I think...

Let me explain some things about what I think. This is after all, a blog about what I think.

I think that ideally, socialism and even communism are ideal societal models. However, humans are not capable of living in such a world because the majority of humans are still innately just simple animals who are greedy, lazy, self-preserving, and incapable of self sacrifice or lacks the understanding of the meaning of the greater good. Humans are also incapable of running such a government without becoming corrputed. Basically, humans are the broken ones, not the model.

I think that there is something wrong with our society when entertainers and CEO makes millions of dollars while teachers barely make minimum wage.

I think the wealth gap is one of the biggest problems society faces today. Here’s a very insightful article. It’s great to think that the American dream is still true. That you can work hard and be rich. Well, you can work hard and be ok. The way our society is shaping up, the rich will take care of their own, and they’re not really looking for new members.

I think that the wealth gap problem will not be solved because the people with the money have all the power and the people without money have been taught that this is ok.

I think people don’t see the real problems in the world because they’re too consumed in their own lives and that they would be scared if they knew.

I think we can give a lot more than we do. By pure numbers I’m sure the United States gives more than anyone else. Fractionally, it’s very insignificant. It’s like Bill Gates giving someone $100 vs. a guy making $40K/yr. making a $100 donation. Please don't say that it's the same thing.

I think there are a lot of organizations that do good but has an agenda behind it. What better audience to convert into your way of thinking than coming in and acting like a saint. Think of it as product marketing.

I think everyone needs to work. If everyone worked 10 hours a day, there would be a lot less bad things going on. Everyone would be too tired. The only thing people would want to do after work is getting a beer, not think about protesting or planning to blow up stuff.

I think people need to dance more. Especially in our society. Somehow dancing has become a bad thing in our society. People have no idea how to celebrate. We have lost our way even in knowing how to celebrate and that’s sad.

I think it’s funny that the topic of gay marriage only comes up during election time.

I think if it really does hurt the poor when you tax the rich, then the rich really aren’t the benevolent people that you think they are if they in turn punish the poor.

I think if we don’t start being concern with the real issues of this country like the lack of education the children are getting, it will rot this country from the inside out. It will be much more detrimental than any terrorist attack.

I think people need to know that all wars from now on will be fought for resources (oil, water, etc.). People can hide it behind religion or democracy, or any nice ideals like that, but at the end of the day, it is about a resource that someone wants.

I think if you think there’s nothing wrong with the environment, then by all means, move to the coast, have some kids, and let them run around in the sun for a while. See how that works out for you.

I think another beer will do me good.

Wise up America

As I’m driving around here in LA, I see that gas prices are about $3.51 in some areas. As much as I do enjoy seeing that being a conservationist, I know that it only hurts the poor while rich either benefits or could care less. This I cannot stand.

In the news last week, I heard that the CEO of Shell is going on a tour to assure consumers that they are not benefiting from the high gas prices. This seems a little contradictory as they continue to make record profits. Their argument on the high gas prices is that it is simply a matter of supply and demand.

When Former Exxon CEO retired, he received a benefits package valued at around $400 million dollars. There are a lot of countries that doesn’t make that much in a year. This is not including the $3.6 million bonus last year plus salary and other benefits.

Exxon defends Raymond's compensation, pointing out that during the 12 years he ran the company, Exxon became the largest oil company in the world and that the stock price went up 500 percent.

So, here’s the point. Which one is it? Why did an oil company like Exxon make over $36 billion dollars last year.

Is it purely a supply and demand that’s driving the prices of the gas up so high and inadvertently giving the oil companies such a high profit margin? If so, why are you giving the CEO such a large benefits package and bonus? After all, he didn’t have anything to do with it right? It’s the mysterious market forces that are doing all the work. Why give him such a big bonus when he didn't have anything to do with your profits?

If the CEO deserved the bonus and the insanely large benefits package, this would mean that they did have control over what’s going on. Hence they are the reason and/or had the ability to control the gas prices. This would also mean that they lie to congress and in your face on a daily basis.

So which one is it? You can’t have it both ways.

People, think about what these corporate types are saying. They are lying to your face. Don’t accept things as just how it is. Question things for once.

Sadly, the oil company CEOs can wear shirts that says “Fuck you, I’ve got your money”, and you would still buy their gas cause you just gotta look cool in your Escalade or H2. Of course, all of you need your horsepower so that you can go 5mph being stuck traffic everyday.

What the hell is wrong with you people? You don't need any car that gets under 20MPG.

Of course, this government is just so powerless to do anything about it because they’re so tied up in listening to your mundane phone conversations, fighting a war to get the oil companies more oil to make more money at the expense of our lives, fighting science so that other countries can be way ahead of the US in embryonic research, and of course, the most important topic for our government today, fighting to keep gay couples as second class citizens without equal rights.

Yup, the “Gay agenda” is definitely what’s destroying this country and need this government's #1 focus.

Good job everyone!

What the Fuck is Wrong with You People?

I think this maybe the second time this topic has made the "What the Fuck is wrong with you people" list. Congrats to these people for having me pissed off like this twice.

"Chief executives of U.S. corporations earned 262 times the pay of the average worker in 2005, the second-highest level in the 40 years the data's been kept, an economic research group said this week.

Last year, the average CEO was paid $10.9 million a year, or 262 times an average worker's earnings of $41,861, the Economic Policy Institute said Wednesday.

The research group also found a CEO earned more in one workday in 2005 than an average worker earned in 52 weeks.

The group includes salary, bonuses, stock options and other payments in its definition of CEO pay.

Even with stats like this, the Republicans refuse to raise the minimum wage from $5.15/hour. Working 40 hours a week, a person working minimum wage can expect a whopping $206 a week before taxes."

Here’s the problem with all these fuckers that keep these Republicans in power. Yes, I’m talking to you people who vote to keep these bastards in. You’re fucking selfish and greedy or you just simply don’t know any better.

I’m sure the minimum wage has nothing to do with most of you and so you don’t really care. You know, most of you also call yourselves Christians. You all seem to love pulling out that card around elections. Well, this is a very Christian thing to do, you know, helping the rich and screwing the poor. Jesus would be proud.

Yes, he’s very proud of you for not helping the poor as you waste endless amounts of time and resources keeping people who love each other from being together or waging an unnecessary war. Yes, Jesus is very proud indeed.

Why don’t you, the common republican, care anyway? Do you think these people will just use that extra dollar increase for booze or drugs? You probably believe in some lies and pipe dreams about how the rich will share their wealth voluntarily. That they will get SO rich that it will naturally trickle down to the poor. If you believe that, you need to wake the fuck up. That will NEVER happen. NEVER.

These are hard working people that are doing backbreaking shit work. I guarantee you this is work that you would NEVER want to do. They deserve a fighting chance to have a good life just as much as your silver spoon overfeeding self.

BTW, if you vote Republican and you make below 300K a year and/or are not a straight white male, you’re a fucking ignorant brainwashed dumbass.

Newport Beach, CA

View from my balcony

Don’t you wish your Pup was Ghetto like me…

You can put the Pup in a very nice upscale $230/night room…

The Pup will still bring a 12 pack of beer and open them in the deadbolt hole because he didn’t have a bottle opener. BTW, this results in a big mess so I don’t suggest it.

The Pup will still fill the trash can up with ice and use it as a cooler

The Pup will still check for nudie magazines under his mattress

The Pup will still have no hesitation dropping something from the 8th floor

The Pup will still swim up to the pool bar and order a PBR

Almost Perfect

I’m in one of the best rooms in San Diego right now. My room overlooks the dock and the Pacific Ocean. I’m in a little resort hotel with 2 swimming pools and 2 nice restaurants among other very nice amenities (can you say swim up pool bar?).

When I went to get some ice, I started a small conversation with another guest. He had suggested this very nice restaurant that was within walking distance. I could make a short stroll around the dock and it’s right there on the water. You could sit outside on a near perfect night with a great view of the ocean. Being that it was dusk, it also had a perfect backdrop of the sun setting beyond the ocean.

After dinner was finished, I could take a slow stroll back around the dock. There are several seats on the trail so people can sit and enjoy the view. It would be dark when I started on the way back because of the wonderful dinner and conversations. While sitting at one of those benches, the fireworks show from the nearby theme park would begin and light the sky with its array of colors.

Yes, it would be quite the perfect night. I definitely could and would do all of these things if she was here with me.

People wonder why I don’t sleep. I don’t sleep because when I lay there awake, I wonder where she is. Sometimes I wonder what if there is no she at all. That's a thought that keeps me awake each night.

Tomorrow's hotel is suppose to be even better. Fantastic.

The Kids Redeemed

It’s no secret that I’m not impressed with the kids today. It could be that I’m just an old bitter man who drinks in the front parking lot with a wife beater and yells at the kids.

After the NIN show, I wasn’t sure what to expect as I headed off to the Artic Monkeys concert.

The concert was held at my favorite venue where I’ve had some of my favorite concert moments. Some that comes straight to mind is seeing Prodigy where we were asked to leave the upper levels because all the jumping was causing the place to become unstable. Orbital/Crystal Method where some of the sickest moves I’ve ever seen were displayed in a dance off. Dido where I was about 5 feet away from her. This and others like Pet Shop Boys and Marilyn Manson just to name a couple.

Earlier that day, I had endured two seriously tough ultimate matches that lasted about 5 hours in over 90 degree heat. We had very limited subs and was playing a high school/college team. Damn kids and their running around. It was all I can do during the game not to just hurl. I’m really selling this sport aren’t I?

Both games were great as both came down to the last point and more importantly we won both games. In the first game, because we were short people, we played 6 vs.7. Now that’s a lot of work trying to cover multiple people.

I was tired, to say the least, going into the concert. The venue offered standing room right in front of the stage or seating up in the balconies. Being old and very tired, we opted for the seats. Up around the seating area, I couldn’t help but notice that everyone around us was English. Not totally unexpected as this is an English Band. Their heavy British accents and England Soccer jerseys was an easy give away.

What a reaction when the monkeys finally came out. They rocked a lot more than I thought they would. There were people dancing in their seats and in the isles. As I looked down from the balcony, I saw a wave of people jumping up and down with fists pumping. Now that’s good crowd.

The energy level stayed high during the whole show. Crowd surfing ensued as the Monkeys kept rocking out. Even as tired as I was, the energy of the place lifted me back to life. About half way through the show I was back up and moving around in the isles too.

I was expecting a good concert, but it turned out to be great and lots of fun.

Kids, especially English ones, you are redeemed.

I Want to Pup You Like an Animal

With the continuing crap going on in my life, there has been an unlikely ally lately. I don’t generally go to that many concerts. Actually, before the They Might Be Giants concerts, I don’t think I’ve been to one in over 9 months (yes, I know that's still a lot more often than most people but the voices don't care about other people).

They Might Be Giants gave me a great lift with their energetic fun show that really helped my spirits. It all went away with the accident to Lucy last week, I was ready to punch someone in the face.

Last night I went to the Nine Inch Nails concert. Trent certainly delivered. The show was amazing and he was better than ever. Way to give my pent up rage a voice.

With that said, I must point out that I’m very disappointed in the crowd. Though they were into it, they weren’t really into it as much as they should. The music was rocking. Everyone should have been jumping around, but alas, just swaying.

What the fuck is wrong with you people?

Even right in front of the stage, there was no real action going on. T and I walked in the lawn area completely expecting a mosh pit or at least some slam dancing. Even there, nothing. I’ve seen more action at a widespread panic concert or at the Lilith Fair.

What the hell is wrong with these kids nowadays? Last time I saw NIN, there were 2 pits and looking toward that stage, you see an ocean of people jumping up and down with people being lifted to the top. People would run around and dance like they were possessed. Now that’s a good crowd.

In the good ol’ days, there would be a pit, maybe 2. As soon as one is formed, T and I would run and hurl ourselves in and clean up the weak from the pit. Yes, we were those guys. Of course that came with some serious bruises from other bigger fish in the pit, but it’s all good.

In this age of implanted fear from the government, religious minority enforced political correctness, lawsuit fears, too much coddling with our technology, and just generally pansy ass people who would use a weapon because they’re too chick shit to get some real action going, we as a society are going down the wrong path of civilization.

I’m not saying we should be anarchist or be randomly violent. No, that shit's just retarded. There is a certain degree of controlled violence that’s good for people, a controlled outlet. Anger and violence has become so shameful and unacceptable that we are forced to just pent it up inside. It doesn’t go away folks, it just manifests itself in other ways.

We’ve become so afraid to express ourselves. We’ve become so afraid to do anything that others may perceive as strange or different. We’ve become what the government and the religious minority wants us to be, an obedient subdued fearful group of citizens that needs their control on our lives because we don’t know any better.

Start mooing people, cause you're becoming cattle.

This country has shifted from power of the people, to power to the minority. If there is no hope in this crowd that I saw last night, there is certainly very little hope elsewhere.

As much as I wanted to hear more, I didn’t blame Trent for not doing an encore. The crowd certainly didn’t deserve one.

6 -06 -06

The END is coming!! The END is coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!


What? The world isn't ending today?
Damn it...

Yea, all you rightous self-serving religious fundamentalist will just have to spend a bit more time with us before your flying spaceship come takes you away.

So sad for you.

DARLING, YOU GIVE HEAVEN A BAD NAME!!!


Welcome to my top 10.
This is a list of the top 10 albums currently playing in my car, home, office, nightmares, etc. The list changes from week to week so actually this top 10 is from last week. So here goes.

1. Washing Machine--Sonic Youth
Okay, so I've got a picture of trouble girl Kim walking down to the corner store not wearing any underwear, to buy her baby a soda pop just becuz. And I'm blissed. Need I say more? Actually, yes there is more to say. The intro to No Queen Blues just rox my world. How da...? What da...? Did I just hear that? And you gotta give it up for the Diamond Sea. Put your weight on it Mr. Tee, put your weight on it!!! Okay, alright?

2. Confield--Autechre
cfern scared the shit out of me Wednesday night. Perhaps it has something to do with the drunken stupor I forced upon myself but I swore someone was knocking on my door. "Who is--. Oh, it's Autechre! Maybe I'll sit up straight and pay attention." See this is odd becuz (love ya, Kim Gordon-Moore) the fractured drum sequencing on lentic catachresis unnerves me more than any other song on the album. CAUTION: Don't play Confield when nursing a hangover!!!

3. The Ultimate Experience--Jimi Hendrix
This is one of the best compilations I own. Though I lose interest towards the end, it's great to hear my old favorites back to back...Castles Made of Sand, Long Hot Summer Night, Red House, Manic Depression. Shit. You gotta love it when Jimi is messing around. For example listen to the guitar noodling on The Wind Cries Mary. I'm like, "Dude, that's gay. But it's Jimi. HAHA!"

4. 10,000 Days--Tool
Yeah, I'm a Tool freak. But fuck the messages in the songs, Tool is fucking hard!!! Initially I only liked the first half of the album, Jambi and the Pot being faves. But now Intension stands out. Okay I know many people have creepy Tool experiences, and I wish I did too. But here's something. Two weeks ago or so I made a journey to Atlanta, perhaps it was to see They Might Be Giants with Pup. I listened to 10,000 Days in the car and by the end of the cd I felt sad. Not depressed, rather sunken. I took note of it because hard-hitting heavy metal bands should enrage anger and hate and evil and SATAN!!! I digress.

5. The Creek Drank the Cradle--Iron and Wine
I've got to give it up to Sam Beam for doing what he does to revitalize that old Southern bluegrass folk sound. There something about the tired yester-year sound and the sad slow lyrics that hit me. One line that stands out, "Lately she don't care for a warmer breeze/Or shade around the base of the maple trees." Dude, she's about to leave you. GET A CLUE!!! Iron and Wine is quickly becoming one of my favorite bands.

6. The Beekeeper--Tori Amos
...And she's becoming folksy too! I must admit that a tame Tori is a good Tori. So I must have been playing the album at work when a co-worker came by and mistook Tori for Joni (Mitchell that is) which I thought was a compliment :-) Ribbons Undone is by far my favorite on this album. Gives me goose bumps whenever I hear it.

7. Memento--Dead Can Dance
Another compilation album, but this album in particular is far better than DCD's A Passage in Time. Even the album's cover art is better. The song selections are what make a superb compilation. It's great that The Carnival is Over follows Cantara whereas Cantara is followed by The Garden of Zephirus on the 1991 compilation. I can do without American Dreaming, but this would be Fortune Presents Gifts Not According to the Book. Blah. When it come to DCD, you're either into it or not. I say kudos to Brenden and Lisa!

8. Simpatico!--Velocity Girl
I like pop! Sub Pop that is! Bubble-gum POP! Sarah Shannon's voice is to die for! And she's cute! I'm charmed by pop that takes itself for what it really is with REAL talent. The girl is a trained opera singer and the boys in the band play their own instruments. I'm listening to it now and I Can't Stop Smiling! No, really! I'm hurt that they've disbanded, but I can always press play again...uhh, maybe not right now. I've got a list to complete after all. The All-Consumer is a favorite.

9. Huge Chrome Cylinder Box Unfolding--Venetian Snares
I heart IDM, glitch music, drill and bass, etc. Actually this album should be higher on the list but confield is already up there...hehe. Okay, songs like vida, keek and huge chrome peach are glitchy with the drums wound tighter and tigher and tighter. But then you hear the staccato of Texas Instrument's Speak and Math performing random calculations in monotone and it's just creepy. "7-6-9-2 increase by 4-8-7-5 mulitply by 6-2-5 subtract from 2-8-3-9." beat bea be b loop loop beat bea be b. I listened to this Thursday night after playing Magic: The Gathering for 4 hours.

10. Behavior--Pet Shop Boys
NO! I'M NOT GAY! And you don't have to be gay to like PSB, damnit. I bought this album for Being Boring, a long time favorite. But songs like This Must Be The Place I Waited Years To Leave and How Can You Expect To Be Taken Seriously are just as strong. I Get Along from Release has sentiments to To Face The Truth: "I've been trying not to cry/when I'm in the public eye/Stuck here with the shame/and taking my share of the blame" and "You know it hurts me when you lie/Sometimes it even makes me cry/'Cause I'm so in love with you." NO!

Okay you get bonus points if you can spot the reference to Big Daddy Kane. 10 more bonus points if you know where I got the title for this blog.

Beat down by the hands of fate once again

Things have been simply awful the last month. Things going from bad to worst. Then, out of the blue, I’m finally given some relief. I win my first ever ultimate tournament. I had a good weekend going to a Bourbon distillery and a drive in (first time ever).

Thing were picking up for the Pup. Of course, not being able to stand that, fate comes in with a royal beat down. It's one thing to pick on me, but you've gone too far.

Sitting still in the middle of the turn lane, someone pulled out and without looking, smacked into me and Lucy. My hand isn’t well, but I’m fine. Lucy took the blunt of the impact. She’s not doing well at all.

All this and I couldn’t even call the one person I wanted to talk to.

I don’t know what I’ve done to continuously get beat down like this.

I think it’s about time to lift the Jack ban at the house. Jack, Welcome home.

Jelly Jelly...

Come a little closer..... closer...

Mmm... Sushi Buffet

ThunderDicks

The End of Spring Season Ultimate tournament was moved back a week because of a mistake in the planning. This was probably better as it was raining last week. However, because of the move, there were only 5 members of our team that would be able to make the tournament.

It just so happens that there was another team with the same problem so we decided to play together. Their team name was Dick’s hunting club, our was the Thundersticks. So, the ThunderDicks was born.

I’ve been in a lot of tournaments, all with the same results. I think in the 10 years or so of playing ultimate, teams I’ve been on have only managed to win 2 or 3 tournament games. I’ve also been on several teams that went 0-12 and 1-11 for the season.

I knew it would be different from the first game as we won the game 9 – 3 against the top seed in our bracket. Even though we’ve never played with each other, everyone had a very good idea of their role and could execute it well.

We went on to be undefeated coming out of our bracket with no games even remotely close. We were holding teams to 3 points or less. A quarter final and semi final game later, we were in the final game with a record of 5-0.

Mind you, we’ve played 5 games, and the temperature was pretty hot. Everyone on the team have all drank a couple of gallons of water and Gatorade. The team (More Cowbells) that we were facing was by far one of the most talented. Our team didn’t have the superstar talent but had a lot of above average players, and more importantly, we played very well together (playing zone defense all day).

So the game finally started. We scored the first two points, but then they came back to tie the game at 2. We were a little nervous as we were never tied in any of our other games. We turned the fear into motivation. We hunkered down and played some very good defense.

We managed to score the next few points and took it to half time with the score of 7-3. During halftime, there was very little talking as we were busy with drinking fluids and sucking in air to keep from cramping up.

We scored first in the second half, but More Cowbells were not ready to give up. They scored 3 unanswered points to make the game 8-6. We knew we had a game on our hands. Personally, I was very afraid of this. I’ve been in this situation all too often. In many of the other teams I’ve played with, many would get to this point in the game and totally self-destruct.

I swear this part is not made up. As I was walking onto the field for the next point, I had a déjà vu of the play that was coming up. The point began and everything was as in the déjà vu with players being in certain places. The déjà vu was me making a D (defensive play) on a throw. Sure enough, I stepped in just as I did in the déjà vu and got the D.

I’m sure this is the result of heat exhaustion, but it was awesome never the less.

We took the game to 10-6 and we can start tasting victory. After we scored one more point, I came back into the game. I wanted this win and I wanted it badly. Everything else with me have been going so badly lately that I need this win. I need to have a win.

I played like a man possessed. I ran faster and played harder than I did all day. I stayed for the last 3 points and had 3 Ds and the throw that scored the final point of the game.

That was it. ThunderDicks Wins! ThunderDicks Wins!!

I couldn't believe it. After 6 straight games (9 hour day with no bys), a 10 year drought was finally over. The pup has finally won an ultimate tournament.

I Remember

I remember a time when I loved romantic comedies. I remember arguing with others that those situations can happen. I remember defending the idea of whole thing. Most importantly, I remember when I believed those situations can happen in real life, in particularly, to me.

An accidental meeting or situational set up, two people out of the millions around them, meet up.

Something happens and the two begins to talk after seeing the mutual attraction in each other’s eyes. The two always have great chemistry and was wonderful together even if sometimes they seem totally wrong for each other on paper.

The two overcomes a great obstacle and they either find out how much they really did love each other, or their love is solidified somehow.

I remember a time when I believed that could happen.

I remember a time when I had this hope to keep me going.

They Might be Pups

If you didn’t know, They Might Be Giants (TMBG) is one of my favorite groups. They were my first concert, and first …. Um.. I can’t say without getting into trouble, but let’s just say TMBG concerts was the first of many things for me.

I’ve seen them almost a dozen times in the 12 years or so I’ve been listening to them. So yea, I’m a bit of a fan.

After coming off a horrible week, and then a weekend that didn’t turn out the way I had hoped, I was a bit of a mess. I tried all my usual things to pick me up, but it wasn’t happening.

Just as I was about to give up doing something positive and revert to Jack and the Captain for support, a creative loafing page (alternative newspaper) flew onto my leg on my way to the liquor store.

I looked at it for a brief second and right there in bright wording “They Might Be Giants” in concert in a few days. I couldn't have been happier to see that. Yes, I know if I was a real fan I'd know if they were coming. So after sitting through the funk for a few more days, I went to the TMBG concert.

Sure enough, TMBG were every bit as fun as always. They put on a fun interactive show. There was even a special appearance by StrongBad of Homestar Runner (see link). Even the guy who opened for them was great. He sang depressing, happy, and some hateful love songs with a little uka-lay-le (sp?). A little guitar. No, I have no idea how to spell that. Anyway, he was fantastic.

Things haven’t changed with what’s put me in this funk, but I’m glad TMBG was there. I’m sure it’s pure coincidence, but right now, I’ll take it.

Remember kids, Istanbul is not Constantinople and Triangle man always wins.

Day Dream

Sometimes when I’m listening to upbeat trance music, my mind starts wandering. It’s like a music triggered flash back. I see happy faces. Lots and lots of happy dancing people. We’re on a beach and the flash back always starts during dusk and then goes into the night.

Everyone is dressed in their best parachute pants or Kandy Kid gear. The girls are cute, some with their wings, dancing perfectly with the music. And not that swaying, stripper, or booty bumping dance you ever see anymore. Real Dancing. The guys put on a good show too. Some with their light skills, and some get down and dirty with their breakin’. All the movements are fluid and the glow sticks are colorful.

There’s no one fighting, no arguments anywhere. Maybe a bit more hugging than normal. No one cares what each other’s race, ethnicity, religion, beliefs, or style are. It’s just a group of people looking to have a good time and share it with others.

The beats moves everyone into a trance. As the beats moves faster, the people get more excited. An overwhelming sense of warmth flows through your body and the lights around you begin to blur a bit. The only yearning for you now is for more water and to be touched. The need to get that physical connection with someone.

You can try, but you won’t have a bad thought in your head. Similar to what a person with severe depression may experience with their downward spiral, you feel happiness and nothing but. You cannot stop but feel happy. Bad thoughts can be brought up for mere seconds, and all seem to just fade away. Nothing you or anyone else can do can bring you down.

Everyone dances into the night, and soon the sun will begin to shine. The rest of world will once again be awoken with their hatreds, prejudices, and self serving agendas.

It’s time to go.

Kids, don’t use drugs.

I don't know if this is true or not... but...


Pity the fool who doesn't listen to Mr. T's advice

Associated Press
Last updated: Monday, May 08th, 2006 01:22:55 PM

NEW YORK -- If Dr. Phil can dispense advice, why not Mr. T?

The TV Land network has announced that it will start "I Pity the Fool," a series where "The A-Team" star travels across the country dispensing inspiration and advice.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Mr. T. said that "the `t' stands for talking." And that's what he's going to do: "talk it up."

The series starts in October. Mr. T will offer help to people struggling with personal or professional problems.

He rejects any comparisons with Dr. Phil, adding: "You're a fool -- that's what's wrong with you. You're a fool if you don't take my advice."

Conference Goodness

Once again, it was time for my profession’s annual conference. The once a year meeting where academics come out from behind their journals and labs to be treated like rock stars with young grad students drooling at their every words. A bazaaro place where the number of papers publish is actually a good pick up line.

As a young grad student, I go to the conference to marvel at all the new research, participating in as many symposiums and sessions as I can. I fill my schedule back to back from 8am to 6pm and still thirsting for more. I introduce and hang out with highly published academics as if they were rock stars. Talking to fellow grad students about who we’ve met like teenage groupies.

Now, my schedule is much more different. Having found my specialization in the field, I go only to those topics are relevant. In my case, they were few and far between this year. Having a job is also a great privilege. The conference is a major place to network and get job interviews. Not having to worry and be on all the time makes the trip much more relaxing. It’s much more important nowadays for me to meet up with old co-workers and/or meet new people and network.

It’s too bad I didn’t know it back then. If a young person in the field really wanted to know about how the field works in the real world, the best education is at the bar, not at the symposiums. The information you learn at the bar is priceless and you will never find in a book. The books will tell you how ideally things should happen, but the bar will tell you exactly how things actually happen.

Starting from around 3 or 3:30pm, the bars begin to fill up at the conference hotel and it goes strong until the bars kick everyone out 12 hours later.

I spent most of my conference with a couple of old coworkers from previous jobs. It was great being able to spend time with them like the old days. I won’t bore you with details, but generally, it was a lot of talking and drinking.

One thing that was interesting was a one of my friend’s coworker. When he introduced me, I said ‘nice to meet you’. She responded with ‘We’ve met before’.

Huh?

Apparently, about 3 years ago, when she was a grad student under one of my friends, we were introduced at a conference in Toronto. She said that there were a lot of pictures taken at that conference. They’ve often wondered who this one random person was in a lot of their pictures.

I of course, cannot remember any of it. She pulled up some pics she had uploaded on the net and sure enough, there I am hugging all these girls. One pic in particular was the girl I’m talking with now.

All I remember from Toronto really is…. Umm.. I’ll let that stay in Toronto.

One thing about that girl is that she’s fantastic. Fantastic like very few girls I’ve ever met. Fantastic like a feeling of just knowing they’re great.

Fantastic and married.

I remembered at one point in my drunken babble I said, it’s too bad you’re married. She came back with, I wasn’t married when you first met me a few years ago.

Burn.

I woke up at 6am on Saturday after passing out very early Friday night. Something which I’m still very unhappy about. I got my learn on at the conference for a while that morning and early afternoon, then it was back to the ‘networking’. Tonight, I was sure to pace myself as I didn’t know how long the night would go.

Sure enough, the night never ended.

The drinking and talking went on until 6am. I went back to my hotel room to pack up and caught a taxi to the airport for my 8am flight.

Another good conference.

I Encountered A Girl…


But I fucked it up.

So I’m in line for a six inch sub and I’m just, you know, having a day. Then this woman-child gets in line behind me. I look and I say, “Don’t I know you? Wait, do you work here?” I have no tact whatsoever.

It turns out that we took a few college courses together, mainly clarinet ensemble. She’s a golf coach now, me a physics geek. Anyway, honey-dip is hot.

We talk for however long it takes to spread mayo on bread. It’s all going good.

But here’s how it ends:

“I gotta go. But wait, I have a cell phone (it’s true, I have a cell phone). Though it doesn’t work, see check it out. Somebody sat on it. But I’m collecting old, unwanted or broken phones for a project. Yeah, I wanna write code to them, you know learn the platform, and perhaps create an emulator for my pc. Sooooo do you have any old phones you’re willing to part with?”

“Sure I have several. I don’t think they’re broken, just unwanted.”

“GREAT!!! I’ll be your friend if they come with chargers and/or SIM cards.”

“Well I’ll have to look around, but I’ll see what I can do.”

I pay for my sub and leave. Yup, the same shit I was good at in high school—dropping the ball. And I’ll never see her again. I forgot her name, didn’t get her number, nothing.

“I like broke phones and I can not lie.”

T

What the Fuck is Wrong with You People...

It seems that it's been a while since I've posted one of these. There has been so many that I was having an overload as to which one to start with. I thought this was an interesting article that I want to share. In a speech given by Bush last month, Bush said:

“The advance of freedom in the greater Middle East has given new rights and new hopes to women. And America will do its part to continue the spread of liberty.”

Oh really?

From Time:

No one knows how many young women have been kidnapped and sold since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. The Organization for Women's Freedom in Iraq, based in Baghdad, estimates from anecdotal evidence that more than 2,000 Iraqi women have gone missing in that period. A Western official in Baghdad who monitors the status of women in Iraq thinks that figure may be inflated but admits that sex trafficking, virtually nonexistent under Saddam, has become a serious issue. The collapse of law and order and the absence of a stable government have allowed criminal gangs, alongside terrorists, to run amuck. Meanwhile, some aid workers say, bureaucrats in the ministries have either paralyzed with red tape or frozen the assets of charities that might have provided refuge for these girls. As a result, sex trafficking has been allowed to fester unchecked.


The concept of freedom is a very subjective thing just as its benefits can be beneficial or harmful. Unlike what the administration would like you to believe, Freedom and Democracy are not always the best solutions.

In this case, sure it sounds good to say let’s give women rights and freedoms, but for a nation and culture that does not traditionally value this, simply giving them ‘freedom’ and telling them to figure it out how to implement it is irresponsible and short sighted.

On a related topic, I think I’ve had a couple of posts on this subject, but in case you’ve forgotten, human/sex trafficking is one of the biggest problems in the world today that no one talks about.

As prohibition gave rise to organized crime in the US, and drugs gave reign to the cartels all over the world, human/drug trafficking is the new commodity that organized crime is feeding on.

This is a horrific problem that nations don’t seem to be looking into. In a trade that some have estimated in the millions of people, mostly women, being traded like property every year, surprising little has been done to curb or even acknowlede this problem.

This is a real problem that affects millions of people every year. This is not a ‘possible’ or even made up problem that you can argue over. You know the ones, the administration seems to love to bring up (antrax anyone?) This administration and many people around the world don’t see the real problems that are destroying human society. Barring their ignorance, they simply make up problems so they can seem like they're being productive.

Yes, you can argue that bombs, WMDs, and oil prices are bad things for the global society, BUT. There are bigger problems in the world. There are genocide, disease, and famine in Africa that kills hundreds of thousands of people every year. There is a growing number of people being exploited all over the world. Just imagine what we can do with $12 billion dollars a month (the amount we are currently spending on this war) to help these people.

These petty self-made religious problems that you see are just that. Petty. Arguing over, spending countless amounts of money and lives over some piece of barren uninhabitable land just because some people used to live there. Or even better, arguing over what someone could have or have not done thousands of years ago and believing in some text that who knows who wrote (don't even argue about these people who wrote the text. No one knows them).

All for what? Instead of using those resources to help people in the world (as you keep saying your religion is all about), you make up a pointless argument over something as trivial. You spend all this money in the argument instead of doing the good that you keep saying you do.

If your deity does exist , she/he/they would surly be ashamed of you.

A problem like human trafficking is a real problems. These are the real evils in the world. Weapons and bombs, are little boys playing with their toys. To care so little about a human life that you can traffic and sell people into a world of servititude is a real evil. One that actually truly need to be eradicated.

Take all your childish arguing aside. Things such as religious differences are probably the LAST thing people should argue and fight over. After you’ve solved all the real problems on this planet then you can argue who’s God is better.

Until then, think about shutting the fuck up and don’t EVER tell me anything about how great your religion is cause I haven't seen shit from you or your "God".

Going Too Far

This administration has long preached fear from some unknown assailants that could attack at any time. They have built everything and further their own agendas by this rhetoric of fear they keep spouting. Sadly, 50.1 percent of the population keeps buying it.

So where has all that lead? All these wars and military built up and tracking of Americans? Do you really feel safer today? Even if you do, do you feel that giving up some of your civil rights is worth this little bit of safety that you feel (yes, your civil rights have been eroded with legislation like the Patriot Act)?

America was not built by military powers or by Fear. America was built on Freedom and Civil rights for all. This is what separates us from other nations that we're currently in battle with. This is what separates us from the people we are fighting.

This administration and the Neocons destroys that ideal every day they’re in power as they inch us ever closer to a religious military state. You have to ask yourself, who is the real enemy here?

Everyday with the repeated talks of nuclear weapons, terrorism, and fear, this administration continues to build up for a war they’ve created. A knee jerk and unthought out solution to a real problem. Everyday we inch closer to the same religious military state (i.e. Iran) that this administration keeps saying is so bad.

With an insanely high constant state of alert, these type of problems can occur.

Feds pounce on UGA sophomore dressed as ninja
ATHENS, Ga. (AP)
— Running through the University of Georgia campus as a ninja can elicit a prompt response from authorities, a UGA sophomore learned.

Federal Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm agents, on campus for a community training project, detained Jeremiah Ransom of Macon Tuesday as a ‘‘suspicious individual’’ when they spotted a masked figure darting near the Georgia Center.

Ransom told The Red & Black student newspaper that he had left a Wesley Foundation pirate vs. ninja event when he was snared by agents with guns drawn.

‘‘It was surreal,’’ Ransom said. ‘‘I was jogging from Wesley to Snelling (cafeteria) when I heard someone yell ‘freeze.’’’ At first, he thought a friend was playing a joke.

University Police Chief Jimmy Williamson said Ransom was released as soon as he was found to have violated no laws.

Vanessa McLemore, the ATF special agent in charge, said agents thought something was amiss when they ‘‘noticed someone wearing a bandanna across the face and acting in a somewhat suspicious manner, peeping around the corner’’ then breaking into a run.

Williamson said Ransom was wearing black sweat pants and an athletic T-shirt with one red bandanna covering the bottom half of his face and another covering the top of his head.

What kind of country do we live in where a college student can’t dress up and freely roam as a Ninja without being attacked by the government?

This ‘Safety’ is not surely not worth that.

Beware of Pup

This sinus infection that I got (again) is putting me in the worst mood. Everyone and everything is seriously irritating me. I can’t breath, it hurts to talk or swallow, and there’s blood in my very painful coughs.

Funny how that’ll put a person in a bad mood.



Only good thing is I did get an awesome low raspy voice.

Immigration Smmimigration

There’s been a lot of talk on this immigration stuff. Just like always, the Pup has the answers for you. :)

People have been coming to the US for hundreds of years. Almost always the reason was economical. Yes, there are those in the beginning and some later that came over because of religious/personal persecution, but in the end, the reasons all had to do with the Benjamins.

I don’t care how nice a place is, if there’s no jobs or ways to make a living, those people would not have tried to immigrate there.

So let's agree that the major reason for immigration (legal or illegal) to the US is economical. The government continues to spend millions of people on trying to secure and keep illegals out of the country. However, that’s like trying to stop a swarm of ants trying to get at a piece of food one ant at a time.

The best way is to stop the ants is to get rid of the food that the ants are going after. However, here is where the problem lies. You’ll never hear the government suggest that they do anything to companies (hello wal-mart, agriculture, restaurants, etc.) that are caught hiring illegal immigrants. If companies had stiff penalties for hiring illegal immigrants, they would be less likely to do so. However, the current penalties are so soft and the rewards so great (almost free labor), that the pros by far out weight the cons.

The jobs will continue to be there as long as nothing is done to penalize the companies that hire illegal immigrants and so the flow of illegals will never stop. Of course this will never happen because politics has turned into one giant fund raiser.

As in most economic problems, it’s always the demand that drives the market. So, the other major problem that’s not being discussed is Americans. Yes, you are the problem. You’ve gotten too used to cheap stuff. If illegal immigrants really was such a problem for you, then pay double for everything. See how long you think immigrants are a problem for you.

Many people cite the healthcare, school, and other costs associated with illegal immigrants. However, do you know how expensive everything would be if there were no immigrants? Everything from fruit to that fast food you eat everyday. Just double the prices on every service and thing you buy and let me know how much you still complain about the relatively small cost of the healthcare and schools.

I love hearing about all these hard liners talk about building a giant wall between the US and Mexico. First of all, how much do you think that’ll cost? How much do you think hiring an additional 12, 000 patrol people will cost? All you'll do is help out the very lucrative coyote business.

The US fought a long and hard cold war to get a wall torn down between Germany, and now it is us who are thinking of building a similar wall? How does that play out in you people's head? Do you somehow think immigrants who's just looking for work is somehow just as scary as communism?

The current Neocons in charge should be ashamed to call themselves Republicans. The days of the Regan republicans (real Republicans) would never suggest such an asinine idea. Building a giant wall sounds like an idea from a 10 yr old trying to protect his clubhouse from girls. What we need are not 10 yr old chidish solutions. This is a serious problem for serious adults.

Will an adult in our government please suggest a good idea for this problem? I'm tired of hearing all these kids screaming at the top of their lungs just to hear their own voices and no actual solution.

Happy Thursday!

Time to Change... Something... Anything

Somthing needs to change. I'm not sure what, but something gotta change. I'm seeing a pattern lately that's been more apparent recently.

In all aspects of my life lately, I've come close to getting what I want, but there would always be a major flaw. I'm not blind enough to always blame the flaw on others when it doesn't work out, because I know some of this is me, but damn. What the hell? Seems like there's something or someone just fucking with me.

My life like a strip club. Always a tease. Well, that's all the similarities really cause there's no hot or skanky chicks around here and I don't enjoy drunk dudes hanging around my couch.

For example, I'm house hunting. There are so many homes I've seen as good, not perfect, but good enough that I can do with. Then a big thing would happen like bad school systems (resell reasons), in airport flight path (noisy), giant radio tower in backyard, or someone buying it before me. Those are total deal breakers.

It's hard enough to find a house I like cause what I'm a bit specific in what I like, and it's hard to find in the area of town I want to live. When I do find one, crap happens.

Strangely, same thing with the ladies. Some seems so perfect on paper or when people talk about them, and are in person too, but then for whatever reason, no sparks between us (maybe it's that whole dating yourself thing. Why bother huh?). Then there are those that I'd have lots of sparks with, but sadly are seriously unstable and undatable. Of course there's always that one from the past that I still wish things were differnt with. I know it's me in a lot of these cases, but damn. Can't a good one just come along... without the major problem this time?

With the spring coming, something needs to change. I don't know what or how, but something's gonna be different.

Personally, I blame it on Jesus. I just found out I'm the spotlight employee of the month for April. Jesus doesn't like competition with the whole I rose from the dead to be our all might lord and savior, April's my month bitches, blah blah blah.

I'm on to you JC. Share the spotlight. Stop fucking with me and help a brotha out.

:D

Shamless Self Promotion



Come take a ride on The Magical Epicure Tour! Pup and friends' new dinner club blog.

It's still very heavily under construction and only currently have one review though.

FREEBIRD!!!!!!

Blog about FREEBIRD!!!!!!!

done.

House Hunting Pup

The work has been overwhelming busy lately. Luckily, due to the incompetence of a certain VP at a very large fortune 100 company, I have a little time today.

I was wondering what I should write about having been absent for a while. I had an overload when I was thinking of all the political things out there. The world is so screwed up right now it’s scary. Luckily for most of the American population, they have learned to turn a blind eye to everything except for themselves and their own pocketbooks.

Just a few quick comments though because I can’t resist.
- Mark my words, this hurricane season will be the worst ever. Blame it on Mother Nature or God being angry or whatever excuses all you want. Just keep on driving that 10mpg SUV and see what happens.

- Millions of adults and children are dying in Africa through disease and genocide. The United States has pledged $5.1 billion in the next 5 years to help buy vaccines. That’s the same amount of money we spend PER DAY in Iraq. We sure have our priorities straight. Nice Christian values by the way. War over saving people.

- While we waste all of our resources in a never ending, never winnable war, education and social programs are greatly suffering, China and Saudi Arabia is buying up the US piece by piece and we inch ever closer to a military state. Soon the terrorists will have what they've wanted.

- While this administration has all our military resources tied up in Iraq, the real threats of Iran and North Korea continues to buy time and grow ever stronger and ever nuclear.

- We have “liberated” Afghanistan to become the biggest opium producers in the world. Yea for freedom and democracy.

- While this administration keeps telling us to fear terrorists from other countries, the real terror is from within like the governor of South Dakota signing a bill to ban abortion. Do you know why the terrorists will eventually stop fighting us? Not because we've killed them or they've changed their mind. It's because we’re on a path to be just like them.

- With a base salary of $165,200 per year (not including benefits and more for seniority), congress is scheduled to work about 97 days this YEAR. That averages to about $213 an hour for the base salary. The average American has worked 50 days to congress’s 19 days so far this year. The minimum wage is still at $5.15/hour.

Hmm. Guess I didn’t get to write about my house hunting adventures. We’ll get to that next time. Just for fun, I went with my sister to look at an open house that was on the market for $1.7 million dollars. OMG.

There was a walk in pantry in the kitchen that was the size of a small bedroom. Any of the 3 floors would make a nice 3 bedroom house for a family.

More on that later!

Don Pup-o-Vanni

One of Mozart’s better known and most performed operas (for those of you that go to operas) based on the character of Don Juan.

I was in Minnesota this past weekend watching this Opera. Yes I know this hurts my redneck status and No, I don’t just fly to other cities to watch Operas. A good friend (I've known since back in the 8th grade) had one of the leading roles for this show. It was his biggest role yet. Throughout the past few years I’ve always went to watch and support him when he had a big role.

We’ve always been pretty good friends this whole time. We even share the same birthday. As we grow older, it is always interesting to reflect on how you got to where you are and those around you.

In a sold out opera house of 1750 attendees, it was amazing watching someone you’ve known for so long up there on stage performing. His voice roared through the opera house. Though I maybe a little biased, he was by far the best in the cast. The audience thought so too as he received the loudest applauds at the end of the show.

I was very proud to know him after the show as he took me backstage to see how it all happens in the background and to meet the other cast members. I was like a giddy groupie telling people who I knew. I think it’s so interesting the life that he has chosen. It’s certainly not the boring 9-5 life that everyone else I know lives.

I know he'll go far. He's a great talent and a great person. Even more importantly, knowing the Pup goes a long way (to where I don't know, but I'm sure it's somewhere).

I can’t wait to see him perform at the Met in New York City.

New Place, New Tournament, Same Ol' Pup

I don’t understand this. I’m not saying that I’m a great ultimate player, but I think I’m ok (when I’m in shape). Throughout the season, I do ok, and a few games here and there, I get possessed by the Big Bad Pup (BBP) and have mactastic monster games.

Like clockwork, at the end of every season comes the End of the Season Tournament. Regular season is fun, but you gotta kick it up a notch for the tournament. It’s an all day event usually involving at least 3 games (more if you keep winning).

And like clockwork, I choke every time it’s tournament time.

This last Sunday was the Winter League tournament. I got all fired up. This is my first change back in GA to show that I don’t choke anymore. Our first game was at 9am. I packed a cooler full of sports drinks, water, and plenty of beer. I’m ready to go.

After following MapQuest directions incorrectly, what should’ve taken me 25 minutes ended up as a 1.5 hour drive to the field. I just missed the first third of the game. Fantastic start.

With no time to stretch (yes, I know I’m old), I went into the game. After a few points, I thought my heart was going to explode. Needless to say, I was a nonfactor in the game.

I blamed it on my rushed start for lack of contribution to the game. I was going to be huge in the second game. I’ll spare you the details. I played better, but still not a factor.

I think my problem is having too high of an expectation to play well. Trying a little too hard as they’d say. The next game was no better. The solution I came up with was to calm down a bit so I started drinking.

Oh, magic nectar of the Gods. How great you are. You relax me like nothing else. It’s the forth game and we were now in the semi’s. We were up again the top team of the league. We’ve pulled off 2 upsets earlier with wins over the #5 and #4 teams.

This was a classic hard fought match. Scores went back and forth. As I was staring down the the young’in I was guarding, I realized that this guy was faster, taller, and in much better shape than I was. No, this wasn’t bad self-esteem, just the facts. I don’t think I could guard him even if I wasn’t exhausted.

I tried guarding him with very little success. This was a big game and I wanted to be a big factor. The way I thought I’d do this is to take myself out of the game. One of my teammate may have better success with the guy.

Ahead by one and with the clock running out, the other team score once more to put in the final nail.

The kid I was guarding caught the final point.

Oh well. 3 more months till the spring tournament.

FreePup

I just realized that I’m all talk when it comes to being a red neck (yes, I refer to myself as a redneck sometimes but that’s neither here or there). I checked my MP3 collection last night and realized that I don’t have Skynyrd’s original version of Freebird.

OMG.

Seriously, what kind of self respecting redneck does not have the original version of Freebird? I’m so embarrassed.

After shouting “Freebird” numerous times at concerts (most famously at a Tori Amos concert which she heard and laughed) and at other public events/place, and even one verse at a karaoke bar, I didn’t even have a copy of the original.

I watched a movie last night that had Freebird as the big ending song. Gotta tell ya, it got me pretty fired up and this was 1 in the morning. I ran upstairs to look for the song to rock out to, but found that my Skynyrd collection only consisted of Sweet Home Alabama.

I panicked and though I don’t like them, I bought the song off itunes.

Now I’m rocking out to Freebird at 2am.

To make up for this I’ll be getting back to those red neck roots this weekend. Nothing but PBR and the High Life.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Oh sorry, I can’t Make the 8am Meeting. I Need to Protest.

This is something that’s been on my mind for a while now as I watch the increased number of demonstrations around the Middle East and the rest of the world.

Please excuse my ignorance here as I do not know how the culture and business practices are around the world, but I must ask. Do/can people take off work for protests or are only unemployed people and/or students in these demonstrations?

Is it ok for someone to say, “Can we move the meeting till tomorrow? I’ve got a demonstration today” or “Oh, can’t come in today, burned my hand while burning a flag yesterday”. I mean seriously, where they fuck are all these people regularly doing that they can come out in such big numbers to demonstrations. I mean, these demonstrations are not once a year or once every few months. They're out there almost weekly now. Seriously, what do these people do? I seriously doubt a company would think protesting is a good reason for missing work.

Do you know what I want to do after my 11 hour work day? I’ll tell you what I don’t want to do. I’m not in the fucking mood to protest shit. (esp. trivial things like they've demonstration lately). I want a beer, grab some food, and watch some TV. That’s it. I think most people would agree with me.

This is what it would sound if someone suggested I go protesting.

Person 1: “Hey Pup, let’s go demonstrate! It’ll be a good time. I’ve got a flag and a can of AquaNet!“
Pup: “You know what, I’ve had a long day and I’ve got an early meeting tomorrow. I’ll catch you on the next one I swear.”

This is what it would sound like if I suggested I take off the day to go protesting.

Boss: “You want to take a half day to do what?! Let me thinking about it. No.”

I believe that’s how these conversations would also go for most people.

I’m not saying jobs are the saviors of social unrest, but I sure as hell think that it would help a lot when large packs of people aren’t just roaming the streets looking for something to do.

People ask about how a lot of social problems can be fixed. You know what, it’s not THAT difficult. It’s a two step process. Education and the need for People to have jobs. It all starts there. We will focus on the job part here.

Governments have a big responsibility to create jobs within their country. If not just for economic reasons, there are big social implications as well.

Human with too much free time is not a good thing. Humans without structure is not a good thing. Humans are bad enough, but humans (esp. those with little education) with too much free time, will cause headaches for the rest of society.

Think of children and teenagers. This population is much more likely to cause problems simply because they have all this free time, and one innate human trait is to do things that keep us amused. With the need to be amused and all this free time, they will naturally do bad things.

This is not all that dissimilar to those who are protesting. Like children and teenagers, this population does not have much money (therefore can’t amuse themselves in normal ways). They do not have the understanding and education to fully comprehend what is something worth protesting/fighting for, and what is just an ignorant mob looking for a fight.

This is where the need of the government to focus its citizens to be productive and create jobs to ensure that everyone is productive comes into the picture. The role of the government is to ensure that the society continues to grow and achieve for the better. Not only are these human (protestors) that I see on TV right now unproductive, but they are a strain on the society’s resources.

Society needs to produce no matter what. So when there are so many unproductive people in one society, that puts the strain on the smaller population that are being productive to support all those other slackers.

Uneducated unproductive people. What are they good for? Nothing. It is up to the government to ensure that the society is build on educating its population and then having a mentality of hard work. Everything else will come much easier.

Happy Thursday!

You’re in my closet!!

I met up with a good friend of mine from college earlier this week. For 3 years she was either my neighbor or lived only a couple of rooms down in our building. We were pretty close and hung out a lot in the same circles. Unfortunately, we parted after graduation and lost touch.

It’s funny how fast time flies. It’s already been 7 years since I’ve seen her. We agreed to meet at my favorite bar which is also right around the corner from where she lives. It was a rainy an cold night. When me and my roommate walked up to the bar, I instantly spotted her standing outside with her green umbrella (she has a thing with green umbrellas).

Almost instantly, it was as if the last 7 years never happened and we were still in college. We talked it up all night. There is a lot to catch up on in 7 years. Things were different in our lives, but somehow the friendship still felt very much the same.

We reminiscent about the old days (cause we’re old so we have old stories). One of my favorite stories is me almost peeing in her closet during college because I was so drunk. I was in her closet (I remember thinking to myself the bathroom sure has gotten smaller) and ready to pee. She came in her room and saw me and said “WHAT are you doing?!!” I said “I’m peeing, get out of the bathroom! I’m in here! “You’re in my fucking closet!” she said. "That does explain the shoes" I said.

Ah yes, good times.

Having moved back to ATL, hopefully we’ll be able to hang out more again and create some new fun stories about the new old days. That and hopefully she'll have locks on her closets now.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Pardon The Interruption

Excuse me while I go hunt down the bastard who has sent me the following text messages on my phone.

Have u eva woke up n wonder how good God is? If u believe dat God is good, forward this txt 2 ten ppl and see how good god is.

This is a test – if u luv God and u are not ashamed of him send this to ten people. And watch what happens??

Someone's gonna get a beatdown.

You’re doing a good job Brownie!

“According to portions of the draft obtained by ABC News, the report charges Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff with executing his responsibilities "late, ineffectively or not at all."

This report comes from a Republican Majority House committee. In this day and age of blind devotion to party lines and mass secrecy, not even the house republicans can ignore this massive failure on every possible side from the administration during the Katrina.

In case you need a reminder, here are some highlights of what the administration was doing during Katrina.

From the Daily kos:

President George W. Bush said, "I don't think anyone anticipated the breach of the levees."
-
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice went shoe shopping on Fifth Avenue, but not before she played tennis and yukked it up at Spamalot.
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The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Michael D. Brown, leapt into action, mustering all the emergency disaster management skills he learned as a lawyer for the International Arabian Horse Association Legal Department (from which he was fired). His money quote: "Paula, the federal government did not even know about the Convention Center people until today."
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The Speaker of the House, Dennis Hastert, said, eh, maybe we should just forget all about rebuilding New Orleans. Because it might cost money and stuff.
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The Pentagon, headed by Donald Rumsfeld, reassured America that, yes, the Country music hoedown with Clint Black on September 11th is still on, pard'ner! And maybe we'll even break the record for the longest line dance.
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The head of the Republican National Committee, Ken Mehlman, sent out an email stressing that now---for God's sake, people---NOW is the time when we must repeal that which is really causing pain and suffering throughout the land: the estate tax.
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And Vice President Dick Cheney? He was still on vacation

Fantastic isn’t it.

Happy Thursday!

Currently Listening to Autechre's Confield



It’s Valentine’s Day. No doubt.
But I say fuck that and all it stands for. True love in a capitalistic society is greed, not love. Blah blah blah. I say this every year.

This year, I say happy day!
Man, has it been a great day for me, and I’m not even in love. Don't even need it.

First off I had one class today, which is better than the two that I usually have.
So what did I do with my time off you ask.

Well I performed a physics demonstration of free fall for students at a private high school.
I screwed up because I hadn’t the time to practice with the equipment but the lecture went over well. Afterwards I joked around with the students and we mostly talked about Final Fantasy.

(Side note: When I screw up with a demo, you better not laugh else I bite you. I will bite your fucking ear off. Know this.)

Okay. phew.

So then I had lunch with high school teachers. They’re an odd bunch (civil, obeidient, self-righteous). Then I was rewarded with a physics text book (or two). Joy! Joy! Joy!!!

I’ve been helpful around the office today as well. Biology are having some sort of party and although I wasn’t invited, I helped set up the sodas, and the snacks and the doings and all the what nots. Then there was some discussion about the difference between gold fish and beta fish. That's when I ran away like a little school girl. Apparently a gold fish has color similar to gold, but a beta fish is nothing like the greek letter.

HA!!! I crack me up! *snort, snort*

So it just so happened that I had a good day on fucking St. Valentine’s Day. It won’t happen again. I promise. Now I’m ready to go home and slit my wrist. j/k.

V-Day Free Association

I’ve sat here for a while now contemplating what kind of post I would write for today. I could write a sappy tale, perhaps one from the past, or a new tale I’m looking forward to making come true. Maybe something sappy and abstract about the idea of love, maybe something painful and true about the reality of love.

For some, it seems that love comes so easy. They happen to be in the right situation, right place, right time, and poof, it all happens. Then there are those that have gone through every possible scenario in life and yet seem to be unable to find the one that they could call their own.

Is it fate? Is it coincidence? Is it just plain dumb luck? Or maybe it’s some kid in diapers shooting an arrow and fucking with you. Who knows?

For the most part, I dislike this holiday because corporate greed and consumerism has reduced the purity of love into a dollar amount worth of flowers, expensive chocolates, and gifts. I also hate that most of the population do not truly value or understand the concept of love other than then the value of their presents.

Yes, I know it’s shocking. The amount that you spend does not equate to how much you love someone.

There is one saving grace however. Looking pass the 95% fluff and commercialism of this holiday, and you’ll see. It’s small, but it’s there. The true spirit of this holiday. The spirit of love.

Even grossly marketed, the concept and spirit of love can be seen all around us. However artificial, people are planning to get together, to think of romantic gestures for each other, and most importantly, to just be with each other.

It would be nice to say that people do not need to be reminded of the love they have for each other. It would be nice to say that people don’t burn and kill because of a cartoon either, but humans are not like that and we don’t live in that kind of world.

Love is a concept many take for granted and many more who thinks is easily attainable. My favorite example is watching Jerry Springer. Let’s for a moment pretend everything is real on that show. The people on the show, at one time or another, has cared deeply for the person that they just found out has cheated on them with their best friend/relative (oh, no you didn’t bitch.. ding ding).

They throw around the word love like all the other 4 letter words that they know. The question is, can we say what they experience wasn’t truly love? Can we say love as experienced by one person isn’t as pure as another? Can we say one’s love is better than another?

Speaking for myself, I’ve researched, analyzed, and dreamed about the concept of love for so long now. I know what these people on Springer experience is not love in my book, but perhaps it is for them with their understanding of the concept.

Perhaps I’ve overcomplicated things with my obsession to this concept. Perhaps the people on Springer is right, it’s not that big of a deal, and you can feel love as easily and often as you want. Perhaps, but that’s not the road I take.

The road I take has had it's ups and downs. The road is difficult and l have no idea where it is leading. I know where I hope it leads, but there're no promises. I'll know when I get there. I know when I see the world as I’ve never seen it before. I know when I meet her the world will suddenly be a much better place.

I’m not saying I’m better. On the contrary, it seems that the Springer guests have it much easier and better than I. Whereas I am looking for so many elements that make up this concept of love (it's not just the person, but other things as well), they look for so little. Yet, it seems we are going to the same place. At times, I am quite envious, but I can also see the results of trying to take a short cut when it comes to finding love.

Happy Valentines Day Everyone!

The Administration's Priorities, The 2007 Budget, and My Flying Monkey Army

Is there no stopping this guy?

President Bush's budget calls for elimination of a $255 lump-sum death payment that has been part of Social Security for more than 50 years and urges Congress to cut off monthly survivor benefits to 16- and 17-year-old high school dropouts.

If approved, the two proposals would save a combined $3.4 billion over the next decade, according to administration estimates.

You’re cutting a $255 benefit for people who are window or now have just lost a parent. All for what? Your tax cuts for the rich? More bombs for your "peace"?

Yes, you’re such a big man. Way to find every possible way to screw the less fortunate.

Speaking of Flip-Flopping, which this administration used so strategically to help them defeat their opponent during the election, this administration has once again given the American people the bait and screw (Yes, I know it's switch, but this is a royal screw).

In public, this Administration touts conservation and moving towards less reliance towards oil. In reality, Bush’s budget cuts back on the government's "Energy Star" program that promotes energy-efficient products -- from appliances to entire houses -- and to slash funding for a program that helps poor people weatherize their homes.

The two programs have been cited repeatedly by the White House and the Energy Department as among the most cost effective ways to save energy. Yet the administration wants to cut funding for the Energy Star program, most of which is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency, by 9 percent from this year's $55.9 million, and roll back the weatherization program by nearly a third from $243 million to $164.2 million.

Other cuts in energy efficiency efforts range from programs to help states develop conservation-minded building codes and help small manufacturers save energy. Many of these programs are relatively small in terms of cost, but have huge potential payoffs in energy savings.

The bottom line is that this administration flat out lies and only say things to raise their drowning public approval. The administration has NEVER had any intention on acting on things like conservation or helping anyone but themselves (rich and ultra-rich).

What’s bad in this case is that Bush mentioned those things on the State of the Union address just a couple of weeks ago. I guess he was just assuming people wouldn’t tie what he says to his actions.

And yet, you like to distact the public with stupid ass stuff like worrying about Human-Animal Hybrids. Well guess what? I've moved all my human-animal hybrid research facilities. You'll know the Pup's wrath when you get hit with poop from my flying monkey army!!!

Santa Cruz

Could you concentrate if this was the view from your college dorm room? Must be tough going to UC Santa Cruz.

R&B Nostalgia

I can't sleep at night, I toss and turn
Listenin' for the telephone
But when I get your call I'm all choked up
Can't believe you called my home
And as a matter of fact, it blows my mind
You would even talk to me
Cuz a girl like you is a dream come true
A real life fantasy

No matter what your friends try to tell ya
We were made to fall in love
And we will be together, any kind of weather
It's like that, it's like that

Every little step I take
You will be there
Every little step I make
We'll be together

February is national heart month.
*yuck*

The Dark Age of America

From ABC News:

“Domestic priorities like federal aid to schools and health research are squeezed under President Bush's proposed budget for next year, but funding for the Pentagon, the war in Iraq and anti-terrorism efforts get impressive increases.

Monday's budget tome will have a price tag of more than $2.7 trillion. The departments of Education, Commerce, Interior and Energy will see their budgets, on average, frozen or cut slightly below today's already austere levels.

… The Pentagon would receive a nearly 5 percent increase in its budget, to $439.3 billion, defense officials said, with an additional $120 billion earmarked for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Those war funds would be spread over both the current budget year and fiscal 2007, which begins Oct. 1.”

While continuing to feed the war machine, Bush is still dedicated to reduce the massive government overspending.

“Bush also warned Congress last week he wants to eliminate or cut more than 140 programs to save $14 billion in 2007 alone. Last year, he succeeded in saving $6.5 billion with a similar request, winning from Congress about two-fifths of the spending cuts he sought.

Some of the new proposed cuts, such as eliminating the
$107 million Commodity Supplemental Food Program, are likely to get a chilly reaction on Capitol Hill. The program provides food to low-income mothers and children under 6 years old, as well as to the elderly poor.”

More good decision making by Bush. He’s looking to increase military spending by $439.3 billion, but then come back and cut 140 social programs worth $6.5 billion? Instead of spending even more money doing a poor ass job of securing the nation and protecting America from getting attacked by an outside terrorist, he would much rather hurt American people himself.

I believe Stalin did the same thing.

Do you not understand that by making this nation into a war machine, you’re turning back the world to the dark ages? A time when dictators, corrupted government, and theology ruled A time when all nations worry about was war. Everything was created to feed the insatiable war machine. It consumed and consumed. The lives of people were sacrificed to please this war machine deity that they came to worship.

There is a reason they called it the dark ages.

You are destroying the foundation of America by cutting back education and social programs. Education and social programs gave birth to the enlightenment age which was the reasons why we moved away from those dark war monger times.

How are you (this administration) so blind as to what made America great in the first place? What made this country great was never our army. America fights when it HAS to. We DO NOT go around creating wars and calling other nation names. We fight when there is a fight worth fighting.

America is a place of great civil liberties. That’s why other nations and people look up to us. In America, you have rights and you have freedoms that even the government cannot take. You say you attacked Iraq to protect this?

No. You are destroying everything America stand for by feeding a war machine with the country’s resources and its citizen's inalienable rights. With the massive spending on the military and doing things like phone tapping of the America public (which by the way, yield little to no leads), you are eroding everything that made this country great.

War, and the fear of war that you have used to feed the war machine has no end. It will only continue to grow until everything is consumed and destroyed. War and everything that supports war, creates and leads to nothing.

This is not a game. Stop with the immature ignorant self-serving cowboy antics. Most importantly, stop playing with the lives, creditability and future of this nation.

You sir, are an embarassment and cancer to this country.

The 10 DO NOTs as Commanded by Pup

Do NOT leave that stupid ass wireless headset on. People with cell headsets permanently attached – What the fuck is wrong with you? If you’re not using it, take the damn thing off. You DO NOT look cool or important with that thing glued to your ear. You look like a tool.

Do NOT use the phone while you’re in a public toilet. It’s ok to say I’ll call you back. Seriously, it is. If I ever hear someone say something sweet or cutesy to whoever you’re on the phone with while they’ve got their pants around their ankle in an airport bathroom, I will piss on your shoes.

Do NOT make everything friendly to the family with 2 kids. It seems that everything I’ve seen or read lately has been geared exclusively to the family with kids structure. Everything from buying a house (good school districts, making sure you have plenty of bedrooms, etc.), to cars, to restaurants (stop it with all this bar and grill bullshit), to entertainment. I cannot tell you how fucking annoying that is.

Do NOT take your kid to a bar. I don’t care if you’re there during the day or if they’re just sitting there with their PSP that they shouldn’t even have. It’s still a bar. Chucky cheese is just right down the street. Move on.

Do NOT take your child to a scary movie if you KNOW it will scare them just so you can see it. Don’t give me this ‘they won’t understand’ or it’s only PG-13 bullshit. Get a fucking baby sitter. If you can’t afford one, make a fucking friend and leave it with them for a while. Better yet, just sit home and enjoy your “wonderful blessing” that you seem to think everyone should have and stop complaining.

Do NOT argue with me about how many miles per gallon Lucy actually gets. Yes, instead of the 60 mpg on the sticker, I’m only getting 45 miles to the gallon (with almost no emissions). That does NOT help your argument that driving that ugly monstrous piece of shit 9 mpg SUV is ok or in any way cool.

Do NOT keep using the word love with indiscretion. That fucking annoys me to no end. Save that for something actually special. Using it as much as people do makes the word cheaper than a 3 dollar whore.

Do NOT be so lazy and self-centered that you think everything is ok with the world just because things are good with you. Things are FUCKED up. Worry about something more than what’s going to happen next on Desperate Housewives.

Do NOT think the arm rest between us on a flight is yours. The arm rest is neutral territory. If you encroach, I will be forced to defend my territory and rip your fucking arms off.

Do NOT think you’re more flexible and liberal than you actually are. Sure it’s nice and PC to say shit like, I listen to all kinds of music or I like all kinds of food or I get along with most people. The fact is most people aren’t like that, people have preferences. Be confident enough to say what you actually like instead of what you think the other person wants to hear. No one will think what you say is the ONLY thing you like. Even worst, don’t say this in front of someone who knows you.

Bonus:

Do NOT think that the record profits from the oil companies are just a coincidence.

Do NOT be a fucking dumb ass parent who thinks you're protecting your children when in fact you're just sheltering them from knowledge and culture and making them just as ignorant as you. Good example.

Do NOT assume that people in the current government are acting in your best interest even if they make it sound that way.

Picture-Mini Thursday #4

Foggy Bridge

Throughout the trip, the weather varied from cold and rainy to sunny and warm. These weather changes happened about every 30 min. When we got to the Golden Gate Bridge, the weather was perfect. At least for me.

There was a heavy fog setting into the bay. It was cold and there were not many visitors during this time. People would jump out of their car and take a few pictures then run back to the car. Since I enjoy this weather, I walked around and took some foggy pictures.

After we were done here, we drove on the bridge on our way to see some Red Woods.

When we were driving half way on the bridge, I saw this couple. They appeared just for a second when the fog lifted. They were dressed in long black coats and hats. I didn't get a good look at them, but I saw that they were holding each other closely and kissing passionately. In a matter of seconds, we drove out of sight as they disappeared into the fog.

Fogs are cool.

Picture-Mini Thursday! #3

Boat

Don't ask me what the significance of this boat or even where I was when I took this. I remember it was somewhere on Pier 39. This lack of memory is because one of the first stops of the day was at the Buena Vista.

I strongly recommend this place as it serves the most amazing irish coffee ever. They have won the championship irish coffee making for years and even have their own brand of whisky that is made just for them in a little brewery in Ireland.

We had 3 by about 11am and the rest of the day was all good.

Picture-Mini Thursday! #2

Perhaps the best picture I've ever taken.

Lighthouse off Hwy 1 on the way to Santa Cruz. There's a hostel next to the lighthouse right on the beach. Yea, being poor is not a good excuse to not stay beach front on a vacation. Why more people don't travel with me is a mystery.

Picture-Mini Thursday!

Believe it or not, this is the view from the deck dining area at Taco Bell.

This is by far the best view from a Taco Bell EVER. If you scan a bit to the right (not shown), you'll see a bunch of surfers. The deck sits right on the beach so you can walk on down for a stroll on the sand after paying for your $5 chicken soft taco.