I have plenty of talent and vision. I just dont care!
-- The sign hanging outside my cube at the office.
Tower View
Another One Gone By
So here it is; the last day of the year. So is it really a new beginning of things?
I really dont know. It could be just like any other day.
A lot of us woke up today, got dressed, fought traffic, and went to work. We went through our routine as if nothing else occurred. Tomorrow, it will be a different year with the same surroundings. We will wake up, get dressed, and go thru the routine over again.
What exactly is different?
Perhaps its in our perceptions.
We see this change in seasons is a chance for us to do something new and exciting; something that perhaps we've been wanting to do for awhile. Or even maybe, bring a change into our lives, hence the New Year's resolutions.
This time of year gives us a chance to celebrate everything in our lives and that chance to move forward.
With that being said, Happy New Year to everyone!
Stay safe, stay healthy, and for God's sakes, stay out of the bicycle lane! Heh...
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My New Year's Resolution
The Carpool Cheaters website shows pictures of drivers at their worst driving. Some pictures are of drivers speeding down the carpool lane with only themselves in the car. Other pictures have those who use the bicycle lanes to cut traffic or take up two parking spaces so no one can park next to them.
I love this idea! Instead of my road rage compelling me to want to shoot the offenders, I can take a picture and post it on the Internet for all to see..
As the Carpool Cheats guys say "If you don't want your picture taken while you're doing something illegal, don't do it in public!"
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While I'm Thinking About It
Since this is New Year's Eve and the end of the holiday season, here are few things that come to mind:
* Check out Cynical Tyrant's entry for today . Good words from a good writer.
* So what the hell exactly does 'Auld Lang Syne' mean anyway?
* Time to get rid of those unwanted gifts so dump them to other people online. I wonder how many fruitcakes are out there?
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Out in The Yard
I, Robot Now was a trailer that came out recently. It looks interesting since its based off of Isaac Asimov's 3 rules for robots. The downside is that Will Smith is the lead so this may or may not be a good movie.
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New reality show has fiance be mean to his bride-to-be. This one actually sounds interesting. Be a jerk to the bride AND get paid for it?! Most men are used to doing that for free.
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There is a school for people on how to control their swearing. Are you fu__ing kidding me?! What a bunch of bullsh_t! You fill in the blanks.
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Lord Of The Rings is being considered as a story full of racism. Someone has way too much time on their hands.
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Man has 114 dead cats in the freezer. Thats a lot of Chinese dishes.
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Background Noise
The Enemy Within by Rush
I'm not giving in to
Insecurity or pressure...
I'm not missing out
On the promise of adventure...
I'm not giving up
On impossible dreams...
Experience to extremes....
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* We keep driving into the night
* Its a late goodbye
* Such a late good bye
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Its a tan suede jacket! I can tell..! I smelled the box!!
-- Will while he was checking his presents. We've gone from present shakers to present sniffers.
Tower View
Christmas At The Castle
Hope everyone had a good and safe Christmas day.
It was pretty much the typical Christmas for the Shima clan; Church, presents, late dinner, presents, children running wild, presents...
Did I mention the presents?
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Its All About The Greed
Apparently a woman wanted her Christmas gift at the expense of Peyton Manning, quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts. The woman, Jamie Ann Naughright, accused Manning of ridiculing her in a book released many years ago.
While in college, Manning played a prank on Naughright who was one of the football team's trainers. Since then, the University of Tennessee had paid Naughright over $300, 000 over this incident.
Manning's book mentions the incident, but not the person other than the trainer with "the foul mouth." Naughright claims that this person was her and that he is ridiculing her.
Let me get this straight.
The man never mentions her name, but apparently it must be her. He must be obviously making fun of her so Manning must pay her money.
Hell, I'm making fun of the greedy wench just because of this incident now. Many people wouldnt have even known about her if it wasnt for this moronic lawsuit.
And why should Manning have to pay her anything for expressing his opinion, especially when there was no name given? Isnt this what the First Amendment is for; Freedom of Speech? As far as I remember, being embarassed isnt supposed to be cause for litigation.
I guess the personal training jobs arent paying as well as they used to.
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I Am A Happy Bunny
congratulations. you are the kiss my ass happy
bunny. You don't care about anyone or anything.
You must be so proud
which happy bunny are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
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Out in The Yard
ACC commissioner notes that some calls were missed, but that the referees still did a good job. Are you kidding? I'm not a major fan of either FSU or UF, but when the referrees make such obvious mistakes, it makes viewers wonder who is getting paid off.
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Family gets a phone call from their son after going to his funeral. And just like his mum said "Somebody's in deep trouble."
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Background Noise
Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory is on again for the holiday season.
Oompa loompa,
Doom pa dee do.
I have a perfect puzzle for you.
Oompa loompa
Doom pa dee dee.
If you are wise, you'll listen to me...
Those Oompa loompas always were wee little bastards...
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* We keep driving into the night
* Its a late goodbye
* Such a late good bye
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Lady 1: Oh honey child, when my daughter grows up, she's going to a nurse!
Lady 2: What you mean, baby? When your child grows up, she going to be swinging around a pole for money...
-- comments from two southern Black women that were overheard during the breakfast line at the office cafeteria.
Tower View
Tolkien Would Be Proud
At least I would hope he would be.
Return of The King was released this past week and I must say this was worth the wait. This movie finishes the triology and definately fits the epic novel. At 3.5 hours long, the movie didnt feel long, at least not to me.
Granted, I also made sure that I had gone to the bathroom before the movie.. Heh.
Some noteworthy trailers, The Chronicles of Riddick, which is the sequel to Pitch Black, and The Butterfly Effect, which looks pretty good despite starring Ashton Kutcher.
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Speaking of Tolkien
I've never met the writer from the blog Anne Central. The only image I've seen of her before was the one she has displayed at the top of her blog.
So when Anne posted the image of herself and her costume, I was pleasantly surprised. Not only by the attractive young lady in the picture, but by the costume she made to commermorate Return of The King.
Anne not only looks just like one of the elves from the movie, but she even made an impressive looking replica of an elvish bow.
Now if she can hit an orc in the eye from over 100 yards, I will really be impressed.
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Evil People! Evil People!
During a recent meeting at work, a co-worker noted that Weight Watchers has scored a large profit this year; supposedly near a billion dollars.
I dont know how true this is, but I dont doubt it either.
Between the pizza, potluck lunches, danishes, doughnuts, candy, cakes, cupcakes, and cookies that has been around my office, its no wonder that the weight loss company drool at the prospect of new clients for the upcoming new year.
I'm amazed that everyone in my department hasnt gained nearly 50 pounds.
Granted, Gi has been complaining that she has gained 10 pounds, but I think she is crazy anyway. I've got fountain pens that are heavier than her.
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The Cookie Monsters
This article by Wendy McElroy discusses how universities around the country are having cookie sales in order to spoof Affirmative Action (AA) and open discussions about this policy.
For white males, cookies are $1 while for females and blacks, the cost is much less. Its not so much the cookies, but how they are priced that bring up the discussion.
Why does one gender or race get different treatment as opposed to others? Dont we normally call this sort of thing profiling? Why are people in Cincinnati upset about such things?
After all, since universities do this for admissions, then it must all right for police to do the same thing when arresting criminals.
This is the type of silliness that politically correct persons and AA dont wish to be discussed. This becomes prevelant by the number of universities that dont want the cookie demonstrations on their campuses.
And before anyone thinks I'm venting from the hip, keep in mind that that I'm a member of "minority" race as well.
Equality is for everyone, regardless of race and gender.
Otherwise you may be the next one charged the $1 for a cookie...
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Out in The Yard
Broadway Joe wants a kiss from Suzy Kolber. I dont blame him; I wouldnt mind kissing Suzy either.
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Gamer wins lawsuit over online theft of game equipment. Darn right. If we pay to play, then we expect to keep the things we paid for.
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Background Noise
Titanic is on the television. If it wasnt for those damn commercials on ESPN the NFL game would be on.
Granted, I liked this movie when it was first released, mainly because of Kate Winslett, Suzy Amis, and the fact its a James Cameron movie.
The best thing about the movie: Leonardo DiCaprio dies at the end.
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* We keep driving into the night
* Its a late goodbye
* Such a late good bye
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As of this moment, we are at war. -- Commander Adama, Battlestar Galactica
Tower View
Positives and Negatives
Kudos must go out to:
* SciFi Network. Their release of Battlestar Galactica is actually pretty good, despite all the early criticism. They remembered that it was the humans, not the special effects, that told the story.
Edward James Olmos, who plays Adama, said that hardcore fans shouldnt want the show because they are just going to complain about the changes. I will have to agree with him. Although I like the show, many arent going to like the fact that Starbuck is a female now and she is attracted to Apollo.
I dont see the issue.
We all know the original Starbuck, Dirk Benedict, wanted Apollo, Richard Hatch. He was in denial. Ha! Ha! (This is a joke. This is the part where you snicker.)
* Ruben Studdard. This article notes out the American Idol winner is proud to be where he is, regardless that his friend, Clay Aiken, has made larger strides in the music world.
Granted, I dont listen to either of these artists, but still a good gesture.
* The judge that allowed screeners to be sent out to the Academy viewers. This will prevent us being limited to Rob Schneider and David Spade up for an award.
Boos must go to:
* The BCS. As Joe Theisman said, drop the C in the name because thats what it is.
What else can you call a forum that doesnt have the #1 and #2 teams playing for the championship?
* Indiana University. The College of Law took took down their Christmas tree under pressure of the students. The tree was originally decorated with maps of the world and non-denominational ornaments in order to show diversity.
Apparently that wasnt enough.
* The woman from Joe Average. This was the show that allowed a beautiful woman choose an average looking male, not some model or body builder.
By choosing the extremely handsome guy that lives with his parents and was placed into the game as a distraction, she once again proved what women are really after.
Major setback for those trying to break the female stereotypes and major proof for the angst of many divorced men.
* Abercrombie & Fitch. The clothing company has recalled their Fall catalog. Parent Advocacy groups didnt like seeing this type of thing marketed to their kids.
So what if its racy? Excuse me, but these catalogs were bought and paid for by those persons above the age of 18.
Why were you letting your kids look at it if you didnt want them to see it?
New Term Meaning Nothing
Speaking of which, parents are being warned about violent videogames by the typical groups. They are now giving these types of games killographic.
Nice name; same weak message.
Games such as these are geared for teens and above. If your kids arent mature enough to distinguish between fantasy and reality, then dont buy it for them.
Hmm.. I wonder if the gaming industry can file a suit against these groups for using a term that they find offensive?
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Out in The Yard
Tenant shoots landlord over rent raise. Great. Another smart guy ruining it for the rest of us lawful gun owners.
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Carjacker wrestles gun from police officer, but gets beaten by other citizens. One more for the good guys!
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Background Noise
Hold Back The Rain by Duran Duran
And if the fires burn out
There is only vital blame..
Hold back the rain...
No time for worry
Cause we're on the roam again...
Hold back the rain....
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* We keep driving into the night
* Its a late goodbye
* Such a late good bye
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Hello?! We Need More Toilet Liners! -- from a sign hanging in the men's room at work. I didnt realize this was an issue.
Tower View
Although it was pretty typical quiet Thanksgiving at the Castle, there were some memorable moments:
Freeze Frame
A local bicycle dealer had sponsored a 30 mile road ride on Thanksgiving. So on a cold holiday morning, nearly 50 cyclists gathered to fly on the road; myself included.
How I got talked into riding at 7:15a on a holiday is beyond me. It wasnt that long ago, that I wouldnt even consider waking up before 8a. And then in the absolute cold weather...??
I practically froze my hands every time I touched the metal frame of my bike, even with my gloves on...
What happened to me? I used to be cool?!
On the other hand, I cant wait to do it again. There is something exhilirating about riding in cold weather.
Probably because all the blood has frozen in my head...
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Time For Dinner
Since I helped schedule this year's dinner, I had to tell my cousins, their boyfriends, and the rest of the family what time to be at the parents' home.
As an Asian family, we tend to be the bad when it comes to being on time, especially for our own functions. But as Asian females, my cousins are the worst of the bunch. These four girls would be late to their own funeral.
Since dinner was going to be 4:30, the best thing to do would be to plan ahead.
I told the girls to be at the house at 3p while I told the rest of the family to be there at 4p. Sure enough, they all showed up at 4:15.
When they asked why I told them to be there so early, I just looked at my watch and said "What time did you show up? Now you know why I told you 3p..."
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Then There Was The Pie
Two of the older cousins, Jane and Kaye, were fighting over this Oreo pie. They were both determined to be the first to get a slice of this pie. Nothing can be more funny than watching two 20 something year olds madly scrambling for a pie while its still in the box.
Nothing that is, but perhaps watching the shocked look on Kaye's face as she dropped the box on the floor. With the pie still in it....
Or perhaps the shocked look on Jane's face when she dropped her salvaged slice of pie on Kaye's boyfriend...
Its a good thing I really didnt want any of that pie.
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One World, One Nation
For the fantasy role playing game community, Everquest is one of the most popular online titles.
Recently in a single night, nearly 200 players spent over 3 hours in order to defeat a creature that was supposed to be unbeatable. This monster was supposed to be so tremendous that no one would dare attack such a thing.
But then three large factions combined their forces and worked together to defeat this foe. The screen shot can be found here.
Most would think this was a waste of time, but then how many of us can say that we've worked with 200 hundred other people in order to accomplish what was supposed to be impossible?
There might be hope for we humans, yet.
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Out in The Yard
Here's a film clip called The Money Shot. Definately not safe for work, this short film series was created for internet viewers and gives a humorous view of the adult industry. Too bad there were only seven episodes made.
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Joey Lauren Adams was arrested for drunk driving. I wonder if she was Chasing Amy at the time?
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Man steals over 200 pairs of panties. Did he look anything like this?
Background Noise
The Remedy by Jason Mraz
The remedy
Is the experience
Its a dangerous laison...
I say the comedy
Is thats its serious...
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* We keep driving into the night
* Its a late goodbye
* Such a late good bye
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The Steward
