Thursday, December 20, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Atheism 2: Religion 0
And I thought Christianity was a bit weird. Cartoon describing the pecularities of Mormonism. Rumors are this is banned by the Mormon Church. But I would certainly not be surprised if this is as written in the Book of Mormon.
The more I read about Mormonism the more fascinating I am as to how this religion even got to be as widespread and believed as it has. I'm sure someone has written about the early days of the Mormon Church.
Do a google search or other research on:
1) 'the Adam-God theory'
2) Blood Atonement
3) the Danites and the Daughters of Zion
4) African-Americans and slavery
5) The 1838 Mormon War
The more I read about Mormonism the more fascinating I am as to how this religion even got to be as widespread and believed as it has. I'm sure someone has written about the early days of the Mormon Church.
Do a google search or other research on:
1) 'the Adam-God theory'
2) Blood Atonement
3) the Danites and the Daughters of Zion
4) African-Americans and slavery
5) The 1838 Mormon War
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Predictions for the coming year
Does any of this make sense to you?
The threatening suspense of the past six years has accelerated etheric spirals of change accumulating in our physical world. Predicting on the threshold of these changes for 2008 is examining only a portion of purported reality that is manifesting.
The political charges of the year will be somewhat polarized within their own parties. However, there will be few challenges for the Democratic schedule for 2008 from the Republicans. Gossip and rumors will clearly separate those who currently rule within the parties.
Resistance to retire the traditional guards of old thought challenges the new illuminated leaders. None the less, these people of light, within both parties, will be in position for historical political changes of the century in 2008. Those of you who are psychically developed will notice that their aura is slightly different than most on this physical plane. Incarnating and becoming the epitome of young adults, they are among the thousands of planetary beings depicted in the 1977 psychic oil painting, “Arrival”.
Healthcare will be a major topic throughout the year. A major leader will be strongly advised not to veto anything related to the records of healthcare. (I really can’t tell which way the pendulum of the dark lord will swing).
Divorce and separations will be on the rise, yet, within this spiral of change there will also be record breaking childbirths and in some sections of the world, marriages will be plentiful. I get a sense that those harmonious unions will be located in isolated areas of naturally warm climates.
Speaking of climates, expect more of the unexpected! Many natural disasters will surface in spirals, volcanic eruptions, violent winds, earthquakes, floods, and large bodies of ice break off the Antarctic much larger than in previous years.
Take extra precautions in your privacy because the invasion of identity thieves will have penetrated major public markets. We will also see personal, private, confidential information being publicized not only in the internet but in news print. There are two significant incidents involving terrorist activity which will be halted and those major leaders involved apprehended.
We will witness several shifting changes in the corporate world, high tensions, lay offs and resignations will mark this year as somewhat ugly for those who hang on to the old traditional form of corporate dogmas.
The unstable conditions of time portals are likely to create disturbances that may appear surreal for those living in large cities. The probable disruptions may manifest as structural.
Environmental organizations will gain phenomenal support and aid from all major governments and private sectors.
A viral condition may get out of control and threaten world health in a pandemic spiral of anxiety. This is a wavering energy that may mutate into other health related disorders.
Ripples in the framework of organized religions, particularly the Catholic Church may trigger political and religious discord.
The perseverance of those humble servants of light in all walks of life reaps an abundant and prosperous year. For a great number of you, it is a year of action, a year bearing the fruits of labor with opportunities in your line of expertise. For others, you will experience a series of events that will launch you to your rightful destiny path of prosperity.
Interestingly, designers in the fashion industry will revisit the changing needs of their targeted buyers. The awakening public consciousness requires a new and different, health enhancing fiber of light energy.
It is a difficult year for agricultures due to unfavorable environmental changes. Organic farming will continue to climb in popularity but not immune to rising cost and will pass along to the consumer.
Exciting for some, startling for others, discoveries in space exploration will push back the veils of three dimensional thinking to the strange and unconventional resources of thought; extra terrestrial contact is established, in frequency sequences.
Paranormal activity in large proportions intrigue scientists to explore this study in its widest sense, accessing wondrous apparitions of ghostly or dimensional forms of existence.
2008 will no doubt stimulate sincere emotions of appreciation in your life. You will find that your emotions are more magnetic in attracting situations suitable to your emotional thought process.
****
I love the way predictions by psychics read. Lots of doublespeak with not clear decisiveness one way or another. I could easily have put 1994 in place of 2008 and the results would be the same. One more reason not to believe in psychics or other paranormal phenomenon.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
College Kids (Millennials) Don't Know Everything
College age kids don't know everything about marketing:
An article from Ad Age Magazine: Millennials: Clued in or Clueless?
1. COLLEGE STUDENTS ARE NOT THE TARGET FOR MOST PRODUCTS
2. THE AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME DOES NOT SUPPORT A CLEANING LADY (OR AN IPHONE)
3. THERE ARE MORE OLD PEOPLE THAN YOUNG PEOPLE
4.FACEBOOK IS AN ADVERTISING-SUPPORTED, COMMERCIAL SERVICE
5. SERVICE MARKETING IS MORE THAN A LATTE WITH A SMILE
6. RETAILERS, NOT MANUFACTURERS, SET THE PRICE
7. IT'S ILLEGAL FOR ADS TO LIE
8. 98% OF PRODUCT PLACEMENTS ARE PAID
9. MOBILE PHONES AND IPODS ARE NEW MEDIA
10. BRANDS INFLUENCE BUYING BEHAVIOR
I know the young generation would like to believe the world revolves around them - but it just isn't so. Simply marketing 101.
An article from Ad Age Magazine: Millennials: Clued in or Clueless?
1. COLLEGE STUDENTS ARE NOT THE TARGET FOR MOST PRODUCTS
2. THE AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME DOES NOT SUPPORT A CLEANING LADY (OR AN IPHONE)
3. THERE ARE MORE OLD PEOPLE THAN YOUNG PEOPLE
4.FACEBOOK IS AN ADVERTISING-SUPPORTED, COMMERCIAL SERVICE
5. SERVICE MARKETING IS MORE THAN A LATTE WITH A SMILE
6. RETAILERS, NOT MANUFACTURERS, SET THE PRICE
7. IT'S ILLEGAL FOR ADS TO LIE
8. 98% OF PRODUCT PLACEMENTS ARE PAID
9. MOBILE PHONES AND IPODS ARE NEW MEDIA
10. BRANDS INFLUENCE BUYING BEHAVIOR
I know the young generation would like to believe the world revolves around them - but it just isn't so. Simply marketing 101.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Atheism 1 : Religion 0
I guess he didn't hear about that 'thou shall not commit adultery' or that whole you shouldn't sleep with your brother's wife thing. But maybe he was simply following in the footsteps of other people in the bible who committed incest, adultery, etc.
DECATUR, Ga. - The 80-year-old leader of a suburban Atlanta megachurch is at the center of a sex scandal of biblical dimensions: He slept with his brother's wife and fathered a child by her.
Members of Archbishop Earl Paulk's family stood at the pulpit of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit at Chapel Hill Harvester Church a few Sundays ago and revealed the secret exposed by a recent court-ordered paternity test.
In truth, this is not the first — or even the second — sex scandal to engulf Paulk and the independent, charismatic church. But this time, he could be in trouble with the law for lying under oath about the affair.
The living proof of that lie is 34-year-old D.E. Paulk, who for years was known publicly as Earl Paulk's nephew. "I am so very sorry for the collateral damage it's caused our family and the families hurt by the removing of the veil that hid our humanity and our sinfulness," said D.E. Paulk, who received the mantle of head pastor a year and a half ago.
D.E. Paulk said he did not learn the secret of his parentage until the paternity test. "I was disappointed, and I was surprised," he said. Earl Paulk, his brother, Don, and his sister-in-law, Clariece, did not return calls for comment.
A judge ordered the test at the request of the Cobb County district attorney's office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which are investigating Earl Paulk for possible perjury and false-swearing charges stemming from a lawsuit.
The archbishop, his brother and the church are being sued by former church employee Mona Brewer, who says Earl Paulk manipulated her into an affair from 1989 to 2003 by telling her it was her only path to salvation. Earl Paulk admitted to the affair in front of the church last January.
In a 2006 deposition stemming from the lawsuit, the archbishop said under oath that the only woman he had ever had sex with outside of his marriage was Brewer. But the paternity test said otherwise.
So far no charges have been filed against Earl Paulk. District Attorney Pat Head and GBI spokesman John Bankhead would not comment.
The shocking results of the paternity test are speeding up a transformation already under way in the church after more than a decade of sex scandals and lawsuits involving the Paulks, D.E. Paulk said.
"It was a necessary evil to bring us back to a God-consciousness," said the younger Paulk, explaining that the church had become too personality-driven and prone to pastor worship.
The flashy megachurch began in 1960 with just a few dozen members in the Little Five Points neighborhood of Atlanta. Now, it is in the suburbs on a 100-acre expanse, a collection of buildings surrounding a neo-Gothic cathedral.
For years the church was at the forefront of many social movements — admitting black members in the 1960s, ordaining women and opening its doors to gays.
At its peak in the early 1990s, it claimed about 10,000 members and 24 pastors and was a media powerhouse. By soliciting tithes of 10 percent from each member's income, the church was able to build a Bible college, two schools, a worldwide TV ministry and a $12 million sanctuary the size of a fortress.
Today, though, membership is down to about 1,500, the church has 18 pastors, most of them volunteers, and the Bible college and TV ministry have shuttered — a downturn blamed largely on complaints about the alleged sexual transgressions of the elder Paulks.
In 1992, a church member claimed she was pressured into a sexual relationship with Don Paulk. Other women also claimed they had been coerced into sex with Earl Paulk and other members of the church's administration.
The church countered with a $24 million libel suit against seven former church members. The lawsuit was later dropped.
Jan Royston, who left the church in 1992, started an online support group for former members to discuss their crushed faith and hurt feelings.
"This is a cult. And you escape from a cult," she said. "We all escaped."
These days, Earl Paulk has a much-reduced role at the cathedral, giving 10-minute lectures as part of Sunday morning worship each week.
"My uncle is 100 percent guilty, but his accusers are guilty as well," D.E. Paulk said, declining to talk further about the lawsuits.
DECATUR, Ga. - The 80-year-old leader of a suburban Atlanta megachurch is at the center of a sex scandal of biblical dimensions: He slept with his brother's wife and fathered a child by her.
Members of Archbishop Earl Paulk's family stood at the pulpit of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit at Chapel Hill Harvester Church a few Sundays ago and revealed the secret exposed by a recent court-ordered paternity test.
In truth, this is not the first — or even the second — sex scandal to engulf Paulk and the independent, charismatic church. But this time, he could be in trouble with the law for lying under oath about the affair.
The living proof of that lie is 34-year-old D.E. Paulk, who for years was known publicly as Earl Paulk's nephew. "I am so very sorry for the collateral damage it's caused our family and the families hurt by the removing of the veil that hid our humanity and our sinfulness," said D.E. Paulk, who received the mantle of head pastor a year and a half ago.
D.E. Paulk said he did not learn the secret of his parentage until the paternity test. "I was disappointed, and I was surprised," he said. Earl Paulk, his brother, Don, and his sister-in-law, Clariece, did not return calls for comment.
A judge ordered the test at the request of the Cobb County district attorney's office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which are investigating Earl Paulk for possible perjury and false-swearing charges stemming from a lawsuit.
The archbishop, his brother and the church are being sued by former church employee Mona Brewer, who says Earl Paulk manipulated her into an affair from 1989 to 2003 by telling her it was her only path to salvation. Earl Paulk admitted to the affair in front of the church last January.
In a 2006 deposition stemming from the lawsuit, the archbishop said under oath that the only woman he had ever had sex with outside of his marriage was Brewer. But the paternity test said otherwise.
So far no charges have been filed against Earl Paulk. District Attorney Pat Head and GBI spokesman John Bankhead would not comment.
The shocking results of the paternity test are speeding up a transformation already under way in the church after more than a decade of sex scandals and lawsuits involving the Paulks, D.E. Paulk said.
"It was a necessary evil to bring us back to a God-consciousness," said the younger Paulk, explaining that the church had become too personality-driven and prone to pastor worship.
The flashy megachurch began in 1960 with just a few dozen members in the Little Five Points neighborhood of Atlanta. Now, it is in the suburbs on a 100-acre expanse, a collection of buildings surrounding a neo-Gothic cathedral.
For years the church was at the forefront of many social movements — admitting black members in the 1960s, ordaining women and opening its doors to gays.
At its peak in the early 1990s, it claimed about 10,000 members and 24 pastors and was a media powerhouse. By soliciting tithes of 10 percent from each member's income, the church was able to build a Bible college, two schools, a worldwide TV ministry and a $12 million sanctuary the size of a fortress.
Today, though, membership is down to about 1,500, the church has 18 pastors, most of them volunteers, and the Bible college and TV ministry have shuttered — a downturn blamed largely on complaints about the alleged sexual transgressions of the elder Paulks.
In 1992, a church member claimed she was pressured into a sexual relationship with Don Paulk. Other women also claimed they had been coerced into sex with Earl Paulk and other members of the church's administration.
The church countered with a $24 million libel suit against seven former church members. The lawsuit was later dropped.
Jan Royston, who left the church in 1992, started an online support group for former members to discuss their crushed faith and hurt feelings.
"This is a cult. And you escape from a cult," she said. "We all escaped."
These days, Earl Paulk has a much-reduced role at the cathedral, giving 10-minute lectures as part of Sunday morning worship each week.
"My uncle is 100 percent guilty, but his accusers are guilty as well," D.E. Paulk said, declining to talk further about the lawsuits.
Monday, November 19, 2007
80 Proof Rocks You
80 Proof - Houston's Premier 80's Cover BandYes - we travel for the right gig - Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, New Orleans, Galveston.
Look for us a club near you. Currently playing The Concert Pub and on the Wild Wings Cafe band rotation for January and February.
If you wish to be on our newsletter let me know.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Logical Fallacies Part 2
6. Confusing association with causation
This is similar to the post-hoc fallacy in that it assumes cause and effect for two variables simply because they are correlated, although the relationship here is not strictly that of one variable following the other in time. This fallacy is often used to give a statistical correlation a causal interpretation. For example, during the 1990's both religious attendance and illegal drug use have been on the rise. It would be a fallacy to conclude that therefore, religious attendance causes illegal drug use. It is also possible that drug use leads to an increase in religious attendance, or that both drug use and religious attendance are increased by a third variable, such as an increase in societal unrest. It is also possible that both variables are independent of one another, and it is mere coincidence that they are both increasing at the same time. A corollary to this is the invocation of this logical fallacy to argue that an association does not represent causation, rather it is more accurate to say that correlation does not necessarily mean causation, but it can. Also, multiple independent correlations can point reliably to a causation, and is a reasonable line of argument.
7. Confusing currently unexplained with unexplainable
Because we do not currently have an adequate explanation for a phenomenon does not mean that it is forever unexplainable, or that it therefore defies the laws of nature or requires a paranormal explanation. An example of this is the "God of the Gapsâ" strategy of creationists that whatever we cannot currently explain is unexplainable and was therefore an act of god.
8. False Continuum
The idea that because there is no definitive demarcation line between two extremes, that the distinction between the extremes is not real or meaningful: There is a fuzzy line between cults and religion, therefore they are really the same thing.
9. False Dichotomy
Arbitrarily reducing a set of many possibilities to only two. For example, evolution is not possible, therefore we must have been created (assumes these are the only two possibilities). This fallacy can also be used to oversimplify a continuum of variation to two black and white choices. For example, science and pseudoscience are not two discrete entities, but rather the methods and claims of all those who attempt to explain reality fall along a continuum from one extreme to the other.
10. Inconsistency
Applying criteria or rules to one belief, claim, argument, or position but not to others. For example, some consumer advocates argue that we need stronger regulation of prescription drugs to ensure their safety and effectiveness, but at the same time argue that medicinal herbs should be sold with no regulation for either safety or effectiveness.
This is similar to the post-hoc fallacy in that it assumes cause and effect for two variables simply because they are correlated, although the relationship here is not strictly that of one variable following the other in time. This fallacy is often used to give a statistical correlation a causal interpretation. For example, during the 1990's both religious attendance and illegal drug use have been on the rise. It would be a fallacy to conclude that therefore, religious attendance causes illegal drug use. It is also possible that drug use leads to an increase in religious attendance, or that both drug use and religious attendance are increased by a third variable, such as an increase in societal unrest. It is also possible that both variables are independent of one another, and it is mere coincidence that they are both increasing at the same time. A corollary to this is the invocation of this logical fallacy to argue that an association does not represent causation, rather it is more accurate to say that correlation does not necessarily mean causation, but it can. Also, multiple independent correlations can point reliably to a causation, and is a reasonable line of argument.
7. Confusing currently unexplained with unexplainable
Because we do not currently have an adequate explanation for a phenomenon does not mean that it is forever unexplainable, or that it therefore defies the laws of nature or requires a paranormal explanation. An example of this is the "God of the Gapsâ" strategy of creationists that whatever we cannot currently explain is unexplainable and was therefore an act of god.
8. False Continuum
The idea that because there is no definitive demarcation line between two extremes, that the distinction between the extremes is not real or meaningful: There is a fuzzy line between cults and religion, therefore they are really the same thing.
9. False Dichotomy
Arbitrarily reducing a set of many possibilities to only two. For example, evolution is not possible, therefore we must have been created (assumes these are the only two possibilities). This fallacy can also be used to oversimplify a continuum of variation to two black and white choices. For example, science and pseudoscience are not two discrete entities, but rather the methods and claims of all those who attempt to explain reality fall along a continuum from one extreme to the other.
10. Inconsistency
Applying criteria or rules to one belief, claim, argument, or position but not to others. For example, some consumer advocates argue that we need stronger regulation of prescription drugs to ensure their safety and effectiveness, but at the same time argue that medicinal herbs should be sold with no regulation for either safety or effectiveness.
White Van Speaker Scam
Remember what you're Mom said, "If it sounds to good to be true, It probably is." Moral of the story - never buy speakers from a guy in a van in a parking lot. Yes I know a few people who have gotten taken by this scam - don't let it be you.
White Van Speaker Scam
White Van Speaker Scam
Friday, November 09, 2007
Logical Fallacies
What is a logical fallacy?
All arguments have the same basic structure: A therefore B. They begin with one or more premises (A), which is a fact or assumption upon which the argument is based. They then apply a logical principle (therefore) to arrive at a conclusion (B). An example of a logical principle is that of equivalence. For example, if you begin with the premises that A=B and B=C, you can apply the logical principle of equivalence to conclude that A=C. A logical fallacy is a false or incorrect logical principle. An argument that is based upon a logical fallacy is therefore not valid. It is important to note that if the logic of an argument is valid then the conclusion must also be valid, which means that if the premises are all true then the conclusion must also be true. Valid logic applied to one or more false premises, however, leads to an invalid argument. Also, if an argument is not valid the conclusion may, by chance, still be true.
5 Logical Fallacies (more to come)
1. Ad hominem
An ad hominem argument is any that attempts to counter anothers claims or conclusions by attacking the person, rather than addressing the argument itself. True believers will often commit this fallacy by countering the arguments of skeptics by stating that skeptics are closed minded. Skeptics, on the other hand, may fall into the trap of dismissing the claims of UFO believers, for example, by stating that people who believe in UFO's are crazy or stupid.
2. Ad ignorantiam
The argument from ignorance basically states that a specific belief is true because we don't know that it isn't true. Defenders of extrasensory perception, for example, will often overemphasize how much we do not know about the human brain. UFO proponents will often argue that an object sighted in the sky is unknown, and therefore it is an alien spacecraft.
3. Argument from authority
Stating that a claim is true because a person or group of perceived authority says it is true. Often this argument is implied by emphasizing the many years of experience, or the formal degrees held by the individual making a specific claim. It is reasonable to give more credence to the claims of those with the proper background, education, and credentials, or to be suspicious of the claims of someone making authoritative statements in an area for which they cannot demonstrate expertise. But the truth of a claim should ultimately rest on logic and evidence, not the authority of the person promoting it.
4. Argument from final Consequences
Such arguments (also called teleological) are based on a reversal of cause and effect, because they argue that something is caused by the ultimate effect that it has, or purpose that is serves. For example: God must exist, because otherwise life would have no meaning.
5. Argument from Personal Incredulity
I cannot explain or understand this, therefore it cannot be true. Creationists are fond of arguing that they cannot imagine the complexity of life resulting from blind evolution, but that does not mean life did not evolve.
All arguments have the same basic structure: A therefore B. They begin with one or more premises (A), which is a fact or assumption upon which the argument is based. They then apply a logical principle (therefore) to arrive at a conclusion (B). An example of a logical principle is that of equivalence. For example, if you begin with the premises that A=B and B=C, you can apply the logical principle of equivalence to conclude that A=C. A logical fallacy is a false or incorrect logical principle. An argument that is based upon a logical fallacy is therefore not valid. It is important to note that if the logic of an argument is valid then the conclusion must also be valid, which means that if the premises are all true then the conclusion must also be true. Valid logic applied to one or more false premises, however, leads to an invalid argument. Also, if an argument is not valid the conclusion may, by chance, still be true.
5 Logical Fallacies (more to come)
1. Ad hominem
An ad hominem argument is any that attempts to counter anothers claims or conclusions by attacking the person, rather than addressing the argument itself. True believers will often commit this fallacy by countering the arguments of skeptics by stating that skeptics are closed minded. Skeptics, on the other hand, may fall into the trap of dismissing the claims of UFO believers, for example, by stating that people who believe in UFO's are crazy or stupid.
2. Ad ignorantiam
The argument from ignorance basically states that a specific belief is true because we don't know that it isn't true. Defenders of extrasensory perception, for example, will often overemphasize how much we do not know about the human brain. UFO proponents will often argue that an object sighted in the sky is unknown, and therefore it is an alien spacecraft.
3. Argument from authority
Stating that a claim is true because a person or group of perceived authority says it is true. Often this argument is implied by emphasizing the many years of experience, or the formal degrees held by the individual making a specific claim. It is reasonable to give more credence to the claims of those with the proper background, education, and credentials, or to be suspicious of the claims of someone making authoritative statements in an area for which they cannot demonstrate expertise. But the truth of a claim should ultimately rest on logic and evidence, not the authority of the person promoting it.
4. Argument from final Consequences
Such arguments (also called teleological) are based on a reversal of cause and effect, because they argue that something is caused by the ultimate effect that it has, or purpose that is serves. For example: God must exist, because otherwise life would have no meaning.
5. Argument from Personal Incredulity
I cannot explain or understand this, therefore it cannot be true. Creationists are fond of arguing that they cannot imagine the complexity of life resulting from blind evolution, but that does not mean life did not evolve.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
as if religion were not bad enough
When It Takes a Miracle To Sell Your House
Owners, Realtors Bury Statues Of St. Joseph to Attract Buyers;
By SARA SCHAEFER MUÑOZ
October 30, 2007;
Cari Luna is Jewish by heritage and Buddhist by religion. She meditates regularly. Yet when she and her husband put their Brooklyn, N.Y., house on the market this year and offers kept falling through, Ms. Luna turned to an unlikely source for help: St. Joseph.
...
Some Realtors, too, swear by the practice. Ardell DellaLoggia, a Seattle-area Realtor, buried a statue beneath the "For Sale" sign on a property that she thought was overpriced. She didn't tell the owner until after it had sold. "He was an atheist," she explains. "But he thanked me."
...the rest of the story is here.
I'm not even going to point out all of the logical fallacies in the article. But if some people want to believe a 6 inch tall statue solves all of their problems so be it from me to talk them out of absurd thinking. The funny part is the statues are made in China, a heavy Buddhist country. Life is ironic.
It amazes me what people will believe and do in the name of religion.
Owners, Realtors Bury Statues Of St. Joseph to Attract Buyers;
By SARA SCHAEFER MUÑOZ
October 30, 2007;
Cari Luna is Jewish by heritage and Buddhist by religion. She meditates regularly. Yet when she and her husband put their Brooklyn, N.Y., house on the market this year and offers kept falling through, Ms. Luna turned to an unlikely source for help: St. Joseph.
...
Some Realtors, too, swear by the practice. Ardell DellaLoggia, a Seattle-area Realtor, buried a statue beneath the "For Sale" sign on a property that she thought was overpriced. She didn't tell the owner until after it had sold. "He was an atheist," she explains. "But he thanked me."
...the rest of the story is here.
I'm not even going to point out all of the logical fallacies in the article. But if some people want to believe a 6 inch tall statue solves all of their problems so be it from me to talk them out of absurd thinking. The funny part is the statues are made in China, a heavy Buddhist country. Life is ironic.
It amazes me what people will believe and do in the name of religion.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
80 Proof Rocks Bungalo 8
The best 80's band in Houston....
Coming soon to a venue near you.
Playing the Houston Hash Christmas Party - Dec 1, 2007.
Coming soon to a venue near you.
Playing the Houston Hash Christmas Party - Dec 1, 2007.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
holy attic crawl batman
ELLWOOD CITY, Pa. -- Holy rare find, Batman!
Pittsburgh comic collector Todd McDevitt has come across a copy of one of the most valuable comic books ever printed. It's the Detective Comics issue No. 27 from before World War II. It's famous because it's the first one in which Batman appears.
McDevitt said that his copy is worth about $250,000, although a pristine copy can be worth as much as $500,000. The Action Comics edition No. 1 is the only one considered by collectors to be more valuable, since it marks Superman's first appearance.
McDevitt owns a chain of comics stores and said the copy he bought was brought in by somebody who found it while cleaning out an attic and wondered if it was worth anything.
He said that his eyes almost popped out when he saw it.
McDevitt won't say how much he paid, but says he's been saving money for 20 years, hoping for just such a find.
For now, he's keeping the Batman comic in an airtight bag in a bank vault, bringing it out occasionally to give friends and customers a peek. He says he hasn't even read it yet.
Pittsburgh comic collector Todd McDevitt has come across a copy of one of the most valuable comic books ever printed. It's the Detective Comics issue No. 27 from before World War II. It's famous because it's the first one in which Batman appears.
McDevitt said that his copy is worth about $250,000, although a pristine copy can be worth as much as $500,000. The Action Comics edition No. 1 is the only one considered by collectors to be more valuable, since it marks Superman's first appearance.
McDevitt owns a chain of comics stores and said the copy he bought was brought in by somebody who found it while cleaning out an attic and wondered if it was worth anything.
He said that his eyes almost popped out when he saw it.
McDevitt won't say how much he paid, but says he's been saving money for 20 years, hoping for just such a find.
For now, he's keeping the Batman comic in an airtight bag in a bank vault, bringing it out occasionally to give friends and customers a peek. He says he hasn't even read it yet.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
The Barcardi Bat
This just happens to be my second favorite logo of all time. Here is the story behind it.
The Barcardi Bat
Piss Off the Bat and He’ll Bomb You
If company legend is to be believed (and it rarely should), a bat found its way onto the Bacardi label in 1862 because the wife of the distillery’s founder noticed a colony of fruit bats hanging around the rafters of the converted warehouse that was their first distillery. The bat was considered a noble and lucky creature by the local Cubans, so it seemed a smart move to attach the symbol to the fledgling rum.
An alternative history, strenuously denied by Bacardi, is that the bat got the nod because every morning distillery workers had to fish the lucky, noble, and thoroughly intoxicated creatures out of the rum vats.
The rum found quick favor in Cuba and spread rapidly throughout the Americas. Prohibition gave it a boost, thanks to Cuba’s close proximity to the U.S. coast, and by the ‘50s the bat was flying high as the best-selling rum in the U.S.
Then came the communists. Despite the fact that the Bacardi family helped bankroll the Cuban Revolution, they were driven out of the country and their holdings nationalized when Fidel Castro seized power. The Bacardi clan never forgave this betrayal, and have used their considerable political and financial influence to make things difficult for Cuba ever since.
Why It Worked: The aforementioned locals not only considered the bat good mojo, they were also largely illiterate. They couldn’t read the verbose Spanish praising the product on the early labels, but they could recognize the bat just fine. When the rum spread to more literate countries, the exotic mammal matched up well with what Westerners thought of rum: nocturnal danger with a hint of vampirism.
Evolution: The prototype bat was a fatter specimen, but aside from the usual streamlining, Bacardi has remained true to the original logo.
Dark Secret: Embittered Bacardi helmsman Jose Pepin Bosch bought a surplus B-26 bomber with the hopes of bombing his ex-pal Fidel’s oil refineries (the bold plan was foiled when a picture of the bomber appeared on the front page of New York Times). He was also allegedly involved in the CIA plot to assassinate Castro.
Claim to Fame: Bacardi was the first “civilized” rum. The founder, Spanish emigrant Don Facundo Bacardi Masso, tamed the raw New World spirit by experimenting with charcoal filtering and oak barrel aging.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Titles of books I'm working on.
1) Everything is not a Conspiracy.
Everything you ever wanted to know about Conspiracy Theories.
2) In the Future Everyone's an Expert.
3) What do I know... I'm Black. A look at life in America through the eyes of a black yuppie.
Everything you ever wanted to know about Conspiracy Theories.
2) In the Future Everyone's an Expert.
3) What do I know... I'm Black. A look at life in America through the eyes of a black yuppie.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Free Carpet and Shampoo Cleaning
Free Carpet and Shampoo Cleaning - sure. So these guys were canvassing my neighborhood last night. Actually managed to be home instead of at a happy hour somewhere - mistakenly I agreed to a free carpet cleaning. So this very cute girl comes in and starts giving her prepared spiel about how great the Kirby is compared to my $100 Hoover. I let her do her demo for a few hours. I already knew all the tricks.
1) Appeal to my emotion to save money
2) Get the person to talk about themselves - agree with whatever they say. For example I'm into running - so of course they are as well.
3) Use dust mites as a scare tactic.
4) At the end show the price - for me it was $2595. So when I didn't feel like I was buying - make a phone call to the 'manager' offering a better deal. So the price magically dropped to $1800, then one more phone call and it dropped to $1280. I basically said no matter what I wasn't buying. So then the backup arrives - a little guy comes in and basically gives me her same spiel all over again. I nod smile and say - yeah she told me that already. After about 30 minutes of me constantly saying no - they left. They even tried the you don't have to pay for 6 weeks deal on me.
So I searched the internet and found lots of high pressure sales tactics that they use. The 'lifetime' warranty isn't a 'true' lifetime. more like 3 years and life refurbishment replacement of parts.
So anytime I get an in home demo I take it, but just say no.
Honestly I was merely hoping for it to turn into a hot porn movie - but no such luck for me. Even after I put on the Barry White music. Maybe next time I'll accidentally spill water on her, so she can then take it off. But oh wait - I've got a T-shirt in my bedroom - here on my bed....
Bar Thursday
A Frenchman walks into a bar and he has a parrot on his shoulder. The parrot is wearing a baseball cap. And the bartender says, "Hey, that's neat — where did you get that?" And the parrot says, "France — they've got millions of them there."
A termite went in a bar and asked, "Is the bar tender here?"
A guy with dyslexia walks into a bra.
A kangaroo walks into a bar and orders a beer. The bartender says, "That'll be $10. You know, we don't get many kangaroos coming in here." The kangaroo says, "At $10 a beer, it's not hard to understand."
A termite went in a bar and asked, "Is the bar tender here?"
A guy with dyslexia walks into a bra.
A kangaroo walks into a bar and orders a beer. The bartender says, "That'll be $10. You know, we don't get many kangaroos coming in here." The kangaroo says, "At $10 a beer, it's not hard to understand."
Friday, September 21, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
...guy goes into a bar thursday
A guy goes into a bar followed by his pet giraffe, and they both get totally plastered. The giraffe passes out and the man gets up to leave.
The bartender says, "You can't leave that lyin' there."
The drunk says, "It's not a lion, it's a giraffe."
The bartender says, "You can't leave that lyin' there."
The drunk says, "It's not a lion, it's a giraffe."
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Just in Case You Were Wondering
Just in case you're were wondering on the correct procedure to use Listerine Breath Strips. Here are the directions along with the ingredients.
Directions
(1) First remove one Breath Strip from the convenient carrying case.
(2) Then place the Breath Strip on your tongue and let it dissolve. Use one Breath Strip as needed.
Ingredients
COOL MINT: Pullulan, Flavors, Menthol, Aspartame, Potassium Acesulfame, Copper Gluconate, Polysorbate 80, Carrageenan, Glyceryl Oleate, Eucalyptol, Methyl Salicylate, Thymol, Locust Bean Gum, Propylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, FD&C Green No 3.
PHENYLKETONURICS: CONTAINS PHENYLALANINE
I suppose this is done as opposed to eating all the strips at once or simply chewing the convenient carrying case. Although now I'm wondering if i get the same effect if i put the strip anywhere else on my body. Would be a very cool way to dispense medicines, chocolate, maybe illicit substances if you're into that kind of thing, or alcohol samples. Hey I think I may have a patent in there somewhere.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Thursday, September 13, 2007
...goes into a bar Thursday
This woman goes into her local bar and orders a Whiskey but unusually decides to stand at the bar instead of taking her usual seat. The bar man asked her "What's up" "Oh nothing" she replied "Its just that I have had some tatoos done on my thighs and they are a bit sore still". "Interesting" says the bar man "what are the tatoos?" "Well one thigh has a Turkey and the other thigh has a Christmas tree". Thinking it unusual the bar man asked "Why?" "Simple" she replies" My husband is always complaining about having nothing nice to eat between Thanksgiving and Christmas....."
A three legged dog limps into a saloon in the Old West.
He slides up to the bar orders a whiskey and announces "I'm looking for the man who shot my paw!!
A three legged dog limps into a saloon in the Old West.
He slides up to the bar orders a whiskey and announces "I'm looking for the man who shot my paw!!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Thursday, September 06, 2007
A Guy Goes Into a Bar Thursday
A guy goes into a bar ont he top of a very tall building. He sits down, orders a huge beer, chugs it, walks over to the window and jumps out.
Five minutes later, the guy walks into the bar again, orders another huge beer chugs it, walks over to the window, and jumps out again. Five minutes later, he reappears and repeats the whole thing.
About half an hour later, another guy at the bar stops the first guy and says: "Hey, how the heck are you doing that?" The first guy responds: "Oh its simple physics. When you chug the beer, it makes you all warm inside and, since warm air rises, if you just hold your breath you become lighter than air and float down to the sidewalk." "Wow!" exclaims the second man. "I gotta try that!" So he orders a huge beer, chugs it, goes over to the window, jumps out, and splats on the sidewalk below.
The bartender looks over to the first man and says: "You know, Superman, you act like a real jerk when you're drunk."
Five minutes later, the guy walks into the bar again, orders another huge beer chugs it, walks over to the window, and jumps out again. Five minutes later, he reappears and repeats the whole thing.
About half an hour later, another guy at the bar stops the first guy and says: "Hey, how the heck are you doing that?" The first guy responds: "Oh its simple physics. When you chug the beer, it makes you all warm inside and, since warm air rises, if you just hold your breath you become lighter than air and float down to the sidewalk." "Wow!" exclaims the second man. "I gotta try that!" So he orders a huge beer, chugs it, goes over to the window, jumps out, and splats on the sidewalk below.
The bartender looks over to the first man and says: "You know, Superman, you act like a real jerk when you're drunk."
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Band Setlist
Get Ready to Relive the 80's:
Band Setlist. Now accepting gigs for the fall and beyond.
Perfect for company gatherings, club happy hours, christmas parties.
home sweet hom
walk like an egyptian
don't you want me - human league
we built this city
whip it
99 red balloons
don't stop believin'
cars
i want a new drug
i want u to want me
summer of 69
i ran (so far away)
jenny (867-5309)
groove is in the heart
girls just wanna have fun
here i go again
still of the night - whitesnake
jessie's girl
Band Setlist. Now accepting gigs for the fall and beyond.
Perfect for company gatherings, club happy hours, christmas parties.
home sweet hom
walk like an egyptian
don't you want me - human league
we built this city
whip it
99 red balloons
don't stop believin'
cars
i want a new drug
i want u to want me
summer of 69
i ran (so far away)
jenny (867-5309)
groove is in the heart
girls just wanna have fun
here i go again
still of the night - whitesnake
jessie's girl
Sunday, August 26, 2007
just be yourself
So I'm hanging out at Sullivan's Steak House checking out the band with a few of my friends. I begin doing some small talk and dancing with a couple of women from Nigeria which is pretty cool in itself (yes - me chatting women up). So I'm trying to make small talk and thinking I'm getting nowhere near the end of the night - I go over and check on my friends and discuss my plans to come back and hit on the really hot bartender. Then one of the friends of Juliann and Priscilla come and wonder where I'm at - so I go outside and they want me and Russell to go hang out after hours at an African club. So I think - wow - I must've done something right. I never kiss and tell - but it was a very fun night and I managed not to tell one lie while talking to them tonight. I even told them I was a musician and an engineer - and they still kept dancing and talking to me.
So I think the moral of this story is - I'm proud I was myself tonight - though maybe as my friend said, You need a bit more BS skills. later.
I'm tired - it's a quarter to five and I've got band practice in a few hours.
New Phone to Me
A few pictures of my sad old cell phones.
My Old Nokia
My Old LG Phone (yes - that's duct tape)
My new cell phone - Sony Walkman Phone.
Yes that is duct tape that was holding my old phone together. So I recently upgraded my cell phone and got a pretty cool Sony Walkman phone - while it's no iPhone. It was free and didn't cost me $600 + $69 per month service. It's a pretty cool device - it sports an FM Radio and is also an MP3 player woo hoo - the best of both worlds for me. Except I doubt I'll be able to take hashing with me. Some guideline about no technology on trail. But as much as I roam and get lost I might just have to break the rules.
My Old Nokia
My Old LG Phone (yes - that's duct tape)
My new cell phone - Sony Walkman Phone.
Yes that is duct tape that was holding my old phone together. So I recently upgraded my cell phone and got a pretty cool Sony Walkman phone - while it's no iPhone. It was free and didn't cost me $600 + $69 per month service. It's a pretty cool device - it sports an FM Radio and is also an MP3 player woo hoo - the best of both worlds for me. Except I doubt I'll be able to take hashing with me. Some guideline about no technology on trail. But as much as I roam and get lost I might just have to break the rules.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
More Band Name Ideas....
So I think we may have narrowed our choices down to the following:
(a) Class of '89
(b) The Rubix or The Rubick's
(c) The Brunch Club
(d) Pop Culture
(a) Class of '89
(b) The Rubix or The Rubick's
(c) The Brunch Club
(d) Pop Culture
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Craiglist Personal Ads
Not sure if you guys check out the personal ads on Craigslist - but it's funny as hell. Here's one best of posting from someone in Houston about it.
*******************************************************************
(Yes, some people fall into more than one category. If I left you out I apologize.)
If all the posters from Houston Craig's List personals were together in one room there would be...
68 People just back from Starbucks and now posting a missed connection
18 Gay men posting a MC for a straight guy
37 People that would get fired for the things they post on RnR at work
19 BBWs looking for love in the wrong place
16 of which are morbidly obese
12 of which are also posting in Casual Encounters
1 of which had chicken wing in hand as she typed
63 People that like to use the term "Gayborhood"
737 People that think they are funnier than they are
698 People that think they are smarter than they are
48 "Str8" guys whose wives are out of town and they'd like to watch some sports with another guy and porn, "possibly j/o or blow each other, but nothing gay."
29 Gay men posing as women
16 Gay men posing as "Str8" guys
1 Woman posing as a Gay man
14 Transexuals posing as women
39 People that enjoy correcting spelling and grammar
18 of which have mistakes in their posts correcting others
7 of which spell grammar with an "e"
48 People who were naked when they posted.
29 People who were drunk when they posted.
2 Middle aged men one of which wants a son the other conspiracy theorist; they will become BFF
1 One smoking hot woman that said she was BBW thinking the BB in BBW meant Big Breasted (Fake that is)
782 People that don't know the difference between There, their, and they're
762 of which are also baffled by It's and Its
29 People that only type with caps lock
1761 People that ignore capitalization
302 of which ignore all grammer rules in general
6 People looking for a 420 hook up
2 People asking what 420 means
13 People looking to party with "Tina"
31 Fat guys in Hawaiian shirts just looking to party
17 Men with their wives out of town looking to "blow a bowl" then be a "bottom" for the "first time"
198 Men would be standing there with their penis out begging to get laid
198 of which posted as "drug a disease free"
42 of which used a picture of one of the other 198's penis as their own
32 of which their genitalia is bright shade of red
17 Dirty old men that say "Race, age, weight, ect don't matter lets just get it on."
167 Utter Jackasses
37 of which their lives will not be fulfilled until they get a Best of CL
12 People arguing with their own RnR alter-ego
1 Married Couple unwittingly exchanging emails with each other after a CE post
61 Women looking for a sugar daddy
3 of which are actually men
321 Women hoping to get the biggest fake boobs they can afford
167 People that don't know what discreet means
183 People that don't know what platonic means
106 People that spell Loser with two "O"s
39 People that post the same images over and over again with their R&R posts
38 of which think a post is not complete w/o 4 of said images
47 Men that like random household objects forcibly shoved up their rectum
18 Men using the platonic massage ploy to lure women
3 Men using a platonic massage ploy to lure men
8 Guys posting crotch shots in holey underwear in CE
19 men that respond to every W4M post with a shot of their penis and have given it a name
3 Men that have responded to every W4M post since the inception of Houston CL
15 People from out of state hating on Texas
243 People who should use a therapist as an outlet not Craig's List
102 Men posting in Strictly Platonic looking for an attractive female friend
102 of which hope that the friendship involves sex
1 of which is 42 years old and wants a son to carry on his family name
11 People posting LTR personals stating they have the herp-herp
3 of which also posted in CE as D&D Free
9 People that think D&D stands for Dungeons and Dragons
62 People that have used the term "asshat", "asswipe", "cuntstick", "fuckwad", or "fucktard" in the normal course of conversation this week.
102 Black women posting for LTRs
93 of which are seeking a SWM
1 of which hopes to turn said SWM into a gimp
103 Married men that answer personals not asking for married men
93 People that completely miss the humor in a post and have to make an angry reply
122 unemployed posters
32 of which posted personals
3 of which are homeless and posting from a local library
46 People posting from jail
87 frequent posters that often post saying they're a first time poster
73 Transvestites
3 of which teach 1st grade
136 Men looking to hook up with a tranny
2 Women looking for some hot tranny sex
293 Posters would qualify as mentally disabled
32 of which frequently post about politics
8 of which are severly disabled and don't know it
49 RnR posters that look just like Linda Blair in The Exorcist when George W. is brought up
3 People in full Ku Klux Klan regalia
203 People in full S&M regalia
23 of which currently have a ball gag in place
597 Haters
and
A countless number of people with nothing better to do but Craig's List at work
**********************************************************
*******************************************************************
(Yes, some people fall into more than one category. If I left you out I apologize.)
If all the posters from Houston Craig's List personals were together in one room there would be...
68 People just back from Starbucks and now posting a missed connection
18 Gay men posting a MC for a straight guy
37 People that would get fired for the things they post on RnR at work
19 BBWs looking for love in the wrong place
16 of which are morbidly obese
12 of which are also posting in Casual Encounters
1 of which had chicken wing in hand as she typed
63 People that like to use the term "Gayborhood"
737 People that think they are funnier than they are
698 People that think they are smarter than they are
48 "Str8" guys whose wives are out of town and they'd like to watch some sports with another guy and porn, "possibly j/o or blow each other, but nothing gay."
29 Gay men posing as women
16 Gay men posing as "Str8" guys
1 Woman posing as a Gay man
14 Transexuals posing as women
39 People that enjoy correcting spelling and grammar
18 of which have mistakes in their posts correcting others
7 of which spell grammar with an "e"
48 People who were naked when they posted.
29 People who were drunk when they posted.
2 Middle aged men one of which wants a son the other conspiracy theorist; they will become BFF
1 One smoking hot woman that said she was BBW thinking the BB in BBW meant Big Breasted (Fake that is)
782 People that don't know the difference between There, their, and they're
762 of which are also baffled by It's and Its
29 People that only type with caps lock
1761 People that ignore capitalization
302 of which ignore all grammer rules in general
6 People looking for a 420 hook up
2 People asking what 420 means
13 People looking to party with "Tina"
31 Fat guys in Hawaiian shirts just looking to party
17 Men with their wives out of town looking to "blow a bowl" then be a "bottom" for the "first time"
198 Men would be standing there with their penis out begging to get laid
198 of which posted as "drug a disease free"
42 of which used a picture of one of the other 198's penis as their own
32 of which their genitalia is bright shade of red
17 Dirty old men that say "Race, age, weight, ect don't matter lets just get it on."
167 Utter Jackasses
37 of which their lives will not be fulfilled until they get a Best of CL
12 People arguing with their own RnR alter-ego
1 Married Couple unwittingly exchanging emails with each other after a CE post
61 Women looking for a sugar daddy
3 of which are actually men
321 Women hoping to get the biggest fake boobs they can afford
167 People that don't know what discreet means
183 People that don't know what platonic means
106 People that spell Loser with two "O"s
39 People that post the same images over and over again with their R&R posts
38 of which think a post is not complete w/o 4 of said images
47 Men that like random household objects forcibly shoved up their rectum
18 Men using the platonic massage ploy to lure women
3 Men using a platonic massage ploy to lure men
8 Guys posting crotch shots in holey underwear in CE
19 men that respond to every W4M post with a shot of their penis and have given it a name
3 Men that have responded to every W4M post since the inception of Houston CL
15 People from out of state hating on Texas
243 People who should use a therapist as an outlet not Craig's List
102 Men posting in Strictly Platonic looking for an attractive female friend
102 of which hope that the friendship involves sex
1 of which is 42 years old and wants a son to carry on his family name
11 People posting LTR personals stating they have the herp-herp
3 of which also posted in CE as D&D Free
9 People that think D&D stands for Dungeons and Dragons
62 People that have used the term "asshat", "asswipe", "cuntstick", "fuckwad", or "fucktard" in the normal course of conversation this week.
102 Black women posting for LTRs
93 of which are seeking a SWM
1 of which hopes to turn said SWM into a gimp
103 Married men that answer personals not asking for married men
93 People that completely miss the humor in a post and have to make an angry reply
122 unemployed posters
32 of which posted personals
3 of which are homeless and posting from a local library
46 People posting from jail
87 frequent posters that often post saying they're a first time poster
73 Transvestites
3 of which teach 1st grade
136 Men looking to hook up with a tranny
2 Women looking for some hot tranny sex
293 Posters would qualify as mentally disabled
32 of which frequently post about politics
8 of which are severly disabled and don't know it
49 RnR posters that look just like Linda Blair in The Exorcist when George W. is brought up
3 People in full Ku Klux Klan regalia
203 People in full S&M regalia
23 of which currently have a ball gag in place
597 Haters
and
A countless number of people with nothing better to do but Craig's List at work
**********************************************************
to the girl at the store with the cleavage
when you got up in the morning and got dressed, you chose to wear an outfit that partly reveals your boobs. you have a mirror. you knew. i didn't force you to wear it.
in fact, when you bought this item, you knew that you were going to wear it, in public, and it would be revealing your tits a little (or a lot). make no mistake, i applaud you for this. but what i'm getting at, is that we both know you were showing off your rack. don't lie, it's not very subtle. and don't pretend it's a fashion thing. it's a hooter thing.
so when you buy the top, and wear it, in the summer, in public, and you're going to stand in front of me, guess what.
I'm going to look at your boobs.
first off, you should be flattered. i looked at them because they are nice. you should be upset if you were showing off your knockers and i didn't look at them. actually, them being nice is why i looked at them repeatedly. the first peek was more of an instinct. guy-instinct. we can't help it. after that, we just want to see as much of it as we can. to us, boobs are like the Godfather parts I and II. we can watch them over and over and never get tired of them.
anyway, yea, i looked at your cans. a bunch of times, actually. now, i understand no one likes to be stared at. this is why i did in fact look around the rest of the store to see if there was anything else interesting to look at. unfortunately there were no other hot babes, no bums, no cute babies, no one was wearing a Slayer reign in blood tour shirt. nothing. so i went back to your melons. sorry. it was a boring ride, and they were right in front of me. but i think you forget that i was nice enough to focus on your funbags, as opposed to alternating between them and trying to make eyecontact. now that would have been ungentlemen-like. i realise no one finds true love over a pair of jugs in the fruit section. it's just not realistic. so i kept my head down, stood in a position as to be not overly obvious about my staring, made sure i didn't get a semi (i got real close once, but i handled it), and tried to be as polite about the situation as possible.
so anyway, i just thought you should know my point of view on what happened. i am not a pervert. i was just a man. a man who saw something that pulled his mind out of the daily routine, and i held onto it dearly (not literally, ofcourse, though that would have been pretty sick). but as you can tell from this long posting, i do feel slightly bad about my behaviour. so to make up for it, i have decided, with pain in my heart, to release you from my spank bank.
i think it is fair to say we are even now. i think i did see a hint of slight animal lust in your eyes when you gave me that annoyed look and got out of there quick. so if you are reading this, baby, i'd really like to take you on a trip... a motor boating trip.
in fact, when you bought this item, you knew that you were going to wear it, in public, and it would be revealing your tits a little (or a lot). make no mistake, i applaud you for this. but what i'm getting at, is that we both know you were showing off your rack. don't lie, it's not very subtle. and don't pretend it's a fashion thing. it's a hooter thing.
so when you buy the top, and wear it, in the summer, in public, and you're going to stand in front of me, guess what.
I'm going to look at your boobs.
first off, you should be flattered. i looked at them because they are nice. you should be upset if you were showing off your knockers and i didn't look at them. actually, them being nice is why i looked at them repeatedly. the first peek was more of an instinct. guy-instinct. we can't help it. after that, we just want to see as much of it as we can. to us, boobs are like the Godfather parts I and II. we can watch them over and over and never get tired of them.
anyway, yea, i looked at your cans. a bunch of times, actually. now, i understand no one likes to be stared at. this is why i did in fact look around the rest of the store to see if there was anything else interesting to look at. unfortunately there were no other hot babes, no bums, no cute babies, no one was wearing a Slayer reign in blood tour shirt. nothing. so i went back to your melons. sorry. it was a boring ride, and they were right in front of me. but i think you forget that i was nice enough to focus on your funbags, as opposed to alternating between them and trying to make eyecontact. now that would have been ungentlemen-like. i realise no one finds true love over a pair of jugs in the fruit section. it's just not realistic. so i kept my head down, stood in a position as to be not overly obvious about my staring, made sure i didn't get a semi (i got real close once, but i handled it), and tried to be as polite about the situation as possible.
so anyway, i just thought you should know my point of view on what happened. i am not a pervert. i was just a man. a man who saw something that pulled his mind out of the daily routine, and i held onto it dearly (not literally, ofcourse, though that would have been pretty sick). but as you can tell from this long posting, i do feel slightly bad about my behaviour. so to make up for it, i have decided, with pain in my heart, to release you from my spank bank.
i think it is fair to say we are even now. i think i did see a hint of slight animal lust in your eyes when you gave me that annoyed look and got out of there quick. so if you are reading this, baby, i'd really like to take you on a trip... a motor boating trip.
It's About Time Bats Get Recognition
From the article in the Houston Chronicle:
Researcher's want to cast bats in a new light.
Embodiment of evil
From the medieval Christian artists depicting Lucifer with bat wings to pop culture portraying bats as blood-sucking villains, these mammals have become an embodiment of death and evil. The group is publishing a bilingual children's book and DVD Frankie the Free-tailed Bat, that describes a "year in a life of a Mexican free-tailed bat," to challenge the common stereotype.
"Bats are victims of superstitions and myth, they are feared and destroyed without people knowing what kind of value they provide," said Patricia Morton, a project leader with the Texas Parks and Wildlife. "This is the most important research that demonstrates the value of bats in large numbers."
The bat's reputation already has seen some changes.
The theory that massive numbers of bats migrate to Texas chasing insects first emerged in the early 1990s, when local meteorologists detected two large clouds in the areas but no storm activity.
Scientists discovered the clouds were colonies of bats eating insects, but it took them a decade to find a precise way to measure their numbers.
Monday, August 20, 2007
swimming lessons
so i managed to avoid swimming at the hash today. i took the 4 mile walker trail and upon hearing about trail - was glad i wanked out today.
i was talking to another hasher about this today. i guess i'm a decent swimmer in a pool doing laps in 4-5 feet in a pool. but maybe it's some irrational fear about not being able to touch the bottom of a pool or lake that makes me freak out. so i probably should take some adult swim lessons and get over it - or next time bring a boogie board or my own flotation devices to help me get through the swim portions of trail.
i was talking to another hasher about this today. i guess i'm a decent swimmer in a pool doing laps in 4-5 feet in a pool. but maybe it's some irrational fear about not being able to touch the bottom of a pool or lake that makes me freak out. so i probably should take some adult swim lessons and get over it - or next time bring a boogie board or my own flotation devices to help me get through the swim portions of trail.
Being Single
Okay another 'being single' posting.
This topic came up today at the hash. There was a harriette who recently became single after having dated someone for quite a long time. And once they were officially disengaged or no longer together - not two weeks later she has found another person as she described it 'she's hooked up with'.
So are some people just destined to be as I would call it 'WSO' - with significant other and others of us have trouble finding that significant other to be with. I thought 'art girl' was a potential - but I think the hash scared her away. I seem to find that taking first dates to hash parties is not such a good idea.
But just doing some informal research I find that most people meet their wife, girlfriend, significant other through friends. I have yet to meet anyone who is married to someone they meet in a bar at happy hour. Most people met while in college or through friends. So anyone have any single friends they'd like to see date me.
Also - in my quest for love here's what I'm going to do:
1) Get out more - be more social (more happy hours)
2) More online dating
3) Become more active - ballroom dancing, salsa dancing, running in the park more
4) Ask anyone and everyone out
5) Keep asking friends if they have any co-workers that are single.
This topic came up today at the hash. There was a harriette who recently became single after having dated someone for quite a long time. And once they were officially disengaged or no longer together - not two weeks later she has found another person as she described it 'she's hooked up with'.
So are some people just destined to be as I would call it 'WSO' - with significant other and others of us have trouble finding that significant other to be with. I thought 'art girl' was a potential - but I think the hash scared her away. I seem to find that taking first dates to hash parties is not such a good idea.
But just doing some informal research I find that most people meet their wife, girlfriend, significant other through friends. I have yet to meet anyone who is married to someone they meet in a bar at happy hour. Most people met while in college or through friends. So anyone have any single friends they'd like to see date me.
Also - in my quest for love here's what I'm going to do:
1) Get out more - be more social (more happy hours)
2) More online dating
3) Become more active - ballroom dancing, salsa dancing, running in the park more
4) Ask anyone and everyone out
5) Keep asking friends if they have any co-workers that are single.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Most Common Passwords
I hope none of you guys use any of these passwords:
1. password
2. 123456
3. qwerty
4. abc123
5. letmein
6. monkey
7. myspace1
8. password1
9. link182
10. (your first name)
1. password
2. 123456
3. qwerty
4. abc123
5. letmein
6. monkey
7. myspace1
8. password1
9. link182
10. (your first name)
Most Recalled Vehicles - 2007
Most Recalled Vehicles of 2007
So much for vaunted foreign car quality. VW - 1 million cars, Toyota - 533k cars. Okay - where do I start my rant about automotive quality and perception that American brands are perceived as less than foreign brands.
2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
1,002,000 units affected
2007 Toyota Sequoia
533,124
2007 Jeep Liberty
149,605
2007 Nissan Altima
140,582
2007 Hyundai Tucson
128,300
2007 Dodge Nitro, Jeep Wrangler
80,894
2007 Suzuki Forenza, Reno
75,697
2007 Volkswagen Passat, Passat Wagon
58,800
2007 Chrysler Sebring and 300; Dodge Caliber, Magnum, Charger and Nitro; Jeep Compass, Liberty, Commander, Grand Cherokee, and Jeep Wrangler
50,665
2007 Infiniti G35 Coupe
23,934
2007 Chevrolet Aveo
17,676
2007 Nissan Versa
16,309
2007 GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook
13,032
2007 Ford Expedition
10,061
So much for vaunted foreign car quality. VW - 1 million cars, Toyota - 533k cars. Okay - where do I start my rant about automotive quality and perception that American brands are perceived as less than foreign brands.
2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
1,002,000 units affected
2007 Toyota Sequoia
533,124
2007 Jeep Liberty
149,605
2007 Nissan Altima
140,582
2007 Hyundai Tucson
128,300
2007 Dodge Nitro, Jeep Wrangler
80,894
2007 Suzuki Forenza, Reno
75,697
2007 Volkswagen Passat, Passat Wagon
58,800
2007 Chrysler Sebring and 300; Dodge Caliber, Magnum, Charger and Nitro; Jeep Compass, Liberty, Commander, Grand Cherokee, and Jeep Wrangler
50,665
2007 Infiniti G35 Coupe
23,934
2007 Chevrolet Aveo
17,676
2007 Nissan Versa
16,309
2007 GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook
13,032
2007 Ford Expedition
10,061
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Need a Band Name
Need a name for my new band -
we'll play mostly 80's music with a splash of hits from the 90's and today.
Here are a few suggestions:
The 80's Collective
Project 80s
Projekt 80's
Breakfast Club
The Brunch Club
The Reagan Cats
Reaganomics
Chaka MAD Band (my former band name)
The Breakfast Collective
8090 Band
we'll play mostly 80's music with a splash of hits from the 90's and today.
Here are a few suggestions:
The 80's Collective
Project 80s
Projekt 80's
Breakfast Club
The Brunch Club
The Reagan Cats
Reaganomics
Chaka MAD Band (my former band name)
The Breakfast Collective
8090 Band
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
More reasons to scout trail from your computer
more good scouting tools.
maps.google.com now has a street view for houston. This lets you get a birds eye view of a city. just like you're walking the street.
Article in the chronicle
maps.google.com now has a street view for houston. This lets you get a birds eye view of a city. just like you're walking the street.
Article in the chronicle
I Hate Crocs Website
Never knew there was so much hatred toward a pair of shoes.
I Hate Crocs
gives me a few ideas for new blogs...
WindowsRules.blogspot.com
Shutupandhash.blogspot.com
Hashmorebitchless.blogspot.com
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Powered Kayaks
This would be great for cruising down Buffalo Bayou. I'm sure Grind Slut would enjoy it. More information is here.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Always unplug your computer before working on it...
A 20-year-old student in Shanghai, China, was electrocuted Monday when he opened his computer's external case while the machine was still on, the Shanghai Daily reported.
The man, identified only by the common family name of Wu, had apparently opened his PC's case to prevent its central processing chip from overheating — because he didn't want to turn his air conditioning on. His sweaty legs came into contact with the computer's internal wiring, likely causing a short circuit.
According to the newspaper, which drew from a report in the Chinese-language Eastday.com, police and medical respondents found blood in the dead man's nostrils and bruises on his legs. The computer's internal voltage can reach as high as 380 volts in power-storage capacitors, which is enough to give a deadly shock. Powering down and unplugging the machine for a few minutes before opening it would have spared the man's life.
The man, identified only by the common family name of Wu, had apparently opened his PC's case to prevent its central processing chip from overheating — because he didn't want to turn his air conditioning on. His sweaty legs came into contact with the computer's internal wiring, likely causing a short circuit.
According to the newspaper, which drew from a report in the Chinese-language Eastday.com, police and medical respondents found blood in the dead man's nostrils and bruises on his legs. The computer's internal voltage can reach as high as 380 volts in power-storage capacitors, which is enough to give a deadly shock. Powering down and unplugging the machine for a few minutes before opening it would have spared the man's life.
No iPhone for You
NASA to employees: 'No iPhone for you!'
One of the gripes about the iPhone outlined in Dwight Silverman's review in today's Computing column is that it doesn't work well as a business device. Apparently, IT managers at NASA agrees with him.
From InformationWeek:
The space agency has determined the iPhone "not to be enterprise ready," according to the minutes of a July 10 meeting of NASA tech officials obtained by InformationWeek.
According to the minutes, the decision was made by officials within NASA's ODIN program office. ODIN, or Outsourcing Desktop Initiative For NASA, is a program under which NASA is outsourcing computer supply and support to private-sector companies.
The meeting minutes viewed by InformationWeek didn't indicate why NASA officials feel the iPhone isn't ready for prime time as a business tool. However, analysts at IT research firm Gartner last month issued a research bulletin on the iPhone that outlined a range of concerns.
Among them: lack of support from major device management and mobile security software suites, lack of removable batteries, and Apple's exclusive contract with network provider AT&T.
Not "enterprise ready," eh? Insert your own Star Trek joke here.
NASA did approve the RIM BlackBerry 8800 and the Palm Treo 750 for employee use, however.
One of the gripes about the iPhone outlined in Dwight Silverman's review in today's Computing column is that it doesn't work well as a business device. Apparently, IT managers at NASA agrees with him.
From InformationWeek:
The space agency has determined the iPhone "not to be enterprise ready," according to the minutes of a July 10 meeting of NASA tech officials obtained by InformationWeek.
According to the minutes, the decision was made by officials within NASA's ODIN program office. ODIN, or Outsourcing Desktop Initiative For NASA, is a program under which NASA is outsourcing computer supply and support to private-sector companies.
The meeting minutes viewed by InformationWeek didn't indicate why NASA officials feel the iPhone isn't ready for prime time as a business tool. However, analysts at IT research firm Gartner last month issued a research bulletin on the iPhone that outlined a range of concerns.
Among them: lack of support from major device management and mobile security software suites, lack of removable batteries, and Apple's exclusive contract with network provider AT&T.
Not "enterprise ready," eh? Insert your own Star Trek joke here.
NASA did approve the RIM BlackBerry 8800 and the Palm Treo 750 for employee use, however.
Apple Fan Boy Fetish
This one's for Pipes and other people with a steve jobs fetish.
Apple releases slew of fixes, and first patch for iPhone
The iPhone's early possessors have been anxiously awaiting software updates for Apple, hoping new bits would bring new capabilities, such as allowing custom ringtones or compatibility with Exchange e-mail servers.
Well, the first iPatch for The Object of Your Desire is here, but it brings no new powers. Instead, it fixes security flaws in the existing ones. Specifically, it fixes five issues in Safari and Web-related components of the iPhone.
In addition, Apple released an update for the various versions of the Mac OS X that fixes 24 different issues. There's also an update for the beta of Safari 3.0 that fixes security vulnerabilities in both the Macintosh and Windows versions.
Finally, there's also an update for the AirPort Wi-Fi cards in all Intel-based Macs. There are no details on what patch does, other than that it "improves the reliability of AirPort connections."
Mac owners can get their fixes via Software Update. The Safari update for Windows users is here.
And to update the iPhone, connect it to your computer and iTunes will handle the chore. Note that, after the update is complete, your phone will reactivate with AT&T.
Apple releases slew of fixes, and first patch for iPhone
The iPhone's early possessors have been anxiously awaiting software updates for Apple, hoping new bits would bring new capabilities, such as allowing custom ringtones or compatibility with Exchange e-mail servers.
Well, the first iPatch for The Object of Your Desire is here, but it brings no new powers. Instead, it fixes security flaws in the existing ones. Specifically, it fixes five issues in Safari and Web-related components of the iPhone.
In addition, Apple released an update for the various versions of the Mac OS X that fixes 24 different issues. There's also an update for the beta of Safari 3.0 that fixes security vulnerabilities in both the Macintosh and Windows versions.
Finally, there's also an update for the AirPort Wi-Fi cards in all Intel-based Macs. There are no details on what patch does, other than that it "improves the reliability of AirPort connections."
Mac owners can get their fixes via Software Update. The Safari update for Windows users is here.
And to update the iPhone, connect it to your computer and iTunes will handle the chore. Note that, after the update is complete, your phone will reactivate with AT&T.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Figured You Out
So I think I've finally figured women out. Here's what they want:
1. GRG - Grand Romantic Gestures
Candlelights
Flowers delivered to work
Phone calls everyday asking how was your day
So do I have it right?
1. GRG - Grand Romantic Gestures
Candlelights
Flowers delivered to work
Phone calls everyday asking how was your day
So do I have it right?
Monday, July 16, 2007
Cashless Society
I love technology. I literally no longer have to carry cash except for trips to the hash and I'm waiting for the day the Houston Hash takes debit cards. Was at Wal-Mart recently and gave the cashier a blank check - she ran it through the check machine, it read my information, printed the check and processed the debit instantly. I love it.
So McDonalds now takes debit cards - even for my $3.17 Filet o' Fish Extra Value Meal, I know it's all processed fish, but that's my one guilty pleasure at McDonald's.
So McDonalds now takes debit cards - even for my $3.17 Filet o' Fish Extra Value Meal, I know it's all processed fish, but that's my one guilty pleasure at McDonald's.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Starting another band
So I've decided to start up another band. Not sure if I've talked to most of you guys about this - but want to start a 80's tribute band playing all the cheesy hits everyone loves. Another thing which might be cool - is have a karaoke set where people come up and sing with the band. With this band I want to do more than just play music - I want to entertain the crowd.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Do Computer Backups Today
I highly recommend everyone back up their computer data 'yesterday'. Just had another motherboard crash on me. While it's not that big of a deal - I did lose some good porn, a few mp3s, pictures, and new websites I was working on. I highly suggest an external hard drive solution, other options are online backup storage, and storing data onto DVD discs. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Friday, June 29, 2007
cheesy post
saw this on another blog or myspace, i really can't remember. but it's cheesy.
I'm sorry
that i bought you roses
to tell you that i like you
I'm sorry
That I was raised with respect
not to sleep with you when you were drunk
I'm sorry
That my body's not ripped enough to "satisfy" your wants
I'm sorry
that I open your car door, and pull out your chair like I was raised
I'm sorry
That I'm not cute enough
to be "your guy"
I'm sorry
That I am actually nice;
not a jerk
I'm sorry
I don't have a huge bank account
to buy you expensive things
I'm sorry
I like to spend quality nights at home
cuddling with you, instead of at a club
I'm sorry
I would rather make love to you then just screw you like some random guy.
I'm sorry
That I am always the one you need to talk to, but never good enough to date
I'm sorry
That I always held your hair back when you threw up,and didn't get mad at you for puking in my car,
but when we went out you went home with another guy
I'm sorry
That I am there to pick you up at 4am when your new man hit you and dropped you off in the middle of nowhere, but not good enough to listen to me when I need a friend
I'm sorry
If I start not being there, and being used as a door mat, only to be thrown to the side when the new jerk comes around
I'm sorry
If I don't answer my phone anymore when you call, to listen to you cry for hours, instead of getting a couple hours of sleep before work
I'm sorry that you can't realize.. I've been the one all along.
I'm sorry
If you read this and know somebody like this but don't care
But most of all
I'm sorry
For not being sorry anymore
I'm sorry
That you can't accept me for who I am
I'm sorry
I can never do anything right, and nothing that I do is good
enough to make it in your world.
I'm sorry
I caught your bf with another girl and told you about it, I thought that was what friends were for...
I'm sorry
That I told you I loved you and actually meant it.
I'm sorry
That I talked to you for nine hours on Thanksgiving when your bf was threatening you instead of spending time with my family.
I'm Sorry
That i cared
I'm sorry
that I listen to you at night talking about how you wish you could have done something different.
Ladies always complain and gripe to their friends that there is never any good guys out there, and they always end up with assholes who mistreat them. Well ladies next time you're complaining, maybe look up to see who you're complaining to, maybe that special someone is right there hanging on your every word as usual, screaming in his head "Why won't you give me a chance?"
Because the person you are usually searching for is right by you.
I'm sorry
that i bought you roses
to tell you that i like you
I'm sorry
That I was raised with respect
not to sleep with you when you were drunk
I'm sorry
That my body's not ripped enough to "satisfy" your wants
I'm sorry
that I open your car door, and pull out your chair like I was raised
I'm sorry
That I'm not cute enough
to be "your guy"
I'm sorry
That I am actually nice;
not a jerk
I'm sorry
I don't have a huge bank account
to buy you expensive things
I'm sorry
I like to spend quality nights at home
cuddling with you, instead of at a club
I'm sorry
I would rather make love to you then just screw you like some random guy.
I'm sorry
That I am always the one you need to talk to, but never good enough to date
I'm sorry
That I always held your hair back when you threw up,and didn't get mad at you for puking in my car,
but when we went out you went home with another guy
I'm sorry
That I am there to pick you up at 4am when your new man hit you and dropped you off in the middle of nowhere, but not good enough to listen to me when I need a friend
I'm sorry
If I start not being there, and being used as a door mat, only to be thrown to the side when the new jerk comes around
I'm sorry
If I don't answer my phone anymore when you call, to listen to you cry for hours, instead of getting a couple hours of sleep before work
I'm sorry that you can't realize.. I've been the one all along.
I'm sorry
If you read this and know somebody like this but don't care
But most of all
I'm sorry
For not being sorry anymore
I'm sorry
That you can't accept me for who I am
I'm sorry
I can never do anything right, and nothing that I do is good
enough to make it in your world.
I'm sorry
I caught your bf with another girl and told you about it, I thought that was what friends were for...
I'm sorry
That I told you I loved you and actually meant it.
I'm sorry
That I talked to you for nine hours on Thanksgiving when your bf was threatening you instead of spending time with my family.
I'm Sorry
That i cared
I'm sorry
that I listen to you at night talking about how you wish you could have done something different.
Ladies always complain and gripe to their friends that there is never any good guys out there, and they always end up with assholes who mistreat them. Well ladies next time you're complaining, maybe look up to see who you're complaining to, maybe that special someone is right there hanging on your every word as usual, screaming in his head "Why won't you give me a chance?"
Because the person you are usually searching for is right by you.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
tuesday happy hour
Partying like a rock star at the Flying Saucer. Just showing my friend, Jeff, from Atlanta a good time in downtown Houston - thanks Sahara.
1. Flying Saucer
2. Irish Pub
3. Cabo (great booty all over the place)
4. Back to Flying Saucer
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Whole Foods-The Whole Truth
Taken from Money Magazine:
Whole Foods, the nation's popular and fast-growing chain of "healthy" supermarkets, makes you feel good about groceries the moment you enter.
Its mountains of lustrous produce, farmer's-market ambience and declared mission to provide you with the freshest natural and organic products make it seem as though you're doing a good deed for yourself and the environment.
But not everything at Whole Foods is all that wholesome. And buying there could cost you a lot more than at other supermarkets - which is why some dub the store "Whole Paycheck."
Many contend that the real damage done to the earth by fruits and veggies is not how they are grown but how much fuel has to be burned to get them to you. After all, those organic strawberries didn't walk from Mexico.
Whole Foods offers only a limited supply of local produce. Even in summer months, no more than 30 percent of the produce in the average Whole Foods store is grown locally - but it is clearly labeled.
On one visit, just the veggies above were local. In early spring, only rhubarb was available.
Just because you are in a Whole Foods, don't think that everything you see on the shelves is healthful.
Whole Foods Golden Rounds crackers, for instance, have slightly more calories and fat per serving than the Ritz crackers they imitate.
Of course, if Whole Foods didn't stock at least some junk food, you'd have to make a stop at another store - burning more gas to get your chips.
According to the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, soft-skinned fruits and veggies, like peaches, apples and bell peppers, retain the most amount of pesticides. So buying organic versions makes sense.
Onions, avocados and corn are practically pesticide-free whether they are organically grown or not.
Foodnews.org, the research group's website, lists conventionally grown fruits and vegetables by pesticide content.
And yes, you can get chicken breasts and organic milk at competitive prices ($4.50 a pound and $5 a gallon), and find a bargain on bulk dried cereal.
Also, products carrying the "365" label, the store's in-house brand, are generally good deals compared with other options on the shelf (though not with store brands at other supermarkets).
However, you will pay plenty for stuff you won't find elsewhere - heirloom arugula, Icelandic low-fat yogurt and organic frozen chicken potpies.
But aren't those the exotic items you really came for?
The store diligently lists the ingredients that go into its meat loaf and macaroni and cheese, but it doesn't provide nutritional information on any of its in-store prepared foods.
So while that vegan oatmeal scone tastes delicious and sounds healthy, you have no way of knowing whether it is better for you than the scallion cheddar one sitting next to it - or, for that matter, the cheese Danish from Dunkin' Donuts down the street.
Ditto for household items such as dishwashing detergent. The largest component in most cleaners - organic or not - is water.
The "green" soaps and detergents may be less harmful to the environment (because they have no phosphates), but they don't necessarily remove the dirt any better than Tide or Cascade.
Whole Foods, the nation's popular and fast-growing chain of "healthy" supermarkets, makes you feel good about groceries the moment you enter.
Its mountains of lustrous produce, farmer's-market ambience and declared mission to provide you with the freshest natural and organic products make it seem as though you're doing a good deed for yourself and the environment.
But not everything at Whole Foods is all that wholesome. And buying there could cost you a lot more than at other supermarkets - which is why some dub the store "Whole Paycheck."
Produce has a carbon footprint
Sad to say, you probably won't help the environment that much by shopping at Whole Foods.Many contend that the real damage done to the earth by fruits and veggies is not how they are grown but how much fuel has to be burned to get them to you. After all, those organic strawberries didn't walk from Mexico.
Whole Foods offers only a limited supply of local produce. Even in summer months, no more than 30 percent of the produce in the average Whole Foods store is grown locally - but it is clearly labeled.
On one visit, just the veggies above were local. In early spring, only rhubarb was available.
It's still junk food
Whole Foods doesn't carry any food containing transfats or artificial coloring. But that's the extent of its nutritional screening.Just because you are in a Whole Foods, don't think that everything you see on the shelves is healthful.
Whole Foods Golden Rounds crackers, for instance, have slightly more calories and fat per serving than the Ritz crackers they imitate.
Of course, if Whole Foods didn't stock at least some junk food, you'd have to make a stop at another store - burning more gas to get your chips.
Not everything has to be organic
Whole Foods is famous for offering a wide variety of organic fruits and vegetables. But organic produce, which is grown without pesticides, costs 20 percent more on average than the store's conventionally grown produce.According to the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, soft-skinned fruits and veggies, like peaches, apples and bell peppers, retain the most amount of pesticides. So buying organic versions makes sense.
Onions, avocados and corn are practically pesticide-free whether they are organically grown or not.
Foodnews.org, the research group's website, lists conventionally grown fruits and vegetables by pesticide content.
The values are relative
To combat its reputation for priciness, the chain recently started tagging good values.And yes, you can get chicken breasts and organic milk at competitive prices ($4.50 a pound and $5 a gallon), and find a bargain on bulk dried cereal.
Also, products carrying the "365" label, the store's in-house brand, are generally good deals compared with other options on the shelf (though not with store brands at other supermarkets).
However, you will pay plenty for stuff you won't find elsewhere - heirloom arugula, Icelandic low-fat yogurt and organic frozen chicken potpies.
But aren't those the exotic items you really came for?
No calorie counting here
With traditional grocery stores now stocking the organic brands that originally drew shoppers to Whole Foods, the chain is adding to its offerings of in-store prepared foods.The store diligently lists the ingredients that go into its meat loaf and macaroni and cheese, but it doesn't provide nutritional information on any of its in-store prepared foods.
So while that vegan oatmeal scone tastes delicious and sounds healthy, you have no way of knowing whether it is better for you than the scallion cheddar one sitting next to it - or, for that matter, the cheese Danish from Dunkin' Donuts down the street.
Don't get taken to the cleaners
In its "Whole Body" department, Whole Foods offers a variety of "organic" soaps and health supplements. But there is no recognized "organic" standard in the personal-care industry.Ditto for household items such as dishwashing detergent. The largest component in most cleaners - organic or not - is water.
The "green" soaps and detergents may be less harmful to the environment (because they have no phosphates), but they don't necessarily remove the dirt any better than Tide or Cascade.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
New ESPN Programming
Shamelessly stolen from the onion.
ESPN Courts Female Viewers With World's Emotionally Strongest Man Competition
BRISTOL, CT—Sports broadcasting giant ESPN, whose programming has long been a staple among male television viewers of all ages, made its first foray into women's sports programming with the introduction of the World's Emotionally Strongest Man Competition Monday.
The hour-long weekly show, which will run opposite ABC's Monday Night Football, features an international cast of powerfully caring, emotionally resilient, deeply sensitive men pushing themselves and each other to the limit with astounding feats of inner strength in domestic settings around the country.
During the show's premiere, a two-hour special titled "Manhattan Blowout," competitors put their bodies, minds, and spirits to the test in events ranging from the brutal grind of "Enduring Quietly As She Takes Her Hard Day At Work Out On You," to the agility-straining "Throwing A Last-Minute Surprise Party For A Despised Mother-In-Law," to the ultimate combination of strength and finesse, "Helping Her Over The Death Of The Cat That Always Hated You."
"We've always been interested in expanding our brand to involve fans of every possible stripe," said ESPN president George Bodenheimer at the gala WESMC premiere party at the ESPN Zone restaurant in Times Square Monday. "When we looked at our viewers, it was immediately apparent that—figure skating, cheerleading, and gymnastics aside—women were the largest single group we were missing. This new show was designed from the ground up to give them the kind of deep, meaningful competitive experience they don't get from normal sports-entertainment shows."
Over 13 million viewers tuned in for the premiere, which saw Manhattan photographer Barry Peters pull to a strong early lead in overall points with his artful, complaint-free performance in the "Synchronized Cooking And Consolation" event, during which Peters prepared a near-flawless zucchini-pepper ratatouille while effortlessly lifting the spirits of his partner, the challenging and highly unpredictable Christy Ericsson, by convincing her that she was in fact better off without that long-anticipated promotion.
Other strong overall performances were turned in by Martin "There, There" Richards, a graphic designer who remembered to make his wife's beloved tapioca pudding on the anniversary—not of their marriage—but of their first date; Garth "The Embrace" Josephsen, who maintained some form of reassuring but undemanding physical contact with his fiancée for nine consecutive hours; and Ben "Soulmate" Siegel, who made his girlfriend laugh despite her belief that minor weight gain and childlessness were ruining her life.
"It was perfect, honestly," said tear-prone football coach and WESMC host Dick Vermeil, who taped the show's 13 episodes earlier this summer so that he would be free to lead the Kansas City Chiefs without any heart-rending distractions. "We couldn't have asked for a better debut. Even the guys who didn't do as well as they wanted did their honest best, and we had no breakups or severely hurt feelings, despite some relatively large missteps."
According to Vermeil, one competitor, Patrick "Gusher" Johnson, overcorrected a brief moment of thoughtlessness with a hasty and inappropriate marriage proposal, straining his trust almost to the breaking point. He also noted that "Magnanimous" Ver Magnusson, the lone Icelandic entrant, may have tripped himself up with his longtime companion Marta by compensating for his terse nature with an "almost creepy" overabundance of expensive gifts.
Early reviews of the show have been overwhelmingly positive, with the target audience responding precisely as ESPN had hoped.
"WESMC is exactly the kind of thing I've always wanted in a competitive event," said viewer Emma Michaels, who posted her approval on the show's web site. "The way these talented emotional athletes can be so strong for others, bearing up under the crushing weight of sadness, shouldering the burdens of a fully mature relationship, never taking the cop-out of ‘letting a woman down easy,' and never cheating… This is the way these games are meant to be played."
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Slave to the Grind
Slave to the Grind - Skid Row
(i feel like this every time my alarm clock goes off)
You got me forced to crack
my lids in two
I'm still stuck inside this rubber room
I gotta punch the clock that
leads the blind
I'm just another gear in the assembly
line - oh no
The noose gets tighter around my throat
But I ain't at the end of my rope 'cause
I won't be the one left behind
Can't be king of the world
If you're slave to the grind
Tear down the rat racial slime
Can't be king of the world
If you're slave to the grind
Get it?
A routine injection, a lethal dose
But my day in the sun ain't even close
There's no need to waste
your prayers on me
You better mark my words
'cause I'm history
Yes indeed
You might beg for mercy to get by
But I'd rather tear this thorn from my side
I won't be the one left behind
You can't be king of the world
If you're slave to the grind
Tear down the rat racial slime
Can't be king of the world
If you're slave to the grind
They swallowed thier daggers by turning their trick
They tore my intentions apart brick by brick
I'm sick of the jive
You talk verbal insecticide
I won't be the one left behind
You can't be king of the world
If you're slave to the grind
Tear down the rat racial slime
You can't be king of the world
If you're slave to the grind
career change
so i'm looking to do a career change. so here's my list of what i'm good at.
project management
use of technology to cut costs and improve productivity
business analysis
consumer product design
mechanical design
manufacturing processes
have my mba - so i would also consider a junior level management position or marketing. would love to get into the marketing side since i've been on the engineering / design side for so long.
my resume if you're interested
also considering being a mobile disc jockey in my spare time
i've got the music, the lights, the sound system and can sync everything to computers for a very good multimedia demonstration. perfect for a bar, house party, wedding, etc. so if you guys know of any companies, clubs, people that need a DJ let me know.
project management
use of technology to cut costs and improve productivity
business analysis
consumer product design
mechanical design
manufacturing processes
have my mba - so i would also consider a junior level management position or marketing. would love to get into the marketing side since i've been on the engineering / design side for so long.
my resume if you're interested
also considering being a mobile disc jockey in my spare time
i've got the music, the lights, the sound system and can sync everything to computers for a very good multimedia demonstration. perfect for a bar, house party, wedding, etc. so if you guys know of any companies, clubs, people that need a DJ let me know.
Getting in a rut...
so lately been in a bit of a rut -
doing the same things week after week, so it's time for a change.
more spontaneous happy hours, get togethers, drives out of houston, more road trips.
Here's my to-do list for the second half of this year:
1. See the Spazmatics a few more times.
2. Fix my resume, find another job. (that'll be another job posting).
3. Get more DJ gigs - www.djchaka.com
4. Start up an 80's tribute band playing all the favorites (madonna, devo, the cure, michael jackson, all the cheesy 80's hits)
5. Move closer to the loop.
6. Start being creative again - writing music, computer graphics, artwork etc.
7. Look at saving more money.
8. Buy a car more conducive to DJ-ing and hashing.
doing the same things week after week, so it's time for a change.
more spontaneous happy hours, get togethers, drives out of houston, more road trips.
Here's my to-do list for the second half of this year:
1. See the Spazmatics a few more times.
2. Fix my resume, find another job. (that'll be another job posting).
3. Get more DJ gigs - www.djchaka.com
4. Start up an 80's tribute band playing all the favorites (madonna, devo, the cure, michael jackson, all the cheesy 80's hits)
5. Move closer to the loop.
6. Start being creative again - writing music, computer graphics, artwork etc.
7. Look at saving more money.
8. Buy a car more conducive to DJ-ing and hashing.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Sushi Happy Hour Spot
For those that like sushi...
How about some cheap beer to go with it during Happy Hour.
I don't think they know what they're getting into with $1 beer and cheap sushi with me - two great combinations.
I'm there next week - probably Tuesday and/or Wednesday
Oishii Japanese Restaurant Happy Hour (dine-in only)
3764 Richmond Ave. (near Greenway Plaza)
Monday - Friday / 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday / 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Domestic Beer (12 oz) $1.00
Bud / Bud Lite /Miller Lite /Coors Lite
Imported Beer (12 oz) $1.50
Asahi Dry / Kirin
Large Hot Sake $3.00
Appetizer - $3.50 each
Buy One Get One Free!
Edamame / California Roll
Agedashi Tofu / Vegetable Tempura Roll
Hiyayakko / Spicy Salmon Roll
Ika Tempura / Cucumber & Avocado Roll
Vegetable Tempura / Dynamite Roll
Kani Salad / Oshinko Roll
Kani Sunomono / Kanpyo Roll
Soup & Salad / Vegetable Harumaki
Onion Rings / Gyoza
French Fries / Fried Banana
Spazmatics Band
Spazmatics - 80's New Wave Band
Let's Go - they play every Thursday night at Sammy's at 2016 Main in Houston.
They also play all over Texas - Austin, San Antonio, New Braunfels, etc.
Let's Go - they play every Thursday night at Sammy's at 2016 Main in Houston.
They also play all over Texas - Austin, San Antonio, New Braunfels, etc.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
New Tires
New Tires on the Miata yesterday. She drives like a dream.
On to a car wash, then off to Galveston to give her a tour of the beach.
On to a car wash, then off to Galveston to give her a tour of the beach.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
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