You know you’re old when…
I was at Toys R Us tonight buying some toys for ‘Toys for Tots’. It’s my annual ‘I can’t buy toys for me anymore, but I still like buying toys trip’. I remember hearing on the radio that they especially needed toys for 10-12 yr olds.
When I was wandering around the store, I noticed that I was actually reading the labels on the toys to see what age certain toys are for. You know who does that? Old people. Old people who doesn’t know what’s going on.
I know you don’t think this seems like a big deal. It might even seem like a good thing that I don’t know what 10-12 yr olds play with. Well it’s not. It’s just more proof that I’m old.
The only thing that made me happy was the fact that I could buy any toy in the toy store. A kid can’t do that.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Pup’s Movie Corner
Today we will review the movie Hitman
Based on a video game (sheese, can people not get any original ideas here? I’ve got a script that’s ready. You just need to ask.), Hitman is definitely targeting a specific group of audience with this movie. The target group that likes lots of people getting shot, fancy clothing, and a very hot Russian girl.
There’s really not much to this movie. If you’ve seen the Bourne Identity, this is pretty much the exact same movie. The Hitman does dress better than Bourne though.
I know this is really not much of a review, but there really isn’t that much that stands out in this movie. There’s nothing there that hasn’t been done, or seen.
I would hope that if you decide to go see this movie, you’re not thinking that it would challenge your mind or this is a movie that will change the world or that this would be an Oscar contender. If you get all those thoughts out of your head and just expect a movie with a lot of people getting shot in flashy ways and a gorgeous Russian girl, then I think you’ll have a good time.
Rating: 3 Paws (out of 5)
Today we will review the movie Hitman
Based on a video game (sheese, can people not get any original ideas here? I’ve got a script that’s ready. You just need to ask.), Hitman is definitely targeting a specific group of audience with this movie. The target group that likes lots of people getting shot, fancy clothing, and a very hot Russian girl.
There’s really not much to this movie. If you’ve seen the Bourne Identity, this is pretty much the exact same movie. The Hitman does dress better than Bourne though.
I know this is really not much of a review, but there really isn’t that much that stands out in this movie. There’s nothing there that hasn’t been done, or seen.
I would hope that if you decide to go see this movie, you’re not thinking that it would challenge your mind or this is a movie that will change the world or that this would be an Oscar contender. If you get all those thoughts out of your head and just expect a movie with a lot of people getting shot in flashy ways and a gorgeous Russian girl, then I think you’ll have a good time.
Rating: 3 Paws (out of 5)
Monday, November 19, 2007
Pup’s Movie Corner
Today we will review the movie Beowulf.
Based on a just a poem (albeit quite long), Hollywood managed to make this into a full length movie. To make things more interesting, they made a good part of the movie fully CGI. While it was interesting watching part of the movie completely in CGI and almost like a game, I went to the theaters to watch a movie, not to watch the intro to a game.
The movie itself was fine. The plot was simple enough. Men can’t resist the hotness that is Angelina Jolie and they’re pretty much cursed forever. I’m not quite sure how they got a PG-13 rating on this. Not that I’m complaining, but there was a lot of nudity going on (don’t worry ladies, there is male nudity too). Even if it’s supposed to be digital nudity, it was still nudity.
So here’s my problem with the movie. It doesn’t have that much to do with the movie itself. I have more of a problem with the idea of Beowulf as a ‘hero’. For in my mind, he is no hero at all and that kinda ruins the movie for me.
Beowulf fought for personal glory. He fought for the sake for fighting. He fought so that his legend would grow, so that there would be stories told about him. Everything he did was about him wanting to be glorified and show off that he’s better than others.
I understand that this problem is strictly my own issue. Beowulf is just not my idea of a hero. Sounds silly but a hero is a hero because they didn’t want to be a hero in the first place. Heroes are people who are put in or fall into a difficult situation and they perform above and beyond themselves and what others would have done. Heroes only fight when necessary and fight for a purpose/goal greater than themselves. That is the definition of a hero and the complete opposite of Beowulf.
Given the choice, a hero would never have wanted to be a hero. That’s what makes them so great. They rise when they have to, when no one else would. They rise to protect. They fight when necessary, but only as a last resort.
Perhaps I’m being too critical about this. I think most people will enjoy Beowulf. It’s a fun movie to watch with a very interesting obvert use of CGI and good special effects. However, I regard my idea of a hero quite highly. Beowulf contradicts every idea I have for a hero and I believe I was too caught up on that to enjoy the movie.
Rating: 2 Paws (out of 5)
Today we will review the movie Beowulf.
Based on a just a poem (albeit quite long), Hollywood managed to make this into a full length movie. To make things more interesting, they made a good part of the movie fully CGI. While it was interesting watching part of the movie completely in CGI and almost like a game, I went to the theaters to watch a movie, not to watch the intro to a game.
The movie itself was fine. The plot was simple enough. Men can’t resist the hotness that is Angelina Jolie and they’re pretty much cursed forever. I’m not quite sure how they got a PG-13 rating on this. Not that I’m complaining, but there was a lot of nudity going on (don’t worry ladies, there is male nudity too). Even if it’s supposed to be digital nudity, it was still nudity.
So here’s my problem with the movie. It doesn’t have that much to do with the movie itself. I have more of a problem with the idea of Beowulf as a ‘hero’. For in my mind, he is no hero at all and that kinda ruins the movie for me.
Beowulf fought for personal glory. He fought for the sake for fighting. He fought so that his legend would grow, so that there would be stories told about him. Everything he did was about him wanting to be glorified and show off that he’s better than others.
I understand that this problem is strictly my own issue. Beowulf is just not my idea of a hero. Sounds silly but a hero is a hero because they didn’t want to be a hero in the first place. Heroes are people who are put in or fall into a difficult situation and they perform above and beyond themselves and what others would have done. Heroes only fight when necessary and fight for a purpose/goal greater than themselves. That is the definition of a hero and the complete opposite of Beowulf.
Given the choice, a hero would never have wanted to be a hero. That’s what makes them so great. They rise when they have to, when no one else would. They rise to protect. They fight when necessary, but only as a last resort.
Perhaps I’m being too critical about this. I think most people will enjoy Beowulf. It’s a fun movie to watch with a very interesting obvert use of CGI and good special effects. However, I regard my idea of a hero quite highly. Beowulf contradicts every idea I have for a hero and I believe I was too caught up on that to enjoy the movie.
Rating: 2 Paws (out of 5)
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Look what I just got...
I was at Target going to get batteries, some birthday cards and a new bottle of Mr. Clean. I love that Mr. Clean. Have I ever told you? It doesn't work any better than any of the other products, but I sure do like using Mr. Clean. I think I feel better cause I think he's there cleaning with me. It's more fun when you and Mr. Clean are cleaning and singing to songs on the radio. Ok, that might be TMI..
Anyway.
So I walked by the electronic section and there it was. I didn't believe it when I first saw it. I thought it was just for display. Then I saw a lady come up and ask to buy one. I started freaking a bit. There was 2 left in the display case. I tried to be calm and pick out my birthday cards, but my mind was elsewhere. I kept staring at the case with the Wii.
What do I do? What do I do? As you may or may not know, I'm not good with randomly spending money. Not that this would be random, but it was not in the plans for today. I was there for batteries, cards, and Mr. Clean. All of which I had coupons for. That's right. Coupons. Suck it.
Then I saw another dreaded thing. A guy with his daughter going up to the counter and asking to buy the Wii. OMG. They're going to run out before my eyes. I have no time to make the decision.
I made an executive decision. I went over there very hesistently. I asked for the Wii. The sales guy gave me a nodd of approval and said 'right on'. He seriously said that. Strangely, that made me feel a lot better.
Now I'm sitting here with a Wii. Part of me wants to hold it and sell it (the cheapest price on Amazon is $383), but part of me wants to bust it out and start playing it.
I think you guys all think this is a no brainer, but it's not for me. I know what is probably the right decision, but it's hard to do it. You don't need to tell me I'm crazy.
Guess I'll go and think about it...
Monday, November 05, 2007
Weekend Update
This weekend, at the expense of the annual They Might be Giants concert that I always attend, End of fall season Ultimate tournament, and some good football time, I went to San Antonio to hang out with some friends and attend the wedding of an old college friend.
- I finally went and saw the Alamo this trip. It had been eluding me all these times when I’ve been down there. It was very interesting as I’m a big fan of historical war sites. At the site there was someone who told the story of what happened at the Alamo and a lot of the history leading to it. The legend behind the Alamo was definitely more glamorous than what had actually happened. For example, the battle only took 90min. It wasn’t days of holding the fort as many movies would lead you to believe.
- Went to happy hour with my friend’s wife’s coworkers. Nothing like starting to drink at 3:30pm. I should work for that company. I found out some very interesting thing about one of the coworkers that I’ve met a few times before. So this coworker, who is quite attractive, like turning head attractive, knows Pi to the 20th digit or something. She also has a Pi tattoo and graduated with a Physics degree. Seriously, when does that happen? The mix of beauty AND a Geek.
- Not everything’s bigger in Texas. I had some of the most pathetic pours of Jack and Cokes ever. Nashville still wins for the best pours. I don’t think they even put coke in my drinks.
- This was the 3rd totally secular wedding ceremony that I’ve ever been to. I love it so much more than the religious weddings. They actually talked about and focused on how much the bride and groom loved each other without having some diversion to God or something silly. Seriously, take a back seat today. This is their day, not yours. Back the fuck off. It’s not always about you. FYI, I make this comment to religious PEOPLE, not to the actual ‘God’ cause I’m sure he/sure would be cool about just sitting back during the ceremony and dancing to ‘I want you to want me’ during the reception.
- If I ever get married, I would like to do the whole Have Nagila thing. That is some fun stuff.
- I had one of the most delicious appetizers ever. It was potato strings that wrapped around a shrimp and lightly fried. It was crispy on the outside with a soft shrimp on the inside. Yum!
- Thumbs up to the bridesmaids at this wedding. They all danced a lot, and danced very well. Very awesome.
- Everyone went back to the hotel for the after party. Now that was fun. They brought back all the left over alcohol so we can now pour my own. Good times ensued.
- The second amazing woman I met during this trip. This woman was hilarious. She too was very geeky in that she talked a lot of video games. She named her cats from Harry Potter. Somehow we got to throwing signs with our hands. She was trying to show me how to do the Vulcan hand sign which I cannot do to save my life. Then it lead to gang signs, which I cannot do as well. She finally said ‘You can’t do geek or gang! I can’t work with this!!’
- This same woman is rail thin. However, she has one of the biggest appetites I’ve ever seen. I can’t even describe to you how much she ate during the after party. She talked about how she has to eat every couple of hours. Her friends all confirmed this and actually said that she’s eating a little less now. That is crazy. All I know is that she has a very understanding boyfriend cause he has to keep the fridge stocked and cook her food all the time. Funny enough they live only about 5 miles from me. I’ll definitely have to give them a call.
- This wedding concludes the 2007 wedding season for me. Later, I’ll write about the 2nd one that I went to where a real life Sgt Pepper marching band appeared after the wedding ceremony. It was something to see. Definitely in the tops list for things I’ve seen at a wedding.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
What if...
The night was dark with only the moonlight to guide their way. The two rushed to stay in the shadows. They know there were not safe. They were being hunted. Every second away from the room meant being exposed in the open. They would be no match for their hunters. Running and hiding was the only way. They must reach the room. The room their only salvation.
The two rushed pass the abandoned building and into an alley. The surrounding buildings blocked the moonlight completely. The alley was so dark the two can no longer see each other. The two continued to walk down the alley, but unable to see, they let their hands be their guide. Feeling one brick at a time, moving as fast and as quietly as they can around the building. They know the others would not be impeded by something as trivial as darkness.
Scratch. In the darkness, her hand felt against a metal door. She breathed a quick sign of relief at the discovery of the door. Scratch. Scratch. He gently pushed open the rusty door to gain entrance. It was all still pitch dark. They were not sure this is the way, but anything is better than staying out there.
A flickering light lit the hallway of the room they entered. She may have cracked half a smile if she wasn’t so exhausted. This is the where they were headed for. This is where the room and their safety would be. He grabbed her hand and they rushed up the stairs. The moonlight shines down on them as they pass the windows. With each passing, their excitement built. They know they’re close. Close to the room.
They got off on the 7th floor and headed straight to room 251. They were finally there. Looking at a door never made anyone so happy. She took off her necklace and revealed a key that’s been around her neck. She fumbles to put the key into the lock. She finally managed to put in the key and with a quick flick of her wrist, nothing happened.
The key did not turn.
There were too many thoughts going through her head. She had to use every ounce of her will to not scream. She could not stop thinking, the key doesn’t work. The key doesn’t work.
It seemed like a life time had pass, but it wasn’t even half a second. Her mind was no longer useful, the shock of the key had taken over. Scratch. Almost instinctively, her hand turned the key the other way. The clicking sound of the door unlocking snapped her back to reality in an instant. The thoughts all instantly fade away as joy took over.
They arrived. In this room they knew they would be safe. They’ve made it.
“You’re safe now. I’m glad to be able to deliver you to the room without harm.”
“Thank you so much. He will be very happy to know what you have done for me. I owe you my..….”
He could not react fast enough as he watched her bloodied body fall slowly to the floor. He looked at her and he was unable to speak. He had failed her and he had failed him. He could only look out at the window where everything so suddenly ended.
A loud thud could be heard as he crashed through the door. There he saw a dozen men, all armed with bows pointing out a window. They didn’t even flinch at his deafening entrance. He had hoped they would notice, hoping they would focus on him. No, these men were professionals. They knew their job and nothing would sway them.
He tried to get to them, to stop them. He knew what they were aiming at. There just wasn’t enough time. Before he could make a move, he could hear the strings spring loose from their master’s grips. The arrows ready to deliver its one message to its target.
He knew. It was over. His dreams with her passed as quickly as the arrows reached their targets. There was nothing now. Nothing for him.
As quickly as the arrows were released, two men came swiftly through the door behind him. They knew too as soon as they entered the room. The assassins had done their job. They were too late and they had failed to protect her.
“I owe you my…”, she tried to finish her sentence but was interrupted as an arrow broke through the window with a loud crash. The first arrow found her heart with indiscriminate accuracy. The arrow was followed by a dozen of its friends as they all hit their targets. She fell slowly to the floor. Before darkness took over, she was able to look out the window. She saw him there. She knew he had tried as hard as he could, as did all his friends. All for her.
Scratch. Her sight was clouding over as the end drew closer. She looked out the window one last time. She saw the sadness in his eyes. She smiled one last time. Hoping that he would see. Hoping that he would see that she knew and appreciated everything.
His hand drew close to his weapon. There were no words to describe his feelings. He had lost the only thing worth protecting.
He muttered lowly, “Kill them. Kill them all.”
The night was dark with only the moonlight to guide their way. The two rushed to stay in the shadows. They know there were not safe. They were being hunted. Every second away from the room meant being exposed in the open. They would be no match for their hunters. Running and hiding was the only way. They must reach the room. The room their only salvation.
The two rushed pass the abandoned building and into an alley. The surrounding buildings blocked the moonlight completely. The alley was so dark the two can no longer see each other. The two continued to walk down the alley, but unable to see, they let their hands be their guide. Feeling one brick at a time, moving as fast and as quietly as they can around the building. They know the others would not be impeded by something as trivial as darkness.
Scratch. In the darkness, her hand felt against a metal door. She breathed a quick sign of relief at the discovery of the door. Scratch. Scratch. He gently pushed open the rusty door to gain entrance. It was all still pitch dark. They were not sure this is the way, but anything is better than staying out there.
A flickering light lit the hallway of the room they entered. She may have cracked half a smile if she wasn’t so exhausted. This is the where they were headed for. This is where the room and their safety would be. He grabbed her hand and they rushed up the stairs. The moonlight shines down on them as they pass the windows. With each passing, their excitement built. They know they’re close. Close to the room.
They got off on the 7th floor and headed straight to room 251. They were finally there. Looking at a door never made anyone so happy. She took off her necklace and revealed a key that’s been around her neck. She fumbles to put the key into the lock. She finally managed to put in the key and with a quick flick of her wrist, nothing happened.
The key did not turn.
There were too many thoughts going through her head. She had to use every ounce of her will to not scream. She could not stop thinking, the key doesn’t work. The key doesn’t work.
It seemed like a life time had pass, but it wasn’t even half a second. Her mind was no longer useful, the shock of the key had taken over. Scratch. Almost instinctively, her hand turned the key the other way. The clicking sound of the door unlocking snapped her back to reality in an instant. The thoughts all instantly fade away as joy took over.
They arrived. In this room they knew they would be safe. They’ve made it.
“You’re safe now. I’m glad to be able to deliver you to the room without harm.”
“Thank you so much. He will be very happy to know what you have done for me. I owe you my..….”
He could not react fast enough as he watched her bloodied body fall slowly to the floor. He looked at her and he was unable to speak. He had failed her and he had failed him. He could only look out at the window where everything so suddenly ended.
A loud thud could be heard as he crashed through the door. There he saw a dozen men, all armed with bows pointing out a window. They didn’t even flinch at his deafening entrance. He had hoped they would notice, hoping they would focus on him. No, these men were professionals. They knew their job and nothing would sway them.
He tried to get to them, to stop them. He knew what they were aiming at. There just wasn’t enough time. Before he could make a move, he could hear the strings spring loose from their master’s grips. The arrows ready to deliver its one message to its target.
He knew. It was over. His dreams with her passed as quickly as the arrows reached their targets. There was nothing now. Nothing for him.
As quickly as the arrows were released, two men came swiftly through the door behind him. They knew too as soon as they entered the room. The assassins had done their job. They were too late and they had failed to protect her.
“I owe you my…”, she tried to finish her sentence but was interrupted as an arrow broke through the window with a loud crash. The first arrow found her heart with indiscriminate accuracy. The arrow was followed by a dozen of its friends as they all hit their targets. She fell slowly to the floor. Before darkness took over, she was able to look out the window. She saw him there. She knew he had tried as hard as he could, as did all his friends. All for her.
Scratch. Her sight was clouding over as the end drew closer. She looked out the window one last time. She saw the sadness in his eyes. She smiled one last time. Hoping that he would see. Hoping that he would see that she knew and appreciated everything.
His hand drew close to his weapon. There were no words to describe his feelings. He had lost the only thing worth protecting.
He muttered lowly, “Kill them. Kill them all.”
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Finally...After 12 years or so of playing Ultimate, I finally did 1 of the 2 rarest feats in all of Ultimate this last weekend. I'm not sure how it's actually spelled, but it's called a 'Callihand'. I know, me not knowing how to spell something. Big suprise.
A Callihand is when the other team has possession of the disc. Somehow the defender intercepts the disc and lands in the end zone. So basically, intercepting in the end zone for a score. This very rarely happens for a number of reasons. Too many actually for me to go into, but you can probably figure it out yourself.
We were playing a 3x3x1 zone and I was in the cup. It was a great pull that gave the cup time to set up. By the time we got there they still had the disc at the goal line. They swung the disc around a few times. The disc was going back to the center handler. It was a little high, but completely catchable. Just as he was about to grab it, a puff of air blew the disc up. He tipped the disc in the air instead of catching it.
We both jumped for the disc and I came down with the disc in the end zone.
Score.
Damn I'm smooth.
PS - The disc at the top is a disc design for the Vancouver ultimate league that I randomly played pick-up with when I was there earlier this year. Yes, I was randomly wander around Vancouver and found an Ultimate game. Geeky I know.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Rest in Peace Dear Cleo
I just go news that Cleo, with whom I lived with for a couple of years during grad school has passed due to brain cancer.
I’ll always remember you for being much bigger in life than you were in actual size. Your barks to greet me at the door were always welcomed and very much appreciated.
We’ll miss you Cleo.
I just go news that Cleo, with whom I lived with for a couple of years during grad school has passed due to brain cancer.
I’ll always remember you for being much bigger in life than you were in actual size. Your barks to greet me at the door were always welcomed and very much appreciated.
We’ll miss you Cleo.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Who’s with me?!!!!!!
I just had 2 kick ass Halloween ideas from my dream last night.
Kick ass idea 1:
I need to get a small group of people, I’m thinking 8 to 12. This group will dress up like a scene in a horror movie. Perhaps half can be monsters and the other half victims, maybe some chainsaw yielding people, or maybe just all aliens. It’s open really, just need to have a theme.
The group will travel around town and hold a pose/ scene for a certain period of time. I’m thinking like 15 min max.
Ohhhh… that’d be so much fun and freaken awesome!!!
Kick ass idea 2:
You know how there was a thing with flash mobs a while ago? Where through IM/internet people are told to show up at a specific area and form a flash mob?
Same concept. Except it’s a flash ZOMBIE mob.
I don’t know how to get people involved in this flash mob thing, I’m not young and in the hip crowd. Wouldn’t it be totally awesome to have a bunch of zombie all showing up at one place? It’ll be just like the movies/10 years from now.
Flash zombie mob!!!!
OMG. Just thinking about it gets me excited.
I just had 2 kick ass Halloween ideas from my dream last night.
Kick ass idea 1:
I need to get a small group of people, I’m thinking 8 to 12. This group will dress up like a scene in a horror movie. Perhaps half can be monsters and the other half victims, maybe some chainsaw yielding people, or maybe just all aliens. It’s open really, just need to have a theme.
The group will travel around town and hold a pose/ scene for a certain period of time. I’m thinking like 15 min max.
Ohhhh… that’d be so much fun and freaken awesome!!!
Kick ass idea 2:
You know how there was a thing with flash mobs a while ago? Where through IM/internet people are told to show up at a specific area and form a flash mob?
Same concept. Except it’s a flash ZOMBIE mob.
I don’t know how to get people involved in this flash mob thing, I’m not young and in the hip crowd. Wouldn’t it be totally awesome to have a bunch of zombie all showing up at one place? It’ll be just like the movies/10 years from now.
Flash zombie mob!!!!
OMG. Just thinking about it gets me excited.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Reason # 1,786 why I'm not going to do well being old.
As many of you know me knows this, I don’t do well with getting older. I'm not doing well now with it. I don't do well with everything about it. I just don’t do well with the whole concept.
Well now, I have even more reasons.
After months of nagging from many friends, I finally went to see the doctor. I’ve always known this, but to make it official is something else.
Whenever I go to a Target or Kroger I generally go try out the blood pressure machine. It started out just for fun, but I continued to do it every weekend when I went to the store. This has gone on for years. I’ve always thought there might have been something wrong with the machine. The readings were generally insanely high. Like ‘Your heart may explode right now’ high.
It’s never concerned me that much. I’m generally healthy. Sure I could lose a few pounds, but the ultimate keeps me in ok shape and I don't eat too badly (except for that whole peanut obession).
I see a doctor about every 5 years. Even that’s a stretch for me. Everytime they see me, they generally have a concern, but since I don’t see them for another 5 years and I’ve moved to another city, nothing ever happens.
For some reason, the last few tests concerned me. Not that it was any higher, just that it’s that high in the first place. I told a couple of friends, then the nagging started. Lots and lots of nagging.
Finally I gave in and went to see the doc this week. I don’t know if she was acting, but she seemed quite concerned. She put me on 2 blood pressure medicines right away. I’m going back next week. I may have a 3rd.
Nothing makes you feel older than having this thought.
“Hope I don’t forget to take my blood pressure medicine today.”
Getting old sucks.
As many of you know me knows this, I don’t do well with getting older. I'm not doing well now with it. I don't do well with everything about it. I just don’t do well with the whole concept.
Well now, I have even more reasons.
After months of nagging from many friends, I finally went to see the doctor. I’ve always known this, but to make it official is something else.
Whenever I go to a Target or Kroger I generally go try out the blood pressure machine. It started out just for fun, but I continued to do it every weekend when I went to the store. This has gone on for years. I’ve always thought there might have been something wrong with the machine. The readings were generally insanely high. Like ‘Your heart may explode right now’ high.
It’s never concerned me that much. I’m generally healthy. Sure I could lose a few pounds, but the ultimate keeps me in ok shape and I don't eat too badly (except for that whole peanut obession).
I see a doctor about every 5 years. Even that’s a stretch for me. Everytime they see me, they generally have a concern, but since I don’t see them for another 5 years and I’ve moved to another city, nothing ever happens.
For some reason, the last few tests concerned me. Not that it was any higher, just that it’s that high in the first place. I told a couple of friends, then the nagging started. Lots and lots of nagging.
Finally I gave in and went to see the doc this week. I don’t know if she was acting, but she seemed quite concerned. She put me on 2 blood pressure medicines right away. I’m going back next week. I may have a 3rd.
Nothing makes you feel older than having this thought.
“Hope I don’t forget to take my blood pressure medicine today.”
Getting old sucks.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Friday, September 21, 2007
WHAT the Fuck is wrong with you people?!?
If there were ever a standard comparison among countries, something to measure and compare how well the countries of this world are doing, I would say currency comparison would be a good judge. How much each country's currency vales compares to another country's currency is probably the best that we have.
The US dollar used to be a great and strong currency that others compared to.
Today:
$1.41 US = 1 Euro - this is at an all time high
$2.01 US = 1 Pound - Also ridiculously high
$1.00 US = $1 CA - We should be quite embarassed about this. The Canadian dollar is worth the same as the US $ for the first time in about 30 years. It generally trades at $1 US = $1.5 CA.
For all you out there that doesn't care or think this is beyond you, this is a big deal. This affects our ability to buy stuff. This is a big reason why all the prices are going to go up.
This country is in Trillions of dollars of debt. You know who owns the majority of that debt? China and Saudi Arabia. How does that make you feel? We pay them billions of dollars a month just in interest.
China is not exactly a model citizen in this world. No one seems to care and no one is really able to stand up to them. Politican are either taking money from China or do not have the influence to do anything about it. Saudi Arabia is just as bad. We rely on them like a crackhead relies on a dealer. They're also not exactly our BFFs.
Yet, we pay them billions of dollars in interest. Can you be sure what they do with all that money?
This is the latest news. Dubai is about to buy a 20% stake in the NASDAQ. While financially it's not THAT consequental, symbolically it really is.
The Iraq war has cost this country over $450 Billion dollars and we're no where near done. Do you know what you could have done with $450 Billion dollars? Let me tell you.
For starters, the annual budgets of the National Science Foundation and the National Cancer Institute are $6 billion and $5 billion, respectively, the $1 trillion war cost is equivalent to 170 NSFs and 200 NCIs. Now I'm not positive as to what putting 170X more science can do, or 22X more cancer reserach can do, but I'm willing to bet, we'd be getting something more back then this war.
What do you think kills more people in the US and the world? Cancer or terrorism?
If they just mail every american a check, each of us would get a $3000 check. How's that for boosting the economy? If the money was spent in an even more ecumenical way and a global mailing list was available, the Treasury could have sent a check for more than $150 to every human being on earth. The lives of millions of children, who die from nothing more serious than measles, tetanus, respiratory infections and diarrhea, could be saved, since these illnesses can be prevented by $2 vaccines, $1 worth of antibiotics, or a 10-cent dose of oral rehydration salts as well as the main but still very far from prohibitive cost of people to administer the programs.
You could have made this country into one that the rest of the world would be envious of. This could have paid for universal health care, rebuilt New Orleans, provided funds for the country's infrastructure, and most importantly, keep this country a super power on the world stage.
But No. You did not decide to go this way. All you scared little ignorant self absorbed bitches who were crying for war. All of you had better not complain when they come take your fucking house. You did this. You did this to us. This is ALL your fucking fault.
Your poor judgement lead us into a war. Your rash reactions, your insights of stupidity. You may not have made the original terrorists, but you are now making the new generation of them. You are the ones that are nurturing them. You are allowing this to happen.
Wake the fuck up people, this country is in a LOT of trouble. We as a country have a lot of problems. We are NOT doing well.
If there were ever a standard comparison among countries, something to measure and compare how well the countries of this world are doing, I would say currency comparison would be a good judge. How much each country's currency vales compares to another country's currency is probably the best that we have.
The US dollar used to be a great and strong currency that others compared to.
Today:
$1.41 US = 1 Euro - this is at an all time high
$2.01 US = 1 Pound - Also ridiculously high
$1.00 US = $1 CA - We should be quite embarassed about this. The Canadian dollar is worth the same as the US $ for the first time in about 30 years. It generally trades at $1 US = $1.5 CA.
For all you out there that doesn't care or think this is beyond you, this is a big deal. This affects our ability to buy stuff. This is a big reason why all the prices are going to go up.
This country is in Trillions of dollars of debt. You know who owns the majority of that debt? China and Saudi Arabia. How does that make you feel? We pay them billions of dollars a month just in interest.
China is not exactly a model citizen in this world. No one seems to care and no one is really able to stand up to them. Politican are either taking money from China or do not have the influence to do anything about it. Saudi Arabia is just as bad. We rely on them like a crackhead relies on a dealer. They're also not exactly our BFFs.
Yet, we pay them billions of dollars in interest. Can you be sure what they do with all that money?
This is the latest news. Dubai is about to buy a 20% stake in the NASDAQ. While financially it's not THAT consequental, symbolically it really is.
The Iraq war has cost this country over $450 Billion dollars and we're no where near done. Do you know what you could have done with $450 Billion dollars? Let me tell you.
For starters, the annual budgets of the National Science Foundation and the National Cancer Institute are $6 billion and $5 billion, respectively, the $1 trillion war cost is equivalent to 170 NSFs and 200 NCIs. Now I'm not positive as to what putting 170X more science can do, or 22X more cancer reserach can do, but I'm willing to bet, we'd be getting something more back then this war.
What do you think kills more people in the US and the world? Cancer or terrorism?
If they just mail every american a check, each of us would get a $3000 check. How's that for boosting the economy? If the money was spent in an even more ecumenical way and a global mailing list was available, the Treasury could have sent a check for more than $150 to every human being on earth. The lives of millions of children, who die from nothing more serious than measles, tetanus, respiratory infections and diarrhea, could be saved, since these illnesses can be prevented by $2 vaccines, $1 worth of antibiotics, or a 10-cent dose of oral rehydration salts as well as the main but still very far from prohibitive cost of people to administer the programs.
You could have made this country into one that the rest of the world would be envious of. This could have paid for universal health care, rebuilt New Orleans, provided funds for the country's infrastructure, and most importantly, keep this country a super power on the world stage.
But No. You did not decide to go this way. All you scared little ignorant self absorbed bitches who were crying for war. All of you had better not complain when they come take your fucking house. You did this. You did this to us. This is ALL your fucking fault.
Your poor judgement lead us into a war. Your rash reactions, your insights of stupidity. You may not have made the original terrorists, but you are now making the new generation of them. You are the ones that are nurturing them. You are allowing this to happen.
Wake the fuck up people, this country is in a LOT of trouble. We as a country have a lot of problems. We are NOT doing well.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Human Tetris Game Show
Why don't we have awesome shows like this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZWHaor6LOU
Why don't we have awesome shows like this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZWHaor6LOU
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Expectations
I fly a lot for my job. Once a week, or at least one every couple of weeks, I pack my bags and head off to the airport to travel around the country. To an extent, I see flying as a very common thing. It’s really not a big deal for me to have to fly.
Often times, I get a little annoyed at the people that are slow at security, or doesn’t know where to go or when to get on the plane. I used to wonder, what’s wrong with them, this is so simple.
On my flight out to Vegas last week, I sat next to a couple from Georgia. They said they’ve never been so far out west before and that this will be their first time traveling flying away from home. They had just retired and they were spending a week in Vegas. They were going to rent a car and drive to the border to say that they’ve been in California.
Just imagine. They're in their mid-60s and they've never left the south! Never seen the Pacific. There has been several times when I've seen the Atlantic and Pacific ocean in the same week.
I didn’t really think much about it at the time, but then something dawned on me later. I shouldn’t have been as shocked at this couple as I was. There are probably a lot of people out there that are in the same boat as this couple. They are probably more the norm than I think. People who live their lives in one general area and never traveled around. While that seems very strange to me, my idea of things are probably skewed.
This lead me to think about some of my other ideals. I wonder what else I think is/should be usual or something simple that really is not for other people. Is working a 12 hour day and then wanting to go out not the norm? Is it not a normal expectation that people not get tired? Is preparing for a zombie uprising not something everyone does?
I know this gets me into trouble. I have theses ‘expectations’ or ideas about things and how things should be. Naturally, they’re not always as I think. I know it shouldn't but when things are happening as I think they should be, it greatly upsets/surprises me.
I guess knowing is half the battle.
I fly a lot for my job. Once a week, or at least one every couple of weeks, I pack my bags and head off to the airport to travel around the country. To an extent, I see flying as a very common thing. It’s really not a big deal for me to have to fly.
Often times, I get a little annoyed at the people that are slow at security, or doesn’t know where to go or when to get on the plane. I used to wonder, what’s wrong with them, this is so simple.
On my flight out to Vegas last week, I sat next to a couple from Georgia. They said they’ve never been so far out west before and that this will be their first time traveling flying away from home. They had just retired and they were spending a week in Vegas. They were going to rent a car and drive to the border to say that they’ve been in California.
Just imagine. They're in their mid-60s and they've never left the south! Never seen the Pacific. There has been several times when I've seen the Atlantic and Pacific ocean in the same week.
I didn’t really think much about it at the time, but then something dawned on me later. I shouldn’t have been as shocked at this couple as I was. There are probably a lot of people out there that are in the same boat as this couple. They are probably more the norm than I think. People who live their lives in one general area and never traveled around. While that seems very strange to me, my idea of things are probably skewed.
This lead me to think about some of my other ideals. I wonder what else I think is/should be usual or something simple that really is not for other people. Is working a 12 hour day and then wanting to go out not the norm? Is it not a normal expectation that people not get tired? Is preparing for a zombie uprising not something everyone does?
I know this gets me into trouble. I have theses ‘expectations’ or ideas about things and how things should be. Naturally, they’re not always as I think. I know it shouldn't but when things are happening as I think they should be, it greatly upsets/surprises me.
I guess knowing is half the battle.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
In light of 9/11
A great commentary from Olbermann:
http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?g=3260355f-9c9d-4e98-a478-496e9996d074&f=00&fg=copy
The terrorist caused a sensational act of destruction on 9/11 in 2001 which lead to an unity within this country and around the world. A real leader would have taken this unity and made not only the United States a stronger country and one that would be the shinning example of democracy, but that would also fight terrorism at the root of the problem which is not any group of people, but an ideal.
As we all know, this was not the path that we took. We do not have a good leader. This was not the way that the president saw fit to solve the problem. Like an immature child, the president and his war hawks seek to solve this problem only through force and war. This is exactly what the terrorists wanted. Six years later, the terrorists are winning because we are still in this battle.
The terrorists have nothing to live for other than war. Without the identity of war, without an ability to die as a martyr, they have nothing. By being in this war, we give them the oxygen they need to live, we give them the reason to grow, and we are the ones that give them their reason to die.
The United States in involved in a war that it cannot get out of. Instead of having the strong democratic government with checks and balances that this country has worked so hard to build and ask others to follow, we have an out of control executive branch that is corroding everything the constitution stands for. No longer are we the country that a developing country would look to as an example of what they would like to become. Instead of teaching other what is best and what to be like, we've become the shinning example of what not to be like and how not to run a government.
Make no doubts, this country is in a state of disarray. This is not the time for foolish pride and chants of 'We're #1, We're #1'. We need to recognize that this country has been falsely lead into a war that is draining all our resources. The leaders of this country are wasting our money on war and at the same time ignoring and under funding everything that has made this country great such as education, science, arts, medicine, research, humanitarian efforts, etc.
Internally, the country's infrastructure has been way under funded. Our education system has terrible needs that really need attention. Health care is out of control. Everyday, the wealth gap grows further and further. These are the kind of things that rots a country from within. These are major problems that takes generations to fix.
Internationally, we continue to fall behind on everything. The dollar's at an all time low vs. the Euro and the pound. Other countries are producing more scientific research, more highly educated people, and even healthier people than us (there are 40 nations that has higher average life spans than the US).
All because we are all focused on this 'terrorism'.
How much worse does things have to get before we realize that battling 'terrorism' and being in a war is what the terrorist wants. We are helping them by being in the war. At the same time, we are ignoring the biggest reason why the terrorists want to fight us in the first place. Our biggest beam of light. Our democracy and freedoms. Our ability to help those in need.
This president is ignoring and eroding all the good things about this country with fascist programs like surveillance of the public and everything having to do with Patriot Act. An act that couldn’t be more against what this country stands for. The president has the same mentality as the terrorist who thinks anything can be achieved through force. The president is making us more like the people we fight every day. Soon, we will be nothing but an empty war machines that doesn’t know anything other way of life.
Something needs to change, and it needs to change soon. The longer this goes on, the deeper the hole we will be digging ourselves. We are already losing our status as the best country in the world. Let’s not lose our status as a relevant country in the world. It’s not improbable. The way we’re going, it will happen.
Good night, and good luck.
A great commentary from Olbermann:
http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?g=3260355f-9c9d-4e98-a478-496e9996d074&f=00&fg=copy
The terrorist caused a sensational act of destruction on 9/11 in 2001 which lead to an unity within this country and around the world. A real leader would have taken this unity and made not only the United States a stronger country and one that would be the shinning example of democracy, but that would also fight terrorism at the root of the problem which is not any group of people, but an ideal.
As we all know, this was not the path that we took. We do not have a good leader. This was not the way that the president saw fit to solve the problem. Like an immature child, the president and his war hawks seek to solve this problem only through force and war. This is exactly what the terrorists wanted. Six years later, the terrorists are winning because we are still in this battle.
The terrorists have nothing to live for other than war. Without the identity of war, without an ability to die as a martyr, they have nothing. By being in this war, we give them the oxygen they need to live, we give them the reason to grow, and we are the ones that give them their reason to die.
The United States in involved in a war that it cannot get out of. Instead of having the strong democratic government with checks and balances that this country has worked so hard to build and ask others to follow, we have an out of control executive branch that is corroding everything the constitution stands for. No longer are we the country that a developing country would look to as an example of what they would like to become. Instead of teaching other what is best and what to be like, we've become the shinning example of what not to be like and how not to run a government.
Make no doubts, this country is in a state of disarray. This is not the time for foolish pride and chants of 'We're #1, We're #1'. We need to recognize that this country has been falsely lead into a war that is draining all our resources. The leaders of this country are wasting our money on war and at the same time ignoring and under funding everything that has made this country great such as education, science, arts, medicine, research, humanitarian efforts, etc.
Internally, the country's infrastructure has been way under funded. Our education system has terrible needs that really need attention. Health care is out of control. Everyday, the wealth gap grows further and further. These are the kind of things that rots a country from within. These are major problems that takes generations to fix.
Internationally, we continue to fall behind on everything. The dollar's at an all time low vs. the Euro and the pound. Other countries are producing more scientific research, more highly educated people, and even healthier people than us (there are 40 nations that has higher average life spans than the US).
All because we are all focused on this 'terrorism'.
How much worse does things have to get before we realize that battling 'terrorism' and being in a war is what the terrorist wants. We are helping them by being in the war. At the same time, we are ignoring the biggest reason why the terrorists want to fight us in the first place. Our biggest beam of light. Our democracy and freedoms. Our ability to help those in need.
This president is ignoring and eroding all the good things about this country with fascist programs like surveillance of the public and everything having to do with Patriot Act. An act that couldn’t be more against what this country stands for. The president has the same mentality as the terrorist who thinks anything can be achieved through force. The president is making us more like the people we fight every day. Soon, we will be nothing but an empty war machines that doesn’t know anything other way of life.
Something needs to change, and it needs to change soon. The longer this goes on, the deeper the hole we will be digging ourselves. We are already losing our status as the best country in the world. Let’s not lose our status as a relevant country in the world. It’s not improbable. The way we’re going, it will happen.
Good night, and good luck.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Monday, September 03, 2007
Survey Survey Survey
Because I’m a sucker for this kind of thing.
1. What time is it? 10:06am
2. What's your full name? Pupbert
3. What are you most afraid of? Being unprepared for a zombie uprising.
4. What is the most recent movie that you have seen in a Theater? Stardust. Go see it!
5. What color are your socks right now? I almost never wear socks.
6. Favorite food? Pork Chops, Bacon, tofu, BBQ
7. Ever dyed your hair, if so what color? Yes. Red.
8. Ever been to Alaska? No. On my list.
9. Ever been toilet paper rolling? Yup. Lesson learned? Don’t take T with you.
10. What are you listening to right now? Regina Spektor
11. Been in a car accident? Yes. 4 to be exact. Only 1 my fault.
12. Croutons or bacon bits? Bacon of course.
13. Favorite day of the week? Thursday
14. If you were a crayon what color would you be? Green
15. Favorite sport to play? Ultimate Frisbee
16. Favorite sport to watch? Football
17. Favorite drink? Jack and Coke, Sweet Tea
18. Favorite ice cream? Gummy bear Swirl. No one makes it though :(
19. Can you drive a stick shift? A little bit. Yes, a little bit. Don’t give me no arguments on this woman.
20. Ever been on a ship? Yup.
21. What color is your bedroom carpet? Beige
22. How many times did you fail your driver's test? Zero. Got passed with a D
23. What was your favorite toy as a kid? Other Kid’s toys
24. What do you do when you are bored? Don’t really get bored.
25. Bedtime? 1-2am
26. Favorite season? Fall
27. What states/Provinces have you lived in? California , Georgia , Kansas, Colorado, Tennessee
28. Last person you went to dinner with? Dad
29. Favorite TV shows? The Office, Heroes, So you think you can dance, The Daily Show if i had cable
30. What’s the most important thing you have? Pup
31. What are your favorite colors? Red, Orange, and Green
32. How many tattoos do you have? None
33. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? The chicken. No seriously, that’s the answer. 34. How many pets do you have? None. I want a dog though.
35. What do you want to do before you die? I have a list.
36. Favorite Holiday? Halloween
37. Have you ever been to? Nope
38. Have you been to countries outside your home country? Yep
39. Time this survey ended? 10:22 a.m.
Because I’m a sucker for this kind of thing.
1. What time is it? 10:06am
2. What's your full name? Pupbert
3. What are you most afraid of? Being unprepared for a zombie uprising.
4. What is the most recent movie that you have seen in a Theater? Stardust. Go see it!
5. What color are your socks right now? I almost never wear socks.
6. Favorite food? Pork Chops, Bacon, tofu, BBQ
7. Ever dyed your hair, if so what color? Yes. Red.
8. Ever been to Alaska? No. On my list.
9. Ever been toilet paper rolling? Yup. Lesson learned? Don’t take T with you.
10. What are you listening to right now? Regina Spektor
11. Been in a car accident? Yes. 4 to be exact. Only 1 my fault.
12. Croutons or bacon bits? Bacon of course.
13. Favorite day of the week? Thursday
14. If you were a crayon what color would you be? Green
15. Favorite sport to play? Ultimate Frisbee
16. Favorite sport to watch? Football
17. Favorite drink? Jack and Coke, Sweet Tea
18. Favorite ice cream? Gummy bear Swirl. No one makes it though :(
19. Can you drive a stick shift? A little bit. Yes, a little bit. Don’t give me no arguments on this woman.
20. Ever been on a ship? Yup.
21. What color is your bedroom carpet? Beige
22. How many times did you fail your driver's test? Zero. Got passed with a D
23. What was your favorite toy as a kid? Other Kid’s toys
24. What do you do when you are bored? Don’t really get bored.
25. Bedtime? 1-2am
26. Favorite season? Fall
27. What states/Provinces have you lived in? California , Georgia , Kansas, Colorado, Tennessee
28. Last person you went to dinner with? Dad
29. Favorite TV shows? The Office, Heroes, So you think you can dance, The Daily Show if i had cable
30. What’s the most important thing you have? Pup
31. What are your favorite colors? Red, Orange, and Green
32. How many tattoos do you have? None
33. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? The chicken. No seriously, that’s the answer. 34. How many pets do you have? None. I want a dog though.
35. What do you want to do before you die? I have a list.
36. Favorite Holiday? Halloween
37. Have you ever been to? Nope
38. Have you been to countries outside your home country? Yep
39. Time this survey ended? 10:22 a.m.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Quickies
Interesting tidbits from this last trip.
Overheard at the airport:
“I know he’s still in jail now, but he’s getting out soon and I heard he’s putting the band together and they’re totally going to take off and be huge!’
I had to control myself to not slap this girl and shake the crap out of her.
On the flight back:
A couple of the players from the little league championship team was on the same flight as me. One notable player was the kid that hit the game winning home run. The pilot announced that the kids were onboard and the plane cheered pretty loudly for a while.
Go Team! USA! USA! USA!!
Jersey
I don’t think I can ever live in New Jersey. Nothing personal against people who live there. I’m sure there are plenty of lovely people there, but I don’t think it’s the place for me.
I always get cran-apple juice on the plane.
After another delay, I got home around 11pm. I had to start working till about 2am. I seriously need to do something about this. This is so wrong.
Interesting tidbits from this last trip.
Overheard at the airport:
“I know he’s still in jail now, but he’s getting out soon and I heard he’s putting the band together and they’re totally going to take off and be huge!’
I had to control myself to not slap this girl and shake the crap out of her.
On the flight back:
A couple of the players from the little league championship team was on the same flight as me. One notable player was the kid that hit the game winning home run. The pilot announced that the kids were onboard and the plane cheered pretty loudly for a while.
Go Team! USA! USA! USA!!
Jersey
I don’t think I can ever live in New Jersey. Nothing personal against people who live there. I’m sure there are plenty of lovely people there, but I don’t think it’s the place for me.
I always get cran-apple juice on the plane.
After another delay, I got home around 11pm. I had to start working till about 2am. I seriously need to do something about this. This is so wrong.
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