The level of stupidity in this world never ceases to amaze me. And, it seems to all be concentrated in Glendale. Or maybe it's just that the GNP takes pride in airing our city's stupidity... (you'd think they'd want to make the city look smart rather than dumb).
Thankfully, the columnists wrote some decent columns last week - or maybe I say that because I'm partial to the Beatles (which Mr. Kimber wrote about - no idea how that ties into education but...) and Ani wrote a halfway decent column about Father Movsessian.
But, then I flip to the opinion pages. Ugh! Remember how I posted that in America, we need someone to tell us something before we realize it's wrong!?!?! So, Ms. Ann Marie Smith (which I hope is not a psuedonym for a person I know with a very similar name.... because THAT woman I like!)... vents to the GNP for getting a parking ticket. Initially, I was intrigued. I hate parking tickets as much as everyone else. Especially those really senseless ones (as in, why on earth can't I park here?!?!)
But Ms. Smith goes on to complain about getting tickets for parking crooked. I hope all idiots who can't park between two white lines get fined!!! You don't need "a sign" telling you to park between the white lines. And yes, it sucks when the person next to you is parked crooked but maybe if the police enforce this continuously and uniformly, people "next to you" won't park crooked. (Not to mention, if you park crooked next to a crooked parked car, then if the crooked parked car leaves, YOU ARE STILL CROOKED - and therefore, you are now the problem car in the lot!)
I am sure Ms. Smith is frustrated because she was forced to park crooked. And, I will even give her the benefit of the doubt and say that she herself is not a bad parker and would have parked straight had the cars next to her parked straight... and that I can, then, understand her frustration. But next time she writes a letter, she should avoid statements like:
"There are no signs clearly posted to state that you must park perfectly between the lines or get a ticket."
I keep rereading that - I don't know if I should laugh or cry. All I know is that as annoying as the "T" (public transport) in Boston might be, I am grateful for not having to deal with all the crooked parking idiots of this world!
City needs to back off petty parking tickets
I feel it is petty, wasteful and harassing to give tickets at city parking garages for cars not being perfectly aligned in the lined stalls — especially when others have parked slightly crooked and the only open space is crooked.
There are no signs clearly posted to state that you must park perfectly between the lines or get a ticket.
Why should I park in the city garage to risk a $35 parking ticket?
What would the area businesses do if many people abandon shopping in this area because of this ridiculous harassment?
The city garages are the only one I know of with this type of petty enforcement.
The city should either post visible signs at each stall to warn patrons of the ticketing policy. Or it should just be decent and let people support the Exchange and Brand Boulevard businesses without this burden.
ANN MARIE SMITH
Glendale
Showing posts with label What is this world coming to?. Show all posts
Showing posts with label What is this world coming to?. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Did he just say that?
A recent article on CNN talks about how kids are using "IM language" in term papers and essays. More and more teens are submitting papers using "ur, b4, dat" etc.
Personally, I think that is HORRIBLE! My extent of using "IM language" is usually using "cuz" instead of "because" and other, more recognize abbreviations such as w/ for with (and, when text messaging a LONG message, I will stay within my character limit by using u or ur - but not often). People who use da for the and dat for that should just shoot themselves. Shortening a word by one letter doesn't save you time or energy you lazy idiot! What's worse is kids who use ma instead of my (don't ask, I don't even know how that makes sense) - and what the hell is wata? is that what a?
Anyway, I agree with the teacher who says she is from the South but doesn't use Southern slang in her writing. I think this is normal. You never write bro or wassup or dude in a paper... slang/abbreviation/street talk - WHATEVER it is.
I just don't understand how 8th graders (not 5th graders) are finding it acceptable to use slang in papers. Where are our teachers? Are they too busy shopping online during class or something? I don't understand why my sister's high school students (in the past) couldn't form complete sentences. (She's a history teacher - she can't teach history if the English teachers aren't teaching English!) Did I have this problem in high school? Do high schoolers in other countries have this problem?
Of course, to add insult to injury - we have idiots promoting this wacko spelling stuff. For example: American Dreamz. Dreamz? Are we trying to be hip? I think I missed the memo that said "S" is out and "Z" is in....
And then this guy:
"Some educators, like David Warlick, 54, of Raleigh, North Carolina, see the young burgeoning band of instant messengers as a phenomenon that should be celebrated. Teachers should credit their students with inventing a new language ideal for communicating in a high-tech world, said Warlick, who has authored three books on technology in the classroom."
Um, did he just say "new language"? Yes, everyone, burn your websters because its time for a dictionary with the "nu lang" so we can all "b kewl" okay "dawg"?
MORON!
He goes on to say that most of his college students dropped the "adolescent" habit once they got to college.
1. If its adolescent, why are you giving it such a stamp of approval by labeling it a new language?
2. The college students you have now weren't using "ur" in their 8th grade papers... aim was popular then but I don't aim language was extremely popular yet.
3. Why wait until college? Do you really want the bad habits to be that engrained before you stop them? Should we baby our 17 year olds and allow them to make fools of themselves?
I know slang is slang - it will never go away. Slang adds flavor to our language. Slang is culture. I get all that. But this new tech stuff gets on my nerves. Yet, I am still willing to put up with it.... as long as it is restricted to the tech and internet world. Never, ever, ever should it be acceptable in a classroom.
Personally, I think that is HORRIBLE! My extent of using "IM language" is usually using "cuz" instead of "because" and other, more recognize abbreviations such as w/ for with (and, when text messaging a LONG message, I will stay within my character limit by using u or ur - but not often). People who use da for the and dat for that should just shoot themselves. Shortening a word by one letter doesn't save you time or energy you lazy idiot! What's worse is kids who use ma instead of my (don't ask, I don't even know how that makes sense) - and what the hell is wata? is that what a?
Anyway, I agree with the teacher who says she is from the South but doesn't use Southern slang in her writing. I think this is normal. You never write bro or wassup or dude in a paper... slang/abbreviation/street talk - WHATEVER it is.
I just don't understand how 8th graders (not 5th graders) are finding it acceptable to use slang in papers. Where are our teachers? Are they too busy shopping online during class or something? I don't understand why my sister's high school students (in the past) couldn't form complete sentences. (She's a history teacher - she can't teach history if the English teachers aren't teaching English!) Did I have this problem in high school? Do high schoolers in other countries have this problem?
Of course, to add insult to injury - we have idiots promoting this wacko spelling stuff. For example: American Dreamz. Dreamz? Are we trying to be hip? I think I missed the memo that said "S" is out and "Z" is in....
And then this guy:
"Some educators, like David Warlick, 54, of Raleigh, North Carolina, see the young burgeoning band of instant messengers as a phenomenon that should be celebrated. Teachers should credit their students with inventing a new language ideal for communicating in a high-tech world, said Warlick, who has authored three books on technology in the classroom."
Um, did he just say "new language"? Yes, everyone, burn your websters because its time for a dictionary with the "nu lang" so we can all "b kewl" okay "dawg"?
MORON!
He goes on to say that most of his college students dropped the "adolescent" habit once they got to college.
1. If its adolescent, why are you giving it such a stamp of approval by labeling it a new language?
2. The college students you have now weren't using "ur" in their 8th grade papers... aim was popular then but I don't aim language was extremely popular yet.
3. Why wait until college? Do you really want the bad habits to be that engrained before you stop them? Should we baby our 17 year olds and allow them to make fools of themselves?
I know slang is slang - it will never go away. Slang adds flavor to our language. Slang is culture. I get all that. But this new tech stuff gets on my nerves. Yet, I am still willing to put up with it.... as long as it is restricted to the tech and internet world. Never, ever, ever should it be acceptable in a classroom.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
from my SEESTER
i just realized my "m" button keeps getting stuck so pardon any ispellings you ay notice... thanks
Just to add to your "what is the world comming to " thoughts...
Snickers is pulling the ad it had on durring the superbowl...the really funny one with the two guys and the Lady and the Tramp moment...because of guy rights groups protests
also, this new one, Suicide-prevention group protests GM Super Bowl ad
We are weetarded...
Posted by Arbella on Thursday, February 08, 2007 at 9:33 PM
And we thought Communism was bad
Now New York wants to regulate - not only what you eat (the anti-trans fats movement) but also WHEN you listen to you iPod.
New York Senators are proposing legislation which would make it illegal to listen to/use your iPod while crossing the street. Yes, you read me right. Based on the proposed law, individuals caught listening to their iPod while crossing the street would be fined $100.
First and foremost, doesn't NYPD have much bigger problems on their hands? Don't they have some real criminals to go catch?
But honestly, is this how little faith we have in the common sense of our nation? Aren't NY people supposed to be some of the most street smart and savvy around?
I truly believe, as I've mentioned in my blogs, that the more we baby our population, the more dependent, inconsiderate and illogical we will become.
I don't need the government to tell me I am not ALLOWED to be distracted while I cross the street because I learned in Kindergarten to look both ways before I cross the street. And, my Grandma spent the next 6 years it in my head. And, if I'm not mistaken - "look both ways" is a common lesson on daytime children's shows and in elementary children's books. If you can't learn to look out for yourself, why do we need to?
Granted, it is an extra income for the state which is beneficial. But personally, I have full faith that I can safely cross the street while listening to my iPod - EVEN WITH an ambulance "charging" at me (not that an ambulance can exactly speed in NY traffic).
Perhaps I am a hypocritical person since I am an advocate for minimum wage and health care and all other welfare initiatives which some see as being "paternalistic" of the state. However, I do see a fundamental difference in the state requiring money hungry employers to provide health care for me and the state not letting me listen to my iPod while crossing the street.
Oh well
New York Senators are proposing legislation which would make it illegal to listen to/use your iPod while crossing the street. Yes, you read me right. Based on the proposed law, individuals caught listening to their iPod while crossing the street would be fined $100.
First and foremost, doesn't NYPD have much bigger problems on their hands? Don't they have some real criminals to go catch?
But honestly, is this how little faith we have in the common sense of our nation? Aren't NY people supposed to be some of the most street smart and savvy around?
I truly believe, as I've mentioned in my blogs, that the more we baby our population, the more dependent, inconsiderate and illogical we will become.
I don't need the government to tell me I am not ALLOWED to be distracted while I cross the street because I learned in Kindergarten to look both ways before I cross the street. And, my Grandma spent the next 6 years it in my head. And, if I'm not mistaken - "look both ways" is a common lesson on daytime children's shows and in elementary children's books. If you can't learn to look out for yourself, why do we need to?
Granted, it is an extra income for the state which is beneficial. But personally, I have full faith that I can safely cross the street while listening to my iPod - EVEN WITH an ambulance "charging" at me (not that an ambulance can exactly speed in NY traffic).
Perhaps I am a hypocritical person since I am an advocate for minimum wage and health care and all other welfare initiatives which some see as being "paternalistic" of the state. However, I do see a fundamental difference in the state requiring money hungry employers to provide health care for me and the state not letting me listen to my iPod while crossing the street.
Oh well
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
What is this world coming to?????
As we watched the superbowl halftime show, a bunch of us joked that the FCC would fine Prince for being too sexual...
Well, looks like a big hoopla is being made about his performance afterall.
Prince guitar solo behind sheet at Super Bowl called phallic
Honestly.... i mean, HONESTLY... if these as;lfkajsdlfkajdf m****f***ing MORONS didn't make such a big deal about it - no FIVE YEAR OLD would have any idea what "phallic" is.
And, even if they did - seeing Prince jack off behind a curtain isn't going to make ANYONE want to go have sex. And if it makes them want to go jack off - MORE POWER TO THEM!
Goddamn... when did we become the holy puritans? I am about to get on a boat and take my ass to England in search of religious freedom because I am absolutely fed up with these unmoralistic stupid scums trying to push their views on me. Just because you call Prince out on being too sexual doesn't make you holy - your shit stinks just as bad.
Anyway, i'm just pissed off. I find it outrageous that we are letting it come to this even. Instead of worrying about Prince and his guitar solo, why don't we worry about the hoochied out barbie dolls we're selling our kids. Frankly, that angers me much more than a guitar performance that my 5 year old would not likely understand.
(Here is my favorite part of the article though:)
Well, looks like a big hoopla is being made about his performance afterall.
Prince guitar solo behind sheet at Super Bowl called phallic
Honestly.... i mean, HONESTLY... if these as;lfkajsdlfkajdf m****f***ing MORONS didn't make such a big deal about it - no FIVE YEAR OLD would have any idea what "phallic" is.
And, even if they did - seeing Prince jack off behind a curtain isn't going to make ANYONE want to go have sex. And if it makes them want to go jack off - MORE POWER TO THEM!
Goddamn... when did we become the holy puritans? I am about to get on a boat and take my ass to England in search of religious freedom because I am absolutely fed up with these unmoralistic stupid scums trying to push their views on me. Just because you call Prince out on being too sexual doesn't make you holy - your shit stinks just as bad.
Anyway, i'm just pissed off. I find it outrageous that we are letting it come to this even. Instead of worrying about Prince and his guitar solo, why don't we worry about the hoochied out barbie dolls we're selling our kids. Frankly, that angers me much more than a guitar performance that my 5 year old would not likely understand.
(Here is my favorite part of the article though:)
Prince's previously most talked-about performance came at the 1991 MTV Video Music Awards, where he donned yellow, butt-baring pants (a stunt later spoofed by Howard Stern). Always eccentric, he famously changed his name to The Artist Formerly Known as Prince, then to simply a symbol and finally back to Prince. He also became a Jehovah's Witness in the mid-'90s.
But Prince's halftime performance, though celebrated, came in a much different cultural environment, where even the fleeting outline of a man and his guitar could, for some, suggest shaded depravity.
"If people want to be hypersensitive, they can be hypersensitive," says Rolling Stone's Edwards. "Those trombones are phallic, too. What are you going to do?"
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Arctic Chill, Superbowl Ads and Headlines...
Gooooood morning!
Man, it is COLD out there. Everything I said to anyone about how I didn't mind the cold... ya, ignore that. That was in reference to 10-20 degree temps. Things are much different in the (negative)10-10 degree temps. Much different. Accuweather describes the temps as "frigid cold" "very cold" and "bitter cold" - I don't care what you call it - all i know is it sucks. Last night I went to the screening of Screamers at Harvard - by the time I got there, I thought I had lost my fingers. I know I say that a lot but this time they really hurt. Really really hurt - burned! I couldn't bend my fingers in fact. And i was wearing TWO pairs of gloves. Then on my way home I was tempted to just stop walking and curl up in a little ball on the ground and resign to the fact that the cold would kill me. I was near tears by the time I got home (oh wait, I was actually in tears - cold breezes cause you to cry!). Today, I figured I'd wear more clothing (yesterday I left the house in a long sleeve shirt and sweater in the am - no jacket - and at night I picked out an inadequate jacket). Yes, today I wore leggings, jeans, socks and boots (on the bottom) and a long sleeve shirt, turtleneck, sweater, jacket, scarf, earmuffs and gloves (on top). It was still cold.
*Sigh*
Well, I guess it coud be worse.... and, on the days where I'm more energetic, the cold seems more refreshing (makes you real hyper!) rather than depressing.
Anyway, on to superbowl. I love superbowl because its an excuse to drink beer on a sunday and eat lots of crap food! Yay. I can't tell you how many wings I ate - and a tiny slice of pizza, a hot dog... and beer! yum. The game was good - it was a fun first half. The half-time show was one of the most entertaining in recent years - esp compared to last years (yawn). And the commercials weren't half bad either.
Here are my picks:
1. GM Robot: (The myspace version of this ad is incomplete so I linked youtube). Seriuosly, after a few beers, I was ready to cry watching this commercial. And yet, it was hilarious. Reminded me of Johnny #5 (short circuit).
2. Taco Bell Lions: This reminds me of Selmi trying to pronounce some of those names. Rrrrrrrr...
3. Bud Immigrants: Self explanatory - and hilarious.
4. Blockbuster Mouse: First good blockbuster commercial in a long time.... i love squeaky!
5. Dalmation wannabe: This one is too cute. So its not the most hilarious one ever but its cute nonetheless.
Of course, I haven't watched every single one but these are my favs so far. I also liked the Snickers Kiss, a lot of people liked Rock Paper Scissors, and there were some other good ones as well... check them out at: Myspace Superads or CBS Superads.
And, last but not least, today's great stories:
1. Looks like we can't even look up to our ASTRONAUTS anymore. Such a shame.
2. This one isn't a funny story per se, but I've always had a problem with the term "friendly fire" - if you shoot at someone, its not friendly. PERIOD. But, for more on strange terms in the English language, see George Carlin.
3. I have a hard enough time preventing body parts from bouncing all over the place when I'm fully clothed and working out - but for those who enjoy bouncing, I present to you the nudey-gym
4. Chewbacca strikes back...
5. I noticed on the radio that God is sometimes bleeped - for example bleep damn. (Since damn is a much better word than God). But I guess that's not the only case...
And for the law kids... don't drink VODKA during trial - (then again, this contradicts an earlier case where jurors did crack).
Well, that's all for me. Cheers.
Man, it is COLD out there. Everything I said to anyone about how I didn't mind the cold... ya, ignore that. That was in reference to 10-20 degree temps. Things are much different in the (negative)10-10 degree temps. Much different. Accuweather describes the temps as "frigid cold" "very cold" and "bitter cold" - I don't care what you call it - all i know is it sucks. Last night I went to the screening of Screamers at Harvard - by the time I got there, I thought I had lost my fingers. I know I say that a lot but this time they really hurt. Really really hurt - burned! I couldn't bend my fingers in fact. And i was wearing TWO pairs of gloves. Then on my way home I was tempted to just stop walking and curl up in a little ball on the ground and resign to the fact that the cold would kill me. I was near tears by the time I got home (oh wait, I was actually in tears - cold breezes cause you to cry!). Today, I figured I'd wear more clothing (yesterday I left the house in a long sleeve shirt and sweater in the am - no jacket - and at night I picked out an inadequate jacket). Yes, today I wore leggings, jeans, socks and boots (on the bottom) and a long sleeve shirt, turtleneck, sweater, jacket, scarf, earmuffs and gloves (on top). It was still cold.
*Sigh*
Well, I guess it coud be worse.... and, on the days where I'm more energetic, the cold seems more refreshing (makes you real hyper!) rather than depressing.
Anyway, on to superbowl. I love superbowl because its an excuse to drink beer on a sunday and eat lots of crap food! Yay. I can't tell you how many wings I ate - and a tiny slice of pizza, a hot dog... and beer! yum. The game was good - it was a fun first half. The half-time show was one of the most entertaining in recent years - esp compared to last years (yawn). And the commercials weren't half bad either.
Here are my picks:
1. GM Robot: (The myspace version of this ad is incomplete so I linked youtube). Seriuosly, after a few beers, I was ready to cry watching this commercial. And yet, it was hilarious. Reminded me of Johnny #5 (short circuit).
2. Taco Bell Lions: This reminds me of Selmi trying to pronounce some of those names. Rrrrrrrr...
3. Bud Immigrants: Self explanatory - and hilarious.
4. Blockbuster Mouse: First good blockbuster commercial in a long time.... i love squeaky!
5. Dalmation wannabe: This one is too cute. So its not the most hilarious one ever but its cute nonetheless.
Of course, I haven't watched every single one but these are my favs so far. I also liked the Snickers Kiss, a lot of people liked Rock Paper Scissors, and there were some other good ones as well... check them out at: Myspace Superads or CBS Superads.
And, last but not least, today's great stories:
1. Looks like we can't even look up to our ASTRONAUTS anymore. Such a shame.
2. This one isn't a funny story per se, but I've always had a problem with the term "friendly fire" - if you shoot at someone, its not friendly. PERIOD. But, for more on strange terms in the English language, see George Carlin.
3. I have a hard enough time preventing body parts from bouncing all over the place when I'm fully clothed and working out - but for those who enjoy bouncing, I present to you the nudey-gym
4. Chewbacca strikes back...
5. I noticed on the radio that God is sometimes bleeped - for example bleep damn. (Since damn is a much better word than God). But I guess that's not the only case...
And for the law kids... don't drink VODKA during trial - (then again, this contradicts an earlier case where jurors did crack).
Well, that's all for me. Cheers.
Friday, February 02, 2007
$600 for a a globe
Honestly, where did I go wrong? Here I am, suffering through civil procedure (for another 25 minutes) and there are people out there inflating a big ball with the world drawn on it and charging $600 bux a day. SIX HUNDRED?!?!?!
Here's the story: Kids at Holy Redeemer got to spend 30 minutes prancing about a 22ft inflatable globe as some dude gave them a lesson in geography.
Incase you don't see the flaws in this, let me point them out:
1. Who on earth pays $600 a day to let kids run in circles around a large ball for 30 min at a time?
2. The story notes that children had to bring $3 each to be able to participate. Um, Holy Redeemer is a private school with a decent tuition i'm sure. Why are they charging the kids $3? If they can't budget for the ball, dont bring it to campus!
3. 30 minutes is not long enough for a geography lesson. 30 min is not long enough for a quick geography lesson. And, 30 minutes around a 22 foot globe (imagine, the teacher points out where europe is but you can't figure it out until its your turn to get to the other side of the globe)... is DEFINITELY not even enough time for the kids to figure out where the continents are. (and we wonder why our children are so inept in the international world).
4. I am 100% for innovative learning. I think this globe might be a great activity - i think the school should buy its own globe instead of paying someone $600. But, most importantly, I'm sure the reason the kids liked this program is not necessarily because of the ball but because of the instructor and the lesson (refer to kids quotes for proof). The instructor was probably one of those upbeat funny guys that danced around the room and pointed out silly facts about Poland. The kids got to run around and be hyper while laughing and learning. Hm, could it be this method rather than the ball that made the lesson so enticing.
Of course, I under stand that you can't run around the classroom and make little soundbite jokes about history or math all year long (any time you go more in depth, the topic loses its luster), i still think this should teach schools something about teaching methods rather than giant overpriced balls. (Example: See Ms. Wortheim or whatever her name was...quite possble the worst - and highest paid - teacher at ghs. though i don't think she's still around).
See article: http://glendalenewspress.com/articles/2007/01/30/education/gnp-dome30.txt
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Just be grateful its not a survey
 | Look, I could post tons of bulletins but i choose to post tons of blogs instead - I'm in property... what else do you want me to do? |
Monday, January 29, 2007
miami plans a celebration
Apparently, Miami is already planning a big party for Castro's death. So unfortunate. Regardless of your views on an individual, I think planning a giant bash to celebrate their DEATH is not very polite (but then again, I'm already sending out invites for bush's demise.... oops, did i just say... i mean type that out? Bring it on murdoch).
Anyway, here is the article: http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/01/29/miami.castro.ap/index.html
Oh yes, and this celebration is technically honoring a "free cuba" - what people don't realize is that when Castro dies, every psycho out there will jump in the power race and, if the U.S. is lucky, they can help install one of their own but if not, you're looking at an Iran like situation where the bad just keeps getting worst. And, with all the turmoil and chaos that goes with power changing hands, people will riot, people will die and the future will remain uncertain.
keep dreaming america, keep dreaming.
Anyway, here is the article: http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/01/29/miami.castro.ap/index.html
Oh yes, and this celebration is technically honoring a "free cuba" - what people don't realize is that when Castro dies, every psycho out there will jump in the power race and, if the U.S. is lucky, they can help install one of their own but if not, you're looking at an Iran like situation where the bad just keeps getting worst. And, with all the turmoil and chaos that goes with power changing hands, people will riot, people will die and the future will remain uncertain.
keep dreaming america, keep dreaming.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Because you're too dumb to take care of yourself
I am convinced that our government will go so far in policing our daily lives and activities that people will completely forget how to look out for themselves. Of course, I always complain about the stupid glendalians who expect the police to walk next to them and protect them every second of the day (look, if a car is speeding - don't walk in front of it - because that guy *could* get a speeding ticket if the police were there but I don't think a ticket makes up for your LIFE!) But, its not just in Glendale. It seems that all over the country, people expect the government to tell us what is okay and whats not.
Look, you don't have to tell me McDonald's is bad. I'm a living, breathing, THINKING human being and it seems to me common sense that microwaved, fried food thats so cheap and made so fast MUST be bad for me in some way or another. Even if common sense didn't give it away, perhaps just listening to my body for a split second would provide some clues (you know, that gross feeling you get after you eat a bunch of junk/crap food). I do not need the government to ban McDonalds. ("But what about the POOR, HELPLESS KIDS!?" Um, you said it yourself - kids are POOR. They get their money from YOU. Teach them and regulate... thats why you're the parent and they're the child!)
(This is the same reason I support the legalization of drugs even though I don't prefer to do them myself. This is the same reason I don't think cigarettes should be illegal even though its the most disgusting thing in the world.)
But, every week it seems the government and stupid pathetic interest groups with nothing better to do are going a step further - regulating the foods we eat - and theyre doing it becaus(can you believe someone filed a suit against Oreos? I mean honestly, did anyone think Oreos are good for you? Hm, ditch the carrots - lets have some COOKIES!)
Now, they're trying to ban the games you play - because (god forbid) you might hurt yourself. (See Article) A group apparently started at BU (I'm sorry, I do apologize for our stupidity and over regulation) has apparently succeeding in convincing major retailers to take "drinking games" off their shelves. Why? Because people die playing drinking games. Well guess what, there was this dude named "darwin" and he predicted "survival of the fittest" - if you're stupid enough to drink yourself to death playing beer pong, you're probably better off dead. (Or at least not reproducing). And if Target doesn't sell beer pong - it doesn't mean that people won't play beer pong. People have drank themselves silly since before Target existed - and long before "Beirut" was the popular thing to do at a college party. And our great great great grandchildren will likely be getting drunk and stupid long after we're buried in the ground (unless, of course, they find more interesting methods for becoming intoxicated).
Anyway, I just had to rant. I'm absolutely furious with these stupid idiots trying to regulate what we do. Point is, it doesn't work. Second point is, the more they do it - the more reliant people become. Pretty soon, people won't think to wipe their own ass after taking a shit unless the government or some "shit" interest group comes up with a law or policy forcing people to.
As my 7th grade choir teacher once said - in other countries, people still have common sense - they see some newly planted grass and think, "hm... I shouldn't walk on that because I might kill it - I should let the grass grow" - but here in America, people see newly planted grass, look around for a sign that says "Do Not Walk On Grass" and, when they don't see a sign or rope taping it off, they figure - "well, no one told me not to" - and go ahead and walk all over the grass.
Idiots!
Look, you don't have to tell me McDonald's is bad. I'm a living, breathing, THINKING human being and it seems to me common sense that microwaved, fried food thats so cheap and made so fast MUST be bad for me in some way or another. Even if common sense didn't give it away, perhaps just listening to my body for a split second would provide some clues (you know, that gross feeling you get after you eat a bunch of junk/crap food). I do not need the government to ban McDonalds. ("But what about the POOR, HELPLESS KIDS!?" Um, you said it yourself - kids are POOR. They get their money from YOU. Teach them and regulate... thats why you're the parent and they're the child!)
(This is the same reason I support the legalization of drugs even though I don't prefer to do them myself. This is the same reason I don't think cigarettes should be illegal even though its the most disgusting thing in the world.)
But, every week it seems the government and stupid pathetic interest groups with nothing better to do are going a step further - regulating the foods we eat - and theyre doing it becaus(can you believe someone filed a suit against Oreos? I mean honestly, did anyone think Oreos are good for you? Hm, ditch the carrots - lets have some COOKIES!)
Now, they're trying to ban the games you play - because (god forbid) you might hurt yourself. (See Article) A group apparently started at BU (I'm sorry, I do apologize for our stupidity and over regulation) has apparently succeeding in convincing major retailers to take "drinking games" off their shelves. Why? Because people die playing drinking games. Well guess what, there was this dude named "darwin" and he predicted "survival of the fittest" - if you're stupid enough to drink yourself to death playing beer pong, you're probably better off dead. (Or at least not reproducing). And if Target doesn't sell beer pong - it doesn't mean that people won't play beer pong. People have drank themselves silly since before Target existed - and long before "Beirut" was the popular thing to do at a college party. And our great great great grandchildren will likely be getting drunk and stupid long after we're buried in the ground (unless, of course, they find more interesting methods for becoming intoxicated).
Anyway, I just had to rant. I'm absolutely furious with these stupid idiots trying to regulate what we do. Point is, it doesn't work. Second point is, the more they do it - the more reliant people become. Pretty soon, people won't think to wipe their own ass after taking a shit unless the government or some "shit" interest group comes up with a law or policy forcing people to.
As my 7th grade choir teacher once said - in other countries, people still have common sense - they see some newly planted grass and think, "hm... I shouldn't walk on that because I might kill it - I should let the grass grow" - but here in America, people see newly planted grass, look around for a sign that says "Do Not Walk On Grass" and, when they don't see a sign or rope taping it off, they figure - "well, no one told me not to" - and go ahead and walk all over the grass.
Idiots!
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
LAUSD... oh ya baby
Borrowed from a friend (thanks Tsogh)...
David L. Brewer, the retired Navy vice admiral selected to become Los Angeles' next education chief, agreed Monday to a four-year contract that will pay him $300,000 per year.
The agreement, which has been signed by school board President Marlene Canter and is expected to be ratified today by a majority of the seven-member board, also provides Brewer with a $3,000 monthly housing allowance, a $45,000 annual expense account, an automobile and an extensive benefits package.
Outgoing Supt. Roy Romer has earned $250,000 each year since he started in 2000, but always declined up to $100,000 in annual bonuses. There are no such bonuses in Brewer's contract, which calls on the board to set performance benchmarks each year for the superintendent and meet annually to decide on whether to give him a raise.
Under terms of the agreement, which is set to begin Nov. 13, the board will waive state guidelines that require superintendents to have earned an administrative credential from an academic institution. Brewer has no experience as a teacher or running a public school system.
The contract also moves to preempt Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the mayors of other cities served by the Los Angeles Unified School District, who have battled with the board for increased control of the district.
Last month, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a law that, among other things, grants the so-called Council of Mayors the power to veto the board's hiring of a superintendent. If it survives a legal challenge by the board and others, the law will go into effect Jan. 1.
Brewer's contract states that if the mayors refuse to ratify any future contract extensions the board gives him, then they will have terminated him "without just cause." That would allow Brewer to demand that he be paid the remainder of his salary.
(Her) favorite parts are in bold
L.A. schools chief to get $300,000 a year
Retired vice admiral's four-year contract also will provide a $45,000 expense account and $3,000 monthly housing allowance.
David L. Brewer, the retired Navy vice admiral selected to become Los Angeles' next education chief, agreed Monday to a four-year contract that will pay him $300,000 per year.
The agreement, which has been signed by school board President Marlene Canter and is expected to be ratified today by a majority of the seven-member board, also provides Brewer with a $3,000 monthly housing allowance, a $45,000 annual expense account, an automobile and an extensive benefits package.
......
The district also will pay moving expenses for Brewer, 60, and his wife to relocate from Virginia and pay for them to live in a hotel for up to six months while they search for a place to live.Outgoing Supt. Roy Romer has earned $250,000 each year since he started in 2000, but always declined up to $100,000 in annual bonuses. There are no such bonuses in Brewer's contract, which calls on the board to set performance benchmarks each year for the superintendent and meet annually to decide on whether to give him a raise.
Under terms of the agreement, which is set to begin Nov. 13, the board will waive state guidelines that require superintendents to have earned an administrative credential from an academic institution. Brewer has no experience as a teacher or running a public school system.
The contract also moves to preempt Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the mayors of other cities served by the Los Angeles Unified School District, who have battled with the board for increased control of the district.
Last month, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a law that, among other things, grants the so-called Council of Mayors the power to veto the board's hiring of a superintendent. If it survives a legal challenge by the board and others, the law will go into effect Jan. 1.
Brewer's contract states that if the mayors refuse to ratify any future contract extensions the board gives him, then they will have terminated him "without just cause." That would allow Brewer to demand that he be paid the remainder of his salary.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
The Catholic Church is like a dead language
As human beings we grow. Everyday - we grow physically and mentally - we change. We accept new ideas, reject old ideas. We reevaluate our opinions and preferences. Our minds are constantly being opened up by new experiences and exposed to new ideas. Its just a part of living right?
Just proof that the Catholic Church is dead. A dead language doesn't change - it doesn't evolve because its not used and aside from people studying it and using it in select situations, its use is no longer widespread. Similarly... people "study" or pretend to practice Catholicism it but few people live by it (though everyone likes to say they do - since everyone likes to believe they are holier than though). Its actual "use" is limited to a few people who dedicate their lives to it (even their allegiance or dedication is doubtful). Basically, its a bunch of narrow minded people who refuse to grow and learn. Its as if they are stuck in the year 400 AD. I'm so tired of hypocrisy of the church....
(They just issued new statements reinforcing the idea Catholics should refrain from using BIRTH CONTROL - they apparently haven't noticed that 2 out of 3 babies dont die anymore and if we didn't use birthcontrol we'd be running around with 25 kids each! Oh ya, and they also brought up that whole same sex marriage thing - but, i guess that doesn't include Catholic priests molesting young boys since thats not marriage)
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2006/11/15/bishops_stress_sexual_issues_and_warn_on_communion/
Just proof that the Catholic Church is dead. A dead language doesn't change - it doesn't evolve because its not used and aside from people studying it and using it in select situations, its use is no longer widespread. Similarly... people "study" or pretend to practice Catholicism it but few people live by it (though everyone likes to say they do - since everyone likes to believe they are holier than though). Its actual "use" is limited to a few people who dedicate their lives to it (even their allegiance or dedication is doubtful). Basically, its a bunch of narrow minded people who refuse to grow and learn. Its as if they are stuck in the year 400 AD. I'm so tired of hypocrisy of the church....
(They just issued new statements reinforcing the idea Catholics should refrain from using BIRTH CONTROL - they apparently haven't noticed that 2 out of 3 babies dont die anymore and if we didn't use birthcontrol we'd be running around with 25 kids each! Oh ya, and they also brought up that whole same sex marriage thing - but, i guess that doesn't include Catholic priests molesting young boys since thats not marriage)
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2006/11/15/bishops_stress_sexual_issues_and_warn_on_communion/
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Burgers anyone?
Who needs brownies?
...when you can have BURGERS!http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/11/07/pot.burgers.ap/index.html
Personally, I think the entire incident is quite amusing.
(Thanks to Joe Ho for the article)
Sunday, November 05, 2006
So you support the war in Iraq....
According to a recent article, U.S. military and intelligence officials came to the conclusion early on that this war might be a losing battle. In war simulation games, officials found that even with 400,000 troops (more than half what we have in Iraq now), the U.S. would not necessarily win the war in Iraq.
Still think we did the right thing?
How can our elected leaders send hundreds of thousands of young men and women (including many newlyweds with young wives and children at home) into a losing battle? Its almost like a death wish! Oh, I forgot... unlike Vietnam, we now have the medical technology to keep these people alive - who cares if they don't have any limbs left - bastards should be happy to be alive right?
Wake up. Oh, and vote!
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/11/04/war.games.ap/index.html
Some of the conclusions are similar to what actually occurred after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003:
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Why the Darwin theory is incorrect...
Had darwin been correct, this guy would have died long ago (then again, maybe the theory accounts for physical strength rather than intellect... who knows!)
http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/09/20/chasingmoney.ap/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/09/20/chasingmoney.ap/index.html
Obesity? Say What?
Current mood: energetic
Okay, I've said it before and I'll say it again... who needs comics when you can just READ THE NEWS!
Today's interesting tidbit:
Researchers report that in the typical high school gym class, students are active for an average of just 16 minutes. The report, by Cornell University researchers also found that adding 200 minutes more of physical education time per week had little effect. "What's actually going on in gym classes? Is it a joke?" asked John Cawley, lead author of the study and a professor of policy analysis and management at Cornell.
Yep folks... you read it right... 16 minutes a day - and adding 40 minutes a day to the actual class really doesn't help increase activity either.
I'm sure most of you already knew this because of your experiences in "Physical Education/Gym" classes - and I'm sure there are many of you out there who loathed PE and looked for every excuse to miss out on class (teacher, i broke my toe nail and I can't put my pe shoes on!)
But put now look at it from an adult (and parent) perspective. We are entrusting our kids to the school system for 6+ hours a day. During that time, you're hoping that your kid gets the nutrition, exercise and education that he/she needs. Even now as an adult, as much as you may hate the gym... look back on your school experience. Are you really proud of yourself for skipping out on all your laps? Don't you wish you used that "youthful energy" to be a little more healthy and active? If we just start our kids on an active path when they are young... I'm almost certain that they won't be moaning and groaning when they have to run 3 laps in high school.
You can't wait until someone is 40 to undo their lifestyle habits. You can't wait until someone is obese before you change their eating and exercise habits. Once you have diabetes, you can only try to control it... prevention is out of the question.
So everyone, stop blaming McDonalds for your problems.javascript:void(0)
Publish I read Fast Food Nation - i hate the chain corps more than most of you... but the truth of the matter is, we only have ourselves to blame. Lets start expecting more from our schools and our parents and less from the greedy corporations (that have already shown us they have little concern for our well being! unless, that is, we demand it!).
Cheers.
Okay, I've said it before and I'll say it again... who needs comics when you can just READ THE NEWS!
Today's interesting tidbit:
Researchers report that in the typical high school gym class, students are active for an average of just 16 minutes. The report, by Cornell University researchers also found that adding 200 minutes more of physical education time per week had little effect. "What's actually going on in gym classes? Is it a joke?" asked John Cawley, lead author of the study and a professor of policy analysis and management at Cornell.
Yep folks... you read it right... 16 minutes a day - and adding 40 minutes a day to the actual class really doesn't help increase activity either.
I'm sure most of you already knew this because of your experiences in "Physical Education/Gym" classes - and I'm sure there are many of you out there who loathed PE and looked for every excuse to miss out on class (teacher, i broke my toe nail and I can't put my pe shoes on!)
But put now look at it from an adult (and parent) perspective. We are entrusting our kids to the school system for 6+ hours a day. During that time, you're hoping that your kid gets the nutrition, exercise and education that he/she needs. Even now as an adult, as much as you may hate the gym... look back on your school experience. Are you really proud of yourself for skipping out on all your laps? Don't you wish you used that "youthful energy" to be a little more healthy and active? If we just start our kids on an active path when they are young... I'm almost certain that they won't be moaning and groaning when they have to run 3 laps in high school.
You can't wait until someone is 40 to undo their lifestyle habits. You can't wait until someone is obese before you change their eating and exercise habits. Once you have diabetes, you can only try to control it... prevention is out of the question.
So everyone, stop blaming McDonalds for your problems.javascript:void(0)
Publish I read Fast Food Nation - i hate the chain corps more than most of you... but the truth of the matter is, we only have ourselves to blame. Lets start expecting more from our schools and our parents and less from the greedy corporations (that have already shown us they have little concern for our well being! unless, that is, we demand it!).
Cheers.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS
I swear, I read TWO freakin pages and then it all starts to sound japanese unless I allow myself to be distracted. If I do something else for even a minute and go back to my reading, it all makes sense again. So, the pattern goes something like this....
read read read (flip the page) read read read read (flip the page) read... read (slowing down here) read... "AH! fine, I'll check my email" (AGAIN)
So, instead of succumbing to surveys (give me a few more months, I'll get there) I thought I'd blog. Each thought will be another "distraction moment"
(read, flip page, blog) Notes on Regional Advertising:
I must say, I am absolutely amused by regional advertising. Bostonians (apparently) say wicked... and, as you all know they all have that Bahston accent. An ad for Bass reads: "Its wicked smooth. Just ask your Bahtender"
Of course, sometimes you don't get regional advertising - the other Bass ad I don't get (nor do I remember it at this point).
(read, flip, blog) IPODS....
are not a fad... they are a necessity in this city (or so it seems). Forget your ipod on the T one day and your ride to school will be long and tedious. It seems that there isn't a single person on there without an ipod (well, except for the few individuals who have some other sort of mp3 player). Even the mother with her two daughters was listening to her ipod (while her poor children stared around at all the blank faces staring back at them). If you bump into someone and try to apologize... well, you have no idea if they heard you (perhaps this is where lip reading comes in). And you'll catch a few people with their mouths open just staring at a wall (obviously lost in their music, oblivious to their surroundings). Hey, I guess it helps pass the time... it does, however, make the train a very unfriendly place at times (Ipods now take the place of socializing with your neighbor - although obnoxious people like myself will still try to strike up a conversation every so often)
(read, flip page, blog) T-Surfing!
T-surfing is far more difficult than you'd think by looking at it. T-surfing is the ART of balancing yourself on the train throughout your ride (including the start/stop). Now, once you got that down... add... you book bag (complete with 6lb laptop, lunch - ya im a dork - water bottle, yada yada yada) and your books (assume about 15 lbs each... give or take). AND when you really think you got it mastered, add some more t-surfers to the mix - one of them falls and its like a freaking domino rally! YA!
(on to Torts! YAY!....flip, blog) The Double Doors....
A lot of homes around here have two doors - and I don't mean like french double doors. I mean, you walk through the front door and the other front door is straight ahead! I'm sure its great for snowy weather (the first door doesnt' have a lock so you can walk in out of the rain or snow while you dig out your keys) but really, i was sorta confused at first (give me a break - it was 5 am - i hadn't slept - and i had no idea where my roomies had left the spare key... no worries, after a two hour nap i figured it out!)
Okay, time to go focus on this case from 1339 that's written in latin (what the relevance to today is... no idea...)
read read read (flip the page) read read read read (flip the page) read... read (slowing down here) read... "AH! fine, I'll check my email" (AGAIN)
So, instead of succumbing to surveys (give me a few more months, I'll get there) I thought I'd blog. Each thought will be another "distraction moment"
(read, flip page, blog) Notes on Regional Advertising:
I must say, I am absolutely amused by regional advertising. Bostonians (apparently) say wicked... and, as you all know they all have that Bahston accent. An ad for Bass reads: "Its wicked smooth. Just ask your Bahtender"
Of course, sometimes you don't get regional advertising - the other Bass ad I don't get (nor do I remember it at this point).
(read, flip, blog) IPODS....
are not a fad... they are a necessity in this city (or so it seems). Forget your ipod on the T one day and your ride to school will be long and tedious. It seems that there isn't a single person on there without an ipod (well, except for the few individuals who have some other sort of mp3 player). Even the mother with her two daughters was listening to her ipod (while her poor children stared around at all the blank faces staring back at them). If you bump into someone and try to apologize... well, you have no idea if they heard you (perhaps this is where lip reading comes in). And you'll catch a few people with their mouths open just staring at a wall (obviously lost in their music, oblivious to their surroundings). Hey, I guess it helps pass the time... it does, however, make the train a very unfriendly place at times (Ipods now take the place of socializing with your neighbor - although obnoxious people like myself will still try to strike up a conversation every so often)
(read, flip page, blog) T-Surfing!
T-surfing is far more difficult than you'd think by looking at it. T-surfing is the ART of balancing yourself on the train throughout your ride (including the start/stop). Now, once you got that down... add... you book bag (complete with 6lb laptop, lunch - ya im a dork - water bottle, yada yada yada) and your books (assume about 15 lbs each... give or take). AND when you really think you got it mastered, add some more t-surfers to the mix - one of them falls and its like a freaking domino rally! YA!
(on to Torts! YAY!....flip, blog) The Double Doors....
A lot of homes around here have two doors - and I don't mean like french double doors. I mean, you walk through the front door and the other front door is straight ahead! I'm sure its great for snowy weather (the first door doesnt' have a lock so you can walk in out of the rain or snow while you dig out your keys) but really, i was sorta confused at first (give me a break - it was 5 am - i hadn't slept - and i had no idea where my roomies had left the spare key... no worries, after a two hour nap i figured it out!)
Okay, time to go focus on this case from 1339 that's written in latin (what the relevance to today is... no idea...)
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Aging with grace
Each morning, I leave my house, walk down the street, around the corner and down the little hill to wait for the T (equivalent of the subway). Right on the corner there is an old vintage store and as I pass it, I always admire the very cute outfits it has – very classy dresses that remind me of something Jackie O might wear – or any classy first lady I guess.
This morning, I had an imaginary conversation in my head with a certain someone (male) – the convo went something like:
Me: "Don't you love that dress?"
Him: "Eh. I prefer them short and tight"
Me: "Silly, it's not for a club – its like a business/work outfit – or brunch with the family… It's what you'd want your wife to wear in her late 30's and 40's"
Him: "I'd want my wife to dress hot, even when she's 40. I want my wife to be a MILF"
Okay, so you all want your wives to be sexy – and we ladies all want to be that 40 year old woman that can still strut her stuff in a two piece bikini but, whatever happened to class? What happened to women aging gracefully and wearing things that are age appropriate?
I always express contempt for today's superficial society in which image and beauty supersede most other qualities in an individual. Of course, I believe this is more of a phenomenon in LA than other places. But it's very sad. A woman used to age gracefully – in your 20's it's the mini-skirts and itty bitty tops, in your 30's (and 40's) it's a little more conservative yet still trendy – slacks, longer skits, classy yet sexy dresses (a bit revealing but not too much)…. And then the 40's and 50's would be the classy clothes – the Jackie O type dresses – not always short and tight – sometimes curvy sometimes "poofy" (for lack of a better word - but I'm not referring to like 80's style poofy).
I think there are still plenty of women out there who will age with grace – accept that certain age groups are appropriate for certain behavior and attire (personally, I think I'll be the 30 year old lush so maybe I shouldn't talk about appropriate behavior!) but unfortunately, so many women are so eager to be 21 forever, they forget that being a grandma has its perks too…
This morning, I had an imaginary conversation in my head with a certain someone (male) – the convo went something like:
Me: "Don't you love that dress?"
Him: "Eh. I prefer them short and tight"
Me: "Silly, it's not for a club – its like a business/work outfit – or brunch with the family… It's what you'd want your wife to wear in her late 30's and 40's"
Him: "I'd want my wife to dress hot, even when she's 40. I want my wife to be a MILF"
Okay, so you all want your wives to be sexy – and we ladies all want to be that 40 year old woman that can still strut her stuff in a two piece bikini but, whatever happened to class? What happened to women aging gracefully and wearing things that are age appropriate?
I always express contempt for today's superficial society in which image and beauty supersede most other qualities in an individual. Of course, I believe this is more of a phenomenon in LA than other places. But it's very sad. A woman used to age gracefully – in your 20's it's the mini-skirts and itty bitty tops, in your 30's (and 40's) it's a little more conservative yet still trendy – slacks, longer skits, classy yet sexy dresses (a bit revealing but not too much)…. And then the 40's and 50's would be the classy clothes – the Jackie O type dresses – not always short and tight – sometimes curvy sometimes "poofy" (for lack of a better word - but I'm not referring to like 80's style poofy).
I think there are still plenty of women out there who will age with grace – accept that certain age groups are appropriate for certain behavior and attire (personally, I think I'll be the 30 year old lush so maybe I shouldn't talk about appropriate behavior!) but unfortunately, so many women are so eager to be 21 forever, they forget that being a grandma has its perks too…
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