This may sound rather naïve, but I’m sick and tired of politicians who DON’T answer the question posed them. We’ve all become apathetic and/or accepting of the Tilt-a-Whirl-type spin put on anything and everything by politicians, that we just shrug our shoulders now and accept it and try to discern a granule of truth from the sandy beach of the politician’s rhetoric (remember in Ancient Greece when ‘rhetoric’ was a cool word?).
I like and support John Edwards, as I’ve said before, but even with thorough reading of both CNN and his own website, I find myself disappointed at times with the lack of detail and the general, sweeping, positive "solutions" to the country's problems. One thing that has made Wesley Clark likeable to me recently (too little too late, I guess!) has been his willingness to give DETAILS about his policies, his beliefs, how he would do/change things (though his policy on Israel sucks). To say “Oh, the health care situation is in crisis! We need to provide all children with health care,” is to me, akin to saying, “War is bad. We should have world peace.” No shit. Now, can you tell me HOW you’re going to accomplish the task of world peace? *splutter splutter splutter long, drawn-out, slightly-related tangent*
One thing I’ve noticed about “hard-biting” (is that the right term?) reporters is that they DO ask tough questions, but they almost NEVER follow through. So, as the politician begins spinning his dreidel of dissembling, the reporter simply waits patiently for the lengthy answer (a la the long, torturous interview with George W. Bush this weekend by Tim Russert. SIGH), and then simply proceeds to the next question. Have some frickin’ balls. Make someone answer! Politicians think that an answer that isn’t completely neutral as to be a 50% shade of grey, will lose voters, confidence, etc. Maybe they’re right. I personally would have a whole lot more respect for someone who actually made a statement that could be interpreted as a definitive answer and not something ambiguous. I still feel sympathy for Dean’s energetic speech which freaked so many people out (to me, at most, it was amusing, but nothing to eliminate him for).
Of all people in the world, politicians should be the ones to be the most honest. Yes, I know how absolutely naïve that statement is, since the beginning of time they’re probably hasn’t been one. And all I can seem to do about it is rant here in my blog and watch carefully for any politician who seems to tell the “most” truths (rah rah to Edwards for talking about the “Two Americas!!!”). I’m so sad to see the country in such bad shape at the moment, and though I am scared (shit scared) for Bush to get re-elected, I don’t feel entirely comfortable with any Democrat (especially Kerry) who may take over as well. It’s hard to feel confidence in someone you feel you can’t trust. How was Clinton, a man you KNEW you couldn’t totally trust, able to inspire so much confidence in himself? I’ll think about it.
Vote for John Edwards! Bush sucks. Kerry is disappointing.
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Friday, February 06, 2004
Fur?
Okay, I know I’ve been out of the country for three years, but what the HELL is up with all the fur coats? Did all the years of lobbying against them suddenly go by the wayside because of fucking J-Lo???!! Maybe it’s because I’m in NYC now; I have no idea, but there is a real proliferation of fur coats in this world. When I first started seeing them out on the street, I was so surprised. I thought it was some rare (brave?) person. (Where are those people with the buckets of blood?). But now, I see them quite regularly, maybe a dozen a day. Maybe they’re all faux fur, but I seriously doubt it. You can usually tell pretty easily.
Now, perhaps I should preach since I am a huge fan of leather for bags, shoes, etc. I’m wearing leather boots right now. Yeah, I know leather isn’t REALLY the same, but it’s not like I have felt a lot of guilt/sympathy for the cow. I don’t know where this issue goes in the black-grey-white world of morality. I do know that I wince every time I see one and avert my eyes. This guy seems to take his own “who gives a shit?” attitude. Every person on this earth is doing something “immoral” in their life – eating meat/too much food, cheating on their spouse/taxes, stealing money, smoking/drinking/doing drugs, not recycling etc. etc.
I guess it’s not going on only here. According to another article (quick google search!), “Even though the UK government banned fur production in 2002, British furriers have reported a massive surge in sales.”
Well, is it an issue like “If you don’t like the program, change the channel?” I’ve never considered myself anything near of an activist. Besides the fact that my personality is much too withdrawn and shy for the boisterous assertiveness that true activism requires, I’ve always felt like I wanted to wait for that one TRUE cause that I could throw my whole self behind, instead of all these other ones I feel partially-inclined to get involved in. Ultimately, I feel that people should be allowed to live their own lives their own way, though I’m no Libertarian (*puke*), as long as they’re not hurting anyone (do animals count?). I have to admit that I did become enraged when I read an article that said a photo of Jackie Onassis wearing a leopard-skin coat published in Time Magazine ‘caused such a rush to buy them, that the animal nearly became extinct in a year. Ugh. Totally sick.
Now, perhaps I should preach since I am a huge fan of leather for bags, shoes, etc. I’m wearing leather boots right now. Yeah, I know leather isn’t REALLY the same, but it’s not like I have felt a lot of guilt/sympathy for the cow. I don’t know where this issue goes in the black-grey-white world of morality. I do know that I wince every time I see one and avert my eyes. This guy seems to take his own “who gives a shit?” attitude. Every person on this earth is doing something “immoral” in their life – eating meat/too much food, cheating on their spouse/taxes, stealing money, smoking/drinking/doing drugs, not recycling etc. etc.
I guess it’s not going on only here. According to another article (quick google search!), “Even though the UK government banned fur production in 2002, British furriers have reported a massive surge in sales.”
Well, is it an issue like “If you don’t like the program, change the channel?” I’ve never considered myself anything near of an activist. Besides the fact that my personality is much too withdrawn and shy for the boisterous assertiveness that true activism requires, I’ve always felt like I wanted to wait for that one TRUE cause that I could throw my whole self behind, instead of all these other ones I feel partially-inclined to get involved in. Ultimately, I feel that people should be allowed to live their own lives their own way, though I’m no Libertarian (*puke*), as long as they’re not hurting anyone (do animals count?). I have to admit that I did become enraged when I read an article that said a photo of Jackie Onassis wearing a leopard-skin coat published in Time Magazine ‘caused such a rush to buy them, that the animal nearly became extinct in a year. Ugh. Totally sick.
Wednesday, February 04, 2004
Lots of Soup For You! Come Back Again!
As I have probably mentioned, my glamorous job is in “Midtown” which basically means what it says, in the middle of (Manhattan) town. I noticed thumbing through my Zagat that the (in)famous Soup Nazi (“NY’s best-behaved clientele”) from Seinfeld fame is only a few avenues away. He's really called "Al, The Real Soupman" at his place called "The Soup Kitchen." Seeing as how it’s a cold and rainy February day, what better time to enjoy a warm and inviting bowl of nourishment? Plus, I was a big fan of the show and it would be fun to see the inspiration for one of my favorite episodes.
I have to admit that I was pretty nervous. I mean, if the guy is anything like he is on television, he’s going to be a harsh and intimidating character. It was a bit of a walk in the rain and wind, but I soon reached the place, which was surprisingly small, a little hole in the wall (almost literally!) cut out of the avenue, maybe only 10 feet wide. When I saw his face, there was no question, that was the man! (I’d seen clips of the “real” Soup Nazi before). I immediately reached in my purse and pulled out my money. It’s true, there are a few signs, in about four different languages, instructing you to be ready! Be quick! And have your money ready! And don’t forget to move to the “EXTREME left.” I knew KNEW I had only $10 in ones (I’d counted it before, but suddenly I wasn’t so sure and started frantically counting it out in my hand. Many of the bills were new and so stuck together causing me to fly into a slight panic. I thought I would get the large soup (really the medium-sized since the third was considered an extra-large). It was $9. In pure Newman fashion a la Seinfeld, I said “Large Muligatawny, please,” and handed him the money as if I was heiling Hitler. He took it without looking at it and placed it in the drawer. I suddenly realized that the soup really WAS $9 (tax must have been included) and that he had $1 too much. *scream* Oh no! Conflict! Just the kind of thing that’s supposed to set him off. But hey, right now EVERY dollar is important to me and I still consider $9 to be a LOT for lunch, so I leaned forward gingerly and said, “I’m sorry, um…I thought there was tax…I gave you $10.” Then, I waited.
With only a blink, he opened the register back up, slid out a buck, and handed to me. Phew! That seemed okay. I dutifully moved to the extreme left and waited for my large cup of nectar-of-the-gods soup. A rather large, brown shopping bag was handed to me by a rushed worker. It seemed a bit big for one cup of soup. I peered inside and saw what appeared to be many different things in there, including a large and luscious banana.
“Ummm, I don’t think this is mine…I only ordered…”
“Yes! That’s yours!” proclaimed the Soupman.
Oooh! Okay! I almost skipped off with my bounty, and it really was. It seemed to take forever to get back to my place of work, all the time trying to protect the precious, paper-wrapped cargo from the rain which was slowly destroying the bag. I finally got there (the balls of my feet burning slightly) and proceeded to the lonely workroom in the basement where I laid it all out. The soup. A large banana. A large piece of fresh bread. A small tub of salad (as in potato salad/coleslaw-like), a small basket of fruit including grapes, strawberries, and a small apple, and finally, a dainty little chocolate. Wow! What a haul! And so healthy and multi-food groupy too! I’d say that was worth my hard-earned nine bucks! Hats off, to Al Yeganeh, “The Real Soupman!” Hooray! No more Soup Nazi for you! It’s King Al from now on!
I have to admit that I was pretty nervous. I mean, if the guy is anything like he is on television, he’s going to be a harsh and intimidating character. It was a bit of a walk in the rain and wind, but I soon reached the place, which was surprisingly small, a little hole in the wall (almost literally!) cut out of the avenue, maybe only 10 feet wide. When I saw his face, there was no question, that was the man! (I’d seen clips of the “real” Soup Nazi before). I immediately reached in my purse and pulled out my money. It’s true, there are a few signs, in about four different languages, instructing you to be ready! Be quick! And have your money ready! And don’t forget to move to the “EXTREME left.” I knew KNEW I had only $10 in ones (I’d counted it before, but suddenly I wasn’t so sure and started frantically counting it out in my hand. Many of the bills were new and so stuck together causing me to fly into a slight panic. I thought I would get the large soup (really the medium-sized since the third was considered an extra-large). It was $9. In pure Newman fashion a la Seinfeld, I said “Large Muligatawny, please,” and handed him the money as if I was heiling Hitler. He took it without looking at it and placed it in the drawer. I suddenly realized that the soup really WAS $9 (tax must have been included) and that he had $1 too much. *scream* Oh no! Conflict! Just the kind of thing that’s supposed to set him off. But hey, right now EVERY dollar is important to me and I still consider $9 to be a LOT for lunch, so I leaned forward gingerly and said, “I’m sorry, um…I thought there was tax…I gave you $10.” Then, I waited.
With only a blink, he opened the register back up, slid out a buck, and handed to me. Phew! That seemed okay. I dutifully moved to the extreme left and waited for my large cup of nectar-of-the-gods soup. A rather large, brown shopping bag was handed to me by a rushed worker. It seemed a bit big for one cup of soup. I peered inside and saw what appeared to be many different things in there, including a large and luscious banana.
“Ummm, I don’t think this is mine…I only ordered…”
“Yes! That’s yours!” proclaimed the Soupman.
Oooh! Okay! I almost skipped off with my bounty, and it really was. It seemed to take forever to get back to my place of work, all the time trying to protect the precious, paper-wrapped cargo from the rain which was slowly destroying the bag. I finally got there (the balls of my feet burning slightly) and proceeded to the lonely workroom in the basement where I laid it all out. The soup. A large banana. A large piece of fresh bread. A small tub of salad (as in potato salad/coleslaw-like), a small basket of fruit including grapes, strawberries, and a small apple, and finally, a dainty little chocolate. Wow! What a haul! And so healthy and multi-food groupy too! I’d say that was worth my hard-earned nine bucks! Hats off, to Al Yeganeh, “The Real Soupman!” Hooray! No more Soup Nazi for you! It’s King Al from now on!
Tuesday, February 03, 2004
Hooray Hooray Hooray, I Am Employed!
Happy happy joy joy the world is no longer a black pit of despair. That’s right, drama queen me! I got a job, sort of. My temp agency got me a 6 month “temp job” at the same place I’ve been temping before (major financial institution). The difference is I’m working in their townhouse in midtown and making a dollar less an hour. It’s still a comfortable $19/hour, though naturally, since I’m a temp, I don’t get any benefits (here’s praying that if I get hit by a car, it finishes me off). You know, when you have a steady income, even if it’s a job you’re not particularly interested in (though not despising), it changes your whole outlook on the world. I feel I can do anything again. I guess it goes to show that all my confidence in wrapped up in my job. Lord, if I am ever fired from a job, I will probably have to be committed.
Well now, what happens? Do I end up stuck in a fairly good paying, though unfulfilling job that is well below anything I’ve trained for had experience for? I hope not. I will continue to look for a job I’m more well-suited to, though with a bit less fervor than before.
I have to say though, this townhouse/office space is really beautiful. It used to be some rich family’s home about a hundred years ago and the house is very old-money-looking, complete with dark, thick wood paneling and staircases, red velvet wallpaper, stained glass windows, and a fireplace in the lobby. *sigh*
So, despite the fact that I have a Master’s degree and about $70,000 in educational debit (and a residual $1000 in credit card debt – see my curses about AmEx below), I am now a receptionist in a “make money make money!” organization. I am a receptionist. I am a receptionist.
Oh well, fuck. I have a job. There are definitely worse situations to be in. And I should know.
Sidenote: Okay, I was a total idiot for not remembering this exactly before, but Feingold was the ONLY senator to voice his dissent at the USA Patriot Act Bill – a move I’m sure plenty of Democrats (and maybe a few Republicans) wish now they had made then.
Speaking of Democrats, I’m still on the John Edwards bandwagon. It’s just because he’s soooo cute! *cough* God, wasn’t that one of the said reasons for having Dan Quayle run with Bush? “Women will vote for him because he’s so handsome.” I’m sorry, because I have a vagina I vote with it? I thought the stereotype of voting with your nether regions was left to men. Anyway, I still like Edwards very much and even signed up on his website (so I have been suddenly flooded with emails). I’ll even cough up some money for his campaign (I’m sure my donation will buy a roll of stamps). But hey, if you give him $35, you get his book “Four Trials” for free! Unlike Kerry whom I can’t relate to (I don’t care if he was Forrest Gump in a past life), and Dr. Dean whom I find totally confusing and comical (I LIKED his fanatical speech in Iowa), or the General (I hate his stance on Israel), or Lieberman (ugh), John Edwards is someone I DO relate to and HOPE I can trust (as mentioned earlier, Feingold is the only politician I’ve felt that about).
Well now, what happens? Do I end up stuck in a fairly good paying, though unfulfilling job that is well below anything I’ve trained for had experience for? I hope not. I will continue to look for a job I’m more well-suited to, though with a bit less fervor than before.
I have to say though, this townhouse/office space is really beautiful. It used to be some rich family’s home about a hundred years ago and the house is very old-money-looking, complete with dark, thick wood paneling and staircases, red velvet wallpaper, stained glass windows, and a fireplace in the lobby. *sigh*
So, despite the fact that I have a Master’s degree and about $70,000 in educational debit (and a residual $1000 in credit card debt – see my curses about AmEx below), I am now a receptionist in a “make money make money!” organization. I am a receptionist. I am a receptionist.
Oh well, fuck. I have a job. There are definitely worse situations to be in. And I should know.
Sidenote: Okay, I was a total idiot for not remembering this exactly before, but Feingold was the ONLY senator to voice his dissent at the USA Patriot Act Bill – a move I’m sure plenty of Democrats (and maybe a few Republicans) wish now they had made then.
Speaking of Democrats, I’m still on the John Edwards bandwagon. It’s just because he’s soooo cute! *cough* God, wasn’t that one of the said reasons for having Dan Quayle run with Bush? “Women will vote for him because he’s so handsome.” I’m sorry, because I have a vagina I vote with it? I thought the stereotype of voting with your nether regions was left to men. Anyway, I still like Edwards very much and even signed up on his website (so I have been suddenly flooded with emails). I’ll even cough up some money for his campaign (I’m sure my donation will buy a roll of stamps). But hey, if you give him $35, you get his book “Four Trials” for free! Unlike Kerry whom I can’t relate to (I don’t care if he was Forrest Gump in a past life), and Dr. Dean whom I find totally confusing and comical (I LIKED his fanatical speech in Iowa), or the General (I hate his stance on Israel), or Lieberman (ugh), John Edwards is someone I DO relate to and HOPE I can trust (as mentioned earlier, Feingold is the only politician I’ve felt that about).
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