EAT JOURNEY, BITCHES!
what really repulses me about this particular specimen of 80s goodness, are the bands hair cuts. haircut, i should say. because everyone is rocking the same, thinned out mullet. no one has the nuts to really free flow one yet. but the sleeveless shirts... the jordache effect... and the random 80s hooker in a white leather "power suit" jacket bring the ruckuss for me. so floss that up your 80s hatin' ass... floss it with the drummer's porn 'stache.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Journey - Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
ring ring
"collusion"
an agreement, usually secretive, which occurs between two or more persons to deceive, mislead, or defraud others of legal rights, or to obtain an objective forbidden by law typically involving fraud or gaining an unfair advantage and can involve "wage fixing, kickbacks, or misrepresenting the independence of the relationship between the colluding parties."[1] All acts affected by collusion are considered void.[2]
per a descent, third party, definition: uslaw.com
why am i bringing this up? think about your cellphone. and that great deal you think you got.
450m 39.99 ATT Wireless
450m 39.99 Verizon Wireless
450m 39.99 Sprint/Nextel
450m 39.99US Cellular
900m 59.99 ATT Wireless
900m 59.99 Verizon Wireless
900m 59.99 Sprint/Nextel
900m 59.99 US Cellular
1350m 79.99 ATT Wireless
1350m 79.99 Verizon Wireless
1350m ----- Sprint/Nextel
1350m 79.99 US Cellular
Unlim. 99.99 ATT Wireless
Unlim. 99.99 Verizon Wireless
Unlim. 99.99 Sprint/Nextel
Unlim. 99.99 US Cellular
here is the one thing to count out... tmobile/iwireless [a regional affiliate in my area], are NOT major carriers. its big compared to everyone else below them, but really they are the cut line. other people that provide US cellular service, like Cricket, Boost, AMP, and the creme de la creme of crap; TracFone; simply buy airtime from one of these FANTASTIC FOUR carriers, and run it that way. which is why they have plans and pricing that are generally lower minutes, for higher pricing.
who cares?
I did. when I was phone shopping in January, this about made me barf. why? because I DONT TALK on my cellphone. and while the 450 minutes isnt the problem; it was the price. because i really dont want to pay 40 dollars a month, for service i dont need. i used a whopping 162 minutes last month. of that, 78 minutes fell on a "nights and weekends" allotment from my carrier, which were not deducted from my "any time" minutes. whatever that means! "anytime" minutes, that aren't really used anytime, just sometimes.
any[way]time, i started to notice how much of a crock of shit this is. where is the spirit of competition in the market place, when it appears that the four big carriers, that probably hold 80 to 90% of the cellular network market share, are priced in the exact same tiers, at the exact same price. To the penny. Coincidence? In the same way that you get wet when it rains, i suppose. That's where the idea of price fixing and collusion enters my mind. to the penny.
while collusion does generally require a point of agreement among parties; [ie in fixing the price of crude oil, or *cough cough* adjusting the volume of production through quarterly meetings], i don't suppose that has to be the case. in fact, its called "tacit collusion." silent collusion. the whole mess of price fixing is sub categorized based on whom, and how the prices are set. but this still isn't the point, its artificial. why artificial? purists may argue with me; but we aren't passing a commodity. we are passing service. and service has no value, or all the value in the world market; dependent upon who needs it, and how bad they want it. commodities have a value. real or artificial, they have a value. its is traded, prices are speculative based on demands and inventory, or purity, or any other factor. what about service? again, I'd argue, that service has no value, or maximum value. nothing in between.
but we are sitting in the midst of a vast price war, that wont be fought. i suppose it isn't right to bang the honkies at the cell phone companies for charging what they do for their services. [see, not a product... a service]. but i have a very, very difficult time, believing that the true cost to their respective companies, and operable profit margins, dictate each of them to arrive at 39.99 for 450 minutes of service per month, to each individual user. to the penny. does that seem right to anyone? capitalism is driven by competition for money. nothing less. without out the true competition for dollars, greed, if you will, there simply is no more motivation to excell, to advance, to propagate.
[ and say what you want about nonprofit orgs; but even the Priest on Sunday morning passes the collection plates around, so lets be real about the money issue. and even so, the Rev. Soandso six blocks away will gladly take you and your offerings, if Father Doesntcare, wont. ]
so i ask outloud, for anyone that chooses to answer in their head; what the hell is the point? i suppose you are paying for differing access to service [coverage in their lingo], but hats a bleak point considering nearly any metro area has coverage from these four. i suppose you could be paying for quality of service; but that doesn't make much sense, voice transmission is the same in the end, especially now in the realm of digital transmission. so i guess you are paying money to a company to use a piece of equipment you like. is that what competition is really all about in the market place? no one seems to be taking any initiative in the industry, from what i can tell, to do anything different... no ways to provide cheaper technology, no guarantees of no dropped calls. no real changes in service. the only difference, is the shit you buy from them. and thats not even what you think it is. a blackberry is a blackberry. its on ATT or US Cellular, but its the same thing. the case is different colors. so what. does ATT's do your laundry? no. it makes calls and it recceives them. it sends messages, and it receives them. nothing more, nothing less. so to the penny, everything is magically the same, and it seems, no one else is all that interested in it. except me.
an agreement, usually secretive, which occurs between two or more persons to deceive, mislead, or defraud others of legal rights, or to obtain an objective forbidden by law typically involving fraud or gaining an unfair advantage and can involve "wage fixing, kickbacks, or misrepresenting the independence of the relationship between the colluding parties."[1] All acts affected by collusion are considered void.[2]
per a descent, third party, definition: uslaw.com
why am i bringing this up? think about your cellphone. and that great deal you think you got.
450m 39.99 ATT Wireless
450m 39.99 Verizon Wireless
450m 39.99 Sprint/Nextel
450m 39.99US Cellular
900m 59.99 ATT Wireless
900m 59.99 Verizon Wireless
900m 59.99 Sprint/Nextel
900m 59.99 US Cellular
1350m 79.99 ATT Wireless
1350m 79.99 Verizon Wireless
1350m ----- Sprint/Nextel
1350m 79.99 US Cellular
Unlim. 99.99 ATT Wireless
Unlim. 99.99 Verizon Wireless
Unlim. 99.99 Sprint/Nextel
Unlim. 99.99 US Cellular
here is the one thing to count out... tmobile/iwireless [a regional affiliate in my area], are NOT major carriers. its big compared to everyone else below them, but really they are the cut line. other people that provide US cellular service, like Cricket, Boost, AMP, and the creme de la creme of crap; TracFone; simply buy airtime from one of these FANTASTIC FOUR carriers, and run it that way. which is why they have plans and pricing that are generally lower minutes, for higher pricing.
who cares?
I did. when I was phone shopping in January, this about made me barf. why? because I DONT TALK on my cellphone. and while the 450 minutes isnt the problem; it was the price. because i really dont want to pay 40 dollars a month, for service i dont need. i used a whopping 162 minutes last month. of that, 78 minutes fell on a "nights and weekends" allotment from my carrier, which were not deducted from my "any time" minutes. whatever that means! "anytime" minutes, that aren't really used anytime, just sometimes.
any[way]time, i started to notice how much of a crock of shit this is. where is the spirit of competition in the market place, when it appears that the four big carriers, that probably hold 80 to 90% of the cellular network market share, are priced in the exact same tiers, at the exact same price. To the penny. Coincidence? In the same way that you get wet when it rains, i suppose. That's where the idea of price fixing and collusion enters my mind. to the penny.
while collusion does generally require a point of agreement among parties; [ie in fixing the price of crude oil, or *cough cough* adjusting the volume of production through quarterly meetings], i don't suppose that has to be the case. in fact, its called "tacit collusion." silent collusion. the whole mess of price fixing is sub categorized based on whom, and how the prices are set. but this still isn't the point, its artificial. why artificial? purists may argue with me; but we aren't passing a commodity. we are passing service. and service has no value, or all the value in the world market; dependent upon who needs it, and how bad they want it. commodities have a value. real or artificial, they have a value. its is traded, prices are speculative based on demands and inventory, or purity, or any other factor. what about service? again, I'd argue, that service has no value, or maximum value. nothing in between.
but we are sitting in the midst of a vast price war, that wont be fought. i suppose it isn't right to bang the honkies at the cell phone companies for charging what they do for their services. [see, not a product... a service]. but i have a very, very difficult time, believing that the true cost to their respective companies, and operable profit margins, dictate each of them to arrive at 39.99 for 450 minutes of service per month, to each individual user. to the penny. does that seem right to anyone? capitalism is driven by competition for money. nothing less. without out the true competition for dollars, greed, if you will, there simply is no more motivation to excell, to advance, to propagate.
[ and say what you want about nonprofit orgs; but even the Priest on Sunday morning passes the collection plates around, so lets be real about the money issue. and even so, the Rev. Soandso six blocks away will gladly take you and your offerings, if Father Doesntcare, wont. ]
so i ask outloud, for anyone that chooses to answer in their head; what the hell is the point? i suppose you are paying for differing access to service [coverage in their lingo], but hats a bleak point considering nearly any metro area has coverage from these four. i suppose you could be paying for quality of service; but that doesn't make much sense, voice transmission is the same in the end, especially now in the realm of digital transmission. so i guess you are paying money to a company to use a piece of equipment you like. is that what competition is really all about in the market place? no one seems to be taking any initiative in the industry, from what i can tell, to do anything different... no ways to provide cheaper technology, no guarantees of no dropped calls. no real changes in service. the only difference, is the shit you buy from them. and thats not even what you think it is. a blackberry is a blackberry. its on ATT or US Cellular, but its the same thing. the case is different colors. so what. does ATT's do your laundry? no. it makes calls and it recceives them. it sends messages, and it receives them. nothing more, nothing less. so to the penny, everything is magically the same, and it seems, no one else is all that interested in it. except me.
Friday, April 10, 2009
vroom vroom
this did catch my eye. the new 2011 jeep grand cherokee. do i like it? kinda. do i want it? no. but am i fascinated by certain features? you bet!
among the fun features:
a new ultra polluting Hemi V8 at only 360 horsepower, a new high performing 260 horse V6 [keep in mind, thats juuuust about what my V8 puts out!, with nearly a liter less in total displacement!]
an all new electronically selectable traction control setting; which is billed as a transmission control; but id bet it has more to to do with electronically controlled AWD function...
an all new air bag suspension system. this one interests me most! ride height is adjustable from 5 to 11 inches at the touch of a button, which is quite interesting... no springs or shocks... however, these things are notoriously awful at traversing hard terrain.
and last but certainly least in my mind, IFS and IRS. yikes. jeep is really flushing their heritage down the dumper with this. honestly, thats THE defining reason that i purchase my WJ; the solid axles, front AND rear. the current model WK went to IFS... this is just a poor decision in my mind. but whatever.
its a nice looking vehicle. but IMO it looks something like a buick suv now... definitively less jeep like.
[ pictures are all from JALOPNIK.COM ! plus they have a fairly detailed review of new features! ]
Saturday, March 14, 2009
I have to say, that rediscovering things you had in life, really are a thrill... almost a big of a thrill, as the first time you came across it....
Leo Laporte.
I used to watch his shows on TechTV for years. Then came the college move. Then came the G4TV buyout of TechTV and the dump of nearly everyone on air. So. Pass several years, then, last week..... DING! I find Leo is still around! Still around and kicking! In case anyone is interested; Leo hosted several shows on technology; including the flagship "The Screen Savers," program, among others [like "Call For Help"]. Why draw to him, with so many talking heads? Leo first of all, is fair. Fair in points of view, fair to technology streams, and fair in approach. Granted, he is a Mac/Apple junkie. BUT he is a linux honk. But he has no qualms with the Windows world. He is fluent in all of the above, to the point of talking people through technology problems. Second, Leo is interesting and "soft" in approach. Interesting points of view are just that; it takes a secondary "softer" magnetism to bring in viewers and incorporate them into the views. Leo just does that. Third, Leo is funny. Anyways... Listen in, the podcasts of his shows are free on iTunes. Which is a huuuuuge bonus.... since I have these pushed to my phone now.
Leo Laporte [personal site]. The Tech Guy [the Show Website]. PODCAST LINK [will open iTunes].
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Why Why Why Why
WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY? ? ? ? ?
That's the only question anyone seems to be asking me lately.
Why do you feel such pressure to get a real job?
Why can't you be content with going to a wedding single?
Why is it you can't be happy for someone else?
I hate answering questions like this. But sometimes its all related. This is potentially one of those times, as luck might have it. Potentially, I did say. Because, I myself, don't know the root of all three answers, in as much clarity, to know for sure myself. Remember, that all this space is designed to do, is vent the thoughts I wish to vent. It can't make sense all the time. AND it certainly can't even make sense to me 100% of the time.
Why can't I be happy for someone else? That's loaded. Waaaay beyond loaded. Granted, its the only question I'm not getting asked regularly. There is a sharp reason for that: very, very few people know to ask it, and where it reflects. I kinda of bends back to a certain someone. A Someone, if you will. And with so many to choose from, I wont elaborate any further, than to say, different people, from different times of my life, will all think this answer points back to them. That's the likely answer. It does, in large respect, come back to each of them. Yes, I can be happy with them. But no, anymore, I can't be happy FOR them. Because that's dropping away a lot of things from my own sense of humanity, to make it palpable in the blandest of servings. Especially to me. In short, I have to do this because I know that its a way to heal myself from everything everyone else has done over the years. Its my way, of making myself, choke on the medicine, I need to take. I could sit and feign happiness, but i wont know it myself. As just as that might be, its not very honest. To me, part of this revolves around my failed sense of being honest with myself. I've lied. I've cheated. I've been extraordinary difficult to deal with. All to myself. So to be happy for someone else, means I have to forget everything I ever did.... to separate the happiness I had from them and from myself. Right now, that's what I'm driving at.
Secondly; Why can't I be content going to a wedding single? Well. See the last question. See my answer bleeding through? Because its about to bleed across to the third question as well. See, I need to move on. I need to have a life. I can't be me. I can't be, this ridiculous excuse for Scott, indefinitely. One, civilized step forward in the rest of my life, is the big step. At 28, nearly every friend I had or have; is married. Or closely in route. I'm here. I'm the biggest joke I know. I struggle with the fact that I can't make it happen. Not marriage. That I can't make a relationship work. Because it's obvious to everyone that's known me for several years, that's part of the problem. The second part of the problem is the Scott in question. But this is it. I can't be who I am forever. I can't, and I don't want to be. And now, that I'm at this juncture, I can't change it. I can't seem to do a damn thing about it. So I have to do something to set my motivation in order. I have to give myself a reason. I have to know in my mind, that I need a deadline. So when everyone asks me, Why the date? Because I have to show myself, that I'm not a worthless, nearly 30 year old, about to burn out on self esteem. I guess, I have to motivate myself to show everyone, that I'm not that guy. So I'm struggling to find something to work from, as is painfully aware.
So then, Why do I feel such pressure to get a real job? Because all those years ago; that was the dream I always had for myself. My great plan for life, depended on my ability to make some money. Filthy fucking piles of money. So I could escape. So I could end up being Scott to whatever extent I wanted myself to amount to. Because, subconsciously, even then I knew it was going to be such a struggle to find anyone else out there for me, I forced myself to prepare for the days alone. My plan for life still hasn't changed. To cash out. To drop totally off the grid, so to speak, at a relatively young age, and just go off. To Ted Williams my life.... To hit a home run in my last at bat, and walk right out of the stadium when I do it. To keep the whole thing a complete surprise to everyone. That dream, revolves around my ability to set up that whole scenario. So I can't wait forever. And right now seems like a great time. The people around me are great. But I'd be lying to myself again, if I said that I knew... deep down... that I wasn't capable of more than this. I think everyone else would too.
So I have to put pressure on myself, because that's what its all about. ME. That's all I have at the end of the day. I go home to myself. I don't have a wife, that cares about me or my day. I don't have anyone that ever wants to know what I do. Who cares if I make dinner? Who compliments me if I decided to go out looking nice to work at a whim? No one seems amused by my jokes at night, in those last moment before drifting to sleep. No one needs me around to hold their hand when they cry, or to kiss them whey they see me leave. No one tells me Happy Valentines Day, and means it, and no kids bring me handwritten cards with sappy, miss-spelled phrases. I don't go to a job, and make decisions people respect. I don't have any part in doing much of anything I really enjoy. And I certainly don't do anything, anyone else couldn't do.
No, I don't have any of that. It was one of those promises I made to myself a few years ago, late at night, sleeping in my car, that I know I have to keep to myself. And I do intend on making it right. Even if I write the check, and cash to myself; someone has to know that. Everything that I thought I wanted, hinges on me moving on. Its just a job. Its just a date. Its just happiness. Why does it matter when I make a decision to move in that direction? Why does any of it matter to any of us?
That's the only question anyone seems to be asking me lately.
Why do you feel such pressure to get a real job?
Why can't you be content with going to a wedding single?
Why is it you can't be happy for someone else?
I hate answering questions like this. But sometimes its all related. This is potentially one of those times, as luck might have it. Potentially, I did say. Because, I myself, don't know the root of all three answers, in as much clarity, to know for sure myself. Remember, that all this space is designed to do, is vent the thoughts I wish to vent. It can't make sense all the time. AND it certainly can't even make sense to me 100% of the time.
Why can't I be happy for someone else? That's loaded. Waaaay beyond loaded. Granted, its the only question I'm not getting asked regularly. There is a sharp reason for that: very, very few people know to ask it, and where it reflects. I kinda of bends back to a certain someone. A Someone, if you will. And with so many to choose from, I wont elaborate any further, than to say, different people, from different times of my life, will all think this answer points back to them. That's the likely answer. It does, in large respect, come back to each of them. Yes, I can be happy with them. But no, anymore, I can't be happy FOR them. Because that's dropping away a lot of things from my own sense of humanity, to make it palpable in the blandest of servings. Especially to me. In short, I have to do this because I know that its a way to heal myself from everything everyone else has done over the years. Its my way, of making myself, choke on the medicine, I need to take. I could sit and feign happiness, but i wont know it myself. As just as that might be, its not very honest. To me, part of this revolves around my failed sense of being honest with myself. I've lied. I've cheated. I've been extraordinary difficult to deal with. All to myself. So to be happy for someone else, means I have to forget everything I ever did.... to separate the happiness I had from them and from myself. Right now, that's what I'm driving at.
Secondly; Why can't I be content going to a wedding single? Well. See the last question. See my answer bleeding through? Because its about to bleed across to the third question as well. See, I need to move on. I need to have a life. I can't be me. I can't be, this ridiculous excuse for Scott, indefinitely. One, civilized step forward in the rest of my life, is the big step. At 28, nearly every friend I had or have; is married. Or closely in route. I'm here. I'm the biggest joke I know. I struggle with the fact that I can't make it happen. Not marriage. That I can't make a relationship work. Because it's obvious to everyone that's known me for several years, that's part of the problem. The second part of the problem is the Scott in question. But this is it. I can't be who I am forever. I can't, and I don't want to be. And now, that I'm at this juncture, I can't change it. I can't seem to do a damn thing about it. So I have to do something to set my motivation in order. I have to give myself a reason. I have to know in my mind, that I need a deadline. So when everyone asks me, Why the date? Because I have to show myself, that I'm not a worthless, nearly 30 year old, about to burn out on self esteem. I guess, I have to motivate myself to show everyone, that I'm not that guy. So I'm struggling to find something to work from, as is painfully aware.
So then, Why do I feel such pressure to get a real job? Because all those years ago; that was the dream I always had for myself. My great plan for life, depended on my ability to make some money. Filthy fucking piles of money. So I could escape. So I could end up being Scott to whatever extent I wanted myself to amount to. Because, subconsciously, even then I knew it was going to be such a struggle to find anyone else out there for me, I forced myself to prepare for the days alone. My plan for life still hasn't changed. To cash out. To drop totally off the grid, so to speak, at a relatively young age, and just go off. To Ted Williams my life.... To hit a home run in my last at bat, and walk right out of the stadium when I do it. To keep the whole thing a complete surprise to everyone. That dream, revolves around my ability to set up that whole scenario. So I can't wait forever. And right now seems like a great time. The people around me are great. But I'd be lying to myself again, if I said that I knew... deep down... that I wasn't capable of more than this. I think everyone else would too.
So I have to put pressure on myself, because that's what its all about. ME. That's all I have at the end of the day. I go home to myself. I don't have a wife, that cares about me or my day. I don't have anyone that ever wants to know what I do. Who cares if I make dinner? Who compliments me if I decided to go out looking nice to work at a whim? No one seems amused by my jokes at night, in those last moment before drifting to sleep. No one needs me around to hold their hand when they cry, or to kiss them whey they see me leave. No one tells me Happy Valentines Day, and means it, and no kids bring me handwritten cards with sappy, miss-spelled phrases. I don't go to a job, and make decisions people respect. I don't have any part in doing much of anything I really enjoy. And I certainly don't do anything, anyone else couldn't do.
No, I don't have any of that. It was one of those promises I made to myself a few years ago, late at night, sleeping in my car, that I know I have to keep to myself. And I do intend on making it right. Even if I write the check, and cash to myself; someone has to know that. Everything that I thought I wanted, hinges on me moving on. Its just a job. Its just a date. Its just happiness. Why does it matter when I make a decision to move in that direction? Why does any of it matter to any of us?
Monday, February 23, 2009
Quite possibly the longest sentence I have ever encountered in my
adult life
adult life
"He bid me observe it, and I should always find that the calamities of
life were shared among the upper and lower part of mankind; but
thatthe middle station had the fewest disasters, and was exposed to so
many vicissitudes as the higher or lower part of mankind; nay, they
were not subjected to so many distempers and uneasiness either of the
body or the mind, as those were who, by vicious living, luxury, and
extracagancies on one hand, or by hard labor, want of necessities, and
mean or insurficient diet on the other hand, bring distempers upon
themselves by the natural consequences of their way of living; that
the middle station of life was calculated for all kinds of virtues and
all kind of enjoyments; that peace and plenty were the handmaids of a
middle fortune; that temperance, moderation, quietness, health,
society, all agreeable diversions, and all desireable pleasures, were
the blessings attending the middle station of life; that this way men
went silently and smoothly through the world, and comfortably out of
it, not embarrassed with the lahore of the hands or of the head, not
sold to the life of slavery for daily bread, or harassed with
perplexed circumstances, which rob the soul of peace and the body of
rest; not enraged with the passion of envy, or secret burning lust of
ambition for great things; but in easy circumstances sliding gently
through the world, and sensibly tasting the sweets of living, without
the bitter; feeling that they are happy, and learning by every day's
experience to know it more sensibly. "
Daniel Defoe "Robinson Crusoe"
Sent from my iPhone
So what's on my mind. ...
First and foremost is the Jeep surgery I'll be performing tomorrow.
For some reason that damn front bumper and fascia decided to rip off
on thursday and when it did, it decided to take some stuff with it.
That means my fog lights and their respective wiring. That means my
nifty chrome grill. That means it may take some work on my part. The
only thing I'm worried about are the plastic pieces and clips. Without
any time to survey the extent of the finite damage, combined with the
knowledge of Chrylsler engineering and the infinite wisdom of making
everything of brittle plastic; it could be an interesting day or an
expensive day. Mechanically it's moderately straightforward it's never
that clear of a process until I can put my hands through it.
Secondly, on a more random link; I've been thinking a lot about energy
useage and conservation. I say random because for me I don't care
much. However I am fascinated at how inefficient a regular
incandescent light bulb is. Drawing nearly 100 watts of juice to net
about 2000 lumens of light. While todays dollar store variety CFL bulb
replacements do the same 2000 lumen of light; but only draw 25 watts
or less and produce almost no heat. I started switching bulbs out when
I moved upstairs to electrical and about five months later I have
noticed a difference in energy useage. Fascinating. Just the idea of
applying a different technology to create such a noticeable effect
fascinates me. Little things I guess. And it's not the conservation of
energy that interests me; it's the application and resulting net
efficiency that fascinates me.
Sent from my iPhone
Friday, February 13, 2009
news day, fri days
Rapelay virtual rape game banned by Amazon
A PC game that allows players to gang rape virtual women – and then
force them to have an abortion – has been banned from Amazon.
By Matthew Moore [AVAILABLE Online: UK Telegraph
<http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/technology/4611161/Rapelay-virtual-rape-game-banned-by-Amazon.html>.
Feb 13 2009]
In Rapelay, gamers direct a character to sexually assault a mother and
her two young daughters at an underground station, before raping any of
a selection female characters.
The game was intended for release just in Japan, but was on offer to
British buyers through Amazon Marketplace, the section of the online
store's website open to third-party sellers.
But Amazon has now withdrawn the game after complaints from users,
deeming it to be inappropriate. "We determined that we did not want to
be selling this particular item," a spokeswoman said.
Rapelay was developed by the Japanese production house Illusion, which
makes a number of sexually violent games for the domestic market. Their
other titles include "Battle Raper" and "Artificial Girl".
A spokesman for the company said: "We believe there is no problem with
the software, which has cleared the domestic ratings of an ethics
watchdog body."
Keith Vaz, the Labour MP for Leicester East who has previously spoken
out against computer games that promote violence, condemned the game.
"It is intolerable that anyone would purchase a game that simulates the
criminal offence of rape," he told the Belfast Telegraph.
Rapelay, which was released in 2006, encourages players to force the
virtual woman they rape to have an abortion. If they are allowed to give
birth the woman throws the player's character under a train, according
to reviews of the game. It also has a feature allowing several players
to team up against individual women.
////////////////////////////////////////////
First off.... what the hell...
Second off... why am i just hearing about this game NOW, when i CANT GET
IT????
Third off.... how much more sexually repressed, but obsessively
extroverted can Japan get?
Fourth off...... when was this game really ever a good idea to market to
anyone, backed by any company?
Fifth off..... why can Amazon japan still get it, but not brittan? must
be some sort of translation issues, where it wouldnt make sense in
english i suppose.
Sixth off...... i think we all know what video game i want for Christmas
this year!!!!
Monday, February 09, 2009
read it. just let it ride. via: The Smoking Gun Website, Feb 8th 2009.
Blow-up Doll Party
Floridian nabbed for public ménage a trois with plastic partners
FEBRUARY 5--A Florida man was arrested yesterday after he was spotted fondling and making out with a pair of blow-up dolls in a supermarket parking lot. Shoppers called cops when they spotted George Bartusek, 51, getting busy in the front seat of his 1998 Lincoln Town Car, which was parked directly in front of a Publix store. Evidence photos (seen below and here) showing Bartusek's inanimate partners were provided to TSG by the Cape Coral Police Department. According to a police report, witnesses told cops that Bartusek was "performing activity to two different blow up dolls in his vehicle that was consistent with masturbation and other simulated sexual activity." He was also spotted "aggressively" kissing the dolls. When confronted by police, Bartusek said that he was headed to Target to "get some clothes for his dolls." Bartusek, charged with breach of peace, was wearing shorts with a three-inch opening "in the crotch area." Of course, he "had no underwear on under the shorts," noted police. Bartusek is pictured at right in a Lee County Sheriff's Office mug shot.
well not a whole lot worth writing.
as well all know; sometimes thats what i say when i dont have anything to talk about.... but more often thats what i say when i really just dont want to talk about it. sigh.
i suppose it all started with me re-watching some Soprano's episodes a a couple weeks ago... in particular an episode in season 2, [Bust Out, for those keeping score] where Tony takes AJ out on the boat, and it plays out with them and Journey as the backing music. Journey will only bring a fucked up sense of reality to my life. every time i hear "donnnnnnt stop, beeeleeeeeeeeeivin'" all i can think about is the last episode of the Sopranos... so i was surprised i overlooked this 'gem' and forgot Journey made atleast one other musical apperance in the show.
journey. is sap rock. pure. 80s sap rock. but since i kept wanting to hear the songs, so closely associated with the moments in the show... i loaded it up on itunes and now its all i hear.... crappy journey songs in public. i look at this as having a field guide to birds; and now i notice specific birds among many, or notice birds where id never seen them before. fuckin journey. now i hear journey everywhere...
so that started it off. then everything else kept coming. random work related garbage. random family related garbage. random lack of love life related garbage. all in all, im blaming journey for this. then the kicker was finding someone on facebook whom; i should never, ever, have looked for. but i did. and found. and friended. and have now talked to several times. and im sure for them its like i never existed. but its not fresh anymore in my head. but its a long ways from being forgotten. but of course, a week from valentines day, it gets kicked up. god damn journey.
as well all know; sometimes thats what i say when i dont have anything to talk about.... but more often thats what i say when i really just dont want to talk about it. sigh.
i suppose it all started with me re-watching some Soprano's episodes a a couple weeks ago... in particular an episode in season 2, [Bust Out, for those keeping score] where Tony takes AJ out on the boat, and it plays out with them and Journey as the backing music. Journey will only bring a fucked up sense of reality to my life. every time i hear "donnnnnnt stop, beeeleeeeeeeeeivin'" all i can think about is the last episode of the Sopranos... so i was surprised i overlooked this 'gem' and forgot Journey made atleast one other musical apperance in the show.
journey. is sap rock. pure. 80s sap rock. but since i kept wanting to hear the songs, so closely associated with the moments in the show... i loaded it up on itunes and now its all i hear.... crappy journey songs in public. i look at this as having a field guide to birds; and now i notice specific birds among many, or notice birds where id never seen them before. fuckin journey. now i hear journey everywhere...
so that started it off. then everything else kept coming. random work related garbage. random family related garbage. random lack of love life related garbage. all in all, im blaming journey for this. then the kicker was finding someone on facebook whom; i should never, ever, have looked for. but i did. and found. and friended. and have now talked to several times. and im sure for them its like i never existed. but its not fresh anymore in my head. but its a long ways from being forgotten. but of course, a week from valentines day, it gets kicked up. god damn journey.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
JOURNEY
the 80's hits rollllllll on! rollin like the
WHEEL IN THE SKY!
get out your dusty, stringy mullets, pinch off your testicles, and roll out with your skin tight jeans, and belt it out.....
ooooooooooooooooooooo the wheel in the sky keeps on turnin!
Dancing with Myself - Billy Idol
im bringing the heat people. im dancin with my [zombie????] self, self!!! so make a fist.... crook your arm.... pose that bleached hair do.... then roll out with some gay dancing action in the cut away leather vest....
ooooh
cuz im dancing with mysel-helf!!!!!
Monday, February 02, 2009
A So-real Chain of Days
I havent put up a real post of worth here in a few days.... i suppose im over due.
the last couple of weeks ive had alot on my mind. why?
work is what it is. its work. i still havent hit the stage where everything is easy, and down hill and butter coated yet. i still have to think when people ask me questions about stuff. i have to prepare a response. i have to actually consult a fucking paper catalog to get an answer. plumbing was so much easier for me. i knew it. i shut my brain off for days sometimes. i didnt need a catalog. i knew what companies made available. all i had to do was call for accurate pricing and stock notices. im not so lucky now. so it is work.
i suppose id lie if i said my whole grandmother isssue isnt ever on my mind. it is. in different ways. we've had a series of not so good days. there is more medication now than i know about. physically, she is about where a 90 year old woman should be. mentally its changing day by day. we've had several middle of the night calls. in fact, most of the time when she calls my parents, its like we arent sure of who the person is thats calling. the voice we know. the things she says sometimes... the mood swings.... its very difficult. but then, there are some crystal clear days. after those days, ive walked out of the building asking my self, why is she here? she can be that good. names, pictures, events. even current events. we had some other pictures we found, wed never seen before. she could identify most of the people. THAT good of a day. then the thunder clouds come in... then you never know. its hard. really, shes the only grandparent ive ever had. sure, grandpa A was alive for a few years when i was really young. but even though i have memories of him, its not the same. not by a long shot.
of things on my mind. well.
potential.
really? motivational speaker tone? not so much. and yes im not really one to talk much about motivation or potential. however, i need to address it. i think, however, most people understand where im coming from and probably what i need to say.
i need to move on. and im struggling with doing that.
thats as plain as i can put it. because, i think i need to hear it too. the longer i wait, the harder its going to be to do much of anything. i have, about 4 weeks ago, turned 28; and i have ridiculously little to show for my life. its crippling me with fear, to know that i could be 30; still without a real job, still stuck living in the basement, while every one of my peers has jobs, is married, and has a family of their own. so please dont try to console me with the typical, "its not that bad" or the "you've got time" or the uninspiring "you're putting too much pressure on yourself" because its getting to me now. those are all defenses we make for ourselves, that i really dont want to make for myself. i guess, im more comfortable with the truth, although, markedly more embarrased by it.
it isnt anyone elses fault but my own. so try to read things with as little insult as possible, but without treading too deeply:
i work a dead end job. in all honesty. retail isnt going anywhere these days. its low, but steady pay. we also know there is no chance of me making descent money where i am, and even with moving its several years out. i havent been real excited about it, but its getting harder by the day to stay anwhere positive about my spot. ive been interviewing about. ive had some call backs. but i still havent gotten anything thats for an increase in salary, stature and mobility. which, really are three things im looking for.
i guess ive got to grow up. get a real job. use that potential. i have no clue where, or how. but i have to. i really dont want to be that guy that stays at this place in life for ever. i want to make more money. i want to have a more important job. i dont want to wear jeans and a glorified blue t shirt to work every day. no offense to anyone. i just dont think thats what i want for my professional life. i dont think thats why i went to college. i dont think thats why i did the things i did in college. right now im just chasing a pay check.
im chasing more than that. im chasing after things in my personal life i really dont think ill get. i said that i dont feel good about wandering towards 30. i dont. not in the shape im in. knowing that i have 2 friends left, that wont be married or have kids, or be on the way to either option. i never would have guessed that at 30 id be for want. i never knew id have it. but i never knew id be for want. i think to myself about my past relationships. about how i used to think i screwed up. how i made girls run out on me. how i pushed people out. how i couldnt pull them in. now. now i realize i am who i am. every ounce of me. its not about pulling in, or pushing away. its about not being the compatible type. someone slammed me this week in an email, because i talked at length, for spending my saturday photographing ducks and eagles on the frozen river. slammed me, because i bitch about being lonely, and single, and here i sit going on and on about ducks. i presume the link is; women dont care about ducks. they dont care about men that photography ducks. they care about men, trying to grab a tit in a smokey dance floor; or men who buy them drinks because they have cute friends. i talk about photographing ducks.
im not a serious photographer. she knew that. im not serious about saving the animals... or ducks per se. she knew that i make it an excuse. that i enjoy it. i dont enjoy being lonely. or single. or feeling like i really dont have a chance at what i want. but i guess, i enjoy myself. to go through the motions of the "ideal" courtship again, isnt something id enjoy. the bars. the money. the alcohol. the fake phone numbers. the bitchy attitudes. the lack of leads. i dont enjoy that. i guess, i sat in my chair, and i watched the ducks. i watched the trees. they sky. the sunset. i couldnt get angry about much of anything. i couldnt get angry by avoiding it and staying away from it all.
which all leads to interesting coversations we dont expect. people like to talk at me. not with me. obama, to oil. israel. wall street. football. i always find it crazy to hear them go on and on with thoughts and conclusions that just dont make sense. and when the coversation lends it, i leave a hint. i drop something on them, that makes them stop to think. but they never ask me about shit. so i walk away. then today, i got into a coversation up at the front end, coloring in a sign, while avoiding work for a while, about women and relationships. it was with someone i hadnt expected it to come from. and he kept putting me on the spot about what i want. about what im looking for. and the advice didnt really exist. just talk. but it made me think some. think about whom i would want to marry and have kids with. i cant come up with an answer any more. that troubles me. because, maybe... maybe ive drifted so far off the shore, i dont remember what the beach looks like anymore. maybe, ive become so self absorbed because of everything in my life, i know myself so well that i cant know anyone else now. it made me think about that today while we were talking.
just things i guess i should have talked about by now, that i havent really.
the last couple of weeks ive had alot on my mind. why?
work is what it is. its work. i still havent hit the stage where everything is easy, and down hill and butter coated yet. i still have to think when people ask me questions about stuff. i have to prepare a response. i have to actually consult a fucking paper catalog to get an answer. plumbing was so much easier for me. i knew it. i shut my brain off for days sometimes. i didnt need a catalog. i knew what companies made available. all i had to do was call for accurate pricing and stock notices. im not so lucky now. so it is work.
i suppose id lie if i said my whole grandmother isssue isnt ever on my mind. it is. in different ways. we've had a series of not so good days. there is more medication now than i know about. physically, she is about where a 90 year old woman should be. mentally its changing day by day. we've had several middle of the night calls. in fact, most of the time when she calls my parents, its like we arent sure of who the person is thats calling. the voice we know. the things she says sometimes... the mood swings.... its very difficult. but then, there are some crystal clear days. after those days, ive walked out of the building asking my self, why is she here? she can be that good. names, pictures, events. even current events. we had some other pictures we found, wed never seen before. she could identify most of the people. THAT good of a day. then the thunder clouds come in... then you never know. its hard. really, shes the only grandparent ive ever had. sure, grandpa A was alive for a few years when i was really young. but even though i have memories of him, its not the same. not by a long shot.
of things on my mind. well.
potential.
really? motivational speaker tone? not so much. and yes im not really one to talk much about motivation or potential. however, i need to address it. i think, however, most people understand where im coming from and probably what i need to say.
i need to move on. and im struggling with doing that.
thats as plain as i can put it. because, i think i need to hear it too. the longer i wait, the harder its going to be to do much of anything. i have, about 4 weeks ago, turned 28; and i have ridiculously little to show for my life. its crippling me with fear, to know that i could be 30; still without a real job, still stuck living in the basement, while every one of my peers has jobs, is married, and has a family of their own. so please dont try to console me with the typical, "its not that bad" or the "you've got time" or the uninspiring "you're putting too much pressure on yourself" because its getting to me now. those are all defenses we make for ourselves, that i really dont want to make for myself. i guess, im more comfortable with the truth, although, markedly more embarrased by it.
it isnt anyone elses fault but my own. so try to read things with as little insult as possible, but without treading too deeply:
i work a dead end job. in all honesty. retail isnt going anywhere these days. its low, but steady pay. we also know there is no chance of me making descent money where i am, and even with moving its several years out. i havent been real excited about it, but its getting harder by the day to stay anwhere positive about my spot. ive been interviewing about. ive had some call backs. but i still havent gotten anything thats for an increase in salary, stature and mobility. which, really are three things im looking for.
i guess ive got to grow up. get a real job. use that potential. i have no clue where, or how. but i have to. i really dont want to be that guy that stays at this place in life for ever. i want to make more money. i want to have a more important job. i dont want to wear jeans and a glorified blue t shirt to work every day. no offense to anyone. i just dont think thats what i want for my professional life. i dont think thats why i went to college. i dont think thats why i did the things i did in college. right now im just chasing a pay check.
im chasing more than that. im chasing after things in my personal life i really dont think ill get. i said that i dont feel good about wandering towards 30. i dont. not in the shape im in. knowing that i have 2 friends left, that wont be married or have kids, or be on the way to either option. i never would have guessed that at 30 id be for want. i never knew id have it. but i never knew id be for want. i think to myself about my past relationships. about how i used to think i screwed up. how i made girls run out on me. how i pushed people out. how i couldnt pull them in. now. now i realize i am who i am. every ounce of me. its not about pulling in, or pushing away. its about not being the compatible type. someone slammed me this week in an email, because i talked at length, for spending my saturday photographing ducks and eagles on the frozen river. slammed me, because i bitch about being lonely, and single, and here i sit going on and on about ducks. i presume the link is; women dont care about ducks. they dont care about men that photography ducks. they care about men, trying to grab a tit in a smokey dance floor; or men who buy them drinks because they have cute friends. i talk about photographing ducks.
im not a serious photographer. she knew that. im not serious about saving the animals... or ducks per se. she knew that i make it an excuse. that i enjoy it. i dont enjoy being lonely. or single. or feeling like i really dont have a chance at what i want. but i guess, i enjoy myself. to go through the motions of the "ideal" courtship again, isnt something id enjoy. the bars. the money. the alcohol. the fake phone numbers. the bitchy attitudes. the lack of leads. i dont enjoy that. i guess, i sat in my chair, and i watched the ducks. i watched the trees. they sky. the sunset. i couldnt get angry about much of anything. i couldnt get angry by avoiding it and staying away from it all.
which all leads to interesting coversations we dont expect. people like to talk at me. not with me. obama, to oil. israel. wall street. football. i always find it crazy to hear them go on and on with thoughts and conclusions that just dont make sense. and when the coversation lends it, i leave a hint. i drop something on them, that makes them stop to think. but they never ask me about shit. so i walk away. then today, i got into a coversation up at the front end, coloring in a sign, while avoiding work for a while, about women and relationships. it was with someone i hadnt expected it to come from. and he kept putting me on the spot about what i want. about what im looking for. and the advice didnt really exist. just talk. but it made me think some. think about whom i would want to marry and have kids with. i cant come up with an answer any more. that troubles me. because, maybe... maybe ive drifted so far off the shore, i dont remember what the beach looks like anymore. maybe, ive become so self absorbed because of everything in my life, i know myself so well that i cant know anyone else now. it made me think about that today while we were talking.
just things i guess i should have talked about by now, that i havent really.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
this editorial was pushed my way this morning, i'd never seen it. but i sure as hell can't refute any of it. ps. thanks canada for doing what the american media wont do.
Barack fools us
Whole world will pay for America's electoral mistake
by Michael Coren [available online, Toronto Sun]
A young student friend e-mailed me on Tuesday night.
"Have locked myself in my room because the place is full of little idiots -- who cannot spell Barack Obama's name and could not name one of his foreign or domestic policies -- running around screaming obscenities about George Bush, conservatives and how Sarah Palin is a bitch. I love democracy!"
Even so, the people spoke. A victory for the hysterical Oprah Winfrey, the mad racist preacher Jeremiah Wright, the mainstream media who abandoned any sense of objectivity long ago, Europeans who despise America largely because they depend on her, comics who claim to be dangerous and fearless but would not dare attack genuinely powerful special interest groups. A victory for Obama-worshippers everywhere.
A victory for the cult of the cult. A man who has done little with his life but has written about his achievements as if he had found the cure for cancer in between winning a marathon and building a nuclear reactor with his teeth. Victory for style over substance, hyperbole over history, rabble-raising over reality.
A victory for Hollywood, the most dysfunctional community in the world. Victory for Streisand, Spielberg, Soros and Sarandon.
Victory for those who prefer welfare to will and interference to independence. For those who settle for group think and herd mentality rather than those who fight for individual initiative and the right to be out of step with meagre political fashion.
Victory for a man who is no friend of freedom. He and his people have already stated that media has to be controlled so as to be balanced, without realizing the extraordinary irony within that statement. Like most liberal zealots, the Obama worshippers constantly speak of Fox and Limbaugh, when the vast bulk of television stations and newspapers are drastically liberal and anti-conservative.
Senior Democrat Chuck Schumer said that just as pornography should be censored, so should talk radio. In other words, one of the few free and open means of popular expression may well be cornered and beaten by bullies who even in triumph cannot tolerate any criticism and opposition.
WEAK TOWARD ENEMIES
A victory for those who believe the state is better qualified to raise children than the family, for those who prefer teachers' unions to teaching and for those who are naively convinced that if the West is sufficiently weak towards its enemies, war and terror will dissolve as quickly as the tears on the face of a leftist celebrity.
A victory for social democracy even after most of Europe has come to the painful conclusion that social democracy leads to mediocrity, failure, unemployment, inflation, higher taxes and economic stagnation. A victory for intrusive lawyers, banal sentimentalists, social extremists and urban snobs.
Also a defeat for one of the weakest presidential candidates in living memory.
Why would anyone vote for a man who seemed incapable of outlining his policies and instead repeatedly emphasized a noble but, if we are candid, largely irrelevant war record?
He was joined by a woman who was defended so vehemently by her supporters when it was cuttingly evident that she is years away from being, and perhaps never will be, a serious candidate for senior national office.
Most of all it was a terrible defeat for democracy and the United States. A politician of nothing defeated a nothing politician and a credulous electorate screamed in adoration. I fear we will all suffer very much indeed.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
So a small iPhone update for anyone that cares to read. It's surprising how well I have integrated this gadget into my daily habits already. granted I'm sure a good portion of that underlying reason is discovery of features and fascination in general. But with less than a week of use I've probably sent 30% of my text messages for the month. Which surprises me. Sure I still send the bulk of them off and on to one person, but I find I'd send longer messages now and with more numerous responses to peoples comments. Plus I do kinda like the ability to update my blog on the road now ( of course on a year I get no real vacation ) and I'm an absolute junkie for the built in / ship in Weather App. Seriously. No waiting for the news no papers no websites, just the current conditions and a five day forecast sent for my zip code updated as often as I wish to check it. Stupefyingly simple, yet practical.
Enough of that.
Other things:
We officially coronated the King of the United States today. If you take offense to that; I hope you keep reading. Because, lets cut the shit off the turd here people; if you honestly think this means something, it doesn't. If you think this is the end to economic disparity in the wild; note that the DOW dropped 500 points since his official installation. If you think it was a "people's showing" of affection, remind yourself in a cash strapped country, we dropped 172 million; dollars just to put this fucking freak show circus on the road. Mad? I am. Thats like being shaken down for a buck by a boy in a girl scout outfit. Something isn't right. It's about the same as ripping a buck from every tax paying US citizen just for this. To spend on himself. Great start in my book, from a guy who says says he isn't going to raise taxes, but between him and his vice president can't figure out what the cut off is, or how it works. And don't start me on the new presidential Cadillac limo. Thats just a matter of national security. Riiiiight.
We granted him his crown, and his plush robes. What have we been granted in response? Judging by the garbage run on the boob tube the past couple days, its some sort of reborn MLK. King had beliefs. This guy? He has Chicago politics in his socialisim lined suit pockets. We were treated to equality? Really. Hes arab folks. But since skin tone doesn't matter in our advanced minds, obviously we aren't looking at that.... are we media? Are we? Definetly not in every carefully panned shot of the clearly black americans, tears and hankies in hand, sprayed all over the screen today. Give me a break. These people that profess love for this guy, are potentially even bigger lunatics than he and his pack of handlers are. In love with what? The same way I love donuts? The same way I love my landlord? The same way I love my country? Clearly not. When people ask me why I sound so bitter about the whoel mess, I remind them, that just how little of and effect a president actually has on their daily life. When the Great Messiah of the Masses tells you he's going to cut taxes; he can't. That's Congress. When He, The Holy of Holyness, tells you hes going to "change how we do things", tell yourself that hes just changing WHO is doing things, but the same shit will happen. When He, of He's sermons on world peace and global warming; remind your self people are dying just to start new wars, and no one, can stop the course of nature. Remind yourself, like we need to every generation when this gets out of hand, that he is a man, among men, that all are fallible. You entrust the peace and security of the nation and of the world, to a man whom is wise and, able bodied and practical. This is a man who is younger than our parents. For me, by more than 10 years. Corruption will occur, scandals will happen, poor judgment will abound. Lets just not all rush to wipe our feet off his red carpet when you realize you stepped in a big pile of "love." Hussein Obama will not pay your mortgage for you. He wont hold your hand and kiss you when you die of cancer. He wont cradle your children when your house burns down in a forrest fire. He will dive in front of the cameras, he will play up your repulsive sense of attraction to him, and it will all sing the praises of His Greatness' Greatness.
In other words.
So freaking what?
I haven't seen anything to make me ooooh and aaaaah over. I haven't seen one solid policy produced. I haven't seen anything designed and implemented by his hands alone, that he couldn't some how shrink back to the 'workshop' with his handlers to service. What I have seen is a man, who was elected to the US Senate that showed up for less than 200 instances in a six year term, who belongs to a racially divisive church, who keeps a private prayer minister who is openly linked to a known harbinger of terrorism [hamas], who some how has everyone eating out of his hand. Remember. Hes just the president. How many times has the president brought YOU breakfast in bed? Or bought you your soda at the machine because you were short a quarter? Lets get realistic about this. Have your day, but it all starts at zero in the morning.
Enough of that.
Other things:
We officially coronated the King of the United States today. If you take offense to that; I hope you keep reading. Because, lets cut the shit off the turd here people; if you honestly think this means something, it doesn't. If you think this is the end to economic disparity in the wild; note that the DOW dropped 500 points since his official installation. If you think it was a "people's showing" of affection, remind yourself in a cash strapped country, we dropped 172 million; dollars just to put this fucking freak show circus on the road. Mad? I am. Thats like being shaken down for a buck by a boy in a girl scout outfit. Something isn't right. It's about the same as ripping a buck from every tax paying US citizen just for this. To spend on himself. Great start in my book, from a guy who says says he isn't going to raise taxes, but between him and his vice president can't figure out what the cut off is, or how it works. And don't start me on the new presidential Cadillac limo. Thats just a matter of national security. Riiiiight.
We granted him his crown, and his plush robes. What have we been granted in response? Judging by the garbage run on the boob tube the past couple days, its some sort of reborn MLK. King had beliefs. This guy? He has Chicago politics in his socialisim lined suit pockets. We were treated to equality? Really. Hes arab folks. But since skin tone doesn't matter in our advanced minds, obviously we aren't looking at that.... are we media? Are we? Definetly not in every carefully panned shot of the clearly black americans, tears and hankies in hand, sprayed all over the screen today. Give me a break. These people that profess love for this guy, are potentially even bigger lunatics than he and his pack of handlers are. In love with what? The same way I love donuts? The same way I love my landlord? The same way I love my country? Clearly not. When people ask me why I sound so bitter about the whoel mess, I remind them, that just how little of and effect a president actually has on their daily life. When the Great Messiah of the Masses tells you he's going to cut taxes; he can't. That's Congress. When He, The Holy of Holyness, tells you hes going to "change how we do things", tell yourself that hes just changing WHO is doing things, but the same shit will happen. When He, of He's sermons on world peace and global warming; remind your self people are dying just to start new wars, and no one, can stop the course of nature. Remind yourself, like we need to every generation when this gets out of hand, that he is a man, among men, that all are fallible. You entrust the peace and security of the nation and of the world, to a man whom is wise and, able bodied and practical. This is a man who is younger than our parents. For me, by more than 10 years. Corruption will occur, scandals will happen, poor judgment will abound. Lets just not all rush to wipe our feet off his red carpet when you realize you stepped in a big pile of "love." Hussein Obama will not pay your mortgage for you. He wont hold your hand and kiss you when you die of cancer. He wont cradle your children when your house burns down in a forrest fire. He will dive in front of the cameras, he will play up your repulsive sense of attraction to him, and it will all sing the praises of His Greatness' Greatness.
In other words.
So freaking what?
I haven't seen anything to make me ooooh and aaaaah over. I haven't seen one solid policy produced. I haven't seen anything designed and implemented by his hands alone, that he couldn't some how shrink back to the 'workshop' with his handlers to service. What I have seen is a man, who was elected to the US Senate that showed up for less than 200 instances in a six year term, who belongs to a racially divisive church, who keeps a private prayer minister who is openly linked to a known harbinger of terrorism [hamas], who some how has everyone eating out of his hand. Remember. Hes just the president. How many times has the president brought YOU breakfast in bed? Or bought you your soda at the machine because you were short a quarter? Lets get realistic about this. Have your day, but it all starts at zero in the morning.
Stryper - Free
strrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrryper!
the home of the curly, poofy, sculpted 80's glam mullet. absolutely bitchin' absolutely 'no better time than nooooooooow' you can't loose, you're free! free to choose your [mullets] own destiny! freeeee!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Well it's not that I can't do this from my box that's three feet away from me: but I'd thought I'd give this truely moblogging thing a shot. So here I am direct from cyberspace via my cellular network via my iPhone with no middle man, is my post!
Neato.
Now before everyone starts up with me about my typical anti apple stance (which makes this whole experience ironic) let me state for the record that I had no intention of getting an iPhone. none. I had never even touched one before I wandered into my cell shop. I had planned on getting something from rim or the samsung epix really for the keyboard and wifi abilities. Touch screen was nice as an incidental feature but I wasn't (and am still on the fence) crazy about touch screen ONLY devices. For obvious reasons that my large fingers wish to stay silent on.
But after talking it over with the sales rep (whom yes was hot) I casually looked over the iPhone features. Which when you combine physical form factor with features at pricing made it suddenly an attractive device. So I played so more. With bluetooth (which I'll never go with out again) wifi 3g network Internet and a way to peg my real world email in my phone, I gave it a go.
So far the downsides are what they thought they were. I'm not crazy about touch screen everything. And I have a disdain for the frustratingly apple over simplification of every thing. And I have an out and out hatred for iTunes as my sole pc link. But life isn't bad. Apps help. My typing and err correction software are getting along better than I thought. And lastly I love the interconnectedness I get with this thing. So post one here we are!
Sent from my iPhone
Neato.
Now before everyone starts up with me about my typical anti apple stance (which makes this whole experience ironic) let me state for the record that I had no intention of getting an iPhone. none. I had never even touched one before I wandered into my cell shop. I had planned on getting something from rim or the samsung epix really for the keyboard and wifi abilities. Touch screen was nice as an incidental feature but I wasn't (and am still on the fence) crazy about touch screen ONLY devices. For obvious reasons that my large fingers wish to stay silent on.
But after talking it over with the sales rep (whom yes was hot) I casually looked over the iPhone features. Which when you combine physical form factor with features at pricing made it suddenly an attractive device. So I played so more. With bluetooth (which I'll never go with out again) wifi 3g network Internet and a way to peg my real world email in my phone, I gave it a go.
So far the downsides are what they thought they were. I'm not crazy about touch screen everything. And I have a disdain for the frustratingly apple over simplification of every thing. And I have an out and out hatred for iTunes as my sole pc link. But life isn't bad. Apps help. My typing and err correction software are getting along better than I thought. And lastly I love the interconnectedness I get with this thing. So post one here we are!
Sent from my iPhone
Saturday, January 17, 2009
KISS-Heaven's On Fire
bitchin' the 80's music video needs a comeback. who better than 80's - no - make - up - kiss ? huh? who? NO ONE better!
ohhhhhhhhhhh Heaven's on Fiiiiiire!!!!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
normally this time of year feels like crunch time. i owe the world [or at least the literate portion that can access these scraps of gilded lines] my yearly review of crap no one cares about, much like everyone else does. and its still coming! instead i need to go back a few steps and get my mind started on some other things i'd been meaning to talk about but just never had the time to do so.
first of which; was my experience in Rockford in octemberish with the "living history" event. which is such a farse. it implies that things are done in accordance with how it SHOULD have been done. for the most part, while in view, things proceeded well. i am talking about a grand display of world war II things... all things... military, civic, and horse like. yes. periodically nerds who are interested in polishing the reputation of the greatest generation, gather, dress in their clothes, and amuse themselves by firing blanks. its a hoot. anyhow. why me? well thats a tough question. ive slowly sunk to that nerd level. but my excuse is a pure historical vantage of the subject. some personal history is included. while it has been fashionable to talk or handle or film anything from that period for the last few years, ive continued to dig deeper into la la land myself. i am that guy, ive learned. no one doubts this. so. more history, more reading. my collection is now a shelf, which is a point of pride. the next fascination was seeing some artifacts, which i dont have.
see for most people, they have a relative who served in the war that left things behind, if they themselves arent around to testify. i really dont. one grandfather was ineligible for service [he was missing a leg since childhood --- a long story!], and the other? well he died years before i was even born. making my interactions with history, quite slim. what we do have are some things that just whetted my appetite for more. really, in the last 3 years or so, with this whole mess of my grandmother moving and such, we've unearthed a lot of things that we didnt know we had. she, like many of her generation, clung to some things [mainly memories and odd sentimental things], but disposed of copious amounts of tangible things that two generations post, would have delighted in seeing. case in point, grandpa ralph's uniform, service ribbons and the like were tossed. he kept them. she wanted no part in it. the real complication of all of it though, was him. granpa ralph, as my mom tells me, would have greatly enjoyed someone like me to tell all about the war. she reminds me how similar in attitude i must have been to him at that point in his life. we would be close to the same age, which would be fairly old for front line service, but a detriment to those near us due to maturity and skills. that is, presuiming i have any.
any way: the story goes that he took tons of pictures, wrote letters, documented things, and managed to learn some french as he went around the towns in an armored unit. [this parallels my fathers side; where my uncle Barlo met his wife Flora in the service. remember, his side is the mexican side, native speaking, and when they were in spain, litteraly walking in formation, he heard people speaking spanish... which he tells us, was the only one in his unit, and he started talking to the civillians. eventually he married Flora, the mans daughter whom he struck up that random conversation with... merely because spanish was something he hadnt heard since leaving the US]. grandpa ralph though, enjoyed his time from what im told. to me, the information would have been a gold mine. to people that lived through the war, even on the homefront, it wasnt worth talking about, let alone bragging about. so. what we have come across are some limited medical records, discharge papers, and pictures of servicemen we dont know. all fascinating to me, giving me some historical perspective to really learn about the conflict in detail.
enter Rockford. the closest, largest, event in this part of the country. it was a hell of an opportunity to see things more closely. plus a chance to take some pictures. to put it mildly, it was a small slice of heaven for me. my biggest regret is not going back for a second day [ but lets face it, it would be a repeat]. even though my co workers laugh at me for, ive added some ww2 fashion to my closet as well, due to the vendors on hand. without a lot of detail, different groups do their best to re enact life in these units. sure, the famous ones are present, like airborne units; but even some less sexy units are recruited... representing WAC, nursing corps, navy units, and mounted cavalry units. both US and German units, with a few other groups as well... Polish, Brittish, Italian and Russian. all complete in uniforms, gear and weapons. weapons..... including tanks and other mechanized units. i couldnt stress how much it made me feel like a kid. to me, it was the immediate equivilent of sitting on grandpa's knee and living the stories in my mind; but with real cloth, steel and horse shit. any how. some of my pictures from it:but just as one stark memory, which has stuck in my mind. the entire even is laid around a fictitional town, with a pretty good size area all told, and the units dig in and camp in the wooded areas around it. [which in its self, is fascinating, considering the degree of detail to the trenches some units dug... by hand... just for this event] but walking from the town to the camps through small wooded runs, they have set out mock battle objectives for people to see. after being stopped by the first battle for the main street [the pictures are showing most of that, complete with casulties], i emerged into the woods. where i could smell the gun powder. i felt nervous. i
was walking and listening. i could hear the sounds of running.... the jingling, the scuffles, branches rattling. then i heard german. german comands then german rifles. people in front of me, in typical plaid shorts and knee high sock tourist outfits, stopped and covered their ears, kids cried. but to me. it was as close as i can ever come to being in the middle of it. by sound i could tell they were german rifles. i could tell how far they were spaced out. it was amazing. the crowd stopped and gawked. more rifles. i then noticed id ducked down, for no reason than instinct i suppose, and started running towards the gun fire. then i heard US small arms fire. thats why i was running. to see it. to join in. to be there. it was surreal though. running into gunfire. smelling it. hearing it. feeling it. knowing it. to me, it made the entire experience worth more than money.
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