3/30/2004
CUE TINY VIOLIN. . .
I'm just tired of feeling like I'm stuck. Stuck here, with my crappy car, no money, and no actual place to call my own.
Granted, there are a few things that make it a little easier. Good friends, a surprisingly easy-flowing romantic relationship, and the support of many.
*sigh* Ok, enough bitching and moaning. Tomorrow, I'm off to a few more temp agencies. Why the hell not, eh?
Tonight, however, it's The Family Guy, some Photoshop, and some website tweaking. Two more days, kids!
THIS *ALMOST* MAKES ME GLAD I'M UNEMPLOYED.
I'm not sure which is more fun, the competition, or the competitive nature of those guys. I think it's a toss up.
3/29/2004
SMSU FUCKWITS IN THE NEWS AGAIN
And the recent "discussion" about the non-discrimination policy just makes me furious. Not because it hasn't changed, as I actually admire Keiser for sticking to his guns, but the fact that if people *are* being discriminated against, they're not making reports. This has been a highly debated issue since I was in school, and I'm just amazed that after all this public demand from students and faculty, that those discriminated students are being big pussies and not filing reports. You'd think that if this is happening, people would file numerous complaints, as a way to show the administration that it *is* a relevant issue. And if the complaints were filed, and somehow "swept under the table," or ignored, it would give Lambda and BiGala at least a little more fuel. The comment made by a student in the article is correct: It *is* the same discussion, with nothing new, nothing different. I do have to say that it's an excellent article, written by my good friend Matt. He rocks the casbah.
UPDATE ON ST LOUIS ACT OF "CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE"
3/28/2004
AN INTERESTING POINT, AND A LONG-WINDED RAMBLE.
The conversation came about because of a WU co-worker who apparently is very religious, but doesn't speak her opinions. Mary was horrified to find this out, as she's said comments such as, "Those damned fundamentalists!" and the like. We pondered why said co-worker was silent when Mary said such comments, as we assumed that people are shaped by their world views, and by their experiences. I think that despite what your adult views are on religion, there's still a small part of everyone who was raised in some religion, no matter how strongly your family practiced, and how your current views are similar or different.
I mentioned that in Saint Louis, at least among Catholics, there's a leaning towards having strong association with your parish. Not only in a spiritual sense, but in a geographical sense.
Think about it. There's a sterotypical joke that St. Louisians continually ask upon meeting a native, "So, where'd you go to high school?" For the most part, it's to get an idea of geography (what school district you were in), socioeconomic status (natch, what school district you were in), and then finally a possible common ground (people you knew who attended that school, etc.). But students of Catholic high schools don't have that same geographical recognition. Among Catholic kids, high schools are conglomerated of many different parishes and backgrounds. (For the most part. I'd say that most Catholic schools are still predominately white.) So, the questioning turns to "What parish are you from?" From their response, all of the geographical and socioeconomic cues are in place, and there's a likelihood that if you went to a Catholic school you either knew someone who went to a school, played them in sports, etc.
Anyway, back to my current commentary. Because of the idea that exposure to religion (or lack thereof) shapes a person, I think that there's a likelihood that on some level, people may vote based on religion. I think that certainly, the gay-marriage debate is counting on that idea. If that weren't the case, the Moral Majority wouldn't keep spouting how homosexuality is an abmination of God's law, God's Plan, etc. I think that morality is (and should be) a strong basis of our legal and political system, otherwise it would be legal to do harm to others, physically, mentally, fiscally. However, the idea of religion should not be a part of any system, especially not ours. I think it's ironic that Michael and Kate mentioned how religion doesn't play a large part at all in politics in New Zealand and Australia, respectively, yet plays such a large part in ours. It may be a subterraneous part, but it's there, and is there in many areas of our culture. It's part of our history, and part of our future. I think that the ideal of separation of church and state is an ideal goal of our political and legal system, but I think that, like other parts of our society, theory and practice of those theory will, more often than not, lead to different results.
The article mentions that despite the conservative, pro-life, anti-homosexual mandates of Catholic leaders, Catholics tend to be more left-of-center than the same Protestant voter. I think that Kerry's pro-choice (and possible pro-homosexual) views will likely appeal to those non-practicing Catholics, similar to myself, who have strayed from the Church because of these conflicting views. It's possible that despite his differing views from traditional Catholic politics, there will be Catholics who will vote for him because of a shared belief system, a shared moral ground.
Of course, the article makes what would seem an obvious comparision to JFK. But nearly 50 years ago, I'm not sure there was the visible division between the two major political parties on such social issues. I think that it was underlying, but not necessarily as much of a definitive part of party identification. I think that there was a much stronger leaning towards labeling people as "progressive," or "liberal," without using party identification as a four-letter word. I know people who are amazed that there are democratic-voting people who are pro-war, pro-guns, pro-life, etc., or that there is an actual need/demand for a group like the Log Cabin Republicans.
This wouldn't even be an issue, if there wasn't party divisiveness, as a general rule. I'd like to think that without party politics, the general public would make an informed decision on candidates based on issues, and that representation would be much more of an equal representation, without the fear of offending that party powers-that-be.
Rereading this post, I'm not sure if I made a point at all. Of course, my ramblings tend to do that, eh? *shrug* As always, feel free to comment or email me if you think I'm right, or a blubbering idiot.
*DROOL*
'Nuff said.
BUT OF COURSE.
You Are a Plain Ole Cup of JoeBut don't think plain - instead think, uncomplicated You're a low maintenance kind of guy... who can hang with the guys Down to earth, easy going, and fun! Yup, that's you: the friend everyone invites. And your dependable too. Both for a laugh and a sympathetic ear. What Kind Of Coffee Are You? Take This Quiz :-) Find the Love of Your Life (and More Love Quizzes) at Your New Romance. |
Of course, I like to think of myself as Colombian Coffee. . .strong and dark, slightly bitter if not handled correctly. :)
3/27/2004
CAN ANYONE EXPLAIN WHAT DEMOGRAPHIC I'M SUPPOSED TO FALL IN?
But this new crop of magazines takes the cake, and I don't remember signing up for them. In one day, I recieved the latest copies of Seventeen, Lifetime Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, and Redbook. I assume they're replacements for other subscriptions that I ordered. Or at least, I hope so. I don't think I went on a drunken bender and signed up for these. And I've noticed that my subscriptions to Time and Sports Illustrated have ended, so I guess the switch-up is likely.
WHAT A BUSY, YET UNEVENTFUL COUPLE OF DAYS
I had an interview yesterday with BJC for a very entry-level job. Then, last night, thanks to a frantic cleaning/laundry/closet organizing marathon, I didn't head to bed till nearly 6 am. (Surprise, surprise)
Today, I made some kickass banana-pecan waffles, drank about half a pot of coffee, and it's back to more cleaning. Of course, in my case, "cleaning" really means throwing away lots of junk mail and magazines, and figuring out what to do with the rest of my crap that I can't seem to part with, for some reason.
Oh, and just in case you're keeping track, the new grand total of jobs applied for is now over the 70-mark. *sigh*
3/23/2004
OY. WHAT A WONDERFUL MONTH IT'S BEEN. . .
Of course, I've got a probable interview with the devil, although a lesser version of my former soul-selling foray into the tobacco world.
3/21/2004
DAMN.
CHANGE OF PLANS, FOR THE BEST
Subject: Re: Join us for a marriage?
After much consideration for the legal implications of doing this ceremony in Missouri, we are going to put this on hold.
We want to do everything possible to be sure that gay marriage is a reality in this country and in order for this to be so, we need to proceed with a national awareness, with caution and in coordination with the strategies of other organizations who are working toward the day when gay marriage is a reality.
This coordination will take time and it is unlikely that this will be done by March 27. The ministerial staff of [location of church] will continue working toward this and will be in touch.
I realized after I posted on Friday, that it probably wasn't going to happen. Michael and I were discussing it that night, and I figured that 1) the organizers didn't realize the actual legal reason that the ministers in NY were arrested, and 2) probably didn't know how to go about it to get arrested in the same way.
*shrug* I think it's for the best. Piss poor planning yields piss poor results.
3/19/2004
CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE, ST LOUIS STYLE
3/17/2004
I HATE THE CHANGING OF SEASONS
3/16/2004
SELF-INDUCED INSOMNIA, BUT IT WAS WORTH IT
*SMACKS FOREHEAD* OF COURSE . . .
3/15/2004
AMID ALL THE QUEER TALK AND QUIZZES, I NEARLY FORGOT
EXCELLENT.
Which Family Guy character are you?
Thanks to Chris at thay_space for the linkage ( Chris, there's one mention. Googlize to your heart's content).
JOCELYN ELDERS RECOMMENDS A "HANDS OFF" APPROACH . . .
(Sorry, I couldn't resist the bad pun)
AND, OF COURSE, AS SOON AS I STEP OFF MY SOAPBOX:
Um, hello? What about separation of church and state? Despite the fact that one minister signed an affidavit for the couples, I'm not quite sure that the minster has the authority to consider the union a civil one, or legally binding. From what I read in the article, there's really no merit the charge; possibly a fraud charge, as they were acting as a legal authority? I obviously don't know the law in this area, so it's all conjecture from my end, as usual. :)
A HISTORICAL VIEW OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGES AND THE LAW
Additionally, I find the following statement to be essentially true, especially after the Lawrence v. Texas ruling from last year (the article was written in 2002):
Furthermore, the American judicial system has a significant homophobic edge to it. No doubt, a state bureaucrat in at least one of the other 49 states would refuse to recognize another state's same-sex marriage and the dispute would go the U.S. Supreme Court. The U.S. Supreme Court would have to decide which takes precedent: the full faith and credit clause of the U.S. Constitution, the Defense of Marriage Act or a state's assertion that same-sex marriages violate the public policy of that state. Virtually all constitutional scholars agree that in any other kind of case the U.S. Supreme Court -- especially the conservative justices who like to be consistent in constitutional interpretations -- would rule that full faith and credit takes precedent. But can you imagine Justices Rehnquist, Scalia and Thomas voting in favor of same-sex marriages? It's unlikely, but only time will tell.
Of course, all this talk still brings more unanswered questions: How does The Federal Defense of Marriage Act effect couples who have gotten married in Canada? Does the full faith and credit clause apply to these contracts? And how will those who *have* been married in San Francisco, New Mexico, Portland, and New York file their income taxes next year? Married, Single, etc?
INTERESTING TURN OF EVENTS
I think the question is why is there such a sudden increase in these weapons? Now, I'm sure it's a bit of culture bias, but I think it's also a bit of practicality: really, what can you get done in daily life with a scabbard attached to your belt?
"Pardon me, but I may need to unsheath myself before I get into that ferris wheel."
"Would you like to dance? Watch out for my swinging sword!" (Hrm. Depending on the person, that might not be such an unusual request)
And of course, "Now that's a knife!" (I think Paul Hogan has ruined the idea of Aussies and Kiwis for most of Americans living in the '80s)
LAZY, LAZY LAZY.
3/13/2004
MT UPDATE:
(MOUTH AGAPE)
Just like the much more entertaining Boy Meets Boy, the show is based on the participants and the audience using their "gaydar" to figure out who's gay or straight by widely known stereotypes. Blech. (The flip side to that in this show, is that it might be able to show audiences that all gay men are not effeminate flamers.)
Also, especially in the pilot, the gay men, who have always known the premise and that they have to "play it straight," are almost villainized money-hungry homos. Sorry, but anyone who participates in a dating show like this is money-hungry; finding "love" is just an added bonus, IMHO.
Speaking of TV, Charter finally moved our area over to the new channel lineup, so I've been immersing myself in the Bravo network. (Now, if they could only bring Cable Modems to our neighborhood, I'd be happy as a lark.)
Check out Significant Others, which is one of the funniest shows I've seen in quite a while.
3/10/2004
WELL, AT LEAST SOMEONE ENJOYED THE MVC TOURNAMENT IN STYLE
I KNEW IT WOULDN'T TAKE LONG. . .
"Oh, I've been ignoring the common people, but now that you've wrote such an eloquent letter, Ms. Midler, I'll just change my position. Have I ever told you that Beaches is one of Laura's favorite movies?"
3/09/2004
WOOT!
I finally got Movable Type to install on my server. Much thanks to Chris and this site for all the help. Now, seeing as how I'm a bit OCD about these things, and I've got entirely too much time on my hands these days, don't expect a full move to the new system till the end of the month or so. I've got almost 700 entries to edit (who knew erratic posting over two years made so many entries?) , and I want to get a new template. But, it's finally imported, which was the main thing.
3/08/2004
FUCKIN' AY.
Very, very close.
The MVC's first Double Overtime game.
But the Bears got too foul-happy, and the Panthers won 79-74, basically, by free-throw shots in the second overtime.
Grrr.
3/07/2004
ONE QUICK NOTE BEFORE BED
I just wanted to continue boasting about the Bears, as they beat the Salukis 80 - 74. I wish I could've seen it, or more appropriately, had the foresight to tape it. But you can bet your sweet ass that I'm taping the final showdown on Monday.
I can't *remember* the last time I was excited about the men's basketball program. (The Lady Bears aren't doing so bad, either; they won the regular season MVC title, and are top seeded in the tournament next weekend.
Wouldn't it be cool if both teams won their conference tournaments? I wonder when *that* happened last?
3/06/2004
NOW THAT'S SOME GREAT BASKETBALL.
Of course, all this talk may be a bit too enthusiastic. After all, they've got to beat the #1 seeded Salukis tomorrow. So, I'll wait, and boast more after they win.
HEHE.
Your Inner Eye Color Is GreenYou're off-scale unique and creative - just like green eyes You're peaceful, relaxed, and easy to be around You've got an exotic flair that draws men in... with unique beauty. What's Your Inner Eye Color? Take This Quiz :-) Find the Love of Your Life (and More Love Quizzes) at Your New Romance. |
I actually had green contacts once; it was a sample pair, luckily, because they made me look a bit demonic. So, I wore one green one and one clear one when I was in a haunted house later that year.
3/05/2004
NOT MY WEEK, PART DEUX:
While we were watching it, I wasn't feeling well, not exactly getting a good "vibe," so to speak, so I went to bed. That night, I had a dream that grandma was going to die yesterday.
I was a bit shaken by the dream, so I called in to Accountemps. I spent the day firing off resumes all about town, and as I was ready to leave that night, to meet Michael and his friend, Katie (I know, two nights in a row? But I wanted to finally meet Katie, and I was tired of being in the house, playing the waiting game), Dad called from the hospital.
Grandma passed away around 9:30 or so last night. Luckily, all of her surviving children were there with her. Surprisingly, Mom had just gotten off the phone with Dad not even 20 minutes earlier for an update, and he said she seemed alright, about the same as Wednesday.
I feel like shit today:
I feel bad that I still went out, with little concern as to what I could do, if any.
I feel bad because I'm not really that emotional about it. I'd never been close to my paternal grandmother, and I was preparing myself for her imminent death all week.
I feel bad, because I don't feel bad. Does that make sense?
I know that I'll probably be a little more emotional when the actual wake/funeral happens, but not for the loss of my grandma, but because of the hurting that my surviving family members are going through. I know they drive me absolutely batty, but they're still my family.
Anyhoo, if I don't post for the next few days, you'll understand why. I've got an interview in the plans next week, and I'll of course let you all know how it goes, when it happens.
3/03/2004
IT HAS *DEFINITELY* NOT BEEN MY WEEK.
So, seeing as how I know how to change my tire, I call Accountemps, and tell them that I'm going to be at said boring job about a half an hour late.
HOWEVER . . .
As I jack up the car, and get the rim off, the weather goes from a light sprinkle (annoying) to a torrential downpour. Just like that. After screwing around in the pouring rain for about 10 minutes, I decided to just swallow my pride, and take the bus.
So, I'm an hour late, I worked through lunch, and left about an hour early, hoping for just enough daylight and non-raining to change my tire.
Fate was on my side, as I finished it all right before a light sprinkle began.
Sometimes, it's the little things that make you the happiest, I guess.
3/02/2004
A QUICK NOTE BEFORE BED.
Huzzah! I spent my lunch hour sunning myself in Kiener Plaza, reminiscing of the good ol' days, when Jen and I would meet for lunch, both working just a block or two away.
So, I'm watching (ok, listening to, as I attempt to fall asleep) primary coverage on Hardball (not because I particularly like Chris Matthews, or Pat Robertson specifically, but because Keith Olbermann isn't on), and they mentioned possible VP candidates of John Kerry. One name mentioned, not surprisingly, if you think about it, was Dick Gephardt.
Now, I think I'd be willing to vote for a Kerry-Gephardt ticket, but the first thought that popped in my head, probably in part because of the many articles I recently perused in the Village Voice about gay marriage, was:
"Hrm. Wouldn't it be ironic to have another Vice President with a lesbian daughter, skirting around gay marriage? Interesting."
3/01/2004
AAAARRRRGH.
a) I knew about this earlier
b) Had an actual job, so that I could afford it if I *had* known about it
c) Didn't have a crappy car, and hate driving to Chesterfield
Otherwise, I'd be having a *very* fulfilling dinner tomorrow night.
C'est la vie, I guess.
OY. I'M WATCHING THE STL VERSION OF ELIMIDATE.
Jaimee, I think you *should* have signed me up for this show. Cause these guys are all schmucks. Well, at least the jock, Dave, is, so far.
The girl's relatively cute, though.
And the date started out at McGurks, yet not *one* of the guys are drinking Guinness. I think that's the first problem.
Wait. The problem *is* the jock. He just defiled a cake by showing his "oral skills," after mentioning his "south pole." And that he's dated *21* girls at the same time. You *never* mention that you're dating someone else on a date. Especially not on national television. What an asshat.
But then the girl ditched the quiet one, Brad, who may or may not have been me. Y'all know how shy I am around women.
They went to the Ale house, where Dave made a complete ass of himself, yet again, then she ditched the funny guy, Ben.
The two guys danced with her, and Peter, the one who's obviously going to be the one she picks, was the better dancer, baked her a cake as a welcoming gift, and is a bartender. (Which *definitely* doesn't excuse the non-Guinness drinking)
She dropped the jock after he screamed a marriage proposal on a hayride, and chose Peter.
Yeesh. I should be trying to sleep, not wasting my time with these damned dating shows.
SADLY, NO STRONGBAD TODAY.
there was a new Teen Girl Squad! Clickety click on the link to see what all the fuss is about. And, if you've met me IRL, you'll understand why I wear that t-shirt occasionally.
OUCH.
You're Lolita!
by Vladimir Nabokov
Considered by most to be depraved and immoral, you are obsessed with sex. What really tantalizes you is that which deviates from societal standards in every way, though you admit that this probably isn't the best and you're not sure what causes this desire. Nonetheless, you've done some pretty nefarious things in your life, and probably gotten caught for them. The names have been changed, but the problems are real.
Please stay away from children.
Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.
Couldn't I have been something a bit less pervy? Horton Hears a Who!, maybe?
KUDOS TO GGWOO FOR THE LINKAGE. . .
You're Cambodia!
Life's been really rough, but it's slowly improving. You know way too much about the skeletal structure of humans, mostly from being forced to study it. This has given you a fear of many things, most especially the color red. The future has to be more promising though, and your greatest adversary can now never come back to hurt you any more.
Take the Country Quiz at the Blue Pyramid
HEYA SLACKASS, WHAT'S WITH THE LACK OF POSTING?
As of Friday, my grandmother is in hospice, waiting to die. So a lot of my time has been spent in the hospital.
Saturday, I took a break, seeing the surprisingly wonderful talents of Parkway West High School students in "Guys and Dolls."
Greg's boyfriend choreographed the show (disclaimer: despite his proprensity for the youngins', said boyfriend is actually a teacher at the school), and his orchestrations were very good, despite the musical theater mainstays of jazz hands, box steps, and the charleston.
I've been emailing and faxing resumes with reckless abandon, and have a few nice leads. I start a small temp assignment tomorrow with Accountemps, which will help out a little, while I wait for my big whompin (under $100 a week) unemployment benefits to start kicking in.
So, to say the least, I've had a lot on my mind. Regular posting will resume shortly.