, remembers. "He would try to make a sale, and then ask me to try one as part of the interviewing process. In between, my interviewer would ask me questions about my career goals and dreams.

We stopped for lunch at a McDonald’s and he had to borrow money from me so he could eat! The final stage of the interview included a closed-door motivation session with all of the current marketing reps. They sang songs, clapped, and chanted the company motto (which I don't recall). I had to think fast. It was raining that day. I told my coach/interviewer that I had left my car window open. I got up, ran out and never looked back."

Lesson: When scheduling an interview, inquire about the role and location.

http://www.careerbuilder.co.uk

7 Blunders of the World

2008-07-24T17:34:00.001-07:00

1. Wealth without work

2. Pleasure without conscience

3. Knowledge without character

4. Commerce without morality

5. Science without humanity

6. Worship without sacrifice

7. Politics without principle

—Mahatma Gandhi

Someday I will look back and say "when i ruled the world'

2008-07-21T23:18:00.000-07:00

I feel like I am having an out of body experience. It is one of those weird circumstances where suddenly you look around and you see yourself in a room in a city and wonder, how did I get? fully knowing the path that was given but amazed out how it laid out. Seeing the luck that you had and the opportunities that you missed. And you can compare that imagined present life, you see yourself and realize that you could never had imagined your life right now and thus, left completely confused by your old dreams and new goals without feeling like a failure or missing out. But I am rather satisfied looking at my self sitting in the office typing this out and dreaming up he rest of my life fully knowing that it wont come true but also completely enamored with the fact that I have know idea where I am headed, just keeping my hands on the steering wheel.

i like the new Coldplay song

"One minute I held the key Next the walls were closed on me

And I discovered that my castles stand Upon pillars of salt and pillars of Sand I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing Roman Cavalry choirs are singing

Be my mirror my sword and shield My missionaries in a foreign field For some reason I can't explain Once you go there was never, never an honest word

That was when I ruled the world"

I don’t feel quite fulfilled with my life (and as i shouldn't there is still much to accomplish) and feel like there are holes missing, but as my 24th birthday approaches I see a bridge with in the next 10 years. A crossing, where I no longer envision the future but reflect on my past. Well its nice to not focus on the slowly arriving fate of my life and not look look back on fondness, bound by age, realizing I may have missed some opportunities. Currently, I live in this current limbo of now. i am not young and i am not old I am just ruling the world and trying not to miss an opportunity

I Like This Tat

2008-06-24T19:24:00.000-07:00

I really like this Tattoo... before Becks muddled it up with other ink. I have been debating getting a tattoo, I think I would get his angle (a little smaller). But I see two problems with it a) it already is somebody else's, I do take pride in my uniqueness and genuine originality and it really looks like i am ripping off a piece of art. I am a fan of Beckham and find him pure sex (i think thats part of the appeal of the tatoo) i guess its not so bad if i like to sexy karma that it bring but what if i end up hating beckham. I will forever have him on my back! b) what i like now i hate later, i have continually changed my mind about what is cool, what is in, what is out and what i will never touch again. there is so little i agree with as far as my past tastes go. or, what if i like it, but like something else way better? the canvas is permanent. one year i like it the next year i'll kiss it goodbye. well what do you think, is it cool and kinda sexy in your opinion? is it alright if i get my idols tat? is it even cool? i like.... well, i like it for now. in your mean time look up the spread in W Magazine for more pics.

I LOVE IT.

2008-06-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

i love my girl kelly, i was TOTALLY caught off guard by this amazing duet. they sound good together. I am not one for country but Reba can out sing any of todays pop or r&b songstresses.

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