What's it like being the first Muslim in Congress?...
Like finally getting some lube...
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Friday, November 17, 2006
Thursday, November 16, 2006
The stomach flu that ate Detroit…
Coming soon to a stomach near you (but let’s hope not, huh?).
Vicky has this theory that I catch a cold every 3-4 months. Sadly, this year, she’s been on the money. When we returned from Hawaii in April, I got sick. In August, I got sick. And now that it’s November… yep, I’m sick.
It started out as a stomach flu that had me… um… well… it wasn’t pretty. Now, it’s moved on to the suburbs of my body and I’ve been enjoying a dandy, little fever since yesterday. I’m exhausted. I fall asleep all the time, have the wickedest dreams, then wake up from body aches and fever… ugh! So, I’m basically wiped out right now.
Actually, I’m sitting at my desk, squirming from muscle aches, and trying to remember what it was I was going to say…. Dammit…
The only upside to this that I can think of is that, by getting sick now, I’ll be better for my brother’s wedding. Hate to say it but I’m not really looking forward to it. I’ve been trying to lose weight for it but that’s been kind of a bust. This unemployment thing has only served to further isolate me from my family because I’ve been so ashamed of myself. And, to top it off, I can’t even write…
… as is probably evident right about now, huh?
I’m going to go crawl back into bed now...
Vicky has this theory that I catch a cold every 3-4 months. Sadly, this year, she’s been on the money. When we returned from Hawaii in April, I got sick. In August, I got sick. And now that it’s November… yep, I’m sick.
It started out as a stomach flu that had me… um… well… it wasn’t pretty. Now, it’s moved on to the suburbs of my body and I’ve been enjoying a dandy, little fever since yesterday. I’m exhausted. I fall asleep all the time, have the wickedest dreams, then wake up from body aches and fever… ugh! So, I’m basically wiped out right now.
Actually, I’m sitting at my desk, squirming from muscle aches, and trying to remember what it was I was going to say…. Dammit…
The only upside to this that I can think of is that, by getting sick now, I’ll be better for my brother’s wedding. Hate to say it but I’m not really looking forward to it. I’ve been trying to lose weight for it but that’s been kind of a bust. This unemployment thing has only served to further isolate me from my family because I’ve been so ashamed of myself. And, to top it off, I can’t even write…
… as is probably evident right about now, huh?
I’m going to go crawl back into bed now...
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
As an atheist, I have to chuckle…
You gotta admit, it takes some balls.
We’ve got a country full of gun-toting, gay-hating, Bible-thumping, war-starting Christia… er, hypocrites and these people have come out with a movie filled with evidence disputing that their almighty Savior (you know, the one who preached the tolerance and love they so conveniently ignore) never even existed. Sure, The God Who Wasn’t There is filled with old evidence, long substantiated evidence, stuff I’ve known about for year, not too much new, shiny, cool shit, but it takes some balls to release a movie like that in a country filled with people who hate anyone who doesn’t love their big, spooky, imaginary old man in the sky (or young man impaled on wood, if you prefer the gayer interpretation). Yeah, you'll love the trailer!
As for me, I’d have no problem with Christians if they’d just be Christian, if they’d just follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, but that would require them to love their enemies, turn the other cheek, provide for those less well-off than themselves, and…. oh right, FORGIVE.
That ain’t happening.
We’ve got a country full of gun-toting, gay-hating, Bible-thumping, war-starting Christia… er, hypocrites and these people have come out with a movie filled with evidence disputing that their almighty Savior (you know, the one who preached the tolerance and love they so conveniently ignore) never even existed. Sure, The God Who Wasn’t There is filled with old evidence, long substantiated evidence, stuff I’ve known about for year, not too much new, shiny, cool shit, but it takes some balls to release a movie like that in a country filled with people who hate anyone who doesn’t love their big, spooky, imaginary old man in the sky (or young man impaled on wood, if you prefer the gayer interpretation). Yeah, you'll love the trailer!
As for me, I’d have no problem with Christians if they’d just be Christian, if they’d just follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, but that would require them to love their enemies, turn the other cheek, provide for those less well-off than themselves, and…. oh right, FORGIVE.
That ain’t happening.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
A pain in the… stomach…
Can you believe I’ve got a stomachache? Bad one, too. I’m doubled over on my keyboard as I type this. But, hey, it can’t be avoided. I’ve gone through my morning ritual of looking for work and flagellating myself with guilt. Now, my stomach has taken over.
But I assure you this has nothing to do with last night’s dinner! Vicky ate some and she’s just fine!
This is the first time I’ve been sick since losing my job. You might say that unemployment agrees with me.
I wouldn’t.
In fact, this whole unemployment business is beginning to freak me out.
I only have three months left of unemployment insurance. After that, my writing career will be over and my career at Target/Costco/gas station/etc. will have begun. After spending over a decade building a career as a writer, well, it’s not something I’m looking forward to with any enthusiasm, let me tell you.
And I haven’t been doing the best job keeping these fears from Vicky. She’s been doing a great job at being supportive but I think I’ve been relying on that a bit too much. But I guess that’ll come to no surprise to those who know me – the strong, silent type, I ain’t.
Anyway, I guess I’ll go watch some TV and hope that, with any luck, you’ll hear me complaining about having a job that doesn’t give me enough time off soon…
But I assure you this has nothing to do with last night’s dinner! Vicky ate some and she’s just fine!
This is the first time I’ve been sick since losing my job. You might say that unemployment agrees with me.
I wouldn’t.
In fact, this whole unemployment business is beginning to freak me out.
I only have three months left of unemployment insurance. After that, my writing career will be over and my career at Target/Costco/gas station/etc. will have begun. After spending over a decade building a career as a writer, well, it’s not something I’m looking forward to with any enthusiasm, let me tell you.
And I haven’t been doing the best job keeping these fears from Vicky. She’s been doing a great job at being supportive but I think I’ve been relying on that a bit too much. But I guess that’ll come to no surprise to those who know me – the strong, silent type, I ain’t.
Anyway, I guess I’ll go watch some TV and hope that, with any luck, you’ll hear me complaining about having a job that doesn’t give me enough time off soon…
Monday, November 13, 2006
Me and my butter nuts…
Okay, for those of you googling for creepily pornographic blogs… um… this ain’t one of them. (I said “ain’t”!) This is actually about butternut squash, because Jenn’s been putting recipes back on her blog and I figured I should keep up with the Jenn… ses…
A couple of weeks ago, Vicky and I picked up a package of pre-chopped butternut squash from Costco (where America goes to get obese). We didn’t know what we’d do with it but we wanted to eat healthier and, well, how long can you eat baby carrots, anyway?
(And why do they call them baby carrots? It’s not like they are actually very young carrots. My theory is that they put a regular carrot inside of some kind of grinder and out pops three or four baby ones.)
We found this great recipe for Moroccan Slow Cooker Stew, which called for – you guessed it – butternut squash. It’s very healthy, good for you… and we were figuring it would taste like shit.
Surprise! It didn’t!
We decided to make it again this week. Actually, we decided I’d make it this week.
So, here are the ingredients:
cooking spray
1 small onion, chopped
1 medium garlic clove, minced (but who are we kidding? Go crazy!)
1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup baby carrots (it’s not like our fridge wasn’t full of them anyway)
1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
15 oz canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 tsp salt
Preparation is one of those 1, 2, 3 kind of things:
First, wilt the onion and garlic in a pan with a couple sprays of cooking spray (you may know this as “Pam”).
Second, throw that, along with the carrots, tomatoes, broth, cinnamon, cumin, pepper flakes and (oh yeah) the squash into your slow cooker and simmer for six hours.
Third, write me a check for all of your money and mail it to me while adding the chickpeas (rinsed and drained) and salt and letting it cook for about five more minutes.
Don’t forget to give it a few stirs. Also, if you don’t want to buy one of those monster cans of crushed tomatoes (the only way the sell the bastards, it seems), you can crush the tomatoes yourself. Just get some tomatoes (peeled) and crush them with your blender, hand mixer, food processor, or small child. (Paying attention?)
Making this again turned out to be a slight problem. When I took the remaining butternut squash from our fridge, it had obviously gone bad. In its bag, it was coated with a creamy, white film.
(… wait… um… just a sec… maybe I shouldn’t mention “creamy white film” in a blog entry about my butter nuts…)
This is how I came to find out why you don’t often hear about people cooking with butternuts. I had to go to the store and actually buy one! Actually prepare it!
Okay, the thing is, if you can get it pre-chopped in a bag – DO SO!
If you’re thinking about buying one from the store… just a few things:
1) The peel is actually wood bark. And, yes, you have to peel it.
2) Splitting it is probably best done with a chainsaw.
3) They were pretty cheap at the store. After a few hours of chopping, peeling, and getting Band-Aids for the cuts on my hands, arms, and face, I can see why.
Anyway, enjoy!
A couple of weeks ago, Vicky and I picked up a package of pre-chopped butternut squash from Costco (where America goes to get obese). We didn’t know what we’d do with it but we wanted to eat healthier and, well, how long can you eat baby carrots, anyway?
(And why do they call them baby carrots? It’s not like they are actually very young carrots. My theory is that they put a regular carrot inside of some kind of grinder and out pops three or four baby ones.)
We found this great recipe for Moroccan Slow Cooker Stew, which called for – you guessed it – butternut squash. It’s very healthy, good for you… and we were figuring it would taste like shit.
Surprise! It didn’t!
We decided to make it again this week. Actually, we decided I’d make it this week.
So, here are the ingredients:
cooking spray
1 small onion, chopped
1 medium garlic clove, minced (but who are we kidding? Go crazy!)
1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup baby carrots (it’s not like our fridge wasn’t full of them anyway)
1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
15 oz canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 tsp salt
Preparation is one of those 1, 2, 3 kind of things:
First, wilt the onion and garlic in a pan with a couple sprays of cooking spray (you may know this as “Pam”).
Second, throw that, along with the carrots, tomatoes, broth, cinnamon, cumin, pepper flakes and (oh yeah) the squash into your slow cooker and simmer for six hours.
Third, write me a check for all of your money and mail it to me while adding the chickpeas (rinsed and drained) and salt and letting it cook for about five more minutes.
Don’t forget to give it a few stirs. Also, if you don’t want to buy one of those monster cans of crushed tomatoes (the only way the sell the bastards, it seems), you can crush the tomatoes yourself. Just get some tomatoes (peeled) and crush them with your blender, hand mixer, food processor, or small child. (Paying attention?)
Making this again turned out to be a slight problem. When I took the remaining butternut squash from our fridge, it had obviously gone bad. In its bag, it was coated with a creamy, white film.
(… wait… um… just a sec… maybe I shouldn’t mention “creamy white film” in a blog entry about my butter nuts…)
This is how I came to find out why you don’t often hear about people cooking with butternuts. I had to go to the store and actually buy one! Actually prepare it!
Okay, the thing is, if you can get it pre-chopped in a bag – DO SO!
If you’re thinking about buying one from the store… just a few things:
1) The peel is actually wood bark. And, yes, you have to peel it.
2) Splitting it is probably best done with a chainsaw.
3) They were pretty cheap at the store. After a few hours of chopping, peeling, and getting Band-Aids for the cuts on my hands, arms, and face, I can see why.
Anyway, enjoy!
Saturday, November 11, 2006
The piper and the paying of...
Just days after he was fire - um - resigned from his office, it looks like things aren't exactly peaches for our previous Secretary of Illegal Wars. At a time when a recent MSNBC poll had 87% of the country in favor of investigation the Shrub White House for impeachment, Time magazine now reports that Rummy and friends are about to...
"...face more repercussions for his involvement in the troubled wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. New legal documents, to be filed next week with Germany's top prosecutor, will seek a criminal investigation and prosecution of Rumsfeld, along with Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, former CIA director George Tenet and other senior U.S. civilian and military officers, for their alleged roles in abuses committed at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison and at the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba."
It's almost as if it just doesn't pay to commit crimes against humanity any more.
In case it's not clear: "Germany was chosen for the court filing because German law provides "universal jurisdiction" allowing for the prosecution of war crimes and related offenses that take place anywhere in the world."
Oh, sweet irony.
"...face more repercussions for his involvement in the troubled wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. New legal documents, to be filed next week with Germany's top prosecutor, will seek a criminal investigation and prosecution of Rumsfeld, along with Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, former CIA director George Tenet and other senior U.S. civilian and military officers, for their alleged roles in abuses committed at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison and at the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba."
It's almost as if it just doesn't pay to commit crimes against humanity any more.
In case it's not clear: "Germany was chosen for the court filing because German law provides "universal jurisdiction" allowing for the prosecution of war crimes and related offenses that take place anywhere in the world."
Oh, sweet irony.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
An election 2006 post-mortum…
(No, this isn’t going to be about how well the Dems did. Was it a step in the right direction? Sure. But it was only a step!)
I was very disappointed last night. The election, while good for thoughtful people with regards to checks and balances and having more than one group of people in control (we’re hoping) still had many pitfalls.
Take, for instance, the landslide victory of the Mad Austrian here in California. What the hell? Just a year ago, this guy holds special elections to try and bust the unions of teachers, firefighters, and other people for whom we should provide a living wage and now he’s everyone’s hero? This is the guy whose disdain for our environment is as big as his car and we can’t wait to get him back office? What the hell is wrong with you people, anyway?
Oh, I know. I’ve heard it. Schwartzenfucker is supposed to be cool because he was a… um… an actor. Sure. That makes as much sense as hiring a guy with a big ass crack to fix your plumbing – HE SURE LOOKS LIKE THE JOB, RIGHT?! I thought you people learned your lesson with Reagan? After all, they’re both about as talented.
But when it comes to people being conned into voting against their own best interests, nobody takes the prize – steals the prize – better than the tobacco and oil lobbies.
Proposition 86, here in California, would have put a tax on cigarettes. That should have been a NO BRAINER! Let’s see… more revenue and fewer smokers. Shit! Wouldn’t want that!! Proposition 87, also in California, would have invested in alternate sources of energy to help clean our environment. Clean Environment?! Ewwwww!!!
The tobacco and oil lobbies convinced Californians not to vote for these measures with one great, knockout punch. They basically said, “We should have that money! It’s ours!” And California responded with a brave and hearty, “Oh…. Okay….” And so, California turned its back on health and well being for cheaper smokes and more smog.
Idiots.
I’m ashamed to live here…
I was very disappointed last night. The election, while good for thoughtful people with regards to checks and balances and having more than one group of people in control (we’re hoping) still had many pitfalls.
Take, for instance, the landslide victory of the Mad Austrian here in California. What the hell? Just a year ago, this guy holds special elections to try and bust the unions of teachers, firefighters, and other people for whom we should provide a living wage and now he’s everyone’s hero? This is the guy whose disdain for our environment is as big as his car and we can’t wait to get him back office? What the hell is wrong with you people, anyway?
Oh, I know. I’ve heard it. Schwartzenfucker is supposed to be cool because he was a… um… an actor. Sure. That makes as much sense as hiring a guy with a big ass crack to fix your plumbing – HE SURE LOOKS LIKE THE JOB, RIGHT?! I thought you people learned your lesson with Reagan? After all, they’re both about as talented.
But when it comes to people being conned into voting against their own best interests, nobody takes the prize – steals the prize – better than the tobacco and oil lobbies.
Proposition 86, here in California, would have put a tax on cigarettes. That should have been a NO BRAINER! Let’s see… more revenue and fewer smokers. Shit! Wouldn’t want that!! Proposition 87, also in California, would have invested in alternate sources of energy to help clean our environment. Clean Environment?! Ewwwww!!!
The tobacco and oil lobbies convinced Californians not to vote for these measures with one great, knockout punch. They basically said, “We should have that money! It’s ours!” And California responded with a brave and hearty, “Oh…. Okay….” And so, California turned its back on health and well being for cheaper smokes and more smog.
Idiots.
I’m ashamed to live here…
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Monday, November 06, 2006
Today’s mental roller coaster: Success through Algebra…
I’m nearly halfway done with my unemployment benefits. Halfway. And no job.
It’s beyond nerve wracking. It’s petrifying.
And so, it was interesting to find the following equation in the book I’m reading by Abraham Maslow: No Future = No Neurosis.
Makes sense. What’s there to be neurotic about if there’s no future. Context. Meaning. These things are important.
And it got met thinking about success – after all, that’s why I’m reading Maslow in the first place.
I tried simple substitution: No Success = No Neurosis.
… Um, no.
But there was something there; I could feel the bee buzzing in my heading. Something about context and meaning.
Neurosis is created by reference. That reference is the future.
And then: BINGO. Success – Reference = Meaningless.
… which was a lot like saying: Success – X = 0. Um… it didn’t really mean anything.
What’s the Reference?
That’s when I realized I had an algebra problem on my hands. I stomped around the house, bitching and complaining because, basically, I hate algebra!!! And Vicky gave me that “I married a lunatic” look she’s been giving me so often lately.
… solve for X.
If Success – Reference = Meaningless, then… umm….
Taking away the reference removes the meaning of success… that means that success connects you (provides context) to the reference…
I went around the house. “What’s the reference? What’s the reference?”
I began a list. It couldn’t be things people think of as success (money, fame, fortune) because I wasn’t trying to find that. I was trying to find the thing that success connects a person to… and, strangely enough, it started to come together. Money is meaningless without… Fame is meaningless without… Fortune is meaningless without… Put in those terms, the reference was obvious.
I sat down with Vicky and asked her help.
“I think what I’m saying is that success is meaningful when it connects you with people in your life.”
“Sure,” she agreed.
“But what else does this? What connects you meaningfully with other people?”
Vicky didn’t realize it but she was about to give me the answer the blew the whole thing wide open. She said, “Just interacting with people.”
Simple.
I was so stupid!
Success – Reference = Meaningless
Success + Reference (that being a connection with others) = Meaningful. Which is to say, success is meaningful when it connects you to others.
Therefore, connecting with others in a meaningful way brings success. It blew the whole thing open. That’s why those who have little material wealth but have people who love them feel successful and who those who have amassed millions but have few friends feel empty.
It also answered the question I’ve been asked so often, “What’s the point of this?”
A mathematical way of expressing decency to others….
I’ve got to finish this book.
It’s beyond nerve wracking. It’s petrifying.
And so, it was interesting to find the following equation in the book I’m reading by Abraham Maslow: No Future = No Neurosis.
Makes sense. What’s there to be neurotic about if there’s no future. Context. Meaning. These things are important.
And it got met thinking about success – after all, that’s why I’m reading Maslow in the first place.
I tried simple substitution: No Success = No Neurosis.
… Um, no.
But there was something there; I could feel the bee buzzing in my heading. Something about context and meaning.
Neurosis is created by reference. That reference is the future.
And then: BINGO. Success – Reference = Meaningless.
… which was a lot like saying: Success – X = 0. Um… it didn’t really mean anything.
What’s the Reference?
That’s when I realized I had an algebra problem on my hands. I stomped around the house, bitching and complaining because, basically, I hate algebra!!! And Vicky gave me that “I married a lunatic” look she’s been giving me so often lately.
… solve for X.
If Success – Reference = Meaningless, then… umm….
Taking away the reference removes the meaning of success… that means that success connects you (provides context) to the reference…
I went around the house. “What’s the reference? What’s the reference?”
I began a list. It couldn’t be things people think of as success (money, fame, fortune) because I wasn’t trying to find that. I was trying to find the thing that success connects a person to… and, strangely enough, it started to come together. Money is meaningless without… Fame is meaningless without… Fortune is meaningless without… Put in those terms, the reference was obvious.
I sat down with Vicky and asked her help.
“I think what I’m saying is that success is meaningful when it connects you with people in your life.”
“Sure,” she agreed.
“But what else does this? What connects you meaningfully with other people?”
Vicky didn’t realize it but she was about to give me the answer the blew the whole thing wide open. She said, “Just interacting with people.”
Simple.
I was so stupid!
Success – Reference = Meaningless
Success + Reference (that being a connection with others) = Meaningful. Which is to say, success is meaningful when it connects you to others.
Therefore, connecting with others in a meaningful way brings success. It blew the whole thing open. That’s why those who have little material wealth but have people who love them feel successful and who those who have amassed millions but have few friends feel empty.
It also answered the question I’ve been asked so often, “What’s the point of this?”
A mathematical way of expressing decency to others….
I’ve got to finish this book.
And in other SHOCKING NEWS...
Saddam got the death sentence!
Wow!
That's amazing!
We must have had some...
...
...
... really
... good
...
... lawyers???
Wow!
That's amazing!
We must have had some...
...
...
... really
... good
...
... lawyers???
Sunday, November 05, 2006
What would Jesus Hawk?…
So, I’m at the gym this morning (4 1/3 miles and one lap around the circuit), watching the typical mix of televangelists and infomercials… What’s the difference? Infomercials have better production values. Televangelists have bigger audiences. But, essentially, they’re the same. They are both pushing a product that they claim will make your life better and make you happier… which won’t.
Just when you think it can’t get any worse, here comes this lady selling Christian Diet Books & DVDs. (Along with the EVER POPULAR Christian message: Why We Want You To Be Rich!) Cause, you know, Christ was all about shedding those extra inches. Isn’t that why he fasted in the desert???
This woman’s exploitation of Jesus’ message is nothing new or unique. It’s just so… cheap. It makes me ashamed to say, “Yes, I’m human, too.”
And you don’t have to actually change money in the temple to be a hypocrite…. Really…
Just when you think it can’t get any worse, here comes this lady selling Christian Diet Books & DVDs. (Along with the EVER POPULAR Christian message: Why We Want You To Be Rich!) Cause, you know, Christ was all about shedding those extra inches. Isn’t that why he fasted in the desert???
This woman’s exploitation of Jesus’ message is nothing new or unique. It’s just so… cheap. It makes me ashamed to say, “Yes, I’m human, too.”
And you don’t have to actually change money in the temple to be a hypocrite…. Really…
Friday, November 03, 2006
And how is this news...?
I've decided I want a new feature on websites that feature "news".
A lot of sites allow for feedback, linking, what have you... but I want one more.
Take Yahoo for instance. One of their featured stories today is how P. Diddy wants to be James Bond. Dumbass, who doesn't??
So, I'd like to suggest a single button that any reader can click: the "And how is this news?" button. You think stupid stories like the one about P. Diddy, or the one about people getting addicted to the Internet, might get a few clicks?
Getting the people who run the sites to pay attention would be a different story, of course.
A lot of sites allow for feedback, linking, what have you... but I want one more.
Take Yahoo for instance. One of their featured stories today is how P. Diddy wants to be James Bond. Dumbass, who doesn't??
So, I'd like to suggest a single button that any reader can click: the "And how is this news?" button. You think stupid stories like the one about P. Diddy, or the one about people getting addicted to the Internet, might get a few clicks?
Getting the people who run the sites to pay attention would be a different story, of course.
The word for the day: Impermanence…
I was at the gym this morning, doing my usual thing. This morning, it was four miles on the treadmill and one circuit through the weight machines. On the treadmill next to me, two old people discussed music. They had a conversation that I swear, after 1985, I never thought I’d hear again.
“All I listen to is Big Band. It’s the last, good music.”
“I wish it would come back.”
“It had a resurgence in the ‘50’s but…”
“It couldn’t fight rock and roll.”
“I can’t stand that stuff.”
I was finding their discussion ironic because, overhead, “Smokin” by Boston was playing, a song constructed very much like a Tommy Dorsey song (listen to “Sing Sing Sing with a Little Swing”). A few songs later “Pretty Fly for a White Guy” by Offspring was on and I could see the similarities between that and Boston. I also thought about Christiana Aguilera’s new disk and how it borrows a lot from the 40’s. It’s all related. Big Band was co-opted but not forgotten!
Now, I’m not saying that those old timers (who probably weren’t more than 15 years or so older than me) should start listening to Offspring. Don’t get me wrong. What I’m saying is that, while I can see how the music is all related, one of these days something’s going to come around that’s so offensive that my old fogey self is going to shut myself off to it, too. Things change. That’s the nature of life.
I wish I could see that when it came to the job hunt.
I’ve been at this now – what? – for nearly three months!? When’s it going to end??? I mean: FUCK!!
I’ve been asking for feedback from employers who turn me down and, let me tell you, that hasn’t been helping.
One employer, last week, wrote that my writing was above-average and that my personality was animated and eager… but he didn’t say why he didn’t hire me. I just wasn’t “the one”. He ended his email, “I trust that a quality copywriting position is both imminent and appropriate for you.” Now, seriously, what the fuck does that mean?
This week was even worse, though. After going for multiple interviews with an employer and completing a test that I was emailed at home, I wasn’t given the position. Why? Not because I wasn’t a good write. Not because I wasn’t personable.
Because I finished the test too quickly! I thought it would display my sincerity and my interest. They said it showed a lack of “thoughtfulness”… huh? They also said I displayed some red flags, such as telling them one of my hobbies was acting and that I seemed desperate for the job.
It’s like you can’t win.
So, anyway, impermanence.
This job search could be impermanent. Right? I could find a job tomorrow (or, at least, Monday), right? On the flip side, I could lose everything if I don’t find a job.
Not good. Not good.
The only truly bright side to all of this has been Vicky, who has been nothing but supportive. I’m a very lucky guy.
Her luck stinks.
“All I listen to is Big Band. It’s the last, good music.”
“I wish it would come back.”
“It had a resurgence in the ‘50’s but…”
“It couldn’t fight rock and roll.”
“I can’t stand that stuff.”
I was finding their discussion ironic because, overhead, “Smokin” by Boston was playing, a song constructed very much like a Tommy Dorsey song (listen to “Sing Sing Sing with a Little Swing”). A few songs later “Pretty Fly for a White Guy” by Offspring was on and I could see the similarities between that and Boston. I also thought about Christiana Aguilera’s new disk and how it borrows a lot from the 40’s. It’s all related. Big Band was co-opted but not forgotten!
Now, I’m not saying that those old timers (who probably weren’t more than 15 years or so older than me) should start listening to Offspring. Don’t get me wrong. What I’m saying is that, while I can see how the music is all related, one of these days something’s going to come around that’s so offensive that my old fogey self is going to shut myself off to it, too. Things change. That’s the nature of life.
I wish I could see that when it came to the job hunt.
I’ve been at this now – what? – for nearly three months!? When’s it going to end??? I mean: FUCK!!
I’ve been asking for feedback from employers who turn me down and, let me tell you, that hasn’t been helping.
One employer, last week, wrote that my writing was above-average and that my personality was animated and eager… but he didn’t say why he didn’t hire me. I just wasn’t “the one”. He ended his email, “I trust that a quality copywriting position is both imminent and appropriate for you.” Now, seriously, what the fuck does that mean?
This week was even worse, though. After going for multiple interviews with an employer and completing a test that I was emailed at home, I wasn’t given the position. Why? Not because I wasn’t a good write. Not because I wasn’t personable.
Because I finished the test too quickly! I thought it would display my sincerity and my interest. They said it showed a lack of “thoughtfulness”… huh? They also said I displayed some red flags, such as telling them one of my hobbies was acting and that I seemed desperate for the job.
It’s like you can’t win.
So, anyway, impermanence.
This job search could be impermanent. Right? I could find a job tomorrow (or, at least, Monday), right? On the flip side, I could lose everything if I don’t find a job.
Not good. Not good.
The only truly bright side to all of this has been Vicky, who has been nothing but supportive. I’m a very lucky guy.
Her luck stinks.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
What is it about the right wing and cock?…
They just can’t keep their hands off the stuff – the party that’s supposed to be anti-GAY is about as gay as you can get!
First, there’s Foley.
Now, there’s this guy! Evangelical, gay-hating Christian (of which there are, sadly, more and more each day), and he’s paying money for the cock!
It’s tempting to, um, insert a joke about the Log Cabin Republicans just about now! But, seriously, what is with these people? They’re the strangest bunch I’ve every witnessed!
“Hate the gays! Hate the gays!… (Hey, wanna suck on my…)”
And they call the left a bunch of perverts…
But you don’t hear them calling us hypocrites.
First, there’s Foley.
Now, there’s this guy! Evangelical, gay-hating Christian (of which there are, sadly, more and more each day), and he’s paying money for the cock!
It’s tempting to, um, insert a joke about the Log Cabin Republicans just about now! But, seriously, what is with these people? They’re the strangest bunch I’ve every witnessed!
“Hate the gays! Hate the gays!… (Hey, wanna suck on my…)”
And they call the left a bunch of perverts…
But you don’t hear them calling us hypocrites.
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