Mars: Take Two
Opportunity, the second of two rovers sent to Mars, has now landed and a steam of pictures have already been sent back to Earth.
Opportunity Pics
I'm particularly intrigued by the pictures that depict the soil disturbance, presumably from airbag bounce and retraction. What is going on with the soil? Is it just me or does it look muddy? As Mars is a desert planet, mud probably isn't the right call. Good thing I'm not a geologist.
Sunday, January 25, 2004
Saturday, January 24, 2004
John Kerry: Member of the Intergalactic Banking Clan
This seals the deal. Anyone who appears in a Star Wars movie gets my vote.
Senator Kerry as San Hill
This seals the deal. Anyone who appears in a Star Wars movie gets my vote.
Senator Kerry as San Hill
Friday, January 23, 2004
Farewell, Captain
Captain Kangaroo died today. One of my earliest memories revolves around my attempts to get a coat out of a closet. Captain Kangaroo was on a TV playing in the background. I kept jumping up, trying to dislodge the coat from the hanger. All the while, Captain Kangaroo was shouting, "help!" His shouts of help led to an increased level of frustration. Damn right I needed help. I was a 2-year-old trying to get my coat out of the closet!
Rest well, Captain.
Captain Kangaroo died today. One of my earliest memories revolves around my attempts to get a coat out of a closet. Captain Kangaroo was on a TV playing in the background. I kept jumping up, trying to dislodge the coat from the hanger. All the while, Captain Kangaroo was shouting, "help!" His shouts of help led to an increased level of frustration. Damn right I needed help. I was a 2-year-old trying to get my coat out of the closet!
Rest well, Captain.
Random Conversation: Impeccable Shoes
Stranger: You have impeccable taste in footwear.
Me: Thank you.
The impeccable shoes are the black and white wingtips (5 Eyelet B/W Wing Tip X). Oddly enough, comments about my dress happen on an almost daily basis (five of seven days, probably). Kathleen says it's one of the oddest things she's seen. People will walk across a parking lot to stop me, holler across a street, or offer a drive-by comment as I'm passing by. The most common comment, by far: "Is that the Green Lantern symobl on the back of your jacket? Cool. How did you do that?" Second most common comment: "Cool hair."
I don't know what it is, but random comments just seem to come my way. Strangers must find me approachable or something. Here are two odd conversations from the last couple weeks. The first happend at our local recreation center, the second in a movie theater restroom.
Scene I
::I'm laying on the floor doing ab crunches with my eyes closed::
Stranger: Hey!
Derek (startled, my eyes open): What?!
Stranger: Are you exercising or sleeping down there?
Derek (responds while crunching): Uh, exercising?
Stranger: Keep up the good work!
Derek (still crunching): Uh, okay.
Stranger (gives thumbs up).
Scene II
::I'm standing at a urinal, a stranger stands to my right::
Stranger (turns to look at me): Man, I could give a shit about the Lord of the Rings! For the last 20 minutes of that movie, all I could think about was the Lord of the Porcelain.
Me: Uh, yeah. That's a long movie. Good, though.
Stranger: Woooeeeh!
Me (scurries away as quickly as possible).
I really have no idea why these things happen to me. Regardless, I find the incidents more than a little amusing.
Stranger: You have impeccable taste in footwear.
Me: Thank you.
The impeccable shoes are the black and white wingtips (5 Eyelet B/W Wing Tip X). Oddly enough, comments about my dress happen on an almost daily basis (five of seven days, probably). Kathleen says it's one of the oddest things she's seen. People will walk across a parking lot to stop me, holler across a street, or offer a drive-by comment as I'm passing by. The most common comment, by far: "Is that the Green Lantern symobl on the back of your jacket? Cool. How did you do that?" Second most common comment: "Cool hair."
I don't know what it is, but random comments just seem to come my way. Strangers must find me approachable or something. Here are two odd conversations from the last couple weeks. The first happend at our local recreation center, the second in a movie theater restroom.
Scene I
::I'm laying on the floor doing ab crunches with my eyes closed::
Stranger: Hey!
Derek (startled, my eyes open): What?!
Stranger: Are you exercising or sleeping down there?
Derek (responds while crunching): Uh, exercising?
Stranger: Keep up the good work!
Derek (still crunching): Uh, okay.
Stranger (gives thumbs up).
Scene II
::I'm standing at a urinal, a stranger stands to my right::
Stranger (turns to look at me): Man, I could give a shit about the Lord of the Rings! For the last 20 minutes of that movie, all I could think about was the Lord of the Porcelain.
Me: Uh, yeah. That's a long movie. Good, though.
Stranger: Woooeeeh!
Me (scurries away as quickly as possible).
I really have no idea why these things happen to me. Regardless, I find the incidents more than a little amusing.
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
Geek Alert: The Importance of Being Gollum
Andy Serkis, the actor who provided the voice and basic motions for Gollum, has pulled 18 months worth of journal entries and published a book on the LOTR film experience.
Question: How exciting or interesting can a book about MAKING a film really be? I'm a HUGE Star Wars fan, but I've never read a book on the making of the movies. In fact, I think reading such a book would take away some of the magic of the movies. Give me the finished product. Thanks.
BTW--16 months prior to the release of SW: Episode III and I'm still spoiler free.
Andy Serkis, the actor who provided the voice and basic motions for Gollum, has pulled 18 months worth of journal entries and published a book on the LOTR film experience.
Question: How exciting or interesting can a book about MAKING a film really be? I'm a HUGE Star Wars fan, but I've never read a book on the making of the movies. In fact, I think reading such a book would take away some of the magic of the movies. Give me the finished product. Thanks.
BTW--16 months prior to the release of SW: Episode III and I'm still spoiler free.
My I have some lime pork skin, cattle bones, and cattle hide product, please?
How many people know what's REALLY in Jello? This always comes up around the holidays when I have to explain that, as a vegetarian, I don't eat Jello. Actually, I didn't like Jello before I decided to avoid meat. There's something about it that just never worked for me.
How many people know what's REALLY in Jello? This always comes up around the holidays when I have to explain that, as a vegetarian, I don't eat Jello. Actually, I didn't like Jello before I decided to avoid meat. There's something about it that just never worked for me.
a guide to integrating yourself into the visigoth scene, for normals and nongoths
Check out Gene's Guide to the Visigoth Scene. I'm going out to procure some cured hide armor later this afternoon. I'm thinking a visigoth research project may be in order.
Check out Gene's Guide to the Visigoth Scene. I'm going out to procure some cured hide armor later this afternoon. I'm thinking a visigoth research project may be in order.
Tuesday, January 20, 2004
Roosevelt High School
My former high school is featured in today's Denver Post. You'll notice that much of the article focuses on sports, particularly wrestling. Unfortunately, that's an accurate reflection of the value system in Johnstown, Colorado. If you weren't into sports, you were pretty low on the pecking order.
Roosevelt High School
Just to clarify: high school sucked.
My former high school is featured in today's Denver Post. You'll notice that much of the article focuses on sports, particularly wrestling. Unfortunately, that's an accurate reflection of the value system in Johnstown, Colorado. If you weren't into sports, you were pretty low on the pecking order.
Roosevelt High School
Just to clarify: high school sucked.
Saturday, January 17, 2004
A Guide To Integrating Yourself Into The Denver Goth Scene, For Normals and Nongoths
This piece appeared on the local Colorado Goth email list. Very amusing and right on the money.
As a long time member of the Denver Gothic Community (Goth Scene or
"The Scene"is sufficient for conversations between members of said group,
while "Gothic Community" is reserved for organizing public events,
interacting with the media, and flyers for bake sales) I have noticed a curious
phenomena.While most members of our subculture first began to identify
with it in High School or College, with some particularly precocious
individuals pointing out that they first starting writing bad poetry about
loneliness and graveyards in elementary school, there is a small but steady influx
of adults that "Get Turned" or "Go Goth". This can be observed at Onyx or
The Church, where careful observation will reveal, on occasion, a face you
have never seen before, dressed in unconscionably nongoth attire, looking
around fascinatedly with a kind of bewildered but thoughtful expression on
their face, only to appear the next week completely dressed in black, pale
makeup, and a corset or silver ankh thrown in for good measure, possibly both.
It is to these individuals that I provide this introductory set of
guidelines.
1.When in doubt of your attire, wear black. You may be confused by some
of the longtime members of the scene in good standing that wear other
colors or no black at all, but they have seniority. Your peach prom dress, while
perhaps sceaming "Look at me!" in a way often associated with Goth
fashion, will probably not have people looking at you the way you would like.
2.Hold no musical opinions until you have listened to about 10,000 CDs.
For the proper selection, got to Black&Read, Wax Trax, or another
independent record store, and ask for "Gothic", "Deathrock", "Industrial", and hope
the clerk knows what they're doing. Never admit that you have not heard of
a band or do not know the name of a song. (Note: this can be tricky, as
paticularily vicious Goths will invent nonexistent bands or songs to
see if you're bullshitting, in hope that you are so they can laugh at you
behind your back. Laughing Behind Other's Backs is a favorite pastime for
Goths.) If the subject of music comes up, Learn a few names like Peter Murphy,
Dead Can Dance, Skinny Puppy, and mention them, then excuse yourself for a
drink before you are caught out.
3.Dancing. If you feel the need to dance at a club, a look around you
at the dance floor will give you a selection of moves to practice at home
before you attempt them in public. You should take care to do this, as nothing
looks more pathetic than someone who tries the Jeff Low Bend and Twirl
and falls on their face.
4.Much to the dismay of many straight men that go slumming to Goth
night at a club, most Goth Women are not sluts. Your chances of getting laid at
Goth Night by someone you just met are exponentially less than, say,
anywhere in LoDo. Goth Men, however, are sluts.
5.Many Goths hate to be called Goth. They prefer Deathrocker, or
Rivithead, or say "Don't label me." Keep in mind that Goth pride themselves on
their individuality, so they hate being categorized. This can be said of
approxamately 99.92 percent of them.
6. Be Artistic. You must be creative in some form to be of any interest
to most Goths. Take up Origami, or reproducing famous paintings with
crayolas. If you have no talent whatsoever, write poetry.
7.Never say the name "Bijan" three times out loud. Trust me on this.
8.Have fond memories of Muddy's, Ground Zero, and the Wreck Room, even
if you were never there.The mention of any of these will cause such a
miasma of sentimental reminiscing that it will occur to no one that they never
saw you there.
I hope these tenets will aid in some small fashion those who might be
in need of them.
-Gabriel
This piece appeared on the local Colorado Goth email list. Very amusing and right on the money.
As a long time member of the Denver Gothic Community (Goth Scene or
"The Scene"is sufficient for conversations between members of said group,
while "Gothic Community" is reserved for organizing public events,
interacting with the media, and flyers for bake sales) I have noticed a curious
phenomena.While most members of our subculture first began to identify
with it in High School or College, with some particularly precocious
individuals pointing out that they first starting writing bad poetry about
loneliness and graveyards in elementary school, there is a small but steady influx
of adults that "Get Turned" or "Go Goth". This can be observed at Onyx or
The Church, where careful observation will reveal, on occasion, a face you
have never seen before, dressed in unconscionably nongoth attire, looking
around fascinatedly with a kind of bewildered but thoughtful expression on
their face, only to appear the next week completely dressed in black, pale
makeup, and a corset or silver ankh thrown in for good measure, possibly both.
It is to these individuals that I provide this introductory set of
guidelines.
1.When in doubt of your attire, wear black. You may be confused by some
of the longtime members of the scene in good standing that wear other
colors or no black at all, but they have seniority. Your peach prom dress, while
perhaps sceaming "Look at me!" in a way often associated with Goth
fashion, will probably not have people looking at you the way you would like.
2.Hold no musical opinions until you have listened to about 10,000 CDs.
For the proper selection, got to Black&Read, Wax Trax, or another
independent record store, and ask for "Gothic", "Deathrock", "Industrial", and hope
the clerk knows what they're doing. Never admit that you have not heard of
a band or do not know the name of a song. (Note: this can be tricky, as
paticularily vicious Goths will invent nonexistent bands or songs to
see if you're bullshitting, in hope that you are so they can laugh at you
behind your back. Laughing Behind Other's Backs is a favorite pastime for
Goths.) If the subject of music comes up, Learn a few names like Peter Murphy,
Dead Can Dance, Skinny Puppy, and mention them, then excuse yourself for a
drink before you are caught out.
3.Dancing. If you feel the need to dance at a club, a look around you
at the dance floor will give you a selection of moves to practice at home
before you attempt them in public. You should take care to do this, as nothing
looks more pathetic than someone who tries the Jeff Low Bend and Twirl
and falls on their face.
4.Much to the dismay of many straight men that go slumming to Goth
night at a club, most Goth Women are not sluts. Your chances of getting laid at
Goth Night by someone you just met are exponentially less than, say,
anywhere in LoDo. Goth Men, however, are sluts.
5.Many Goths hate to be called Goth. They prefer Deathrocker, or
Rivithead, or say "Don't label me." Keep in mind that Goth pride themselves on
their individuality, so they hate being categorized. This can be said of
approxamately 99.92 percent of them.
6. Be Artistic. You must be creative in some form to be of any interest
to most Goths. Take up Origami, or reproducing famous paintings with
crayolas. If you have no talent whatsoever, write poetry.
7.Never say the name "Bijan" three times out loud. Trust me on this.
8.Have fond memories of Muddy's, Ground Zero, and the Wreck Room, even
if you were never there.The mention of any of these will cause such a
miasma of sentimental reminiscing that it will occur to no one that they never
saw you there.
I hope these tenets will aid in some small fashion those who might be
in need of them.
-Gabriel
Geek Joke
My friend Mike sent this joke yesterday. The secret behind our 20+ year friendship is simple: I'm the only one who laughs at his geeky puns & jokes.
A man was arrested at Sacramento International Airport today while trying to board a flight. The man, later identified as a public school teacher, was found in possession of a compass, a protractor, and a graphing calculator. Authorities believe the man is a member of the radical Al-Gebra group. He has been charged with carrying weapons of math instruction.
::groans::
My friend Mike sent this joke yesterday. The secret behind our 20+ year friendship is simple: I'm the only one who laughs at his geeky puns & jokes.
A man was arrested at Sacramento International Airport today while trying to board a flight. The man, later identified as a public school teacher, was found in possession of a compass, a protractor, and a graphing calculator. Authorities believe the man is a member of the radical Al-Gebra group. He has been charged with carrying weapons of math instruction.
::groans::
Thursday, January 15, 2004
Slava Lamp
From the Rocky Mountain News sports section:
Slava Medvedenko lit up the Denver Nuggets, which one supposes would make him a Slava lamp.
What a complete and utter crap game by the "up-and-coming" Denver Nuggets. The Lakers, without three of their starting five, absolutely dismantled the boys in dainty metallic blue. Horrible. If they're ever going to make a real run at the playoffs and become recognized as a a respectable team, the Nuggets have to win games like last night. Although I'm certainly not an NBA analyst, I think the Nuggets are two players away from being a legitimate playoff team. A shooting guard (Voshon Lenard isn't the long-term answer--he should be coming off the bench as the offensive spark) and banging power forward or center (7-10 rebounds a night) would fit the bill.
So, a nod to Gene and his Lakers. You whooped us good.
From the Rocky Mountain News sports section:
Slava Medvedenko lit up the Denver Nuggets, which one supposes would make him a Slava lamp.
What a complete and utter crap game by the "up-and-coming" Denver Nuggets. The Lakers, without three of their starting five, absolutely dismantled the boys in dainty metallic blue. Horrible. If they're ever going to make a real run at the playoffs and become recognized as a a respectable team, the Nuggets have to win games like last night. Although I'm certainly not an NBA analyst, I think the Nuggets are two players away from being a legitimate playoff team. A shooting guard (Voshon Lenard isn't the long-term answer--he should be coming off the bench as the offensive spark) and banging power forward or center (7-10 rebounds a night) would fit the bill.
So, a nod to Gene and his Lakers. You whooped us good.
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
WTF Department: Pick-up Lines
I think I may use some of these when I teach Interpersonal Communication this quickly approaching semester. Some of my favs include:
• Are you the tiger on the Frosted Flakes box? Because you’re looking "Grrrrreat!"
• Do you know karate? ’Cause your body sure is kickin’!
• I may not be the best looking guy in here, but I’m the only one talking to you.
• If I had a nickel for every time I saw a woman as beautiful as you, I’d have five cents.
• Hi, I’m Mr. Right--I heard you were looking for me.
• Girl, you must have a license to drive me that crazy!!
• Are you from Tennessee? ’Cause you’re the only ten-I-see.
• My last name is "Visa," because I’m everywhere you want to be!
People don't really use lines like this, do they? Whatever happened to talking to someone about mutual interests? Doesn't that work anymore? Maybe it never did. Truth be told, I was pretty inept at the whole "approach" thing in my single days. In fact, I once went over two years without a date. One year of that was a self-imposed moratorium, the second was due to my own ineptitude. Actually, it was more like a paralyzing fear. I was so fearful of getting shot down that I never asked anyone out. How did I get over it? I never really did. That said, I started to apply some of the principles of public speaking to the dating scene. I maintained a calm & composed exterior while flipping out intenally. Hmmm . . . maybe it's time to compile that "dating tips for cool geeks" list.
I think I may use some of these when I teach Interpersonal Communication this quickly approaching semester. Some of my favs include:
• Are you the tiger on the Frosted Flakes box? Because you’re looking "Grrrrreat!"
• Do you know karate? ’Cause your body sure is kickin’!
• I may not be the best looking guy in here, but I’m the only one talking to you.
• If I had a nickel for every time I saw a woman as beautiful as you, I’d have five cents.
• Hi, I’m Mr. Right--I heard you were looking for me.
• Girl, you must have a license to drive me that crazy!!
• Are you from Tennessee? ’Cause you’re the only ten-I-see.
• My last name is "Visa," because I’m everywhere you want to be!
People don't really use lines like this, do they? Whatever happened to talking to someone about mutual interests? Doesn't that work anymore? Maybe it never did. Truth be told, I was pretty inept at the whole "approach" thing in my single days. In fact, I once went over two years without a date. One year of that was a self-imposed moratorium, the second was due to my own ineptitude. Actually, it was more like a paralyzing fear. I was so fearful of getting shot down that I never asked anyone out. How did I get over it? I never really did. That said, I started to apply some of the principles of public speaking to the dating scene. I maintained a calm & composed exterior while flipping out intenally. Hmmm . . . maybe it's time to compile that "dating tips for cool geeks" list.
Ran Pan
From a message board I frequent:
Short for random pandemonium, the term "ran pan" is occasionally invoked to underscore the bizarre disconnect between rational thought and the content of a particular thread.
I think my entire blog might qualify as "ran pan." Is there really a theme to this thing?
From a message board I frequent:
Short for random pandemonium, the term "ran pan" is occasionally invoked to underscore the bizarre disconnect between rational thought and the content of a particular thread.
I think my entire blog might qualify as "ran pan." Is there really a theme to this thing?
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
My Worst Nightmare
My name is Derek and I'm a coffee geek. I'm also a vegetarian. The latest food trend in Seattle, dusting a steak with an espresso blend, is enough to turn my stomach.
Espresso Steak
Why would anyone profane a delicious coffee grind with meat?! Bleh. Save the espresso for where it belongs--in my espresso cup.
My name is Derek and I'm a coffee geek. I'm also a vegetarian. The latest food trend in Seattle, dusting a steak with an espresso blend, is enough to turn my stomach.
Espresso Steak
Why would anyone profane a delicious coffee grind with meat?! Bleh. Save the espresso for where it belongs--in my espresso cup.
Saturday, January 10, 2004
Unknown Creature
This occured Friday morning at 5:00 am. I was only half awake and not wearing my glasses/contacts. Without some kind of vision correction, I'm essentially blind; I can see shapes and shades but not actual images.
Derek begins to roll out of bed and sees something on the floor
Derek (thinks to self): What the fuck is that?!
Jumps back into bed and tries to examine black thing scurrying on floor
Derek (still thinking to self): How did the cat get in the room? Wait, is that the rabbit? How did she get our of her cage? Um, the door to the room is closed. How did anything get in here. Shit! What is that thing?!
Kathleen, noticing Derek's alarm, shoots straight up in bed.
Kathleen: What's wrong!?
Derek: There's an unknown creature in our room.
Kathleen (panic creeps into voice): What? What the fuck does that mean?
Derek: It's on the floor, running around.
Kathleen looks at the area Derek's inspecting
Kathleen: It's Clay.
Kathleen flops back into bed and Derek tries to get his racing heart under control
So the unknown creature turned out to be Clay, our Keeshond. As a result of my groggy state and poor light (it was 5 am), I couldn't distinguish between the carpet and his body. All I could see was a dark blob, his face. He must have moved when I started to get out of bed, leading to my perception of an unknown creature running around the room. Kathleen and I have laughed hysterically about this episode for the last 24 hours. Last night, she admitted she was ready to run from the room when I mentioned, "unknown creature." She also asked, "What kind of person says 'There's an unknown creature in the room' rather than 'There's something in the room'?" Good question.
This occured Friday morning at 5:00 am. I was only half awake and not wearing my glasses/contacts. Without some kind of vision correction, I'm essentially blind; I can see shapes and shades but not actual images.
Derek begins to roll out of bed and sees something on the floor
Derek (thinks to self): What the fuck is that?!
Jumps back into bed and tries to examine black thing scurrying on floor
Derek (still thinking to self): How did the cat get in the room? Wait, is that the rabbit? How did she get our of her cage? Um, the door to the room is closed. How did anything get in here. Shit! What is that thing?!
Kathleen, noticing Derek's alarm, shoots straight up in bed.
Kathleen: What's wrong!?
Derek: There's an unknown creature in our room.
Kathleen (panic creeps into voice): What? What the fuck does that mean?
Derek: It's on the floor, running around.
Kathleen looks at the area Derek's inspecting
Kathleen: It's Clay.
Kathleen flops back into bed and Derek tries to get his racing heart under control
So the unknown creature turned out to be Clay, our Keeshond. As a result of my groggy state and poor light (it was 5 am), I couldn't distinguish between the carpet and his body. All I could see was a dark blob, his face. He must have moved when I started to get out of bed, leading to my perception of an unknown creature running around the room. Kathleen and I have laughed hysterically about this episode for the last 24 hours. Last night, she admitted she was ready to run from the room when I mentioned, "unknown creature." She also asked, "What kind of person says 'There's an unknown creature in the room' rather than 'There's something in the room'?" Good question.
Friday, January 09, 2004
The Neocon Quiz
Are you a neoconservative? Take the quiz and find out:
Neocon Quiz
Would it surprise anyone to discover I'm considered a liberal? According the to quiz results, liberals can be described as follows.
Wary of American arrogance and hypocrisy
Trace much of today's anti-American hatred to previous US foreign policies.
Believe political solutions are inherently superior to military solutions
Believe the US is morally bound to intervene in humanitarian crises
Oppose American imperialism
Support international law, alliances, and agreements
Encourage US participation in the UN
Believe US economic policies must help lift up the world's poor
Historical liberal: President Woodrow Wilson
Modern liberal: President Jimmy Carter
Are you a neoconservative? Take the quiz and find out:
Neocon Quiz
Would it surprise anyone to discover I'm considered a liberal? According the to quiz results, liberals can be described as follows.
Wary of American arrogance and hypocrisy
Trace much of today's anti-American hatred to previous US foreign policies.
Believe political solutions are inherently superior to military solutions
Believe the US is morally bound to intervene in humanitarian crises
Oppose American imperialism
Support international law, alliances, and agreements
Encourage US participation in the UN
Believe US economic policies must help lift up the world's poor
Historical liberal: President Woodrow Wilson
Modern liberal: President Jimmy Carter
How Many Times?
How many different groups need to confirm the fact that the Bush administration lied to the U.S. American people? Shouldn't the people of our country be outraged that our President actively perpetuated lies that lead to a major military operation, an operation in which thousands of people lost their lives (and continue to die)? This wasn't a lie to cover up marital infidelity (President Clinton) or the covert sale of missiles (President Reagan). This was a series of lies that lead to a war. Inexcusable.
How many different groups need to confirm the fact that the Bush administration lied to the U.S. American people? Shouldn't the people of our country be outraged that our President actively perpetuated lies that lead to a major military operation, an operation in which thousands of people lost their lives (and continue to die)? This wasn't a lie to cover up marital infidelity (President Clinton) or the covert sale of missiles (President Reagan). This was a series of lies that lead to a war. Inexcusable.
Thursday, January 08, 2004
Attention Media Outlets
To CNN, Fox News, CBS, ABC, NBC. Google News, Yahoo News, and any other source of news on this planet:
I don't give a shit about celebrity appearances, "public interest" stories (who's really interested in this crap?), or opinions. As such, the following "news" stories should be removed. Immediately.
1. Britney Spears' marriage and annulment.
2. Robert Duvall's opinion on Steven Spielberg's visit to Cuba.
3. Courtney Cox's pregnancy.
4. Liza Minnelli's divorce.
5. Kate Hudson's baby.
6. Steve Irwin & his baby feeding crocodiles.
7. Justin Timberlake's women.
8. Harrison Ford's divorce.
9. Anything about Edie Brickell
10. The determination of Tom Cruise.
Really. Take the stories down. Now. There are far more pressing matters facing our world. The very fact that you continue to call these stories "news" is an insult to the public.
To CNN, Fox News, CBS, ABC, NBC. Google News, Yahoo News, and any other source of news on this planet:
I don't give a shit about celebrity appearances, "public interest" stories (who's really interested in this crap?), or opinions. As such, the following "news" stories should be removed. Immediately.
1. Britney Spears' marriage and annulment.
2. Robert Duvall's opinion on Steven Spielberg's visit to Cuba.
3. Courtney Cox's pregnancy.
4. Liza Minnelli's divorce.
5. Kate Hudson's baby.
6. Steve Irwin & his baby feeding crocodiles.
7. Justin Timberlake's women.
8. Harrison Ford's divorce.
9. Anything about Edie Brickell
10. The determination of Tom Cruise.
Really. Take the stories down. Now. There are far more pressing matters facing our world. The very fact that you continue to call these stories "news" is an insult to the public.
Wednesday, January 07, 2004
Tuesday, January 06, 2004
Lost in Space
While Spirit beams back spectacular images of the Martian landscape and prepares to investigate "Sleepy Hollow," researchers have yet to hear a bark from Beagle 2. Kudoes to the writer of the Beagle article for giving a nod to the science fiction classic, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep. For those out of the science fiction loop, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep provided basic plot elements for the film Blade Runner. The director's cut of Blade Runneris still one of my favorite films.
While Spirit beams back spectacular images of the Martian landscape and prepares to investigate "Sleepy Hollow," researchers have yet to hear a bark from Beagle 2. Kudoes to the writer of the Beagle article for giving a nod to the science fiction classic, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep. For those out of the science fiction loop, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep provided basic plot elements for the film Blade Runner. The director's cut of Blade Runneris still one of my favorite films.
Saturday, January 03, 2004
Baby No Name
Sometime early this morning, my little sister gave birth to a 7 lb 6 oz boy. Since she and her husband have struggled to find the right name, the baby has been christened "baby no name" by the family. During our recent family Christmas gathering, I suggested the names Obiwan, Indiana, Theodoric, and Mephistopheles. All my suggestions were met with a resounding, "NO." Some people have no sense of creativity. They'll probably name the kid William, Robert, James or something normal that will result in a teenage identity crisis. Why not give the kid an unusual name? Sure, he'll get teased a bit during his public school years, but at least he'll have a unique name around which to forge a unique identity. Actually, I'm kind of glad Obiwan was rejected. Should Kathleen and I have any male children, I'll lobby fervently for Obiwan.
Sometime early this morning, my little sister gave birth to a 7 lb 6 oz boy. Since she and her husband have struggled to find the right name, the baby has been christened "baby no name" by the family. During our recent family Christmas gathering, I suggested the names Obiwan, Indiana, Theodoric, and Mephistopheles. All my suggestions were met with a resounding, "NO." Some people have no sense of creativity. They'll probably name the kid William, Robert, James or something normal that will result in a teenage identity crisis. Why not give the kid an unusual name? Sure, he'll get teased a bit during his public school years, but at least he'll have a unique name around which to forge a unique identity. Actually, I'm kind of glad Obiwan was rejected. Should Kathleen and I have any male children, I'll lobby fervently for Obiwan.
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
Freak Driving a Cadillac
The last three days of our honeymoon/vacation, we've been staying with my cousin Kevin and his wife, Tami. They've both lived in Hawai'i for over a decade. To help us travel about the island, Kevin allowed us to use his car, a Cadillac Deville. Yesterday, while visiting a Buddhist temple, a groundskeeper gave me a very odd look as we drove by.
Me: What the fuck is that guy staring at?
Kathleen: The freak driving a Cadillac. You're a little out of place.
The last three days of our honeymoon/vacation, we've been staying with my cousin Kevin and his wife, Tami. They've both lived in Hawai'i for over a decade. To help us travel about the island, Kevin allowed us to use his car, a Cadillac Deville. Yesterday, while visiting a Buddhist temple, a groundskeeper gave me a very odd look as we drove by.
Me: What the fuck is that guy staring at?
Kathleen: The freak driving a Cadillac. You're a little out of place.
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
Gay Bashers Ignore Issues
Quick post from Honolulu, HI. I was reading the Denver papers this morning and came across a terrific editorial.
Misguided Conservatives
I love this part of the article.
Meanwhile, American soldiers die in Iraq.
Osama's still out there.
North Korea has The Bomb.
So do India and Pakistan. And they hate each other enough to use it.
American tech jobs fly to foreign countries faster than you can say overseas outsourcing, while illegal immigrants fleeing poverty need temporary work visas to draw them into the U.S. tax system.
Tens of millions of people in this country have no way to pay for health care.
Public colleges and universities teeter on bankruptcy because of budget cuts.
Too many Johnnies still can't read.
And yet, conservative politicians and religious groups hope to convince us that what matters most this year when we cast our vote is sexual insecurity.
Shame on us if we let them.
Quick post from Honolulu, HI. I was reading the Denver papers this morning and came across a terrific editorial.
Misguided Conservatives
I love this part of the article.
Meanwhile, American soldiers die in Iraq.
Osama's still out there.
North Korea has The Bomb.
So do India and Pakistan. And they hate each other enough to use it.
American tech jobs fly to foreign countries faster than you can say overseas outsourcing, while illegal immigrants fleeing poverty need temporary work visas to draw them into the U.S. tax system.
Tens of millions of people in this country have no way to pay for health care.
Public colleges and universities teeter on bankruptcy because of budget cuts.
Too many Johnnies still can't read.
And yet, conservative politicians and religious groups hope to convince us that what matters most this year when we cast our vote is sexual insecurity.
Shame on us if we let them.
Saturday, December 27, 2003
Aloha
While typing this post, I'm looking out my hotel room window at the waves rolling up on Waikiki Beach. After a very long day of travel, Kathleen and I reached Honolulu safely. Our first day in paradise consisted of strolling along the beach, watching the sun set, napping, and dancing at a local Goth/Industrial club. Considering how exhausted we were from our 2 AM wake-up and sprint to DIA, not a bad day.
Today, we're thinking of tackling the Diamond Head climb. Everyone says its the "must do" attraction. Tomorrow, I think we're headed for Pearl Harbor.
Conversation of yesterday
GothGuy: You're not from around here, right?
Me: No. We're from Denver.
Gothguy: I thought so. You don't look like you fit here.
Me: Well, the music is a little different than what we're used to.
Guy: I'm Jason. Welcome to our little corner of the world ::waves a couple people over to introduce us::
While typing this post, I'm looking out my hotel room window at the waves rolling up on Waikiki Beach. After a very long day of travel, Kathleen and I reached Honolulu safely. Our first day in paradise consisted of strolling along the beach, watching the sun set, napping, and dancing at a local Goth/Industrial club. Considering how exhausted we were from our 2 AM wake-up and sprint to DIA, not a bad day.
Today, we're thinking of tackling the Diamond Head climb. Everyone says its the "must do" attraction. Tomorrow, I think we're headed for Pearl Harbor.
Conversation of yesterday
GothGuy: You're not from around here, right?
Me: No. We're from Denver.
Gothguy: I thought so. You don't look like you fit here.
Me: Well, the music is a little different than what we're used to.
Guy: I'm Jason. Welcome to our little corner of the world ::waves a couple people over to introduce us::
Thursday, December 25, 2003
Right view of the self
In the beginning mindfulness takes away worries and fears about past and future and keeps us anchored in the present. In the end it points to the right view of the self.
-Ayya Khema, "Be and Island"
Copyright Wisdom Publications 2001. Reprinted from "Daily Wisdom: 365 Buddhist Inspirations," edited by Josh Bartok, with permission of Wisdom Publications, 199 Elm St., Somerville MA 02144 U.S.A, www.wisdompubs.org.
In the beginning mindfulness takes away worries and fears about past and future and keeps us anchored in the present. In the end it points to the right view of the self.
-Ayya Khema, "Be and Island"
Copyright Wisdom Publications 2001. Reprinted from "Daily Wisdom: 365 Buddhist Inspirations," edited by Josh Bartok, with permission of Wisdom Publications, 199 Elm St., Somerville MA 02144 U.S.A, www.wisdompubs.org.
Mars Attacks
Happy holidays, everyone. While most are probably looking forward to a day with family, friends and feasting, I'm keeping at least one eye trained on Mars. As of last evening, Beagle 2 was supposed to have landed on Mars and signaled the orbiting Odyssey satellite. Unfortunately, there hasn't been any communication from the lander. According to European Space Agency officials, all hope is not lost and another communication window opens in approximately eight hours.
Personally, I think the Martians disabled the craft and are laughing hysterically at our crude attempts to explore their planet.
Happy holidays, everyone. While most are probably looking forward to a day with family, friends and feasting, I'm keeping at least one eye trained on Mars. As of last evening, Beagle 2 was supposed to have landed on Mars and signaled the orbiting Odyssey satellite. Unfortunately, there hasn't been any communication from the lander. According to European Space Agency officials, all hope is not lost and another communication window opens in approximately eight hours.
Personally, I think the Martians disabled the craft and are laughing hysterically at our crude attempts to explore their planet.
Sunday, December 21, 2003
The Ultimate Spin?
Hussein Was Held by Kurds Before U.S. Capture, AFP Reports
Dec. 21 (Bloomberg) -- Saddam Hussein was captured by U.S. troops only after being held prisoner by Kurdish forces, who had had drugged and abandoned him, Agence France-Presse reported, citing a Sunday Express newspaper report.
The Kurdish Patriotic Front, which fought alongside U.S. forces during the Iraq war, held Hussien until it negotiated for more political advantage in the Middle East, AFP said, citing the paper, which quoted an unidentified Iraqi intelligence officer.
Hussein, who had been in hiding since April, was captured a week ago about 9 miles south of his hometown of Tikrit in northern Iraq, Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez, the top U.S. military commander in Iraq, said at a press conference then.
Hussein
Hussein Was Held by Kurds Before U.S. Capture, AFP Reports
Dec. 21 (Bloomberg) -- Saddam Hussein was captured by U.S. troops only after being held prisoner by Kurdish forces, who had had drugged and abandoned him, Agence France-Presse reported, citing a Sunday Express newspaper report.
The Kurdish Patriotic Front, which fought alongside U.S. forces during the Iraq war, held Hussien until it negotiated for more political advantage in the Middle East, AFP said, citing the paper, which quoted an unidentified Iraqi intelligence officer.
Hussein, who had been in hiding since April, was captured a week ago about 9 miles south of his hometown of Tikrit in northern Iraq, Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez, the top U.S. military commander in Iraq, said at a press conference then.
Hussein
Saturday, December 20, 2003
Thursday, December 18, 2003
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
Academic Hell Week is almost over. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and it isn't a train. Forty exams to go and another semester will be complete. Better yet, my life will get back to some semblance of normal. Whatever that means. Actually, the craziness of the holiday season is just getting started. Tonight is Xmas with STK's family, tomorrow night is the CSU departmental graduation ceremony, Saturday is an Xmas program with STK's graduate friends, Sunday is a solstice celebration, Monday is final grades due date, Tuesday is Bubba Ho-tep with Raena & Scott, Wednesday morning is breakfast with Mikey & Jennafer, and sometime on Wednesday we make the trek to my folks for Xmas proper. Whew. Oh, did I mention we're leaving for Hawaii on the 26th?
I love the holidays.
Academic Hell Week is almost over. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and it isn't a train. Forty exams to go and another semester will be complete. Better yet, my life will get back to some semblance of normal. Whatever that means. Actually, the craziness of the holiday season is just getting started. Tonight is Xmas with STK's family, tomorrow night is the CSU departmental graduation ceremony, Saturday is an Xmas program with STK's graduate friends, Sunday is a solstice celebration, Monday is final grades due date, Tuesday is Bubba Ho-tep with Raena & Scott, Wednesday morning is breakfast with Mikey & Jennafer, and sometime on Wednesday we make the trek to my folks for Xmas proper. Whew. Oh, did I mention we're leaving for Hawaii on the 26th?
I love the holidays.
Sunday, December 14, 2003
You're Being Watched!
The Young Conservatives of Texas have published their Top Ten Professors Who Push a Left-Leaning Ideological Viewpoint on the students of the University of Texas. Some of the offending professors include:
Instructor: Robert Jensen
Department: Journalism
Course Evaluated: Critical Issues in Journalism
Spring 2004 courses: Critical Issues in Journalism
In a survey course about Journalism, one might expect to learn about the industry, some basics about reporting and layout, the history of journalism, the values of a free press and what careers make the news machine function. Instead, Jensen introduces the unsuspecting student to a crash course in socialism, white privilege, the "truth"; about the Persian Gulf War and the role of America as the world's prominent sponsor of terrorism. Jensen half-heartedly attempts to tie his rants to "critical issues" in journalism, insisting his lessons are valid under the guise of teaching potential journalists to "think" about the world around them. Jensen is also renowned for using class time when he teaches Media Law and Ethics to "come out" and analogize gay rights with the civil rights movement. Ostensibly, this relates somehow to his course material.
Instructor: Edmund T. Gordon
Department: African and African-American Studies
Course evaluated: African-American Culture
Spring 2004 courses: Blacks and Resources
A black student in the class who held conservative politics asked what was wrong with being black and conservative, and Gordon implied that if you're black and conservative, you're not black enough, and you're not doing what's in the best interest of the black community. He's called himself a radical and displayed a political agenda of changing students' minds toward a far left ideology. Most of what's taught consists of how blacks were and are oppressed, which would seem to deprive students of other important elements of black culture.
Instructor: Jennifer Suchland
Department: Government
Course: Race, Class, & Gender
Spring 2004 courses: Unspecified GOD 312 section
Since all GOV 312 courses fulfill the second half of the Texas Legislative requirement for 6 college credit hours of U.S. government, not all 49,000 UT students are required to take a GOV 312 class that deals specifically with race, class, and gender issues; there are other GOV 312 sections. However, since GOV 312 is a required class, many UT students may enroll in this section anyway, particularly if it fits their class schedule. This class deals with race, class, and gender issues primarily from a conflict theory or, more accurately, a historical-materialist perspective, as originated by Hegel and Marx, not from a classical liberal worldview. Although during class discussions Suchland allows dissenting ideas, all of the course readings greatly accentuate oppression and exploitation in the U.S. along race, class, and gender lines. If you believe in the American Dream and that the U.S. is a land of great opportunity, nothing in the readings from this class will confirm that belief.
So the Watch List includes 10 professors who teach from a liberal perspective? Ten professors from a school with 49,000 students and thousands of professors and the young conservatives are going to bitch and moan? Are you freaking kidding me? This is typical conservative hyperbole at its best. Any belief contrary to the conservative position is a "danger" and should be discredited as some kind of leftist propaganda. If you read through their Watch List, you'll notice a clear commitment to the traditional ideals of U.S. American culture (i.e. American Dream). The traditional conservative party line, towed unquestioningly by The Young Conservatives of Texas and members of my nuclear family, looks to the past for some idealized notion of American ideologies. A return to the days of the idyllic 1950s is what we need! Malt shops, poodle skirts, Pat Boone, and "We Like Ike." Damn, those were good old days.
In their rush to embrace traditional values, however, conservatives frequently gloss over the truths of the past. They conveniently forget that much of our nation supported and justified racial segregation, restricted the role of women to the domestic sphere, and ignored the growing socio-economic schisms between lower, middle, and upper class. Conservatives would respond to my statement with yet another traditional response: "If people of color, women, and the poor wanted to change their lot in life sooner they should have done something themselves." Pick yourself up by the bootstraps! Additionally, if they'd admit to the difficulties of the past they'd no doubt argue that the problems no longer exist in contemporary society. And that mentality is EXACTLY why we need the professors on the Watch List. Rather than blindly championing the dominant discourses of our culture ("sexism, racism, and classism no longer exist"), these professors offer an alternative reading of our past, present, and future. Let me point out that we're talking about ten professors out of thousands. Ten. In my mind, that isn't nearly enough.
If the Young Conservatives of Colorado ever put out a watch list, I'd better be in the top ten. I'd consider anything less as a complete and utter failure.
Kudos to the professors on the Young Conservatives of Texas Watch List. Keep up the good work!
The Young Conservatives of Texas have published their Top Ten Professors Who Push a Left-Leaning Ideological Viewpoint on the students of the University of Texas. Some of the offending professors include:
Instructor: Robert Jensen
Department: Journalism
Course Evaluated: Critical Issues in Journalism
Spring 2004 courses: Critical Issues in Journalism
In a survey course about Journalism, one might expect to learn about the industry, some basics about reporting and layout, the history of journalism, the values of a free press and what careers make the news machine function. Instead, Jensen introduces the unsuspecting student to a crash course in socialism, white privilege, the "truth"; about the Persian Gulf War and the role of America as the world's prominent sponsor of terrorism. Jensen half-heartedly attempts to tie his rants to "critical issues" in journalism, insisting his lessons are valid under the guise of teaching potential journalists to "think" about the world around them. Jensen is also renowned for using class time when he teaches Media Law and Ethics to "come out" and analogize gay rights with the civil rights movement. Ostensibly, this relates somehow to his course material.
Instructor: Edmund T. Gordon
Department: African and African-American Studies
Course evaluated: African-American Culture
Spring 2004 courses: Blacks and Resources
A black student in the class who held conservative politics asked what was wrong with being black and conservative, and Gordon implied that if you're black and conservative, you're not black enough, and you're not doing what's in the best interest of the black community. He's called himself a radical and displayed a political agenda of changing students' minds toward a far left ideology. Most of what's taught consists of how blacks were and are oppressed, which would seem to deprive students of other important elements of black culture.
Instructor: Jennifer Suchland
Department: Government
Course: Race, Class, & Gender
Spring 2004 courses: Unspecified GOD 312 section
Since all GOV 312 courses fulfill the second half of the Texas Legislative requirement for 6 college credit hours of U.S. government, not all 49,000 UT students are required to take a GOV 312 class that deals specifically with race, class, and gender issues; there are other GOV 312 sections. However, since GOV 312 is a required class, many UT students may enroll in this section anyway, particularly if it fits their class schedule. This class deals with race, class, and gender issues primarily from a conflict theory or, more accurately, a historical-materialist perspective, as originated by Hegel and Marx, not from a classical liberal worldview. Although during class discussions Suchland allows dissenting ideas, all of the course readings greatly accentuate oppression and exploitation in the U.S. along race, class, and gender lines. If you believe in the American Dream and that the U.S. is a land of great opportunity, nothing in the readings from this class will confirm that belief.
So the Watch List includes 10 professors who teach from a liberal perspective? Ten professors from a school with 49,000 students and thousands of professors and the young conservatives are going to bitch and moan? Are you freaking kidding me? This is typical conservative hyperbole at its best. Any belief contrary to the conservative position is a "danger" and should be discredited as some kind of leftist propaganda. If you read through their Watch List, you'll notice a clear commitment to the traditional ideals of U.S. American culture (i.e. American Dream). The traditional conservative party line, towed unquestioningly by The Young Conservatives of Texas and members of my nuclear family, looks to the past for some idealized notion of American ideologies. A return to the days of the idyllic 1950s is what we need! Malt shops, poodle skirts, Pat Boone, and "We Like Ike." Damn, those were good old days.
In their rush to embrace traditional values, however, conservatives frequently gloss over the truths of the past. They conveniently forget that much of our nation supported and justified racial segregation, restricted the role of women to the domestic sphere, and ignored the growing socio-economic schisms between lower, middle, and upper class. Conservatives would respond to my statement with yet another traditional response: "If people of color, women, and the poor wanted to change their lot in life sooner they should have done something themselves." Pick yourself up by the bootstraps! Additionally, if they'd admit to the difficulties of the past they'd no doubt argue that the problems no longer exist in contemporary society. And that mentality is EXACTLY why we need the professors on the Watch List. Rather than blindly championing the dominant discourses of our culture ("sexism, racism, and classism no longer exist"), these professors offer an alternative reading of our past, present, and future. Let me point out that we're talking about ten professors out of thousands. Ten. In my mind, that isn't nearly enough.
If the Young Conservatives of Colorado ever put out a watch list, I'd better be in the top ten. I'd consider anything less as a complete and utter failure.
Kudos to the professors on the Young Conservatives of Texas Watch List. Keep up the good work!
Saturday, December 13, 2003
Avalanche!
I've recovered from my battle with the flu only to find myself buried under an avalanche of final papers. All told, I have 177 final papers to grade in the next three days. Yuu can imagine what I'll be doing almost every waking minute of those three days. I knocked out 34 papers by getting up early this morning and getting right on it. Only 143 remaining. The good news is that I'll be finished with this round of papers by Monday. The bad news is that I'll receive a total of 177 final exams during the upcoming week. All that being said, I'm glad I'm the one doing the grading and not the one taking the final exams.
Thanks to the efforts of Gene, I'm addicted to Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. In the context of the game, I'm in the process of completing my Jedi Training. I can't tell you how tempted I am to put down the grading and sneak in a little KotOR action.
I'm taking a break from grading this evening to catch a movie with my lovely and alluring wife. We're going to catch The Station Agent at one of the local art house theaters. Next on the Must See list: Bubba Ho-Tep.
I've recovered from my battle with the flu only to find myself buried under an avalanche of final papers. All told, I have 177 final papers to grade in the next three days. Yuu can imagine what I'll be doing almost every waking minute of those three days. I knocked out 34 papers by getting up early this morning and getting right on it. Only 143 remaining. The good news is that I'll be finished with this round of papers by Monday. The bad news is that I'll receive a total of 177 final exams during the upcoming week. All that being said, I'm glad I'm the one doing the grading and not the one taking the final exams.
Thanks to the efforts of Gene, I'm addicted to Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. In the context of the game, I'm in the process of completing my Jedi Training. I can't tell you how tempted I am to put down the grading and sneak in a little KotOR action.
I'm taking a break from grading this evening to catch a movie with my lovely and alluring wife. We're going to catch The Station Agent at one of the local art house theaters. Next on the Must See list: Bubba Ho-Tep.
Friday, December 05, 2003
Vomit on the Highway
Colorado is being hit by an early outbreak of the flu. Guess who managed to catch it? You guessed it. I started feeling crappy earlier in the week but figured it was a slight cold or something. After all, I haven't been REALLY sick in the better part of a decade. I'm one of those people who simply doesn't get sick. Well, we can change that to usually doesn't get sick. After struggling through three classes yesterday afternoon I retired to my office. I tried to lay down and take a quick power nap (a regular occurence). That's when I realized I wasn't dealing with a cold. Shivering violently, I struggled to the department office for a 2:30. Raena took one look at me and said, "You need to go home." She agreed to go to my late afternoon class and handle some administrative details and let my students know what was up. Bless her.
Let me say that the hour and fifteen minute drive home was perhaps the most miserable moment of my life. Okay, that's probably an exaggeration but not by much. I had to make a pit stop every 20 minutes or so (I won't go into the gruesome details), but managed to make my way toward home. About 20 minutes from home, I knew I wasn't going to make it. I quickly made my way to the left shoulder of I-25 (the major N/S thoroughfare in all of Colorado), turned off the car, threw open the passenger door, and vomited profusely. As I haven't hurled in almost 10 years, I'd forgotten how disgusting the experience can be. With nothing left in my stomach, I finally managed to curtail the violent spasms and raced the rest of the way home.
Since arriving home at 4 PM yesterday, I've been in bed. Although the vomiting has stopped, my body aches and I'm being slammed with a continuous headache. Back to bed.
Colorado is being hit by an early outbreak of the flu. Guess who managed to catch it? You guessed it. I started feeling crappy earlier in the week but figured it was a slight cold or something. After all, I haven't been REALLY sick in the better part of a decade. I'm one of those people who simply doesn't get sick. Well, we can change that to usually doesn't get sick. After struggling through three classes yesterday afternoon I retired to my office. I tried to lay down and take a quick power nap (a regular occurence). That's when I realized I wasn't dealing with a cold. Shivering violently, I struggled to the department office for a 2:30. Raena took one look at me and said, "You need to go home." She agreed to go to my late afternoon class and handle some administrative details and let my students know what was up. Bless her.
Let me say that the hour and fifteen minute drive home was perhaps the most miserable moment of my life. Okay, that's probably an exaggeration but not by much. I had to make a pit stop every 20 minutes or so (I won't go into the gruesome details), but managed to make my way toward home. About 20 minutes from home, I knew I wasn't going to make it. I quickly made my way to the left shoulder of I-25 (the major N/S thoroughfare in all of Colorado), turned off the car, threw open the passenger door, and vomited profusely. As I haven't hurled in almost 10 years, I'd forgotten how disgusting the experience can be. With nothing left in my stomach, I finally managed to curtail the violent spasms and raced the rest of the way home.
Since arriving home at 4 PM yesterday, I've been in bed. Although the vomiting has stopped, my body aches and I'm being slammed with a continuous headache. Back to bed.
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
The Gift(s) for that Conservative who has Everything!
I've just about finished my holiday shopping for my family. My folks, sister, and brother-in-law will love these!
Coulter
Rummy
Flight Deck George
Is it me or are these things scarier than Chucky?
I've just about finished my holiday shopping for my family. My folks, sister, and brother-in-law will love these!
Coulter
Rummy
Flight Deck George
Is it me or are these things scarier than Chucky?
Tuesday, December 02, 2003
Outlandish!
This morning, during Communication and Popular Culture, one of my students made an absurd statement. The conversation went something like this.
Me: What are some other live-action children's TV shows?
Student #1: How about Mr. Rogers?
Me: Excellent example. My sister and I loved that show. Except for the episode where they visited the hot dog factory. How disgusting was that vat-o-meat that looked like pink toothpaste? Ugh. Anyway, I think I can still name most of the characters from the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.
Student #2: Did you know Fred Rogers used to be a Navy Seal?
Me: **almost stunned speechless** What?
Student #2: Yeah. I heard he killed something like 29 people.
Me: Fred Rogers? Where did you hear this? Fred Rogers was minister!
Student #2: I know. But before he was a minister he was a Navy Seal. That's why he always wore a long-sleeve shirt and sweater. He was hiding his tattoos.
Me: I think someone's been feeding you a load of bullshit.
Student #2: I'm serious!
Me: Okay. I'll look into it. If this is true, which I seriously doubt, my entire childhood will have lost all meaning. Mr. Rogers can't be a Navy Seal. He just can't.
Fred Rogers a Navy Seal? Are you freakin' kidding me? Where do students come up with this kind of stuff? As Mr. Hand from Fast Times at Ridgemont High would say, "What are you, people? On dope?!" A quick search on Snopes.com suggests Fred Rogers never hurt a fly. I find the fact that there's an actual urban legends entry on "Fred Rogers and his alleged violent past" very disturbing.
This morning, during Communication and Popular Culture, one of my students made an absurd statement. The conversation went something like this.
Me: What are some other live-action children's TV shows?
Student #1: How about Mr. Rogers?
Me: Excellent example. My sister and I loved that show. Except for the episode where they visited the hot dog factory. How disgusting was that vat-o-meat that looked like pink toothpaste? Ugh. Anyway, I think I can still name most of the characters from the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.
Student #2: Did you know Fred Rogers used to be a Navy Seal?
Me: **almost stunned speechless** What?
Student #2: Yeah. I heard he killed something like 29 people.
Me: Fred Rogers? Where did you hear this? Fred Rogers was minister!
Student #2: I know. But before he was a minister he was a Navy Seal. That's why he always wore a long-sleeve shirt and sweater. He was hiding his tattoos.
Me: I think someone's been feeding you a load of bullshit.
Student #2: I'm serious!
Me: Okay. I'll look into it. If this is true, which I seriously doubt, my entire childhood will have lost all meaning. Mr. Rogers can't be a Navy Seal. He just can't.
Fred Rogers a Navy Seal? Are you freakin' kidding me? Where do students come up with this kind of stuff? As Mr. Hand from Fast Times at Ridgemont High would say, "What are you, people? On dope?!" A quick search on Snopes.com suggests Fred Rogers never hurt a fly. I find the fact that there's an actual urban legends entry on "Fred Rogers and his alleged violent past" very disturbing.
Monday, December 01, 2003
Hair Crisis
I think I've figured out why the Democratic Party is unable to compete with the Republicans. Kucinich, Dean, Clark, and Kerry have almost identical haircuts. Kerry has a little thicker hair than the others, but it's essentially the same friggin lid! Is this what these guys talk about at meeting of the Democratic National Committee?
Chair: Okay, so the resolution passes 134-56. Starting tomorrow, we'll all part our hair on the left side and comb it to the right. That will look so much better than the part on the right thing we've been doing. That's SO Republican.
::groans:: Someone help these poor lost souls.
I think I've figured out why the Democratic Party is unable to compete with the Republicans. Kucinich, Dean, Clark, and Kerry have almost identical haircuts. Kerry has a little thicker hair than the others, but it's essentially the same friggin lid! Is this what these guys talk about at meeting of the Democratic National Committee?
Chair: Okay, so the resolution passes 134-56. Starting tomorrow, we'll all part our hair on the left side and comb it to the right. That will look so much better than the part on the right thing we've been doing. That's SO Republican.
::groans:: Someone help these poor lost souls.
A Democratic 'Do?
If Kucinich wants my vote, he has to do something with his hair.
Needs a New 'Do
Actually, I think that's how I'll cast my vote in the upcoming election. As none of the candidates does anything for me, I'll select the Democratic candidate with the coolest hair.
If Kucinich wants my vote, he has to do something with his hair.
Needs a New 'Do
Actually, I think that's how I'll cast my vote in the upcoming election. As none of the candidates does anything for me, I'll select the Democratic candidate with the coolest hair.
Sunday, November 30, 2003
A National Tragedy!
I knew it wouldn't be long before someone entered the fray. Bishops from the Massachusetts Catholic Conference have declared the recent MA Supreme Court decision a "national tragedy."
Blustering Bishops
How can someone denounce this decision and, in the same breath, state that they don't wish to step on anyone's civil rights? I'm mystified.
Here's a simple test for deciding whether or not something is an issue of civil rights. Take the word used to describe the group of people in question, gays and lesbians, and replace it with a term used to describe an ethnic, cultural, racial, or religious group. I'll provide a couple examples.
Here's the argument as presented:
Allowing gays and lesbians to marry is a sure formula for chaos.
Now, let's run the test.
Allowing Blacks to marry is a sure formula for chaos.
Allowing Native Americans to marry is a sure formula for chaos.
Allowing Jews to marry is a sure formula for chaos.
Allowing Muslims to marry is a sure formula for chaos.
Allowing interracial couples to marry is a sure formula for chaos.
Sounds pretty ridiculous doesn't it?
I knew it wouldn't be long before someone entered the fray. Bishops from the Massachusetts Catholic Conference have declared the recent MA Supreme Court decision a "national tragedy."
Blustering Bishops
How can someone denounce this decision and, in the same breath, state that they don't wish to step on anyone's civil rights? I'm mystified.
Here's a simple test for deciding whether or not something is an issue of civil rights. Take the word used to describe the group of people in question, gays and lesbians, and replace it with a term used to describe an ethnic, cultural, racial, or religious group. I'll provide a couple examples.
Here's the argument as presented:
Allowing gays and lesbians to marry is a sure formula for chaos.
Now, let's run the test.
Allowing Blacks to marry is a sure formula for chaos.
Allowing Native Americans to marry is a sure formula for chaos.
Allowing Jews to marry is a sure formula for chaos.
Allowing Muslims to marry is a sure formula for chaos.
Allowing interracial couples to marry is a sure formula for chaos.
Sounds pretty ridiculous doesn't it?
Persecution
If we are to change the direction of our country, and turn people against Bush’s occupation of Iraq, we are going to have to face the ire and persecution of our local communities. If peace people in every local community insisted that our troops be brought home immediately, that the U.N. be sent in to restore Iraq, that all U.S. military aid to the Middle East be cut, and that our arsenal of weapons of mass destruction be dismantled, then we might all find soldiers marching at our front doors, trying to intimidate us. If we can face our soldiers, call them to quit the military and urge them to disobey orders to kill, then perhaps some of them will refuse to fight, become conscientious objectors and take up the wisdom of nonviolence. If we can look them in the eye and engage them in personal Satyagraha as Gandhi demonstrated, then we know that the transformation has begun (Military confronts civilian)
Amen, Father John.
If we are to change the direction of our country, and turn people against Bush’s occupation of Iraq, we are going to have to face the ire and persecution of our local communities. If peace people in every local community insisted that our troops be brought home immediately, that the U.N. be sent in to restore Iraq, that all U.S. military aid to the Middle East be cut, and that our arsenal of weapons of mass destruction be dismantled, then we might all find soldiers marching at our front doors, trying to intimidate us. If we can face our soldiers, call them to quit the military and urge them to disobey orders to kill, then perhaps some of them will refuse to fight, become conscientious objectors and take up the wisdom of nonviolence. If we can look them in the eye and engage them in personal Satyagraha as Gandhi demonstrated, then we know that the transformation has begun (Military confronts civilian)
Amen, Father John.
Friday, November 28, 2003
Banned!
Without my knowledge, I've apparently joined an elite group. I couldn't be happier!
I was just up at the BYU library and tried to access your
page....congratulations, dearie, your page has been banned!
I thought it was hysterical.
Take care-
Tiff
I suspect my frequent rants on gay marriage and the prolific use of the "F" word triggered the BYU internet filters. While I'd like to think some BYU bigwig read my blog, damning me to Hell with each offensive post, I know I'm not all that important. Still, the issue of an institute of higher learning employing internet filters is bothersome. Isn't higher education about an open exchange of ideas, no matter how different they may be from our own? How can graduates of BYU claim to be well-educated if they've only been given access to a limited number of views? If you're not familiar with BYU, the school is affiliated with Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Unless I miss my guess, I suspect views that clash with LDS ideology are difficult to find.
Someday, I'm going to get all decked out in alternative garb, walk to the center of the BYU quad, and scream "Fuck!" as loud as I can. I wonder if security will chase me across campus? What a great image.
Iconoclastically yours,
D
Without my knowledge, I've apparently joined an elite group. I couldn't be happier!
I was just up at the BYU library and tried to access your
page....congratulations, dearie, your page has been banned!
I thought it was hysterical.
Take care-
Tiff
I suspect my frequent rants on gay marriage and the prolific use of the "F" word triggered the BYU internet filters. While I'd like to think some BYU bigwig read my blog, damning me to Hell with each offensive post, I know I'm not all that important. Still, the issue of an institute of higher learning employing internet filters is bothersome. Isn't higher education about an open exchange of ideas, no matter how different they may be from our own? How can graduates of BYU claim to be well-educated if they've only been given access to a limited number of views? If you're not familiar with BYU, the school is affiliated with Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Unless I miss my guess, I suspect views that clash with LDS ideology are difficult to find.
Someday, I'm going to get all decked out in alternative garb, walk to the center of the BYU quad, and scream "Fuck!" as loud as I can. I wonder if security will chase me across campus? What a great image.
Iconoclastically yours,
D
Thursday, November 27, 2003
Sacred Institution
"Marriage is a sacred institution between a man and a woman. Today's decision of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court violates this important principle," Mr. Bush said in a brief statement released by the White House. "I will work with congressional leaders and others to do what is legally necessary to defend the sanctity of marriage."
Actually, George, marriage is a legal union between two people who commit to monogamy, financial cooperation, and, if they choose, a future family. What? You don't believe me? Take some time out of your busy schedule and stroll down to the local County Clerk and Recorder. With valid IDs, ten bucks, and the ten minutes it takes to fill out the paperwork, a couple can obtain a marriage license. To make the whole thing even less sacred, a couple doesn't need a spiritual officiant to seal the deal. In fact, here in Colorado you don't even need a witness. Just sign your names on the appropriate lines, mail the completed license to the appropriate address, and you're married! Voila! Maybe I'm confused, but I'm not sure I see the "sacred" element to the entire process. If a couple chooses to enter into a relationship by way of a spiritual ceremony of some sort, they're more than welcome to do so. However, there's nothing in the legal paperwork declaring marriage a sacred institution.
One more time, George: the American people don't need you to make the decisions regarding what we should consider sacred and secular. We'll handle that on our own, thank you very much. In case you need a refresher, let me point toward the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Does the phrase "separation of Church and State" ring a bell? How about "Freedom of Religion." When you start legislating based on your religious convictions, you cross that line. And that's exactly why we have the Constitution. Checks and balances suck, eh George? Now before you go off claiming that the "majority of people" don't support gay marriage, let me remind you that the Bill of Rights was put in place to protect the minority from the tyranny of the majority. Just because the majority of U.S. Americans don't support the idea of gay marriage, doesn't mean that homosexuals don't have civil rights. Example: at one time most U.S. citizens didn't support a woman's right to vote. We all know how that turned out. Come on, George, and everyone else who supports "protecting the sanctity of marriage," this really isn't all that difficult. Simply put, there's a difference between your religious convictions and the protection of someone's civil rights. You're more than welcome to your religious convictions. In fact, that's probably one of the few things I can almost admire about you. You have your beliefs and they seem sincere (but a bit contradictory). In this case, however, civil rights trump your religious convictions.
**Religious convictions which seem to wax and wane. You do believe in Thou Shalt Not Kill, right? Three words: "Iraq" and "Death Penalty." In both instances, George Bush seems to trump the word of God. Now THAT'S an ego. Or an inability to recognize fundamental flaws in reasoning. I'm leaning toward the latter.
"Marriage is a sacred institution between a man and a woman. Today's decision of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court violates this important principle," Mr. Bush said in a brief statement released by the White House. "I will work with congressional leaders and others to do what is legally necessary to defend the sanctity of marriage."
Actually, George, marriage is a legal union between two people who commit to monogamy, financial cooperation, and, if they choose, a future family. What? You don't believe me? Take some time out of your busy schedule and stroll down to the local County Clerk and Recorder. With valid IDs, ten bucks, and the ten minutes it takes to fill out the paperwork, a couple can obtain a marriage license. To make the whole thing even less sacred, a couple doesn't need a spiritual officiant to seal the deal. In fact, here in Colorado you don't even need a witness. Just sign your names on the appropriate lines, mail the completed license to the appropriate address, and you're married! Voila! Maybe I'm confused, but I'm not sure I see the "sacred" element to the entire process. If a couple chooses to enter into a relationship by way of a spiritual ceremony of some sort, they're more than welcome to do so. However, there's nothing in the legal paperwork declaring marriage a sacred institution.
One more time, George: the American people don't need you to make the decisions regarding what we should consider sacred and secular. We'll handle that on our own, thank you very much. In case you need a refresher, let me point toward the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Does the phrase "separation of Church and State" ring a bell? How about "Freedom of Religion." When you start legislating based on your religious convictions, you cross that line. And that's exactly why we have the Constitution. Checks and balances suck, eh George? Now before you go off claiming that the "majority of people" don't support gay marriage, let me remind you that the Bill of Rights was put in place to protect the minority from the tyranny of the majority. Just because the majority of U.S. Americans don't support the idea of gay marriage, doesn't mean that homosexuals don't have civil rights. Example: at one time most U.S. citizens didn't support a woman's right to vote. We all know how that turned out. Come on, George, and everyone else who supports "protecting the sanctity of marriage," this really isn't all that difficult. Simply put, there's a difference between your religious convictions and the protection of someone's civil rights. You're more than welcome to your religious convictions. In fact, that's probably one of the few things I can almost admire about you. You have your beliefs and they seem sincere (but a bit contradictory). In this case, however, civil rights trump your religious convictions.
**Religious convictions which seem to wax and wane. You do believe in Thou Shalt Not Kill, right? Three words: "Iraq" and "Death Penalty." In both instances, George Bush seems to trump the word of God. Now THAT'S an ego. Or an inability to recognize fundamental flaws in reasoning. I'm leaning toward the latter.
You're Fucked.
Is there a better Thanksgiving movie than Planes, Trains, and Automobiles? Is there a better all-time movie quote than Neal Page's car rental flip-out?
Car Rental Agent: Welcome to Marathon, may I help you?
Neal Page: Yes.
Car Rental Agent: Well, How may I help you?
Neal Page: You can start by wiping that fucking dumb-ass smile off your rosy fucking cheeks. And you can give a fucking automobile. A fucking Buick, a fucking Datson, a fucking Toyota . . four fucking wheels and a seat!
Car Rental Agent: I really don't care for the way you're speaking to me.
Neal Page: And I really don't care for the way your company left me in the middle of fucking nowhere with fucking keys to a fucking car that isn't fucking there. And I really didn't care to fucking walk down a fucking highway and across a fucking runway to get back here to have you smile at my fucking face. I want a fucking car RIGHT FUCKING NOW!
Car Rental Agent: May I see your rental agreement.
Neal Page: I threw it away.
Car Rental Agent: Oh boy.
Neal Page: Oh boy what?
Car Rental Agent: You're fucked!
I should add that I had a similar flip-out while at my convention. Having flown a red-eye flight to Miami (I left Denver at 9 PM and arrived in Miami at 8 AM), I arrived at the hotel and soon discovered they'd screwed up my reservation. After patiently explaining the situation three different times, I lost it and the F-word started flying. Like Neal, my choice in vocabulary didn't change the situation. I was fucked.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Is there a better Thanksgiving movie than Planes, Trains, and Automobiles? Is there a better all-time movie quote than Neal Page's car rental flip-out?
Car Rental Agent: Welcome to Marathon, may I help you?
Neal Page: Yes.
Car Rental Agent: Well, How may I help you?
Neal Page: You can start by wiping that fucking dumb-ass smile off your rosy fucking cheeks. And you can give a fucking automobile. A fucking Buick, a fucking Datson, a fucking Toyota . . four fucking wheels and a seat!
Car Rental Agent: I really don't care for the way you're speaking to me.
Neal Page: And I really don't care for the way your company left me in the middle of fucking nowhere with fucking keys to a fucking car that isn't fucking there. And I really didn't care to fucking walk down a fucking highway and across a fucking runway to get back here to have you smile at my fucking face. I want a fucking car RIGHT FUCKING NOW!
Car Rental Agent: May I see your rental agreement.
Neal Page: I threw it away.
Car Rental Agent: Oh boy.
Neal Page: Oh boy what?
Car Rental Agent: You're fucked!
I should add that I had a similar flip-out while at my convention. Having flown a red-eye flight to Miami (I left Denver at 9 PM and arrived in Miami at 8 AM), I arrived at the hotel and soon discovered they'd screwed up my reservation. After patiently explaining the situation three different times, I lost it and the F-word started flying. Like Neal, my choice in vocabulary didn't change the situation. I was fucked.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
Lewd and Potentially Explosive Behavior
The following email just arrived in my Inbox. I'm at home on Thanksgiving break and this kind of excitement continues on campus?
Today at 7:35 a.m., a half-hour after Morgan Library opened, a
custodian at the library reported lewd behavior by a couple in the
second floor men?s room. CSU-PD responded and took into custody a
juvenile female and a 28-year-old male. The male and female, who are
not students or employees of Colorado State University, were
apprehended without incident.
A suspicious device that looked like a grenade was found in the
mens restroom where the couple had been, so police immediately
evacuated the building of 100 staff members and about six student
library patrons.
The CSU police removed the device and safely destroyed it outside
in a special container. Early indications show that the device was
non-explosive.
Nothing more was discovered after the library was checked with a
bomb-sniffing police dog. The library was reopened at 10:45 a.m.
Drug paraphernalia and drugs were found on the male suspect, who is
being questioned by CSU-PD and who may face felony charges.
The following email just arrived in my Inbox. I'm at home on Thanksgiving break and this kind of excitement continues on campus?
Today at 7:35 a.m., a half-hour after Morgan Library opened, a
custodian at the library reported lewd behavior by a couple in the
second floor men?s room. CSU-PD responded and took into custody a
juvenile female and a 28-year-old male. The male and female, who are
not students or employees of Colorado State University, were
apprehended without incident.
A suspicious device that looked like a grenade was found in the
mens restroom where the couple had been, so police immediately
evacuated the building of 100 staff members and about six student
library patrons.
The CSU police removed the device and safely destroyed it outside
in a special container. Early indications show that the device was
non-explosive.
Nothing more was discovered after the library was checked with a
bomb-sniffing police dog. The library was reopened at 10:45 a.m.
Drug paraphernalia and drugs were found on the male suspect, who is
being questioned by CSU-PD and who may face felony charges.
Eeeewww!
Warning: while reading this piece I almost blew granola all over my monitor. Proceed with caution.
Bodysnatchers
Warning: while reading this piece I almost blew granola all over my monitor. Proceed with caution.
Bodysnatchers
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Watch Your Mind Carefully
Don't forget to bring the good experiences of meditation into your daily activities. Instead of acting and reacting impulsively and following your thoughts and feelings here and there, watch your mind carefully, be aware, and try to deal skillfully with problems as they arise. If you can do this each day, your meditation will have been successful.
-Kathleen McDonald, "How to Meditate"
Don't forget to bring the good experiences of meditation into your daily activities. Instead of acting and reacting impulsively and following your thoughts and feelings here and there, watch your mind carefully, be aware, and try to deal skillfully with problems as they arise. If you can do this each day, your meditation will have been successful.
-Kathleen McDonald, "How to Meditate"
Sunday, November 23, 2003
We're Liberators, Not Occupiers. Really!
Some Iraqis don't see us as liberators of their country. After a U.S. American vehicle was attacked, witnesses reported the following.
About a dozen swarming teenagers dragged the soldiers out of the wreckage and beat them with concrete blocks, the witnesses said.
"They lifted a block and hit them with it on the face," said Younis Mahmoud, 19.
Occupation
Some Iraqis don't see us as liberators of their country. After a U.S. American vehicle was attacked, witnesses reported the following.
About a dozen swarming teenagers dragged the soldiers out of the wreckage and beat them with concrete blocks, the witnesses said.
"They lifted a block and hit them with it on the face," said Younis Mahmoud, 19.
Occupation
The Rhetor Returns!
I've been at the National Communication Association for a few days. Blogging will commence shortly!
I've been at the National Communication Association for a few days. Blogging will commence shortly!
Monday, November 17, 2003
BFOQs
I don't know why I keep stumbling across these workplace related articles ::shrugs:: From time to time, I teach Business and Professional Speaking. While the class isn't my favorite, I do undestand it's a necessary skills course for many people. During the course of the semester, we spend a day or two talking about legitimate interview questions or bonafide occupational questions (BFOQs). What a person is supposed to do if they're asked a non-BFOQ is always an interesting discussion. I like the answer provided by this article.
Illegal Questions
Personally, I think I'd respond with the following:
"You do realize that's an illegal question, right? You should sign up for my Business and Professional Speaking course. We cover BFOQs, which your question isn't. Here's my card. I'll be happy to sign an override if my section is full. Until that time, I believe our interview is finished. I have no intention of working for such an unprofessional dolt as yourself. I'll let myself out."
I don't know why I keep stumbling across these workplace related articles ::shrugs:: From time to time, I teach Business and Professional Speaking. While the class isn't my favorite, I do undestand it's a necessary skills course for many people. During the course of the semester, we spend a day or two talking about legitimate interview questions or bonafide occupational questions (BFOQs). What a person is supposed to do if they're asked a non-BFOQ is always an interesting discussion. I like the answer provided by this article.
Illegal Questions
Personally, I think I'd respond with the following:
"You do realize that's an illegal question, right? You should sign up for my Business and Professional Speaking course. We cover BFOQs, which your question isn't. Here's my card. I'll be happy to sign an override if my section is full. Until that time, I believe our interview is finished. I have no intention of working for such an unprofessional dolt as yourself. I'll let myself out."
Sunday, November 16, 2003
Boxers or Briefs? PC or Mac?
This year's cool Presidential debate question, PC or Mac, wasn't generated by a hip audience member. Instead, CNN planted the question.
PC or Mac
Is there anything in the media that isn't manipulated? I don't think so, either.
This year's cool Presidential debate question, PC or Mac, wasn't generated by a hip audience member. Instead, CNN planted the question.
PC or Mac
Is there anything in the media that isn't manipulated? I don't think so, either.
Saturday, November 15, 2003
My Name is Derek and I'm a Bush Hater
If there is one thing you can call a truth in this world, it's the following: I despise our President. Like Molly Ivins, I can list a litany of reasons on why we should jettison the Charlatan-in-Chief. His tax cuts are a joke*, his foreign policy decisions are a mess (see Iraq), and his commitment to "saving marriage" is an insult to anyone who believes civil rights are an inalienable right. Don't even get me started on the religiosity of his discourse. Ugh.
*See Reagonimcs. Trickle down economics didn't work during the 1980s and it won't work now. Back in the late 1970s, Bush the Elder (was running against Reagan for the Republican Party nomination for the Presidency) referred to trickle-down economics as "Voodoo economics."
If there is one thing you can call a truth in this world, it's the following: I despise our President. Like Molly Ivins, I can list a litany of reasons on why we should jettison the Charlatan-in-Chief. His tax cuts are a joke*, his foreign policy decisions are a mess (see Iraq), and his commitment to "saving marriage" is an insult to anyone who believes civil rights are an inalienable right. Don't even get me started on the religiosity of his discourse. Ugh.
*See Reagonimcs. Trickle down economics didn't work during the 1980s and it won't work now. Back in the late 1970s, Bush the Elder (was running against Reagan for the Republican Party nomination for the Presidency) referred to trickle-down economics as "Voodoo economics."
Tuesday, November 11, 2003
Dating and Work Don't Mix
This should be a must read for every person entering the workplace.
Don't Date At Work
This should be a must read for every person entering the workplace.
Don't Date At Work
Monday, November 10, 2003
This Nation was never intended to be a Christian Nation.
I think someone's been reading my blog. I really like the following:
This Nation was never intended to be a Christian Nation. We are, however, a Nation of people who practice their faiths without fear of religious persecution, or government interference.
Freedom of Religion
I think someone's been reading my blog. I really like the following:
This Nation was never intended to be a Christian Nation. We are, however, a Nation of people who practice their faiths without fear of religious persecution, or government interference.
Freedom of Religion
Sunday, November 09, 2003
Trippin!
As a recovering alcoholic (10 years, 5 months, and 7 days), I'm always interested by new developments in the rehab/recovery field. While I didn't have the resources to attend rehab, I know that's the start many need. Most rehab programs go something like this: admit that you have a problem, uncover the reasons behind why you drank/drugged, identify specific character defects (low self-esteem, selfishness, fear of being alone, etc.), accept personal responsibility for all your problems, make right the wrongs of the past (those that you can), and pass on what you have learned. Throughout the process, most programs encourage you to develop a spiritual connection to something greater than yourself. The nature of the path--Buddhist, Taoist, Wiccan, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, etc.--doesn't really matter. The important part of embracing a spiritual path is that the person in recovery has something to turn to other than drugs & alcohol. Rather than drowning a fiery temper in a fifth of bourbon or a case of Olympia, the person in recovery uses spirituality to extinguish the painful flames. For most of us, finding the right spiritual path is not an easy task.
I suppose my struggle to find a spiritual path is why I'm so skeptical of the following article. I have difficulties understanding how a piece of rootbark could stimulate a spiritual experience and cure someone of their addictions. To take that line of thought one step further: how could a plant stimulate a similar spiritual experience among so many different people? Is there really something inherently spiritual or magickal about this root? I have my doubts.
Magic Rootbark
As a recovering alcoholic (10 years, 5 months, and 7 days), I'm always interested by new developments in the rehab/recovery field. While I didn't have the resources to attend rehab, I know that's the start many need. Most rehab programs go something like this: admit that you have a problem, uncover the reasons behind why you drank/drugged, identify specific character defects (low self-esteem, selfishness, fear of being alone, etc.), accept personal responsibility for all your problems, make right the wrongs of the past (those that you can), and pass on what you have learned. Throughout the process, most programs encourage you to develop a spiritual connection to something greater than yourself. The nature of the path--Buddhist, Taoist, Wiccan, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, etc.--doesn't really matter. The important part of embracing a spiritual path is that the person in recovery has something to turn to other than drugs & alcohol. Rather than drowning a fiery temper in a fifth of bourbon or a case of Olympia, the person in recovery uses spirituality to extinguish the painful flames. For most of us, finding the right spiritual path is not an easy task.
I suppose my struggle to find a spiritual path is why I'm so skeptical of the following article. I have difficulties understanding how a piece of rootbark could stimulate a spiritual experience and cure someone of their addictions. To take that line of thought one step further: how could a plant stimulate a similar spiritual experience among so many different people? Is there really something inherently spiritual or magickal about this root? I have my doubts.
Magic Rootbark
Friday, November 07, 2003
I've Got Bloginality
Tiffany posted a link to a Bloginality (personality) test. It comes as no surprise that I'm an ENTP.
What's an ENTP? Check out the following links--I think they describe me well. The first is particularly appropriate.
ENTP1
ENTP2
Tiffany posted a link to a Bloginality (personality) test. It comes as no surprise that I'm an ENTP.
What's an ENTP? Check out the following links--I think they describe me well. The first is particularly appropriate.
ENTP1
ENTP2
On the Lighter Side
Recent DVD purchases:
Mars Attacks
Logan's Run
The Lost Boys
The Matrix: Reloaded
The Hulk
Recent Book Purchases:
Emerson
Experiences Between Philosophy and Communication: Engaging the Philosophical Contributions of Calvin O. Schrag
The Post-Subcultures Reader
Rhetorical Bodies
Using the Force: Creativity, Community, and Star Wars Fans
Recent DVD purchases:
Mars Attacks
Logan's Run
The Lost Boys
The Matrix: Reloaded
The Hulk
Recent Book Purchases:
Emerson
Experiences Between Philosophy and Communication: Engaging the Philosophical Contributions of Calvin O. Schrag
The Post-Subcultures Reader
Rhetorical Bodies
Using the Force: Creativity, Community, and Star Wars Fans
The Dead Don't Exist
The Bush Administration PR machine is at it again.
Don't Mention the Dead
Geez. Is there anything this adminstration doesn't try to spin?
The Bush Administration PR machine is at it again.
Don't Mention the Dead
Geez. Is there anything this adminstration doesn't try to spin?
Real People
When the media reports a soldier's death, we cringe. At least I hope most people cringe. What we don't see, however, is how that death affects people who were closest to the victim.
Fiance
High School Connections
Every single U.S. casualty is an individual, a living person with family, friends, acquaintances, and what not. How easy it is to forget that.
When the media reports a soldier's death, we cringe. At least I hope most people cringe. What we don't see, however, is how that death affects people who were closest to the victim.
Fiance
High School Connections
Every single U.S. casualty is an individual, a living person with family, friends, acquaintances, and what not. How easy it is to forget that.
Thursday, November 06, 2003
The Matrix: Rebooted
Kathleen and I took in The Matrix: Revolutions last evening. My review: heavy on form, light on substance. While I found the movie entertaining (great eye candy), I found nothing thought provoking. While the first film really broke some new ground, the 2nd and 3rd films haven't offered anything new. Oh, and the closing scenes of Revolutions leaves the possibility of a sequel wide open.
Fearless Prediction: If/when another Matrix film comes to your theater (2007 is my guess) the film will be titled The Matrix: Rebooted.
Remember, you heard it here first.
Kathleen and I took in The Matrix: Revolutions last evening. My review: heavy on form, light on substance. While I found the movie entertaining (great eye candy), I found nothing thought provoking. While the first film really broke some new ground, the 2nd and 3rd films haven't offered anything new. Oh, and the closing scenes of Revolutions leaves the possibility of a sequel wide open.
Fearless Prediction: If/when another Matrix film comes to your theater (2007 is my guess) the film will be titled The Matrix: Rebooted.
Remember, you heard it here first.
Sunday, November 02, 2003
When Will It End?
Another bad day in Baghdad:
U.S. Helicopter Down
I have yet to see a convincing argument that military action was the ONLY way to liberate the Iraqi people. For those who say, "But the Bush Administration spent nearly a year searching for a diplomatic solution! They exhausted every diplomatic avenue at their disposal!" Did they? Did Bush and his boys really push for a diplomatic solution or did they use diplomacy to try and sway world opinion toward a military solution? I'd suggest they opted for the latter.
I'll NEVER understand why people support the use of violence as a problem-solving strategy.
Another bad day in Baghdad:
U.S. Helicopter Down
I have yet to see a convincing argument that military action was the ONLY way to liberate the Iraqi people. For those who say, "But the Bush Administration spent nearly a year searching for a diplomatic solution! They exhausted every diplomatic avenue at their disposal!" Did they? Did Bush and his boys really push for a diplomatic solution or did they use diplomacy to try and sway world opinion toward a military solution? I'd suggest they opted for the latter.
I'll NEVER understand why people support the use of violence as a problem-solving strategy.
Saturday, November 01, 2003
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Heroes, Heroines, and Villains, Pt. II
Bring on the teams!
Favorite Heroic Teams:
The Avengers
The Thunderbolts
The Outsiders (Present Run)
The X-men (circa Uncanny X-men issue 153)
The Justice League
Favorite Villainous Teams:
The Brotherhood of Evil Mutants (Mystique, Blob, Avalanche, Pyro, Destiny)
The U-foes
Masters of Evil
The Marauders
The Sinister Six
Bring on the teams!
Favorite Heroic Teams:
The Avengers
The Thunderbolts
The Outsiders (Present Run)
The X-men (circa Uncanny X-men issue 153)
The Justice League
Favorite Villainous Teams:
The Brotherhood of Evil Mutants (Mystique, Blob, Avalanche, Pyro, Destiny)
The U-foes
Masters of Evil
The Marauders
The Sinister Six
Monday, October 27, 2003
Heroes, Heroines, and Villains
I've been teaching a unit on archetypes in Popular Culture. Last week, we spent a full day talking about heroes, heroines, and villains. For several days now I've been thinking about my favorites.
Favorite Comic Book Heroes:
Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner)
Iron Man
The Black Knight
Colossus
Hawkeye
Favorites Heroines:
Jade
She-Hulk
Ms. Marvel/Binary/Warbird
Dazzler
Cleo
Favorite Villains:
Sinestro
Magneto
The Taskmaster
Ultron
The Hobgoblin
Feel free to offer your own favorites via comments.
I've been teaching a unit on archetypes in Popular Culture. Last week, we spent a full day talking about heroes, heroines, and villains. For several days now I've been thinking about my favorites.
Favorite Comic Book Heroes:
Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner)
Iron Man
The Black Knight
Colossus
Hawkeye
Favorites Heroines:
Jade
She-Hulk
Ms. Marvel/Binary/Warbird
Dazzler
Cleo
Favorite Villains:
Sinestro
Magneto
The Taskmaster
Ultron
The Hobgoblin
Feel free to offer your own favorites via comments.
Friday, October 24, 2003
The Pumpkin Show
I don't know why, but I've been obsessed with the Circleville, OH Pumpkin Show for several years. Someday, I'll attend the glorious event.
The Pumpkin Show
Now that's a pumpkin pie. Check out the Big Wheel race, too!
I don't know why, but I've been obsessed with the Circleville, OH Pumpkin Show for several years. Someday, I'll attend the glorious event.
The Pumpkin Show
Now that's a pumpkin pie. Check out the Big Wheel race, too!
Thursday, October 23, 2003
Gays Plot to Overthrow Western Civilization: President Declares Marriage Protection Week
Watch out, everyone! Loving gay men and lesbian women have the ability to destroy the institution of marriage! Oh, brother. President Bush, put down the bible, stop wasting my time with your thinly-veiled proselytizing, and get started on the task of running this country.
I love this passage from the linked article:
The other night in bed, my partner rolled over in his sleep, took all the blankets with him, and started snoring. Lovely. I looked over at him and thought about what conservatives say: that our relationship threatens the very fabric of western civilization.
When he brought me coffee this morning, kissed my forehead and said, "Hi sweetie," I tried to figure out how our love undermines straight marriages.
Read the rest of the author's thoughts here: Gay Apocolypse Now
Let's be honest, the objections to same sex marriage stem from Christian ideology. I've said it once on this blog and I'll say it again, THIS IS NOT A CHRISTIAN NATION. This is a republic, a country comprised of 270 million people of diverse spiritual backgroungs (80% of the population identifies as Christian). Despite what some southern judges believe, our legal system is NOT grounded in Christian beliefs. Despite what some Representatives and Senators believe, our legislative system is NOT for coercing members of a society to follow a particular religious doctrine (which is exactly what a constitutional amendment "protecting marriage" would do). Despite what our President believes, he does NOT have a hotline to God, he was NOT chosen by God to run this country (although divine intervention would explain how we lost the popular vote and still won the election*), and marriage doesn't need his divinely-inspired protection. What this country does need is a President who will quit trying to force his religious convictions on those of us who don't need his help.
*Yes, I understand how the antiquated electoral college system works. Thanks for asking.
Watch out, everyone! Loving gay men and lesbian women have the ability to destroy the institution of marriage! Oh, brother. President Bush, put down the bible, stop wasting my time with your thinly-veiled proselytizing, and get started on the task of running this country.
I love this passage from the linked article:
The other night in bed, my partner rolled over in his sleep, took all the blankets with him, and started snoring. Lovely. I looked over at him and thought about what conservatives say: that our relationship threatens the very fabric of western civilization.
When he brought me coffee this morning, kissed my forehead and said, "Hi sweetie," I tried to figure out how our love undermines straight marriages.
Read the rest of the author's thoughts here: Gay Apocolypse Now
Let's be honest, the objections to same sex marriage stem from Christian ideology. I've said it once on this blog and I'll say it again, THIS IS NOT A CHRISTIAN NATION. This is a republic, a country comprised of 270 million people of diverse spiritual backgroungs (80% of the population identifies as Christian). Despite what some southern judges believe, our legal system is NOT grounded in Christian beliefs. Despite what some Representatives and Senators believe, our legislative system is NOT for coercing members of a society to follow a particular religious doctrine (which is exactly what a constitutional amendment "protecting marriage" would do). Despite what our President believes, he does NOT have a hotline to God, he was NOT chosen by God to run this country (although divine intervention would explain how we lost the popular vote and still won the election*), and marriage doesn't need his divinely-inspired protection. What this country does need is a President who will quit trying to force his religious convictions on those of us who don't need his help.
*Yes, I understand how the antiquated electoral college system works. Thanks for asking.
A plague o' both your houses!
For the person who has everything:
Plaguedomes
I love the Three Days of Darkness globe. I think I may get the Plague of Locusts dome for my parents.
For the person who has everything:
Plaguedomes
I love the Three Days of Darkness globe. I think I may get the Plague of Locusts dome for my parents.
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Sunday, October 19, 2003
Thursday, October 16, 2003
Goodnight, Cubs Fans
Another year, another Cubs disappointment. The millions of bandwagon Cubs fans will disappear, leaving only the true fans of the loveable losers. We'll wake up tomorrow, shake our heads, and wish things would have ended differently. By late afternoon, we'll be stressing over the prospect of keeping Prior and dreaming of next year. Just another day as a diehard Cubs fan.
Goodnight fellow Cubs fans.
Another year, another Cubs disappointment. The millions of bandwagon Cubs fans will disappear, leaving only the true fans of the loveable losers. We'll wake up tomorrow, shake our heads, and wish things would have ended differently. By late afternoon, we'll be stressing over the prospect of keeping Prior and dreaming of next year. Just another day as a diehard Cubs fan.
Goodnight fellow Cubs fans.
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Fucking Fan
The Chicago Cubs curse is alive and well. Thanks to an IDIOT of a fan, who will be lucky to leave Wrigley Field without sustaining serious injuries, and an error by Gonzalez, the Marlins have scored seven runs in the top of the eighth inning. I'm absolutely disgusted. For the first time in years, I actually swore at a televised sporting event. How stupid is that?
Fearless prediction: The Marlins will advance to the World Series. This entire situation has 1984 written all over it.
The Chicago Cubs curse is alive and well. Thanks to an IDIOT of a fan, who will be lucky to leave Wrigley Field without sustaining serious injuries, and an error by Gonzalez, the Marlins have scored seven runs in the top of the eighth inning. I'm absolutely disgusted. For the first time in years, I actually swore at a televised sporting event. How stupid is that?
Fearless prediction: The Marlins will advance to the World Series. This entire situation has 1984 written all over it.
Sunday, October 12, 2003
Friday, October 10, 2003
Down, er, Up With Hip-huggers!
Look, I'm cool with people wearing whatever their hearts desire. Like the author of the following piece, however, I've grown weary of the ever descending trend in blue jean fashion. When you hear a young woman say, "When I bought these jeans last weekend, I thought I was going to have to shave,"* it's probably time to reverse course and send the female waistline creeping upward a tad.
Hip-Huggers
*One of my friends heard this comment from a customer. For those not following the young woman's line of thought, she isn't talking about shaving her legs or armpits.
Look, I'm cool with people wearing whatever their hearts desire. Like the author of the following piece, however, I've grown weary of the ever descending trend in blue jean fashion. When you hear a young woman say, "When I bought these jeans last weekend, I thought I was going to have to shave,"* it's probably time to reverse course and send the female waistline creeping upward a tad.
Hip-Huggers
*One of my friends heard this comment from a customer. For those not following the young woman's line of thought, she isn't talking about shaving her legs or armpits.
Wednesday, October 08, 2003
Cardiac Cubs
After twenty plus years of cheering on the Cubs, one would think I'd learn not to watch the games. During tonight's game, I was up and down like a yo-yo. The final result: Cubs lose! Cubs fucking lose! At least there's decent pitching headed to the mound tomorrow night. For the sake of my health, I'll probably refrain from watching the game.
After twenty plus years of cheering on the Cubs, one would think I'd learn not to watch the games. During tonight's game, I was up and down like a yo-yo. The final result: Cubs lose! Cubs fucking lose! At least there's decent pitching headed to the mound tomorrow night. For the sake of my health, I'll probably refrain from watching the game.
Sunday, October 05, 2003
Letterman Loses His Cool . . . In 1988
I stumbled across an article depicting the infamous encounter between Harvey Pekar, author of the comicbook American Splendor, and David Letterman.
The Big Shill
Although the incident occured in 1988, the exchange struck a nerve of my own. I recently met with the financial advisor who supervises one of my retirement accounts. Like most finance companies, this one offers a myriad of "funds" in which to invest. Each fund allocates varying percentages of a contribution to numerous corporations (Microsoft 4.2%, IBM 3.7%, Pfizer 3.5%, Citicorp, 3.3%, Walmart 3.0%, etc).
The financial advisor recommended several particular funds, funds she felt would produce a good return during the coming year. Before agreeing to any particular allocation schedule, I asked to see the profiles of the various funds. She seemed surprised that I wanted to see the various companies involved with each fund. She kept pointing out projected returns ("You can see this fund has averaged an 11% return for the past two years") and I kept asking about the corporations. After several rounds of "Check-Out-This-Fund-What-Corporations-Are-Involved" she finally suggested I handle the allocations on my own. She even suggested two "Social Awareness" funds designed for people just like me.
I took her advice and checked out the "Social Awareness" funds. To my surprise, General Electric and Wal-Mart were two of the top ten corporations of the "social' funds. What? Are you kidding me? General Electric, the manufacturer of engines for military fighter aircraft, is considered a socially conscious corporation? How can any company who profits off of war be considered socially conscious?! And do I really need to rant about Wal-Mart? Wal-Mart, the corporation that limits employee hours in order to save money on benefits (most employees aren't allowed to work a full-time schedule, thus keeping them below the benefits threshold)? Ugh! Am I the only person who cares about this kind of thing? I don't want to make money by supporting what I consider to be unethical practices. Is that such a bizarre thought? Apparently so.
I stumbled across an article depicting the infamous encounter between Harvey Pekar, author of the comicbook American Splendor, and David Letterman.
The Big Shill
Although the incident occured in 1988, the exchange struck a nerve of my own. I recently met with the financial advisor who supervises one of my retirement accounts. Like most finance companies, this one offers a myriad of "funds" in which to invest. Each fund allocates varying percentages of a contribution to numerous corporations (Microsoft 4.2%, IBM 3.7%, Pfizer 3.5%, Citicorp, 3.3%, Walmart 3.0%, etc).
The financial advisor recommended several particular funds, funds she felt would produce a good return during the coming year. Before agreeing to any particular allocation schedule, I asked to see the profiles of the various funds. She seemed surprised that I wanted to see the various companies involved with each fund. She kept pointing out projected returns ("You can see this fund has averaged an 11% return for the past two years") and I kept asking about the corporations. After several rounds of "Check-Out-This-Fund-What-Corporations-Are-Involved" she finally suggested I handle the allocations on my own. She even suggested two "Social Awareness" funds designed for people just like me.
I took her advice and checked out the "Social Awareness" funds. To my surprise, General Electric and Wal-Mart were two of the top ten corporations of the "social' funds. What? Are you kidding me? General Electric, the manufacturer of engines for military fighter aircraft, is considered a socially conscious corporation? How can any company who profits off of war be considered socially conscious?! And do I really need to rant about Wal-Mart? Wal-Mart, the corporation that limits employee hours in order to save money on benefits (most employees aren't allowed to work a full-time schedule, thus keeping them below the benefits threshold)? Ugh! Am I the only person who cares about this kind of thing? I don't want to make money by supporting what I consider to be unethical practices. Is that such a bizarre thought? Apparently so.
Saturday, October 04, 2003
Friday, October 03, 2003
Prior vs Maddux
It's been a decade since Greg Maddux fled the Cubs and signed with the Atlanta Braves. I still haven't forgiven him. There's a part of me that cheers every time he loses a game. Tonight, I'll have the opportunity to cheer again.
Fearless prediction:
Braves 3
Cubs 6
Unfortunately, I'll miss the Cubs pounding Maddux. I'm heading to a lecture by my favorite author, Starhawk. Several years ago, in a time of great spiritual turmoil, I picked up a copy of her first book (The Spiral Dance), read the first few pages, and knew my life would never be the same. Of all the authors who have influenced my life, Starhawk leads the way.
It's been a decade since Greg Maddux fled the Cubs and signed with the Atlanta Braves. I still haven't forgiven him. There's a part of me that cheers every time he loses a game. Tonight, I'll have the opportunity to cheer again.
Fearless prediction:
Braves 3
Cubs 6
Unfortunately, I'll miss the Cubs pounding Maddux. I'm heading to a lecture by my favorite author, Starhawk. Several years ago, in a time of great spiritual turmoil, I picked up a copy of her first book (The Spiral Dance), read the first few pages, and knew my life would never be the same. Of all the authors who have influenced my life, Starhawk leads the way.
Wednesday, October 01, 2003
Kathleen's Queer Eye Match
Kathleen took the Queer Eye Match test. Her results are in:
Kyan: Grooming Guru
Which Member from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy is your type?
brought to you by Quizilla
Oddly enough, Kyan would have been her first pick. That's a pretty accurate test.
Kathleen took the Queer Eye Match test. Her results are in:
Kyan: Grooming Guru
Which Member from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy is your type?
brought to you by Quizilla
Oddly enough, Kyan would have been her first pick. That's a pretty accurate test.
Cubs Win! Cubs Win! Hooooly Cow!
As I think I've mentioned before, I'm a HUGE Chicago Cubs fan. No, I've never lived in Chicago. I did, however, grow up just outside of Des Moines, Iowa, the home of the AAA Iowa Cubs. Being a Cubs fan, I've experienced over twenty years of heartbreak. I suppose that's why I kept my enthusiasm for the recent National League Central pennant race to myself. I watched the Cubs battle for 1st place throughout the year and didn't want to jinx them. Now that the the Cubbies have won the NL Central and have a 1-0 playoff lead over Atlanta, I'm finally letting myself get excited.
My love of professional sports teams surprises many people. I guess I don't strike them as the sportsfan type. Actually, I'm not really a fan of professional baseball or basketball, per se. Rather, I'm a fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Denver Nuggets. If the Cubs or Nuggets aren't involved in a game, I don't watch.
Tonight's Cubs/Braves game, which begins in two hours or so, features Zambrano vs Hampton. For the baseball novices out there, Hampton used to be on the Colorado Rockies. While he was here in Denver, he sucked. Big time. Now that he's with the Braves he's "rediscovered" his form. Ha! Having watched Hampton at Coors Field (I'm a casual Rockies fan), I think he fell victim to Coors Field headcase syndrome. He came to Coors Field and bought into the into the "This-Is-A-Hitters-Park" hype. Granted, Coors Field is a tougher-than-usual park in which to pitch. That being said, the ballpark shouldn't be blamed for all of Hampton's problems. He pitched HORRIBLY. His record would have been mediocre, at best, in ANY ballpark. Pay a guy $10 million and he brings junk to the mound? Give me a break. As a result of his fragile psyche and horrific stint in Denver, Hapton has joined my Top Ten Most-Despised Professional Athletes list. I hope the Cubs slam him tonight.
Think I'm being harsh on Hampton? Wait until you hear my thoughts on Greg Maddux, the man who holds the #2 position on the Most-Despised Professional Athletes list (For the record, Nick Van Exel still holds the #1 position).
Fearless Prediction for tonight's game:
Cubs 4
Braves 5
I hope I'm wrong, but my baseball sixth sense is telling me that the Cubs will drop this one. They'll get you next time, Hampton! ::shakes fist in the air::
As I think I've mentioned before, I'm a HUGE Chicago Cubs fan. No, I've never lived in Chicago. I did, however, grow up just outside of Des Moines, Iowa, the home of the AAA Iowa Cubs. Being a Cubs fan, I've experienced over twenty years of heartbreak. I suppose that's why I kept my enthusiasm for the recent National League Central pennant race to myself. I watched the Cubs battle for 1st place throughout the year and didn't want to jinx them. Now that the the Cubbies have won the NL Central and have a 1-0 playoff lead over Atlanta, I'm finally letting myself get excited.
My love of professional sports teams surprises many people. I guess I don't strike them as the sportsfan type. Actually, I'm not really a fan of professional baseball or basketball, per se. Rather, I'm a fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Denver Nuggets. If the Cubs or Nuggets aren't involved in a game, I don't watch.
Tonight's Cubs/Braves game, which begins in two hours or so, features Zambrano vs Hampton. For the baseball novices out there, Hampton used to be on the Colorado Rockies. While he was here in Denver, he sucked. Big time. Now that he's with the Braves he's "rediscovered" his form. Ha! Having watched Hampton at Coors Field (I'm a casual Rockies fan), I think he fell victim to Coors Field headcase syndrome. He came to Coors Field and bought into the into the "This-Is-A-Hitters-Park" hype. Granted, Coors Field is a tougher-than-usual park in which to pitch. That being said, the ballpark shouldn't be blamed for all of Hampton's problems. He pitched HORRIBLY. His record would have been mediocre, at best, in ANY ballpark. Pay a guy $10 million and he brings junk to the mound? Give me a break. As a result of his fragile psyche and horrific stint in Denver, Hapton has joined my Top Ten Most-Despised Professional Athletes list. I hope the Cubs slam him tonight.
Think I'm being harsh on Hampton? Wait until you hear my thoughts on Greg Maddux, the man who holds the #2 position on the Most-Despised Professional Athletes list (For the record, Nick Van Exel still holds the #1 position).
Fearless Prediction for tonight's game:
Cubs 4
Braves 5
I hope I'm wrong, but my baseball sixth sense is telling me that the Cubs will drop this one. They'll get you next time, Hampton! ::shakes fist in the air::
Tuesday, September 30, 2003
Queer Eye Match
Too funny. What's even funnier is that I would have picked Ted without taking the quiz.
Ted: Food & Wine Connoisseur
Which Member from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy is your type?
brought to you by Quizilla
Too funny. What's even funnier is that I would have picked Ted without taking the quiz.
Ted: Food & Wine Connoisseur
Which Member from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy is your type?
brought to you by Quizilla
Saturday, September 27, 2003
The Caucasian Club
Lisa Mclelland, a misguided and misinformed fifteen-year-old, wants to start a Caucasian Club at her high school. Since the school has a Black Student Union, an Asian Club, Hispanic Club, and Latinos Unidos, Lisa feels her people should be represented equally. Lisa, you're a default member of the White Club every single day of your life. Look around your community, peruse a few media sources (television, film, magazines--it doesn't matter which), and scope out the people who lead your city, county, state, and country. Unless I miss my guess, I suspect you'll see people like you no matter where you turn.
I should mention three other things, Lisa. First, the term "caucasian" is no longer an appropriate term when classifying people by race. The appropriate term is "white". The U.S. American scientific community incorporated this change years ago. Second, if you're going to grant media interviews, you might want to pay attention in English class. The proper grammer is "My mom and I talked about it . . . ", not "my mom and Me . . . " Finally, I thought I'd offer some curriculum suggestions for the Caucasian Club. Here you go:
Appropriating Culture: How White Men Hijacked Rock & Roll, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Almost Every Other Kind of Music.
Practical Genocide: Annihilating Indigenous Populations
White History Month: Too Much White History is Never Enough
"I'm trying to break racial barriers": How to be a Racist and Not Sound Like One.
Women and the Workplace: What the Hell were They Thinking?*
That should help get the club off the ground, Lisa. Let me know if you need a guest speaker.
*Subtitled: Get Back In that Kitchen!
Lisa Mclelland, a misguided and misinformed fifteen-year-old, wants to start a Caucasian Club at her high school. Since the school has a Black Student Union, an Asian Club, Hispanic Club, and Latinos Unidos, Lisa feels her people should be represented equally. Lisa, you're a default member of the White Club every single day of your life. Look around your community, peruse a few media sources (television, film, magazines--it doesn't matter which), and scope out the people who lead your city, county, state, and country. Unless I miss my guess, I suspect you'll see people like you no matter where you turn.
I should mention three other things, Lisa. First, the term "caucasian" is no longer an appropriate term when classifying people by race. The appropriate term is "white". The U.S. American scientific community incorporated this change years ago. Second, if you're going to grant media interviews, you might want to pay attention in English class. The proper grammer is "My mom and I talked about it . . . ", not "my mom and Me . . . " Finally, I thought I'd offer some curriculum suggestions for the Caucasian Club. Here you go:
Appropriating Culture: How White Men Hijacked Rock & Roll, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Almost Every Other Kind of Music.
Practical Genocide: Annihilating Indigenous Populations
White History Month: Too Much White History is Never Enough
"I'm trying to break racial barriers": How to be a Racist and Not Sound Like One.
Women and the Workplace: What the Hell were They Thinking?*
That should help get the club off the ground, Lisa. Let me know if you need a guest speaker.
*Subtitled: Get Back In that Kitchen!
Friday, September 26, 2003
Postmodernism rejects the idea of there being firm foundations to social life.
Um, not really. This article, a book review actually, offers a critique of postmodernism and suggests a return to "knowing the truth." I'll offer my critique of the critique sometime this weekend.
Um, not really. This article, a book review actually, offers a critique of postmodernism and suggests a return to "knowing the truth." I'll offer my critique of the critique sometime this weekend.
Wednesday, September 24, 2003
Who Ya Gonna Call?
Two days ago, a representative from the Benefits Office called and set up an appointment to review my retirement arrangements. After a brief discussion of our schedules, we found a time that worked for both of us. From that point forward, the conversation took a rather unusual turn.
Rep: Where’s your office?
Derek: I’m in room 321, General Services Building.
Rep: The General Services Building? Really?
Derek: Yep. Room 321.
Rep: Have you ever been there at night?
Derek: No. I finish teaching at 5:00 PM and hit the road. Why?
Rep: Did you know the building is supposedly haunted?
Derek: What?
Rep: I’m not kidding. I have a couple clients who won’t work in that building.
Derek: No way.
Rep: Seriously. They work for Facilities. You should ask around.
Derek: I work in a haunted building? How cool is that?!
Rep: Parts of that building were transported, by rail, from Wyoming. You should check out the history of the campus–you could probably discover some interesting things about that building.
Derek: I am SO going to sleep in my office.
Rep: ::laughs nervously:: You’ll have to let me know how that goes. I’m interested in this kind of thing, but I don’t want to have an actual run in with a spirit.
Derek: A run in with a spirit? How cool would that be!?
Rep: Better you than me. We’re on for Thursday. See you then.
I, of course, had to start investigating the rumor. When I arrived at school Tuesday, I mentioned the story to Lin, one of the long-time department office staff (she’s known me since I was an undergraduate). Although she hadn’t heard the rumor, she did confess to a fascination with things paranormal. Thinking I was on my own, I planned on approaching other inhabitants of the General Services Building (GSB). Late yesterday afternoon, I received an email from Lin. After providing an update on the phone situation (four weeks into the semester and my office phone still won’t work--maybe it’s haunted), Lin included some information about the haunted building. As she went through her routine yesterday, she asked some very credible folks around campus about the General Services Building. Two of those she encountered confirmed the rumor: the General Services Building is said to be haunted. She also managed to track down an out-of-print copy of a book detailing the early history of Colorado State. With any luck, we should be able to get some info about the origins of the GSB.
After talking it over with Kathleen, we’ve decided we need to do a little Ghostbusting. In fact, we’ve decided to do an overnight fact-finding mission. We’ll bring the dogs (they’re better at detecting spirits than humans), our sleeping bags, and the digital camera. As I have internet access in my office, we’ll be able to blog the entire adventure (or misadventure). Periodically, we’ll roam the corridors of the General Services Building. With a bit of luck, we’ll encounter something out-of-the-ordinary.
Two days ago, a representative from the Benefits Office called and set up an appointment to review my retirement arrangements. After a brief discussion of our schedules, we found a time that worked for both of us. From that point forward, the conversation took a rather unusual turn.
Rep: Where’s your office?
Derek: I’m in room 321, General Services Building.
Rep: The General Services Building? Really?
Derek: Yep. Room 321.
Rep: Have you ever been there at night?
Derek: No. I finish teaching at 5:00 PM and hit the road. Why?
Rep: Did you know the building is supposedly haunted?
Derek: What?
Rep: I’m not kidding. I have a couple clients who won’t work in that building.
Derek: No way.
Rep: Seriously. They work for Facilities. You should ask around.
Derek: I work in a haunted building? How cool is that?!
Rep: Parts of that building were transported, by rail, from Wyoming. You should check out the history of the campus–you could probably discover some interesting things about that building.
Derek: I am SO going to sleep in my office.
Rep: ::laughs nervously:: You’ll have to let me know how that goes. I’m interested in this kind of thing, but I don’t want to have an actual run in with a spirit.
Derek: A run in with a spirit? How cool would that be!?
Rep: Better you than me. We’re on for Thursday. See you then.
I, of course, had to start investigating the rumor. When I arrived at school Tuesday, I mentioned the story to Lin, one of the long-time department office staff (she’s known me since I was an undergraduate). Although she hadn’t heard the rumor, she did confess to a fascination with things paranormal. Thinking I was on my own, I planned on approaching other inhabitants of the General Services Building (GSB). Late yesterday afternoon, I received an email from Lin. After providing an update on the phone situation (four weeks into the semester and my office phone still won’t work--maybe it’s haunted), Lin included some information about the haunted building. As she went through her routine yesterday, she asked some very credible folks around campus about the General Services Building. Two of those she encountered confirmed the rumor: the General Services Building is said to be haunted. She also managed to track down an out-of-print copy of a book detailing the early history of Colorado State. With any luck, we should be able to get some info about the origins of the GSB.
After talking it over with Kathleen, we’ve decided we need to do a little Ghostbusting. In fact, we’ve decided to do an overnight fact-finding mission. We’ll bring the dogs (they’re better at detecting spirits than humans), our sleeping bags, and the digital camera. As I have internet access in my office, we’ll be able to blog the entire adventure (or misadventure). Periodically, we’ll roam the corridors of the General Services Building. With a bit of luck, we’ll encounter something out-of-the-ordinary.
Monday, September 22, 2003
Proposal Away!
I just sent a "finished" draft of my dissertation proposal/Chapter One to my advisor. With any luck he'll like the draft, won't suggest any major changes, and convene a meeting of my dissertation committee to make sure everyone is on board with my approach. As most of the members of my committee are at least somewhat familiar with my work, I don't anticipate any major problems. Still, it's always prudent to proceed with a bit of skepticism. As with any research project, there are bound to be numerous discussions regarding theoretical perspectives, methodologies, and writing styles. Realistically, while this is a formal draft it isn't the final version.
Here's a sample paragraph from the introduction of my proposal:
In The self after postmodernity, C. Schrag (1997) adds his voice to the reclamation of the de-centered and dislocated self-as-subject. Agreeing with the postmodern critique of the self as essence or pre-ontological substance, he refuses to discard the notion of self altogether. Schrag states, “In the aftermath of the deconstruction of traditional metaphysics and epistemology, a new self emerges, like the phoenix arising from its ashes--a praxis oriented self, defined by its communicative practices, oriented toward an understanding of itself in its discourse, its action, its being with others . . .” (p. 9). Contesting the traditional placement of the rhetor as the originating source of subjectivity for both self and other, Schrag suggests a reconceptualization that transforms rhetoric from “being-to-and-for-the-other” into a rhetoric of “being-with-others” (p. 77). The reclamation of the self-as-subject through the constitutive nature of rhetorical performance is the focal point of this essay.
Bring on Chapter Two! w00t!
I just sent a "finished" draft of my dissertation proposal/Chapter One to my advisor. With any luck he'll like the draft, won't suggest any major changes, and convene a meeting of my dissertation committee to make sure everyone is on board with my approach. As most of the members of my committee are at least somewhat familiar with my work, I don't anticipate any major problems. Still, it's always prudent to proceed with a bit of skepticism. As with any research project, there are bound to be numerous discussions regarding theoretical perspectives, methodologies, and writing styles. Realistically, while this is a formal draft it isn't the final version.
Here's a sample paragraph from the introduction of my proposal:
In The self after postmodernity, C. Schrag (1997) adds his voice to the reclamation of the de-centered and dislocated self-as-subject. Agreeing with the postmodern critique of the self as essence or pre-ontological substance, he refuses to discard the notion of self altogether. Schrag states, “In the aftermath of the deconstruction of traditional metaphysics and epistemology, a new self emerges, like the phoenix arising from its ashes--a praxis oriented self, defined by its communicative practices, oriented toward an understanding of itself in its discourse, its action, its being with others . . .” (p. 9). Contesting the traditional placement of the rhetor as the originating source of subjectivity for both self and other, Schrag suggests a reconceptualization that transforms rhetoric from “being-to-and-for-the-other” into a rhetoric of “being-with-others” (p. 77). The reclamation of the self-as-subject through the constitutive nature of rhetorical performance is the focal point of this essay.
Bring on Chapter Two! w00t!
Sunday, September 21, 2003
Party On, Wayne!
Aren't we supposed to be restoring "order" in Iraq? How does killing a rare Bengal tiger fit into The Pentagon's mission?
Zoo Party
Seriously, why are U.S. troops partying at the Baghdad zoo? This entire Iraq situation keeps getting more and more ridiculous. My tax dollars just contributed to the killing of an endangered species. Terrific.
Aren't we supposed to be restoring "order" in Iraq? How does killing a rare Bengal tiger fit into The Pentagon's mission?
Zoo Party
Seriously, why are U.S. troops partying at the Baghdad zoo? This entire Iraq situation keeps getting more and more ridiculous. My tax dollars just contributed to the killing of an endangered species. Terrific.
Saturday, September 20, 2003
Meet Paul Krugman
Over the course of the last year, I've posted several articles by liberal columnist Paul Krugman. Who is Paul Krugman and why should we listen to what he has to say? I'm glad you asked.
Meet Paul Krugman
Over the course of the last year, I've posted several articles by liberal columnist Paul Krugman. Who is Paul Krugman and why should we listen to what he has to say? I'm glad you asked.
Meet Paul Krugman
Thursday, September 18, 2003
A Disgusting Garbage Parasite
This link is for Gene:
The Dianoga
Not that Gene is a disgusting garbage parasite or anything. He's a friend and fellow geek who needs to brush up on his Star Wars zoology.
This link is for Gene:
The Dianoga
Not that Gene is a disgusting garbage parasite or anything. He's a friend and fellow geek who needs to brush up on his Star Wars zoology.
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
IMing not Related to Work!
Did anyone really need to conduct a survey to figure out that instant messaging isn't being used for work-related activities? One of my former professors would call that a "no shit" study.
Did anyone really need to conduct a survey to figure out that instant messaging isn't being used for work-related activities? One of my former professors would call that a "no shit" study.
Monday, September 15, 2003
My force is no longer with me
I'm putting together a lecture on the use of ambiguous language (words or phrases that have more than one definition or interpretation). During one part of the discussion, I'm focusing on euphemisms or the use of innocuous words or phrases as a substitute for unpleasant or harmful words or phrases. For example, the phrase "I need a little space" is a euphemism for "Back off! You're annoying the hell out of me." While surfing the net for some examples of commonly used euphemisms, I came across the following David Letter Top Ten List.
Top Ten Star Wars Fan Euphemisms For Not Having A Girlfriend
10. Camping alone outside the theater.
9. My force is no longer with me.
8. The Death Star is not yet operational.
7. The Empire's striking out.
6. Shaking hands with the wookie.
5. Darth Vader has no place to put his helmet.
4. Oiling the droid.
3. Unable to set coordinates for the planet Babe.
2. Spending the night with Han Solo.
1. Tractor beam not powerful enough.
I'm putting together a lecture on the use of ambiguous language (words or phrases that have more than one definition or interpretation). During one part of the discussion, I'm focusing on euphemisms or the use of innocuous words or phrases as a substitute for unpleasant or harmful words or phrases. For example, the phrase "I need a little space" is a euphemism for "Back off! You're annoying the hell out of me." While surfing the net for some examples of commonly used euphemisms, I came across the following David Letter Top Ten List.
Top Ten Star Wars Fan Euphemisms For Not Having A Girlfriend
10. Camping alone outside the theater.
9. My force is no longer with me.
8. The Death Star is not yet operational.
7. The Empire's striking out.
6. Shaking hands with the wookie.
5. Darth Vader has no place to put his helmet.
4. Oiling the droid.
3. Unable to set coordinates for the planet Babe.
2. Spending the night with Han Solo.
1. Tractor beam not powerful enough.
Mixed Grill
Today's Menu:
Peace Party
Art of the Insult
Farewell Galileo
Peaceful Tomorrows
Book Report
Bon Appetit
Today's Menu:
Peace Party
Art of the Insult
Farewell Galileo
Peaceful Tomorrows
Book Report
Bon Appetit
Sunday, September 14, 2003
Dependence
Because we all share this planet earth, we have to learn to live in harmony and peace with each other and with nature. That is not just a dream, but a necessity. We are dependent on each other in so many ways that we can no longer live in isolated communities and ignore what is happening outside those communities.
-The Dalai Lama
Because we all share this planet earth, we have to learn to live in harmony and peace with each other and with nature. That is not just a dream, but a necessity. We are dependent on each other in so many ways that we can no longer live in isolated communities and ignore what is happening outside those communities.
-The Dalai Lama
Saturday, September 13, 2003
Woven into One Design
A week ago today, Kathleen and I started our life-long spiritual journey. While our actual ceremony was private (Kathleen, myself, and a spiritual healer were the only people present), we did manage to get most of it recorded on paper. Actually, Sandra Marie gave us a copy of the ceremony she wrote and I added our vows.
Make sure you visit the link that follows the script of the ceremony. Our friends John and Tess shot some photos of the reception and posted them on their website. In case you've never met us before, we're the ones with the matching tattoos.
INVOCATION
We call forth the Divine and Infinite Wisdom of those Great Beings of Light. Buddha, Christ, the Ascendant Masters and Angels. We also invite our ancestral Spirits to partake in this Divine Union between Kathleen and Derek. We ask that you open and fill our hearts with your presence, elevate our Spirits and lift us to a state of true joy as we celebrate this sacred moment.
Kathleen and Derek stand before you to affirm their Love and Commitment to each other, and to state what is in their hearts and ask your Divine Blessings for their Union. I ask that this spiritual partnership be uplifted and united in All That Is. And so it is!
FOUNDATION
Kathleen and Derek you are both entering into to this Spiritual Partnership as a result of the journeys you have both experienced. These journeys have presented you with challenges and opportunities for your Souls growth. These experiences have provided the rich soil for your love to grow. You have created together a strong foundation of affection, honesty, sensitivity, mutual support, respect and faith in yourselves, in each other and in the love you share. It is this foundation that has led you to the choice and commitment that you make today, the commitment to bind your spirits together in love and partnership, to nurture and respect each other’s uniqueness and individuality and to affirm your presence of being through the oneness and union of a true spiritual marriage.
CHARGE
So you stand here now, in the presence of Divine Spirit, ready to go forward in life together in a new way creating your unique Spiritual Partnership. One filled with spiritual awareness, love and joy, trust and perseverance, compassion and understanding, delightful surprises of discovery and sharing.
THE QUESTION
If you wish now to affirm your free choice of one another as partners, united in this Sacred Union, indicate that wish by join hands.
VOWS
Kathleen:
I, Kathleen Sue Burns, make a spiritual and physical commitment to love you as a friend, partner, and lover. I take your faults and strengths and offer you my faults and strengths. I love you as you are. I promise to share my life and all I am with you. I will always be honest and true with you. You are the light that brightens my mind and shows me a new world. Through love, I know we can face our fears and uncertainty with courage. You are a true partner. I will love you now and always.
Derek:
I, Derek, of my own free will, offer myself to you. In the name of Air, the element of knowledge, imagination, and enlightenment, I offer you intellectual engagement. In the name of Fire, the element of enthusiasm, freedom, and sensuality, I offer you impassioned dedication. In the name of Water, the element of compassion, sensitivity, and dreams, I offer you emotional support. In the name of Earth, the element of strength, stability, and stillness, I offer you physical companionship. In the name of Spirit, the element of transformation, transcendence, and harmony, I offer you a loving partnership.
RINGS
The ring is a circle. The circle is the symbol of the Sun, the Earth, and the Universe. It is a symbol of holiness, and of perfection and peace. It is also the symbol of the eternal spiritual truth, love, and life… that has no beginning and no end. And in this moment Kathleen and Derek have chosen for it to also be a symbol of the unity and their unending love.
Derek:
Kathleen, this ring is a symbol of my physical, emotional, and spiritual commitment to you.
Kathleen:
Derek, this ring is a symbol of my physical, emotional, and spiritual commitment to you.
PRAYER
Spirit of Love and Life, out of this whole world, two souls have found each other. Their destinies shall now be woven into one design, and the perils and their joys shall not be known apart.
Great Spirit with your love and devotion to us we ask your Blessings on these rings. The outward symbol of the love and devotion Derek and Kathleen share with each other. We ask that you fill the circle of their love with your love now and forever. Amen.
Photos
A week ago today, Kathleen and I started our life-long spiritual journey. While our actual ceremony was private (Kathleen, myself, and a spiritual healer were the only people present), we did manage to get most of it recorded on paper. Actually, Sandra Marie gave us a copy of the ceremony she wrote and I added our vows.
Make sure you visit the link that follows the script of the ceremony. Our friends John and Tess shot some photos of the reception and posted them on their website. In case you've never met us before, we're the ones with the matching tattoos.
INVOCATION
We call forth the Divine and Infinite Wisdom of those Great Beings of Light. Buddha, Christ, the Ascendant Masters and Angels. We also invite our ancestral Spirits to partake in this Divine Union between Kathleen and Derek. We ask that you open and fill our hearts with your presence, elevate our Spirits and lift us to a state of true joy as we celebrate this sacred moment.
Kathleen and Derek stand before you to affirm their Love and Commitment to each other, and to state what is in their hearts and ask your Divine Blessings for their Union. I ask that this spiritual partnership be uplifted and united in All That Is. And so it is!
FOUNDATION
Kathleen and Derek you are both entering into to this Spiritual Partnership as a result of the journeys you have both experienced. These journeys have presented you with challenges and opportunities for your Souls growth. These experiences have provided the rich soil for your love to grow. You have created together a strong foundation of affection, honesty, sensitivity, mutual support, respect and faith in yourselves, in each other and in the love you share. It is this foundation that has led you to the choice and commitment that you make today, the commitment to bind your spirits together in love and partnership, to nurture and respect each other’s uniqueness and individuality and to affirm your presence of being through the oneness and union of a true spiritual marriage.
CHARGE
So you stand here now, in the presence of Divine Spirit, ready to go forward in life together in a new way creating your unique Spiritual Partnership. One filled with spiritual awareness, love and joy, trust and perseverance, compassion and understanding, delightful surprises of discovery and sharing.
THE QUESTION
If you wish now to affirm your free choice of one another as partners, united in this Sacred Union, indicate that wish by join hands.
VOWS
Kathleen:
I, Kathleen Sue Burns, make a spiritual and physical commitment to love you as a friend, partner, and lover. I take your faults and strengths and offer you my faults and strengths. I love you as you are. I promise to share my life and all I am with you. I will always be honest and true with you. You are the light that brightens my mind and shows me a new world. Through love, I know we can face our fears and uncertainty with courage. You are a true partner. I will love you now and always.
Derek:
I, Derek, of my own free will, offer myself to you. In the name of Air, the element of knowledge, imagination, and enlightenment, I offer you intellectual engagement. In the name of Fire, the element of enthusiasm, freedom, and sensuality, I offer you impassioned dedication. In the name of Water, the element of compassion, sensitivity, and dreams, I offer you emotional support. In the name of Earth, the element of strength, stability, and stillness, I offer you physical companionship. In the name of Spirit, the element of transformation, transcendence, and harmony, I offer you a loving partnership.
RINGS
The ring is a circle. The circle is the symbol of the Sun, the Earth, and the Universe. It is a symbol of holiness, and of perfection and peace. It is also the symbol of the eternal spiritual truth, love, and life… that has no beginning and no end. And in this moment Kathleen and Derek have chosen for it to also be a symbol of the unity and their unending love.
Derek:
Kathleen, this ring is a symbol of my physical, emotional, and spiritual commitment to you.
Kathleen:
Derek, this ring is a symbol of my physical, emotional, and spiritual commitment to you.
PRAYER
Spirit of Love and Life, out of this whole world, two souls have found each other. Their destinies shall now be woven into one design, and the perils and their joys shall not be known apart.
Great Spirit with your love and devotion to us we ask your Blessings on these rings. The outward symbol of the love and devotion Derek and Kathleen share with each other. We ask that you fill the circle of their love with your love now and forever. Amen.
Photos
Soundtrack of My Life
Inspired by the passing of Johnny Cash, the Man in Black, a local radio talk show host asked listeners to reflect on the music that shaped their lives. While I didn't call in, I did create a list in my head. Keep in mind, this isn't a list of the all-time greatest Rock and Roll bands. Instead, this is a list of the bands that caught my attention. Some of them made me think, while others were consumed for pure enjoyment. Regardless, these twelve bands comprise the soundtrack of my life.
The Beatles
Yes
Boston
The Steve Miller Band
Sarah McLachlan
Curve
Sleater-Kinney
Siouxsie and the Banshees
theStart
The Sex Pistols
The Muffs
The Cardigans
Picking the actual songs would be a much trickier task. Maybe later.
Inspired by the passing of Johnny Cash, the Man in Black, a local radio talk show host asked listeners to reflect on the music that shaped their lives. While I didn't call in, I did create a list in my head. Keep in mind, this isn't a list of the all-time greatest Rock and Roll bands. Instead, this is a list of the bands that caught my attention. Some of them made me think, while others were consumed for pure enjoyment. Regardless, these twelve bands comprise the soundtrack of my life.
The Beatles
Yes
Boston
The Steve Miller Band
Sarah McLachlan
Curve
Sleater-Kinney
Siouxsie and the Banshees
theStart
The Sex Pistols
The Muffs
The Cardigans
Picking the actual songs would be a much trickier task. Maybe later.
Tuesday, September 09, 2003
Friday, September 05, 2003
T-Minus 24 Hours
In a little less than 24 hours, Kathleen and I will be married. Today has been a flurry of pre-nuptial activities. We've been to the liquor store, stylist, Target (for munchies), and the Botanic Gardens to drop everything off. We've been on the phone with the rental company, florist, bakery, Sound Town, spiritual healer, and the vet (one of our dogs decided to develop an illness--nice timing. Thankfully, he'll be fine.). I think all the bases are covered. If anything goes wrong, it's not a result of us having dropped the ball. I'm off to the gym to burn off some of the stress that's built up today. Dealing with details of this sort drives me mad.
In a little less than 24 hours, Kathleen and I will be married. Today has been a flurry of pre-nuptial activities. We've been to the liquor store, stylist, Target (for munchies), and the Botanic Gardens to drop everything off. We've been on the phone with the rental company, florist, bakery, Sound Town, spiritual healer, and the vet (one of our dogs decided to develop an illness--nice timing. Thankfully, he'll be fine.). I think all the bases are covered. If anything goes wrong, it's not a result of us having dropped the ball. I'm off to the gym to burn off some of the stress that's built up today. Dealing with details of this sort drives me mad.
Wednesday, September 03, 2003
Depp in 2004!
Johnny Depp, known for his quirky roles in Edward Scissorhands and Pirates of the Carribean (as well as a host of others), should run for President. After reading his latest comments, he'd definitely get my vote. His remark regarding "freedom fries" is spot on. Depp said:
I was ecstatic they re-named 'French Fries' as 'Freedom Fries'. Grown men and women in positions of power in the U.S. government showing themselves as idiots.
You tell 'em, Johnny. Depp in 2004!
Johnny Depp, known for his quirky roles in Edward Scissorhands and Pirates of the Carribean (as well as a host of others), should run for President. After reading his latest comments, he'd definitely get my vote. His remark regarding "freedom fries" is spot on. Depp said:
I was ecstatic they re-named 'French Fries' as 'Freedom Fries'. Grown men and women in positions of power in the U.S. government showing themselves as idiots.
You tell 'em, Johnny. Depp in 2004!
Monday, September 01, 2003
Customer of the Year!
Knowing my obsession with female-fronted power pop and punk, Gene suggested that I give a listen to Metric. I did and, of course, found myself at CD Baby ordering the CD. Today, I received word that my order had shipped. I love their "Your order has shipped" message:
Your CD has been gently taken from our CD Baby shelves with sterilized contamination-free gloves and placed onto a satin pillow.
A team of 50 employees inspected your CD and polished it to make sure it was in the best possible condition before mailing.
Our packing specialist from Japan lit a candle and a hush fell over the crowd as he put your CD into the finest gold-lined box that money can buy.
We all had a wonderful celebration afterwards and the whole party marched down the street to the post office where the entire town of Portland waved 'Bon Voyage!' to your package, on its way to you, in our private CD Baby jet on this day, Sunday, August 31st.
I hope you had a wonderful time shopping at CD Baby. We sure did. Your picture is on our wall as 'Customer of the Year'. We're all exhausted but can't wait for you to come back to CDBABY.COM!!
Thank you once again,
Derek Sivers, president, CD Baby
the little CD store with the best new independent music
If only more companies had this much fun while servicing their costumers.
Knowing my obsession with female-fronted power pop and punk, Gene suggested that I give a listen to Metric. I did and, of course, found myself at CD Baby ordering the CD. Today, I received word that my order had shipped. I love their "Your order has shipped" message:
Your CD has been gently taken from our CD Baby shelves with sterilized contamination-free gloves and placed onto a satin pillow.
A team of 50 employees inspected your CD and polished it to make sure it was in the best possible condition before mailing.
Our packing specialist from Japan lit a candle and a hush fell over the crowd as he put your CD into the finest gold-lined box that money can buy.
We all had a wonderful celebration afterwards and the whole party marched down the street to the post office where the entire town of Portland waved 'Bon Voyage!' to your package, on its way to you, in our private CD Baby jet on this day, Sunday, August 31st.
I hope you had a wonderful time shopping at CD Baby. We sure did. Your picture is on our wall as 'Customer of the Year'. We're all exhausted but can't wait for you to come back to CDBABY.COM!!
Thank you once again,
Derek Sivers, president, CD Baby
the little CD store with the best new independent music
If only more companies had this much fun while servicing their costumers.
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