Tuesday, August 31, 2004

Random Thoughts

This week will suck - got too much work. Quick, disorganized thoughts...

Code Pink sucks. Amazing, the lefty dumbasses.

I want a Subaru Forester in cobalt blue. I want one, so you give me one. heh. And you pay the stupid car taxes.

Woe to those slow, meandering people in crowded public places - Fresh Fields, the Metro, wherever. I especially love those who park their shopping cart right at the entrance of the store, blocking ingress for others, taking their sweet time, looking at stuff - evidently unaware or not caring that there are others trying to get by, shop, whatever. They're so special. Cattle prod? What a good idea!

I'm less than jazzed about my piles of work and work-related intercourse (heh) today. But, my boss brought in yummy cookies for us, so all is not lost.

Blah.

Thursday, August 26, 2004

More Notes from the Underground - Thurs Morning

A little non-PC note about an observation on the Metro this morning. Well, I was lucky enough to get a seat so I could comfortably read - yeah! Catty-corner from me sat a blue-clad behemoth. Now I don't use that word lightly. She was so huge, that she took up a good portion of the empty seat beside her. Let's face it - no one is going to sit beside her because even if they're carrying half their apartment to work with them, they don't want to be smashed up against all that cascading fat. When her stop came about, she literally had to hoist herself to a standing position, then shuffled slowly out.

The disturbing thing about this, besides the obvious visual nightmare, is that she is not an isolated incident. I've seen morbidly obese people around on a pretty regular basis. Look folks, the human body was not designed to hold that much adipose. I can only imagine the myriad health problems that accompany this lifestyle choice. Ah, you say, how cruel, etc, but I say whoa, most obesity is caused not by "glandular disorders" but by identifiable bad habits.

The good news is that people have changed those habits, lost weight, gotten healthier, and feel better about themselves. The Arkansas governor, Mike Huckabee is perfect example of a great success story.

Wednesday, August 25, 2004

Notes from the Underground

I was sitting beside this youngish chick today on the Metro and as I was calmly reading my book (Great Feuds in Medicine, by Hal Hellman), I noticed via peripheral vision that this girl's hands never stopped moving - to her hair, to her face, into her purse, to her eyes, back to her hair. I just found it amazing that she couldn't just sit there calmly. Could it be that she was nervous? That she had had too much coffee earlier? That she's a mental wreck? Well, as we both disembarked at Faragut West, she pulled an errant string from my jacket. Weird.

Tuesday, August 24, 2004

A Bright Spot on the Education Horizon

You know, I have all these great articles that are just waiting for posting and commentary...and drat! work just gets in the way, so by the time I have a few minutes to blog, I have this stack of stuff to report on, and I'm completely overwhelmed. Yep, I have plenty of child abandonment, heinous crime & liberal bullshit articles stacked up, but instead, I'll now share something uplifting.

Today in the Post was an article about KIPP, Knowledge Is Power Program, a program started by two young lads (public school teachers), who wanted to give inner-city kids a real chance at education and therefore, success, not just bogus grade promotion. Their system is basically about accountability - the kids & theirs, and about consistent reward and yes, punishment. Best of all, their system produces results in way of notably improved test scores.

What is abundantly clear in the article is that this is not just a flavor-of-the-month, throw some money at-type program. These guys, Mike Feinberg & Dave Levin, are true believers, with persistence, courage & an incredible amount of energy. This is not just a job, it's a mission. Not so surprisingly, their core beliefs are nothing more exotic than doing your homework on time, being well-behaved, asking for help when you need it. Read the article and let me know if you're not impressed.

Also let me know if you're as scandalized as I was about education bureaucrats who are willing to sell out their own students for statistical appearances. Gaack.

The Catch of the Day

I just checked out Silent Running, another right-wing blog, to which I linked from Rachel Lucas's site. It's kinda interesting because it's done by a group of people instead of just one. Ok, I found that kinda interesting, so it's my Catch of the Day.

Jeff's New Blog

My love monkey Jeff has a new blog called Nuthin' But Fluff. While his old blog Kinshasa on the Potomac focuses on politics and current events, his new blog will be movie, restaurant, bar reviews plus anything upon which he wishes to comment. Check it out!

Monday, August 23, 2004

Questionable Parenting?

About a year ago on a different blog, I gave the following account of delinquent parents:

"When dining out, please secure both your toddler. The other night, I actually witnessed a couple allow their small child to roam around a restaurant, getting under foot of the servers and patrons, while they (the "parents") nonchalantly had cocktails and appetizers. Now, what's wrong with this picture? First, it shows no concern for the safety of the toddler or anyone else for that matter. It's a trip to the ER waiting to happen. Second, if you take your kid to a restaurant, it's YOUR responsibility to actually parent, ie, control him/her - not the restaurant staff's. How is that hard to follow? More later on other great parenting skills..."

Evidently this species of parent is alive and well. This Saturday morning, my scooter Jeff & I were having coffee & bagels at Cosi. There were two very energetic little ones racing around, screaming & squealing with delight. Now, people generally don’t go to Cosi to supervise others’ kids. But that seemed to be the expectation of these bonehead parents. I decided to not stew about it like I usually do, and asked the mother if she would corral her kids. You know what she asked me? “Oh, are they getting out of hand?” You should have seen my jaw drop. I felt like shaking her and reminding her that she – not we – is the parent & that she should probably know what her own spawn are doing. Well, the couple – and I wasn’t being sexist by talking to the mother – she was just closer at hand – left shortly and blessedly after my request.

I'm still shaking my head over her response.

Friday, August 20, 2004

Non-smoker Vitriole

Did I mention how much I loathe and detest cigarette smoke? Even worse, I’ve been witnessing the “smoke and toss” response on the streets of lovely DC. Let me just say that every time I see an (by definition) obnoxious smoker finish his/her fix and then toss his/her butt on the street, I’m sorely tempted to just smack them.

Here’s enumeration of my wrath at smokers in general, in case you were wondering:

1. You are not smart. Anyone who purposely inhales that carcinogenic muck needs his/her head examined.
2. You are not sexy or cool. Sucking desperately on your death stick like a junky is not attractive. Ditto for the smoker’s cough.
3. You stink: your hair, your clothes, your breath. Even though you can’t smell anything anymore, the rest of us can.
4. You are not environmentalists. Polluting the air and city – think about it.
5. You are selfish assheads who make healthcare costs go up.
6. Don’t ever whine about how poor you are – smoking is an expensive habit & you know it; quit and put that money in the bank.
7. You support Big Tobacco.
8. If you’re a lib, you’re also supporting Big Business.
9. If you have kids and smoke around them – it’s child abuse. Not to mention a bad example.
10. Don’t whine about how hard it is to quit; there are only about a bazillion products on the market to help you.

End rant…for now.

The Promise of Adult Stem Cells

Today in the Washington Post’s Business Section, there is a very interesting article about the potential therapeutic and curative uses of adult stem cells. This is related to the whole hoo-ha about how us backward conservatives object to the use of embryonic stem cells for research, whereas the pragmatic and beneficent libs think there’s nothing wrong with it & this administration is robbing millions of the cures and a better life from disease, accident injuries, etc.

For the record, I see fertilization as the line not to be crossed in the whole “life begins” debate. So I’m against embryonic stem cell research because I see embryos as helpless humans that deserve protection. They are the ultimate underdog. Now, I have no problem with research & experimentation done on stem cells derived from umbilical cords for instance. I have no problem with adult stem cell research.

Therein lies the big fight. Embryonic stem cells are so highly desired because they can develop into any type of cell (bone, liver, etc) whereas adult stem cells are generally thought to only be able to develop into & reproduce cells of the type of tissue from which they are derived. One side makes it seem that there are existing cures or that cures & treatments are imminent. They are not; it might be ten years and a lot more research before any are realized. On the other hand, says this article, they are companies who are finding that adult stem cells may be able to produce different types of cells. And, on a limited basis, there are current clinical trials for various treatments.

One of the big issues for companies who are doing adult stem cell research, however, is funding. The Feds give some grants. Few of these companies are publicly traded and those that are not doing that great.

So, my perspective is that we need to support adult stem cell research, so that beneficial AND ethical research can progress. Sometimes the best path is the road less traveled.

A Little Progress

In my "now-or-never" state of mind, I've been filling out my first online application for the "starting over" chapter of my education/career. That is, I'm applying to various schools as an UNDERGRAD! Gotta have that science background if I'm ever gonna become Kay Scarpetta. Almost done. Even have a draft of my very earnest essay almost finalized. Onward, ho!

IMAO on Vacation

Check out Harvey from Bad Example who is guest-hosting Frank J.'s blog, and his "John Kerry's Post War Accomplishments." My favorite is:

"He stopped the Borg from assimilating Earth by inventing the warp drive."

Ok, what do you want already? I'll have to review Harvey's site and let you know if he's worthy of a "Catch of The Day."

Thursday, August 19, 2004

Work Just Gets in The Way...

I've been so lame about blogging and it's because of work - just takes up too much time and energy so I don't keep up with my rants. Boo-hiss. And I actually have a bunch of things to rant about!

Oh, I just came back from the doctor's and evidently I'm very healthy. My BP is 110/70!!! I will live another day if I just avoid darting out into traffic. Darn cars.

Ok, must work.

Monday, August 16, 2004

I, Robot

Jeff & I saw I, Robot last night. I think the best & worst that can be said is that it was entertaining eye-candy. If you were happily expecting the same, like I was, it was a win-win situation. Don't be looking for Shakespeare.

The movie is about this cop (Will Smith) who hates/distrusts all robots (who in 2035 do all the mundane tasks). He's brought in to investigate a suspicious suicide, which might involve a robot. Themes of sentience, personhood, prejudice and "unhealed wounds" abound*. Don't think too hard about any of those items - just enjoy the action and pretty sets...and of course, the gratuitous Will Smith nude scene. Like I said, "eye candy."

I give it a B, for what it is.

*For what it's worth, I think Next Gen's "Measure of a Man," involving whether or not Data should be experimented on is a lot more poignant, but that's just me.

Friday, August 13, 2004

For What You're Charging...!!!

Amazing how one (my beloved) can spend thousands of dollars on his education at a certain institution of higher learning (GWU) & they don't seem able to produce one lousy form. Jeff was sent to 2 different offices, and left feeling that the info he was given wasn't right & possibly with the wrong form. Now he has to call back, come back later, discuss with an adviser & ferret out the actual truth.

Reminds me of how the organizers of my graduation from the same institution couldn't bother with an inclement weather contingency plan. No - it never rains in DC! Especially when there's an out-door graduation planned!

Priorities!

Ok, I'll let you know what came of this SNAFU.

UPDATE 8/17/04: Jeff found out, after again being telephonically shuffled around, that he just needed to send an email to the grad school adviser/coordinator, telling her that he wanted a leave of absence & why. She, in theory, would effect the necessary paperwork and circulate to the pertinent parties. Let's just see if it's that easy. More to come on this, no doubt.

Thursday, August 12, 2004

Talk About "Gross"

Keen news observer Jeff found this article about a morbidly obese woman who died - literally attached to her sofa. At what point does one say, I don't care if I go to the bathroom on my furniture because I'm too fat to get up and use the facilities? And, in order to maintain this weight, who was feeding her truckloads of twinkies? Wouldn't you say, if you want to eat, get your fat ass to the kitchen? Ok, I would say that, but you get my point. Lots of questions. The horror, THE HORROR!!! Read the whole thing here.

Wednesday, August 11, 2004

Pieces of Note

Deroy Murdock over at NRO has much to say about catch-phrases from the right & left - and how the words become meaningless because the intent behind them is meant to confuse or mollify by meaning just what the constituency wants them to mean. Read the whole thing here.

The second piece of note is brought to you by Linda Chavez at JWR. You may wonder why I've stayed away from the whole Kerry thing. The truth is that I do have an opinion of the guy, but trying to "discuss" him seems such a waste of time...especially when Ms Chavez can say pretty much what I would, only more succinctly. Go here to read the full story ("Pollsters ignore the Bush secret weapon — the ‘faith factor’").

Tuesday, August 10, 2004

On a More Happy Topic...

Last evening, I spent the most peaceful, non-muggy hour on our balcony, just reading away. Watched the sunset. Drank a beer. This is amazing because usually DC is nightmarishly hot and humid during August. Really nice.

Then my sweet made buffalo meat tacos which were to die for! Yeah Jeff!

Ragin'...Finally

Two articles caught my eye in the Post today & quickly raised my blood pressure.

- The first one concerns a guy who wakes up in the middle of the night to find a drunken, naked immigrant (legal status unknown) on top of his 4-year-old child. DNI has only been in the country a short time & is already committing a felony. Yes, open boarders, hurrah! And the really nifty thing is we (as in, US taxpayers) will have to support this scumbag during his prison sentence...that is if he serves one! Read the whole story here.

- The second involves a guy who leaves his 3-year-old daughter in a hot SUV for several hours. She dies. How many times does this have to happen before these uh, "parents" wake up and stop leaving their children in hot automobiles??? Unbelievable. What morons actually think leaving small children alone anywhere is a keen idea? Clearly more than one. Read the whole story here.

Arghhh!

Monday, August 09, 2004

The Right Way to Start a Monday

Listening to Tina Turner's cover of Proud Mary.

FYI, Nutbush City Limits is a great song for cardio machines - elliptical or stairmaster. The fast beat really works you & energizes.

Source of the Quote?

"Use you what you have got, and you won't need what you have not." - Some character on an old Saturday morning kiddie show.

Does anyone know who said the quote of the day & from what show it was? Not a trick question - I just don't remember.

Friday, August 06, 2004

Sad News

I took a fantastic spin class yesterday with my favorite instructor (who reminds me of Riley Fin from Buffy)...only to find out he's leaving after next week to go do something dumb like attend business school in the mid-west. Wanker!

To be honest, the Thurs lunch class has this problem of having great teachers leave. The last one before Riley moved to Africa for work. A substitute for her has stopped teaching altogether. Gaack!

Those of you have taken spin often enough to have a fave teacher feel my pain, I'm sure. That's all on that.

Wednesday, August 04, 2004

Frank J. Is Bad for My Keyboard

Although I have piles of tedious work to do before I leave today, and I really don't have time to blog, I did check out Frank J's (IMAO) "Know Thy Enemy: Democrats" and must post something on that. It's hysterical if 1) you're a Republican and/or 2) you have a sense of humor. Here's a taste:
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* No matter what legislation the Republicans propose, the Democrats call it "just a tax cut for the rich." When Republicans proposed to free the slaves, Democrats called it "just a tax cut for the rich."

* Many Democrats intensely hate Bush because it's easier than confronting the irrelevancy of their ideas. It’s funny to dump a bucket of cold water on them and hear them blame Haliburton.

* Democrats will often visit maternity wards and shake their fists angrily at all those who escaped the wrath of choice.
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Yeh, I needed a laugh today. Go read the whole thing and tell me if you don't spew your coffee all over your keyboard, screen or cooworker!

Tuesday, August 03, 2004

Why I'm a Conservative (part 4 in a sporadic series)

Support for Israel. I do. Hmmm. A stable (and US-friendly) democracy doing its best to survive surrounded by people who want to annilihate them, whose citizens live with the ever-present fear that today might be the day they'll be blown up while shopping for bread by some bonehead who thinks he's doing "God's work." Yep, Israel has my sympathy, for sure.

The Palestinians - oppressive "society" which brutally kills anyone who is even suspected of "collaborating" with Israel, whose leader talks enthusiastically about wanting to be a suicide bomber, yet never makes good on that promise (yeh, he leaves it to the 15-year-olds), who also hides stolen money in Swiss bank accounts, whose people teach Israel-hate in schools, whose moms raise their children to view suicide bombing as the preferred (if short-lived) career choice. I truly don't understand how anyone can be sympathetic to these barbarians. Actually if there are a few peace-friendly-yet-afraid-for-their lives Palestinians, I have some sympathy for them. The rest of them, buggers!

And that is all I have to say on that (yeh, fat chance)!

Monday, August 02, 2004

Musings on Monday...

...More like, bitching on Monday, but would you expect any less from me?

I'm pretty certain I've paid for any sins I've committed (therefore, no need for continued Purgatory), I continue to "pay my dues" and thus, still dragging my bum into work day after day in order to pay bills. That's how it feels. I'm getting too old to feel this way day after day.

Now, you can say, I'm also paying for vacations in Key West & you would be right; yet that's a fairly recent thing. You also know part of the problem is my procrastination about applying for schools & my loathing thereof (applying, that is). Have not completed or started applications. Boo-hiss. This will be an ongoing issue.

Well, I not only made gazpacho this Saturday, but then used the leftovers for a hot vegetable soup base on Sunday evening. Both results were good, and I had enough left-over for lunch today.

Paid bills over the weekend. Depressing. So bringing lunch on a regular basis will become mandatory. Nice if I could get to the concept of an emergency fund. Not this month, though.

I started a major purge of old files and reorganizing by year. Amazing how much I threw out, yet there is still substantial clutter and piles in our "study." Realized we need a shredder.

I'm reading The Bookseller of Kabul, which makes me immensely glad I'm an American woman. Gaack, how bleak their lives are in Afghanistan, even after the Taliban. Realized having too many options is infinitely better than having none, ever.

Realized once more today how much I despise meetings, folks who can't grasp the concept of deadlines, and folks who constantly call in sick, always when you need something from them. But, hey, I still have a job.

Realized in spades how much I hate being guilted into or about anything. Enough on that.

Had a vision this morning of the Jeff & moi-meme having dinner out tonight. Jeff shared this vision - yeah!

Going to take an accounting class (for work, on them) and a Spanish class (for fun, on me) in the fall. It's something.

Read a commentary blurb in the Post today lamenting the CDC non-funding of several preventative AIDS programs for teens in DC. Questions: where are the parents? and why aren't they teaching their kids about such things? Is it the Fed's responsibility to tell the little angels to wear condoms so they won't catch a fatal disease? I guess parents are too busy teaching lessons of perpetual victimhood, stupid virility, teen pregnancy and how to get the govts to pay for the little bastards. Ok, enough - go read the thing for yourself and see what you think.

Back to work...

Sunday, August 01, 2004

Juicy Pulsating Candy…of the Past?

Fresh Fields/Whole Foods Market used to carry a brand of chocolate called “Cloud Nine” which was produced in Israel. They had wonderful variations like dark chocolate with bits of peppermint candy, with dried tart cherries, with espresso beans. Having triangles of this chocolate with some good strong coffee was just pretty amazing! Not only an excellent product, but I get to support Israel.

Suddenly, though, they stopped carrying it. A major travesty. They have a web site, indicating that they're still in business - and actually coming out with new products. I zipped off an email asking 1) if they knew why FF/WFM stopped carrying them, and 2) where I could find their products around here. I'll let you know what I discover! I did find out that the company is environmentally positive (visit website here).

Speaking of chocolate, the other night I had a major choco jones and so Jeff & I went downstairs to Euro Cafe to get some. Being the label reader that I am, I perused the saturated fat content of some of the possible choices - big mistake! One Lindt variety had 14 grams of saturated fat; 19 grams total! Gaack! And that was only for a third of the bar! We opted for an After Eight bar with 3.5 grams saturated fat per 1/3. Ignorance is bliss only if you eat celery for the rest of the day.

Community Comes Through

There’s a poignant story in the Post today about a tragic automobile accident that critically injured a woman, Elizabeth Marchman, and killed her young son and pre-born daughter. The loss to her and her family is heart-wrenching, but there is an uplifting aspect of this story. The retired firefighters who pulled her from her burning car and 128 other community members all turned up to donate blood for her. Not only that, but neighbors have established a fund to help cover Mrs. Marchman’s medical bills and burial costs for her two lost children.

It’s hard to be cynical when reading a story like this. Her community rallied – took action – to provide tangible and needed help in this time of crisis. Some of the donors waited two hours to give blood. Shows there is some good in this world. Read the full story here.