Unless you have been living under a rock (or just plain do not follow any news ever), you are aware that the people of Iran are in danger. Election protests have lead to incredible violence and people are being silenced for their beliefs.
New restrictions have been put into place and foreign media is no longer allowed to film or report on events from Iran. Strangely enough, twitter has become a voice for bloggers and Iranian citizens to tell the world what is happening. If you have a twitter account there are several things you can do to help. First, GO HERE.
Don't let these voices be silenced. Government should not operate under violent bully-strategies. If you do nothing else, just pray for the Iranian people. Their world is very, very scary right now.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
The answer is blowin' in the wind
How many ears must one man have before he can hear people cry? Yes, and how many deaths will it take 'til he knows that too many people have died? - Bob Dylan
Yesterday morning, OB/GYN Dr. George Tiller was “allegedly” gunned down by Scott Roeder, an anti-abortion activist, in front of his Church. For those who have not been following this story, Dr. Tiller was most well known for controversially performing late term abortions. I have been following the story through several news mediums and you can read some very interesting reporting at HuffPo, NPR and many others if you would like to learn more. Outraged yet? It didn’t take me long. Regardless of where you stand personally on the issue of abortion, I can’t help but feel disgusted that someone could murder someone at a place of worship in the name of a pro-life agenda.
I didn’t want to write about this to discuss my feelings on a woman’s right to choose. Anyone who knows me is well aware of my stance on the issue of abortion, in general. I refuse to take a stance on late term abortion without an understanding of the circumstances behind a decision to terminate. Besides, my opinion really doesn’t matter when considering this particular story. I have no right to judge anyone for their personal choices about what happens to their bodies. Even the devoutly religious usually agree that God will be the one to judge. All I can think about is the family, friends, and fellow parishioners of Dr. Tillman who are forced to mourn the loss of a husband, father and friend.
For those who may be adamantly against Dr. Tillman’s work or those who believe that late term abortion is a black and white issue, I urge you to read some of the stories in the links below. There may be more to a situation than meets the eye.
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/magazine/articles/2004/01/25/my_late_term_abortion/
http://www.aheartbreakingchoice.com/kansasstories.html
The more I think about what happened yesterday, the more my mind keeps going back to the aftermath of the Amish School shooting that happened back in '06. Does anyone remember this? The Amish immediately forgave the shooter and even donated money to the killer's widow and family (http://[www.npr.org]/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14900930).
The strength demonstrated by the Amish community in the wake of such a disaster touched my heart and continuously reminds me of the power of humility and compassion.
When I first heard the story yesterday, my heart ached for the family, friends and patients of Dr. Tillman. These people are forced to mourn the loss of a husband, father and friend. I am outraged by the actions of the shooter and the pain that he caused. However, I think it's important to reflect upon what Scott Roeder’s actions may have done to his own family and the pain that they may be enduring as a result of his actions.
What a horrible tragedy.
In case anyone is interested, please consider donating to pro-choice cause in the name of Dr. Tillman. A few links below.
Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice: http://www.rcrc.org/
Medical Students for Choice: http://medicalstudentsforchoice.org
Planned Parenthood: www.PlannedParenthood.org
National Network of Abortion Funds: http://www.nnaf.org/donate.html
National Abortion federation: http://www.prochoice.org/
Haven Coalition: http://www.havencoalition.org/
Yesterday morning, OB/GYN Dr. George Tiller was “allegedly” gunned down by Scott Roeder, an anti-abortion activist, in front of his Church. For those who have not been following this story, Dr. Tiller was most well known for controversially performing late term abortions. I have been following the story through several news mediums and you can read some very interesting reporting at HuffPo, NPR and many others if you would like to learn more. Outraged yet? It didn’t take me long. Regardless of where you stand personally on the issue of abortion, I can’t help but feel disgusted that someone could murder someone at a place of worship in the name of a pro-life agenda.
I didn’t want to write about this to discuss my feelings on a woman’s right to choose. Anyone who knows me is well aware of my stance on the issue of abortion, in general. I refuse to take a stance on late term abortion without an understanding of the circumstances behind a decision to terminate. Besides, my opinion really doesn’t matter when considering this particular story. I have no right to judge anyone for their personal choices about what happens to their bodies. Even the devoutly religious usually agree that God will be the one to judge. All I can think about is the family, friends, and fellow parishioners of Dr. Tillman who are forced to mourn the loss of a husband, father and friend.
For those who may be adamantly against Dr. Tillman’s work or those who believe that late term abortion is a black and white issue, I urge you to read some of the stories in the links below. There may be more to a situation than meets the eye.
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/magazine/articles/2004/01/25/my_late_term_abortion/
http://www.aheartbreakingchoice.com/kansasstories.html
The more I think about what happened yesterday, the more my mind keeps going back to the aftermath of the Amish School shooting that happened back in '06. Does anyone remember this? The Amish immediately forgave the shooter and even donated money to the killer's widow and family (http://[www.npr.org]/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14900930).
The strength demonstrated by the Amish community in the wake of such a disaster touched my heart and continuously reminds me of the power of humility and compassion.
When I first heard the story yesterday, my heart ached for the family, friends and patients of Dr. Tillman. These people are forced to mourn the loss of a husband, father and friend. I am outraged by the actions of the shooter and the pain that he caused. However, I think it's important to reflect upon what Scott Roeder’s actions may have done to his own family and the pain that they may be enduring as a result of his actions.
What a horrible tragedy.
In case anyone is interested, please consider donating to pro-choice cause in the name of Dr. Tillman. A few links below.
Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice: http://www.rcrc.org/
Medical Students for Choice: http://medicalstudentsforchoice.org
Planned Parenthood: www.PlannedParenthood.org
National Network of Abortion Funds: http://www.nnaf.org/donate.html
National Abortion federation: http://www.prochoice.org/
Haven Coalition: http://www.havencoalition.org/
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Adventures in online dating #4
This one is actually a fun one...he refers a bit to some of the specifics on my profile...but you get the point.
From Dude:
You have a snugggie. That might be more awesome than getting a high-five from Walter Cronkite.
You didn’t have any emoticons in your profile. That’s like finding a needle in a poopstack nowadays. From the bottom of my black, cold heart thank you for that.
You should open a bar with booze on the first floor and coffee on the second and never shall the two mingle.
How big is your TV, anyway? Do you get asked that a lot?
Laughing As Always,
Dude
From Me:
Hi Dude,
Yes, my Snuggie is awesome, despite it’s similarities (in texture and thickness) to an airplane blanket. I’m thinking about wearing it to work one day, which could be fun.
I also appreciate the lack of emoticons (and canned answers) in your profile. It’s refreshing to see that someone took some time to accurately represent themselves rather than the typical “I like to go out and stay in.” Also - your interest in keytar ownership may make you the coolest person ever. (http://www.toothpastefordinner.com/010806/keytar.gif) <-- I have this printed in my cube at work.
Actually, upon further reflection, if you actually OWNED a keytar, it would quite possibly make you the coolest person ever. As of right now, you seem to have excellent aspirations and amazing Friday evening hobbies. You also seem to strive NOT to be the coolest person ever, which might make you a smartass.
I like smartasses.
I have surprisingly never been asked about the size of my television until now. It is 65 inches of HD goodness. I honestly have no idea why I bought such a big television outside of the fact that my living room is huge and a normal television just looked so sad.
KC
Psssst- I would love some coconut bread.
From Dude:
“Damn, if this don’t itch!”, Larry thought as he walked down the row of cubicles, sipping on his morning coffee and worrying about the results from the clinic that he’d receive in a few hours.
As he walked by the “Hang on baby, Friday’s coming.” and OSHA posters, something caught his eye. He leaned over the cubicle wall, almost spilling his coffee and said, “Hey KC.”
KC looked up from her work and thought, “Geez, why doesn’t a man his age know how to tie a double-windsor knot, anyway?”
“Oh, hey Larry. What’s up?” she said.
Larry looked down at her, a bit puzzled “Are you cold? Should I call upstairs and have them turn the heat up?”
KC smiled and said, “No, but thanks for asking.”
“Are you sure?”
“Nope. Snug as a bug.”
“Yeaaahh. Well, it’s just that I’m not sure that a blanket is appropriate business attire.”
“It’s not a blanket. It’s a snuggie.”
“A what?”
“A snugggie. It’s a blanket with arms.”
“Well, I just don’t think it’s appropriate business attire.”
“Listen, Larry. Do I look like a Benedictine monk when I stand up in this thing? Yes. But my fashion sense takes a back seat to my body’s ability to internally conduct heat. I know how you work, McKenna. First you take some minor infraction and turn it into a big deal and go running off to your boss because you ain’t got the sand for any kind of conflict.”
Larry, clearly taken aback, took a step south. KC grabbed his poorly knotted tie and pulled Larry down to her eye level. “If you say fuck all about this to Janice, I will cut that pudgy little face of yours. You don’t want to be giving a presentation and all of the sudden your lower back feels warm and sticky. You wouldn’t want that. Because it would mean that I just shived you in the kidney, mouth-breather. Now fuck off back to the group home for the chromosomally challenged group home and keep your goddamn mouth shut. I’ll be watching you.”
It was times like these that made Larry glad that he kept a change of underwear and a fresh pair of pants in his office.
Hey KC,
That's how I figure it would go down. Let me know if I'm off.
I put that keytar cartoon on my desktop. If we never speak again, I'll count this as a successful association simply because of that. Thanks.
I imagine you in riding boots,holding a crop saying, "No, monkeys - 8 mm to the left!" as they installed the TV that equals the GDP of Mozambique.
If you ever want some coconut bread, all you got to do it ask. I can walk you there.
Laughing As Always,
Dude
This may be my favorite communication so far.
From Dude:
You have a snugggie. That might be more awesome than getting a high-five from Walter Cronkite.
You didn’t have any emoticons in your profile. That’s like finding a needle in a poopstack nowadays. From the bottom of my black, cold heart thank you for that.
You should open a bar with booze on the first floor and coffee on the second and never shall the two mingle.
How big is your TV, anyway? Do you get asked that a lot?
Laughing As Always,
Dude
From Me:
Hi Dude,
Yes, my Snuggie is awesome, despite it’s similarities (in texture and thickness) to an airplane blanket. I’m thinking about wearing it to work one day, which could be fun.
I also appreciate the lack of emoticons (and canned answers) in your profile. It’s refreshing to see that someone took some time to accurately represent themselves rather than the typical “I like to go out and stay in.” Also - your interest in keytar ownership may make you the coolest person ever. (http://www.toothpastefordinner.com/010806/keytar.gif) <-- I have this printed in my cube at work.
Actually, upon further reflection, if you actually OWNED a keytar, it would quite possibly make you the coolest person ever. As of right now, you seem to have excellent aspirations and amazing Friday evening hobbies. You also seem to strive NOT to be the coolest person ever, which might make you a smartass.
I like smartasses.
I have surprisingly never been asked about the size of my television until now. It is 65 inches of HD goodness. I honestly have no idea why I bought such a big television outside of the fact that my living room is huge and a normal television just looked so sad.
KC
Psssst- I would love some coconut bread.
From Dude:
“Damn, if this don’t itch!”, Larry thought as he walked down the row of cubicles, sipping on his morning coffee and worrying about the results from the clinic that he’d receive in a few hours.
As he walked by the “Hang on baby, Friday’s coming.” and OSHA posters, something caught his eye. He leaned over the cubicle wall, almost spilling his coffee and said, “Hey KC.”
KC looked up from her work and thought, “Geez, why doesn’t a man his age know how to tie a double-windsor knot, anyway?”
“Oh, hey Larry. What’s up?” she said.
Larry looked down at her, a bit puzzled “Are you cold? Should I call upstairs and have them turn the heat up?”
KC smiled and said, “No, but thanks for asking.”
“Are you sure?”
“Nope. Snug as a bug.”
“Yeaaahh. Well, it’s just that I’m not sure that a blanket is appropriate business attire.”
“It’s not a blanket. It’s a snuggie.”
“A what?”
“A snugggie. It’s a blanket with arms.”
“Well, I just don’t think it’s appropriate business attire.”
“Listen, Larry. Do I look like a Benedictine monk when I stand up in this thing? Yes. But my fashion sense takes a back seat to my body’s ability to internally conduct heat. I know how you work, McKenna. First you take some minor infraction and turn it into a big deal and go running off to your boss because you ain’t got the sand for any kind of conflict.”
Larry, clearly taken aback, took a step south. KC grabbed his poorly knotted tie and pulled Larry down to her eye level. “If you say fuck all about this to Janice, I will cut that pudgy little face of yours. You don’t want to be giving a presentation and all of the sudden your lower back feels warm and sticky. You wouldn’t want that. Because it would mean that I just shived you in the kidney, mouth-breather. Now fuck off back to the group home for the chromosomally challenged group home and keep your goddamn mouth shut. I’ll be watching you.”
It was times like these that made Larry glad that he kept a change of underwear and a fresh pair of pants in his office.
Hey KC,
That's how I figure it would go down. Let me know if I'm off.
I put that keytar cartoon on my desktop. If we never speak again, I'll count this as a successful association simply because of that. Thanks.
I imagine you in riding boots,holding a crop saying, "No, monkeys - 8 mm to the left!" as they installed the TV that equals the GDP of Mozambique.
If you ever want some coconut bread, all you got to do it ask. I can walk you there.
Laughing As Always,
Dude
This may be my favorite communication so far.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Adventures in online dating #3
I am a busy bee this week. The exciting world of online dating has picked up slightly and I have had some dates and have a couple more in the near future (as in tonight and tomorrow). Unfortunately for this blog, things have been going relatively well, with nothing recent to report on the Creepy Creeperton front. At the same time, I did have a little snafu yesterday that I thought I would share.
I was supposed to meet up with a guy last Sunday (Yes, Easter) for some scooter riding and coffee. He seemed pretty nice, and I was excited to meet a new scooter friend for Chicago two wheeled adventuring. The plan was that he was going to call me after brunch with his folks and we were going to scoot around the city. I expected to hear from him around 3pm-ish. 3 PM came and went with no contact. At around 4, I sent him a message asking what happened. I had spoken with him 2 days prior and everything seemed ok. Later that night, I got a message back saying that he was wondering the same thing as he had called and left me a message only to not hear back. After a little investigation, it was determined that he had mixed up a couple numbers and had left a voicemail for someone else. Accepting his apology, we rescheduled for yesterday at 5:30.
We were going to meet where I park every day and go from there. I arrived at 5:30 on the dot to see that he was not there yet. No problem. Knowing Chicago traffic, I made a couple calls and waited for a while. I figured I would give the benefit of the doubt. Around 5:45, I decided that I had waited long enough. It was cold where I parked and I was starting to feel like an idiot waiting by myself. He had my number and I had confirmed our meeting time yesterday morning. The way I figured, if he was running late, he should have called. I sent the following text - "I'll give anyone a few minutes here and there, but 15-20 minutes no call? Kinda not cool. Going home. Good Luck on **site withheld**" Then I left.
A couple minutes later, I get the text - "Sorry, running late - be there in 10 minutes should have texted sooner - still want to hang out?"
I felt like an ass for a few minutes - but I had already called my roommate and committed to picking her up from work - so I told him so and declined. The more I thought about it, though, the less I cared. Seems to me that if you really want to meet someone and make a good impression, you should be on time. If you are going to be late - why wouldn't you call? I'm not high maintenance or anything - but dammit - if you wanna hang - you better show me some respect as a human being. Making me wait for 20 minutes without a call is not respect - it's shitty. Another text came through...
"3 strikes before I'm out?"
My reply: "It's not a baseball game."
My work friends said I was a bitch - but I just think I have high enough self esteem to know that I deserve better.
I was supposed to meet up with a guy last Sunday (Yes, Easter) for some scooter riding and coffee. He seemed pretty nice, and I was excited to meet a new scooter friend for Chicago two wheeled adventuring. The plan was that he was going to call me after brunch with his folks and we were going to scoot around the city. I expected to hear from him around 3pm-ish. 3 PM came and went with no contact. At around 4, I sent him a message asking what happened. I had spoken with him 2 days prior and everything seemed ok. Later that night, I got a message back saying that he was wondering the same thing as he had called and left me a message only to not hear back. After a little investigation, it was determined that he had mixed up a couple numbers and had left a voicemail for someone else. Accepting his apology, we rescheduled for yesterday at 5:30.
We were going to meet where I park every day and go from there. I arrived at 5:30 on the dot to see that he was not there yet. No problem. Knowing Chicago traffic, I made a couple calls and waited for a while. I figured I would give the benefit of the doubt. Around 5:45, I decided that I had waited long enough. It was cold where I parked and I was starting to feel like an idiot waiting by myself. He had my number and I had confirmed our meeting time yesterday morning. The way I figured, if he was running late, he should have called. I sent the following text - "I'll give anyone a few minutes here and there, but 15-20 minutes no call? Kinda not cool. Going home. Good Luck on **site withheld**" Then I left.
A couple minutes later, I get the text - "Sorry, running late - be there in 10 minutes should have texted sooner - still want to hang out?"
I felt like an ass for a few minutes - but I had already called my roommate and committed to picking her up from work - so I told him so and declined. The more I thought about it, though, the less I cared. Seems to me that if you really want to meet someone and make a good impression, you should be on time. If you are going to be late - why wouldn't you call? I'm not high maintenance or anything - but dammit - if you wanna hang - you better show me some respect as a human being. Making me wait for 20 minutes without a call is not respect - it's shitty. Another text came through...
"3 strikes before I'm out?"
My reply: "It's not a baseball game."
My work friends said I was a bitch - but I just think I have high enough self esteem to know that I deserve better.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
In my life, I have loved them all
Everyone has their "Top Celebrities" that make them all hot, right? Well, these are mine. You might say I have a "type."
Below are my top 10 (+honorable mention)
Honorable mention to Michael Ian Black. Funny is Sexy
#10. Paul Rudd. Funny and ridiculously good looking. He borders a bit on "pretty boy," but I'll forgive him.
#9. Ron Livingston. Fuckin' A.
#8. Luke Wilson. Easily the most desirable brother.
#7. Hugh Laurie. My old man crush. Yummers.
#6. Adrien Brody. I have a "thing" for big noses.
#5. Jemaine Clement. He fights Adrian Brody for my top 5 position on a regular basis. It's nice to have men fictionally fight over me.
#4. Demitri Martin. Big nose and funny - are we seeing the pattern?
#3. Jason Schwartzman. How many Jews have made my list? A lot.
#2. Jon Stewart. Love Love Love him.
#1. Johnny Depp. Step away. I will cut a bitch.
Your turn. Gimme a top 5.
Below are my top 10 (+honorable mention)
Honorable mention to Michael Ian Black. Funny is Sexy
#10. Paul Rudd. Funny and ridiculously good looking. He borders a bit on "pretty boy," but I'll forgive him.
#9. Ron Livingston. Fuckin' A.
#8. Luke Wilson. Easily the most desirable brother.
#7. Hugh Laurie. My old man crush. Yummers.
#6. Adrien Brody. I have a "thing" for big noses.
#5. Jemaine Clement. He fights Adrian Brody for my top 5 position on a regular basis. It's nice to have men fictionally fight over me.
#4. Demitri Martin. Big nose and funny - are we seeing the pattern?
#3. Jason Schwartzman. How many Jews have made my list? A lot.
#2. Jon Stewart. Love Love Love him.
#1. Johnny Depp. Step away. I will cut a bitch.
Your turn. Gimme a top 5.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Adventures in Online Dating #2
This one apparently comes from the "if you throw enough stuff against a wall - eventually some of it will stick" school of thought.
From Him
No Subject
Well I think the only way to know if we have a good chemistry,is to have a date....so let's have it?!
From Me
That's an interesting approach...
was that a request or a demand?
I get messages like this and can't help but imagine what is going through this guy's head. I can picture his daily itinerary now....
Saturday - 10:45am
Wake up on the couch hungover with horrible cotton mouth. The menu screen from last night's porn du jour will play in a loop, creating a soundtrack of moans and giggles. Trudge through a sea of empty Busch Light cans, scratch ass and make way to the bathroom.
Saturday - 11:05am
Back to couch. Press "play." Release the trouser snake.
Saturday - 12:01pm
Lunch Time! Make bologna sandwich - remember to remove moldy part of bread slices. Eat sandwich and remainder of Cheetos. Wash down with 2 liters of Mountain dew.
Saturday - 12:30pm
Online dating time. No Fatties!
Saturday - 3:30pm
Being obnoxious and fielding all those rejections over the internet is exhausting. Take a nap.
Saturday - 5:00pm
Internet porn time!
Saturday - 5:02pm
Crack open a Busch Light - it's going to be a long night.
From Him
No Subject
Well I think the only way to know if we have a good chemistry,is to have a date....so let's have it?!
From Me
That's an interesting approach...
was that a request or a demand?
I get messages like this and can't help but imagine what is going through this guy's head. I can picture his daily itinerary now....
Saturday - 10:45am
Wake up on the couch hungover with horrible cotton mouth. The menu screen from last night's porn du jour will play in a loop, creating a soundtrack of moans and giggles. Trudge through a sea of empty Busch Light cans, scratch ass and make way to the bathroom.
Saturday - 11:05am
Back to couch. Press "play." Release the trouser snake.
Saturday - 12:01pm
Lunch Time! Make bologna sandwich - remember to remove moldy part of bread slices. Eat sandwich and remainder of Cheetos. Wash down with 2 liters of Mountain dew.
Saturday - 12:30pm
Online dating time. No Fatties!
Saturday - 3:30pm
Being obnoxious and fielding all those rejections over the internet is exhausting. Take a nap.
Saturday - 5:00pm
Internet porn time!
Saturday - 5:02pm
Crack open a Busch Light - it's going to be a long night.
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