From Pup and I,

All our deepest condolences to London and the rest of Great Britain. All the best in a speedy recovery.


As for you who have already claimed responsibility for this.

You fucking wanker fucks. Just like in NYC and in Madrid, you attacked London around 8:45am during the height when people are using the trains and buses to get to work. Work, that must be a great evil to you huh because it’s such a foreign concept.

You bunch of lazy ignorant uneducated fuck wads that couldn’t hold down a job at a crack house who is only interested in playing your little fucking games all day. Yea, you heard me. You’re not doing any ‘greater’ work for anyone. You’re playing games little children would pretend to. Stuck in your own twisted imagery world. Most children outgrow that, but no, not you. You still live in a little pretend world, but now you’re actually hurting people.

You don’t and will NEVER make the world a ‘better’ place because you have no idea what that even looks like. You were never educated on what that would even remotely look like. Your pathetic neanderthal minds have never evolved past your id, and as such, can’t possibly understand anything past your impulses.

Don’t think you can, even for a second, grasp such a grand concept as knowing how the world should be run. Leave those to those of us who can think. Meanwhile, stop playing your little childish games.

You’re pathetic. You couldn’t manage the fries at a McDonald’s.

This is not the military you’re attacking. What? Don’t have any balls? Afraid of people shooting back at you? Afraid of taking on someone of your equal or better? You know who does that? Cowards.

You claim to be vengence, but you are nothing. You don't even understand the concept that you proported work under because if you did, you would understand that nothing you have done has anything to do with vengence.

These are regular people who are going to work. That’s all they’re doing. Why don’t you try getting a fucking job you worthless piece of trash? What? Is that too grown-up for you? No more playing little war games all day?

Attacking and killing regular people is without honor. Of course you wouldn’t understand that. Children and the ignorant surly don’t.

Have a Happy 4th Everyone!!

Don’t blow up any body parts.

And….

Prepare for Drunk Dials!!!

How interesting

No time for a real post, so just some interesting information I’ve read from the DailyKos (not our Ko).

AMERICAblog:

ABC's Terry Moran just reported that the only time Bush got applause was in the middle of his speech when a White House advance team member started clapping all on their own in order to cajole the soldiers into clapping, which they dutifully did.
So even the applause was fake.

This must've been pretty obvious as even Fox news reported this later in the day. How sad of a president are you when you can't anyone to volunteerily clap for you.

From SurveyUSA in the latest approval ratings:

The bottom line, Bush is at 50 percent or above in only 11 states -- Utah (63), Nebraska (60), Wyoming (58), Idaho (56), Montana (56), Alabama (54), Alaska (53), North Dakota (52), Kansas (51), Kentucky (50), Mississippi (50), and Texas (50).

He's at 40 percent or lower in 14 states -- Ohio (40), Wisconsin (40), Maine (39), Massachusetts (39), Delaware (38), Nevada (38), New Jersey (38), Michigan (38), California (37), Connecticut (37), Illinois (37), New York (33), Rhode Island (33), and Vermont (32).

Nice to see Kansas right up there high with the ignorant states (sigh). I'm sure with teaching intelligent design starting next year will surly move us higher on this ladder.

There are also 3 southern states too. How fucking sad.

From Think Progress:

Mo Money, Mo Money, Mo Money

The House of Representatives voted yesterday to give themselves a cost-of-living raise. Congratulations, lawmakers! Next year you’ll be making $3,100 more than you did this year.

Unfortunately, Congress doesn’t want to share the wealth. This makes the eighth time Congress has voted to increase its own pay since 1997; they, however, have voted down every attempt to give minimum wage earners a cost of living raise since 1997. Today, the real value of the minimum wage is $3.50 below what it was in 1968. Working full time for minimum wage today will rake in a whopping $10,700 a year, or about $5,000 below the poverty level for a family of three.

Hope your conscience doesn’t bother you so much that you can’t enjoy that extra $3,100, Congress.

I’ve heard all your busines cases for not wanting to up the minumum wage. Frankly, all your arguments are asinine. One of the favorite and most common arguments you will hear against raising the minumum wage is that it hurts big and small businesses.

The truth is that small businesses are not the ones that will be hurt and they are not the ones that will stop hiring people with a small raise in minumum wage. Small businesses are usually more lenient in paying people better than the minumum wage.

The ones that will be hurt with an increase in wages are big companies. You know who this will hurt? Big ass companies like Wal-Mart that pays most of their labor force around the minumum wage. The same big ass companies that seem to have our government under their control in stopping legislation that would increase the minumum wage.

An increase in wages will mean a decrease in profits for these big companies and a hit in profits means the business will not hit some arbiturary numbers to appease the all powerful shareholder. And you know what happens when you don’t appease the all mighty shareholder.

You will be punished!!

Your stock value will deflate, your won’t get that extra couple of million dollar bonus this year. Heaven forbid, you may not be able to buy a second plane this year.

So screw the people making minumum wage, according to many of you conservatives, that’s more than enough to survive on anyway. We have bigger problems here. We need to appease the all mighty or they won’t give us more money for us to hoard and to generate a bigger wealth gap between us and you.

The cornerstone of capitalism is about making money. With that mentality, our society has fallen pray to rewarding the wrong types of behaviors. No longer is caring for each other the corner stone of civilization (yes, civilization was developed in order for us to protect each other from other forces), but now, what we care about is satisfying this mystical force that is the shareholders and protecting it by hitting these profit/growth numbers.

Spreading the wealth around and creating a smaller wealth gap? That’s just crazy talk.

_____________

Interesting news from the Ko (our Ko, not the daily one) reporting straight from China.

The Pup blog is NOT viewable in communist China. This is pure speculation on my part, but I believe they are afraid that if the people of China begins to read this blog, they will instantly revolt and overthrow their government to put the Pup in charge!

Yes. Fear me. You know I am the rightful heir of the empire. The Pup will rise!!

Happy Thursday!

Pup-Man*

* Geek Post warning!

Nah hah nah nah, nah nah nah nah, nah nah nah nah… Pup-Man!!!

I went to see Batman Begins with a friend last night. I tell ya what. It’s good. Even better than the original one with Jack Nicholson. The Batman and Scarecrow were both very well acted out. The movie also stayed true to the title as it revolves around Batman, and not as much on the villians or anything else.

I read some reviews where people either liked the first part or the second part. I can see how different people would enjoy one or the other, but if you’ve read a lot of Batman over the years, you’d know both parts were pretty good.

I’ve always liked Batman. Unlike other super hero, he has no super powers to rely on. It’s just one angry angry man kicking ass and using his head. He’s also not all goody goody like Superman or other super-heros. Batman is a dark character and for the most part, many of the story lines that follows him remains just as dark. He walks a fine line between being good, and joining those that he hunts.

What’s also very interesting about Batman are the villains that he faces. These are not your alien, mutant, or super freak varieties. They’re just regular people. Regular people who are crazy that is. All of whom, by the way, are based very much on specific psychological disorders and whom, I can relate to. Scary as that sounds, I can see myself being quite a few of them.

Villians such as the Joker, Two-face, Scarecrow, and Dr. Freeze all have such rich background stories. They're not just your typical criminals out for property crimes, but are generally out there to hurt people for various reasons which I'm not saying I approve, but I understand.

When I watch movies like this, or read about great feats other people do, I always ask myself “what the hell have I been doing?”. I come home from work, maybe go play ultimate, if not, grab some food and watch TV or play some games. Isn’t there more I could be doing? Something actually productive?

I’m not suggesting I fighting crime or anything. Although after the movie, I mentioned that I could be Pupman here where I live. However, the only crimes I would fight would be a couple of under-age drinking and maybe trying to scare someone from buying that hideous H3. Not really the stuff of super-heros.

Finding a new goal has really been on my mind ever since I finished school. It’s been quite difficult to pick up something new and improve myself with. Physically, mentally, socially, whatever it is. I just hate to just be sitting around. It makes me feel boring and nothing is worst than that feeling that you're boring.

Although I must say, it’s hard to fight the urge of being lazy too.

I really wish I could take a month off or so to wander the country and find something new for myself. I'm very jealous of a couple of my friends that are doing that right now between jobs.

So, does anyone have any suggestions as to what new things I should get into? Hobbies, interests, ways of life? The only idea I’ve been playing around with is running for some type of elected office. Can you imagine? Pup on a ballot for something?!

Makes me giggle just thinking about it.

Happy Tuesday!!

Not that I’m one to complain… but…

I don’t even want to talk about last Thursday. It was just bad bad bad. I played like total trash. I think I got myself a bit too worked up and my tummy was feeling all kinds of knotty so I didn’t feel well and played crappy. That's no excuse though. I had a couple of turnovers, had a 3 points scored on me, the list goes on.

It was a close and easily winnable game, we lost 13-11. We were actually leading at least half the game. We were without one of our best players and 2 other good players and they were fully stocked and made some really bad calls. Still no excuse though.

We’ll see them again soon. Yes... we certainly will.

Then I leave our defeat only to watch the Pistons lose it at the end too. How frustrating.

Ok, I guess I kinda wanted to talk about it.

You know that new awesome super fast cable modem that I got last week? Well, it doesn’t work (sorry it cut off on you like that Ms. Gulia). Its worked for about 2 hours in the whole last week. They’re having a guy come by to check it out later today. How annoying.

This weekend, a co-worker was throwing a party at her place and she had asked that I DJ. However, when I asked what kind of music she wanted me to play, she mentioned mostly rock, metal bands, and some stuff that you would hear at weddings. Of course you know I can’t stand that, so I kindly refused.

However, since she didn’t have any music equipment (her 70s boom box only had a cassette player), I offered to bring my equipment, but told her strictly that she would have to provide her own music.

So I went over there on Saturday night and set up the equipment and she handed me 3 CDs. She said she made a mix and I can just play them and not have to worry about manning the booth.

When I put in the first CD, guess what song it was?

Yup. The bane I’ve spoke of the last time I DJ-ed.

Rick Springfield – Jesse’s Girl.

Oh my good lord.

Later, I got tired of this music and went to my car to bring some decent music to play. When I was fumbling with the equipment, a couple of people came up to request some music. None of which I had.

Then someone said the phrase which is the reason I don’t DJ at things like this.

“Do you have any ______? “

“No”

“But you had Rick Springfield…”

NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

I then proceeded to drink myself silly.

___________

In scary news of the day. In a recent poll by the Kansas City Star, the results found that when asked their views of the origin of life, Kansans answered:
- 39 percent said creationism
- 26 percent said evolution
- 16 percent said intelligent design
- 19 percent said other

When asked which direction the board (school) should take,
- 31 percent said it should require that theories other than evolution be offered
- 24 percent said criticism of evolution should be allowed
- 25 percent said only evolution should be taught
- 20 percent were not sure.

The scary thing is not that only 26% believes in evolution, but that they’ve actually integrated intelligent design enough that it is being separated out as a different category then creationism. People! It's the same damn thing!!!

To think that if something omnipotent was in charge, why would it bother with the process of evolving anything? All powerful people. Do you know what that means? All knowing..

What? You think it just evolved things for kicks? Why? It knows what will happen.

Think!!!!!

I could go on, but I shall refrain as there's tons of work I need to get done.

Anyway, I feel bad for all these kids that are going to learn some crazy ass misinformed. With the government already lying to them, and now the schools, they don't have much of a chance.

Have a good week everyone!

Game on Bitches!

This is a big sporting day for me today.

In Ultimate Frisbee tonight, we will be playing the pre-season favorites and one of this year’s powerhouse team of summer league. As I’ve been scouting them the last couple of games, I could not find any weak links. This is very troubling as I have no idea who I would be able to guard or match up with against these guys.

Not that we’re a bad team or anything, we’re 2-0 just like they are. We’ve blown out the other 2 teams like they have the last 2 weeks as well. They have the big time, name recognizable, flashy players around summer league. Our team is a lot more modest, we play well together, and I would contend that our good players are just as good as theirs.

So it may be left up to the other players to step up. Players like the Pup that NEED to step up, and while the good players are busy canceling each other out, the Pup needs to get his game on.

Another reason for the need to win is that friends of the Pup play for the other team as well. So in the spirit of being competitive, we need this win.

Even if I don’t help the team with good offense/defense, I certainly hope I don’t hurt the team with turnovers, drops, missed assignments, or anything stupid like that.

Breathe….. big breath…. In… Out… OK, I’m getting all nervous and excited just typing this out.

I’m listening to songs from the Karate Kid and Rocky to get all motivated and fired up.

I need the eye of the tiger!!

Also, immediately after Ultimate, there will be a rush home or to a bar for some Game 7 NBA finals action!! Can’t you just feel the excitement? Even if you don’t care about basketball or sports, a game 7 must excite you right?

No? Well, you suck. Go to a bar and get drunk anyway!

Go Pistons!!! Deeeeetroooooit Basssssetballlllllllllllllll!!!!

Happy 'Go time' Thursday!

Pride

Equal Rights – Nothing More, Nothing Less

When you first read this statement, I think most civilized and educated persons would agree that it is an ideal state. It is something that we as a civilization have tried to work towards. No longer are the barbaric days of enslaving certain races, or making certain groups of people 2nd class citizens acceptable behavior.

However, just because the civilized and the educated doesn’t believe it is acceptable behavior doesn’t mean it doesn’t still happen. The slave trade is still very much alive and well in the sex and agriculture industries. Hundreds of thousands of women are bought, sold, and trafficked around the world each year. If you don’t think so or would even disagree at the slightest, I strongly suggest you open your eyes and do some research. Although not from the popular media as something as trivial as women being enslaved to be sex workers would NEVER be newsworthy enough for the likes of Fox News.

Along those lines, the gay community continues to be the source of hate and discrimination in our society today. They are 2nd class citizen with all the rights to pay taxes, but without any of the privilages that their taxes should bring them. And for what? For something that they are born with?

Did you wake up one day and decided you’re going to be heterosexual? That women/men (depending on your gender) is the one you’re going to be attracted to? Did someone have to ‘teach’ you to be attracted to the right gender? No, it comes natural, just as it does for everyone.

What I really don’t understand is what people are afraid of from the Gay Community? What types of crimes do you EVER hear that population commit? In general, they are better educated, upper middle class people who live lives that has nothing to do with you. They pay taxes just like you, follow all the laws just like you, live just like you. All they want is to be treated like everyone else. Is that such a radical request?

Is it this mysterious ‘Gay Agenda’ the Christian conservative hate groups keeps talking about? If there was a Gay Agenda, it would be “Equal Rights”, and if you’re against that, then you may want to think about your beliefs. Also, if you think your God doesn’t believe in equal rights for ALL people, and would EVER preach hate, then your God is not one to be worshipped.

I could spout off on the religious reason that people give for being against homosexuality, but I won’t as that would take too long. One different point I would like to go into here is this homophobic fear people have.

If you’ve read this blog, you probably see that I’m very much for Equality. I’ve spoken for Gay rights quite a few times. Does that make me any less straight? Am I all of a sudden becoming more gay or attracted to males? Not so much. I don’t think anything can sway me from Dushku.

For once in your life, all you homophobics out there, think clearly for once. Letting people live their lives will have absolutely NO effect in your life. You will not magically turn gay if you’re exposed to it (unless of course you’re in the closet as so many of these high profile anti-Gay politicians seem to be). Promoting equality and loving all people will be a GOOD thing in your God’s eye.

If you truly are patriotic and believe in this country and what it stands for, if you believe in a civilized world where you are not discriminated by something you’re born with, if you don't think our country should be run by religious principles (as other certain middle eastern countries that we have deemed 'evil'), you will think twice before supporting anyone who would stand up and yell about discrimination and hate and hide themselves behind the shield of religion.

If you belong to any minority group, you too should feel their pain of trying to fight a majority that is discrimination against a group for something they cannot help. Remember also, if you want to use the good book as an guide, among other things, the bible says slavery is acceptable. So you may want to think twice before using it strickly word for word.

There will always be those who think the civil rights movement of the 60s or women's suffage was a bad thing, just as there will always be those who think giving equal rights to everyone is a bad thing. We can’t let this minority rule and the doctrine of hate continue to poison our society.

Celebrate Pride Week this week!

Just wondering, why haven’t I seen any stories about Pride week from this “liberal” media people keeps talking about?

Happy Pride Wednesday!

Summer Jamz

That’s right, that’s Jamz with a Z. Which mean it is extra special and hip with the kids.

I need your help fellow bloggers!!

I’m putting together my Summer CD as I do every year. A CD for me to cruise to as I roll in my 5.0., with the rag top down, so my hair can blow. Girlys on standby, waiting to say hi. Did I stop? No, I just drove by.

My summer theme song/soundtrack if you will.

I have room for a few more songs and would like to get your ideas on what else to put on this album. These songs should rock, jam, fun, or easily sing along to, and in whatever genre. Just as long as the song has a funky ass beat and summer-ish it will be considered. So as much as I like Sarah McLachlan, she’s not gonna make it.

I usually try to have more current music with the album, but if there are some good classic ones that you think should be on it, I’m open to the ideas as well.

Please make suggestions in the comment area!

If you email me with your address, you too can receive a copy of Pup's Summer Jamz to cruise your ghetto with!

Thanks!!

________________________________

In other gay news from Dan Savage:

Last week the pope condemned divorce, masturbation, birth control, in vitro fertilization, living together before marriage, and same-sex marriage. According to Bennie (the new pope), all of the above add up to "anarchic freedom." The headlines the next day? "Pope Condemns Gay Marriage as 'Anarchy.'

"The headlines should have read something like this: "Pope Condemns Majority of American Heterosexuals for Private Sexual Conduct, Also Gay Marriage."

Yea, liberal media my ass.

Why haven’t I won the lottery yet?

The weather last evening was so perfect. It was just before dusk and it was still light outside. Everything had a nice orange glow from the falling sun. The weather had cooled a bit to a nice mid-high 70s from the early 90 degrees that was scorching me during my Frisbee time in the afternoon.

We just had dinner (yummy roast and 'taters) and drove to a Custer (ice-cream) stand where delicious ice-cream was to be had. Since I live in a ridiculously wealthy suburbia county, we kept seeing these big-ass SUVs and Mini-vans. Most of the times these huge vehicles were driven by little women. It’s kinda funny.

I saw a new H3. Just when you thought it couldn’t get worst than the H2, the H3 is just plain silly. It's suppose to be a mid-size hummer. Like that's suppose to be better. It also advertises the fact that it would drive through water (up to 24 inces). Not suprisingly, I couldn't find the miles per gallon this thing does. I would hope it's a improvement from the 11 MPG the H2 gets.

I parked big red next to this monstrosity. I was secretly hoping the H3 would nick poor big red cause then I would have a good excuse to slash his/her tires.

After the ice-cream (I had the worm farm, Oreos and gummy worms), came my favorite part of the outing. We drove around the really really nice sub-divisions that surrounds my little apartment. There’s a nice golf course right behind where I live, and the houses that overlooks the course are just ridiculously nice.

We saw cottage-like ones, castle style, traditional ones, Roman-type column houses, and lots others that were all unique. The only thing similar about them was that they were all HUGE. These houses were just incredible. One thing I didn’t like about some of the houses was that some had front doors that were made from decorative iron bars with glass behind it. It looks nice, but having iron bars on your door and windows is just ghetto. Maybe that's just bias from where I come from.

My idea for a front door when I build my house is to go to Europe or Asia first. There are many places where you can buy doors that were used and taken from palaces or castles. These doors are the real thing. They were made with the ability to withstand sieges. Now that’s the kinda door I’m talking about.

I’ll be laughing when the cops try to break down the door with their little door crusher thing (Never mind all the windows in the back of the house). Then I will shoot them from my towers and hide in the secretly passages all through the house.

Excellent....

We took one of the sale brochures for one of the places we saw. Yea, 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths was going for the very reasonable price of $974,000. It’s a bargain I tell ya!

It wouldn't be that big of a problem if I won the lottery though. Although if I won the lottery, it would be evil island life for me. Unless it's a small jackpot, I would still move away from here though.

Have I mentioned I still have yet to hit even one number on any lottery ticket I've EVER bought?

After looking at all these house, my apartment felt really small when we got back home. Suck. It was still fun going to look at the good life.

BTW, guess who just got their cable modem connected and will be online all the time now?!!

That’s right. I’ve caved in to high-speed goodness. I’ll be canceling my home phone line soon, so it’ll actually come out to be cheaper for me. That’s right. Still a cheap bastard, but now a high-speed cheap bastard.

Happy Monday!

AVOIDANCE

I think the next time a wear a clean, new shirt to work and someone says, "Hey, T! Nice shirt! Where'd you get it?" I'll say, "Oh, I got it when I was in the Army. Standard issue."

Then the person will tell me to fuck off. Or the really annoying people will ask, "What squadron were you in?" Then I'll say, "I was in the "2 dash A" squad. That's right, the "dos alphas" in the house!"

When I used to go out I always carried a book. Yup. Whenever I went to the mall, or a park, or a coffee shop, whatever I had me a book. I not easily motivated to "go out." Mainly I'm afraid of interacting with people. But if I have a book, then I've got protection.

It's so aggravating to read the same page over and over again because some person interrupts me by asking, "What you reading?" I always say "A BOOK!" Now I don't go out much. Or at least when I'm out I don't carry a book, I got my gamboy instead. Only once did a kid ask me what I was playing. Guess what I told him?

So I'm me. Mister Avoidance. I do nothing of great significance and share nothing with no one. I don't like you. And, DON'T TOUCH ME!!!

All I want is someont to say ‘My bad’

Say it!! You fucking self-righteous twits.

Before I start my Rant.

Bob's your Uncle

For those of you not familar, this is a catchphrase known mainly in Britain and Commonwealth countries, and is really a kind of interjection. It’s used to show how simple it is to do something: “You put the plug in here, press that switch, and Bob’s your uncle!”.

On to the rant!

Back to a topic that has recently received definititive information to clear up things, Terri Schiavo’s autopsy had shown that she suffered severe, irreversible brain damage that left that organ discolored and scarred, shriveled to half its normal size, and damaged in nearly all its regions, including the one responsible for vision. She was by every account, a vegetable.

Now do we hear THIS news broadcasted all over the television? No.
Has any of these right-to-life people come out and said ‘That’s our bad’? No.
Will these fanatics out there be convinced that they are wrong or even read this information about Terri Schiavo? No.

In an interview this morning with Bill Frist (R-TN), he now says he never made a diagnosis on this matter.

Oh but didn’t you Bill? Didn’t you? Was it not you who challenged her doctors who has been treating her for years and said “I question it based on a review of the video footage which I spent an hour or so looking at last night in my office,"

Also with the hour of home video footage, Frist came to the conclusion that "She certainly seems to respond to visual stimuli."

She was blind you dumbass! You’re trained as a heart surgeon. If that. And certainly not a neurologist. You had no right to make that call. This is probably just as good as your last medical diagnosis when you repeatedly decline to say whether or not HIV-AIDS could be transmitted through tears or sweat just because one of these crazy ass federal education program championed by some conservative groups had suggested that such transmissions occur.

In case you still don't know (I know you read this blog), the answer is NO you dumbass. According to the CDC, there has NEVER been a case of HIV-AIDS transmission in that way.

Also during this debate, when you and the Republicans were threatening judges with "The time will come for the men responsible for this to answer for their behavior," said Tom DeLay, where’s the apology now? The damage certainly has done in your quest to weaken the judicial system and put the lives of judges at risk. Congratulations. Way to restructure our government to your liking instead of following the constitution.

For once I hope you are right Tom DeLay. I hope you and others who are responsible for causing a media circus around this private family issue will answer for your behavior. However, apparently the majority of the country has been completely brainwashed so I guess probably not.

It’s pathetic that so many people sees you (Frist) and relies on you as some type of medical expert on capital hill. It’s obvious even with your degree, you knowledge of the medical field is questionable and seriously clouded by your ambitions for the white house. It’s too bad you’re about as close to following the Hippocratic Oath as I am to sign up as a republican.

Even with all these repeated public announcements and signs of misinformation and blatant ignorance, will the medical board take away your license? Probably not. Must be nice to be above the law and have no repercussions for any of your behaviors huh? To be able to blantantly lie and guide the country with wrong and biased information and even when caught, have nothing done to you. That’s SO exactly the kind of president I want.

Oh wait… Nevermind.

Mid Year Already...

And I've talked to one girl. Well Pup gave me half credit for that one, so does that count as half a girl?

The odd thing I've noticed is that I haven't really talked to many guys either. Now wait a cotton pickin' minute! T aint gay!!! I'm just sayin' when it come to talking to people, the T would rather not!!! And another thing, DON'T TOUCH ME!!!

Well magic night has been cancelled this week, boo. It's a shame too because I'm so ready to throw down my killer round three combo. Then by round four, game over, I WIN!!!

Anyway, Magic night will resume next week. Maybe tomorrow night instead of gaming I'll talk to the other half of the girl from before. I might get lucky and find a whole girl.

Did Trent Reznor just say conquistador?

Okay, here is my message to the world: IF YOU'RE A GIRL, I HOPE U DON'T MIND, BUT CAN I TALK TO YOU? I PROMISE TO CLEAN MY CAR!!!

That's all I got.

Forever nappy,
T

Bob's Your Uncle.

The Bass Ship!


At lunch I took a walk around the parking lot, cuz that's what I do, yo! I key the cars of people I don't like and kick the tires on the rest of them. Anyhow while I'm walking I spy a spiffy red Ford Escort, not too much unlike mine. The only difference is it's clean both inside and out. Let me tell you, it was looking tight. The rims were so fresh and clean, clean. No spots on the windshield. No bird poop.

So that's it. It's time to wash my car, vacuum the interior, and do something about the ants. I think the last time I washed my car was circa '01.

That's all I got.

Forever nappy,

T

Busy Busy

Work has been getting a little silly lately. For the last few days we’ve been locked in a room for 8 hours at a time doing work for the new company (in case you didn’t know, pending approval from the government, my company and one other one that sponsors the nascar cup are merging). It’s very cool stuff as we’re defining a lot of what and how everyone at the new company should behave and the new company values.

You WILL behave the way I tell you. Don’t make Pup have to choke a bitch.

Good times.

No time for a good real post, so stuff I’m thinking of:

I went out Saturday night with a couple of guys. I didn’t drink all week as part of my lower my tolerance campaign. It was just getting way too expensive. So on Saturday, I was ready to get my drink on. A few things I realized during this night of drunkenness:
- Pup is no bull rider. I tried it. It hurt me a lot more than I hurt the bull. I think I’ll be sore in some strange areas for a couple of days. I’ll have my revenge Mr. mechanical bull!!
- Having a good seat overlooking the street where all the bars let out at 3am is fun. Betting on how long it would be before the first fight broke out is even more fun.
- Drunk people are only funny when you are also drunk.
- Best food ever at 3am: Getting a meat-on-a-stick or Gyro after a long night of drinking.
- I don’t understand line dancing. I just don’t.
- I hate it when people try to make little extra moves during line dancing. You don’t look cool or special buddy, you look like a jackass.
- Why is hip-hop everywhere? It’s not that I don’t like it, but they play hip-hop in a country bar nowadays? WTF?
- Wearing a sleeveless black Metallica shirt with a black cowboy hat and a mullet takes courage. Stupid drunken courage. Especially since I saw you cut off your sleeves by the bathroom and hearing you say you’d get SO much tail tonight. Good luck with that.

I cleaned like I had OCD this weekend. The place is still a little messy, but it’s very clean. My apt. was getting quite nasty since I haven’t been there for the last 4 weekends.

Other than general nastiness, I also cleaned because I’m expecting a certain cross-country driving New Yorker tomorrow and other company this weekend. Nothing like shame of other people seeing your nastiness to get you motivated. I’m telling ya, if I didn’t invite people over every now and then, my place would be a breeding ground for biological weapons.

Ultimate was SO awesome last week! I think we have a really good team this year. We won our first game versus a slightly above average team (13-7). I’ve got high hopes for this season. If nothing else, everyone seems very friendly and it’ll be a good time this season.

I don’t know why this keeps popping into my head, but…

Agent Smith: I'd like to share a revelation that I've had during my time here. It came to me when I tried to classify your species. I realized that you're not actually mammals. Every mammal on this planet instinctively develops a natural equilibrium with the surrounding environment, but you humans do not. You move to an area, and you multiply, and multiply, until every natural resource is consumed. The only way you can survive is to spread to another area. There is another organism on this planet that follows the same pattern. A virus. Human beings are a disease, a cancer of this planet, you are a plague, and we are the cure.

It’s SO true.

Happy Tuesday!

Purty Flower, UNC-Chapel Hill

Wedding adventures

A picture of a flower I took while strolling through the UNC Chapel Hill Campus. Since I’m not good with flower names or remembering things, I will call this purdy flower.

The wedding I went to last weekend was very nice and elegant. Quite the classy affair. The ceremony was wonderful as the pastor lady actually focused the ceremony on the couple and said wonderful things.

Imagine that huh. It’s one of my big peeves when a wedding ceremony focuses almost exclusive on God and how great s/he is. Listen, you have at least one day every week all year long just for you, back on up off this one buddy. It’s not about you right now. Sit here with the rest of us and celebrate the couple.

I’m sure it’s the person conducting the ceremony’s fault when it happens. I’m just saying.

Anyway, the wedding and reception were both outdoors and while it was pretty hot earlier in the day, the temperature was perfect by the time the wedding rolled around. The band was especially great. It was this 4 person jazz ensemble and they played and sang wonderfully and at the perfect volumes. As a bonus, at no time did any songs I detest hearing at weddings were even considered (i.e., Celebration, She’s a brick house, any line-dancing songs, etc.).

One strange thing about the wedding was that I noticed no one was drinking. This is quite odd to me as all other weddings I’ve attended involved lots and lots of alcohol (even one where there wasn’t alcohol at the wedding but we managed to sneak in several bottles of liquor). There was plenty of alcohol available at the wedding, but just no one drank. Weird.

I had time in between wedding activities to drive and walk around Duke and UNC that weekend and man, those are gorgeous campuses. I was especially impressed with the Duke campus. The buildings were spectacular. Old Oxford-looking, and everything just looking so perfect. Makes me wish I studied during high school.

During the flight there and back, I was at constant odds with mother nature. There was a delay on my way there, and a delay on the way back. The delay back was much more interesting though. We were 6 miles from the Atlanta airport when we were put on a holding pattern. I knew it was 6 miles cause that’s what it said on the little map thing on the screen. If you don’t know what I’m talking about you’re missing out on this cool thing they have on planes now.

We circled around the city 2 or 3 times and we started flying into the storm. I think lightening storms are spectacular on the ground, and in the air, it’s even more awesome. There were lightening all around the plane. We were being bumped and several times almost thrown out of our chairs from the rough turbulence. It’s good that I think it’s fun, cause there were lots of screaming all over the place. Good times.

The pilot eventually came on the speaker and told us that we had to fly to Columbia, SC to refuel because we can’t land in Atlanta, and we don’t have any more fuel. I suggested they let me jump out of the plane (since we’re actually almost on top of my parent’s house), but I thought I’d have to wait for my luggage anyway, so that wouldn’t save me any time.

When we finally got to Atlanta, we were 2.5 hours late so of course I missed my flight. Luckily, they were able to get me on the standby for the next flight. Of course, that flight was delayed as well.

I was secretly hoping they’d offer some free flight vouchers. I would’ve taken that in a sec. Need a voucher to take a free trip with the Puppett! That’d be a good time.

So I was in the airport or on a plane for over 11 hours. A trip that would have otherwise taken about 4. I’m fine though, the weather for the wedding was perfect and that was much more important.

On a more exciting note, Ultimate Frisbee summer league starts tonight! Time for the Pup to step up and lead the team to victory! I’ll sure you’re all dying to know how it went so I’ll post some play-by-play accounts of the action later.

BTW, those of you that wanted to be interviewed, I haven’t forgotten you, I’ll have those questions tomorrow.

Questions Questions Questions

I’m back. After spending 10 hours in the airports and in the air with delays after delays, fighting through a lightening storm, running out of fuel, and other fun things, I’m finally back. The trip itself was great, but getting the trip started and coming home were quite nightmarish. More on that later.

Instead, I bring you this. Answers for questions from Fleece

1. For every year of your life subtracted, you'd receive 1 million dollars. How many years would you give up and why?

I’d say just one. I can’t give up enough for my island of evil, and I would like to be able to enjoy the money. So while the money is good, the things that I really want to accomplish in life really can’t be bought (although it’d be much easier with money, but no need for lots of it).

I know it’s cheesy, but it’s true.

2. You are forced to have the same dish every single day for every meal -- what would you pick?

Oh, that’s easy. It’d be a pork chop (deep fried or just regular fried) plate over rice with mustard greens (the Asian type) and some sausage. I LOVE that dish.
LOVE it LOVE it LOVE IT!!!

I’m drooling for it now. Mmmm…

3. Alcohol has been outlawed in your country, how would you while away that recreational time?

No Alcohol in my country? Easy, I’d move.

No, I think I’d lose at least 10-15 pounds if I didn’t drink and eat bar food so much. Actually, I don’t think that no alcohol would change that much with what I do. I know that’s sounds strange with all my other posts about me drinking, but really it’s not that big of a deal.

This is my story I’m sticking with as I’m going on an alcohol diet. I’ll keep everyone posted on how that works out.

More than likely too, I may join the mob and bring alcohol back into the country. I’d be like a freedom fighter. Freedom fighter of delicious fermentation grain products!

4. Let's say you were exiled from the US and had the choice of picking where you'd live next, where would you go?

I want to be exiled to an island (my evil island of course) with all the necessities. The island will mysteriously give me some type of superpower, or have large groups of super monkeys that will be obedient to me. I will become all powerful and come back to destroy you all for not believing in the Pup.

You will rue the day you exiled me!!!

I’ve always wanted to say “you will rue the day!!”

5. What color would best describe your last love affair?

Hmm.. this is a hard one as I’m not good with colors or know what you mean exactly by love affair. Is that just having relations or the movie-ish love affair thing?

If I must answer, I will answer Pink.

Here are The Official Interview Game Rules:

1. If you want to participate, leave a comment saying "interview me!
2. I will respond by asking you five questions. Each person's questions will be different.
3. You will update your journal/blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview others in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

If you don't have a blog, I will still ask you five questions and you can leave the answers here.

Look what else I made in class!

Shut up, stain glass is cool. You just wait till I make a giant stain glass Pup to put up in my future house that I will be building. It’ll have some kick ass features like secret rooms, secret tunnels, and at least one portrait where you can take out the eyes and stare from behind the walls. If I can't have that on an island, I'll have it somewhere damn it.

As you can see from my mood, I have a bit of a hangover today. I almost never get hangovers, but I did something I knew better not to. I drank some Fat Tire beer. I don’t know how many of you are familiar with this beer, but it’s a microbrew out of Colorado. It’s very delicious and I like it a lot. However, for some reason, one or two pints and I’m hammered. When I lived in Colorado, one would actually have gotten me quite buzzed vs. 6 Coors Light which would do jack squat.

I don’t know what it is about this beer, my body doesn’t seem to process it very well. It’s all nice going down, but coming back up is not pleasant. Nope, not at all. There's a high chance of that every time I drink it too. No matter how few I have. Also unlike getting drunk from other things, Fat Tire leaves me with a hangover the next morning. Urg.. stupid hangover. I didn’t even really drink all that much, even though it was free beer (Fat Tire) night.

I was reminded that Ultimate Summer League starts today!! Crap. I forgot all about it. Especially the registration part. That’s why I went to the bar last night because they were doing registration and free beer. There are no ultimate events without beer. That’s just a fact. It always amazes me, these ultimate guys and gals, who are probably some of the most in-shape people around, that they do so much drinking, smoking, and other types of smoking.

On an interesting note, talking to one of the captains last night, he told me I was on a sleeper list. What they do for summer league is that they play a game tonight where it's basically just pick-up. The captains walk around and evaluate the players. Then this weekend there's a draft. So basically, I'm not good enough as a first or second round pick, but could end up on a good team because no one knows about my mad skillz. Yea, with a z.

OK, so it was interesting to me. I do need to step it up this year though. It's time for them to know Ultimate Pup!

I’m taking off later today for a couple of days in ATL, then off to North Carolina for a wedding. All of which I should’ve been getting ready for last night, but the sudden plan to go register changed all that. I wasn’t about to do anything when I got home, so I had to pack this morning. That really didn’t work out. I do not recommend packing with a hangover.

I’m really hoping its ok to wear jeans and a t-shirt to the rehearsal dinner cause I think that’s all I packed. I may have packed this new shirt that I bought for $1.97!!! It says “Ohio, Living in Paradise”. Yea, just had to throw that in that I bought a new shirt for $1.97. Damn I’m smooth.

I’ll be back next week.

Play nice with each other!

The Information Age – The Dawn of Advanced Civilization or The Down Fall?

I can safely say that we are in the age of information. Information for anything and everything is at the tip of our fingers. However bizarre, however rare, we can search for information that we’re seeking because there are other freaks out there just like you.

The old saying is that knowledge is power, and I think that still holds true. However, people are mistaking information for knowledge. The simple fact of having more information and even knowing more information does not equal to having knowledge. Information is simply data that means very little by itself. Knowledge is the collection of that information and interpreting, synthesizing, and most importantly, filtering the relevant and important data.

An adverse impact that people are really not seeing from the information age is how compatible are we really to receiving all this information? The growth of information and availability of information has happened in less than one generation. From an evolutionary perspective, this change has happened too quickly and our biological make-up (esp. the brain) is not ready to handle all this information. This is not true for all or perhaps even most people, but there is a good segment of the population that is becoming a prisoner of information.

What happens to the human mind when it is bombarded with so much information is that it will naturally try to protect itself. The way to do that is to slow down or even stop higher level functions which is what is required for higher-level cognition (how knowledge is developed) in order to process all the information that’s coming in. Instead of developing knowledge, there is so much information that the brain is bombarded with, it has to deal with the quantity and in turn not leaving enough resources for quality. That’s where it leaves us, with low functioning thoughts and scattered information.

What also occurs when the mind is bombard with information is that it will try to process the information as quickly as possible between those that it considers important or relevant, and that it considers junk. This may be a major cause in the polarization of the population today. People are only taking in and seeking information that conforms with their viewpoints. For example, conservatives getting information from conservative sources and same with liberals only getting their information from one source.

Information that aligns with what one already thinks is much easier to digest and process whereas information that maybe counter to what one thinks will induce conflict and actual thinking on the subject. With the brain already so overloaded, it will automatically take in only similar information in order to ease the burden and protect itself.

The result from this is what you see today. People are militantly polar. There is no in-between. Everyone thinks they are right, and they now have all this information at their finger tips showing them that they are right. There’s no dialogue between the 2 sides, each side holes up with only information that supports their argument and never sees the other view points.

We created the information age as a way to share information and to increase the communication among all of us. Although that has been accomplished, the side effects are no doubt appearing as well. The ease of information has allowed humans to succumb to a very basic human flaw which is a desire for power and righteousness. No matter what our thoughts or ideas are, no matter how wrong, we can no doubt find someone with similar ideals and hence the strength in numbers and affirmation.

No longer do we communicate in dialogue and get to understand different sides in order to increase our knowledge about the topic. We simply find information to support what we think and because of the ease of finding this information, we no longer ever need to consider other viewpoints or the fact that we maybe wrong about some things.

Although I cannot quote it directly, Freud said once that humans created technology and looked to it as their savior, but technology will not become our savior, but our master.

So much to do…. Yet, I’m still here blogging
Yup, that pretty much sums things up for me right now. To be fair, I did go the weekend without logging on at all this weekend.

Here are the tid-bits that are flowing around my head.

- I went to a baseball game this weekend. I am now 1-10 at games this year. This is with 3 different teams too. No home team EVER wins when I’m there. They really outta pay me not to go. I can just imagine it now when I go next time. “Yea… sir. You’re not welcomed here anymore. Please go.”

- I got some nice props for my “I heart soccer moms” shirt this weekend. The guys found it funny. The moms giggled. Although the married guys were NOT at all amused.

- After this weekend, I think I’m going to slow down/stop on the ol’ drinking for a while. I think my tolerance has gotten incredibly high again. It’s just way too much effort/money to even get a buzz now. I have to wait till next week because there’s a wedding this weekend and it’s so on.

- It's really nice to go exploring a city with someone. I've traveled a lot by myself in random cities and though there's fun good things about that, it's definitly much better to share it with someone else.

- If you were one of the lucky recipients of my drunk calling this weekend, I bet you had yourself a good laugh. I was leaving messages with the lyrics from ‘We are the world’. “Hey ___, you know, we are the world. We are the children. We ARE the ones to make a brighter day... so let’s start giving. Give damn it GIVE!!” It would go on like that for as long as your answering machine would let me.

To tell you the truth though, I wasn’t drunk. I hadn’t even had anything to drink. I was just feeling generally silly.

- I really should think about having less recorded records of my drunkenness. This will surely come back to bite me in the ass later when I run for public office. You know you want me in office. You NEED me in office!

- Like millions of other Americans this past Friday, I went out and got a powerball ticket for the 215 million dollar jackpot. However, unlike most other people who play the lottery, I don’t bother with checking the numbers to see if I’ve won or not. The reason being that more than likely, I didn’t win, but as long as I don’t check, I don’t know for sure that I didn’t win. So with the possibility still there (however small), I can have lots of fun imagining what I would do with the 215 Million dollars (actually, it comes out to only be about 50-60 million dollars take home).
Some may say the lottery is a tax on stupidity. There may be some point to that, but $1 is a little price to pay for the fun of imagining what all I would with the money.

I did hear this morning that someone from Idaho won the lottery. Oh well... the evil island of Pup will have to wait.

In case you were wondering, after really pricing things out (yes, I actually did), 60 million is no where near enough for me to build an evil headquarters on a tropical island. Dang it.. Instead of giant evil headquarters with henchmen, I may just go with a semi-evil island house with 4 br 3 baths and a monkey.

Back to work! Good to have you back on this Tuesday!

Look what I made!

OK, here's how I would answer my questions:

1.) When you imagine stuck on a deserted island, do you see yourself alone, with someone (be specific), or with a group of people?

I’ve planned out what to do in all three scenarios as this is what’s going through my mind on a regular basis. Especially during meetings when I should be paying attention.

2.) What would you most like to find on a deserted island?

Dinosaurs. Preferably some that wouldn’t want to eat me. That or some other type of exotic super smart animals. A lost civilization wouldn’t be bad either.

3.) What’s the first thing you would do when you realize you’re stuck on a deserted island?

Make sure it’s a deserted island and not a dessert island. Dessert island would be most fun and delicious.

Yea, that made no sense.

4.) What have you done in your life that would most likely lead to you being thrown on a deserted island?
Hmmm… those conspiracy theories aren’t just theories are they?! I knew it!!

5.) If you start hearing crazy drumming/noises on the island, what would you begin preparations for (fight, hide, find the source of the sound, etc.)?

I’d cover myself in mud so I blend in with my environment. Take my trusty spear/halberd that I’ve made and go find the source. Hopefully, it’ll be a cool jungle rave. If not, the jungle (me) will come alive and take them out (assuming they are no good).

Yes… excellent…

6.) What skill would you most like to learn (that you don’t already possess) while being stuck on a deserted island?
Building stuff from natural materials and live in harmony with the land. I've really always wanted to do that.

7.) If you were on the deserted island with a group of people that you don’t get along with, what would you do?

They will follow me or they will perish. I will have order and peace!!
What? Why’s that wrong?

8.) What would you suggest as the form of leadership with the group of people you’re stuck on the island with, if any?

I would suggest everyone takes a turn as a leader. Then we can evaluate who’s the best and let that person take a longer term…. Bla bla bla… nevermind. I’ll take over. Those who oppose will be… silenced. I will rule and there will be peace. All will be good.

9.) If you found a seemingly endless supply of illegal drugs (e.g., heroine, cocaine, etc.) would you try some?

HA! What a silly question.

10.) How would you entertain yourself on a deserted island, if by yourself, if with other survivors?
I’m never by myself. The voices are always with me. Always!! What? They’re out to get me you say? Well, then they must all pay!! ARghh!! shut up! shut up!

I would probably build things. Lots and lots of things. Like build a whole village complete with stick people.

Oh... I'd try to communicate with the animals too. I'd so be Beastmaster.

11.) If you could have a theme song that described your experience on the island, what would it be?

"Turn the radio on... for that sweet sound…. Hold me close never let me go…."

I can’t remember the name of the song, but it’s a good time song and it reminds me of our kick- ass undergrad apt. where we would break out singing this sound.

12.) What would you want on the island that would make you not ever want to be found again, if anything?

Why do you think I’m on the island in the first place? I SO don’t want to be found.

13.) What animal would you like to find on the island to tame as your pet/companion?
Bear or dog – like animal. Duh.

Although a dragon would totally kick ass.
14.) What would be your plan to escape the island, if any?
And why would I want to do that after trying so long to get ON the island?
15.) When you imagin yourself on a deserted island, what are you wearing?
War paint and a thong. Tastefully done. But just a thong.

Have a great long weekend everyone!!

Pup's 15 Lost Questions
Answered by T

1) I see myself alone lost on an island. Maybe you and Ko are there; I haven't found you yet.

2) What would I like to find? a) A magic Djinni lamp. b) Rare earth materials. Something neat like dilithium crystals to power the warp drive engine, duh.

3) The first thing I'd do is go, "Damn." Then I'd go exploring until I find you and Ko. And if I don't find you, I'd keep exploring.

4) If being thrown on a deserted island is some sort of metaphor for purgatory, then I'm already there. Someone wants me to do something that will better me, and I won't do it for some odd reason.

5) If I hear drumming, I'd find the source. I'd want to join in and drop the bass, but I'd scout it out first.

6) Skills? I think it would be fun and painful to become a practical medic. If Ko's there, it would be even more fun. "A poisonous spider bit your toe? Well I gotta sever your leg with this dull arrow head." I take that back. I'd like to learn ritual magic become a witch doctor. That would rock.

7) Yeah, like I'm people person as it is. I'd have to isolate myself until I discover a way to a) kill them, b) eat them, c) work with them. Prolly c.

8) I wouldn't make a suggestion. I'd let the leader step up. Of course this will never work since people want to select a leader to watch him/her fail. So I'd have a test of basic survival skills. Catch some fish and prepare dinner for 3. Using the berries on the island, make a refreshing drink. With these twigs, make some clothes, etc.

9) Hell yeah, bitch!

10) A theme song...that's tough. I will survive! Gloria Gainer. You thought you had me!

11) And the batteries in the gameboy are dead? If it were just me, I'd burn shit. If I were with others, I'd tell ghost stories and shit like that.

12) What would I want that I could never give up if I were forced to leave? I would believe that I'm not alone. I would believe that some female were there with me. But I could never find her. I'd believe earnestly that she's out there for me.

13) Animal? Nah, man. I don't do no pets. Though it would be cool to see the same monkey everyday. I'd never go near him/her. I'd throw food at it. Call it Fred regardless of gender. It'll kill me in the end.

14) Plan to escape. Well I can't swim. I think I'd stay. No sense in leaving.

15) Dude, I'm naked!

I'm not Lost, I'm just sight-seeing

I was trying to steal some ‘what would you do if you were lost’ type questions after watching the finale last night on TV. All the ones I found on the net were pretty silly so I thought I’d make some good questions to ask you folks. Respond in the comments section or in your blog (let me know if you posted it so I can go read it).

Do it.... Doooooo it.... Comply!

1.) When you imagine stuck on a deserted island, do you see yourself alone, with someone (be specific), or with a group of people?

2.) What would you most like to find on your deserted island?

3.) What’s the first thing you would do when you realize you’re stuck on a deserted island?

4.) What have you done in your life that would most likely lead to you being thrown on a deserted island?

5.) If you start hearing crazy drumming/noises on the island, would you begin preparations for (fight, hide, find the source of the sound, etc.)?

6.) What skill would you most like to learn (that you don’t already possess) while being stuck on a deserted island?

7.) If you were on the deserted island with a group of people that you don’t get along with, what would you do?

8.) What would you suggest as the form of leadership with the group of people you’re stuck on the island with, if any?

9.) If you found a seemingly endless supply of illegal drugs (e.g., heroine, cocaine, etc.) would you try some?

10.) How would you entertain yourself on a deserted island, if by yourself, if with other survivors?

11.) If you could have a theme song that described your experience on the island, what would it be?

12.) What would you want on the island that would make you not ever want to be found again, if anything?

13.) What animal would you like to find on the island to tame as your pet/companion?

14.) What would be your plan to escape the island, if any?

15.) When you imagin yourself on a deserted island, what are you wearing?


Now go and answer! I’ll post mine tomorrow.

Happy Thursday!

Conspiracy Theory Wednesday ~Updated~
There are a couple of things going on in the world that isn’t sitting right with me. Maybe it’s just me, but I’ll share them with you and give you my take on it.

Another minimally reported church scandal

In a Louisiana church, so far nine people (including the pastor) have arrest warrants on them for sexual abuse of children. The former pastor told deputies he had been having sex with children for many years and "also educated the children as to how to perform sexual acts with each other and with animals,"

Animals? What the fuck? Among other charges, the pastor is being charged with ‘one count of crimes against humanity for alleged sexual acts involving animals’.

Why isn’t this spread all over the papers and headlines? Is it because it involves a church and no good church people can possible do something like this? Were there no pretty children in the abused for you to over sensationalize? Did this not happen in a higher economic status area or with a different population? Why something of this magnitude isn’t brought to people’s attention is beyond me.

Much like the under-reported dealing of the Catholic priest sexual abuse scandal, why is it that when it’s a group of people (especially church related), that the story becomes grossly under reported. Does this story not deserve at least 1/1000 airtime of Jacko?

Are we living in a society where we give halos to anyone who follows ‘the norm’ that some have set? And when one of halos strays, everyone simply sweeps it under the rug? What I mean by this is that there were at least 2 church going married couples (man-woman) involved in this atrocity. Could that have anything to do with the under reporting?

For all you who thinks legalizing same-sex marriages will somehow lead to animal sex and animal marriage, guess what? Apparently straight church going married people are way ahead of you.


Crisis in Asia

I think we should look for a Sith Lord at the helm of the Chinese government.

From the look of things, and probably without Kim’s knowing, North Korea is nothing more than a puppet of China. Most in the know (not that I’m claiming I’m in the know.... or am I?) will tell you that North Korea will jump at any command from China.

On one front, China is on the side of the US and other countries in trying to keep the North Koreans from reaching nuclear capabilities. However, China is also the one advising the North Korean on what to do and say. China is playing both sides and they will be the only winner in this.

Here’s my theory.
This entire crisis is over resources, in particular oil and financial resources/power. China WANTS to escalate this situation between North Korea and the US, perhaps to the level of war.

A war would be ideal for China. A war would get rid of an annoyance of China (North Korea), while seriously further drain the US resources and economy. A drain in the US resources will allow China to really step up as a superpower in the world. As such, China will be better able to negotiate buying up resources, such as oil, from other parts of the world (who wants to sell to a country in so much debt when there’s another one paying better prices and in cash?).

With a growing industrial nation, China needs more resources than ever to continue its growth. The US is the biggest consumer of resources, and if they are able to make it seem like a better solution/idea to sell resources to China instead of the US, then they will have the resources they need to grow.

Another reason to escalate a war in Asia is China’s desire to take back Taiwan. China has been threatening for decades now, but has never been able to invade due to Taiwan’s good relationship with the US. If there were to be a war in Asia, China can then easily invade Taiwan and take it back without any fears from the US (US wouldn’t dare fight China or even piss them off for fears that they would help the North Koreans). Taiwan will then be a sacrificial gift for China from the US.

The shroud of the dark side has fallen. Search your feelings. You know this is all true :)

~ Update ~

Execute Plan 66!

I really think the government is on to me.

My monitor at work has suddenly and mysteriously become dysfunctional and stop working. The IT dept is refusing to replace it because I technically still have a monitor on my laptop. Therefore forcing me to stare at my little ass laptop screen and giving me a headache.

I’m out of beer, bacon, and Jack at the house. I was left with only vegetables last night for dinner. This one may not be a government conspiracy as much as I’m not doing enough shopping.

I’ve seen at least 4 police cars behind or beside me in the last day since this post.

Someone called in the middle of the night and didn’t leave a message.

You won’t scare me with you little tactics government people! I won't be stopped! :p

Monday...

Blea. Weekends are so short. It shouldn't be unexpected cause the weekend hasn't changed since I've been alive, but it always suprises me when it's over. Once again proving to everyone that the special power that I would want would by far be the best EVER.

Time Stop. Yup. Screw Flying. Time Stop.

So with that, and cause Tricia told me so….

I think I’ve done this before, but I’m too lazy to look so, here you go.

Three names you go by:
Pupster
Pupperoni
Pup-O-Rama

Three screen names that you have had:
Pupbert (I have the world cornered on this name so I only need one)

Three things you like about yourself:I’m strong with the Force
My voices have stopped telling me to hurt people (well, not all people)
I am the best Dig Dug player EVER

Three things you don't like about yourself:
I am retardedly cheap
My ever worsening memory (Wha? Who are you again?)
I don’t have a PSP yet

Three parts of your heritage:
If they went back to a monarchy system and enough people died (roughly 100 million), I can be king of a very large country

Ghetto Superstar
Part stuffed bear, Part Jack Daniels

Three things that scare you:
Neoconservatives (Religious fundamentalist)
Little Children (evil ones)
Drowning

Three of your everyday essentials:
Bacon
Talkin’ to my babe
More Bacon

Three things you are wearing right now:
Boring Boring work clothes
Spongebob Boxers
Lots of lotion (my skin is all peeling from the sunburn.... ewwwwww!!! skin flakes everywhere)

Three of your favorite bands or musical artists (@ the moment):
The Killers
Weezer
Pet Shop Boys

Three of your favorite songs (@ the moment):
Dirty Little Secrets – Sarah McLachlan
Weezer – Beverley Hills
The Killers – Mr. Brightside

Three new things you want to try in the next 12 months:
Sky and sea diving
Travel to another country (preferably tropical)
Build doomsday device

Three things I want in a relationship:
Comfort
Passion
A story book future

Two truths and a lie: (in no particular order):
I have been on ESPN
I can bake a killer 3 layer chocolate cake with pudding insides
My glasses are just for show cause I think they make me look sophisticated

Three physical things that attract you to the opposite sex:
Smile
Nose
Lips

Three things you can't do without:
Pup
Friends
80s music

Three of your favorite hobbies:
Traveling
Talking politics
Hanging out with friends

Three places you want to go on vacation:
Tropical Islands (Caribbean, Hawaii)
Western Europe (Pretty much anywhere)
Japan

Three things you just can't do:
Stay on a pogo stick (I try this a lot too)
Understand what the majority of American are thinking
Win the lottery

Three things you want to do before you die:
Get a script made into a movie
Visit all 7 continents
Run for political office

Three celeb crushes:
Heidi Klum
Dushku!!!
Kirsten Dunst

Yup Monday. Try not to kill anyone. :)

I heart waterfalls

This is a picture of a waterfall I recently hiked up when I was in Georgia. I miss hiking and camping. Sure I could hike in Kansas, but what's the point of hiking if there's no elevation change? Boorrrrring.

How in the world did I go from the nice rolling mountains of Georgia and TN to the great Rocky Mountains, then this? Flatest land in all the country? Sheese.

I have chosen..... poorly.

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Does anyone else think the Chase Credit card commerical is kick ass? It has this couple going through all the stages of their lives and they use all these different credit cards. It's sappy, but good. What? Really it's good. Shut up!

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I went to a Royals baseball game yesterday during work with work folks. It was the hottest day of the year yesterday at a killer 90-degrees. Being already burnt, I thought it'd be a good idea to slap on some SPF 50 since I'm already close to changing ethnic groups after last weekend.

After sitting out there for 3 hours, I didn't have anything even remotely close to a burn. Sundscreen huh? Go figure. Maybe I'll start using it more now. Although I still hate the smell of it.

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This my newest New Music Recommendation. Jem - Finally Woken

After breaking away from the Holograms, Jem's out on her own. She's British and her music is very Sarah McLachlan/Dido - ish but with a bit more rocking and electronica. If you go to her site, you'll be able to listen to her whole album.

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I can't believe I still haven't seen Star Wars yet. I've had chances both Wednesday night and last night to go, but just couldn't make myself go alone. I'm so lame.

Happy Friday everyone!

The Dark Side of Self-Esteem

I was thinking about stuff the other day. In particular, why some people are so messed up and something came to me. There isn’t any one source that’s causing how these people are acting, and these aren’t the ones we usually think about, but if there was something that causes these people to act this way, this may be it.

We live in a society where high self-esteem is synonymous and regarded as essential to well being. And why not? There is a wide range of evidence that supports the positive effects that high self esteem can have for individuals. There are evidence linking high self-esteem to higher expectation to succeed, higher task performance, being more independent, self-directed, and less prone to mood swings and depression.

These findings led to a great push in the shameless promotion of self-esteem by books, popular journals, organizations, and many individuals. Parents, educators, and many other adults blindly push self-esteem as the end all and one stop solution to children’s developmental problems (i.e., games where everyone wins, everyone’s special even without doing any work, etc.).

The great endorsement of self-esteem has gone largely undisputed.

Researchers from UCLA have presented evidence that disputes against the popular notion of self-esteem. They cited research suggesting that the value of self esteem may not be all it’s cracked up to be, and may perhaps be opposite of what we’ve thought.

Some of the most convincing evidence for the negative effects of high self-esteem has been derived from the area of self-regulation. The literature suggests that under conditions of ego-threat, people with a sense of high self-esteem may not be able to suspend their positive illusions to make accurate self-evaluation and therefore interfering in tasks involving complex self-regulation. In other words, an individual’s egotistical illusions can interfere and impair an individual’s judgment by overestimating their own abilities and setting unreachable goals for themselves.

An example of reality interfering with illusions is the degree of lawsuits that you see in our culture today. Everyone sues everyone for anything. This may be a symptom of greed, and wanting to get money out of anything, but there maybe another explanation. With the constant pampering throughout their lives, this high level of self-esteem developed in some people may have prevented them from learning to take responsibility for their own actions. All these years of being rewarded for doing anything trivial, and never receiving any negative feedback cause a great deal of egotistical illusions. Hence if anything goes wrong, it must be someone else’s fault.

For example, if I’m fat, it must be the fast food restaurants making me that way. That may not be the best example, but you know what I mean.

When reality finally catches up with these individuals, there maybe some serious consequences as they are no longer sheltered by their illusions, and if they have developed a strong enough defense, they may lash out at reality (and those in it) to protect their illusions.

More than ever in today’s society, we look for quick fixes and miracle answers to explain and heal all of our problems. We jumped on the bandwagon of self-esteem as the cure-all for all ours and our children’s problems without understanding the possible consequences it may have. Years later we begin to feel a backlash of self-esteem, and only then do we finally begin to investigate what direction this promotion of self-esteem has taken us, and more importantly, the negative consequences it may have had been causing all along.

Ultimate Weekend

Highlights:

After an 8+ year absence from tournament play, Pup was back in action this weekend at Mayfest KC. KC’s Ultimate Frisbee tournament. The weather was great, there were a couple hundred players from several states in the mid-west, the beer was flowing all weekend. Good times for all.

I had originally planned to play with a team of people from pick-ups that I play with here twice a week. Unlike other things the group does, there was a huge turnout for this weekend.

After our first game, a guy from a team in Nebraska came by to ask if there were any extra people wanting to switch teams because most of their people didn’t show and they were playing without subs (a very painful and non-enjoyable thing during tournament).

So me and a couple of guys switched over and played with them the rest of the weekend. It was fun as we won the first game!! Yay! That’s all I was looking for. Mark 1 on the ol’ W column. It was a good thing I didn’t have very high expectation as we got slaughtered during our next 2 games.

‘All About the O’

That was the name of the team I was playing with this weekend. What did it mean? Omaha (where the team was from)? Offense? Organization? Odor? Scoring 0 points during a game? Or simply what all of you are thinking of?

Just as we’ll never know what the P in “OPP” means, this will always be open to interpretations.

'Not that I needed anymore reasons to move to Canada'

There were these 3 young gals from Canada (Winnipeg) that came down to play with my original team. They made me want to be a Canadian badly. Not only were they great players, but fun, spirited, and of course quite cute. During one of the later games when everyone was drinking red bull or Gatorade to keep hydrated and their energy up, these girls reached into the cooler and popped open some beers.

Not that they were the first to be drinking, but it was still very awesome to see. Even more impressive than that, after drinking, the gals became amazing and unstoppable. Their throws were perfect, they always knew where each one would be at all times, they laid-out (dive) for everything. Generally kick ass. It was So Sweet.

'Sun burrrrrned – Ouch!'

This is something that just started in the last few years. I used to NEVER get sunburned and I was out in the sun a lot more back then, but I’m currently a nice lobster red. After being out all Saturday (~9am -6pm) I was pretty fried. The 4 hours or so on Sunday also did not help. However, by Sunday I had wised up and finally succumb to using sun block which I can’t stand. Sadly, too little too late.

I really should take some pics of me right now. I’m seriously ridiculously red.

'Shot Gun Intimidation'

One team (orange) we played on Saturday beat us 13-0. It was sad and people cried at the sight of how badly we were being slaughtered. The spectators were yelling ‘Mercy’ as we only pass the 50 yd line twice during the whole game. I kept hoping a Rocky song would come on and we would make the comeback of the tournament, but that wasn’t going to happen.

The orange team seemed unstoppable as they then played the green team. I wasn’t paying much attention to the game, but it seem like the green team was holding its own. When I finally went back to the team to get ready for the next game, I asked how the game turned out.

Apparently, not only did the green team hold their own, but they thumped the orange team badly. Goes to show you, anyone can be beat. Maybe not by us, but by someone.

So who do we play next? Of course. They green team.

We did the only logical thing to prepare for the game. We started drinking. A lot. We’re not being pessimistic, but even if everyone played their best game ever, we may score only 5-6 points.

When it was time to start, everyone on the team got out there with a fresh can, shot gunned it, then proceed to run down the field like crazies. Apparently, the shocking stunt worked as we scored the first point due to a freak play in the end zone. We lost the game 13-1, but it was a moral victory for us.

'Who's Your Father?'

4 more days till Star Wars!! Who’s with me at 12:01am?! I watched all 3 hours of the animated Clone Wars this weekend and I’m now all fired up about it.

Happy Monday!

Wild Mood Swings

I’ve been having them a lot lately. I notice them when I do. That’s the good part about being dissociative at a clinical level. Even when you’re acting one way, there’s always other ‘parts’ of you that can analyze how you’re acting. It’s hard to explain, but basically you having several different personas that interact individually and are separate within yourself. No, it’s not Multiple Personality Disorder (Personally, I don’t believe in MPD. One cannot completely separate within themselves. Those are merely more severe cases of Dissociative disorder) or Schizophrenia.

With the many people I know that are currently pregnant, I think I may be experiencing sympathy mood swings. I’m happy, I’m sad, I’m angry, I’m bored, and excited all at the same time. I’m not hungry yet I keep munching on things all day. I’m a bitch, I’m a lover.. I’m a child.. oh nevermind.

Ha.. I crack me up.

There are many things that are good and bad and possibly very good and possibly very bad in my world now. There’s definitely no shortage of crazy here. I now have to turn crazy away cause I went to CostCo and bought a bulk bag of it. I’m good for a while. Yup, no more need for crazy here.

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Here’s a fun little quiz to determine where you are in the political spectrum in case you don’t know. I bet I can guess what most of you readers here are. You probably don't even have to guess how I lean politically.

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I was having the weirdest dreams this morning. I was at the home I rented with 2 roommates back during graduate school. I came home and went to the kitchen where I found one of them in her underwear and on the floor in a fetal position yelling ‘asshole’. I tried to comfort her, but it didn’t seem like she could even hear me. I went back out to the TV room and fired up the ol’ PS2 and that’s when the other roommate came out of the bedroom wrapped in a towel. I asked him if he knew what was going on and he said he didn’t. Shortly after, 2 other women that I’ve never seen before came out of the bedroom also wrapped only in a small towel.

Ohhh… this is very interesting cause my two roommates are married.
Dum Dum Dummmmmmm!!!

I need to call them and see if anything’s up.

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For a nice Friday read, here is a very informative article on all the varieties of SarahRed (She’s macktastic and apparently way ahead of the cool curve). Just to check, I googled it. Here’s a funny version of the origin of the word.

Asshat

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I LOVE rain. It’s been raining pretty hard here since last night. I had me a nice glass of Jack and Coke then had one of the best sleeps in a while last night (without someone else being in my bed). The rain was loud when I woke up this morning. Only 1 thing missing and it would've been perfect!

That’s enough stuff you didn’t really need to know.

Happy Friday!

Death know's I'm ticklish...

but she keeps tickling me.

"Stop!" I say. "The pleasure pains me."
"Giggle, giggle!"
"Wait. I'm not the one who died."
"I know. But you intrigue me. How do you feel?"
"I don't know. I feel like laughing! I feel uninhibited! I feel happy. I feel ALIVE!!!"
"Funny feeling, isn't it?"

And I go blank.

It's no new news now. My father died 6 weeks ago and here I am picking up the pieces of my life.

Where was I before that tragic day? What was I doing? What does it matter?
I'm in the here and now and I want to live a new life. And have fun like I never did before. I want to be happy. But I don't want to force it.

I take a walk downtown and I see a mime dressed like a statue in wedding attire.

"Can you help me?" I ask. "Do you know where I'm headed? I'm looking for myself. I'm trying to find the new me."

The new me. Who is the new me? Will I like me?

I'm ready to begin anew! And I feel it in my nerves. It feels like freedom! A freedom like I never knew before. I'm ready for a change, a change for the better.

I really can't explain it better than this

Yet another sign of my oldness

I went to see The Killers in concert last night. If you look at the link, they are indeed that cool looking in real life too. Especially the lead singer. He had a jacket and a bow tie. Very cool.

More importantly, they are a great live band. The lead singer sounded better live than on the CD. That’s always a nice thing to hear. I hate going to see a band only to find out what they sound like on a CD has been heavily doctored (yea you Corgan).

However, several things were disturbing to me during the concert and made me feel old.

- The crowd was SO young. I’m not talking early 20s young. I’m talking around 13 - 16 young. Every time one bumped up against me I felt dirty and thought I was breaking the law. The only thought going through my head was ‘there’re laws to protect them against people like you’. But your honor, I was just standing there!

- How did these kids have money to go to a concert? I certainly could never get any money to see a concert.

- The concert was general admission and we got there relatively close to when the first band was going to start. Amazingly we found parking pretty easily (there are no pay lots, just neighborhoods to park in). We soon realized when we were in the concert place that half of the people here got dropped off by their parents.

- $8 for a Miller Lite draft is just ridiculous.

- During the show, some drunken asshat tried to start a mosh pit by himself by slamming into everyone (mostly girls around him). When the girls push back, he started getting more aggressive and pushing harder. One guy eventually grabbed him and took him to the side where the security took him away.

- During that interaction, I had a red bull and vodka and half a beer spilled on me. Good times.

- Here is my big problem with this scenario as the asshat was pushing everyone around. Not even 5 years ago, T and I would go to punk/metal shows looking for mosh pits and would be ready to open up a can in the pit. Last night, I just kinda sat there being amused by it all. Man, I’m losing my anger and need to step on that boy’s throat. I’m losing my edge. I need to get back the eye of the tiger.

- The following $8 Miller Lites seem equally ridiculous. Yet, somehow they still get bought.

- The concert didn’t start till 9pm, so after the opening band, the Killers, and an after show drink, I got home around 2am. Unlike my previous life (about 5 years ago), I was unable to wake up this morning.

- I tried drunk dialing on my drive home. I think people on my phone list are on to me to not pick up their phones at 1am in the morning when I call. One day, I will actually have an emergency and need to talk to someone and I’ll be SO screwed.

Overall, the concert was great. I give it an A for quality of band and B for overall excitement. I have pretty high standards for excitement. So far, only Prodigy, NIN, and Manson have received an A for excitement.

Wednesdays are usually meeting free. It’s very odd that no one EVER calls meetings on Wednesdays. This is a good thing. Especially today.

On other good news that doesn’t affect your life much. I got on a team for the Mayfest tournament this weekend! It’s for Ultimate Frisbee, by far the best game out there, not that I’m biased or anything. I haven’t played in a tournament since college days (wow that’s a long time ago). Some of the club players (those are the really good players) came out to the pick-up games last night.

It was just sad/amusing (like watching someone having something thrown at the crotch) watching me try to guard them and I will have to guard them all weekend. D’oh.

I’ll try not to embarrass myself too much or break anything. I did dive for the disc a couple of times yesterday and didn't feel too bad after so that's a good sign.

That is all.

Happy Wednesday Everyone!