Saturday, November 28, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
A Job Application Gone Awry
"Do you spend your days dreaming of digging through court records to find out terrible things about secret Republican politicians? Or following the often mind-numbing actions of the city and county councils? Or perhaps fighting grizzly bears?Today was my first day, and it went well. My assignment was to head over to the SPD East Precinct and obtain hundreds of electronic police report copies. After that, I spent a few hours skimming through them all trying to find something worthwhile. There were hardly any interesting ones. However, I picked one, and did a short write-up of the incident. It's a rough copy, but we all have to start somewhere. And I present it as such:How about doing two of those three things for free? (You have to pay to see the bears.) If so, we have the opportunity of a lifetime. The Stranger is looking for a news intern.
Just think—the Slog posts you will post! The arcane information you will look up! The Morning News-es you will post on weekends still slightly drunk with a screaming headache at 8 a.m.! I have lived through all of those experiences, and emerged stronger.
Interested? Send an e-mail telling us why you should be the chosen one (with two or three clips or other writing samples, if you've got 'em)..."
In these troubled economic times, dropping off a job application can get you mugged on the side of the road. A Seattle Police report obtained from the East Precinct indicates that on November 19th at approximately 2:20 p.m. the victim in this case was driving from Renton to North Seattle in order to deliver an application for employment. "He was then driving south on 3 Ave NW from Holman Rd NW and hit a pothole, flattening his right front tire." After pulling off to the side of the road, he went to his trunk to obtain a can of flat repair spray. Soon thereafter he noticed a "large sidewall hole" on the flat tire. The victim reported feeling a blow to the back of the head, but initially thought it was the side-view mirror. The victim turned to notice an unidentified suspect standing over him with a kitchen knife--"possible black handled steak knife, stainless blade, with a copper colored cap where the blade joins handle"--pointed, at close range, at the victim's neck. The suspect took the victim's cash and fled the scene on foot. "Victim thought about driving after the suspect but then recalled that his tire was flat," the report concludes.Thoughts? Comments? Criticisms? This is all a work in progress, and I hope to get the most out of this internship before it ends in three months time.
[Update] - Here is the actual post.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Were You Aware That...
Patty Murray is the senior U.S. Senator from Washington, and she is up for re-election next November. I thought it rather appropriate to dig into her legislative record and find what exactly she has done for us as a representative of our state. Thus, I'll be posting information regarding bills (and resolutions) that she has sponsored or co-sponsored, in the hopes that we can all be a little more educated for the upcoming midterm elections. This will (hopefully) be a running series of "Were You Aware That..." posts. I may or may not confine the information to just Patty Murray, but to other members of Congress as well.
To begin with, let's look at some of Senator Murray's Sponsored Resolutions:
S.Res.288 - A resolution designating September 26, 2009, as "National Mesothelioma Awareness Day".
S.Res.181 - A resolution designating June 10, 2009, as "National Pipeline Safety Day".
S.Res.168 - A resolution commending the University of Washington women's softball team for winning the 2009 NCAA Women's College World Series.
S.Res.150 - A resolution commemorating and celebrating the lives of Officer Kristine Marie Fairbanks, Deputy Anne Marie Jackson, and Sergeant Nelson Kai Ng who gave their lives in the service of the people of Washington State in 2008.
S.Res.16 - A resolution designating the week of February 2 through February 6, 2009, as "National School Counseling Week".
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Yesterday Was A Victory, Tomorrow Is A Battle Of Preservation
593,956 (51.65%) Approved | 556,090 (48.35%) Rejected
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
A Time And Feeling Reminiscent Of November 5, 2008
Update: 12:59pm (Eastern) - With 589 of 605 (97%) of Maine's precincts reporting, the totals are now: 298,002 voting 'Yes' (reject the same-sex marriage law) and 266,599 voting 'No' (uphold the same-sex marriage law). That's 52.78% to 47.22%, and a difference of 31,403 votes.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Are You Registered To Vote?
There are some very important positions and measures up for a vote this year, and Washington needs a substantial voter turnout. For me, Referendum 71--expanding the rights and responsibilities of Washington domestic partnerships*--needs to pass. This is a big step forward for LGBT equality if it passes; it would be three steps backward if it is rejected by the voters.
Please register and/or ensure that your name and address are current...and most importantly, VOTE!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Gmail Can Keep You Occupied In Different Ways
Simple Psychology
Friday, September 25, 2009
Another Reason Why You Should Vote To Approve Referendum 71 (Sort Of)
"Um, hello, it's me, I'm home sick today, and I'm watching divorce court, and I just wanted you to know that...it's true, we can't let gay marriage happen because these people really exemplify the sanctity of marriage. The first couple is divorcing after 90 days...this one's divorcing after four months. Haha! [Whispered] It's awesome! Okay, I'll talk to you later, love you, bye."Just to serve as a reminder to all Washington voters, the Approval of Referendum 71 expands the rights and responsibilities of the State's domestic partnerships. This is not same-sex marriage. That is made explicit in the ballot summary language. In Washington State, marriage is currently, and would still be (with the Approval of Referendum 71), only between a man and a woman. Period. Furthermore, domestic partnerships are not limited to only same-sex couples; domestic partnerships are defined as being between parties consisting of two people of the same sex, or of different sexes where one of the parties is at least 65 years of age. The conservative right would like you to remove rights from heterosexual couples as well by voting to Reject Referendum 71. That seems fair, right?
Again, VOTE TO APPROVE REFERENDUM 71. This is going to be a close one, and we need as many people to voice their support for domestic partnerships by VOTING. Simply being in support of the rights expansion will not suffice. Please, vote. You have until October 5th to register to vote or update your voter registration. You can update your registration here.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
I've Found The Root Cause Of My Homosexuality
First of all, don't ask. They were in a box with a bunch of other crap I've saved over the years. Second of all, "all pornography is homosexual pornography." By the way, that's a direct quote from Michael Schwartz, Senator Tob Coburn's (R-OK) Chief of Staff, speaking at the Values Voters Summit this past weekend. Rachel Maddow has the story:
In my life, that claim might make sense, considering all the kittens me and my friend murdered the summer when we were both 13--or was it 14--years old. Seriously, that's all we did. We watched porn...all summer long. I can't say nothing happened. And then he stole my clothes. Thanks for the memories, James!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
You Couldn't Schedule This For One Of The Days I'm Working?
"...will be performing the annual boiler inspection on Wednesday, September 23, 2009, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. During this time water to the building will be shut off. Please make arrangements for your water needs during that time."Really? This means I either have to wake up at 7:30 in the morning (on my Saturday) and take a shower, or wait until 5:00 in the evening. And I've been having stomach problems the past few days as well--requiring a toilet to be close by at all times. This is not going to be a swell day off.
I Wasn't Aware Of That 'Fact'
Jess - "What are you doing in there?"
Jon - "I'm peeing."
Jess - "You pee weird."
Jon - "Why are you listening to me pee?"
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Offered With Very Little Explanation
"What if elephants were used for mass transit instead of buses?"She would feel either very comfortable or very weird around knives.
"What ifThen he'd just go back to being aJesuswere here?"
Nazi.
"What if Jon gave birth to a cat?"Then we'd be in for one hell of a mayoral race.
"What if Atlantis was a real country?"He would've first had to bone a Tomcat.
"What if Kristin was Jack the Ripper in her previous life?"He would probably have some serious health issues or would look like a meth addict. Not even once, Jon.
"What if Jon weighed 100 pounds?"We would probably look at each other, then ask him if he wanted to
smoke pot--or if he was a cop.
"What if we were at aKKKmeeting right now?"
Atlantis would probably be an American "territory" by now, and we'd all go there for vacation and not need passports.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
New Ad From WAFST (Via A Volunteer)
Friday, September 18, 2009
Wedding Date Selection Trivia
January 2, 2003 [01/02/03]
February 3, 2004 [02/03/04]
March 4, 2005 [03/04/05]
April 5, 2006 [04/05/06]
May 6, 2007 [05/06/07]
June 7, 2008 [06/07/08]
July 8, 2009 [07/08/09]
August 9, 2010 [08/09/10]
September 10, 2011 [09/10/11]
October 11, 2012 [10/11/12]
November 12, 2013 [11/12/13]
December 13, 2014 [12/13/14]
Thursday, September 17, 2009
You Have The Right To Not Say Anything Specific: Or, My Civilian Ridealong
However, I am afraid that I can't share much information on the things to which I beared witness; this is for the legal protection of myself, the officers involved, the suspects, the victims, the bystanders, etc. What I can tell you is that my ride was focused only in the Central District--they call it George sector (see the dark purple sections on the left). And let's just say that the following things may or may not have happened: a belligerent drunk threatened to harm hospital staff and needed to be restrained; a crack house standoff ensued (see also the CDN); some crackheads were having sex in an open garage stairwell. Like I said, I can neither affirm nor deny that those things happened.
For me to say that the experience was 'fun' would only weaken the actual reality of it all; that is, it was depressing. I have nothing but the highest respect for the Seattle Police Officers that have to deal with this bullshit on a daily basis. This is a job in which I wouldn't make it through a first full day's work. These men and women work hard, and I appreciate that they are willing to do it. I strongly suggest that you sign up and experience this as I have. It is both exhilarating and enlightening. And I would also suggest that you do it sooner rather than later, because I was informed that SPD is talking about ending the civilian ridealong program. As to why, I have only one response: YouTube.
If you want the dirtier details of the night, you will need to ask me in person.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
At Least There Are Some Signs Of Ideological Awakenings
The most astounding remark comes from the gentleman at 7:58. Enjoy.
Gay Paris Hits Gay Seattle On September 25th!
*I can embed the trailer in this post, but it, unfortunately, is set to play whenever anyone comes to my blog. To avoid this nuasance, I have merely provided the link to the trailer. Thanks!
Glenn Beck Writes Another Piece Of Shit Book...
I Feel Like An Adult Now: Or, How Magazines Are In Trouble
Oh, and as to why I titled this post "...How Magazines Are In Trouble", I am taking my cue from Andrew Sullivan's post here. He says:
Also, Esquire was selling its subscriptions for 83% off the cover price. Not a good sign of things to come.So please, if you haven't already, subscribe. It's only $14.95 for a year - ten issues for the price of eight.
...
I love this magazine, and its editorial integrity, and want it to continue to flourish in an increasingly beleaguered industry. If you do too, please subscribe.
Monday, September 14, 2009
I Didn't Know That The Israeli Youth Hated Obama So Much
Not One Review, But Many
First off, I rented the 2008 film "Hunger" starring Michael Fassbender. It tells the story of Bobby Sands, a young member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (the violent--some would call terrorist--IRA faction) who leads a hunger strike while imprisoned in the Maze prison in 1981. The film is one of the best I've seen in recent years. At 96 minutes long, the film features barely any dialogue, but is directed perfectly. The most noteworthy scene is near the end in which Fassbender's character is conversing with a Catholic priest about his intent to hold the hunger strike. The camera does not move, and it is a single 16-minute take. The entire dialogue between the two is 22 minutes long. As one of my friends so succinctly put it, "that's art." Indeed, it is.
The trailer is here.
[Updated: I failed to mention the true brilliance of the film. There is no established context to the prisoners. We obviously know that they are in prison for violent acts, but this is never elaborated further. I feel that the director was giving us the depiction of raw humanity; we can (and do) brutalize, murder, and torture each other. And for what? That is the question.]
In music news, I came across the new album--This Is What You Get--the Norwegian (electronic band) Flunk released back on May 11th. The songs are okay, but I would at least recommend you give "Common Sense" a listen. It has good lyrics mixed with a catchy bass beat. On an interesting note, they also covered Radiohead's "Karma Police". I have mixed feelings about it, but if you like electronic covers, you may enjoy it.
Lastly, I have seen the first six episodes of season one of AMC's Mad Men. On this, too, I have mixed feelings. I think I need to finish out the season and render my verdict at that time. However, from what I have seen thus far, I think it is a superb show that grasps the reality of the advertising industry culture in 1960. I appreciate how the characters are extremely dynamic. One can empathize with a character one instanct, and hate him or her the next. It illustrates the fact that there is no single way to define an individual. We are too complex to categorize. The show is now into its third season, so I need to catch up.
Enjoy Saturday Night Live's take on the show:
Along with Don Draper's Guide To Picking Up Women:
(Both videos are from the Huffington Post.)
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Do You Support The Legalization Of Marijuana?
Saturday, September 12, 2009
The Wonderful World Of Advertising...And Sex
It took me about ten (non-consecutive) minutes to figure out this ad. I discovered that Wallpaper* Magazine's website features a selection of condom advertisements from around the world. Check them out here. My personal favorite, and the explanation of the ad above, is after the jump.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Thank You, Saturday Night Live
The best line: "Well you don't have to tell me about IDs. Last year I met a striking young Puerto Rican man in a McDonald's PlayPlace. Yes. After I bought him an Oreo McFlurry, he told me he was 21 and I took him home. Three weeks later I found out he was 12 and a half."
What Ever Happened To 'Practicing What You Preach'?
The italics are my own emphasis. Let me see if I understand this correctly. Same-sex couples should not be allowed to marry because they would destory the sanctity of marriage as an institution, but heterosexual pigs such as Mr. Duvall can freely marry because...why? Could someone please help me out on this, because I really cannot find an answer to this riddle? The article further adds:Assemblyman Michael Duvall (R-Yorba Linda), whose remarks were videotaped in July during a lull in a Sacramento hearing, stepped down less than 24 hours after the tape spread online Tuesday night.
In the video, the married family-values crusader from Yorba Linda talks in graphic detail about women he said he slept with -- at least one of whom appeared to be a lobbyist with business before the utilities committee on which Duvall sat as vice chairman.
The Capitol Resource Institute, a conservative, self-described "pro-family" advocacy organization that had given Duvall a 100% score for his voting record on issues of concern to the group, denounced the lawmaker in a statement.Several news outlets have covered this story. Click here for a search of all articles.
"It is always disappointing when a champion of traditional values does not practice the same in his private life," said Karen England, executive director of the institute.
This Is Why You Should Go To Hump 5
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
David Foster Wallace's "Brief Interviews..." Film Adaptation
Things I Learned From "Plan 9 From Outer Space"
- If aliens try to communicate with you, don't ignore them. They will get really pissed off, and send vampires to kill you.
- If you ever see a flying saucer, and the government swears you to secrecy, it's okay to tell your wife.
- Flying saucers apparently resemble cigars.
- In space, women are not meant to fight mens' battles for them.
- If you're a vampire, be sure to walk very slowly and with a cape draped in front of your face, or with your hands sticking straight out, or arms high in the air.
- The best way to take down a cop is to quickly brush the sides of his arms in a downward motion. This is highly effective.
- When making a film, it's perfectly okay to have the shots change between daytime and nighttime every other second.
- Skeletons from a high school anatomy class make perfect dead bodies.
- The best way to explain someone's death is to not explain it at all. Just turn them into vampires, it's all good.
- It's okay to scratch your chin with the barrel end of your loaded revolver.
- It's okay to point said gun at your fellow detectives while describing what happened.
- A broken shovel handle to the back of the head can easily take down a 400-pound man.
- Appreciate your shoulders. They can very easily (almost) be broken. See #6.
- Ed Wood was a visionary genius.
Does anyone else have any more to add to this list? Leave them in comments.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
A Trip Down Memory Lane: Or, How Cruel Kids Can Be.
Why is this scene so nostalgic for me? Well, it stems from the fact that my mom and I used to comment that that was how my middle sister was going to end up later in life. Yep. We were beyond cruel to her. We told her that she would be living in a dump, with several stray cats running around, and be eating frosting out of cans. For the record, let me just mention that tomorrow I turn 25 years old, and I have still not cleaned up the coffee mug that fell and broke onto my kitchen floor several days ago. I think we call that karma (or laziness).
Who Says That Living In A Paperless World Was A Good Thing?
SCRIBE MUNDO DE PAPEL from ladies on Vimeo.
Reunited And It Feels So Good
Thursday, September 3, 2009
This Is What Happens When You Flirt With The Editor Of The Stranger
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Reversing On Moral Relativism
The Art Of Visual Manipulation
Apparently I Can Refrain From Being A Glutton
It was a sad afternoon for my stomach. However, I was conveniently able to down a blueberry and cream cheese danish about 30 minutes later. It was delicious.
A New Documentary On William S. Burroughs
"He was the first person that was famous for things you were supposed to hide. He was gay, he was a junk(ie/y), he didn't look handsome, he shot his wife, he wrote poetry about assholes and heroin. It was not easy to like."
Vote To Approve Referendum 71
Hello -
I need your support on November 3rd. Earlier this year, the Washington State Senate passed a bill (SB 5688) expanding the rights and responsibilities of state registered domestic partnerships. However, before this law—it was signed by Governor Christine Gregoire on May 18th—could go into effect, groups seeking to block the expansion of the rights petitioned for a referendum to put it to a statewide vote. This is Referendum 71, and it will be on the November ballot. This is the case for all Washington residents, not just residents of King County or elsewhere. As I said, I need your support in APPROVING this referendum. A vote to Approve it is a vote to allow for the bill to pass. Here is how it will appear on your ballot:
Referendum 71
Ballot Title
Statement of Subject: The legislature passed Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5688 concerning rights and responsibilities of state-registered domestic partners [and voters have filed a sufficient referendum petition on this bill].
Concise Description: This bill would expand the rights, responsibilities, and obligations accorded state-registered same-sex and senior domestic partners to be equivalent to those of married spouses, except that a domestic partnership is not a marriage.
Should this bill be: Approved ___ Rejected ___
Ballot Measure Summary
Same-sex couples, or any couple that includes one person age sixty-two or older, may register as a domestic partnership with the state. Registered domestic partnerships are not marriages, and marriage is prohibited except between one man and one woman. This bill would expand the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of registered domestic partners and their families to include all rights, responsibilities, and obligations granted by or imposed by state law on married couples and their families.
Please tell your friends, family, and coworkers that we need to vote to preserve equal rights protection for domestic partners.
If you are not registered to vote, or your registration information needs updating, please go here. You can also call (206) 296 – VOTE (8683). I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding any of this. Feel free to forward this email to everyone you know. Thank you! Remember, APPROVE Referendum 71.
Jon Brock
[Phone number omitted]
www.lackingcreativity.com
Washington Voter Turnout Rates For General Elections
Here are the numerical breakdowns (statewide only) of the past five general elections, except for 2005, whose data I could not readily locate:
2008: 84.61 % // 3,071,587 votes counted // 3,630,118 registered votersDespite the fact that everything on the November ballot will be local, it is still a very important time to get out and vote. I'd be happy to address any election questions or issues you may have. Simply forward an email to jonbrock [at] lackingcreativity.com. I will absolutely get back to you. All of this information was freely obtained online from the Washington Secretary of State's website.
2007: 50.04% // 1,645,652 votes counted // 3,288,642 registered voters
2006: 64.55% // 2,107,370 votes counted // 3,264,511 registered voters
2004: 82.20% // 2,883,499 votes counted //3,508,208 registered voters
I'm Always Late To The Party
I Found A Pair Of Hipster Pants...
...and I like them. They are by Toddland. The downside--isn't it always?--is that I do not have a spare $58, and hardly anything else to wear with them. A gay, male friend told me they looked good. My sister told me, in essence, hell no. A straight, female friend is undecided, but claimed "they don't look bad on you". She added further, "they are a bit too hipster." Eh. I can take it. My fashion sense slowly changes here and there as I continue to lose weight. It's amazing what one can do when nice clothes actually fit! Here are the front and side photos:
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
HUMP 5 Will Be Here Soon!
Photo from Slog.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Referendum 71 Has Made It Onto The Ballot
The Washington Post Vindicates Discrimination
He shoulders the accusations of bigotry; it's horrible when people say that your life's mission is actually just prejudice. He tries to help people see that opposing gay marriage does not make them bigots, that the argument should have nothing to do with hate or fear, and everything to do with history and tradition.No, marriage has two standings: legal and religious. The United States is not a theocracy. Religious denominations do not run the legal system. They do not get to pick and choose which rights to bestow unto whom. The gay community simply wants its legally entitled rights. We are not fighting for religious institutions to bow down to our wishes. You can go on disagreeing with our right to equal treatment under the law, but to the extent that it does not take away our rights.
The reason Brian Brown is so effective is that he is pleasantly, ruthlessly sane.The implicit statement here is that the gay community is, or comes off as, insane.
He sends out regular e-mail updates to NOM's mailing list, conveying his excitement on the issues with exclamation points. Some pro-gay marriage activists then get hold of these e-mails and mock them.I can't possibly fathom having a job where I get excitement from removing the legal rights from other human beings. This is a disgusting sign of humanity.
But his more informed opponents know that scoffing is a response born of fear.Are we to live in fear? Is that the world in which you're going to let us live our lives? We are afraid that we won't get to see our partners as they lie dying in a hospital, or make decisions for them in a time of incapacity. Does that feeling make you thrive?
Jackson says Brown and NOM "have a sense of dignity about human beings. They simply believe that marriage between a man and a woman is the best for society. But they're not gay bashers."You can't have it both ways. You are either pro-gay and pro-gay rights, or you're anti-gay and anti-gay-rights. I'm afraid that there really can be no gray area on this issue.
It is irrational when the opposition points to polls suggesting that most young people support gay marriage. "People mature," he says. Their views change.I liken this statement to 'maturation generates regression'.
Brown is Catholic. He converted at Oxford, where he studied after a BA at Whittier College (he grew up surfing in California). He liked Catholicism's traditions of social justice and work for the poor. Along the way, he met Sue, also a devout Catholic. After UCLA he accepted a position with the Family Institute of Connecticut, and worked to prevent the distribution of condoms in schools. "People would ask, 'What does your husband do?' " Sue says. "It was embarrassing to say he worked on condoms. But it was nothing compared to this."It must have been completely embarrassing to tell your friends and family that your husband worked hard to make sure that sexually transmitted diseases were widely spread among students. I feel so much sympathy for you.
In short: The institution of marriage has always been between a man and a woman. Yes, there have been homosexual relationships. But no society that he knows of, in the history of the world, has ever condoned same-sex marriage.I can think of a few: the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, South Africa, Canada, Norway, and Sweden. And on a more regional level: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire. Yes, those are included in the history of time.
"I can only go by my own experience, and I believe there's a huge difference in gender." The kids don't need Brian "walking in the door because he's another person. They need him because he's a man."Not all heterosexual couples have children. When will you start to move on taking away their marriage rights? By your logic, should it not be legally mandated that all married couples bear children?
And then he's out the door, going off to quietly crusade for the hearts and minds of people who, like Brown, pride themselves on being rational, mainstream and sane.Yep. We gays, and our supporters, are nothing but a collective group of highly irrational, fringe, and insane people. The real, caring, supportive people here are the ones that want to preserve a tradition, while at the same time keeping their select friends, family, and coworkers marginalized and empty of any legal rights that are already given to heterosexuals.
If you'd like to send an email to the writer of this antagonizing article, Monica Hesse, you can go here.
Let's Put Your "Marriage" Up For A Vote
Please vote on November 3rd, if for nothing else, to APPROVE Referendum 71. A vote to Reject or not voting at all tells me that you do not support equal rights protection.The Senate Bill gives same-sex couples:
• The right to use sick leave to care for a domestic partner.
• The right to wages and benefits when a domestic partner is injured, and to unpaid wages upon the death of a domestic partner. The right to unemployment and disability insurance benefits.
• The right to workers’ compensation coverage.
• Insurance rights, including rights under group policies, policy rights after the death of a domestic partner, conversion rights and continuing coverage rights.
• Rights related to adoption, child custody and child support.
• Business succession rights.
*According to RCW 26.60.030, "To enter into a state registered domestic partnership the two persons involved must meet the following requirements: ... (6) Either (a) both persons are members of the same sex; or (b) at least one of the persons is sixty-two years of age or older."
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Please Call Governor Scwarzenegger's Office Regarding Harvey Milk Day
Via Towleroad.
The Hire - "Ticker"
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Sunny Day Real Estate Is Playing The Paramount?
Apparently they're doing a reunion tour. Who would have thought?
North Seattle Cougar Watch
We suspect that she was hunting for some young hunks. After all, her license plate did read "PURRRRN". I read it as purr-in' (like a cat in heat). And her rear window had a sign that said "Hunk In Trunk". Like I said, watch out for this cougar; she's on the prowl.
Monday, August 24, 2009
The Latest From Things That Are Awesome
Clearly they reinvented the wheel with these beer covers, but they made them, shall we say, interesting. They have Tiger Piss, Bacon Mist, Corn Squeeze, Fruitee, Clown Tears, and Diet Wow! The Tiger Piss contains: carbonated water, tiger urine, felinus domesticus brine, thick salty froth, caffeine, high fructose corn syrup, strawberry flavoring. Remember, ingredients are listed from largest amount to smallest amount.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
The Relationship That Gays Have With Democrats
"Why move pro-gay legislation forward when their are no consequences for doing nothing? The relationship between gays and Democrats is like battered wife syndrome. We keep coming back for more abuse."Read the whole thing here.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Choosing The Lesser Of Two Evils
The one saving grace is that a significant increase in voter turnout occurred for the November 4th general election. This is no doubt due to the presidential election (Obama/Biden vs. McCain/Palin). For Washington State registered voters, the general election produced:
- 18 - 24: 68% voter turnout
- 25 - 34: 74% voter turnout
- 35 - 44: 82% voter turnout
- 45 - 54: 87% voter turnout
- 55 - 64: 91% voter turnout
- 65+: 91% voter turnout
We've Made It Through The Primary Election...
First off, we need to check the status of your voter registration. This is easy. Go here and type in your first and last name and your birthdate. This will tell you where you are currently registered and what positions and measures on which you'll be voting. If your registration is incorrect--most likely this would be due to a change of address--then you'll need to update your information to correspond with your current voting precinct. This part is easy too! Simply call 206.296.VOTE (8683). As a friend told me, it takes "like three minutes" to complete. That's all there is to it. Once your information is updated, you'll receive your ballot in the mail, and you can vote!
While there is ample time to waste, don't procrastinate on this too long. You have to update your information no later than 30 days prior to the election date in order to be eligible to vote in your new precinct. That means you have until Monday, October 5th to update your information if it needs to be so. I've done all I can at this point, the rest is up to you.
Any other questions you might have can be answered at the King County Elections website.
4-Way Stop. You Go, No You Go, No You Go Guy
I can identify with the runner. Well, okay, so I don't run. But I walk (practically everywhere).
Thank You, Barney Frank
Town Hall Woman: "Why do you continue to support a Nazi policy, as Obama has expressly supported this policy? Why are you supporting it?"As if it wasn't obvious from the dialogue, Mr. Frank is Jewish. For any human being to freely throw around terms such as Nazi and Hitler without any rational basis for doing so, especially toward a person who (presumably) has family ties to the atrocities committed by the Nazis, is an absolute unveiling of that person's internal ugliness. It sickens me to know that human beings can have such ugly hearts (and opinions). And as if that wasn't bad enough, here is a video of a woman heiling Hitler at an Israeli, and then mocking him for his lack of healthcare coverage. Warning: it's an absolutely disgusting view of humanity.
Barney Frank: "Let me, uh..."
Town Hall Woman: "Why are you trying to [inaudible]..."
Barney Frank: "But I will..."
Town Hall Woman: "...a real solution!"
Barney Frank: "When you ask me that question, I am gonna revert to my ethnic heritage, and [???] your question with a question: on what planet do you spend most of your time?"
[Laughs and applause]
Barney Frank: "You want me to answer the question?"
Town Hall Woman: "Yes!"
Barney Frank: "You stand there with a picture of the president defaced to look like Hitler and compare the effort to increase healthcare to the Nazis. My answer to you is, as I said before, it is a tribute to the First Amendment that this kind of vile contemptible nonsense is so freely propagated. [Applause] Mam, trying to have a conversation with you would be like trying to argue with a dining room table, [Applause] I have no interest in doing it."
(Both videos via Slog and Towleroad).
Something You Should Never Do When It Comes To Food
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"The truth is, I’d rather spend $15,000.00 a year and keep my job, rather than go on my employer’s group plan and be looking for work in 3 months."Read the whole thing here.
Things Are Not Looking Good For The Democrats
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