Beave's Brain

BYE BYE

2010-02-20T12:59:00.001-06:00

So I've grown up and left blogger behind like so many do... You can find me at http://jbeave.wordpress.com/

Back To The Basics

2010-02-19T09:04:00.002-06:00

Quick FYI: I'm back working at the company that had laid me off. Although this is a quick fix to much greater issues, It's an amazing turn of luck. We were racking our brains on how to provide for ourselves, and we caught a break. And now we return to your regularly scheduled programming...

My pants have been crying, my t-shirts wheezing and to top it all off my scale doesn't give me a weight anymore it's just laughs at me and says "Error." Rugby season is around the corner and even though I may not be able to afford to play I am not even close to being in shape to begin with.

This is the first time I've gone to the gym for a full week since I hurt my knee in last years spring season. That's pretty sad, but good news is that after my day off I went back to the gym without hesitation. I also found myself able to run for half of my cardio which was one hell of an accomplishment for me at this point.

One of my best friends and I have decided to participate in Muddy Buddy 2010. The event will be on my birthday which will be a pretty cool way to celebrate. It's one part running, one part biking and five parts crazy obstacles and 7 miles in total. So if I don't keep it up I will not only let myself down but a friend as well. This should give me the extra motivation to get my butt in shape. I'll make sure to post pictures after the event.

Economic Woes

2010-02-12T00:07:00.001-06:00

I've told you of my departure from my last gig. Although it's not my wisest decision, it was one of my proudest. I saw blantant racism and stood up for something I believed to be wrong. When I found that the corporate mentality of "reverse racism" to be more worried about lawsuits than about justice, I stood up for my beliefs and quit.

Now I've been working for a small poorly managed security company that pays minimum wage since it's the only place I could find a job. This company has been loosing more accounts than it has been bring in due to it's sub par sales rep. So now I am once again unemployed with no real opportunities in sight.

Normally I wouldn't let this really get to me but V is also unemployed and it's possible that neither of us will find anything anytime soon. This is one of the only times in my life that I have been truly worried about what may happen.

I may go back to school full time if I can get a cost of living loan. I may try to find a gig bouncing at a club again. I may even go wait outside the Home Depot with the rest of the workers trying to scrape by. I will go to the IDES tomorrow to file for unemployment. I will do everything I can to keep V's and my spirits up. I will find another job and so will V. I will be fine.

Ties... Lol

Technology Rules My Life

2010-02-10T15:20:00.003-06:00

My post today on ties is about the tie or noose that technology has around my neck. I'm sure y'all can relate at least a little.

I want to start with a story about this blog to prove my point. At the beginning of the month I got excited about the possibility of blogging more due to the abundance of time I have at my current job. So I started writing and writing and writing; it was like I couldn't stop because the muse was with me. This lead to an abundance of blogs. So I set them up to be distributed throughout the upcoming week and was excited that I may keep up this month's NaBloPoMo. I let the blog sit, relying on Google's technology to properly post my blogs. Much to my surprise I got a comment with a wonderful note about not being disheartened about not making NaBloPoMo and to keep up the writing. I became furious that all that work just sat there and I had failed due to my complete reliance on technology. (Fear not Andi I will keep writing.)

I let technology rule my life 24/7. I set my BlackBerry alarm to wake me up every day even though I have an alarm clock right next to my bed. Everywhere I go I check in on foursquare. I Twitter, I FaceBook and now I Buzz. My laptop travels everywhere in my car with me. Someone says they are unsure of a fact, BAM! I Wikipedia it. Someone talks about a restaurant in the area but can't remember the name, BAM! I Google it. I just can't help not knowing when the answer is easily available. I have turned around after being halfway to work (a 45min drive) because I forgot my phone, and what the heck would I do WITHOUT MY BLACKBERRY!

My wife suggested I give up texting for Lent this year and I laughed at her because I don't really text that much. I know it looks that way but I'm almost always checking Twitter or FaceBook, leaving comments, emailing, tweeting, posting pictures and sometimes even blogging.

Everything I do, everywhere I go there is some form of unnecessary technology that grabs me. I really don't think I would have a quality life without these things. Maybe it's because I am an attention whore, maybe it's because I have an addictive personality or maybe it's just because we live in an age where all this is possible and I want to take advantage of it all. Whatever it is, I just don't want to be without my BlackBerry or an internet connection.

The Daley Machine

2010-02-02T15:46:00.000-06:00

When I read that February's topic for NaBloPoMo was going to be ties my mind automatically went to politics. For those of you that know me, that's not a far stretch by any means. And being from Chicago, my mind ultimately goes straight to Mayor Daley. So today I want to talk about the ties the politicians hold around us.

When people talk about Illinois or Chicago they almost always stop at politics. They mention how corrupt our government is and how everything is tied to "Chicago style politics." Chicago style politics are, according to most, inherently corrupt and inept. My view is that it is not inherent but that they are made that way by the voters. The voters of Illinois like to keep things the way they even though they may complain about how bad it is. It seems that as soon as they are familiar with a candidate or politician they are ready to keep voting for them no matter what. If most of the population thinks Daley is corrupt and has only his best interests in heart, why is he still in office?

My only solution other than getting people to change, which is damn near impossible, is to impose term limits. Daley's been in office for 20 years now and can "buy" every election. Now I'm not saying he pays for votes or is doing anything illegal but he has so much money for campaigns he can probably run and win for another 20 years.

This opens up the issue of "career politicians." After 20 years in any position you begin to amass a ton of favors done and favors owed. We see this is trading votes in congress and we saw it with President Obama's seat with Blagojevich. If the political landscape continues to change we greatly diminish these issues as the "favors" become useless as the politicians leave office. Think of yourself in your own private life and all the people that you have done favors for and people that "owe you one." Now imagine if those people went away after 8 years. People would be more reluctant to do you a favor as they might not see their return. They would start doing things based on their own principles rather than what they could get in return for swaying slightly from them.

Just a few thoughts on our ties with "The Machine." Happy primary voting to all my fellow Illinoisans.

Ties

2010-02-01T14:50:00.005-06:00

So I just submitted myself to NaBloPoMo for the month of February. The theme for this month is "Ties." Neck ties, your ties with the world, knot ties and I'm pretty sure Alex P. Keaton can even be a topic...

This is a stretch for me and I'm not really sure I can make it. I've been pretty down lately and I don't know if I can find enough to blog about let alone a theme. Ah well I'm gonna try my best and if I can make this one it would be an accomplishment seeing as I've never finished a NaBloPoMo yet. Wish me luck and I'll see you tomorrow with my first post on Ties!

Tired of Waiting for the Future

2010-01-26T14:41:00.003-06:00

I can't wait for things to move forward. I feel like I've been standing in quick sand barely holding my head above. I hope things move forward, and I know they will. It's just how long will it take? Will V's crazy family ever give up? Will I ever finish my degree and move ahead further than being low level lacky? Will this damned economy turn so my friends and family can get back to work and get on with their lives? I'm just worried that as the outcome remains bleak so will my attitude, and I hate wasting emotion on being worried, sad or upset when I could be using it to enjoy life.

The Cold December Winds of Change

2009-12-03T01:32:00.004-06:00

A lot has changed since my last update. I am working for a new company; worse hours, less pay but 100% more respect. My current position is only temporary as I am holding on for the new year and a huge promotion from soldier to commander. Just waiting on the current commander to step down and to get trained. It's an honest company with a lot of potential that just needs a swift kick in the right direction. I hope to provide a leg for said kick. So for now I just need to grin and bear it.

V is looking for a position with a firm and although I can see it gets overwhelming for her sometimes I know she is strong enough to come out on top. She is smart and resilient and I'm positive she will do just fine.

As soon as V gets in somewhere we are going to start looking for a home. That is super exciting for me because I've always wanted to own a home and it will provide V and I with a place to grow a family. I've seen the struggle my parents went through to get their home and how long it took them to get it and I feel lucky to be even thinking about it at this point in my life.

Well I hope everyone out there is doing fantastic and I hope to be more active in my blog and the blogging community as this new gig gives me a lot of time to sit and stare at the walls aka blog/blackberry time.

The Constant Evolution of Beave

2009-10-15T04:41:00.002-05:00

"If I'm not evolving, I'm going to become extinct."

I've tried to always live by that since I realized I believed in evolution. I realized that evolution doesn't only happen over millions of years to an entire species but happens individually in our daily lives of who we become through our choices.

I got winded walking stairs at work that I normally have no problem with and I thought to myself maybe I'm getting sick. So the next day after not feeling any symptoms at all I patrolled the same area and got winded again. At this point I couldn't figure it out. How could I have become this out of shape in the two weeks I was off so I decided to weigh myself. I had gained a substantial amount of weight on my honeymoon and was disgusted. This little ordeal got me thinking about what I had been doing and if I was moving backwards rather than continuing to evolve.

I thought about all the changes I had made in the past year to my lifestyle both personally and to my environment. I thought about all the progress I had made and was disappointed in myself for allowing this to happen.

So I've sworn off the elevator, greasy fast food, decided to use public transport 3 of my 5 work days, made an attack plan for gym, and decided to purchase as much of my weekly groceries at the farmers market as possible. Let's see how long I can make this last. I have V's support so that will help a lot.

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

And Just Like That, I'm Married

2009-10-07T02:11:00.001-05:00

So as I'm sure y'all are aware I have been planning (to attend, as V did most of the work) a wedding. On September 19th I got married. It was an amazing night and everything was beautiful and perfect sans a few wedding crashers.

We just got back from the honeymoon which was also amazing. We went to Disney and stayed at the Boardwalk and had a great time. Then we went to South Beach and stayed on Ocean and 7th so we were in the heart of everything. All I have to say is Wet Willy's is the shiznit! Then we had a day trip to the Keys for dinner and a sunset.

It'll be a few weeks before we get the professional pictures but I will be uploading a bunch from family and friends and I will post them soon for anyone interested.

Catch y'all later!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Official Results

2009-07-16T01:33:00.004-05:00

So I got drunk and picked a winner on Friday of they got back to me making it official, Nikki of Tales from my Second City is the Poken winner! Nikki is an awesome blogger and a great Chicago implant. I am glad to see she won as she is a Panda-holic and and will make good use of the Poken.

For those of you who liked the Poken and would like to get one of your own, Andi has created a discount code for my 100th blog post celebration for you to use. BEAVEXN19Y8DR will get you a discount at Andi's Poken Store! Isn't she awesome!

My 100th Post Extravaganza!

2009-07-02T03:59:00.013-05:00

It has taken me a long time to get to this point. I am not exactly the most steady blogger of all time but I never really thought that I would ever continue this long and cover so much of my thoughts and life in this blog. I am proud that I hit the 100 mark and I hope to hit 200 in a much quicker time frame.

Like I had said before there was going to be a giveaway when I hit my 100th post. The great Andi at Misadventures with Andi was the first contact I had with the blogging world who I felt knew me as much as I knew them. Andi gave me a Voodoo Poken as a gift when she opened her online shop Got To Buy Me A Poken and being as awesome as she is, she gave me one to give to a friend. So as you can see, this is a perfect circle from newbie to 100 and I've had the pleasure of both involving Andi.

If you don't know what a Poken is, it's this little social media RFID thingamajig that let's you share your contact information with your friends and new aquantiances. They are fanfreakingtastic. I have my blog, my twitter and my facebook linked up to it allowing me to instantly and easily transfer my data to anyone with a Poken. You simply have your Poken Hi 4 your friends and you have all thier info and they have yours. It connects via USB and your contacts Poken Cards are in your virtual roledex at doyoupoken.com. I am actually surprised that as many people in Chicago have Pokens.. Pokei? (whatever the plural is...) as I they do. Now when I meet new people I simply ask "Do you Poken?"

Now for the contest. I am giving away the Panda Poken one of the coolest there is. Simply comment on any one of my blogs and your entered! If you commented a year ago your still entered! Also if you retweet the contest you are entered a second time! [ RT @jbeave Beave's Poken Givaway! Want to get your hands on a Poken? Retweet to enter! http://bit.ly/QaB5Q #Poken ]

Good luck everyone!!

The contest ends Thursday July 9th at 11:59pm. I will draw the winner Friday July 10th. The winner will be contacted via email or Twitter DM. If I don't hear from the winner within a few days another winner will be drawn.

Still Annoyed...

2009-06-26T02:45:00.003-05:00

Apparently I need to go through some kind of therapy or become a politician. I am getting more and more annoyed by the culture I live in. I am so proud of it sometimes and so fricking pissed off by it other times. How is it that we are so enamored by the death of a celebrity yet so lackadaisical regarding world events? I know I rambled on in my last post about the lack of news coverage regarding Iran, but seriously how is it that we care about Jackson and Fawcett more than the suffering of MILLIONS of people around the world.

I see top headlines on Google about a man that died, a woman that died and crap about a guy who cheated on his wife in South Carolina. Is that really more important that the daily deadly blasts in Iraq, the attacks in Nigeria, the terriable human rights violations in Palestine, China and Egypt and the horrific things happening to the people in Iran? Is this what we have become? A people more connected with our celebrities than the rest of the world? Ask anyone on the street who Heidi and Spencer are and I bet 95% know. Now ask them who Jalal Talabani is and I will guarantee only 5% know who he is.

I saw a tweet from @bandcandy that said it perfectly for me: "This whole 'CNN relies on Twitter for news' thing is all Iran's fault. They're quoting MC Hammer's tweets right now."

Don't get me wrong I am sad for the families of the deceased, and the family of the Gov. Sanford. I just don't believe that the troubles of a few should outweigh the cries of so many.

I would really like to know... How many of you who read this had to click the links to find out who Heidi and Spencer are and how many of you had to click the link to find out who Jalal Talabani is. Please be honest even if you need to post anonymously to tell me. I am really interested.

WTF AMERICA? REPORT THE NEWS!!!

2009-06-14T00:42:00.007-05:00

There is almost no coverage of what's happening to Iran right now... Other than Twitter, Aljazeera and BBC I cannot find ANYTHING! How do you not report on a country that has rioted the way they are, with citizens terrified to leave their houses, with a government that cut out all mobile and internet networks within the country, that is blocking television channels? HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE IN TODAY'S SOCIETY?!?!?

Imagine what you felt during the 2000 elections... except this time the nation knows George Bush circa 2008 and he is running against Obama. Now imagine you believe the Bush rigged the election and they put Obama on house arrest, cut your cell phones off, cut your internet service, shutdown satalite news stations and just ran a goverment sponsered news channel on your TV. Now you go to the streets to protest, just for being outside you will be shot by rubber bullets and beaten by police. HOW THE WOULD YOU FEEL IF THE REST OF THE WORLD IGNORED IT?

I am so pissed off right now that these so-called 24 hour news companies are failing so badly. This election affects the entire world not just Iran. This affects our relations with the Middle East and it affects the entire stability of the Middle East.

Neglect... and a giveaway!

2009-06-06T04:22:00.004-05:00

That is such a sad word, but that is what I have done with this blog. Total neglect, to the point where more people than I have subscribers have asked me what happened to me (makes me feel all special and crap.) I've just been keeping myself busy with classes and work.

The spring rugby season is over even though I missed the last bit from injury and the bachelor party. I have definitely fallen in love with playing that game. As soon as my knee is 100% I am gonna go and practice with the seven's squad to get in better shape and learn so when I play next spring I will be a force to reckon with.

Work is work and I think that it has lost some of it's luster, but I still enjoy what I do and who I do it with. Just not necessary who I do it for as much as I used to due to some recent management changes.

14 days till one of my very best friends gets married and I'm the best man for that one. I am super excited for them! C & M are two of the best people I have ever known and are totally made for each other. Although I don't know how he managed to land her in the first place, she is way outta his league... hahahaha!

Also! If you managed to read through all the boring personal crap I just wrote I'm having a Fantasticular giveaway for my 100th post! I will hint you into the awesomeness of what it is by the that time but for now you have to wait and see.

"Life...

2009-04-22T01:15:00.004-05:00

...isn’t supposed to be an all or nothing battle between misery and bliss. Life isn’t supposed to be a battle at all. And when it comes to happiness, well, sometimes life is just okay, sometimes it’s comfortable, sometimes wonderful, sometimes boring, sometimes unpleasant. When your day’s not perfect, it’s not a failure or a terrible loss. It’s just another day." -Barbara Sher

Something for all of us to remember next time we are having a bad day.

Found Cameras and Orphan Pictures

2009-04-13T13:06:00.002-05:00

"We want to reunite people with their memories, not profit off of people's memories"

Have you ever lost your camera and been more upset that you lost those memories than about the expensive camera they were taken in? Have you ever found someone's camera, memory stick or film and wondered how you could ever possibly get them back? Well Cavy tweeted about this great blog where someone is connecting orphan pictures with their rightful homes.

Found Cameras and Orphan Pictures is an amazing blog that posts every Thursday with a new collection of lost photos. They even broke it down to where the photos were found to make it easier for the owner to track down theirs.

So did you find a lost camera or memory card? Email at least four photos from your found camera and include any other details, time, location, school, etc. It's that easy to save someone's heartache!

Make sure to bookmark Found Cameras and Orphan Pictures in case you ever come across someone's photos!

Assholes Say The Darndest Things

2009-04-10T20:20:00.008-05:00

So what happens when someone starts winning the race for freedom? You knock 'em down with bs and scare tactics. Sadly for them, since no real actors are giant douchebags, they had to use these bottom of the barrel actors.

LOOK AT THOSE SCARY CLOUDS! THE GAYS ARE COMING! THE GAYS ARE COMING!

I'm Not an Alcoholic;

2009-04-09T16:27:00.003-05:00

I'm just freelance quality assurance for the beer industry. -Ben Cox

I wish it was clearer but you get the point...

↓↓↓↓This is why we were doing Eagleman commercials↓↓↓↓

Sweet Monkey Molasses in June

2009-04-05T02:37:00.004-05:00

Not a bad looking bunch...

That was fantastic. I got to play a full half which seemed to go by like a blink of an eye. I think for my first match and just knowing the basics of the game I did pretty well. I didn't do much but I had a big tackle that made my day. We won our first match and tied our second so not to bad. Maybe next match I'll bring some sun screen cause I got pretty burnt up.

Rugby is a great game, but it's tough as hell. But for someone that's played both American Football and Rugby, I have to say that... It's like comparing a Pit bull and a Rottweiler, they are both very tough and but be tougher in different ways. What I mean is that one isn't better or tougher than the other they are just to different and both very awesome.

Chicago Riot Rugby

2009-04-03T09:15:00.005-05:00

So I made the decision to play rugby with a friend of mine. I have been to 2 practices and feel like I'm going to die. My body aches and I have mysterious bruises on my back. I'm terrified about my first match on Saturday because I have no freaking idea what the hell I'm doing. All that said, I love every bit of it.

This is a dirty sport. A balls out, beat 'em down, bloody sport. Nothing makes sense as to why it's done the way it is. The rucks, scrums, mauls, line-outs, drop kicks none of it. Whoever came up with some of these things must have been drunk all the time, in which case it makes perfect sense.

I'm hoping I can recover from this practice fast enough for tomorrow's match. Funny thing is I thought the Tuesday's practice was hard, yesterday's was incredibly worse. All this ass busting we do in practice will help me get fit and loose the weight that I've been trying to for a while. Also there's no way I can smoke and do all this running either, so that's another bonus.

I'll let y'all know how the match goes on Saturday. If your interested/bored and want to join us, the matches are versus UIC and Lewis at 12:15 at:

Lewis University
One University Parkway
Romeoville, IL 60446-2200

Turn Left into campus, and then go
straight.
This road will wind to the right and when you get to the soccer field, turn
left into that parking lot
When you reach the end of the lot turn left, and the pitch will be on your
right side with a wooden fence around it.

The South Side Parade is Over...

2009-03-26T00:58:00.009-05:00

"What you're really missing out on is the South Side Irish Parade in Chicago, which I think is one of the great events in America," bragged President Obama to the Irish prime minister.

When the real Mayor Daley moved the Southtown Parade downtown, the Wee Folks of Washtenaw and Talman began what we know now by walking around the block with banners. This year's parade brought 300,000 people to the Beverly, Morgan Park and Mt. Greenwood communities. Instead of looking at it as a strain it should be viewed as an opportunity for business and economic growth. Look at the hotels, bars, restaurants and shops in the area and tell me that for that weekend they didn't make more than most make in 6 months.

31 years of tradition are going down the drain. 31 years of childhood memories, friends, family and even wedding proposals just cut off. My children will never get to experience the greatness of the real Irish parade in Chicago and that makes me truly sad.

This is a huge loss for the South Side. The downtown parade is a sad excuse for a parade, just like all the rest of Chicago's "parades." I nothing else comes from this tragity, I hope the downtown parade hires on the South Side Parade planners and they can turn their crap into a real parade.

Here is the press release from the parade comittee.

Lack of Blog Post Haiku

2009-03-23T13:10:00.003-05:00

In honor of the fantastic Andi at Misadventures with Andi, and the fact I have had nothing interesting to write about for a while I give you a haiku.

Haikus from Andi
Seem to flow and come easy
This is effin hard

Your Fired!

2009-03-08T04:25:00.005-05:00

I watched last weeks season premiere of Celebrity Apprentice last night before work and it was freaking halirous. I love The Apprentice, and the celebs just make it amazingly ridiculous. It's even better because I have met Don Jr. and Ivanka a few times so when they make their little faces and speak nice and proper I can see the bullshit flow through. Ivanka has the mouth of a trucker who used to be a sailor. Don Jr. is quirky and laughs a lot so watching him try to swallow his laughter is amusing. I think I may have found a TV show to follow, which is rare because I don't really watch the tube.

The best line of the show was when Andrew "Dice" Clay busted out with "I don't believe in baking." Really Dice? Really? Oh and you were worried you'd look stupid because of that hat? Don't worry, because you do that all by yourself.

Phew! That Was Close!

2009-03-04T23:37:00.005-06:00

I'm hearing great news around the water cooler. Not only did Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts officially drop it's plans to open a hotel in downtown Chicago but Trump has a temporary "truce" on his loans from Deutsche Bank Trust Co. Americas. This means that in a down economy that a new competitor will not emerge and that we all still have a job, for now.

The Shangri-La opening is not good in the sense that it would have provided another 400 or so jobs in Chicago, but it is good in that it keeps us with the staff we have rather than cutting more jobs.

I hope things start to turn up or it won't matter what happens, we will all be in the unemployment line.

Adventures in Music!

2009-02-27T17:50:00.004-06:00

Hyper Crush is an awesome electro hip-hop band that you may not have heard of yet but I'm sure you will. The first video is for The Arcade and the second is their latest video for Robo Tech. Enjoy =)

NSFW - there are a couple swears, sorry.

Check out their website: Hyper Crush

Secret Message

2009-02-27T15:38:00.015-06:00

If you have the password, here are your instructions:

1 Copy the crazy text
2 Paste it in the pink "Cipher Text" box HERE
3 Type the password in the yellow "Key" box
4 Click the "Decyrpt" key under the pink box and the message will appear in the green "Plain Text" box

I know it sounds hard but it's only copy and paste. And this message needs all the security it can get.
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Pie Charts Suck

2009-02-27T08:03:00.003-06:00

Except this one. This one made me smile.

43 Things Update

2009-02-26T11:39:00.003-06:00

How to wake up when my alarm clock goes off by Jay

It took me

25 years

It made me

Awake

"I am in shock that I am actually waking up with the alarm clock!"

How I did it: I bought a Sonic Boom alarm clock from Amazon.com. This has been my single greatest business investment to date because it actually wakes me up. It comes with a bed vibration unit thing that shakes you and super bright led light so you can wake up quicker. It all boils down to doing whatever it takes to get your butt outta bed.

Lessons & tips: Get up as soon as you can, even if it's before the alarm goes off. 20 min really doesn't make a difference.

Resources: Sonic Boom Alarm Clock

Stimulate This Oregon!

2009-02-24T10:54:00.005-06:00

The administration's stimulus bill is already having a positive effect on both the welfare of this nation and the welfare of our planet.

Bonneville Power Administration is going ahead with their project to add electrical transmission to Oregon. The added capacity will enable a total of 870 MW of energy, including 700 MW of wind power, to be be serviced by BPA. During construction about 700 jobs will be created. Construction is expected to begin as early as this spring.

It's not an amazing new green technology but 700 MW of wind power is great. The 700 jobs is even better.

via EcoGeek

Guilt Upon Accusation is a Crime!

2009-02-23T09:06:00.001-06:00

Field Trip!

2009-02-21T06:30:00.007-06:00

So I took a trip to IKEA last night looking for a new office chair since I destroyed mine. By destroyed I mean I my big fat ass suffers from an increased gravitational pull causing me to sit down faster than most people, thus bending the seat back a little further than it's supposed to every time I plop said fat ass down into the chair.

I just want to say that I HATE modern furniture. Don't get me wrong I love the look of modern, art deco and cutting edge/futuristic furniture. What I HATE is the cost and that I can't own it all. How is it that this plywood chair costs $800? I've grown to understand that this is art, along with fashion and paint splatter, but when your art is mass produced for $15 a piece... YOU DON'T CHARGE 800 FREAKING BUCKS FOR IT! It's molded plywood for crying out loud!

I think I just need to make more money so I can afford to fill my place with a bunch of crap I don't need and that V would hate. That and we need a bigger place so I can buy these.

Chicago's Greatest New Holiday

2009-02-20T02:00:00.008-06:00

Forget Christmas, Hanukkah, your birthday and all those other mediocre holidays. This is Chicago Restaurant Week, or Chicago Chef's Week depending on who you ask. This is the 2nd annual holiday of food, and it's not one day like Steak and a BJ day, it is a full 7 days.

Some of the best restaurants in Chicago are signed up and serving 3-course prix-fixe lunches for $22 and dinners for $32. In today's economy it's still quite a bit to fork over for a meal but to have a 3-course meal at Lawry's, Morton's or Hugo's for $32, it's a great deal. I have found that most places still have quite a few openings, which is probably due to the economy but good for those wanting to make a last minute reservation.

If I lived in Chicago during this great holiday week I would surely be heading out and figuring out something to celebrate on my way to the restaurant. Wait... I do, and I've already started trying to come up with a great made up holiday. I'll let you know when I figure it out.

Whites Don't Think President Obama Is A Chimpanzee, Sorry Al Sharpton

2009-02-19T00:10:00.012-06:00

The New York Post has published a political cartoon that shows President Obama as a bullet-ridden chimpanzee laying dead in the streets while two cops with gun are standing over him, one saying "They'll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill."

I look at this and think that's it's a person's view of the disdain the public will show if Obama's stimulus bill doesn't help the economy, referring to a chimpanzee who mauled a woman just a day ago. I see the link clearly; a beloved animal who the mass public now sees as dangerous to the population rather than cute being compared to the current White House administration who many see as a redeemers to the US but if his bill doesn't work and hurts the economy he will be seen under the same light as the harmful chimp.

Not once did I think to scream "RACISM!" or even whisper it under my breath. I don't think it's because I'm naive, as some would have me think, I think it's because I'm not looking for it. I'm not looking for a way to make the world see there are still racists there and President Obama didn't heal the world by taking the oath of office we all know they are there.

The Al Sharptons and the Jesse Jacksons of the world are the reason people see this as racist, because they have us hunting for the bad in people rather than taking a cartoon for face value. Until they fight for people's rights and stop fighting for their publicity we will have arguments like this one.

Now, I do find the cartoon to be rather unfunny and not very thought provoking thus making it not very useful as to what political cartoons are for. All that said, I do not believe the NYP should issue a public apology or a retraction.

UPDATE: I sleep during the day so during REM I missed this:

In a statement, Post Editor-in-Chief Col Allan said: "The cartoon is a clear parody of a current news event, to wit the shooting of a violent chimpanzee in Connecticut. It broadly mocks Washington's efforts to revive the economy. Again, Al Sharpton reveals himself as nothing more than a publicity opportunist."

-Good for you Mr. Allan.

Cancer Loves Your Pot Smoking Testicles

2009-02-16T12:34:00.004-06:00

"No one ever died because of pot."

Really?

How about the 20yo "Good Boy" pot dealer shot 3 times in the head, the 25yo dealer who "had his head and throat smashed in with [a gym barbell]," or the 41yo who was so high he drove his car into oncoming traffic.

If that's not enough for you The LA Times has published an article about a link between a form of testicular cancer and smoking marijuana. The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle has found a 70% higher risk of testicular cancer in those who were using pot and an even higher risk associated with younger age at first use and frequency of use.

"It's not just that you develop testicular cancer, but you develop a worse type of testicular cancer," said Dr. Glen Justice, director of the cancer center at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in Fountain Valley,

Guys, think of your boys the next time you want to light up.

PLEASE REMEMBER YOU DO NOT DRIVE BETTER HIGH! DON'T GET HIGH AND DRIVE!

Happy Lupercalia and Happy St. Hallmark's Day

2009-02-14T14:15:00.004-06:00

I love looking into the history of things. How a specific thing came to be or how a celebration came to form around a certain thing. This is ~~the only video I could find that wasn't CRAZY~~ a unique video about the history of St. Valentine's Day. I hope y'all enjoy and learn a bit!

X & O
Beave

Once Again...

2009-02-11T01:06:00.006-06:00

Here we go again! Another attempt to quit my habit of quitting smoking. I went to my doctor and got a prescription for Chantix (a medication to aid in quitting smoking).

For those of you who don't know, this is attempt #497 to quit. For those of you that do, I'm sorry you have to hear me talk about it again. I've tried just about everything and do fine for quite a while but somewhere down the line I bow out and go right back like nothing ever happened. This time (like every time) I'm hoping will be my last. Chantix is a 5 month program and all of the other things I've done it doesn't contain nicotine. I'm on week 2 of a 20 week program so wish me luck (again).

On the same note but in other news; I bought Guitar Hero World Tour, the one with the drum kit and mic, for my Wii for ridiculously cheap. The catch was that if I started smoking again I gave V permission to sell the game. This should help keep me in check because for some sick reason I love that game with a passion.

I Loathe Dr. Phil

2009-02-07T03:34:00.003-06:00

I loathe Dr. Phil, mainly because he's an inconsiderate man hating jerk but also because he is sometimes right. Even though we all wish we could choke out our partner from time to time, we have to make compromises and back down every now and then. Which by the way neither V nor I ever back down. Fighting is like an art between us, a glue that holds us together.

V and I have crazy fights. The kind where your guests get up and tell you they need to get up early and it's 4pm on a Saturday. The funny thing is they only last about 5-10 minutes and then it's over but usually not resolved. Most of them are about nothing at all so resolution is not always needed and we end up better than before after it's over.

I need to make sure that my life insurance policy stays low otherwise I fear the same fate as the guy in the picture.

John Sewell 1913-2009

2009-02-01T02:07:00.007-06:00

At approximately 11:50pm on January 31, 2009 John Sewell passed away in his sleep due to multiple complications. The world lost a truly amazing man who will be sorely missed.

I met John about 7 years or so ago, a little while after I started dating V. It was a neat that her grandfather and I shared the same birthday, just 70 years apart. When he was a kid they used to call him J for short, almost the same as my Jay for Jason, so he would consistently call me John which would amusingly get everyone confused from time to time.

John always had the swagger of a teenager even in his 90's. At 95 years old John was rocking a girl under his arm. He met M a few years back and she has become like part of the family. Rarely have I seen someone so full of life and happiness, especially at his age.

John was one of the most fearless, mentally brave and poetically compassionate people I have ever had the privilege of coming in contact with. He was always working up his next get rich scheme or how I could get Trump put him on the payroll. When he wasn't trying to become a millionaire, he was taking care of his family, even though it might have felt like we were taking care of him.

John Sewell was THE man. The world will never be the same without him.

We love you John. We miss you already.

Religion, Politics and My Work Face

2009-01-28T19:12:00.007-06:00

The work face is a mask we all have to wear sometimes. We all know that while in the work face we can't do anything that would disrupt normal business, even if it's something we commonly do after hours. For me that would be politics, and last night my mask didn't fit so well.

I was having a normal conversation with some engineers about the daily events at the hotel when one asked if I knew anything about what President Obama said to A-Rabs. Now right away my first instinct was to say no, but I hate ignorance more than anything, and maybe some knowledge would help breed some tolerance, so I explained. I told them what he had said and that it was mainly about Middle Eastern peace and separating the relationship between the Muslim Faith from the terrorist organizations.

This is where everything went downhill. The guys know that I know quite a bit about whats going on, so they ask "What would you do?" This is the part where you tighten the strings on the work face and move on before things get worse, well I took it off completely. I started with what seems now as a rehearsed speech about economic reform rather than military tactics, assisting rather then dictating and looking from their perspective of the past and present not just ours. Somehow we got onto the Palestine-Israel conflict and I stated my feelings about the Israelis being the biggest problem in the region. Then one of them says "The Jews are God's chosen people, it's their land, just blow up the other guys." At this point I lost my lid an flew a little off the handle, to a point where I'm sure HR would have taken issue. Of course acting like that will never change his mind so I calmed down and we all went our separate ways.

So I printed out the information from Wikipedia on the conflict, and hopefully that will let him understand it more. This way he can make an more informed decision and I don't have to want to take off the work face to kick someone's ass.

Dudespeak

2009-01-26T13:09:00.007-06:00

After reading Brandy's post at It's like I'm... mmmagic! about "Chickspeak," I have been inspired to create a list of "Dudespeak." If you have any more translations that I may have missed, let me know.

What he said: That sounds like a great idea!
What he meant: Stop talking so I can watch the game.

What he said: Your friend is a sweet girl
What he meant: Her looks could stop a charging rhino.

What he said: I can't find xxx
What he meant: Will you help me find xxx because it didn't fall into my lap when I called for it.

What he said: What girl?
What he meant: You mean the blonde or the brunette?

What he said: You remind me of the girls in Sex and the City.
What he meant: I hope you put out like Samantha.

What he said: Your parents for dinner sounds great!
What he meant: Do you smell BBQ... Wait WHAT?

What he said: I like that top.
What he meant: I can almost see a nipple.

What he said: It's a guy thing.
What he meant: It's not logical and I have no reasoning behind it.

What he said: What did I do this time?
What he meant: What did you catch me doing and how did you know!

What he said: I think it's cool you have a tongue ring, it's shows your adventurous.
What he meant: Did it come with a set of kneepads?

What he said: I just want to stay friends.
What he meant: Your really not that hot.

What he said: It would take to long to explain.
What he meant: I have no f***ing idea what I'm talking about and didn't expect you to call me out.

What he said: I've got my reasons
What he meant: Gimmie 10 minutes to figure out an excuse.

What he said: It's just a little cut.
What he meant: I JUST CUT MY F***ING ARM OFF CALL A DOCTOR!

What he said: You look great!
What he meant: You look like a blind person ran that into a clothes line but I'm starving so let's go.

What he said: No, I'm listening.
What he meant: I didn't hear a word you said but I don't want you to yell at me

No Way Out

2009-01-26T00:06:00.008-06:00

So there they are. The be all and end all of the wedding plans. The only thing that actually "matters," the rest is just for show.

There's no backing out now. Not that I want to at all, it's just a little freaky when you only have one way out, and even that lasts for the rest of your life.

I'm starting to really feel it coming together. It really feels like I'm getting married now. It's exciting, nerve racking and amazing all at the same time. It's gonna be an awesome thing.

The Natural Order of Things

2009-01-21T08:35:00.006-06:00

I spent about 3 1/2 hours organizing all my personal paperwork today and realized that I have a lot of crap going on in my life. I never realized that I had all this stuff until I put it all into an organizer.

I also never realized how many failure to pay notices I have received from one parking ticket. Luckily the city has an amnesty program right now so I can avoid all the late fees. Maybe I should be a big boy and start doing this on a regular basis.

Well, now I'm off to restate my case to University of Phoenix, now that I've "come across" the correct paperwork, and I know I don't owe them a dime.

I'm Disgusted With The World

2009-01-18T05:56:00.003-06:00

I'm disgusted with a world that allows so many to be persecuted, killed, starved and destroyed like their lives mean less than another's. The monstrosities in Gaza, Darfur, Pakistan, Sudan, the Congo and so many other parts of the world have been made to seem as if they are of no importance. We can send tens of thousands of troops to Iraq but do nothing while the Israeli Government commits genocide.

This is a great article I found on CAIR-Chicago's (Council on American-Islamic Relations, Chicago Chapter) website of how everyday people can help the US Government in the right direction. The origional article can be found here: CAIR-Chicago.

10 STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO HELP PALESTINE
January 11, 2009

CAIR has outlined 10 positive, pro-active steps concerned Americans can take to help end Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, restore the cease-fire and the flow of humanitarian aid and promote a more balanced U.S. policy in the Middle East.

SEE:
Israel Broke Gaza Cease-Fire (CNN)
Gaza Hospital Overwhelmed By Dead, Wounded (AP)

For live coverage from Gaza click here

ACTIONS REQUESTED:

1) Take part in local marches and protests. Help organize peace rallies that condemn the massacre of innocent civilians.

2. Visit your elected representatives during the upcoming “Day on the Hill” in Washington, D.C., sponsored by a coalition of major Islamic organizations. Contact 202-384-8857 for advice on meeting with legislators.

3. Visit the local offices of your elected representatives to talk with them about the need for a more balanced Mideast policy. Use CAIR’s “Legislative Fact Sheet” on the Gaza crisis.

You can also learn how to arrange to meet elected officials and best practices for meeting with your representatives

You can also learn how to arrange to meet elected officials and best practices for meeting with your representatives on CAIR's website.

4. Write or call President Bush and members of Congress. Talking points:

* Israeli attacks block efforts to bring peace with justice to the Middle East, harm our nation’s image and interests worldwide and strengthen voices of extremism in the region.
* The Palestinian people must be given some hope of freedom from Israeli occupation and domination.
* Israel’s immoral and illegal collective punishment of the Palestinian people living in the Gaza Strip must end.
* America must support a just and comprehensive resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that takes into account the rights and responsibilities of all parties.
* American taxpayer dollars should not be used to for weapons that kill Palestinian civilians.

Ask your elected officials to adopt an even-handed Middle East policy that is in our nation’s - not Israel’s - interest.

Contact President George W. Bush: White House Comment Line: 202-456-1111, Fax: 202-456-2461, E-Mail: comments@whitehouse.gov ; vice_president@whitehouse.gov

Contact Your Congressional Representatives: U.S. Senators and House of Representatives

5. Contact President-Elect Obama to ask that he speak out now in favor of a more balanced and pro-American policy in the Middle East that takes the rights of all parties to the conflict into consideration.

Contact the Obama administration transition team here.

6. Sign CAIR’s online petition urging our nation's leaders to speak "in favor of peace and justice for all parties in the current humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip." When completed, the petition will be sent to elected officials nationwide and will be given to members of the current and incoming administrations.

7. Use Friday prayers to educate members of the Muslim community about the plight of the civilian population in Gaza and the need for a balanced Mideast policy, a cease-fire and the resumption of humanitarian relief. Urge community members to take the actions outlined in this alert.

8. Monitor local media coverage of the Gaza crisis. Contact those media outlets to either praise balanced coverage or to criticize biased coverage. Call in to radio talk shows and write letters to the editor to express your views. To find local and national media contact information, click here.

Post comments on media websites and blogs that discuss the crisis. Begin your own blog and link to other sites that support a balanced American policy in the region. Start a free blog at: http://www.blogger.com.

Use social media tools such as Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, Twitter, Flickr, to make your views known and to share your views with like-minded individuals and groups.

9. Organize meetings between Muslim and interfaith community leaders and members of your local newspaper’s editorial board.

To meet with a newspaper editorial board:

* If possible, gather evidence of any media bias in the newspaper. (Also look for examples of positive, balanced coverage.) Save one-sided news articles or video clips. Record talk shows. Follow a newspaper’s editorial position. * Build a coalition of local leaders.
* Plan for the meeting.
* Get together for a strategizing session and assign duties.
* Present your case. Be clear about goals. Stick to your points.
* Conclude with specific a request for more balanced coverage and input from those who support peace with justice in the region.
* Follow-up. Send a letter outlining agreements reached.

Contact CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper for more information on coordinating a meeting with an editorial board or contacting media outlets. Call 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com

10. Contact the State Department to call for action in defense of Gaza's civilian population. Call 202-647-4000 and ask for the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs or click here.

Go Elf Yourself!

2008-12-05T22:00:00.003-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Junior Management

2008-12-05T05:28:00.006-06:00

I didn't even know that the term existed. Now I am one.

I just found out yesterday that I got the promotion I was hoping for. It was the most anticlimactic statement I could have imagined. I had in my head that I would be asked to see HR and be offered the position and maybe have a discussion of my responsibilities and the benefits of the position. Nope. I was having coffee with my director when he causally said that a memo would go out today stating that I was the new "Lead Officer". Then then continued on like I already knew the promotion was mine.

I should be excited that I got the promotion and leave it at that. I just can't help feeling like I got cheated out of something. Like there should have been a band and a cake or something. I need to get over it. I not only have a job during the recession, which is more than a lot of people can say, but I just got promoted. I'll just count myself blessed and leave it at that.

World's Slowest Police Chase

2008-12-04T05:10:00.004-06:00

On my way to work I was on the inbound Ike, a State Trooper squad pulls onto the expressway at Harlem. The squad was fully lit but only going about 40 mph. I was 2 cars back waiting for the trooper to pull someone over, but the squad just kept cruising behind a vehicle at a steady 40 mph. So we pass Austin and I'm starting to wonder why the hell the car won't pull over. If they were trying to make a break for it, 40 mph on a 4 lane expressway isn't going to cut it.

All of a sudden I see another squad hauling off the Austin exit in my rear view mirror. The second squad then joins the world's slowest police chase. All of a sudden from the left lane, using it's signals, the car they are behind pulls from the left lane to the middle lane, waits then shifts to right lane with both squads in tow, still moving at 40mph.

When the "offender" pulled off at Cicero I look over and it's a little old lady who is struggling to even look over the steering wheel. I love Chicago.

Forever On The Dance Floor

2008-11-29T03:45:00.007-06:00

So after a week hiatus I'm back. I screwed up NaBloPoMo and missed my 1st blogoversary all in one swoop.

This is why I don't drink like I used to. I miss everything. Although I had an amazing time, I negated all my responsibilities leaving the woman and myself not much time to clean the house before Thanksgiving.

So on Friday night, we went to O'Rourkes Office. It's a really cool martini bar on the south side. We also went to Club Crescendo for a manager's last day, it was freaking awesome! Crescendo is definitely my favorite club in downtown Chicago. I forgot how much fun it was to just go out dancing and the just the feeling of being free in the club. I don't know what it is. If I'm sober or around alot of people I know, I am embarrassed to dance but If I'm just out with a few friends at a club I just feel... I dunno it's a really good time.

Saturday we went to the Michigan Avenue Festival of Lights. This is one of my favorite ways to usher in the holiday season. Watching the tree lights turn on as the parade route passes them, the fireworks and the hanging with friends out in the streets; it's all a great way to see the city.

Sunday night was another great night! We all went out to BJ McMahon's on the south side. By we, I mean everyone came out. People I see all the time and people I never get the chance to see came out to wish me well on a recent career accomplishment. Lets just say I was obliterated and extremely happy to be around all those friends.

Monday night = more BJ's. Again went out to BJ's to see some friends I don't always get to see and to quote a friend: "No, I'm not drunk. Not at all. I'M ANNIHILATED!" We then went back to The Garage and played some beer pong and had a "minor" war in which we all received "minor" injuries.

Needless to say it was an great weekend, one that's been a long time coming. Most of the weekends I usually have involve catching up on sleep, a good night and then some form of drama. This was 4 fantastic days in a row.

This Weekend Is Gonna Be WOOT!

2008-11-21T09:03:00.000-06:00

Tonight we are going out to a martini bar on the south side, then tomorrow is the Michigan Ave. Festival of Lights and Sunday is celebratory drunk day. I am in such a great mood for this weekend! I haven't had a great weekend in a long time. I've had a few really good ones but not a great one and I'm looking forward to it.

I hope everyone has a safe weekend!

I Pardon This Turkey! Public Executions For Those!

2008-11-20T22:18:00.005-06:00

If you haven't heard or seen the Palin turkey fiasco, here is the amazing video! This woman makes me feel like really smart and she makes me sad for the Republicans who think this is their future.

PS. Sorry for two videos in two days. I'll work on having real content tomorrow.

Freestyle Rap Battle - Translated

2008-11-19T18:28:00.004-06:00

Knowing that my NaBloPoMo days are numbered, as my life isn't all that interesting, I started hitting the Stumble! button to find something to blog about. After a while of finding nonsense I came across one of the greatest videos I have ever seen.

Without further ado: Freestyle Rap Battle - Translated

Lean Cuisine Recall

2008-11-18T23:37:00.000-06:00

Just want to make sure everyone has seen that Nestle is recalling 879,565 pounds of Lean Cuisine brand frozen dinners containing chicken since they may contain shards of hard plastic.

These are the meals that were affected:

Lean Cuisine Pesto Chicken with Bow Tie Pasta
Lean Cuisine Chicken Mediterranean
Lean Cuisine Chicken Tuscan

The Fay Observer has all the production codes.

Sleep or DIE!

2008-11-17T21:39:00.003-06:00

Apparently if you get less than 7 hours sleep you have a 47% greater chance to develop cancer. Fan-effin-tastic! I quit smoking and start exercising, but I'm gonna die from lack of sleep. Awesome! Here's the whole article from Reuters if y'all are interested in reading about how we are all gonna die. Man I am feeling optimistic. I'm going to bed.

How To Fold A T-Shirt In 2 Seconds

2008-11-16T23:11:00.000-06:00

I hate doing laundry. This makes the folding go by so much quicker and easier. Thank you VideoJug!

Fast Folding:How To Fold A T-Shirt In 2 Seconds - Explained

Porn For Women

2008-11-15T10:30:00.012-06:00

It's time the house got a thorough cleaning. That will be my job while the woman is away on a mini vacation with her "bestie." I try to do nice things for her all the time but I seldom clean, so I think this will be a nice gesture.

I hate cleaning and I have trashed the place without her being around, so wish me luck.

Movin' On Up! Maybe...

2008-11-14T12:31:00.004-06:00

Today I had my interview for a promotion I have been wanting, then not wanting, then wanting more than I can imagine. I really don't know why I scared myself into not wanting it, but I did and it may have hurt my chances.

My initial interview was with my director, who was not very happy that it took me so long to put in for the position. I think that I pulled it out with him though. I explained my position and he seemed to understand, a little.

My second interview with HR went well. It kind of turned into a what can make the overnight shift better in general rather than what I can do on that shift or why am I qualified for the position. One thing I noticed during the HR interview is I need to maintain more eye contact.

My final interview was with the Assistant GM and for some reason I felt the most comfortable during that one. I adjusted my eye contact and used some advice my director gave me. It was only a few moments in before it went the way of the HR interview and then out of nowhere he hit me with it. A Beave Love-Fest. I was truly honored by what he was saying. He told me that I surpassed their expectations of me and that I have come a tremendous way having never worked in this industry before. I was proud of myself for the first time in a long time.

All three told me the decision was to be made very soon. I hope I get this.

Da Bulls!

2008-11-13T23:37:00.001-06:00

So the hotel's concierge came up with some extra tickets to a Bull's game. Making my first Bulls game ever, tonight's win against the Dallas Mavericks. The seats were amazing, but I don't think I could ever pay $120 for them. ButI am not a basketball fan by any means. I love to play the game but it's boring as hell to watch. Watching it live was a whole new feeling. I really got into the game and my obsession with Sports Center assisted me in already knowing the players. I was actually going a little crazy by the end of the game and they had me totally sucked in. It may have been the fact that we were down 24-3 and ended up winning but man was that fun. I'll have to go see a few more games, I might just start paying a little more attention to the orange ball.

Ow, Ow, Ow, Wait... Is That Arsenio Hall?

2008-11-12T18:57:00.005-06:00

I hurt everywhere. I hurt places that I don't know are called. This workout thing will be the death of me. It kinda hurts my arms just typing. That is pretty sad.

On a whole new topic, the TV is on behind me, and I just noticed the show that's on. The World's Funniest Moments. Now am I the only one who thought Arsenio Hall's career was over? If not, am I the only one who was happy he didn't have a career? I can't believe how lame he is. I'd rather hear Bob Saget's lame jokes than look at Arsenio Hall. This is horriable but I can't turn it off. The videos are not even funny I just want to see what he is gonna say next. Wow this is a car wreck!

Uhm, just a sec. I need to go throw up.

2008-11-11T12:35:00.007-06:00

My first full workout with Ben the trainer was today. Needless to say he kicked my ass, and I deserved it for being a lazy piece of crap for the last oh... 7 years.

He strapped me up with a heart monitor and it was time to go! We started out with a little cardio, that was cool, no major complaints. Then the torture started. We hit the arm bike, 30 forward then 30 backward then fast to the stationary bike for a minute then fast back to the arm bike, 4x. I got up after the last set and when I saw myself in the mirror, I honestly couldn't remember the last time I was that sweaty. Then pull ups and push ups and step things and some ball on the ground and leg ups and swinging a giant metal ball then...

Me:Uhm Ben I need a sec.
Ben: Come on keep moving your doing fine.
Me: Uhm, just a sec. I need to go throw up.

5 minutes later...

Ben: Did you throw up?
Me: Yeah, I feel better now.
Ben: *High Five* Yes! That's my second this year!
Me: This is gonna fun.
Ben: Yes!

Well, now it was time to cycle through all the exercises again. I made it through to the end and it was time to throw up again. Man I am amazingly out of shape. This time though I couldn't keep going I was getting dizzy and my workout was pretty much done anyway. I threw up one more time for the trifecta and went to talk it out with Ben. He took my heart monitor and got really excited because, well first because he made me puke three times, but second because I burned 834 calories. I got excited because this weeks torture session was over.

Beave's Kitchen

2008-11-10T23:03:00.000-06:00

I my quest to become a better, stronger, healthier me, I am taking my old recipes and turning them healthy. I will be sharing all of my recipes on my new blog Beave's Kitchen. Every few days I'll post a new super healthy but super tasty recipe.

Check it out and tell me if it needs more salt.

Where Does Depression Hurt?

2008-11-09T22:19:00.001-06:00

Everywhere...

I am suffering from another Chicago Bears induced depression. I got to go to the game and had a great time tailgating, but the defense let me down again. They can not stop the pass. I was calling the plays and where it was going before the snap and right after. Did they listen to me? No, they never do.

The Ten Things I Love Most

2008-11-08T23:37:00.017-06:00

I tend to become obsessive with things. Very few stand the test of time though. These are some of the things I am still obsessed with.

1. Chicago

There is no better city in the country. Don't lie to yourself, LA and NYC suck.

2. Politics

I get way obsessive around elections.

3. Family, Friends and Vanessa (my fiancee)

No pics... sorry

4. AMERICAN Football

Go Bears, Go Illini and Go 'Canes. There is not enough football. Even with a channel devoted to the NFl there is still not enough football.

5. Meat

Yum.

6. Chicago Style Hot Dogs

I don't care what you say. There is not to much stuff on it, its a meal on a bun. If I catch you squirting catsup on it and your not under 10, you will loose your hot dog privileges.

7. The Internet

If it wasn't for the internet... I'd get stuff done. Thank you Al Gore!

9. Deep Dish Pizza

There's nothing quite like 3 inches of cheese and sausage under pizza sauce.

10. My Blackberry

I don't know what I would do without it.

He's a Flip-Flopper

2008-11-07T23:08:00.003-06:00

I got myself a personal trainer to help me get to where I want to be. One day a week I will be meeting with "Ben," who will be kicking my ass and making sure the rest of the week I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing. You should see the print out they gave me. If I stick to the program I'm gonna look like an effing beast.

I went grocery shopping to to buy the necessary food stuffs. This food is BORING! But I'm pretty good at the cooking thing so I hope to make it a little better. Oh and Aldi's makes it really easy to eat really good for really cheap. I got 6 pork chops, 4 pieces of salmon, 8 flavored tuna packs, 12 cans of chicken, 2 bags of almonds, a whole bunch of frozen fruit, jello cups, vitamins, a big tub of yogurt and some other crap for like 60 bucks. Try doing that anywhere else. All the old food and crap around the house, yeah that's been removed. Out with the old in with the new.

I am going to stop being a sissy and not smoke another cigarette and stop wearing these patches. I need to have self control if I am going to stick with this. If I can't control the smoking habit, I can't do any of this.

I am motivated. I am ready. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.

The Ten Things I Hate Most

2008-11-06T05:23:00.018-06:00

It takes a lot for me to truly hate something. These are the things that anger me enough to waste all that energy on hate. I'll have a list of love next, to keep things even.

1.Fanatics

People that put all their energy in loving something so much that they turn into total douchbags and hurt the human race.

2. Intolerance

This doesn't need an explanation.

3. Unwillingness To Accept Change

Times change, people change... everything changes! Get used to it!

4. People Who Hurt Children

This doesn't need an explanation either.

5. PETA

They had a great concept. Then they screwed it up and became a sore on humanity and the animals they sought to help.

6.Lack of Elevator Etiquette

Out BEFORE in. Stop eating and talking on your cell. If you have to sneeze of cough COVER YOUR FACE!

7. Blocked Caller ID

This is more annoying than anything. If you don't want me to see who you are, you don't want me to answer. Enjoy my voicemail.

8. Not Saying Thank You

Seriously, I'm just gonna start hitting people.

9. Celebrity News Overshadowing Real News

Do you really think that what Britney did this time is more important than say the 2 wars that the US is involved in? If you answered yes you need to stab yourself in the eye.

10. Fox News, Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity

This totally biased and totally useless news channel needs to be shut down. Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity's fathers should have run them off by hand.

Tears of Joy

2008-11-05T19:41:00.004-06:00

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.
It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.
It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states.
We are, and always will be, the United States of America.
It's the answer that led those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day." - Barack H. Obama

I was working the front door when someone casually walked by me and said "He did it." I stopped in my tracks and was overcome with this feeling of happiness. I couldn't express myself because of being at work, which was horrible because I just wanted to do cartwheels down the street.

When I got home I watched McCain's concession speech, and was impressed with what he had to say. I was also impressed that he turned a booing crowd into one that is hopeful for the future.

Then I watched Obama's speech. The part I have up top is how far I made it until I started to look like Jesse Jackson. I couldn't control it at all. I was so overwhelmed by joy and hope for this country. I was filled with the pride I had when I cast my first vote at 18 and had nothing but complete trust in the system.

God Bless Barack Obama, and God Bless this country.

I Love This Feeling!

2008-11-04T08:49:00.004-06:00

At 5:50am I left my house and walked over to the library which was my polling place. I walked up while a about 25 people were heading to the doors, a few cheering. As I headed through the doors, a poll worker who was holding the door open, said I have never seen a line here. Intrigued, I asked how long he had been working the polls. "About 30 years" he told me. 30 years and this is the first time he's seen a line. That gives me great hope that people care again, that people have regained confidence in the process again. This has to be one of the best feelings in the world. I LOVE VOTING!

It's Happening!

2008-11-03T23:10:00.004-06:00

Like a long lost relative coming home, the elections are here. Most people suffering from election fatigue will finally have relief.

At 12am Eastern polls open in the little village of Dixville Notch, New Hampshire. Their vote isn't necessarily a tell tale sign of the rest of the country or even the state, but it will be neat to see which way the 21 registered voters will go.

I can't wait to see this country finally head in a new direction, with a Democrat leading the Senate, the House and in the Oval Office. I am not a Democrat, I'm actually a Green which is a little more down-left than a Democrat but not as far as to call me a socialist. This is a chance for the Democrats to make a difference. If they fail to do so, I believe the country will finally see that the two party system and it's parties have been outdated. Most of us already know that the "typical" Republican is outdated, shown by the fact that only 25% of Americans are "card carrying" members of the GOP. The other fact is that the rest of the world sees our Dems as right of center and our Repubs as extreme up-right.

By the way this is the new political compass.
This is my Compass.
Find out your place on the Compass.

NaBloPoMo.. Say That 5 Times Fast!

2008-11-02T04:58:00.002-06:00

No it's not gibberish, it stands for National Blog Posting Month. NaBloPoMo is a website for bloggers who want to take on the challange of blogging for an entire month. It is practiced all year long by the site but November is the "official" month.

I want to blog more and have been trying lately so I figured what the hell I'm always up for a challange. The problem is I useually don't finish what I start. Which is funny because my mom tells me about when I was young and got mad at my playmates about not finishing a coloring book page before starting another. So here goes, I am blogging at least once a day, including weekends and holidays for 30 days.

Child Slain While Trick-or-Treating

2008-11-01T11:26:00.005-05:00

Mom sat in the car to wait while Dad took his four sons up to a house with a lit porch to do some final trick-or-treating. The neighbor hears what he believes to be fireworks, some Halloween mischief. The reality was that 22 year old Quentin Patrick fired at the family approaching the home in Sumter, South Carolina, about 40 miles East of Columbia.

One of the boys, age 12, was fatally wounded and later died in the hospital, while his father and brother sustained non-life threatening injuries.

Patrick, is charged with murder and assault and battery with the intent kill. He is currently in police custody.

"The investigation is continuing into what has been a very tragic evening," Ms Patterson was quoted by the AP as saying.

"Our sorrow and sympathy goes out to this family."

She said there were other people inside the house at the time of the incident, but she did not expect any of them to be charged.

What the hell is going on is this world when someone shoots a children trick-or-treating in South Carolina, when someone shoots a pregnant woman in the head at a stop light in Chicago, when some coward shoots an innocent 11 year old twice in the head after he's been kidnapped and probably seen his grandmother and uncle killed in Chicago, when a moron doesn't put a safety lock on his hunting rifle and a 9 year old is killed in St. Clair, or when gang members get involved in someone else's business and a stray bullet kills a 3 year old in LA? Why is it that when gun violence has consistently killed small children that people advocate the present standards to the ownership of guns? Why do we as intelligent adults want to have automatic rifles legal in the United States? Why is a poorly written amendment to our Constitution held to mean what it wasn't intended for? If you can answer those questions reasonably, you obviously know something I don't.

Next time someone tells you that guns don't kill people, trigger fingers do, ask them to attempt to bury that finger through a human skull or through a breast bone. When they tell you that it is impossible, remind them of their prior statement.

Because Bush Needs One Last War

2008-10-31T05:09:00.001-05:00

Why not? His approval rating is at 29% (According to "Faux News") so there's nothing to loose, and everyone in the country is addicted to the presidential race so noone will even notice.

Today is the first day that the US strike killing 8 in Syria *SUNDAY* has made it to the front page of any major news source, at least that I have seen, and that was only for a few hours on Google News. So if you haven't heard the US went several miles into Syrian territory to the Abu Kamal border community, and had a firefight with a group on the ground with a couple of helicopters, then took the body of the one they were after. The target was Badran Turki al-Mazidih or "Abu Ghadiyah", a top al-Qaida in Iraq figure who operated a network of smuggling fighters in and out of the country. Now Al Jazeera reports that 4 of the dead were children.

Wait it gets better. Washington has yet to even formally acknowledge the raid. Even better, Syria has threatened to pull their troops off the border and basically screw any form of border security if the US doesn't formally apologize and knock it off.

So yesterday hundreds of riot police set a perimiter around the US Embassy in Damascus just before a crowd of tens of thousands headed to a central square for a 2 hour peaceful protest of the attacks. Now the preemptive riot police and the fact that in a counrty where you are arrested for protesting I can only assume that this was goverment-orchistrated. None the less the fact that is was peacefull still gives me hope that Bush hasn't started another fight that he can't finish.

A new view, a new language.

2008-10-29T20:36:00.006-05:00

I have recently decided that I wanted to learn Arabic. I love learning and I speak Francais tres mal already, so I wanted to learn another. When looking at all the languages I could learn, I thought about why I would want to take the time to learn them.

I started with Spanish and that's the most reasonable option according to my life experiences. Many people around me speak Spanish and I have a hard time speaking to those Spanish speakers who do not speak English but I get by... barely. Also Spanish in my field Spanish is a smart choice because there are alot of people I need to either question, help or get a statement from that I need a translator to get the whole story.

Then I looked at Italian. I thought that would just be a fun language to learn. It's very beautiful and there's alot of history in the Italian language. It would also be a great advantage whenever I go to Europe to speak the languages in two of the major places I want to visit.

Chinese was another language that I thought would be fun to know. I picked up a few quick phrases to test the waters and thought that it was a beautiful language. I quickly decided that I would need to take a class rather than try on my own because I could very easily call some one's mother a horse just by the inflection in my voice.

I also looked into Arabic. Arabic has always fascinated me. I loved hearing it in the hookah lounges and at the local Middle Eastern shops I would visit. I know a couple phrases already and thought that it may be fun to learn.

The more I looked into Arabic the more I wanted to learn it. Arabic is the 5th most commonly spoken language and is the official language of over 20 countries and there are well over 300 million native speakers of the language. These speakers are largely concentrated in the Middle East, but there are minority groups of native speakers throughout the world. It is also an official language of the United Nations. I found this great free site, Madinah Arabic, that has lessons set up in both reading and speaking. I am currently still learning the alphabet but I am very encouraged by how easy this site makes it to learn on my own terms.

Missing Child In A Chicago Double Homicide

2008-10-25T04:09:00.004-05:00

The mother and brother of Chicago's Englewood native Jennifer were found dead at 3pm today in what appears to be a domestic dispute. J. Hud's nephew 7 year old Julian King was abducted as well during the incident at 71st and Yale on the city's south side.

Police have suspect William Balfour in custody, as well as several others but say that Julian is still missing. An AMBER AlERT was issued for a 1994 white Chevrolet Suburban with license plate #X584859. They might also be in a teal or green Chrysler Concord with a temporary license plate, a left front headlight hanging out and scratches on the left side of the vehicle, police said.

According to state records Balfour was paroled in 2006 after convictions for attempted murder, vehicular hijacking and receiving stolen property. Sounds a little to familiar. This douche bag extraordinaire claims to not know the location of the child or of the events that occurred.

Murders happen all to often in this city and it's saddening thing. But what bothers me is when the victims are truly innocent, not "He was planning to turn around and was a talented musician" or "He was a good kid but did some bad things," but a truly innocent person. Or when it involves a young child. These are things that don't need to happen and this scumbag should be quartered.

For when the wine is in, the wit is out.

2008-08-12T13:08:00.003-05:00

I love wine, I really do. I love the smell, the taste and how it can make a simple meal seem so much better. I just have two major problems with wine.

First I can never figure out how to pair most wines and that's where this great little tool I found comes in handy. Wine Web Central's Food and Wine Pairing gizmo has taken alot of the headache out of pairing your meals with the perfect wine. You just select your dish and then the major spice/flavor that corresponds with that dish, and it gives you a Good, Better, Best rating on the wines to pair with that meal.

My Second downfall is the pronunciation of wines. REALLY?!?!? Is it completely necessary to name a wine made in California or Australia in French? Well, I found this little gem at Wine Taste TV. The "Pronunciation Guide For Wine Producers And Proprietary Brands" in their Wine 101 section has enabled me to stop sounding like a baboon when trying to pronounce wines I have never heard of.

I hope this makes someone's life just a tad easier as I know it has made mine. Good luck!

My Co-Workers...

2008-07-25T13:08:00.007-05:00

Our little buddy from mornings and two from afternoons sing Habenera...

PS
This is for fun, I love my co-workers. Sometimes this is all we're able to understand from them on the radio.

Batman & Joker fight at Trump!

2008-07-21T10:01:00.006-05:00

I went to see Dark Knight yesterday in IMAX. All I have to say is HOLY EFFIN CRAP!!!!!! This was the best Batman movie to date. Dark Knight was the perfect Batman movie; long, twisted, dark, funny, explosions, new toys, Chicago... perfect.

I said when Begins came out that Bale was the best Batman and Bruce, and I stand by that statement after Dark Knight. As far as the Joker goes, Cesar Romero had a great laugh and Jack Nicholson had that stare, but Heath Ledger WAS the Joker. Ledger brought everything the Joker needed together: a perfect laugh, insanity mixed with genius and the all important look. None of the others looked like someone I would call a criminal mastermind, while as Ledger scarred the crap outta me. With Harvey Dent, I think Billy Dee Williams played an alright Dent and woulda been a good Two Face, Tommy Lee Jones was special but didn't stand out in the long line of Batman villains but added a special flair to the Two Face character. Now Aaron Eckhart is going to stand out for sure. His portrayal of Dent was perfect, and the sick emotion he dumped into Two Face was great. I really liked how they portrayed his face and his storyline stands out alot, which is hard seeing as Ledger grabbed most of the attention.

In a city where just about every building is recognizable to it's citizens, one is not that recognizable... yet. If you weren't sure, the final fight between the Bat and the Joker is at the Trump Tower construction site. Which is awesome because it's a building that is changing the skyline of my city and has a starring role in my new favorite Batman movie.

Minor Update:

2008-07-18T20:50:00.002-05:00

I haven't smoked for 2 days, 22 hours and 51 minutes, saving 59.05 cigarettes and $13.28 .

Back With A Vengeance

2008-07-15T16:26:00.005-05:00

Just had an awesome time up at Lake Geneva. I got so wiped out it's taken me 2 days to recover!

Speaking of being a sissy, I have made a pact with 2 friends to get ourselves healthy and swim across the lake. We started a blog: 3 Big Dudes to keep ourselves in check and keep track of our progress.

I quit smoking again because I hate the fact that if I don't I'll never run the marathon. Wish me (us) luck. Peace.

Diplomacy Vs. More War

2008-04-22T16:39:00.003-05:00

Democrats Vs. Republicans. The story goes on and on and on. Democrats want diplomacy and the Republicans are quick to hit the red button. Does anyone want to explain the current situation to me then?

Senator McCain says "I believe we can act with nations with values and principles that we hold dear and exercise enormous pressure -- diplomatic, trade, financial". Meanwhile Senator Clinton is sounding like Bush with comments like "I want the Iranians to know that if I'm the president, we will attack Iran (if it attacks Israel)" and "we would be able to totally obliterate them".

What am I missing here? When did McCain start believing in diplomacy and when did Clinton become some sort of War Monger? Didn't she say something like, uhm, I dunno (and I quote), "people running for president should not engage in hypotheticals" and called it a mistake "to telegraph" what U.S. strategy might be at a time of unrest.

For real what am I missing? Does she want another four years of the same?

Happy Earth Day

2008-04-21T13:15:00.006-05:00

I'm sure with Earth Day tomorrow and everything, you have heard the phrase "Go Green" about a million times. Mostly what you'll hear is change your light bulbs, get a hybrid, etc., etc. But really, to go green isn't that hard. Simple things like rolling down your windows instead of using the A/C, turning off lights when you aren't using them and shutting down your computer when your not on it can make a big difference.

This Earth Day I hope everyone will make a simple commitment like; change five light bulbs to CFL's or purchase an energy efficient fan to use rather than your A/C. The change you can make can be tremendous and help you save a little green in the long run.

Check out treehugger.com for some great tips on how to go green on just about anything for your office to you sex life.

Also GlobalWarming-Facts.info has a cool list of 50 things you can do to stop global warming (go green).

I have made a commitment to buy organic, free trade products when I can, to help lower my carbon footprint and live healthier. What are you doing?

Impromptu Exotic Entertainment

2008-04-18T02:07:00.004-05:00

The Winnipeg Sun reported that police were dispatched to a call of a man on a roof causing a disturbance, who was apparently intoxicated.

When the Staff Sgt. Liz Chisholm arrived on the scene, the man stripped down to his sandals and did the bunny hop on the roof while slapping his ass. He did all this while drinking tequila out of a bucket.

Now don't get me wrong I dislike Canucks like the rest of the red-blooded American population, but how can you not love anyone who knows the bunny hop and drinks tequila out of a bucket. Now as for the slapping of the ass and being on the roof naked, you can find that at any collegate institution in America. I hope he gets off and someone throws a a few singles in his sandal strap.

Watered Down

2008-04-17T00:37:00.000-05:00

So I've read a lot about these cleansing diets, where you eat no solids for a certain amount of time and it not only cleans out your system but you can loose a signifigant amount of weight as well. Most I've read about are three day programs. I'm shooting for a week.

I've customized it a bit but essentially it's the same as everything else I've seen. I'm going with two 8oz glasses of vegetable juice, two 8oz glasses of fruit juice, three 8oz glasses of skim milk and a lot of water.

My starting weight is 335.4. Yeah I know I'm a fatass. So here goes nothing. I'll probally end up chewing my own arm off.

The Gimp Who Stole MS Paint

2008-04-08T06:38:00.005-05:00

In his never ending quest to discover why I will not use Adobe Photoshop over MS Paint and to make me use something more "sophisticated". Pher had turned me on to GIMP an open source program that is reminiscent of Photoshop.

** SIDE NOTE ** To those of you who don't know open source is where programmers create a code for a program, offer the program for free and allow people to edit the code themselves and re-release it (as long as it's open source as well). Two great examples are Linux and Mozilla Firefox.

So I'm using this program and thinking it's alot of stuff that I'll probably never use, but some cool stuff that took me hours to create in Paint I can do in literally minutes with Gimp. I start messing around and I stop and think, "I just created awesome!" I realized that it would've taken me about 30 minutes to do this little picture in Paint and do it for the first time in Gimp, it took me five.

So for anyone still reluctant to move into a new age of photo editing and creating check out GIMP. Now I know that it all seems confusing on what to actually download, but it's not. From the home page click Downloads, then click Download GIMP 2.4.5– Installer for Windows 2000 and above. Then run the installer and it's that easy.

Bad Blogger!

2008-03-31T21:58:00.002-05:00

I know it's been a while, WHATEVER! I've been busy with family stuff.

My mom is doing better. She is still having a little trouble walking and is in some pain, but at least they know what it is and are treating her accordingly.

With all that I have bought on eBay, I fianlly decided to try my hand at selling all the ~~crap~~ stuff I have sitting at my mom's still. Maybe I could make a little money, well see.

Not to much with everything else, it's pretty much the same 'ol, same 'ol around here.

Weekend at Virgilio's

2008-02-18T16:19:00.005-06:00

So Dumb and Dumberer take their friend's lifeless body to a currency exchange to cash a social security check, and succeeded.

Apparently James O'Hare and David Daloia, had been placing their friend Virgilio Cintron in an office chair and going to the currency exchange with his check for months, three times a month. "He looked like that every morning," Daloia said "I didn't know he was dead."

Dip and Shit got arrested on charges of attempted forgery, attempted possession of a forged instrument and petty larceny. Miraculously some mystery person paid out their $1,000 each bail, and I'm sure they couldn't have been happier.

Now Mr. Daloia just doesn't understand why this would gain so much media attention. "I robbed banks that got less coverage than this."

Full Story

I Want Change!

2008-02-18T09:44:00.002-06:00

We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.
~Albert Einstein

The Only Reason I Watch The Orange-Ball

2008-02-17T08:51:00.000-06:00

TMZ here I come!

2008-02-17T08:27:00.001-06:00

I have to say I didn't really think that we would be getting in celebs at the hotel so quickly but we are. Last night Bobby Brown and Lisa Raye stayed at the hotel (separately) and had house parties. It was pretty cool seeing both of them and a little surreal.

They were both quite the party animals that's for sure. I can't say much but I can say that TMZ would have paid me alot for what I had seen if I had taken pictures.

Withdrawl has crazy effects

2008-02-13T09:43:00.000-06:00

It's been almost two weeks since I've been on the internet and I think I may be going through withdrawl. It's sad because I think about it a lot and feel like I've been separated from a good friend.

The main reason I've been off so long is all the overtime I've been getting at work. Now that it seems to have subsided a little, I went and got myself sick. Oh well, no rest for the wicked, as they say.

Things seem to be going pretty well for me right now. We just booked a photographer/videographer for the wedding, the job is awesome, Obama is gaining some serious momentem in the primaries, I got some new kick ass shoes and I'm starting to get over this bug. Not having much to complain about is a fantabulous feeling.

Hopefully I can get back to Hobowars and StumbleUpon soon enough.

Beavetown

2008-01-24T17:27:00.001-06:00

So I gave into an internet phenomenon and started my own MyMiniCity. Basically it's a city builder in which you generate traffic to the site and you are rewarded with things like population, industry, transportation, security, improving the environment and business. You can also track your city's progress by subscribing to it's rss feed. It's totally pointless but I'm addicted to it anyway.

Make my city grow by clicking the links.
* Beavetown's Population

Bat Girl!

2008-01-15T09:40:00.000-06:00

Don't iTase me, ~~Bro~~ Sis!

The iTaser, from Taser International, is a taser marketed for women. It comes in such colors as pink, hot pink, red (for Valentine's day), and leopard pink and features an MP3 player. This will be a great addition for any woman's Bat Girl utility belt. Because really, who wants the hassle of carrying an iPod and their taser.

The streets are more terrifying now that every woman and sissy ass man that I clear my throat behind, are going to tase me while listening to Justin Timberlake's new hit. AWESOME!

An Obama supporters reaction to tears.

2008-01-08T09:49:00.000-06:00

As a woman, I was dumbfounded by Clinton's breakdown. She just reversed years of trying to prove that women could be as "strong" as men... Shame on you, Mrs. Clinton. And thanks for re-inforcing stereotypes we professional women have worked so hard to dispel.

~ Your a moron. You just set women back with that ignorant statement.

..Other countries already have female leaders, such as Philippines, Portugal, Germany, Pakistan, India, etc. Some American women just accept to be second-class citizens...

~ WTF!?!? I really hope you were high when you wrote this.

Boo Hoo an oscar winning performance. Tell me this was not calculated.

~ No it wasn't. It's called passion, I hope someday you could feel that way about our country.

...Until women proclaim their patriotism in writing, it's highly unlikely a woman will be voted our Commander in Chief. Sorry, but that is a FACT!!! Hillary go home and cook B.J. Clinton a nice steak dinner! Save the crying about Iowa until we Californian's show you just how we feel about a fem-sexist woman in a public office! Save your tears for when California get's done with your a$$, you're gonna need 'um. Stupid Biitch!

~ You are a sad little man and should be tar and feathered then dropped out of an airplane.

...Mrs. Clinton is indeed the best choice... men has ran this country, look where is are at.

~ You has written you opinion. You looks ignoramus.

She has my VOTE! 100% Its time for a woman to run the show.

~ That's just as ignorant as everything else I've read. Don't pick a candidate because of religion, sex, race, MTV, Facebook or even Oprah for that matter. Choose who you see best fit to run the United States of America.

The full article I have taken these reactions from can be found at ABC News. And yes, these are my personal thoughts on some of the moronic things that were said in the comments of this article.

Also FYI, in their everlasting quest to deliver the news truthfully and completely, the comments on this article are being deleted by ABC. It went from over 800+ comments, to 700, to 775 and now it's sitting at 701. I love free speech.

American Gladiators

2008-01-07T13:19:00.000-06:00

The revival of AG rocks. Crush is extremely hot and the new games are sweet. The weird thing is when they introduce the gladiators I get the sense of Rollerball or something. The next step will be fights to the death in true gladiatorial games.

I'll still watch and it's still awesome. The fact that a gladiator and a competitor got injured in the first episode was interesting. The challengers are nuts, all of them. That said I'd love to try out.

Have a Happy Happy!

2007-12-24T03:32:00.001-06:00

Hope everyone has had and will have a great holiday, and that everyone stays safe.

In other news: Go see Sweeny Todd. If you like the musical, you'll like the flick. Depp was great and his voice was surprising. The only thing I didn't like about it was the fact that the really cool chorus songs are not in the movie.

Bah Humbug!

2007-12-21T04:01:00.000-06:00

Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas, but I hate not having more money to give enough. I always feel as if I don't give enough to everyone. I'm sure they don't really care because it's the thought that counts and I put a lot into my gifts, but I just wish I could do more for the people that do so much for me. Sometimes I feel like maybe I could do more or give more, but I just don't have the funds.

I hope that by this time next year I have gotten a promotion, a good raise, hit it big or something. I don't want to keep this same old song in my choirbook. I know I am better off than some people and should be happy with what I have but if what I have doesn't make me happy then I just need to work for more. I think I deserve it, and I think the people around me deserve better than what I can give them.

Our Moment is Now

2007-12-19T17:46:00.000-06:00

A Blackberry First

2007-12-16T17:38:00.001-06:00

After a day from hell I went and got myself a BBPearl as I said earlier. This thing is the most awesome piece of technology that I have ever owned. As a matter of fact, this entry was written on it.

I'll talk more later now it's cocoa and Christmas lights time.

My Bad...

2007-12-15T16:53:00.000-06:00

I haven't posted in a few but I've been relatively busy.

I do have to tell you that yesterday was the day from hell. It started with the jerk at the junkyard, that was far from helpfull and didn't have one of the parts I needed, and wanted to overcharge me for the other. Then I lost my phone. The rest of the day just sucked all together. The only good that came out of it was that I got to hang out with my family and I got the phone I've been wanting. I picked up the BlackBerry Pearl. It's a sweet little machine, I'll tell you what!

He is not ALEC!

2007-12-11T20:34:00.000-06:00

We went and saw Fred Claus yesterday, which was freaking awesome. I do have to say it is tied with Elf as the best Christmas movie ever. I don't even know what to say except if you even remotely like Vince Vaughn then you will love this flick. Go see it, don't wait, go see it now!

MMMMM Melted Plastic

2007-12-10T12:36:00.000-06:00

So I think I'm gonna hunt down this Murphy guy and hit him in his teeth for that damn law of his. It seems to be the rule that my life abides by.

So I was having a problem with my headlights not turning on, it wasn't the bulbs, it wasn't a fuse, so it had to be the switch. Ok. I go and buy the switch and Vanessa's Step dad Don helped me get to the point where you just swap it out, and apparently the reason it went out is because the wire harness melted. YEAH! We try and find this harness thing at a parts store but were unsuccessful in doing so. So now it's time for the "Guess Which Wire Goes Where Game!" WOOT! WOOT! Needless to say it was freezing and a giant pain, but we finally got it and the hot glued the wires in place.

If it hadn't been for Don then I probably would been in the dashboard for alot longer, and lost a few fingers from frostbite.