tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211072122024-03-07T03:22:18.782-05:00Floor 24The World Is Ending And Other Important Information. Book, Movie & Restaurant Reviews, Political & Social Commentary, and Cultural Digestion from a 24 year-old with bite.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12976379238783998083noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21107212.post-1146089478333791862006-04-26T16:57:00.000-05:002006-04-26T17:39:29.580-05:00Up to my old tricks<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3616/2132/1600/nice%20view%20dude.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3616/2132/320/nice%20view%20dude.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Well, I'm back. I've neglected this blog for long enough and now that my life has returned to normal (whatever that means), I can start new.<br /><br />First, with my move to Chicago from DC, I plan to back away from the political slant. I read today that Political Blogs are the #1 category of blogs and political blog readers are the most intense! I believe it, there's a lot to be intense about. BUT, I don't think I can bring the information or well-spoken opinion like other, more established political blogs, so instead I'll discuss things I know about, namely being 24 in Chicago and doing the things I do....movies, books, concerts, bars, shopping.<br /><br />I will say that I'm thinking more and more about selling something online. I just don't have quite the right idea YET.<br /><br />Chicago is awesome thus far and I really can't say I miss my old friends, maybe because I didn't have many. I miss Tony and Ryan and Sheila and Kyle. There you go guys!<br /><br />I saw my friend Lauren in Ellen Under Glass, a <a href="http://www.thehousetheatre.com/">House Theatre </a>production, last night at <a href="http://www.g37centerforthearts.org/">Gallery 37</a>. It was REALLY good with music and dance incorporated into the script. Lauren played a fallen angel who helped keep the story's character's in their respective places (heaven, black mountain/purgatory, or the town). About an hour long and $15, it was a perfect date night for me and Jason in the city. We went to drinks with Lauren, Ian (her friend from another class), Devon (lead singer in the play), and his two friends. Lots of fun!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12976379238783998083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21107212.post-1140726749515837622006-02-23T15:19:00.000-05:002006-02-23T15:32:29.526-05:00Bush says trust "my government"The latest attempt by Bush and Co. to squash a growing bi-partisan chorus of doubts about the UAE port deal is laughable. From the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/23/AR2006022300182.html">Washington Post today</a>:<br /><br />"This wouldn't be going forward if we were not certain that our ports would be secure," Bush said at a Cabinet meeting. "The more people learn about the transaction that has been scrutinized and approved by my government, the more they will be comforted that our ports will be secure."<br /><br />So Bush is certain, but can't say who or when the deal was made? Heck, he supposedly didn't even know about the deal until he started listening to the media!<br /><br />And what's with "my government"? Did we give it to him? Does he own it? Is he king?Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12976379238783998083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21107212.post-1140316020268030682006-02-18T21:22:00.000-05:002006-02-18T21:27:00.270-05:00Idea OriginationA friend once told me he had two uninspired ideas in his life. Is anything uninspired? Discuss.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12976379238783998083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21107212.post-1140315762476248942006-02-18T21:19:00.000-05:002006-02-18T21:22:42.486-05:00Everything ProgressiveEverything Progressive<br /><br />The idea of being relevant -<br />Quite a hard reality to learn<br />in this West Coast Future...<br />is it a feature that we<br />Will never have?Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12976379238783998083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21107212.post-1139890119017970772006-02-13T22:57:00.000-05:002006-02-13T23:08:39.033-05:00Self-Absorbed PostI went shopping after work today. After giving away 1/6 of my wardrobe and receiving my yearly bonus from the company, I decided it was time to get some nice clothes for work. I am pretty set in the shoes department, so I focused on clothes only (trying for mostly tops).<br /><br /><ul><li>Banana Republic: Blue Collar, Long-Sleeve, Button-Down ($60); Thin Silk? Button Cardigan with Tie ($79 on sale for $50)</li><li>Ann Taylor: Black/Cream/Hint of Red Pants ($128 on sale for $90); Cream Cable-Knit Sweater ($68)</li><li>Express: Tan Editor Pants ($68); White Collar, Long-Sleeve, Button Down ($40)</li><li>The Limited: Blue Henly Sweater (on sale $30)</li></ul><p>I think I got decent deals on high quality stuff. I probably could have gotten some of it cheaper, but who has time to go shopping every week?</p>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12976379238783998083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21107212.post-1139634417610252332006-02-10T23:48:00.000-05:002006-02-11T00:09:02.556-05:00Blog Novels, Boys, In Style and Henry.I read about some service through Blogger.com that encourages people to <a href="http://help.blogger.com/bin/answer.py?answer=1064">write their next novel with blog technology</a>. The pitch: commit to writing 500 words a day and you'll have a 10,000 word novel in 30 days...or something like that. I think it's a great idea and I like that the masses have a publishing tool uncontrolled by agents and traditional publishing houses.<br /><br />Tony's friend "V" just came over. She has been dating her boyfriend for 7 years. She's 22 years old. I kept trying to slip clues that she needed to be single for awhile (or date Tony), but she was unresponsive. Is it wrong that I was trying to influence the choices of someone I don't know? Probably. But I want what Tony wants and for some reason, unbeknowst to me, he wants V.<br /><br />I picked up the February 2006 edition of <a href="http://www.instyle.com/">In Style</a> with Uma Thurman on the cover. It is one of the best magazines I've read in a long time. It gave tips on REAL style issues that people in their 20's (and maybe 30's?) face in their professional and social lives. Makeup, belts, bags, cropped pants, throwing parties, celebrity wedding pictures, designer dresses, etc. I want to go shopping! Maybe tomorrow if it doesn't snow. Also, I intend to make a list of "Pieces that will complete your wardrobe for 2006".<br /><br />Oh, and I'm getting my haircut with Henry at <a href="http://www.saloncielo.com/locations.html">Salon Cielo at Dupont </a>tomorrow. I can't wait! Henry is the best and so cute...I'll try to grab a camera phone shot and post. I always get the best haircuts from him. He's really good at making someone their sexiest with a haircut. I'm going to be sad to leave him. Finding a hairstylist in Chicago that I like as much will be difficult. Suggustions? Calling all Chicago salons and hairstylists! I need a trendy, young (24), professional haircut. Help!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12976379238783998083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21107212.post-1139278144798878952006-02-06T21:09:00.000-05:002006-02-07T09:26:54.396-05:00Wheel of Fortune, That's HotTony and Jason are playing Streetfighter on SuperNintendo. I think video games are a strange leisure pursuit. On Saturday, I visited with my mother's side of the family. Cousin Cole has a sweet set-up in his basement with X-box and a 60-inch plasma. Cole is 12 and plays Halo 2 all day long against college kids and 20-something men. Not to mention a lot of teenage boys. I wonder what all these gamers say to each other? They are the elusive demograhic for marketers. Is the Army winning the battle of communication? A new video produced by the <a href="http://www.goarmy.com/aarmy/index.jsp">Army tells players "gain experience as a Soldier in the U.S. Army, without leaving home." </a>Yes! How convenient to experience war in the comfort of your own home. When visiting with a few friends over Christmas they exclaimed when playing "It's SO real". No, it's really not.<br /><br />On the other hand, I feel the need to disclose that I recently bought stock in Electronic Arts, the biggest video game producer in the Western Hemisphere. The price hasn't done anything the last two months. Funny a lot of companies are struggling and Exxon-Mobile posts the biggest profit of any company in U.S. history...and Bush keeps saying "the economy is strong."<br /><br />I sold some electronic equipment today on CraigsList to a guy named Gerald. He was quite jolly and terribly sarcastic at the same time. I enjoyed the interaction. I definitely think that the privacy of modern day affects our development of sympathy and compassion. How often do you really talk to others? Meet new people?<br /><br />I'm going to visit my friend Changro Ro Pete Lee in Seoul, Korea. Two months. I can't wait to see some stuff that's outside my normal view. Cheers to Pete!(<a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/#/music/artist/snoop_dogg/videos.jhtml">and dancing in your blue room next to 50 pairs of shoes and Grey Goose on the shelf</a>).<br /><br />I saw <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0427312/">Grizzly Man </a>on Saturday with my family. I spent most of the time laughing or horrified...and ended up depressed. I do not suggest this documentary about a man who befriends Animals and is seriously disturbed. But aren't we all? Maybe its worth a peek.<br /><br />I need to downsize my wardrobe. Not that I have too many clothes, but I definitely have too many clothes I never wear. I need to build a more thoughtful wardrobe, otherwise it just ends up being wasteful. I need the Internet Queen to send me a list. Wouldn't that be great?<br /><br />I go between loving and hating my blog.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12976379238783998083noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21107212.post-1138989549811019252006-02-03T12:59:00.000-05:002006-02-03T12:59:09.980-05:00Dictator Blues"If this were a dictatorship, it would be a heck of a lot easier - just so long I'm the dictator." George BushDecember 18, 2000<br /><br />I'm headed to Chicago tonight for some family time. I'm glad to be leaving DC for awhile, this is getting too stressful. I'm not sure what the answer is anymore, but I know it's not dictatorship and the direction we are headed.<br /><br />Why aren't more people pissed about the NSA's illiegal wire-tapping program? The facts are slowly coming to light, but I'm afraid Bush Co. and the Media have become rather good at pronouncing an issue "old news" and moving the rest of the country along to the next terrorist threat. If Democrats are going to make this an issue, we need to stick to the main points (because we all know Americans have a 30-second attention span):<br /> - The spying program has led to ZERO real terrorist arrests in four years.<br /> - The NSA has essentially turned on its duty of international surveillance and started tapping phone conversations of ordinary americans including anti-war movement leaders and possibly Special Counsel <a href="http://www.43rdstateblues.com/?q=node/2315">Patrick Fitzgerald</a><br /> - Bush says the program was neccessary, but why couldn't they <a href="http://howardempowered.blogspot.com/2006/01/dean-on-today-show-transcript.html">just get permission through the proper channels </a>i.e. the senate?<br /> - The program could NOT have prevented 9/11. We didn't even use the intelligence we had.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12976379238783998083noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21107212.post-1138768092478541272006-01-31T23:28:00.000-05:002006-01-31T23:28:12.526-05:00State of the Union ProtestWe just got back from the DC protest organized by <a href="http://www.worldcantwait.org">World Can't Wait</a>. It went pretty well. I would estimate there were about 1000 people there, maybe a bit more.<br /><br />One complaint was that is was pretty unorganized...it seemed like the speakers each spoke about whatever they wanted to. Since I haven't been to many protests before, maybe this is normal, but I thought this was a chance to communicate some basic ideas about how we were to go forward in the future and that didn't quite happen. It was a lot of Bush bashing, which felt great! I wish the media had been listening. We need to get a movement started.<br /><br />I did get approached by a young guy that was passing out information about the protest for Saturday and he asked me to help. I gave my name and email address and should be hearing from the people at WCW tomorrow. I might end up dropping off some flyers at the courthouse tomorrow morning when I show up to pay my ticket.<br /><br />Oh, and Cindy Sheehan aparently got arrrested. I'll find out more and post tomorrow.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12976379238783998083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21107212.post-1138579216785003822006-01-29T19:00:00.000-05:002006-01-29T19:02:57.236-05:00The Time is NowIn light of upcoming events and Sunday epiphanies, here's a poem for strength and widsom.<br /><br />Dedicated to my dear friend David Wildes (only a real poet will do for you):<br /><br /><blockquote><p>A Psalm Of Life<em> by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow</em><br /><br />Tell me not in mournful numbers,<br />Life is but an empty dream!<br />For the soul is dead that slumbers,<br />And things are not what they seem.<br /><br />Life is real! Life is earnest!<br />And the grave is not its goal;<br />Dust thou are, to dust thou returnest,<br />Was not spoken of the soul.<br /><br />Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,<br />Is our destined end or way;<br />But to act, that each tomorrow<br />Find us farther than today.<br /><br />Art is long, and Time is fleeting,<br />And our hearts, though stout and brave,<br />Still, like muffled drums, are beating<br />Funeral marches to the grave.<br /><br />In the world's broad field of battle,<br />In the bivouac of Life,<br />Be not like dumb, driven cattle!<br />Be a hero in the strife!<br /><br />Trust no Future, howe'er pleasant!<br />Let the dead Past bury its dead!<br />Act, -act in the living Present!<br />Heart within, and God o'erhead!<br /><br />Lives of great men all remind us<br />We can make our lives sublime,<br />And, departing, leave behind us<br />Footprints on the sand of time;<br /><br />Footprints, that perhaps another,<br />Sailing o'er life's solenm main,<br />A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,<br />Seeing, shall take heart again. </p><p>Let us then be up and doing,<br />With a heart for any fate;</p><p>Still achieving, still pursuing,<br />Learn to labor and to wait.<br /></p></blockquote>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12976379238783998083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21107212.post-1138519284464926062006-01-29T01:42:00.000-05:002006-01-30T10:15:26.420-05:00America's Call To Action: Stand Up and Fight!Wow, my faith in America's future just sprang from the dead - HOPE that is. I stumbled upon a rousing call to action on <a href="http://getoutrevolutionnyc.blogspot.com/">Get Out Revolution's (NYC) lastest post</a>.<br /><br /><blockquote><p>THIS MOMENT IS HOT AND THE FUTURE IS ON THE LINE. There is gathering momentum from below as people increasingly recognize the full truth of what is happening: Bush IS a fascist and he has ALREADY put a great deal of what he needs in place to establish a theocratic fascist state. Things are coming to a head -- if the atrocities of the past few months go down without major uproar, Bush's State of the Union Address will be the sanctification of these crimes and the threshold from which he will launch a whole new wave. </p><p>But millions are furious and do NOT want this to go down, losing sleep over what is happening, fearing that it is too late to do anything. Yet at this point they are not organized or active on anything like the level needed. The means is here, the World Can't Wait protests on January 31 and February 4, that people need to join in on and organize for.</p></blockquote><br />I'm in. Come What May. We've got to do this now people, before it's too late. My boyfriend called me a conspiracy theorist today and I take offense to that. I know when real things are happening around me; <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-0601270145jan27,1,1050558.story?coll=chi-business-hed">Income Inequality</a>, <a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/world/13735082.htm">Warrantless Spying</a>, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/11/30/iraq.poll/">Unjustified War</a>, and <a href="http://www.straightdope.com/columns/010622.html">The Stupidest President</a> in American History.<br /><br />SOMEONE is controlling our tax money. Maybe not someone, but SOMETHING...Lies, Fear and Money. There is a <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0436971/">reason we create war</a>, a reason my company's CEO got a tax cut greater than my total income in 2005, a reason New Orleans has not been cleaned up, a reason Americans are dependant on oil, a <a href="http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=05/08/29/145206">reason to explain irratic weather</a>. See, effects have causes and "just cause" is no longer acceptable.<br /><br />Now we have a reason to fight. Tell everyone about the Protests on Tuesday night.<br /><br />Add your comments if you have plans in DC or elsewhere....Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12976379238783998083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21107212.post-1138378731905687742006-01-27T11:18:00.000-05:002006-01-27T11:21:02.376-05:00Where is Michael Moore?With all this talk of the <a href="http://www.openlettertochrismatthews.blogspot.com/">Chris Matthews controversy</a> (MSNBC's "journalist" compares Osama bin Laden to filmmaker Michael Moore) I wonder - where is Michael Moore? Its unusal that the extreme left figure has not surfaced in quiet some time.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.local6.com/entertainment/3958448/detail.html">Last seen around election time </a>at the end of 2004, Michael Moore and his disappearing act should give the Right a reason to worry....what's this guy up to anyway? Swimming in the money he made from Farenheit 9/11 might be a good guess, but he's most likely hard at work on his next pet project, SICKO.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0386032/">IMDB</a> says of SICKO, "This film will focus on the American healthcare system, and will look at it through an inspection of the system of mental health care." Automakers? Check. Gun Lobby? Check. Bush Administration? Check. Healthcare System and Pharmeceutical Companies? Yeah, that seems like an obvious next target.<br /><br />The IMDB description was last updated on December 28, 2004. The realease is slated for 2006. What's taking so long? Aparently, Moore needs plenty of stalking time for incriminating footage. With Pharmeceutical giants already facing an admitted "image problem", many have issued <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,12271,1379034,00.html">notices to their workforces warning</a> of Moore's possible appearance and intentions.<br /><br />I don't always agree with Moore's techniques, but I do encourage any media outlet that seeks to uncover the truth of our corrupt American systems....and the people making money from them. Good Luck to our Scruffy Filmmaker Friend.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12976379238783998083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21107212.post-1138051950550863282006-01-23T16:32:00.000-05:002006-01-30T10:17:38.150-05:00Bush Step Down - with a BullhornI just rented a bullhorn from <a href="http://www.yellowpages.com/sp/moreinfo/?id=9250494&q=Frager">Frager's Just Ask Rental on Pennsylvania Ave</a>. in DC. I plan to put it to use next Tuesday night during our <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/21/AR2006012100504.html">President's State of the Union Address </a>when Shrub will address tax cuts (they've boosted the economy), energy prices (they're not THAT bad) and the rising cost of health care (rising?really?). What about <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=1532436">unwarranted spying</a>, <a href="http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2005/07/21/iran/index_np.html">Iraq's new best friend Iran</a>, and the <a href="http://www.washingtonian.com/capital_comment/2006/PowerPlayers/02.html">White House's ties to Abramoff</a>? Well, you'll just have to tune in and find out.<br /><br />I don't have much faith that he'll actually start telling the truth - did you SEE last year's address? - so taking it to the streets with a bullhorn is my next best option. I will try to video and post here, so be sure to check back next week.<br /><br />In the meantime, anyone know any noise ordinance laws for DC or VA?Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12976379238783998083noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21107212.post-1138045900387187812006-01-23T14:43:00.000-05:002006-01-23T14:51:40.396-05:00Cancelled my CableI was just reading some political blogs and decided to cancel my cable subscription at someone's suggestion. What has cable done for me lately anyway? I usually end up huffing and puffing about politics and the lack of decent coverage in the main-stream media. Chris Matthews' assertion that Osama bin Laden and Michael Moore are one and the same about send me over the edge. I was paying $52 a month for John Stewart, Food Network, and a whole lot of right-winger, white-house bullet point crap. <br /><br />American media's journalistic integrity has hit a new low and I no longer wish to support it....I hope you'll reach the same conclusion. I suggest donating your cable money to independant media and Air America. This is one small way to put your money where your mouth is.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12976379238783998083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21107212.post-1137819722083169372006-01-21T00:02:00.000-05:002006-01-30T10:16:05.436-05:00Data in the 21st CenturyI just read an article about data and math applications for basically EVERYTHING we do (<em>Why Math Will Rock The World, Busines Week</em>).<br /><br />It's somewhat scary to think that computers exist to track our shopping behaviors, work productivity, travel checkpoints, and propensity to consume. Yes, it helps business make more relevant offers and talk to us one-on-one, but the privacy concerns are endless. If the Bush Administration has been spying on us already unchecked, then it is not to far-fetched to assume they would demand access to data warehouses of any kind (if they haven't already). But it's to protect us from big bad Bin Laden, right?<br /><br />I hope Americans are more protective of their privacy and rights in this country than they have proven to be thus far. 1984 was not too long ago and Orwell's predictions could still ring true in this century. If fact, I just read that Tim Robbins is planning a Holleywood version of 1984. If we can't count on Democrats to stand up for our rights, maybe actors will do.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12976379238783998083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21107212.post-1137727538684958982006-01-19T22:17:00.000-05:002006-01-19T22:25:38.693-05:00Bin Laden Video Results in 10% Bush Support Increase. Coincidence?WTF? Everytime the Republicans seem to be in trouble (i.e. spying on americans, Abramhoff, Bushy's 94 IQ results) Karl Rove and the Pentagon find another video with Bin Laden to scare Americans. Does this seem to be perfect timing or what? Now people in South Dakota can fear for their lives and support the wrongful war and crooked Republicans in power a little bit longer.<br /><br />Who wants to bet that another video or other scare tactics will surface sometime next September before elections? Is anyone catching on to this game?<br /><br />We must stick to what is REALLY going on in DC - corruption, scandal, lies, fraud, & stupidity.<br /><br />And besides, it's Bush's fault that Bin Ladin is still out there, the war is going poorly, and we are no more safe today from terrorism than September 11, 2001.<br /><br />Fuck you George Bush. I seriously hate you and your masters (Rove, Daddy Bush and Money).Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12976379238783998083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21107212.post-1137719044479225292006-01-19T19:46:00.000-05:002006-01-19T20:04:04.506-05:00Baby Naming Advice from 3 24-year oldsDon't name your kid something typical. This is the ultimate conclusion of my recent conversation with Jason, my boyfriend, and Tony, my friend. Both of these guys are atleast 5+ years away from conceiving, but are nevertheless full of ideas regarding the first task of having a baby: naming it.<br /><br />This conversation started with a Jeopardy topic "Top 10 Baby Names of 2004". This list included Matthew, Jacob, Micheal, Blah, Blah, Blah. We came up with a more creative, unique list...<br /><br />Top Baby Names of 2012 (predicted):<br /><br /><ul><li>Maxamillion - your kid will sound like a million bucks and probably cost five times that much. I heard Max is getting popular, so this option may be passe by 2012.</li><li>Violet - This is Tony's romantic suggestion for a female offspring - which he does not plan to ever have.</li><li>Blotter. PCU is still cool in the future.</li><li>Isabella - I think we're behind the curve on this one.</li><li>Neo - No, we're not kidding. After WW3 is started by George W. Bush's 4th consecutive Presidential win (he'll change the rules in 2007 after cheating to keep Repubs in Congress) everyone will be dying for anything new.</li><li>Balthazar - future leader.</li><li>Tabernus - not sure what they're going for here.</li><li>Avian - as in the flu that gets cured in 2010.</li><li>Infinity.</li></ul><p>Good Night future mommies and daddies, and Good Luck.</p>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12976379238783998083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21107212.post-1137601477103220662006-01-18T11:00:00.000-05:002006-01-18T12:05:01.166-05:00The #1 Drug Problem in America?<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3616/2132/1600/Zeke%20jumping%20fire.0.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3616/2132/200/Zeke%20jumping%20fire.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3616/2132/1600/Zeke%20jumping%20fire.jpg"></a><br />Are you kidding me? The Bush Administration continues to stand by it's assertion that marijuana is the #1 drug problem in America. It's not surprising that the leaders of our Federal government have NO IDEA or atleast won't admit what actual risks this country faces (it's not the bird flu or killer bees either Georgie).<br /><br />Today's New York Times featured an article (<em><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/18/national/18drug.html?th&emc=th">Hospitals Say Meth Cases Are Rising, and Hurt Care, Kate Zernike</a></em>) about the increasing rates of methamphetamine-related problems that are affecting our hospitals and children.<br /><blockquote>"Though a relatively small number of total emergency room visits are for illicit drugs, the hospitals said methamphetamine was by far the leading drug problem.<br />Forty-seven percent of hospitals, and 57 percent in the Northwest, said methamphetamine caused more emergency room visits than any other drug, while 16 percent cited marijuana, 15 percent cocaine and 1 percent heroin."</blockquote><br /><br />So FACTS point to a rising Meth problem in America with serious effects, yet I continue to see those commericals on t.v. that accuse pot smokers of killing kids on bikes, leaving little brothers on baseball fields in the dark, and teenage pregrnancy. The justice system continues to incarcerate people for pot-related offenses when this government money (i.e. our taxes) should be spend on solutions to REAL RISKS.<br /><br />But in the end, this is what everything comes down to: MONEY. The government can't make money off of meth-users because they are strung out, can't hold down jobs and just do not have money. They are costing our systems (hospitals and child services) increasingly more, but the government does not necessarily have to increase it's funding for these services. It's MUCH easier to set the #1 priority on marijuana and collect $500 possession fees from rich kids at Phish concerts, aging hippies who are against the WAR, and young black men who are trying to make some money in a society that has not exactly given them every opportunity to do otherwise. I can't help feeling that this will catch up to us.<br /><br />Let's hope for a Congress win in 2006, impeachment hearings on the basis of EVERYTHING the Bush Administration has done thus far, and a new President who values fact over money.<br /><blockquote><blockquote><p></p></blockquote></blockquote>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12976379238783998083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21107212.post-1137522215177470132006-01-17T13:06:00.000-05:002006-01-17T13:52:53.383-05:00First Post and Possibly the Last<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3616/2132/1600/Vegas.0.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3616/2132/200/Vegas.jpg" border="0" /></a> I decided to start a blog. I cannot be sure this is a good idea until I move forward with it, so yeah, here it is.<br /><br />Let's brainstorm. My blog could include:<br /><br /><p>Political Rants. I am intelligent and female, therefore liberal. My friends are tired of me emailing DC travesties. I spoke to some republican dude at the bar on Saturday night and almost spit Red Bull Vodka on his face. I need a better outlet, even if no one is listening.</p><p>Travel information. I'm planning a big trip to Asia and Australia in two months. This could present some interesting situations. I was thinking of incorporating videos.</p><p>Decontruction of Celebrity and Boomer Bullshit. I've expressed particular hatred for these two groups lately, but really, it could be anyone.</p><p>Shopping. As I've only been working about a year and a half since graduation, I do not have a lot of money. This does not keep me from looking at websites and craigslist everyday. Maybe I could link to things I think are particulary cool and worthy of blog mention.</p><p>Social Responsibility Issues. I find myself, like many other people my age, highly hypocritical. I'll discuss ways we can start to be a bit more thoughtful with our money and action.</p><p>Pop Culture. Similar to celebrities, but so much more. For example, I don't think our Generation Y has a literary voice in the world. Discuss.</p><p>Business. I'm looking into a web-based business, but the process has been drawn out because it's hard to start anything. As my father's favorite motivational speaker says, "You don't have to get it right, just get going". I can track progress to Eat Daily (<a href="http://www.eatdaily.com">www.eatdaily.com</a>) on this website.</p><p>This may not be completely original (I tried to choose the least popular template at least), but what is original? I may be angry. Or confused. And I'm a terrible speller. But maybe I can do AdSense and make some money. Or get my head together so I'm not feeling as useless to society as I already do. Either one will be a success as far as I am concerned.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12976379238783998083noreply@blogger.com8