Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
I Really Don't Like that John McCain
McCain's Got 99 Problems
Seth Grahame-Smith of the Huffington Post
John McCain is having such a bad July that writing about his collective woes would require the patience and talent of David McCullough. Since I have neither, I turned (as I often do) to the wisdom of Jay-Z, and listed the first 99 that came to mind:99. Bush's willingness to talk directly with Iran.
98. Bush's new time "horizon" for troop withdrawals.
97. al-Maliki's endorsement of Obama's Iraq strategy.
96. Obama's headline-dominating foreign tour.
95. His disagreement with the majority of Americans on Iraq.
94. His lack of economic expertise and policy.
93. Obama's $52M June.
92. His $21M June.
91. 29% of the Latino vote.
90. 2% of the black vote.
89. Charles Keating (he'll be back).
88. Vicki Iseman (she'll be back).
87. Randy Scheunemann (he'll be leaving).
86. His band-aid approach to energy (more drilling, more nuclear, a $300M "prize").
85. His band-aid approach to healthcare (tax credits, more competition).
84. His band-aid.
83. Saying things like "I know how to win wars," despite his never having won a war.
82. His wife.
81. His ex-wife.
80. The Hagee/Parsley un-endorsement debacle.
79. An uninspired base.
78. Ape rape.
77. His bff, Joe Lieberman.
76. His claim that Czechoslovakia still exists (it doesn't).
75. His claim that Iran is training Al-Qaeda (they aren't).
74. His claim that Iraq and Pakistan share a border (they don't).
73. His claim that Somalia is the same place as Sudan (it isn't).
72. His claim that Vladimir Putin is the president of Germany (he isn't).
71. 71.
70. The images of 70,000+ screaming Democrats at Invesco Field.
69. Phil Gramm's "nation of whiners" implosion.
68. His unwillingness to call the situation in Afghanistan "urgent."
67. Steve Schmidt's failure to right the ship.
66. A new generation of Evangelicals who don't care what James Dobson thinks.
65. "C-nt."
64. "I hate the gooks."
63. His plan to resurrect Bush's plan to privatize Social Security.
62. The writer's rooms of The Daily Show and The Colbert Report.
61. His tarmac birthday party with Bush -- as Katrina made landfall.
60. "General Petraeus goes out there almost every day in an unarmed Humvee."
59. His belief that Americans are better off than they were eight years ago.
58. His "Frankenstein on barbiturates" oratory skill.
57. His beyond-pathetic "Pump" ad, which blames Obama for $4.50 gas.
56. His "Obama Love" ad, which blames the MSM for his terribly-run campaign.
55. His computer illiteracy (c'mon...this is 2008).
54. A tax plan that doesn't even TRY to hide the fact that it's geared toward the wealthy.
53. Bob Barr.
52. Ron Paul.
51. Rupert Murdoch.
50. His gay adoption/marriage high wire acts.
49. His immigration high wire act.
48. His torture high wire act.
47. His drilling high wire act.
46. His tax cuts high wire act.
45. Not churchgoing enough for some evangelicals.
44. Too evangelical for some independents.
43. His temper.
42. "I know what [Iraqis] want."
41. The starlet gap: McCain = Heidi Montag; Obama = Scarlett Johansson.
40. The Facebook gap: McCain = 173K supporters; Obama = 1.17M supporters.
39. His 1983-94 opposition to the Rev. Martin Luther King holiday.
38. His 2008 opposition to the Ledbetter Fair Pay [for women] Act.
37. His 2008 opposition to the G.I. Bill.
36. "100 years."
35. Viagra-gate.
34. His 0% rating from Planned Parenthood.
33. His 0% attendance record for the last six Senate Afghanistan hearings.
32. "Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly? Because her father is Janet Reno."
31. David Plouffe.
30. David Axelrod.
29. Republicans losing elections in traditional GOP strongholds.
28. His October 2002 insistence that victory in Iraq would be "easy."
27. His January 2007 insistence that he never said it would be "easy."
26. A resurgent Taliban.
25. Europe's Obamamania.
24. Kneeling at the feet of Jerry Falwell.
23. His penchant for gaffes.
22. 80% of Americans convinced we're on the wrong track.
21. The National Review calling his campaign strategy "likely to fail."
20. Another terrorist attack on U.S. soil "would be a big advantage to him."
19. Record turnout in the Democratic primaries.
18. A free Osama bin Laden.
17. "Bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran."
16. A campaign hierarchy dominated by lobbyists.
15. Suggesting Obama is a "Socialist."
14. The Dow Jones down 2,000 points for the year.
13. Foreclosures soaring, banks failing, and inflation at a 17-year high.
12. Still pushing his ridiculous, Big Oil-friendly gas tax holiday.
11. Being out-raised by Obama 2:1...in West Virginia.
10. His "no" vote on SCHIP (healthcare for poor children) reauthorization.
9. His support for overturning Roe v. Wade.
8. His consistent opposition to minimum wage increases.
7. Obama's 50-state strategy.
6. Al.
5. Bill.
4. Hillary.
3. Mitt.
2. John McCain.
1. George W. Bush.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Holier Than Thou
I've never really been big into LDS Church history, but judging by my summer, you might think that I was one of the Mormon fanatics who obsesses over this stuff--okay, not so much. But, considering my previous lack of interest, you'd be surprised to hear that I've been to not one, but two of what I would call the big four of the LDS Church hot spots outside of Utah here in the contiguous United States.
First, in June, my ward took a trip to Kirtland, which I wasn't totally stoked about, but decided to go check it out as sort of something to check off my list of things to do in my lifetime. I think that most Mormons have a sense that before they die, they should see Kirtland, OH and Nauvoo, IL definitely, and if they get a chance, Palmyra, NY, and the Missouri church-related spots (what I call the big four. Of course there's a couple others, but these are the biggies). I think it could be equated to the Muslim's pilgrimage to Mecca--except ours isn't a tenant of our religion. However, during the trip, I realized just how important the years in Kirtland were to the church. This is kind of where the church grew up, and where many important revelations were received.
So early on a Friday morning, we loaded up the buses (we travel in style), and made our way on the seven-hour journey.
See, stylin, along with Shelley, enjoying the picturesque scenery that is Ohio.
The first stop was the Johnson Farm, where Joseph Smith and Emma stayed for a while during their time in Kirtland. At one point this was the headquarters of the church. This is where the 76th section of the Doctrine and Covenants was received. The feeling there was great, it was a small witness, confirming again that what I believe is true.
After the farmhouse, we went to a bar-b-que that was thrown by the local single adults in the area. It was kinda lame, and I decided against posting the two photos I took there.
After the BBQ, we went back to the hotel, and since I had seen the pool, and knew that having about 75 people there wouldn't be all that fun, I went with some friends (Adam, Dan and Melissa) to the bowling alley across the street where we played pool.
After the revelry at the pool hall, we went back to the room and played a spirited game of spoons, which I won. And I thought for a minute there that I would surely lose. (Adam and Rich may look a little stoned, but they're not).
The next morning, bright and early, we went to the temple and had a testimony sacrament meeting. All I can say about it was that it was truly amazing. Knowing the history of the spot, of the original dedication and all, helped to gain a new appreciation of it, and helped me to feel the Spirit in that meeting more strongly than I have in a very long time. It was truly beyond description.
Adam, me and Kasey outside afterward
An artsy sort of pic of the temple
The Newell K. Whitney Store, where Joseph and Emma stayed for part of their time in Kirtland. It also housed the School of the Prophets. And that's our missionary tour guide and Sydney.
This room housed the School of the Prophets, and was where the Word of Wisdom was received.
The childhood home of Joseph Smith
This is one picture from inside the Sacred Grove. It was an amazing feeling there. It was cool because in the group of people I was with at the time, we had people who had served missions, speaking three different languages. We each recited the First Vision in our respective language. It was pretty remarkable. I had told the experience probably over 1,000 times, and still know how to say it flawlessly in Portuguese, but I think that being in the place where it happened really seemed more profound than ever.
Trying to get an artsy photo inside the grove.
On top of the Hill Cummorah
After our whirlwind trip through Palmyra we packed in the Honda and drove back to Virginia. It was good times. So, though I don't think I had a proper appreciation for locations important to church history, I am certainly glad that I got a chance to visit these sites during this summer.
Since most people who read this are of my same faith, I didn't go into great detail about things that most already know. However, if you happed to read this and are completely confused, feel free to ask me a question anytime.
First, in June, my ward took a trip to Kirtland, which I wasn't totally stoked about, but decided to go check it out as sort of something to check off my list of things to do in my lifetime. I think that most Mormons have a sense that before they die, they should see Kirtland, OH and Nauvoo, IL definitely, and if they get a chance, Palmyra, NY, and the Missouri church-related spots (what I call the big four. Of course there's a couple others, but these are the biggies). I think it could be equated to the Muslim's pilgrimage to Mecca--except ours isn't a tenant of our religion. However, during the trip, I realized just how important the years in Kirtland were to the church. This is kind of where the church grew up, and where many important revelations were received.
So early on a Friday morning, we loaded up the buses (we travel in style), and made our way on the seven-hour journey.
See, stylin, along with Shelley, enjoying the picturesque scenery that is Ohio.
The first stop was the Johnson Farm, where Joseph Smith and Emma stayed for a while during their time in Kirtland. At one point this was the headquarters of the church. This is where the 76th section of the Doctrine and Covenants was received. The feeling there was great, it was a small witness, confirming again that what I believe is true.After the farmhouse, we went to a bar-b-que that was thrown by the local single adults in the area. It was kinda lame, and I decided against posting the two photos I took there.
After the BBQ, we went back to the hotel, and since I had seen the pool, and knew that having about 75 people there wouldn't be all that fun, I went with some friends (Adam, Dan and Melissa) to the bowling alley across the street where we played pool.
After the revelry at the pool hall, we went back to the room and played a spirited game of spoons, which I won. And I thought for a minute there that I would surely lose. (Adam and Rich may look a little stoned, but they're not).
The next morning, bright and early, we went to the temple and had a testimony sacrament meeting. All I can say about it was that it was truly amazing. Knowing the history of the spot, of the original dedication and all, helped to gain a new appreciation of it, and helped me to feel the Spirit in that meeting more strongly than I have in a very long time. It was truly beyond description.
Adam, me and Kasey outside afterward
An artsy sort of pic of the temple
The Newell K. Whitney Store, where Joseph and Emma stayed for part of their time in Kirtland. It also housed the School of the Prophets. And that's our missionary tour guide and Sydney.
This room housed the School of the Prophets, and was where the Word of Wisdom was received.We had lunch and went to one other farm before leaving but had a good time in Ohio. I am very glad I went.
Two weeks later, I went on another adventure involving church history. This time to Palmyra, the birthplace of Joseph Smith, and where the church began here in the states.
Two weeks later, I went on another adventure involving church history. This time to Palmyra, the birthplace of Joseph Smith, and where the church began here in the states.
The childhood home of Joseph Smith
This is one picture from inside the Sacred Grove. It was an amazing feeling there. It was cool because in the group of people I was with at the time, we had people who had served missions, speaking three different languages. We each recited the First Vision in our respective language. It was pretty remarkable. I had told the experience probably over 1,000 times, and still know how to say it flawlessly in Portuguese, but I think that being in the place where it happened really seemed more profound than ever.
Trying to get an artsy photo inside the grove.
On top of the Hill CummorahAfter our whirlwind trip through Palmyra we packed in the Honda and drove back to Virginia. It was good times. So, though I don't think I had a proper appreciation for locations important to church history, I am certainly glad that I got a chance to visit these sites during this summer.
Since most people who read this are of my same faith, I didn't go into great detail about things that most already know. However, if you happed to read this and are completely confused, feel free to ask me a question anytime.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
My Chat with A Verizon Rep
My Phone is awful. I have replaced the battery once, got a new phone cause the original was defective, and now the battery has been acting up for the past two or three months, and I need a new one pretty soon. I went to the Verizon site to find the price for a new battery, cause I was going to see if it was comparable to one I saw online through Staples. Then a box popped up, offering me a live agent to chat with. And, as I love to chat digitally, I couldn't resist.
Here is what transpired, and my thoughts (in parenthesis).
Please wait for a Verizon Wireless sales representative to assist you with your order. Thank you for your patience!
A Verizon Wireless online pre-sales specialist has joined the chat. You are now chatting with Lori
Lori: Hello. Thank you for visiting our chat service. May I help you with your order today? (A little Pushy I would say, not knowing what I wanted and just assuming I was going to order)
You: well, I don't want to order per se,
You: but I was wondering if you know the cost for a new battery for a motorola Krzr phone?
Lori: I'd be happy to help you with that. (This Popped up before or at the same time I mentioned the battery--how could she help me? She could have had no clue what I wanted--Lori didn't score points early on)
Lori: Are you an existing Verizon Wireless customer?
You: Why yes I am (Of course I am, you idiot, why would I be on this page if I weren't?)
Lori: Are you on the accessories page?
You: yes (Oh, I see, I just needed to click further)
Lori: It is $39.99 for the standard battery and $49.99 for the extended battery. (WTF? That's insane!! Staples had it for $13)
Lori: Which would you prefer to order? (Whoa!! Hold on there Lady!!)
You: that's ridiculous
You: neither
You: i can find it online cheaper elsewhere
Lori: I understand your concern. (This pissed me off, because having taken customer's calls--pretty much the same situation here--and knew that came straight from a card or screen Lori had in front of her)
You: how? how do you understand my concern? ("Lori, have you had to replace your phone's battery only to have to replace that same phone the same day, then have your the replacement phone start acting up about four months later? I don't Think so." I also kinda wanted to see how automated the system is, if there was a real Lori or if it was really Padma in New Delhi, or maybe not a person at all who would kind of get tripped up with a turn in the conversation there)
Lori: I understand your concern with prices, however I am unable to make any changes to the prices that are set forth on the web site. I am a consumer as well. (good one!!)
You: well, I know that
Lori: I've been in a very similar situation myself. (Have you really? Do you have the crappiest phone known to man?)
You: and I don't expect you to be able to
You: the thing is, this is the second time I've needed to replace the battery for this phone
Lori: Have you contacted Technical Support before regarding this particular problem?
You: and, from what I've read online recently, battery issues are common for this model
You: i've taken it to the store
Lori: You can contact our technical support team and they will be able to assist you with this today. The number is 1-888-233-4813.
You: well, Lori I appreciate that
You: thanks
Lori: Is there anything else I can help you with today?
You: not really
Lori: Are you eligible for an upgrade?
You: i wish
You: in a couple of months i think
You: i hate this phone
You: it's terrible
Lori: Unfortunately, you may have to pay the full retail price for a new phone. To see the full retail prices for our phones, you can log into My Account and click on the Upgrade Your Phone link. If your account is eligible for a discount, the phones will be listed at the promotional prices. If your account is not eligible for a discount, the phones will be listed at full retail pricing.
You: okay, thanks
Lori: They maybe able to honor you an early upgrade if the phone is messed up.
Lori: Thank you for visiting Verizon Wireless, I look forward to speaking with you again. Have a great evening!
So, That was my experience with Lori. In my humble opinion, my phone blows, but Lori was nice, as have been most of my Verizon agents. Thus making me not want do deal with the hassle of changing phone companies, but rather stick with them.
Here is what transpired, and my thoughts (in parenthesis).
Please wait for a Verizon Wireless sales representative to assist you with your order. Thank you for your patience!A Verizon Wireless online pre-sales specialist has joined the chat. You are now chatting with LoriLori: Hello. Thank you for visiting our chat service. May I help you with your order today? (A little Pushy I would say, not knowing what I wanted and just assuming I was going to order)
You: well, I don't want to order per se,
You: but I was wondering if you know the cost for a new battery for a motorola Krzr phone?
Lori: I'd be happy to help you with that. (This Popped up before or at the same time I mentioned the battery--how could she help me? She could have had no clue what I wanted--Lori didn't score points early on)
Lori: Are you an existing Verizon Wireless customer?
You: Why yes I am (Of course I am, you idiot, why would I be on this page if I weren't?)
Lori: Are you on the accessories page?
You: yes (Oh, I see, I just needed to click further)
Lori: It is $39.99 for the standard battery and $49.99 for the extended battery. (WTF? That's insane!! Staples had it for $13)
Lori: Which would you prefer to order? (Whoa!! Hold on there Lady!!)
You: that's ridiculous
You: neither
You: i can find it online cheaper elsewhere
Lori: I understand your concern. (This pissed me off, because having taken customer's calls--pretty much the same situation here--and knew that came straight from a card or screen Lori had in front of her)
You: how? how do you understand my concern? ("Lori, have you had to replace your phone's battery only to have to replace that same phone the same day, then have your the replacement phone start acting up about four months later? I don't Think so." I also kinda wanted to see how automated the system is, if there was a real Lori or if it was really Padma in New Delhi, or maybe not a person at all who would kind of get tripped up with a turn in the conversation there)
Lori: I understand your concern with prices, however I am unable to make any changes to the prices that are set forth on the web site. I am a consumer as well. (good one!!)
You: well, I know that
Lori: I've been in a very similar situation myself. (Have you really? Do you have the crappiest phone known to man?)
You: and I don't expect you to be able to
You: the thing is, this is the second time I've needed to replace the battery for this phone
Lori: Have you contacted Technical Support before regarding this particular problem?
You: and, from what I've read online recently, battery issues are common for this model
You: i've taken it to the store
Lori: You can contact our technical support team and they will be able to assist you with this today. The number is 1-888-233-4813.
You: well, Lori I appreciate that
You: thanks
Lori: Is there anything else I can help you with today?
You: not really
Lori: Are you eligible for an upgrade?
You: i wish
You: in a couple of months i think
You: i hate this phone
You: it's terrible
Lori: Unfortunately, you may have to pay the full retail price for a new phone. To see the full retail prices for our phones, you can log into My Account and click on the Upgrade Your Phone link. If your account is eligible for a discount, the phones will be listed at the promotional prices. If your account is not eligible for a discount, the phones will be listed at full retail pricing.
You: okay, thanks
Lori: They maybe able to honor you an early upgrade if the phone is messed up.
Lori: Thank you for visiting Verizon Wireless, I look forward to speaking with you again. Have a great evening!
So, That was my experience with Lori. In my humble opinion, my phone blows, but Lori was nice, as have been most of my Verizon agents. Thus making me not want do deal with the hassle of changing phone companies, but rather stick with them.
"Who Cares, I Never Get Lonesome Cause I Treasure My Own Company"
I don't know if I've mentioned this, but since my girlfriend left me for Russia for the summer, I've been very bored. As a result, I have taken up a new hobby. Thanks to my roommate's being gone for the summer (thus making my summer even more boring) he has no use for his guitar for a couple of months. I've wanted to learn to play it for a while, and a good friend of mine is offering free introductory lessons, so in the past four weeks, I have been becoming quite the guitar pro. So, not really, but I have learned a lot, I have calloused finger tips and I have improved substantially--even being able to play a song or two. I'm stoked.
Anyway, as part of my not having much to do, I decided that I would finally go to a movie by myself. Plenty of people I know have done it, and do it often. I, however, have not been courageous enough to venture out to the theater by my onesies until today. I tackled going to a sit-down restaurant by myself last year before a doctors appointment (both are things that I didn't know if I would ever do by myself). I went to see Wall-E. It was a delightful film, but it made me miss a previously-mentioned person, who left me for Russia, a bunch. Though Wall-E and EVE were robots, I found their little romance rather charming, and the whole movie was just a lot of fun.
Turns out, I am a cheap date. I got a ticket, popcorn and a soda for $11. I may start to take myself out more often.
But, as I figure it, there's only about 16 days 'til Mel gets back (but who's counting?), thus ending my bored spell, and meaning we'll have to make up for a lack of adventures in the remaining weeks of summer once she returns. Any ideas are welcome.
Now, I'm off to practice the guitar again.
Anyway, as part of my not having much to do, I decided that I would finally go to a movie by myself. Plenty of people I know have done it, and do it often. I, however, have not been courageous enough to venture out to the theater by my onesies until today. I tackled going to a sit-down restaurant by myself last year before a doctors appointment (both are things that I didn't know if I would ever do by myself). I went to see Wall-E. It was a delightful film, but it made me miss a previously-mentioned person, who left me for Russia, a bunch. Though Wall-E and EVE were robots, I found their little romance rather charming, and the whole movie was just a lot of fun.
Turns out, I am a cheap date. I got a ticket, popcorn and a soda for $11. I may start to take myself out more often.
But, as I figure it, there's only about 16 days 'til Mel gets back (but who's counting?), thus ending my bored spell, and meaning we'll have to make up for a lack of adventures in the remaining weeks of summer once she returns. Any ideas are welcome.
Now, I'm off to practice the guitar again.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Experiment's Over: I Don't Know If I Win or Lose
So, I caved. Last week I decided that I was tired of living in filth. However, it took two weeks to get there. I thought it would come more quickly. I was actually surprised that the clean house lasted for nearly a week. Then, when I came home from Canada, he had made homemade ice cream (which was very tasty), and hadn't cleaned up the mess entirely.
I never had a clear hypotheses in this experiment, but what I did learn is that left to his own devices--or lack thereof, my roommate would ultimately end up in a pile of filth, squalor, and I'm sure vermin. However, it wouldn't come as quickly as one would think, as he took out a bag of trash twice in the week (part of which was mine, and for which I am appreciative), and he ran the dishwasher twice.
I spent about an hour cleaning on Saturday morning and had a nice clean house, which is once again in need of cleaning as a big Sunday meal was made (not by me) and is very slowly being cleaned.
Here are some picks I took when I decided that it was a losing battle, and that I needed to just clean it.
Note: the mail and flashlight are still there. They still haven't moved since the beginning of the experiment.
Sadly, though I cleaned it to a near sparkling state on Saturday morning, I'm pretty sure that it is worse now, even more so than these pictures.
Admittedly, the balloons are mine, but they're gone now. And for a picture of how it is now, add two empty gatorade bottles, a box of cheese its, an empty glass and a used napkin to the table and viola.
I spent about an hour cleaning on Saturday morning and had a nice clean house, which is once again in need of cleaning as a big Sunday meal was made (not by me) and is very slowly being cleaned.
Here are some picks I took when I decided that it was a losing battle, and that I needed to just clean it.
Note: the mail and flashlight are still there. They still haven't moved since the beginning of the experiment.
Sadly, though I cleaned it to a near sparkling state on Saturday morning, I'm pretty sure that it is worse now, even more so than these pictures.
Admittedly, the balloons are mine, but they're gone now. And for a picture of how it is now, add two empty gatorade bottles, a box of cheese its, an empty glass and a used napkin to the table and viola.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Today's List of Things that Must Go
1). The tendency men have of spitting in the urinal--Yeah it's a weird one, but it bugs me. I guess spitting in general bugs me (my mom taught me some manners), but I've noticed out of the corner of my eye often (of course you always look straight forward or down while at the urinal, however I notice movements in my periphery) that a lot of guys spit while peeing. And I wonder, "why?" It doesn't make sense to me, I personally don't have any Pavlovian tendencies that make me salivate when I enter the men's room, but maybe a lot of men do. What's really gross is that men don't aim their spit much better then they aim otherwise, so a lot of times I look down at the top of the urinal and find a bubbly pile o' spit, and it's pretty disgusting.
2). While we're talking about urinals, people talking to me while I'm using the restroom--this must go. It's just weird. This is bad because even some of my best friends try to be chatty while I'm using the facilities. In this case, I always do my best to answer in partial words and monosyllabic answers because I don't want to be seen as somebody who would engage in conversation while using a public restroom. If you are engaged in a conversation while entering the facilities, propriety would dictate that you leave the conversation while you enter the room, and resume about thirty seconds later while washing your hands if necessary. What's even more awkward is when a complete stranger talks to you at the urinal--I'll stop there. But, talking to people while peeing must go.
3). The lingering scent of banana peels in the trash. I often take a banana with me to work to have at lunch or a mid-morning snack. after I discard the peel into my trashcan under my desk. About an hour later, I get faint whiffs of banana, and they're not pleasant. Granted I realize that to avoid this entirely, I could walk the peel to the trash in the galley, but that would mean I wouldn't have anything to complain about. This is a place where I mention my annoyances, and that smell annoys me. So there.
4). The lady in the white Mercedes on Washington Blvd. who has her Arabic music blaring out the window--Twice last week I ended up near her, and she bugged me. She seemed to be very vain tossing her bleached-blond hair, and preening herself while at the light. Then the light changed, she took off and ended up being the car directly in front of me. She ended up nearly running a stop light and did other stupid things. I thought "that lady really must go." So because of her maneuvering, she got ahead of me, and I thought I had lost her, but about five minutes later I got to the light on Washington and Glebe, and guess who was at my side, meaning all of her crazy driving was for naught. Yup, it made me laugh.
5). People who act shocked that Barack Obama has moved to the center for the general election. People are acting all crazy saying that he said he wasn't the same as other politicians. Well, big shocker, he's running for president--he IS a politician. As far as I remember though, he's only said that he wanted a new dialogue in politics, one that isn't based on hate or fear, one that focuses on real issues. He's pretty much doing that. So to those on the left who are upset that he's moving to the center--get over it, they all move to the center for the general, and just think of the alternative, and how bad four more years of the same will be.
2). While we're talking about urinals, people talking to me while I'm using the restroom--this must go. It's just weird. This is bad because even some of my best friends try to be chatty while I'm using the facilities. In this case, I always do my best to answer in partial words and monosyllabic answers because I don't want to be seen as somebody who would engage in conversation while using a public restroom. If you are engaged in a conversation while entering the facilities, propriety would dictate that you leave the conversation while you enter the room, and resume about thirty seconds later while washing your hands if necessary. What's even more awkward is when a complete stranger talks to you at the urinal--I'll stop there. But, talking to people while peeing must go.
3). The lingering scent of banana peels in the trash. I often take a banana with me to work to have at lunch or a mid-morning snack. after I discard the peel into my trashcan under my desk. About an hour later, I get faint whiffs of banana, and they're not pleasant. Granted I realize that to avoid this entirely, I could walk the peel to the trash in the galley, but that would mean I wouldn't have anything to complain about. This is a place where I mention my annoyances, and that smell annoys me. So there.
4). The lady in the white Mercedes on Washington Blvd. who has her Arabic music blaring out the window--Twice last week I ended up near her, and she bugged me. She seemed to be very vain tossing her bleached-blond hair, and preening herself while at the light. Then the light changed, she took off and ended up being the car directly in front of me. She ended up nearly running a stop light and did other stupid things. I thought "that lady really must go." So because of her maneuvering, she got ahead of me, and I thought I had lost her, but about five minutes later I got to the light on Washington and Glebe, and guess who was at my side, meaning all of her crazy driving was for naught. Yup, it made me laugh.
5). People who act shocked that Barack Obama has moved to the center for the general election. People are acting all crazy saying that he said he wasn't the same as other politicians. Well, big shocker, he's running for president--he IS a politician. As far as I remember though, he's only said that he wanted a new dialogue in politics, one that isn't based on hate or fear, one that focuses on real issues. He's pretty much doing that. So to those on the left who are upset that he's moving to the center--get over it, they all move to the center for the general, and just think of the alternative, and how bad four more years of the same will be.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
O Canada
How more patriotic can you be than by leaving your country for independence day? Don't worry though, it was just across the border and I don't think that there was any point at which I couldn't turn my head and see the good ole' US of A.
So Thursday afternoon the second car of our group left to the great white north. By the time that we got onto the beltway, however, it seemed that everyone else in the DC Metro Area was on their way out as well
Somewhere near Altoona (actually, I don't know where, but I wanted to mention Altoona) we saw this sign. I don't know about you, but it sounds amazing. I want to see it for sure.
Finally, at 1:30 a.m. we reached the foreign land. I was so slap happy by then, that everything was making me laugh hysterically.
I learned they do things differently in Canada. They call them washrooms instead of restrooms, they don't call it macaroni and cheese, but rather, Kraft Dinner, and they eat some horrible things like these:
Ketchup Potato Chips (I bought them for your sake Shelley) . They made me gag a little.
Does anyone find this sign as funny as I do?
They're amazing!!
We went on a "Maid of the Mist" boat tour--fascinating did you know a little boy fell down the falls in only a life vest and survived? One of these boats picked him up.
Another fun sign, what exactly is he falling on?
Whole group photo front to back left to right: Annie, Jess, Cat, Amy, Reed, Me, Brian, Sundee
On our boat tour . The Line to get there was horrendous, but the actual ride was worth the wait.
After the boat ride, we went up to see the city of Niagara Falls, and to ride their giant Ferris Wheel. It was nice, sort of. Kinda like Las Vegas, but more tacky.
View from the ferris wheel
We went back to camp and hung out for a while, playing games and waiting 'til dark to watch the fireworks. We went across the street to the river and had a nice view to see no less than six fireworks shows from the Falls to Buffalo, NY. This is us waiting for the fireworks to start.
The next day was really laid back. We didn't do much but play games. Reed's birthday was on the 4th so Brian, his roomie had bought him this game, mostly as a joke. Though the 40-something creator who surely lives at home in his mother's basement must love this game, I did not find Dragon Land and it's many complex rules all that exciting. However I enjoyed that the dice were called "destiny cubes."
The next game was Ticket to Ride, and I enjoyed that a lot. Having previously told myself that I would not enjoy it, I was pleasantly surprised.
That night we went to the falls again to see them illuminated. After parking, while walking back down, we came across this lovely car. Definitely the closest I have ever been to a $200,000 sports car.
This is the city at night (like I said, like Vegas...)
I got some really cool pics of the falls at night, but am tired of trying to make this work, so this is all I will put here. But it looks super-cool at night.
Me in front of the falls--I didn't take the picture (obviously) so don't blame me for it's blurry quality.
Both nights, we had fun with glow sticks, The pictures aren't nearly as cool with the flash, but this one kinda made me look so cool, I posted it (no, I realize that I don't look cool at all).
And:
We're awesome!!
We woke up early Sunday and headed off. I got the biggest prick for a border patrol agent. I can't even do justice to his doucheyness by writing, just suffice it to say he was a jerk.
We left Canada and then went to Palmyra NY, but that will be in a follow-up post.
Bye Canada
The ride home was nice, little traffic until we got here. Awful little town.
So Thursday afternoon the second car of our group left to the great white north. By the time that we got onto the beltway, however, it seemed that everyone else in the DC Metro Area was on their way out as well
This was after one hour on the road and only 5 miles-ish
In my car was me, Jess, Annie in back and behind the pillow was Cat. The four of us were in for a long, long, drive.
Somewhere near Altoona (actually, I don't know where, but I wanted to mention Altoona) we saw this sign. I don't know about you, but it sounds amazing. I want to see it for sure.
Finally, at 1:30 a.m. we reached the foreign land. I was so slap happy by then, that everything was making me laugh hysterically.I learned they do things differently in Canada. They call them washrooms instead of restrooms, they don't call it macaroni and cheese, but rather, Kraft Dinner, and they eat some horrible things like these:
Ketchup Potato Chips (I bought them for your sake Shelley) . They made me gag a little.
Does anyone find this sign as funny as I do?The next morning, we woke up, made a trip to the Wal-Mart (now their Wal-Marts in Canada are the 1980s style here--at least the one I was at), made breakfast and then went to see the falls.
They're amazing!!
We went on a "Maid of the Mist" boat tour--fascinating did you know a little boy fell down the falls in only a life vest and survived? One of these boats picked him up.
Another fun sign, what exactly is he falling on?
Whole group photo front to back left to right: Annie, Jess, Cat, Amy, Reed, Me, Brian, Sundee
On our boat tour . The Line to get there was horrendous, but the actual ride was worth the wait.
After the boat ride, we went up to see the city of Niagara Falls, and to ride their giant Ferris Wheel. It was nice, sort of. Kinda like Las Vegas, but more tacky.
View from the ferris wheel
We went back to camp and hung out for a while, playing games and waiting 'til dark to watch the fireworks. We went across the street to the river and had a nice view to see no less than six fireworks shows from the Falls to Buffalo, NY. This is us waiting for the fireworks to start.
The next day was really laid back. We didn't do much but play games. Reed's birthday was on the 4th so Brian, his roomie had bought him this game, mostly as a joke. Though the 40-something creator who surely lives at home in his mother's basement must love this game, I did not find Dragon Land and it's many complex rules all that exciting. However I enjoyed that the dice were called "destiny cubes."
The next game was Ticket to Ride, and I enjoyed that a lot. Having previously told myself that I would not enjoy it, I was pleasantly surprised.
That night we went to the falls again to see them illuminated. After parking, while walking back down, we came across this lovely car. Definitely the closest I have ever been to a $200,000 sports car.
This is the city at night (like I said, like Vegas...)
I got some really cool pics of the falls at night, but am tired of trying to make this work, so this is all I will put here. But it looks super-cool at night.
Me in front of the falls--I didn't take the picture (obviously) so don't blame me for it's blurry quality.
Both nights, we had fun with glow sticks, The pictures aren't nearly as cool with the flash, but this one kinda made me look so cool, I posted it (no, I realize that I don't look cool at all).This is our Rave:
And:We're awesome!!
It's funny to watch and see when people hit themselves with the glowsticks. ("Thud, Ouch")
We left Canada and then went to Palmyra NY, but that will be in a follow-up post.
Bye Canada
The ride home was nice, little traffic until we got here. Awful little town.All-in-all, Canada was great. My Canadian friend (pay attention to #6) would say to not judge Canada by the little towns near the falls, but I must say that they were some friendly folks there. I would guess that this part of the country is similar to our hillbillie parts in the States, but it was a lovely area with some fine folks. Canada is O-K in my book Eh'
Thursday, July 3, 2008
I Can't Resist
I was shown one of these clips on Youtube, and then I found another because of that first one. Anyway, I know that I hate most other peoples' children, except for my nieces and nephews, especially at the grocery store when they are throwing fits (not to say that I never did that), or anywhere near my seat on a plane; it's times like those that I think that I would never have kids. But videos like these make me want to be a dad, really badly. Sorry if you don't approve, but they are really funny.
Little Victories
Okay, so for two days in a row, I have had a near perfect commute to work. I have been shocked both days when looking at the clock while pulling into my garage here and noticing that it's only been about 16 minutes since I had left my house. Today, I only had to stop at four lights; yesterday, only three. I didn't even have to stop at the lame light on Washington and Lee Highway, which never happens (well, yesterday it did).
Oh, and in other news, I am leaving early from work to begin on my adventure to our neighbor to the north to celebrate America's independence. I'm going to Niagara Falls, It just happens that the camping spot we got is on the Canadian side. So, I've been told to find some Canadian specialties, such as Ketchup potato chips, a Mr. Big bar, among other things. I'll buy me a toque, and enjoy them along with some Kraft Dinner, I'm sure. Eh'
Oh, and in other news, I am leaving early from work to begin on my adventure to our neighbor to the north to celebrate America's independence. I'm going to Niagara Falls, It just happens that the camping spot we got is on the Canadian side. So, I've been told to find some Canadian specialties, such as Ketchup potato chips, a Mr. Big bar, among other things. I'll buy me a toque, and enjoy them along with some Kraft Dinner, I'm sure. Eh'
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
One Year Older and Wiser Too, Happy Birthday to (well, me)
So, I had a birthday (shout hooray!!). Yesterday, I officially entered into my late twenties. I've complained for weeks that 27 seemed so old, but now it's here, and I don't really feel any different than when I turned, say 23.
I have to say though, that 27 was really a good birthday. I had been bracing myself for what I thought would be a pretty lame-o day. This because most of the people with whom I spend most of my time are in various parts of the country (or the planet). And I figured that most of my other friends didn't really know that it was my birthday (I know, It's hard being Darin--spoken in a gloomy, Eyeore voice).
Anyway, as I mentioned yesterday, I got to Skype with Mel and that was good. I had received a couple of comments on Facebook saying Happy Birthday and all. I got to work and got emails and calls--even a few people singing to me over the phone. Throughout the day, a whole bunch of people posted birthday greetings on my Facebook wall. And I spent lots of time im-ing with friends (not that there's a whole lot different there from any other day, but this time they said "happy birthday" to me).
Come lunch time. Some of us went out to lunch. We went to Chevy's and enjoyed some tasty Mexican (pronounced MeHEcan) food. Our group training manager insisted that the people there sing to my boss Tripop and me (which, when does that go from being the highlight of going to eat on your birthday as a child, to the source of sheer embarrassment?) since we were the birthday boys. Of course it was embarrassing, but for free ice cream and sopapillas, I'll look like a fool in a big hat.
The pictures were taken on a camera phone, so they're not the greatest quality.
I know I look kinda douchey, but I was smiling for another camera when this one was taken (not to mention the fact that I have a big ole' sombrero on my head).
When I got home from work, I was pleasantly surprised to find that a couple of friends had come by to my apartment and left a treat for me.
While at home I got a call from my Mom and Dad and also my sister, Kristine (my sister Amy emailed me, since her phone with my number is being used by my parents in SLC while they're down there for a while with my mom's bone marrow transplant--but that's an entirely different story--and she can't remember it, I'll take that as plenty good reason to not call). No word from Julie, but no surprise there.
Shortly after that, I walked over to FHE where they had a birthday cake. It was delightful. Amy had bought a carrot cake, which I like a lot (even though the rest of my family doesn't), and we played a spirited game of croquet. I hadn't played that for about 21 years, and my only experience was with a neighbor girl who probably mis-informed me of the rules and cheated so she could win, so I wasn't such a pro at it (p.s. I stink at put-put golf, so It was no surprise to me that I'm not too handy with a wooden mallet and balls).
After that, my buddy Kasey came by, and we had planned to use my DQ coupon for a free Blizzard (suggested by Shelley), but printer problems foiled that plan. We ended up buying pizza and ice cream, and played some mad Mario Kart.
So, that was my Birthday. It was nice. I've got to say that I know some of the coolest people. Thanks to everyone for making it a good day.
I have to say though, that 27 was really a good birthday. I had been bracing myself for what I thought would be a pretty lame-o day. This because most of the people with whom I spend most of my time are in various parts of the country (or the planet). And I figured that most of my other friends didn't really know that it was my birthday (I know, It's hard being Darin--spoken in a gloomy, Eyeore voice).
Anyway, as I mentioned yesterday, I got to Skype with Mel and that was good. I had received a couple of comments on Facebook saying Happy Birthday and all. I got to work and got emails and calls--even a few people singing to me over the phone. Throughout the day, a whole bunch of people posted birthday greetings on my Facebook wall. And I spent lots of time im-ing with friends (not that there's a whole lot different there from any other day, but this time they said "happy birthday" to me).
Come lunch time. Some of us went out to lunch. We went to Chevy's and enjoyed some tasty Mexican (pronounced MeHEcan) food. Our group training manager insisted that the people there sing to my boss Tripop and me (which, when does that go from being the highlight of going to eat on your birthday as a child, to the source of sheer embarrassment?) since we were the birthday boys. Of course it was embarrassing, but for free ice cream and sopapillas, I'll look like a fool in a big hat.
The pictures were taken on a camera phone, so they're not the greatest quality.
I know I look kinda douchey, but I was smiling for another camera when this one was taken (not to mention the fact that I have a big ole' sombrero on my head).When I got home from work, I was pleasantly surprised to find that a couple of friends had come by to my apartment and left a treat for me.
While at home I got a call from my Mom and Dad and also my sister, Kristine (my sister Amy emailed me, since her phone with my number is being used by my parents in SLC while they're down there for a while with my mom's bone marrow transplant--but that's an entirely different story--and she can't remember it, I'll take that as plenty good reason to not call). No word from Julie, but no surprise there.Shortly after that, I walked over to FHE where they had a birthday cake. It was delightful. Amy had bought a carrot cake, which I like a lot (even though the rest of my family doesn't), and we played a spirited game of croquet. I hadn't played that for about 21 years, and my only experience was with a neighbor girl who probably mis-informed me of the rules and cheated so she could win, so I wasn't such a pro at it (p.s. I stink at put-put golf, so It was no surprise to me that I'm not too handy with a wooden mallet and balls).
After that, my buddy Kasey came by, and we had planned to use my DQ coupon for a free Blizzard (suggested by Shelley), but printer problems foiled that plan. We ended up buying pizza and ice cream, and played some mad Mario Kart.
So, that was my Birthday. It was nice. I've got to say that I know some of the coolest people. Thanks to everyone for making it a good day.
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