iPod, I love you.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Happy Birthday Jen
One of my best friends turned the Big 4-0 today. I am right behind her. Happy Birthday Sweetie! Q'apla! I will have a goblet of Trania for you tonight.
Amazon.Com, I love you
Where were we before the internet existed? How did we survive without email? Online shopping?
Between last night and this afternoon, I was able to finish 80 percent of my total holiday shopping. And this stuff was not crappy last minute decisions - they were well thought out choices. Why? Because the online stores are getting so sophisticated and organized, they can help you funnel through ideas until you find a reasonable number of options to select from.
Amazon.Com's "Gift Ideas", where you can find choices organized by type of person, interest, price range, etc - helped me save loads of time. Same thing with Gap.Com. You do not get this simple tool when you walk into a store - you just get sheer frustration looking at tons and tons of things. Mostly useless things.
And to think that only a few years ago I would drive to stores, fight for parking, run through cold and snow, fight with fellow shoppers. No more. Amazon saved me from that.
Not that I will totally live in a cave and never go out again, I still have to shop for some small items, and for supplies (cards, paper, etc), but now I will not feel as pressured - I can enjoy the season.
Between last night and this afternoon, I was able to finish 80 percent of my total holiday shopping. And this stuff was not crappy last minute decisions - they were well thought out choices. Why? Because the online stores are getting so sophisticated and organized, they can help you funnel through ideas until you find a reasonable number of options to select from.
Amazon.Com's "Gift Ideas", where you can find choices organized by type of person, interest, price range, etc - helped me save loads of time. Same thing with Gap.Com. You do not get this simple tool when you walk into a store - you just get sheer frustration looking at tons and tons of things. Mostly useless things.
And to think that only a few years ago I would drive to stores, fight for parking, run through cold and snow, fight with fellow shoppers. No more. Amazon saved me from that.
Not that I will totally live in a cave and never go out again, I still have to shop for some small items, and for supplies (cards, paper, etc), but now I will not feel as pressured - I can enjoy the season.
Saturday, November 26, 2005
World War II Nostalgia, Part 2
Continuing my story about my school day travels in Europe and my fact finding mission regarding World War II, eventually I made my way to communist East Germany.
Many of you do not remember East Germany, the "German Democractic Republic" (which was anything but). But I was there, and was baptized in Soviet communism during the waning days of the cold war. Reagan and Gorbachev were meeting in Iceland about improving relations, I was intimidated by statues of Lenin and crazy goose-stepping East German police.
The first day was spent in East Berlin, shopping for contraband I would later "smuggle" back to West Berlin (so cloak and dagger - NOT), and eating huge meals for a dollar. One thing you have to say about communism, everything is cheap. Of course so is the pay. And the beer bottles are all reused, and not very well cleaned.
I tried to engage some people in conversation. The older people seemed uninterested and possibly even nervous about talking to Americans. However, the younger people - high school age - were very interested. They wanted to know everything I could tell them about American culture (which is when I realized I know very little) and interestingly, they wanted to know about their West German counterparts.
The second day I was heading out to a cemetery full of fallen Soviet soldiers from the war. This was supposed to be high holy ground in communist Germany, where the Soviet heroes were laid to rest after giving their lives liberating the Germans from Nazi oppression. Of course, no one disputes that Germans are better off without the Nazis, West Germany showed that. But in East Germany, Soviet oppression was clearly pretty bad in and of itself.
But back to the cemetery. The place was lined with hammer and sickle, and in the middle was this giant statue of this mega Soviet soldier crushing the swastika under his feet. The symbol was powerful. Despite my negative feelings about Soviet Germany, it is important how much the Soviets suffered fighting Hitler. This giant reminder sitting right outside the former Nazi capital was very moving.
I returned to the West through a subway that only Westerners could take back to "Check Point Charlie" to cross the Berlin Wall to the American controlled part of West Berlin. No East Germans could go back that way, they were forbidden from going to the west.
Back then, during the mid 1980's, I was asked if I thought the two Germanys would reunite and I said steadfastly "No". Only five years later they were bringing the wall down.
Many of you do not remember East Germany, the "German Democractic Republic" (which was anything but). But I was there, and was baptized in Soviet communism during the waning days of the cold war. Reagan and Gorbachev were meeting in Iceland about improving relations, I was intimidated by statues of Lenin and crazy goose-stepping East German police.
The first day was spent in East Berlin, shopping for contraband I would later "smuggle" back to West Berlin (so cloak and dagger - NOT), and eating huge meals for a dollar. One thing you have to say about communism, everything is cheap. Of course so is the pay. And the beer bottles are all reused, and not very well cleaned.
I tried to engage some people in conversation. The older people seemed uninterested and possibly even nervous about talking to Americans. However, the younger people - high school age - were very interested. They wanted to know everything I could tell them about American culture (which is when I realized I know very little) and interestingly, they wanted to know about their West German counterparts.
The second day I was heading out to a cemetery full of fallen Soviet soldiers from the war. This was supposed to be high holy ground in communist Germany, where the Soviet heroes were laid to rest after giving their lives liberating the Germans from Nazi oppression. Of course, no one disputes that Germans are better off without the Nazis, West Germany showed that. But in East Germany, Soviet oppression was clearly pretty bad in and of itself.
But back to the cemetery. The place was lined with hammer and sickle, and in the middle was this giant statue of this mega Soviet soldier crushing the swastika under his feet. The symbol was powerful. Despite my negative feelings about Soviet Germany, it is important how much the Soviets suffered fighting Hitler. This giant reminder sitting right outside the former Nazi capital was very moving.
I returned to the West through a subway that only Westerners could take back to "Check Point Charlie" to cross the Berlin Wall to the American controlled part of West Berlin. No East Germans could go back that way, they were forbidden from going to the west.
Back then, during the mid 1980's, I was asked if I thought the two Germanys would reunite and I said steadfastly "No". Only five years later they were bringing the wall down.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
What I am thankful for - 2005
In keeping with the theme of the "Festival of Gratitude", I am hereby thankful for the following things in 2005:
- I am thankful my youngest brother successfully completed two tours of duty with the Marines in Iraq, and that he has since left the Marines and is going to college, where he will be very successful.
- I am thankful that I have such a great group of friends to support me when I need it, especially Jen, Keri, Brad, Sue, Jeff, Erica, Bill, Mike, Amy, Maryjane, Christine, Shelly, Pam and Toni - I love being with any one or all of them at any given time.
- I am thankful that the American people are seeing the light and beginning to realize they elected a Total Boob into office in 2004 (I refuse to use the term "re-elected"). I can only hope that we can save face with the rest of the world in time.
- I am thankful that I successfully quit smoking (going on 1.5 years now) and that I appear to have no interest in starting again.
- I am thankful that gas prices came back down, as I am starting to commute in December and well, jeez.
- I am thankful that I have so many things to be thankful for.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
I want to hate this show, but can't
"Prison Break" (Fox, Mondays at 9 pm) is exactly the type of show that someone like me should not ever watch. It is intriguing, well written, has a great cast and most importantly keeps you spell bound from week to week.
The cast of "Prison Break" gathers weekly to annoy/intrigue me
The last thing I need in my life is another intriguing show that forces me to give up some time to watch it every week. What with "Amazing Race", "Lost", "Invasion", "Survivor", "Battlestar Galactica" - not to mention the not so regular "Sopranos", "the 4400" - there are just TOO MANY shows! Thankfully "24" is not on until January and "Prison Break" will go on hiatus until the late spring.
"Prison Break" is not a show I would normally like. It involves prison (boring), a vice president (boring), lawyers (yawn) battling evil secret service (been there, done that), and a rebellious youngster (oh, there is something new). It also features no one character that is interesting in any way. I feel no sympathy for any of them individually (and despise several, who may or may not be killed off - one can only hope). When each single aspect of the story is examined alone, every one of them is blah - but somehow, when the whole thing comes together, it gets you hooked.
And some of it is just outright ridiculous. I mean, who makes a Taj Mahal out of matchsticks to give their wife for an anniversary present?
It is almost like an addiction to crack. You know you should not watch it, you do not want to watch it, but you can't stop watching it.
The cast of "Prison Break" gathers weekly to annoy/intrigue me
The last thing I need in my life is another intriguing show that forces me to give up some time to watch it every week. What with "Amazing Race", "Lost", "Invasion", "Survivor", "Battlestar Galactica" - not to mention the not so regular "Sopranos", "the 4400" - there are just TOO MANY shows! Thankfully "24" is not on until January and "Prison Break" will go on hiatus until the late spring.
"Prison Break" is not a show I would normally like. It involves prison (boring), a vice president (boring), lawyers (yawn) battling evil secret service (been there, done that), and a rebellious youngster (oh, there is something new). It also features no one character that is interesting in any way. I feel no sympathy for any of them individually (and despise several, who may or may not be killed off - one can only hope). When each single aspect of the story is examined alone, every one of them is blah - but somehow, when the whole thing comes together, it gets you hooked.
And some of it is just outright ridiculous. I mean, who makes a Taj Mahal out of matchsticks to give their wife for an anniversary present?
It is almost like an addiction to crack. You know you should not watch it, you do not want to watch it, but you can't stop watching it.
World War II Nostalgia, Part 1
I recently revisited the mini-series "Winds of War" and "War and Remembrance" and remembered how much I loved these stories - how they told a fictional story so well against the details of history. It made me nostalgic for some time I spent in Europe as a student of Political Science.
I went to Germany in High School and then to university there at Freiburg in Breisgau in 1986-87. During that time, I did a lot of traveling through Europe, even across the Iron Curtain, which is now just a memory. I am a huge history buff and this opportunity was wonderful.
I was always fascinated by European History and WWII in particular. The history is so filled with drama, tension, heroism and horrors, you just can't make it up - it is so incredibly real. And the emotions remain strong. I remember a time visiting a flea market in France near Mulhouse, when I came across some silver ware with Nazi markings. I was at this flea market with a German friend of mine. I showed him the silver ware and remarked that I found it interesting. He was annoyed and told me to put it down. I asked him later why he was so upset and he remarked that the items were stolen off "dead German soldiers by the French" and should not be sold like that at the flea market.
I was floored. Here was this very modern guy who had no love of the Nazi past, but who was still somewhat moved when presented with this artifact. Personally, it seemed to me that the French had every right to take it from their invading enemy.
I would find out later that my friend felt very uncomfortable about all things Nazi. It turns out that his grandfather was a Nazi party member and had been taken prisoner by the Russians. His grandmother and father were bombed out of their homes by the Americans in late 1944. They were not reunited until almost 1949, when the Soviets finally released the remaining German POWs.
My friend was sensitive to the entire subject. I want to stress that he and his family were in no way Nazi sympathizers, but the war left scars on his family and that was clear even 40 years later. He did eventually allow me to meet with his grandparents and talk about their experiences. It was fascinating to hear first hand what they experienced. And they treated me with great respect, and even seemed very thrilled to have a willing listener. His father was also interesting to talk with, he was very young when the Americans occupied their city, but he clearly remembered American soldiers treating the children very well, and even giving them candy.
Getting this perspective was a very unique experience. And what it really drove home to me was the fact that we are all the same, no matter where we live on this Earth. At that time, we were still in the midst of the Cold War, and I was off to East Germany and Czechoslovakia. I wanted to prove to myself that this same feeling could be found there, a place where I had been propaganda-ed since birth to believe is my enemy.
More on that experience later....
I went to Germany in High School and then to university there at Freiburg in Breisgau in 1986-87. During that time, I did a lot of traveling through Europe, even across the Iron Curtain, which is now just a memory. I am a huge history buff and this opportunity was wonderful.
I was always fascinated by European History and WWII in particular. The history is so filled with drama, tension, heroism and horrors, you just can't make it up - it is so incredibly real. And the emotions remain strong. I remember a time visiting a flea market in France near Mulhouse, when I came across some silver ware with Nazi markings. I was at this flea market with a German friend of mine. I showed him the silver ware and remarked that I found it interesting. He was annoyed and told me to put it down. I asked him later why he was so upset and he remarked that the items were stolen off "dead German soldiers by the French" and should not be sold like that at the flea market.
I was floored. Here was this very modern guy who had no love of the Nazi past, but who was still somewhat moved when presented with this artifact. Personally, it seemed to me that the French had every right to take it from their invading enemy.
I would find out later that my friend felt very uncomfortable about all things Nazi. It turns out that his grandfather was a Nazi party member and had been taken prisoner by the Russians. His grandmother and father were bombed out of their homes by the Americans in late 1944. They were not reunited until almost 1949, when the Soviets finally released the remaining German POWs.
My friend was sensitive to the entire subject. I want to stress that he and his family were in no way Nazi sympathizers, but the war left scars on his family and that was clear even 40 years later. He did eventually allow me to meet with his grandparents and talk about their experiences. It was fascinating to hear first hand what they experienced. And they treated me with great respect, and even seemed very thrilled to have a willing listener. His father was also interesting to talk with, he was very young when the Americans occupied their city, but he clearly remembered American soldiers treating the children very well, and even giving them candy.
Getting this perspective was a very unique experience. And what it really drove home to me was the fact that we are all the same, no matter where we live on this Earth. At that time, we were still in the midst of the Cold War, and I was off to East Germany and Czechoslovakia. I wanted to prove to myself that this same feeling could be found there, a place where I had been propaganda-ed since birth to believe is my enemy.
More on that experience later....
Monday, November 21, 2005
Gym Pet Peeve
Generally it seems like common courtesy at the gym to wipe your sweaty residue off a machine when you are done with it. In fact, there is a sign that requests it. Another common courtesy (and accompanying sign) request that you do not hog the machines when others are waiting to use them (in other words, if you are doing multiple sets, let another member cut in who is working through).
Most of the time this is not a problem - most people seem to see the sense/consideration in observing these rules. However, there is this one guy where I work out who seems to act like no one else is there. He does multiple sets without giving up the machine, reading his People magazine while resting, comfortably, on the machine. He gives annoyed glances to people who are clearly waiting. And then when he is finally ready to give up the machine, he does not wipe it off.
So now I am wondering how to approach this guy. I don't generally want to create conflict and if this only happened sporadically, I would ignore it. But it happens all the time - and for some reason our schedules seem to overlap.
Some people are just so damned inconsiderate.
Most of the time this is not a problem - most people seem to see the sense/consideration in observing these rules. However, there is this one guy where I work out who seems to act like no one else is there. He does multiple sets without giving up the machine, reading his People magazine while resting, comfortably, on the machine. He gives annoyed glances to people who are clearly waiting. And then when he is finally ready to give up the machine, he does not wipe it off.
So now I am wondering how to approach this guy. I don't generally want to create conflict and if this only happened sporadically, I would ignore it. But it happens all the time - and for some reason our schedules seem to overlap.
Some people are just so damned inconsiderate.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
"Harry Potter" keeps it up
I have to confess that I am an adult fan of the Harry Potter series, and have therefore already seen the new film "Goblet of Fire". It was great.
But I was a hesitant Potter fan. During the summer of 2001, when the "Goblet of Fire" was being released as a book for the first time, I knew very little about Potter. Of course, I had heard of the series. My brother had given me the first book, the "Sorcerer's Stone" for Christmas two years before it. He was adamant that I would like it but I kept thinking "this is a kid's story" and kept the book on the shelf.
Then during that summer (2001), with all the hype of the new book and the first film coming out, my interest was peaked when I read an article about the movie in Newsweek. I took the book off the shelf and decided to trust my brother's good judgment. And he was right, I loved it. I read the whole book within one full day.
I held off reading the other books until the first movie came out. Then I ate the other books for dinner for the next few weeks. I was caught in its charming net - hook, line and sinker.
As for the movies, they do lack much of JK Rowling's magic from the books - however she does it, she is a literary master. But the movies' directors to this point have been very good at keeping the abridged stories focused on what matters, and watching the visualization of the story is inspiring - it brings out the child in me a little bit each time.
So go see it - but beware - as with the books, the films get darker and more disturbing with each outing - and this one is no different.
But I was a hesitant Potter fan. During the summer of 2001, when the "Goblet of Fire" was being released as a book for the first time, I knew very little about Potter. Of course, I had heard of the series. My brother had given me the first book, the "Sorcerer's Stone" for Christmas two years before it. He was adamant that I would like it but I kept thinking "this is a kid's story" and kept the book on the shelf.
Then during that summer (2001), with all the hype of the new book and the first film coming out, my interest was peaked when I read an article about the movie in Newsweek. I took the book off the shelf and decided to trust my brother's good judgment. And he was right, I loved it. I read the whole book within one full day.
I held off reading the other books until the first movie came out. Then I ate the other books for dinner for the next few weeks. I was caught in its charming net - hook, line and sinker.
As for the movies, they do lack much of JK Rowling's magic from the books - however she does it, she is a literary master. But the movies' directors to this point have been very good at keeping the abridged stories focused on what matters, and watching the visualization of the story is inspiring - it brings out the child in me a little bit each time.
So go see it - but beware - as with the books, the films get darker and more disturbing with each outing - and this one is no different.
Friday, November 18, 2005
Masters of Mis-Information
UPDATE - 11/18/2005 - Truly Unbelieveable
Why does he.....
remind me so much of.....
????
I'm just asking.
Why does he.....
remind me so much of.....
????I'm just asking.
The Bird and His Hole
We are in the middle of doing some major work in our home. One of the things involved is a wall cut down in half. The bird is always getting himself into little nooks and crannies (it is in their nature to "burrow" into small places and nest). So this morning he has discovered the top of this new half wall, which is not even topped off yet, and sees these holes. I think he has found a new perch:
So why do they say ostriches stick their heads in holes?
So why do they say ostriches stick their heads in holes?
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Out of Area
WTF does "Out of Area" mean on the Caller ID? There is this one freakin' call I get almost every day between 6-7 pm where the caller ID says that, and if I do not answer there is no message left. I got so annoyed last night that I picked it up to say "HELLO!!!!" but there was no one there?
Ugh!
Ugh!
Thank you, MBTA!
For finally re-opening the Green Line from North Station to Lechmere. That 20 month paint job really looks good.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Parking Garage
I just came back from doing some lunch time shopping and I am highly annoyed. In the line to get out of the parking garage, it seemed that every driver in front of me had to give their ticket, then wait for the attendant to tell them how much it was and THEN begin looking for their money.
You know, with all the time sitting and waiting, they could not have their money out? I mean come on. I think there should be a time limit and big sign, "Anyone who takes more than ten seconds to produce parking fee will pay full day rate". In fact, it should not be a sign, it should be a law. In fact, it should not just apply to lines at parking garages, but at anything where lines and cash production are working together.
Why does everyone else seem to have so much time?
You know, with all the time sitting and waiting, they could not have their money out? I mean come on. I think there should be a time limit and big sign, "Anyone who takes more than ten seconds to produce parking fee will pay full day rate". In fact, it should not be a sign, it should be a law. In fact, it should not just apply to lines at parking garages, but at anything where lines and cash production are working together.
Why does everyone else seem to have so much time?
Attention Office Mates
To avoid a BioHazard Event of nightmarish proportions, as well as to alleviate general nastiness and fend off a stench that is threatening overtake my very work area, the fridges were purged of all "leftovers" and plastic bags of whatever it is you keep in them.
I was conservative and threw away only what was obviously bad: Hairy cheese, liquidic salad (apparently a theme here), baked ziti that had morphed into a brown gelatinous mass (forensic pathology helped identify ziti as the substance of origin - the Tupperware container it was in is recuperating at MGH and currently listed in stable condition), anything (whether sealed or not) with expiration dates from the 20th century, sandwiches with crust (not the bread), or anything just generally foul in nature.
Office Manager
Tivo/DVR - Blessing or Curse?
I have had a cable DVR box (like Tivo) going on about 4 months now. I was motivated to get this based on all the good things I hear about Tivo, and wanting to watch "General Hospital" every day. Because DVR also records things at the same time you watch something else, it was a good tool to avoid conflict with "the partner" about what we would watch.
At first, I was so delighted. I could watch shows whenever I wanted, and did not have to schedule my life around "Lost" or "24" - I could actually miss one or two and catch up later.
That, though, is the problem. Sometimes I end up with such a backlog of shows to watch that I just end up deleting them feeling overwelmed, which basically defeats the purpose of having the thing to begin with.
So technology continues to be both friend and foe.
At first, I was so delighted. I could watch shows whenever I wanted, and did not have to schedule my life around "Lost" or "24" - I could actually miss one or two and catch up later.
That, though, is the problem. Sometimes I end up with such a backlog of shows to watch that I just end up deleting them feeling overwelmed, which basically defeats the purpose of having the thing to begin with.
So technology continues to be both friend and foe.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Jerk of the Week
Brian Camenker, head of the anti-gay group Article 8 Alliance:
He appeared on the Daily Show where he was asked about how gay marriage in Massachusetts would cause the state to fall apart, leading to all kinds of horrors. Of course, the question was a joke, designed to mock him, but he did not get it. He claimed that given the time and doing the research, he could prove that gay marriage leads to homelessness, crime, etc. This earns him "Jerk of the Week", beating out Pat Robertson and Bill O'Reilly.
This article in Bay Windows tells the whole story. I bet the actual interview was a hoot.
Gay marriage has been legal in Massachusetts now for over a year. The state is still here and we have not been swallowed up by the depths of hell. In fact, people seem just a tad bit happier and nicer to each other. Support to amend the state constitution to ban gay marriage is waning.
Hey and guess what else? Look at crime statistics, poverty statistics, divorce statistics for the state of Massachusetts, and compare them to those Red States that have actually put discrimination in their constitutions. Guess which state has the better stats?
He appeared on the Daily Show where he was asked about how gay marriage in Massachusetts would cause the state to fall apart, leading to all kinds of horrors. Of course, the question was a joke, designed to mock him, but he did not get it. He claimed that given the time and doing the research, he could prove that gay marriage leads to homelessness, crime, etc. This earns him "Jerk of the Week", beating out Pat Robertson and Bill O'Reilly.
This article in Bay Windows tells the whole story. I bet the actual interview was a hoot.
Gay marriage has been legal in Massachusetts now for over a year. The state is still here and we have not been swallowed up by the depths of hell. In fact, people seem just a tad bit happier and nicer to each other. Support to amend the state constitution to ban gay marriage is waning.
Hey and guess what else? Look at crime statistics, poverty statistics, divorce statistics for the state of Massachusetts, and compare them to those Red States that have actually put discrimination in their constitutions. Guess which state has the better stats?
Driving Manners
Directionals - What the hell is so hard about using directionals (blinkers) for some people when they are driving? Why does it seem like some people simply will not use them? I seem to recall during driving school (years and years ago) that this was a required action. Has this changed in Massachusetts during the past 25(ish) years? I am not asking people to use the hand signals, just the standard right on the dash controlled blinkers.
On a related note, all vehicles should be designed that when the blinker is left "blinking" for an inordinate amount of time without actually changing direction, the vehicle sends an electric shock of massive proportions to the driver through the steering wheel.
Stop Signs - All of the stop signs that I have seen have the word STOP in the middle of them. Stop, as I recall it from first grade vocabulary means to "cease movement", not "slow down a little and then move faster. Look, I am not being a prude, I believe there are way too many stop signs to begin with, but come on people.
Similar situation with traffic signals. One question - does "left turn on red" really exist? Anyone? Anyone?
Double Parkers - Although double parking is a necessary evil in the city, it is so abused in so many places (especially in Boston) that it must be done away with. I propose that vehicles are built with extra body armor and forward mounted rocket launchers. This way, you fire your rockets at the double parkers causing their vehicle to be obliterated in a massive fireball. Then, the body armor allows you to drive through the fiery wreckage ala "The Terminator". This is a practical approach to the eventual elimination of double parking.
Jay-walkers - In Massachusetts, we have this irritating, but sensible law that says you must "stop for pedestrians in cross-walks". It specifically says "cross-walks". Therefore, jay-walkers proceed at their own risk. Personally, anyone who meanders across the street in a non-cross walk area is a jerk and should be fined. Fines are doubled if they are actually encouraging their children to do the same.
Letting people "Go" - OK, so we are all stuck sometimes in these horrible traffic jam machines like the approach to the Sumner Tunnel from Logan Airport, where ten lanes of traffic merge into two. You know, you have to let some people get in front of you sometimes, it just has to happen. The people who stubbornly refuse to let people go, are pure asses. Period. Personally, it seems you should let someone go, then someone lets you go, etc. This just makes sense.
I'm just saying....
On a related note, all vehicles should be designed that when the blinker is left "blinking" for an inordinate amount of time without actually changing direction, the vehicle sends an electric shock of massive proportions to the driver through the steering wheel.
Stop Signs - All of the stop signs that I have seen have the word STOP in the middle of them. Stop, as I recall it from first grade vocabulary means to "cease movement", not "slow down a little and then move faster. Look, I am not being a prude, I believe there are way too many stop signs to begin with, but come on people.
Similar situation with traffic signals. One question - does "left turn on red" really exist? Anyone? Anyone?
Double Parkers - Although double parking is a necessary evil in the city, it is so abused in so many places (especially in Boston) that it must be done away with. I propose that vehicles are built with extra body armor and forward mounted rocket launchers. This way, you fire your rockets at the double parkers causing their vehicle to be obliterated in a massive fireball. Then, the body armor allows you to drive through the fiery wreckage ala "The Terminator". This is a practical approach to the eventual elimination of double parking.
Jay-walkers - In Massachusetts, we have this irritating, but sensible law that says you must "stop for pedestrians in cross-walks". It specifically says "cross-walks". Therefore, jay-walkers proceed at their own risk. Personally, anyone who meanders across the street in a non-cross walk area is a jerk and should be fined. Fines are doubled if they are actually encouraging their children to do the same.
Letting people "Go" - OK, so we are all stuck sometimes in these horrible traffic jam machines like the approach to the Sumner Tunnel from Logan Airport, where ten lanes of traffic merge into two. You know, you have to let some people get in front of you sometimes, it just has to happen. The people who stubbornly refuse to let people go, are pure asses. Period. Personally, it seems you should let someone go, then someone lets you go, etc. This just makes sense.
I'm just saying....
Monday, November 14, 2005
Gayness Test
To determine potential gayness (ie - "highly gay", "semi-gay", "non-gay") answer the following questions and give yourself 1 point for every "Yes" response:
1. Are you male?
2. Do you enjoy drinking a wine simply to experience and discuss its flavor, and not to get drunk?
3. Do you think Julia Roberts is "so over".
4. Do you watch 2 or more programs on the WB?
5. Do you actually take the time to try on clothing while shopping?
6. Does it take you more than 15 minutes to select one greeting card?
Add up your "Yes" responses and determine gayness based on the following Queerness Scale:
4-6 points = "Highly gay" ("extremely" if you get 6, if you got more than 6, re-check your math)
2-3 points = "Semi-gay" (3 can equal "Meterosexual" or "confused").
0-1 points = "Non-gay" (0 = neo-nazi, or member of Bush administration)
Total Bummer
"Arrested Development" is one of the best TV shows ever. And therefore, it is being canceled.
"Arrested Development" is canceled half way through its third season, far too early.
It is incredibly well written, perfectly acted and incredibly funny. The only thing that I can hope is that it might get picked up by some cable channel? I'll have to get the DVDs - these shows can be watched over and over and still be funny.
I will miss this show a lot, it is rare a good show getting canceled bothers me that much, but this is one time it does.
"Arrested Development" is canceled half way through its third season, far too early.
It is incredibly well written, perfectly acted and incredibly funny. The only thing that I can hope is that it might get picked up by some cable channel? I'll have to get the DVDs - these shows can be watched over and over and still be funny.
I will miss this show a lot, it is rare a good show getting canceled bothers me that much, but this is one time it does.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
"Political Capital"
When George Bush was "re-elected" in November, 2004, he arrogantly claimed that the election had earned him "political capital" and that he was going to spend it. His partners in crime claimed he had earned this "mandate" somehow, with only 51% of the votes. And they also ignorantly claimed the election showed that America was not split after all (ah, hello?).
An incompetent Boob claims some "capital"
So now he has sunk in all the polls that can possibly be polled - every aspect of leadership, of direction his country is moving in, the decisions he (and others?) have made. It appears that he greatly overestimated his "political capital".
He claimed on Friday that his critics are "re-writing the history of the Iraq war", when in reality, it is he and his groupies that are doing that, and appear to be rehashing old speeches to try and get his numbers moving upwards again.
What does all this basically tell us about our Leader, our Commander in Chief? Well, it simply shows how completely out of touch with reality and the desires of the American people he is. Americans do not want to go to war just to "spread freedom", and that is not the reason we went to war in Iraq. How dare HE claim that people are re-writing history? How dare he claim that criticizing the war actually endangers the freedoms he claims to want to protect? It is that very freedom that challenges us to question our leaders. Between the Patriot Act and his own actions, he appears more interested in curbing our freedoms, not protecting them.
The man is living in a fog, one that was created by the traitor Karl Rove and then perpetuated by people like Cheney and Condoleeza Rice. One can only hope that we can survive the next three years with our credibility as a leading democracy in tact and clear house.
An incompetent Boob claims some "capital"
So now he has sunk in all the polls that can possibly be polled - every aspect of leadership, of direction his country is moving in, the decisions he (and others?) have made. It appears that he greatly overestimated his "political capital".
He claimed on Friday that his critics are "re-writing the history of the Iraq war", when in reality, it is he and his groupies that are doing that, and appear to be rehashing old speeches to try and get his numbers moving upwards again.
What does all this basically tell us about our Leader, our Commander in Chief? Well, it simply shows how completely out of touch with reality and the desires of the American people he is. Americans do not want to go to war just to "spread freedom", and that is not the reason we went to war in Iraq. How dare HE claim that people are re-writing history? How dare he claim that criticizing the war actually endangers the freedoms he claims to want to protect? It is that very freedom that challenges us to question our leaders. Between the Patriot Act and his own actions, he appears more interested in curbing our freedoms, not protecting them.
The man is living in a fog, one that was created by the traitor Karl Rove and then perpetuated by people like Cheney and Condoleeza Rice. One can only hope that we can survive the next three years with our credibility as a leading democracy in tact and clear house.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Being Fabulous
Last night I met two of my closest friends at the trendy Boston hot spot "Bonfire" for one reason - to be "fabulous".
Being fabulous is more than a way of being, it is a way of thinking. To be perfectly fabulous, you need to dress and act the part. No jeans in fabulous. Proper attire is required. Also, exotic cocktails in fancy glasses - no beers.
There should be a certain level of pretention about the atmosphere - an "on top of the world" way of it. Also, you must casually act as though you are one of that elusive 1% of society that controls 75% of wealth and power.
I wore business casual, no tie but nice jacket and slacks. The "no tie" approach says, "look at me, I throw caution to the wind". I wanted to bring a pipe, but since I have quit smoking, the only suitable one was one that blew bubbles - I decided that was not right for the look.
My two fabulous friends, Jen and Keri, looked "mahvelous, dahling" - and were very willing accomplices in the act of being fabulous.
All kidding aside, we had a great time - I always do with them. And "Bonfire" is a wonderful restaurant, check it out here. They serve the best kind of wine, the type that comes in huge, completely full goblets. Lovely. Three goblets into the mission I was feeling very happy.
Needless to say, I love my friends, and I love being Fabulous with them.
Being fabulous is more than a way of being, it is a way of thinking. To be perfectly fabulous, you need to dress and act the part. No jeans in fabulous. Proper attire is required. Also, exotic cocktails in fancy glasses - no beers.
There should be a certain level of pretention about the atmosphere - an "on top of the world" way of it. Also, you must casually act as though you are one of that elusive 1% of society that controls 75% of wealth and power.
I wore business casual, no tie but nice jacket and slacks. The "no tie" approach says, "look at me, I throw caution to the wind". I wanted to bring a pipe, but since I have quit smoking, the only suitable one was one that blew bubbles - I decided that was not right for the look.
My two fabulous friends, Jen and Keri, looked "mahvelous, dahling" - and were very willing accomplices in the act of being fabulous.
All kidding aside, we had a great time - I always do with them. And "Bonfire" is a wonderful restaurant, check it out here. They serve the best kind of wine, the type that comes in huge, completely full goblets. Lovely. Three goblets into the mission I was feeling very happy.
Needless to say, I love my friends, and I love being Fabulous with them.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
I voted, and it scared me
On Tuesday there was one of those under appreciated "off year" elections. Sometimes I think most people do not even know these elections are happening. However, being someone who has always taken the right to vote seriously, I dutifully showed up to fill out my form.
What bothered me was that I was never asked to produce identification. I was asked who I was and where I lived, given the form and a pen and told to fill it out and put it in the machine. I did not personally know the people working the polls, so how could they be sure I was who I said I was?
In this time where accusations of election fraud are volleyed back and forth like insults in British parliament, shouldn't there have been a little more scrutiny?
What bothered me was that I was never asked to produce identification. I was asked who I was and where I lived, given the form and a pen and told to fill it out and put it in the machine. I did not personally know the people working the polls, so how could they be sure I was who I said I was?
In this time where accusations of election fraud are volleyed back and forth like insults in British parliament, shouldn't there have been a little more scrutiny?
My faith in Americans is healing a bit
Sadly, my faith in Americans has taken a huge hit over the past few years, and particularly when they did the single most ill-advised thing by re-electing "He Who Must Not Be Named" to a job he never rightly acquired to begin with.
Maybe people were too scared to make a change during this new age of terrorism and the questionable war in Iraq. I personally believe the accusations of election fraud are accurate, but hold no hope we will ever know for sure.
But, it seems people are finally waking up:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9981177/
These poll numbers keep dropping and dropping. I suppose I should not be surprised, as this administration - one that supports torture, hires cronies with no experience into key positions of government, give hand-outs to the wealthy while sticking it to the poor and middle class - this administration could not possible keep the wool over America's eyes forever?
People are finally realizing the truth about this administration. Sadly it is a year too late, we are facing three more years of this disaster.
God Help Us.
Maybe people were too scared to make a change during this new age of terrorism and the questionable war in Iraq. I personally believe the accusations of election fraud are accurate, but hold no hope we will ever know for sure.
But, it seems people are finally waking up:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9981177/
These poll numbers keep dropping and dropping. I suppose I should not be surprised, as this administration - one that supports torture, hires cronies with no experience into key positions of government, give hand-outs to the wealthy while sticking it to the poor and middle class - this administration could not possible keep the wool over America's eyes forever?
People are finally realizing the truth about this administration. Sadly it is a year too late, we are facing three more years of this disaster.
God Help Us.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Fenway Park Rocks
My good friend Jen, her partner Bill and I took a great tour of Fenway Park this year. If you are a Red Sox fan, you know that Fenway Park has special magic. Something you can only feel when you are actually inside its gates.
My fabulous friend Jen and I enjoy a day at the ball park
The Red Sox can be so frustrating. Last year, when the Yankees had us down 3-0 in the ALCS, my brother and I were lamenting the reasons for their horrid downfall. Ten days later we were celebrating their World Series victory.
Boston enjoyed a sports year like no other, World Series champs after 86 years, then Super Bowl champs again (three times in four years). Our teams could do no wrong. For 2005, the Red Sox did not repeat, but did not disappoint either. Their collapse towards the end is sad, but at least they made the post season. And it was nice to see the White Sox moving on to the same glory.
My fabulous friend Jen and I enjoy a day at the ball park
The Red Sox can be so frustrating. Last year, when the Yankees had us down 3-0 in the ALCS, my brother and I were lamenting the reasons for their horrid downfall. Ten days later we were celebrating their World Series victory.
Boston enjoyed a sports year like no other, World Series champs after 86 years, then Super Bowl champs again (three times in four years). Our teams could do no wrong. For 2005, the Red Sox did not repeat, but did not disappoint either. Their collapse towards the end is sad, but at least they made the post season. And it was nice to see the White Sox moving on to the same glory.
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