"To hold on to sanity too tight is insane..."

Vanity Fair...

2006-02-23T22:56:00.000-05:00

As silly and as stupid as the word is I've actually been called a feminazi. Why? Because I believe in equal pay for women who do the same job as men. I don't think women should be subservient to men, and I certainly don't think that women should have to sexualize themselves in order to be taken seriously.

All that being said, I think people need to get over this whole Vanity Fair "controversy".

Now, hang on before all you girls out there call me a "traitor", and I say I don't believe in the cause. I certainly do, and everything I said above is true. So hear me out.

I had been looking forward to the new Vanity Fair for a few weeks. I'd heard the buzz surrounding it, and had seen some of the screen captures (Jake Gyllenhaal *drool*). I've always appreciated beautiful art and photography (my grandfather was a photographer in WWII and my father was also one, until I was born...but that's another story). I received a package in the mail the other day from my mom and in it was the new VF. I couldn't get back to the dorm fast enough to read it. The images were so well done and really quite lovely.

I knew that people weren't pleased with some of the content in it, but it wasn't until today that I actually read some pretty scathing articles addressing the content. "Experts" labeled it as "vulgar" or even as "pornography". I'm sorry, but I saw no people taking part in an explicit sex anywhere in the magazine. They said it was sad that only the women took their clothes off and it was awful that they had to.

Now stop the presses. Obviously these people haven't looked at the magazine. For one, while yes, there were more women semi-nude than men, Taye Diggs as well as Eric Bana both appeared with very limited clothing on. Also more of the women in the issue were clothed then naked.

None of the women were forced to take their clothes off. According to articles I've read, a good portion of them were quite game and excited at the prospect. Rachel McAdams was uncomfortable with the thought and not wanting her to feel uncomfortable VF told her that it was fine of her not to participate. Obviously the women who were pictured nude/semi-nude wanted to have been, or else they wouldn't be.

As for the men thing, yes there were only a couple men who were partially nude, but let's be honest with ourselves do we really want to look at a naked man? I'm straight, but I'd have to say that when looking at pieces of art, I'm much more comfortable looking at nude women then men (I'm certain most guys feel this way too). Nothing against a guy's body (because you guys can be pretty hot), but there's just something uncomfortable about looking at it for whatever reason. A naked woman is considered art more so than a naked man...at least in today's society.

So, before you bash the VF hollywood issue, take some time too look at it and to really understand exactly what Tom Ford was trying to portray. And hey, if it's not your cup of tea, then don't look at it.

Sick of Farris...

2006-01-02T18:06:00.000-05:00

First I apologize for my long absence...but let's not dwell on that.

Out of all the stories I could cover now that I'm back, there is one that has really been driving me crazy over the past week or so. That is the story of Farris. I'm sure everyone has heard of him, it has been in the news almost non-stop here recently.

Farris is the 16 year old Floridian who jetted off to Iraq without his parents permission (well sort of) to experience immersion journalism. Farris skipped a week of school to go to one of the most dangerous places on the planet all because he thought he could walk into AP and get a journalism job.

The thing that really bothers me about this story is how his praises are being sung in the media. We are rewarding him for skipping school and leaving the country without telling his parents. Is that the right message to send to us? I guess it particularly strikes a chord with me, because I'm studying journalism. A career in political journalism is something that I am seriously considering. By covering Farris to this extent is almost like having the media say that his behavior was acceptable, that in order to be a journalist you have to do something stupid like him or else you won't get noticed.

I'm also bothered at his arrogence. He really felt that at 16 he'd be able to waltz right into the AP Iraqi headquarters and tag along and become a journalist. Hello? People go to school for years to be able to go into journalism, and even after all that schooling they have to work their way up, starting with writing uninteresting stories. Farris felt that he could bypass all of that. That's a slap in the face to those of us who are working hard in our studies to legitimately be able to call ourselves journalists.

Maybe it's just me (and my mom), but this story has really struck a nerve with me. I don't think it's responsible of the media to joke about him (such as the references to Ferris Bueller's Day Off). He put himself, and men in our military in danger. He was irresponsible and stupid. He does not deserve our praise, he deserves a good spanking.

I'm tired of our country rewarding stupidity. I'm sure he will be rewared. He'll make all the morning and late night circuits, he'll probably get a book deal, hell he'll probably get a movie deal out of it too.

Fluff...

2005-11-27T23:52:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving, filled with lots of turkey (or whatever it is that you eat). In honor of the holiday spirit and for the fact that I am not in a ranting mood this post will be pure celebirty fluff...oh what fun!

So, Nick and Jessica called it quits last week...and who is surprised? I read tabloids religiously, so I knew they were on the rocks (yes, tabloids are capable of producing some form of truth from time to time). I wonder if they're going to do a reality show about their divorce...

Rumor has it that Jennifer Garner gave birth on Black Friday...but it has yet to be confirmed. *Gag* I'm sorry, but I have lost all respect for the woman. I used to be quite a fan. And no my respect for her didn't go down the drain with Alias (though of course her screwing up that once awesome show played a part) it happened when she hooked up with Benny Boy. I have never been a Ben Affleck fan. Sure he and Matt Damon wrote and starred in a really great movie ages ago, but Ben hasn't done a whole heck of a lot since. He's starred in crappy movie after crappy movie and hooked up with half of Hollywood...but then again, can you really blame him for that? Anyways, it makes me mad the way that Jennifer is behaving. She's all anti-paparazzi now (because of Ben), yet had no problem with them during her previous relationships, and quite honestly they probably helped her become who she is. She also let's Ben smoke around her...which is hideous. I don't care if she wants to get cancer from second hand smoke, but I don't think her baby would like it. I don't care if he's "trying to quit" if it were my husband I'd have kicked his ass out long ago until he kicked the habit. If my dad could do it for my mom when she found out she was pregnant with me after smoking for 18 years, then I guarentee you Ben could do the same.

Speaking of kicking someone's ass out, that's exactly what Britney Spears needs to do to "K-Fed". Ugh...I get chills just thinking about him. He is a deadbeat. Why she couldn't see this before is absolutely beyond me. I mean, he has 2 kids that he can't support already, why on earth did she think that he'd be there for hers? He's a poor excuse for a human and an even poorer excuse for a father. He goes out to strip clubs and gets drunk almost every night of the week and spend excessive amounts of Britney's money, while she's at home taking care of the baby. Sorry Brit, but the rest of the world knew this would happen. My advice to you is to dump him. He's not going to change his ways, and he'll never be the bread winner (trust me on this, I heard his first song, I wanted to shoot myself...after I stopped laughing). If you leave him now then you'll only have to give him $300,000.00, and then you can fight for him to pay child support (so, if he actually does make money off of his record you'd get your money back). Not too shabby. Plus then you'd be free to hook up with your one true love...Justin Timberlake.

Kimberly Stewart and Talan (from Laguana Beach) announced they are engaged last week. Now as someone who thinks Kimberly Stewart is dumb and who has never watched an episode of Laguana Beach, I didn't really care. But the fact that they had been dating for like 2 weeks before he gave her a 5 carat diamond (I've been dating my boyfriend for over a year and a half and I haven't gotten 5 carats) made me laugh (especially since it was on CNN). Now c'mon, will this last? Her best friend is Paris Hilton for crying out loud. She keeps moving from shipping heir to shipping heir. I don't see this lasting past the holidays. But then who knows, maybe money does buy love.

Alright, that's it from me. Another post sometime soon (if school isn't kicking my butt too bad...ugh, I'm already stressed out).

House Republicans are at it Again...

2005-10-27T15:07:00.000-04:00

Harriet Miers withdrawing her nomination for the Supreme Court, is of course the talk of the town. But c'mon people...as if we didn't see it coming?! Republicans were ticked off by this nomination and she would've never been confirmed, so I don't find this a big surprise.

While it understandably is getting coverage in the news today, there's another story that really isn't getting the attention that I think it should.

House Republicans voted to cut several programs today. These budget cuts add up to over $50 billion dollars. Sounds awesome, right? We got some programs and save a bunch of much needed money.

Sadly, they are wanting to cut programs, that I at least think are very important. They want to cut student loan subsidies, child support enforcement, aid to firms hurt by unfair trade practices, and are also proposing cuts in Medicaid, food stamps and farm subsidies.

Looking at these programs, you know that there are millions of people every day that benefit from them. With student loan subsidies they are going to impose new fees on students default on loans or consolidate them. As well as putting higher fees on parents who borrow money to send their children to college. That's awful. Going to college is really expensive. Luckily, I come from a family, that while not rich, has the means to be able to send me to a good University without having to rely on loans and the like. But there are so many people who depend on these loans to further their education. I have friends who are good students, but didn't stand out enough to get scholarships, so the only way they were able to afford going to college is to have their parents take out loans. I just don't seen the rationale behind this...especially when tuition costs are increasing at such a dramatic rate each year.

The child support enforcement program may confuse some people. Basically this program hunts down "dead beat dads" and gets them to pay some form of child support on their children. By cutting funding, who knows how many fathers can just get away with not supporting their children. Just think of the numbers who do now.

Then the ironic thing is that they want to also cut Medicaid and food stamps. Umm...hello. While I'll be one of the first to admit that food stamps are abused, there are people who use them that actually need them. Many of the people who use them are single mothers, struggling to support their children. But now with cuts to the child support enforcement program which may have helped them get at least some money from their baby's daddy, they are now facing getting cuts from the system that helps them to get food. It makes no sense! I just can't wrap my head around any of this.

It bothers me that the people who want these cuts to occur are rich Republicans, who naturally will never use these programs. I know some of them are abused, and that not everyone on food stamps should be. But instead of cutting the program's money, why not give them more money at the start. That way they'd have more resources in determining exactly who should qualify for food stamps, thus saving money in the long run.

I just have a real problem in cutting these programs, that make a difference in so many people's lives, when we're spending billions of dollars on an unjust war in Iraq. I'll never understand it.

Abortion...

2005-10-24T14:46:00.000-04:00

Hmm...it's been awhile, so I thought I'd post a good old fashioned political post about none other than abortion.

I'm a member over at All Alias, and the abortion topic is always lively, and given the recent surge in posts, I thought I'd go ahead I'd post my thoughts on the issue (bet you can already guess what those are).

I am unapologetically pro-choice, and that will never change. I think that the fetus is part of the mother and the mother should get say in what happens with her body. I'll never be convinced otherwise.

I've encountered many arguments from the other side, and in order to make my point I'm going to post some of the bigger ones and then answer with my response.

If you don't want the child then give him/her up for adoption, so they can go to a loving family.

This is a good idea in theory...but not at all realistic. I've heard this argument so many times that it makes me want to scream. First off that still requires the mother to put her life on hold and carry an unwanted child for 9 months. But without even getting into that aspect there is no guaranteer of a "loving family". Yes, there are many children who do get adopted by families who desperately want them and love them. But then there are so many others who don't. They end up living in orphanages, or being bounced around from foster home to foster home. There are half a million children living in foster care in the US, and there are over 40,000 that are eligible for adoption each year and don't get adopted. 16% of those children are under the age of one...so newborns aren't being adopted (which probably has to do with a race issue). If pro-lifers could give me a guarantee that every child would be adopted into a loving family, then maybe I'd rethink my stanuch stance on the issue...but that's not going to happen.

It's the woman's fault for having sex in the first place

*rolls eyes* Give me a break. So it's okay for men to have sex because they can't physically get pregnant, but it's not alright for women? Ridiculous. I guess women shouldn't have sex unless they are trying to make a baby, because there is always a risk for getting pregnant...now c'mon, how realistic is that? Sex isn't only for baby making...it's pleasurable! Get a grip people...of course it's pleasurable, why else would people think about/do it constantly? This argument just holds no grounds with me. Especially when you consider that well over half all women who get abortions were on some method of protection when they got pregnant. Obviously these women were taking precautions to protect themselves, and they sadly failed. Should they be punished for that? I don't think so. And no, these are not all unmarried women who are "sleeping around". There are plenty of married women in stable relationships who get abortions as well. They might not feel that the time is right or may not be financially stable yet and feel that an abortion is the best option.

Post-abortion depression happens to many women who have abortions

Nope. Sorry, but there is no such thing. Post-abortion depression is a myth that has come about in a large part because of pro-lifers who want to use medical backing to get their point across. Sorry, not working. Now while it's true that some wome who do get abortions become depressed it's like 1% (and the majority of this 1% had a history of mental illness). But, let's just say that there was credence to their argument. So, we should ban all abortions because some women experience depression after having one? Well, I guess that must mean that we should ban all pregnancies in general. The vast majority of women who give birth suffer from depression (so actually you have a much higher chance of being depressed carrying the baby to term then you do if you abort it). 15% of mothers experience the serious post-partum depression and 70-80% experience the less serious baby blues (something which my own mother experienced after having me). Bottom line is the number of women who suffer depression after an abortion is so extremely small...there just isn't an argument here.

Alright, I would add more to it, but I'm tired, so this will have to do for now.

The Death of Alias...

2005-09-30T14:12:00.000-04:00

*sigh* Alias premiered last night. I cried. And threw things at the TV. And yelled some very choice words at the TV. I'm better today, but still pissed off. All I can really say is that the writers/producers/directors/cast/crew are all a bunch of fucktards...and I hate them.

So, I knew it was coming. I gave up trying to be spoiler free after I stumbled across some by accident over the summer, so I decided to embrace them. It was pretty obvious from very numerous sources that Michael Vartan's character Michael Vaughn was going to be killed off very early on in the season...and he was, last night.

It was terrible! Yes, I adore Michael Vartan and am pissed for them killing him off the show, but I'm even more mad as to the reasons why. None of it made any sense. The whole episode didn't seem real...it seemed too screwed up. Vaughn has NEVER given any indication that he was working for the other side (except that one time he was looking into Irinia...but that was justified and he was just protecting Syd). Anyways the storyline to show him being "unloyal" was so utterly laughable.

Basically his name isn't really Michael Vaughn, it's Andre Michaux. His father was involved in some cryptography with a bunch of other guys. When these guys started to get shot and killed, Vaughn's dad decides to change their names and join the CIA. Ok, wtf?! Umm...you'd think that you wouldn't be able to get a job with the CIA if you had just changed your name. Don't you think they'd look into that? Especially since Vaughn's dad wasn't a native American (as his name points out). So he changed his whole family's name with no one being the wiser and joins one of the top US governmental branches...not all that plausible.

Along the way, Vaughn meets Syd and decides to take her case because she mentions something that he's been looking into. They fall in love but he never once mentions anything along the lines that he's working with members from the other side, nor do any indications of this pop up...until last night's episode.

It was like that everything we've seen in the 4 years of Alias prior to last night was just a bunch of crap. None of what we know about Vaughn would ever suggest that he'd do something like this. My God, he went on a wild goose chase last season to find his father and didn't know what his father was into. Last night, he knew exactly what his father was involved in and even took up where he left off...what the hell?!

Then he's shot 15 times...but doesn't die immediately. Give me a break, if someone took 15 shots to the chest, they'd be dead. But then we have this agonizing hospital scene where he "dies". Now there are some people out there who think he's not really dead...and I do think that some of their points are valid. Syd and Jack didn't seem that upset about it, Syd gave him something to drink right before he flat lined, they kept sharing these meaningful looks, and it was a closed casket funeral. C'mon people, Vaughn is GORGEOUS. His face wasn't injured, why wouldn't they want to show that beautiful speciman of a man? So, I guess those arguments could prove that he is alive (though I doubt we'll be seeing much of him...even if he is alive, I don't think we'd see him come back until the second half of the season to wrap things up, like make an honest woman out of Syd...since this will be the last season). The only argument people are giving that he "must be alive" that really bugs me is because he was sitll listed in the credits. Give me a break, people are listed in the credits all the time when they die, then next episode they are taken out. Like Kellie Martin in ER. The episode that she died, she was still listed as a main character so to not give away the fact that she did die.

Honestly though, I would almost be madder if they did bring Vaughn back. I love him, but I hate how Alias ALWAYS does that. They kill somebody by mistake, people don't like it, so they bring them back. I just want to tell them to grow some balls and leave the dead for dead...idiots.

Alright, enough of Vaughn, here are some other things that bothered me. The pregnancy thing. I'm sorry but I hate the fact that she's pregnant. I know she is in real life and that it can't be really helped...but give me a break, it's such a strech. And the ways that they were "hiding" it were so laughable. She held this huge purse in front of her stomach or kept a shawl on her arm that she held in front of her stomach...it's like duh, we know that she's pregnant. Then all the episodes will be 4 months after last night, to explain her huge stomach. Thanks a lot Jennifer Garner.

I don't know what to do anymore. Part of me wants to completely wipe my hands clean of anything dealing with the show. Another part wants me to watch so I can see the whole thing self destruct and laugh while they try to pick up the pieces. And another part wants me to watch, because I have for 4 years, and I keep hoping (even though I know it won't happen) that they can make this better. It won't happen, wishful thinking.

So, that's my analysis on Alias. And while I might seem like a crazy person, my comfort is that I am certainly not alone.

The War on Porn...

2005-09-28T00:03:00.000-04:00

*sigh* The topic title would be hilarious...if it weren't for the fact that it is the title of an actual "war" that we are fighting.

Yes, the Bush administration has launched the War on Porn! We can all breathe a sigh of relief. We can go to bed safely, knowing that there are men and women out there that are protecting us from the big bad porn monster! Thank God!! Not a day goes by that I don't worry about whether or not my young, innocent mind could potentially see such vile images. I'm glad that the Bush administration has gotten its priorities in line. Screw those guys fighting in Iraq, the real issue that needs to be addressed is legal pornography! Go Bush!

...Alright, now back to reality. There is an actual War on Porn...didn't make that up, and yes, we have dedicated at least 10 FBI agents and other various people to the "cause". It is listed as "one of the top priorities" of our Attorney General.

Here's what I'm not getting...what the hell is up with this?! Before you go off, this is not targeting child porn. Infact this operation has absolutely nothing to do with child pornography, and the agents involved aren't looking into that. These guys will be studying/collecting information on legal porn that is involving consenting adults.

Alberto Gonzales says that porn is a threat to our families and children...bullshit. I don't know where there is any evidence of this being true. I suppose that there is some correlation between men who watch porn and sexism towards women...but there are plenty of asshole men who don't watch porn and do the same thing. Likewise there are plenty of wonderful men, who enjoying watching/looking at a little porn once in awhile to relieve stress and other such things.

If parents don't want their children looking at porn, then put up blocks on those webpages. Or better yet monitor what webpages your child is visiting and put the computer in a high traffic area in your home. I'd be more concerned on the education my child was receiving and the low quality of many public schools. Or I'm pretty concerned with the other freaking wars that we're supposed to be fighting.

I know some really great guys who watch porn, and I have seen it. Yep, I've watched porn before. Mainly out of curiosity, and not a whole lot of it. I watched one weird Showtime movie with fairies and I've seen a few websites. It certainly isn't my thing, but there isn't any harm in it. If porn had that big of an impact on society and was that terrible then I think a lot of bad things would happen...that isn't the case.

I just feel that this whole thing is dumb and a waste of our money and time. What's next, The War on Twinkies because they make some people fat?

TV shows by Day.

2005-09-27T14:09:00.000-04:00

Alright, I'm a TV junkie and I'll freely admit it. Now, I'm not so bad that I just have to watch TV at all times...though I do admit, I actually study better with some sort of noise in the background. But, I do have an appreciation for good television viewing. TV doesn't deserve such a bad rap, there are some really good shows out there...and if viewed in moderation, television can be a wonderful thing.

So, in order to plug some of my favorite shows of the new season (some new, some returning), I'm going to write each on up here (and again, sorry for another fluff post...the next one will be completely political, I promise!)

Monday (aka the greatest night on TV)

Arrested Development (FOX 8pm)-Why aren't you people watching this show?! It is by far one of the funniest shows on TV...and I'm not kidding. It has a dark, dry, and sometimes perverse humor, that maybe only I and a few select others have the sophistication to get. I have never seen an episode that didn't make me laugh out loud. The storylines are so crazy and out there, that you could actually see them being true. In it's third season, some of you may worry that you'd be lost...you wouldn't be. You can easily get caught up...trust me, with a little effort it's not hot at all. Plus for all you ladies there is Jason Bateman! He is quite lovely, so tune in for him...or just do it for me, even if that means leaving your TV on FOX while you do something else so we can get a ratings boost.

Kitchen Confidential (FOX 8:30pm)-You cannot go wrong with Bradley Cooper...especially Bradley Cooper playing a naughty boy...*rowwrrr*. Erm, anyways, they've only had 2 episodes of this so far, and I find it pretty amusing (some of that may be because I do like Bradley Cooper). The storylines are funny, and what's even funnier is that a good portion of it is based on actual events...gotta love that. I do hope they can keep it up though, I'd love to see this one stick around.

Prison Break (FOX 9pm)-Squee!! This show is aboslutely amazing. There is only one other show that has made me feel this excited and has kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire episode...that would be the awesome 24. The premise of Prison Break is just so cool! I love the idea and how the story is being played out. Pluse I love the characters. Wentworth Miller's Michael is awesome. Not only is he good looking, but he is so smart, and got arrested and sent to jail just to break his brother out...talk about your brotherly love. Last night's episode was utterly amazingly played out with the riot scenes and Michael going to the doc's rescue. Can't wait to see what happens next week.

The Daily Show (Comedy Central 11pm, Monday-Thursday)-Just thought I'd plug The Daily Show in here. I love this show, hands down. Jon Stewart is a genius. He's funny, very smart, and pretty darn handsome/cute as well (notice how all my shows have some hot guy in them?). The Daily Show is Love.

Tuesday

There is actually only one Tuesday show that I have to watch, and I actually don't usually watch it on Tuesdays (I'm afraid the subject matter would majorly disturb my roommate). I've heard that My Name is Earl is quite funny and I used to watch The Office, but I don't have the time, and plus wasn't so interested in them that I have to watch them.

Nip/Tuck (FX 10pm)-My guilty pleasure!! This show is so dirty and wrong, but that's what makes me love it ever so much. What other show in the season premiere would feature a proposal, divorce, rape, threesome, funeral, breast augmentation, and a women fused to her couch? No other show. The characters are so beautifully fucked up that you really can't help but love them...seriously. Christian is this womanizing jackass, but you still love him, probably for those very reasons. Now, a word of caution. Nip/Tuck is not for those who have a weak stomach. It is also not for those who are offended by cussing, nudity, and sex scenes. If those aren't your thing then Nip/Tuck isn't for you...you have been warned.

Wednesday

Nada, zip, zilch. I don't have anything on Wednesdays that I watch (minus the Daily Show...and sometimes I watch that on the internet or the next day). See? How can I be addicted to TV if I don't have something to watch every night.

Thursday

Alias (ABC 8pm)-Alright, so it hasn't actually started yet (the season premiere is this Thursday), and I have my doubts about the new season. That being said, I have followed Alias for 4 years and in the process became hoplessly addicted, so I can't write it out that easily. Sadly all indications point to this being a very disappointing season, but I suppose only time will tell.

Friday

Friday is not TV night. Friday is movie night, or go out and have some fun night...but not TV night. Unless you watch Comedy Central (or a sports game), that is acceptable.

Saturday

Again, not a TV night. Comedy Central and SNL are acceptable (or some form of sports)...other than that Saturday is good for movies and parties and being lazy...whichever you prefer.

Sunday

Sundays during the day are devoted to sports (in most cases). The NFL and NASCAR are very high on my list of enjoyable things to watch...and a good number of Sundays I'm doing just that...being all manly and watching sports while cussing at the TV. But there will always be something that can pull my interest away.

The Simpsons (FOX 8pm)-I love The Simpsons, I really do. But it's one of those shows that I don't feel like I have to watch week after week. Most (if not all) storylines are resolved in one episode and aren't continuing. I love watching it and try to watch all the new ones, but if I can't I'm not heartbroken. It's one of the longest running and most successful shows on television and is absolutely brilliant. Who would've thought that some yellow, fat, bald guy named Homer would be so popular?

Desperate Housewives (ABC 9pm)-*sigh* I admit I really like this show, even though I bad mouthed it for causing Alias to move to a new time slot last season. Blame my parents, they got me addicted. It's a soap opera, and girls like soap operas. Not only does it have a lot of drama, but it's quite funny...and I love how everyone has a secret. It really is a good show.

Well, there you have it. Jamie's TV viewing schedule. Don't copy mine, but feel free to use it as a guide to make your own viewing decisions. And remember that come January two more shows will be added to the list: the amazingly awesome 24, and the hysterical Scrubs...so stay tuned!!

Procrastination at its best...

2005-09-13T19:27:00.000-04:00

I am so totally procrastinating right now. I need to study for my biology exam, but I just don't want to! I did for over an hour today in the library, and it is just so boring. Don't get me wrong, I love bio...but we're at the introduction part that is just BLAH. I can't wait to get to the juicy stuff.

I went hiking yesterday on the parkway with my lovely boyfriend. It was very nice...even though most of it was actually spent driving. We didn't want to go to the spot we went to last time (even though it is gorgeous, straight climb uphill to a spectacular view of the mountains...complete with a little waterfall). So we, well I, drove. Jon didn't like any of the places because they weren't mountainous enough...so more driving. All the while he messed with my radio and made me either listen to awful bluegrass/country, or Sean Hannity on Fox News...because that just ticks me off, and then I start ranting to myself...which he finds just ever so amusing. Anyways, we finally decided on this park that has this pond (I don't think it's considered a lake...but trust me it's a lot bigger than a pond). It was so pretty! We got there around 5:30 or so and the sun was starting to set...so after walking around for a bit, we sat on this big rock right on the edge of the water and watched some of the sunset...*happy sigh*...it was lovely.

I had a College Dems meeting tonight, not as many people there as I thought, but it was nice...we've got some good things in the works. I'm becoming very involved this year...go figure. I love all the clubs and organizations that I'm doing, but it's kind of crazy, seems like every night I have at least one meeting. I've actually had to pick and choose because I just don't have time for them all. Can't forget that I'm here to actually go to class too...darn.

Speaking of getting involved, I hope everyone has done something to help with the relief efforts down on the gulf. Even a small amount can do some good. So I urge everyone to donate money, clothing, water, food, blood, time...simply anything you can. Oh! And don't forget the animals either. The people need help, but so do the dogs and cats. So if you want to give to a good cause you can donate to the Humane Society.

Hmm...what else, what else? Well, I know I said originally that this was going to be a "political blog"...but even I (being a political science major) need a break from politics every now and then...especially when it's the same old same old.

That's enough mindless ramblings...I need to study!

Thank You Jon Stewart...

2005-09-06T23:54:00.000-04:00

I just want to take this oppertunity to thank Mr. Jon Stewart. I don't know if people watched The Daily Show this evening, but it just summed up everything I've been feeling and thinking this past week.

You always wonder when the comedy shows come on after a tragic event if the humor is going to be tactless and just totally inappropriate. The Daily Show's humor wasn't. It addressed issues that I think every American (alright, alright every Democratic American at least) has been turning over and over in their heads since this tragedy occurred...but it addressed them in a humorous manner. Sure I've been so mad at Bush and his loonies that I haven't been able to see straight, but I didn't laugh at it. I saw his stupid speeches and my anger rose, not laughter.

But tonight I did laugh. Infact, I thought it was one of the funniest Daily Shows that I've seen in a while. The jokes might not have been all that funnier...but they made me laugh. And it felt so good to laugh again.

So thank you Jon Stewart (and everyone at the Daily Show) for saying it was okay to find humor in parts of the situation...and for allowing me to laugh again.

I Just Have to Vent...

2005-08-31T20:45:00.000-04:00

The title says it all. I have to get some stuff off my chest about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina that's really pissing me off. Shouldn't everyone recognize that this is a tragedy of mass proportions and shut the hell up for a second to reflect on what was lost, and how precious life really is? It seems that most people are doing that, but then you run into the idiots of the world.

Of course, first on my list, is good old Dubya. I don't think anyone is happy with his behavior...even staunch Republicans are pissed off at him. The hurricane hit Monday, and we knew that it was going to be bad and that it was going to hit New Orleans by Saturday...yet he hasn't even started doing anything until late yesterday and today. Shouldn't a President be there for his people during their time of need?! Monday he was too busy strumming on his guitar and eating cake with John McCain to be bothered with the awesome devastation that Hurricane Katrina caused. Aside from devoting 5% of his speech that day in California, Katrina was not mentioned. Should this be the behavior of our Commander in Chief? Absolutely not! Why hasn't he done more? Why didn't he cut his 5 week long vacation short sooner so he could go to Washington and actually be a leader? So many questions, and sadly no answers. People seriously shouldn't put up with this! There is absolutely no excuse for his actions and we shouldn't allow it.

Oil companies are on my list too. I realize that they can't help the tragedy or the fact that we are facing an oil shortage, but don't you think given the devastation they could cut us some slack instead of jacking up the prices? Not only are the prices topping 3 dollars a gallon for regular, they've gotten so many people in a panic that now North and South Carolina especially are on the midst of a gas shortage...it just seems like there's more that they could be doing...especially since the oil companies won't even admit that there's a shortage or a problem. If there's no problem, then why raise prices?

Now the thing that is making me almost as mad as Georgie Porgie did. There's an Evangelical Christian group who in the past has been supported by some big name religious groups, like the Southern Baptist Convention, Center for Reclaiming America, Concerned Women for America, and the Traditional Values Coalition...to name a few. Anyways, this group has come out and publicly said that Hurricane Katrina should be blamed on gays, and that it's their fault the hurricane occurred. Repent America (the group) said that God "destroyed" New Orleans because of a gay festival that was to be held there this coming labor day weekend. This is some of what their director Michael Marcavage had to say: "Although the loss of lives is deeply saddening, this act of God destroyed a wicked city. From 'Girls Gone Wild' to 'Southern Decadence', New Orleans was a city that had its doors wide open to the public celebration of sin. May it never be the same. Let us pray for those ravaged by this disaster. However, we must not forget that the citizens of New Orleans tolerated and welcomed the wickedness in their city for so long. May this act of God cause us all to think about what we tolerate in our city limits, and bring us trembling before the throne of Almighty God." Can you believe this guy?! What an absolute idiot. It's disgusting that there are people who believe every word of what he said. It's interesting to note that this ass has been arrested and detained by police numerous times for his craziness. I certainly know that not all religious people feel this way, but they need to be outraged. It doesn't look good. What a stupid ass.

Alright, that's enough ranting for me...if I do it anymore I'm going to get madder and madder.

Stupid Republicans, Watch Your Mouths...

2005-08-30T17:49:00.000-04:00

It's well known that both sides of the aisle, left and right, have their so-called "figureheads" who believe staunchly in their cause and will pretty much say anything at any time, and not worry about the consequences. Michael Moore and Bill Maher would be examples for the left, but if you know me, then you know that we won't be focusing on the left today folks. It's all about the right...and if by the time I'm done you aren't a little shocked and pissed off by what's been said, then maybe I need to add you to my list.

Pat Robertson

Pat Roberston is an insane old man, and quite honestly you will find very few Republicans who disagree. Sure there are some on the extreme religious right who think that he is truly spreading God's message. But for the most part it seems that Republicans have at least a shred of common sense and don't really pay attention to what he says. And there are hundreds of shocking quotes by him...but I've picked some of the more recent and outrageous ones.

Recently, as I'm sure you all know, Pat Robertson declared that we needed to assassinate President Chavez of Venezuela. What a Christian thing to say! This is a man who is, supposedly, spreading the ministry throughout the world, and he is calling for the assassination of a President of another country...real Christian like. Now whether or not we like this guy is pointless. It's not our place to assassinate him, especially when he was voted into the presidency TWICE democratically...both elections certainly not as contested as the two George W. Bush won...should someone "take him out"?

September 11th was a tragedy, and one that will never be forgotten. Instead of offering his prayers to the victims and family members he had this to say: The terrorist attacks of September 11th were caused by "pagans, abortionists, feminists, gays, lesbians, the ACLU, and the People for the American Way." Excuse me, but WTF?! Instead of blaming the extremists who caused these attacks he blames innocent bystanders. I'm a member of the ACLU at school...so I guess that means that I had something to do with the attacks? What an absolute ass. If he was really against these people, which most Christians are just not to this point, he should offer his prayers and what not...I always thought that was the Christian thing to do...not spat out hate filled propaganda such as this.

And there are just so many more...like his views on feminism: "Feminism encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism, and become lesbians." Oh, I'm sorry...so instead of us women fighting for our rights (like equal pay), I guess he'd just assume we all stay home and end up barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen baking our husband's pies...yeah right.

That's all I can handle of him for now. All in all he's an absolute lunatic who shouldn't be given the time of day...and seriously shouldn't have his on tv show.

Ann Coulter

Goodness, I cannot stand this women. Seriously. She is evil...pure evil. And not intelligent either. The stuff she spews out of her mouth is, quite honestly, absolute nonsense. Yet she still has best selling books, appears on Fox News regularly, and was featured on the cover of Time Magazine not too long ago (one of the many reasons why I don't read Time). Here are some of her quotes.

On Muslims: "We should invade their countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity. We weren't punctilious about locating and punishing only Hitler and his top officers. We carpet-bombed German cities; we killed civilians. That's war. And this is war." Alright, maybe I'm crazy...but I don't think Muslims really want to be Christians...any more than Christians want to be Muslims. Not everyone in the world has to be Christian. While Christianity is the largest religion in the world (even though there are various denominations), there are still more non-Christians than there are Christians.

On College Liberals (such as myself): "When contemplating college liberals, you really regret once again that John Walker is not getting the death penalty. We need to execute people like John Walker in order to physically intimidate liberals, by making them realize that they can be killed, too. Otherwise, they will turn out to be outright traitors." This one really pissed me off, because I am a college liberal...and I love my country. That's the great thing about America, you can believe what you want. If she really thinks that "liberals need to be intimidated" then maybe she should move somewhere where she can physically intimidate people who have a different belief system then herself. The really sad thing is, that people eat this shit up for breakfast.

This is the last one, because I can't take it anymore...on Timothy McVeigh: "My only regret with Timothy McVeigh is he did not go to the New York Times building." What a stupid bitch. So that's her ONLY regret?! She's not outraged that he bombed the Oklahoma City building and killed hundreds of innocents lives, including many children? She just wishes it would've happened at the New York Times building, because that's part of the "liberal" media.

Hmmm...maybe we can convince Pat Robertson to publicly announce that she needs to be "taken out".

Just to end things, here's a quote from George Bush Sr: "No, I don't think that atheists should be considered citizens, nor should they be considered patriots. This is one nation under God."

It's interesting to note that the "under God" part that we see on our dollar bills and in the pledge of allegiance wasn't added until the 1940's, Georgie.

Rain and Poetry...

2005-08-30T14:24:00.000-04:00

It's absolutely miserable up here today...chilly, windy, and rainy...and I can't find my stupid umbrella, so I got really wet. But I'm really not complaining, because I have absolutely not right to. I can't even imagine what the people down on the gulf are going through...it's horrendous. The remnants of Katrina, aren't that bad all things considering, especially in this area...now I know places further west of us are getting hit harder...too bad the storm can't just up and leave.

I'm done with classes for the day, and don't have too much work to do tonight, which is an encouraging thought. I'll probably laze around the dorm, since it's not nice enough to get motivated to do anything. I might run out to Wally World though in a bit...if the rain holds off for long enough.

Excited about the weekend. I'm going home, and not that I don't love Boone...but home is nice. Plus Katie is coming home from school this weekend and I get to see her...and I hope to get up with Jessi and maybe even Reiley and Andrea sometime (maybe even Jennifer!)...poker night lives!! I miss all of them bunches...and don't want to do what happened last year and lose touch with all of them. They're too great of friends to allow that to happen.

So, I've kind of gotten into poetry some since I've been up here. Mainly because we have to read a book of the best American poetry for Honors English. But I've always loved poetry...no restrictions, and it's so pretty. Anyways, there are some poems from the book that I seriously love, and I thought I'd post them on here from time to time so others can also enjoy them.

Dedicated to the One I Love
-Nin Andrews-

It's simply hopeless, isn't it? Even if you begin
by postulating the existence of some exotic place--
a village of divine origin, or diabolical perhaps--
maybe a city of sin, or hindrances such as torpor and lust
(those are the ones I like best), whole days spent in bed,
wearing silk pajamas, sipping cappuccino, daydreaming--
going backwards in time (you could visit Paris in the first
half of the century if you wish), gliding down bannisters
and into ballrooms of the past where, by some odd chance,
you already know the steps to all the dances, you, Darling,
would still become a politician, some charismatic figure
issuing proclamations at every hour. And no matter what you say
or said, it would create the illusion of making sense, inspiring, shock,
warning of imminent and supreme crisis without end--and all
at once we'd be back in the dark ages, and then the desert--
and you would decide to leave (don't you always?), slipping on
your coat and glasses, (alas) and rushing off before the part begins
with Jacob wrestling the angels, and all the patriarchs go limp--

but you wouldn't resist gazing back (would you? just once?)
through the promised lens--to see me again, there where I am
forever lazing in bed, combing my long black hair over my shoulders
and nude breasts? Outside the sky is shimmering, and it's dusk
in Jerusalem (or is it Valencia or Madrid?), and someone is ringing
the doorbell again and again, and I am imagining God is as happy
with the world (unredeemed as it is) as an ant atop a wet, bruised
peach.

I'm back!

2005-08-30T02:33:00.000-04:00

Alright, so I was never really gone...but just got lazy over the summer and didn't want to update this thing. But with school getting back into the swing of things, it just seems like the thing to do.

This summer was phenomenal...seriously. I spent the vast majority of it working, but I work with people that I absolutely adore (for the most part) and spending long days and nights with them isn't so bad. It's been used over and over, but it here is again...it was summertime and livin' was easy.

Classes started back up last Tuesday. I'm enjoying them so far. A few of my professors seem a little...off, but that's to be expected. And they're not really off in a bad way...just have their ticks and such. Should be a good semester, even though it's a rather heavy courseload.

Eh, alright. I really need to study/sleep. Just thought I'd post a little something while I remembered.

Newsweek, I still love you...

2005-05-17T05:42:00.000-04:00

Newsweek is under heavy fire for the story they published which outlined how the Quran had been desecrated at Gitmo...now 15 are dead in violent protests around the Muslim world, fueled by anti-American Muslims using this story as reason to launch a jihad on America. Not a good place to be in.

I love Newsweek...always have. My mom has been getting a Newsweek subscription for as long as I can remember, and that was my first taste of real news. I started reading it in 5th grade, and have read it ever since. I like the reporting and articles and even though it is more a left based news source (which is a good thing for me) I like how they do have pieces by people on the right...it's good to get their take too.

That being said, this story is not good. Not good at all. It has caused riots and death, and could've probably been prevented, had they double checked their sources.

Some people have been so crazy to claim that Newsweek entirely made this story up. That's ridiculous. Newsweek is a respectable news source who doesn't need to make stories up to get people to read it. If they made it up then they would know that allegations of the falsehood of it would come out and it would ruin them. There is no way they would've purposely brought this backlash against them. They were misinformed...just as CBS was last year...they didn't make that story up, but instead were fed false documents that they ran with, before checking their validity.

Newsweek has said that they were given this information by a "knowledgable US government source", who in the past has given them correct information. They haven't named this source, but that is understanable. He's probably risked his job to give them information and I'm sure they have some sort of agreement. After getting this story, Newsweek took it to the Pentagon and had to Defense Department officials read it. One refused to comment on it, and the other pointed out something false within the story...but made absolutely no mention of the part that contained the desecration of the Quran. Given this, I completely understand why Newsweek ran with the story...they had no reason not to. I do think they should've checked their sources again...but I'm sure they wanted to get it out as soon as possible.

Some conspiracy theorists are saying that this story was purposely fed to Newsweek, knowing that they'd run with it so that attention would be taken away from the bloodiness in Iraq and Afghanistan. Might be crazy...but it's kind of interesting. Especially since 3 US officials pretty much gave the go ahead on the story.

Now, while I do think this was a major lapse in judgement, I will not end my subscription. If we were to protest against all sources of news for giving us misinformation...then we wouldn't be able to get our news anywhere. Yes, this falsehood did have deadly consequences, but all news sources give us inaccurate information from time to time. Plus, I'm still not sure this story isn't true. Just because no evidence has been found and their source didn't check out doesn't mean it didn't happen. If these men at Gitmo are able to torture prisoners, then what's to stop them from desecrating the Muslim holy book? I'm not saying that it happened, like Newsweek did, but it is still a possibility.

Even though the outcome has been a bad one, and Newsweek is to blame, I guess I have a hard time faulting them. They did exactly what they were supposed to do with the information they were given (minus maybe checking up on it again). They got opinions from US officials who stated nothing wrong with the section on the Quran. And let's be honest, had another news source gotten the same information...they would've ran with it too.

So, don't stop reading Newsweek...because if you're going to protest against Newsweek for this then you might as well protest against every news source for covering this story (before it was deemed false) and for giving us misinformation every now and then (hey, it happens).

A little bit of Kasey Kahne...

2005-05-15T05:42:00.000-04:00

Alright, so this has absolutely nothing to do with politics...but we could all use a break from them from time to time and this just made me happy.

KASEY KAHNE WON HIS FIRST NEXTEL CUP RACE TONIGHT!!!

It's about damn time.

Now for those of you who don't know who Kasey Kahne is, he's a NASCAR driver (yes, I like Nascar...no, I'm not a redneck). He's absolutely gorgeous (ladies, seriously, google him or something...you won't regret it). He's been racing for about a year and a half in the Nextel Cup Series and hasn't gotten a win (he's gotten wins in both the Busch and Truck Series races...but those aren't quite up to the caliber as the Nextel Cup...if you've ever seen a race on Sunday then it's a Cup race)...but tonight was his night! I was sooo happy. I think my boyfriend was even happy (and he despises Nascar...and is not a Kasey Kahne fan...mainly because I drool over him on a regular basis)...or maybe he was just smiling because I was happy...either way it's sweet.

I'm hoping this will help him out. Make it easier to get the next win...he's a heck of a driver, just always seems to run into some bad luck down the end. Or maybe I just need to wear my 'Kahne' shirt (that my boyfriend got me for my birthday...even though I'm not supposed to wear it around him because I look like a 'stupid redneck) every race day. This was the first time I wore it and it got him his first win...a littler superstition isn't bad.

I also get to meet him (well, in a meet and greet/autograph signing scenario) on the 28th. It'll be the first time I get to see him in person...so I'm excitied. I do love living in Nascar central.

Alright, this was a silly post...but I just had to get my giddiness out of my system...and why bother posting depressing political news...there's always a bunch of that to go around.

Politics and Church don't Mix...

2005-05-12T04:41:00.000-04:00

I'm sure most everyone has heard about the Waynesville Baptist Church scandal by now (shockingly this actually got quite a bit of national news coverage). Being that I live in North Carolina, and in the mountains (where the red-statedness is more prevelant) I've been closely following this story, even before it was a staple on CNN or Fox News.

Basically (in case you've been living under a rock) the Pastor and his congregation took a vote and voted out 9 members because they had voted for John Kerry...this is a no no.

While it is entirely legal to refuse service to anyone if you a running a private organization, it is not at all legal for a church to endorse a certain political party or candidate. He said in a sermon shortly after the fall election that if any member had voted for John Kerry then they either needed to "repent or resign" (his actual words too...there is a tape recording of this).

I'm really not sure what he expected to do...sit there and take it? One man who was kicked out had been a member of that church for 25 years. Did this Pastor really think that this man was just going to say "Oh well, better find a new church." Some people might've, but thank goodness these ones didn't. They hired lawyers and made their case known, getting media coverage to show the injustice of it all. This forced the good old Republican Pastor to hire a lawyer himself and ultimately resign.

It's funny, as soon as it came out that what he was doing was illegal, and could wind up causing the church to lose their tax-exempt status, he quickly came out and said it was all a 'misunderstanding'. Misunderstanding my ass. He kicked those people out because they had an opposing view to them.

Now, I'm not a Christian, for many reasons...but I'd like to think that if I were I wouldn't be any less of a Christian because I was a Democrat. Just because these people voted for John Kerry doesn't mean they are going against the bible. Maybe they are against abortion, but thought his Social Security plan and tax cuts would be better suited for them. And even if they are pro-choice...so what? The bible was compiled thousands of years ago by Monks...a lot of it isn't relevant in today's world.

In the bible it says that a girl who is raped has to marry her rapist. It also says that you should be stoned to death if you get a divorce (which is the same thing as adultery...according to the bible), work on a Sunday, or engage in premarital sex. We don't follow these guidelines in today's world. It's ridiculous to even think of stoning someone to death for getting a divorce (half of all marriages end in divorce...that's a lot of stonings).

I'm glad these people stood up and fought for what they believed it, and I'm glad it got media coverage. While insignificant in the national spectrum, it really is showing how the Christian Church is trying to take over mainstream America.

The Disgusting State of our Media...

2005-05-10T20:57:00.000-04:00

Alright, before getting to the good stuff, I'd like to point out a GREAT blog that has recently come into syndication www.huffingtonpost.com. It's only been around for 2 days, but is quite good. With actual news coverage (some only found on the blog) and opinions from 300 different celebrities/political figures it's a great read, with some humor and a lot of thought provoking insight. Check it out.

So, on to the disgusting state of our media. I'm a CNN girl...for obvious reasons, but they are certainly not immune to my disgust. I think the Jennifer Wilbanks debacle is the straw that broke the camels back so to speak. Everyone knew there was a problem with the cable news of the world (hell, I wrote a series of papers on the issue back in the fall), but this has just done it.

Now, we can't really blame the media (well, at least not totally). The public is also to blame. In their defense of the insane amount of coverage given to the MIA bride, CNN showed that the most popular story on their website was one talking about her...this was yesterday, over a week an a half since she was 'found'. Why is America fixated on this story? Or on the Michael Jackson trial? Or the Wendy's finger 'crisis'? There are several reasons for this. Americans like a good scandal. We love to gossip (trust me as a serial gossiper, I know it's true). We love tearing apart the missing bride, analzying why she did it and how crazy she is (and finding out she had three prior convictions for shoplifiting only adds fuel to the fire). We love talking about how much of a wack job Jacko is. And we love speculating as to the motives of the 'Wendy's finger lady'. We don't want to get bogged down in 'real' news. It's depressing. Do we really want to hear that the American military's death toll in Iraq has exceeded 1600 men? The majority of us don't. It's depressing, it actually causes us to think and to reflect...which sadly is a scary thought for us.

Can you blame us really? When the Scott Peterson trial was a common fixture in the news, can you really blame us for becoming obsessed with it? We wanted this man to be found guilty, to show that their is justice in the world, and when he was, we all felt better. It was like a collective victory for all of us...justice can happen! Or with Jennifer Wilbanks. We love seeing that someone as pretty as her has problems. That someone who has so much going for her can completely crack up. It reaffirms our faith in our own lives. Maybe we aren't as crazy as originally thought (why do you think people love to read celebrity gossip rags? they make the celebrities seem human). Why when there is all this 'drama' in the news would we want to hear about the bill being passed to give illegal immigrants healthcare, or the fact that we are no safer now than we were before 9/11?

We don't. Those stories aren't fun and exciting. And more importantly, they don't bring in ratings. Let's be honest the cable news networks are just like all of the other networks on tv...they have to get good ratings. CNN had completely revamped headline news...so instead of showing the headlines all night, they are doing entertainment shows after something like 8pm. Why? The continuous run of headlines all night wasn't pulling in people...they feel that this will.

So, while the mass media isn't entirely to blame, they can take the first steps towards fixing it. Maybe instead of having a Jennifer Wilbanks update at the top of the hour, wait until later and cover ACTUAL news stories. Maybe we should give the American people the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps, if we were presented with actual news sources on a regular basis we might be more inclined to listen...

Destroying the world one BUSH at a time...

2005-05-06T20:12:00.000-04:00

So, I'm not sure if anyone has even heard about this (since our cable news networks feel that the Jennifer Wilbanks "saga" is worth covering ad nausiam). But Bush has opened over 58 million acres of untouched national forests, which Clinton had set aside for protection, for commercial use. (here) Is anyone else pissed off about this?

Not only does he want to drill for oil in ANWR (and let me tell you something about ANWR, there's not even enough oil in there to get oil companies to want to drill...my uncle works for ConocoPhillips and they were offered the job, but refused because it was a waste of time and money), which has been said (by governmental experts) to only have enough oil to last the US 6 months at our current consumption and would take at least 10 years to be able to harvest it. But now he wants to open pristine wildlife to roads, logging, and other commercial use. This effects 1/3 of our National Forests.

Now, Republicans are saying they have no intention to clear cut and just want to build a few roads and cut down a few trees. I don't understand that if they really have no intention of using this land for mass commercial use, then why bother? What's the point of going through all of this if they're not going to do much with it.

Luckily it won't be starting soon, and governors of each of the states affected (which is 38 states and Puerto Rico) have 18 months to file petitions as to why this is one stupid ass idea, and how opening up this land to commercial use could have severe negative effects on the wildlife.

I hope the people who live around these wildlife preserves are Republicans, so they can have a courtside view to loggers coming in and tearing down their backyard.

First One...

2005-05-06T04:13:00.000-04:00

Well, thought I'd give this a go. I have a livejournal already, but that's for my extremely uninteresting personal life. Thought I'd use this one to post political opinions and all of that good stuff...so we'll see how it goes.