October 2006 Archives

Hillary Clinton speaking about how her decision not to support gay marriage on a federal level was strategic:
"Very few Democrats spoke, because maybe you thought one way, which is that you want people out there speaking for us."
   What the heck does that mean? Democrats didn't speak because they had no spine. They were afraid of taking a stand. She went on to say that this forced Republicans to make it look like they were trying "trying to enshrine discrimination in the Constitution." Well that part worked, but it also made it look like the Democrats were willing to stand by while they did it.
   Upon further reflection, doesn't the beginning of that quote sound familiar? "First they came for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Communist...." (Rev. Martin Niemoller)
   So I'm voting for democrats this Nov 7th. I'm even registered as a democrat. But when asked if I'm a democrat I say no. I think the above paragraph helps illustrate why.
(source: Clinton says she's "evolved" on marriage)

   When I heard the flight attendant say that we should remove the safety card and pretend to follow along, I knew it wouldn't be the standard safety speech.
   She told us to keep our safety belts fastened, and for those of us who hadn't been in a motor vehicle since 1964 she'd show us how to buckle a safety belt.
   If the oxygen masks drop and you're sitting next to someone who is a child or acts like one, put your mask on first...
   In the very, very, very, unlikely event that the flight should become a cruise, life vests are under the seat.
   Smoking is not permitted, but if you feel the need feel free to step out onto the wing where you will become the evening's movie feature, "Gone With the Wind."

   Later she mentioned that she'd come around and collect trash and anything we didn't want to carry off the plane including spouses, children, and significant others.

   Upon landing she reminded us to keep our seat belts fastened because it had been recently discovered that even if you unfasten your belt and run to the terminal, the place will still get there first.

Didn't make these up. I heard them on my flight on Monday...

   Arg! My flight this morning was cancelled, and the next flight doesn't leave until 10 hours later. This seriously affects cocktail hour with my friend in Kansas. The flight was cancelled due to "technical reasons."
   On a positive note, I won't be flying on a plane with technical difficulties.

   I haven't bought a Halloween costume in years - not since Jr. High when my best friend and I went in together and bought a two person camel costume from Spencer's. (No, I was not the tail end!) It was a blast. I remember walking around the neighborhood and parents would have their kids stand next to us and take pictures. Since then I haven't gone trick or treating, nor have I had any reason to wear a costume. (I'm frightening enough on my own!)
   This year though, the center (for which I serve as chair) is having a Halloween party. It's the first time we're having one, and I think it's going to be a blast. About a week ago I saw the perfect costume. I figure as the Chair I'm full of hot air. So I'm going to the party as a Whoopee Cushion! I felt like a little kid today when I tried it on. Of course I wasn't choking from having a plastic Big Bird mask on this time.
   Now I just have to put my decorations out...

A wise friend of mine commented tonight that we seldom see crack from those we wouldn't mind. Funny how life works...

   The National History Museum in Norway currently has an exhibit about gay animals. Apparently the phenomenon is "well documented" in 500 animal species. So the museum makes the case that homosexuality is found naturally in nature, and that it's not something that is inherantly against nature.
   So this apparently has some people up in arms. "Conservative Christians are accusing the museum of displaying pornography, according to Reuters." OK, who considers the study of animal sex behavior, whether hetero or homo, to be pornography? Webster defines pornography as: "the depiction of erotic behavior intended to cause sexual excitement." Exactly who considers this a turn on? And so I ask, what led these people to think this is pornography? Many people classify this as science, at least the ones who don't find it it too exciting...
(sources: Museum's gay animals upset Christians; Merriam-Webster)

Search engine social experiment – searches on TheRhetoric.com

1. shaved men – there is one on this website, but it’s a STATUE!
2. enzyte – if it gives you a silly grin, your chances are over
3. wardrobe malfunction – are we still looking for this?
4. tampon and oral – the answer is no
5. change daily underwear – yes, you should. Make your mother proud.
6. kid peed – they do that occasionally
7. beanie weenie – a childhood fav
8. maturity continuum – you’re in the wrong place lookin’ for that here
9. raise your hand – if you’re sure
10. adam savage gay – still no

   This morning at work I saw a woman staring at a shelf with a confused look on her face. Being the nice person I am I asked her if I could be any help with anything. She looked at me like I was insane. With a curt, "no" she turned away. At first I thought maybe just someone having a bad day or something. Then I noticed what aisle she was in and what she was looking at... it was the condom section. Oops..

   The other night the winning film at a local short films festival was Ryan's Life. It was a variation on the coming out theme that reminded me of The Wonder Years, just one that I could actually relate to. It was funny, witty, and honest. The production value was good (kudos to the DP) and the script made the film realistic even with the main character talking to the audience.
   It looks like it's being (or has been) made into a miniseries by HereTV. I'm looking forward to seeing it when it comes out. The website is worth taking a look at - although the trailer doesn't quite do it justice. You can also see where it might be playing near you...
Ryan's Life - Highly Recommended

Holy crap! My 1000th blog entry! Good grief, what have I said in 1000 entries?

This blog is just about to celebrate its 5th Birthday in about a month. Who knew that I'd still be blathering on for 1000 entries? I've talked about a lot of different things here, most with no central theme or topic. I don't just write about politics, work, or about a singular issue. I write about whatever the hell I want to and what happens to be in my head when I sit down at my desk.

What do I have to say about the number of entries so far? Nothing. Because it's not how big the blog is, but what you do with it that matters.

(apparently I can still do this on my own blog...per FEC)