I am now officially on Tumblr. I'm moving the entire blog over there.
Im not sure why... Tumblr just seems more efficient. It is mostly for short blogs I guess, and if you've read my blogs, you know I'm not a concise, get-to-the-point person. However, there is a community of Tumblr users that want to change the "short blog" connotation of Tumblr. I've found my pack.
Thank you for your support,
Sam
http://samanthamatsuda.tumblr.com/
To import Blogger to Tumblr I used this:
http://terrymhung.com/jtran/tumblr/import-blogger-to-tumblr.php
Thanks to Jon (the creator) for the help. Make sure blog feed is on full for blogger.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
The Great Boston Molasses Flood
I'm truly amazed about all the history I'm learning from my chemistry filled summer. Its mostly been about bored men who liked to make things go boom, but last week was very interesting.
This mass amount of molasses destroyed two city blocks, killed 21 people, and injured 150. Lungs filled with the viscous liquid, the heavy goo pulls the innocent under to suffocate by molasses... It's almost too disturbing to believe.
"Molasses, waist deep, covered the street and swirled and bubbled about the wreckage. Here and there struggled a form — whether it was animal or human being was impossible to tell. Only an upheaval, a thrashing about in the sticky mass, showed where any life was... Horses died like so many flies on sticky fly-paper. The more they struggled, the deeper in the mess they were ensnared. Human beings — men and women — suffered likewise." - Stephen Puleo
I'm sure you can imagine the clean up. Howie Mandel's worst nightmare, yet Rush Limbaugh's dream come true...
The cause of the problem seems unclear. From a chemist's perspective, wild yeast got into the tank and built up the pressure. US Industrial Alcohol Company was using some of the molasses to get alcohol for munition. So during that time the blame was placed on anarchist sabotage. USIAC paid $600,000 (keep in mind inflation).
The USIAC land is now a baseball field.
"On January 15, 1919, a molasses tank at 529 Commercial Street exploded under pressure, killing 21 people. A 40-foot wave of molasses buckled the elevated railroad tracks, crushed buildings and inundated the neighborhood. Structural defects in the tank combined with unseasonably warm temperatures contributed to the disaster." - plaque in Puopolo Park
Wikipedia: HERE
As for the story about the kid who tried to drink his alcohol experiment from his flask.. well apparently it didn't taste like rum...
Ok, three tests and a formal lab report next week so I won't be blogging for awhile.
BTW. This is so sad! Paris Jackson speaks about her dad. I'll admit, a tear may have escaped... I mean Organic Chemistry overload, MJ's death, and the constant fear of drowning in molasses... living on planet Earth is hard!
Also, my buddy AJ is gonna live off $10 of food this whole week. Check out his journey here.
We did a lab where we fermented molasses to get alcohol. A bunch of college kids making alcohol... I could tell this lab would be interesting. If my teacher's story about the student who tried to drink their alcohol from a flask wasn't intriguing enough, well this Great Boston Molasses Flood story did the trick.
On January 15, 1919 a United States Industrial Alcohol Company (USIAC) storage tank of molasses exploded in North End of Boston, Massachusetts. This 50 ft tall x 90 ft diameter tank of approximately 2.3 million gallons of molasses ruptured, creating a wall of molasses that moved at 35 mph. Yes, 2.3 million gallons of molasses will come after you at 35 mph (56 km/h).
"Molasses, waist deep, covered the street and swirled and bubbled about the wreckage. Here and there struggled a form — whether it was animal or human being was impossible to tell. Only an upheaval, a thrashing about in the sticky mass, showed where any life was... Horses died like so many flies on sticky fly-paper. The more they struggled, the deeper in the mess they were ensnared. Human beings — men and women — suffered likewise." - Stephen Puleo
I'm sure you can imagine the clean up. Howie Mandel's worst nightmare, yet Rush Limbaugh's dream come true...
The cause of the problem seems unclear. From a chemist's perspective, wild yeast got into the tank and built up the pressure. US Industrial Alcohol Company was using some of the molasses to get alcohol for munition. So during that time the blame was placed on anarchist sabotage. USIAC paid $600,000 (keep in mind inflation).
The USIAC land is now a baseball field.
"On January 15, 1919, a molasses tank at 529 Commercial Street exploded under pressure, killing 21 people. A 40-foot wave of molasses buckled the elevated railroad tracks, crushed buildings and inundated the neighborhood. Structural defects in the tank combined with unseasonably warm temperatures contributed to the disaster." - plaque in Puopolo Park
Wikipedia: HERE
As for the story about the kid who tried to drink his alcohol experiment from his flask.. well apparently it didn't taste like rum...
Ok, three tests and a formal lab report next week so I won't be blogging for awhile.
BTW. This is so sad! Paris Jackson speaks about her dad. I'll admit, a tear may have escaped... I mean Organic Chemistry overload, MJ's death, and the constant fear of drowning in molasses... living on planet Earth is hard!
Also, my buddy AJ is gonna live off $10 of food this whole week. Check out his journey here.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Iran Election 2009 - It's not over.
"I swear to the Lord, I still can't see, why Democracy means, everybody but me." -Langston Hughes
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is now the president of Iran. An unfortunate result, but the fight by the Iranian people will not go unforgotten. On June 12, 2009, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was announced the winner of Iran's presidential election. However, within hours there was talk of the polling being rigged. For the past two weeks the people of Iran have been on the streets protesting the results. The color green no longer a mere color, but a representation of their hopeful future and support for candidate Mir-Hossein Mousavi. Their chanting of "Allahu Akbar" (God is great) and "Death to Basaji" unite their single voices into a strong message to their government.
However, this behavior was unacceptable to the Iran government. Most of the abusers were Basaji, power-hungry, gun-crazy men. The Basaji and police travelled the streets in small groups attacking the nearest protester. And by attack, I mean beating with batons and shooting with guns. This is when the internet proved to be it's greatest, especially twitter. People in Iran used twitter and youtube to tweet and upload videos after reporters were kicked out.
The tweets and videos were hard to comprehend. The brutality was worse than many expected. It gave viewers an insight into the struggle these protesters endured, just to have the same freedom Americans take for granted. These people were punished for their freedom of speech, a virtue in the States but taboo in Iran. The video, which broke hearts and ignited much anger, was the video of Neda's death. A young woman who gets shot as she stands outside to witness the change of her country.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is now the president of Iran. An unfortunate result, but the fight by the Iranian people will not go unforgotten. On June 12, 2009, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was announced the winner of Iran's presidential election. However, within hours there was talk of the polling being rigged. For the past two weeks the people of Iran have been on the streets protesting the results. The color green no longer a mere color, but a representation of their hopeful future and support for candidate Mir-Hossein Mousavi. Their chanting of "Allahu Akbar" (God is great) and "Death to Basaji" unite their single voices into a strong message to their government.
However, this behavior was unacceptable to the Iran government. Most of the abusers were Basaji, power-hungry, gun-crazy men. The Basaji and police travelled the streets in small groups attacking the nearest protester. And by attack, I mean beating with batons and shooting with guns. This is when the internet proved to be it's greatest, especially twitter. People in Iran used twitter and youtube to tweet and upload videos after reporters were kicked out.
The tweets and videos were hard to comprehend. The brutality was worse than many expected. It gave viewers an insight into the struggle these protesters endured, just to have the same freedom Americans take for granted. These people were punished for their freedom of speech, a virtue in the States but taboo in Iran. The video, which broke hearts and ignited much anger, was the video of Neda's death. A young woman who gets shot as she stands outside to witness the change of her country.
After a partial recount (where 10% of the ballots are counted recounted) Ahmadinejad was announced the president again. More fowl play?
Possibly.
It's not over. Just because Ahmadinejad has become president. The rest of the world has seen this battle, the wrong doing, and the suffering. Now more than ever is the time to stand together and understand the value of unity and support.
Ahmadinejad - doesn't like the United States, is in denial of the Holocaust, supports Iran's nuclear program. more
Kind of a half crap blog considering the subject. This blog certainly doesnt encompass the reality of what happened. But i'm glad to have been able to witness the power and strength in people. Unfortunately, people died and were severely injured as a result of their journey to freedom.
Below are a couple vids. For more check out Bravetube and Citizen Tube Youtube.
Ahmadinejad - doesn't like the United States, is in denial of the Holocaust, supports Iran's nuclear program. more
Kind of a half crap blog considering the subject. This blog certainly doesnt encompass the reality of what happened. But i'm glad to have been able to witness the power and strength in people. Unfortunately, people died and were severely injured as a result of their journey to freedom.
Below are a couple vids. For more check out Bravetube and Citizen Tube Youtube.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Summer School Suicide
Summer School
“You could take Organic Chemistry over the summer,” suggested the sorority girl who happened to be working when I entered the Biology Academic Advising office.
“Is it good to take O’Chem over the summer?” I asked, already depressed about my inability to commit to a college major.
“Yes, a lot of students take Organic Chemistry over the summer,” my Barbie doll adviser replied assuring. She made it sound like all the cool kids were doing it (as far as Biology major students go).
If I could go back in time, I’d spike her Cherry Diet Coke with hydrochloric acid… Organic Chemistry over the summer is suicide.
In the first hour of my first day, my teacher greeted us with, “your all crazy for taking this class over the summer” followed by “Organic Chemistry will be your life these next couple of months. If you have a job, I don’t know how you’ll make it through this class”. By no means is he a bad teacher. In fact, he maybe on the list of my favorite teachers ever, but his “welcome to Organic Chemistry speech” made me tremble.
But he was right.
Monday
First day of school, I had over 100 pages cumulative from three different textbooks. I had a pre-lab due because I have the lab class on the next day, then I topped the night off with over 20 homework questions that we would go over beginning of next class.
Tuesday
My second day was no joy ride either. After finishing lab class, which took almost 4 hours, I returned to my room to finish homework assignment 1, start and finish homework assignment 2, read the entire chapter of 2 and study for my exam the next day. Yes, that’s right. I had an exam on my third day of summer school.
Wednesday
The exam itself wasn’t too hard. In fact it was comical in several ways. The teacher spent the first two hours of class going over chapter 2, so that was basically review for the exam. Then five minutes into the exam the fire alarm rang. Of course, there was suspicion of it being a fellow classmate, however that alarm didn’t help me one bit. I felt the information slowly leaking out of my brain. 20 minutes later we were back in the classroom drawing molecular structures and spewing out fancy terminology.
After finishing classes I came back home to read up on my next lab and do my pre-lab for Thursday’s lab. I also finished my lab report and read parts of Chapter 3, as well as start on that homework.
Thursday
Lab class took 3 hours and 30 minutes. Ready to sleep. Hanging with roommate for now. Preparing for a O’Chem filled weekend.
Deaths
I feel like I should have felt an earthquake or shiver. I feel like I should have felt something at the moment he left earth. This world doesn’t feel the same. It boggles my mind as to how the world keeps turning.
If you can’t tell, I was a Jackson fan, and I was probably the only one in my high school. The guy was a legend and had an impact in everyone’s life, no matter what your views of him were. He revolutionized music and influenced so many musicians.
Everyone feels bad for Ferrah Fassett because she hasn’t been getting as much attention. Unfortunately, she passed away today as well. But if you think about it, in a time of death I would think the family would want privacy and not so much attention. So I don’t really feel sorry that her death isn’t attracting so much attention but I do feel incredibly sorry for the family. She was a beautiful, beautiful woman and seemed like a fantastic actor. Hopefully, her family will be able to recover in privacy and at their own pace.
I also hope the Jackson family finds comfort and can grieve in peace.
Michael Jackson died from cardiac arrest (when the hear instantly stops pumping blood, the heart then quivers, which is known as cardiac fibrillation). I think my roommate said he went into a coma, possibly before the cardiac arrest. Autopsy will tell doctors if he suffered from a heart attack before the cardiac arrest.
Eerie: Jackson was selling all his stuff, possibly for financial purposes. It’s a belief that some people get an unconscious premonition of their death, forcing them to do abnormal acts. Signing a will, getting life insurance, selling prized possessions…. Interesting how life works sometimes.
Whoever said life is fair lived a very sheltered, unfulfilled life.
So RIP King of Pop and Ferrah Fassett. Also, RIP to Ed McMahon and David Carradine. And all those who are dying for the protest again the Iranian government. They are risking their life for the freedom of speech Americans take for granted. They are incredibly brave people. Also, to all those who have left their families on Earth.
“You could take Organic Chemistry over the summer,” suggested the sorority girl who happened to be working when I entered the Biology Academic Advising office.
“Is it good to take O’Chem over the summer?” I asked, already depressed about my inability to commit to a college major.
“Yes, a lot of students take Organic Chemistry over the summer,” my Barbie doll adviser replied assuring. She made it sound like all the cool kids were doing it (as far as Biology major students go).
If I could go back in time, I’d spike her Cherry Diet Coke with hydrochloric acid… Organic Chemistry over the summer is suicide.
In the first hour of my first day, my teacher greeted us with, “your all crazy for taking this class over the summer” followed by “Organic Chemistry will be your life these next couple of months. If you have a job, I don’t know how you’ll make it through this class”. By no means is he a bad teacher. In fact, he maybe on the list of my favorite teachers ever, but his “welcome to Organic Chemistry speech” made me tremble.
But he was right.
Monday
First day of school, I had over 100 pages cumulative from three different textbooks. I had a pre-lab due because I have the lab class on the next day, then I topped the night off with over 20 homework questions that we would go over beginning of next class.
Tuesday
My second day was no joy ride either. After finishing lab class, which took almost 4 hours, I returned to my room to finish homework assignment 1, start and finish homework assignment 2, read the entire chapter of 2 and study for my exam the next day. Yes, that’s right. I had an exam on my third day of summer school.
Wednesday
The exam itself wasn’t too hard. In fact it was comical in several ways. The teacher spent the first two hours of class going over chapter 2, so that was basically review for the exam. Then five minutes into the exam the fire alarm rang. Of course, there was suspicion of it being a fellow classmate, however that alarm didn’t help me one bit. I felt the information slowly leaking out of my brain. 20 minutes later we were back in the classroom drawing molecular structures and spewing out fancy terminology.
After finishing classes I came back home to read up on my next lab and do my pre-lab for Thursday’s lab. I also finished my lab report and read parts of Chapter 3, as well as start on that homework.
Thursday
Lab class took 3 hours and 30 minutes. Ready to sleep. Hanging with roommate for now. Preparing for a O’Chem filled weekend.
Deaths
I feel like I should have felt an earthquake or shiver. I feel like I should have felt something at the moment he left earth. This world doesn’t feel the same. It boggles my mind as to how the world keeps turning.
If you can’t tell, I was a Jackson fan, and I was probably the only one in my high school. The guy was a legend and had an impact in everyone’s life, no matter what your views of him were. He revolutionized music and influenced so many musicians.
Everyone feels bad for Ferrah Fassett because she hasn’t been getting as much attention. Unfortunately, she passed away today as well. But if you think about it, in a time of death I would think the family would want privacy and not so much attention. So I don’t really feel sorry that her death isn’t attracting so much attention but I do feel incredibly sorry for the family. She was a beautiful, beautiful woman and seemed like a fantastic actor. Hopefully, her family will be able to recover in privacy and at their own pace.
I also hope the Jackson family finds comfort and can grieve in peace.
Michael Jackson died from cardiac arrest (when the hear instantly stops pumping blood, the heart then quivers, which is known as cardiac fibrillation). I think my roommate said he went into a coma, possibly before the cardiac arrest. Autopsy will tell doctors if he suffered from a heart attack before the cardiac arrest.
Eerie: Jackson was selling all his stuff, possibly for financial purposes. It’s a belief that some people get an unconscious premonition of their death, forcing them to do abnormal acts. Signing a will, getting life insurance, selling prized possessions…. Interesting how life works sometimes.
Whoever said life is fair lived a very sheltered, unfulfilled life.
So RIP King of Pop and Ferrah Fassett. Also, RIP to Ed McMahon and David Carradine. And all those who are dying for the protest again the Iranian government. They are risking their life for the freedom of speech Americans take for granted. They are incredibly brave people. Also, to all those who have left their families on Earth.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Top 10 Signs of Science Passion
Yes, I'm going to start doing Top 10s, their fun to do and quick. I just got my grades for the term and I passed Chemistry and Physics. I'm psyched, and my procrastination lesson is learned (not really). Plus, I now know the value of reading. Beyond the colorful diagrams and monotonous words, there are answers to questions that will be on the final... who knew...
So Top 10 Signs of Science Passion
10. Swatting a fly = autopsy practice.
9. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit does nothing compared to those white coat models.
8. Idea of an experiment - eat as many potatoes as possible, then touch a electrical outlet.
7. Family Guy isn't stupid, it's ingenious physics at work.
6. Cookbooks become laboratory notebooks and the kitchen becomes a chemistry lab.
5. The reason you have a fish tank is to take the pH reading.
4. Moldy bread isn't disgusting... fungus is a beautiful thriving pet.
3. U claim u hold a grudge against Ben Franklin and his key kite, but secretly he is ur Superman.
2. You dream of spooning with Spock and Scotty
1. Madam Curie is hotter than Jennifer Love Hewitt.
As for the situation in Iran... very sad to see what's happening. I came across some pictures and video that shows this is more than an America's Next Top Model audition... these are actual people living in reality, protesting for something they believe in.
iReport Pictures
So Top 10 Signs of Science Passion
10. Swatting a fly = autopsy practice.
9. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit does nothing compared to those white coat models.
8. Idea of an experiment - eat as many potatoes as possible, then touch a electrical outlet.
7. Family Guy isn't stupid, it's ingenious physics at work.
6. Cookbooks become laboratory notebooks and the kitchen becomes a chemistry lab.
5. The reason you have a fish tank is to take the pH reading.
4. Moldy bread isn't disgusting... fungus is a beautiful thriving pet.
3. U claim u hold a grudge against Ben Franklin and his key kite, but secretly he is ur Superman.
2. You dream of spooning with Spock and Scotty
1. Madam Curie is hotter than Jennifer Love Hewitt.
As for the situation in Iran... very sad to see what's happening. I came across some pictures and video that shows this is more than an America's Next Top Model audition... these are actual people living in reality, protesting for something they believe in.
iReport Pictures
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Nuclear Immaturity
This is Laura Ling and Euna Lee and they maybe the two bravest woman in the world, right now. While doing an assignment for Al Gore's Current TV, they were caught at an "unclearly marked border" (from what I heard on CNN) between China and North Korea. North Korea arrested the woman on March 17, 2009 for trespassing illegally in NK. Their trial was last week Thursday (6/4/09), and this past Monday (6/4/09) it was released that the woman have been convicted and sentenced to 12 years of hard labor.
...12 years as prisoners in North Korea...
It may have been their tour guide who tattle-tailed to NK, they may have crossed the border, or they maybe completely innocent... No matter what really happened, their future is still a mystery with a heavy sense of danger. These woman have become pawns in a game. A game, which includes nuclear weapons and an unsettled war.
North Korea maybe cultivating more passionate haters, but they're successfully spreading fear. Their absentminded nuclear missile test runs and announcement of atomic bomb ingredients send a shiver down every country's spine. Weapons of mass destruction are in the hands of the immature North Korean government. The balance has shifted out of peaceful favors.
North Korea is a unique force, where caution must be harnessed. This nation is under the influence of a overpowering dictator, keeping his society in isolation. This nation has tested their nuclear devices two times previously... careless testing (October 6, 2009 & May 25, 2009). This nation also has enough plutonium to create over half a dozen nuclear bombs, and sales to other countries haven't been ruled out.
So my heart goes out to Laura Ling, Euna Lee, and their families. The struggle to wake up everyday without the comfort of safety must be agonizing. The longing for a reconnection, a sign of strength and survival everyday... I cannot imagine. I can only hope that the US government can make a deal with North Korea to release these woman asap. To North Korea, they maybe prizes for flaunting or tools to regain power... But to America, these woman are daughters and wives... (Euna is the mother to a young girl). If u want a twitter source you can follow @LiberateLaura.
If there is one thing i've learned from my recent marathons of Star Trek, it's that peace is a form of maturity. Using anger to fight fire with fire yields escalating tension, oppression, and Scotty in the captain's chair. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing that turns me on more than seeing Shatner's shirt get ripped off or watching Spock use his voluptuous brain waves, but violence has a limit. It's time we realize that we are not Gorns or Klingons... And it is a dream to believe that one day we will coincide with the Denevas and North Korea. Energy spirits eat kim chee too!
Now I know there is some big happenings going on in Iran... And I realize I haven't talked about tweeple's anger towards CNN, but ... well ... maybe in a later blog... because I do plan on having another blog come out soon! Plus, a lot of research would go into the talk about the Iran election.
...finals... reading... summer school... term grades will be released soon... my dog ate my blog... w/e excuse u like most is my excuse to u... and now if u'll excuse me, I have laziness I need to accomplish.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Hold on, let me dust away these virtual cobwebs.
Wow, the last time I posted a blog the Obamas were trying to hit second base with the Queen and everyone still thought pigs were harmless. Well I'm sorry to have disappeared on everyone without warning. I was truly considering giving up the blog, but I just couldn't stay away for too long. And quick thanks shout out to @Itsalloso for giving me a few words of encouragement twitter style, as well as Shelly & Uncle Mike.
Well a lot has changed since my last blog post. You've probably heard about Swine Flu. I always knew pigs were out to get the human race... I mean sure Wilbur may be "terrific",
"radiant", and "humble" in English, but in Oink-enese that means "dangerous", "homicidal", and "nuclear ray gun wedging". And i'm sure some of you fell for that adorable Babe, but what they didn't show was the conspiring meetings after the cameras were turned off. ...All the different animals trying to form their own flues... Well the birds and pigs failed. What do you have for me cows?! Mad Cow disease? Oh, I'll start building the shrine...
All in all, the flu turned out to be nothing too serious. The World Health Organization was just feeling a little bored and wanted some attention. However, all joking aside, my sorrows go out to the victim's families.
In more recent news, President Obama is in Egypt. The President of the United States (POTUS) flew Air Force One over to the land of the pyramids and the sphinx in an effort to reach out to Muslim allies and enemies. In his message the President talked about reaching out to the Muslim community and his hopes of creating a new relationship. He also talked about his checklist of Mid East ordeals. Complete video and transcript available here. The speech had many abuzz. Many thought the speech was amazingly fantastic, and many thought the speech was a horrible decision. If you saw it and have an opinion, feel free to let me know what you think.
World peace wasn't the only agenda on the President's trip to Egypt; sightseeing was a must-do. While looking at some hieroglyphics on a wall, the President noticed a symbol resembling himself. The symbol is supposed to mean face.. or something like that (I think). If you haven't seen it, take a look because THAT is pretty cool. It does resemble the President, but in my opinion those Egyptians were just expressing their love for The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Check out an AC360 blog here.
In very unfortunate news, an Air France flight from Rio, Brazil to Paris is missing. On May 31, four hours after take off, Flight 447 hit violent stormy conditions. The 228 passenger flight is feared to have crashed, possibly over two miles below water surface. According to AC360, at 11:13 pm the main computer failed and one minute later cabin pressure was lost and there was complete electrical failure. The last messages from the plane were the only record of lift off. No wreckage was found until today, June 6, when two bodies and a briefcase were discovered. To fathom the fear in that plane while it was going down is beyond me, and much condolences to the families. (more info)
In more solemn news, Brock and Devina Husted were stabbed to death in their Ventura, California beachfront home. Heartbreakingly, it was their 9 year old son who found his parents on the floor. He awoke his 11 year old sister and immediately went to a neighbours house to call 911. Devina was four months pregnant.
Intention of the killing is unknown. The last homicide in that area was over a decade ago, according to the local captain. Here is an AC360 blog if your interested. Also, here is a short LA times blog.
Another homicide this month was the murder of Dr. Tiller, a U.S. physician who performed late-term abortions. The doctor was shot and killed while serving as an usher at his church in Wichita, Kansas on Sunday, May 31. 51 year old, Scott Roeder, is the suspect to this crime. His views of anti-abortion were extreme to an extent of causing fear in his ex-wife. (here).
Sorry, getting chippy choppy at the ending now. Im either running out of blog mojo or these stories are just too depressing. To leave on a happier note i'll leave you with this video. Recently Bill O'Reilly called out CNN for not showing enough coverage on a story where an army recruiter died. (Sorry, never mentioned it in the blog. It's a story I haven't had time to follow.) Anyway, Rick Sanchez took it upon himself to put O'Reilly in his place. And boy o' boy am I ever glad Sanchez volunteered to do this.
Thanks for reading. ;)
Well a lot has changed since my last blog post. You've probably heard about Swine Flu. I always knew pigs were out to get the human race... I mean sure Wilbur may be "terrific",
"radiant", and "humble" in English, but in Oink-enese that means "dangerous", "homicidal", and "nuclear ray gun wedging". And i'm sure some of you fell for that adorable Babe, but what they didn't show was the conspiring meetings after the cameras were turned off. ...All the different animals trying to form their own flues... Well the birds and pigs failed. What do you have for me cows?! Mad Cow disease? Oh, I'll start building the shrine...All in all, the flu turned out to be nothing too serious. The World Health Organization was just feeling a little bored and wanted some attention. However, all joking aside, my sorrows go out to the victim's families.
In more recent news, President Obama is in Egypt. The President of the United States (POTUS) flew Air Force One over to the land of the pyramids and the sphinx in an effort to reach out to Muslim allies and enemies. In his message the President talked about reaching out to the Muslim community and his hopes of creating a new relationship. He also talked about his checklist of Mid East ordeals. Complete video and transcript available here. The speech had many abuzz. Many thought the speech was amazingly fantastic, and many thought the speech was a horrible decision. If you saw it and have an opinion, feel free to let me know what you think.
World peace wasn't the only agenda on the President's trip to Egypt; sightseeing was a must-do. While looking at some hieroglyphics on a wall, the President noticed a symbol resembling himself. The symbol is supposed to mean face.. or something like that (I think). If you haven't seen it, take a look because THAT is pretty cool. It does resemble the President, but in my opinion those Egyptians were just expressing their love for The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Check out an AC360 blog here.
In very unfortunate news, an Air France flight from Rio, Brazil to Paris is missing. On May 31, four hours after take off, Flight 447 hit violent stormy conditions. The 228 passenger flight is feared to have crashed, possibly over two miles below water surface. According to AC360, at 11:13 pm the main computer failed and one minute later cabin pressure was lost and there was complete electrical failure. The last messages from the plane were the only record of lift off. No wreckage was found until today, June 6, when two bodies and a briefcase were discovered. To fathom the fear in that plane while it was going down is beyond me, and much condolences to the families. (more info)In more solemn news, Brock and Devina Husted were stabbed to death in their Ventura, California beachfront home. Heartbreakingly, it was their 9 year old son who found his parents on the floor. He awoke his 11 year old sister and immediately went to a neighbours house to call 911. Devina was four months pregnant.
Intention of the killing is unknown. The last homicide in that area was over a decade ago, according to the local captain. Here is an AC360 blog if your interested. Also, here is a short LA times blog.
Another homicide this month was the murder of Dr. Tiller, a U.S. physician who performed late-term abortions. The doctor was shot and killed while serving as an usher at his church in Wichita, Kansas on Sunday, May 31. 51 year old, Scott Roeder, is the suspect to this crime. His views of anti-abortion were extreme to an extent of causing fear in his ex-wife. (here).
Sorry, getting chippy choppy at the ending now. Im either running out of blog mojo or these stories are just too depressing. To leave on a happier note i'll leave you with this video. Recently Bill O'Reilly called out CNN for not showing enough coverage on a story where an army recruiter died. (Sorry, never mentioned it in the blog. It's a story I haven't had time to follow.) Anyway, Rick Sanchez took it upon himself to put O'Reilly in his place. And boy o' boy am I ever glad Sanchez volunteered to do this.
Thanks for reading. ;)
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Want to touch the Queen? Give her an iPod.
If I met Queen Elizabeth II I wouldn't give her an ipod. Instead i'd invite her to go clubbing, get drunk off afternoon tea, dance raunchy on the counters, then we would end the night vomiting behind Buckingham Palace and falling asleep under the stars at Stonehenge. I'm sure a night like that could do her good. After all acting like a sorority girl is the Queen's guilty pleasure, because every queen has their "Tila Tequila" side.
I was watching AC360 and they gave a crash course in manners and appropriate-ness. Never shake her hand unless she offers her hand, never face your back to the Queen, come bearing gifts, and keep the most appropriate conversation. ugh... All the while I couldn't stop thinking about what her reaction would be to spit handshakes and burping contests.
Overall, the Obamas did a smashing job. Except for Michelle touching the Queen's back... O NO! ... O YES! She totally groped the Queens back. Which, of course, caused a huge uproar... Its great that this was covered, and now I know what not to do when I meet the Queen, but seriously? The amount of airtime this story is ridiculous in my book. Octo-mom was so jealous. The most funny reaction I saw was CNN's Richard Quest, who talked about how impressive it was that Michelle was even able to get into that position.
I'm thinking the Queen allowed the physical contact due to the Obama duo's gift. An iPod. Yes, you heard me. A lavishing credit card size box of metal, made personal with a collection of predownloaded songs and speechs (and possibly photos). That's the Wonka ticket to some Queen action. At least now I know what to get the Queen for her birthday: itunes gift card.
I personally think this gift was... (after shocking) eh... It just better have been the 32 gb iTouch. I mean if it wasn't iTouch, it wasn't worth it. I have recently fallin in love with the iTouch even though I, myself, don't possess one... yet. Apps, internet connection, movies, and (of course) music... wowzers! Yea, my roommate got one, leaving me to sit, stare, and drool. So getting back on topic, I hope it was the iTouch, so that way Prince Williams can help the Queen download the iFart app... a perfect April Fools prank for those royal gaurds...
Me, personally. I would have given a gift basket perfectly draped in tropical flowers containing mac nuts, exquisite kona coffee, and a few cans of spam. A real island survival pack. I'd also probably sneak in a "I luv Hawaii" t-shirt. Yea! Take that for international political advertisement Steve Jobs... poor Bill Gates...
Well I haven't been posting as often as I would like. Swamped with lab reports and readings. Today was my first real break off. What have I been up to (asking urself questions is the first signs of psychoness)? Well i've been experimentally cooking. Trying to make food from home. I'm also trying to make an article to submit to the school newspaper. Not going so well. If there is one thing i'm learning it's that news flys by. The half written Mexico Drug War article sitting on my desktop is probably outta date. Even this Obama iPod incident is outta date. Been sitting in my mind for the past week. Finally got to write it all out. Well that's all to share for now I believe. O! Seems like these past 2 weeks has been nonstop news. Thought I'd post some of the events which happened.
I was watching AC360 and they gave a crash course in manners and appropriate-ness. Never shake her hand unless she offers her hand, never face your back to the Queen, come bearing gifts, and keep the most appropriate conversation. ugh... All the while I couldn't stop thinking about what her reaction would be to spit handshakes and burping contests.
Overall, the Obamas did a smashing job. Except for Michelle touching the Queen's back... O NO! ... O YES! She totally groped the Queens back. Which, of course, caused a huge uproar... Its great that this was covered, and now I know what not to do when I meet the Queen, but seriously? The amount of airtime this story is ridiculous in my book. Octo-mom was so jealous. The most funny reaction I saw was CNN's Richard Quest, who talked about how impressive it was that Michelle was even able to get into that position.
I'm thinking the Queen allowed the physical contact due to the Obama duo's gift. An iPod. Yes, you heard me. A lavishing credit card size box of metal, made personal with a collection of predownloaded songs and speechs (and possibly photos). That's the Wonka ticket to some Queen action. At least now I know what to get the Queen for her birthday: itunes gift card.
I personally think this gift was... (after shocking) eh... It just better have been the 32 gb iTouch. I mean if it wasn't iTouch, it wasn't worth it. I have recently fallin in love with the iTouch even though I, myself, don't possess one... yet. Apps, internet connection, movies, and (of course) music... wowzers! Yea, my roommate got one, leaving me to sit, stare, and drool. So getting back on topic, I hope it was the iTouch, so that way Prince Williams can help the Queen download the iFart app... a perfect April Fools prank for those royal gaurds...
Me, personally. I would have given a gift basket perfectly draped in tropical flowers containing mac nuts, exquisite kona coffee, and a few cans of spam. A real island survival pack. I'd also probably sneak in a "I luv Hawaii" t-shirt. Yea! Take that for international political advertisement Steve Jobs... poor Bill Gates...
Well I haven't been posting as often as I would like. Swamped with lab reports and readings. Today was my first real break off. What have I been up to (asking urself questions is the first signs of psychoness)? Well i've been experimentally cooking. Trying to make food from home. I'm also trying to make an article to submit to the school newspaper. Not going so well. If there is one thing i'm learning it's that news flys by. The half written Mexico Drug War article sitting on my desktop is probably outta date. Even this Obama iPod incident is outta date. Been sitting in my mind for the past week. Finally got to write it all out. Well that's all to share for now I believe. O! Seems like these past 2 weeks has been nonstop news. Thought I'd post some of the events which happened.
- G-20 Summit in UK. Complete with psycho and dangerous protesters
- Central Italian 6.3 M earthquake, plus recent 4 M earthquake
- Kuril Islands 6.9 M earthquake. It really boggled my mind as to why the Kuril Islands didn't get much publicity. It may not have been as heavily populated but still deserved the coverage. Not good. Not good. Another reason why Asian influence is still in need.
- Which brings me to Kal Penn leaving Dr. House for the White House. He was hired to become a Asian American liaison. Awesome!
- Shooting in Binghampton, NY - 17 shot, 13 passed away. Jiverly Wong (42 yrs old) went on a shooting spree at the American Civic Association (helps immigrants and refugees). On Monday a local news company received a letter from Wong explaining his plan. Apparently he was laid off and coworkers had teased him about his accent. ...jerks... Anyway the letter also included several forms of Wong's photo ID and pictures of him and his guns. (CNN)
- Pittsburg shooting - 3 officers passed. This makes the fourth major shooting in US this year. (AP) Possible dispatcher's fault? Didn't mention man was armed. (Daily American)
- With all these shootings and US weapon contribution to Mexico Drug War, should 2nd Ammendment (right to bear arms) be revisited?
- Adam Dylan Leon steals plane from Ontario, Canada and landed in Missouri, US. Apparently trying to commit suicide thinking US Fighter Jets would shoot him down. They didn't which I think is wonderful. Showed real professionalism. (AP)
- North Korea launches rocket. I have no idea on the scoop. Last I heard North Korea said launch was for space and was success while US said failed attempt and rocket landed in Pacific Ocean... I have no idea wut the latest is, seems like the news has stopped so I'm thinking all isn't too bad.
- Iowa, Vermont now legalizing gay marriage. Other states include Conneticut and Massachusetts. Are these states creating a dominoe effect for gay marriage across the US?
[BREAKING NEWS]
- AND OF COURSE, Pirates attack US ship holding captain hostage. Apparently Cpt. Richard Phillips convinced the pirates to take him hostage and release his crew. Crew took a pirate hostage. Deal was made for release of both hostages. Crew released pirate but pirates kept captain. Now 4 pirates and Cpt. Phillips on lifeboat. (CNN) Apparently pirate attacks are all to common. First US attack, so of course, thats the reason US media gets interested...
That's enough argy bargy for one night. Cheerio and toodaloo.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Spring Break - stupid chirping birds...
Well its spring break here at the U of O. I’d like to call it the Relief Tease since the school only gives us one week to regain sanity before being bounded to textbooks and reoccurring midterms. Its a nice to take a breather, I’d always pick strolling down a sidewalk over rushing to class. Plus, its relieving that the hardest question I have to face is: McDonald or Carls Jr.?
I enjoy going out and about, traveling and visiting family. However, I'm no normal spring breaker. My favorite relaxation technique involves imitating a vegetable. (Carrots preferably, underground – blocked from sunlight – is always the way to go.) So I stuck around the deserted campus for a break. No arrogant bike riders or Olympic power walkers, and jaywalking has come at an ease. I’ve also used this extra time to make my room safe and livable once again. Now, my room may not meet mother approval, but I’m sure Mr. Geithner will stop considering it a ‘toxic asset’…
…oh Mr. Geithner….
No matter how short spring break maybe, it’s a hopeful sign for 2 things. For one thing, spring is close by. It is that time of year for blooming flowers, newborn critters, and a skyrocket in Benadryl sales. Not too noticeable here one the westcoast, it snowed this past weekend. But around the corner we can say bye-bye to artic chills and numb fingers and hello to sun basking Barbie dolls on sorority roofs… Its weird… I kno… Second reason to enjoy spring break: 3 months till summer break!!!
I enjoy going out and about, traveling and visiting family. However, I'm no normal spring breaker. My favorite relaxation technique involves imitating a vegetable. (Carrots preferably, underground – blocked from sunlight – is always the way to go.) So I stuck around the deserted campus for a break. No arrogant bike riders or Olympic power walkers, and jaywalking has come at an ease. I’ve also used this extra time to make my room safe and livable once again. Now, my room may not meet mother approval, but I’m sure Mr. Geithner will stop considering it a ‘toxic asset’…
…oh Mr. Geithner….
No matter how short spring break maybe, it’s a hopeful sign for 2 things. For one thing, spring is close by. It is that time of year for blooming flowers, newborn critters, and a skyrocket in Benadryl sales. Not too noticeable here one the westcoast, it snowed this past weekend. But around the corner we can say bye-bye to artic chills and numb fingers and hello to sun basking Barbie dolls on sorority roofs… Its weird… I kno… Second reason to enjoy spring break: 3 months till summer break!!!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
What is fair?
I'll start off with the outrageous uproar. Where are our taxes going? Apparently they have been going to the Save An AIG Banker Foundation. Taxpayers have given AIG a $173.3 billion helping hand, and AIG responded with a buzzer hand shake. AIG put $165 million to employee bonuses. Bonuses... Rewards, for what? For being incompetant? Left and right, people are suffering from this recession. The weight bears down on families, forcing people to succumb to bankrupcy and poverty. While people are desperate for jobs and struggling to pay bills, AIG bankers cruise in their Mercedes Benz with their gold and silk doily collection in the trunk. What right do these pencil pushers have, giving away money like that? Has Peter Griffin become the new president of AIG?This act is inexcusable and President Obama recognizes that. President Obama and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner have teamed together to confront the A-I-Green eyed monsters by using a $30 billion installment of bailout funds. Their contract has also been modified, blocking any future division bonuses. As for the bonuses given out on this past Friday, there is not much the government can legally do. Those AIG pigs get to bathe in their germ infested dollar bills. But who else will bid on Bernie Madoff's American Girl doll collection? (WSJ - image from WSJ)
The Mexican drug war continues, and the US/Mexico border is starting to look like a white picket fence. This war is no longer a Mexican problem because the United State's involvement is becoming more apparent and Europe pays double America's cocaine price. Beheading, kidnapping, and slaughtering humans are becoming too common in this war. Drug cartels send dead bodies as messages to the government, and the citizens are the victims. All this for what? Some white powder and pride? ...Doesn't make sense...
American high school dropouts are being recruited as hitman for the drug cartels and 90% of America's cocaine has passed through Mexico. To make matters worse, weapons from Central America are smuggled to the drug cartels in Mexico. And I'm not talking pistols and rifles, the weaponry advances as the death toll rises. Grenades, rockets, and advanced munition are the realistic nightmares of Mexico, the angel of death claiming too many lives. So many have said, and I won't refrain, that this is not what our founding fathers had in mind when making the 2nd Amendment. Absolutely not... they were too busy debating whether or not to legalize marijuana. The drug cartels get an estimated $10 billion in profit. Drugs being sold include cocaine, marijuana, meth, and heroin. (Associated Press | LA Times)
The drug cartels should try twitter, its more addictive than crack! (Just got a twitter and i'm hooked, even though I don't completely understand it.)
Just to add to the unfairness, the Grim Reaper is claiming too many. 28-year old Michael McLendon travelled Alabama, from Samson to Geneva, claiming the life of 10 people and then committed suicide. He shot randomly, bullets grazing some people and killing others. His random victims included a participant in Survivor and a mother and her 18 month old baby. The mother also had a 4 month old baby who was injured. McLendon also had set victims, including his family. His mother, uncle, 2 cousins, and his grandmother died at his hands. Its believed he killed out of revenge and anger from several jobs. Samson and Geneva have less than 3,000 people each. (Reuters | MSNBC | USA Today)
To add to the death toll a German military impostor killed 15 people. Unlike McLendon, Tim Kretschmer shot most of his victims in the head. Eight of the victims were female and three of those females were teachers. The story is devastating. People clambering out of windows and teachers risking their lives for students. Luckily there was a quick response and the police were able to prevent an increase in deaths. CNN)
I know, I started to lag at the end. Not too funny but i'm just too tired.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Girl Scout Girls (and their mothers), plus John King rocks my socks off!
Its that time of year again... Girl Scout Cookie Time! The past 2 times I went to Safeway, there were sweet little girl scouts (and their intimidating mothers) standing outside the door, ready to sabotage me with their innocent faces and pleading me to buy their cookies. I always try to walk with a herd of people so I don't have to be that horrible person, handing out the rejection. Unfortunately, I was unable to avoid it today. I pushed my cart through the sliding doors and this Girl Scout stood there holding her box of Thin Mints. She spoke so softly I'm not sure what she asked me, she either said "Do you want to buy Girl Scout Cookies?" or "Do you want to buy Vicodin?"... Either way I said "no, sorry" and quickly walked off. As her mother eyed me down (while pulling out her pistol and brass knuckles), I thought to myself 'sorry kid, this is a recession and times are tough'. Being a former Brownie, I know how hard it is to ask someone to buy something. I hope I won't be the cause of therapy and commitment problems for that little girl's future.
[editted]
Money Summit talk.
A problem I had was Money Summit not giving Asian statistics.
This is a paragraph I had on a stickie:
Well thank you CNN, for not including Asians... In today's Money Summit, Ali Velishi broke down unemployment by demographic. Blacks have a greater unemployment than Whites and Hispanics have a high unemployment in between. Well... CNN... How about Asians? ...Also, thanks for leaving Hawaii out of most of your maps...
I have cooled down since then, but its just something I was puzzled about.
Today, I decided to tune into State of the Union with John King. John King gave the statistics on Asians, as well as Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics. John King rocks, as much as his Magic Wall!
So I finally came out with a new blog. I've had a busy couple weeks and I'm glad to be here blogging. Midterms went by ok... I was able to fix my no cable problem by getting a digital cable box. (With no added fees, yay!) Unfortunately, my internet has been giving me problems. My internet connection's new name is Janice Dickinson since it is moody and uncooperative. All this happened last week and I was going to come out with a blog, but just ended up writing it on a Mac Stickie.
Here is a paragraph from the stickie:
After much trouble, I was able to get my cable box. When I got home I ripped the packaging open, jammed plugs in random sockets, wiped the dust from the screen, and took a huge sigh of relief as the familiar moving images and sounds of Spongebob appeared. Relief and serenity. Nirvana. Until Janice Dicknson decided to act up again...
I also wanted to talk about Bobby Jindal. I watched 60 Minutes, where they did a special on this Louisiana governor. Wow, is he ever interesting in the most boring way! I'll wait to talk more on Bobby Jindal. But I did read an interesting article about how Gov. Jindal maybe insecure.
My back molar tooth is hurting... Little Girl Scout, I'll take that Vicodin now.
George Clooney's amazing blog on Darfur: here
*gasp* almost forgot. I won Beat 360 and I am super psyched about it.
I'm not sure which caption won so I put them all up.
[editted]
Money Summit talk.
A problem I had was Money Summit not giving Asian statistics.
This is a paragraph I had on a stickie:
Well thank you CNN, for not including Asians... In today's Money Summit, Ali Velishi broke down unemployment by demographic. Blacks have a greater unemployment than Whites and Hispanics have a high unemployment in between. Well... CNN... How about Asians? ...Also, thanks for leaving Hawaii out of most of your maps...
I have cooled down since then, but its just something I was puzzled about.
Today, I decided to tune into State of the Union with John King. John King gave the statistics on Asians, as well as Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics. John King rocks, as much as his Magic Wall!
So I finally came out with a new blog. I've had a busy couple weeks and I'm glad to be here blogging. Midterms went by ok... I was able to fix my no cable problem by getting a digital cable box. (With no added fees, yay!) Unfortunately, my internet has been giving me problems. My internet connection's new name is Janice Dickinson since it is moody and uncooperative. All this happened last week and I was going to come out with a blog, but just ended up writing it on a Mac Stickie.
Here is a paragraph from the stickie:
After much trouble, I was able to get my cable box. When I got home I ripped the packaging open, jammed plugs in random sockets, wiped the dust from the screen, and took a huge sigh of relief as the familiar moving images and sounds of Spongebob appeared. Relief and serenity. Nirvana. Until Janice Dicknson decided to act up again...
I also wanted to talk about Bobby Jindal. I watched 60 Minutes, where they did a special on this Louisiana governor. Wow, is he ever interesting in the most boring way! I'll wait to talk more on Bobby Jindal. But I did read an interesting article about how Gov. Jindal maybe insecure.
My back molar tooth is hurting... Little Girl Scout, I'll take that Vicodin now.
George Clooney's amazing blog on Darfur: here
*gasp* almost forgot. I won Beat 360 and I am super psyched about it.
I'm not sure which caption won so I put them all up.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The US Congress are Clap-o-holics and Pelosi gives Biden a workout.
Good grief! I'll be waking up 3 am hearing the clapping of the US Congress.... The pounding of Congress clashing their hands together every 5 seconds, a nightmare I want to avoid. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was the worst! She helped Joe Biden keep in tip-top shape. Speaker Pelosi and poor VP Biden sat with an American flag as the background for Pres. Obama. Everytime Obama said a sentence she would jump up and clap. Someone from CNN called her a cheerleader. Everytime Pelosi stands up poor Biden had to follow suit. How would it look if the House Speaker gives a standing ovation but the VP doesn't. I could just see it on Biden's face "...she is standing up again... &%$#". A couple times she stood up so fast I thought she would just shoot through the roof.
Each department came into the room in a line shaking hands and talking to the wall of people on the sides. It reminded me of a football team rushing through shaking hands and high-fiving fans. Wolf Blitzer as the sports announcer and each department was a different team... The sports analogy seems appropriate for the way these departments have been battling each other lately. Of course, President Barack Obama walks in shaking hands, smiling, and giving small pecks on the cheek. With all the shaking hands and talking, it took forever for him to get on stage. While many people were thinking how momentous this occasion was, I was thinking that his hand is probably the dirtiest hand in the world. Shaking hands with all those people. You know politicians... they don't wash their hands after using the bathroom. The Congress are sitting on upraised platforms, similar to bleachers. Except instead of a foam finger or football jerseys they hoot and hola in crisp designer brand clothes. Apparently some of them were waiting there since 8 am to get that seat. That one moment with the President... Yea sure Congress! Don't worry about the economy or thousands of people loosing their jobs, that Kodak moment with the President is much more important...
Forced smiles, Rogaine hair, and crispy snazzy clothing... No, last night was not Bingo Night. It was the President's Address to Congress. A very interesting speech. Here are my notes:
_____________________________________________________
Pres. Obama's priorities:
Energy Healthcare and Education
Energy:
Started the topic with acknowledging China, Japan, and Korea. "It is time for America to lead once again". "We will double this nations supply in the next 3 years." "Profitable energy solution." "The nation that invented the automobile cannot walk away from it."
Healthcare:
Cure for cancer. Largest investment in preventive care. New incentives for teacher performance. Innovative programs. Expand commitment to charter schools. Commit to one year or more of high education. More than a high school education. HS dropouts. "It is quitting on the country. [...] We need the talents of every American." Highest of college graduates.
Parents:
Responsibility for our children's education starts at home. American Issue. Another responsibility, a debt they cannot repay. (The one thing they seemed to agree on)
With the deficit we inherited.
Education:
Half of the students who start college don't finish. Every child has access to a complete and competitive education. From the day they are born.
"Its not about helping banks, its about helping people."
Larry King:
John McCain's (Sen. Arizona) view: Social Security should have been talked about more.
________________________________________________________
The President should have had Hugh Jackman do the opening of his speech. Now that would have been way cooler! Instead the show started with a raving and endless applause for Pres. Obama. When they finally shut up, Nancy Pelosi rattlde them all up again by introducing the President. ... seriously? If they don't know who the President is, they really shouldn't be in Congress. Anyway, with the anger and controversy amongst all politicians these past months, their clapping just seemed like an endless applause of lies. Sen. McCain, for example, was applauding Pres. Obama when he was talking about the troops. Sen. McCain later told Larry King that he did not agree with President Obama bringing more troops into the Middle East. Through all the two-faced applauding, it was interesting how President Obama was not afraid to point out the weakness of Congress and the problems of disagreement they have been having. He, of course, followed each of those comments with a general uniting comment.
[Update: Apparently McCain is now saying that its not a bad idea... bad example for me to use...]
Thoughts on Gov. Jindal's speech?
(R) Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal's rebuttal:
Gov. Jindal spoke on behalf of the Republican party after the President's speech. He spoke about how he is against the bill and it is full of wasteful spending. I looked up some CNN discussion on Facebook and many people did not like his speech. The most common complaint was that he talked down to the American people. As if he were reading a children's book. Do you feel that way? Also keep in mind, the job he was handed was a very hard job. Confronting the people of America and disagreeing with America's first Black president. Is he the Republican's best hope for redemption?
All in all, the speech was interesting and gave a good summary for his plans. It showed his optimism and goals, which got CNN asking "Is he too ambitious?" "Can he really do all that?".
On a different note, lets talk about the Oscars. I love the fact that Slumdog Millionaire won Best Picture. Well deserved I thought. Yes, the hype is big and maybe getting to a point where it is overrated, however look at Benjamin Button. Slumdog was a unique story and I hope this encourages more movies on diversity. I mean in 1973 Marlon Brando rejected his award for Best Actor because of the movie industries treatment towards American Indians. Sacheen Littlefeather went on stage to give her speech for Mr. Brando and got boo-ed off stage. Now an Indian film wins Best Picture. What a journey.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QUacU0I4yU
I loved Hugh Jackman's performances. My favorite was his performance with Anne Hathaway. Amazing! Favorite speech of the night was, of course, Dustin Lance Black. The writer of Milk. If you haven't seen his acceptance speech then look it up. A must see.
I feel the Disney stars had every right to be there. As presenters, I welcome them but I will side with the rest of the country and say the HS Musical songs should not have been added into the performance. Stick with the classics.... And no Rent songs were even played... ugh... As for the live blogging on CNN. Frustrated me from the beginning. These people were entertaining to watch, bickering back and forth while gawking over all the anchors in a O-so creepy way... But you disagree with me on Beyonce's dress and thats it! Now its just irking. Especially when the whole thing turned out to be a promotion for blog and twitter sites... Jeez. What happened to the 'no links' rule?
As you can see I am particularly moody. No more free cable for me. So now I'm stuck in my room with no Lie to Me or AC360 ... boo!
Each department came into the room in a line shaking hands and talking to the wall of people on the sides. It reminded me of a football team rushing through shaking hands and high-fiving fans. Wolf Blitzer as the sports announcer and each department was a different team... The sports analogy seems appropriate for the way these departments have been battling each other lately. Of course, President Barack Obama walks in shaking hands, smiling, and giving small pecks on the cheek. With all the shaking hands and talking, it took forever for him to get on stage. While many people were thinking how momentous this occasion was, I was thinking that his hand is probably the dirtiest hand in the world. Shaking hands with all those people. You know politicians... they don't wash their hands after using the bathroom. The Congress are sitting on upraised platforms, similar to bleachers. Except instead of a foam finger or football jerseys they hoot and hola in crisp designer brand clothes. Apparently some of them were waiting there since 8 am to get that seat. That one moment with the President... Yea sure Congress! Don't worry about the economy or thousands of people loosing their jobs, that Kodak moment with the President is much more important...
Forced smiles, Rogaine hair, and crispy snazzy clothing... No, last night was not Bingo Night. It was the President's Address to Congress. A very interesting speech. Here are my notes:
_____________________________________________________
Pres. Obama's priorities:
Energy Healthcare and Education
Energy:
Started the topic with acknowledging China, Japan, and Korea. "It is time for America to lead once again". "We will double this nations supply in the next 3 years." "Profitable energy solution." "The nation that invented the automobile cannot walk away from it."
Healthcare:
Cure for cancer. Largest investment in preventive care. New incentives for teacher performance. Innovative programs. Expand commitment to charter schools. Commit to one year or more of high education. More than a high school education. HS dropouts. "It is quitting on the country. [...] We need the talents of every American." Highest of college graduates.
Parents:
Responsibility for our children's education starts at home. American Issue. Another responsibility, a debt they cannot repay. (The one thing they seemed to agree on)
With the deficit we inherited.
Education:
Half of the students who start college don't finish. Every child has access to a complete and competitive education. From the day they are born.
"Its not about helping banks, its about helping people."
Larry King:
John McCain's (Sen. Arizona) view: Social Security should have been talked about more.
________________________________________________________
The President should have had Hugh Jackman do the opening of his speech. Now that would have been way cooler! Instead the show started with a raving and endless applause for Pres. Obama. When they finally shut up, Nancy Pelosi rattlde them all up again by introducing the President. ... seriously? If they don't know who the President is, they really shouldn't be in Congress. Anyway, with the anger and controversy amongst all politicians these past months, their clapping just seemed like an endless applause of lies. Sen. McCain, for example, was applauding Pres. Obama when he was talking about the troops. Sen. McCain later told Larry King that he did not agree with President Obama bringing more troops into the Middle East. Through all the two-faced applauding, it was interesting how President Obama was not afraid to point out the weakness of Congress and the problems of disagreement they have been having. He, of course, followed each of those comments with a general uniting comment.
[Update: Apparently McCain is now saying that its not a bad idea... bad example for me to use...]
Thoughts on Gov. Jindal's speech?
(R) Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal's rebuttal:
Gov. Jindal spoke on behalf of the Republican party after the President's speech. He spoke about how he is against the bill and it is full of wasteful spending. I looked up some CNN discussion on Facebook and many people did not like his speech. The most common complaint was that he talked down to the American people. As if he were reading a children's book. Do you feel that way? Also keep in mind, the job he was handed was a very hard job. Confronting the people of America and disagreeing with America's first Black president. Is he the Republican's best hope for redemption?
All in all, the speech was interesting and gave a good summary for his plans. It showed his optimism and goals, which got CNN asking "Is he too ambitious?" "Can he really do all that?".
On a different note, lets talk about the Oscars. I love the fact that Slumdog Millionaire won Best Picture. Well deserved I thought. Yes, the hype is big and maybe getting to a point where it is overrated, however look at Benjamin Button. Slumdog was a unique story and I hope this encourages more movies on diversity. I mean in 1973 Marlon Brando rejected his award for Best Actor because of the movie industries treatment towards American Indians. Sacheen Littlefeather went on stage to give her speech for Mr. Brando and got boo-ed off stage. Now an Indian film wins Best Picture. What a journey.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QUacU0I4yU
I loved Hugh Jackman's performances. My favorite was his performance with Anne Hathaway. Amazing! Favorite speech of the night was, of course, Dustin Lance Black. The writer of Milk. If you haven't seen his acceptance speech then look it up. A must see.
I feel the Disney stars had every right to be there. As presenters, I welcome them but I will side with the rest of the country and say the HS Musical songs should not have been added into the performance. Stick with the classics.... And no Rent songs were even played... ugh... As for the live blogging on CNN. Frustrated me from the beginning. These people were entertaining to watch, bickering back and forth while gawking over all the anchors in a O-so creepy way... But you disagree with me on Beyonce's dress and thats it! Now its just irking. Especially when the whole thing turned out to be a promotion for blog and twitter sites... Jeez. What happened to the 'no links' rule?
As you can see I am particularly moody. No more free cable for me. So now I'm stuck in my room with no Lie to Me or AC360 ... boo!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
A blog, not too funny but hopefully worth the read. News, Oscars - Best Picture, and Grey's Anatomy.
"You should know who this person is."
Anderson Cooper said his G-rated version of "F*** this person" again. He said it earlier this month when talking about Stewart Parnell, the subhuman who purposely sent out poisoned peanut butter. This time, however, the speech was meant for the newest money-grubbing human disgrace, Robert Allen Stanford. Meet America's current most popular scam artist, the "Mini-Madoff" as CNN calls him. What exactly has this Texan done to earn this title? Scam his customers out of $8 BILLION, defrauding people from all over the world. Allen Stanford, as he goes by, owns several companies including Stanford International Bank - the bank that sold $8 billion in certificates of deposit. Stanford is not, yet, in jail even though he owes $104 million in taxes. What is it with all these people not paying their taxes? Anyway, Stanford is the spiting image of Bernie Madoff, who was also involved in a Ponzi scheme (Madoff's was a $50 billion fraud). People, who knew Stanford, called him a wonderful helpful man and they can't believe he was a scammer... That's what they all say... I should also mention Stanford's real name is Sir Robert Allen Stanford. Sorry I just can't bring myself to put in that 'sir'.
Sources: Bloomberg | Reuters UK | Kansas City
Now for more depression, a 9 year old boy has pleaded guilty to double homicide. Last November the boy - whose identity is kept secret - shot his father, Timothy Romans (39), and his father's roommate, Vincent Romero (29) to death. The boy will not be facing jail or murder charges, instead he will see a plea deal and negligent homicide with probation in a county juvenile facility and psychological evaluations. The boy was 8 years old at the time of incident and shot the men with a .22 calibre rifle. The police claim there were 6 shots in each man but the boy recalls shooting only 2 times. The boy was not read his Miranda Rights nor had a parent present in the interview. The Heraldsun says, "Defence attorney Ben Brewer said it was a case where the prosecution, defence, and court simply had no idea how to proceed".
There are several questions, which pop into my mind with this story:
1. Why did the boy shoot the men? According to a video recording shown on AC360, the boy said, "he was suffering [...] I didn't want him to suffer".
2. How did the boy get the gun? I don't think i'll be able to find that answer anywhere.
3. What is the neighborhood like? I was thinking maybe it was a bad neighborhood and that's why the gun was present. No. The shooting took place by the father and roommates' house in St. Johns, Arizona. According to the homepage of the St. Johns website,
"'The Town of Friendly Neighbors' is an appropriate descriptive motto for this community that takes prides in its close-knit, family-first attitude, high-quality school system, and a city government that cares deeply about its residents and guests.
Add to this winning formula the beauty of the White Mountain region, and the peace, security and stability provided by affordable living and efficient support services and you get the tranquil, satisfying quality of life that most people only dream of.
Come visit us for a day and you’ll decide St. Johns is an excellent choice for a better life."
No thank you.
Sources: Jeffrey Toobin's piece on AC360 | NY Daily News | Heraldsun
Now onto more enlightening news, the slum dog children of Slumdog Millionaire will be joining the cast at the Oscars this Sunday. From their blanket-built-homes to the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, these kids are in store for an adventure. An adventure with luxuries many people take for granted. Now, now... not many of us played a role in a movie, which is up for 10 Oscar nominations. But considering how these kids live - washing out of basin surrounded by rubbish or living close to an open sewer - we are fortunate and need to remember that in our time of downfall. I know, easier said than done. I'm still gonna complain to McDs when they swindle me out of ketchup.
Heraldsun: "Slum Dog Millionaire star Mohammed Azharuddin washes his face inside his shanty home. Picture: AFP"
There is a controversy that the filmmakers exposed the children, especially the 2 children who were pulled from the slums (Azharuddin age 10 and Rubina age 9). Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail's mother said, "We need money and help now. It is hard living like this. I am worried that after the Oscars are over they will forget us". Her and her husband were hoping this movie would be their relief, she is blind in one eye. Rubina Ali's father broke his leg during the filming and hasn't been able to get a job since. He says, "I am very happy the movie is doing so well but it is making so much money and so much fame, and the money they paid us is nothing. They should pay more". The two child stars were not receiving a proper education but enrolled in school last June, which the production company is paying for until they reach 18. Once the children earn their education they will get their heavy sum of money. Director Danny Boyle says money was given for medicine and emergencies.
Source: Heraldsun
Well I was watching the crappy online version of Benjamin Button and I gotta say, not impressed. I had to turn it off because segments were missing. I gotta agree with E! News and say the story line is very similar to Forest Gump, based off the portion I watched. Now, however, I'm watching Milk. Interesting so far, but I'm only in the first 30 minutes of it. I'm trying to get my perception of Best Picture before the Oscars. Still need to watch The Reader and Frost/Nixon. ...probably won't happen but I'm hoping for Slumdog over Benjamin Button!
Now to end it: Grey's Anatomy. Amazing, amazing, amazing... The fight with Shepherd and Sloan was priceless. And Shepherd's personal struggle is crazy and emotional. Kinda scares me, makes me rethink wanting to be a doctor. The acting was fantastic. I didn't really like Mer in this episode. Too lackadaisical.... The Izzy story is interesting and, of course, the writer's weening off George is a painful torture. Bailey and Chief story, kinda weird. I don't like it. Christina, however, still the hilarious surgery-obsessed robot I love.
Anderson Cooper said his G-rated version of "F*** this person" again. He said it earlier this month when talking about Stewart Parnell, the subhuman who purposely sent out poisoned peanut butter. This time, however, the speech was meant for the newest money-grubbing human disgrace, Robert Allen Stanford. Meet America's current most popular scam artist, the "Mini-Madoff" as CNN calls him. What exactly has this Texan done to earn this title? Scam his customers out of $8 BILLION, defrauding people from all over the world. Allen Stanford, as he goes by, owns several companies including Stanford International Bank - the bank that sold $8 billion in certificates of deposit. Stanford is not, yet, in jail even though he owes $104 million in taxes. What is it with all these people not paying their taxes? Anyway, Stanford is the spiting image of Bernie Madoff, who was also involved in a Ponzi scheme (Madoff's was a $50 billion fraud). People, who knew Stanford, called him a wonderful helpful man and they can't believe he was a scammer... That's what they all say... I should also mention Stanford's real name is Sir Robert Allen Stanford. Sorry I just can't bring myself to put in that 'sir'.
Sources: Bloomberg | Reuters UK | Kansas City
Now for more depression, a 9 year old boy has pleaded guilty to double homicide. Last November the boy - whose identity is kept secret - shot his father, Timothy Romans (39), and his father's roommate, Vincent Romero (29) to death. The boy will not be facing jail or murder charges, instead he will see a plea deal and negligent homicide with probation in a county juvenile facility and psychological evaluations. The boy was 8 years old at the time of incident and shot the men with a .22 calibre rifle. The police claim there were 6 shots in each man but the boy recalls shooting only 2 times. The boy was not read his Miranda Rights nor had a parent present in the interview. The Heraldsun says, "Defence attorney Ben Brewer said it was a case where the prosecution, defence, and court simply had no idea how to proceed".
There are several questions, which pop into my mind with this story:
1. Why did the boy shoot the men? According to a video recording shown on AC360, the boy said, "he was suffering [...] I didn't want him to suffer".
2. How did the boy get the gun? I don't think i'll be able to find that answer anywhere.
3. What is the neighborhood like? I was thinking maybe it was a bad neighborhood and that's why the gun was present. No. The shooting took place by the father and roommates' house in St. Johns, Arizona. According to the homepage of the St. Johns website,
"'The Town of Friendly Neighbors' is an appropriate descriptive motto for this community that takes prides in its close-knit, family-first attitude, high-quality school system, and a city government that cares deeply about its residents and guests.
Add to this winning formula the beauty of the White Mountain region, and the peace, security and stability provided by affordable living and efficient support services and you get the tranquil, satisfying quality of life that most people only dream of.
Come visit us for a day and you’ll decide St. Johns is an excellent choice for a better life."
No thank you.
Sources: Jeffrey Toobin's piece on AC360 | NY Daily News | Heraldsun
Now onto more enlightening news, the slum dog children of Slumdog Millionaire will be joining the cast at the Oscars this Sunday. From their blanket-built-homes to the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, these kids are in store for an adventure. An adventure with luxuries many people take for granted. Now, now... not many of us played a role in a movie, which is up for 10 Oscar nominations. But considering how these kids live - washing out of basin surrounded by rubbish or living close to an open sewer - we are fortunate and need to remember that in our time of downfall. I know, easier said than done. I'm still gonna complain to McDs when they swindle me out of ketchup.
Heraldsun: "Slum Dog Millionaire star Mohammed Azharuddin washes his face inside his shanty home. Picture: AFP"
There is a controversy that the filmmakers exposed the children, especially the 2 children who were pulled from the slums (Azharuddin age 10 and Rubina age 9). Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail's mother said, "We need money and help now. It is hard living like this. I am worried that after the Oscars are over they will forget us". Her and her husband were hoping this movie would be their relief, she is blind in one eye. Rubina Ali's father broke his leg during the filming and hasn't been able to get a job since. He says, "I am very happy the movie is doing so well but it is making so much money and so much fame, and the money they paid us is nothing. They should pay more". The two child stars were not receiving a proper education but enrolled in school last June, which the production company is paying for until they reach 18. Once the children earn their education they will get their heavy sum of money. Director Danny Boyle says money was given for medicine and emergencies.
Source: Heraldsun
Well I was watching the crappy online version of Benjamin Button and I gotta say, not impressed. I had to turn it off because segments were missing. I gotta agree with E! News and say the story line is very similar to Forest Gump, based off the portion I watched. Now, however, I'm watching Milk. Interesting so far, but I'm only in the first 30 minutes of it. I'm trying to get my perception of Best Picture before the Oscars. Still need to watch The Reader and Frost/Nixon. ...probably won't happen but I'm hoping for Slumdog over Benjamin Button!
Now to end it: Grey's Anatomy. Amazing, amazing, amazing... The fight with Shepherd and Sloan was priceless. And Shepherd's personal struggle is crazy and emotional. Kinda scares me, makes me rethink wanting to be a doctor. The acting was fantastic. I didn't really like Mer in this episode. Too lackadaisical.... The Izzy story is interesting and, of course, the writer's weening off George is a painful torture. Bailey and Chief story, kinda weird. I don't like it. Christina, however, still the hilarious surgery-obsessed robot I love.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Zoom or Doom?
Chimps on Xanax... Burris back in headlines (that attention hog)... Hillary Clinton meets Miley Cyrus's favorite people... Japanese politician loves his liquor... Hypocritical beheading... So much going on, but let me start with America's newest, biggest stimulus plan.
Welcome everyone, to the first day of the $787 billion stimulus package. Feel’n any different? I’m not. But being the understanding person that I am, I’ll give world peace and an economic reform a couple more days... People seem to hate the plan or love plan, but how many of us are truly educated about it? I don't see anyone deeply breaking down the 1,100 pages for human understanding. And, although i'd like to research and break it down, I have a midterm tomorrow, sorry to disappoint. Is this plan going to help us? I'm sitting here with 2 other tabs open, reading about how republicans and congress hate - no despise - the stimulus plan. If our government, the people we elect to represent us, feel this is a mistake then how should we feel?
Will this stimulus plan zoom or doom? The major points of this bill: health care, infrastructure (buildings, roads, power supplies...), education, job creation, and tax cuts. 13.9% of America's population is underemployed (9%) and unemployed (4.9%) (from AC360). 13.9% means more than 11 million people are personally living the idea "life is not fair". I hate to keep the statistics going, it makes the situation not relatable and the message doesn't sink in as hard. So let me put it this way, 11 million neighbors, 11 million families... 11,000,000 people are now in fear. In fear that they cannot provide food on the table and a roof over their head. This bill will supposedly save/create 3.5 million jobs (WSJ). David Gergen (from CNN) says the stimulus plan will "save jobs not create jobs". He says creating the jobs will be farther down the road. Gergen adds this may be the first stimulus plan, there maybe a stimulus 2 or even 3.
$282 billion will go to tax cuts, reductions that will affect everyone. Relief will come to the individual tax payers, as well as companies. The unemployed will see more benefits, college students will receive up to $2500 in tax credit, public schools will get $22 billion in new tax credit bonds for construction and repair, (WSJ) etc. etc...
Speaking of education, $540 million will help disabled people and rehabilitation. Colleges will get $60 million for student aid funds. $100 million will go towards transforming evil teachers into inspirational teachers. $200 million will go into teacher's pockets. And a whopping $17,114 million will go to the Pell Grant and other student aid. Whew! Thats good enough for now. I'll save Pres. Obama's $75 billion foreclosure plan for the very end.
$308 B spending
$212 B tax relief
fiscal deficit - expenditures exceed the revenue:
NY $15.4 B
CA $39.6 B
Ali Velshi - Money Summit
________________________________________________________________________
Now onto fun stuff.
Burris just couldn't stay out of the headlines... Paris, Britney, Lindsey, meet your new BFF Roland Burris. The new Illinois senator is on the front pages again. Same situation, same controversy, therefore I don't want to go into this. I read some articles and at this point refuse to waste my time on his quarrel. However, is Burris resigning? It doesn't look like it, thats a good thing too. Burris living the retired life... Next thing you know, the ex-senator would be at the local nightclub getting his freak on, yelling "firecrotch", and showing paparazzi his commando... For the sake of everyone Burris, just do your job...
Travis the Chimpanzee attacked 55 year old Charla Nash in an unexpected and viscous attack. Travis was like a son to 70 year old Sandra Herold, and a pet to the people of Stamford, Conneticut. This wild animal was a regular neighbor around the neighborhood; the mistake, which almost cause Charla Nash her life. On monday (2/16/09) Travis was acting weird all day. Herold gave him Xanax (used against anxiety and panic attacks), but this drug didn't help the chimp. When Nash arrived for a friendly visit, Travis had stolen keys to escape and mauled Nash, almost to death. In panic Herold called 911, thinking her long time friend was dead. She hit Travis with a shovel and grabbed a butchers knife stabbing her 14 year old beloved pet. When police arrived the chimp had supposedly attacked them, causing the police to shoot the chimp to death. The chimp had supposedly crawled back to his backyard cage to die. Did this chimp die because of someone else's stupidity? CNN video. This incident is causing many states to revisit their laws. An alarming number of states have loopholes when it comes to keeping wild animals as pets. Jeff Corwin's view.
More later. Midterm study time.
Wow! that AC360 fight was entertaining. I'll try and post it here if anyone posts it on youtube. Ron Christie battles Roland Martin while Anderson Cooper plays referee and David Gergen sits back and chills. The Gerg-inator looking kewl, as always. Absolutely hilarious! I have to agree with David Gergen on this issue. Racism is still out and about and Ron Christie needs to step out of his comfort of rainbows and unicorns world. ...Seriously, I wish Anderson would have gone A-wall on those two. Too funny.
Welcome everyone, to the first day of the $787 billion stimulus package. Feel’n any different? I’m not. But being the understanding person that I am, I’ll give world peace and an economic reform a couple more days... People seem to hate the plan or love plan, but how many of us are truly educated about it? I don't see anyone deeply breaking down the 1,100 pages for human understanding. And, although i'd like to research and break it down, I have a midterm tomorrow, sorry to disappoint. Is this plan going to help us? I'm sitting here with 2 other tabs open, reading about how republicans and congress hate - no despise - the stimulus plan. If our government, the people we elect to represent us, feel this is a mistake then how should we feel?
Will this stimulus plan zoom or doom? The major points of this bill: health care, infrastructure (buildings, roads, power supplies...), education, job creation, and tax cuts. 13.9% of America's population is underemployed (9%) and unemployed (4.9%) (from AC360). 13.9% means more than 11 million people are personally living the idea "life is not fair". I hate to keep the statistics going, it makes the situation not relatable and the message doesn't sink in as hard. So let me put it this way, 11 million neighbors, 11 million families... 11,000,000 people are now in fear. In fear that they cannot provide food on the table and a roof over their head. This bill will supposedly save/create 3.5 million jobs (WSJ). David Gergen (from CNN) says the stimulus plan will "save jobs not create jobs". He says creating the jobs will be farther down the road. Gergen adds this may be the first stimulus plan, there maybe a stimulus 2 or even 3.
$282 billion will go to tax cuts, reductions that will affect everyone. Relief will come to the individual tax payers, as well as companies. The unemployed will see more benefits, college students will receive up to $2500 in tax credit, public schools will get $22 billion in new tax credit bonds for construction and repair, (WSJ) etc. etc...
Speaking of education, $540 million will help disabled people and rehabilitation. Colleges will get $60 million for student aid funds. $100 million will go towards transforming evil teachers into inspirational teachers. $200 million will go into teacher's pockets. And a whopping $17,114 million will go to the Pell Grant and other student aid. Whew! Thats good enough for now. I'll save Pres. Obama's $75 billion foreclosure plan for the very end.
$308 B spending
$212 B tax relief
fiscal deficit - expenditures exceed the revenue:
NY $15.4 B
CA $39.6 B
Ali Velshi - Money Summit
________________________________________________________________________
Now onto fun stuff.
Burris just couldn't stay out of the headlines... Paris, Britney, Lindsey, meet your new BFF Roland Burris. The new Illinois senator is on the front pages again. Same situation, same controversy, therefore I don't want to go into this. I read some articles and at this point refuse to waste my time on his quarrel. However, is Burris resigning? It doesn't look like it, thats a good thing too. Burris living the retired life... Next thing you know, the ex-senator would be at the local nightclub getting his freak on, yelling "firecrotch", and showing paparazzi his commando... For the sake of everyone Burris, just do your job...
Travis the Chimpanzee attacked 55 year old Charla Nash in an unexpected and viscous attack. Travis was like a son to 70 year old Sandra Herold, and a pet to the people of Stamford, Conneticut. This wild animal was a regular neighbor around the neighborhood; the mistake, which almost cause Charla Nash her life. On monday (2/16/09) Travis was acting weird all day. Herold gave him Xanax (used against anxiety and panic attacks), but this drug didn't help the chimp. When Nash arrived for a friendly visit, Travis had stolen keys to escape and mauled Nash, almost to death. In panic Herold called 911, thinking her long time friend was dead. She hit Travis with a shovel and grabbed a butchers knife stabbing her 14 year old beloved pet. When police arrived the chimp had supposedly attacked them, causing the police to shoot the chimp to death. The chimp had supposedly crawled back to his backyard cage to die. Did this chimp die because of someone else's stupidity? CNN video. This incident is causing many states to revisit their laws. An alarming number of states have loopholes when it comes to keeping wild animals as pets. Jeff Corwin's view.
More later. Midterm study time.
Wow! that AC360 fight was entertaining. I'll try and post it here if anyone posts it on youtube. Ron Christie battles Roland Martin while Anderson Cooper plays referee and David Gergen sits back and chills. The Gerg-inator looking kewl, as always. Absolutely hilarious! I have to agree with David Gergen on this issue. Racism is still out and about and Ron Christie needs to step out of his comfort of rainbows and unicorns world. ...Seriously, I wish Anderson would have gone A-wall on those two. Too funny.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Another plane crash in NY, this time no Hudson and a devastating ending.
At 10:20 pm (ET) thursday (2/12/09) night, Continental Connection Flight 3407 crashed into a house killing a total of 50 people. This horrendous event claimed the life of all 49 people on the plane and one person on the ground. The plane had left Newark, NJ and was only 6 miles away from its destination of Buffalo Niagara International Airport... only 6 miles away...
The plane is believed to have crashed due to "'significant ice build up' on the plane's wings and windshields" (here). The sleet and snow conditions caused aerodynamic conditions. People who heard the plane said the engine did not sound right. "'The engines sounded like they were revving at very high speed, an unnatural sound,' [David] Luce said. 'Then the engine cut out -- stopped. And within a couple of seconds, there was this tremendous explosion.'" David Luce lives 300 feet away from the site of impact.
The plane plowed into the home of Doug, Karen, and Jill Wielinski. Karen and Jill were able to survive the devastation, released today after being treated for minor injuries. Doug, husband of Karen and father of Jill, was killed. In the early chaos and confusion Karen and Jill did not know what had happened to Doug. To read more on their reactions click here.
I am currently reading an article on other victims of the plane crash. Susan Wehle, a 55-year old woman who is 'very very spiritual', has two sons, one in Vermont and one in Israel. Madeline Loftus, a 24-year old returning to her alma mater, Buffalo State College, for a reunion game of woman's hockey. Mary Pettys, 'the rock of the family' among her 10 siblings. "Mary had just gotten engaged and was the aunt of 39 nieces and nephews." However, the story that gives me goosebumps, and i'll admit a tear to my eye, is Beverly Eckert.
Ms. Eckert was an amazing woman. Her purpose to Buffalo was to start a scholarship in name of her husband, who passed away September 11, 2001. I was watching 'Campbell Brown No Bias. No Bull.' and jotted notes from Randi Kaye's story. I'll share as much as I can, however if you get a chance turn on your tv to CNN because I cannot do this story justice.
After Beverly Eckert's husband, Sean Rooney, passed away, Eckert spent her life as an activist for victims of 9/11. She "turned grief into action" (Kaye) by becoming a co-founder for Voices of September 11. She promoted more land for the Ground Zero Memorial and a compensation fund for the 9/11 victim's families. When promoting a bill she said that if it does not pass she would be "too ashamed because she feels she would have failed her husband and the government would have failed him, again" (Kaye). An inspiration to many, including President Barrack Obama, who acknowledged her in his speech today. Exactly one week ago (Fri, Feb. 6) Ms. Eckert had met President Obama as well as other victim's families. President Obama said, "she was an inspiration to me and I hope her family finds peace and comfort". I do too.
Besides launching a new scholarship, she was headed for her hometown, Buffalo NY, to celebrate her husbands upcoming 58th birthday. Campbell Brown played a recording of her reaction after Sep. 11. She said her "husband had called her that day and never found a way out". Eckert's compassion, loyalty, and bravery will not go unnoticed. "A plane claimed her husband's life and a plane claimed her life" (Kaye).
In an attempt to keep my blogs short (therefore, more appealing to read) I think I should stop here. I want to still talk about Autism and vaccines, Ben Affleck's journey to the Congo, the kidnapped American and judges who took $2 million for committing kids to detention homes (guilty or innocent). Horrible. More greedy jerks, like the bankers and Stewart Parnell. I need to come up with a G-rated term for these %#*@ people. I also want to talk more about the stimulus package, but all this for another day. BTW, in regards to Autism and vaccines, Campbell Brown said everyone should get their kids vaccinated, surprising for a "No bias" show, especially when the story is new.
My mom did make me feel like the Grim Reaper, saying I was filled with anger in my last blog so let me try and bring some light-hearted news. ...hmmm.... this is hard... lol ok, lets talk about Miley and Asians. Miley Cyrus is being criticized for her "goofy" picture where she sports Asian eyes and calls it "goofy". She has spoken about the incident but has not apologized, instead expressed her feelings on the media treating her like the next Britney Spears. For a news update, Asian Pacific Islanders who live in L.A. County are suing the pop star for $4000 each person. Overall, a total of $4 billion dollars. Asians claim Cyrus was posing and the picture is a civil rights violation.Check it out here. Being of Asian decent, my personal view is: Its ok Miley... I don't need your vote to become president.
In regards to the Koala bear in Australia. A fire fighter hand fed 3 bottles of water to a koala bear with third degree burns on her paws. Koalas don't usually drink water because they get their hydration from leaves, meaning this bear was thirsty! Campbell Brown just informed me that this whole incident had happened before the fires. Sorry to put a negative twist on there. I'll update more when I research.
Lets wrap this super long blog up with the education part in the stimulus package. I believe $23 million will go to disabilities and $15 million will got to federal funding (Pell Grant). (From Campbell Brown No Bias. No Bull.) Senator Tom Harkin is not pleased, "You are not looking at a happy camper. I mean they took a lot of stuff out of education. They took it out of health, school construction and they put it more into tax issues.” (Quote from NY Times.) Sen. Harkin, I agree. I truly hope and believe education will be an issue the government must confront later. This will be a $789 billion stimulus bill/package/plan (lifejacket, parachute, or w/e else you would like to call it). Lets just hope the lifejacket isn't filled with lead or the parachute doesn't have a hole.
...So much for a short blog and improvement in grammar....
Spoof 2: I made it yesterday. Nadya Suleman vs. Angelina Jolie
Spoof 1: My meeting with Rod Blagojevich.
The plane is believed to have crashed due to "'significant ice build up' on the plane's wings and windshields" (here). The sleet and snow conditions caused aerodynamic conditions. People who heard the plane said the engine did not sound right. "'The engines sounded like they were revving at very high speed, an unnatural sound,' [David] Luce said. 'Then the engine cut out -- stopped. And within a couple of seconds, there was this tremendous explosion.'" David Luce lives 300 feet away from the site of impact.
The plane plowed into the home of Doug, Karen, and Jill Wielinski. Karen and Jill were able to survive the devastation, released today after being treated for minor injuries. Doug, husband of Karen and father of Jill, was killed. In the early chaos and confusion Karen and Jill did not know what had happened to Doug. To read more on their reactions click here.
I am currently reading an article on other victims of the plane crash. Susan Wehle, a 55-year old woman who is 'very very spiritual', has two sons, one in Vermont and one in Israel. Madeline Loftus, a 24-year old returning to her alma mater, Buffalo State College, for a reunion game of woman's hockey. Mary Pettys, 'the rock of the family' among her 10 siblings. "Mary had just gotten engaged and was the aunt of 39 nieces and nephews." However, the story that gives me goosebumps, and i'll admit a tear to my eye, is Beverly Eckert.
Ms. Eckert was an amazing woman. Her purpose to Buffalo was to start a scholarship in name of her husband, who passed away September 11, 2001. I was watching 'Campbell Brown No Bias. No Bull.' and jotted notes from Randi Kaye's story. I'll share as much as I can, however if you get a chance turn on your tv to CNN because I cannot do this story justice.
After Beverly Eckert's husband, Sean Rooney, passed away, Eckert spent her life as an activist for victims of 9/11. She "turned grief into action" (Kaye) by becoming a co-founder for Voices of September 11. She promoted more land for the Ground Zero Memorial and a compensation fund for the 9/11 victim's families. When promoting a bill she said that if it does not pass she would be "too ashamed because she feels she would have failed her husband and the government would have failed him, again" (Kaye). An inspiration to many, including President Barrack Obama, who acknowledged her in his speech today. Exactly one week ago (Fri, Feb. 6) Ms. Eckert had met President Obama as well as other victim's families. President Obama said, "she was an inspiration to me and I hope her family finds peace and comfort". I do too.
Besides launching a new scholarship, she was headed for her hometown, Buffalo NY, to celebrate her husbands upcoming 58th birthday. Campbell Brown played a recording of her reaction after Sep. 11. She said her "husband had called her that day and never found a way out". Eckert's compassion, loyalty, and bravery will not go unnoticed. "A plane claimed her husband's life and a plane claimed her life" (Kaye).
In an attempt to keep my blogs short (therefore, more appealing to read) I think I should stop here. I want to still talk about Autism and vaccines, Ben Affleck's journey to the Congo, the kidnapped American and judges who took $2 million for committing kids to detention homes (guilty or innocent). Horrible. More greedy jerks, like the bankers and Stewart Parnell. I need to come up with a G-rated term for these %#*@ people. I also want to talk more about the stimulus package, but all this for another day. BTW, in regards to Autism and vaccines, Campbell Brown said everyone should get their kids vaccinated, surprising for a "No bias" show, especially when the story is new.
My mom did make me feel like the Grim Reaper, saying I was filled with anger in my last blog so let me try and bring some light-hearted news. ...hmmm.... this is hard... lol ok, lets talk about Miley and Asians. Miley Cyrus is being criticized for her "goofy" picture where she sports Asian eyes and calls it "goofy". She has spoken about the incident but has not apologized, instead expressed her feelings on the media treating her like the next Britney Spears. For a news update, Asian Pacific Islanders who live in L.A. County are suing the pop star for $4000 each person. Overall, a total of $4 billion dollars. Asians claim Cyrus was posing and the picture is a civil rights violation.Check it out here. Being of Asian decent, my personal view is: Its ok Miley... I don't need your vote to become president.
In regards to the Koala bear in Australia. A fire fighter hand fed 3 bottles of water to a koala bear with third degree burns on her paws. Koalas don't usually drink water because they get their hydration from leaves, meaning this bear was thirsty! Campbell Brown just informed me that this whole incident had happened before the fires. Sorry to put a negative twist on there. I'll update more when I research.
Lets wrap this super long blog up with the education part in the stimulus package. I believe $23 million will go to disabilities and $15 million will got to federal funding (Pell Grant). (From Campbell Brown No Bias. No Bull.) Senator Tom Harkin is not pleased, "You are not looking at a happy camper. I mean they took a lot of stuff out of education. They took it out of health, school construction and they put it more into tax issues.” (Quote from NY Times.) Sen. Harkin, I agree. I truly hope and believe education will be an issue the government must confront later. This will be a $789 billion stimulus bill/package/plan (lifejacket, parachute, or w/e else you would like to call it). Lets just hope the lifejacket isn't filled with lead or the parachute doesn't have a hole.
...So much for a short blog and improvement in grammar....
Spoof 2: I made it yesterday. Nadya Suleman vs. Angelina Jolie
Spoof 1: My meeting with Rod Blagojevich.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
The Dirt in the Hole
Well let me just summarize all the chaotic stupidity that is currently circling the US... because right now I am confused and the wreckage is overwhelming.
Ok everyone... the destruction is overwhelming. I'm sorry if I put you in a depression or coma. To get over my political funk I always turn to Family Guy. However, I realize not everyone is into that senseless stupidity so let me leave you with a youtube clip which was also The Shot on AC360.
Also thought I'd chime in my reviews for the Grey's Practice crossover... eh. ok.. next episode looks more promising...
Post your views. I welcome respectable comments. Thanks for reading.
PS - Also must add stimulus package has finally been agreed on. Full explanation download will be posted once I sift through and get the info. All I kno is Education was treated as 'pork' so not as much money will be going to Education... disappointing. Will the stimulus package be enough to prevent college tuition rates from raising next school year? Or will the prerogative be high schools and grants? I just wish some reporter would ask the President more on the education and if he will be revisiting Education after the stimulus package (since Education will not be getting as much money as expected). Come on reporters! Stop asking about Biden and A-Rod and ask some real questions for the students of America!
3.6 million jobs lost since beginning of 2007. (On a sign in the capital)
- Bankers are royally wasting billions and billions of dollars, giving themselves bonuses, or excuse me 'awards', while they point and laugh at the rest of us. Over $66 billion dollars went straight from our pockets to theirs and, newsflash, they aren't giving it back. Yes, ladies and gentleman, we paid for their fancy alcohol-loaded yaht and gold incrusted jet planes. Statistics from: AC360
- Peanut Butter Corp. of America's owner, Stewart Parnell, was confronted with the salmonella outbreak. Apparently the idiot knew about the outbreak and decided nah, i'll just keep the extra money and let those 9 people die... 9 people... Representative Greg Walden (of Oregon woot!) asked Parnell if he would eat the contaminated peanut butter. One father related the corporation's behavior like holding a gun up to his child's head and pulling the trigger, then saying 'I was just hoping the bullet in the chamber wouldn't fire'. The only dribble that came out of Parnell's mouth was a bunch of diarrhea. Something like "on the advice of my council I respectfully decline" answering any questions. (More here. and AC360) Prayers go out to victims and their families.
- Then a possibly purpose driven fire has destroyed wildlife, homes, and lives in Victoria, Australia. Around 200 lives have been taken so far. This devastating event has wrecked 900 houses and injured 7,000 people. (More here.) Prayers go out to victims and their families.
- Finally, but for sure not least, the Octo-mom, who should really be called the Quattuordecim-mom, has her own website, now accepting credit cards. Yes, you heard me, the 'I'm-not-taking-money-from-government-but-so-totally-am' mom is now taking donations from citizens, in this time, place, and economy. Seriously... she just needs to hook up with one of those bankers. If you've been living under a rock, crazy person, Nadya Suleman, has a total of 14 children and no job. She is currently living in a 3 bedroom house with both her parents, who are, in fact, from planet Earth and don't agree with their daughter. If you can't count then let me take this one: 14 children + 2 adults + 1 psychopath + 3 bedrooms + $0 = why hasn't social services stepped in yet? Apparently the family has been receiving death threats 'allegedly' so they had to temporarily move out. Source: AC360. Next picture spoof I'm planning will be on Angelina Jolie and Suleman. ...Of course I had to mention the creepy and disturbing similarity. One, that Suleman claims is all natural... As natural as Pamela Anderson's boobs is what I say.
Ok everyone... the destruction is overwhelming. I'm sorry if I put you in a depression or coma. To get over my political funk I always turn to Family Guy. However, I realize not everyone is into that senseless stupidity so let me leave you with a youtube clip which was also The Shot on AC360.
Also thought I'd chime in my reviews for the Grey's Practice crossover... eh. ok.. next episode looks more promising...
Post your views. I welcome respectable comments. Thanks for reading.
PS - Also must add stimulus package has finally been agreed on. Full explanation download will be posted once I sift through and get the info. All I kno is Education was treated as 'pork' so not as much money will be going to Education... disappointing. Will the stimulus package be enough to prevent college tuition rates from raising next school year? Or will the prerogative be high schools and grants? I just wish some reporter would ask the President more on the education and if he will be revisiting Education after the stimulus package (since Education will not be getting as much money as expected). Come on reporters! Stop asking about Biden and A-Rod and ask some real questions for the students of America!
3.6 million jobs lost since beginning of 2007. (On a sign in the capital)
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Crazy Night. Blogging for Relief.
Right now its the AC360 time. So I've currently got the tv on with the computer cracked open showing 500 different windows (with tabs). Tonight is my first night where I've ventured into the AC360 webcast region. Its interesting. There is a live camera on Anderson almost the entire time, if I was him I would be creeped out. Nonetheless I watched it for almost an hour... Erica Hill's well promoted webcast lasts a minute, not what I had expected. It was interesting when the camera finally got off Anderson and jerkishly motioned around the room. I got to see all these breakable machines zooming around and a guy I recognized from the dancing videos. It surprised me to see how many gizmos and doodads are involved in making a live show happen. I'll admit I was starting to think the show is taped 2 hours before hand and CNN just slaps the fancy "live" blinkie for decoration. I will let you in on a secret, the live camera isn't too live. There is about a five minute delay, which is probably unavoidable. Its just that it took me half the show to figure out why Anderson was checking his blackberry on my computer and talking to the camera on tv. I was starting to think it was some vampire magic...
Poor Gergen. A minority in the live blog tonight. If I understand anything on what these white haired men kept blabbing about, I'm sure I'd be siding with Gergen tonight. Just because he is Gergen. In all honesty I think he is just a minority because he isn't up against Roland (who live bloggers don't seem to like).
I have to say I'm glad to be sitting in front of this screen, right now, typing away and encouraging that carpal tunnel. This whole week I've been busy with midterms. Busy? No, ok I'll admit the only midterm I really payed attention to was physics. While I'm here I might as well toot my own horn. I am proud to say I got an almost perfect grade on my chemistry quiz. Thank you! Thank you! Mind you I'm not talking about my Chemistry midterm or my Human Geo midterm. Lets not ruin my moment.
I wasted my day away yesterday avoiding Human Geography by falling into the Facebook 25 Things virus. I'm infected and I'm spreading it! It truly is interesting to see how weird some people are. These 25 things reveal more than just 25 things... I stuck in an extra bonus fact about me for those who stuck with me till the end of my note. It seems to be the most popular fact about me: my cysts on my hands which I call my sixth finger (they really are just small nubbs). Thank you Shelly for helping me come up with 25 things. Its a lot harder than what you might think.
Anyone else getting into this Phelps controversy? Its sad to hear what happened but commendable in how he is handling it. Sure it could have been handled better, but it also could have been WAY worse! What surprises me is how the public is reacting. Almost every comment I read practically screams yay weed, good for Phelps, I love that stuff... Not a response I had expected. With Cheech and Chong and the tv show Weeds, I'm surprised that I'm surprised...
Yay, time for the Grey's Private Crossover and my load of essays. I'm sure I'll be posting tomorrow... hopefully.
Thanks for joining me with my best blog yet. Thanks for reading.
Monday, January 26, 2009
SAG, Facebook Breast-feeding, CNN Vampires
Due to procrastination in school, I have taken notice of the world outside of my university. First I'll start with the SAG awards. Depressing is best as I could put it. ...Then again it is just the SAGs... 30 Rock dominated the event, winning category after category ...after category... My highlights of the night were: when Hugh Laurie won his one SAG, when the camera pointed to the beautiful Dexter crew, and when Laura Linney announced she wouldn't fondle the actor award. Yes, I will admit Tina Fey's acceptance speeches were a bit funny, however I would have loved to hear a Steve Carell speech at least once.
So I was skimming through CNN.com when I came across a video on Facebook banning breast-feeding pictures. Mothers argue that they have the right to share these pictures and do not have any vulgar message. Many of the pictures fall within the terms and agreement since they don't show the areola area. Although Facebook agrees breast-feeding is natural they took down these photos due to reports and complaints. In fact, Facebook would not have known of the pictures unless users had not reported them. The mothers of Facebook created a group on Facebook called "Hey, Facebook, Breast-feeding is not obscene!". Starting over 1 and a half years ago the group now has 196,180 members.
What's your thoughts?
Researching this made me think about youtube. Why is it ok to play Britney Spear's new song "If You Seek Amy" on youtube when radios have banned it? Why is age check required on youtube videos revealing too much skin, yet videos with cursing do not have age check on them? Why doesn't Happy Tree Friends (youtube video) have age check when it shows, at the very least, mild violence.
Go ahead and share your views if you want to.
The last subject I wanted to talk about is my theory that CNN hires vampires. Unexplainable looks, fatal charisma... The life span of Larry King. Dr. Sanjay Gupta has the brains of Carlisle Cullen and Anderson Cooper has the translucency of Edward Cullen. A little eerie if I do say so myself. So if CNN has vampires then what is Nancy Grace?
Thanks for reading.
PS. I've researched the Beat 360 shirt and found out you also get a letter from Anderson Cooper (with a signature). Thats it, I'm gonna win this!!! Yes, the Beat 360 shirt and me is like George Clooney and Ellen Degeneres. My slogan is Beat 360 shirt is mine in '09.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Grey's Private 1/23/09
YES! Ladies and Gentleman it finally happened! Dr. Mark Sloan finally broke his sex organ. Is this ever proof that karma exists! ...At least in Grey's World it is.
The Mar-exi... Lex-ark... Sloey... Mark/Lexi relationship is promising. I, for one, can't wait to see Derek's reaction when they decide to go public. Derek asked Mark to stay away from Little Grey, and as most people know Mark owes Derek that much. But fate plays out and now best friends are dating awkward half sisters.
So in the last last episode Derek's mom met Mer. Turns out the actor, Tyne Daly, is the older sister of Tim Daly, Pete Wilder in Private Practice. If they incorporated this in the show then Derek would be Pete's nephew. To mix it up more, Pete was hott for Addison. Meaning Pete momentarily hooked up with his nephew's exwife. ...Jeez All My Children would have a run for its money. And I can see them all now on Montel Williams!
George oh George oh George... And no Ellen I do not mean George Clooney. Was he even in this episode? Physically yes. Spiritually it feels like he died... And I don't mean Denny Dead (resurrecting from the grave). No no... Dying on Grey's means a cameo appearance later. But to live after failing your intern exam and being a adulteress and having your father die means fade into the background... Anyone know if TR is really going to leave? I'll have to check Grey's Insider later.
Well I continued on to watch Private Practice and half way through it was like deja vu... Dying man who wants to die... Leaving doctors with an ultimatum between their oath and their heart. Now, I do have new found respect for Mer, Pete, and Sam. And yes... yes I know one case was a serial killer and the other case was a lovely old man... But I was just a little too tired of the idea and I found it a smidgen too predictable.
The excitement of the night stemmed from the commercials of Grey's and Private crossover. The world of rain and blue scrubs meets beaches and colorful clothes. The only thing that would make it better would be comedy. Crazy, stupidly hilarious comedy that made me fall in love with Grey's Anatomy to begin with. "VIPenis" "McDreamy"/"McSteamy"... The closest thing I got recently would be Patrick Dempsey's hilarious dancing. Chris Brown has nothing on you Mr. Dempsey... A definite modern day Sinatra!
I must also say that Sandra Oh and Kevin McKidds' performance was absolutely amazing. Air vents... Prada suits in showers... The wait for this relationship was long, but I have a feeling it will be well worth it.
Now I don't want to leave you with no mention of Denny. I really have nothing to say. I mean when Mer died, Denny seemed like the death guru. Now he is just as confused as Izzy. Their super long distance relationship is long and tiring. I've given up from all the confusion. At this point I am just waiting for the explanation. operable brain tumor... operable brain tumor... operable brain tumor...
Boy, oh boy do I ever love Derek and Christina moments. And all for Mer... Mer, with the temp. courage mixed with her dark and twisted handicap. Mer... Then to have Mer and Christina reunite in a army tank... wow...
I leave you with some questions that are on my mind:
When did Derek get the monster truck of a car?
AND What about the little black books that Mer's mom wrote?
K. Thanks for reading and have a good weekend.
PS: SHOOT!!! I missed Beat 360 again... This time difference sucks!!! This whole week I've had so many good captions.... Each time I'm an hour too late...
Today I included Jonas Brothers with dogs. I smelt a winner! Well... I'm gonna get that Beat 360 shirt... I'm not ruling theft out yet.
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