I Don't Know Where to Begin On This One

Florida tourists warned that locals could shoot them
A series of alarming adverts, to be placed in British newspapers, warns potential tourists about a new law allowing gun owners to shoot anyone they believe threatens their safety.

It means thousands of British families who travel to the Sunshine State are now caught up in the ongoing political row over gun control in the United States.

The Florida law, supported by the National Rifle Association, was approved by the state legislature in April.

Critics call it the "shoot first" law and say it allows gun owners to shoot if they engage in a simple argument in public. Supporters call it the "stand your ground" law and say criminals will think twice before attacking someone.

Previously, gun owners could only use their weapons if they first attempted to withdraw and avoid a confrontation, and were permitted to shoot threatening individuals only inside their home or property.

Now they can use "deadly force" if they "reasonably believe" that firing their gun is necessary to prevent a crime or serious injury. The law also effectively prevents civil legal action by victims of such shootings.

The $100 Laptop

I want to teach the world to surf, says the man who invented the $100 laptop

A man at MIT has invited a laptop that is going to "bridge the world's gaping digital divide"

The computer is going to be made of a rubber shell, have a crank of some sort to get power when there is no plug around, and the power cord will double as a shoulder strap so kids can carry it to school. (turning the crank for 1 minute gives 10 minutes of power on the early versions of this machine)

The prototype is to be completed in November, and he expects that in the first year to make about 15 million and send them "first to children in Brazil, Egypt, Thailand and South Africa."

"The Governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney, has also committed to buying half a million of the machines for distribution to lower-income school students in the state"

I think this is an amazing concept and that it could change the way children go to school. It is my belief that in years from now kids might not learn how to hand write, and instead they will learn everything by typing. It could change the way society works - but of course the machine that can withstand a child beating it up has to be built first. I can barely get my laptop to work for more than 1 year without breaking something on it.

You Said It!!

A sign on the Brooklyn side of the Williamsburg Bridge proclaims 'Leaving Brooklyn: Oy Vey!' The sign, bearing the Jewish expression of dismay or hurt, is intended as a way of acknowledging Brooklyn's large Jewish population. Borough President Marty Markowitz says motorists seeing it know it means 'Dear me, I'm so sad you're leaving.'

Seriously?

Wanted: Married men to hit on Paris, Nicole
The concept for the new show has former best friends Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie — who are no longer speaking to each other — trying to be surrogate moms in strange households. A casting call has gone out to find families willing to be filmed, and a source familiar with the search says that the execs have declared: “The friskier the dad, the better.”

“They’re looking for dads who are likely to make a play for Paris or Nicole,” says a source. “They’re saying they’re willing to pay the families ‘a substantial’ amount of money for two days of shooting and that African-American families are a plus.” Why’s that? Says the source: “I think it’s just because they already have some white families and they want to be multicultural.”

Great, now home wrecking is gonna be the cool new thing.

"let the arabs get sexed" -- the sad state of affairs

a unc student wrote an article advocating the stop, seizure and cavity search of all "arabs" on flights. she proposes this idea as a way to ensure that terrorism will be stopped. i understand the fear of terrorism. you take a second look at backpacks and fidgety people. but is stopping every "arab" the answer? she says she doesn't care if the personal rights of the arabs are infringed upon as long as she's safe. i find it incredible that she can ignore the fact that not all brown people are arab, that not all arabs are terrorists and that wasting time searching every single arab-looking person will likely let would-be terrorists fall thru the cracks.

it the same type of rational was used in the japanese internment of the 1940s. the same idea that supported the racial profiling by police officers of african american males on highways.

i don't mind having some of my civil rights infringed upon if law enforcement authorities think i've done something suspicious to warrant examination. and as a brown person, this has happened to me. in fact, i welcome it b/c that means that the officers are exercising some discretion and not just blindly stopping anyone and everyone with a brown complexion. but there has to be a method to the madness and not just routine stops because if one thing the 9/11 terrorists have taught us, they have the patience to observe weaknesses and plan accordingly. why make it easier for them to attack us again by having such a predictable procedure in place?

who's next?

John Roberts has been confirmed as the next Chief Justice. There's a lot of speculation as to whom Bush will name to replace Justice O'Connor. Will the person be a female or minority? Hard-core conservative? More moderate right-wing to appease the Democrats? Stay tuned...

check it

Weird Animals of the World

Many of you may have heard about the Giant Squid that was found by Japanese Scientists this week.. But did any of you hear of the two headed baby tortoise found in Havana, Cuba??

Google Moon

We all love Google Earth, which is a program that allows the user to see satellite images of any place on the earth (a lot of fun if you haven't tried it already) - you can get close enough to see individual streets, homes and buildings - and sometimes a blurry person walking down the street

But now......Google MOON!!

This doesn't work the same way as Google Earth - there are just a few basic satellite photos that you can zoom into

My suggestion (for a good laugh) is to zoom in as far as you can (towards the plus side) and see what the moon looks like up close (and is really made of)

Why You Should Wait To Buy

Apple Reportedly Offers to Fix iPod Nanos

Three weeks after introducing the pencil-thin iPod Nano portable music player, Apple Computer is reportedly ready to respond to complaints about defective screens.

The Wall Street Journal reports Apple will offer to replace the screens that cracked too easily. Users have been posting complaints on the Internet about cracked screens and scratched cases.

One Day, I Want to Be President of the U.S.A.

Every over achieving little kid has said it. They all want to run the country...but for little girls it was always something that was even more special because they wanted to be the first!

Now, ABC has a new tv show "Commander in Chief" and they pulled in the top ratings last night. This Commander in Chief becomes president after the actual president dies and she is moved up from vice prez to prez. (Of course ABC wouldn't just start the show with a woman being voted in to the highest office!!!)

So now Genna Davis is gonna show the country that PMS, mood swings, cravings for chocolate, uncomfortable shoes (the list can go on) won't hinder her ability to run a country.

Sometimes when TV makes things acceptable, reality may soon follow....

Want to Donate? Rethink Sending it to the Red Cross

The Red Cross money pit
This article disects the Red Cross and where it's money goes.

Giving so high a percentage of all donations to one agency that defines itself only as a first-responder and not a rebuilder is not the wisest choice. Americans ought to give a much larger share of their generous charity to community foundations, grass-roots nonprofit groups based in the affected communities and a large number of international "brand name" relief agencies with decades of expertise in rebuilding communities after disasters.

Punk'd?

Ok let me start by saying I HATE THAT SHOW....

BUT, with all the media coverage of the Ashton/Demi marriage, I MUST ASK....

Are we being Punk'd?

It Isn't Just Here

Vietnam hit by powerful typhoon

A powerful typhoon has made landfall in northern Vietnam, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate inland.

Protective dykes destroyed...homes flooded...sea surges

Cutting the School Week Short to Save Gas

If any of you were thinking the gas situation was not a problem....here is some more proof...

Schools are closing for a few days to save fuel.....
Ga. Closes Schools for 2 Days to Save Fuel

And in other cities in Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, Georgia, Washington and California (and maybe soon, Indiana), the school week has been permanently cut down to 4 days to save on gas

Of course there isn't just one cause to this problem - it isn't just the war, the large school bus, the hurricanes, the SUV's, or suburbia in general. We have found ourselves at this time where all of society's past decisions are now catching up with us. We always thought it would be the next generation who would have to deal - but it looks like it is us and we should be ready to change.

War is Sooooo Last Season

Dalai Lama Tells U.S. Crowd War Outdated
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - The Dalai Lama told 36,000 people at Rutgers Stadium that the concept of war was outdated and young people have a responsibility to make this century one of peace.

"This whole planet is just us," the 70-year-old exiled monk said Sunday. "Therefore, destruction of another area essentially is destruction of yourself."

Tibet's spiritual leader also urged the audience to develop a wider world perspective, not just focus on "America, America, America."

"His quiet mind is the kind of serenity New Jersey, home of strip malls, could use," Arielle Gomberg said.

The Modern Music Fan

Where does anticipation leave us in today's super-immediate mp3 reality? Every album I've expected, anticpated, over the last two years, I've had weeks, sometimes months before release.

Today, right now, there's an upcoming Her Space Holiday album that I've had for a looong time. (And Shawn's already bored by.) The new Franz Ferdinand album is about a week away from release; I know most of the lyrics by heart already. There's a new Broken Social Scene album coming next week, too, and I'm still deciding whether I like it or not. Etc, etc.

The real question is, what does all this have to do with us, the fans? How does it affect our appreciation and enjoyment of new albums?

I recently read an interesting column from Pitchfork about a Future Of Music conference. In it, someone mentioned how nobody does the "Memorex" thing anymore where a person sits in front of huge speakers, hits PLAY, and just listens to music. Nowadays, music is everywhere, it permeates life in commercials, transit system, offices, and films and TV, of course. With music, seemingly free coming from everywhere, how does the fan/band relationship change and grow? What happens when music seems to be more alive and vibrant than ever but bands are making nothing compared to what they use to make?

I have no idea, actually. I'm just wondering.

Freaking Sharks With Freaking Lasers on Their Heads

Armed and dangerous - Flipper the firing dolphin let loose by Katrina
Armed dolphins, trained by the US military to shoot terrorists and pinpoint spies underwater, may be missing in the Gulf of Mexico.

Experts who have studied the US navy's cetacean training exercises claim the 36 mammals could be carrying 'toxic dart' guns. Divers and surfers risk attack, they claim, from a species considered to be among the planet's smartest. The US navy admits it has been training dolphins for military purposes, but has refused to confirm that any are missing.

Iraqi's Fear

Iraqis wonder what price they'll pay in Katrina's wake
"Our hearts and our prayers are with the victims," Planning Minister Barham Saleh says. "But one should also keep in mind the importance of reconstruction in Iraq. You cannot leave Iraq alone, because failure is not an option here."

Now that the recent hurricanes have tore up parts of the Gulf Coast, and money is being used to rebuild after the storms, Iraqis are worried that Bush will forget that he started a war, demolished cities, and promised to rebuild.

The hurricanes come at a time when money for Iraq's reconstruction is running low. Congress approved $18.4 billion in 2003, but $5 billion was later set aside to rebuild Iraq's military and police.

Bush says he is committed to rebuilding both Iraq and the Gulf Coast. Can the US budget afford it?

I Must Have Slept Through This Class

Apparently, it's "okay" nowadays to wear pajamas to school.

I've never been a fashion stalwart but I do believe in a presentable appearence while in public. I think guys should wear shirts. I think girls - especially young girls - should keep more to the imagination than they do these days. But pajamas! That's just... lazy.

Sure, it sounds great. Roll out of bed into class and your meeting with your Advisor but it wouldn't work in the real world of suits and ties and morning coffee's. Young kids in elementary school should be able to wear whatever they want (I am a fan of comfort over fashion). But for college-age kids, they need some kind of prepartion for "reality" and that's only going to come when they learn to wake up early, take a shower, and look like a real person and not a kid.

The Little We Can Do

The thousands of displaced people, the victims of Hurricane Katrina and an incompetent government, need our continued support. Many people donated money in the aftermath of the storm and I think that is a wonderful sign of support from the American people. I saw it myself in my non-profit organization, we raised millions in a couple of days and hopefully helped them get food and water and proper living conditions.

But money isn't everything. And money can't comfort a bored child or teenager far from home and his friends. In those times, a book can be the most compassionate and close friend a person can have.

If you can, please go visit these two Amazon Wish List's and purchase a book or a game that will go to a displaced child. There's a lot of used books available to purchase and a lot of board games that could help these kids pass the time and make friends. I think it's a wonderful idea and I'm proud to share it with all of you.

Books.

Games.

Mailing Address for Donations:

Josh Causey
Parkview Baptist Church
11795 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA 70816

(And please, spread the word on your sites and to your friends.)

How Does He Pick His Battles?

Bush Waives Saudi Trafficking Sanctions

President Bush decided Wednesday to waive any financial sanctions on Saudi Arabia, Washington's closest Arab ally in the war on terrorism, for failing to do enough to stop the modern-day slave trade in prostitutes, child sex workers and forced laborers.

In June, the State Department listed 14 countries as failing to adequately address trafficking problems, subjecting them all to possible sanctions if they did not crack down.

Of those 14, Bush concluded that Bolivia, Jamaica, Qatar, Sudan, Togo and the United Arab Emirates had made enough improvements to avoid any cut in U.S. aid or, in the case of countries that get no American financial assistance, the barring of their officials from cultural and educational events, said Darla Jordan, a State Department spokeswoman.

Cambodia and Venezuela were not considered to have made similar adequate improvements. But Bush cleared them nonetheless to receive limited assistance, for such things as combatting trafficking. In the case of Venezuela — which has had a tense relationship with the United States under the leadership of President Hugo Chavez, one of Latin America's most outspoken critics of U.S. foreign policy — Bush also allowed funding for strengthening the political party system and supporting electoral observation.

In addition to Saudi Arabia, Ecuador and Kuwait — another U.S. ally in the Middle East — were given a complete pass on any sanctions, Jordan said. Despite periodic differences, oil-rich Saudi Arabia and the United States have a tight alliance built on economic and military cooperation.

That left Myanmar, Cuba and North Korea as the only nations in the list of 14 barred completely from receiving certain kinds of foreign aid. The act does not include cutting off trade assistance or humanitarian aid.

The Social Smoker

Smokers who believe a few cigarettes a day don't do any harm will need to think again.
Norwegian scientists who studied the health records of 43,000 men and women have shown that even light smoking -- less than five cigarettes daily -- triples the risk of dying of heart disease or lung cancer.

So next time you want to look cool and have a "social" smoke...Please think again!!

Whoa, That's Meta!

JetBlue Passengers Watched Ordeal on TVs
Letting customers watch TV at their seats has been a JetBlue calling card since the airline took flight in 1999.

But the frill made for a bizarre experience as passengers aboard an airliner with a crippled nose wheel watched news reports about their own flight even as they prepared for an emergency landing.

Some of those aboard Flight 292, which landed safely Wednesday at Los Angeles International Airport, said later that they appreciated seeing news reports on what was happening. Others were horrified.

"It was absolutely terrifying, actually. Seeing the events broadcast made it completely surreal and detached me from the event," said Zachary Mastoon, a musician heading home on the Burbank-to-New York flight. "It became this television show I was inextricably linked to. It was no longer my situation, it was broadcast for everyone to see. It only exacerbated the situation and my fear."

FYI - The plane landed and everyone is OK!!!

check out the article for more interesting information...

FBI Files

Ever wonder about...

William E.B. DuBois or Albert Einstein's connection to the Communist Party?

Marilyn Monroe's mysterious affairs or death?

When Frank Sinatra volunteered as undercover FBI and socialized with organized crime figures?

Well now all of this information is public on the internet, thanks to the Freedom of Information Act. The FBI has scanned their files, which includes reports, investigations, letters and news paper clippings of various high profile people (and probably some people you never heard).

So what does that mean for us? Just another way to waste a few hours on the internet...

Check out Unusual Phenomena, Gangster Era, Famous Persons, Espionage, Historical Interest , and Violent Crime. Or just go through the Alphabetical Listing....

Is Macy's the New Corporate Super Power?

A beautiful department store, which can be found in the heart of Chicago, called Marshall Field's, is being bought out and renamed Macy's.

Down here in Florida another huge department store called Burdines (also known as "The Florida Store") has also been bought out and renamed Burdines-Macy's. Many of the malls in Florida already had a Macy's - and you will be surprised to know that now those same malls have TWO Macy's!!!! (why 2?)

Burdines was something that Florida can call it's own. Just like Marshall Field's is for the people of Chicago. It was one of those local pride things. Ohh we have our own special department store that nobody else has in this country. They make their own specialty items. But now, that is gone.
I remember in NY that Macy's always had this going out of business feel to it - but now it looks like they are taking over the world. Are they the new corporate super power next to companies like GE, AOL, Microsoft, or McDonald's?

Newsflash: Hurricanes Are A Force of God (or, Idiots Continue To Speak In Public Places)

It was only a matter of time. The religious are heralding the upcoming apocalypse on the backs of hot air and rain. I'm sure the Christian right is ablaze with talk of sin and sex (their favorite topics) but it's almost comforting to know that pyscho religious thoughts are not only from coming from Christians. According to this article in Village Voice, some Rabbi's are irate about Israel's recent Disengagement action in Gaza and blame the US for its supportive role in the internal military action.

"Katrina is a consequence of the destruction of [Gaza's] Gush Katif [slate of Jewish communities] with America's urging and encouragement," Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Lewin, executive director of the Rabbinic Congress for Peace, told WND. "The U.S. should have discouraged Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon from implementing the Gaza evacuation rather than pushing for it and pressuring Israel into concessions."

This is the most blatantly idiotic opinion I've ever heard. Coming from a Rabbi it's even worse. Rabbi's are supposedly well-educated leaders of the people. And here I thought fear and wrath of God were strictly Christian and Muslim practices.

Rita is a Cat 5

The latest recon report indicated the pressure in Rita has fallen to 920 mb and the maximum flight level winds were up to 185 mph. AccuWeather.com Meteorologists believe Rita has become a Cat 5 hurricane.

You Are Kidding Me!!!

Jelly Bracelets Linked To Sex Game
Some TEENAGERS today have a new sex game involving those popular jelly bracelets. In some schoolyards around the country these innocent bangles are actually referred to as sex bracelets.

There's a new game in some parts called "snap".

To play it, a boy pulls a bracelet off a girl's wrist and, depending on the color of the bracelet, the girl owes him a sex favor.

For Example:
Yellow means a hug
Purple means a kiss
Red means a lap dance
Blue means oral sex
Black means intercourse

TEENAGERS!!!!!???? I feel so old.....

What the #@#$%????

Mysterious 'Ball Of Fire' Seen In Fla. Skies

still a mystery....

Extreme Makeover Update

In addition to the Extreme Makeover Lawsuit where the makeover was cancelled last minute and the sister ended up killing herself because of guilt, another suit has been filed regarding Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (when they completely rebuild a home for a family by completely tearing down a home and rebuilding one from scratch - or something to that sort).

"Last month, five orphaned siblings who appeared on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" also sued ABC, accusing the network of fraud and breach of contract. The siblings said the family that took them in after their parents died later drove them out of the nine-bedroom mansion that was built for them. ABC and the family have declined to comment on that lawsuit."

Oh...those ABC/Walt Disney lawyers are busy!

Something I Wish Would Work

World Car Free Day

Each year on September 22, people from around the world gather to celebrate World Carfree Day and to show alternatives to the automobile. The 'official' carfree day is September 22, but many cities hold activities all week or on another more convenient day (such as on the weekend). With the ever-expanding EU-sponsored European Mobility Week (which isn't just European anymore, with 1,544 cities in 40 countries participating this year), the idea of dedicating at least one day a year to promoting alternatives to car use seem to be catching on.

For more information go to: http://www.worldcarfree.net/

Technically I could carpool with Elad and make him come back out hours after he gets home to pick me up from work...but I doubt that will happen.

If it helps we only use one car on the weekends!

What's In A Name?

New Rule #3:

Hurricanes with old people names suck. They're weak and uninteresting. Rita? Pff. Makes you yearn for the days of Charley or Frances.

Rita barely did anything to South Florida, mucked up some trees in Key West and made a couple blocks lose power, but if you had seen the chaos on Monday caused by the media's scaremongering, you'd be amazed. Shawn was in a line as long as a bowling alley at the supermarket. My office was a complete basketcase with nobody working, just chatting about the possibilities of closings, going home early, and a lot of people talking about "shutters." And most of the people who work with me live north of miami where they maybe got a little rain and some wind.

A lot of people in Miami Beach and below left and headed north. Why?! Our neighborhoods were barely touched. People were cooped up in little apartments watching the news while Shawn and I ate cookies and cleaned the house! I wrote almost a complete story in that strange, wonderful, place known as the "mid-afternoon." I use to do all my writing in the midafternoon, after sleeping in followed by a late breakfast. It was good.

unfortunately, I lost a day of work and a day of pay. I normally wouldn't mind too much. But it seems like I've had a lot of days off lately with no pay. Hopefully I'll get promoted to a permanent position at my job in time for the upcoming Jewish holidays, then I'll get some paid days-off and I'll be happy as Hanukkah to stay home for a day!

Slow Start to the Day

So I started my day off by chatting with God. Not much came out of the conversation - I think he was pre-caffeinated.

Maybe you will have better luck --- go Chat With God

(Thank you Best Week Ever -- by the way the above image is not my conversation with God - just an image I borrowed from Best Week Ever's Website)

Rita

So here we are again stuck in the house, hiding from a hurricane. Except this time it is a tropical storm and everyone is so afraid after what happened with Katrina that the slightest wind or rain will shut down Monroe, Dade and Broward Counties (which is almost all of south florida by the way)

So far we have only been sleeping. Considering half the day is gone I guess it is time to get up and start BLOGGING!!! Hopefully there will be some funny news to write about.

The Emmy Awards

Anybody watch it? Anything interesting to report?

When Reality Shows Get Too Real

Woman sues ABC for taking away her opportunity to be on "Extreme Makeover"

This article is about a woman who is now suing ABC because the night before her "Extreme Makeover" was to take place, they cancelled and said it wasn't going to work because of a time issue and she would have to go back home without the make over.

For those of you who don't know, Extreme Makeover is a show where they do tons of plastic surgery and a bunch of other extreme things to turn woman who are "ugly" into "beautiful."

This woman is suing not just because she didn't get to go home "pretty" but her sister ended up committing suicide because of the ordeal.

As part of the premakeover hype, producers coaxed McGee and other family members to trash Williams' looks on videotape, the suit alleges. When they suddenly pulled the plug on the project, and the promised "Hollywood smile like Cindy Crawford," a guilt-ridden McGee fell apart.

"Kellie could not live with the fact that she had said horrible things that hurt her sister. She fell to pieces. Four months later, she ended her life with an overdose of pills, alcohol and cocaine," said Wesley Cordova, a lawyer for Williams.

This same article also talks about how other reality TV shows have turned deadly. For example - on Jenny Jones "one guest murdered another who had made a homosexual pass at him on the air." Also - on the show "The Contender" a contestant shot himself in the head - and when the show aired we find out that he "lost his make-or-break bout in Week 5 of the series and was disqualified."

Good Morning, Monday!

Oh, hello there, Rita.

How was everybody's weekend?

Breaking News?

happy birthday to the slurpee

growing up where i did in northern jersey led me to be strangely sheltered. i was oblivious to a world that was familiar to many americans and yet my only exposure to it was in television and movies. what is this world of which i speak? it was the world of kmarts, walmarts, 7-11's. the first time i saw a kmart was in new york city, strangely enough. my first time entering a 7-11 was in dc after i moved here 2 years ago.

anyway, the walmart/kmart discussion is for another post, but i was reading Slate at msn today and saw that the Slurpee has turned 40. my first experience with a Slurpee was 2 years ago when george, aghast that i had never imbibed the delightful frozen drink, dragged me into a 7-11 to see what i was missing.

many people tell me that i must have 'seen it all' going to school in nyc and being an r.a. (shawn, would you agree?). i think to myself that while it's understandable to assume that, living in nyc would never have exposed me to things like slurpees...well maybe until this year now that manhattan has its first 7-11.

where does the fat go?

in the hopes of losing weight, i've returned to my healthy choice frozen entrees for lunch. i figure it's the only way i can be at school, eat reasonable portions and not eat my daily caloric intake in french fries. this led to me wonder something -- just HOW do these companies get the meals to be low fat and relatively low calorie? i suppose i could ask brimful since she is has a remarkable way of making science interesting as well as accessible. but i don't want to bother her with such stupid questions.

anyway, where's my confusion arises. i was making dinner the other day with all low-fat foods, lean meats and veggies and even a yummy dessert. i was excited at the prospect of creating such a filling, appetizing and nutritious meal that was still good for my diet. however, after eating, i used my trusty fitday to calculate my intake for the day and i realize that while the individual ingredients were all low fat/low carb/low sugar/low calorie, the entire meal was definitely greater than the sum of the parts. so HOW do these diet companies manage to make the same meals with 1/3 of the bad stuff? i suppose i'd need an arsenal of chemicals, preservatives and sodium to manage the same feat, but other than that, any ideas on how they accomplish the task?

the trials and tribulations of a generalist

as most of you know, i'm in my third year of law school and i'm completely overwhelmed by fall recruiting, bar exam fears and thoughts of the future. the other day i was trying to figure out my game plan. i'm interviewing for jobs but i have NO idea what i want to do. all i know is that i don't want to default on my student loans. i read a book yesterday called, what to do with your law degree for inspiration. the book recommends cataloguing your skills and interests and essentially determining what careers and industries would allow you to utilize your skills while pursuing your interests.

well that sounds great in theory except for one problem: i have no discernible skills. i know it sounds like i'm exaggerating as i'm wont to do, but i really, truly, know nothing about researching, writing, advocacy, etc. this is a problem, but i'm hoping that this last year will enable me to develop some marketable skill. the bigger problem, however, is that i have no idea what my interests are. the book calls people like me "generalists." thanks, stupid book, that doesn't help me at all.

anyone want to shed some light on how you went from being general to specific?

Stupid News

As many of you know Britney Spears had a baby yesterday - and named the baby Preston Michael Spears Federline.

Today's report says the name is: Sean Preston.

Do you think Britney and Kevin had second thoughts about naming their son "P.M.S."?

The Future (part 2)

Last year Elad and I visited New York and went to the Whitney museum and saw a very interesting piece of "art." It was a large box (looked like a cargo box that they use at ports or put on the back of trucks) and inside was a fully functional home. Not quite as cool looking on the outside as the one in this picture, but inside it had every touch of home you would need (bed, kitchen, entertainment, bathroom, comfort)

The small cars (like the car in the picture) are out on the streets today ready to deal with gas and pollution issues. And I guess they are building these cube homes for the future when space is an issue....think it is every really going to happen?

Vive La Revolucion

Indie Bands Move Closer to the Mainstream
"There is NOTHING about what we're doing that screams cultural revolution" (says Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie)

doh. well he sure showed me.

Germans Stop Terrorism and Smiling

No Smiling for Passport Photos in Germany

"Germans were ordered Thursday to stay serious when having their photographs taken for new passports, wiping away any grins, smirks or smiles so that biometric scanners can pick up their facial features.

Interior Minister Otto Schily ordered passport authorities to only accept pictures taken from the front showing the "most neutral facial expression possible," starting Nov. 1.

Facial recognition systems match key features on the holder's face and work best when the face has a neutral expression with the mouth closed.

"A broad smile, however nice it may be, is therefore unacceptable," the Interior Ministry said in a statement. "

So I guess this guy's picture is unacceptable?

Culinary A.D.D.

Many of us are at the age when we need to get our butts in the kitchen and start cooking for ourselves. No more food court. No more mommy and daddy. No more cash for dining out every night.

But a lot of us don't have a lot of time to cook or little patience. That is why I LOVE Rachel Ray. She makes food that looks good, probably tastes good, and all under 30 minutes.

And she lives her life that way too.... According to reports - she just got engaged and picked out her wedding dress in 28 minutes!

Congrats Rachel on your Engagement and I can't wait for the new cookbooks to come out!

Team Aniston or Team Jolie?

I pick Aniston.

What about you?

(If you don't know what this is about, go read a gossip column and find out)

(by the way, these shirts are actually for sale at www.shopkitson.com)

The Future

Elad has said a few times that he better see flying cars in the future. Although I hope for the same...I have set my sights a little lower.

The new Ipod Nano is a beautiful little creation that is thinner than a pencil and can hold thousands of songs. The new Rokr cell phone is both a cell phone and an Mp3 player.

I have heard that in some advanced countries they have one gadget that can do it all. A credit card, a door opener, a cell phone, an ID...and who knows what else.

Do you think Apple could do it? Can they make me a dream machine that can walk my dog, make me dinner, be my cell phone, play my music, start my car, drive my car, turn on the tv, be a credit card....and fit into my back pocket? I really hope so!!!!

Not About Elad

This shirt is dedicated to all the girls who deal with stupid boys....and the day when that comes to an end

Genius!

Stop the Bop

"Schools across the country are pitching in to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

While there are lemonade stands and bake sales from Connecticut to California, some schools are finding more creative vehicles.

Delone Catholic High School in McSherrystown, Pa., has a fun fundraising program called "Stop the Bop." Suggested by a few members of the student council, the school is playing Hanson's 1996 hit "MMMBop" through the loudspeakers before classes begin, between periods and during lunch. The idea? Annoy students into donating; have them pay to stop the music.

The goal is $3,000, which could be reached if each of the 659 students donates $5. "MMMBop" has been playing since Wednesday, and the school has raised about $2,300 so far. "

I never knew people in PA were so eeeeevvviiiillll (I LOVE IT!). Maybe if we played some Spice Girls or some bad 90's techno in Bush's office he would have acted quicker....

(thanks Best Week Ever)

The End of Youth (or, The Corruption)

Damn it.

It's happenned.

I've grown up.

Look at me in my fancy German car, with my button-down-shirt off to my button-down job with this expensive piece of cloth hanging from my neck like a fourth limb made of silk - or a colorful tail. It's good, though. If I ever chose to hang myself, I'd have the materials ready.

It's not like I have a problem working. That's what people do. Obviously, I'd much rather stay home and watch good cable and write novels about strange and wonderful worlds far far away from here. But I can't. (Well, not yet anyway.)

But I'm an adult. (Look, here, closely, I have bills with my name on them. And this card with my picture on it and a bunch of numbers that make it okay for me to drive and buy firearms.) And as an adult, I have to do things like Earn Money to pay for food, housing, clothes, and transportation. (I'm still unclear why those things are nessecary.)

And so I have this new job. Which is a good job doing good work and the people are nice and my boss is cool (if you don't piss her off) and everything was going along smoothly and nicely until... They tell me I need to wear a tie.

(I know what you're thinking: He's crazy, right? He's freaking out over a TIE?!)

Yes, I am! I'm the guy who was never going to wear a suit and tie. I'm too cool, too hip, too YOUNG to wear a tie everyday. They're annoying - always in the way - they get wet easily when you wash your hands. You have to tuck in your shirt and that's a pain in the ass everytime you go to the bathroom. It's just.... annoying!!

There is no silver lining here. This is the day my youth died. I am now a part of the "working world."

(Until of course I write My Awesome Novel and become super famous and a big underground sucess and someone in Hollywood decides to make an Awesome Movie out of my Awesome Novel and then I quit whatever job I have and just focus on why I was put on this Earth.)

Till then.

To Do List

Take a second and try this - for a good laugh

go to www.google.com

type in the word failure

and see what the first thing that comes up......

ah those google kids are funny!

Arrested Development Loves Chachi

Because Henry Winkler, who plays the Bluth's lawyer on Arrested Development, will be on a new CBS tv show, a replacement will be needed (because who are the Bluth's without a lawyer?)

And yes, Scott Baio has been picked. Keeping it all in the "Happy Days" family.

Podcast

Can someone please tell me what Podcasting is?

Commie Mickey

Spreading Capitalism and Dollar Signs across Hong Kong

Katrina Update

"To the extent the federal government didn't fully do its job right, I take responsibility" --President Bush

Do you buy it?

IN OTHER NEWS....

From Wendys.com

"Company employees that have been impacted by Katrina will continue to receive their paychecks. Wendy's will attempt to find alternative employment for those who have relocated. Each company employee will also receive a stipend to help them meet immediate, pressing needs. The cost of these efforts is expected to exceed $2 million."

Good Job!

Condie sees Katrina as an opportunity to rebuild the South

"Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, defending President Bush's record on racial issues, said yesterday that the hurricane disaster that disproportionately struck poor blacks in New Orleans "gives us an opportunity" to rectify historic injustices that she experienced as an African-American growing up in the South."

What's your opinion?

Literature? What? People still do that?

If you've got a couple minutes and feel like reading something that's a little on the morose side (with maybe a dollop of joy), you can read my latest published story up today at pindeldyboz.com. I haven't had a chance yet to read the other stories in this week's update/issue but I'm sure they're all very tasty bits of writerly ambrosia and you should read them too.

And, please feel free to comment if you like it.

You Ain't Nothing But a Hoochie Mama

I know some of you are kind of conservative...so please excuse this lewd post.....

We all know that Pop Stars are pretty skanky...but did you ever realize how much they look like Porn Stars?

Test your knowledge! Play the "Porn Star or Pop Star?" Game

(thanks Best Week Ever)

Politics v News

This morning I was watching CNN and the correspondent in New Orleans was really annoying me. Although I appreciate her political stance, and her criticism of the response by all levels of governments, I think she has gone too far.

She was interviewing the Lt. Governor of Louisiana (I think that was his title) and he was discussing all the efforts being made to get people out of New Orleans and the surrounding cities because of the chance for disease and other problems that will arise as the situation is being repaired. I agree that people should be evacuated from the area because there are many risks to health and safety (of both the citizens and workers), and sometimes force is being used to do this (which I am not 100% sure is necessary or not). While she was questioning this man she continually criticized every effort being made, and the need for an investigation, and all that other stuff about how bad the response was.

Ok listen, we know the response was terrible, and we know the government really screwed up, but give the guy a break! He probably hasn't slept in a week and is pulling people from water, running to hospitals, helping evacuate whoever may be dead or alive, and this woman is down his throat as if he is sipping margaritas on the island of Barbados.

I think there is a time and place for criticism, but when you see that they are working hard, then say "good job" and "thanks" and let them get back to their job. Then call up the guys sitting on their lazy asses in their office and yell at them a bit.

Chocolate Emails

A few months ago my friend was very depressed after a break up - and a stop on our "get over it" shopping spree was at Godiva's chocolate store. At that time I indulged in great truffles and signed up for the mailing list.

Today I got my first email - and I have been invited to try the new chocolates at the Godiva store. So that means now all of you are invited to have a free taste, too! Go by the store (store locator) from Sept. 8 to 10 or Sept 22 to 24 - mention the ad for "Free samples of select Platinum pieces" - get free chocolate. Thank me later.

George Bush hates black people

I haven't seen much coverage of the post-Hurricane Katrina ravaged area. Partly because I haven't had the tv on much recently and partly b/c whenever I do turn on the tv, the coverage seems to be showing only the degradation of society. I get really irritated and change the channel b/c the last thing I want to feel for these poor victims is scorn b/c they're resorting to violence and theft to make their way through this tragedy. (maybe it's just me, but that's how I feel the media's selective coverage is supposed to make us feel).

If you haven't seen Kanye West's speech during the telethon, it's something to see, so google it. I heard about it and thought he was just babbling about nonsense but I have to admit that I was moved when I saw it. I'm not saying that George Bush hates black people, b/c I don't know Dubya and I can't make that judgment. However, it can't be denied that the disaster relief leaves much to be desired. What do you think about the memo regarding FEMA's response to Katrina?

Oodles blogged last week about her impression of the disaster and the status of the area. I highly recommended checking it out. She also posted something interesting on her blog comparing India's efficient and effective response to the flooding in Bombay recently to the travesty of the Katrina efforts.

Fall TV Season

This Sunday Desperate Housewives is BACK - and I could not be more excited!!

UPDATE: Looks like the new episode is actually Sunday, September 25. Damn.

Next week - Monday, September 19, Arrested Development is back.

The anticipation is KILLING me!!!

Any shows you can't wait for anymore?

Where Is Everybody?

It has been a week since anyone but me has posted something on this blog.

Is this still a group blog?

What Are You Listening To - Revisited

What's in your CD/IPOD/MP3/Head?

I have the new Death Cab for Cutie cd, Plans, on constant rotation in my CD player. You can stream their new single - Soul Meets Body - on their website. Definite suggested listening if you are a Death Cab fan.
If you never heard them before you might want to try out some stuff from their last album, Transatlantacism, or the prior one, The Photo Album, and work your way into this new one.
By the way - Death Cab is coming to South Florida on Oct. 31 - you know I will be there! :)

#1 Fan

I had my "New Kids On the Block" moment this past weekend. I saw one of my favorite bands in the entire world and I went on and on about how much I love their music and how cool these guys are when I was given the opportunity to talk to them after the show. I was the 16 year old screaming fan standing in front of the stage.

I actually talked about them before, and recommended that you all go to their website and stream the single. The Cloud Room is a great band that is tons of fun to dance to and sing along with. Definitely no frills rock - and it comes across perfectly live. If you get a chance to see them - GO!

As for me - I am their new #1 Fan. I did the ultimate cheesy thing and had them all sign the cd and I got the t-shirt at the show. If they had even the slightest clue how I listen to their cd on repeat for days on end - well they probably would have kicked me out of the show for being so weird. But they are super nice and so down to earth. I hope they come back soon!

SPAM!!

I have now gotten THREE spam comments on my posts. So I am going to implement the "word verification" option. That means, when you leave a comment you are going to have to type in some letters to confirm that you are a human and not a computer. It is really easy and please don't stop commenting because of it!

Check out the comment section if you are confused....

Food for Thought To Get You Through this Long Weekend

A bunch of people on this blog are big fans of Postsecret.com. If you have never checked it out you really should.

People send in anonymous postcards with secrets - but the best part is that each postcard is a homemade personal creation and expression of that secret.

This week's Post Secret had this at the bottom of the posting:

"I have made six postcards, all with secrets that I was afraid to tell the one person I tell everything to, my boyfriend. This morning I planned to mail them, but instead I left them on the pillow next to his head while he was sleeping. 10 minutes ago he arrived at my office and asked me to marry him. I said yes."-Canada

The one that sticks in my memory was one of the first ones I read that said something like: "Everyone who knew me before 9/11 thinks I am dead."

Crazy, right?

I Knew You Would Keep Your Promise!

Last year you came to Ft Lauderdale and you said "We'll Be Back."

Your new tour dates were listed on Pitchfork, and South Florida didn't make the cut. I thought you lied to me.

Elad told me the big surprise. I was in shock. It was confirmed when Ticketmaster emailed me this morning. "Don't miss Death Cab for Cutie." You are coming to Hollywood, FL. On Halloween. Brightened my day. Thanks for remembering us down here!

My New Hero

Maybe 100 years ago, or maybe even 50 years ago, Doctors would treat a patient as if they were their own child. There was even bedside care in your own home. But today, well you are lucky to get 5 minutes of face time while sitting on that cold metal table with the white paper sheet that is supposed to keep away germs.

Well I have found something rare and I am almost afraid to post it on the internet in fear of ruining it! Dr Nagler is his name - and he is my new hero. I found Dr Nagler on Aetna's website of doctors who fall under my plan, and I gave him a call to treat my sick ass (after calling about 5 other doctors who weren't available). Got an appointment quickly, and when I arrived I filled out the mandatory paper work. And as I was at the window I saw notes from patients that thanked the Doctor for all of the great work he does.

His assistant did all the preliminary temperature and symptoms run down. I did wait maybe a half hour to see him (but I will admit I was late to the appointment because of a street address mix up) and then he came in. He picked on me and was super sarcastic. I was made fun of for not owning a working thermometer and for being a bad lawyer because I said yes to every question. But then the unthinkable. I got all my meds for free. You know those doctors have closets full of free samples of every drug out there - and he gave me the entire prescriptions worth!

At first the medicine wasn't agreeing with me, so I called the doctor for help, which he immediately phoned in another medication to my local CVS. But then it got even sweeter...he called me! Twice a day! For Three Days! Just to make sure I was getting better :) He even told me to come by his office for more medication that I was going to need! And today I went by and I got a surprise blood test just to make sure that there wasn't anything else wrong. And he didn't charge me for a visit!

His nurse told me that most doctors see 30 or more patients a day. She said Dr Nagler will not see more than 15 a day and tries to give each patient the time they need. Now I don't know how he affords it, but he doesn't look like he is a poor man. Maybe if all doctors started giving the healing touch then we wouldn't hate paying for it. But I am sure I am longing for a time that is long gone...and I just found one of the few left in this crazy world.

Fear

Some of you are lucky enough to live in big cities with fancy mass transit --- but some of us are not so lucky. We live in towns and cities that could conceivably have a good transit system, but because of bad city planning, or lack of funds (or whatever other reason you can come up with) we are forced to drive a car everyday.

Now gas prices are at an all time high, and it's the talk of the town anywhere you go. So how are you feeling about this gas issue? Looks like airplanes, cars, trucks, you name it, are being affected...and we are all stuck with these cars that continue to consume.

I have a small car - or should I say a Mini - and the use of gas is even making me feel guilty when I fill up at the pump. I need to find out how some SUV drivers feel -- because it shocks me how much they spend on gas and how people can still continue to buy Hummers.