The Seventh McNugget

Whoops. (silence)

2005-12-09T11:20:00.000-05:00

Dang. Somebody is gettin' FIRED today. Trump would be PO'd!!!

Might want to double check those numbers next time, Champ!

Death Pain Murder Die Stab Stab Stab

2005-12-09T09:48:00.000-05:00

I wonder if my mom should be concerned that her son's favorite song at the moment is called "Skull Full of Maggots" by Cannibal Corpse? Uplifting.

Here are the lyrics to brighten your day:

Lying there cold after a torturous death
Your life ended fast you took your last breath
Dead in a grave, your final place
The maggots infest your disfigured face
Pus through your veins takes the place of blood
Decay sets in, bones begin to crack
Thrown six feet down left to rot
Brains oozing black down the side of your broken neck

Skull full of maggots

They enter your tomb - maggots - beginning to feast - maggots
Crawling on you - maggots - now they eat you - maggots
Rotting maggots - maggots - infesting your corpse - maggots
Parasites of the dead - maggots - now dwell in your head

Ha ha! Awesome! Actually, when I listen to this crap, I just laugh because I find it funny. Also, you can't make out any of the words because he sounds like a big, ticked-off gorilla .

Oh, and my next favorite song is "Dance Dance" by Fall Out Boy... which is much nicer.

Doctored Handwriting

2005-12-07T12:33:00.000-05:00

Since becoming a doctor last year, my brother has now fallen prey to the dreaded "terrible handwriting disease". I don't get it. The people who, more than anyone, SHOULD have legible handwriting... don't. Todd (my bro) never had great handwriting, but now it completely sucks.

Is that a class they take? I've heard it's because of how much they have to write, but I'm not buying it. I need a better explanation.

Looking at Todd's Christmas list, I can barely make it out... if at all. I'll do my best to guess what it says there, but he might be getting "Summer's Eve" and "Scrapple" if that's what I see in the scribble.

Scribble scrapple triple traple dingleberry stew. *Randomness*

My.... TV... Got Bigger!

2005-12-07T09:07:00.000-05:00

Yippee!!! Finally decided to get a new TV. After Stan and my other buddy Dan both got their 57" Hitachi's, I have wanted to invest in a better at-home-movie presentation... so last night, we did!!

Old and busted: Toshiba 32" CRT.

New and fresh: Sony Grand Wega 55" HD LCD

Sweeeeeeeet.

We got it at the same scratch'n'dent place that Stan got his. The best prices around. I love it and am very happy with the picture. Getting it was a disaster though...

First, my check card was getting denied (after getting the TV off the shelf and wrapping it up) even though was had plenty of money in the account. Turns out that my card has a daily limit (for security purposes) that we were exceeding. 2 calls to the bank got that resolved.

Then, the blasted TV wouldn't fit in my dang Exploder. The place is closed and waiting to go home, and we're trying to get this thing in along with the stand. We finally ram it in (tilted) and crowd the stand in. I am terrified that it's gonna fall and break the screen, so I sit in the back and hold it up.... for the entire. hour. ride. home. My arms were worthless lumps of lactic acid by the time we got home. Agonizing. But it's all worth it now.

Here's a picture:

Contest: If you can use MS Image Viewer to zoom in on the DVD on the floor and tell me what movie it is, you get mad props.

PS... my YJPeepers is so sweet!! (Rearranging candles at 2:15AM)

What's News?

2005-12-07T08:59:00.000-05:00

Since I've been gone for a while... here's a quick update.

Me: Good... but constantly sick... had walking pnemonia but seemed to get over it... only to develop the symptoms again about a week later.

Pam: Good. Started her new job as a sales and marketing manager... sometimes feels like she's in over her head, but she'll do great and will learn a lot.

Yasmin: Learning and doing new things every day! She repeats almost anything you say to her and just learned how to hold the phone so she can hear/talk through it. I talked to her for about 10 minutes on the phone yesterday... which consists of her basically repeating the last word of my sentence. Example: "Hi Yaz... how are you doing?" "Doing." Are you having fun with Nana?" "Nana." Are you going to put on your shoes..." "Shoes." "...and your coat..." "Coat." "...and get in the car..." "Car." "...to come see Mama and Dada?" "MAMA! DADA!!"

NYC Trip: Tons of fun... love hangin out with S & K. Did want to go to the Pink Elephant, but Stan really wanted to do the YMCA dance with the fellas.

Christmas: Can't. Freakin. Wait. I love this time of year!

TV: Got a new one! See later post.

Work: Meh. Work's work.

Well, that's about it. A whole lotta nuttin.

Rip Van Winkle Gets Up To Tinkle

2005-12-07T08:53:00.000-05:00

Ok... well... I only didn't blog for ONE month! That's not SOOOOOO terrible!

Honestly, the details of my work have changed so that I am eternally busy and always have something that I could/should be doing... which makes it hard for me to get to blogging... since I have severely limited my online time. But there are ways around that... such as typing up the post in Outlook as an email and then pasting it into blogger. Anyway, I could do it at home, but it's different then when everyone else is done blogging for the day.

Anyway, in short... not much has changed. Everything is cool... everything is kosher (even Stan!)... I'll try to get back into things more regularly here after my hiatus.

More to come... (hopefully sooner than next month!)

Monday Leg Blogging

2005-11-07T06:42:00.000-05:00

HERE is why leg blogging should stay within our close-knit group of friends!!

Ugh. Ewww!!

Well, @#&*!!!!!

2005-11-04T16:12:00.000-05:00

Dang it all.

This always happens. My favorite foods get discontinued.

First it was TGI Friday's nachos with the cheese and single pepper on it.

Next was TGI Friday's coconut chicken fingers.

Now this.

Beee-hotches!!!

The Frenching French Frenching Up Frenching France

2005-11-04T13:23:00.000-05:00

Can someone explain this French rioting crap to me? As I understand it, it all began because some kids (who were running from the police) got electrocuted when they hid in some power substation?

If that is correct, what grounds is that for rioting? Stupid kids shouldn't have broken the law. Stupid kids shouldn't have ran from the cops. Stupid kids shouldn't have hid in a frickin power station. Simply put, these are a bunch of idiot kids whose idiocracy got them killed. Again, what grounds is that for riot?

To me, it seems like a bunch of hooligans and criminals up in a nonsensical crime fervor -- burning anything they can find. They should bring in their military and enforce a curfew. Arrest anyone on the streets and shoot anyone who runs. I have no patience for this kind of bullcrap.

Of course, historically it has been the French military who has done most of the running.

Friendly Fire

2005-11-01T20:10:00.000-05:00

Ha ha. Losers.

Could You?

2005-10-31T16:27:00.000-05:00

I went to "Saw 2" this weekend. Movie was... meh... ok. Not as good as the first one.

But anyway, it began with a guy in a death mask... which was an open, spring-loaded mask that had spikes all over the inside. When triggered, it would snap shut and kill you quite cruelly.

Anyway.... the guy wakes up with this thing locked around his neck and gets his instructions for how to get free. The key to unlock the mask has been surgically inserted behind his eye... so basically, the guy has 60 seconds, a knife, and a mirror to gouge out his eye, get the key, and free himself from the mask.

I won't tell you what happened, but given those circumstances, do you think you could do that?

Apathy Rewarded.

2005-10-31T09:05:00.000-05:00

For all those clocks which, last spring, you were too lazy to bother changing... Saturday was the day of redemption for you!!!!

I would write more on this topic, but I'm too lazy.

I Always Knew...

2005-10-29T10:12:00.000-04:00

...that Star Trek was gay.

Three Beautiful Darts

2005-10-24T12:13:00.000-04:00

On Friday after work, Todd, Mark, Pam, and I all hit Tex Mex again for lots of cheap beer and darts. We played a bunch of games, but one was especially fun and I completely owned in it.

I forget what the game is called, but basically the first team to reach 301 points win. If you bust (go over 301), the number in excess of 301 is subtracted from that round's beginning score. However, the real kicker is that if you match the other team's score exactly, it takes them back to 0.

In our last game, we (Todd and I vs. Mark and Pam) were both around 250 when Pam matched our score and kicked us back to 0. Son of a!!! So now we're playing catch-up while they are trying to get exactly 301. A couple rounds pass and we're now at 183 and I'm up.

Dart 1: Single 18. Score is now 201.

Dart 2: Bullseye (50 points). Score is now 251.

Now, that was probably only the 2nd bullseye I hit all night. It's definitely luck because I'm not that good. But read on...

Dart 3: MO' FREAKIN BULLSEYE, SON!!!!!!!! And that makes us the da winners at 301.

BOOO YAA!!!!!

Oh, So It's A PROFIT Thing!!

2005-10-24T10:22:00.000-04:00

Bought an iPod Mini from someone here at work for $150 and sold it on eBay for $217.

Sweeeeeeeeet. That's called "easy money!"

Mr. Fix It

2005-10-24T09:55:00.000-04:00

With my Explorer's gas mileage at an atrocious 12-15 mpg and a broken drier, I become Bob Vila for the day yesterday and bought spark plugs and wires for the Exploder and a new belt for the drier.

My old plugs were a mess with gunk build-up and once I got everything finished, the Explorer runs SO much better. It has more power, better throttle response, and runs much smoother. I am positive that my gas mileage will be back to normal (18-20 mpg) now. I filled up this morning and reset the odometer, so we'll see.

The drier was a pain to figure out, but it's now working too.

Can we do it? Yes we can.

Reasons #319 & #855 That I Love BMWs

2005-10-21T17:26:00.000-04:00

#319 -- Car tells you when your tail/head/fog lights are ABOUT to go out.... not WHEN they go out, but before.

#855 -- Car tells you that the battery in your keyless entry box on your keychain is dying. How does it know???

Another Stan Moment

2005-10-21T10:49:00.000-04:00

Someone help me!! ;)

I was in the copy room with a few other people when this guy, Tom, walks in. I know Tom... chat with him once in a while... sorta on that acquaintance/friend line... but definitely not great friends yet.

So Tom invites us to a happy hour tonight and I told him that I was already slated to go to a different happy hour, but I said I might bail on that and maybe go where he's going.

Tom replies, "We'll I'm pretty sure that I'm going to go, but not 100%."

Dunno where it came from, but I then said, "It's ok... if you don't show up, I'll just punch you in the face."

Definitely random and I keep giggling about it. Tom laughed too, but I'm sure the other people in the room think I'm a psycho or something.

A New Height Of Dumbitude

2005-10-20T13:15:00.000-04:00

Holy balls. How dumb can some people be?

FIND OUT HERE!!

Even worse is that he crossed his addy out with a marker... so he even THOUGHT about it... it's not like it just slipped his mind. Don't you at least CHECK to see if you can still read the name? For frick's sake!

Imperial Hubris Book Review -- Part I

2005-10-18T17:34:00.000-04:00

From an earlier rant-like comment, you may recall that I said that I was buying a book to broaden my understanding of America's actions, the origins of Islamic viewpoint, this war, etc… Well, the book came yesterday and so I settled in at Starbucks and got reading.

What I plan to do is offer a very quick summary of a section as I read it and perhaps comment on things and allow you the same. I do not pretend to be able to be the author's voice and you should allow for some error in my retelling of not so much his words, but his underlying beliefs, as I find need to address them.

So here it is, Imperial Hubris review -- Part 1 (first 50 pages or so)

The author so far has tried to do several things:

1. Warn Americans of the hugeness of this situation and our ultimate inability to win this war.

2. Explain the Islamic viewpoint of America and our actions and show how their religion motivates their actions.

3. Criticize the American government for poor planning and lack of action when it was crucial.

Let me try to briefly explain it all since they all three kinda blend into one.

Basically, the book hints at three outcomes of this current "situation": 1. America vastly revises its middle eastern foreign policy and the war ends. 2. America destroys the nations of Islam. 3. The nations of Islam destroy America. He also makes it quite clear that he believes the only impossible choice is #2.

Scary.

He argues that while American leaders (Bush and company) have convinced Americans that al Qaeda attacked us for who we are (ie our freedom, democracy, popular trends, etc..), the real truth is that al Qaeda did it because of what we have done. He has hinted at specifics, but I think will detail them more in the future. He explains bin Laden's "list of grievances" against America as supporting rogue Islamic nations who oppress true Islam, allowing some nations to develop nuclear weapons to protect themselves while denying others (particularly Islamic nations), supporting Israel's "occupation" of Muslim Palestine, forcing below-price oil sales to America, sanctioning Muslim nations at the cost of Muslim lives, occupying Muslim lands to establish Western governments (particularly Afghanistan and Iraq), and supporting the establishment of East Timor and other similar situations. These, the author claims, are the reason al Qaeda attacked us… not a hatred of "who we are" but rather of "what we do". He argues that you simply do not see (besides a smattering of instances) Muslims attacking "freedom", "democracy", etc… anywhere else, even though through their religion, they do not approve of the manifestations of some of these things. They are not blowing up movie theaters, nightclubs, etc.. because they hate them. They may hate them, but they're not blowing them up.

Furthermore, he explained the concept of Jihad and detailed two types. There is the offensive Jihad… attacking for imperialistic and hateful reasons… and the defensive Jihad… defending the Islamic faith and people. While Americans tend to believe the first is at work, Muslims clearly are enacting the latter. Furthermore, it is the religious duty of every single Muslim person (and their eternal security before their god depends on this) to do whatever they can to help a defensive Jihad. Therefore, it is the duty of every Muslim to join bin Laden's DEFENSE of his faith. The United States' failure to kill bin Laden and dismantle the relatively non-influential al Qaeda in the 90's under Clinton (and before and since) has dire consequences for us. In the light of many corrupt, prostitute-loving Islamic leaders, bin Laden has become a sort of romantic "Robin Hood" to many Islamic people… those who support his violent military decisions and those who only sympathize with his fundamental Islamic ideals. He is the defender of true Islam in a day of corrupt Islamic leaders and an America that threatens Islamic way of life. And by becoming such a hero, we have allowed him to amass great power and sway among the literally billions of Muslims.

The author is now getting into America's nearly one-month delay of action after 9/11 and our poor planning in beginning the war in Afghanistan. Great lessons from the Soviet war there, which were readily available through experts, books, etc… were ignored… and instead we relied on a dying Northern Alliance… flailing since the assassination of its leader, Masood, and only through our vast military might… managed to set up a government that will not stand once we leave.

And that's all the further I got.

Now…. I have to say that I love this book. It attacks my country and my leaders. It sharply criticizes my country's actions and warns of deadly consequences if we don't change. But it paints a great picture of the WHY question and it's not until you understand all aspects of a conflict that any resolution can really begin. So I'm trying to do my part here.

One of the problems that I have so far is that the author doesn't condemn the religion-violence connection in Islam. Instead, he almost romanticizes it. He says that Christians cannot measure up to the "love for God" that Muslims have and how Muslims will do ANYTHING to protect their faith. I got the sense that we should almost be ok with what they're doing because it's "what their God has called them to do" and it shows their willingness to sacrifice themselves for the God they love. How nice. Except do we really want a religion-violence connection as acceptible justification?? Because I see inklings of Christianity at risk in this country. I feel winds hinting at things that limit and endanger my faith… yet I'm not taking up my AK-47, shooting atheists and liberals, and blowing up abortion clinics (and anyone who DOES, I add, is NOT a true Christian). Religion cannot be a justification for violence. Christians would not (and should not) be given that liberty… and neither should Islam. This book, thus far, has not called what bin Laden is doing as evil… rather justified it as "what his God commands him to do." That's fine if you want to take a purely objective, journalistic stance at all this… but this author holds no punches when sharply criticizing America.

That's my only problem with it thus far.

If you are completely bored out of your brains with this… I don't have to do it anymore. Let me know.

A Big Friggin Decision

2005-10-17T10:52:00.000-04:00

Not at all sure about this, but Pam and I are toying around with the idea of moving to North Carolina.

Understand first that this is not a new thought for us; each time we go there or meet new people down there, we are more and more convinced that that's where we want to live. And, as we see things, there's no better time than now to make this happen (if we decide to).

PROS:

1. The weather is absolutely gorgeous. Winters are short and mild. Spring and fall and long and warm. Summers are hot, but I can manage that. It was in the low 80's down there all weekend. My cousin doesn't put the top on his Jeep until mid-November. Last January, they had an outdoor picnic… in shorts. As someone who HATES cold weather, the warmth down there is a MAJOR draw for me... and Pam too. We are always struck with how beautiful NC is.

2. The retardedly-inflated housing market in my area. I can probably turn close to $80,000 in profit if I sold my house now. That money could help us get a house in NC and the houses are SO cheap compared to here. For what you'd pay for my dopey townhouse, you could get a nice single home on 1+ acres. It's unreal how cheap houses are down there. For example, my uncle is selling his house… a sprawling 5,000 square-foot house on over 2 acres… for $399,000. That house would be $800,000 up here.

3. No career holding me here. After losing yet-another permanent opportunity here… and having no leads or success this far… it's the perfect time to easily transition to a new area.

4. The people. While I love my close friends here (particular Stan and Krista and a few others), I don't have a HUGE circle of friends. Down there, my cousins (who I love to hang out with) have a great group of friends that do all kinds of stuff together. Every time I meet one of them, I'm thinking… man! I would love to hang out with these people. I would immediately be introduced into a great group of friends who love to have fun... most of them who share my faith.

5. With enough family down there, I would have a place to stay while I looked for a house. Plus, I LOVE my cousins and would love to be able to see them regularly.

6. I like the south. I hate the rednecks, but there really is something different about life down there.

CONS:

1. I would miss my family and friends terribly. I love my parents and Pam is very close with hers. I hang out with my brother every weekend and I regularly hang out with S&K. There's no replacing those people in my life. That's the number 1 con… although I bet I could convince at least some of them to come down too. ;)

2. Jobs. Obviously, there isn't the same hub of pharmaceutical companies down there. There are SOME, however, and I am going to spend tonight searching for jobs in that area. This is a biggie. I simply MUST be able to find suitable work before I commit to anything.

3. Babysitting. Right now, we have free babysitting 24/7/365 with Pam's and my parents. Any day, any time. If we leave that, we give up some freedoms. BUT… with all my family down there and with all the younger girls in the church we would attend, we could certaintly find someone to watch Yasmin…even if we have to pay for it.

Obviously, this is no easy choice, but it's one that we've both wanted for quite a while and the present time seems ideal for this decision. I kind of see it as now-or-never because once Yasmin starts school and we get settled into jobs, we're not going to want to pull up and disrupt everything then.

So I dunno. First, look for jobs…then see what happens. As far as my family and friends, Southwest Airlines offers roundtrip Raleigh to Philly tickets for about $79 and it's less than an hour flight. It would not be hard at all to fly home for a weekend here and there to see everyone.

I'll keep y'all posted. (See, I'm assimilating the culture already!) Nothing is certain right now and I welcome anyone's thoughts.

Five Guys

2005-10-17T09:09:00.000-04:00

Holy. Freaking. Burgers.

Until you have had a burger at Five Guys Burgers and Fries, you have not ever had a real burger. They have, hands-down, the single BEST burger I have EVER had in my entire life.

They are a small chain (though growing rapidly) of nothing-special-looking burger joints. But FREAKIN BALLS!!! They have undeniably amazing burgers. I honestly think they must be putting some illegial euphoria-inducing agent in there… they are really that good. They claim it's because the meat is never frozen… but I dunno. All I know is that I've had 3 burgers there and they rank as the top 3 I've ever had. The place is a Maryland/DC-based chain that started with 1 restaurant and grew to five last time I was went (last spring when I bought my Jeep in Virginia). Now they have new stores and are moving north.

Yay for us.

If you EVER get a chance to stop at one, DO IT. You will not be disappointed in the least.

A Crazy Weekend!

2005-10-17T08:48:00.000-04:00

It was a Larakin-esque weekend (minus the exercise!)

Friday: "Happy Hour" with a bunch of people from work turned into "Happy Five Hours" at Tex Mex in North Wales. (Blut-ey Wales, mate!) At first, I hung out with a bunch of girls from my department and all the dudes in the place were wondering how I managed to score such a collection of hot chicks. About an hour in, some of the guys from another site needed one more person for darts, so I quickly switched from chicks to dudes… but it was all good… they were cool guys. We ended up playing darts for 2.5 to 3 hours… playing Cricket and ending up in a wicked game of team 501 Double-In Double-Out. I threw first and doubled on the first dart which gave us a nice early lead. However, it was just luck since I suck at darts and that lead didn't last long. Towards the end, this guy had 60 points left (if you know the game) and hit a single-20 on his first throw which brought him down to 40. In this game, you can only win by hitting a double (the 3/4-inch thin section around the outside of the board) that brings your score to an even 0… no more, no less. So with a 40, he needed a double-20 to win, which he announced to everyone and then proceeded to methodically plant the next dart in the middle of that 3/4"x1" space. SON OF A!!! Left happy hour around 10 and fell asleep around 1:00AM on my couch watching "Life of Brian" and the PFJ! Splitters!

Saturday : Wedding day. Woke up around 7:00 but stayed in bed until 8:00 or so. Got up with 8,000,000 million things to do before I left. Pulled out of the driveway at 9:11AM. Drove the 510 miles to Burlington, NC… got completely lost trying to find the church… and got there, in my jeans, at 5:10PM… wedding started at 5:00, so I was glad I caught most of it. My family down there was really happy that I came. The reception was absolutely stunning and my cousin, the bride, was absolutely gorgeous. A good time. My uncle in his newly-appointed one-star general full regalia. He described all of his pins, the symbolism of all of the colors, and what each aspect of the uniform represented. Awesome. At the end of the reception, the groom tackled me into the pool and thereby enmoistened my only underclothes. So I Tom Petty'ed it over to Walmart and picked up some new britches!! YEE HAW!! After the wedding, my two cousins, a fiance, Pam and I all hit Chapel Hill for drinks at the very popular "Top Of The Hill". Some little pecker made some inappropriate comments to Pam and Liz (my cousin's finace) but Pam claimed she wouldn't be able to recognize him… until she later confessed that she DID know who he was and only said that so I wouldn't go "beat him up". I had no intentions of a fight, but had enough beer muscles to go put the little weazel in his place verbally. But that never happened. Pam told me later that the same guy said something else to her later. Tool. After the bar kicked us out at 2:30AM, we hit Hecter's, an equally popular Greek place down the street with a 20-minute wait for Gyros at 3:00AM. Freakin delicious though. Finally got to sleep around 5:00AM.

Sunday : …which is why I didn't reopen my eyes until 1:00PM on Sunday. CRAP! My cousin, who is coming with us NEXT weekend to the Adirondack high peaks hiking trip, decided to ride up with us and stay for the week. So by the time everyone was ready to go, it was about 5:00PM and we are still 500 miles from home. We bought a book on CD which ate up 5 hours of the trip but lacked any real plot twist or surprises at the end. Oh well, it made the time go by quickly. At a rest stop in Maryland, Mark (my cousin) pushed me into a bush which, unknown to us, had razor-like thorns all throughout. I got a nice little collection of stab wounds on my legs and arms and a tiny branch-weapon with which I dealt justice upon returning to the car. Got to bed around 2:00AM last night…

It was a very fun weekend overall…. Jampacked even if you DON'T consider the 1,000+ miles of driving. I'm sure I'll crash tonight to make up for the lack of sleep.

Not I, Admin

2005-10-14T16:19:00.000-04:00

Here today, gone tomorrow.

Unfortunately, contrary to what was reported early, will NOT be getting the job that I was offered. Because of layoffs within the union, the position was given to a displaced union person and I get... well.. nothing.

So back to square one. I feel like I just hit that big-honkin' slide on Chutes'N'Ladders... you know the one....

As much as you know I dealt with the whole pride issue, it was REALLY comforting to finally have an ANSWER. To have health coverage for my family was a major relief... now... that's all gone again. I guess that's the way things go.

Hey, faith is easy on sunny days... it's when the rain comes that you really need it. (How appropriate in light of 8 straight days of rain on the east coast!)

Time to hit CareerBuilder once more!!! Wish me luck!

The OId Wolf-Eating-Chickens Problem 30 Feet Under Water

2005-10-14T10:43:00.000-04:00

There is nothing new under the sun... nor under the water.

Slow Blogging Fridays

2005-10-14T10:05:00.000-04:00

Everyone seems to crap out on Fridays, blogwise? What's up with that?

5 4 5

2005-10-14T08:47:00.000-04:00

Street racing!!! So far, in 5 major battles, I have YET to lose. My 540 has sure held its own against some fierce competitors!!

Race 1: 70's Corvette Stingray -- I was behind him and he tried to lose me. Nope. Stuck em tight.

Race 2: 2000-style Corvette -- Again behind him and stuck with him... except through turns because my steering tightens up sometimes (needs a new power steering pump) so I don't push it around corners. But I was right with him on the straight-aways.

Race 3: Late-model Camaro SS -- Side by side at a red light. I was just a touch ahead of him after 1/4 mile or so. Could hear his engine screamin' out my passenger window. (That's a good sign!) He then slowed up and turned.

Race 4: Early 80's Porsche 911 -- I was behind him but he couldn't lose me. Stuck em!

Race 5: 2000-style Mustang GT -- I was in front and he couldn't quite maintain the distance.

So Freakin Typical!

2005-10-14T08:41:00.000-04:00

I'm going to happy hour tonight with a bunch of people from work, so I brought jeans and a shirt to wear instead of the crap "business casual" that I wear to work.

Granted, I had a lot going on this morning. I had Yasmin by myself (Pam is in NC already) and I had to pack all her food, clothes, etc for the weekend and take her to the babysitter today. I also had to print off directions, get myself ready, etc etc...

Anyway, I remembered everything but my freakin shoes. I have these ugly brown ones on, but they'll look stupid with my jeans. I remembered about 1/2 hour from home and I seriously considered going back... but the missed work would cost too much, so I didn't. Then I thought about buying some shoes at lunch, but that's borderline gay... seeing how it's just a freakin happy hour.

It's just like me to remember EVERYTHING but one stupid thing and that one stupid thing messes everything up.

Pay Me, Dang It!

2005-10-13T16:14:00.000-04:00

After setting up direct deposit, my pay from the previous week usually comes into my account Tuesday morning. For the past 10 weeks or so, it's been Tuesday consistently and we've come to expect that for budgeting purposes.

Well, my pay from last week did not come in on Tuesday. Didn't come in on Wednesday either. And it's now 4:15PM on Thursday and it's still not there.

So naturally I emailed my agency rep and very kindly let her know the situation and that I have bills pending to come out that I need that check for.

Here is part of her reply:

"As you know we do have until end of day Friday to pay contractors and I can tell you that if you have been paid on Tuesday, you can consider yourself very lucky!"

Ok... fine.. you have until Friday according to some contract... but a little consistency would be nice! If you're going to pay me every week on Tuesday, then keep it that way!!!! I don't really care what day you pay me, just be freakin consistent about it.

It might sound like I'm overreacting, but in my 7+ years with this agency, I have had SO many paycheck problems. It's ridiculous. They once didn't pay me for 4 weeks straight.

Reason #19,261 that being a contractor sucks all balls.

A Stan Moment

2005-10-13T15:26:00.000-04:00

I had a Stan moment where I couldn't stop laughing at something stupid I said... that really wasn't funny.

At work, I needed to go ask a question to a girl with the last name of "Dare" (coincidentally the same pregnant girl from below).

So I said to MYSELF (none the less)... "Dare me to go ask her?" and I couldn't stop giggling about it.

Not even funny... I know!!! I dunno what got into me.

Nice One, Kamin!

2005-10-13T15:03:00.000-04:00

I work with a very sweet girl who happens to be about 6 months pregnant. Today, in the hallway, I was walking behind her and she said to me, "Feel free to pass me," because she felt like she was walking slowly.

In my brain, I think... 'Well, it's ok that you walk slowly because you are transporting multiple people and I am just one person.' And since she said "pass", I'm in an automobile frame-of-mind. So I try to express that it's ok that she walks slowly.

So what do I say to her?

"You're like a bus."

HOLY BALLS! Did I just call a pregnant lady a bus?!!? I meant it so innocently! As in.. she's carrying multiple passengers and I'm just a single car!!! ARRRGGH!!! I'm such an idiot!!!

After making it VERY clear what I meant, I still feel like an idiot. She understood completely and was laughing about it... but I still feel about yay *hold fingers 1 inch apart* big.

Proper Graham Myrrh

2005-10-13T12:16:00.000-04:00

Ok.. quick question. When you write a compound sentence that begins with a question and ends with a declaration or statement, how do you punctuate it?

Example (from an actual email I wrote today):

"Can you provide us the contact person to whom we should send this and I will update our receiving spreadsheet."

Naturally, it seems that you would end the sentence with the correct punctuation for the last part of the sentence (as I did with a period). Whenever I do that, though, I feel like I missed providing any punctuation for my question (ie question mark). But if you use the question mark at the end, it implies that (in this case) I am ASKING if I should update the spreadsheet... which isn't what I intended.

So did I do it correctly? It just doesn't feel right.

Sunny Day... Sweepin' The Clouds Away...

2005-10-13T08:49:00.000-04:00

Amidst all this craptacular rain, Saturday is gonna be mid-70's and SUNNY!!

FINALLY!!!

Perfect weather to drive to North Carolina!! Windows down, radio up... radar detector set... it's time to roll.

Nothing To Say But...

2005-10-12T20:03:00.000-04:00

GhGhGhGhGhGhGhGhGhGhGhGhGhGhGh!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(that's as close as I could come!!!)

Hilarious!

2005-10-12T18:44:00.000-04:00

While you know my political aspirations and while I think Andy Dick is a... well... yeah.... anyway, THIS video is freakin hilarious.

I'm willing to poke fun at the Prez sometimes (he makes it fairly easy) and I gotta give props to Andy (Presidential Speechalist!!!) because this is very funny!

Warning: large video file

Trespassing

2005-10-12T09:31:00.000-04:00

Would this annoy you??

Today when I got to work, I noticed that my pen was moved from where I neurotically line them up next to my computer. I wasn't sure why until I went to write down my starting time for today.

Backtrack. Since I am paid hourly, I have to record my start and stop times each day. Since I only log them online at the end of the week, I usually write them down each day on a Post-It note so I don't have to try to remember on Friday what time I started and left each day.

So when I went to write this morning's start time, I noticed why my pen had been moved. Someone crossed out yesterday's start time (8:30AM) and wrote "8:50AM" on it.

So basically, someone entered MY cube after I left and changed what I had written on my Post-It. Just to clarify, I am not required to write down my time and leave it in my cube… I just do that to make it easier for myself on Friday when I officially log my time.

Now you can ask yourself… "what time did he really get there?" but to me, that's irrelevant… (by the way… it was around 8:39, but we are told to round). Really, it's no one's business what freakin time I get there except my manager… and he goes over the time on the Monday after I submit it. And he's far too busy to keep a close tab on my stupid meaningless Post-It note… if he HAD been watching, he would have dealt with it on my official log this Friday.

So that means some small-minded person near me wants to play "look-out" over me. And go through MY space and MY stuff to do so.

That's annoying.

I don't freakin cheat on my time and I don’t make it my responsibility to watch over anyone but myself. Just to be safe, I'm gonna log that day's start time as 8:45 so I'm definitely covered. I find it pretty gay that someone concerns themselves that much with what I'm doing. Leave me alone… stay out of my stuff… and mind your own business.

You Asked For It!

2005-10-12T06:33:00.000-04:00

Holz, Stan, Larakin.... you asked for it! Now K Man DELIVERS!!!

Feast your eyes upon the sexiness.

Republican? Democrat? Let's Unite In The War Against Mom Jeans!

2005-10-11T16:07:00.000-04:00

Forget the partisan crap. Let's one and all pull our jeans down in a show of fashion-patriotism... and fight all the moms that would have us wear their jeans.

THE BATTLE WAGES!!

Beware the cost of failure!!

Startin' Early!

2005-10-11T13:01:00.000-04:00

Sheesh. Just reading Friday's New York Times article about Merck's new vaccine, Gardasil, and it stated that the median age at which girls become sexually active in the U.S. is 15.

Median.

That means for every me (waited until 23 (although not a girl)) and Pam (waited until 21), there is a 7 and 9 year old out there. Now, obviously, that's just a statistic, but no doubt a reality somewhere.

I once saw a heart-breaking picture of a girl from South America who was hugely pregnant... at 5 years old. (Now that I think of it... sounds odd... will have to verify...)

I had a 7-year old student once whose mom was 20. Do THAT math.

Scary.

Red, White, And Feelin' Blue

2005-10-11T09:46:00.000-04:00

This weekend, I'm heading down into a red state for a white wedding and I'm feelin' blue about it.

My cousin's wedding is this Saturday down in HAW RIVER, NORTH CAROLINA!! YEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHAWWWW!!! What a hick-sounding town!!!

While I love my cousin to death and I'm thrilled for her, I'm not a big fan of weddings.... never have been. And, seeing as how I have to drive 500 miles Saturday morning and then 500 more Saturday night or Sunday morning, I am feeling kinda blah about it.

Like I said, I'm glad to be a part of her wedding... it's more the OTHER stuff... a shot weekend, 1,000 miles of driving and gas, wedding gift, etc... all at a bad time for us financially. Between Pam's dress ($110), Pam's plane ticket ($60), 1,000 miles of driving at $0.36/per mile, and a wedding gift ($100).... I'm looking at over $600 in expenses for this weekend.

Oh well. I love her and wish her the best so I'll suck it up. It will be very cool to see everyone and be a part of her happy day! She was a big part of mine, so it's time to return the favor and I will do so with a big smile on my face! I guess I just better drink $600 worth of booze at the reception to make up for it... and thereby probably better drive home Sunday instead!!!

It's The Great Pumpkin!

2005-10-10T21:12:00.000-04:00

Just to get into the fall spirit, I went pumpkiny over the past few days:

Yesterday: Starbucks' Pumpkin Spiced Latte

Today: Dairy Queen's Pumpkin Pie Blizzard

Both super yummy. I recommend them to anyone.

Tonight: Busting out the winter clothes...

Later this week (weather permitting): Taking Yasmin to a corn maze and pumpkin-picking!

Fall is here.

More Eco-Terrorists

2005-10-10T15:35:00.000-04:00

This nonsense is nothing more than junior-high immature antics and I sincerely hope some big, tough SUV-driver catches these cowards and deviants in the act and administers some beat-downs.

I'm all about taking a stand for what you believe. But this kind of crap is ridiculous and I have no patience for it whatsoever. I disagree with a lot of the stuff you do, but you don't see me doing stupid junk like this to cause you grief. I'd probably hop in and back over 'em if I had the chance... that is, if my crappy Explorer wouldn't take 5 whole seconds to shift into reverse!

I would love to see these clowns get charged with SOMETHING. I find it hard to believe you can do all that stuff and not break any laws.

Click It or Ticket: Flick it?

2005-10-10T14:29:00.000-04:00

I have always kinda wondered about seat belt laws.

Yeah, seat belts are smart... everyone *should* wear them. However, I believe that everyone should have the CHOICE to wear them or not.

Laws are necessary for the safety of the public. After all, I don't particularly want some drunk idiot legally driving 178 mph towards my vehicle stopped at a red light. However, in as much as an action doesn't directly bear upon the safety of others, it should fall into the category of personal freedom and therefore not be legislated.

It sounds nice to make seatbelt laws... after all, who can be against seat belts? But this same idea taken further could mean laws against being fat (it's bad for you, you know), doing dangerous activities (sky-diving is too dangerous... so is mountain biking), etc etc... I don't need Uncle Sam to tell me to brush my teeth because preventing gum disease is a good thing.

When it comes to other things... there needs to be laws for the order and safety of the public. I just don't see seatbelts in that category.

Of course, this leads right into a debate about legalizing drugs... but I'm not going there right now!!! (I'm in a "automobile" mindframe!)

Along those lines are DUI checkpoints. Sounds like a good idea to catch drunk drivers, but it reeks of unwarranted search to me. I don't see why, without probable cause, a cop has the right to look in my car, smell my breath, etc.. Yeah, if we randomly search everyone's house, we'll find drugs, illegal guns, etc etc... but that's not the kind of society we live in....

...yet. And I'm taking a stand against what I see is government encroachment into my privacy.

Cracking Bad News, Gromit!

2005-10-10T14:27:00.000-04:00

Well, THAT just bloody sucks.

Passing The Torch

2005-10-10T11:23:00.000-04:00

One can certainly (and correctly) argue the reasons to avoid Cinnabons for health reasons... but for me, the stupid mix of sugar and animal fat means more than just a freakin incredibly delicious euphoria of oral ecstacy.

As a kid, particularly while Christmas shopping, my mom and dad would take us kids into a Cinnabon store and we'd all share a couple of Cinnabons. Sounds menial enough, but it became something more in my memory. As dumb as it sounds, it's one very happy memory that remains vivid to me. Probably because of the excitement of Christmas time (I still get giddy around Christmas) and how much I liked Cinnabons as a kid...

But now, the taste and even the smell takes me back to a happy moment in my childhood... one that, once my parents are gone, I know that I will cherish forever. It's funny how a sound, taste, or image can flood your memory with such vivid emotions and thoughts. No matter what happens in life, I'll always remember my mom and dad getting us our Cinnabons and that thought will always make me smile.

So the other night, simply because of that fact, Pam, Yasmin, and I shared our first Cinnabon as a family. I hope, 26 years from now, that my daughter can blog about her happy moments growing up.

HERO!! HERO!!! That Word You'll Never Know!!

2005-10-10T10:35:00.000-04:00

Man, "Story of the Year" rules. (Title = SOTY lyrics)

Anyway, time to toot your own horn.

What is the most heroic moment of your life? What one (or two) events would you place upon your "hero mantle" as your finest, shining moment?

One would think, that by me asking, I would have some glorious example of my own... but alas, I don't.

Probably my entry would be the two consecutive Spring Breaks that I built houses for Habitat For Humanity in Homestead, Florida. It was very cool to be part of something bigger than yourself for once. The second year, I got to meet the family that was living in the house I helped build the year before.

I have always kind of secretly wished that I could be given the chance to be a hero... like I come across a fire or car crash or violent situation and I save the day. Not so that other people would say how great I am, but simply for the satisfaction of helping another person. But then again, how would I act when push comes to shove? I dunno. All that said, you don't need a tragedy to be a hero... Saturday morning soup kitchens are waiting for people.

ANYWAY... for frick's sake.. I just went off on a crazy tangent there.

YOUR HEROIC STORIES.....

I, Admin

2005-10-10T09:40:00.000-04:00

Got the call.

Got the job.

Gonna hear about it from my friends.

(I know how supportive everyone was when I laid out the facts... but honestly, do you think Texas Trav will give a crap about that??!?! He won't even hear me over his earth-shaking laughter!!!)

Oh well.. it's cool. I'm happy because this gives answers to some really pressing questions.

Me Love Work For You Long Time.... Five Dollar.

2005-10-07T14:24:00.000-04:00

Ok... sorry for the little sterotypical thing there... but it vaguely applies.

Despite having probably 12+ people leave my department in the last few weeks, there has not been a single new face come onboard... despite loads of work. So I was starting to wonder and starting asking some innocent questions... and got not-so-innocent answers.

I had heard that the plan was to outsource all of our work to China sometime in the next 10-15 years. Apparently, however, it's happening already. From talking to a team lead yesterday, I found out that the Beijing site is up and running and it is rumored (though I haven't substantiated it yet) that our studies are beginning to be sent there.

Honestly, it kinda bothers me. Despite a global presence, this is an American company... born and raised. I have no problem with opening sites and creating jobs across the world, but to cut American jobs simply because you can pay someone less to do the work overseas is pretty low in my book. The bottom line should not always be a curvy "S" with vertical lines through it.

So what do you guys think? Should a company (American or wherever YOUR home is) employ its own people by matter of principle or should the shrewd cost-saving business model prevail? Is there honor in providing jobs within the nation that produced you or does it go to the cheapest bidder? Birds of a feather or... um... some other bird reference.... every... uh... eaglet... for itself. (Ok forget that one.)

Your thoughts?

No Wonder

2005-10-07T10:50:00.000-04:00

It's no wonder to me that much of the world hates the U.S. when ridiculous propoganda like THIS is broadcast to them. The lies spread through the world paint such an untrue portrayal of America, Americans, and American government. Of course, the White House called it out as completely absurd, but THAT part will likely not be heard over the big lake.

And it's even worse in Islamic countries.

Control Room is very interesting documentary on the differences in media coverage of the war in Iraq. They had it at Blockbuster a few months back. Worth the watch.

Letter To Mr. Corvette Driver On PA Turnpike This Morning

2005-10-07T08:14:00.000-04:00

Dear Mr. Douchebag,

Sometimes other drivers make us angry. That's ok, because it happens to all of us. Sometimes, we react to getting angry... and depending on how we handle it, that's ok too.

But then sometimes we do stupid crap and put other people in danger. That's not ok... but that's what you did this morning. You might not even realize it, but I'm here to inform you that you're a freakin prick.

I'm not sure what that semi truck did to make you mad. Maybe you're anger was legit. But you slamming your brakes on right in front of him probably isn't the best solution. First of all, he's bigger than you. Second of all, he's probably gonna have to swerve quickly to avoid hitting you... and we all (at least most of us - maybe not you) know that big trucks aren't the best at swerving quickly. Furthermore, once you cause him to swerve quickly, it's probably not a good idea to further complicate the situation by steering over in front of the truck AFTER he already swerved once to avoid hitting you.

You see, you did all those things this morning because your panties were in a bunch. I'm guessing that you saw the truck careen wildly and nearly jackknife, as a result of your actions, in your mirror.... but I'm also guessing that you probably did not see the car that was run off the right side of the road nor the family that missed by an inch of getting pinned between the out-of-control semi and the wall.... all this at about 75 mph.

That, Mr. Corvette man, makes you a jack-off. Endangering the lives of multiple people just trying to make their way... who have nothing to do with your little tizzy with some trucker.

Next time, may I suggest flipping the bird, cursing out your window, or writing down the phone number on the back of truck... and avoid doing stupid crap that nearly gets innocent people hurt. Better yet, why don't you drive your pretty little Corvette to some remote part of Iceland and never come back.

Oh, and the guy who almost got pinned by the truck.... he was the guy who flipped you off a mile down the road.... and he had my full support and my respect for handling his anger in a reasonable manner.

Sincerely,

The green Explorer who, previous to all this, you tailgated for 5 minutes.

Just Press 2 For A While

2005-10-06T18:27:00.000-04:00

Too bad he's gone, because Mitch was a funny man.

HERE is a website with some videos of him that I had not seen before. Pretty cool.

Swiss cheese is a ripoff. It's the only cheese that you can bite into and miss!" -- Mitch Hedberg

Dang.

2005-10-06T17:35:00.000-04:00

Check out this picture of a freakin GATOR that got eaten by a freakin PYTHON who somehow died. Holy balls, that's a big snake.

Screw the "Stand Your Ground" laws, it's those Florida snakes that I'm scared of!!!

Udder Bull Crap!!

2005-10-06T15:21:00.000-04:00

THIS is freakin ridiculous!!!

Those bloggers should be identified and punished!!

Nope... rewind... I can't freakin believe that the lower court judge ruled against the bloggers! Where the heck is this thing called "freedom of speech"?? I should be able to say whatever I want and criticize you... (just as long as I don't make threats against you.) These were some bloggers posting comments on a freakin blog and now you can be charged with defamation?! Absurd and unacceptable!

It's one thing for a news agency... who has taken on the responsibility of accurate and unbiased journalism... to public defame someone. But on the private level, you should be allowed to say whatever you want about someone else without fear of legal consequence. Who wants to live in a society where you cannot speak out against the actions and character of public officials?

Last time I checked, you guys were ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES open to public scrutiny... not supreme dictators raining fear down upon us peasants who dare speak out against Your Greatness.

Pathetic.

And I don't even know the guy or the situation... but Patrick Cahill (I mean Pat-dick Gay-hill) is a piece of crap... his sleazy lawyers are what's wrong with this country... and the Delaware Supreme Court is my personal favorite right now for overruling this nonsense.... although... by reading the article, you still don't feel all that safe exercising your right to free speech.

A step away from free speech is one towards tyranny.

Bird Massacre? I Say, "Survival Of The Fittest"

2005-10-06T12:19:00.000-04:00

As many as 400 songbirds were killed in one night after they flew into wires holding up a television tower.

The deaths may spur the creation of a group to study the dangers communication towers pose to migrating birds, said specialists with the Department of Natural Resources. Source.

Oh please. There goes some more of my tax money... let's start a group for ANY IMAGINABLE REASON!!!

I say, if you really believe in the ideas of evolution and since we're not going back to smoke signals, allow the animals that can "adapt" or whatever to be the ones who survive this dastardly communication age.

And while I'm on the subject, I don't think that evolutionists should support handicapped parking spots. These are conflicting ideas. Allow for the survival of the fittest and then try to maintain the survival of the least-fit!!! NO!!

Actually, I couldn't care less... I just hate losing out on the best parking spots.

NO EVOLUTION DEBATE ALLOWED HERE!!! I'm tired and cranky today!! :)

Mosh Pit Etiquette

2005-10-06T11:52:00.000-04:00

Last night's concert was the first time that I hit the most pit. I had shoved some people around at the Zebrahead/Reel Big Fish show, but last night was just plain ridiculous.

I kinda wanted to get into the mix throughout the whole show, but the pit was off and on all night and I was being a big baby about it. Finally, towards the end of the show... I said "screw it" and went in.

I know that mosh pits can get even more insane than this one... with legs and arms and blood flying... but this was more of an "I'm gonna slam into you and shove anyone I can find as hard as I can"-type crowd.... so I wasn't too concerned about getting KO'd. That said, there were some pretty big boys in there... and I'm no scrawny kat... and so it was definitely not for the feeble.

It was freakin awesome though. I took a beating like I haven't had in... well... ever. But I did hand out my share of punishment too... What I liked the most was the uncertainty and confusion. When you're in there... you don't know who is coming or from which direction... at any moment you might get slammed... that's the fun part. Oh, and taking a perfect shot on someone else is pretty rad too.

Perhaps the coolest thing is the "honor" among everyone there. No one was getting pissed off and starting crap. Everyone was laughing and having a good time. When someone fell, everyone would stop and help them up... when a song ended, a bunch of stinky, sweaty dudes who didn't know each other would high-five and slap backs.... It was pretty dang cool.

Of course, I feel like an old man today... with just about every muscle hurting. But definitely worth it.

So anyway, if you're still reading, share your mosh-pit stories!!

Cracking Good Time, Grommit!

2005-10-06T11:49:00.000-04:00

You can get a full description of last night's concert on Stan's blog, but MAN... that was a good time. I pretty much got to stand behind Stan and shove him around all night. (Sounds a little gay).

Stan's analysis was correct:

Anberlin -- Major Suckage
Funeral for a Friend -- Pretty good
Story of the Year -- Freakin incredible!

I gained a lot of respect for S.O.T.Y. They put on a great show!

Be More Freakin Careful!

2005-10-06T10:35:00.000-04:00

Shared printers are annoying.

My particular task right now on my project involves generating and printing a bunch of forms that get faxed out to sites all over the place. Since there are about 50 people sharing 3 printers, there is a coversheet that starts every single print batch so you know who it belongs to. We also have a large mail bin with everyone's name next to the printers where you can put someone's printouts.

Well, some cornballs that I work with aren't careful and will assume a whole stack of printouts belong to them without checking them. Then, someone else (aka ME) doesn't get their stuff... and when I'm making and printing 100+ of these things in a day, I can't keep track of them all.

Case in point... today, after all my forms were faxed from yesterday, I find (at 10:30 AM) a pile of printouts that I printed at 12:50 PM yesterday... and they JUST got put in my bin... which means some goofball had them for 22 hours at his/her desk. Now, not only are the dates screwed up (and everything here is run on tight metrics), but I don't remember if I re-printed them or not... so now I might be sending out duplicates...

I know, I know... long post about a topic none of you care about... but it's freakin annoying to me... especially after a short night of sleep and my freakin neck is KILLING me from the concert last night....

OH YEAH!!!

2005-10-05T15:46:00.000-04:00

Classic!

And a very appropriate VIDEO to go with it!!!!

Would You?

2005-10-05T13:03:00.000-04:00

I dunno why little round chocolate candies are involved in this at all!!?!

Anyway, Eminem is suing cellular ring-tone companies for using his songs, apparently without his permission.

Granted, it is copyright infringement... but does it really matter? It couldn't possibly hurt his sales... it's a cell phone ringtone, for frick's sake!!! If anything... it helps keep him and his tunes in kids' minds.

But maybe Eminem is a "principles" guy... (doubt it).

Would you sue if you were him??

Sock Her Mom

2005-10-05T08:21:00.000-04:00

Yasmin is forbidden from playing soccer for the sole purpose of detering Pam from becoming a Soccer Mom. I hate Soccer Moms. Their whole "thing" is annoying and busted. I hate the stupid soccer bumper stickers, soccer ball decals on their minivans, and the stupid TV commercials that pander to this weak segment of society. Stand up for something greater than the fact that your nitwit kid runs in circles kicking a ball.

I have nothing against soccer, except that it turns women into Soccer Moms.

Prafeser X Ses "Sta In Skol"

2005-10-04T14:26:00.000-04:00

On the way back from lunch today, I was behind a dirty van that someone had written on (by wiping the dirt away). There were a bunch of slash marks across the back and above them it said:

"Walvrine"

and

"X-men was here"

Unfortunately, thinks I that Little Johnny Vandrawer must have slashed up his grammar and spelling books!!!

Duct Tape Pam

2005-10-04T08:41:00.000-04:00

Pam (my perty lady) had her last night on Saturday at the Tiki Bar where she is a server. (The bar closes during the fall and winter.) Following tradition, all of the workers at the bar dress up in costumes on the last night.

We didn't know what to do for Pam, so I suggested a duct tape costume and we went for it. It ended up being a "Sexy Duct Tape Superhero" which was a skirt and a basically strapless shirt (with little straps around her neck). It was real clothes which were then completely covered in duct tape... 100%... so you couldn't see anything but the tape. Even her tall boots where completely covered in tape. Then, we added a broad axe, sword, and two guns... again... all tape-covered.

She looked mad-hot.

Everyone loved her costume... even the 2 creepy old guys who got kicked out for saying inappropriate stuff to her.... and had I known it.... would have had some inappropriate stuff said back to them by me!!!

Anyway, if I can get ahold of some pictures, I'll post em later.

Gulp

2005-10-04T08:30:00.000-04:00

Last night, I pulled out the maintenance records that came along with my BMW and started noting the fairly high prices of these bills for work done. So I started adding.... and from 2004 until halfway through 2005, the guy who owned my car spent $10,600 on service... NOT including the probably $7,000 or so in performance upgrades.

Now, it's not that the car is a piece of crap... it's more that he had EVERY SINGLE TINY THING replaced by a BMW dealership.... any time it make a squeak or needed windshield washer fluid... it was done at $110/hour. Nothing was done halfway. Everytime something went bad, he replaced it with a higher quality aftermarket piece. But still... sheesh. I ain't gots that kind of dough.

Most notable was the $4,000 service bill done only weeks before I bought the car.

To be honest, I'm glad the guy was like that because I know the car was well-maintained. I'm just scared to say that this level of automotive pampering will likely not continue.

El Gripe-O

2005-10-04T08:21:00.000-04:00

Can't find the article now, but read last night about how the Hispanic community is all upset that Bush didn't pick a Latino for the Supreme Court position... particularly Alberto Gonzalez.

It's a free country, so gripe away, but let me remind you that not-so-long-ago, Bush appointed Gonzalez first to his general counsel and then to the position of freakin' Attorney General of the US... the FIRST Hispanic person to be chosen for that position and no small honor.

How quickly we forget.

Blog Post Of The Year

2005-10-04T08:14:00.000-04:00

Well, not exactly.

But Stan, Todd (my white brother... actually just my brother who happens to be white), and I are going to see the band "Story of the Year" tomorrow night in Philly. Should be rad. They're playing with Funeral for a Friend, He Is Legend, and Anberlin. Should be lots of screaming involved (from the bands)... and maybe Stan screaming like one of those 11-year-old girls at a Justin Timberlake concert.

Al Gore Invented It...

2005-09-30T06:56:00.000-04:00

...so we're keeping it.

Please Tell Me You Find This Appalling...

2005-09-29T12:32:00.000-04:00

Christian, atheist, Republican, Democrat, Conservative, Liberal.... We as human beings should all see eye to eye on this one.... but I'm sure we won't.

Dutch Set To Expand Euthanasia Guidelines

It's a scary world when, outside of a criminal context, people can preside over the life and death of the innocent... helpless little babies.... and soon enough if these monsters get their way... children, teenagers, adults, and the elderly.

Should you be detestable and barbaric enough to agree with this, please humor me with any smattering of logic and reason you can muster. Please explain to me on what authority you play God over the lives of others.

I'm A Chinese Sweatshopper!!!

2005-09-28T12:32:00.000-04:00

MAN!! I just found out that a girl sitting near me, doing the EXACT SAME JOB I do... makes SIX FREAKIN DOLLARS per hour MORE than me because she's through a different, and quite obviously better, agency.

SON OF A!!! I'm happy for her, but I'm about to slash Kelly Services' tires.... if... it had a car...

That's $240 per week, $1,000 per month, $12,000 per year more than I make. Somebody's gonna get theirs!!!

Kamin 想要他的freakin 金钱, beehotches!

New Money

2005-09-28T11:12:00.000-04:00

The U.S. paper money is getting re-done-did again... this time adding color to further thwart me counterfeiters.

Here's the new $50:

All I can say is:

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Peek!!!

2005-09-27T21:40:00.000-04:00

Somebody's checking out Justin's new house!!!

Holy Encepha-Frickin-Litis!!

2005-09-27T21:23:00.000-04:00

Is that what THIS is??? Balls, I no speaka Espanol!!!

Kamin, Admin

2005-09-27T12:34:00.000-04:00

If you remember a few weeks back, I posted about how I was considering taking an admin job. At the time, the job got frozen and I sorta forgot about it.

Well, in blew some warmer corporate weather and the job thawed. After posting internally and getting no qualified bidders, it's now externally posted. Being that I worked with the manager for 6 months and we're good friends... naturally I shall be the first interview... this Thursday. I've got a very strong suspicion that the interview will go surprisingly well. ;)

Anyway, I've already come to the conclusion that despite my pride being challenged, this is the way to go. Same money... more security... great benefits for my family... plenty of vacation time... holiday pay... etc etc etc... Plus I know the work and love the people.

So anyway, here goes. Let me practice:

"The files are on your desk, boss."

"Would you like sugar in your coffee?"

"Don't forget your 3:00 meeting and I picked up your dry cleaning for you. Little Johnny's game starts at 6:00 and don't forget to pay the cable bill tonight!"

DOWN PAT! I'll be fine!!

Actually, in all reality, the job's not like that at all and the people are very cool. Won't be bad at all.

Why Your Neighbors Keep A Close Eye On You

2005-09-27T12:28:00.000-04:00

What'cha up to over there, AL???

Judo CHOP!!

2005-09-26T08:05:00.000-04:00

Ever need an excuse to judo chop through your car window? Just lock your kid inside on a hot day!!!!

Quite accidently, Pam locked YJPeezers in the car on Friday. She was supposed to be meeting a couple co-workers and I for lunch because they wanted to see Yasmin. Instead of getting the "I'm waiting in the lobby" call, I get the frantic "I locked Yasmin in the car" call. And the ridiculousness didn't end there.

I guess she unlocked the car (our black BMW) and put YJP in her carseat through the back door. Then, as she often does (or DID, I should say), Pam threw the keys up into the front seat. Well, somewhere in that very complicated series of steps, she must have hit the lock button, unbeknownst to her, and when she closed the back door, it all went downhill from there.

Since it was about 85 degrees and sunny, we knew Yazzie shouldn't be in there very long. The called the police who came out and tried to pop the lock... except it's not your typical rail-like door lock in that car, and all he managed to do was severely screw up my paint around the doors.

By this time, Yasmin was looking flush and the cop said he had no choice but to bust out a window to get her out. So he lined up his little hammer-thingy and POP. (For clarification... "POP" = $250 comprehensive insurance deductible)

SO ANYWAY... I get this frantic call at work and, feeling helpless, I decide to try to go home and get the spare key. (Pam was at my parents' house). So I leave and end up getting slightly panicky as my mind has all kinds of crazy thoughts. I end up driving like a complete moron... too fast... actually ran a few red lights (not full out... I stopped and made sure no cars were coming).... and by the time I finally got back to my parents', the situation was all resolved already. My poor Explorer got the shizzat kicked out of it the whole way!!!! I know now that I overreacted... but that's easy to say now... when your child is in danger, you get sorta tunnelvisioned.

So anyway.... my car's getting a new window... I'm out $250 + 1/2 day pay... and I've got a good story for Yasmin when she gets older.... and some "argument ammo" against Pam...

"Yeah well, I never locked my KID in the car!!" Score one for Kamin!

UPDATE: 12:06PM -- My freakin insurance company, in a classic example of "We'll take your money and offer you minimal service for it", is refusing to fix the horrendous gouges and scratches that the stupid cop made all around both of the front doors as he tried to break in. Now I just have to live with a car that I TRIED to keep nice with scratches all around it. FREAKIN COMMIES.

F You, Luigi!!!

2005-09-22T18:39:00.000-04:00

Mario curses out Luigi on a kids show... or does he?

Whatch'all think? I'm pretty sure it's "thank you" but the other is more exciting.

Deadly Irony

2005-09-21T21:42:00.000-04:00

This is NOT funny, but just so incredibly ironic. Delta Airlines flight 1141 (1988) black box audio recording showing the conversation immediately prior to the plane crashing (and 14 lives lost) due to retarded pilot error.

HERE is the Wikipedia article on the event.

HERE is the audio from the black box. Mildly disturbing (and painfully ironic) for those who might be offended.

...kinda makes you mad that those people in charge of others' lives would be so careless.

Pinch His WHAT?!?

2005-09-21T21:03:00.000-04:00

THIS has got to be one of the funniest church videos ever!!! I can't stop laughing!!!!

Reminds me of a story my dad told me from when he was a kid....

It was Easter Sunday and the pastor of his church had invited all the children to the front and was saying something nice to each one of them. To one little girl, he commented about how pretty her dress was... to which the girl replied, "Yeah, but mom says it's a b#@%h to iron!"

DOH!!!

Anyway watch the video.

Volvo's Won't Be Safe Much Longer

2005-09-21T16:08:00.000-04:00

THIS is not news! Of course they do!!! The fewer women-drivers making cars, the safer the cars will be! Everyone knows that!!!

In all seriousness though, read the article. The height restrictions = gender discrimination is the biggest load of crap I've seen all day. Give me a break.

All lawyers should be executed.

Hint: More on lawyers tomorrow!!!

Quotes O' The Day 2

2005-09-21T06:54:00.000-04:00

"I'm watching and I'm especially waiting."

"I open the television..."

"LET DEM TOUCH TOSE TINGS FOR ONCE!"

"Der watching helicopsters fly over der heads."

"TAKE A KAYAK! Go into those walls!"

"BIG GUNS! What's that?!"

All these gems courtesy of Celine Dion in a 2-minute span! BRILLIANT!!!

Quote O' The Day

2005-09-21T06:51:00.000-04:00

"I'll try to put my 2 cents in sometimes, although feels like it's worth little more." --Mark Slagdo

Shocking!!

2005-09-20T17:23:00.000-04:00

Ok... sorry for A Crappy Dorky Call to title this "Shocking!!", but I guess that's just the way I'm currently wired. I tried to be a resistor, but I just didn't have A Moral Problem So I went with it.

SHOCKMAN!!!

Abercrombie,Banana Republic,Express... KOHLS!

2005-09-20T09:33:00.000-04:00

Pants shopping. Just the thought of it makes me shutter.

Shopping for something that can contain my monsterous... ....

...thighs... is never much fun. You see, my build is very "athletic". (Note: I'm about as athletic as a tree, but that's irrelevant right now). I have big legs and my thighs tend to pull fabric tight across my butt and so most pants look incredibly gay on me. So I always need to find pants with plenty of room in the legs.

Attention shoppers! Plenty of room in Kevin's crotch!

So I've been wondering for years about where to buy pants because the major hip stores are very into this "slim" look right now. I simply cannot buy pants at stores like Hollister, Express, etc...

So last night, instead of trying and getting frustrated as normal, I went to Kohl's. And there, I found stuff that fit me!!! Invigorated, I turned my sights upon other clothing options and ended up spending $200 between Pam and myself. Here's the breakdown:

Kamin: Brown cords ($15)
Kamin: Brown Corona longsleeve shirt ($15)
Kamin: Brown Guiness sweatshirt ($20)
Kamin: Black Sketcher shoes ($50)
Pam: Blue England zip-up jacket ($15)
Pam: 6 pairs of earrings and 3 necklaces ($80)
Both: Baby gift for a friend ($10)

For all that we got, that wasn't too bad!!! And yes, I know, TWO BEER SHIRTS... I never wear beer shirts, but these were both pretty cool.

Um... No.

2005-09-19T15:46:00.000-04:00

Waa-waa. John Hinckley wants to go visit his mommy. Boo-frickity-hoo.

DUDE. YOU SHOT THE FREAKIN' PRESIDENT and 3 other people!!! You severely F'ed up the life of James Brady!!! No. You sit in your cell and think about that all frickin day.

I have no sympathy for people like him at all. You signed away your life when you made that choice and nobody made it for you. If it were up to me, there'd be no way on Earth that clown would be free to take his little "vacations".

The Clintons Switch-Hitting

2005-09-18T22:03:00.000-04:00

I find it amusing that Bill Clinton is now saying that the US invaded Iraq "virtually alone and before UN inspections were completed, with no real urgency, no evidence that there were weapons of mass destruction." (source)

...when he himself had previous said...

"On the other side, France, Germany and Russia are adamantly opposed to the use of force or imposing any ultimatum on Saddam as long as the inspectors are working. They believe that, at least as long as the inspectors are there, Iraq will not use or give away its chemical and biological stocks, and therefore, no matter how unhelpful Saddam is, he does not pose a threat sufficient to justify invasion. After 150,000 US forces were deployed to the Gulf, they concluded the US was not willing to give inspections a chance anyway.

The problem with their position is that only the threat of force from the US and the UK got inspectors back into Iraq in the first place. Without a credible threat of force, Saddam will not disarm.

There is, too, as both Britain and America agree, some risk of Saddam using or transferring his weapons to terrorists. There is as well the possibility that more angry young Muslims can be recruited to terrorism. But if we leave Iraq with chemical and biological weapons, after 12 years of defiance, there is a considerable risk that one day these weapons will fall into the wrong hands and put many more lives at risk than will be lost in overthrowing Saddam. " (source)

....and Hillary, too: "Sen. Clinton fully supports the steps the president has taken to disarm Iraq of weapons of mass destruction," said Clinton spokesman Philippe Reines." (source)

I must be at the beach for all the flip-flops around here.

David Limbaugh Weighs In On The Pledge Of Alligence Issue

2005-09-18T21:31:00.000-04:00

And I quote:

"U.S. District Judge Lawrence Karlton's decision that a California "school district's policy and practice of teacher-led recitation of the Pledge violates the Establishment Clause," provides a timely illustration of judicial activism at work.

Just to be clear, I'm not here accusing Judge Karlton himself of activism. He determined that he is required by the previous holding of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in the Newdow case to enjoin the district from the practice.

He ruled that while the Supreme Court reversed the 9th Circuit in Newdow, it did so on technical grounds ("standing") and its substantive holding (forbidding the teacher-led Pledge) still stands. I suspect it may later be determined that Judge Karlton is way off in his legal analysis, but if he is correct, then he was not engaging in judicial activism by following binding precedent (again, assuming it is binding) from a superior court.

This case, however, does highlight the judicial activism of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court in their Establishment Clause jurisprudence.

The Supreme Court has primarily mucked up the law in this area (Establishment Clause). The 9th Circuit is even worse, but without the original activism of the Supreme Court, the 9th Circuit would have had nothing to hang its hat on in the Newdow case.

If the Court had, through the years, construed the Establishment Clause in accordance with the original understanding of the Framers, these pledge cases -- and similar cases -- would never have gotten off the ground.

The Establishment Clause was designed to prohibit the Establishment of a national religion or a national church. It was not intended to erect a "wall of separation" between church and state, nor prohibit all endorsements of religion by the federal government. And it was emphatically not intended to force government to be neutral between theism and atheism.

One may believe, as a policy matter, that a government-supported school should not favor one religion over another or one Christian denomination over others. But policy preferences are a separate issue from what the Constitution requires or forbids.

Like it or not, the Constitution, rightly interpreted, allows the federal government (and the states) to "encourage" the Christian religion. As Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story (1779-1845) wrote, "Probably, at the time of the adoption of the Constitution … the general, if not the universal, sentiment in America was, that Christianity ought to receive encouragement from the State, so far as such encouragement was not incompatible with the private rights of conscience, and the freedom of religious worship."

From the beginning of our constitutional history, the government has honored the God of the Bible, from congressional chaplains, to national days of prayer, to opening prayers in the Supreme Court, to Congress's authorization in 1800 -- when the seat of government moved to Washington, D.C. -- for the Capitol building also to serve as a church building.

The Establishment Clause, like the Free Exercise Clause, was supposed to guarantee, not restrict religious freedom. But the Supreme Court, in its activist distortions, has largely turned the clause into a weapon against religion liberties, and lower courts have followed suit, and worse.

In the Pledge cases, the argument is that when a public school teacher leads the students in reciting the Pledge, which includes the words "under God," the government is endorsing (establishing) religion. And, to the objection that students may choose not to participate, the anti-pledgers say, "Students are virtually coerced by peer pressure to participate. They will feel offended or uncomfortable if they don't."

The Supreme Court, if it hears this case, may hold that the thrust of the Pledge is patriotic and secular, and that "under God," is therefore incidental and not the establishment of religion. But the Court should never have to base its decision on such nuance in this area.

The Establishment Clause was never intended to apply to such removed, indirect nods toward religion. And it does not guarantee our right not to be offended or made to feel uncomfortable.

But more importantly, it was not intended to be used as a sword against the free exercise of religion. By going out of its way to find Establishment Clause violations on such tenuous grounds, the Court deprives students who want to recite the Pledge of their free exercise rights. In this way, the religion clauses are turned on their heads to achieve a result entirely opposite from that intended by the Framers.

If the Pledge's opponents ultimately prevail, the government will not be adopting a neutral stance toward religion, but one that prefers atheism -- kicking God further out the door.

Beware of those who speciously champion the mythical separation of church and state in the name of religious liberty. All too often the result of their advocacy is the suppression, not the expansion of religious liberties."

Flim Flam

2005-09-17T16:44:00.000-04:00

Flim Flam gets out your stains... kinda.

...and flip your fliggity flam for your bumbly dukes.

Audio Clip of Manchild Talking To Kamin After One Of Our Evolution Debates

2005-09-17T16:19:00.000-04:00

Click here..... mildly NSFW.

Celine's Retarded Ramblings

2005-09-17T16:07:00.000-04:00

Please tell me, my liberal friends, that you find this nonsensical garbage completely retarded!!!

CELINE DION ON LARRY KING

/cue Jack Black going "cuckoo, cuckoo" from Shallow Hal

I like the reference to "helicopsters"... that's my new favorite word. I also now like to randomly shout "GET A KAYAK!" and "LET DEM TOUCH DOSE TINGS!" for no real reason.

Anyway, I actually took the time to listen and transcribe the entire beginning of this clip until Larry realizes that this trainwreck of an interview needs to end. Here it is so you can follow along on the trail to absolute retardedness:

If I may, I.. um.. I was watching you behind with ther.. there’s a television right now. I’m watching and I’m especially waiting. Like the rest of the world. I’m waking up in the morning, I’m having a coffee; I barely can swallow it. Um. I come here, at Caesar’s Place every night… to perform… I barely can sing. … But for respect, for the people whl’ come… I am still singing. When I come home at night, my son is waiting for me. I watch television. Yes, we gave a million dollar. ..but what we expect, what I want to look like the rest of the world I open de television… there is people still there… waiting to be rescued… and for me it’s not acceptable, I know there’s reasons for it. I’m sorry to say I’m being rude but I don’t wanna hear dose reasons. You know, some people are stealing and they’re making a big deal out of it. Oh, they’re stealings 20 pair of jeans or they’re stealing television si.. sets… who cares? They’re not gonna go too far with it.. maybe those people are so poor, some of the people who do that, they’re so poor, they’ve never touched anyting in dare lives, LET DEM TOUCH DOSE TINGS FOR ONCE! The main thing right now it’s not da people who are stealing, it’s da people who are left dare, and they’re watching helicopsters flying over their heads and they’re praying… how come it’s so easy to send planes in another country to kill everyone in a second, to destroy lives… we need to serve our country, and for me to serve our country is to be there right now to rescue the rest of the people. We need da cash, we need da blood, we need da support, right now we need da prayers. It is, you know when I was hearing a couple of days ago dese things are not reachable, it’s too full of water, maybe I’m too much like a male (???), I’m not thinking with my head, I’m talking with my heart, nobody can open any roofs? Da helicopters flying in take two people at a time TAKE A KAYAK!!! Go into dose walls! Dares… KIDS being raped at night. We hear gunshots.. BIG GUNS!! What’s THAT?!!? Dose people are praying they’re walking like dis HELLO! Do you see us? We’re still alive, but we’re dying. It’s terrible! I do not want to talk to you about money.

Warning: Mushy-ness Ahead!

2005-09-16T08:49:00.000-04:00

With Pam working 4-5 nights per week from 3:00PM - 1:00AM, I have been spending a lot of alone-time with Yasmin... which has turned out to be pretty awesome.

Last night, I had a few awesome moments.... little things that wouldn't mean much to anyone watching (and so probably won't mean much to you), but are just bursting with significance to me.

The first was when Yasmin and I got home. It was almost dark and SOMEONE (aka Pam) didn't leave the key in our "hidden spot" and I didn't have another key. So I had to go in through the basement. Now that Yasmin is a little older, she is afraid of the dark. When we got down into the basement, it was pitch-black. I was holding Yasmin and she started her nervous whine/fuss when it got dark and I felt her pull in very tight to me and grip my shirt tightly. I spoke soothingly to her and stood there for a minute just thinking how incredibly awesome it is to have someone who needs you so badly.

Later, after her nap, we went out to dinner... just dad and daughter... which is always fun. We shared some food and I even gave her a little of my soda! Afterward, I took her into a BurgerKing playland area where they have a huge plastic mansion that she could play in. Of course, I went with her (which was disgusting because I KNOW they don't clean those things)... but she was so excited and loved running around in there. When she couldn't do something, she right-away looks for me to help her out. That's pretty rad too.

Once we got back home and played for a bit, it was time for bed. She just watches me get everything ready for bed and then brought me three books to read to her. After we're finished, I put her into bed with her dolls and blanket and we just kinda stare at each other for a minute and I kiss her goodnight. No crying or fussing at all.

Despite what people say about how hard kids are blah blah blah.... I can't even express how magical it is sometimes. There is not a thing in the world I would trade for my evening yesterday.

Bring Out 'Cher Dead! CLANK!

2005-09-15T15:47:00.000-04:00

Greeeeaaaaaat. Although once you RTA, it's not so bad.

Survey SAYS!!

2005-09-15T12:31:00.000-04:00

After Kate's surveys, I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon... which will probably make it swerve, lose control, and plummet over a cliff to a fire death miles below...

Anyway, here goes: THE FRANKIN'EST MOST RANDOM FREAKIN RETARDED SURVEY

1. Most embarassing nickname people called you?

2. Scariest moment of your life?

3. How do you think you will die?

4. Most money you have ever found (USD please, Manchild!!!) :D

5. Most famous person you've met/seen in person?

6. Habit of yours that annoys other people?

7. Favorite gameshow (old or new)?

8. First job?

9. Most significant physical altercation you've had?

10. Your first/next child's name will be... (girl / boy)

On Strike

2005-09-15T10:15:00.000-04:00

If you watch Philly-area news, you may have noticed that my old school district, Pottsgrove SD, is on strike. I know, I know... "greedy teachers"... but actually, Pottsgrove is the lowest-paying district in the county.... for teachers. Administrators, however, are close to (if not THE) highest paid in the county.

Let's recap:

Teachers = lowest paid in county
Administrators = highest paid in county

In your THIRD year as a professional teacher with loads of responsibility and a bachelor's degree, you can expect to earn $38,000. That's insane.

Shishking

2005-09-15T09:41:00.000-04:00

Last night I made shish-kabobs because Pam's parents came over to our house. I got some Lowry's Herb and Garlic Marinade (which is the most freakin incredible marinade / sauce EVER)... soaked the steaks in it, then cut up onions, green peppers, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms, cut the steak into pieces, stuck em', and grilled them on the grill. I used almost three bottles of that Lowry's marinade between soaking the steak, pouring it while on the grill, and dumping loads of it on my plate when it was all done.

Frickin' awesome. You gotta try that Lowry's marinade. It's unreal.

Go Ahead...

2005-09-14T15:01:00.000-04:00

...and abandon all the tennets that this nation was built upon...

What's most ironic to me is that this is being done as though to preserve what the forefathers wanted... who, by the way, are spinning in their graves right now.

No, instead it's one more attack to remove God from all realms of life. Allowing students the right NOT to participate in the pledge was not enough... now we need to banned.

Honestly, are we hearing what we're saying??! The pledge of alligence... apromise to love and stand for our very own country and the ideals on which it was founded... is unconstitutional??!?! Should be banned?? Where is your sense of patriotism? Of tradition? Of carrying forward the past? Of history?

I'm starting to think more and more that individual judges are too powerful and too often led by their own personal bias to make far-reaching decisions affecting millions of people.

A Mid-Week Encouragement!

2005-09-14T09:18:00.000-04:00

Tony says... "YOU CAN DO IT!!!"

DEY TURK ARR JAARRRBS!!!!

2005-09-14T09:13:00.000-04:00

I said it before, but the Goobacks episode (806) of SouthPark is one of the funniest I've ever seen. I watched it again last night. If you haven't seen it, DO IT!

Get Ready For 1080 Lines Of Nasty Skanks!

2005-09-14T09:02:00.000-04:00

MTV is going with high definition.

Great. Real World, Laguna Beach, Room Raiders, Spring Break, Sweet 16 etc... in greater detail. An even clearer view of the most base, morally-decrepit, filth of society. Just what we all need.

Good Luck... (explaining this one)

2005-09-14T08:48:00.000-04:00

I have a good friend at work from India who just bought a new car, so I went out in the parking lot with her to look at it. I was surprised to see a bunch of swastikas drawn on her front bumper! A freakin Indian Nazi!!! Who'da thunk it?!?

Turns out, after much chops-busting on my part, that it is ACTUALLY an Indian "good luck" sign and apparently goes in a different direction than a swastika and has dots which are symbolic of something. Here's a drawing of it.... looks a heck of a lot like a swastika to me... doesn't it??

Anyway, my friend said you can buy things like posters, dishes, sashes, decorations, etc... with this on it because it is a good luck blessing from her culture. I asked her to get me something for my house! (Tee-hee!) And I suggested that she approach the topic of drawing it on her car very carefully!!!

Fostering Bad Parents

2005-09-13T10:33:00.000-04:00

I'd say that after THIS and a million cases like it, we need some major overhauling of the foster care system. I mean, after the 9th or 10th kid... doesn't SOMEONE start to ask questions or examine the house or something?!?!??

Blatant Racism or Political Water-Muddying?? You Decide!!

2005-09-13T10:03:00.000-04:00

The SALT and PEPPER debate.

Your opinions?