It's been crazy busy around these parts lately! Between school and picking up a couple shelter shifts and homework and teaching and grading papers and helping family and doing observations at West and writing for the newspaper, I'm swamped!
...that means that laundry hasn't been done in a while. The mountains of clothing are starting to overtake the laundry room...They are growing exponentially - I'm pretty sure they've started mating rituals in there. If anyone wants to get me the perfect gift just because I'm cool, it would be some way to magically always have all the laundry in the house washed and put away. That would be blissful.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Monday, February 13, 2006
Public Service Announcement
Let this serve as a warning to all Boise State University English graduate students: Do not - I repeat - DO NOT take English 554 unless you want a boring, boring class full of statistical information and high brow, useless research that only applies to the clinical side of writing as it corresponds to conducting field research. You will find no purpose to this course and will spend your semester dreading all reading and homework assignments for this course. All work completed for this course will be entirely prescriptive in form, its only significance being that the instructor will read it and assign you an arbitrary grade that he keeps in his secret notebook. Consider yourself advised.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Report: Poor People Pretty Much Fucked
(I pulled this from The Onion. Not only do I think it's funny, but I see a little truth in here too. Perhaps that's what makes it so funny.)
WASHINGTON - According to the results of an intensive two-year study, Americans living below the poverty line are "pretty much fucked," Center for Social and Economic Research executive director Jameson Park announced Monday.
"Although poor people have never had it particularly sweet, America has long been considered the land of opportunity, where upward class mobility is hard work's reward," Park said. "However, our study shows that limited access to quality education and a shortage of employment opportunities in depressed areas all but ensure that, once fucked, an individual tends to stay fucked."
According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, 34.6 million Americans were living below the poverty line in 2002.
"Not only are the down-and-out fucked, but the number of down-and-out fucks is growing," Park said. "Conditions of disadvantage are often passed from one generation to the next, making it especially difficult for young people to emerge from the cycle of poverty."
"Man, my heart goes out to those poor fuckers," Park added.
America's increasingly rigid class system worsens the situation for the poor.
"After analyzing the economic performance of U.S. households over the past several decades, we concluded that class mobility, while steady in the '70s and '80s, declined in the '90s," Park said. "About 40 percent of families ended the decade in the same economic strata in which they began it. That's up from about 35 percent in the '80s. That's good news for those sittin' pretty, but it spells 'fuck you' to the poor."
As a result, Park said, there are more poor people, and those poor people are much more screwed than poor people were a decade or two ago.
"As the split between the upper and lower classes grows, and the middle class continues to shrink, we're moving closer and closer to what can only be called a 'no way out, dude. Sorry, you're fucked'-type situation," Park said. "Not only are the poor fucked at the moment, but any chance they once had of changing their miserable lives is pretty much gone, too. Essentially, they're fucked for all time."
The CSER study identified four major poverty groups within the U.S. The first two groups - one composed of disenfranchised blue-collar workers, the other made up of members of poor rural populations - have been adversely affected by the nation's gradual shift to a technology-based, global economy. Researchers have dubbed disenfranchised blue-collar workers the Factory Fucked, while members of poor rural populations are called the Farm Fucked. Park characterized the individuals in these two groups as "fucked from the get-go."
The other two rapidly expanding groups of poor fucks are the suburban poor, whose members can't afford the rising cost of such basic necessities as healthcare, and the urban underclass, whose members are found in the nation's troubled inner cities. Researchers termed these groups the Recently Fucked and the Utterly Fucked, respectively.
Economist Harold Knoep said there's little reason for sympathy.
"In a healthy capitalist economy, some people are going to be out-competed," Knoep said. "I'm sorry, but some of those fuck-ups have fucked themselves. I am not condoning an anarchic 'fuck or be fucked' ethos, but I can hardly get behind a welfare state that punishes the unfucked by fucking all equally."
While he expressed concern for the nation's poor, House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) said increased funding for social programs isn't the answer.
"Nobody's saying poor people aren't fucked," Hastert said. "But what about all the people in this great nation who are not fucked? If the financial resources of the economically stable are diverted - through some well-intentioned but fiscally irresponsible social-service program - to the people who are fucked, where does that leave those who were sailin' along fine? Fucked."
Ed Cranston, an under-employed, Detroit-area machinist who made $14,000 last year, said he was not surprised by the report.
"They say I'm fucked?" Cranston asked. "Shit, man, tell me something I don't know."
WASHINGTON - According to the results of an intensive two-year study, Americans living below the poverty line are "pretty much fucked," Center for Social and Economic Research executive director Jameson Park announced Monday.
"Although poor people have never had it particularly sweet, America has long been considered the land of opportunity, where upward class mobility is hard work's reward," Park said. "However, our study shows that limited access to quality education and a shortage of employment opportunities in depressed areas all but ensure that, once fucked, an individual tends to stay fucked."
According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, 34.6 million Americans were living below the poverty line in 2002.
"Not only are the down-and-out fucked, but the number of down-and-out fucks is growing," Park said. "Conditions of disadvantage are often passed from one generation to the next, making it especially difficult for young people to emerge from the cycle of poverty."
"Man, my heart goes out to those poor fuckers," Park added.
America's increasingly rigid class system worsens the situation for the poor.
"After analyzing the economic performance of U.S. households over the past several decades, we concluded that class mobility, while steady in the '70s and '80s, declined in the '90s," Park said. "About 40 percent of families ended the decade in the same economic strata in which they began it. That's up from about 35 percent in the '80s. That's good news for those sittin' pretty, but it spells 'fuck you' to the poor."
As a result, Park said, there are more poor people, and those poor people are much more screwed than poor people were a decade or two ago.
"As the split between the upper and lower classes grows, and the middle class continues to shrink, we're moving closer and closer to what can only be called a 'no way out, dude. Sorry, you're fucked'-type situation," Park said. "Not only are the poor fucked at the moment, but any chance they once had of changing their miserable lives is pretty much gone, too. Essentially, they're fucked for all time."
The CSER study identified four major poverty groups within the U.S. The first two groups - one composed of disenfranchised blue-collar workers, the other made up of members of poor rural populations - have been adversely affected by the nation's gradual shift to a technology-based, global economy. Researchers have dubbed disenfranchised blue-collar workers the Factory Fucked, while members of poor rural populations are called the Farm Fucked. Park characterized the individuals in these two groups as "fucked from the get-go."
The other two rapidly expanding groups of poor fucks are the suburban poor, whose members can't afford the rising cost of such basic necessities as healthcare, and the urban underclass, whose members are found in the nation's troubled inner cities. Researchers termed these groups the Recently Fucked and the Utterly Fucked, respectively.
Economist Harold Knoep said there's little reason for sympathy.
"In a healthy capitalist economy, some people are going to be out-competed," Knoep said. "I'm sorry, but some of those fuck-ups have fucked themselves. I am not condoning an anarchic 'fuck or be fucked' ethos, but I can hardly get behind a welfare state that punishes the unfucked by fucking all equally."
While he expressed concern for the nation's poor, House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) said increased funding for social programs isn't the answer.
"Nobody's saying poor people aren't fucked," Hastert said. "But what about all the people in this great nation who are not fucked? If the financial resources of the economically stable are diverted - through some well-intentioned but fiscally irresponsible social-service program - to the people who are fucked, where does that leave those who were sailin' along fine? Fucked."
Ed Cranston, an under-employed, Detroit-area machinist who made $14,000 last year, said he was not surprised by the report.
"They say I'm fucked?" Cranston asked. "Shit, man, tell me something I don't know."
Friday, February 10, 2006
Ketchup
Ah...It has been a while since my last visit here. Last weekend I took some time off. I asked Kelly when we woke up Saturday morning if the whole weekend could just be the two of us spending time together NOT working. He thought it was a good idea and I'm thankful for that because I needed a relaxed weekend.
As part of our relaxed weekend, we went up to Bogus Basin for skiing. I went skiing once when I was 10 and thought it was one of the most traumatic experiences of my childhood and swore I would never go back. A few years ago my roommate Steve convinced me to let him teach me to snowboard and I let him, despite being terrified of skiing. Steve promised that snowboarding was easier. I went three times that season, but never really felt comfortable with it. It hurt my joints and I couldn't control my speed. After my terrible fall down the mountain, during which I was airborn at least twice, I decided not to return to the snow. But Kelly has been asking me to try skiing once more, this time with him, for the past two years. Last weekend I relented. It was actually a terrific time - after I got over the nausea and stopped crying when he showed me how to click my boots into the bindings. I only fell a couple times all day and found the things far easier to control than a silly old snowboard. I'm even looking forward to returning at some point in the near future. Here's a picture of us just before leaving for the day:
I think that the relaxation of last weekend must have had some medicinal effect on my motivation. We just finished the fourth week of school, which means that there's only 12 weeks left. Somehow, I set 12 as my magical number after which I could definitely make it. It's working. I don't feel as worried or stressed about the rest of the semester at all and it's nice.
I've been saying for a long time that I would post photos of some of my completed knitting projects, but have been quite negligent. Well here's a photo of a hat I just completed for my neice.
Thanks to everyone who commented about the insurance thing. The frustration continues, but I think it's nearly over. I'm going to stick it out with the stupid on-campus people, but only because it's easier. After I graduate I'll get a real job as a real teacher and have health care through their provider. I'm never sick, so hopefully I won't need the insurance for anything serious in the next year and a half.
I added two links in my sidebar for two other blogs - both my own. One is for my class; it's a place where we can discuss our class theme of community. The other is for my observations on my junior high experience. I've started doing observations at West Junior High and have to maintain a log for my professor. I thought I would do the log in the form of a blog so that I have easy access to it and it's easy to maintain if I want to go back and look through stuff at some point down the road.
Kelly said the other day that he wants to not drink for the next month in an effort to be more health conscious. I told him that I was going to hold him to that and that I would even join him in the endeavor. And so we bet on it. If he drinks alcohol prior to March 3, he has to go to the gym wearing nothing but his underwear and sneakers and do five squats in the free-weight area on a day of my choosing. If I drink alcohol prior to March 3, I have to teach an English 101 class in an outfit of Kelly's choosing. This whole thing could prove quite interesting.
As part of our relaxed weekend, we went up to Bogus Basin for skiing. I went skiing once when I was 10 and thought it was one of the most traumatic experiences of my childhood and swore I would never go back. A few years ago my roommate Steve convinced me to let him teach me to snowboard and I let him, despite being terrified of skiing. Steve promised that snowboarding was easier. I went three times that season, but never really felt comfortable with it. It hurt my joints and I couldn't control my speed. After my terrible fall down the mountain, during which I was airborn at least twice, I decided not to return to the snow. But Kelly has been asking me to try skiing once more, this time with him, for the past two years. Last weekend I relented. It was actually a terrific time - after I got over the nausea and stopped crying when he showed me how to click my boots into the bindings. I only fell a couple times all day and found the things far easier to control than a silly old snowboard. I'm even looking forward to returning at some point in the near future. Here's a picture of us just before leaving for the day:
I think that the relaxation of last weekend must have had some medicinal effect on my motivation. We just finished the fourth week of school, which means that there's only 12 weeks left. Somehow, I set 12 as my magical number after which I could definitely make it. It's working. I don't feel as worried or stressed about the rest of the semester at all and it's nice.
I've been saying for a long time that I would post photos of some of my completed knitting projects, but have been quite negligent. Well here's a photo of a hat I just completed for my neice.
Thanks to everyone who commented about the insurance thing. The frustration continues, but I think it's nearly over. I'm going to stick it out with the stupid on-campus people, but only because it's easier. After I graduate I'll get a real job as a real teacher and have health care through their provider. I'm never sick, so hopefully I won't need the insurance for anything serious in the next year and a half.
I added two links in my sidebar for two other blogs - both my own. One is for my class; it's a place where we can discuss our class theme of community. The other is for my observations on my junior high experience. I've started doing observations at West Junior High and have to maintain a log for my professor. I thought I would do the log in the form of a blog so that I have easy access to it and it's easy to maintain if I want to go back and look through stuff at some point down the road.
Kelly said the other day that he wants to not drink for the next month in an effort to be more health conscious. I told him that I was going to hold him to that and that I would even join him in the endeavor. And so we bet on it. If he drinks alcohol prior to March 3, he has to go to the gym wearing nothing but his underwear and sneakers and do five squats in the free-weight area on a day of my choosing. If I drink alcohol prior to March 3, I have to teach an English 101 class in an outfit of Kelly's choosing. This whole thing could prove quite interesting.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Top 10 Romantic Gifts
Here's the article I wrote with help from many of you. If you see yourself here and something isn't entirely right - like your name or where your from or how I know you - just remember that I have creative license as the writer.
1. The gift of time.
Sometimes life gets so wrapped up in phone calls and out of town business trips that we forget to unwind.
For a change, turn off your cell and clear your calendar. Take time together. Bogus Creek Outfitters offers rides through the snow on a turn-of-the-century bobsleigh for $65 per person. After cuddling in the sleigh, enjoy a warm meal and cowboy poetry in a mountain cabin.
"We had a good time keeping each other warm on the sleigh ride, looking at the beautiful wildlife covered in snow," said Boise State University faculty member Annie Ritter. "We talked and laughed and forgot about everything else for a while."
2. The gift of service.
Has she been asking you to make her a new set of shelves? Has he been wanting you to make his favorite dinner? Make now the time for that activity. If your partner has been asking for it, you know the action will be unappreciated.
"Brandon is not a cook. It takes him twice as long to make things as it would if I made them myself, but he spends hours shopping for and preparing healthy, fresh meals because it means a lot to me," said Julie Johnson, a diner at the Flipside Cafe. "The dinner itself isn't as important as the fact that he's doing something difficult for him simply because it will make me happy."
3. The gift of memory.
Frame some old pictures of the two of you.
"She gave me pictures once that she took of herself," said Patri Thompson, a hostess at Asiago's in Boise. "They were a big surprise because they were for no reason at all. Unless you count love as a reason - and I do."
If scrapbooking is more your speed, Boise has a number of scrapbook shops that carry all the supplies you'll need. Plus, they have cooperative and creative staff who can help with your project.
4. The gift of relaxation.
Taking the entire day off is one thing, but it's better to spend some of that time at a spa, especially since that isn't a luxury most people invest in for themselves. Most day spas offer services for both men and women in a calm and rejuvenating environment. Zoberski Salon on State offers a couple's massage at a location of your choice. They bring music, champagne, snacks and flowers to accompany the hour and a half dual Swedish massage for a package cost of $265.
5. The adventurous gift.
If your loved one craves adrenaline, look in to an extreme activity that you can do together or your partner can do while you watch and take pictures. For $175 each, you can skydive with Skydive Idaho. Or, for about the same price plus a quick jaunt up to Sun Valley, you can paraglide with Fly Sun Valley.
6. The practical gift.
Sometimes the most wonderful gifts are those that fulfill a need.
"Thoughtfulness can be very romantic - especially thoughtfulness to give someone something that they might never buy for themselves," said Echo Savage while perusing the literature section at Barnes and Noble. "My work shoes are the best gift I've gotten in a while. I was about to start a new job where I'd be on my feet all of the time, so she bought me a pair of Danskos because she knew that I needed them. I wear them every day."
7. The sexy gift.
It doesn't matter who it's for - everyone appreciates something that makes them feel good. This could be anywhere from lingerie to a satin robe to massage oils, just so long as it's something you think the two of you would be able to enjoy together.
8. The gift that tastes good.
Treat your partner to a delicious restaurant with a delectable atmosphere. Milky Way, Mosaic and Mortimer's are wonderful downtown spots, with Berryhill and Cottonwood a little farther out. Be sure to sample the wine at any of these restaurants, as they have a terrific selection. For dessert, try French pastries at Le Cafe de Paris or a Split Decision sundae for two from Goody's.
9. The gift of words.
"When we were dating she had to leave to visit her parents for awhile so I gave her 30 envelopes, each with candy and a love note, in a little box - one envelope for each day," said George Irwin over his coffee cup at a poetry reading at the Flying M.
Compose a poem or a letter. Make a card. Write "I love you" on sticky notes and leave them around the house. Tell your partner why you are in love with no one else and make sure your words are something to remember forever.
10. Combine the gifts.
Anything on this list is enough to be a pleasant surprise, but if you're really aiming for an over-the-top encounter, combine ideas. Prior to dinner, stop by the spa for your hour of pampering. During dessert, slide a package across the table with a love note on top. Purchase you and your partner a set of matching gloves, scarves and hats with a new fuzzy blanket you could share on a sleigh ride. Ultimately the choice is yours, but whatever the decision, remember that your gift will be most appreciated if it is from the heart.
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