It's Never Lupus

Jesus Fucking Christ

2011-08-13T11:13:00.002-05:00

I have not looked at this blog in forever. it's alike and abandoned puppy... that doesn't need food or sleep or anything.

whatever.

A Random Fact That Is Totally and Absolutely True, Number 13

2011-04-06T15:21:00.002-05:00

You shouldn't be reading this right now, as it is the 13th fact posted, and is unlucky. Because you have read this, you will die a horrible age-related death around the age of 60-80.

On Harry Potter

2011-03-29T23:05:00.003-05:00

So first and foremost, I would like to apologize for letting my nerd show (despite the fact that I'm not all that obsessed with Harry Potter).

And second, I'd like to credit this video for inspiring me to think about, and then write this post.

So, I've been thinking about the Harry Potter universe. Despite all the glaring problems with it, including the time-turner which could have solved everything and not put hundreds of children at risk of death, there's one I have the biggest problem with.

Slytherin.

The "evil" house of Hogwarts is... in fact... just that. There is not a single student who comes out of Slytherin who is a good person. Not one. Go on, think about it, out of all the character introduced throughout the series, name one who was a Slytherin and turned out to be a good guy. You can't? Damn straight you can't. There's not a single fucking one, not one.

And don't say Severus Snape. That's bullshit. I'll explain.

What are the values of the Gryffindor (Good Guys) House? Courage, bravery, loyalty, nerve and chivalry. Snape spent his entire life protecting the memory of the woman he loved, (successfully) infiltrated the camp of the most evil wizard to ever live ever, and did it all to what, sacrifice himself for Harry despite his hatred towards him. If that does not personify every damn virtue in that list I don't know what does.

The fact is, it would have been easier to simply say "Hey look, all the bad guys who are alive are currently huddled defenseless in a specific wing of the castle. Lets fucking kill them." All problems solved. No Voldemort. No Malfoy. No fucking annoying sub-villains who no one cares about.

Moreover, why the hell are they the bad guys anyway? What do they value? Ambition, cunning, leadership and resourcefulness. I mean, fuck, those are all fantastic qualities. In fact, I'd take those over some stupid chivalrous brave fucker any day. Look at resourcefulness: the ability to make shit up on the spot and have it work despite lacking proper tools. That's awesome. You can be as brave as you want, but if you're not smart you're dead.

But really, when you look at it, the bad guys shouldn't have been Slytherin, it should have been fucking Hufflepuff.

I know, I know. How in the world could that make any sense. Those guys are the lamest people on the planet. The only decently good thing they did throughout the entire series was come up with Cedric Diggory, and he died and came back as a sparkly gay vampire.

However, in the first book, when naming off the houses, the sorting hat says something to the extent that Hufflepuff just takes whoever the other houses don't want. Which means all those kids weren't brave enough for Gryffindor, weren't smart enough for Ravenclaw and weren't ambitious enough for Slytherin. They were the absolute losers of Hogwarts. They were the kids that got picked on just because they weren't good enough, and if school shootings have taught us anything, it's that those kids are the dangerous ones, fuck the ones that are actually good at something.

The fact is, Hufflepuff is full of shunned, kicked-around, homicidal teenagers... WHO CAN USE MAGIC. can't forget that. The fact that there wasn't one Hufflepuff who said "Fuck this, you're all dead" and started killing everyone in his class is just amazing. (I would also like to remind everyone that as of right now i do not condone the use of violence to solve one's problems... unless you're an action hero, in which case, go ahead.)

So yea, if the magical wizarding world of Harry Potter were to every exist, I wouldn't worry about those snake kids, i'd worry about the ones with the badgers on their coats (Yes, they're mascot is a badger, as opposed to a snake or raven or griffin. Just adding fuel to the fire).

...But Seriously, Why Do I Even Have A Blog?

2011-03-28T22:26:00.003-05:00

I don't really know. I mean, I think of all these good ideas to post, but by the time I get the time to actually do it... I'm so tired from work/school/fighting of the aliens that I just don't write anything. Hell, I don't even know where I've found the energy to write this.

But, I will try on, because... well who knows. I don't write anything that could be remotely considered good, but one day, when the aliens finally come, maybe mine will be one of the remnants used to describe teh race they conquered.

I think I need more sleep.

Of The Unavoidables

2011-02-23T14:55:00.003-06:00

Ok, so I got my final w-2 today. Because I'm a good U.S. citizen who wants to get their taxes done as soon as possible, I'm very happy for this. Now, because I like to know, I decided to add my two w-2's together (having worked 2 jobs in 2010). Now, while I certainly didn't make that much money (not even 5 figures) it is probably the most money I've made in any given year, me being 21 and not having held many jobs before that.

However, I decided to take it a step further. Now, I don't know if it's because I'm some sort of sado-masochist, or because somewhere, deep in the recesses of my soul I hate myself, but I decided to find out how much money I lost in taxes.

If you value your sanity, never do this. EVER.

Turns out, around 1/8th (or 12%) or my totally earnings were taken for various reasons. Now, I didn't even make it to the poverty line. Not to mention I had tips-based jobs, so there's a chance I might have to pay even more.

Needless to say upon doing this I came to wish I really hadn't. like really... like it hurts to think about what I could have done with all the extra money I would have had if it weren't for the taxes.

The worst part, I think, is that the vast (and I do mean vast) majority of what was taken out was for social security. SOMETHING I'M TOLD I WILL NEVER, EVER HAVE! Seriously, that is money I will never see again, not even in the "Oh look, the city is building a new park and my tax dollars went to that" way.

I am ready to punch babies. But I won't, because I have to work tonight. because I don't have enough money. irony completed.

AHHHHhhhh!!...

2011-02-21T09:41:00.001-06:00

Must... Blog... More....

So... little... time...

need... more... useless... internet... stuff....

AHHHHGGGGGHHHH!

A Random Fact That Is Totally and Absolutely True, Number 12

2011-01-25T23:30:00.001-06:00

The Jesusaurus Rex was the most feared dinosaur of the late Cretaceous Period. It was wiped out when it was forced to evolve into the modern day Jesus due to the flying penguin that killed all the other dinosaurs.

A Triumphant Return

2011-01-22T14:38:00.003-06:00

Yea, So, I've managed to get myself together enough to move back to Chicago. I will be returning to Columbia College and starting over where I left off, hopefully without too much difficulty. I'll actually have a job this time, and I'm now much more aware of how the real world functions, and why I can't spend 50 dollars a day on food.

And, in as much, I think I actually gained a work ethic in my time back home, which is weird because I think the last time I had a work ethic was when I thought school was fun.

But anywho, That's really all for now. I have to head up to wrigleyville to visit someone.

A Random Fact That Is Totally And Absolutely True, Number 11

2011-01-12T16:24:00.001-06:00

I'm am absolutely terrible at picking playoff football. Really, I am just terrible.

A New Year! (And More Football)

2011-01-06T16:09:00.002-06:00

So, We've reached 2011 with minimal damage. I've survived to my 21st birthday, and no one knows about that thing that happened in Reno. I'd say it was a... well... an ok year. Really, being out of Chicago and learning how to actually have a work ethic, and then dealing with the maddening bureaucracy of Columbia was frustrating. Living away from my Best Girl was even more so, but things have gone well, I suppose.

I'm not really one to have new years resolutions, so I'm not gonna promise I'm going to blog more (although I will try). Also, I'm going to be working my ass off, so don't expect anything.

But now, onto the reason we're all here, FOOTBALL!!!!!!

I figured with the regular season over, I might as well wrap up with seeing how my predictions matched up to real life... and I can tell you, I did not do as well as my first half 6-2 record.

My Predictions:
@Buffalo- L
@Dallas- L
@NE- L
Chicago- L
Green Bay- L
@Tampa- W
@Miami- W
Minnesota- L

What Actually Happened:
@Buffalo- L
@Dallas- L
@NE- L
Chicago- L
Green Bay- W
@Tampa- W
@Miami- W
Minnesota- W

Huh... I actually didn't do that bad. Although, if someone had told me the Lions would end with a 4-game winning streak I would have told them drugs are bad and they make you say hurtful things. However, that puts my prediction record at 12-4, which I say isn't damn bad. Not to mention the Lions finished 6-10, Like I thought they would. I think that record should get me into the playoffs. So, I SHALL PREDICT!

Round 1:
Saints v. Seahawks
Yea, the Seahawks are the only team in the post-season with a losing record and the Saints are the defending superbowl champs. This one is easy.
Win: Saints

Colts v. Jets
Well, I do enjoy the jets. Not only do they have U-M Alumni Braylon Edwards, but I just think they're going to be a good team. That said, Payton Manning is well... shit, betting against him is like betting on a Ford Fusion to beat out a Ferrari.
Win: Colts

Ravens v. Chiefs
I think this is a pretty even match. KC has a more prolific offense, and B-more has a very stout defense. Of course, when it comes to these sort of games, defense almost always wins.
Win: Ravens

Packers v. Eagles
Say what you will about Micheal Vick, he's one hell of a football player, and that's what we pay him to do. I don't think the Packers have a chance.
Win: Eagles

Teams on bye: Falcons, Bears, Pats, Steelers

Round 2
Now, here is where it gets tricky, because I don't know exactly how the playoff system works in the NFL, so this is just gonna be a guess as to who would play who.

Falcons v. Saints
This looks to be a good matchup. Atlanta is a damn good team, but they lack alot of playoff experience. I think if New Orleans stays healthy, we can have an upset right here.
Win: Saints

Bears v. Colts
Well, While Indy is experienced, and good, I think the Bears defense is one of the few units that can stop the Colts.
Win: Bears

Patriots v. Ravens
The Ravens are another team I really enjoy. Hell, I really like Defense-based Grind-you-offense-to-a-halt teams. However, The Patriots are just too damn good, I mean, it's ridiculous the amount of stuff Tom Brady and Co. can pull off.
Win: Patriots

Steelers v. Eagles
Another good match. I'm not really sure who would win this. This game will really all depend on what Vick can do to the Steelers, and if they can stop him.
Win: Eagles

Round 3
Saints v. Bears
I do love me some New Orleans Saints. Unfortunately, this is where their superbowl run will end. I know the Bears are a better team.
Win: Bears

Patriots v. Eagles
Well, as much as I'd love to see the Eagles overcome the Patriots, again, they are just too freakin' good sometimes.
Win: Patriots

SUPERBOWL!!!!!!!!!!!
Patriots v. Bears
I am moving to Chicago. I am going to be living in Chicago. My girlfriend and some of my very good friends live in Chicago. Undoubtedly they will mostly be rooting for the Bears, and they're hopes and dreams will be dashed on Tom Brady's helmet as the Pats go on to yet another Superbowl championship.
Win: Patriots

A Random Fact That Is Totally And Absolutely True, Number 10

2010-12-15T15:05:00.002-06:00

Today, the International Whale Peace Treaty was broken when a Narwhal stabbed a beluga whale off the coast of Malaysia. The Union of Whales is currently meeting and decided how to react to this violence.

On Reaching the Age of 21

2010-12-06T08:41:00.002-06:00

I have found that, it is exactly the same as age 20, except I am allowed to legally imbibe alcohol, which while that would make a huge difference for most, makes very little for me. But, I do thank my parents for allowing my to survive this far, and not taking the shotgun I know they have hidden somewhere and taking me for a long drive through the woods.

A Random Fact That Is Totally And Absolutely True, Number 9

2010-12-01T16:00:00.001-06:00

Snow is actually God scratching his head and having his dandruff fall to the earth.

A day of Thanks

2010-11-25T10:34:00.002-06:00

So, It is thanksgiving. And, aside from the whole "yay we didn't die" theme (which is pretty common in the jewish religion anyway), we are supposed to be giving thanks for things. So, I probably should thank people/things. However, there are way too many people to thank between this and last year. The amount of good I have received from people is astounding. So, in lieu of forgetting people, I think I'll simply say:

Thank you

A Random Fact That Is Totally And Absolutely True, Number 8

2010-11-19T08:17:00.000-06:00

Gravity isn't real. It's all in your head.

Half way there

2010-11-09T08:48:00.002-06:00

So, being as the Lions have just played they're 8th game of the season, I thought I'd look back and see how my predictions were doing (because lets face it, I care more about that than the actual team.

My Predictions:
@Bears- W
Philly- L
@Minnesota- L
@Green Bay- L
St. Louis- W
@Giants- L
Washington- W
N.Y. Jets- W

What's Actually happened:
@Bears- L 14-19
Philly- L 32-35
@Minnesota- L 10-24
@Green Bay- L 26-28
St. Louis- W 44-6
@Giants- L 20-28
Washington- W 37-25
N.Y. Jets- L 20-23

My Record: 6-2.

Huh, so for the first half of the season I've been pretty accurate, my only wrong ones were the bears (where they should have won but got gypped on a bad call) and this sunday's game against the Jets. Of course, now with Stafford injured (for the Second time this season), It's really going to be a crap shoot. Hill is a good quarterback, but unless Stafford can toughen up, we're going to need a new starter.

A Random Fact That Is Totally And Absolutely True, Number 7

2010-10-19T15:06:00.001-05:00

There once was a man from Nantucket, which is pretty normal, even given the sparse population of the area. What's so special about him? He invented a flying pig to get his car back from his friend.

Listenin' to the Radio

2010-10-14T15:25:00.003-05:00

So, as I was driving home from work today I heard and interesting add on the radio. It was for a company that you can pay to have drive you home from the bar. They literally have people to be you and your buddies DD (Designated Driver) so no one had to be screwed out of the fun. As I was thinking about this, I realized something:

You have no excuse.

There is absolutely no more god damn excuse to be driving drunk, there are people out there that will make sure you don't. There are now services one can purchase to make sure that they don't getin trouble/get anyone killed. Anyone who still chooses to drink and drive has no more excuse.

And that made me realize that, despite all this people still will, and get caught, and bitch about how the rules are unfair and punishments shouldn't be so harsh and all that other crap. and if anyone's ever bitching to me, I'll just have to bring that up and say, "You no longer have an excuse, it's too easy to find a way around drinking and driving."

And that's that.

A Random Fact That Is Totally And Absolutely True, Number 6

2010-10-13T09:12:00.003-05:00

The average Kenyen can run a 10k Marathon in 15 minutes, the only reason they take so long in the olympics is so they don't embarass the other athletes.

Ah, crap

2010-10-12T21:04:00.002-05:00

Another random break, more life, more insanity... I won't bore you with the details. I will say I just got back from a lovely four day vacation though, and I am quite ready to do that again soon.

with that, I will say something small, on the subject of Keynsian economics. That's the general economic policy that you and I live under. It's kind of ridiculous, I'm beginning to understand. It's essential that we as a culture expect (and have expected since the 1930's) the government to step in every time there is an economic problem.

Why do I find this ridiculous? Well, mostly because I think the government is full of shit, and now to learn that our entire economic theory is based of the government helping us whenever shit goes down (sometimes shit caused by said government), I'm just kinda stupified. Of course, there is still alot for me to learn, and maybe I will understand in time, but right now I just find it ridiculous.

More to come on what I feel are some of the effects of this later, now, more Detroit 187.

So...

2010-09-19T21:09:00.002-05:00

I've been wanting to do some long, thought out post about a pressing issue of our day... but unfortunately it's election season, so the issues are taking a back seat to political rhetoric and stupid damned political ads. With that said, I would like to propose that a new law be passed:

Any politician who wishes to air an add, or any organization who wishes to air an ad on behalf of a candidate, must, upon completion of the ad, sit through said ad on repeat for at least an hour. If the candidate or organization can still, without a doubt, say that they would watch the ad again, the ad can be aired, once having gone through a judge.

It's either that, or a pound of flesh for each advertisement.

On Rap Music

2010-09-16T18:36:00.002-05:00

Dear Rap Music,
You do realize that half of the lyrical basis of your songs began in the 70's, based off of the lyrics written by a overtly homosexual arab man, don't you? 'Cause if you don't you'd be a bunch of ignorant... oh yea... never mind.

Freddie M, the original gansta.

A Random Fact That Is Tottaly And Absolutely True, Number 5

2010-09-14T14:36:00.002-05:00

Once, Abraham Lincoln, Jesus, Ghandi, Mohammed and Moses all got together at a bar. This was known as the beginning of the best bar fight ever.

Apologies and Football

2010-09-03T20:43:00.004-05:00

So, Life is crazy and causing me not to post... cause my mind isn't functioning. I apologize.

On the plus side, I'm posing now, specifically about football, even more specifically about the Detroit Lions, and how I think they'll play this season and what they're record will end up looking like (and trust me, they ain't makin' the playoffs.). I would also like to say that my predictions will be biased towards Detroit, giving them as much of the benefit of the doubt as I can.So, with that said, here we go:

Game 1: @Chicago
So, with all the pressure on Jay Cutler, and watching him fail (as I was living in Chicago at the time) makes me think that it's gonna be a repeat, particularly because I haven't heard of anything new coming out Chicago. This is a winnable game for the Lions... assuming they don't play like the same old Lions.
Win: Detroit (1-0)

Game 2: Philadelphia
Another Winnable game. This time with a better opposite receiving core, not to mention a quarterback who was lucky enough to study under Donovan Mcnabb. As much as I'd like to see the Lions win this one, our secondary is much too shaky, and there's no way it'll be any better in two games.
Win: Philly (1-1)

Game 3: @Minnesota
Two words: Brett Farve. I hate the man, and the Lions can't beat him. As long as he's with the Vikes (Or playing for that matter), the Lions lose.
Win: Brett Farve (And the Minnesota Vikings) (1-2)

Game 4: @Green Bay
So, Without good ol' Brett, the cheese-heads have managed to find a quarterback who's just as good. With a strong recieving core and a decent defense, I really can't see the Lions taking this one.
Win: Packers (1-3)

Game 5: St. Louis
The only team that was worse than the Lions last year. If we can't win this game, well, there's really no point in us having a football team... of course, maybe I shouldn't say that considering we just went 0-16... well crap. Ok, the Lions should win this one, period.
Win: Lions (2-3)

Game 6: @New York Giants
Another good team. A playoff caliber team with a playoff caliber quarterback. The Lions can't seem to catch a break. However, this is just the kind of game that the Lions would win sheerly due to the irony of the football gods. This is either going to be a slaughter or a lucky win.
Win: NY (2-4)

Game 7: Washington
Well, now they have a good QB. I can't say much for the rest of the team, but I know it's been a bit since they've been to the playoffs. If the Lions catch a break, Mcnabb will still be having trouble adjusting to the offense, and they can have a decent day.
Win: Lions (3-4)

Game 8: NY Jets
Now Detroit welcomes the black sheep of last years playoff race. However, there's a good chance (at this point in the preseason) that they'll be losing their star CB. This is just looking to be a Shootout between two Sophomore quarterbacks, both of whom have promising futures.
Win: Lions (Just barely though) (4-4)

Game 9: @Buffalo
Yet another game the Lions could win. We managed in the preseason... after going down 16-0, but who doesn't like a good comeback right? Well, this is a game the lions should win... which is why they will probably lose.
Win: Buffalo (4-5)

Game 10: @Dallas
Yea... so a perennially good club, even if they do choke when it comes to the playoffs. I'm not gonna lie, there's a better chance Barry Sanders will come out of retirement.
Win: Dallas (4-6)

Game 11: New England
Ooooh! yet another Thanksgiving classic. That is, a classic trouncing by U-M grad Tom Brady. I really don't understand why they let the Lions play on thanksgiving, there's much more interesting teams to watch as you slip into a food coma.
Win: New England (4-7)

Game 12: Chicago
This time, Chicago is coming to us. Another winnable game, yet if I'm right about game 1 of the season, I can imagine the Bears coming to look for revenge, and if Cutler actually manages to be everything Chicago needs him to be, well there's a good chance it's going to be a long day for the blue and silver.
Win: Da Bears (4-8)

Game 13: Green Bay
Well... at least we're not away. Lord knows Lambeau at this time of year is a death trap for any other team that's not dressed in bright green. However, even in the friendly confines of Ford Field, Green Bay is still good, and the Lions are still the Lions, even if they are improving.
Win: GB (4-9)

Game 14: @Tampa Bay
Finally, A game the Lions actually have a chance at winning. Tampa Bay hasn't been the same since winning the Superbowl years and years ago. I think this will be a prime chance for the Lions to take advantage of a team that isn't as good as they should be.
Win: Lions (5-9)

Game 15: @Miami
This could really go either way. Chad Henne (another U-M grad) is a good quarterback. At the same time, Miami's vaunted "Wildcat" offense was severely underwhelming last year if Detroit's going to win one last game, it's going to be here.
Win: Lions (6-9)

Game 16: Minnesota
Hahahahaha... ah, there's no way, just no way.
Win: Minnesota (6-10)

There ya go, 6-10... I think that's about the bast the Lions can do... I mean... I'd love to be a little more confidant, but I'm not an idiot, or a Cubs fan.

A Random Fact That Is Tottaly And Absolutely True, Number 4

2010-08-16T21:21:00.002-05:00

If Jesus and Moses ever met in a bar, Jesus would tell Moses to go fuck himself for being an angry drunk, and Moses would tell him to shut up because he's a lame duck.

A Random Fact That Is Tottaly And Absolutely True, Number 3

2010-07-31T20:05:00.001-05:00

One day, A small being will come down from the thirteenth tree in Mossaqua Park, MI and when this day comes, the world will turn into a giant fish and swim into the universe.

A Random Fact That Is Tottaly And Absolutely True, Number 2

2010-07-20T17:01:00.002-05:00

Pickles are actually the evil brothers of Cucumbers and are constantly plotting to overthrow them from their place as head the vegetable/fruit alliance.

The Eventual Slide Into Lameness

2010-07-18T12:53:00.004-05:00

So, I was thinking the other day. When the current young generation gets older, things that we think are cool are going to be lame, because that's what always happens. The things our parents did were lame, the things their parents did were lame (and so on and so forth...), and the things we do, to our kids, are going to be lame. This includes tattoos and piercings.

I mean, we think it's so cool to get all this different stuff on our bodies, and it really can be, but the more of our generation that does this, the less the next will, because it will be really really uncool. There will of course be those kids that look upon their parents generation as cool, but they never have any friends anyway, so they don't really count.

But... I mean, it's just weird to think that all the things we think are cool and edgy today, are going to be lame and soft in a few short years. Of course, by then, who knows... maybe people will be rearranging body parts, as my father likes to think will happen.

A Random Fact That Is Totally And Absolutely True Number 1

2010-07-13T22:26:00.005-05:00

So, this is a new thing that I'm hoping will get me publishing something at least once a week. It's where I say something that is Totally and Absolutely True, no matter what you might think. So, here's the first fact:

The whales are slowly plotting to take the last remaining smallpox virus to kill their enemies, the chipmunks.

An Article on Soccer (and quite possible, life).

2010-07-05T14:15:00.003-05:00

This is an article written by some guy on Yahoo. I can't really say I know who he is, I imagine he's a sportswriter for somewhere and people read and like him. I think however, he makes an interesting point.

South Africa – Soccer’s superstar players never materialized here at the World Cup. The game’s best – Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Wayne Rooney, etc. – often failed to lift their play and, in turn, their teams, to a level this grand stage demands.
The conventional wisdom on why: They were too selfish, unable to adapt to the team concept of a national squad.

Then there’s Diego Maradona’s take: Unlike the past, the stars weren’t selfish enough.

Interesting eh? We in America are so used to our whiny, overpaid, over-advertised football/basketball/baseball/hockey stars, who get pissy if they make less than 25 million dollars a year. Yet, the writer makes a point, that those stars we're paying absolutely too much money, we expect them to be great. We expect them to so awesome it almost hurts, so awesome we can only dream of being them, being that talented and good. This is not to say that I don't think they could learn some humility, but as long as they're gonna be selfish assholes, they better be good at what they do.

As the article goes on however, more life examples are given, doctors, pilots, soldiers... All these people we expect to be at there best, adn because of that, they make more money. There are alot of people in the world who think it's unfair, they think that everyone should make the same amount, be the same, be "equal". But as this article argues, maybe we're not equal, maybe you're better at soccer than me, maybe I'm better than you, but if one of us gonna get paid big bucks to play, we better be playing our best. I mean, can you imagine if doctors weren't expected to be the best, so as not to hurt anyone else's feelings? I'd be willing to bet there's be alot more dead people and alot less medicine.

Why?

2010-07-01T19:24:00.002-05:00

Why is it that people who have handicap license plates or signs feel that they have the right to drive and park like complete assholes? One day I'm just goign to go up to one of them and say "Just because you're injured, doesn't mean you can be an ass while driving." But, I suppose that would be considered insensitive. Eh, fuck 'em.

June

2010-06-26T19:18:00.002-05:00

Has been one insane month. I have had almost no time to blog. I've actually been working on multiple posts, but I have not had time to finish. Boo.

Why I'm a Libertarian.

2010-06-11T14:23:00.004-05:00

So, since about 1st grade i've been aware of politics. I say 1st grade because that was the year Clinton was running for re-election against... eh, i don't remember his name anymore. I remember liking Clinton much better than the other guy, and in our little class poll, voting for him.

In growing older, I came to learn more about politics. Seeing as I was in middle school and I grew up in a particularly liberal town, I was an ardent democrat, though for no other reason than it was what everyone was, including my parents. I remember the 2000 election, and being so angry that more people wanted Al Gore to be president, but because of the electoral college, Bush (whom I should state now I still don't like and don't think should have ever been given the power we gave him) won.

I remember talking with my friend about how the electoral college should be demolished in favor of the popular vote. Despite learning about how the popular vote is just a 51% majority ruling over the other 49%. All this going into the 2004 election year, wait and hoping and praying that Kerry would finally take the idiot out of office, and was sorely disappointed when nothing if the sort.

All this leading up to the year of 2008. This was my senior year in high school. That year I took an ethics class with a teacher named Bill James. Bill James himself was a Libertarian, and during our seemingly endless class discussions, he would question all of us as to what we thought was right. While I can't say at the time I agreed with everything he said, it got me thinking.

So, from then on I did a lot of thinking, particularly about political things. I also did some reading, mostly online columns and some books. I really began to look at what the government was doing and how it was effecting the people who lived under it. I began to notice just how much control it had over the individuals life, and how, most of the time, it just tended to fuck things up.

As the year passed on, I began to realize more and more that the government had no place in my personal life, and that it really needed to stop taking away the money I was working so hard for (well, alright, i'll admit at the time my job as a receptionist was anything but difficult, but I still wanted all the money I was supposed to be paid). It also didn't help that I began to attend college at Columbia College Chicago, an arts school in the heart of Chicago that was so very Liberal it's borderline Socialist (and there is a thriving socialist community in the school).

These factors lead me to where I am now. I think that the federal government needs to get it's ass out of almost everything. whether it's gay rights or guns, abortion or religion, the federal government just shouldn't be there. It's all about freedom. I have the freedom to own a gun. I have the freedom to be gay. I have the freedom to open up any business I want, get as big as I want, and make as much money as I want, and the government should sit down, shut up and let me do what I'm going to do, because in all reality, it's probably better for the country than any damn regulation that those assholes can come up with.

So yes, I'm a Libertarian. I believe in freedom, period. As long as you don't physically hurt anyone else, you can do whatever the hell you want.

To put it in perspective, I believe in very Conservative economic practices, that the government needs to deregulate the entire economy, because regulations only cause more harm than the situations they are meant to help. I also believe in a very Liberal social practice, that the government needs to butt out about who I want to marry, what religion I want to be, and what I want to do to my own body. It sounds greedy and selfish, and maybe it is, but it's the way i think it should be, because I'm not going to get on anyone else for doing things to themselves, as long as they don't get on me.

I guess it all comes down to freedom. I believe in it. People are stupid, and that sucks, but people are much stupider in big groups that get to control other people. I'm sorry, but I don't want anyone controlling my life but me, and yes, sometimes I make mistakes, on occasion big ones, but I'm held responsible, only me.

That's another part of it, I suppose, personal responsibility, me being responsible for me, and no one else. But, that might be for another day.

Anyway, that is how and why I am a Libertarian, and whether you agree or disagree, you're allowed, because you have the freedom to.

On the Oil Spill

2010-06-01T22:59:00.002-05:00

So, I'd like to talk about the giant oil leak out in the ocean right now. it's still pumping, gallons and gallons of oil, and the, well... it really fucking sucks. Lord knows what it's going to do to the ecosystems, and eventually our water supply.

Right now there's a lot of blame going around, mostly on BP, and yes, they are at fault. It's their responsibility to make sure that shit doesn't happen, and if it does, to make sure there's a way to fix it as quickly as possible, and they've seriously fucked up. In all reality, I don't know that I could fill up at a BP station knowing their company is run this way. I also know that a lot of Americans are feeling the same way, and the longer this goes on, the more I see a future where BP is no longer a company. However (yes, there is a however) the oil Company isn't entirely to blame

Yep, that's right, it's not all BP's fault. They're still responsible for fixing this mess, for better or worse, but this accident was caused by a number of factors, some of which were out of control of the BP company. There are two other large factions to blame, the environmental movement, and the federal government. Both for the same reasons.

They are both responsible for this accident because they are both against drilling in ANWAR (That's right, just when you thought that shit was over). Very simply, the feds and the hippys both decided that drilling in Alaska was bad because it was just going to mess up all sorts of shit and just kill everything there. In fact, many of them would argue that this leak is exactly what they are protecting ANWAR from, and that we should be glad that it happened out at sea, and not in Alaska.

That's a bunch of shit. In reality, were this leak happening on land, it would be plugged and cleaned up already. Wanna know why? CAUSE THERE'S NOT A MILE OF OCEAN WATER ON TOP OF A PIPE IN ALASKA! I know it seems simple, but it's true. Remember when you were a kid and you'd swim head first underwater, and when you started getting in deeper (around 6+ feet) your ears would start to pop. That was the pressure of the water, no imagine that times about 1,000... yea, it's kind of a bitch to get anything down there. And yet somehow it's safer to drill out there than on land, where oil moves slower (it being in liquid state and therefore traveling easier through water) and is easier to fix.

And speaking of that mile of water, that's another thing those assholes fucked up, by banning offshore drilling. Because if this was offshore, say in about 500-600 feet of water (instead of 5,280) and it would still be thousands of times easier to fix instead of the debacle we're currently in.

And this is both the fault of the environmentalists and the federal government because the former lobbied for these laws and the latter passed them.

Happiness (As well as the furtherment of my political views)

2010-05-17T15:20:00.005-05:00

So, My lovely girlfriend has moved to Michigan for the summer, I am quite happy. She's living about 5-10 minutes walking distance away from me, which makes me even happier. I know things have been a little tough for her getting here, finding a job, arguing with her parents over things, not to mention planning, but I am really just happy she's here, like stupidly happy. That's really all I can say about it.

On another note, I got my federal tax refund, it was about 35+ dollars short. It came with a nice little letter saying that my refund was "different" (not lower, different) and that i would be told why in a few weeks. Fuck you federal government, fuck you.

That is all.

UPDATE: Evidentally had got the letter before the check, filled out my tax forms wrong, except I'm pretty sure I didn't, looking at the math I did. So, the Feds can go fuck themselves, I'm robbing the IRS of $37.32 as soon as i can get the materials together. who's in?

It's Mothers Day!

2010-05-09T16:28:00.001-05:00

And because it is, I will link you ot my mother's newly created blog.

A day in a life with Mamma O

Enjoy, love you mom.

Restaurant Etiquette

2010-05-07T09:39:00.003-05:00

So... Having worked in the restaurant business for a bit now, i've noticed a few things. First and foremost, people are gross, and can be particularly wasteful of food sometimes (which bugs me cause by the middle of a shit i could usually go for some food). I've also noticed that a fair portion of people don't quite understand how the restaurant industry functions or how to be a good patron. Luckily, I know how much my blog is read, and so for all you millions of millions (or slightly less) I will give a few general rules of Restaurant Etiquette.

1. 20% is the normal amount to tip
Yes, that's right, 20% of your bill is normal. Not 1o, not 15, 20. What you need to understand is a majority of the money these people make is based on that tip you give them. the base pay for a server is a little over $2.50, so it matters greatly what you tip. The general attitude is you start at 20%, if your service is excellent, if your service is bad (and i mean BAD) then lessen it. But if you're leaving 10% tips every time, your just an asshole, or broke.

2. Patience is a virtue
This is something to remember when the place you are dining is particularly busy. When it's busy, things are going to take a little longer to get done. Don't bitch at your server simply because you've been sitting for 5 minutes and they haven't gotten to you. They're probably swamped with 5-6 other tables including you, and are trying to get them all what they need. Feel free to do what you can to expedite the process, if you have the time to look, order food with your drinks, or at least appetizers (yes, people order drinks separately sometimes). Just be patient and remember that they are humans too.

3. Closing time (you don't have to go home but you can't stay here.)
If the restaurant is closing and you're still there, pick up the pace a little bit. They servers, bussers, kitchen staff and managers all have shit to do to get the place closed up so they can go home. If you're there 15 minutes after and getting ready to go, don't feel too bad, however, if you're just sitting there shooting the breeze and it's more than 20 minutes after, go somewhere else. People have things to get done and you're just getting in the way.

4. 20% is standard tipping!
Yep, again. People need to understand, 20% is what you need to be tipping on average, these people live off your tips and they need you to tip like this. Unless your service is really bad, you should be tipping 20%!

That's pretty much it. There's not much else for me to say. Just be good patrons and you're server will be good to you, especially when you come back for a second round.

Crazy Life

2010-05-05T10:46:00.001-05:00

So yea... I now officially have two jobs (YAY!) and I am starting at Oakland Community College in July. This summer is... well, it's going to be hectic, I don't quite know how I'm gonna do, but I'm hoping for good things.

Regardless, I'm excited because my love will be moving up to Ferndale soon, and this excites me. I'm glad she is, because it get's lonely up here without her. I only hope she'll find what she's looking for up here, because that's really what's important.

So, really that's about it, no truly deep thoughts today. I think i'm goign to tlak about soemthing next time though, probably the importance of kittens to the global economic crisis... or something else I could write a thesis on. eh, who knows.

On pity

2010-05-03T12:36:00.003-05:00

First, I would like to start this post with a big fuck you to Matt. Now onto the post.

So, I've been thinking about people and unemployment and all that. Only a couple months ago, I was unemployed, wanting someone to hire me, and getting very angry at the setting around me. After coming back to michigan, finding a job, and now, looking for a second (and with an interview today, I'm quite excited) I'm thinking that people are just full of shit.

I mean, I'll admit, bus boy isn't exactly a stellar, six figure job, but it's job, and in all reality, it's a livable job. I'm finding that people are kinda just full of it. So many of my friends are unemployed and sit and bitch about. Many people I know are unemployed and sit and bitch about it. I'm sick of the sitting and bitching. I mean, I managed to find a job, relatively quickly, and while the second has been longer coming, I'll admit I haven't been looking as hard (partially due to having a first job and other responsibilities). I just cannot pity or feel for those who don't look.

When I first got home I spent everyday, save Sunday, applying for, looking for and walking around cities asking for a job. It was essentially a job. I spent my days looking fro a job until I found one. And I had to sit and wait for 45 minutes before a manager finally got to me. I just think people are so used to being handed things, that they don't realize finding a job is a bitch and a half. If you're not willing to devote a ton of time to finding one, you're not going to find one.

It's very simple, one would think that people would realize it, but then again, there's alot of things people don't realize. So, I'm sick of people complaining that they're unemployed, whilst I hang out with them at three in the afternoon. If you're sick of it, go look for a job, and don't see me before 5pm until you do, shut up and do it.

Yea...

2010-04-28T18:32:00.001-05:00

So, I need to blog more, i have a lot of ideas and such, i just never write about them. So i think I shall. Look out world, I'm back!

I'm Annoyed

2010-02-03T15:20:00.003-06:00

So... firstoff I'd like to apologize to my fan-base for not posting in such a long time.

Secondoff, I would like to state my displeasure at the fact that I am back in michigan, and in being back in michigan, for approximately two weeks, I am probably getting a job. I spent 3 months in Chicago jobless, looking for one, and could not find one. Yet two weeks in michigan, and i've almost got one.

Now, there was school, which made it more difficult for me to job hunt given that I was busy during the prime hours of the day, but still, I'm in michigan. 50th economically... OUT OF 50!

I mean, what the fuck? Isn't this supposed to be some sort of black hole of jobs, where people are constantly losing them and moving out to somewhere else (like chicago) that actually has employment? Seriously, what the hell?

I don't understand, but all I have to say is that, when I return to Chicago, there better be a fucking job there, or so help me god I'm calling up the Government and telling them to greatly reassess the whole jobless thing.

The Holiday Season

2009-12-21T20:01:00.002-06:00

It's here. I'm home for winter break and just chillin. I wish I had something more interesting to write.

I guess all i have to say is, screw you santa, I want presents too. I don't see why the christians are the only one's who get 'em.

I'm displeased.

Random Musings II

2009-11-15T13:47:00.003-06:00

I love watching football, too bad i'm from Detroit and therefore don't have a football team.

I like hawaiian shirts

You're not an adult, no matter how old you are.

I like dogs, and cats, and rabbits... but not for the same reason as dogs and cats.

If Jesus was alive now i think i'd hate him.

Nobody knows the trouble I've seen, well, maybe they do, but it's still special damnit!

Humanity has an overall inability to moderate it's actions

Cars are never as cool as they are in the commercials

I know that it's wrong, but I love taco bell more than is healthy.

Disney Pop vs. Hip-Hop

2009-10-08T22:35:00.002-05:00

So Disney pop music and most gansta rap are exactly the same thing.

I know what you're thinking: "No, no they're fucking not."

And yes, in musical styles, they are quite different, but when it comes down to marketing and musical evolution they are quite the same.

They are both pre-packaged musical shit that encompasses a specific stereotype of person's likes. One, fits the exact crap that black people should like, the other the same for white people. Both Miley Ray Cyrus and Lil' Wayne are the same diluted shit that music exces think we should all listen to.

They both are also loosely based in real music, one in rock and the other in rap (the kind that's thought provoking and meant to question the establishment in an intelligent way), but both are now so in pop culture that they barely resemble their predecessors.

Just a thought I thought I would throw out there.

Random Musings

2009-08-30T11:35:00.002-05:00

Here are some random thoughts that are bouncing around in my head:

I quite enjoy tea.

I don't understand why people made such a fuss about Micheal Jackson's death, especially considering the press we gave him in his life.

Is it ok to make fun of people on the day of their death?

If Jesus was G-d's son, but Joeseph was the one that raised him, did G-d have to pay child support?

Life needs more muffins, and tea, and the occasional dance break.

The more I look at politics the more I see one large conspiracy to create a dictatorship within a country.

What is the point of the "number lock" button on the computer?

You should read the book Good Omens, it's quite funny.

That's it for now folks, I imagine the next time I get bored enough there'll be a "Random Musings II" so stay tuned!

An Ode

2009-08-15T13:48:00.002-05:00

This is to all the people who will try anything once. Sure, they're reckless, and often get themselves hospitalized for their actions, but without them we would be nowhere.

Think, if you will, about the common beverage, milk. Milk is a substance that comes out of the utters of a cow, goat, human or any other mammal. Although we are raised on it (assuming one is breast fed), we stop drinking it when we become toddlers. Think about the first person to see a cow and it's calf feeding on it's mother's milk. Something in that person's brain said, "Huh, you know, I'm gonna drink that." Now, in your right mind, if you saw a cow for the first time and had no knowledge of it prior, would you drink the odd white liquid coming out of it's underside?

This is why we need people who are willing to do anything regardless of how stupid it may seem at the time, because sometimes, good things come of it. This can be said of more things than milk. Take honey, imagine a trio of people staring at a bee hive.

Person 1: What is that?

Person 2: I dunno, but those things will hurt you if you get close

Person 3: Yea, but what's that stuff dripping off the bottom?

Person 1: I don't know

Person 3: Looks all weird and goopy.

Person 2: Dude, I dare you to eat it.

Person 1: NO!

Person 3: Eh, what the hell, I'll try anything once.

Now, Person 3 would be considered an idiot, yet if it were not for people like that, we would not have honey, a delicious sweetener.

In short, we owe something to the idiots of our day, sometimes, they just get hurt or kill themselves, but sometimes, they discover something that mihgt just help society.

1984 Anyone?

2009-08-06T19:33:00.002-05:00

A couple short ones today I guess. Here's a link to Garnbanzo Toons, I find it particularly scary. The Government rarely compiles lists for no reasons. And the fact that they're asking people to help them compile a list of people who disagree with the government healthcare plan does in fact scare me.

But maybe I'm paranoid.

Pearl Jam

2009-08-06T18:31:00.001-05:00

What "Grunge" was never supposed to be. Long live Nirvana.

An Idea On The Tax System

2009-08-05T18:57:00.002-05:00

You know, I was think about things, and how much I do really not enjoy taxes, and I was thinking... "There's got to be a better way to do this 'tax' thing. In some way that doesn't involve the government slowly taking more and more control of the populace." Then, an idea came to me, What if the American populace got to decide how much taxes to pay?!? If we decided how much those idiots in Washington D.C. got paid maybe they would stop being such idiots and actually pay attention to what they're doing.

The idea is that, At the beginning of the year, probably early February, a poll would be taken of the American population on the direction of the government and how satisfied they are with the progress and actions taken by the government. There would be some sort of rating system with which to grade the different areas of the government. The scores would then be averaged and according to the score, the government would get a set amount of money.

This would do a couple things;
1)it would force people to pay attention to the processes of the government
2)it would force the politicians running the government to actually do things people want

Now, I am aware that there are a few holes in this plan. How can we get everyone to take the poll? Can't people just take the poll without knowing anything about the government? What if people just vote for no taxes?

Firstly, the internet makes it easy for people to access anything, and people's social security number should suffice to make sure people only vote once. And as for those just choosing not to vote, well, there could also be a small tax break for those who choose to vote. And it is true that people could take the pool without knowing anything, but people do that when voting in the general election anyway, so i don't see what difference that makes. As for voting for no taxes, well, so goes all the social programs and other such things the government does, therefore people who favor those things would vote to give the government money.

Now, if the government is not allotted enough money it could still shut down programs, most likely the ones that actually do some good rather than things like racial quotas and economic regulations, so I've come up with a way to combat that as well. For every 2% of the budget cut in order to use the money allotted, all the politicians (that's right, all of them) take a 2% cut to their salary. That way, they can't just cut a bunch of stuff but still get paid. In fact, 2% might be generous, but I don't know enough about politician's salaries to make a mathematical calculation.

That is the overall idea, obviously there's some tweaking to be done and it's not perfect, but at least for once all these public servants will actually be serving the public.

I'm Sorry

2009-06-25T14:26:00.003-05:00

Those two words are so odd to me.

It seems people use them too much, like "I love you" only worse.

It seems a curse on our society, like, we can't be free, because we always have to say I'm sorry,

To someone. Always, and we begin to use it without thinking, or knowing what we're sorry for.

I'm sorry it rained (you have no control)

I'm sorry your train is late (are you the conductor?)

I'm sorry i might have accidentally offened someone, somewhere (is it possible not to?)

I'm sorry I was born into a better life than you (if you're so sorry is it better?)

I'm sorry I'm so poor (will apologizing fix it?)

I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry

It seems more and more that apologies aren't worth our time

And, I wish I could say I'd eluded this curse, but that would be a lie.

Because I still apologize as much as everyone else

For things that aren't my fault, or that are controlled by someone else

So don't think that I'm somehow above the norm

Shit, I'm sorry if I over-stepped my bounds,

Wait, this is my blog, why do I have to apologize

For someone, somewhere who's wandering eyes

might be offended by my quote-unquote lies

But now I digress, and I'm so sorry for wasting your time.

It's the Remix

2009-06-20T15:41:00.002-05:00

So, I was sitting in H&M the other day with my girlfriend. She had brought me along to go shopping with her and her mum and dinner later. Now, I'm not a huge fan of shopping, in fact i quite dislike it, but there was a free meal involved (I also happen to enjoy the company of my girlfriend).

Regardless, as I'm standing in this H&M, "Read My Mind" by The Killers comes on over the loudspeakers. Only, it wasn't the song I'm used to, it was a remix of the song, and boy, was it terrible. I mean, really, I wanted to find out who was playing this, hit them in the face and then destroy the radio equipment.

And, as I stood listening to the trash, I came to think about remixes and the such, and I came to a realization, remixes generally suck. People write good stuff, and then some idiot with garage band on their Mac or someone with 3rd rate DJing equipment comes along and fucks it up by "remixing" it. It's a perfectly good song on it's own, want to prove you have real talent, create something original.

Another thing I'd like to know it when the hell it became cool to be a DJ? I go to an arts school, and let me say, everyone is a friggin' DJ. Everyone. When did it become hip, and where was I for that? I mean, I could have been sooooo much more popular in high school if that had been the trend. How hard is it? All you need is a computer and a couple program. What really bugs me about it is it's not even relaly music... it's taking other peoples music a putting it together, there' no original composition.

Now, I know you could argue that "They're using them differently to create something new!" or "Well, there's really no such thing as originality." For the first arguement, no, they're piecing together other people's material and calling it their own, that's stealing, not creating. And as for the second argument... well then people need to stop acting like they're the fucking original gangsta' of DJing.

Sometimes I don't wonder if we shouldn't just go back to violin concertos and things of that nature.

Until my next time,
A frustrated music person

P.S. Here's the vidoe for "Read My Mind", in case you've not heard it.

Read a Book

2009-06-16T23:09:00.002-05:00

So... this link... it's quite funny, however also quite offensive, so I should warn the faint that... well, profuse swearing is a bit of an understatement.

However, I feel it has a good message.

Blah... when did life start happening? (an update on a bloggers life)

2009-06-11T17:52:00.003-05:00

So, I need a better job, and a better place to live... or at least leave my stuff when i'm at my girlfriends (whom i owe much to for sheltering me because she lives a half-hour closer to my place of work).

My job is pretty terrible... it's mostly my boss, who is a jackass, he insults employees in for of customers, he yells, screams and slams things around when he doesn't get his way, he has actually chased away people who came back to help him when we were short staffed and he is an overall asshole to the infinite degree.

That all sucks, but I am happy that I a girlfriend who I love, and a couple good friends to talk to and keep me sane. Also, going and running around the city is fun, 'cause there's stuff to do on occasion. Like the blues fest, that's this weekend, I'm excited for it 'cause I wanna go and listen to the likes of Buddy Guy and others blow me away with the blues.

Anyway, that's really all... I wish I had some semi-interesting musing to entertain ya'll with, but so far the only thing I've been wondering is why so many people think socialism is so great.

Farewell my fine-feathered friends,
The Birdwatcher

A Thought

2009-05-31T18:13:00.002-05:00

People need to stop blaming other things for their own shortcomings and learn to accept when they make mistakes, learn from them, apologize if need be, and then move on.

That is all,
Your Lord and Master

Radio

2009-05-24T17:58:00.002-05:00

So, I've found work in a bakery in Lincoln Park. I am a dishwasher, and, as with the backs of most kitchens, the primary nationality is hispanic/latino/mexican/whatever. This being said, there is often mexican music playing on the stereo we have in the back, often on a mexican radio station.

This has taught me a couple things about radio:

1) There are always too many commericals

2) The same songs are played over and over.

Believe it or not, these rules apply to all radio, no matter what nationality.

Altruism at it's Core

2009-05-01T12:20:00.003-05:00

So, there's something I've been pondering for quite a while now. The past few years I've been wondering if anyone really does anything completely for anyone else. You know, the whole Selfless act thing. I've been wondering if it's really possible for someone to do something and reap no benefit whatsoever in return.But, is this really possible? I've personally come to the conclusion of no.

We'll start first with such things as giving charity and other such activities. Now, these most definitely help other people, and they are good things to do. However, they are far from selfless acts. On the small scale, even giving a little makes a person feel better about themselves and give's them a sense that they have done something to make the world just the slightest bit better. This in itself a reward that most people value quite a bit. Unfortunately, in receiving this award (although your are receiving it from yourself) it makes the act of giving charity just the slightest bit selfish.

But what about donating your time to something you really don't want to do? Well, assuming that your not given a monetary or food reward (or anything else), Most people would still have that smug sense of satisfaction that they've helped someone else. Even if they despised the task, they would also get the reward of a favor. Almost all people, when doing something they hate for someone else, expect that the person they worked for, will eventually do something for them that this other person dislikes. This can be, in itself, quite satisfactory a reward, whether it is simply knowing that you have a favor to use, or whether your watching someone else help you deal with that nasty mongoose problem you have.

There are other situations as well that I can't think of that would seem altruistic in nature, but I imagine there is a way in which they are not.

Until my next installment,
Dancey McBearson

The Swine of Flu

2009-04-30T18:45:00.002-05:00

So... this whole swine flu thing...

Yea, people need to calm the fuck down. Everyone's acting like this is gonna be the next pandemic. This is gonna be the one that really gets us. This is gonna be worse than the Avian flu, or SARS or West Nile or blah, blah, blah. Always a new disease, always something to be afraid of.

Yet, this swine flu, is nothing. I mean, it is a flu, and the flu sucks, but it's not deadly.

"But... but... but... people have died!" Yes, and people die of the normal flu yearly. People also die of strep throat and other curable diseases simply because they're immune system is not strong enough. Most of those people are either very old, or very young, and as sad as it is, those people are the most susceptible to most diseases.

Basically what I'm trying to say is, people need to stop worrying and shut up. It's not deadly, it's not gonna wipe out the world's population and destroy everything humanity has ever created. At worst, you'll get sick, it'll suck, and then you'll get better and go on about your normal life.

Now, I'm going back to my mind destroying TV,
The Lord of Nothing-in-Particular

Tea

2009-04-16T18:17:00.003-05:00

I really like tea. That's really all there is to say on that. I find it to be one of my favorite drinks. I wish I could give you an exact reason why... but I just find it to be tasty.

There are 6 kinds of teas to my knowledge: Oolong, Black, Green, White, Rooibos and Flower. All of these are larger categories that contain many different varieties of the tea.

Oolong tea is mostly a chinese tea with a medium flavor. Not too earthy, or flowery or tasteless. It's really the average of teas. I'm quite fond of it, and it is definitly my favorite category of tea although it does not contain my favorite tea. My favorite type would be a tie between an oolong called Tie Guan Yin and another called Scarlet Robe.

Next in line are the Black teas. These are the most familiar to the western world as it is the usual type of tea served at most places. They tend to have a stronger taste than all of the other teas and they can range from light to very earthy. Though as a category they are not my favorite, it does contain my favorite particular tea, Pu'er. This tea is the only tea that is better aged, and has an incredibly strong earthy flavor.

Then there are Green teas. These are without a doubt the most famous teas. Touted for their health benefits by celebrities and laman alike, they have a very earthy/grassy taste. To be quite honest I'm not a fan of these teas. They have too grassy a taste for me and they're about second from the bottom on my favorite chart (well, really more of a list).

White Teas are a variation of the Green tea. They are young Green tea leaves picked before they are ripe and brewed. they contain most of the health benefits of the Green tea with a much lighter taste. I find their taste much better than the Green tea. My favorite type of White tea is the Dragonwell.

Now Rooibos teas are interesting. They are from an African plant and therefore unlike the other teas listed. The teas have a sweet flavor that is very smooth and quite tasty. I am not as familiar with this set of teas as I am with others, so I can't rellay pick a favorite variety.

Lastly are the Flower teas... which, true to their name, are made with flowers. These are known in the west as well, mostly as jasmine or chamamille. Flowers have a very perfumy taste as well as smell which is why they are my least favorite tea of all. I do occasionally enjoy Chamamiille tea, but I usually don't drink flower teas.

Those are the kinds of teas I am familiar with. I am quite a fan.

R&C

2009-04-10T19:04:00.003-05:00

So, I came to an interesting realization walking about the city. Actors have to learn how to deal with two things more than the average population. Rejection and Criticism.

First, as actors, we go and audition at a multitude of places and all of them reject us, over and over and over. It's like walk through a revolving door of "No". This can go on for quite a while... often times for years. That is not something many people handle well.

Second, once someone finally says, "Yes, we'd like you to be in our show." The actor must work their ass off to create a believable character, which is of course, criticized by the director and constantly molded and changed by other people. This happens until the show begins.

Overall, those two things are what defines acting the most.

AIG

2009-04-03T22:32:00.002-05:00

It's been weeks since the controversy, and i'd like to put in my two cents on the whole thing.

All-in-all, it goes like this:
Some idiot CEO's decided to screw over they're banks and spend all the money and generally cause chaos with bad mortgages and loans and whatnot. They lost all their money, and all of their employees money and all of their investors money. In doing all of this the banks fail and people are generally pissed.
Then, the government steps in. They say "Well, you screwed over almost the entire country, or at least a large amount of people, but we're gonna give you hundreds of billions of dollars to fix your banks." Now, let me reiterate this, they gave billions upon billions of dollars to a group of CEO's who were KNOWN to be corrupt.
Then, these CEO's went and spent the money... on things other than fixing their banks, such as parties and other such things.

Now, many people like to blame the CEO's here, and yes, they did screw over their companies and waste away more money than i would ever make in a thousand lifetimes. However, the government gave them all that money to "rebuild" their banks. they GAVE billions of dollars to CORRUPT CEO's and expected them to use it correctly.

Seriously... I mean, Bush wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed... but seriously? congress and the senate both approved it and were ok with it. so... 100 seats in the senate and 400 some in the house... that's over 500 retards!!! C'mon... yes, the CEO's are jackasses, but the government is just as at fault for the second wasting of billions of dollars. I'm sorry, but the government is just as at fault, they gave them the money to waste.

It was really just a bad move by the government, and now they're using it to bring down harsher laws on CEO's and business owners who are good people just trying to make a buck.

Being Sick

2009-03-17T15:37:00.002-05:00

It sucks. I've been drinking tea all day but my throat still hurts like hell... I'd rather not have to miss class, but considering I really don't want to get anyone else sick, I'd rather just stay home and get better as quick as I can. Hopefully this doesn't turn into strep... that would kill.

A Creative Moment or Two

2009-03-13T18:44:00.005-05:00

You know, I've been in a creative mood the past couple days... it all started yesterday morning zoning off in my English class (yes, the one I bitch about all the time). Who knew it'd be good for something.

Anyway, since yesterday morning I've come of with three sets of lyrics as well as two guitar riffs that aren't terrible... Overall I'm kinda proud... i mean, I still have to run it all by my band mates and see what they say and if any of it is usable... but overall I'm feeling pretty good, well, good in a restless sort of way.

Until next time,
The Wandering Minstrel

I Don't Care

2009-03-12T10:55:00.002-05:00

So, as I sat today in my Writing and Rhetoric II class (of which I often rant) I had a short but very interesting realization:

I don't care.

I don't, I don't give a hoot about the class in any way shape or form... and this comes as a problem. Often, when I don't care about a class, I don't put effort forward or do the work necessary to get an A... which really sucks. I don't mean to, it's simply that I don't care, and therefore actually doing the work just slips my mind.

Of course having realized this I can attempt to counteract it. I just wish I cared, it would make it so much easier... I mean, I care more about my New Millennium Studies class, which is an overall joke of a class, than I do about what is supposed to be an upper-level English class.

Eh, oh well, I guess I just have to push through and do the best I can without yelling at my teacher and/or being an overall ass in the class.

Upon my return,
Josh from Nazareth

Today's Random Question

2009-03-10T14:08:00.001-05:00

If an entire community of people was created based on a stereotype, is the stereotype still technically a stereotype?

Death to DST

2009-03-08T10:41:00.001-05:00

Daylight Savings Time, it need to die.

Seriously... Why does it exist. I'm told it was originally created to give people more time to work back during WWII. Considering WWII ended 60+ years ago I don't understand why it still exists. All that it does is cause more car accidents for a couple days and makes people really tired.

My grandparents live in Arizona, they don't have daylight savings time there. Guess what? There's absolutely no difference between things that happen there than here! WHY THE HELL DOES THIS EXIST!?!?!?!?!?

Really, that's all I have to say on the subject. We, as a country, need to rise up and get rid of this. Now.

Sleepily,
The Annoyed Cat

A Satirical Idea

2009-03-05T11:05:00.002-06:00

So, today, as I was sitting in my writing and rhetoric II class (which I have previously ranted about) an idea came into my little noggin.

For our final project we have to write a twelve page paper on the topic of our choice (as long as it pertains to the human/nature theme... grr) and i was wondering how about I could go about rebelling against the idiocy of it all... and the I thought, "Why not write a satire?"

So, while I have yet to actually make up my mind, I am debating on writing a paper on how Humanity is causing all these environmental problems, why not fix that by removing humanity from the picture? I mean, it's perfect, without humans to botch everything the environment can on abotu doing waht it does without worrying about us hurting it with our silly oil mining and creation of CO2 through breathing that's causing the greenhouse effect... which i haven't heard much about these days, come to think.

But really, teh earth would be much better of if someone just killed everyone, including themselves, although that perosn should probably save himself for last, considering the job he has to do.

ROC Chicago

2009-02-27T14:15:00.002-06:00

So, Today I had an orientation for this organization, the Restaurant Opportunities Center (ROC) of Chicago. The reason I was there was that they are offering a job-training program for the restaurant industry, and seeing as I need a job and have no experience in the industry, I felt it was a good idea to do this... and hell, it's free.

They seem like a good enough organization, they began in New York after 9/11, when the federal gov't gave money to a bunch of people who had survived and lost their jobs. These people were mostly minorities, and they created the organization with their money to help those who had lost jobs due to the destruction of the twin towers.

They found, however, that they could not get the quality of job they had had previously due to the fact that they were minorities. So, the mission of the organization changed to one of creating an ethical business sense within the restaurant industry.

Therein lies a problem for me. While I do appreciate that this organization is teaching me how to work in a restaurant for free, I don't necessarily agree with their ethics within business. However, having attended the orientation this morning, I feel like I have become a member of an organization that has not become a bureaucratic hypocrisy like many of the organizations that supposedly try to help minorities.

However, I can see how something like that could happen... and it's not something I want to be a part of, but I feel there's still good to be done from this organization as well... it's a slight internal conflict that's beginning to annoy me.

Anywho, not really a rant today, just a moral quandry.

Au Revoir,
The Flying Cat Man

Stevie Ray Vaughn

2009-02-25T14:40:00.004-06:00

Why is he so great?

I've been trying to learn how to play "Pride and Joy" off of his first album "Texas Flood" and let me tell you it is hard as hell. How is he so good? More importantly, how the hell did he play when he was fucked up on Jack Daniels and coke all the time?

*sigh*, guess I'll never know... oh well, back to playing.

Yours,
A Frustrated Musician

Arts School Dropout (to be sang to the tune of...)

2009-02-24T08:21:00.005-06:00

I go to an Arts school. A school for the fine and performing arts. I must say I enjoy it quite a bit. I like not having massive 3.2 million people lectures. I like having my general education classes tie (somewhat loosely) to my major. I like having faculty that works in my field as well as teaches, which means I know they're not sugar coating anything. But, I have to admit, there is something quite odd about the entire concept of an arts school, especially when it comes to the fine arts.

Now, behind the scene's stuff, like fashion design, radio/DJing and backstage work are all easily taught. I'm not saying they're easy skills, but they can be taught the way any other trade or job can be taught. Acting presents some difficulty, as there is an intangibility to it. You can teach someone lines, how to say them, where to move onstage... but unless they have that talent, that ability to embody a role, they really can't act. It is a talent that can't be taught. I should say that those who have that ability and simply need work with it can work on it, even someone who's never acted before, should they possess the necessary talent, can be worked with to be better... but there is an intangible something that all actors have that some people just don't.

This intangible concept is even more present in things like Art, Dance or Poetry (Yes, there is poetry majoring here). It's like... how are you really supposed to teach this? you can teach it's history, it's methods, but in the end either a person has the talent or they don't. Simple and plain. I wish that these could be "Yay! everyone can do it!"-type arts but they're not. Especially when it comes to poetry or painting. There is a creativity required that alot of people don't have, not to say the average person can't understand or love art, simply that they cannot create it.

Maybe it's this notion that makes art students such snobs... I really couldn't say. I mean, the entire snob things is a rant I'll save for another day, but I guess... I guess the entire concept of an art school can be confusing at times, and it's simply an interesting thing to examine, as to how much of the arts can actually be taught.

Until we meet again,
Timothy of Briton

A Superficial Question

2009-02-22T17:43:00.004-06:00

Whatever happened to superficiality? I mean, the good ol' kind... muscular, tan guys, skinny big breasted women. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not a huge fan of the elitism and general jack-assery that comes along with being one of those few... I'm just wondering where it went, what with more and more people being attracted to those skinny, emaciated, pale guys... as well as girls... it's just an odd turn of events.

Mind you, I kind of am one of those skinny, emaciated, pale guys... which is fine. And to be frankly honest, I like my girls with a little more junk in the trunk if you catch my drift. I'm simply wondering what happened to the old standards of good looks... and if these new one's aren't just as superficial.

Really, I don't have much else to say on the subject... it's just that. People think that society is becoming less superficial... and it's not. It's just a different kind. Everyone is superficial and that's what people don't understand. Everyone judges everyone else on how they look, period. It's how the human mind works, and it's something we can get past, but don't deny that it happens.

Peace out,
Damien, the dancing daemon extraordinaire

Buisness and State

2009-02-19T11:48:00.005-06:00

There's something I'd like to see of the country. Now, there is supposed to be a separation of church and state. There is, of course a raging debate as to whether that is the case, or, in some people's eyes, whether that is really necessary. That however, is not what I want to talk about.

I want to talk about another separation that should exist. This is a separation of business and the government. Why, you ask? Well, let me tell you.

I feel that businesses need to take their hand out of the government. The amount of lobbyists in Washington is astounding. I mean, all those business, and for that matter non-profit groups, are constantly buying and selling politicians (who I should mention now, are all evil, every single one of them) like candy.

This make the already corruption-prone politicians side with whoever is willing to pay them most, and therefore don't give a damn about what us people think. They only care about whatever will make them the most money.

Now, there are those that would say that this is a side-effect of the free-market capitalist system. Those people are dolts. This is a symptom of a government becoming too powerful for it's own good. Were companies of any size to exist without gov't involvement, they would be forced to produce thins that people want, else they would not make any money. However, with the gov't giving so much money (such as in the form of bailouts) to companies, they no longer need to produce goods that are wanted by the consumer, and can therefore do things that would be considered corrupt. Basically, what I am trying to say is that, businesses wouldn't have to please the government, and therefore would be forced to please the consumer.

Now, I'm well aware that this is idealistic, because there are some business owners out there who are dicks, and make up profits and steal money form their own company and do other such things that most business men wouldn't do because it is morally wrong and will eventually come back to destroy their company. However, I believe, that most business owners would not do this, regardless of the success of their business, because most have been working on building their business too damn hard to ruin it.

And I believe this is where I finish, because I could go on abotu how someone who inherits a business if far more likly to screw it up than the person who built it, but that's another rant.

Until our next adventure space cadets,
Capt. Arthur M. Piggins Jr. IV

An Underage View of Things

2009-02-18T09:51:00.005-06:00

It sucks being under 21.

I'm not just saying that because of the whole drinking thing. I really don't like alcohol and in all honesty I wouldn't drink even if I were legally allowed to.

No, it sucks being under 21 because, while they tell me I am an adult, I'm not.

Maybe it's just being in the city... I mean, I've been on the job hunt for months now, and being under 21 has killed me. Most restaurants won't even let me bus if they serve alcohol. seriously. Like I'm going to that mostly drank fruity cocktail from the bimbo who's been slinging those back all night and have a few sips on the job.

No, I can't see that happening, nor would I be dumb enough to steal from behind the bar... I don't think a good job (or any job in this economy) is worth losing over a bit of booze.

Then again, maybe there are some idiot kids who would do that. Some of them probably go to my school, because lord knows this place is filled to the brim with addicts. Ok, not really addicts... but damn kids really need to stop with the whole drug thing... at least on friggin' school nights.

Anyway, back to my original point, which is being less than 21 years in age sucks. There's this place down the street, it's called "Buddy Guy's Legends." It's owned by Buddy Guy himself, he plays there alot too. It's an amazing blues bar/restaurant. I get kicked out at 8pm... because I'm under 21. All I want to do is listen to some kickass blues... but no, that's not happening.

It's really just annoying, the amount of places that are still of limits for me, even though I'm supposed to be an "adult". Hell, I voted, why can't I go into a bar and listen to some guy wail on the guitar?

I guess the majority of my peers are unable to control themselves in these situations, but why should I be lumped in with all those idiots? I mean, if we were to make sweeping generalizations about specific groups of people there would be programs that help/restrict people based on their sex or the color of their skin... oh wait...

That's a different day. Point is, being under 21 blows and there's no way around it.

I'm done,
The Dancing Monkey on Your Shoulder

Writing and Environmentalism II

2009-02-17T15:38:00.000-06:00

So I am taking a writing and rhetoric II class. I want everyone to pay close attention to the name of this course. "Writing and Rhetoric II". Sounds like a normal English class, yes? You'd be wrong. As I go to an arts college, it is of course not going to be the average English class, and that I don't have a problem with.

However, in the "normal" W&R II at the arts college, the student is supposed to pick a specific "site" to takes notes and write on. My teacher, however, decided, "Silly college students, they can't choose a place for themselves, I'll pick the topic for them." What's the topic? Why, the human/nature theme that the school is holding events on this year.

Now, I should say this, I really don't have too many problems with the environmental movement. My biggest issue is it's insistence on government involvement. I much more subscribe to the thought stream of those like Henry Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson, who were known for their stance against government.

Anyway, my professor has decided that we are all to write on a specific topic relating to humans and nature. She decided for us. We're college students, supposed adults, and she went out of her way to pick a specific topic for us. THERE'S A FRIGGIN' REASON I CAME TO AN ART SCHOOL!

Yes, believe it or not, one of the reasons why I like an art school is that I get to think for myself much more than at the average college, but no, now I have to write on something I'm not interested in, and am expected to write well. That's complete shit. I thought that stuff was meant for high school, guess I was mistaken.

I mean, I want to be able to choose for myself a topic like most other students in the class, and I DON'T want to have this super-liberal point of view being told to me every week. I'm sorry but it's idiotic.

But, luckily for me, I only have a limited engagement in this class, and when it's over I will be quite happy to live without environmental bullshit being shoved down my throat every tuesday and thursday morning at 9am.

So ends this,
Your Favorite Dancer

My First Post

2009-02-16T21:29:00.000-06:00

...Will in fact, not be a rant. It's simply a statement as to how much I love instrumental music. It's pretty amazing, I mean, conveying an entire landscape without the use of words, which we rely on so much. It's kind of why I love it.
I mean... anyone can write in the most rudimentary sense, blunt things like, "I love you." Or, "Go screw yourself." It takes a large portion of talent to take words and turn them into something subtle and useful, such as the likes or Shakespeare or Mark Twain. But, to simply take noise, and turn it into complicated emotions and imaginary landscapes visible really only in the human mind... that's talent.
Mind you, I'm not knocking writers, they have a talent of their own that is incomparable, I am simply stating my amazement at the ability of instrumental composers.

Hmm... guess that was a tad bit of a rant... not nearly as scathing or mean as one would expect a rant to be, oh well, there's time for that.

Until the next moon,
Your Humble 19 year old Know-it-all

A Simple Intro

2009-02-16T19:37:00.000-06:00

This is yet another annoying blog.

I've been reading blogs for a good 3-4 years now. I'm a college student at an arts school in Chicago, it's fun, but I find that a fair amount of things annoy me. It is because of this that I feel it necessary to go about my ranting on the internet, i mean, it seems like the perfect place.

Yes, this will be a fair amount of ranting... mostly about how the government is too big, how people are too dumb and how everyone still hates the Jews.

If I thought a lot of people were going to read this, I would warn those reading that I will probably offend. It's a good thing I don't care.

With all that said, I welcome you to a world of unimportance, non-sequitors and other things of that nature.