Friday, December 29, 2006

Apartment from Hell & Where I've Been

I'm really angry at myself for not continuing to write.
Unfortunately, a lot of stuff got in the way. I'm now working
on my second move in three months (I think that's a record).
When I learned my landlord would be selling my apartment
in August, I dropped everything to search for an apartment.
I thought I was going to have to move back to Philly for a
moment. It was really rough, I would go to check out places
before work, at lunch, and after work and I still couldn't find
something. It seemed like anytime I got to an apartment
someone had just taken the place or the line to view the
apartment was literally around the building. I finally found
something cute, I move in and realized I was wrong. I've spent
an insane amount of money and time, filling holes in the walls,
insulating, spraying, spackling...You name it! Aside from
whatever it is that lives in my walls and has literally been
waking me up at night by scratching or gnawing at the wood
boards, I found some roaches in my coffee cup and coffee
maker a few weeks ago. Well, now I know why my coffee
tasted so funky! More over I think the mice took off with my
remote, because I haven't seen it in a few weeks! Oh and did
I mention the building is over 100 years old and there is this
creepy skylight in my bathroom ceiling that mold has been
falling from? Lovely I know. Now that I moving into a nice
normal (fingers crossed) place I will get back into the blogging
world. Thanks to those of you still checking in on me!

Saturday, December 23, 2006



Tuesday, August 01, 2006

The Father of Anti-Semitism

Hate breeds hate. No if and or buts about it. Intolerance is
a major issue in America. If we all looked, acted and thought
the same, things would be pretty damn stale. Mel Gibson's
recent comments are a testament to hate breeding hate.
Though the actor was drunk, I hardly find his statements
excusable. To many, alcohol is a truth serum. Gibson's father
(Hutton Gibson) has a long standing hate hate relationships with
the Jewish community.

Some of his comments (regarding the Holocaust) include:

"It's all -- maybe not all fiction -- but most of it is," he continued
to say that the gas chambers and crematoria at camps like
Auschwitz would not have been capable of exterminating so
many people."

"Do you know what it takes to get rid of a dead body? To cremate it?"
It takes a liter of petrol and 20 minutes. Now, six million of them?
They (the Germans) did not have the gas to do it. That's why they
lost the war."


In response to those comments, which can be found on
the age.com.au, I just have one question. Are you F***ing
kidding me? I'm kind of curious as to Hutton would know
how long it takes to burn a human body. Furthermore,
I didn't think there was an exact time frame for burning a
body. Wouldn't depend on size and weight? Wouldn't a small
fire generates less heat and burn slower than a large fire.
So wouldn't the momentum of a large fire be enough to
exterminate a large amount of people in a small amount
of time? It's always amazing to me that people can deny
such crimes against humanity. Six million is a large number,
don't you think people would notice if they just relocated?
It's been my feeling that the kind of people that make
such remarks the ones with guilty consciences who
would like to forget they had anything to do with it.
There is a word for that, DENIAL. It ain't just a river
in Egypt buddy!

(Below is another comment of Hutton's)
"They claimed that there were 6.2 million in Poland before
the war, and they claimed after the war there were 200,000 -
therefore he must have killed 6 million of them, They simply got
up and left! They were all over the Bronx and Brooklyn and Sydney,
Australia, and Los Angeles."

He continued to put prominent Jews on full blast and continued
to suggest that their goal was to "Take over the world."
I think someone has been watching to much "Pinky and the Brain."
That doesn't even make sense!

Jews were forced to go into particular professions because nice
men like Hutton here, wouldn't allow them to assimilate into
main stream professions. Jews make up 2% of the population.
So clearly this is a minority on the rise! What a freaking idiot!
It's men like Hutton that make wars, denying anyone different
the right to exist. Gibson has never once denounced his father's
views. While some of us have a back bone and may think
differently from our parents, clearly NOT in the case!

Hutton continues:
"Greenspan tells us what to do. Someone should take him out
and hang him." It's been suggested that Gibson's portrayal of
the Jew's role in "The Passions of the Christ" could stir anti-Semitic
sentiments. I cannot say one way or the other as I've never
seen the film and after his recent comments, I sure as hell not
going to now! Good freaking god, just because your father said
something doesn't make it right. It just seems pretty clear
to me that anti-Semitism was passed down in
this family. With any luck, Mel Gibson's children will have a
mind of their own.

Friday, July 28, 2006

Murder in West New York

I find it a little fucked up that the body of an 18-year-old girl was found
down the street (practically behind my friend Erin’s condo). I mean the
truth is this could have happened anywhere. The poor girl was in the
wrong place at the wrong time and was picked up by some sociopath
drifter on the west side highway. He took her back to a motel in
Weehawken and then thrown in the dumpster on the corner of
West Broadway and Park Ave. I know the building; I’ve walked
past it on many occasions. It’s just a shame that someone can dispose
of another human being like a piece of fucking trash!

I think that is the fascination with murders, they lake of compassion,
it’s criminal really. In some ways I think it’s easier to deal with a
murder rather then an accident. You have a direction in which you
can point your angry. While none of it every really makes sense, all of
these circumstances are tragic. With a murder you can put a face to your
pain. The very worst situations are the ones that are never solved.
Situations that always leave you wondering and asking questions
in the back of your mind. Personally, I don’t think I could ever handle
something like that.

Now in California we have William Richard Bradford. LAPD
cold case units are working around the clock to tie this monster to
(potentially) fifty missing women. That could make him one of, if not
thee, most notorious serial killers. Thankfully there have been such
strides in forensics, pathology and toxicology. Such incredible
progressions, that is nearly impossible to get away with such despicable
crimes. There will always be some microscopic shred of evidence that
links someone to a crime scene. Unfortunately, there will also be evidential
set-ups. Comes with the territory I suppose, the majority of people will not
be able to get a way with it in the future. Even when they think they have
cleaned everything up with bleach, there will always be luminal. Even
when they think their fingerprints are undetectable because they were
black gloves, there will be microscopic fiber comparisons. It is somewhat
comforting to know that while these people can still kill; the chances of
getting away with it are slim to none.

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Writing exercise- Scene 1?

2:00 am in a cold sweat I woke up next to XXX. Though
I didn't open my eyes, I felt something running down both
sides of my face. With the back of my hand I brushed them away.
Rolling down my cheeks were two solid lines of tears.
Never before and never since have I ever actually woken
myself up from by crying in dead sleep.

I couldn't remember the dream, but the message was clear.
Something very bad was about to happen to someone I cared
very much about. It was like something knelt beside me while
I was sleeping and whispered this into my ear.
It was just so clear that I was looking upon something horrible
but I had no details…none. Because of the intensity of which I
awoke, I assumed it was my mother. I guess premonitions aren't
really spelled out for you, are they?

XXX grunted, as if to say, "What's your problem? Go back
to sleep." Though he annoyingly and unconsciously resisted,
I pried apart his arms and wrapped myself in them. I rested my
head on his chest, tears still falling. His shirt must be soaked by
the time I actually fell back asleep. It was better that way anyhow.
I wouldn't know what to say to him, or how to explain why I woke us
both up crying. I know him; he would have told me I was overreacting.
The next morning when we were both awake I would explain.

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Introducing the "Himbo" (Male Bimbo)

This is a word coined by dictionary.com. Definition- "A male
bimbo, who uses his good looks but is superficial and unintelligent."
I was the gym this morning watching the Today's Show, as is my
normal morning routine, and this perfect segment came on.
I was talking to a few friends about how independent women
have it harder then stupid bimbos. I guess it's true what they
say, ignorance is bliss. None the less a friend of mine was insisting
that he is far more interested in women who have something to say,
how are independent and don't put up with nonsense. Especially
from men. His point was that if he ever had a daughter, she would
be inclined to emulate her mother's behavior. He really wanted his
daughter to be a strong person. Bravo to you, you know who you are.
You are without the only person I've ever heard those words from!

Generally speaking I think that independent, successful women have
a tougher time. This himbo segment on TV reminded me of this.
They were saying the new trend is for successful women to sport
some eye candy on their arms. That is kind of sad, no? Of course
the most famous himbo sited was K-Fed. Per the dictionary.com
definition, is he a really a himbo? According to that definition, a
himbo is someone who uses his "good looks." He is the greasiest,
most transparent, not talent bum ever...he ain't hot!

I think intelligence is one of the sexiest qualities a guy can have.
Next to humor and kindness of course. I've gone out on a few dates
with some really air headed men and it ended up being an early night!
I suppose that is why I dig guys with glasses, there is always that
sense of intelligence, I realize it's a little vain. Doesn't someone's
personality make or break them? Maybe I'm being ridiculous and
idealistic, but if someone is really that dumb, no way I'm going
to be in to it.

While it's debatable whether or not this guy was an idiot or just a
jerk...I didn't realize we were on a date. In fact (this before I got
my present gig) it was supposed to be an informational interview.
Well this Bloomberg TV anchor clearly had the wrong idea.
After trying to impress me by telling me all about his used Saturn,
he grabbed my hand and told me if I wanted to get anywhere in
this business I would need to learn how to flirt more.

  • Firstly, I' am a flirt...don't need much help there!
  • Secondly, I prefer to get a job because of my resume
  • and intelligence/ability, not because I flirted with
  • some anchor who seems very impressed with himself
  • and his used Saturn.
  • Thirdly, ewwww.

He proceeded to swing me around in my chair and tell me I
needed to "fix my body language when I was talking to him."
That would be about the time I excused myself to go to the
bathroom and DID NOT COME BACK! HAH!

What I'm trying to say is, how could anyone date/be interested
in a moron or someone with a such a craptastic personality.
If it's just sex, well that is something that can always be improved.
Unfortunately, in terms of personality...you are who you are. So
for any himbo's reading my blog-If you can both read and comprehend
this post, I'm impressed. Now take a hike!

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Myspace In Court...Again

A 14 year old girl in Austin Texas filed a 30 million dollar law
suite against myspace this morning. The girl was sexually
assaulted by a nineteen year old male she met via myspace.
This suite is one of a dozen to recently speak out against the site
in recent weeks. There are tons of copy cat networks like
myspace, but for some reason they haven't taken off to the
same degree. While I find myself often on the site, mostly to
check email and post a blog, I do go on it.

Personally, I find the novelty wearing off. I really don't think
I want to know THAT much about anyone! It also make the
dating world kind of tricky and unappealing, at least for me!
Getting back on track here, I agree that the site doesn't take
privacy and or security all that seriously. Actions speak louder
then words. I don't see people getting kicked off the site for lewd
or abusive behavior. The argument here always seems to boil
down to parents vs. internet security. They are both at fault!
Yes you should know what the hell your kids are up to.
However, now more then ever it's really easy to hide stuff
online. Parents have to be smarter then their children but
myspace is not off the hook. If you are going to say you take
aggressive measures, well then you should put your money
where your mouth is.

I've had a number of articles forwarded to me regarding various
effects of myspace. There have been a tremendous amount of
sexual assaults on minors. There have been a handful of murders.
There have been rumors of terrorists networks infiltrating the
site to gain information. There have been identity thieves.
One of the interesting lesser discussed side effects of myspace
and the internet in general has actually been sexual dysfunction.
A friend sent me an interesting article about the conditioning of
men (mostly) who use the internet. Is it really a shock that we
are keeping Perverted Justice so busy when we seem to be feeding
the flame? Myspace seems to have created a climate where it's
okay for 16 year old girls to get naked and speak to 30 year old guys.
Gee, I wonder why there seems to be a problem. All parties are at
fault. I still stick by my theory that for those who use the internet
wisely, enjoy the network while you can. It's on it's way out!

Monday, June 19, 2006

Yikes Britney

Pretty much every gossip column is now reporting that
Britney Spears's Dateline NBC Interview with Matt Lauer
was conducted without a publicist and a hair/make-up person.
Yikes! I didn't have the opportunity to see the entire thing,
however in an effort to minimize any further self destruction
Spear's publicist asked that footage of her less then flattering
interview not be released to programs such as "E!".

What I did gather is that an emotionally distraught Spears was
pleading for privacy. On one hand, I feel bad for her. I feel
really bad for her children! On the other hand, it's always a
compromise. What did you thing would happen when you became
an international pop sensation super star? I don't want to harp on
Britney's appearance, as women are all to frequently criticized for
this (I'm guilty of this myself), however I think it was an
unprofessional decision. While it did a certain sincerity to the piece,
was it really a great idea? It takes a village to maintain a high
profile for a celebrity. That is why you have a publicist and
make-up/hair artists at your beck and call.

It's really all a business. For some people like Paris Hilton
disgrace and shame can be worked into a public persona, but it's
not something that everyone can do. In fact it's pretty much a
pneumonia onto Paris Hilton herself. Hey, she works it, so whatever.
Spears on the other hand needs a little help. Then again,
(from what I saw) Spears looked so pathetic and victimized, will
this work to her benefit? You know what they say, any publicity is
good publicity. I guess we will just have to see how this unravels.

Thursday, June 15, 2006

:-) The Great Equalizer

In a conversation with a friend the other night it occurred
to me that in the world of email and internet, the smiley face
is the great equalizer. It can make any sentence, phrase
or comment totally ambiguous. As if it was not hard enough
to read inflection in words you never hear spoken, now
we have the smiley face...There is the condescending smiley
face, the flirtatious smiley face, the friendly smiley face and
my favorite the WTF smiley face!

I personally don't use the smiley face in a conducing way :-)
I have friends who analyze the smiley face in emails and ask
"Well what do you think it means, she littered this email with
smile faces, she must like me right?" Or better yet
"What does this comment mean? It's pretty mean but
then she left a smiley face at the end." You can confuse the hell
out of anyone with a smiley face!

Example; You are a big fat jerk :-) . It's okay that
I called you a big fat jerk because the smiley face erases any kind
of harshness. Anything before the smiley face is simply moot!
In conclusion, easy with e-motions :-)

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

My Blog is Not Dead, Just Napping!

A note to my readers! Sorry I've been MIA, but I promise to get back on the ball this week! Work has been kicking my ass, but I'm not letting my blog die. I swear I will be back on my crazy rant tomorrow! Thanks all!

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Reality TV, the New Trashy Talk Show?

It occurred to me that while the Rickie Lakes and Sally Jesses of
the world have slipped into cancellations without much notice, we
now have reality TV taking over. Let me be the first to say,
I'm not a fan! It seems like history is rapidly repeating itself, at
least in the terms of television. The price that people will pay to
get themselves on TV is far to high. Additionally, the price that
some (not all) producers will pay to gain and or maintain ratings
is also insanely high.

The case that always comes to mind is the murder of Scott Amedure.
Scott Amedure was a gay talk show panelist on the Jenny Jone's Show.
The episode was on revealing secret crushes. Amedure was coaxed into
revealing his homosexual crush on Jonathan Schmitz (a straight,
homophobe from MI). There was a great HBO America Undercover
special done on the impact of this murder. It was "Talked to Death:
America Undercover." I think they adequately addressed the
responsibility of Jenny Jones and her show in this case. Undercover
examined Schmitz behavior when he was probed by Jones after
Amedure reveled his crush in addition to describing
an intimate fantasy of the two men.

Schmitz, turned several different shades of red, covered his face with
his hands, nervously rocked back and forth and let lose a pretty pathetic
and forced laugh. None of these things suggest the Schmitz was
comfortable with the scenario. Jones, continued to milk the situation
asking more detailed questions. Schmitz's blood continued to boil,
literally. Not long after the show Schmitz took a shot gun and
vested Amedure. This time there were no cameras, and no
Jenny. Schmitz fired several shots into Amedure's back, "canceling" his life.

Months later during the trial, one of Jenny Jone's production
assistants (PA) took the stand. This PA is the one who had
screened both Amedure and Schmitz in booking their appearance
on the show. When examined the PA stated, "I told Schmitz the
person who had a crush on him was not a man." The PA later
stated that they did request a physiological profile, but it came
up clean. I personally nearly worked for this show. On my
interview they told me my functions would include driving around
the obese babies in the Jenny Jones van as well as staying
in the green room during tapings. "Because you see, none of
this is staged. You have to be ready to get these people back
on the set, no matter what." That always stuck with me.
I'm not a trained psychologist, or any kind of medical professional
for that matter. I really don't want to be responsible for someone
going home and shooting their secret crush. Keep in mind, this
interview was several years post Schmitz trial. Several months later,
the show was canceled, by Jenny Jones. Other shows slipped off the
radar with a peep, following in the steps of the Jenny Jones show.
Even Springer soon left the airwaves!

Now here we are, reality TV is taking the place of trashy talk shows.
I'm finding there are a lot of similarities! People are willing to exploit
themselves as well as each other. While we do have some powerful
and important reality TV shows like "Perverted Justice." It doesn't
make this kind of programming a safe place. For those unfamiliar
with the show, perverted justice is a show which catches sexual
predators by luring them to a home and having a talk show host
appear as opposed to the child who baited the predator. I kid you
not, it is only a matter of time before this host gets hurt. You have
some angry, embarrassed, sick freaks showing up. This is a great
project for catching pedophiles, but I can also see this turning ugly.
It's kind of sad, I don't know where programming is going. Sitcoms
are long dead, but there has to be something better then reality
TV out there.

On a personal note, I ended up not working for the Jenny Jones show
(since she canceled) and clearly it was for the best! I can rest my head
at night. I just have to ask, is this really what people want to watch?

Friday, May 19, 2006

Big Trouble, Little Howard!

A Philadelphia man (referred to only as Howard) returned home
from Einstein Hospital yesterday where his "reattachment" surgery
was declared a success. Apparently Howard's wife felt it necessary
to attack him in his sleep. In true Bobbitt fashion and she tore 2
particular appendages off of his body with her bare hands! Albeit,
I'm female and still cringing at the very thought of this! Howard's wife
Monica was working under the notion that her husband of 11
years had been cheating on her.

In a word...YIKES! It's just evidence that domestic abuse
happens on both ends! Howard claims that while his wife
suffers from Bi Polar disorder she will not be sleeping under
his roof again! Neighbor's of the couple are skeptical. Even
though the degree of violence adds a new dimension to the
turbulent relationship, their roller coaster marriage is hardly
breaking news. Neighbors also claim that Monica has been
thrown out on many occasions, only to come home this address.

Crimes of passion are scary things! I tend to forget that even
though we have the capacity to think and communicate unlike
any other species on the planet, we are still animals. I'm not
excusing this kind of behavior in way, shape or form. In fact that
kind of violence really freaks me out. It's just a shame. On the plus
side, I don't think he will be able to procreate, at least not with MONICA!

Friday, May 12, 2006

Fame, a Social Disease?

In an interview several years ago I heard Harrison Ford describe
fame as a social disease. I think this is a really interesting debate.
I have a lot of friends in their 30s + who are still looking to break
into the world of Hollywood. Half the time, I wonder if people are
really aware of what they are asking for. There are a million and
one reasons why someone would want fame, money and power.
However, there are a few things that even money/fame/power
cannot buy you!

I've had the opportunity to meet some celebrities and visit shoots
and various sets and I'm not sure I would really want that kind of
lifestyle. I'm a private person, I would feel very awkward standing
all glammed up at an event, with no one but my manager, speaking
to people and shaking hands. Last large scale event I went to I saw
the way lines formed to take pictures with these stars and I felt bad
for them. It seemed like we were in Disney World and everyone
was running up to take a picture with Mickey Mouse and Goofy, only
they weren't wearing costumes and Epcote center was not in the
background. It's such an impersonal, invasive lifestyle.

The larger the star, the less privacy they get. I understand it is a
choice that these people make. I wonder if they really understand
what they are giving up before hand. You can't put a price on
privacy and anonymity. Especially when you have a family.
Personally, while I'm not particularly impressed with the way
Jennifer Anniston publicly dealt with her separation to Brad Pitt,
I'm not sure I could or would have handled it any better. My
question is, do you really think it's worth it? All very harsh criticism, competitiveness, invasiveness and lack of privacy; just to get yourself
in a movie or on a magazine cover?

Thursday, May 11, 2006

Someone Upstairs Officially Hates Me!!!

I was literally telling a friend at her New Years party, "I hope
that tapered pants never come back! If you are going to bring
something back from the 80's please make it the music." So here
we are, a matter of months later and what seems to be back in
style? "Skinny jeans," aka peg leg or tapered jeans. Why God,
WHY???? This was never a good look! Trust me it is not flattering
to anyone! Even emaciated models look bad in these! What the hell
posses people to revive these damn pants? Seriously, when
did dressing like a pirate (peg leg) become hip? Please let me
know when sporting a fake metal hook arm becomes the rage!
I wonder if people will be walking around with pirates on their
shoulders as opposed to those little Tinker-Bell-ish designer dogs.

The eighties were a time of Ragenism, of polo shirts, of mullets,
teased hair(bangs), and of great music. Influential bands like The
Cure, The Smiths, Squeeze and Psychedelic Furs took the stage. It
was indeed a great decade for the tunes. Fashion, well... That's another
story. Let's just say the 80's were not the epitome of glamour
(ahem Cyndi Lauper). To fashion gurus every where if you are
planning to resuscitate and or encourage any more 80's fashions,
please let me know so I can buy stock in Aquinet!

I would officially like to go one record as saying-The moment I
see but one pair of Cavariccis, I'm moving!!

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Actions Speak Louder then Words, Are we Really Helping Darfur?

While Bush and Bolton continue to circulate draft resolutions
within the UN, thousands are driven from their homes, raped,
beaten and killed. Bush apparently asked Congress to approve
an additional $225.00 million dollars in aid. At this rate, by the
time it is approved the Janjaweed will have succeeded in destroying
every African-Muslim, man, woman and child. It's a relief that
attention is being brought to the situation but don't rest yet!
The war is far from over.

Bush also pledged to be sending two emergency shipments of food
for the refugees now fleeing Darfur. I understand that in the plight
many of them are running on empty, literally. Many don't have food,
but that somehow seems more attainable then protection. They need
protection and we are not acting fast enough! Can you imagine some
little kid over there, waiting for American Soldiers to swoop in and
save them at the last minute. Well kid, you better pray for a freaking
miracle, sorry but there will be no mercy for you. We are already to
late. We are sending food and not soldiers to supply protection.
Are we expecting the Sudanese refugees to defend themselves
from rebels with a loaf of bread? WTF? I don't understand the hold up.

Where the hell is the disconnect? When there are crimes against
humanity taking place you don't put it to a vote, you help.
I guess the Sudan has now learned what other countries know all
to well. Don't ever rely on someone else to save you. There is no
man in uniform coming to rescue you...save yourself. I will believe
we are helping these people when we stop procrastinating
and F***ing help them. We are already to late to save many, will we
be to late to save any?

Friday, May 05, 2006

Thanks for $100.00..."Dr." Frist!

I have to admit, the rising price of gas makes me damn glad I sold my car
when I moved to NYC. Unfortunately, that doesn't make me immune to
the insanely high price of gas! While I use public transportation, the cost
of my monthly pass will soon be going up to prevent the MTA and NJTransit
from going under. Price of groceries and of general consumer goods will
also be skyrocketing to keep respective producers a float.

Well it looks like a major class divide is up ahead. Pretty soon extreme
commuters won't be able to afford getting to work and the average
commuter will have to reduce spending in other areas. This is so ridiculous!
It costs about $75.00 to now fill up a minivan and about $50.00 for your
typical SUV.

So what's the solution? Here are a few of the brilliant suggestions the
current administration has made!


Ask the EPA to lift bans

You know this is my favorite course of action because; we don't need
the polar ice caps anyway. I mean, what are they really good for?
What is so bad about adding a few extra feet to the current sea level?
Protecting animal species and the environment is stupid anyway!
Greenhouse effect please ain't no such thing! Global warming?
What a joke! (Note sarcasm)

Make public Bill Frist's brilliant idea of refunding all tax payers $100.00

I make no secret of the fact that I cannot stand Republican Majority Leader “Dr.” Bill Frist. I think he is a heartless, moronic, puppet. In fact I believe he is the reason that malpractice is sky high! His suggestion of refunding all tax payers $100.00 is insulting. Does he realize that not only will that fill up ONE tank's worth of gas? So basically he wants to issue refunds that will essentially be going straight back into the pockets of the oil companies?! What the hell is that? What a brilliant freaking suggestion. So is that supposed to increase morale? Brilliant, getting a refund which is then spent on oil (in some capacity) really makes me feel like I'm getting ahead financially! Please! Unless it's a monthly refund, how does this help at all?

In writing this I think I figured out the solution to the entire economic deficit we are all now facing. I think the government should setup a big top on the white house lawn and charge people according to the following menu:

Pay to Punch (above the belt) /Pay to punch (below the belt)
Bush: 100.00 /200.00
Cheney: 75.00 /150.00
Rumsfeld: 75.00/150.00
Rice: 50.00 /100.00

I think that will fix everything!

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Python Nation

The Florida Everglades have long since been home to the American
Crocodile as well as various other kinds of reptiles. Recently FL
residents have been upsetting the fragile balance of the everglades
ecosystem, by releasing their pet pythons into the marshes.
The popular Burmese Pythons have become a popular pet in the
state of Florida. However, they grow pretty damn fast and many
owners are not able to deal with the reasonability that comes with
owning a 13 foot slithering, eating machine! Not only is it expensive
to feed such a creature, it's expensive to house! These snakes have
begun to really shake up the ecological balance of the FL everglades.
They have become so large that they are toping the food chain.
A very odd turn in the wild kingdom.

Below is a picture of a python which exploded after trying to ingest
an alligator! How strange is it to witness ecological turn like this?
Not hard to understand how some animals, once predators become prey!


Saturday, April 15, 2006

Bye Bye Big Screen

"Christ!" Great, the guy next to me just spilled his nachos
all over my pants. To boot I just stepped in something thick
and sticky. My drink holder is cracked and about to let lose
my eight-dollar bottle of Poland Springs. Not to mention the
annoying teenagers sitting behind me who can't seem to
shut up about Jessica Alba's hair! I use to enjoy the coming
attractions but now I have the fifteen-minute pre commercial
commercials. What the hell?!? This is what I'm paying (now ten dollars) for?

I've always had a love affair with the big screen. The box at
home is okay, but there is nothing like the actual big screen
experience. It's true that home entertainment systems have made
significant strides in surround sound and HD but still, it's a
poor substitute for the real thing...or is it?

Yes, I have to sit next to some guy coughing and hacking his
lungs out. Yes, I stepped in some mysterious sludge which
I’m sure will follow me not only into my car but into my apartment
where I will have to mop the floor…again. It’s expensive, it’s crowded
and its kind of gross, yet there is nothing else like it.

With new formats like pay-per-view, direct TV and on demand
lots of films are already being released directly to television.
From what I’ve read in the trades Disney is the hand holding the
smoking gun. It is ABC (which owns Disney), which is seeking to
promote this new skip-the-theater-all-together kind of innovation.

While I really won’t miss seating on broken seats, or paying ten
bucks for a sub par flick, but the experience won’t ever be the same
sitting in your living room. The big screen is what makes movie star and
celebrities. When you see someone on the movie screen scale they
literally become bigger then life. When you take the stars of the
screen and put them in the box, they become normal people.
They are just like you local news anchor. Somehow in the transition
from big screen to small screen the glamour is lost. Maybe that is not such a bad
thing. Personally, I would miss the big screen.

Saturday, April 08, 2006

Blurring the lines between Church and State

Okay, what the hell is going on here? I’m hardly the most religious person, but I’m feeling pretty violated lately. It really seems like the line between church and state is being seriously smudged these days.

I understand that the Bush Administration has recently issued executive orders to begin funding faith-based programs. In past administrations, such a thing would have been unheard of. I’d like to take this opportunity to again mention we do not all subscribe to the same religion! How many times do we have to argue prayer in school?!? Come on! I’m furious with this.

Instead of myspace.com we now have http://www.mypraise.com/. For the love of god! We have a ton of movies with Christian themes, Christian rock seems to be making a comeback and thanks good’ol Bush we have all of these federally funded Christian Organizations. Oh yeah and let’s not forget the revival of the age-old debate of school prayer.

What the hell is this? Who would have thought that one administration could do so much damage to a country in less then two terms. One of the reasons people swam oceans and risked their lives to get her was because we advertised as this beckon of freedom. Oh well! I’m so sick of this. WE ARE NOT ALL CHRISTIANS and we have as much right to worship as you do. So get over it! If you are in reality not the majority in this country and you are receiving federal funding then shouldn’t ALL faith-based groups have equal opportunities?

Thursday, March 30, 2006

MySpace is Your Space

By now it’s no secret that schools, employers, parents and
authorities alike peruse the site. I still cannot understand
why the hell some people post pictures or blogs knowing full
well anyone could potentially find it. I said it once and I’ll say
it again, IT IS PUBLIC! Meaning, if you post a picture of yourself
drinking a beer or smoking a bong and your only 14 year old, you can
get nabbed for underage drinking. If you tag a wall and take pictures
of it, you could be nailed for vandalism. While I don’t believe in
censorship, in fact I think a strong adverse reaction is nearly
guaranteed, I think people need to exercise better judgment.

There have been numerous sexual attacks and murders
steaming from the social network. In many cases while
Myspace claims to be on the look out for pornography,
profanity and other such inappropriate things on profiles
(especially those of miners), I personally have yet to see it.
Frankly, it’s really annoying. I swear the majority of people
are naked, okay at least half naked! You might as well just google
some porn, be forewarned that google may cough up your name
to the feds though!

Isn’t anyone interested in having privacy anymore? In actuality
I don’t want to see pictures of the guy I broke up with or my
ex-roommate’s inferred porno tape. Have we all gotten that
freaking trashy? I find myself less and less interested in this
site and more interested in going out and having a life! It’s a
great tool for staying in touch with friends. For those who
can’t seem to keep it in their pants, you’re annoying the hell
out of the rest of us. Some people may have actually used this
as a social networking site and not a free personal ad space!

From what I’ve been hearing the site stands a good chance of
being shut down for not enforcing their censorship procedures.
It has also been reported that terrorist groups like Al Qaeda are
using the site for information. I’m not sure if I believe that or not.
Either way, privacy and freedom of speech are about to change.

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