Doldrums

Could the time go any slower? Could I be any less engaged in my work? Could I be any less thrilled to be going to the gym after work? Could it not rain while I'm hiking to the gym or home? Could I be any less inclined to do more school reading after dinner? Could I whine any more while I'm at it?

Ok, one bright thing is that 2 little file cabinets are arriving tonight & thus starts the organization saga of the "study." I can finally throw out the crummy file cabinets we have. Yeah. Another bright thing is that DH Jeff is cooking steak for me tonight. Mmmmm, meat.

There have been some stories about immigration issues in the paper of note and ire:

Yesterday: Charlotte, NC, and other localities get serious about immigration law enforcement; our own illegal-boosting Arlington County does not. The sheriff in Charlotte makes some choice comments about how enforcing the law is right. Hmmm.

Today: Herndon, VA starts getting serious about immigration law enforcement which is good (even if my own county could care less), and visa applications for skilled foreign workers are held up. Naturally. Let all the unskilled, poorly educated, anchor-baby breeders into the country, but put your foot down to folks wading in red tape to work here above day-laborer level. Good policy idiots.

UPDATE: It was raining torrents. I bagged the gym. The filing cabinets were advertised as "easy assembly." I opened one box and pulled out about a million parts - but put them together easily. Well-wrought & bored pieces plus extra hardware (screws, dowels, etc) & well-packed. And you can't beat the turn around time (next day). I also got free shipping because the order was over $50. So OfficeDepot.com gets my two thumbs up.

Book Review: God, Guns & Rock 'N' Roll

God, Guns & Rock 'N' Roll, by Ted Nugent is about guns, gun ownership, gun hunting. True. But it's also about discipline, safety, personal responsibility, respect, active and hands-on parenting, the value of family, and getting involved in your community. So, although one might not be as enthused about guns and hunting as Ted Nugent, there's plenty of take-away here. And, it's definitely an entertaining read - Nugent is an over-the-top, colorful storyteller. Check it out.

Technorati topics: book reviews

That 9/11 thing

You might wonder why I haven’t touched upon the anniversary of 9/11. Well, my response to that anniversary is to say: yeh, we’ve caught a few of these barbarians, but they’re just a drop in the bucket: many more desire our downfall, plotting as we speak, and we’re still taking a kid glove attitude like they can be reasoned with and placated. I see this administration doing nothing about the borders, about seriously securing our transport (not only planes, and not only cosmetic inconveniences), about truly reforming those entities that are supposed to protect us (DHS, CIA, FBI, etc.). Until these things are seriously and diligently addressed – for the long term – we’re still extremely vulnerable. What more can I say?

In Appreciation: Oriana Fallaci

Oriana Fallaci, Italian journalist and author, died of cancer this last Friday, September 15th. Her fiery passion and brazen, uncowed style will be missed. You’ll remember, I just reviewed her book The Force of Reason recently here and had read (but not reviewed) her previous book The Rage and the Pride at DH Jeff's insistence when it came out. The Washington Post did a nice write-up on Saturday. She expressed her rage against Islam in The Rage and the Pride, in response to the atrocities of 9/11, and continued her diatribe in The Force against what she saw as the invading hordes of a religion into the West having anything but benign intentions. Ms. Fallaci had a rich career of interviewing (and provoking) political leaders around the world, such as Henry Kissinger, Ayatollah Khomeini, Yassir Arafat and Ariel Sharon. Early in her career, she covered conflicts such as the Viet Nam war and the 1968 massacre of student protesters in Mexico City.

Where in the world...?

Sadly, I have not been posting much & one might wonder what's the problem. Well, here's what's been up in my world:

- Biology class demands. Tomorrow's the first exam and Monday at lab was first lab quiz (one every week). That said, I like the prof (really a together, organized sort) & we got to look at stuff under the microscope in lab, including this tiny water insect that was wonder what happened to his aquatic world.

- Honors! Speaking of school, I've been nominated for an honor society at Marymount. Not my first in general, but my first there. Figures, though, that the only recognition I get is the kind I have to pay for.

- Work. Did I mention I've been working so hard, that I get home completely exhausted every day? Not to mention the dreary, chilly weather we've been having lately.

- Book Club? We've put it on hiatus because of lack of interest. Evidently to most, book club is something you drop by on when you have nothing better to do. Otherwise, no communication. Very frustrating to those of us who make an effort and actually host the thing! A few stalwarts, though, & we plan on recruiting others & hopefully opening up shop again in a few months.

- Exercise. This week isn't a good example, but I've been trying to work out regularly to get rid of this sludge around my middle and thighs. You probably wouldn't notice it, but that's irrelevant. I get to have my obsessions if I want.

- Socializing! Hah! Yes, actually going out with friends and family! And yes, I'd rather be doing that than carving out the time to blog. Sad, my lack of commitment. Ah, but mental healthy-speaking, a vast improvement over (specifically my) anti-social attitudes of the past.

Ok, enough for now. More soon, I promise! Rants galore! Harsh language and sentiments!

Random thoughts

I just started my Biology class. Can't ignore the irony that the first few chapters we cover concern - anyone? anyone? - Chemistry! Aggghhhh! But that disturbing occurrence aside, the prof is organized and proactive - he emails us the syllabus and first lecture slides BEFORE we set foot in the classroom. Now that's impressive. Also, he seems really engaged in the study and how to bring it across to students - i.e., interested in actually making sure we grasp the concepts. This bodes well.

On a completely different topic, I've noticed that the more I focus on a task or more specifically a bunch of tasks, working on them concurrently, the more I get done. At work, I've had an (expected) avalanche of work that provokes that kind of focus. Although I've been exhausted over the last week, I've also been energized by the sheer volume of work & now study that I've been able to accomplish.

I'm planning to transfer some of that residual energy to home. There's this series of paintings by a Mexican artist that my dad gave me which badly need re-matting & framing. I'm finally going to take one of them (to start) to get this done & finally display it. Brother Chris & wife Steph should appreciate this as they've had a couple of the series framed (and displayed) so nicely. Today, in another effort to improve our home environment, I'm going to work on getting rid of some clutter in the apt. Less clutter, more tranquility and function.

At this point, I was going to launch into a catty tirade, but that'll have to wait.

Oh, one last thought: I'm currently in a state of non-indebtedness: I've paid off my school loans, my credit card balance in full (which included my Biology class tuition), our rent and bills are covered. I'm going to savor this moment - because it will not last long. But a keen moment it is!

End communication.

Ten Days in Israel - Some final Q & As

Dear Readers,
Before I ended this series, I wanted to get some personal reactions from Mom on the high points of her trip. Below are her impressions. Enjoy!
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Q: What was your favorite part of the trip?

A: A "loaded" question! Where to begin?!? Finally being there~for sure! I should have gone a long time ago. Actually, there were quite a few favorites, and I guess some of the favorites were also the most "moving." Giving you the "bigger picture," I guess I'll have to say experiencing the Israelis and their way of life.

I've always been very curious and have always wanted to learn more about their religion, their traditions, and so on. This may sound strange, but somehow I feel a kind of kinship toward them that is difficult to comprehend and even harder to explain.

Q: What was the most impactful or impressive part?

A: Considering myself a christian, it was walking in "Christ's footsteps," if you will. So the place would have to be Old Jerusalem.

In most of these biblical places, I could almost feel His presence at times... which would either make the hair from the back of my neck "bristle," have me in "goose bumps," or feel an overwhelming sadness that would bring me close to tears...or ALL of the above.

Q: What was the food like?

A: The food was great! Whenever we could, we would eat authentic~~I don't think I could ever tire of having Mediterranean cuisine. However, most of the meals were at the hotels where we lodged. The buffets were always wonderfully hugh, with so much variety that I could never really experience everything! However, I sure did try, and must have gained 10 pounds or more!

Q: If you could spend more time at one place/site/area, what would it be?

A: As you may already surmise, I prefer to be near water, so I would probably choose some city/town around the Mediterranean Sea (Haifa or Netanya, for example). Another place would be Tiberias, next to the Sea of Galilee (actually a lake). Water is always soothing to me....

Q: Anything else you'd like to add?

A: I would certainly be very happy going to Israel every so often (maybe twice a year), staying for an extended period of time (say a month or so), getting to know the country, etc. After all - who knows - I might just decide to move there!

Technorati Topics: travel, israel

Ten Days in Israel - Part IV

Following is Mom's final travelogue of her trip to Israel. Enjoy!
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SHALOM--Welcome back to Israel...in happier times.

Monday, June 26 ~ Jerusalem Old City ~ continued ~
We started our day with a visit to the Wohl Museum of Archeology in Jerusalem's Jewish Quarter and the Herodian Quarter site, known as the Second Temple period. We viewed the Model of the Second Temple--Herod's Temple, built in 514 B.C.E. [Renee’s note: Before Common Era, AKA B.C. or Before Christ – you understand why Israelis don’t use this]. It stood 15 stories high and was completed in 18 mouths! The temple was destroyed by Titus circa 70 C.E. [Renee’s note: Common Era, AKA A.D. or Anno Domini, “in the year of our Lord” – same note as above].

At the Burnt House location, we experienced a moving presentation of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple. We toured the Temple Institute where the Book of Leviticus came to life, with replicas of vessels, priests' garb, spices, etc. The Book of Leviticus is the third book of the Hebrew Bible, referred to by Christians as The Old Testament.

Along the way, we attended an exhibition of biblical-time fragrances, and took in a most magnificent rooftop view of the four quarters (Moslem, Christian, Jewish, Armenian).

We explored the Southern Wall Excavation and took a virtual, computerized walk through the Jerusalem Temple at the Davidson Center. We viewed some of the most significant sites in Israel by means of exhibitions. The Center is an extension of the Archaeological Park.

Tuesday, June 27 ~ Dead Sea ~
Excavations anyone?

Early, we departed for the Masada National Park, located near the shores of the Dead Sea, between Ein Gedi and Sodom. We ascended by cable car for a tour/discussion of the dilemma faced by its Jewish Zealots. A most glorious sight!

We enjoyed a walk through the beautiful Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and studied the biblical stories of Kings David and Saul that took place. It was here that David composed several Psalms.

We proceeded to the Qumran – the site of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the ancient Essene (Garden of Peace) community.

We then stopped for a brief dip in the Dead Sea, a "must" but quite messy experience, to say the least! The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth AND one of the saltiest! It is the deepest hyper-saline lake in the world!!

During "the dip," you must be very aware NOT to let the water get in your eyes--sooooooo submerging is most definitely a no-no! Floating is NOT a problem, feeling as though your whole body just wants to keep "popping up"! A "sensational" experience! After "the dip," we showered twice to get the slimy mud off! This mud is supposedly healing and good for the skin however. Of course, ANOTHER "must" is to buy their skin "sea beauty" products (what better way to help Israel but to buy your next gifts AND indulge yourself, check out www.ifcj.org (International Fellowship of Christians and Jews) catalog!

We drove through the Jordan Valley and visited Yardenit--the Jordan River and viewed the site of the Baptism of Jesus Christ by John (The Baptist), Jesus's cousin. The Yardenit Baptismal site has become a focal point for hundreds of thousands of modern pilgrims. They come, clad in flowing white robes, paying tribute by submerging themselves in the waters...

Wednesday, June 28 ~ Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee ~ The Christian Tour ~
We started the day with a tour of The Yigal Alon Center, home to The Ancient Galilee Boat. In 1986, two brothers from Ginosar – a lakeside location –discovered the boat, during a drought resulting in the lowering of the waters. The boat dates back to first centuries B.C. Analyses suggest this was the type of boat used during Jesus' Time, and so is known as "the Jesus Boat."

We drove to the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount, visited St. Peter's Primacy (Matthew 16), and traveled to the 2000-year-old remains of Capernaum (Luke 4)--a settlement on the shores of the Lake. We stood in what is left of the synagogue in which Jesus ministered. It was here that Jesus did most of his Galilean ministry, and where he performed many miracles. We viewed Kursi, where Jesus cast the demons into pigs that ran into the sea (Matthew 8).

At Ein Gev, we took a beautiful sunset boat ride across the Sea. We ended our day by enjoying a wonderful traditional fish dinner at a nearby sea-side restaurant.

Thursday, June 29 ~ Upper Galilee ~
And yet more excavations!

We drove to Corazim National Park, toured the Hula Valley, and the ruins of the ancient city Banias/ Caesarea Philippi, then continued to the tranquil Dan Nature Reserve. On to Tel Hai (Hill of Life), a national monument, and ascended Mount Meron to pay tribute to Rabbi Shimon bar Yohai, a famous scholar during the Roman Period. We toured synagogues, courtyards, shops, graves and mikveh ("ritual bath" used for purification) of the Ari z"l in the mystical city of Tzefat.

Our day ended with a great dinner and an overnight at the Kibbutz Kfar Giladi.

Friday, June 30 ~ Lower Galilee and Coast Line ~
Early departure for the city of Nazareth. We toured the ancient, excavated city of Tzippoi, and viewed beautiful mosaics and other finds from the time of the Mishna (200 C.E., the time when the entire body of Jewish religious law was passed down and developed).

We viewed the excavation of the ancient city of Megiddo, associated with Armageddon, the final battleground between good and evil. We ascended the summit of Mount Carmel for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Haifa Bay and Western Galilee. We visited the impressive site of the ancient city of Caesarea, and continued to Jerusalem...ending "The Excavation Period"!

Once in Jerusalem, we prepared for the Shabbat, and a wonderful farewell Shabbat Dinner for all!

Saturday, July 1 ~ Jerusalem ~
Whew!! Finally, a free day devoted to shopping and just roaming around the old quarters. For lunch, we discovered a very nice roof-top restaurant, and enjoyed pizza and cold beer!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I won't say "the end" BUT rather a beginning to many more adventures to this beautiful and very interesting country!

I hope you've enjoyed touring Israel through Renee's mom's eyes. I know it was a terrific thrill for me! THANKS to Renee for giving me the opportunity.

SHALOM, SHALOM to all!! (Hebrew word for peace)

Adela

Technorati Topics: travel, israel

Sliding into Home at Cosi

I went over to Cosi for lunch, had my salad & yummy bread in hand when I found myself on the floor - a victim of a tiny drop of water. No injury except to my ego, but the funny (curious) thing is that everyone lunged to my rescue, asking me if I was ok. The employees I understand (no, I'm not going to sue), but all the men around were very concerned. It was sweet. If embarrassing.

Star Trek turns 40

In the Travel Section of the Post is a piece about the festivities across the land celebrating Star Trek's 40th anniversary. According to the article, the first episode of the Classic Series aired September 8, 1966 (year of my birth, by the way, heh). Amazing that a series that lasted only three seasons spawned several more series, a bevy of movies and legions of fans throughout the world. Curious.

Book Reviews: "Force" and "Risk"

Oriana Fallaci is very angry and that comes across loud and clear in her second book of a three book series, The Force of Reason. So loud and clear that I had to literally put down the book several times before finishing it because that anger was so infectious. For those uninitiated, Oriana Fallaci is an Italian journalist who wrote The Rage and the Pride as a response to 9/11. She’s noteworthy because she’s equally unapologetically pro-American and unequivocally blunt (read: un-PC) about her feelings toward Moslems in general and what she sees as their deleterious effects on Western civilization in particular.

To tell you the truth, while I found The Rage and the Pride to be a breath of fresh air with a European’s staunch support for America and its ideals, her unvarnished feelings toward those who perpetrated the 9/11 atrocities and her sense of the dangers ahead with this demographic (young male Islamists), I found The Force of Reason just ragingly angry and as DH Jeff says “a book-length blog rant.” Now, keep in mind that while many of her assertions and warnings parallel my own, I am uneasy with what her prose evokes in me.

And yet – I had just finished the book when the news broke of the foiled plane blow-up plot in Great Britain. And the arrest of two young Moslem men (oops! add three to that) stateside who had engaged in mega-purchases of tracphones (disposable phones). And the missing Egyptian eleven. Those events certainly reinforce my belief that Islam is not our friend and that we (the West in general and the US specifically) MUST stop being “sensitive” (read: permissive, weak, ambivalent) about those in our midst and throughout the world who may indeed be planning our harm – at least – and our total annihilation at worst. All in all, I’d give this work a B or B- for the reasons above and the fact that Fallaci provides no citations for her historical assertions or quotes.

The book I read immediately after Force was Patricia Cornwell’s At Risk. Cornwell is one of my favorite authors and in this instance, provided a balm after the impotent fury of Fallaci. This book told of much more garden-variety criminals with no in-the-name-of-God motivations and the authorities’ pursuit of them through sleuthing. Now, purist Cornwell fans (those who only like the Kay Scarpetta story lines) will not be impressed by this effort: the author introduces a third story line with new characters. However, I found it to be an enjoyable read with engaging subplots which will undoubtedly be explored in future books. The forensic tech talk about improvements in evidence analysis held my interest as well. I would give this book a solid B+: engaging writing and plot, but with new, unknown characters (ok, there’s a bit of the purist in me).

Ten Days in Israel - Part III

Following is part 3 in Mom's Ten Days in Israel. In light of the current events enfolding there, Mom offers the following organization for those interested in helping Israel: International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.

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[Note: The places toured on June 24th are sometimes not in the order we toured them, but more in the sequence of historical events, so as to make it "flowing" for the readers.]

Shalom and onward!

Saturday, June 24 ~ Christian sites tour ~
~ A truly somber and reflective day ~

Our day started with a visit to the Pool of Bethesda, in Jerusalem. Bethesda means, "house of mercy," and reported as the site Jesus healed an invalid man (John 5)...

...drove to the top of the Mount of Olives, overlooking Jerusalem, where Jesus often brought his disciples to teach and pray (Acts 1)...

...walked up through the ancient walls of Jerusalem, ending in the Upper Room. The Upper Room commemorates Jesus' Last Supper with his apostles before his death (Luke 22).

...walked the historic Palm Sunday road. Palm Sunday is the day we remember Jesus' "triumphal entry" into Jerusalem, exactly one week before his resurrection (Matthew 21). Palm branches were laid on the road, as Jesus rode a donkey into the city...

...walked down to the Garden of Gethsemane (John 18), an extremely moving experience. The Garden was Jesus' favorite resting place. It was here where He waited and prayed...,it was here where He suffered for the sins of the world...,it was here where He was betrayed by the disciple Judas; and it was here where He awaited his arrest the night before He was crucified...

...visited The Sisters of Zion Church, where Jesus was whipped before mockers....

After, we visited the Church of All Nations which is located right next to the Garden.

We drove to St. Peter in Gallicantu, site of Caiaphas, the Jewish high priest's house where Jesus was taken after his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.

We went to the traditional site of Calvary, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This site commemorates Jesus' crucifixion.

We visited The Garden Tomb. The Garden Tomb has two chambers cut out of solid rock. This site coincides with the Gospel accounts of where Christ was said to be buried. We paused for a brief prayer in remembrance of Jesus Christ's saving death (Luke 23)...

...and this is where we ended this very moving day....

[Note: The places toured on June 25th and the 26th are pretty much in the order taken.]

Sunday, June 25 ~ Jerusalem New City ~
We attended a very comprehensive and interesting lecture by Knesset member Prof. Arieh Eldad. After, we took a VIP tour of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament. A lecture followed regarding Israel's evolving democracy, and later met with representatives from various sides of their politics.

We drove by the architectural wonder of the Supreme Court on the way to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum--a memorial to the six million Jews murdered during WWII.

We visited the Shaare Zedek Hospital, a 500-bed facility located in the center of Jerusalem. Our visit started with a moving presentation on how the hospital copes with terror. We saw how they respond medically to mass disasters, and how they save the lives of heart attack victims through pioneering techniques.

We also had a glimpse of some of the happier aspects of their work, such as, bringing close to 11,000 babies a year into the world!

Their Weinstock Family Department of Emergency Medicine is a major addition to Jerusalem's emergency preparedness infrastructure, due to its superior design, and centrally accessible location. This state-of-the- art facility provides the most modern and effective trauma and emergency treatments.

The support the Medical Center receives from their worldwide network of friends is most important, since they receive no government funding. Shaare Zedek celebrated the hospital's 100th anniversary in 2002.

A brief visit to the Jerusalem College of Technology followed. This college was founded in 1969 and has grown into one of Israel's major academic institutions of higher education, specializing in high-tech engineering and industrial management. They grant academic degrees in:

~ Physics and Medical Engineering
~ Physics and Electro-Optics Engineering
~ Electronic Engineering
~ Industrial Engineering and Management
~ Software Engineering
~ Computer Science
~ Managerial Accounting and information Systems
~ Technology Management and Marketing

We visited the Synagogue of the Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center in Ein Karem, located in a beautiful setting near Jerusalem. There we viewed the Chagall stained-glass windows, installed in 1962. The windows represent the twelve sons of the Patriarch Jacob, from whom came the Twelve Tribes of Israel, and depicts Jewish history, its tragedies and its victories.

Monday, June 26 ~ Jerusalem Old City ~
We started with a visit to the Shrine of the Book, home of the Dead Sea Scrolls and other rare ancient manuscripts. This Dome-like building covers a structure which is two-third below the ground and is reflected in a pool of water that surrounds it.

Then on to the Western Wall (known as the Wailing Wall to most), and saw the massive foundation stones in the Kotel tunnels. I was even able to write a message/wish/prayer and insert it into one of the many, many crevices throughout the stones. This is a ritual for most locals, and a "must" for tourists as well. People from near and far go and pray next to the wall, while laying their hands upon it. Yet, another very moving experience!

The Western Wall site is also a popular place for the celebration of the "coming-of-age" events for young adults. These are usually celebrated at the age of thirteen, and are known as Bar Mitzvahs (male) and Bat Mitzvahs (females). Bat/Bar Mitzvah in Hebrew means "son/daughter of the commandment". This means a boy/girl has reached adulthood and is fully responsible for his/her morals and religious duties--becoming a full-fledged member of the Jewish community. On this particular day, there were many such celebrations. The celebrant is hoisted on the shoulders of their father. The families enjoy the tourists joining them on their respective processions and can even participate--a really joyous occasion! Singing takes place and we even get to throw little individual-wrapped candies for all--a fun thing to do, and ending this day of much sight-seeing on a very happy note!

To be continued...don't miss my "final episode" coming up soon....

Sorry about the silence

To those loved ones out there who have sent me emails and such, sorry I've been silent. Not on purpose - this last week has been a doozy. For starters I had an ear infection I had to deal with. We're talking swelling that made me look like a lopsided Ferengi. Kidding, but I couldn't hear out of that ear. Then I had my final exam. Then another doctor's appointment (regular maintenance type). Then my job has exploded with work. Fortunately, I got antibiotics for the ear and it's recovering; I aced the exam & the class (yeah!) & the abundance of work means I'll be employed for at least the next few months.

So all's well that ends well - and I'm going to start returning emails. Last night Jeff & I got together with a gym friend and her new beau for dinner. We've been trying to be social with her for a while & I'm so glad we finally got things together. Also, tried a recent addition to the Clarendon restaurant scene - Sette Bello - and the consensus of four is that it was way overpriced for the food quality and service. They ran out of olives & glasses (no kidding) for our martinis.* I mean, come on. We're not going to give the restaurant a second chance. But - good to try new things anyway.

Coming up: Mom's part 3 of Ten Days in Israel. Right now, though, I must go work out.

Update: Oh, forgot to mention, I decided to pay off my current school loans in one fell-swoop. It's a large commitment of cash, but with my job ending possibly before the end of the year, better to be completely solvent than having that hanging over my head. Of course this is a temporary condition as I'm planning (tentatively) to start back at school full-time Fall '07. I feel good about getting rid of any debt, but I dread having to be back in the market for a job. Might go the consulting route since that's more flexible & "clients" don't generally want a long term commitment, so I don't have to lie. Never easy, is it?

* Clarification: it's not out of the question to expect a restaurant that charges $20 an entree to stock more than two glasses of a certain variety. Our favorite tiny & modestly priced Thai restaurant has no problem with this concept.

Book Review: Nickel & Dimed

I originally was going to (attempt to) do a well-crafted review of Nickel and Dimed, by Barbara Ehrenreich, but if I take the time to that, I’ll never complete it and I’m bad enough at regular blogging anyway.

First the positive:
- Interesting premise: writer decides to try to live on the wages that unskilled workers (waitresses, home/hotel cleaners, department store [Walmart, for instance] clerks) earn to see if she can do it and see if she learns anything in the process.
- She exposes some very unethical (even illegal) employer practices such as withholding a worker’s first paycheck until the second pay period.
- She notes some of the problems experienced by low-wage workers that aren’t (or may not be) experienced at higher levels of employment (e.g., lack of healthcare benefits, being unable to live in an apartment because of cost-prohibitive security deposits, almost universal drug testing as prerequisite to employment, etc.)
- Funny anecdotes about her experiences on “the other side.”
- She appears to have done some outside research besides her own experiences and observations.

Then the negative:
- The reader recognizes immediately that this writer is a liberal, specifically a bleeding-heart socialist. To those of us on the right, this is a red flag: we know what in the end she’ll advocate. Besides, the dreck that comes from that ideology is just annoying.
- She makes comments about the nurturing aspects of smoking that I find vomit-worthy. Part of the whole getting-out-of-poverty thing is making some good choices – continuing an expensive nicotine habit isn’t one of them. Ms. Ehrenreich breezes past this obvious expense and instead philosophizes about it. Gaack.
- Ditto for children. I never buy the whole thing that poor people can’t (read: don’t have the brain-power or self-control to) limit their reproduction. Children are expensive and in having them (in a marriage or not) without thought to all the costs associated with merely keeping them alive, not to mention THEIR future, people are essentially dooming them to the same life and poverty that they currently experience. I mean, if you as a parent don’t have reliable healthcare it’s one thing, but your kids will definitely need it – so why are you jeopardizing their health? Oh, yeah – Medicaid.
- She has a permissive attitude toward drug use – and even admits to “an indiscretion” of that sort during her experiment. She buys and uses products that mask or flush evidence of the drug use. That whole business is not going to lend credibility to your whole argument – whatever the argument is. And drugs are an expense.
- She always has a car (“rent-a-wreck” in her words) during her experiment. Expense. Now, some of the locations she works do demand personal transportation, but she purposely steers clear of big cities with public transportation. Hmm.
- She never tries to coordinate/share living arrangements and pool resources. After all, she DOES have her limits in this experiment!
- The biggest problem with her experiment is that it is just an experiment – she can return to her comfy upper middle class life, while demanding that the government do something about the minimum wage and poverty.

Yeah, I could go on, but you get the general picture. I would give this read a C+ - readable, but there are some reservations.

Technorati topics: book reviews

Let's make a germ, shall we?

Back in my naïve days (not so long ago), I would bring up the topic of bioterrorism at the work lunchroom (ok, it’s more compelling than the latest bottom-feeding “reality” show), and be greeted with the kind of silence and stares reserved for bona fide Martians and the like. I learned to keep my ponderings to myself while at work. No one seemed to think that such things really existed or at least were of any concern to Americans.

Well, the Post today ran this article about artificial virus production. I mean, yoiks. Read it and tell me if you think we all should feel safe and protected in the present world and that I’ve just grown antennae.

Oh, yeah, evidently I left Las Vegas

Yep, I've returned uncorrupted by Vegas. Good thing I don't gamble. Anyhoo, the Wynn Hotel was fabulous, the 120-degree heat was um, HOT but amazingly tolerable without any humidity, The Family (no! not the Cosa Nostra - my inlaws, silly!) was fabulous as was our mini-tour of eatin's around town.

But - now back to reality. Job's in turmoil, sort-of. Don't know about that. Next week is my final exam with the latest class. Whirl-wind class, but interesting & informative, and such a pleasant change from the drudgery and frustration of Chemistry. Never again! So...late August I start a biology class. You just know I'm going to have to buy the latest edition of Campbell's Biology (I have an older edition from an earlier Biology class - weighs a ton, costs a fortune). Really feeling like I need to get serious & save money in a hurry. Uggh.

Well, gotta get some sleep - my new resolution.

Ten Days in Israel - Part II

Hard to believe my mom just returned from Israel a few weeks ago - and then all hell breaks loose there. Well, on some brighter notes than the current events, here's part II of Mom's Ten Days in Israel. Enjoy!
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Shalom everyone!

Thursday, June 22 ~ Tel Aviv/Jaffa

Early this morning, we were briefed/lectured while departing for old Jaffa on the places of interest that we were about to visit. More lectures on places of interest in Tel Aviv. We stopped at Rabin Square, the Mann Auditorium, and drove by the Tel Aviv Art Museum, arriving at Rothchild Blvd.

During the afternoon, we visited Independence Hall and relived Ben Gurion's very moving declaration of the State. We also examined the early leader's vision for the Israeli society. Later, we attended an impressive and informative overview of the amazing achievements of the Palmach (an elite Jewish underground striking force, founded in 1941), at the new exposition at the Palmach Museum. Afterwards, we visited the Diaspora Museum. Along the way, the beautiful Mediterranean Sea was breathtaking, to say the least!


Friday, June 23 ~ On the road to Jerusalem...

Firstly this morning, we departed for the Neot Kedumim (Biblical Landscape). We learned about the ecological and ancient agriculture of Biblical Israel, as well as experience workshops. In addition, we also spent the early afternoon in briefings by officials at the JNF (Jewish National Fund) to learn about Israel's reforestation and ecology programs. We even took time out to plant a pine tree in honor or in memory of a loved one and received a certificate for our efforts!

For over a hundred years, the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael/Jewish National Fund (KKL~JNF), has been involved in land reclamation, conservation and development of the Holy Land of Israel.

Their main activities are:

-Afforestation - more than 230 million trees have been planted

-Sustainable and environmental development

-Land preparation for agriculture

-Development of new water resources; 175 reservoires

-Rehabilitation of polluted rivers

-Building bypass roads

-Preparing recreation areas in the forests

-Savannization programs

-Ongoing research & development programs

-Wide range educational activities in Israel and abroad

These activities are made possible by sponsorship from their KKL~JNF friends worldwide for the improvement of the quality of life and the environment for the benefit of the population of Israel.

Now, onward to the Latrun IDF (Israel Defense Forces) Armored Corps center to view/examine the many tanks (Tank Museum at Latrun), and to learn how Israel works to remain on the military cutting edge. Here, the women in the corps do not participate in the actual maneuvers, BUT, must know all parts and information regarding the mechanisms. They do, however, perform such tasks as instruction for new recruits and also serve as tour guides. The regular military does permit women to fully participate in their endeavors.

We continued on to Mini Israel, a small-scaled, very intriguing, life-like replica of the country. We experienced a unique birds-eye view of more than 300 models of different buildings and sites in Israel. To our delight and surprise, we got to meet the architect and engineers of this pain-taking project, and even took photos! We then started back to our hotel, ascending, via Shar Hagai...on the road to Jerusalem.

Last, but definitely not least, we get back to the hotel to prepare for and attend a Shabbat (Sabbath) Dinner. This means "getting on your finest" for a very special occasion!

Shabbat is a religious festive day of rest, and entails ceasing from labor. It starts on Friday afternoon, lasting until Saturday afternoon. At that time at the hotels, all elevators are designated to stop at every floor. However, for the tourists' convenience, a couple of elevators were exempt from this ritual. The kosher meal begins on Friday, after sundown. Before the meal, the ceremony includes blessings, sharing/saying something special aloud with family and friends, breaking bread (challah bread: a sweet, eggy bread, shaped into a braid and covered with a cloth), drinking wine, and toasting each other. A very fine way to end a long day.

To be continued...

Viva Las Vegas

Ok, don't be too sad, but I'm taking off for Vegas in a couple of hours for a week's vaycay. See ya!

Ten Days in Israel (part 1)

Some months ago, my mom announced that she was going on a tour through Israel. My first thought was, “couldn’t you choose a somewhat less volatile and dangerous place to vacation?” Actually, I said something like that, but she was undeterred. Good for her. She’s back safe and sound with stories to tell of her very interesting journey. The good blogger in me jumped at the chance to publish some of her tales. And she graciously obliged. Here’s what hope will be the first of several segments on her Ten Days in Israel.
------
Renee's mom’s Christian bird's eye overview of "The Holy Land experience."

"In the beginning... "

Yes, right from the start, my trip was no ordinary one! In spite of my many flight delays (going and coming [Renee: Mom flew from San Antonio, TX thru NYC to Israel]), luggage "misplacement," having to wear the same clothes for four days (some of the lovely women on the tour came to my rescue, however), I truly had a most enjoyable and memorable ten-day tour experience. This trip was definitely the highlight of my 2006 summer! I don't think anything could possibly top it!

Hopefully, I will share with you and your readers, a day-by-day account, and as much as I can recall of the many fun/wacky/silly-, and some not so silly occurrences.

Ours was an interfaith group, although our very gracious host, Michael Medved, is of the Jewish faith. The Medved tour took us to many wonderful and important Jewish sites, as well as optional Christian tours.

Although, Michael Medved lives and broadcasts his radio talk show from Seattle, Washingon, his father, as well as his brother and family live in Israel. They are all very actively involved in civics and public affairs, as well as enterprising business organizations, etc.

The tour took us to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem New City, Jerusalem Old City, the Dead Sea, Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee, Upper Galilee, Lower Galilee and the Coast Line, Nazareth, and even stayed overnight at a Kibbutz (a communal-type hotel). A very fully-packed trip to say the least!

We visited many historical and holy sites, museums, important buildings, churches and synagogues, excavations, Nasada National Park, The Shaare Zedek Medical Center, a hospital, Jerusalem College of Technology, the Israel Air Force Center Foundation, and we even planted a tree! We also experienced sabbath (Shabbat) dinners, which included their prayers, songs and thanksgivings. All this I will go into more depth about later on in the "series."

I was totally impressed by the bravery of the Israeli people, and their ability to carry on their daily lives. How much they enjoy life, are happy, outgoing, hard-working people, very devotedly religious and God-fearing, often "breaking into song." They're always beautifying and improving their country and I found them to be very friendly, welcoming, and wanting to share their traditions, customs, and way of life with all who will listen. All this, in spite of having to be forever vigilant of their many enemies surrounding them who are trying to obliterate them from the face of the earth.

Another impressive aspect of their society is that because their country is small, most citizens not only have one profession, but two, three or more, taking these responsibilities very seriously and non-complaining, not to mention serving in the military, and doing so with pride! They are for the most part, very well educated and are forever striving for greater achievements.

One of their very absolute resolutions which clearly stands out is: They will always BE! In other words, they will NEVER cease to exist. They are making sure of that! They are working diligently on that every day. Their average birthrate per family is six, and the hospitals that we visited make sure that the moms-to-be are very well cared for and pampered (their words).

To be continued…

Technorati Topics: travel, middle east

On another positive note...

...is a story a few days ago in the Post about diesel car owners who use used vegetable oil from local restaurants and bars in their cars for fuel. Yeah, they have to buy a converter & yeah that can cost a bundle (depending), but the oil burns cleaner and the best part is - it's free. Businesses have to pay to have it hauled away, so they're happy to supply individuals with it free to take it away. I just love situations like this that 1) are eco-sound, 2) creative alternatives to the usual business (esp. the fuel business), 3) community-centered, 4) show that individuals can do the right thing and 5) strengthen my philosophy of/argument for "mutuality" AKA "symbiosis" (not just for lower animals any more!).

Is self-regulating commerce a dream?

No, actually, it's not. I've had the very best experience ordering from Amazon.com used books. In fact, I just rec'd a large hard-bound book I ordered 3 days ago, and in perfect condition. Not only was the shipping time and condition great, but the book was a steal at just over $4 (that's including shipping). The "magic" of it, if you will, is the buyer feedback. I was lazy about that the first time, but now, I leave feedback every time. Why? Because I depend on the cumulative ratings from others to decide from which bookseller to buy (one usually has a variety to choose from) and buy only from those both with a high rating and who give a description of the product. I'm amazed at how well this system works. I shouldn't be, though, because those folks who really want to sell their books make sure that they make good on the deal. And that's what really counts. Some sellers even email you directly to let you know when they're shipping the item - now that's service!

For those of you who haven't used this service, look for the term "used & new" below the Amazon price (in this ad for the book I bought, it's above the Amazon price and called "best price"). You can browse thru the offerings & decide which one suits you. You can pay by credit card and/or Amazon gift certificates - not just with money orders. Now, I've only bought used books thru this service, but I'd imagine DVDs & CDs operate the same way. I've always appreciated Amazon.com for their excellent service and prices, & this is yet another reason to patronize their site.

Kinshasa on the Potomac

Yes, folks, your nation's capital IS in fact a 3rd world nation. We've had some rain and the whole city falls apart. Metro has been a disaster with many and long delays - one of the downtown stations flooded - and they can't seem to get it together.

Last night, coming home around 8pm, Metro first gave no info, then told us to switch sides to go in my home direction, only to switch us back to the regular side. The next available train was, of course, packed. It took me approx 45 minutes to get home. But that was nothing. On Monday, it took me 2 hours to get to work when it usually takes 30 minutes door-to-door.

Drivers fared no better - obscenely slow traffic conditions, poor-to-no drainage of rain.

Statehood? Folks, DC can't even handle a little rain.

Technorati topic: Metro

Book Reviews Galore, Part 2

Virus X: Tracking the New Killer Plagues, by Frank Ryan, MD. The book details various epidemics and outbreaks, the known or proposed vectors thereof and efforts of healthcare authorities (local, federal-CDC, and worldwide-WHO) to stop the spread and treat the victims. The topic is right down my alley, but I must say, this was 2/3 of a good book. I enjoyed the epidemiological discussions & the sleuthing aspect of them. I liked the discussion of co-evolution of species – namely that of some diseases and their hosts – to explain micro-outbreaks (e.g., Ebola) in other species and why some species don’t appear to be affected. Also, explaining why some germ hasn’t wiped out our species yet. What I didn’t like was Dr. Ryan’s P.C. treatment of HIV/AIDS and his goofy descriptions of the epidemiological players (researchers, physicians, etc.) – really gaack. He could have cut down the length of the text some too – at times he just went on and on with the tracking down of a virus in nauseating detail, and I just wanted him to come the punchline. I think Dr. Ryan was trying too hard to make the subject matter accessible for the layman, and it wasn’t altogether necessary. That said, for anyone who enjoys reading virus-hunter type stuff, it’s an interesting read.

I read Prey, by Michael Crichton, right after Virus X, and oddly enough, had an interesting connection to X. I’ll get to that. Prey is essentially one of those race to the finish, running out of time to save whomever type books. It’s about a very next-level artificial intelligence experiment and how it got away from its creators. The connection to Virus X was that in discussing the development of behavior in this artificial intelligence, the book made reference to co-evolution and viruses – how cool is that? Also it discussed “emergent behavior” in a programmed entity (or entities) that might follow anticipated activities, but might just surprise the heck out of you. I found it both a good page-turner, metro-appropriate entertainment, yet I learned a few things too.

For a very different read, try The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd. It’s a bittersweet story of a teenage girl in the civil rights-era South, trying to deal with the mysterious circumstances surrounding her mother’s death. It also deals with personal (as opposed to prescribed) and very interesting interpretations of religion and faith. It also involves a wonderful assortment of characters who this girl encounters on her path to understanding…stuff.

Blowing My Cover – My Life As A CIA Spy, by Lindsay Moran, was a quick, cheap ($6.50) read that we discussed at Book Club (B/C). It details Ms. Moran’s initial attraction to, training for, and ultimate disillusionment with The Company. The author comes across, I’m sorry to say, as a naïve, Peace Corps flaky (redundant?) lefty, who for some reason feels compelled to join the CIA. Well, she believes herself drawn to lying and travel, so she must be perfect for intelligence work! All that said, her observations of the dysfunctional and in various ways outdated (Cold War, anyone?) agency do ring true to someone acquainted with such bureaucracies.

In our B/C, we’ve read a bunch of books that deal with Islam in various aspects and countries. The last one we read was a novel called The Swallows of Kabul, by Yasmina Khadra (a pseudonym – the author is an Algerian army officer). Can I just mention how glad I am to be an American, especially seeing as how I’m a woman? Ok, just thought I’d bring that up. The story is set in Taliban-tormented Kabul. No one is having a good time. Khadra brings it home that life is so depressing and ghastly, so soul-sucking under this regime, that no one in his right mind would volunteer for this “life.” The book involves the lives of several characters – male and female – and how they overlap and intersect. Yes, this book is depressing, but well-written and well-paced, so that you finish it quickly, discuss it with your free compatriots & toast that freedom immediately.

Another in this genre, if you will, is Minaret, by Leila Aboulela (hope I haven’t already reviewed this book here), which we also read for Book Club. It’s about a well-off Sudanese woman who immigrates with her family to Great Britain after a change in government involves the execution of her father. This young woman is university educated, speaks fluent English and very capable, has a mom and relatives who are also educated, and very liberal by Moslem standards, but…that’s really where the story begins. I really enjoyed this book and as a B/C selection is really a stronger choice than Swallows of Kabul. In fact, this last Friday evening, the book came up at dinner with a fellow B/C member and friend – months after we discussed it at B/C – and we had a really good secondary discussion about it. Indicating to both of us, that this was a really good book because it had so many layers and elements to pick apart, if you will. Read it with your own B/C or with a friend and see if it doesn’t provoke some quality discussion and reaction to the characters.

Whew! Ok, that’s it for my book reviews today, but…I’m currently reading Italian journalist Oriana Fallaci’s The Force of Reason. Review to come! Hizzah!

Technorati topics: Book Reviews, Islam, Diseases

If you don't want the answer, don't ask the question

So, I'm laying peacefully, blissfully poolside in the sunshine, when the twenty-something beside me asks if I mind if he smokes. I said honestly, "I prefer you didn't." He replies, "Well, what if I just hold it over here (towards his buddy, who doesn't mind), to which I reply "I guess so."

Now, if you planned on taking the action anyway, regardless of my response, why did you bother asking me? You didn't care about my feelings on the matter. And therefore, that whole charade has nothing to do with courtesy or consideration, bonehead.

My feelings: it's your obnoxious habit, keep it to yourself.

Book Reviews Galore, Part 1

So, I've been reading a lot and now I'm finally getting around to reviewing them for you, dear readers. However, I'm going to have to publish them one at a time because I can't seem to get my act together (read: I regard laying out in the sun to be of higher priority than doing my book reports). But here is one...

Under the Tuscan Sun, by Frances Mayes, is a delightful, if sometimes rambling account of two college professors’ purchase and subsequent renovation of an old Italian farmhouse. The wife narrates – and actually the book is a result of her journal & all the notes and recipes that went into it – and describes all the pitfalls and triumphs (both large & small) in renovating (anything) in Italy. She also describes all the wonderful food and drink that they prepare and enjoy with their guests and family there. I think that’s my favorite part – just being inspired to cook (for me that means “for Jeff to cook & me to eat”) more and enjoy those simple dishes with fabulous, fresh ingredients. And, of course, the wine. So, although the book doesn’t have a plot as such, it’s still fun to read about the couple’s travails (that would drive us absolutely crazy) and their ultimate enjoyment of their Tuscan home.

Heavy Breathing

We were reading quietly before nodding off when I heard what sounded like heavy breathing. Loud and insistent. I asked, “Jeff, do you hear that?” He said “yes, what is it?” “I don’t know – but it sounds like it’s coming from inside our apartment.” At that point, we just looked at each other – a little fearful. I knew we shouldn't have moved to the second floor - now a homicidal maniac has escaped from the "justice center" across the street and we're done for!

I jumped up and went to the kitchen, wherein the breathing was louder. It was coming from the washer/dryer cabinet. I flung open the door and – at which point the breathing sounded mechanical. “Ah-ha,” said I, ‘it’s the running dryer plus clay pots that I’ve put on top (not the metal box of tools) that’s creating this weird and spooky effect!” Whew! Hey maybe we should record that sound for Halloween!

A little lame, maybe, but this what passes for excitement in our world!

On Manners...

...like this seems to be a hard concept for the Washington crowd to grasp. Case in point, we're (Jeff & I) trying to revitalize, along with a friend, our book club. And it's been an effort to attract people to come, but we seemed to be enjoying modest success as of late. And then, this time around, I sent a followup email to remind members of the date and time & to confirm if they were going to show. Well, I got one "oops, I'm flying in after it's already started, so I'm bagging," one who (at least) let me know ahead of time, one person I actually had to send another email to get a response, and a whole slew of others who have never even bothered to respond, period. Now, Jeff & I have hosted the last few times & our friend has volunteered for the next time. So, no worries about the meeting place (um, we couldn't be easier to get to - across the street from the metro, hello?). I've taken on the role of "club secretary" & dessiminate the information each month. The burden on members is essentially 1) let me know if you're coming (ie, indicate interest), 2) buy or borrow the modestly priced (usually around $10) book, 3) read it, 4) show up with some token food or beverage and 5) enjoy a pleasant discussion about the book while enjoying food and drink (most of which we provide). Boy, doesn't that sound taxing! You'd think we were asking for Dom Perignon and their first born.

Friends, I've tired of making effort and not having people do even the minimum courtesy of responding to emails. I've tired of this Washington (although I'm sure it's nation-wide) "college" (reads "kegger") attitude towards socializing. As in, if I don't have anything better to do, then I'll just show up. Oh, but I'll have something else scheduled that evening afterwards, so I'll keep my cell phone on and take calls during the meeting. And it'll be a huge imposition for me to bring some damn crackers, so, I'll buy some crap that no one likes to let you know that I resent having to bring anything besides my sparkling wit. Even though I'll drink your wine, eat your bread, cheese, olives, etc. Clearly, few parents are even bothering to teach basic manners anymore. Few people have any class of any kind any more. Of course, in our ever coarsening society, that's not really valued now is it?

I mean hey, our last book club (some members, any way), unceremoniously dumped us and evidently started their own little group. Mind you, they didn't convey this to us directly, we were just supposed to "catch on." I'm sure they considered their little maneuver totally acceptable behavior.

You know, I used to be careless about responding to invites, and then one day it occurred to me that people didn't have to invite me anywhere, at all - and that I should stop being a rude little infant. Clearly, many in this city haven't even gotten to that point of realization or ever will.

Is this a good trend?

In the Post today is an article about Latino immigrants and how some of them are drawn to Islam. Does anyone think this is a good trend?

They interview women for the article (although they do mention Latin men who've converted) and for them it's about devotion & respect. Respect meaning that which they supposedly receive from men when these women dress in the hijab. I think in this society it just means that you look like nun. I think for many of them, it's a way to rebel against Catholicism & be given specific parameters of behavior. Whatever, I think it's kind of creepy. I wonder why the guys are drawn to Islam?

Anyhoo, read the whole article here.

Home Sweet Home

Two articles in the Post today regarding two different kind of home issues. The first one (in the Metro section) concerned Central Union Mission’s plans to build a homeless shelter in an area of DC that is currently being gentrified from its seedy, run-down former life. Current residents there – both long-time and new – are protesting strongly. They claim lower property values and attraction of the former elements into the neighborhood as reasons why they don’t want the shelter there. Can’t say I blame them. When has the presence of a shelter raised property values, attracted any desirable elements or increased the safety of the particular area? I’d be out protesting if the same were considered in my neighborhood. I pay the rent I do, in part, because I don’t want be anywhere near the dregs of my society. I don’t care how they got there, that’s their problem. I don’t want to be reminded that a chunk of my tax dollars has in fact perpetuated the conditions that those tax-supported social programs were supposed to eliminate. Call it elitist or whatever, I don’t care.

The second article concerns the renovation of old buildings in alleys in DC – to be used as private dwellings – and how these owners are running into zoning problems. DC has an old law prohibiting the use of alley buildings for residences, dating back to a time when there actually were good reasons against that use. There was a time in which there were essentially shanty towns plugged into alleys (without plumbing – you draw the icky sanitary conclusions). Um, but those days are over and the zoning laws have not kept pace with the advent of indoor plumbing and heating, not to mention creative and perseverant home owners (some have to constantly discourage public urination, defecation, etc. in these alleys). Now, these folks are basically taking abandoned or decrepit buildings and giving them new life – and I would think, raising the property values in the area, generally. So…what’s the problem? It’s DC, folks. Draw your own conclusions. Or read the article and draw your own conclusions.

Incidentally, a smelly female vagrant solicited a dollar from me at my CVS. I said no. I should have said, “no, go find a liberal who gives a damn about your sorry, stinky life to give you a dollar so you can buy your smokes. And for the record, this is isn’t Southeast DC, so kindly find your way back.” That, or “so, when do I get to live off your labors, indefinitely?” “Pay any taxes lately?” “A year from now, will you still be in the same disgusting condition?” “I guess you must be pissed that illegal Hispanics are stealing your fire, eh?”

Woman Dumps Baby to Keep Boyfriend

A few days ago the Post (or as Michelle Malkin refers to it, "WaPo") ran this story, about a woman who has a baby in the bathroom, puts the girl in a bag and throws her in the garbage. So that her boyfriend won't dump her. Because the baby is a result of someone else's sperm donation.

To get an idea of callousness of this female read this:

At the autopsy the next day, a gruesome discovery was made, another detective testified. A mass of tissue paper, two inches long and an inch in diameter, was found deep in the baby's throat. (Washington Post, 5/24/06)

The new boyfriend unwittingly cleaned up the afterbirth, having no clue what it was. He had to have an interpreter translate his testimony in court. Both of these winners are probably illegals. Do we really need more of the same in this country? Callous baby-killers? Ignorant, irresponsible peasants? Legalize them? Be legally responsible (in the welfare state sense) for a huge, burgeoning and uncontrollable underclass?

Immigration bill hell

Senate immigration bill approved; in the words of the Borg Queen, "watch your futures end." This bill is going to be disastrous.

National Review Online opines on the bill.

Ignorant 3rd world hookers reject HIV meds

Again, we (as in, the US) are portrayed as Evil Empire, exploiting the Noble Poor. Prostitutes in Cambodia reject trials of tenofovir, an AIDS coctail drug with promise in fending off HIV infection if taken (by pill) daily. They organize and march against the trials, which are withdrawn and researchers thrown out of the country. Never mind that this drug has been thru testing and is currently being used to treat AIDS patients in this country. But these esteemed and well-read sex professionals (read: sparked up by such winners as ACT UP and other outside activist groups), don't wish to be used as lab animals. Uh-huh. Read the whole article and see support for just letting the 3rd world implode with disease and stupidity.

Vindication for conscientious

Here's an article about the local United Way, in trouble again. This time the CFO, hired to clean up things, leaves the org because of spurious practices of her bosses, that they were trying to get her to carry out. She said no. Board says she's disgruntled, but I'm inclined to believe her (without any evidence to the contrary) - and heck, if she's disgruntled, maybe it's because she couldn't do her job without pressure to do otherwise. Let's say, the circumstances ring true to me and it always pays to document well.

This is how much I count as a good customer

Great. I give my credit card to a local restaurant that we've frequented FOR YEARS in our neighborhood and my card is rejected. Now, gentle readers, do you think that it's because I'm delinquent on my payments? That's a big NO. I usually pay my whole balance each month. I'm regular as rain and taxes. Do you think that I'm over my limit? That's a big NO pardner, I know damn well what my limit is and I'm nowhere near it. Do you think it's because I've made some charges that may be viewed as suspicious? Maybe. A large purchase for household items...yet I reported my change of address weeks ago to my credit card company. So...might it follow that I'm just buying things for our new domicile. Yet, when I call my dear credit card company, they inform me that it's because I changed my business phone on one of the sites. Yet, I've left my home phone unchanged. This is the same home phone I've had FOR TWENTY FUCKING YEARS. Yet a change of my business phone is cause for alarm. And they're just looking out for fraud. My ass.

Yes, I'm embarrassed because I'm lumped with all the knuckleheads who are delinquent on their payments, who hope that the charge will go thru anyway as if by magic. I'm pissed because my buying power is being questioned. I'm not going to school full-time to get thru this stupid degree quicker because I want to live like a human being who's paid her dues over and fucking over again and all I want to do is pay for our dinner with my credit card. You're giving me trouble while LEGIONS get away with real fraud. Congratulations. You caught me.

Listen up

Read an interesting article today in the Post about how some (in this case, a priest) are advising Nicaraguans and Hondorans to renew their TPS (Temporary Protected Status) before the June 1st deadline so they can remain in this country legally. Now, whatever you think of the particular legislation (or it's repeated renewability), it's at least a legal vehicle by which some folks can stay and work here. And, it's refreshing that some are making an effort to get advise those in their sphere of influence to do the legal thing. With some of the targets, at least, it's making an impression. However, with many, it appears that there is this dumb optimism, encouraged in part by Bush and his wishy-washiness on immigration, that they can just wait it out until amnesty is bestowed upon them. Like, it'll happen just like that, any day now. Uh-huh. Do we really need more ignorant peasants in our country? Don't we have enough dumbasses as it is?

In praise of suit jackets

Today I participated in a Board meeting where I work. I had the good sense (unlike other times which shall fall into a memory hole) to wear a suit with jacket. Of course I was nervous and started to sweat immediately - however my trusty jacket (dark blue) covered evidence of my (constant) sweating. Renee finally got a clue as to why (besides decorum) folks always wear their suit jacket to meetings and functions. Yep, I'm kinda slow, but glad for the lesson to finally sink in.

Our house

Really, it's an apartment. But this time around, we're trying to have a theme and actually decorate it with that theme - instead of the themeless, half-baked college attempt at adult living.

Just yesterday we received some nifty leaning bookshelves, thanks to Jeff's parents (thanks guys!) and with their assembly and use (the bookshelves, not the parents), the place is starting to look - well - cool. Next, coffee tables from Target on the way. Never have ordered anything from them before, but if they work out, I might be going to the site again. Target actually has some cool stuff.

More on the minimalist Asian-inspired living room as it develops.

Column I can't link to

For those of you who have the May 22nd National Review lying around, there's a very funny The Long View, a satire column by Rob Long, about immigration. I took a quick long at the online version of the mag, but wasn't able to raise it, so no link. Basically it's a spoof of what our "intake centers" look like these days. Sample quote:

If you answered YES to either of the above questions: Congratulations! Your civil rights have been violated and you are eligible to participate in two class-action suits against the federal government. Please wave over a member of the Rights & Services Support Staff - recognizable by their sequined jump-suits - and point frantically to this section until you are handed money.

Clearly spoofy, but then a year ago I wouldn't have believed that illegals would be marching around my country demanding rights. Go figure.

Muslims in American Society

Not a whole dissertation, but a few comments. A few days ago I read an article about the creation/concept of Muslim sororities at colleges. Then while working out the other day at the gym, I spy a hijab'd woman taking a step aerobics class. And, of course, there are plenty of head-scarf girls at my small Catholic college.

Now, it seems to me that these things may be a sign of assimilation with the larger American society and culture, not necessarily an invasion. As long as those proposed sororities aren't havens or incubators for terrorists...you know where I'm going with that...can't Muslim girls socialize and join clubs that mirror their interest and sensibilities? Sure, why not? Can't a woman wearing a head-scarf exercise beside one in a t-shirt and shorts? Sure, why not? As long as both accommodate the other's presence. Can we as a culture accommodate difference in the individuals who make up that culture? Sure, we're good at it.

And the fact is, we have been doing that since our inception - accommodating differences. And yeh, Muslims have been assimilating for years - 9/11 brought the malevolent ones to the fore-front. I guess I just found it interesting and not necessarily threatening, these manifestations of faith(?) in the everyday.

Posting While Applying Make-up

I'm happy to report that I received an "A" for my Chemistry efforts! Yeah! Now, I'm totally free!

It's going to be rainy and 66 degrees out which makes me just want to go back to sleep in my cozy and dry bed instead of braving the elements. You know, (on a another random thought) I think I'll pick up a bunch of umbrellas today as I'm so likely to lose or destroy them. Might as well have a supply.

My herb seeds have sprouted. That's not code for anything, I just planted basil, etc, seeds and they're already showing and growing towards the sun in our lovely southeastern-exposed window.

Evidently, (according to DH Jeff), there's an article in the Post today about backlash regarding those stupid illegal marches. I'll have to link to it later, but must scurry to work.

Ciao!

Later: here's the link to the story referred to above. Shows all immigrants are not of the same mind as the marchers.

Phone Calls, Meetings, Double Booking & Tai Shan

I don't really like talking on the phone. I actually run out of things to say & if I like the person would much rather be chatting with them in person over wine and cheese. If I don't really care for the person, then a brief email would suffice. Come to think of it, emails suffice in most situations. There's a limit to my attention span - to my own ramblings as well - and I find it hard to just listen without actually seeing the person.

Mostly, this is how I feel about meetings in general. Most discussion items can effectively be covered in an email. There's no need for me to actually see you face to face. Now, if I like you then the wine-n-cheese model works just fine (or should) and we can cover business in about the first 2 minutes, then proceed to gossip, chatting, and in-depth analysis of the themes of redemption in the series "Angel." Truthfully, that last part only applies to DH Jeff, but I'm willing to entertain others' participation. Hey, I was a religion major, but I guess then we were discussing dharma and cosmology. Same deal, really. Meetings that go for more than 30 minutes (well, really, 15 minutes) really just try my patience and make me sleepy. Especially when the whole point of the meeting is to make yourself seem more important than the insect you really are - and aren't we all in the big scheme of things? To think otherwise is to kid yourself.

Now, there is another thing that's come up lately in my human interactions that I find rather offensive. That is the whole "double-booking" concept. A friend gets together with you only to have to rush off to some party or other get-together. That just makes me think that the next thing is so much more fun and interesting than being with me and mine. And if that's the case, then please, by all means, don't bother with me - go straight to your party or other plans. Frankly, it's insulting. No one has to feel that they are obligated to spend any amount of time with me. It's also a bit self-important - that you're such a hot commodity that you can afford to be rude.

On a much brighter note, DH Jeff, his folks & I went to see Tai Shan this weekend & we got a good glimpse of the little furry tike trundling about with his mom. So cute...and yet he offered a telepathic koan for our enlightenment. Such an evolved creature - it only appears that nothing's going on but bamboo-eating! Ok, if this paragraph didn't make any sense to you, stop at "...afford to be rude." It's a thing.

Free at Last!!!

I am now DONE with Chemistry!!! Yippee! I'll have to wait for next week for my grade, but it's DONE!!!

The last few weeks could not have been more stressful (without a complete nervous breakdown) with the move (of apts), starting a new job, trying to finish up with the class. At the end, I was so unmotivated to do the homework, labs, etc. But did I mention that it's done?

Back to some semblance of normalcy, regular work hours, regular workouts, decorating and perhaps enjoying life a little.

Whew!

Rant o' the Day

I had a mini-meltdown in chem lab this morning because I was so disgusted with the poor quality of the lab manual (the professor writes these) and of having to keep correcting old lab reports whereas if I knew how to do them in the first place, I would have done them right in the first place. And I guess I'm supposed to be happy about paying $2500 for this crap. Bonus: I have an exam tomorrow morning that I'm really uneasy about. My professor brags about putting them together in 15 minutes. No doubt there will be mistakes in her test or perhaps unsolvable problems. But who cares? She still has a job.

Yesterday it took me an hour to ride home in a cab from work because the marching illegals were clogging the metro & creating traffic problems. Metro spoke only Spanish over the intercom. Made me feel like I was in a third world shithole. Wait awhile, and it shall be so. These boneheads have no right to protest anything in this country - let them go back to their own screwed up countries and try protesting there. Plus, most of our "leaders" aren't doing a damn thing about this problem, just allowing it to get worse. The Post gleefully reported on how our illegals feel politically empowered. I'm not linking to any of these pieces - if you're that interested, go find them yourself.

I'm as stressed out as I can be, yet, I must head to work and look happy...then rush home and cram for this test. Is all my effort worth it? I'm thinking not.

Can you see why I'm livid - and despairing?

Today in the Washington Post is a front-page article about the immigrant protests against the legislation to tighten up immigration (starting with, maybe, actually enforcing existing laws?). I read the first few lines and saw the photo of these morons waving the Mexican flag in my country - and saw red. Why?

1. If you're in this country illegally, you have no right to protest anything.
2. If Mexico is so wonderful and you're so loyal, go back now and pull this crap there.
3. I understand that there has been burning of the American flag. If you hate this country so much, leave now. You're essentially burning what we stand for anyway every moment you're in this country without legal right, without buy-in or personal obligation to the WHOLE (read: legal and loyal) American thang.

4. Just because you've squatted here for a long time doesn't make you deserving of any consideration.

5. Although there have been efforts by some of the elected to shore up immigration law and security, our weak president and others still cling to this absurd Guest Worker program business. Absurd because it'll end up to be status quo: porous borders, no control over who comes in, etc.

Ok, I have to go to Chem lab. Read the whole article if you can stomach it.

Some interesting bits

1. In the Outlook section of the Post today is a piece called, "Marriage is for White People," which is actually an insightful look at why African Americans, especially women, are less likely to marry than their caucasian counterparts.

2. Also in the Outlook section (p.B2), a breakdown of the illegals' demographics, from Pew Hispanic Center. For some reason, I can't find a link to this from the online version. Here are the stats:

Solo, unaccompanied:
Male: 2.4 million
Female: 0.73 million

With spouses and/or children:
Male: 3.0 million
Female: 3.1 million

Children:
Unauthorized migrant children: 1.8 million
US citizen children: 3.1 million

3. Many of us grew up with the good night phrase "don't let the bed bugs bite" and thought that was pretty quaint. The Post Travel section gives a run-down on the very real and extant bed bugs, with some icky photos (at least in the print version).

Too tired & impatient to blog

This damn system is SO SLOW. By system, I mean AOL, BlOGGER, etc. By the time I get some movement, I've completely lost the motivation to blog. I mean, there are plenty of articles about my hot topics: illegal immigration, "drugs are dumb", etc.

Ok, since I'll probably never get to my insightful book reviews (I'm really tired but would like to do book reviews, but I need some sleep...), I might as well give some links to articles of the day:

illegals march w/impunity - they're here illegally, yet they demand rights. hmmmm. why don't they demand rights and consideration in their respective countries? oh, right - because they're countries are a bunch of corrupt shit-holes that issue pamphlets on how to get the most out of the U.S. welfare system - and our leadership does everything to reinforce that attitude. Shame, Republicans (not all), shame!

Snarky illegals and the true patriots (Minutemen) who oppose them and aforementioned non-existent Republican leadership. Article. For the Post, actually pretty even-handed.

Meth addicts. You just couldn't invent people this stupid. Even cocaine takes a while to make you look that bad. Law enforcement. More of wishful thinking. Get this straight: for all you dumbasses who are espousing the whole "drug addiction as disease" number, you can pay for all the damage these morons (choose to) do to themselves and others. Political "evolution" has made us "gentler and kinder" to losers like this, but we all suffer the price. Some (read: many) of these losers will never "recover"; yet, there seems to be this inexplicable sympathy (read: extortion of taxes) to fund treatment programs. What the hey? Those of us responsible, tax-paying, stable, etc, etc. (name your own stupid virtue), will be stuck with the bill.

So many books, so little room...

Washington Post Home section article details others who have found that their homes are just too small for their books. Eerie. Similarities...to US!!!!

Morning Lost

So, I studied like crazy yesterday (took the day off work even), got up early today, for a test I was supposed to have this morning. I check Blackboard, just in case the prof had postponed it and - nothing. So, I metro and grab the shuttle...go to the classroom...and a grad student walks in and tells us that the prof is out sick and our exam will be tomorrow instead.

So...I wasted an entire morning because of a completely irresponsible prof, whom I'm paying a lot of money for this stupid class and some notional professionalism. I tell you, every day she pisses me off a little more (make that A LOT more) and I lose even more respect for her. Worse, I have to get thru the class so that I can do the full degree, and after this, I have umpteen classes to go, plus what's likely to be an unpaid internship - before I can graduate. And get a real job in my field. Maybe. And probably still take a huge pay cut from what I was making at my last job. And the job satisfaction and sense of mission that I seek may still be non-existent.

And, I still have to find a job for when my contract runs out at the end of the month. And we might be moving apartments a month. No, no stress here. No depression and lack of motivation here. Everything's just peachy.

More Illegal Immigrant Boohooing

In today's Post is an article about some poor illegal who's been here for years with her family, trying to earn a degree in nursing from a community college, but can't qualify for in-state tuition and federal funding. That she can't take a full course load because she can't afford it. Wahhhhh! Cry me a river!

Her hope is that boneheaded Virginia will pass a bill that basically says if you've been here for a long time, you can get an exception to the rule and get in-state tuition. Doesn't matter if you're illegal. Wonderful. What's next?

Those of you who know me know at least 2 things about me: 1) I'm struggling to get through a Criminal Justice: Forensic Science degree so that I can finally have a meaningful CAREER and 2) I'm COMPLETELY against any benefits for people who have not earned the privilege of being in this country. Yeh, all I can get is a measley grant from the state in which I've been paying a shit-load of taxes for almost twenty years (yeh, count'em). I can't even get federal loans to cover my tuition fully. I applied for eleven scholarships/grants with criteria I certainly met and got one small grant. I'm taking one class this semester because I don't want to be in debt for the rest of my life; I have approximately FIFTY credit hours to go. Now mind you, my first degree I earned a 3.89 GPA and that was while working full-time.

Forgive the self-righteous whining, but I'm a taxpaying, loyal CITIZEN/good student and I can't get the support I need to do this degree (And before you say, well, you could just keep applying for scholarships, that takes TIME and ENERGY - all for notional funding). OH, but there's a heap of sympathy for the poor illegal bitch who's not evening seeking citizenship, just legal residency. While she's here, in this country, studying in my state.

This is hopeless - I might as well give up and just work at tedious, meaningless, jobs so I can support all the unfortunate undocumenteds in their quest for the American Dream - without the legality and without any real commitment or loyality to this country. Meanwhile, I limp on and worry.

News items today

First: the Supremes done good by upholding that whole thing about military recruiters on college campuses and withholding federal funds from the colleges who refuse to allow such recruiting. More eloquently and completely explained here. I just love that. Of course, you know all the hubbub came from law schools. Figures.

Second: Federal and DC law enforcement, et al, coordinate efforts to get the pimpin' dirtbags who recruit little girls. I fully support 1) getting the scumbags and throwing their asses in jail and 2) various entities cooperating to get said scumbags. Although, it does surprise me that DC in particular could get its act together to do anything particularly effective, much less cooperate with anyone else to do it...but that's probably a personal prejudice (I mean at times they have problems collecting garbage - literally). Read all about it here. The coordination is a positive thing, but when you read about the m.o.'s of these guys - well, it's just sickening and I recommend the "tazing until dead" option, but alas, the District doesn't have the death penalty and I doubt they would taze them anyway. Bummer.

Cell Phone Bandit will be doing some time

Saturday's Washington Post informed us that the (female) Cell Phone Bandit is sentenced to twelve years in the pokey. Bwahahaha! Dumbass. Yep both she (Candice Martinez) and her accomplice (Dave Williams), 20 and 19 y/o respectively, will be doing some serious time thanks to a one Judge Gerald Bruce Lee who put his thing down not once but twice in this case (charged separately). It's refreshing that a judge these days actually metes out punishment appropriately, instead of coddling criminals. Too bad these two boneheads chose to ruin their lives, now they're all sad and apologetic. Hahaha. Did I mention laughing and pointing? Only down side is we'll have to support their stupid asses during their punishment, but you can't have everything, can you?

An observation and a few pet peeves

If you want to try whiskey/scotch, drink it neat. Ice really messes up the flavor. Don't put soda in it either - it's gross.

A perennial favorite - slow and/or clueless people on the metro: move like you have a purpose, that you realize there are other people behind you, and that no one died and made you deity. Don't ever stand on the left, period. Further: don't do that and get miffed because others (who have a purpose and direction) are brushing past you looking very irritated. They have a reason.

Next: if you are at a store or stand-in-line restaurant (Cosi comes to mind) at a busy time, do NOT stand there counting out your change in pennies (or rooting around your purse/pockets for change) while herds of other customers are waiting. This would seem to be common sense, but alas, I see it on a regular basis. As in "I'm the only important customer here and everyone will just have to wait for my precious self to locate notional exact change." I'm surprised there haven't been violent incidents over this sort of behavior.

Finally, when I order a grande soy latte, don't give a grande hot soy milk, mkay? Clean out the ears and pretend you want to keep this job.

That's all for now. End communication.

Mystery Book Reviews

Read two mysteries lately with distinctly different responses to them. The first was Murder at The National Cathedral, by Margaret Truman and the second was The Sinister Pig, by Tony Hillerman. The former was nominally entertaining – set as it was in good ol’ Washington, DC – having to do with a possible conspiracy within the church – bigger picture stuff – that ultimately, in my opinion, fell flat. And the characters fell flat. I really wasn’t drawn into their plights, their lives, etc. Normally, a mystery involving the church, whether it be Catholic or other, is very compelling, but this was a let-down. Also, Truman’s heavy-handed characterization of characters based on their political bent was off-putting (e.g., conservative preacher is painted as by-the-book, unyielding, uncaring, more concerned with obedience to rules than caring about “the little people.”)

Hillerman’s book, on the other hand, had the effect of coming home to people you know and like, of becoming immediately engaged in their situations, loves, etc. Of course, I have the benefit of having read other Hillerman books prior – but one doesn’t voluntarily read multiple books from one author if they’re not enjoyable. And his stuff is good – one gets some idea of Navajo culture, how it relates to neighboring cultures, and how it’s expressed/experienced by the characters. Jim Chee, Joe Leaphorn. Good characters. If you haven't already read some of his stuff, give it a go!

Some charming news items...

Ah, I love my fellow man - um, mostly not so much. Anyhoo, reading the Post Metro section (my mistake) and came across these gems:

Asshead MS-13 members (I mean "suspected" members) caught robbing a brothel (run out of an apartment - evidently it's a trend) and having raped one of the workers. Undercover cop lady on an unrelated assignment, gets dragged into the apartment by said "suspected" gang members in their kind-hearted attempt to spread the love. She called her back-up and those alleged gang dudes were so busted. Read all about it here.

Woman kicks and punches to death her adopted two-year-old Russian daughter. She did this because the girl "...was not behaving and not listening and just crying." Because, you know that a good kicking and punching really makes 2-year-olds stop crying and behave. Of course, all you parents out there know this. Wow, there are no words sufficient...to describe what should be done to this heinous individual; prosecuter recommends 40 years in the slammer. Heh. Good. Full story here.

Cop fatally shoots drug dealer after drug dealer stabs another cop. Shooting cop is placed on administrative leave pending investigation. Huh? Well, DH Jeff says this is standard operating procedure. Hopefully, this is a formality and the officer will be allowed to return to duty within the day. Personally, who's really going to miss some scumbag pusher? Read all about it here.

Streams of Unconsciousness

So, you thought I'd given up on my blogging life, eh? Nah.

Got a 94% on that Chemistry test - no one more surprised (and pleased) than me!

Teacher got me royally pissed (as opposed to just commonly pissed) the other morning by starting the class early with no prior notification thereof. I walked in on time to find her whisking thru her transparencies.

Now we're gearing up for another exam. Oh joy.

I've come to a realization after having bored to death a guest with a rambling diatribe about abortion, fueled by way too much wine. Yeh, I should watch the amount I drink, but more importantly, I should drop that subject permanently. There is absolutely no point in bringing it up. I have my values, they have theirs - and never the twain shall meet. But, if it were truly a personal and private choice (to kill your kid), then no red cent of mine should ever go to supporting (any) abortion (e.g., healthcare/insurance that covers abortion, etc). Your mistake, your bill. Fat chance!

War on drugs? Same thing. Just a way for our govt to spend a huge amount of (our) money and man-power for no appreciable benefit. The constant is that Americans love their drugs & will find other means of acquiring them or, they'll just make them at home. Then demand that there be all sorts of "free" rehabilitation to salvage their useless lives. Your mistake, your bill. Nope, we pay for that too.

Wars run and international policies hatched, having the effect akin to creating antibiotic resistant strains of tuberculosis by sharing your meds. We pay on myriad levels for that, believe me.

I think I'm going to try to ignore all these things, adopt a positive if self-absorbed mental state, and attempt to make enough money to go to school and continue dining out when I want. Blah. My fury at these issues and how they're dealt with serves only to give me stomachaches (I've had a lot of those lately, but I suspect partly due to the gallons of coffee I drink daily, and the consequent erosion of my stomach lining). Anyhoo, there it is. Rambling diatribe sans alcohol.

Blah, blah, blah!

Still limping thru Chemistry class. Took first exam of semester on Thurs. Studied alot; pulled out hair; swore a blue streak. How'd I do? Anyone's guess. We'll see this week.

Liberal at the Post (heh) weighing in about the "hoopla" over putting in writing and law limits to damned illegals' acquisition of higher education in VA. About what you'd expect. Can't find story right now...will try tomorrow...

Tech guy at work acquired U.S. citizenship. Nice to see someone actually caring enough to become a citizen instead of just sneaking in the back door and grabbing what he can.

We socialized during the weekend and it was nice! Going to restart book club thank goodness.

Lots to say, no time to say it. Gotta go start Chem homework...