Thought you might find this interesting.
China, in light of the earthquake, has decided that couples who lost their "legal" child can have another one to replace the original.
It is really enlightening to read something about a system that some (myself included) find so bizarre and wrong.
I was going to blog more about it but I think the article speaks for itself.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Ladytron In Concert
Things I noticed while at the show:
1) they did some cool stuff with lights like bands used to do in the old days.
2) the group is more subdued than some other bands. They don't jump around and get crazy.
3) there was a wide array of people there. Some of them, I think, just go to be going to a show.
4) the place was only half full and at first I thought that it was sad and pathetic---then it filled up more. Though I speculate that there were less than 400 people there. It was a good turn out considering they were in the Wonder and were competing with Sasquatch and some other concerts around the state.
5) you cannot get away from morons no matter how hard you try.
I would definitely recommend that people see Ladytron if they are coming to your area. They sound great live.
1) they did some cool stuff with lights like bands used to do in the old days.
2) the group is more subdued than some other bands. They don't jump around and get crazy.
3) there was a wide array of people there. Some of them, I think, just go to be going to a show.
4) the place was only half full and at first I thought that it was sad and pathetic---then it filled up more. Though I speculate that there were less than 400 people there. It was a good turn out considering they were in the Wonder and were competing with Sasquatch and some other concerts around the state.
5) you cannot get away from morons no matter how hard you try.
I would definitely recommend that people see Ladytron if they are coming to your area. They sound great live.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Improv.
Let my pen swallow
this. Ink flowing like
a veil, it covers the
sights, the sounds.
Like black of night
lit only by the moon,
a calming surround.
this. Ink flowing like
a veil, it covers the
sights, the sounds.
Like black of night
lit only by the moon,
a calming surround.
Going To A Show
Ladytron tonight!
I've had these tickets for several months.
Aside from being a little tired, I'm pretty excited to go. I'll report back tomorrow.
I've had these tickets for several months.
Aside from being a little tired, I'm pretty excited to go. I'll report back tomorrow.
Friday, May 23, 2008
True Enough
You Were a Raccoon |
 You are a master of disguise and multiple personas. You are infinitely curious and question others without fear. |
Dirtiest Hotel In The World?
Considering I've stayed in this hotel not once, but TWICE, I can attest to the validity of the assessment.
The only reason we stayed there the first time was because of how cheap it was. BB and I were amazed at the hodgepodge decor in the lobby. The staff was INCREDIBLY rude as well. When we got to our room we were astounded at what terrible conditions we had. We both had to request new sheets because the ones on my bed had hair on them and the ones on BB's had burn holes from cigarettes. Hers were also from a hospital---we know because the name of the place was printed on them.
The reason we stayed there the second time is because my mom and I were on a budget and when I looked at their website, it really looked like they had cleaned the place up, and we both agreed we wanted accommodations that included a private bathroom. If you look at the description on the page, it says "they heart of the hotel is their rooms...cleanliness." What a CROCK. The place was as bad as it was the first time. There were also really loud neighbors with several kids that yelled all night long, the heater didn't work (and it was 16 deg F out at night) and we had to beg for extra blankets. I don't even want to consider how clean those were.
It is a health concern. The only reason this place is still in business is because of the price.
The only reason we stayed there the first time was because of how cheap it was. BB and I were amazed at the hodgepodge decor in the lobby. The staff was INCREDIBLY rude as well. When we got to our room we were astounded at what terrible conditions we had. We both had to request new sheets because the ones on my bed had hair on them and the ones on BB's had burn holes from cigarettes. Hers were also from a hospital---we know because the name of the place was printed on them.
The reason we stayed there the second time is because my mom and I were on a budget and when I looked at their website, it really looked like they had cleaned the place up, and we both agreed we wanted accommodations that included a private bathroom. If you look at the description on the page, it says "they heart of the hotel is their rooms...cleanliness." What a CROCK. The place was as bad as it was the first time. There were also really loud neighbors with several kids that yelled all night long, the heater didn't work (and it was 16 deg F out at night) and we had to beg for extra blankets. I don't even want to consider how clean those were.
It is a health concern. The only reason this place is still in business is because of the price.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Scarlett Johansson's New CD
I have one word that can describe this album: creepy.
I think that Scarlett herself has a very unique voice. I actually have always thought that with some coaching she could do a lot with it. However, if she has had any, it doesn't come across on the CD. Her voice is lost in the weird lack of cohesion in the music. It is hidden behind her backup singers in certain places. If the actual music itself wasn't so dominant, and she enunciated more (I can tell by how it sounds that she is singing through a mostly closed mouth, like the way one speaks) she might be able to come up with something better.
I wonder if she came up with it all herself? It would actually make sense if she did because of how it is almost over the top.
Go here to listen.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Why I'm NOT Voting On Ballot Measures 51 and 52
I've always been a serious voting advocate. How can one complain if one doesn't make the effort to change things by voting? The description of Measure 51 may have changed all that for me.
1) The summary makes no sense whatever. It actually says "Authorizes legislature to enact implementing legislation." I can grasp at what they are trying to say but this nonsensical newspeak is so garbled and circular I actually think they do it on purpose to confuse people.
2) They cannot predict the financial impact of these measures. Convenient, however true it may be. Financial impact is one of my deciding factors when voting. The people who write this stuff like to guilt the voting public into agreeing to HUGE amounts of taxes.
Why I AM voting on 53 is because the state shouldn't be able to request permission from its inhabitants to confiscate private property.
1) The summary makes no sense whatever. It actually says "Authorizes legislature to enact implementing legislation." I can grasp at what they are trying to say but this nonsensical newspeak is so garbled and circular I actually think they do it on purpose to confuse people.
2) They cannot predict the financial impact of these measures. Convenient, however true it may be. Financial impact is one of my deciding factors when voting. The people who write this stuff like to guilt the voting public into agreeing to HUGE amounts of taxes.
Why I AM voting on 53 is because the state shouldn't be able to request permission from its inhabitants to confiscate private property.
Capitulating To PC Nonesense
In this article, the American Council for the Blind has sued the US Treasury Department for discrimination. Paper money, they say, discriminates against blind people.
While I can see the argument that being blind would make it difficult to know how much money you have I can also see the obvious solution. Yes, it would suck to just hope that a stranger was telling you the truth about how much you were paying or how much change they were giving you, but that is why you use a credit/debit card or just pay in singles. In fact, were I blind, I would do just that. I would also ask for singles only in my change. This ensures you always know how much you are paying and how much you are getting back. (No one is going to try to trick you if your change is 5 bucks by giving you five 5's, etc.)
This brings up another topic: Is paper money on its way out the door? Some countries like Canada were wanting to go to only coins. I can't imagine a pocket full of change but to each his own. But even more, I can see any form of currency becoming obsolete very soon. It practically is already.
While I can see the argument that being blind would make it difficult to know how much money you have I can also see the obvious solution. Yes, it would suck to just hope that a stranger was telling you the truth about how much you were paying or how much change they were giving you, but that is why you use a credit/debit card or just pay in singles. In fact, were I blind, I would do just that. I would also ask for singles only in my change. This ensures you always know how much you are paying and how much you are getting back. (No one is going to try to trick you if your change is 5 bucks by giving you five 5's, etc.)
This brings up another topic: Is paper money on its way out the door? Some countries like Canada were wanting to go to only coins. I can't imagine a pocket full of change but to each his own. But even more, I can see any form of currency becoming obsolete very soon. It practically is already.
Monday, May 19, 2008
The First Whitney Interview
Go here to watch an interview with Whitney, first ANTM plus-size winner.
You have to scroll down to the bottom row of videos. Hers is second to last.
You have to scroll down to the bottom row of videos. Hers is second to last.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Hitting The Lottery
WAYNE, N.J. — A New Jersey couple, whose son was struck in the chest with a line drive, is planning to sue the maker of a metal baseball bat used in the game.
Two years ago, Steven Domalewski was pitching when the ball slammed into his chest and stopped his heart. He was resuscitated but now has brain damage and is severely disabled.
The family contends metal baseball bats are inherently unsafe for youth games because the ball comes off them much faster than from wooden bats. The lawsuit will also be filed against Little League Baseball and a sporting goods chain that sold the bat.
An attorney says Domalewski will need millions of dollars worth of medical care for the rest of his life.
The bat maker says while it sympathizes with Steven and his family, the bat is not to blame for the injury.
Let me think of a few others they can sue while they are at it.
Themselves, for letting him play.
The ball makers, for supplying baseballs.
The batter's parents, for letting their son play.
The coach, for making him pitcher in the first place.
The onlookers, for not all rushing to his aid.
The son himself, for not catching the freaking ball.
This is the world we live in. A world in which any freak accident is grounds for litigation. Yes, the boy was injured beyond ever having a normal life again but THIS IS LIFE. It is full of risks and the parents should have wrapped him in a ball of bubble wrap if they were afraid he could get hurt.
If I were the defense lawyer, the first thing I would do is show the statistics of injuries. The second thing I would do is prove how a wooden bat could cause the same injury.
Maybe people should accept responsibility for things that happen to them, and just accept the freak accidents. It really is no one's fault, but instead people like to treat it like hitting the jackpot.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Overheard At The Beach!!
Overheard at the Beach is as funny as Overheard in New York.
Ana #2: Like, really, someone needs to introduce him to Weight Watchers or something!
Girl passerby: Hey, snugglebutt! [Gives large guy hug and kiss.]
Ana #1: What the fuck?
Ana #2: Girlfriend? That fat whale?
Girl passerby: Husband. And you two might have men in your lives if you actually had boobs rather than a caved-in skeleton chest. Come on, schnookums, let's go get some ice cream.
Girl 2: Then how are you talking?
Girl 1: The macaroni is stuck in my throat straight up, and I'm breathing through the hole in the noodle.
Girl 2: Ohhh, that makes sense.
Steward: Yes, ma'am?
Puerto Rican princess: Does this elevator go to the front of the ship?
Steward: Excuse me?
Puerto Rican princess: Where is the elevator that goes to the front of the ship?
Random passenger: Someone throw her overboard now and put her out of my misery.
Two Words: Ironclad Prenup
Ana #1: Oh my god, look at that guy. He's huge!Ana #2: Like, really, someone needs to introduce him to Weight Watchers or something!
Girl passerby: Hey, snugglebutt! [Gives large guy hug and kiss.]
Ana #1: What the fuck?
Ana #2: Girlfriend? That fat whale?
Girl passerby: Husband. And you two might have men in your lives if you actually had boobs rather than a caved-in skeleton chest. Come on, schnookums, let's go get some ice cream.
Also the Idea behind Lifesavers Candy
Girl #1, whispering: Oh my god, I'm choking on this macaroni.Girl 2: Then how are you talking?
Girl 1: The macaroni is stuck in my throat straight up, and I'm breathing through the hole in the noodle.
Girl 2: Ohhh, that makes sense.
If No Elevator Is Available, I'd Like to Be Carried on a Litter
Puerto Rican princess: Hey! Hey, you - Mr. Captain or whatever.Steward: Yes, ma'am?
Puerto Rican princess: Does this elevator go to the front of the ship?
Steward: Excuse me?
Puerto Rican princess: Where is the elevator that goes to the front of the ship?
Random passenger: Someone throw her overboard now and put her out of my misery.
London On One Hand, New York On The Other
Below is a list of things we know to be true about "Sex and the City."
1) Carrie is excruciatingly selfish.
2) It's not about strong, independent women---it's about self-absorbed, needy women.
3) The "city" they are referring to in the title is New York
That being said, I have a question and maybe someone can explain it to me...
Why, why, is the premiere happening in London? The show is ABOUT women in New York. It doesn't make any sense to me.
It doesn't make sense to all these guys either.
1) Carrie is excruciatingly selfish.
2) It's not about strong, independent women---it's about self-absorbed, needy women.
3) The "city" they are referring to in the title is New York
That being said, I have a question and maybe someone can explain it to me...
Why, why, is the premiere happening in London? The show is ABOUT women in New York. It doesn't make any sense to me.
It doesn't make sense to all these guys either.
ANTM Finale
So KJ and I predicted with 100% accuracy what the final episode of America's Next Top Model would bring.
In the first half, Fatima was expelled for being pretty but not able to take direction. Anya was called first and they used the opportunity to break Whitney down. When she cried, they said it was the first time they knew who she really was.
In the second half, the two finalists battled down the runway, as usual. This runway was different in that the catwalk itself was short and unremarkable. However, the models actually wore real couture.
Of course, KJ and I knew Whitney would win, if for NO possible other reason, because Anya speaks with a totally bizarre accent. They tend to stress that people who might have to speak on camera need to be able to be understood. The other reason Whit won---we think---is to spread the message that it is actually OK to eat. Last year there was an uproar about anorexic models and having a "plus"-size girl win sort of drives the point home. She is pretty though, and she does deserve it.
In the first half, Fatima was expelled for being pretty but not able to take direction. Anya was called first and they used the opportunity to break Whitney down. When she cried, they said it was the first time they knew who she really was.
In the second half, the two finalists battled down the runway, as usual. This runway was different in that the catwalk itself was short and unremarkable. However, the models actually wore real couture.
Of course, KJ and I knew Whitney would win, if for NO possible other reason, because Anya speaks with a totally bizarre accent. They tend to stress that people who might have to speak on camera need to be able to be understood. The other reason Whit won---we think---is to spread the message that it is actually OK to eat. Last year there was an uproar about anorexic models and having a "plus"-size girl win sort of drives the point home. She is pretty though, and she does deserve it.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
But What About The Seatbelt?
It wasn’t such a “happy jetting” experience for a New York man when, he claims, JetBlue forced him into the bathroom for three hours of a cross-country flight.
Gokhan Mutlu says it all happened Feb. 23, when a flight attendant volunteered to sit in a “jump seat” so Mutlu could make it onto the flight headed from San Diego to New York, according to the New York Post.
About 90 minutes into the flight, however, Mutlu says he got a rude awakening when the pilot informed him that the flight attendant was uncomfortable in the jump seat and would be taking the regular seat back, the paper reported.
According to the suit, the pilot went on to inform Mutlu that the jump seat was "for personnel only" and forced him to sit in the bathroom instead, the Post reported.
Now suing Jetblue for $2 million, Mutlu says he was "mortified, disgraced, degraded and shamed,” according to the Post.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Yet Another Video
Friday, May 9, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Quotes Of The Day
Here are a few humorous postings from overheardinnewyork.
Guy #2: Well, obviously we're not trying hard enough.
It's Really Not a Tourist Attraction
Tourist: Can you tell me where grand zero is?
Lady: You mean ground zero?
Tourist: Yes, I guess it is the same thing, okay...
Lady pointing straight ahead: Walk straight ahead. You see the big gap in the sky? There you go.
Tourist: Wait. I don't see anything. What, its all gone already?
Lady: Are you retarded?
Woman: Why would I mind if you ask me how the book is? You're just trying to sound extra polite, and it's annoying. Are you from the Midwest?
Man: Actually, I'm from Pennsylvania.
Woman: Even worse.
If We Give Up Now, Mother Nature Wins
Guy #1: Man it's freakin' freezing out! Isn't there supposed to be global warming or something!?Guy #2: Well, obviously we're not trying hard enough.
It's Really Not a Tourist Attraction
Tourist: Can you tell me where grand zero is?Lady: You mean ground zero?
Tourist: Yes, I guess it is the same thing, okay...
Lady pointing straight ahead: Walk straight ahead. You see the big gap in the sky? There you go.
Tourist: Wait. I don't see anything. What, its all gone already?
Lady: Are you retarded?
Now, If You Don't Mind My Doing So, I Will Give You the Finger
Man: I noticed you're reading The Kite Runner. How is it, if you don't mind my asking?Woman: Why would I mind if you ask me how the book is? You're just trying to sound extra polite, and it's annoying. Are you from the Midwest?
Man: Actually, I'm from Pennsylvania.
Woman: Even worse.
Weather
Yesterday the weather was nice.
It was sunny.
It was warm.
At approximately 3 pm I walked past one of the notorious Pearl District parks and was surprised to see a hundred people---mostly couples with kids---laying on the grass, playing in the fountain---
Don't these people work? I mean, it was Monday early afternoon. I was off but it was only because I had to work at 530 am. Is Portland just full of wealthy people who don't even work, or is everyone only working part time or super early mornings? I'm not exaggerating---it was as if it was Saturday in the middle of June.
It was sunny.
It was warm.
At approximately 3 pm I walked past one of the notorious Pearl District parks and was surprised to see a hundred people---mostly couples with kids---laying on the grass, playing in the fountain---
Don't these people work? I mean, it was Monday early afternoon. I was off but it was only because I had to work at 530 am. Is Portland just full of wealthy people who don't even work, or is everyone only working part time or super early mornings? I'm not exaggerating---it was as if it was Saturday in the middle of June.
Learning The Facts
Perhaps a regular sports-caster isn't the appropriate person to be writing about horse racing.
Considering not everyone knows anything about horses at all, I would correctly presume that said sports-caster would at the very LEAST endeavor to learn a little bit about horses and racing, rather than comparing it to totally different things like dog fighting or car racing.
Also, I would assume that people who make comments on such stories would strive to be accurate and rational rather than (in most cases) downright wrong and irrational. Reading some of the comments at the end of the article only serves to enlighten me to the fact that a lot of people are totally naive about horses.
Let me point out a couple short facts:
It would be next to impossible (and completely, unfathomably cruel to try) to "save" a horse who broke two legs, let alone both front.
Barbaro and Eight Belles were not the same situation.
If we didn't have horse races, Barbaro and Eight Belles wouldn't even exist.
The jockey is not at fault.
Whipping a horse with a riding crop can't inflict much pain.
The vast majority of horses who retire from the track are perfectly sound for second careers.
Horse racing is NOT the most dangerous horse sport for horse or rider.
I'm willing to elaborate on any of these.
Considering not everyone knows anything about horses at all, I would correctly presume that said sports-caster would at the very LEAST endeavor to learn a little bit about horses and racing, rather than comparing it to totally different things like dog fighting or car racing.
Also, I would assume that people who make comments on such stories would strive to be accurate and rational rather than (in most cases) downright wrong and irrational. Reading some of the comments at the end of the article only serves to enlighten me to the fact that a lot of people are totally naive about horses.
Let me point out a couple short facts:
It would be next to impossible (and completely, unfathomably cruel to try) to "save" a horse who broke two legs, let alone both front.
Barbaro and Eight Belles were not the same situation.
If we didn't have horse races, Barbaro and Eight Belles wouldn't even exist.
The jockey is not at fault.
Whipping a horse with a riding crop can't inflict much pain.
The vast majority of horses who retire from the track are perfectly sound for second careers.
Horse racing is NOT the most dangerous horse sport for horse or rider.
I'm willing to elaborate on any of these.
Monday, May 5, 2008
May 5
I thought perhaps it was the nice weather that was bringing out all the weirdos. Then L and I realized that it is Cinco de Mayo.
Neither of us will forget how a presumably drunken guy, who was blocking the only path around a table too big for the sidewalk, moved out of our way. He apologized twice, apparently looking for some kind of response from us. We were talking amongst ourselves and when we were about halfway down the block he "boldly" shouted at us "eat a cheeseburger!"
We didn't say anything back but I was really inclined to tell him that he should share some of his because he could stand to lose a few.
Why do seemingly grown men still behave like boys when they don't get the response they want?
Neither of us will forget how a presumably drunken guy, who was blocking the only path around a table too big for the sidewalk, moved out of our way. He apologized twice, apparently looking for some kind of response from us. We were talking amongst ourselves and when we were about halfway down the block he "boldly" shouted at us "eat a cheeseburger!"
We didn't say anything back but I was really inclined to tell him that he should share some of his because he could stand to lose a few.
Why do seemingly grown men still behave like boys when they don't get the response they want?
Friday, May 2, 2008
Greetings From Bend
The drive to Bend was torture. The reason for this is because my car's rear suspension is shot, and what that means is a VERY rough ride.
I have been wanting to see my parents for a couple months but I had an ulterior motive. Namely, my dad will fix my car. However, no matter the prognosis, since we aren't completely sure what parts we will need, I am still going to be out some money. Those of you who do not have cars are definitely lucking out on this particular aspect.
Once again, I forgot my camera. I must not be a very wise photographer if I cannot even remember the equipment. I might have gotten some very cool pictures of the mountains if I had.
I have been wanting to see my parents for a couple months but I had an ulterior motive. Namely, my dad will fix my car. However, no matter the prognosis, since we aren't completely sure what parts we will need, I am still going to be out some money. Those of you who do not have cars are definitely lucking out on this particular aspect.
Once again, I forgot my camera. I must not be a very wise photographer if I cannot even remember the equipment. I might have gotten some very cool pictures of the mountains if I had.
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