Stores, Disney, and Princess Segregation.

I'm sure you have been out holiday shopping by now, and cruised past the disney barbie doll aisles, but did you happen to glance at the ethnic diversity. How about the lack there-of? Barbie at least has South Street Kimber and Puerto Rico Pride Tiffany. I mean, those types of dolls are awesome. Strangely stereotyped, maybe, but different nevertheless.

But seriously, I've seen every shape size and form of Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, and Sleeping Beauty. But where are my ethnic princesses at?

The only Mulan, Jasmine, Pocahontas's's's, I have seen for sale are the miniature "princess collection set" at kaybee toys (i didnt even know they((kaybee toys)) still existed) which contains the whole boat load of the princesses in a fun 1" plastic size.

Even down to the clothing lines at target, jcpenny, macy's, kohls, kmart, Ross, random stores throughout the mall, and of course wal-mart (i'd expect at least the hunchback of notre dame to be there).

I'm scared to go into the Disney store and see the Segregation going on in there too. But I would seriously doubt that they would do such a thing. They love all ethnic groups, especially pirates. Not so much ninjas, but at least they have pirates.

I might as well mention that I don't see princess Ariel getting any publicity either. Its not like i'm a Disney nut, but what do people have against red-heads? I do see little mermaid toys... mainly... flounder. But who the hell wants that? I'm talking about main characters here, not comic relief side kicks. Sheesh.

I mean, am I the only one to notice this?

I'd encourage you to go out and start asking questions. Seems to me that big chains are appealing to strictly a "white" crowd. Not cool the man, not cool.

Things that the internet has taught me about india.

Well first off I realize that they are culturally equal in some ways, and culturally crazy in others compared to standard American ideals. In a previous post, I had commented about how they decided to fix a broken jet liner. They sacrificed a goat in front of the plane to the god of the sky and, oddly enough, the plane was fixed.



In a recent story, of the wire from UPI.com, "A holy man in India, who claimed his right leg held magical powers, has lost the limb to thieves who reportedly severed it to gain control of its powers."

So what have we learned? Well for one, if you sacrifice a goat to anything, it will be fixed. I have a final next week, so I'll have to line up a sacrifice for that one. Secondly, if you claim something to be magical, and it is one of you most needed extremities, people will want to mount it on a wall and worship it, minus you, plus your leg.

Keep it simple in your absurd claims to earn an extra buck, make a claim for example that your kisses can heal the ill. Wait, that actually sounds like a terrible idea. Something more that your farts have magical tendincies, when people gag, you say its the demons trying to get out. That could work.

Security in Ohio Technology schools

security in ohio technology schools
Originally uploaded by rameriez2000

I recall when the columbine incidient occured, I was in my information technology class. The next week of classes was strictly all about the students desiging new and better ways to design security systems for schools. We came up with some great ideas all the time. But when we would leave class we would see some students standing out side the doors that were left open to ventilate the hallway. So in one sense we were desiging a safer future but we were living in a very catastrophic situation.

I suspect the false sense of security the school offered to families by saying, "We are across the street from the FBI building, and the Local Police department." But you have to remember that those people in those building arent sitting at the window watching the school, which was inside of a business building. It seemed to be a relatively safe enviroment, but the biggest issue again here is, where did this kid get these guns?

Hopefully other news stations will cover this story, it always seems to be the situation. Yes everyone deals with being poked and proded in school, some more than others. It's just something that the school systems need to address more clearly. Im sure the teachers or other faculty may have overheard some name calling. What happened to zero-tolerance policy? Perhaps this would solve many a problem again in the future. If you hear someone name calling in a deragatory sense, beat them with a ruler. It only upsets people who are on all sorts of medication already, who are unstable, and ready to snap at a whim.

North Korea Plans To Disable Nuclear Facilities, also, Bat Boy Found!

Was North Korea scared of Barack Obamba's recent speech to rid the world of nuclear weapons? Or have politicians actually accomplished something?

I think it would be neither, as stated in an earlier post (Non-Agression Treaty), North Korea wouldn't abandon a nuclear program so rapidly after finally being able to hone in on what it really wanted, Nuclear power status. Now that they have it, the countries who have vied for months, perhaps years, to have North Korea dismantle its ability to produce nuclear weapons grade uranium are hearing what they want to hear.

"North Korea has endorsed an agreement to dismantle all of its nuclear facilities by the end of the year," stated a realease from China, hosting the six-nations vying for a no nukes policy.

Now we just wait for north korean shipping agencies to "remove" the "unwanted" materials to an undisclosed location for further "disposal". Its not that I distrust the North Koreans, I distrust the politicians who have to be the corruptable messengers.

Obamba takes on A-bomba

See your campaign crumbling?

Dont panic simply duck and cover!

Obamba, in his latest speeches, plans on taking on the weapon and technology that took us out of the iron age and put us into the nuclear age. He declares that his new goal is to begin, "ridding the world of nuclear weapons."

The whole world eh? Nothing like a little verbal abuse to other nations who strive to achieve superpower status by reaching nuclear weapon status. The bomb has been a deal breaker since 1945, and since it is still a major pivot point for politicians, it would seem Barack has since tried to appeal instead to a small group of people, to the mass of people. Are we ready for another, nuclear this and nuclear that? Of course Clinton managed to dismantle most of our arsenal. We still have enough left anyhow to counteract any sort of attack, but being defensively offensive is the same step that all the other nuclear super powers take.

We decided at the "end" of the cold war, that nuclear weapons would not overpower standard political practices. But it would seem that when in doubt, pull out something that scares everybody into paying attention to you.

Paypal Money Market or Citibank Super Savings?

Its not an easy decision for someone who has never decided to invest in a saving account to make. But with a little research and simple "dabbling" in both of these options I have decided that it is most important to put my eggs in several baskets. It would be great to maximize an investment into one sole account, but when looking at the ups and down of these accounts, it would be best to use both.

Think about this small fact with me for a moment, it is possible to fund your paypal account with a credit card if you wanted to. And now that paypal has a money market fund that is automatically applied month to month on your statement balance it would be possible to pay your interest rate off with the money market fund? Maybe, but it would have to be one hell-u-va transaction. Either way, the paypal money market fund goes up and down month to month and has no mimimum to put in. Which makes it a good idea for someone who has about $100 they would like to earn interest on, or just to start an account. It's also a "liquid," which means you can use it at any time without penalty. Thats awesome, and is alot better than a Certificate of Deposit with penalties out the wazoo. The APY is also see-sawing around 5.05% which is better than a 4.25% CD at a bank. Ebay may very well be onto something with this venture. Ebay stocks looks pretty awesome right about now, and with the absorbtion of PayPal stocks also, it is likely to be a safe investment. The only con I have seen is that you have to wait 3-4 Business days to withdraw funds to an account, but you can counteract this by getting a paypal debit card. It all seems to simple right? I have yet to be "duped" by this program. I have left $0.78 in the money market and points and earned enough over a few months to hit a dollar. Safe and sound?

But who competes? I have seen ING direct be the first with the Orange Savings Account commercials on tv offering, originally a 3.75% apy savings account, but now the struggle between competitors has pushed it upto 4.50%. Not much further ahead is Citibank with their free checking, no minimum, no atm fee, student super saver account at, I believe the time this is being written, 5.00% apy. Its only a 0.50% difference in apy, but this has nationwide availabilty to walk into an office and talk to someone. That is alot more appealing than having to sit on a customer service phone line with someone at paypal who will, "... do everything in their power to make sure you never see your money again," according to many anti-paypal users. The rate is fixed at 5.00% which means it will never topple down to 4.50%, or less, like the money market may do. And since it is already a checking account, you can get the free atm cards from this bank. And they wont charge you any fees at atms across the nation. Sounds like a sweet deal.

In all, I would recommend doing what I did. Utilize both of these for the time being. There are other banks out there who want to jump into the "online savings" market, but be sure you read the fine print. Some may offer 6.00% apy, but will charge you and arm and a leg to transfer or use an atm card. Stick with companies that have branches nationwide, so, in the event of a problem, you wont be using the Bank of Omaha when you live in New Jersey. Its a heck of a drive to dispute a overdraft fee.

Israel Dislikes Gaza Strip, REALLY!?

The Israeli security cabinet has declared the Gaza Strip an 'enemy entity.' Such news for Condoleeza Rice to hear first hand while visiting the area. I would suspect that Israel leaders, many a time, have agreed to meet and discuss peace talks, and use the US as a mediary, however the deaf ears of our commander in chief to foreign affairs, was more of a way for him to get some frequent flyer miles, rather than DO something.

Israel claims this announcement was in response to continuing rocket attacks from Palestinian militants. But I firmly believe Israel took this time,Ms. Rice's visit, to announce such a report. Deaf ears can't hear it, but the body trembles with mortar fire. "The declaration could open the way for cuts in fuel and other supplies to the territory as Israel would then no longer be bound by international law to supply utilities." states staff writer of duetche news. Hamas, being Hamas, calls it "a declaration of war," but they also called the numerous car bombings "Declarations of war" also. Anyone else sensing a bully looking for a our "book" against "your book" fight?

Perhaps not a bully, maybe a better comparison is harry potter stories vs. the lord of the rings stories.

Congress Must Have Children In College! Mulitple Financial Aid Acts PASSED!

The great greek gods must be shining down sweet sugar unto the lips of the "yay" sayers in the american Congress this week! For they have made the first step to recognizing the generation X and Y'rs struggles with the joyous student loans and financial aid departments at colleges across the nation. Being able to have the true college experience and travel abroad, or perhaps purchase all the textbooks for class will be in the near future for up and coming college students!

The College Cost Reduction and Access Act will:
Increase the size of the maximum Pell Grant award, to help low income students pay for college. Create an income-based repayment program that will help graduates with low incomes pay back their loans at a more manageable pace. Reduce interest rates on student loans for more than 5 million low and middle-income student borrowers receiving subsidized Stafford loans.

All of these programs will be paid for without raising taxes - instead, they're funded by cutting down the huge subsidies that go to private lenders like Sallie Mae. And I, for one, have come to dislike Sallie Mae. The other loans that will most likely be stalking me until I'm retiring from my job in my 50's is that blasted Stafford loan. It is helpful yes, however, it comes with so many strings attached to it that the chance of getting "tied up" by it outweighs the need for pulling the strings.

All college students can look forward to today is, hopefully, counting on the same congressmen to enact the law into full function before we graduate from college. We were mainly the people who started the lobbying to get this act established and recognized properly, the least we could get in return is to take advantage of it. If not that, all of whom signed the petitions and made a huss and fuss about it can sleep better at night knowing that "the man" will not be scrounging around in our empty wallets in the near future for funds.

Now, if only the state to state tax boards will pay attention to this and decide to stop (mainly NJ) forcing all the college to raise tuition upto $1000 each semester. Its killing us!

Ebay tinkers with Ren and Stimpy Creator

When I always thought about the Ren and Stimpy show as a kid, the only name that would stick out was Bob Camp. But underneath his name was always co-creator Jim Smith, whose name was always in a standard arial font (not visually appealing to a child).

My inner child says, "MMM, no sir, I don't like it." to this auction, but, my exterior college student wishes to place a bid on some of this memorabilia. It is still, to this day, a favorite past time of mine to sing the "LOG!" song when I see a new catchy theme songed commercial on tv, for whatever cacamamey new japanese animation inspired change-a-tron robot its trying to make me remember.

I mean honestly, do we have any of this Monty Python based Kafkaesque slapstick running gag humor on tv anymore? The closest thing we have is Family guy, but I recall Ren and Stimpy on Nickelodeon pushing the envelope with the old timer character. How he'd refer to "crap" this and "crap" that. It was like he was from Freehold, NJ or something. I would honestly place a bid on eBay for one of those hard colored oil stills that usually would appear in some episodes as a slow tilt up or pan across when it was something of particular importance.

I think Jim Smith has noble reasons to attempt to raise the funds via eBay's worldwide auction system. "Animation production ain't cheap, It takes a lot of time and manly man power." said Jim Smith in an interview with the Asylum Press, of whom is hosting the auction. You can view the auction here, and place a bid, you steeewwwwpid, feeeellttthhyyy, eeeeeediioot. http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZasylumpress

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go dress up my "Ms. Log!" and shave my "Mr. Logs" beard, for he is mossy and green with envy.

Prince takes on Pirates! Mind your booty!

"Prince strongly believes artists as the creators and owners of their music need to reclaim their art," the statement read.

The pirates unanaomously agree with the artist formely known as Prince, who post name change, is once again the artist known as Prince. Princes dwindling bank account needs be stressed to the limit since he is supporting a company to take on the internet. One Prince against millions upon millions of 11 year olds with windows movie maker.

"It is a noble effort for Prince to stand up and speak," said Rutgers
university student Tom Howard, who is studying sociology and business, "But his voice is too soft, and he is falling into the void with metallica and the likes."

It can be said without reason that Prince is putting a band aid on a severed limb. And since he is choosing also to take on YouTube, he will be battling a horrible dragon with a wicker sword.

Shana Tovah! The Jewish New Year!

The Jewish new year is today, and is called Rosh Hashanah. Make sure you get yourself a delicious piece of honey cake and eat it up! Call your family and friends and wish them a "shana tovah!" which is Hebrew for "Happy New Year." Or save that line for the normal calendar year, and say it in 2008 to you pals at the new years party.

In 10 days, we will be observing Yom Kippur, which is the day the Book of Life is closed and sealed for the previous year. It roughly translates to "Having to say you are sorry." However those that have repented for their sins are granted a good and happy New Year. It is along the same lines of Lent, but instead of 40 days of "fasting," the fasting is sundown to sundown. While Yom Kippur is devoted to fasting, the day before is devoted to eating.

Bagels and Lox Ahoy!

RFID Implants make cyborgs, 'bye-borgs'

Research has never lied to us before, so why would it choose to lie now?

It would be apparent to many that the initial testing phase of these RFID implants has been a relative failure. With cancer rates in test subjects being greater than people with access cards, the likelihood of this practice to be implemented is looking mighty glum.

We should have learned from silicon breast implants in the 80's that putting silicon under the skin was dangerous. But being the futuristic scientists that we are, we decided to make the implants nano sized AND transmit radio waves. There's nothing our dormant skin cells love more than having a constant radio wave beat them into the early hours of the morning. All of this so we can get into work a little faster without having to swipe an access card. Robotic Race: 1 , Humans: 0.

I understand that it could also have strong medical applications, such as the blood type and medical history of a patient who is unconscious, but i think it would work better as a piece of jewelery that has the chip in it, or a number on a license that relates to the person in a international database. It is fun and games to make things faster and better, but it often goes off on a tangent like this and gets tinier and more complicated.

Wait till the killer infection reports come out, I can hardly wait to see!

"Cyborg STD's are at an all time high!"

Geez, what

Britney's VMA Final Analysis / 50-Cent Befuddled

Now how should I even begin to breakdown this Ashlee Simpson-esque performance. Lets start with the word performance. Get rid of it.

I recall back in highschool watching the junior/senior talent show and seeing possibly a better performance. And just when I thought Chris Rock was the worst host the VMA's ever had ("Producers tellin me to stretch, keeps telling me to stretch.."), Ms. Spears managed to up-the-ante by attempting a performance too.

Lets go ahead and get our game of operation out, and begin racking up some points on this fresh steaming pile up of a performer.

She must've first spent an hour or less thinking about going to the gym to get her abs back in shape, ate a pizza, and left us with what we see now. She now resembles that ex-girlfriend who tried to "dress up" sexy for us on valentines day and send pictures to us at work. Nothing against our girlfriends making our day better, but when you are about to re-launch a career in front of millions, you should be on the same level as the international space station and not sputnik.



Dance puppet dance! Clearly she happily put aside some time, while on leave from rehab, to come up with some dance steps. Carefully, reviewing these steps, of which were drawn on a bar napkin, she showed up to the VMA's, ready to get her agent and record company's books back into the green. I've seen my dog dance better out on the lawn when he has the runs.

Little was expected from Britney at this performance, but she went above and beyond. She chose to deliver so much "little" that the audiences befuddled looks brought viewers from home to hysterical laughter.

50-Cent for example, saw so much go wrong during Britney's set that he could do nothing more than share his perplexed look with viewers at home.

MTV is a dying television station who needed to thrust an arm out of the grave for one last frightful moment of attention, and it was with this now blackhole of a performer that they so chose to achieve it.

Well done MTV, you were the first to bring loud music into our homes in 1984, and now you happily enlighten the world to the functions of Rehab Dropouts. I suppose its still "breakthrough" and "revolutionary" to give us our "baby one more time" Britney back after you found it underneath the couch. Thanks, but no thanks.

Philadelphia Eagles meet Green Bay

Once again the Eagles head out to Green Bay for another battle of the century. Well, not really of the century since The Packers and Eagles have faced off five times over the past four seasons, with the eagles earning the win in each of the five games. Mcnabb, with his fantastic history of playing really hard, which is inspirational at times, often takes him off the field wincing in pain. Luckily, our next new hero, who will be waiting in the shadows, is Kevin Kolb.

Mcnabb isn't immediately being confronted with early retirement, but if he keeps up his stats of getting taken off the field on a stretcher, Mr. Kolb will have his 15 minutes to take the Eagles to the top of east coast green world. He had better be ready to perform at his tip top standards, else the waiting time for Mcnabb to "get well soon" will be long awaited. Hopefully, they will be able to work together as a powerful duo who can lean on one another's strengths and weaknesses.

Hopefully ego's wont come into play and immediately doom the eagles before the coin flip in todays game.

Suicide up, anti-depressants down.

The anti-depressant industry has begun self medicating with the recent realease of a study done by the University of Illinois at Chicago. It has shown that their has been a 20% decline in anti depressent use, and this has in turn, caused an increased suicide rate of 3,040 per 20% decline in anti depressant use.

I wonder if the study included the share holders of the major pharmaceutical companies who produce the drugs.

Its a trickle down theory, I believe, that the stress at home triggers regular teen angst to be magnified by family angst. The stress level of Americans has exponentially increased since the 1950's. For example, "spending time with dad" has been limited down to the weekend and some times not even that much. For a society that stresses being an individual and standing on your own two feet, living without guidance, teens, obviously, feel abandoned by their families.

How do we cope? Instead of facing the family problems, we take a "magical pill" to make everything better. Thats just terrible I say. What happened to making chocolate chip cookies from scratch?

Oh yeah, we buy cookie dough made already. We just put a spoon in this tub o' deliciousness and eat raw cookie dough. The times have changed, and although its a simple alternative to medication, sit down with someone and make cookies, brownies, soup, anything at all. Its fantastic and in the least bit depressing. Unless, of course, you are a featured chef on Hell's Kitchen. Then I have nothing to add.

The Joy Of Working Online

Dont feel discouraged that you may be missing your favorite sports, you can watch live upto the second scores online. Livegoal.TK offers this for global sports. I wish I knew how they did it, its pretty awesome to watch it update as i see if happen on TV at the same time. It certainly beats the refresh button on ESPN.com or some news network that would much rather have you watch a 30 second ad than just give you a number against a number.

Pavarotti's Final Bow at 71

Pavarotti was a majestical man, chock full of love for those he cared for most. He passed away from pancreatic cancer early this morning, and it only leads one to believe that no matter how much you do for the world, no matter how high up you get, everyone is human.

Seemingly enough, this handsome man was happily performing up until last year when he was first diagnosed with the illness. It should come as an inspiration to all, that even with complications looming on his horizon, Pavarotti kept on belting out what he is most known for.

I will sincerely miss his overly joyous smile, and his cartoonish eyebrows that were oh so often the butt of satire in so many cartoon's over the years, and by many impressionists on Saturday Night Live and MADtv.

Now who shall his replacement be? Is there another "Maestro" of whom he spoke to replace him? Almost how Richard Pryor said in his last interview, that Dave Chappelle should be his replacement. Will it be one of the remaining two tenors? I believe, that in our internet and television driven nation, Paul Potts, although not as impressive as the other tenors, will be in the running. Having huge internet fame immediately puts him up there with the big shots who have spent years achieving their notoriety.

We should watch the news media carefully this week, as they will most certainly begin the "BREAKING NEWS: THE NEXT MAESTRO" stories. Keep an eye out for polls and public votes to pick our now favorite underdog Paul Potts. He deserves it a lot more than that... that uh.. third tenor.

Photos credits: Pavarotti courtesy Phil Walter, Getty Images ; Paul potts courtesy dailymail.co.uk

Have Goat, Will Travel.

"The snag in the plane has now been fixed and the aircraft has resumed its flights," said K.C. Raju a senior airline official, without explaining what the problem had been. Well, it must've been a problem with overly anxious quadripeds eating the lower landing gear.. say... at a goats height?

It is a normal practice in Nepal to sacrifice animals to appease different Hindu deities, but come on! A better reason to off some goats that were on the run way could've been come up with.

It is always interesting to see old world practices and new world procedures be intertwined in a society such as this. Grandma says, "Kill a goat, it'll get better." Your mechanic says, "Looks like we blew a fuse when someone put a goat in the toilet." Im sure someone has a good enough reason to come up with a reasonable explantion, but being a goat in Nepal just got a little more dramatic.

Military Moves Nukes With B-52's.

It's Straight out of Dr. Strangelove I say. It is ironic and iconic that the B-52 can still strike this much fear into America when a nuke is involved. But luckily, our boys are watching out for us. They made sure this SNAFU would involve not one, but "...5 to 6 nuclear warheads."

I find it very peculiar that our military can find Saddam in a foxhole, but we can't manage to verify a nuclear weapon from an empty cruise missile on the home front. It does not frighten me that the warheads were flown via a 1950's relic heavy bomber over American soil, because they do that everyday. It was only this time someone happened to post catch it being accidentally transported, and then told a friend, who told a friend, who told a friend. And here we are, talking about something the air force did on American soil. It certainly takes alot to get the American people all wound up about the military doing actions that we, the people, do not like. In fact, it takes 5 to 6 nukes flying around with the United States' finest pilots to get us fired up about coming down on the brass.

I hope this is a gateway story that gets more people active in letting the military know how we feel about its actions day to day. Nobody is perfect, yes I know, we all make mistakes, but you have to remember who is sitting there with the big SHINY red button.

I would also like to add, that while opening this article to view, I would like to inform you that I had half hoped to see a youtube video with footage of B-52's flying around to the music of the B52's.

China Lead Mattel, OH WELL.

Cheung Shu-hung, the former head of Lee Der Industrial Co., may have had known even more than the rest of us had originally thought. Prior to committing suicide, he most likely saw the future orders of other toys sent from china. Now, going into the ump-teenth week of recalls, the toys from china have struck an American icon.

Barbie never even had a chance to change into her harmful chemicals costume. Could this tainted paint really be the looming death of Mattel toys? It's a possibility. With past knowledge about how the American public often over reacts to mass media coverage, the 800,000 new toys that have been recalled will immediately blanket the company with a stench that even Febreze can't get out. But, one must take into account the other entities that Mattel still operates without direct knowledge to the consumer, those of which are still functioning without missing a step. So, perhaps the Fisher Price brand will falter this quarter, and Barbie will have to get another makeover for her spring fashion line next year.

Now, I'm not sitting here and looking at the accounting books for Mattel, so I don't know if they are "preparing for the worst," but I can take a guess. Mattel, is in it to win it, and just because the stock went down 2.9 percent yesterday, it doesn't mean that this 5.6 billion dollar company will have to cancel any new toys being manufactured. Its a bump, perhaps a hill, to go over for the time being, and this company will have an all terrain GI Joe Bradley Assault Tank pulling them up it. Or perhaps a Barbie classic model with good old fashioned Ken coming back from the dead. I'm sure they have a bunch of those in a warehouse somewhere to replace new Venice beach model ken.

Using my inexpert opinion, I'm going to guess that Mattel and Lee Der Industrial, have a quarters worth of toys being made with this problematic paint. See you at the next news story about dancing hamster recalls.

Jerry Lewis' Adventures With The Other F Bomb.

It would appear that, just as expected, the heavy duty news coverage of hall of famer comedian Jerry Lewis' remarks during the MDA telethon went completely noticed by thousands of people who like to laugh, and hundreds of people who like to picket with signs outside of Chick-Fil-A.

At least Jerry and his staff managed to pull together a very quick apology to all the associations that would be itching to get some press. He put his hand out, at about shoulders height, and said, "Jump this high." And all the groups and organizations did as he asked. Like a true performer, he managed to get even more press for his benefit by using a semi de-sensitized word. To each his own, but I fell into the thousands of people who saw the real Jerry not being held down by the F.C.C. He looked happy and free for the 15-second rant he went into playing with the equally as tired cameraman who had to track him around the studio.

If all works out accordingly, next years telethon will have even more viewers with a Howard Stern shock jock effect going on. "I wonder what he will say next..."

Lastly, please donate, I sent in my poor college donation last month of $10, but every little bit helps. Slurs or not, he is still standing for a cause. At least he didn't make reference to, "George Bush Hates Black People." Then I would have sent in $20.

Bush Lands In Iraq - The Townspeople Rejoice.

Well, at least thats what bush thinks is happening in Iraq. The great leader of the free world was welcomed to the military base he forcibly established in war torn Iraq today. Bringing the press with him for several hundred photo ops to most likely show that he cares about our boys deployed in Iraq. And if hollywood has taught me anything, lots of photo ops means big build up for big news!

Whilst touring the beautiful base, President Bush was certain he had to meet with with as many troops as possible. An as usual, he was unaware of his surroundings and managed to get a very ironic picture taken by AP photographer Charles Dharapak. Any person would of course be excited to meet the president of the united states, but this photo clearly gives the troops a very cautious word of advice, "DANGER STAY BACK." Its a firm shake now, and next week, month, year, it will be a firm signature on the "extend troops tours of duty" documents.

Now certainly, I'm not a political analyst who has years of understanding the way that a republican from Texas thinks. I'm just a college kid who will eventually be drafted into a war that threatens only itself and the American troops deployed within. Show me a WMD, or an ICBM, and then maybe I'd understand the reasons. Whatever happened to Bin Laden and the rest of those playing cards?

Well at least the new prime minister of Iraq was very happy to see the president. The last time I saw someone return a handshake this quickly was when Danny Zuko went to go shake hands with the leader of The Scorpions in Grease.

If this is how the two parties react to one another under a staged conference room setting with film cameras clicking and boom mic's looming, I think a re-write is in order. The only thing the faces of those in control on the other side of the table say to me is, "Why are you here, havent you done enough?"

What could possibly be next on the administrations agenda? Assigning new jobs of course since most of the cabinet is respectfully turning in resignation letters. Bush is the captain of the titanic, and the iceberg was Iraq. Time to get to the life boats!

North Korea And USA agree on NO NUKES

Its getting late here, and I would like to point out a few things that I will cover when I awake in the A.M.

German-British Non-Aggression Treaty.

Its what Britain wanted to hear, so Germany told them.

USA says, "stop with the Nukes North Korea."
North Korea says, "We will stop with the Nukes America."

Sounds easy enough for a powerful diplomat to say on behalf of country he is not in control of.

China LEADs In Production!

Americans are frugal people of whom love to save a penny anyway they can, and when we decide to mix big businesses with this lifestyle, we find that it LEADs to problems. The most economical and efficient way to get alot of product for a little bit of moolah, is to divert production away from the "regulated" and "law abiding" USA production facilites, and instead send it over to china, for fractions of pennies.

Sure, its regulated to meet the highest chinese sweatshop standards, and our over paid CEOs decide it would be wise to invest into LEADing companies with track records of only the highest standards.

But industrial china is also a frugal business, and they happily pass the savings onto us by using discounted paint suppliers paints on the production lines. According to the chinese companies, "It would seem that one bad paint supplier siphoned into all the productions." It goes without saying, that unless someone had mistakedly placed one of these items in their mouth, would the recalls not be in place right now? How long has this gone on? What is our government going to do in order to protect us from this lead rearing giant? According to my research, it would seem nothing at all.

The only people taking action in these cases are chinas customers. Mattel, for example, in a bold move to right the wrongs of poor interviews with people they entrust their brand to, have fired four sub contractors of whom managed to hire another sub contractor, who hired another sub contractor. It would seem that although the people Mattel hired were legitimate business people, those business people would not be as cautious in hiring other business people to do work for them, and in turn, they all are now un-employed. Way to go team.

So what is hopefully learned from this ordeal? When Mattel decides to build a new toy car, they will hopefully walk down the hall to the art department and say, "Alright art department, we have a color for the car, now lets put it into production." And without skipping a beat, a single business, specifically specialized in painting toys, will do the job, without sub contracting the job out to an exponentially mind numbing number.

I would also like to wish Canada all the best with their new pencil woes looming.

The Gop's Actions When It Comes To Self Image

It always comes down to two things when reading the news about the GOP, it's either A. They are patting themselves on the back for agreeing to fund another useless endeavor, or B. They are denouncing a now former member of the GOP of whom has created a stir about participating in poor ethics.

I'm sure that the current administration would love to keep up the standard of being "on the course," but its simply a matter of who is rowing the boat on the course. I cannot even begin to fathom why it is headlines news that a senator was looking for sex. He's a senator for goodness sake, if he cant let out some stress now and again, he is just going to keep "naying" all the bills that come across his desk. The GOP cleaned house very quickly of this little blotch of ink staining the mighty elephants tusk. And when they are accused of forcing Senator Craig to resign, they shrug shoulders and say things like, "It's easier to ask Larry Craig to resign because he'd be replaced by a Republican."

I dont know when it happened, I know i've seen it a few times, but when two dominant parties begin to fear each other like its the 1950's, pre civil rights act, someone has to come in and slap these desk jockeys in the face, and knock the blinders off. Listen, I'm not vying for the other side, each has advantages and each has a disadvantage, but when "we the people" find it neccesary to put a senator on a pedestal for extra curricular activites outside of DOING HIS JOB I feel its wasting funds that can be dispersed to say.. oh I dont know, rebuilding new orleans?

Unless of course the GOP "Yay'd" the bill to allow for such sting operations, then of course, by all means, game on. Out of sight out of mind, right GOP'rs?

Mega Millions And You

It was astounding to stand in a convenience store for 15 minutes observing literally hundreds of people lined up to buy "quick pick" tickets for the mega millions. But what I found more intriguing was the enjoyment I partook in each time I observed people becoming overly generous with the cashier.
"Geez, if I win, we can both quit our jobs!"
[Good Luck] "Thanks! When I win I'll be sure to come in and say thanks!"
"Heres to a better life for both of us!"

But although the excitement was clearly in the air for each person buying a ticket, the "greedy" face that would over come the person next in line could send chills up anyones spine. I'd recommend getting out there and observing next time. Its all a fantastic hollywood facade that people put on with the "generosity" they offer, and then the physical traits give a very 1920's stock market millionaire complexion (its mine! the money is mine!).

I'll admit, I played mega millions as well, and was friendly with the clerk, but thats a given. I didn't offer the clerk his hopes and dreams with my ticket, I just gave him a dollar, said "thanks," and went on my way. I mean, how excited could anyone be when you know your chances are better when it comes to getting struck by lightning twice?

I'd prefer to stick with the pick 3 and pick 4 games. At least opportunity knocks at $0.50 a pop.

I would also like to congratulate njlottery.net for posting the winning numbers a record 35 minutes following the drawing on television. I suppose the webmaster bought a ticket too, and chose not to update the site on time since he was elsewhere looking for the numbers. The news coverage was pretty awful on announcing the numbers as well. Didn't anybody watch the "simulcast" of the biggest drawing for mega millions in the studio/apartment/office? Unless they all had the same syndrome that the webmaster had. They were paralyzed by their dreams.

I plan on watching the live drawing next time, and I plan to post the results as they come out. Nobody should have to wait 35 minutes.