We have a tendency to forget that our thoughts are predictable, signals fired due to the situation, influenced by our genetics and environmental impact, in short, our phenotype. We're fancy computers...while many choose to escape knowledge of such through religion, I'll carry on with the assumption that readers have chosen to accept reality. Yes, college has turned me into an elitist snob. Now I will continue to puh-poo all conservatives or religious people while sipping very bitter espresso.
Of course while we accept that we are computers, we live within the reality in our brains...otherwise we'd be considered sociopaths. We experience our emotions and get passionate about our "values." So of course I feel strongly about my "individualized brand of super-liberalism." And I read this article: The Ideological Animal
The second paragraph was good enough material to make me feel more self-righteous: after all, I was better than that silly typical San Francisco liberal: I didn't view just Republicans as ignorant, intolerant yahoos, why, I knew that both Republicans AND Democrats could be viewed as such.
The third paragraph was a reminder of how my brand of liberalism was individualized...oh no, I'm no sheep. I agree with her on small government and gun control, as well as personal responsibility!
I went on to the meat of the article. I laughed at the thought that my politics could have been easily predicted. Most peoples, sure; not mine. Then I read the list of characteristics associated with liberals
Messiness: dear lord, if one were to look at my room with that in mind and predict my politics, they'd think I go to every ANSWER function. Maps, travel documents, and flags: I haven't done as much travelling as I want, but check, check, and check. I love books, music, I'm an optimist (with the exception of my newly acquired "jaded" college student thing...all the cool kids are doing it), I love art...allright, just put me in my box!
Bah!
Friday, January 26, 2007
Monday, January 22, 2007
On vegetarianism
Once in awhile I feel the need to review some of the basics of my lifestyle. A recent questioning of my dietary decisions at work and a roommate hastily turning to veganism (which likely isn't going to last, as it's halfhearted), and a cooking binge made me review my vegetarianism.
Actually, I'm not a vegetarian. I eat fish (but only the kosher kind). This apparently makes me a pescetarian, whatever that's supposed to mean. I was raised a meat eater. It never made sense to me. I always felt ridiculously guilty eating meat. After all, if I wouldn't want to kill an animal myself, it was probably for a good reason. However, I accepted the way I was raised and assumed that meat was necessary.
In the summer before tenth grade I worked for the conservation corps. It was there that I first remember being exposed to vegetarianism...I was in the fake hot dog line for kashrut reasons. Talking to vegetarians made me realize that it was possible...for a few months I filed the information away, then I went veg. Full out, no fish. And a couple years later, due partly to the urging of my mother, partly to research on fish-exclusive omega fatty acids, and probably partly to the deliciousness of lox, I went back to eating fish.
They say you are what you eat. I'm largely chocolate. But it is true that when I eat well (healthfully), I feel much better. I've been using a cookbook that I absolutely love, Jump Up and Kiss Me: Spicy Vegetarian Cooking, by Jennifer Trainer Thompson.
Anyway, it's a lifestyle decision that I feel strongly about. I don't go around preaching (though I'll be honest if asked), but I will say this: Do you really want to be directly responsible for the death of an animal you've been around? Having worked a good deal with goats, I'll bet they're smarter (and cooler) than your household pets...ok, that was low...but they're awesome. Same goes for many other animals. So why is it any better to pay for a bunch?
All of this is ignoring another huge reason
Of course, that makes me feel guilty for not being a vegan. I try to be careful about where I get my eggs and milk, but beyond that, it's hard. I could never be a vegan without seriously putting my health in danger. I don't have the time or money...and truthfully probably not the willpower. It's all about the extent of which you can do something...it's impossible to be perfect. But, I ought to push myself. I think I may stop eating fish, and maybe a vegan day a week? Hard to say. Such things take much thought (and support always helps, too) to stick to.
If you're feeling guilty, maybe it's time to do some reflection, find internal inconsistencies, and do what's possible to remedy them. If you're not, good for you.
And no, I am not procrastinating on studying...
Actually, I'm not a vegetarian. I eat fish (but only the kosher kind). This apparently makes me a pescetarian, whatever that's supposed to mean. I was raised a meat eater. It never made sense to me. I always felt ridiculously guilty eating meat. After all, if I wouldn't want to kill an animal myself, it was probably for a good reason. However, I accepted the way I was raised and assumed that meat was necessary.
In the summer before tenth grade I worked for the conservation corps. It was there that I first remember being exposed to vegetarianism...I was in the fake hot dog line for kashrut reasons. Talking to vegetarians made me realize that it was possible...for a few months I filed the information away, then I went veg. Full out, no fish. And a couple years later, due partly to the urging of my mother, partly to research on fish-exclusive omega fatty acids, and probably partly to the deliciousness of lox, I went back to eating fish.
They say you are what you eat. I'm largely chocolate. But it is true that when I eat well (healthfully), I feel much better. I've been using a cookbook that I absolutely love, Jump Up and Kiss Me: Spicy Vegetarian Cooking, by Jennifer Trainer Thompson.
Anyway, it's a lifestyle decision that I feel strongly about. I don't go around preaching (though I'll be honest if asked), but I will say this: Do you really want to be directly responsible for the death of an animal you've been around? Having worked a good deal with goats, I'll bet they're smarter (and cooler) than your household pets...ok, that was low...but they're awesome. Same goes for many other animals. So why is it any better to pay for a bunch?
All of this is ignoring another huge reason
Of course, that makes me feel guilty for not being a vegan. I try to be careful about where I get my eggs and milk, but beyond that, it's hard. I could never be a vegan without seriously putting my health in danger. I don't have the time or money...and truthfully probably not the willpower. It's all about the extent of which you can do something...it's impossible to be perfect. But, I ought to push myself. I think I may stop eating fish, and maybe a vegan day a week? Hard to say. Such things take much thought (and support always helps, too) to stick to.
If you're feeling guilty, maybe it's time to do some reflection, find internal inconsistencies, and do what's possible to remedy them. If you're not, good for you.
And no, I am not procrastinating on studying...
Thursday, January 18, 2007
NARAL campaign needs your help
Disturbingly enough, in some places, abstinence only education is still around. I'm still trying to figure out how someone could possibly think that a teenager's teacher telling them about such things would encourage them to have sex. I vividly remember being disgusted by my seventh grade teacher teaching us what oral sex was. And the pictures...stds that look like cauliflowers...well, let's just say that I'll be scared for life. Good job, bay area public school!
http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/choice-action-center/take-action/sex-ed-curriculum.html
Here’s how you can help:
http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/choice-action-center/take-action/sex-ed-curriculum.html
Here’s how you can help:
1. Request a copy of your school’s curriculum. Whether you are a parent, student, or a community member, as a tax-paying citizen you have a right to know what your public schools are teaching.
a. Call your school’s superintendent’s office. Request that they mail you a copy of the sex-education curriculum. Here’s a sample script to use:
“Hello, my name is _____ and I’m a parent/student/community member in [your town]. I’m researching sex-education programs in our area and I’d like to request a copy of our school district’s sex-education curriculum.”
b. If you don’t reach your superintendent, you can contact principals, health teachers, school board members, or any other school administrator and pose the same question.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Grr, Mark!
A- Available or single? Nope
B- Best Friend? I've had my best friend from elementary school, best friends from high school, best friends from college...I guess the best term is "close"...not even closest...because if we're going there, I might have to reference reasons for my answer to the previous question.
C- Cake or Pie? Cake all the way. But it's gotta be good cake, more like great cake...if it's bad cake, forget it, I'll take a bad pie. But a great cake....mmmm.
D- Drink of Choice? Coffee. Of what sort? Depends on my mood. Also, milkshakes.
E- Essential Item? My motobecane.
F- Favorite Color? Teal or turquoise...depends.
G- Gummi Bears or Worms? Sour worms...when they're not sour, then the little bears.
H- Hometown? Born in San Francisco.
I- Indulgence? Chocolate...bars, mousse, decadence, ice cream...ok, chocolate.
J- January or February? I prefer February, I guess, for the very slightly more tolerable weather.
K- Kids and names? 1, Leo. Oh, humans? No, none.
L- Above referenced reason for answer to question A stole the computer and wrote: Life is incomplete without? My cat, Leo. That and posting pictures of Leo on my blog. And talking about Leo.
M- Marriage Date? No.
N- Number of Siblings? None.
O- Oranges or apples? Oranges...I kinda like really good apples, but even then I prefer oranges.
P- Phobias/Fears? Falling, also open water is kinda scary.
Q- Favorite Quote? Albert Camus...what is happiness except the simple harmony between a man and the life he leads?
R- Reason to Smile? Glass Danse, The Faint
S- Season? Spring. I'm cliche.
T- Tag three people! You see it, you do it!
U- Unknown Fact About Me? There's a reason it's unknown.
V- Vegetable you hate? Beets...yuck.
W- Biting fingernails. Blogging!
X- None. But I've had an MRI. Oh yeah, teeth...if those count.
Y- Your favorite food? We've been through this...chocolate! Savory? Garlic bread, or a good thai green curry.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Important news: Leo was neutered today. I guess he'll be a little boy forever. Also, he weighed in at 9 lbs 2 1/2 oz. My coworkers laughed at me when I called the office to make sure he was allright, and I think the receptionist did, too. I hope I'm not on my way to crazy cat lady status. He's my baby (Mark, you understand, right?)!
I came accross an interesting article:
A twist on the oldest profession
It seems to make quite a bit of sense. My biggest question is: why wasn't this around before? If a woman is in Vegas and would normally go to the nearest bar/meat market with one goal in mind, why not pay a little extra for her pick of an STD-tested, good looking man who's likely ging to be a bit better between the sheets than most (though with our fairly repressed culture, it probably doesn't take much)?
I came accross an interesting article:
A twist on the oldest profession
It seems to make quite a bit of sense. My biggest question is: why wasn't this around before? If a woman is in Vegas and would normally go to the nearest bar/meat market with one goal in mind, why not pay a little extra for her pick of an STD-tested, good looking man who's likely ging to be a bit better between the sheets than most (though with our fairly repressed culture, it probably doesn't take much)?
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
updated pictures!
More of the little guy...getting bigger by the day. He'll be 6 months old on the 13th.
More actual content to follow...eventually.
Goodnight everybody.
Friday, January 05, 2007
part of a 7.4 billion pound tidying program
Something else to laugh at Britain for...like we needed more
tidy tape
tidy tape
Friday, December 29, 2006
tis the season
Rogue Shakespeare Stout
This stuff is amazing. I tried it recently...it's rich and flavorful, yet it goes down astoundingly smoothly. So, I'm sharing the joy, and urging everyone to go out and get a bottle.
Friday, December 22, 2006
prostitution
Along the lines of Mark's recent legalization post, another question of legalization: prostitution?
I tend to think it should be legal for a few reasons:
1) Consent issues aside, the government does not belong in the bedroom. In fact, nobody really ought to be judging the sexual habits of others. They are personal choices on the level of scale...with lifestyle choices such as no sexual contact before marriage, no sexual intercourse before marriage, monogamy, promiscuity...and who cares? Truthfully, I worry more about a choice to abstain sex before marriage than promiscuity, seeing as it may stupidly push a young couple into marriage. Sure, prostitution is something different in that in many cases it involves sex not necessarily for pleasure (though there are "female empowerment" advocates who believe that stripping and prostitution can be empowering), and for other reasons that nobody seems to be able to put into words for me (a clear sign of blind beliefs without logic), but who are we to judge, much less the government?
2) Would I rather have my law enforcement agency spending time and tax dollars on preventing violent crimes or prostitution?
3) The main motivation, in my opinion, is for the well being of the prostitutes and clients. Let's face it, prostitution is going to happen no matter what. Some say that it's the oldest profession. I'm sure we've all read some Bible stories, it wss definitely around . Why not have unions to protect the rights of prostitutes? Why not regulate the trade for things like STD's? And perhaps most importantly, why should a prostitute be afraid to call the police when s/he is in danger?
So, agree or disagree/why or why not? I'd be curious to hear opionions from everybody...so, if you're a quiet lurker, or have stumbled upon this, please comment. I'm hoping to slightly recover from my shock after arguing about this with a kid at work today, and after talking about safety, hearing him say "who cares if they're killed? They're prostitutes." But, if that's a common opinion, I'd be interested to find out.
I tend to think it should be legal for a few reasons:
1) Consent issues aside, the government does not belong in the bedroom. In fact, nobody really ought to be judging the sexual habits of others. They are personal choices on the level of scale...with lifestyle choices such as no sexual contact before marriage, no sexual intercourse before marriage, monogamy, promiscuity...and who cares? Truthfully, I worry more about a choice to abstain sex before marriage than promiscuity, seeing as it may stupidly push a young couple into marriage. Sure, prostitution is something different in that in many cases it involves sex not necessarily for pleasure (though there are "female empowerment" advocates who believe that stripping and prostitution can be empowering), and for other reasons that nobody seems to be able to put into words for me (a clear sign of blind beliefs without logic), but who are we to judge, much less the government?
2) Would I rather have my law enforcement agency spending time and tax dollars on preventing violent crimes or prostitution?
3) The main motivation, in my opinion, is for the well being of the prostitutes and clients. Let's face it, prostitution is going to happen no matter what. Some say that it's the oldest profession. I'm sure we've all read some Bible stories, it wss definitely around . Why not have unions to protect the rights of prostitutes? Why not regulate the trade for things like STD's? And perhaps most importantly, why should a prostitute be afraid to call the police when s/he is in danger?
So, agree or disagree/why or why not? I'd be curious to hear opionions from everybody...so, if you're a quiet lurker, or have stumbled upon this, please comment. I'm hoping to slightly recover from my shock after arguing about this with a kid at work today, and after talking about safety, hearing him say "who cares if they're killed? They're prostitutes." But, if that's a common opinion, I'd be interested to find out.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Sunday, December 17, 2006
memes
Killing two tagged memes with one stone:
random questionnaire
1. Do you sleep with the door to your room open or closed?
I like it closed, but I often keep it cracked open for Leo to wander in and out.
2. What was the weather like on your graduation day?
moderate, if I remember correctly
3. What kind of winter coat do you own?
Wow this is random. Well, seeing as I'm in California, I don't need a dedicated parka. So, fleece, sweaters, etc.
4. When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group of people?
California Greens plenary, a few months or so ago
5. Where do you keep your change?
my wallet?
6. Describe your keychains?
A very grabbable college lanyyard with bike lock, barn, condo, house back home, and pool keys
7. What is your favorite flavor of jelly?
boysenberry or peach
8. Some things you are excited about?
Friends are home during winter break, I can hopefully go home at some point, and a friend's wedding.
9. Do you re-use towels after you shower?
For about a week.
10. Have you ever been in a planetarium?
Yeah, they're fun.
11. Have you ever received one of those big tins with three kinds of popcorn?
Yes, they're awesome, but the caramel goes so much quicker than the others.
12. Do you like what the ocean does to your hair?
Nice cold Northern California pacific...yeah. Not an ocean, but the Mediterranean, at least in Israel, SUCKS for hair. And skin/smell.
13. Any plans for Friday night?
Not really. I'm lame. Shabbas candles? Last Friday night was occupied by Scrabble. I'm lame.
14. What is out your back door?
Small backyard, then small street, then greenbelt. I love where I live.
15. What's the most painful dental procedure you've ever had?
My wisdom teeth being removed, I was knocked out, but I was bleeding for over 24 hours and in bed for a few days.
16. Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach?
That or other things
17. Who did you lose your concert virginity to?
Honestly, I don't know, I went with my mom to little things since I was a kid, and then in high school I of course saw my friends' bands, and I'd see free stuff in parks and at Amoeba. And of course the SF symphony. I think my first REAL concert was Tea Leaf Green.
18. Do you ever leave messages on people's answering machine?
What kind of a question is that? There must be more to it, like "just randomly," or "so you can hear it later." But the answer to the question is yes, of course, that whole contact thing is sort of the point.
19. How many different beverages have you had today?
Coffee, cherry cider, water, and a Pyramid Apricot Heffeweizen (not as bad as I expected, the fruitiness wasn't sickening...it almost added as a contrast to the lightly roasted flavor...try it)
20. Last thing you recieved in the mail?
I might have gotten a bill or something boring since, but I'm counting Mark's awesome Phil Lesh and Friends Live at the Warfield CD's (thank you!)
21. Have you had to take out a loan for school?
Of course (unfortunately)
22. Do you have any famous ancestors?
Not that I know of
23. Your prom night?
It ended an hour or two after prom. I'd say prom was fun (beautiful place with a nice view and friends, and dressing up and getting your boyfriend in a tux is kinda fun), but the afterparty was fairly lame. Supposedly we left before all the fun happened. I still think after-prom time is overrated. High schoolers party all the time (no matter how lame it is) , and who wants to lose their virginity in such a cliche way?
24. Do you know all the words to the song on your MySpace profile?
Oh, I get it, this thing is for high schoolers. I don't have a myspace.
24. Are you any good at math?
Yeah, I'm pretty good, but it generally bores me.
25. What were you doing 15 minutes ago?
Lying in bed, checking email and cuddling with Leo.
26. What were you doing this morning at 8 AM?
Sleeping. Got a problem?
27. When was the last time you shaved?
About a month ago. I usually don't wear anything other than pants in the winter.
28. Explain what ended your last relationship.
I think I mentioned earlier that I was boring. It didn't end. I've been working on my first one for about four years now.
Tagged meme #2
I guess I'm like you, Mark
Which Historical Lunatic Are You?
From the fecund loins of Rum and Monkey.
Now, since I had to suffer, I'm making everyone else suffer. Do them or bad things may or may not happen to somebody.
random questionnaire
1. Do you sleep with the door to your room open or closed?
I like it closed, but I often keep it cracked open for Leo to wander in and out.
2. What was the weather like on your graduation day?
moderate, if I remember correctly
3. What kind of winter coat do you own?
Wow this is random. Well, seeing as I'm in California, I don't need a dedicated parka. So, fleece, sweaters, etc.
4. When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group of people?
California Greens plenary, a few months or so ago
5. Where do you keep your change?
my wallet?
6. Describe your keychains?
A very grabbable college lanyyard with bike lock, barn, condo, house back home, and pool keys
7. What is your favorite flavor of jelly?
boysenberry or peach
8. Some things you are excited about?
Friends are home during winter break, I can hopefully go home at some point, and a friend's wedding.
9. Do you re-use towels after you shower?
For about a week.
10. Have you ever been in a planetarium?
Yeah, they're fun.
11. Have you ever received one of those big tins with three kinds of popcorn?
Yes, they're awesome, but the caramel goes so much quicker than the others.
12. Do you like what the ocean does to your hair?
Nice cold Northern California pacific...yeah. Not an ocean, but the Mediterranean, at least in Israel, SUCKS for hair. And skin/smell.
13. Any plans for Friday night?
Not really. I'm lame. Shabbas candles? Last Friday night was occupied by Scrabble. I'm lame.
14. What is out your back door?
Small backyard, then small street, then greenbelt. I love where I live.
15. What's the most painful dental procedure you've ever had?
My wisdom teeth being removed, I was knocked out, but I was bleeding for over 24 hours and in bed for a few days.
16. Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach?
That or other things
17. Who did you lose your concert virginity to?
Honestly, I don't know, I went with my mom to little things since I was a kid, and then in high school I of course saw my friends' bands, and I'd see free stuff in parks and at Amoeba. And of course the SF symphony. I think my first REAL concert was Tea Leaf Green.
18. Do you ever leave messages on people's answering machine?
What kind of a question is that? There must be more to it, like "just randomly," or "so you can hear it later." But the answer to the question is yes, of course, that whole contact thing is sort of the point.
19. How many different beverages have you had today?
Coffee, cherry cider, water, and a Pyramid Apricot Heffeweizen (not as bad as I expected, the fruitiness wasn't sickening...it almost added as a contrast to the lightly roasted flavor...try it)
20. Last thing you recieved in the mail?
I might have gotten a bill or something boring since, but I'm counting Mark's awesome Phil Lesh and Friends Live at the Warfield CD's (thank you!)
21. Have you had to take out a loan for school?
Of course (unfortunately)
22. Do you have any famous ancestors?
Not that I know of
23. Your prom night?
It ended an hour or two after prom. I'd say prom was fun (beautiful place with a nice view and friends, and dressing up and getting your boyfriend in a tux is kinda fun), but the afterparty was fairly lame. Supposedly we left before all the fun happened. I still think after-prom time is overrated. High schoolers party all the time (no matter how lame it is) , and who wants to lose their virginity in such a cliche way?
24. Do you know all the words to the song on your MySpace profile?
Oh, I get it, this thing is for high schoolers. I don't have a myspace.
24. Are you any good at math?
Yeah, I'm pretty good, but it generally bores me.
25. What were you doing 15 minutes ago?
Lying in bed, checking email and cuddling with Leo.
26. What were you doing this morning at 8 AM?
Sleeping. Got a problem?
27. When was the last time you shaved?
About a month ago. I usually don't wear anything other than pants in the winter.
28. Explain what ended your last relationship.
I think I mentioned earlier that I was boring. It didn't end. I've been working on my first one for about four years now.
Tagged meme #2
I guess I'm like you, Mark
Which Historical Lunatic Are You?
From the fecund loins of Rum and Monkey.
Now, since I had to suffer, I'm making everyone else suffer. Do them or bad things may or may not happen to somebody.
Friday, December 08, 2006
update
Yes, there has been a long gap between posts. The past month has been ridiculously busy, with additions such as a friend crashing in my living room (apparently breaking up with your girlfriend when you live together is complicated...who knew?), ridiculously tedious post-labs, work pushing me to full time (plus farmers markets), missed protests (damned misinformation), Thanksgiving at home (thank god for Leo to keep my sanity), and relationship woes (fortunately not mine, unfortunately from people who like to whine for hours about them).
But I figured I'd make sure everyone knew I was still alive. So here's my time to complain...about my favorite customer of the day.
A woman in line steps up to the counter, while I'm helping somebody else. I can tell by the snotty look and upturned nose that she thinks she owns everything. Likely not helped by clearly expensive designer coat, indicative of wealth. She is clearly impatient, and in order to get her out of the store as quickly as I can, I ask her what she would like while the customer in front of her is gathering his things. "One levain," she says, much like one would expect a patrician to order a plebian in ancient Rome...yet I had to gleefully note to myself that she had mispronounced "levain." I ring her up and put the bread on the counter. It was quite easily in her reach, certainly a tad closer to me, but right where one would expect a cashier to put down something when they are helping two customers with a line out of the door. I say, "have a nice day," and in an even snootier, more condescending way than before she says "MY BREAD?" I almost slipped. I was very close to asking "do you have arms?" Luckily the brain-mouth filter picked it up just in time.
But I figured I'd make sure everyone knew I was still alive. So here's my time to complain...about my favorite customer of the day.
A woman in line steps up to the counter, while I'm helping somebody else. I can tell by the snotty look and upturned nose that she thinks she owns everything. Likely not helped by clearly expensive designer coat, indicative of wealth. She is clearly impatient, and in order to get her out of the store as quickly as I can, I ask her what she would like while the customer in front of her is gathering his things. "One levain," she says, much like one would expect a patrician to order a plebian in ancient Rome...yet I had to gleefully note to myself that she had mispronounced "levain." I ring her up and put the bread on the counter. It was quite easily in her reach, certainly a tad closer to me, but right where one would expect a cashier to put down something when they are helping two customers with a line out of the door. I say, "have a nice day," and in an even snootier, more condescending way than before she says "MY BREAD?" I almost slipped. I was very close to asking "do you have arms?" Luckily the brain-mouth filter picked it up just in time.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
This might not be a very popular view in "tough on crime" California, but I think the craziest thing that passed in Tuesday's elections was 83. I sincerely hope that there's a piece of the law that I am missing and that somebody will correct me for being wrong, but from what I understand the category of sex offenders includes statutory rapists (the 20 year old who sleeps with his 17 year old girlfriend), consumers of child pornography (guess they should've stuck to "barely legal"), and streakers...all of whom will be forced to wear GPS anklets for life.
The issue to me is not necessarily just that of these people who have been convicted of seemingly minor crimes suffering from this ridiculous punishment, but rather that for some reason, people can't seem to accept that convicts who have done their time should be able to move on with their lives.
It looks like I'm not the only one who's upset: http://www.latimes.com/news/la-me-offenders9nov09,1,7118169.story?ctrack=1&cset=true
The issue to me is not necessarily just that of these people who have been convicted of seemingly minor crimes suffering from this ridiculous punishment, but rather that for some reason, people can't seem to accept that convicts who have done their time should be able to move on with their lives.
It looks like I'm not the only one who's upset: http://www.latimes.com/news/la-me-offenders9nov09,1,7118169.story?ctrack=1&cset=true
Monday, October 30, 2006
From the South Dakoa abortion ban...
I would like to gently remind California readers that 85 is a clear attack on choice. And, for those who would like to think that it's just "letting the parents know"...it may as well be permission. Why would a parent sign a form of notification if they don't want it happening? And for those who think that there is always a way around it, consider both time constraints and small counties where pro-life judges can not be escaped.
There was a fairly small rally on Saturday. Some photos can be found here.
I would like to gently remind California readers that 85 is a clear attack on choice. And, for those who would like to think that it's just "letting the parents know"...it may as well be permission. Why would a parent sign a form of notification if they don't want it happening? And for those who think that there is always a way around it, consider both time constraints and small counties where pro-life judges can not be escaped.
There was a fairly small rally on Saturday. Some photos can be found here.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Saturday event
Should be some nice counterprotesting in San Francisco on Saturday. If you're going to be in the area, please join.
Saturday, October 28
UN plaza
ANSWER counter-demonstrations
more details in the upcoming events section here
Saturday, October 28
UN plaza
ANSWER counter-demonstrations
more details in the upcoming events section here
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Monday, October 09, 2006
hardly strictly bluegrass
It's too bad some people left before Bob Weir. They missed him and Gillian Welch and David Rawlings...and, as he said, a 50,000 part harmony to Dire Wolf and Casey Jones. Yup, it was amazing. Too bad for the party poopers. I'm not naming any names.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
don't forget to fix your women
This is mainly worth watching for the interview with this nutjob about 5 minutes in.
If your stomach the disgustingness of his words, it is a bit funny to hear these words spoken in a heavy Brooklyn Jewish accent.
It should also be noted that a person who can make Richard Dawkins look like a sweet guy is quite remarkable in their assholery.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
oh no...GAY!!!!
I wanted to read up a bit more on the Foley scandal, so I searched google for the latest news on the case. I found this (sarcasm following) very comprehensive, clearly amazing article in the Houston Chroncile.
Is it just me, or is something missing here?
I've been busy with school starting and the holdiays...not much time for the internet. Hopefully everything will get normal soon. And hopefully I can get a picture of Leo (who, by the way, is cuddling on my thigh).
Is it just me, or is something missing here?
I've been busy with school starting and the holdiays...not much time for the internet. Hopefully everything will get normal soon. And hopefully I can get a picture of Leo (who, by the way, is cuddling on my thigh).
Monday, September 25, 2006
sascha baron cohen is god
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/help/3681938.stm
If anyone takes Borat seriously...well, that's their problem.
Check out all these progressives!
http://www.democratsforlife.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=172&Itemid=54
But hey guys, make sure to vote Democrat! We wouldn't want the right winning, let's preserve:
death penalty
three strikes
war in Iraq, upcoming war in Iran
war on drugs
ignoring the immigrant population
barring same sex marriages
patriot act
To be fair, the Greens aren't doing much. Tiny steps, but it's hard in a two party system. And I don't think it'll necessarily be the Greens (though European success keeps me from losing all hope) (and truthfully, I don't know that they're the ones I want...) who will bring the real left to the table...but it's the first step in the process, and it needs dedication. And there's no way I could in good conscience vote for a party that doesn't represent the left. A party that's moving more and more to the right every time I hear a speech, a party who's presidential candidates have been calling for more war...
Statistically speaking, my opinion will almost surely change in a few more years. But then again, I've enjoyed defying statistics a few important times.
But, I have more pressing issues. Such as Leo. Looks like I owe one ridiculously adorable little guy a nice cuddle.
If anyone takes Borat seriously...well, that's their problem.
Check out all these progressives!
http://www.democratsforlife.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=172&Itemid=54
But hey guys, make sure to vote Democrat! We wouldn't want the right winning, let's preserve:
death penalty
three strikes
war in Iraq, upcoming war in Iran
war on drugs
ignoring the immigrant population
barring same sex marriages
patriot act
To be fair, the Greens aren't doing much. Tiny steps, but it's hard in a two party system. And I don't think it'll necessarily be the Greens (though European success keeps me from losing all hope) (and truthfully, I don't know that they're the ones I want...) who will bring the real left to the table...but it's the first step in the process, and it needs dedication. And there's no way I could in good conscience vote for a party that doesn't represent the left. A party that's moving more and more to the right every time I hear a speech, a party who's presidential candidates have been calling for more war...
Statistically speaking, my opinion will almost surely change in a few more years. But then again, I've enjoyed defying statistics a few important times.
But, I have more pressing issues. Such as Leo. Looks like I owe one ridiculously adorable little guy a nice cuddle.
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