Entries by tag: deep thoughts
So Bernie Sanders' supporters are planning a march in Philadelphia "against the DNC."
Here's what I don't get - Sanders has for his entire political career been a democratic socialist, running as an independent. Then this year he decides to run for the Democratic party nomination. Now that he has, his supporters now want to change the Democratic party.
Doesn't that seem a little bit disingenuous? Why isn't he out forming his own party, or working with a party that more aligns to his goals, rather than trying to become something he's not, and then his supporters are trying to take over a party they don't identify with?
I get it - the Democratic party could be more progressive. I even agree. But by the same token, there are far more progressive parties out there (Green, etc.). Why are you trying to change something you're not?
It's like, hey, I'm a vegetarian, but I'm cool with ordering salad in your steak place. Sorry about my friends trying to shut you down and change you into a vegan joint. My bad.
Here's what I don't get - Sanders has for his entire political career been a democratic socialist, running as an independent. Then this year he decides to run for the Democratic party nomination. Now that he has, his supporters now want to change the Democratic party.
Doesn't that seem a little bit disingenuous? Why isn't he out forming his own party, or working with a party that more aligns to his goals, rather than trying to become something he's not, and then his supporters are trying to take over a party they don't identify with?
I get it - the Democratic party could be more progressive. I even agree. But by the same token, there are far more progressive parties out there (Green, etc.). Why are you trying to change something you're not?
It's like, hey, I'm a vegetarian, but I'm cool with ordering salad in your steak place. Sorry about my friends trying to shut you down and change you into a vegan joint. My bad.
"... there’s nothing the Republicans can throw at her that we haven’t already been fed to death.
And when you take a step back and look at Clinton objectively — which is admittedly difficult for many, even, or maybe particularly, on the left — that’s exactly the point. Hillary Clinton’s reputation is largely the result of a quarter century of visceral GOP hatred."
Yes, we can look at her voting record and public statements to inform our decisions of who we vote for in the primaries, but let's face it - the hatred that runs so deep is visceral, and also manufactured by the radical right.
http://thedailybanter.com/2016/01/hillary-gop-smears/
And when you take a step back and look at Clinton objectively — which is admittedly difficult for many, even, or maybe particularly, on the left — that’s exactly the point. Hillary Clinton’s reputation is largely the result of a quarter century of visceral GOP hatred."
Yes, we can look at her voting record and public statements to inform our decisions of who we vote for in the primaries, but let's face it - the hatred that runs so deep is visceral, and also manufactured by the radical right.
http://thedailybanter.com/2016/01/hillary-gop-smears/
My predictions:
Bernie might win the next couple of primaries, but ultimately it'll become clear Hillary has it. He will stick with his campaign, though, to make sure his issues are being heard and discussed, and that's OK and good for Dems and progressives - we need to be challenged on the important issues. But in the end, he'll not only back her up, but will go to great lengths to convince his supporters that they need to vote for her to stop the GOP from taking over for the next 2-4 years. It'll be a tough sell, since there are so many "Bernie or nobody" people out there, and it's discouraging (let the radical right eat their own - we need to come together here).
Trump is out, but he's unpredictable and things could go a few different ways. He'll win a few primaries, sure, but as the real thought of him being the candidate starts to sink in, things will change for him. In the end, he'll either drop out (he really doesn't want the job anyway), or he just won't get the delegates for the nomination, or he'll run third party (which will quite nicely divide the conservative vote and give Clinton the win regardless), or he'll fight it to the convention and the establishment won't let him have it, forcing a brokered convention (which he won't win).
That said, Cruz will not get the GOP nomination. He's either going to really stick his foot in it and do or say something so tremendously stupid that he can't get out from under it, or the less Tea Party-ish in the party will come to the rescue. It may even come down to a brokered convention, but in the end, I'm predicting Rubio will get the nomination. (I would actually enjoy watching a Clinton/Rubio debate.)
And in the end, Hillary wins it.
Now, as for the VPs... ;)
Bernie might win the next couple of primaries, but ultimately it'll become clear Hillary has it. He will stick with his campaign, though, to make sure his issues are being heard and discussed, and that's OK and good for Dems and progressives - we need to be challenged on the important issues. But in the end, he'll not only back her up, but will go to great lengths to convince his supporters that they need to vote for her to stop the GOP from taking over for the next 2-4 years. It'll be a tough sell, since there are so many "Bernie or nobody" people out there, and it's discouraging (let the radical right eat their own - we need to come together here).
Trump is out, but he's unpredictable and things could go a few different ways. He'll win a few primaries, sure, but as the real thought of him being the candidate starts to sink in, things will change for him. In the end, he'll either drop out (he really doesn't want the job anyway), or he just won't get the delegates for the nomination, or he'll run third party (which will quite nicely divide the conservative vote and give Clinton the win regardless), or he'll fight it to the convention and the establishment won't let him have it, forcing a brokered convention (which he won't win).
That said, Cruz will not get the GOP nomination. He's either going to really stick his foot in it and do or say something so tremendously stupid that he can't get out from under it, or the less Tea Party-ish in the party will come to the rescue. It may even come down to a brokered convention, but in the end, I'm predicting Rubio will get the nomination. (I would actually enjoy watching a Clinton/Rubio debate.)
And in the end, Hillary wins it.
Now, as for the VPs... ;)
I am convinced that one day sociologists and historians will look back and determine that Sandra Fluke's congressional testimony, the irresponsible, horrible reactions to it (i.e., Rush Limbaugh), and the pro-woman backlash to those reactions was all a turning point in the United States in the conversation about sexual violence, harassment, male privilege and misogyny. Lately, and perhaps for the first time, the voices that are calling out this reprehensible behavior for what it is have, from my observations, begun to drown out those whose attitudes towards women seem to be stuck in the 1950's (or earlier).
I hope this trend continues. I hope women continue to call out inequality and unfairness for themselves. I hope more and more men join in the conversation and see how they perpetuate the problem, even when they don't intend to. I hope the next generation continues working towards shedding our outdated society shackles. I hope eventually women and men are treated truly equally.
I hope this trend continues. I hope women continue to call out inequality and unfairness for themselves. I hope more and more men join in the conversation and see how they perpetuate the problem, even when they don't intend to. I hope the next generation continues working towards shedding our outdated society shackles. I hope eventually women and men are treated truly equally.
Some people need to read this article. Key things to say in an apology:
I’m sorry for...
This is wrong because...
In the future, I will...
Will you forgive me?
I know that apologies mean a great deal to me, and I hope I myself say "I'm sorry" enough. This is another level of apology, and it's one I'm going to ponder and try to use myself in the future.
http://www.cuppacocoa.com/a-better-way-to-say-sorry/
I’m sorry for...
This is wrong because...
In the future, I will...
Will you forgive me?
I know that apologies mean a great deal to me, and I hope I myself say "I'm sorry" enough. This is another level of apology, and it's one I'm going to ponder and try to use myself in the future.
http://www.cuppacocoa.com/a-better-way-to-say-sorry/
So a couple of notes for my friends. This has been on my mind for the last few days so I wanted to express it.
First, I was once asked, "Why do people make fun of you all the time?" My answer was, "Because I allow it." Please don't take my good naturedness for granted, because I find that hurtful.
Second, yes, I do have lines, although they're pretty far afield. If I point out that you're crossing them (and I'll do my best to be clear about it), I'd appreciate it if you took it seriously (especially since I like to think that I rarely invoke them). If you don't, or if you continue to dance across my lines because you think it's funny to poke me (see my point above), I'll be sad to see you go. (NOTE: The words "I'm sorry" mean a lot to me. I hope I use them in my dealings with others.)
Third, my Facebook page is my space. I appreciate the comments and likes, of course (who doesn't), and I don't mind some constructive criticism now and again, but there's a time and place, folks - if you don't like what I post and have nothing but snark to say about it, consider just scrolling past it. It's a big internet, so I'm sure you can find someplace else to play instead of pissing all over my living room.
Finally, knock it off with the slut shaming. Since in most cases I openly encourage you to fly your own freak flag however you see fit, I don't think I deserve derision in return.
That was it. Thanks for listening.
First, I was once asked, "Why do people make fun of you all the time?" My answer was, "Because I allow it." Please don't take my good naturedness for granted, because I find that hurtful.
Second, yes, I do have lines, although they're pretty far afield. If I point out that you're crossing them (and I'll do my best to be clear about it), I'd appreciate it if you took it seriously (especially since I like to think that I rarely invoke them). If you don't, or if you continue to dance across my lines because you think it's funny to poke me (see my point above), I'll be sad to see you go. (NOTE: The words "I'm sorry" mean a lot to me. I hope I use them in my dealings with others.)
Third, my Facebook page is my space. I appreciate the comments and likes, of course (who doesn't), and I don't mind some constructive criticism now and again, but there's a time and place, folks - if you don't like what I post and have nothing but snark to say about it, consider just scrolling past it. It's a big internet, so I'm sure you can find someplace else to play instead of pissing all over my living room.
Finally, knock it off with the slut shaming. Since in most cases I openly encourage you to fly your own freak flag however you see fit, I don't think I deserve derision in return.
That was it. Thanks for listening.
When I want to get information about something I Google it, but then I always pick the Wikipedia entry. So why do I bother with Google?
For those who have known me the longest, I have sad news.
Mom is filling in the pool this week. The halcyon days of summer pool parties are officially over.
Goodbye, old friend. I replaced your liner, painted your coping, backwashed your filter, and spent countless hours enjoying the company of friends and family in and around you. I wish we could have had one last fling, but your time has come. Rest in peace.
Mom is filling in the pool this week. The halcyon days of summer pool parties are officially over.
Goodbye, old friend. I replaced your liner, painted your coping, backwashed your filter, and spent countless hours enjoying the company of friends and family in and around you. I wish we could have had one last fling, but your time has come. Rest in peace.
Thank you, universe, for again reminding me to stop pursuing people who only want to be pursued and have no inclination to pursue me in return. :)
I posted updates on Facebook, but for your enjoyment I put them all together in a timeline (including pictures!):
Friday, April 12:
11:24am: Moving is the pits.
1:42pm: Funny how loading a U-Haul in the rain feels like Pennsic...
4:18pm: 10 hours to load it, 2.5 to unload it.
Saturday, April 13:
8:21am: YARD SALE TODAY! Who's coming? :-P
2:09pm: Thank you, landlords, for telling me 2 days before I move out that you "have a problem" with me steaming cleaning the carpets myself. Um, the lease just says steam clean, not pay for professionals to do it. (And don't bring up "we pay the electric and water" when say I wanted to save money, because the professionals use electric and water, too.) Also, wipe down the walls? Seriously? Um, no. And I'm sorry you told your new tenant he could move in on Monday after we talked about Monday being my last day - it's not my fault you can't keep your dates straight.
5:27pm: PURGE ALL THE THINGS
7:37pm: Running out of steam, but I think I did pretty good today. If promises are kept, I'll only have the bed and couch to deal with. :)
9:51pm: Treating myself to dinner because I need to. :-/
Sunday, April 14:
3:12pm: Good talk with the rational landlord who said to ignore the prissy one. :) Also, a woman came back from yesterday and bought three more items, and I have three offers for the couch and mattress from Craigslist (plus an offer from a thrift store to come pick them up). One more trip to the storage unit, a couple of trips to the new place, and then I start cleaning. w00t! :)
4:11pm: When did I go through a turtleneck phase?
6:27pm: How telling is it that my storage unit is sorted as follows: kitchen, paperwork, books, Pennsic, tools, stuff, stuff to get rid of (donate), and stuff I might actually need? Yeah, that's what I thought... :-/
9:13pm: My new roommate made me dinner. I think this is going to work out juuust fine... ;)
Monday, April 15:
12:12pm: Somebody please tell me that's a *light* at the end of the tunnel and not an oncoming train...
3:33pm: UGH. The last 10% really does take 90% of the time. :-/
Tuesday, April 16:
11:29am: Move is done. EXHAUSTED. Last load was waaay too late last night, then cleaned, vacuumed and steam cleaned the carpets. Car is still full of stuff. So glad to be sitting at a desk for 8 hours. Now begins The Great Unpacking...
1:16 pm: Things I learned from this move:
- I'm old
- When people offer to help, say yes
- Rent the truck longer
- Start earlier
- Pay to have someone else do it
Oh, and NEVER MOVE AGAIN EVER.
Wednesday, April 17:
11:03 am: Made it to work yesterday, then came home, promptly fell asleep, and woke up in time to go to work again today. Hopefully those 14 hours will get me right as rain. :)
I'm also going to post something longer about how I viewed the move from a more personal perspective. ;)
Friday, April 12:
11:24am: Moving is the pits.
1:42pm: Funny how loading a U-Haul in the rain feels like Pennsic...
4:18pm: 10 hours to load it, 2.5 to unload it.
Saturday, April 13:
8:21am: YARD SALE TODAY! Who's coming? :-P
2:09pm: Thank you, landlords, for telling me 2 days before I move out that you "have a problem" with me steaming cleaning the carpets myself. Um, the lease just says steam clean, not pay for professionals to do it. (And don't bring up "we pay the electric and water" when say I wanted to save money, because the professionals use electric and water, too.) Also, wipe down the walls? Seriously? Um, no. And I'm sorry you told your new tenant he could move in on Monday after we talked about Monday being my last day - it's not my fault you can't keep your dates straight.
5:27pm: PURGE ALL THE THINGS
7:37pm: Running out of steam, but I think I did pretty good today. If promises are kept, I'll only have the bed and couch to deal with. :)
9:51pm: Treating myself to dinner because I need to. :-/
Sunday, April 14:
3:12pm: Good talk with the rational landlord who said to ignore the prissy one. :) Also, a woman came back from yesterday and bought three more items, and I have three offers for the couch and mattress from Craigslist (plus an offer from a thrift store to come pick them up). One more trip to the storage unit, a couple of trips to the new place, and then I start cleaning. w00t! :)
4:11pm: When did I go through a turtleneck phase?
6:27pm: How telling is it that my storage unit is sorted as follows: kitchen, paperwork, books, Pennsic, tools, stuff, stuff to get rid of (donate), and stuff I might actually need? Yeah, that's what I thought... :-/
9:13pm: My new roommate made me dinner. I think this is going to work out juuust fine... ;)
Monday, April 15:
12:12pm: Somebody please tell me that's a *light* at the end of the tunnel and not an oncoming train...
3:33pm: UGH. The last 10% really does take 90% of the time. :-/
Tuesday, April 16:
11:29am: Move is done. EXHAUSTED. Last load was waaay too late last night, then cleaned, vacuumed and steam cleaned the carpets. Car is still full of stuff. So glad to be sitting at a desk for 8 hours. Now begins The Great Unpacking...
1:16 pm: Things I learned from this move:
- I'm old
- When people offer to help, say yes
- Rent the truck longer
- Start earlier
- Pay to have someone else do it
Oh, and NEVER MOVE AGAIN EVER.
Wednesday, April 17:
11:03 am: Made it to work yesterday, then came home, promptly fell asleep, and woke up in time to go to work again today. Hopefully those 14 hours will get me right as rain. :)
I'm also going to post something longer about how I viewed the move from a more personal perspective. ;)
While moving I've been unpacking more personal insights than packing belongings...
- Current Mood:
thoughtful
Things learned this weekend:
* I will always cry when Lal dies.
* "Amadeus" is still my favorite film.
* Gay bars have turned into places for hanging out with friends.
* I'm jonesing for the new "Doctor Who."
* My kitties are big wussies.
* I'm broke.
* I will always cry when Lal dies.
* "Amadeus" is still my favorite film.
* Gay bars have turned into places for hanging out with friends.
* I'm jonesing for the new "Doctor Who."
* My kitties are big wussies.
* I'm broke.
Pope Francis sort of kind of looks like/reminds me of my dad. WEIRD.
It's fine to be honest, but first learn when to be silent.
I have to say my first thought this morning upon hearing that Ratzinger is retiring as pope was less than charitable. Since it seems to me that the appointment of the pope would be "guided by the hand of God," as it were, if Ratzinger is now quitting, it just reinforces my feeling that Ratzinger has always believed he knows better than God.
Poor GOP, trying to figure out how to appeal to America's changing demographics. It's cute that you're trying, but honestly you can re-package, re-brand and change your tone all you want, but if your core message doesn't change, your base isn't going to change.
You see, the majority of people of color, the LGBT community, young people and women have a brain, and they're smart enough to realize that what you're saying is, "Ignore the fact that we're working against your better interests and vote for us anyway because now we're saying it nicer!" That's just not gonna fly.
Now I don't think the GOP is going to go extinct, but their platform as it stands will only ever truly appeal to the most conservative. And I think that moderate Republicans don't agree with all of the GOP platform, but they still vote for Republican candidates because they still align *mostly* with them (and I'm sure couldn't ever bring themselves to vote for a Democrat). And all that is fine - by all means, vote your conscience - but it also puts both the moderate Republican voter and the GOP in an uncomfortable relationship.
Now, if a third, moderate political party were to spring up, then I could see the GOP becoming a fringe also-ran. (I don't see it happening to the DNC, because I don't think the DNC has been hijacked by fringe liberals nearly as much as the GOP has been hijacked by fringe conservatives.)
You see, the majority of people of color, the LGBT community, young people and women have a brain, and they're smart enough to realize that what you're saying is, "Ignore the fact that we're working against your better interests and vote for us anyway because now we're saying it nicer!" That's just not gonna fly.
Now I don't think the GOP is going to go extinct, but their platform as it stands will only ever truly appeal to the most conservative. And I think that moderate Republicans don't agree with all of the GOP platform, but they still vote for Republican candidates because they still align *mostly* with them (and I'm sure couldn't ever bring themselves to vote for a Democrat). And all that is fine - by all means, vote your conscience - but it also puts both the moderate Republican voter and the GOP in an uncomfortable relationship.
Now, if a third, moderate political party were to spring up, then I could see the GOP becoming a fringe also-ran. (I don't see it happening to the DNC, because I don't think the DNC has been hijacked by fringe liberals nearly as much as the GOP has been hijacked by fringe conservatives.)
You know, there's regular porn. (Aw yeah!)
Then there's "fundamentalist porn," which is anything having to do with the Rapture (i.e., the "Left Behind" series, the 700 Club, anything in the Old Testament, etc.).
Now we've got "conservative porn," which is anything having to do with liberalism (i.e., Glen Beck, Fox News, Obama's mere existence, etc.).
Whatever gets you off, I guess...
Then there's "fundamentalist porn," which is anything having to do with the Rapture (i.e., the "Left Behind" series, the 700 Club, anything in the Old Testament, etc.).
Now we've got "conservative porn," which is anything having to do with liberalism (i.e., Glen Beck, Fox News, Obama's mere existence, etc.).
Whatever gets you off, I guess...
- Current Mood:
curious
I'm sorry the truth hurts to hear, but at least I wasn't mean about it. I'll even be nice and give you a chance to make things right, but know I'm not holding my breath...
Posted via LiveJournal app for Android.
- Current Location:Lusby, Running Fox Rd, 688
All my friends in their 20's need to read this (and if you don't think it applies to you, it does):
"15 Ways 20-Somethings Ruin Their Twenties"
I did some of these myself, and am so glad I've learned (and continue to learn) these lessons.
"15 Ways 20-Somethings Ruin Their Twenties"
I did some of these myself, and am so glad I've learned (and continue to learn) these lessons.
- Current Mood: thoughtful
Donald Trump just won't shut up.
"Trump maintained that Obama's birthplace is a matter of opinion, rather than fact." This is why birthers, creationists and anti-immunization wackos can't wrap their heads around the fact that they're just plain wrong. GET OVER IT.
Also read an interesting article about why otherwise intelligent medical professionals and scientists sometimes go off the rails and buy into crank science and conspiracy theories (like Luc Montagnier, co-discoverer of the link between the HIV virus and AIDS, who's thrown his hat in the ring with Jenny McCarthy and the "vaccinations cause autism" idiots):
"How do scientists become cranks and doctors quacks?"
"Trump maintained that Obama's birthplace is a matter of opinion, rather than fact." This is why birthers, creationists and anti-immunization wackos can't wrap their heads around the fact that they're just plain wrong. GET OVER IT.
Also read an interesting article about why otherwise intelligent medical professionals and scientists sometimes go off the rails and buy into crank science and conspiracy theories (like Luc Montagnier, co-discoverer of the link between the HIV virus and AIDS, who's thrown his hat in the ring with Jenny McCarthy and the "vaccinations cause autism" idiots):
"How do scientists become cranks and doctors quacks?"
- Current Mood: confused
"Being Mean to Fat People Is Pointless: A Good Old-Fashioned Plea for Civility"
"Shame is stagnation... Bullying is not activism. Hurting is not helping. Cut it out."
Indeed. I've said it before and I'll say it again - I've learned more about self acceptance, self pride and breaking through societal shame more from my fat friends than I ever learned in all my years in the gay community. (Although props to my trans friends - they're pretty fucking awesome, too.)
- Current Mood: pensive
Interesting:
http://inamerica.blogs.cnn.com/2012/04/03/same-sex-couples-file-suit-against-defense-of-marriage-act/
If this case were to make it to the Supreme Court, it would be a little different from what I predicted would happen, which would be a simple case revolving around full faith and credit. Still, this is a perfectly legitimate way of going about it (although I would fear, in this case, the justices would vote, as they have in the recent past, in a limited way that applies only to this case, or perhaps only for immigration status, and nothing else; still, the precedent would be undeniable).
http://inamerica.blogs.cnn.com/2012/04/03/same-sex-couples-file-suit-against-defense-of-marriage-act/
If this case were to make it to the Supreme Court, it would be a little different from what I predicted would happen, which would be a simple case revolving around full faith and credit. Still, this is a perfectly legitimate way of going about it (although I would fear, in this case, the justices would vote, as they have in the recent past, in a limited way that applies only to this case, or perhaps only for immigration status, and nothing else; still, the precedent would be undeniable).
- Current Mood: contemplative
Have you ever actually looked at the money in your pocket?
When I was a kid I got and filled up a couple of coin collecting books - one for pennies, one for dimes, and one for nickels. I think I actually completed the book except for a couple of the really hard-to-find dimes.
I seem to accumulate a lot of change over time (mostly because of my murse - it builds up), and every once in a while I pull out a handful and look at them.
The pennies particularly strike me. The newer ones have the shield back rather than the Lincoln Memorial. The ones before 1983(ish) were of the old metal blend before they changed over to the cheaper, shinier mix. (HINT: If you ever get a pressed penny at an attraction or amusement park, make sure to use one of those older, duller pennies - the impression is drastically better.) Every once in a while I hit one of those "ONE CENT" reverses (I keep those). And the dates! Just now I ran across a penny from 1941. That's almost as old as my mother, yet it's in good condition (for a circulated coin) - you can read the date and the details clearly. Where this coin must have gone over the years! I can only imagine.
I also check out the quarters. For a while I was collecting the state quarters, but have no idea where my collection is on that. I also keep a look out for the 1976 bicentennial quarters, which were a big deal at the time (this was all before they started mixing up coinage and bills in the 90's and 00's to keep things interesting). I keep those, too.
I also really love the dollar coins. I always try to remember to get a whole bunch before Pennsic because they're fun to toss into the buskers' bowls along the road to the food court - you're giving them something substantial, and it looks pretty sitting there in the sunlight. (Besides, no one had bills in the Medieval period.) I definitely like the presidential series, but I admire the Sacagawea coins, too. I wasn't as hip on the Susan B.'s, only because they were also silver. (Canadian twoonies are neat - a gold center in a silver ring! Those are pretty.) Before that, my friend Carson used to live in NYC and he'd go to the depository and get a sack full of the Eisenhower dollars - those were HUGE, and he loved using them at Pennsic.
Sometimes I'll run across a JFK half dollar, which I'll also keep. My mother has a few liberty head dimes and really old nickels, too.
Anyway, was just musing. Carry on. :)
When I was a kid I got and filled up a couple of coin collecting books - one for pennies, one for dimes, and one for nickels. I think I actually completed the book except for a couple of the really hard-to-find dimes.
I seem to accumulate a lot of change over time (mostly because of my murse - it builds up), and every once in a while I pull out a handful and look at them.
The pennies particularly strike me. The newer ones have the shield back rather than the Lincoln Memorial. The ones before 1983(ish) were of the old metal blend before they changed over to the cheaper, shinier mix. (HINT: If you ever get a pressed penny at an attraction or amusement park, make sure to use one of those older, duller pennies - the impression is drastically better.) Every once in a while I hit one of those "ONE CENT" reverses (I keep those). And the dates! Just now I ran across a penny from 1941. That's almost as old as my mother, yet it's in good condition (for a circulated coin) - you can read the date and the details clearly. Where this coin must have gone over the years! I can only imagine.
I also check out the quarters. For a while I was collecting the state quarters, but have no idea where my collection is on that. I also keep a look out for the 1976 bicentennial quarters, which were a big deal at the time (this was all before they started mixing up coinage and bills in the 90's and 00's to keep things interesting). I keep those, too.
I also really love the dollar coins. I always try to remember to get a whole bunch before Pennsic because they're fun to toss into the buskers' bowls along the road to the food court - you're giving them something substantial, and it looks pretty sitting there in the sunlight. (Besides, no one had bills in the Medieval period.) I definitely like the presidential series, but I admire the Sacagawea coins, too. I wasn't as hip on the Susan B.'s, only because they were also silver. (Canadian twoonies are neat - a gold center in a silver ring! Those are pretty.) Before that, my friend Carson used to live in NYC and he'd go to the depository and get a sack full of the Eisenhower dollars - those were HUGE, and he loved using them at Pennsic.
Sometimes I'll run across a JFK half dollar, which I'll also keep. My mother has a few liberty head dimes and really old nickels, too.
Anyway, was just musing. Carry on. :)
- Current Mood: thoughtful
Oh, and since I know you're all vastly interested in my opinion...
All kinds of things involved in the Martin case, but here's how I think things went down:
Zimmerman, a guy with previous anger management issues, likes throwing his weight around, and thinks he's A Big Deal doing community watch. He's not a racist, but being raised in a racist society, he profiles a black kid in his neighborhood. Not being too bright, being a little overzealous, and ignoring the dispatcher's warnings, he decides to take matters into his own hands and play a tough guy and go after Martin anyway, even though Martin has started walking/running away from him.
Pursued, and possibly confronted, Martin is probably scared and defensive - after all, he's just walking home and this weirdo starts following him. He reacts with his own words, and possibly hands (although the latest info seems to contradict this part of Zimmerman's story).
An altercation happens, and things get out of hand - Zimmerman shoots, probably not out of malice, but also probably not by accident (I'd lay odds he thought just brandishing the gun would stop the fight). Knowing what to say (having already been through this before), the cops show up and the first thing Zimmerman says is "self defense." The cops do their cursory duty without looking too deeply into things and let him go.
Issues involved are complex and could be looked at separately, despite their interrelational natures in this particular case - societal racism, profiling, Zimmerman's history of aggressive problems, Florida's fucked up gun laws, this particular town's fucked up police department, and what we, as a society, are going to do about all of them.
The whole thing is just fucking sad, no matter which way you slice it.
All kinds of things involved in the Martin case, but here's how I think things went down:
Zimmerman, a guy with previous anger management issues, likes throwing his weight around, and thinks he's A Big Deal doing community watch. He's not a racist, but being raised in a racist society, he profiles a black kid in his neighborhood. Not being too bright, being a little overzealous, and ignoring the dispatcher's warnings, he decides to take matters into his own hands and play a tough guy and go after Martin anyway, even though Martin has started walking/running away from him.
Pursued, and possibly confronted, Martin is probably scared and defensive - after all, he's just walking home and this weirdo starts following him. He reacts with his own words, and possibly hands (although the latest info seems to contradict this part of Zimmerman's story).
An altercation happens, and things get out of hand - Zimmerman shoots, probably not out of malice, but also probably not by accident (I'd lay odds he thought just brandishing the gun would stop the fight). Knowing what to say (having already been through this before), the cops show up and the first thing Zimmerman says is "self defense." The cops do their cursory duty without looking too deeply into things and let him go.
Issues involved are complex and could be looked at separately, despite their interrelational natures in this particular case - societal racism, profiling, Zimmerman's history of aggressive problems, Florida's fucked up gun laws, this particular town's fucked up police department, and what we, as a society, are going to do about all of them.
The whole thing is just fucking sad, no matter which way you slice it.
- Current Mood: thoughtful
If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?
I'd be satisfied with Delaware, Illinois, Nevada, California, Maine or Wyoming. Rhode Island would make a cool name, too. I don't think any of them really suit me, though.
- Current Mood: thoughtful
The NAMES Project Quilt was on campus this week. Always sobering. Some of these people were so fucking young...
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- Current Mood: thoughtful
I like what my friend 
cutegaychick said today:
"I like veterans. I really do - they do good work and people shoot at them and that's gotta suck. Also they look hot in uniform. But since everyone else is thanking the veterans and giving the I'm instead going to thank all of the protesters, the people who won't say the pledge, the ACLU, the people who sue to keep prayer out of public school, the people who guard our freedom of speech and the people who march and stand up and sometimes die to protect us from ourselves. Cause soldiers do an excellent job of keeping the oil flowing, they do an excellent job of keeping the Nazis out of France and they do an excellent job of assassinating terrorists. But protesters and conscientious objectors do an excellent job of defending our freedom. And they do it for free. And for that, they get ridiculed, they get beaten, they get jailed, they get harassed and they get told that soldiers are defending their rights. I like soldiers, but they're defending our lives and our interests. The people who stand up and object are the ones defending our rights. And soldiers get free ice cream, they get pay, they get medals, they get discounted theater tickets. Protesters get hit by cops and scorned by pretty much everyone. And I am reminded that "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends."
So thanks to both groups - the soldiers and the people who peacefully object. This is a great place to live and you all do a great job of keeping it that way."
cutegaychick said today:"I like veterans. I really do - they do good work and people shoot at them and that's gotta suck. Also they look hot in uniform. But since everyone else is thanking the veterans and giving the I'm instead going to thank all of the protesters, the people who won't say the pledge, the ACLU, the people who sue to keep prayer out of public school, the people who guard our freedom of speech and the people who march and stand up and sometimes die to protect us from ourselves. Cause soldiers do an excellent job of keeping the oil flowing, they do an excellent job of keeping the Nazis out of France and they do an excellent job of assassinating terrorists. But protesters and conscientious objectors do an excellent job of defending our freedom. And they do it for free. And for that, they get ridiculed, they get beaten, they get jailed, they get harassed and they get told that soldiers are defending their rights. I like soldiers, but they're defending our lives and our interests. The people who stand up and object are the ones defending our rights. And soldiers get free ice cream, they get pay, they get medals, they get discounted theater tickets. Protesters get hit by cops and scorned by pretty much everyone. And I am reminded that "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends."
So thanks to both groups - the soldiers and the people who peacefully object. This is a great place to live and you all do a great job of keeping it that way."
- Current Mood:
proud
You know how you're not supposed to go shopping when you're hungry because you buy too much food? Well apparently I can't go shopping when it's close to my bedtime - I bought a new plush throw, a new pair of slippers, and a Forever Lazy. So sleepy... *yawn*
Posted via LiveJournal app for Android.
- Current Location:Lexington Park, Columbus Dr, 46352
- Current Mood:Tired
What always makes you laugh?
The Medians, and anything by Earl Grey Slurpee.
"I'm gonna slap the shit out of you, then slap you for shittin'..."
- Current Mood:
amused
If people keep asking you, "Why are you being such a bitch?" you might be being a bitch.
If people keep asking you, "Why are you being so rude?" you might be being rude.
If you take pride in either of these things, I don't know that I want to be friends with you.
- Current Mood: confused
* Last Wednesday - heartburn all night long
* Saturday to Tuesday - flu knocked me down hard
* This morning - dead battery, had to get a jump
* Tonight - woke up with intense back pain, so my first trip to an ER.
This is on top of that massive ear infection before Pennsic and a couple of other smaller health details I've been dealing with.
They just took a CAT scan but the pain is now entirely gone, so I'm hoping I just pulled something. Will post more when I can.
Posted via LiveJournal app for Android.
- Current Location:Leonardtown, null, Leonardtown
- Current Mood:sick
Figured now's as good a time as any to make up a weather preparedness list:
* Groceries (milk, bread, chocolate, donuts, pomegranates, etc.)
* Water
* Ice
* Tarps
* Bungie cords
* Propane
* Batteries
* Secure outdoor stuff
* Check gutters and roof
* Check HVAC unit
* Check windows and doors
* Fill water bottles
* Fill tub
* Make ice
* Ready flashlights, candles, radio, propane equipment (lantern, burner, heater)
* Charge phones
* Unplug electronics
Anything I'm missing?
Posted via LiveJournal app for Android.
- Current Location:Lexington Park, F D R Blvd, 46590-46660
- Current Mood:prepared!
Yes, I do, but that's not what concerns me.
What concerns me is the treatments they have in the interim. A recent study in Uganda showed that HIV+ men there who receive treatment have just about the same lifespan as average HIV- men, and another showed wonderful results with a new anti-viral. Now, of course these are good things from a medical perspective, but not necessarily good things from a societal perspective, IMHO.
Alas, it hasn't taken this good news to show what the problem is - too many people (and from my own experience I will refer to gay men in this case) are of the mindset that "AIDS doesn't kill you anymore, you just take a pill every day and you're fine, so let's bareback!" This is horrifying to me. I have four HIV+ friends, 3 of whom are well under 30, and 3 of whom seroconverted after I met them. It appalls, frightens and revolts me.
Yes, I know, we could get into the whole "risk management" and "choice levels" and "sex negativity" discussions, and they're all well and good, but from a purely visceral level, it just makes me sick. I was SO lucky to come out when I did in the 80's that we finally understood the causes of the disease, and I watched so many people work so fucking hard to educate our community to keep them alive (not always successfully - several of those friends are dead now), to watch this new crop of queers decide safe sex is boring and barebacking is hot. Well, fuck you, it's not. It's disgusting, and you're killing yourself. I wish you could see that you're worth saving. I wish you thought enough of yourself to take five seconds to think about the rest of your life. I wish you understood that it's not about taking a pill every day, it's about living the rest of your life with a disease, and about how that's going to affect you and the people you love and who love you back.
And my words fall on deaf ears and people will still make deadly choices, but I continue to shout into the darkness. And if they come up with a cure or a vaccine, I will personally drag each and every one of my sexually active friends to get the shot, because I will not let them kill themselves. (And let's not even talk about what new and amazing STDs nature will come up with once there is a cure and people abandon safe sex altogether...)
Anyway. Argh. Feeling bitter and frustrated and angsty today.
- Current Mood:
annoyed
When asked how he thought the role of Columbo affected the rest of his acting career, Peter Falk was known to reply, "Well it ain't cancer."
- Current Mood: amused
Which book do you find yourself regularly rereading, and why?
Several:
* One Step From Earth, by Harry Harrison - a collection of short stories that document the discovery and future use of B-space, which is used to create doorways between distances; literally, everywhere in the universe becomes one step from earth. A very interesting collection that explores different facets of how society would adapt to such a discovery.
* "The Incarnations of Immortality" series, by Piers Anthony - I go back and re-read the entire series every few years, because I enjoy the interwoven storylines, and the concepts put forward in that particular universe.
* All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, by Robert Fulghum - Always an amusing read. This book made me decide that my last career will be as a UU minister.
It's been so long since I sat down and read a book (at least when not flying on a plane) I think it's time I went through my library (most of which is still in storage in San Diego, alas) and thought about what other ones mean a lot to me.
(It also does not help that I now work in a library and end up buying a box full every year at the book sale.)
- Current Mood:
bored
Totally missed the 14th, which was the anniversary of Stuart's death, but maybe that's a good thing - better to remember his inherent awesomeness than that day.
I've been thinking about Stuart a lot lately, mostly because my life situation has changed and I'm hoping to be able to make it back to San Diego soon. I realize he was starting preparations to leave it, but IIRC he said he'd stayed there the longest out of all of his travels in his life, so I think that says something about the place.
It'll be sad going back knowing I won't have him as a friend to rely on (and have missed being able to call him and get his advice on my own woes). Still, the friends I have there all remember him, so we'll have lots to reminisce about. I'm certainly going to continue to ask his all-purpose greeting, "What's your damage, Heather?" :)
Miss you lots, you bastard.
- Current Mood: contemplative
- Current Mood:
verklempt
Courtesy of my friends list (specifically some feeds I follow), I give you...
Things that annoy me on the internet:
- LOLspeak on icanhascheezburger (taking it waaaaaaaaay too far)
- Animated GIFs (it's a funny movie, so let's make it an annoying pointless loop)
- Wins that aren't wins (Methinks Failblog has jumped the shark)
There are others, but that was just from this morning.
- Current Mood: annoyed
If you bumped into someone who regularly picked on you as a child, what would you say to them?
I'd laugh at them, probably. I had no regular tormentors, but the few people who I can recall being mean to me turned out pretty pathetically, and I'm far better off as a person than they are. What happened then made me who I am today, and it's far enough in the past that it's irrelevant to me today.
I love hearing stories about bullies finding their prey on Facebook now that they're all grown up. One of two things seems to happen - they either apologize for their behavior way back then (which is usually met with shock, silence, and/or disdain), or they have no clue how horrible and scarring their behavior was and act like just the fact that they were classmates/friends/neighbors way back when is enough to warrant being BFFs online (which is usually met with shock, silence, and/or anger). Either way, what's the point? Move on, folks, move on, and leave those you were cruel to be unless and until they contact you first.
- Current Mood:awake
Er, Miss Manners answered the question I submitted:
"DEAR MISS MANNERS -- At this time of year, I try to be respectful of the diversity of the people I may meet by wishing them "happy holidays." I like to think this neither assumes what they may celebrate nor imposes upon them what I may celebrate, but still manages to convey my good wishes toward them.
However, I have recently begun to think this may not be entirely appropriate. After all, some people may not celebrate anything at all this time of year, and I would not want to inadvertently offend them. I also think it might be even more respectful to show some interest in offering more than just a generic farewell.
Do you think it would be appropriate to first ask, "Do you celebrate a particular holiday this time of year?" I could then tailor my farewell to their response, from "Merry Christmas," to "Happy Hannukah," to simply, "Have a lovely day." I want to find a balance between being festive and friendly without appearing unduly personal or rude.
GENTLE READER -- Please do not go around interrogating random people about their religious affiliations and practices. It is disrespectful of their privacy. Besides, the number you might offend would be considerably larger than the number offended by being wished a generalized or wrong holiday greeting.
Miss Manners is well aware that there are some who do take offense at any such wishes, specific or not, including "Have a lovely day." If you really want to protect yourself, you would be better off asking, "Are you the sort of person who makes an issue out of a simple expression of good will?"
But as that, too, would be an invasion of privacy, Miss Manners is afraid you will have to take your chances or wish everyone a happy winter."
I actually submitted that two years ago. Neat! :)
- Current Mood: ecstatic
We had a lovely Thanksgiving at our friends Greg & John's house, with their soon to be adopted daughter Jocelyn and their foster son Moe. T'was quite nice to catch up with them, and hopefully we'll see them again around Christmas.
I finished watching The Prisoner last night, and ultimately found it lacking. Ian McKellan was, of course, virtually untouchable, but the rest was just bleh. They tried so earnestly to achieve mood that they completely forewent plot. They sacrificed characters we could relate to so they could get the proper balance of spooky and esoteric. I never watched the original series save but for a few episodes, but I can only gather that it was a far superior product, and hopefully managed, like Dark Shadows or similar, to draw its mood and theme and plot out over a prolonged period of time while successfully keeping the viewer engaged and entertained, without giving too much away. Sadly, I pretty much had this one pegged well before the ending. And, seriously, what was up with the dialogue? I'm all for subtlety, misdirection and thoughtful, witty interplay, but a lot of this just didn't make any sense, even if you could follow the convoluted trail of breadcrumbs they were trying (unsuccessfully) to leave for you. All in all, pretty much crap, except for McKellan. Disappointing.
Q's last night of work tonight, and then we're heading up to Mom's for the rest of the weekend. Should be fun.
- Current Mood:
complacent
For some reason while driving to lunch today I was trying to come up with different ways people cheer, or just shout general exclamations. For example:
- Boring white folks like me say, "Hooray!", "Yippee!" or "Yahoo!"
- Shakespeare would have said, "Huzzah!"
- SCAdians from the East say, "Vivat!"
- pinkvinylangel taught me, "Opa!" (and he's ever so cute when he does it)
- Those in the Army, Marines or Navy might say, respectively, "Hooah!", "Oorah!" or "Hooyah!"
- Jews would say (at least under certain circumstances), "Mazeltov!" (I know that's more "congratulations")
- Some Chinese friends of mine say, "Aiyah," but I think that's more of a term of frustration or shock
- adventdragon taught me the Filipino expression, "Ay nako!" which is also sort of exasperation or surprise
- Current Mood: curious
Inspired by crankyasanoldma's post here, I give you my letter to Miss Manners:
( Read more...Collapse )
Your thoughts?
crankyasanoldma's post here, I give you my letter to Miss Manners:( Read more...Collapse )
Your thoughts?
- Current Mood: curious
Just in case anyone was wondering where I stood on the issues. :)
- Current Mood:
liberal!
Maybe it's because I just finished re-reading Immortal Coil, which ties together so many artificial intelligence plotlines so well in the Star Trek universe, but I decided to be a complete and utter geek and catalog all the artficially-created intelligent life forms seen over the course of 5 series and the movies. So, in all its HTML glory, here it is:
( Canonical list of androids, robots, sentient computers and programs in the Star Trek universeCollapse )
Corrections, additions and comments greatly appreciated. Thanks! Enjoy!
- Current Mood:
geeky
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