Saturday, March 24, 2007
MOVING TO A NEW ADDRESS
Thanks everyone for hanging in there with me. I've decided that in May after our busy season at work I'm going to move my blog to a new address which is easier to post on and personalize. I know I've been saying I would get back to writing and I really have not done that. Truth is I've written a lot but I haven't had time to post it. Hopefully in May I can post my new stuff and move it to a new home. Additionally I've been working really hard and volunteering for a political campaign and trying to organize a walk to Save the Darfur. So for those who think I've fallen off the face of the planet, I'm still here and I have a lot to post! Please check back for my new address. Again I appreciate all the support. I wish you all the best!
Friday, February 16, 2007
Straight From the Source
Below is the letter I wrote to the local paper, the "St. John's Source" per their shitty article about Katie "Woman Dies in Tragic Auto Mishap". I suppose their response to my letter was justified all though some what infantile (I decided it was in bad taste to post their reply). What the hell is wrong with people? When did people become so fucking callus? Given they did change the language in the article, but not much.
I would like to inform you that I'm a friend of the deceased. I'm greatly disturbed by the insensitive manner in which you wrote this article. While I'm not sure of the reporting practices in St. John's, don't you think in such a sensitive situation you should report the facts more than observation? I was most upset by your decision to include the neighbor's quote, "I heard Crunch, crunch, crunch and then a girl screamed." That "crunch crunch" was the crushing of Katie's lungs. I understand that graphic details sell papers, but have some respect. My friend was not a cereal, "snap crackle and pop." She was a good person who was tragically killed. Even if that was a direct quote from a neighbor was it really necessary to put that in the article? I think you exercised some poor judgment in this piece.
I would like to inform you that I'm a friend of the deceased. I'm greatly disturbed by the insensitive manner in which you wrote this article. While I'm not sure of the reporting practices in St. John's, don't you think in such a sensitive situation you should report the facts more than observation? I was most upset by your decision to include the neighbor's quote, "I heard Crunch, crunch, crunch and then a girl screamed." That "crunch crunch" was the crushing of Katie's lungs. I understand that graphic details sell papers, but have some respect. My friend was not a cereal, "snap crackle and pop." She was a good person who was tragically killed. Even if that was a direct quote from a neighbor was it really necessary to put that in the article? I think you exercised some poor judgment in this piece.
I appreciate that you changed the language in the article, thank you for that. Going forward please be more sensitive in your writing. This piece was like adding insult to injury. We were already upset with Katie's loss.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Gone but not Forgotten
Five years ago today I stood at the threshold of a cold dark bedroom on 85-Park Drive in Boston, MA. The snow was falling outside and without any real reason I remained frozen, staring at that little flashing red light on my phone. My heart was in my throat. I think it’s been there ever since. Perhaps it’s sincere cynicism, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Perhaps it’s intuition.
Today I stood, phone in one hand and my mouse firmly attached to the other, I was frantically multitasking in betweens meetings. In a rushed tone I answered the phone, “Good afternoon Alison…” Before I could even get my last name out the voice on the other line said, “Ali it’s Marc. I’m so sorry to call you at work with this, but Katie Hewson was in an accident.” I clumsily searched for my chair behind me. I needed to sit down. My heart previously in my throat was now flush against my molars.
“Marc, are you telling me Katie is dead?” He finished detailing the accident and said, “Yes, Katie is dead.” What the fuck????!!! Today holds a new sadness for me. Robbed of two great women on the same day, five years apart. I fail to see the logic here; God knows I’d really like to.
To make matters worse Mark had forwarded me an article regarding Katie Hewson’s death. They dated the accident on February 8th at 6:00pm. Katie was pronounced dead at 8:00pm. Perhaps it’s my own sensitivity, but the article literally made me sick. I decided in light of this news it was best if I left work a little early.
Maybe I’m angry at my losses, maybe I’m confused by fate. I really want to believe things happen for a reason, I really want to see the big picture. I want to put faith in something bigger then myself, but I just can’t. Maybe once a little more time has passed.
I remember when I met Katie Hewson, I had just moved into the YMCA for my first year at Northeastern University. They had run out of dorms on campus so all the transfer students were staying on the two top floors of the Y on Huntington Ave. That was truly an experience. We shared the elevator bank with the regular residents (Families in Transition). The bank was divided by a flimsy gate. It made the morning commute to classes both interesting and awkward. Though we were frequently awakened by our neighbors setting the building on fire, I miss that place. I miss the people.
Katie was one of the fist people I met there. She had the best sense of humor and the biggest smile of anyone I’ve ever met. Her klutziness may have in fact superceded my own, but she always found a way to make it a strength. It’s a great of sign of character to be able to laugh at yourself. Katie was just like that. Last week I was just thinking I needed to get in touch with her and see how life in St. John was treating her. Now it is too late for that.
This is just another reminder that I can’t put off things I really want. My priorities might be a little different than some but at the end of the day if I’m not here I want to go out knowing I did what I wanted. I worked towards my dream. Everything else is really moot. While I was busy watching the Anna Nicole Smith special report, my friend was taking her last breath. As the light in her eyes was slowly extinguished, I took my own for granted.
Today and hence forth, the sun shines a little less brightly, the world spins slightly off its axis and words have lost a little of their luster. We have lost two wonderfully amazing human beings, five years apart.
Note to the departed,
Since your stories were tragically cut short, I will have to finish writing them, I’ll keep going for all three of us, I promise.
Thank you, thank you both wherever you are tonight.
Katie Elizabeth Svitek
Kathleen Hewson
Today I stood, phone in one hand and my mouse firmly attached to the other, I was frantically multitasking in betweens meetings. In a rushed tone I answered the phone, “Good afternoon Alison…” Before I could even get my last name out the voice on the other line said, “Ali it’s Marc. I’m so sorry to call you at work with this, but Katie Hewson was in an accident.” I clumsily searched for my chair behind me. I needed to sit down. My heart previously in my throat was now flush against my molars.
“Marc, are you telling me Katie is dead?” He finished detailing the accident and said, “Yes, Katie is dead.” What the fuck????!!! Today holds a new sadness for me. Robbed of two great women on the same day, five years apart. I fail to see the logic here; God knows I’d really like to.
To make matters worse Mark had forwarded me an article regarding Katie Hewson’s death. They dated the accident on February 8th at 6:00pm. Katie was pronounced dead at 8:00pm. Perhaps it’s my own sensitivity, but the article literally made me sick. I decided in light of this news it was best if I left work a little early.
Maybe I’m angry at my losses, maybe I’m confused by fate. I really want to believe things happen for a reason, I really want to see the big picture. I want to put faith in something bigger then myself, but I just can’t. Maybe once a little more time has passed.
I remember when I met Katie Hewson, I had just moved into the YMCA for my first year at Northeastern University. They had run out of dorms on campus so all the transfer students were staying on the two top floors of the Y on Huntington Ave. That was truly an experience. We shared the elevator bank with the regular residents (Families in Transition). The bank was divided by a flimsy gate. It made the morning commute to classes both interesting and awkward. Though we were frequently awakened by our neighbors setting the building on fire, I miss that place. I miss the people.
Katie was one of the fist people I met there. She had the best sense of humor and the biggest smile of anyone I’ve ever met. Her klutziness may have in fact superceded my own, but she always found a way to make it a strength. It’s a great of sign of character to be able to laugh at yourself. Katie was just like that. Last week I was just thinking I needed to get in touch with her and see how life in St. John was treating her. Now it is too late for that.
This is just another reminder that I can’t put off things I really want. My priorities might be a little different than some but at the end of the day if I’m not here I want to go out knowing I did what I wanted. I worked towards my dream. Everything else is really moot. While I was busy watching the Anna Nicole Smith special report, my friend was taking her last breath. As the light in her eyes was slowly extinguished, I took my own for granted.
Today and hence forth, the sun shines a little less brightly, the world spins slightly off its axis and words have lost a little of their luster. We have lost two wonderfully amazing human beings, five years apart.
Note to the departed,
Since your stories were tragically cut short, I will have to finish writing them, I’ll keep going for all three of us, I promise.
Thank you, thank you both wherever you are tonight.
Katie Elizabeth Svitek
Kathleen Hewson
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
The Real PrimEval (WARNING SPOILER BELOW)
When I first saw this movie trailer, I was intrigued.
I'm very interested in true crime and Crime Science in general.
I could not imagine a serial killer that murdered over three
hundred people and was never caught. I was racking my brain t
rying to figure out how Touchstone pictures was able to
develop a movie around such an infamous serial killer in
Africa when there is literally no information on such a person.
According to the research I did, the only such person was
nicknamed "Monster of the Andes." His real name is/was
Pedro Alonzo Lopez and his story is truly one of the most
disturbing ones I've ever read. I will have to come back to
this, because his story is truly the answer to the question "
how are serial killer's created." It also raises the question of
mental welfare of the children of prostitutes. That aside, the
only thing that didn't make sense was the geography. Lopez
stalked Columbia, Ecuador and Peru. Not a remote part of
Africa, but a fairly large sparse section of South America.
I wouldn't think that the people at Touchstone were that bad
with their geography especially with millions of dollars at stake.
Upon further research I learned that this movie is really about
the enormous crocodile named Gustave who stalked Lake
Tanganyika in Burundi. A few years ago I caught a special on
PBS called "Capturing the Killer Croc." I have to admit, that
documentary was pretty damn good and engaging. Possibly
the best PBS special I've ever seen, then again I've only seen l
ike five PBS specials (if you are including Sesame Street).
Either way, there was one scene where I thought I was looking
at a sand bar, but as it turned out, it was Gustave the enormous
crocodile. That thing was at least 20 feet long weight over
1,000 pounds. It's size was/is of prehistoric proportions.
Crocodiles and alligators roamed the earth when it was
inhabited by dinosaurs, one of the few creatures
(roaches-ewww-being another) to have survived and
adapted. Millions and millions of years have only resulted
in these lizards change in size. At one point they were over fifty
feet. Now the average is about 14 feet. The discovery of a beast
over twenty feet and nearly a hundred years old was a mighty
big find! However, this croc was in fact stalking and tormenting
the people in Burundi. For those who have never seen "Hotel Rwanda."
A matter of years ago a civil war broken in Rwanda and an
ethnic cleansing/genocide began. The Hutu began to lash out
and spill the blood of the Tutsi. Both groups were living in Rwanda.
The massive bloodshed, pillage and rape of men women and
children (By the way-a similar Genocide
CONTINUES today in the Darfur region as I type) forced the Tutsi
into neighboring Burundi and Uganda.
For those cornered in Burundi were literally stuck
between a rock and a hard place. While they were
unable to move any further out of Burundi because of patrolling Hutu
rebels, they couldn't move in the other direction because there was a
twenty foot, mammoth crocodile looking for lunch! I cannot imagine
how difficult it made life. Getting clean water and or bathing was a
life and death situation.
While the movie Primeval credits Gustov with over 300 murders
it's really not clear if all those deaths can be attributed to the beast.
Remember at this time there is a civil war going on! Though likely
Gustave snacked on many human beings another debate is whether
he was forced to. Most animals are not a big fan of human flesh
(minus Jeffrey Dohmer of course). I understand we are rather
stringy and salty! I kid...or do I?
Many years back in Kenya, while laying tracks meant to
bridge Lake Victoria and Mombassa 135 workers were taken out
by these lions. Naturalists surmised that these lions ate humans
not out of want but out of need. The construction of the railroad
frightened away these lion's normal pray forcing them to eat the
only substance available, humans. Humans mad for a relatively
easy pray, preoccupied with laying tracks and relatively helpless
without a firearm.
Naturalists also suspect this theory of eating humans
because other environmental conditions forced out normal
pray can applied to Gustave. No doubt the thing is enormous!
It's been shot twice and remains at large. The naturalists
who put together the PBS special were unable to catch him
even with the helped of thirty men. The idea was to capture
Gustave and then transport him to a preserve where he
could not harm any more people and could be studied.
Unfortunately, the present day dinosaur provide to smart
for the many traps set. I myself am on the fence on whether the
best should have been killed. It is an interesting debate though.
Should he be killed, I mean haven't the people occupying that part
of Burundi been through enough? Should the present day dinosaur
be moved to a wildlife preserve? Or should the elusive lizard be
permitted to roam free?
In any event I find these topics much more interesting that
what promises to be a Primeval waste of money. I suspect that
there is as much truth to the film as there was in the advertising of it!
FYI-I noticed that they recently changed their trailer to read
"It's not human" at the end of it.
I'm very interested in true crime and Crime Science in general.
I could not imagine a serial killer that murdered over three
hundred people and was never caught. I was racking my brain t
rying to figure out how Touchstone pictures was able to
develop a movie around such an infamous serial killer in
Africa when there is literally no information on such a person.
According to the research I did, the only such person was
nicknamed "Monster of the Andes." His real name is/was
Pedro Alonzo Lopez and his story is truly one of the most
disturbing ones I've ever read. I will have to come back to
this, because his story is truly the answer to the question "
how are serial killer's created." It also raises the question of
mental welfare of the children of prostitutes. That aside, the
only thing that didn't make sense was the geography. Lopez
stalked Columbia, Ecuador and Peru. Not a remote part of
Africa, but a fairly large sparse section of South America.
I wouldn't think that the people at Touchstone were that bad
with their geography especially with millions of dollars at stake.
Upon further research I learned that this movie is really about
the enormous crocodile named Gustave who stalked Lake
Tanganyika in Burundi. A few years ago I caught a special on
PBS called "Capturing the Killer Croc." I have to admit, that
documentary was pretty damn good and engaging. Possibly
the best PBS special I've ever seen, then again I've only seen l
ike five PBS specials (if you are including Sesame Street).
Either way, there was one scene where I thought I was looking
at a sand bar, but as it turned out, it was Gustave the enormous
crocodile. That thing was at least 20 feet long weight over
1,000 pounds. It's size was/is of prehistoric proportions.
Crocodiles and alligators roamed the earth when it was
inhabited by dinosaurs, one of the few creatures
(roaches-ewww-being another) to have survived and
adapted. Millions and millions of years have only resulted
in these lizards change in size. At one point they were over fifty
feet. Now the average is about 14 feet. The discovery of a beast
over twenty feet and nearly a hundred years old was a mighty
big find! However, this croc was in fact stalking and tormenting
the people in Burundi. For those who have never seen "Hotel Rwanda."
A matter of years ago a civil war broken in Rwanda and an
ethnic cleansing/genocide began. The Hutu began to lash out
and spill the blood of the Tutsi. Both groups were living in Rwanda.
The massive bloodshed, pillage and rape of men women and
children (By the way-a similar Genocide
CONTINUES today in the Darfur region as I type) forced the Tutsi
into neighboring Burundi and Uganda.
For those cornered in Burundi were literally stuck
between a rock and a hard place. While they were
unable to move any further out of Burundi because of patrolling Hutu
rebels, they couldn't move in the other direction because there was a
twenty foot, mammoth crocodile looking for lunch! I cannot imagine
how difficult it made life. Getting clean water and or bathing was a
life and death situation.
While the movie Primeval credits Gustov with over 300 murders
it's really not clear if all those deaths can be attributed to the beast.
Remember at this time there is a civil war going on! Though likely
Gustave snacked on many human beings another debate is whether
he was forced to. Most animals are not a big fan of human flesh
(minus Jeffrey Dohmer of course). I understand we are rather
stringy and salty! I kid...or do I?
Many years back in Kenya, while laying tracks meant to
bridge Lake Victoria and Mombassa 135 workers were taken out
by these lions. Naturalists surmised that these lions ate humans
not out of want but out of need. The construction of the railroad
frightened away these lion's normal pray forcing them to eat the
only substance available, humans. Humans mad for a relatively
easy pray, preoccupied with laying tracks and relatively helpless
without a firearm.
Naturalists also suspect this theory of eating humans
because other environmental conditions forced out normal
pray can applied to Gustave. No doubt the thing is enormous!
It's been shot twice and remains at large. The naturalists
who put together the PBS special were unable to catch him
even with the helped of thirty men. The idea was to capture
Gustave and then transport him to a preserve where he
could not harm any more people and could be studied.
Unfortunately, the present day dinosaur provide to smart
for the many traps set. I myself am on the fence on whether the
best should have been killed. It is an interesting debate though.
Should he be killed, I mean haven't the people occupying that part
of Burundi been through enough? Should the present day dinosaur
be moved to a wildlife preserve? Or should the elusive lizard be
permitted to roam free?
In any event I find these topics much more interesting that
what promises to be a Primeval waste of money. I suspect that
there is as much truth to the film as there was in the advertising of it!
FYI-I noticed that they recently changed their trailer to read
"It's not human" at the end of it.
The Battleship Potemkin
Okay, so I'm really starting to think that it's true, nothing in
Hollywood is original. Disney has managed to successfully
turn every Grim (pun intended) fairytale into a feel good
cartoon with a great ending. Do people realize that these
cartoons were developed to convey political messages in
Germany nearly a century and a half ago? As I understand
even these fairytales weren't originally German, but
French-until the Grimms got hold of them.
Walt Disney was another one in a long list of fairytale
reitoraters (rather than inventors). Walt was a few french-fries
short of a happy meal. Example the character
Snow White was actually drawn from a 12 year old model.
Um, ewww! So you have a 12 year old girl sleeping in a house
with a bunch of older guys waiting for an prince to swing by the cottage.
It's really a wonder that pedophilia runs ramped in this society!
Over the holiday weekend, I watched "The Prince of Egypt."
A cartoon about Moses freeing the Jews from an evil Pharos
and delivering them onto the promise land. FYI-I do believe the
cartoon version omitted a few plagues. SERIOUSLY, WTF????!!!
Are we that low on ideas?
It's just my opinion that some of the strangest most
interesting stories are not fiction but reality. I was screening
the Battleship Potemkin yesterday at work. I guess I was
inadvertently yelling out what I thought would happen in each
scene, right before it happened. These scenes looked so familiar
to me! Not because I've ever seen the movie before but because
this movie was so innovative many other movies and famous
scenes were influenced by it! On one hand that is an attest to the
film but on the other hand it's damn sad that we don't seem to
know the difference between influence and outright plagiarism!
Hollywood is original. Disney has managed to successfully
turn every Grim (pun intended) fairytale into a feel good
cartoon with a great ending. Do people realize that these
cartoons were developed to convey political messages in
Germany nearly a century and a half ago? As I understand
even these fairytales weren't originally German, but
French-until the Grimms got hold of them.
Walt Disney was another one in a long list of fairytale
reitoraters (rather than inventors). Walt was a few french-fries
short of a happy meal. Example the character
Snow White was actually drawn from a 12 year old model.
Um, ewww! So you have a 12 year old girl sleeping in a house
with a bunch of older guys waiting for an prince to swing by the cottage.
It's really a wonder that pedophilia runs ramped in this society!
Over the holiday weekend, I watched "The Prince of Egypt."
A cartoon about Moses freeing the Jews from an evil Pharos
and delivering them onto the promise land. FYI-I do believe the
cartoon version omitted a few plagues. SERIOUSLY, WTF????!!!
Are we that low on ideas?
It's just my opinion that some of the strangest most
interesting stories are not fiction but reality. I was screening
the Battleship Potemkin yesterday at work. I guess I was
inadvertently yelling out what I thought would happen in each
scene, right before it happened. These scenes looked so familiar
to me! Not because I've ever seen the movie before but because
this movie was so innovative many other movies and famous
scenes were influenced by it! On one hand that is an attest to the
film but on the other hand it's damn sad that we don't seem to
know the difference between influence and outright plagiarism!
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Not so Rosie point of View
Firstly I would like to know what possesed Barbara Walters
to put Rosie on The View in the first place. I never thought
this was a great idea. I've never been a fan of O' Donnell.
There are a few things I find disturbing about the koosh
flinging former hostess. First point: she has always had a
crush on "cutie patootie Tom Cruise." Secondly: when she
had her own show she attempted to rip her guest Tom
Selleck a new one because he was card caring member of the
NRA. If memory serves she was so obnoxious he walked off
the show. Perhaps her critisim would have been better recieved
had she not been doing spots for KMART at the time. FYI- KMART
was one of the largest chain stores to sell minors hand guns.
I realize I'm a little late in bringing this up, but it's hard
to avoid the Roise topic with ridiculous comments such as
"Ching Chong Danny Diveto ." Plus her rant on the Donald.
I think she also outed Clay Akin , who by the way hasn't even
outed himself! Wow, she has been really busy. I have to say though,
Danny Diveto comment slays me. Isn't that something people say
when they are 6? Scratch that, 6-year-olds have more tact. It is
really hysterical that she would accuse Trump of being a crappy moral
compass but ended her rant with "Sit and spin my friend."
What the hell does that even mean???!!! To that end I say,
Rosie...sit on a pitchfork and rotate (whatever the hell that means) ;-)
to put Rosie on The View in the first place. I never thought
this was a great idea. I've never been a fan of O' Donnell.
There are a few things I find disturbing about the koosh
flinging former hostess. First point: she has always had a
crush on "cutie patootie Tom Cruise." Secondly: when she
had her own show she attempted to rip her guest Tom
Selleck a new one because he was card caring member of the
NRA. If memory serves she was so obnoxious he walked off
the show. Perhaps her critisim would have been better recieved
had she not been doing spots for KMART at the time. FYI- KMART
was one of the largest chain stores to sell minors hand guns.
I realize I'm a little late in bringing this up, but it's hard
to avoid the Roise topic with ridiculous comments such as
"Ching Chong Danny Diveto ." Plus her rant on the Donald.
I think she also outed Clay Akin , who by the way hasn't even
outed himself! Wow, she has been really busy. I have to say though,
Danny Diveto comment slays me. Isn't that something people say
when they are 6? Scratch that, 6-year-olds have more tact. It is
really hysterical that she would accuse Trump of being a crappy moral
compass but ended her rant with "Sit and spin my friend."
What the hell does that even mean???!!! To that end I say,
Rosie...sit on a pitchfork and rotate (whatever the hell that means) ;-)
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
What the Hell is Cutting Edge TV?
Recently, I read an article on how “cutting edge TV” isn’t
really edge anymore. What I took for the article is that cutting
edge entertainment just translates to shock value these days.
Moreover, nothing is really all that shocking! So where does
entertainment go from here? Personally, I don’t believe in
censorship, but I do believe in good taste. So what are people
watching now? As a viewer, I’m so sick of seeing nudity and
hearing profanities. Give me a good story any day of the week!
I liken the article to the development of CG (computer generated)
movies. “King Kong” is a great example! There was very little
keeping me in my seat for the entirety of that bland movie.
The story was not all that interesting and I got really board
watching some giant ape running around. If I really wanted
to see a giant ape running around I would park myself in a sports
bar during a football game!!!! None the less, the point is that I
spent money to watch 2 hours of a computer generated monkey run
around. Where as a movie like “Mystic River” kept my attention
for the entire flick.
TV these days is no different. People pandering to some
notion, audiences really want to see nudity and violence
because it’s considered cutting edge. Well it’s not so
cutting edge anymore! Everyone has seen it already!!!
For the love of God, how many times can I watch naked people
running around, beating the crap out of each other and cursing
all the while?? These storylines don’t even make sense.
That is if there are story lines at all. I think if anything
programming is doing a 180! People are so sick of this so
called edginess that they are looking for decent dramas are
sitcoms. I never thought I would see the day where
audiences longed for something interesting, something
witty, something funny, something entertaining! Seriously,
when the hell did entertainment become about entertainment??!!
really edge anymore. What I took for the article is that cutting
edge entertainment just translates to shock value these days.
Moreover, nothing is really all that shocking! So where does
entertainment go from here? Personally, I don’t believe in
censorship, but I do believe in good taste. So what are people
watching now? As a viewer, I’m so sick of seeing nudity and
hearing profanities. Give me a good story any day of the week!
I liken the article to the development of CG (computer generated)
movies. “King Kong” is a great example! There was very little
keeping me in my seat for the entirety of that bland movie.
The story was not all that interesting and I got really board
watching some giant ape running around. If I really wanted
to see a giant ape running around I would park myself in a sports
bar during a football game!!!! None the less, the point is that I
spent money to watch 2 hours of a computer generated monkey run
around. Where as a movie like “Mystic River” kept my attention
for the entire flick.
TV these days is no different. People pandering to some
notion, audiences really want to see nudity and violence
because it’s considered cutting edge. Well it’s not so
cutting edge anymore! Everyone has seen it already!!!
For the love of God, how many times can I watch naked people
running around, beating the crap out of each other and cursing
all the while?? These storylines don’t even make sense.
That is if there are story lines at all. I think if anything
programming is doing a 180! People are so sick of this so
called edginess that they are looking for decent dramas are
sitcoms. I never thought I would see the day where
audiences longed for something interesting, something
witty, something funny, something entertaining! Seriously,
when the hell did entertainment become about entertainment??!!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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 :-)
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?
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!
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?
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?
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