Because I am a sheep:


I don't know how I got that one. I didn't care much for the choices on some of the questions though.

On to other things. Shameless selfpromotion 3.0. I've got a new article up on my friends website Intellectual Wastebasket . It is about the FCC, censorship, and my belief that more regulation - not less - will allow for less government censorship. Give it a read and let me know what you think. It is under the News and Politics Section, entitled "The Three Fs"

I was also wondering what everyone thought about this article from the Washington Times:

By Greg Pierce
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Published July 12, 2004
'Outing' lawmakers
As part of their denunciation of the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment, some homosexual activists are waging a campaign to "out" homosexual lawmakers and aides who work on Capitol Hill, Roll Call and the Washington Blade report.
Homosexual activists Mike Rogers and John Aravosis are leading the campaign, and there are nearly 20 Capitol Hill offices now on a target list, the Washington Blade reported Friday.
Mr. Rogers already alerted Sen. James M. Inhofe, Oklahoma Republican, that one of his aides is openly homosexual outside of work, Roll Call reported Thursday. Mr. Inhofe supports the marriage amendment, which is up for a Senate vote this week.
And an ad in Friday's Blade issues a "final call to conscience" to Capitol Hill lawmakers who support the amendment, their aides and members of the administration. "If you are gay, end your silence," the ad states. "Stop aiding and abetting those who would make us second-class citizens."
The ad was sponsored by DontAmend.com and Mr. Aravosis' Web site, DearMary.com, which aims to convince Vice President Dick Cheney's lesbian daughter, Mary, to urge her father to drop his support for the amendment.
The ad addresses "all the Mary Cheneys in Washington, D.C., and beyond" as well as "all those who claim to support our community but devote their careers to politicians who attack and demonize us," and "all those who are self-loathing or self-serving." It warns, "For years our silence has protected you. Today that protection ends."
Mr. Aravosis and Mr. Rogers also claimed in the last week to have "outed via the Web" Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski, Maryland Democrat, and Rep. Mark Foley, Florida Republican, the Blade said.
Days after Mr. Aravosis claimed on his Web site that Miss Mikulski is a lesbian, she issued a statement saying she will vote against the marriage amendment, the Blade reported. And although Mr. Foley said months ago he will vote against the marriage amendment, the Blade reported, Mr. Aravosis "purported to out Foley as well, taking him to task for supporting President Bush," who has endorsed the amendment.
The aide from Mr. Inhofe's office who was targeted by Mr. Rogers told the Blade, "The agenda behind this outing seems to be kind of fascist. It says to me: Because you don't subscribe to our personal idea, because you don't choose to push sexual politics over environmental, we're going to punish you."

Do you think aides to lawmakers should be outed if the lawmaker supports the amendment banning gay marriage, as they are aiding those who support it? Or do you think that just because an aide works for a legislator, that doesn't mean that they have to share the same views as the legislator and should not be outed because of their boss's views? Let me know cause I am really curious what people outside of "The Beltway" think of something like this.

That is all for now. Stay out of trouble and let me know what you think.

That is craziness MK. [inlink]mk,110[/inlink] I especially enjoy the parts of my journal that they mention. "Kiss our e-strip ass Kevin Bacon. ...young?' and 'Sex with a minor, don't go there'" That is great.

So I was supposed to go wave goodbye to Bush when he leaves the White House in his helicopter on the south lawn tomorrow, but the person in my office who got the reservations can't go anymore so that is off. Oh well. He said we would reschedule, and at least now I don't have to be at work by 7 when I don't work until 1.

Hope all is well with every one. Wish I could be partyin' hearty with you all. Oh Well. Next time. That is all for now, but always remember what the coaster says: "Sex with a minor, don't go there"

Nothing too exciting has been going on with me lately.

I lost the bet and was the first one out. I lasted a week. In the end, I gave up because I had to get some work done. I procrastinate so badly in everything that I can find anything to distract me. I was avoiding writing an article and all I could think about was sex, so I gave in. I guess the cheap bastard is not as powerful as my "natural urges"

I saw the fireworks on the Mall for the 4th. It was really nice. There were no gaps between fireworks, they were one after the other. I especially liked one where it looked like a normal firework but sparkly. Once it explodes, each dot of light, then swirls creating this really cool effect. It looks like a dandelion when they have gone to see. My favorites are still plain and simple ones that are really really big. I have to admit though, the noise still makes me jump a little. When I was younger, I had to plug my ears the whole time because I couldn't take the loud noise. The tortures of being a sensitive guy.

Interesting sighting. Today when I got out of work, I was walking from my building past the West Wing of the White House and there is this guy standing alone across the street. He looks sort of familiar but I don't say anything. The exit we usually leave was locked so we had to tur around and go the other way. We passed him again and my boss whispers to me: that is Karl Rove. It was pretty cool. He was getting into his Jaguar at the time. It was neat being that close to him and being able to just walk up to him and say hi if I wanted to. I know I am a poli-sci nerd and normal people don't know/care who he is (here is a bio from the Left one from the Middle and one scary Rove Website from the Right *note these were just the first few things that came up in a google search, I scanned them but I have no idea if they are the best sources), but I am and that is why I am in DC and working in the "White House" (at least next to it).

In continuing with how I am a poli-sci nerd and my obsession with political porn, here is my latest installment.



This was at the Drudge Report under the headline: "Kerry Picks Mate"

That is all. I'm sad that I missed Ben Folds, the Goo Goo Dolls and Ani. It sucks that I am missing the Taste of B-lo this weekend too. I will just have to break out some Salen's hot dogs from the five pound bag in my freezer that I brought back with me.

In honor of the reinvigoration of election year porn, here is a classic from the 2000 race. If you know me, you already know what it is and what sound is to be made in conjuction with its viewing. Here it is. Enjoy!

• obnoxious slurping/sucking sound

My Roommates and I currently have a bet going on abstaining from selfpleasure. The first two to break down have to put in $5 to our "party fund." Unlike some bets, this is not total abstinence from sex, just self pleasure. You can do whatever you want as long as it is with someone else, and you aren't paying them. (Not that that will help me). It will be interesting. The bet started last saturday and we are all still in. Everyone has me going out first, but hopefully the cheap bastard in me can overrule my urges.

On to other sex/relationship talk, I have to give props to teres "beast" on her comments and the discussion it sparked. It has been really interesting reading everyone's views on that crazy little thing called love (whether physical or emotional). I really enjoyed your response MK. That is all I am going to say about that here.

On to Kenmore cops. My favorite Kenmore cop story is one time when I was hanging out in front of Kenmore West and a fight started and at least two Kenmore Police cars got there way before the school security guards came even close to it. The joys of suburbia.

That is all for now. I am procrastinating on writing an article for Intellectual Wastebasket. I really should do that. Maybe I will or maybe I will just go to sleep. Stay out of trouble, and for all those looking for a good time - no glove. no love.

Due to my early mornings, I have to catch a 5:52 bus at the end of my street. IT sucks waking up that early but I've addressed that previously. Riding that bus is very bizarre because it is not like there are people on the bus who just missed the bus before it and normal people don't wake up that early just to go somewhere. The people on that bus are there because they have to be on that specific bus. As a result, It is the same people on the bus every day. On top of that, everyone sits in the same seats every day- myself included. And noone says anything to anyone else. It is just very eerie getting on that every morning. It is kind of like the movie groundhog day except that I am not changing, but embracing the pattern. This brings up the topic of humans and patterns. Once people start doing something someway, it seems like they keep doing it that way until they can't. Take for example sitting in seats at a class. Most people will sit in the same seat week after week- even if there are no assigned seats and even when they become friends with someone else in the class. They just keep sitting in the same seat because that is where they always have sat. It is just interesting, especially when it is so pronounced as in my morning bus ride. Just a thought.

Today was not the best of days. First off, I woke up at 3:30 from a really scary dream. There was a huge thunder storm and it was the end of the world (I've been sacred of the end of the world since I saw a movie about the Rapture (simply put when God beams up all the christians before the world ends) in the fourth grade, but that is a whole other entry). When I woke up I was all paranoid. To make it worse, we rarely lock our apartment doors both to our patio (we are on the first floor but it is raise but you can still climb up into it) and our door too the hall (all the people in our building go to AU because the university leases it and plus it is not even a quarter full for the summer). So then I started geting wierded out about that. I had to force myself back to sleep cause I had to get up in another hour cause I am working the early shift this week (I have to be AT work at 6:30 AM).

When I left for work, I was half way down the street to the bus stop when I realized I had forgot my glasses and I had forgot to put on cologne (I am paranoid about smelling bad).

When I got to work things seemed to be going well as I got the news summary done before my boss got into work. But when my supervisor got in, I was chastized for not answering the phone fast enough. She was very nice about it, but it still was a kick in the balls. I don't answer it fast because sometimes she knows it is for her and gets it, so I would wait a second to see if she gets it before I do. I also wasn't quick to answer the phone because I dislike talking on the phone to people I don't know. See previous entry [inlink]jessbob,3[/inlink].

Then, while reading the washington post online, I found an article that I had failed to put in the news summary that specifically mentioned OMB. While scanning it I didn't notice because the first part was about the torture memo, but it turned out to be about all the memos that have been leaked by the administration- Including an OMB memo. I was force to email the article out to all my bosses apologizing for missing it. It was thoroughly embarassing. My supervisor tried to make me feel better by saying "good job catching it." I then pointed out the fact that my own incompetence is the reason for sending out the email. I"m glad my supervisor is nice about things even when I am the moron.

In response to Beast's IMs, I"m fine, just lazy. That's why I haven't changed my away message. Don't worry.

That is all for now. I have to go to bed so I can wake up at 4:30 tomorrow morning. Wooo Hooo.

I bought the Reno 911 DVD the other day. It is such a funny show. I highly reccommend it. If you do like that show, I reccommend the British show The Office. It is out here on DVD. It is the same fake reality TV show format. It is essentially about how awkward and inappropriate the people can be. Because it is British is makes some offensive jokes that American TV couldn't get away with. They only made 12 episodes and then the directors just didn't want to ruin it so they stopped making it. Anyway I highly reccommend it.

I would also like to do something I forgot to in my last entry - welcome maureen. I know you had/have your reservations about the whole online journal thing, but I hope that doesn't stop you from posting a lot. That way I can stalk you too and it isn't as weird because at least I know you. Anyway welcome.

Hmmmmmm. Tomorrow night I am going to my friend nate's b-day party. That should be fun. My roommates are all going to go in for a gift but we don't know what we are getting him yet. I figure worse comes to worse we can always pick something up for him at a sex shop. We'll see.

I really enjoy your theory on people in their cars at beaches Terry. [inlink]terry,254[/inlink] I don't know if TV and computer screens actually have anything to do with it, but it is a great theory if only on the cleverness of it.

I guess that is all. Always remember: red on yellow - kill a fellow; red on black - venom lack (but you will still need a tetanus shot)

As I haven't posted anything in a while, I figured I should do a quick one before I go to work.

First off, big props to paul on the AIM addition.

Second, Shameless selfpromotion 2.0, I posted another article at my friends website on DC's soon to start ban on hand-held cell phones on driving. It is essentially the same law NY has now. I am not a big fan of either law and the article explains why. Check it out if you feel like it. Let me know what you think. It is at www.intellectualwastebasket.com under the "News & Politics" called "Olczak: Cell Phone Regulations."

Third, I finally got my ID for work, which is cool because I don't have to be cleared into the building each time. But it also means I have to start working mornings next week. Nothing says fun like having to be at work at 6:30 am and the only way to get there is thru public transport. We'll see what happens.

Fourth, I am late for work. I will update for real soon. Bye.

I don't read entries for one day and madness ensues. I'm sorry about the whole stituation, whatever it may be. I know I don't know most of you, but I feel like I do just because I read all of your journal entries. This whole blogging thing is a pretty wierd experience. Especially because, though I don't know most of you, there is only one or two degrees of seperation between us. Kiss our e-strip ass Kevin Bacon.

Speaking of my stalking, a reccommendation for the site if you read this Paul. With the addition of all the new people, I would reccomend expanding the "Last Ten" list. Because so many people now update, when I check for new journal entries I have to now click on "more." It would make it a whole lot easier if there were more listed right there sans click.

I burnt my arm on my iron today. I hurt like heck and now I have a huge line down my arm. And to those that know me, No I wasn't ironing my shirt while it was on me.

Hmmmmm. That is all for now. I just want to say I love you all (though I may or may not actually know you). In the words of Jerry Springer: Take care of yourselves and each another.

Yesterday my roommate and I went to see the movie Control Room. It recently opened at a local film festival, the AFI Silverdocs, and it is a documentary about the coverage of the Iraq War on al Jazeera. I highly reccomend it and believe everyone should see it simply on the basis that it gives you an insight into the way the Arab world views Americans. It was a very eye opening experience. Most of the movies is filmed as the behind the scenes coverage of the station, with interviews of the staff and managers of the station that explain their position on things and how and why they broadcast certain things that they got heavily criticized for by the Bush administration. Just to warn you I am about to spoil the end for you - not that it really is a spoiler because it is a documentary. One of the most interesting things in the movie is the exchanges between a US soldier who is one of the American press officials. He is not the guy that gives the big press conferences, but is who the media interview afterwards for clarifications of the US position. He is a good character because he represents the "average American" perception of the conflict. He is not high military brass. As the movie progresses he starts to gain an understanding of the Arab culture and how they view America. One of the best exchenges he has is with an al Jazeera reporter that once worked for the BBC. In trying to explain the American position and how Americans view this conflict in relation to the one in Isreal, the BBC reporter interrupts him and says, "I understand what you are saying, and I understand how the west sees these as two different conflicts, but the Arab world sees them as one. Though the REALLY bad things Isreal does are not done by Americans, the Arab world sees them as one in the same." The soldier responds: "That is interesting. Because if everyone in Arab world sees the Isreal conflict and the Iraq war as linked. There is noone in America that would even think of those two things as the same. The two countries could be on opposite sides of the world for how Americans view the conflict." It was really interesting to hear that those two conflict are considered one by the Arab world. I would never ever think that. That revelation alone is worth the price of the ticket. I think all Americans should see that movie so they can understand how the Arab world views us. That is a really important element that has been overlooked in our approach to foreign policy. Unfortunately, I doubt many will see this movie, and many of those that do aren't the ones that need to see it most.

This leads into another documentary I saw this past week - The Fog of War . It was another amazing and eye opening movie. It is set up as a series of life lessons that Secretary of Defense Robert McNamera (he held that position during the Kennedy and Johnson Administrations for the start and escalation of Vietnam) One of the points he made directly ties into Control Room - Empathize with your enemies. He explains that how we viewed the Vietnam conflict was so strongly from our view that we did not realize that it was viewed by them as a fight for independence. When he went to Vietnam years later and met with his counterparts on the opposite side, and they were telling them how they viewed the war and how they would never be puppets of the Chinese because they hated the Chinese was a revelation to him. He goes on to say that Vietnam failed because we failed to understand this critical fact about our enemy. I think this can be applied to the current war. Because we do not understand the Arab world and how they view us, we will never be successful. That is why everyone needs to see the movie Control Room. Another interesting thing I learned from Fog of War was how close we actually were to nuclear war during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Castro had essentially told Kruschev that he sho
ul
d fire the missiles, even though it would mean total annihilation for Cuba. It was really quite scary. I highly reccomend that movie as well.

Sorry to get so political on your ass in this journal. To change topics: How to Disappear Completely is an amazing song and the entire Kid A album is one of the greates albums of all time. That is all. Thank you. Bye.