RIP George
Current mood: thankful
Today is the 5th anniversary of George Harrison's death. As one of my favorite musicians, period, and certainly my favorite Beatle, I've spent the day listening to his music and dwelling on his huge contribution to society. Put on one of his albums today if you get the chance, and take a moment to remember how loudly the "quiet Beatle" spoke with his beautiful guitar solos and spiritual lyricism. He is greatly missed; but his legacy is permanent.
Currently listening :
All Things Must Pass
By George Harrison
Release date: 25 October, 1990
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Sunday, November 26, 2006
The Shit's Hitting the Fan
The Shit's Hitting the Fan
Current mood: scared
Folks, I hope you've been paying attention to the events in Iraq over the past couple of days. Yes, I know it's the holiday weekend, and I'm enjoying it as much as the next guy, but it is crunch time RIGHT NOW in Iraq. Thursday's massive bombing and the reaction to it are the latest developments threatening to send the country into chaos. Muqtada Al-Sadr, whose militia has up until this point backed the new Iraqi government, keeping the balance of power in check, is threatening to pull out if the PM meets with Bush next week. This would lead to utter and complete chaos. And yesterday, followers of his took over the state-ran television for 2 FULL HOURS. Here's a news report I just read.
"Followers of the militant Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr took over state-run television Saturday to denounce the Iraqi government, label Sunnis "terrorists" and issue what appeared to many viewers as a call to arms. The two-hour broadcast from a community gathering in the heart of the Shiite militia stronghold of Sadr City included three members of al-Sadr's parliamentary bloc, who took questions from outraged residents demanding revenge for a series of car bombings that killed some 200 people Thursday. With Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki relegated to the sidelines, brazen Sunni-Shiite attacks continue unchecked despite a 24-hour curfew over Baghdad. Al-Sadr's Mahdi Army militia now controls wide swaths of the capital, his politicians are the backbone of the Cabinet, and his followers deeply entrenched in the Iraqi security forces. Sectarian violence has spun so rapidly out of control since the Sadr City blasts, however, that it's not clear whether even al-Sadr has the authority - or the will - to stop the cycle of bloodshed... Sunni politicians vowed to file complaints against the channel for inciting sectarian violence. Ordinary Sunnis were shocked to hear their neighborhoods singled out for attack on the government's station. "I got four phone calls from friends telling me to change the channel to Iraqiya and see what's happening," said Mohamed Othman, 27, a Sunni resident of Ameriya, one of the districts mentioned in the program. "I think this is an official declaration of civil war against Sunnis. They're going to push us to join al-Qaida to protect ourselves." "
Those of you who know the particulars of the Rwanda tragedy remember that all hell broke loose once the government lost control of the airwaves. The historical precedent is terrifying.
Folks, I'm beyond trying to figure out what the solution to this can be. That decision needs to made by smarter people with better access to information than I've got. But I would urge all of you to pay close attention to what's going on right now. And tell people close to you. We are all responsible for what's going on over there, whether we support the commander-in-chief or not.
Currently listening :
It's All Around You
By Tortoise
Release date: 06 April, 2004
Current mood: scared
Folks, I hope you've been paying attention to the events in Iraq over the past couple of days. Yes, I know it's the holiday weekend, and I'm enjoying it as much as the next guy, but it is crunch time RIGHT NOW in Iraq. Thursday's massive bombing and the reaction to it are the latest developments threatening to send the country into chaos. Muqtada Al-Sadr, whose militia has up until this point backed the new Iraqi government, keeping the balance of power in check, is threatening to pull out if the PM meets with Bush next week. This would lead to utter and complete chaos. And yesterday, followers of his took over the state-ran television for 2 FULL HOURS. Here's a news report I just read.
"Followers of the militant Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr took over state-run television Saturday to denounce the Iraqi government, label Sunnis "terrorists" and issue what appeared to many viewers as a call to arms. The two-hour broadcast from a community gathering in the heart of the Shiite militia stronghold of Sadr City included three members of al-Sadr's parliamentary bloc, who took questions from outraged residents demanding revenge for a series of car bombings that killed some 200 people Thursday. With Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki relegated to the sidelines, brazen Sunni-Shiite attacks continue unchecked despite a 24-hour curfew over Baghdad. Al-Sadr's Mahdi Army militia now controls wide swaths of the capital, his politicians are the backbone of the Cabinet, and his followers deeply entrenched in the Iraqi security forces. Sectarian violence has spun so rapidly out of control since the Sadr City blasts, however, that it's not clear whether even al-Sadr has the authority - or the will - to stop the cycle of bloodshed... Sunni politicians vowed to file complaints against the channel for inciting sectarian violence. Ordinary Sunnis were shocked to hear their neighborhoods singled out for attack on the government's station. "I got four phone calls from friends telling me to change the channel to Iraqiya and see what's happening," said Mohamed Othman, 27, a Sunni resident of Ameriya, one of the districts mentioned in the program. "I think this is an official declaration of civil war against Sunnis. They're going to push us to join al-Qaida to protect ourselves." "
Those of you who know the particulars of the Rwanda tragedy remember that all hell broke loose once the government lost control of the airwaves. The historical precedent is terrifying.
Folks, I'm beyond trying to figure out what the solution to this can be. That decision needs to made by smarter people with better access to information than I've got. But I would urge all of you to pay close attention to what's going on right now. And tell people close to you. We are all responsible for what's going on over there, whether we support the commander-in-chief or not.
Currently listening :
It's All Around You
By Tortoise
Release date: 06 April, 2004
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Black Friday Can Kiss My Ass!
Black Friday Can Kiss My Ass!
Current mood: contemplative
Well, everyone, I am particularly excited this week. This will be the first thanksgiving weekend I have had off since I was 11. Yeah, 11!!! Seriously, this is no exaggeration. Let me recap.
I got my first job as a paperboy when I was 11. I did this on my bike, just like the video game, at 4:30 in the morning, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, for 4 years until I got into high school. Black Friday (retail slang for the day after thanksgiving) was the absolute worst. The papers were massive, weighing up to 10 lbs. each with all the ads.
When I reached high school, I started running cross-country, which trained in the mornings. So I had to give up my paper route. But that's when I started at Nordstrom as a stock boy (that term has been recently politically corrected to stockperson---how stupid is that?). And of course, here at Nordy's the biggest and nuttiest day of the year is Black Friday.
During college I worked various jobs (furniture delivery, salesperson, collections, etc.) but since they mostly revolved around the retail world, I was always super-busy on Black Friday.
After college, when I started at Amazon, Black Friday and the whole holiday thing really took on a new meaning in my head. Not only were we busting our asses on a daily basis (Cory can attest to this), but Black Friday was usually the beginning of 2 months of "Mandatory Overtime." Yuck. I don't think the words "Mandatory" and "Overtime" should ever be found in the same sentence together.
After Amazon, I managed the Men's Dept at the Nordstrom Rack through 3 Black Fridays. This was the absolute worst, and some of those hellish days are the reasons behind why I'm in school now trying to create more and different opportunities for myself. As difficult as my time at the Rack was, I am grateful for it now in a funny way. It really showed me how horrible and degrading the retail world can really be, and it gave me serious motivation to get back into school and finish my degree.
As you can imagine, I have pretty negative associations with Black Friday and the whole holiday shopping season in general. No wonder I don't celebrate Xmas (well, also probably 'cause I don't believe in that Jebus guy or that wacky 2000-year-old book). For 17 years, which is more than half my life, Black Friday has consistently been the worst day of the year for me.
That's why I'm so excited about this year. You see, I not only have Black Friday off, but I have a whole 4-day thanksgiving weekend! Those of you who have never worked in retail may not understand how big of a deal this is. But those of you who have been down in the trenches dealing with the complete shittiness of our yearly orgy of capitalism know exactly what I mean. In fact, if memory serves me correctly, I began to blog here on myspace around this time last year, with an opening salvo dealing with the very same subject.
My goal is to not spend a single dime all weekend. I'm going to spend Black Friday holed up in my apartment playing the new Zelda (which is INCREDIBLE, by the way). I don't want to even go outside that day. That's how much of a big deal this is to me. And since I can see downtown quite clearly out my window, I am going to curl up at some point in the day with a nice glass of wine and a cat or two in my lap, and gaze out at all the shoppers and the cars and the Santas, and think about the life I've had for so long. It will feel so good to know that I'm finally making my way out of it, and even though I'm still in retail behind the scenes, I can see the light at the end of my tunnel. Having this weekend off is particularly sweet. But hopefully, 2 years from now, I will be gazing out that window knowing that I don't even work in the retail industry anymore. That's gonna feel real good.
And for those of you who have to work Friday, my heart and deepest sympathies go out to you.
Currently listening :
Before / After
By Heaven 17
Release date: 06 September, 2005
Current mood: contemplative
Well, everyone, I am particularly excited this week. This will be the first thanksgiving weekend I have had off since I was 11. Yeah, 11!!! Seriously, this is no exaggeration. Let me recap.
I got my first job as a paperboy when I was 11. I did this on my bike, just like the video game, at 4:30 in the morning, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, for 4 years until I got into high school. Black Friday (retail slang for the day after thanksgiving) was the absolute worst. The papers were massive, weighing up to 10 lbs. each with all the ads.
When I reached high school, I started running cross-country, which trained in the mornings. So I had to give up my paper route. But that's when I started at Nordstrom as a stock boy (that term has been recently politically corrected to stockperson---how stupid is that?). And of course, here at Nordy's the biggest and nuttiest day of the year is Black Friday.
During college I worked various jobs (furniture delivery, salesperson, collections, etc.) but since they mostly revolved around the retail world, I was always super-busy on Black Friday.
After college, when I started at Amazon, Black Friday and the whole holiday thing really took on a new meaning in my head. Not only were we busting our asses on a daily basis (Cory can attest to this), but Black Friday was usually the beginning of 2 months of "Mandatory Overtime." Yuck. I don't think the words "Mandatory" and "Overtime" should ever be found in the same sentence together.
After Amazon, I managed the Men's Dept at the Nordstrom Rack through 3 Black Fridays. This was the absolute worst, and some of those hellish days are the reasons behind why I'm in school now trying to create more and different opportunities for myself. As difficult as my time at the Rack was, I am grateful for it now in a funny way. It really showed me how horrible and degrading the retail world can really be, and it gave me serious motivation to get back into school and finish my degree.
As you can imagine, I have pretty negative associations with Black Friday and the whole holiday shopping season in general. No wonder I don't celebrate Xmas (well, also probably 'cause I don't believe in that Jebus guy or that wacky 2000-year-old book). For 17 years, which is more than half my life, Black Friday has consistently been the worst day of the year for me.
That's why I'm so excited about this year. You see, I not only have Black Friday off, but I have a whole 4-day thanksgiving weekend! Those of you who have never worked in retail may not understand how big of a deal this is. But those of you who have been down in the trenches dealing with the complete shittiness of our yearly orgy of capitalism know exactly what I mean. In fact, if memory serves me correctly, I began to blog here on myspace around this time last year, with an opening salvo dealing with the very same subject.
My goal is to not spend a single dime all weekend. I'm going to spend Black Friday holed up in my apartment playing the new Zelda (which is INCREDIBLE, by the way). I don't want to even go outside that day. That's how much of a big deal this is to me. And since I can see downtown quite clearly out my window, I am going to curl up at some point in the day with a nice glass of wine and a cat or two in my lap, and gaze out at all the shoppers and the cars and the Santas, and think about the life I've had for so long. It will feel so good to know that I'm finally making my way out of it, and even though I'm still in retail behind the scenes, I can see the light at the end of my tunnel. Having this weekend off is particularly sweet. But hopefully, 2 years from now, I will be gazing out that window knowing that I don't even work in the retail industry anymore. That's gonna feel real good.
And for those of you who have to work Friday, my heart and deepest sympathies go out to you.
Currently listening :
Before / After
By Heaven 17
Release date: 06 September, 2005
Monday, November 6, 2006
Medical Industry Funny
Medical Industry Funny
Current mood: amused
Hi all, a co-worker forwarded this hilarious Onion-like story to me this morning. Had to share as it caused me to LOL profusely for quite some time... (The "medical" terminology in the second paragraph is of particular hilarity---say 'em out loud if you don't get it at first...)
In Pharmacology, all drugs have two names, a trade name and generic name. For example, the trade name of Tylenol also has a generic name of Acetaminophen. Aleve is also called Naproxen. Amoxil is also call Amoxicillin and Advil is also called Ibuprofen.
The FDA has been looking for a generic name for Viagra. After careful consideration by a team of government experts, it recently announced that it has settled on the generic name of Mycoxafloppin. Also considered were Mycoxafailin, Mydixadrupin, Mydixarizin, Dixafix, and of course, Ibepokin.
Pfizer Corp. announced today that Viagra will soon be available in liquid form, and will be marketed by Pepsi Cola as a power beverage suitable for use as a mixer. It will now be possible for a man to literally pour himself a stiff one. Obviously we can no longer call this a soft drink, and it gives new meaning to the names of "cocktails", "highballs" and just a good old-fashioned "stiff drink". Pepsi will market the new concoction by the name of: MOUNT & DO.
Thought for the day: There is more money being spent on breast implants and Viagra today than on Alzheimer's research. This means that by 2040, there should be a large elderly population with perky boobs and huge erections and absolutely no recollection of what to do with them.
Current mood: amused
Hi all, a co-worker forwarded this hilarious Onion-like story to me this morning. Had to share as it caused me to LOL profusely for quite some time... (The "medical" terminology in the second paragraph is of particular hilarity---say 'em out loud if you don't get it at first...)
In Pharmacology, all drugs have two names, a trade name and generic name. For example, the trade name of Tylenol also has a generic name of Acetaminophen. Aleve is also called Naproxen. Amoxil is also call Amoxicillin and Advil is also called Ibuprofen.
The FDA has been looking for a generic name for Viagra. After careful consideration by a team of government experts, it recently announced that it has settled on the generic name of Mycoxafloppin. Also considered were Mycoxafailin, Mydixadrupin, Mydixarizin, Dixafix, and of course, Ibepokin.
Pfizer Corp. announced today that Viagra will soon be available in liquid form, and will be marketed by Pepsi Cola as a power beverage suitable for use as a mixer. It will now be possible for a man to literally pour himself a stiff one. Obviously we can no longer call this a soft drink, and it gives new meaning to the names of "cocktails", "highballs" and just a good old-fashioned "stiff drink". Pepsi will market the new concoction by the name of: MOUNT & DO.
Thought for the day: There is more money being spent on breast implants and Viagra today than on Alzheimer's research. This means that by 2040, there should be a large elderly population with perky boobs and huge erections and absolutely no recollection of what to do with them.
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