No seriously, when was the last time have you ever watched a science fiction movie or television series where someone is seen taking a dump? Hardly. Or more likely never. Plenty of scenes showing the bathroom where a character is washing his/her face over the sink or using a shower but never sitting on the crapper. Except for one movie way back in 1984, The Ice Pirates. Within the first 4 min and 45 sec, an alien is sitting on the commode and excreting a wet fart with a magazine on hand. Un-ingenious... the magazine I mean. Michael D. Roberts gets the first whiffer in the face, then Robert Urich (r.i.p.), Anjelica Huston and Ron Perlman waltz by. Why in the hell did these last three A-listers wanted to be in this movie? Video clip here

I just watched this movie recently after a 20 year absence and it's still funny to me no matter how much I realize now that it was a shitty movie with an incredulous plot line. I didn't think so at 9-10 years old but at such an age, there is no discerning eye to the cinema and everything looks good.

So for years I've always pondered why no one takes a shit in the future or out there sojourning through the cosmos. Most of my bane about this mystery has to do with the Star Trek universe.

I just saw the Star Trek 2.0 version from J.J. Abrams over the weekend. Got a free large Hawaiian pizza with a DVD purchase at Fred Meyer's. But once again I'm disappointed because a bathroom was never shown or The Head as it is called on a ship. I've been waiting for years and now decades to see this happen. Everyone eats and drinks but nothing comes out. Not even to take a piss. The closest I think I ever saw maybe seen in DS9 where Kira is pregnant playing a surrogate mother to Keiko and Miles Obrien's second child. She's in her quarters and sitting what I think is the toilet and talking to Odo. I forget which episode this is but I think it's the one where a the crew from a Federation Nebula class cruiser docks for a furlough and plans some luau at the end of the show. Oh shit my geek is showing.

Speaking of toiletry talk, Demolition Man was also on over the weekend and I finally looked up today on how to use the "three seashells" because in the future San Angeles (Los Angeles-San Diego-Santa Barbara megalopolis), toilet paper is so passe. 

Illustrated instructions can be found here. (NSFW???)

Don't ask me how you're suppose to wipe your ass with seashells if you have explosive runny diarrhea. There are some mysteries that can never be solved.

But now I think I will start a campaign to have writers of the next Star Trek movie to include the one thing in everyday life we all cannot escape, and that is squeezing one out for the gipper. We took a shit a 3000 years ago just the same as we do today only with the extra convenience of indoor plumbing, toilet paper, soap, and for some of us who want such luxuries, heated toilet seats. I surely do not think it will change for the next 3000 years.

Now that the 20th Anniversary since the Berlin Wall fell hoopla has passed. Not that anyone has payed much attention to it especially here in America and me. Which normally I would be soaking the TV news coverage except this time, I'm too busy to not care much for it.

1989 was an interesting year and I could say it was a transitional year in my life. I moved twice within seven months. First across the U.S., then to other side of the planet. It was the year, I prepared myself for high school. Well actually I didn't do hardly any preparing. Starting my Freshman year on the first day of school was the same like all other first days. Blah with the disappointment to have never been nervous about it or even to be excited.

1989 is the year one of my bad habits blossomed into watching way too much television on big events happening around the world. Before, it was just a few smattering of the 1984 Summer Olympics, 1988 Summer Olympics, or in 1986's Statue of Liberty's 100th Anniversary celebration with a large flotilla of ships anchored in New York Harbor. It all started with the coverage of the Chinese students and workers protesting across China which then accumulated with the Tienanmen massacre weeks later.

The summer came and I can remember MTV's coverage of the first large rock concert in Moscow featuring many top bands. I forgot what it was called but I do remember one of the VJ's pointing out the lovely rolls of "western" toilet paper he brought with him as compared to the Soviet style single ply sandpaper in his hotel room's bathroom. Not sure if it was Adam Curry or not.

October comes rolling by and I'm in the land of Bier and Wursts and was glad to know I was not in California 1-2 weeks earlier when a major earthquake hit San Francisco. I was living within the area at the time before moving to Europe. Actually not really, I lived about 70 miles south down the coastline. But over the summer, there were 5.0 earthquakes that was felt across the region. A first for me, two earthquakes and one aftershock. And every time I was lying in my bed with my body jiggling a bit as the floor below me shook for 10-15 seconds. Wasn't scared at all but was disappointed that it wasn't more than I expected an earthquake should be.

A few weeks after moving into continental Europa, the Berlin Wall fell. I remember the news coverage that led up to this point. First, East Germans started went to Hungary to cross into Austria for "tourist" reasons when that nation opened it's borders, then into Czechoslovakia, then the E. German president Erich_Honecker gets replaced, to finally allowing all E. Germans to cross over into West Berlin and West Germany.

There's a Chinese proverb everyone has heard of, We live in interesting times". None could be said true at this point of my life but honestly at the time I really didn't give much thought to the historic events happening. And happening from a 3 hour drive away to the border or 5 hours or so to Berlin. I watched hours of coverage on both afn and German channels of people trying to demolish the wall with sledgehammers without much success or the multitude masses gathered around and to be on top. It was great to see communism rapidly fall with surprising speed but again maybe it had do with my young age because I don't remember having much enthusiasm for celebrating. Not that I didn't comprehend what was going on but maybe because it had with being a foreigner in a foreign country. It's also funny that I don't recall Germans partying out in the streets on the night of November 9th. Not in the town I was living in but they sure did when the German National Team won the 1990 World Cup in Italy. Maybe it had to do with distance; closer to the border of France or Switzerland than to East Germany. I dunno, all I can remember was that I wasn't so hyper about it. Nor my friends, they too didn't give much thought or meaning. In fact, there wasn't much of a discussion about it in school either. Very strange.

You know the first and only time I actually saw East Germans was a month or two after the Wall fell. My father was driving on the autobahn heading toward Stuttgart and because I sat behind him in the passenger seat on the left, I was the first to spot a white Trabant passing us in the left lane. It wasn't an ordinary Trabant but a luxury model, it was a  Trabant station wagon. Luxury is a stretch. Or not because although the station wagon didn't have a trunk like the ordinary Trabant, it still had the same length and same wheel base.

This was a WTF moment. It was pretty damn embarrassing. I think more so for my father. I couldn't believe it was possible since we were going the 120 km/h speed limit (67 mph) but this damn thing with only a 30 HP 2 stroke engine carry 4-5 people and their belongings filled to the roof was passing us! I don't care how stringent you are about adhering to road laws but no way in hell should you ever allow a far inferior motor vehicle pass you. As soon has the Trabant moved into the right lane in front of us, my father signaled with his left blinker, went into the passing lane, and floored it. As our vehicle was passing them, I could see all the East German passengers also peering at us back. About a minute and a half later, that dinky Trabant disappeared from the rear view mirror.

Since 1989, I've been glued to the TV when something big happens and nearly watched it all furiously clicking from one channel to the next. The one thing I refuse to watch are trials. O.J. Simpson? Didn't need to see it. Deemed him guilty once he tried to skip out of the country in his white Ford Bronco. His chase I did watch in entirety. Anna Nicole Smith? Blah, dumb bimbos with fake tits are boring. Wasn't into her and never got how guys thought she was hot. Trials are just plain mind numbing to me. Watched the Princess Di funeral procession... guilty. Gulf War... guilty. Iraq War... guilty. Russian civil War... guilty. Battle in Seattle with WTO protesters... guilty. British exchange of Hong Kong to China... guilty. 2005 Tsunami... guilty. Katrina Hurricane aftermath... guilty. Northridge, CA earthquake... guilty. The great Hanshin earthquake in Kobe, Japan... guilty. Every Summer-Winter Olympics and World Cup... guilty. About every live car chase... I'm guilty. I wonder if there's a clinical mental disorder to being a news junkie?

At first I thought there could never be any guy who willfully watch or get excited about 'Twilight' or have read the novels. Not even gay men so I once presumed until I came across reading these screen capture comments taken from facebook. Apparently I am completely wrong. Please shoot me or better yet, at them.





Subjugating myself to watching Pierce Brosnan and Meryl Streep sing in 'Mama Mia!' while sober was torture enough. Hell the whole fucking movie destroyed almost an hour and a half of my life I can never get back. So I can't fathom ever seeing these gay vamp movies.

Btw, I love lamebook.com, there's so much incredible comedy gold on that site. And after reading the stupidity of other people's statuses and comments, you too will lose your faith in humanity one drop at a time. Unbelievable.

Another fantastic Scottish band from Edinburgh.








Lyrics | We Were Promised Jetpacks lyrics - Quiet Little Voices lyrics






Lyrics | We Were Promised Jetpacks lyrics - Roll Up Your Sleeves lyrics


www.myspace.com/wewerepromisedjetpacks

Fat Cat bio

AllMusic.com bio

Shhhhhh, the downloads: Here and Here

I answered all questions of this silly survey truthfully to the best that I could under circumstances. I had two weeks to think about it but like always I rushed to put this out. If I did take a more in breadth time to answer much more in detail than certainly I would have put any reader to sleep. I'll be honest that I'm not fully aware to be completely informed on some issues while being very knowledgeable on others. On the survey, I'm given three choices - Yes, No, and Undecided. Whatever answer I gave, know that many are not as clear cut, there's plenty of grey areas do to being a more complicated issue. Some of my answers may come off as anti-American or anti-military an anti-war tree hugger. Don't think this for I'm far far from it. I just like to point facts people tend to either ignore or have never been aware of. I'm supposed to return this survey within 7 days and I still haven't decided to, even though I really want append a letter ripping the RNC apart on every one of these questions in my own special way.  2009 RNC Survey Idiocy, Part 1 along with full size documents can found here.




ECONOMIC ISSUES
1. Should we unite as a Party to oppose President Obama's huge tax increase on the American people, particularly the new tax on dividends, capital gains and small businesses?

Yes for small businesses, but I know what you mean by "on the American people". You're talking about those who earn far more than what the average American earns. Most tax incentive and loop hole since Reagan are geared for those whose incomes well into six figures and beyond. They have the most to take gain while leaving the average American taxpayer with little to take advantage of. Rich gets richer, awarded with more awards while the poor get poorer and beaten down further. Many forced into debt.  Without you fudging the numbers, what Obama proposed during his 2008 election, the avg. American would have seen an reduction of taxes while the off-setting this with a increased tax on upper middle class and the wealthy. This could change because of the recession where a very small or moderate tax even on the average taxpayer may be needed to fund future fiscal budgets.  Answer: No

2. Should the Democrats' so-called Stimulus Bill with its wasteful pork-barrel spending be repealed?

Yes, if Republicans also get real and end their own wasteful pork-barrel spending. Also add an end to earmarks.  Answer:  Yes

3. Should we oppose the federal government bailout of private companies?

Yes, only if you also end subsidies, end grants to companies who outsource and ship American jobs overseas, and stop the Dept. of Commerce and the FTC from doing more harm to the American consumer. Yes I know, it's the objective of the Dept. of Commerce or the FTC to only further the objectives of American companies and could care less about American consumers but I just want to put it in.  Answer:  Yes

4. Should Republicans in Congress work to expose and eliminate new spending from Obama/Pelosi/Reid that amounts to welfare payments for Democrat interest groups?

Yes, if you'll end tax loop holes for individuals earning more than $180,000 per year.  Oh and Republican interest groups.  Answer:  No

5. Do you oppose the Obama National Energy Tax, also known as "cap and trade," which would skyrocket your utility bills and destroy jobs while having no impact on the environment?

Yes, as much that I am for the environment, I will agree this could substantially increase the cost of energy passed on to the consumer. BUT I will disagree "cap and trade" will destroy jobs. Given how green energy jobs could be the catalyst make and add new jobs to the economy just like how the internet has done for the Information Age. It's the new Green Age has already started. That's if everyone get their act together and be serious about it. And really, since when has Republicans cared much for the environment? Every piece of new legislation proposed to strengthen environmental laws gets shot down down by you. Look at who's deeply entrenched with big industry's hand in your pocket.  Answer:  Undecided


DOMESTIC ISSUES
1. Do you oppose the Obama-Pelosi health care takeover plan that would Washington bureaucrats between doctors and patients, ration medical treatment and deny critical care while skyrocketing the national debt?

No I certainly do not. This is more fear monging from you that big government will have a hand into to people's choices to doctors, needed treatment and critical care. The truth is private health insurance companies and HMO's are already doing this. How many times have you heard personally, on the news or from your voters about stories where people have been denied to coverage to treatment? Plenty right? I would be against a Government solution to compete with the private industry only if tougher more stringent laws are enacted to ensure all Americans have the right access health care and at an affordable cost. Look at countries with affordable health care, all have heavy handed governments who direct cost and policy.  Answer:  No

2. Would you support health care reforms that lower the costs and improve care by bringing in more competition and choice into the health insurance market while cracking down on predatory lawsuits against doctors and hospitals?

Yes, that sounds like a nice ring doesn't it? To "support health care reforms that lower the costs and improve care by bringing in more competition and choice into the health insurance market". Unfortunately I have to tell you this... there already IS competition when it comes to choice of health insurance for the American people!

I don't like predatory lawsuits against doctors and hospitals but ambulance chasers are not the majority of those who file medical malpractice lawsuits. Having a $200,000-250,000 dollar cap on settlements is a slap to the face of every patient or victim who have been legitimately wronged. In many cases, treatment and rehabilitation from the the result of a medical mishap will last a lifetime and cost millions if not 10 of millions of dollars. Where is your sense of compassion? Are you telling me, you're going to short change yourself or someone you know or love if something wrong happens from a medical procedure. Accidents due happen, things can go wrong resulting in injury or death but some are lawsuits warrant a high award, some do not. That is why the court system is there for to take a case by case basis and for a jury to decide what is appropriate compensation.   Answer:  Undecided

3. Do you agree that we must stop illegal immigrants?

Yes, this is a no brainer but for decades both Republicans and Democrats have been foot dragging on this issue. You talk tough but have not been serious even now. Both you and the Democrats hardly do anything to crack down on one of the factors that bring them here. Textile, agriculture, food, construction, these are the industries who regularly employ illegal immigrants. Former Mexican President Vincente Fox is right, Americans do not want to work the low wage jobs illegals go for. It's all about supply and demand.   Answer:  No

4. Do you oppose so-called "card-check" legislation, which eliminates secret ballot elections during unionizing drives and makes it easier for labor bosses to organize?

Hah wadya look at that. A topic I can agree on. In many areas I'm against unions but there are instances like how it was in the past where unions fought for their members to have decent wages and benefits. I'm not arguing about this or against allowing labor bosses to easily organize a union. I just don't not like the elimination of secret balloting. This can be dangerous if a worker is known to have a view of disagreement with his/her fellow workers to unionize resulting in harassment, coercion, intimidation, and threats.  Answer:  Yes

5. Should we do everything we can to stop Democrats from using the so-called "fairness doctrine" to shut down conservative talk radio show?

I'm not too worried about this since it would be against the First Amendment of the Constitution to free speech. But I would like to see a the FCC pull the license or heavily fine radio stations who have shows that continuously mislead the public, which is not illegal but insinuating hate and violence is. More often than not conservative radio does this regularly. And the Fox News Channel is incredibly unbelievable for having a partisan view so egregious that word "news" should be dropped and changed to entertainment instead. It has never been "fair and balance".  Answer:  No

6. Should we resist Barack Obama's proposal to spend billions of federal taxpayer dollars to pay "volunteers" to perform his chosen tasks?

A.C.O.R.N. still getting your panties in a twist eh? But really look at how stupid this question is worded. You might as well also say those who choose to enlist into the military voluntarily are also part of Obama's evil agendas.  Answer:  No


FAMILY AND SOCIAL ISSUES
1. President Obama recently signed an executive order mandating taxpayer dollars be spent pay for abortions in foreign countries. Should Republicans pass legislation to repeal executive order?

Abortions is but a tiny issue within a larger broader aid package to help foreign countries. There is no reason to think there will be a systematic use for abortions. If you along with your conservative constituents think all life is precious than why not for the same when a 2000 lb laser guided bomb hits the house of a suspected terrorist leader who intelligence believes to be occupying only he wasn't there at the time of the strike. The result of the blast puts a 50 ft wide by 20 ft. crater and instantly killing innocent civilians who were unaware a terrorist leader was nearby or had anything to do with him. Surely this has to be equal to sanctioned killing just as an abortion is. I so no difference when it comes to ending life, killing is killing regardless.  Answer:  No

2. Should Republicans fight against judicial nominees who bring personal, left-wing agenda on social issues to their jobs as judges?

No more than Democrats who should fight against judicial nominees who bring personal, right-wing agenda on social issues to their jobs as judges. This is ludicrous, judges are by proclamation to have an impartial stand. More should be paid attention to whether a judicial nominee is qualified to judge instead of concentrating on whether or not a he/she fits your or their own party agenda

By the way, hahaha... just as the Democrats couldn't invalidate Roberts, you couldn't find anything wrong with Sotomayor!.   Answer:  No

3. Do you want us to defend partial-birth abortion ban from attacks by the new Democrat majority?

If you really want to then go ahead. It doe not change the law to allow full abortions.  Answer:  Undecided


HOMELAND SECURITY ISSUES
1. If Barack Obama tries to gut the USA PATRIOT Act and other important laws that promote the safety and security of all Americans, should Republicans in Congress fight back?

Now this the real reason the Republican leadership are idiots. The Patriot Act (I like how you capitalized it) has nothing to do with being patriotic. Liberty and freedom is what is conjured when mentioning patriotism but instead we get domestic spying... oops I mean "domestic monitoring". Oh which by the way your own constituency fears. Let me make this clear for you... FEAR!  It is considered un-American and another big brother reason to lesson out Constitutional rights. (See toward the bottom of this survey)  Answer: NO

2. Should we stop Democrat leaders from cutting funding from our intelligence agencies or bringing back Clinton-era restrictions on inter-agency communications?

This is an interesting worded question. Do mean restrictions to illegally wiretap and monitor communications of us Americans on our internet traffic, and phone conversations as what the Patriot Act currently does... unconstitutionally in my opinion? Or do you really mean the streamlining of inter-agency communications and inter rid of inter-agency rivalries between the HLS-NSA-CIA-FBI-DEA-etc-etc-etc-etc? Please be a little more specific.  Answer:  Undecided

3. Do you support the use of air strikes against any country that offers safe harbor or aid individuals or organizations committed to further attacks on America?

Yes because we do this on a regular basis despite that most of the time, it violates international laws. Laws I might add, this nation help pass. But who cares, we never cared in the past or now.  Answer:  Yes

4. Should we unite in support of full funding for border and port security when Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid try make cuts in these areas?

Like Republicans have really been in full support of this issue. Please tell the real truth, it's not just Democrats.  Answer:  Yes

5. Are you in favor of a space-based defense system to protect America from intercontinental ballistic missiles?

STAR WARS II is cool! But I'm undecided with this issue. Though there has been great strides in SDI over the decades, a anti-ballistic shield / ABM (anti-ballistic missile) still has not been successful and way over budget.

Diplomacy is the best policy against the proliferation of nuclear ballistic technology. All you have to do is look back in time when Gorbachev proposed to Reagan on the INF treaty to eliminate all nuclear weapons. Reagan balked at this and instead an agreement was to draw back the number of ICBMs. Gorbachev was serious about it back then as do what the current Russian policy is today.

Right now the Obama administration has already renegotiated a new treaty with Medvedev to reduce the number of deployed warheads before the START-I treaty expires this coming December 5th. But the there is a difference during negotiations of how the elimination of nuclear arms is interpreted. Russians see it as destroying both weapons grade material and their delivery vehicles has to oppose to our interpretation. Which is only to remove fissionable material from the delivery vehicles. Still a compromise was made to reduce the number of missiles if it this is considered lip service. This is how analysts explained it who I've watched; I think the show is called "Dialogue" from the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Yes, Russia still will be modernizing their aging nuclear missiles but I think they will take a serious consideration to actually eliminating their entire nuclear arsenal if it was proposed that we do the same. An act with two largest nations eliminating their arsenals will have a far greater impression on keeping Iran or North Korea from further developing nuclear weapons. And I think a far greater impact to China, India, and Pakistan. The U.K. and France should follow suit but Israel may be a tough sell.

Shouldn't this belong under the category DEFENSE ISSUES?   Answer:  No

DEFENSE ISSUES
1. Should we stop any effort to have U.S. troops serve under United Nations' commanders?

This is a non issue. The last time I checked where a major number of American troops where under a U.N. commander, it was in Somalia. I'm not including the few dozen American observers on on some remote outpost in the Sinai peninsula. The commander was a Pakistani general and we all know what turned out when American Special Forces and UN troops from other nations tried to capture Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid. 19 Americans died in this failed operation. This wasn't the U.N.'s fault nor the Pakistani General but solely placed on the CIA and U.S. military commanders who conceived this ill advised plan.

The fear is not with UN commanders or UN troops. Foremost they are soldiers who will if ordered, fight, defend, or die trying. But this isn't the main role of peace keeping. Apprehension has to do more  with top UN leadership to reluctantly to have UN troops take a more heavy militaristic role like what NATO forces are doing in Afghanistan.

We hate not being militaristic don't we? We don't like the words "peace keeping", Republicans never have because it warrants to also nation building and being involved into the domestic affairs. But what the hell are we doing in Iraq and Afghanistan without donning a blue helmets.  Answer:  No

2. Do you agree that our top military priority should be fighting terrorists?

Yes. Is that it, only terrorists? Why not the Mexican and Drug Cartels? They are more of a threat to tens millions of Americans whose appetite for their products... no excuse me, their drugs is insatiable. Now they have brought their violence and kidnappings for ransom over our borders and into the heartland of America. They not foreign or domestic terrorists are the number one threat to Americans.  Answer:  Undecided

3. Should we fight military-cutting efforts in Congress, such as the proposal from liberal Barney Frank to slash to the Pentagon budget by 25%?

Only singling out Barney Frank and adding liberal is funny one. Ron Paul who I and many Americans consider to be a REAL REPUBLICAN would have proposed a much higher cut out the budget. The 2009 fiscal defense budget is $518.3 Billion, if slashing 25% were to occur than it will bring it back to near 2004 levels (around $380 Billion). Since it is Obama's policy and Bush's to fully withdraw our troops from Iraq as agreed with their government, then I can see this as a natural progression in defense spending as there will be one major theater of combat in the world mainly in Afghanistan.  Answer:  Undecided

4. Should Republicans continue support the State of Israel?

Why duh of course, Israel is and will always be our ally. But you cannot skirt the issue when comes to the hypocrisy of Israeli policy. They have the right to defend themselves as any nation should. Agreed Hamas and Hezbolah are considered terrorists groups and we don't negotiate with terrorist but they are also democratically elected political organizations.

However where is your reaction to Israel not returning the West Bank back to Jordan? The United Nations and every country including our own has never recognized this to be Israeli territory. What is to be said for building current and new Israeli settlements into the West Bank made possible by ethnic cleansing. Bulldozing Palestinian homes and  building a 30 ft wall which is strange that you haven't made a comparison to Berlin. True the Berlin Wall was built to keep people in and running away from oppression. But keeping people out from easily buying food, going to school, work, or to the hospital without traveling for miles to the nearest open check point is equally bad.  Answer:  Undecided

5. Even though Barack Obama pledged to meet personally with the likes of Raul Castro, Hugo Chavez and Mahmoud Ahmadjinedad, should Republicans continue to focus on supporting democratic movements in oppressive states like Cuba, Venezuela and Iran?

Yes like we currently support very small democratic movements in many other oppressive states that do not get as much media coverage. Please, where was the concern from both Republicans and Democrats when the United States backed military juntas since the 1950's all the way into the 1990's from SE Asia to Central & South America? Have you heard from the hundreds of thousands if not millions of our victims? 

Like I said, there are many states whom the United States support but are oppressing  small democratic movements. It's the same old same old, in the past we allied and supported dictators because they were anti-communists. Now we support dictators because they are anti-terrorists and allows the U.S. full access to their military air bases.  Answer:  Yes


REPUBLICAN PARTY
1. a. Did you vote in 2004?  As a Republican or for a Republican candidate? Then the answer is NO.
    b. Did you vote in 2006?  As a Republican or for a Republican candidate? Then the answer is NO.
    c. Did you vote in 2008?  As a Republican or for a Republican candidate? Then the answer is NO.

2. Do you support the election of Republican candidates across the country and the rebuilding of our majorities over the next 10 years?  Only moderate Republicans who have their heads screwed on correctly like Ron Paul but their numbers are getting rarer.

3. Will you join the Republican National Committee by making a contribution today?
     Yes, I support the RNC and am enclosing my most generous contribution of:  $500   $250   $ 100**   $50  $35  $25  Other  $____
      ** A gift in this amount pays to mail 239 more CENSUS DOCUMENTS to registered Republicans.
     Please make your personal check payable to:  RNC  310 First St., SE  Washington DC  20003   www.GOP.com/2009Census
     Contributions or gifts to the RNC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

     Yes, I support the RNC, but I am unable to participate at this time. However, I have enclosed $12 to cover the cost of tabulating my survey.
  
     No, I favor electing liberal Democrats over the next ten years.

     My choice - I choose for those who I see fit to vote for regardless of party affiliation.

SPECIAL QUESTIONS FOR RNC MEMBERS ONLY (Your gift today makes you a member in good standing of the RNC.)
Which part of the Obama/Pelosi/Reid agenda do you most forcefully oppose?
Government-run health care
Massive tax hikes
Left-wing activist judges
Legalize partial-birth abortion
National Energy Tax (cap and trade)
Expand federal power and wasteful spending
Job-killing regulations on small businesses
Repealing the USA PATRIOT Act     <<<<< Please read question 1. under HOMELAND SECURITY ISSUES and then laugh.
Other _____________________________

Click thumbnails for the full size.






I received this in the mail from the Republican National Committee two weeks ago and it ticked me off. Not because it's Republicans or from the RNC but I was more taken aback when looking over their survey.

I know the reason why I was singled out to be on their mailing list. It's because when they looked through the voter registration lists & histories of last year's election, I stuck out like a sore thumb. One, and foremost I did not vote for Obama and two I voted for the Republican candidate who ran against a long running Democratic incumbent for one of Washington's Congressional Districts. Three, I live in a local voting district that is more than 70% heavily Democrat and more likely pro union.

I had my reasons to not vote for Obama; I've blogged about it last year before election time but I also did not vote for McCain either. It was the the former U.S. State Rep. from Georgia and Libertarian nominee, Bob Barr. So he was a Republican but he was the only logical choice I had since I didn't trust McCain or Obama. Even though I, a professed Federalist is the complete opposite from a Libertarian. I believe in government, they hate big government. If it was Ron Paul on the Republican ticket, than surely I would have been full bore for him. Unfortunately Republicans and conservatives are complete fuck-ups for not taking him seriously and lending full support.

I didn't vote for the current U.S. Congressman who represents my district because he became arrogantly full of himself. The reason for he didn't bother coming to any debates against any other opponents and more importantly his Republican counterpart before the General Election. Percentage wise, the Republican candidate didn't have a chance in winning but not debating him showed my congressman's lack of professionalism toward the election process. This smacks the complete opposite of Tom Foley, the once long running Democrat Congressman from Spokane and former Speaker of the House of Representatives. He always took the time to answer every questions from a debate, town hall meetings, or his constituent voters walking up to him on the street. Always have been approachable.

"Dear Fellow Republican,

   I need your help."

I will like to point out that I am NOT a registered Republican so I have no idea where or why the RNC thinks this. I'm not even a registered Democrat or declared my affiliation to any other party except for me to be a Federalist. There is no official Federalist Party; it's been dead for over 200 years. And the last time I checked, I think the 1992 election year was the last time anyone has ran as a Federalist nominee. I also be damned to anyone who thinks I'm considered an Independent. Most Independents are conservative leaning and can't make up their minds even with truth explained to them.

"I know that our Party needs revival and renewed commitment to strength and conviction."

I'm not amused by this statements because the survey, which I find most the questions to be very condescending and does nothing to help their case to gain-regain new supporters. Most of the nation has moved to the left as more Americans consider themselves Democrats. Republican ranks have dwindled to 20% with only ultra-conservatives staying on. Basically purifying the core supporters even more hardened while pragmatic moderates get ignored. I can't believe after a year, the Republican leadership can't figure it out on why most American disfavor their party. They say it is acknowledged on what is happening to their and yet it still falls on deaf ears. The stupidity of their supporters, the birthers, Tea Baggers, conservative media personalities, Fox News, Republican political blunders, pervasive racism and comments, their hate monging, their scare tactics, and blatant lies on national issues like Health Care Reform all have caused the GOP to continuously shoot themselves in the foot. Hardly anyone likes them, the diversity of America is on an increasing path to change and the Republicans refuse to even acknowledge is the future. 

Yeah they're still complete fuck-ups. If they wanted to change their party around, then they should stop paying lip service to insane conservative commentators and their ultra religious conservatives.  Own up to their mistakes, absolve themselves to no longer do questionable underhanded dirty tactics, and start listening to detractors like me.

My answers to the survey in Part Two will be up tomorrow.

I don't know if you're watching any foreign Television shows but I've become somewhat addicted to two of them both conveniently with English subtitles. Manic Mexican soap operas full of hot Latinas with deep cleavage don't count.





   Queen Seondeok (Queen Seond-duk) is a historical drama from South Korea televised on the MBC (Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation) in America that started in May and will end sometime before the year ends. I haven't been able to regular watch this show because of it's odd airing times on Mondays and Tuesdays that starts around 6PM or so and ends at 7:45 PM or something like. I'm never been on time to figure it out. But I've followed enough of the show starting in July to keep up with the plot.

The series tells the story of Princess Deokman (played by Lee Yo-Won) who was abandoned from her twin as a child in a power struggle to gain the throne of the Kingdom of Silla, one of the first of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. She spent her life in hiding and in safe keeping from anyone knowing of her existence. Her early life was hard and poor to the point of a beggar (I think, this is the point where I accidentally found this show and started watching) until she decided to disguise herself as a young man and enlist into Silla's army as a soldier.

No one knew of this as she survived fighting in a number of battles in a war with rival a kingdom. Eventually she sought favor to be within the royal court of the Queen Mi-shil, the woman who is the real reason for Deokman's life long peril. A princess of the court showed Deokman a rubbing from a 200 year old stone tablet that prophesied a great change. With this knowledge to exploit, Deokman befriends a general, the princess who is discovered to be her twin sister and others who believe Deokman will unify the Three Kindgoms. Together they plotted to retake the throne and to set Deokman to her rightful place to be Queen Seondeok of Silla. Eventually the Queen Mi-shil and later the King learn of Deokman's true identity after realizing what the rubbing foretold and their suspicions of an overthrow. Twin stars, one that will fall and the other will rise leading a new era of peace and prosperity. They took this as an omen that Deokman is the rising star.

Of course the television version is far from the truth. True there is a Princess Deokman and she became Silla's 27th ruler during the 7th century A.D. and the first of three Queens of Kingdom of Silla. Anyway too much for me to explain so quick-step copy and paste from Wikipedia. Since I love history, I find this fascinating to learn.


Seondeok reigned as Queen of Silla, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, from 632 to 647. She was Silla's twenty-seventh ruler, and its first reigning queen.

Selection as Heiress
Before she became queen, Seondeok was known as Princess Deokman. She was the eldest of King Jinpyeong's three daughters. The son of her sister Princess Ch'on-myong became a king in his own right while Seondeok's sister, Princess Seonhwa (Sŏnwha) eventually married King Mu of Baekje and became mother of Uija.

Because he had no sons, Jinpyeong had selected Seondeok as his heir. The act was not unusual within Silla, as women of the period had already had a certain degree of influence as advisors, dowager queens, and regents. Throughout the kingdom, women were heads of families since matrilineal lines of descent existed alongside patrilineal ones. The Confucian model, which placed women in a subordinate position within the family, was not to have a major impact in Korea until the mid Joseon period in the fifteenth century. During the Silla kingdom, the status of women remained relatively high, but they were expected to do their duties and not try to do activities that were considered to be unwomanly.

Reign
In 634, Seondeok became the sole ruler of Silla, and ruled until 647. She was the first of three female rulers of the kingdom (the other two being: Jindeok of Silla and Jinseong of Silla), and was immediately succeeded by her cousin Jindeok, who ruled until 654.

Seondeok's reign was a violent one; rebellions and fighting in the neighboring kingdom of Baekje filled her days. Yet, in her fourteen years as queen of Korea, her wit was to her advantage. She kept the kingdom together and extended its ties to China, sending scholars there to learn. Like Tang's Empress Wu Zetian, she was drawn to Buddhism and presided over the completion of Buddhist temples.

She built the "Star-Gazing Tower," or Cheomseongdae, considered the first observatory in the Far East. The tower still stands in the old Silla capital of Gyeongju, South Korea.

Legends
It is believed that Seondeok's selection as her father's successor were attributed to displays of perceptive intelligence in childhood. One such story entails that her father received a box of peony seeds from the emperor of China accompanied by a painting of what the flowers looked like. Looking at the picture, unmarried Seondeok remarked that while the flower was pretty it was too bad that it did not smell. "If it did, there would be butterflies and bees around the flower in the painting." Her observation about the peonies' lack of smell proved correct, one illustration among many of her intelligence, and thus ability to rule.

There are two other accounts of Seondeok's unusual ability to perceive events before their occurrence. In one account, it is said that Seondeok once heard a horde of white frogs croaking by the Jade Gate pond in the winter. Seondeok interpreted this to indicate an impending attack from the Kingdom of Baekje (the croaking frogs were seen as angry soldiers) to the northwest (derived white symbolizing the west in astronomy) of Silla at the Woman's Valley (interpreted from the Jade Gate, a term related to women). When she sent her generals to the Woman's Valley, they were able to successfully capture two thousand Baekje soldiers. The second account involved the prediction of the exact day, almost to the minute, of her own death at 37 years of age.

I've read the series will run to 50 episodes. Many times the show drags on with endless slow dialogue as Asian shows especially Korean dramas always do but this  being a period piece with an end, than I forgive it. You can currently watch 46 episodes online here. I've read the series will run to 50 episodes so yes the end is near but unfortunately that is a hell of a lot to catch-up to even if you have a hi-speed broadband connection.


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The second series, Wallander, a dark Swedish crime drama adapted from novels written by Swedish author Henning Mankell. The main character is Kurt Wallander (Krister Henriksson), a detective in the small town of Ystad, 60 Km north of Malmö (which I've read is like Detroit, an industrial port with high unemployment therefore making it the armpit of Sweden). Again a quick Wiki copy and paste of the main character Kurt Wallander's bio.

As a young police officer, he was nearly killed when a drunk whom he and his partner were arresting stabbed him with a butcher's knife. Wallander was once married, but his wife Mona left him and he has since had a difficult relationship with his only child, Linda, who just barely survived a suicide attempt when she was fifteen. He also had issues with his late father, an artist who has painted the same landscape 7,000 times; the elder Wallander strongly disapproved of his son's decision to join the police force, and frequently derided him for it.

Inspector Wallander has few close friends and is known for his less-than-desirable lifestyle; he consumes too much alcohol and junk food, exercises very little, and sometimes struggles with anger. He also suffers from diabetes.

Over the years he has grown increasingly disillusioned with his work, and often wonders whether he should have become a police officer at all. He was once sued for police brutality, and still lives with the guilt of having accidentally shot and killed a man in the fog.

Frequently at loose ends socially and with his family, he maintains a somewhat inconsistent romantic relationship with Baiba Liepa, a woman in Riga, Latvia, whom he met while investigating a murder there.

Watching this series, I can't help but become enamored with Kurt's estranged daughter, Linda Wallander who is also a police officer within the same department as her father. At times during the series, Linda plays a more prominent role than Kurt. Oddly I find the appeal of both characters because of their vulnerable insecurities not only with love in terms of relationships but also in relations as to father and daughter, and within themselves.


  More so with Linda played by Johanna Sällström who I find oddly attractive. No, she's not that hot Swedish bikini babe guy's fantasize about but she has a very natural fair look. I love the curves of her hips which naturally of course leads to ogling at the sight of her ass. Just being honest here. Still pretty without the need of makeup but her face has this look of being stressed through a difficult life which only adds more realism to her character (Linda). What I've researched about her, this can't be further from the truth in Johanna's real life. Shy and very private, it's difficult to find any pics of her.

Her acting started at 15, and went on to television in 1994 becoming famous for her role as Victoria, a teenager in the Swedish soap opera Tre kronor. By 1997 she won the Guldbagge Award for best female actress then quit the biz afterward and moved to Denmark. She was turned off for being recognized more so for her attractiveness than of her acting which bothered her.

In 2000 she returned to acting and in 2005 to the role of Linda who she will always be remembered as in Wallander. Johanna got married, bore a daughter Talulah, and got divorced one year after she was born. Both of them survived the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake while on a holiday in Thailand. She clung to a tree with one hand while holding her one year old daughter's hand with the other. In February 13, 2007, Sällström was found dead at her home in Malmö, Sweden with cause to be suicide.

It's no wonder her character, Linda had this almost pained look on her face. From what I've read Johanna was treated for having bouts of depression even as a teenager. Her divorce didn't help even though she was becoming popular on Wallander. The tsunami event more than a year earlier more likely pushed her over the edge. Possibly another clinical of depression for being a new mother after childbirth added to this. It's speculated that she had just been released from a psychiatric unit the day before her suicide. Sadly she left a four year old daughter who is now six and Johanna would have been 35 years old this coming December.

Deeply grief stricken of Sällström's death, Henning Mankell never wrote another novel that included Linda Wallander. But the saga has continued on with more episodes of Krister Henriksson reprising his role and a 2009 BBC mini-series which aired on PBS featuring this time Kenneth Branagh playing Kurt Wallander. The show (not the BBC mini-series) can be seen on MHz Worldview channel if you have it on cable. I can get it through a digital channel (28.2) offered by my local PBS station.  Or go here for program scheduling.

I think I should do a series of topics of what I can't stand so here is one of them.

People's head movements especially for TV ads advertising the newscast of your local stations where whoever, the anchors, reporters, and weather man/woman (some stations have sidekick puppets, trust me I've seen it somewhere but can't really remember) are turning their heads by 90 degrees. You know when a person starts off with their head turned either way left or right and then slowly turns toward facing the camera (and meaning you the viewing audience). Or when two people are facing each other and both turn their head in unison towards the camera. I can't stand this and wonders why directors like to do it often. To me, this is such an artificial concept in cheesiness. And cheesiness it is, for everyone always ends up with a friendly smile.

Political campaign ads are another I will complain about. Here's an example of what I mean. One for the Democratic candidate currently running for county executive in next month's state elections. Pay attention to 25 seconds into this ad.




Did you see it? The dreaded headed turn! The one quarter / 90 degree head turn with a cheesy smile to boot! Now do you understand why this bothers me?

The appearance in trying to look friendly always falls into all aspects of artificiality. But I shouldn't be surprised, these are politicians here. Watching politicians turn and smile on TV always come out as unnatural to them and therefore must be distrustful! Well for me it does half the time. The Republican opponent opposite of this candidate isn't any better either. I don't care if she is a woman and admitting I once had a thing for her when she once anchored the evening news for our local CBS affiliate. There are many reporters I have a thing for. And by thing, then you know me has jerking off to. But haven't we all done that, yes?



Since this is a topic on heads, I might add that I find people who talk with excessive head movement irritating unless the person is suffering from Parkinson or any other neurological dilapidation. Same thing with excessive blinking. It's distracting as hell and I get annoyed if I'm having a conversation with a person who does this (more so on the head moving). Slight movements of the head doesn't bother me but when a person's head is moving around like Michael J. Fox who hasn't taken medication without having a medical reason to is very unnerving.

More than a few years ago, the local NBC affiliate here featured a physician who did these stories advising on health wellness and even did PSA TV commercials on the same station on how to be/eat healthy. I forgot his name, he was a young doctor and very good looking; nearly resembles Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray. But he suffers from UHMWT (Unnecessary Head Movement While Talking). It was terrible to see him on the tube dispensing health advice. When he talked, his head moves forward and back in a circular motion like he's bobbing at invisible apples.

Still on the subject of the news, there was this reporter for the CBS affiliate here about 10 years ago who I also had a thing for. Damn she is a Eurasian hottie. But on numerous occasions, she tended to pause for a few seconds to think of a word on the tip of her tongue while reporting live. Being that it is "live", there is nothing worst than dead air where nothing is spoken. Maybe that is why her tenure only lasted a year or two at this station.

Hey noticed I haven't mentioned any station identifications or names?

Anyhoo, despite her shortcomings of at least adlibbing while live on air, she is a smart and an accomplished journalist/writer/producer since she left. According to what I see on her linkedin profile. Now what is the problem about her you ask? Well she doesn't suffer from UHMWT but from UBMWT (Unnecessary Body Movement While Talking). Yes when she talks her body always moves. Her shoulders shimmy like she's Limbo dancing or sitting in one of those massage chairs. Not the ones that vibrate but the ones that have rollers or balls which move in circles or up and down to relieve the pressure points of your back. I can't remember which way. Again so annoying to look at. This is her here and here.

Not asking for people to act like a stiff Conehead but my advice is to don't move your head or body so much to the point of distraction when talking. Now if I can get all Italians stop talking with their hands but oddly I'm not really bothered by this.

Oh and how can I not miss one of the earliest examples that started this head turning craze, The Crying Indian Commercial.

"It Made You Dumb"
Season of Sweets (2008)

When I was in goldmines
Everybody’d ask what I was digging for
When I was on hard times
It seemed like everybody knew that score
and I was such a bore

When I lost my true love
Everybody said we told you so
Camping with people I knew loved
Its such a funny place but I would always glow
so sad to see you go

You cut your tongue and it made you dumb

You always thought you’d lose me
When I didn’t have that much to say
But you came to learn I was
Off in my other place
and you’d lose me anyway

You cut your tongue and it made you dumb

I always knew I’d lose love
When it was off in ancient Rome
Riding over viaducts
and spending so much time alone
so sad to see you go

You cut your tongue and it made you dumb

When I was in goldmines
Everybody’d ask what I was digging for
When I was on hard times
It seemed like everybody knew that score
and I was such a bore

When I lost my true love
Everybody said we told you so
Camping with people I knew loved
Its such a funny place but I would always glow
so sad to see you go

You cut your tongue and it made you dumb

You always thought you’d lose me
When I didn’t have that much to say
But you came to learn I was
Off in my other place
and you’d lose me anyway

You cut your tongue and it made you dumb

I always knew I’d lose love
When it was off in ancient Rome
Riding over viaducts
and spending so much time alone
so sad to see you go

You cut your tongue and it made you dumb


Another Vid

Predator


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This Is Really Neat (2002)


Lyrics | Crackout lyrics - You Dumb Fuck lyrics


More Vids

This Is What We Do
I Am The One

I opened a fortune cookie last Saturday, Sept. 19th, just before the UW vs. USC game. Read the peculiar fortune above, put it in my pocket and forgot about it until today. So I decided to share with you. I've said it before that I'm not one to believe in these things along with palm reading, fortune telling, tarot cards or reading the horoscopes. But I am intrigue what may lay ahead for me on December 19th. Could it possibly be good luck? Just look at my team. I mean the Huskies triumphed over the Trojans for a second straight victory and are now nationally ranked for the first time in 6 years. Possibly a bowl game this season? Only 5 more Pac-10 teams to beat. Hopefully back to the top.

Could December 19th be a heralding day what may come for the new year. My year, the Year of the Tiger. Or more precisely the Metal Tiger. Although the element I was born under is wood, hence I'm a Wood Tiger. My real Chinese New Year will not come around until 2034; every 60 years.

Six days before Christmas. I'm also not one for the holidays. I do like the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping but the commercialism and expectancy to be cheery is a turn off. Have a very dim view on ultra religious people who are intolerant to diversity and freedoms of other on how to live their lives then turn an about face to practically worshiping false idols because they are fuzzy cute or have do with Jesus merchandising. Bah humbug is what I expel at the end of the year. I've always had this opinion for a longest time. Never believed in Santa Claus, either. Not for one second as a child. Yeah my parents did a terrible job faking it but they also never really pushed that he or flying reindeer where ever real.

I could use something good as I am currently in no mood to be cheerful. I haven't been my normal self all month nor have I been fun to be around with. Still brooding and hurt as I am, I'm now questioning people's responsibility, their loyalty, their friendship, and just plain caring. I'm also questioning myself to rather if I should give a damn anymore or to anyone. The ones who really care for me are those who noticed, spoke up, and asked how and why.

Three months from now... I wonder.

UPDATE 9/22/09: The upload finally went through after 10 tries. Again put the volume up and pretend the street light is a UFO.

Some people are afraid of other people in particular professions. The police if they have something to hide is one to fear. A dentist poking around and drilling into your mouth is another. So are clowns. Hah, clowns. I find it strange for someone to be frightened of clowns. Understandable to be scared as a kid because of who really is lurking behind that heavy makeup. But really how can anyone be scared of some person in a silly get up who's purpose to entertain and make you laugh?

Now what scares me or to be more accurate, what unnerves me are those professionals who check your eyesight. Yeah optometrists get me. Think about it, before being asked to read the the eye chart, the optometrist checks out your eyes first. You are alone in the dark with a stranger and lets be honest, they're total strangers because you don't visit them often unlike your own doctor or general practitioner. Most people don't even schedule an appointment to have their eyes check once every year. More like once every other year, or 5 years, or 10. So the last optometrist is never the same one you'll see the next time.

Through every experience since childhood I've had, I'm alone in the dark with a stranger and he because it's always a male (I never had a female optometrist) is purposely blinding me with a light beaming into my pupils Whatever you call that black hand held thingamajig they use to look through. Now this what scares me; he moves closer and closer until his cheekbone is nearly touching mine. I'm motionless and my eyes grow wide out of fear. My eyeballs are also motionless concentrated on the light which is good because now he can see my retinas most clearly. I can hear him breathe through his nostrils and I can feel his nasal exhalations on my cheeks. Some optometrists breathe deeper than others like Darth Vader which sends more chills down my spine. My eyes grow even wider and my eyebrows are arched high in surprisement. At this point my fear is at it's height because I am motionless but I also have my lips tightly closed anticipating that he might stick his tongue down my throat or something. Yeah so what, call me homophobic.  Anyway, I'm also holding my breath because I do not want him to hear me breathing in fear. And I'm pressing my head as far back into the headrest as I can. After a minute, I'm forced to partly open a crack of my slips and slowly breath through the side of my mouth opposite of him and quietly so he won't hear it. This will go on for another 2-4 minutes or it seems that long until finally he turns the lights back on for the next step to test my vision. And I sigh only to myself in relief that the worst is over.

Seriously I think male optometrists are up there on the creepy meter along with serial killers and rapists but only when the lights are turned off. I'm way overdue for an eye exam and so I'll be looking for female optometrists. They don't easily frighten me, depending how they look, I wouldn't mind if they slipped me the tongue.  * iJoke * or am I?

Right now if anyone have not noticed starting from last weekend and through the week that I've hurting emotionally. And I am so seething with anger that it's slowly eating me from the inside because I do what I always do and that is to bottle my stresses until I explode. When I'm angry I tend to stay brooding for days but usually it eases after a period has passed. Only this time it's an exception because I'm still upset and just getting more agitated as the days go by. It is rare for me to get to this point.

Know that it takes a great deal to get me this angry and I've been mulling about the last few days to air my very personal grievances publicly. I've come to the point where I need to do this.

I do not like the disingenuous or people who like to bullshit because it's a convenient way to do so. The easy way to say this is what you'd like to hear. I'm not talking about bullshitting to impress someone. No it's about soothing in regards to concern, empathy, sympathy, and just having an interest when in truth the person does not really much care.

Like everyone, I do not like fakers but I will never say this because to be blunt I don't like people who say they hate fakers. You know why? Because through my experience, the people who do this are not 100% of what they project about themselves. There will always be time when someone calls them out and the real truth about them is revealed. That they are no more fake than the fakers they dislike. You're all in the same boat sailing on the same sea.

Know when I ask how you are, it means I really give a damn about it. Put all my silliness aside, what I say has weight and therefore I'm always serious. I actually do care. I am interested. I really want to know what you have to say. When most people ask how others are doing because to be frank, it's an easy and lazy way to break into a conversation. 9 out of 10 times, they really don't care about you or how you're feeling.

But it now seems the lack of common courtesy have disappeared from daily etiquette. So when I message someone, even a total stranger, I expect a reply back but I'm noticing few do reply. I really don't to be ignored. It's not like I say crazy shit out of the blue or tell women I've never seen or met they're sexy hot and then ask them to send naked pics. Has crazy as I appear, this has never been how I operate. It's neither me nor my style. More often than not, I take a guarded way when conversing people. The same etiquette talking to people in the real world.

One thing about me is that I'm good at picking up ques on people. I won't say I can actual read people like a profiler but when I spend a short amount of time with them I can tell what may lie in regards to me. Meaning any future relations whether be romance, friendship, business, partnerships, etc. The big truth is I'm a cynical person and I don't trust people. Many say the same but few really apply it. I mean I really don't trust the majority of people. It's one of the reasons why I personally have very few friends. True friends, the ones who'll be there and help you out in a time of need.

I'm cynical because few people have true intentions. I'm a believer in honor. It means something to me. It's one of the reasons why I go after bullies, cyber bullies, morons, douchebags, bitches, and complete assholes. I've professed many times to be asshole myself but I only become one when pushed into something ridiculous or have to call someone out for a serious mistake. That said it's constructive assholeness, a way people can learn in terms to the better themselves and leadership. Think of an Army drill instructor who yells at and seems mean to recruits. The only reason for this is because he/she wants the recruit to push harder to better themselves and excel or to quickly correct his/her mistake. I wish the corporate world would enact the same; maybe we won't have so many fuckheads running their companies into the ground and screwing their employees. Sorry ladies but being a bitch never works the same way, it only does one thing, to piss people off even more. It's not sexist, it's always how it's played out or haven't you already noticed? If you haven't then you're a sad person.

With my self point of honor also comes with integrity. I have a low opinion on cheaters and those who enable them. I can work and be around with those who have cheated on their wives/husbands girlfriend/boyfriends because I have to. But it doesn't mean accept who they are. I'm forgiving if mistakes are learned depending what the course of action they take whether they should come to mutual understanding to breakup/divorce or to repair their relationship/marriage. I'm fine with the fact the victim of the party is at ease to whatever decision they have made. As long as the victim is no longer feels emotionally pained. I know there are reasons why someone one would cheat and in the beginning I will immediately turn my nose at such a person but it doesn't mean I will be understanding to certain degree. One time mistakes, I might let it go but will not for habitual offenders or those who do it just to hurt someone. Nor any home wrecker even if there are friend; at this point a friendship ends because it is unforgivable to what they've done.

So what of I come across as someone sitting on a mountain top high looking down on people. All I know is that I do what I say and try to follow it. Trying not to be hypocritical is one of the few virtues I try to strive for. While everyone is resolute to do better, get a better job or lose weight, I'm striving to be less of a hypocrite. I'll admit that I can very judgmental but I do hold from saying anything. Many times I'll bite my tongue because I'll immediately realize I might contradict myself with what I've said in the past or could say in the future. I don't know where I am going as I'm ranting on and on with this diatribe. I just hope everyone get's the hint that this is how I am.

About nothing. So today is finally 9/9/09, nine-nine-nine, or nein-nein-nein. However you like to see it. Pretty significant day that will only happen today for eternity until 90 years from now or a more special day 9990 years into the future.  According to the Chinese it's suppose to be a very lucky number and today the luckiest of them all. A good day to go gambling? Or picking out the winning lottery ticket? It can only been done twice today, nearly two hours ago and 10 hours from now. That's 9:09 AM and 9:09 PM to those who are trying figure out what I'm saying. 

Really today isn't that significant to me. It's a Wednesday like any other. It's overcast this morning with a few sun breaks. Hopefully the fall like weather will go away and bring the sunshine back. Labor Day weekend has been the pits with torrential downpours. It's too early for rainy weather and I'm not looking forward to see Fall again. 

It's been a month to prepare on what to write today.  In that time I haven't done much thinking until something hit me yesterday. The subject? Capes.

Yes capes. The large piece of fabric people use to wear hanging from their shoulders. I wonder what is the purpose to wearing capes? Is it just a simple way to keep warm? To keep dry? A visual divider to separate the nobility from the common folk? The educated from the uneducated? They've got a sword and all you have is pitchfork? So as what Hollywood has always portrayed.

People have been wearing capes from when man can earliest remember up to the turn of the 20th Century.  And then it stopped.  My guess is all that jazz and too much bubbly from the Roaring 20's killed it. Partying killed it. Women's suffrages on equal voting killed it. More independent women killed it. Which I think was a great thing, since men or "gentlemen" to be correct didn't have to take off their capes and lay it over a puddle just so a woman will not splish splash into a wet mess. I'm figuring capes are expensive to replace so why ruin it in the first place.

No one has been seen wearing a cape as daily attire for decades. Sans magicians, marching bands, American Civil War enactments, mascots, and Dracula. Hey have you ever noticed Dracula was the only vampire to wear a cape? Again what Hollywood wants us to believe. There are so many vampire shtick today that I'm getting sick of it. I just noticed yesterday, there's going to be another vampire series on television airing this Fall hoping to gain the Twilight and True Blood audiences. Enough already with this new age "emo" "tween-teen" vampirism.  I haven't seen Twilight yet nor would any right minded guy will want to see it, including gay men. I deem it shit since every other guy whose girlfriend/wives force them to see it say the movies are shit.  Never met a man who likes them; True blood is a different matter. The sex and nudity keeps it from getting thumbs down.

I've only worn a cape twice, part of my Halloween costume; first as Darth Vader. Just a cape and a mask. No light saber and no blinking lighted buttons on my chest. My parents were cheap.  A few years later I used the cape again and you can guess what it was for... that's right as a vampire. The cape and fake fangs are all that was needed.

When I think of capes, no one dons it better than deliciously megalomaniacal evil Roman gladiator Torvald played by Jack Palance in the movie 'Barrabas'.  Oh his wide devilish grin and hawkish laughter in that one. He even continues rocking the cape tradition and evilness in two Buck Roger episodes as Kaleel. And would you know it Jack Palance also played Dracula too!


I couldn't find an image of Torvald so Kaleel will have to do or watch a clip of him in Barrabas.


How can I not forget superheroes? I just realized until now that DC comics have more of their superheros with capes on than Marvel comics. Doctor Strange is the only one from Marvel that I can think of at the top of my head.  You know I never tied a blanket around my neck and pretended to be a superhero. In fact I don't think I ever pretended to be a superhero at anytime during my youth. How sad is that? Which leads me off to another tangent because I'm like this.

Superpowers. Well it's actually not about superpowers per say and more about wishes. The fantasy kind which leads to superpowers. Ask a person what they wish for and surely someone will come up with "I wish I could fly" or be invisible or predict the future. 

Back in the 7th grade, a substitute teacher was in charge of my homeroom for a day and to pass the time asked the class what everyone would wish for. I already knew what I going to say as I was waiting for my turn and listening to everyone's boring wishes, ex. I wish for a million dollars, new clothes, to fly, to be invisible, world peace, etc. When it came to me, I had the most original  and most well thought out wish. It's my belief that I was smarter than everyone else and still believe it because I've came across few who thought like me. It was to have psycho-telekenetic powers or something like that. I think there were a few more adjectives. Well I was going for omnipotent powers to do anything with just my mind. Think Q in Star Trek or being a genie but without the shackled whims of a master.  I can make things happen at my disposal with just a thought, a wave of hand, a head nod, a twinkling of the nose. Who needs money to purchase stuff when it can be thought of out of thin air or people.  Hey poof! Immediate action with 20 Playboy Playmates having a pillow fight right in my bedroom. Ah the possibilities but also can be construed as scary. I know my classmates thought the same of me when they heard my wish. But I thought to myself, to hell with them. It wasn't like I was asking to rule the world which I find to be one of the worst wishes to wish for. It's too much damn work trying to rule everybody and too hazardous. There's bound to be thousands if not millions who would feel wronged and want to overthrow/kill the world ruler.

Anyway capes. Should there be come back or just die out altogether? I mean come on I've seen these stupid cousin to the Snuggie TV commercials, the Wearable Towel. If people are insane enough put down $19.99 for one plus to get another free than I think they'll be dumb enough to buy capes. So three cheers for capes though I won't be caught dead wearing one. Well maybe someday I will, just to fuck with people's minds when I walk publicly down the street with one. Like the guy who wears boots and a powder blue polyester suit being full on dangerous with bell bottoms and a butterfly collar.

Residents of Glendale watch as flames from the Station fire get close to homes on Boston Avenue in Glendale. Credit: Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times

If anyone has been living under a rock and haven't been aware of the latest wildfires going around Los Angeles for more than a week then consider me as one of them. Almost. I've been so absent minded to have forgotten that I have relatives who live  very close to La Cañada,CA where most of the evacuations and homes have burnt down. And basically they live near the base of Mt. Wilson famous for it's observatory seen in who knows how many movies and television series where only 2 miles away on the same mountain, the named "Station Fire" because it's close to the location for all 22 TV, radio, wireless, and emergency communication towers within the greater L.A. area is the largest and mostly uncontained fire that is still raging. As of today only 22% have been contained but it is expected to that the fires will hit the Mt. Wilson facilites later today or over night according to Los Angeles County Fire Department Deputy Chief James Powers. "In a worst-case scenario, firefighters were expected to retreat to the safety of the observatory parking lot or seek refuge in the concrete and steel basement of the 105-year-old, 100-inch telescope observatory". It will be kind of tragic if the famed observatory goes down but not as tragic to victims this fire has already claimed.

I saw how thick the smoke have filled all the canyon valleys down through Glendale and Pasadena into the larger San Fernando Valley basin only 10 miles away from downtown L.A. It  looks very serene magical like a blanket of fog only everyone below and in it are having a hard time to breathing and choking. Is this the start of the fire season? I thought there was one in the Spring or earlier in the summer. It now seems like the fire season lasts almost the entire year with the Governator Schwarzenegger declaring a state of emergency every few months.  You can't win living down there from this, earthquakes, and the soon to be massive mud slides from now bare landscape if Hurricane Jimena gets to southern California.

Click to enlarge.

A detailed view of the 133 square mile (344.5 Sq. Km) Station fire burning in southern California at 20:20 UTC (13:20 local TZ) (12:20 local time) on August 30, 2009, from the MODIS instrument on the Aqua satellite. Full imageCredit: Image courtesy of MODIS Rapid Response Project at NASA/GSFC

Dammit I'm now very worried. I need to call some people today to see how things are going or if their houses are in the line fire. That's an accidental pun. I hate it when that happens.