Ok, I did it!
I just booked myself on a cruise, all alone, for my vacation! I'm a little scared, but super-excited. I've never been on a cruise before. Found this on Southwest's "travel deals" page. 5 night mexican cruise (cozumel etc) to/from new orleans. On Carnival. What a huge range of prices... From about $300 to >$1500 depending on the room, etc. And I had to pay a "single supplement" since I'm only one person in a 2-person room, but it was still fairly reasonable (or so I'm told by my cruise-veteran friends). I was hoping to spend an extra day in new orleans, but flights were too expensive and then I'd need an extra night of hotel, blah blah. But I'll have a few hours on either end, and the cruise ships dock downtown- maybe I'll have just enough time for some beignets at Cafe du Monde. Or maybe I can see if my old house is standing.
Yay!!
Let the countdown begin! T-14 days!
Ok, back to working on my presentation for tomorrow. Blah. I have been procrastinating for 3 days on it. And of course now I seem to be getting a cold and all I want to do is go to bed. :( But instead I'll stay up til 1 doing a shitty job on this powerpoint, and then have to take call tomorrow. But who cares! I'm going on vacation!!!!!!!
Jenks's Journal
My Podcast Link
04/17/2007 21:08 #38934
Woohoo!!!Category: vacation
04/17/2007 13:16 #38928
Virginia shootingCategory: :(
To call this all a tragedy is obviously an understatement. Looks like the kid was a senior, a Korean national, who had been treated for depression in the past. Seems like he left a note railing against "deceitful charlatans" and "rich kids".
But this coverage is what brought tears to my eyes- a professor, a holocaust survivor no less, used his body to block the door in an attempt to save his students. He was, of course, killed, but I guess did manage to save some people.
At least there are still SOME truly selfless people in the world...
Heartbreaking. :(
But this coverage is what brought tears to my eyes- a professor, a holocaust survivor no less, used his body to block the door in an attempt to save his students. He was, of course, killed, but I guess did manage to save some people.
At least there are still SOME truly selfless people in the world...
Among the dead was a professor, Liviu Librescu. Students who were in Librescu's engineering class at Norris Hall told the Tribune late Monday that the professor tried to protect the students in his class when they realized a gunmen was loose in the building.
Alec Calhoun was in Librescu's solid mechanics engineering class when gunfire erupted in the room next door. He said Librescu, went to the door and pushed himself against it in case the shooter tried to come in.
Librescu, an Israeli, was born in Romania and was known internationally for his research in aeronautical engineering.
Heartbreaking. :(
metalpeter - 04/17/07 18:29
Firstly it is a sad. Secondly what really makes it worse is that it was preventable. I Don't mean in terms of what the school could have done. Even if they would have made kids not go to class, I'm sure then this guy would have then just shot kids somewhere else at the school. The reason I say it was preventable was that when someone in College feels isolated and alone (like he seemed to from what I have read) They should try and get out of that school. The thing that is odd is that this sounds like a case of something that would happen in a high school. Once couseler where talking to him they should have thought lets make sure this kid isn't violent. For those reasons is why I find it sad. What I wonder is if anyone at the school helped to make him feel isolated, if so I doubt we will ever find out.
Now to get a little bit Political here. Firstly I'm not a fan of guns. I don't think Kids in college should have them, that is a deadly combo. But that being said If some else had a gun then maybe they could have shot him during the rampage and not as many people would have been hurt and killed. I often don't agree with Bush but this is one time that I do that laws shouldn't be changed. I do think that Gun Safety and training should be required to buy a gun. I have read to conflicting bits of info. A guy who sold him the gun where he bought it said there was no reason not to since he had no record of mental instabilty. But yet another article said that the serial number where rubbed off. So if this is the case then I guess one gun was illegal but why do that if you bought one, so I'm a little confused.
But this brings up another point. Is it just me or have there been a lot of shootings lately that had nothing to do with robbery. I think it may have something to do with our society being so pollarised. But that is just a theory that so many people don't know how to deal with things and that there is the big gap between people and if you don't think this way then you have to think that way and there is no in between. Ah I don't know in any event it is to bad what Happened.
Firstly it is a sad. Secondly what really makes it worse is that it was preventable. I Don't mean in terms of what the school could have done. Even if they would have made kids not go to class, I'm sure then this guy would have then just shot kids somewhere else at the school. The reason I say it was preventable was that when someone in College feels isolated and alone (like he seemed to from what I have read) They should try and get out of that school. The thing that is odd is that this sounds like a case of something that would happen in a high school. Once couseler where talking to him they should have thought lets make sure this kid isn't violent. For those reasons is why I find it sad. What I wonder is if anyone at the school helped to make him feel isolated, if so I doubt we will ever find out.
Now to get a little bit Political here. Firstly I'm not a fan of guns. I don't think Kids in college should have them, that is a deadly combo. But that being said If some else had a gun then maybe they could have shot him during the rampage and not as many people would have been hurt and killed. I often don't agree with Bush but this is one time that I do that laws shouldn't be changed. I do think that Gun Safety and training should be required to buy a gun. I have read to conflicting bits of info. A guy who sold him the gun where he bought it said there was no reason not to since he had no record of mental instabilty. But yet another article said that the serial number where rubbed off. So if this is the case then I guess one gun was illegal but why do that if you bought one, so I'm a little confused.
But this brings up another point. Is it just me or have there been a lot of shootings lately that had nothing to do with robbery. I think it may have something to do with our society being so pollarised. But that is just a theory that so many people don't know how to deal with things and that there is the big gap between people and if you don't think this way then you have to think that way and there is no in between. Ah I don't know in any event it is to bad what Happened.
04/16/2007 20:02 #38920
car humor?Category: pix
Ok, I'm probably the only person in the world dorky enough to like this, but I just had to take my car in and saw this at the dealer and thought it was cute:
(and in case it's too small to read, it says 'does this sweater make me look fast?' And on the back it says 'unleash a MINI')
(and in case it's too small to read, it says 'does this sweater make me look fast?' And on the back it says 'unleash a MINI')
mrmike - 04/17/07 09:41
Got to love the Mini Cooper humor. I still have the cardboard folding minis that dropped out of my rolling stone a few months ago.
I still want one
Got to love the Mini Cooper humor. I still have the cardboard folding minis that dropped out of my rolling stone a few months ago.
I still want one
04/14/2007 21:09 #38889
Craigslist rocks.Ok, so last weekend, I had dinner at Trattoria Aroma with some people from work. And then my friend was going to meet me there for a drink. But he was totally late, and I was sitting at the bar, alone, for quite a while. (and then he went on to be a jerk anyway).
But so while I was waiting for him, I was checking out this guy at the end of the bar... he was pretty cute, clean cut, preppy- my kind of guy, sitting there with a friend having dinner and wine. They were conveniently sitting right under the TV, so I could check him out while pretending to watch hockey.
Later on I figured 'what the hell' and put a 'missed connection' message on Craigslist. I never expect these things to work, but figured what the hell. I wrote something about how he was there with a friend in a green sweater.
And then today, a week later, I get this message- Granted, it could be totally fake- I have no way to know he's not some random guy answering a random ad (I guess I should make him give me some identifying info, shouldn't I?)-
But in any case, the fact that I got a reply at all just blows my mind. And it's a pretty funny one at that-
Sweet! I mean I don't know that I actually want to meet him or anything- I'm just amused that I got an answer.
and (e:mike), I'm with you. drama=fun. Some of the time, at least.
But so while I was waiting for him, I was checking out this guy at the end of the bar... he was pretty cute, clean cut, preppy- my kind of guy, sitting there with a friend having dinner and wine. They were conveniently sitting right under the TV, so I could check him out while pretending to watch hockey.
Later on I figured 'what the hell' and put a 'missed connection' message on Craigslist. I never expect these things to work, but figured what the hell. I wrote something about how he was there with a friend in a green sweater.
And then today, a week later, I get this message- Granted, it could be totally fake- I have no way to know he's not some random guy answering a random ad (I guess I should make him give me some identifying info, shouldn't I?)-
But in any case, the fact that I got a reply at all just blows my mind. And it's a pretty funny one at that-
We were, in fact, at Trattoria Aroma having dinner at the end of the bar that night. Here is the problem: My friend and I cannot figure out what we were wearing that night and are at each other's throats claiming the other was wearing the green sweater. I think he's full of shit. Either way, we have to meet, and considering you went through the trouble of initiating a misconnect, please suggest a situation that is most comfortable to you.
Sweet! I mean I don't know that I actually want to meet him or anything- I'm just amused that I got an answer.
and (e:mike), I'm with you. drama=fun. Some of the time, at least.
metalpeter - 04/15/07 11:35
I could be wrong about this, but I bet somehow this is going to lead to you being asked into another threesome somehow. What ever happens have fun.
I could be wrong about this, but I bet somehow this is going to lead to you being asked into another threesome somehow. What ever happens have fun.
mrmike - 04/14/07 22:14
Careful what you list for....just sayin
Careful what you list for....just sayin
04/12/2007 17:52 #38865
coupla things1: woohoo, my computer is fixed!
2: the gave me an estimate on my car- they're saying $150. No, I did not forget a zero. I would love it if they're right, but somehow I doubt it.
3: Cutest puppies ever! And I love that there's one named Wally.
4: I can't believe they fired Imus. Yes, what he said was wrong, but really. I think that's ridiculous.
2: the gave me an estimate on my car- they're saying $150. No, I did not forget a zero. I would love it if they're right, but somehow I doubt it.
3: Cutest puppies ever! And I love that there's one named Wally.
4: I can't believe they fired Imus. Yes, what he said was wrong, but really. I think that's ridiculous.
jason - 04/13/07 08:38
Peter, I don't think it's a case necessarily where the corporations want CONTROL over Imus or his job. By agreeing to advertise with him, they are essentially buying HIM as a spokesperson. They don't want to be associated with him now and I don't blame them because they will most certainly feel pressure from many of the same people who laid into Imus already. They don't want to be known as a friend to a racist.
Peter, I don't think it's a case necessarily where the corporations want CONTROL over Imus or his job. By agreeing to advertise with him, they are essentially buying HIM as a spokesperson. They don't want to be associated with him now and I don't blame them because they will most certainly feel pressure from many of the same people who laid into Imus already. They don't want to be known as a friend to a racist.
uncutsaniflush - 04/12/07 23:18
My advice to everyone who thinks that Don Imus was unfairly treated is to contact MSNBC and CBS Radio and demand that Imus gets his job back. If enough people do it, Imus will be back.
Personally, I'll shed no tears for Imus. Perhaps it is a sign of our progress as a nation that, at the very least, we pretend that we don't approve of racist and sexist humor.
I believe in near absolute free speech so I wish Imus well in finding a new home for his brand of humor. Just because I don't want to listen to him doesn't mean that I want to prevent anyone else from doing so. Perhaps he can join Howard (no K.) Stern on the satellite. If enough people want to listen to Imus, I'm sure someone or some corporation will give him another chance.
My concern is Katie Adams, Matee Ajavon, Essence Carson, Dee Dee Jernigan, Rashidat Junaid, Myia McCurdy, Epiphanny Prince, Judith Brittany Ray, Kia Vaugh, and Heather Zurich. This is the Rutgers Womens Basketball Team.
No matter how successful they are or even what their race is, these women will forever be known as Don Imus's "nappy-headed hos".
He robbed them and their family and friends and fellow students from the satisfaction and enjoyment of their success. Instead being champions, they are "nappy-headed hos." I'm a White Male so I'm sure that I don't really understand what these women went through; but I've got to think that it's not a good feeling to know that no matter how good you are at what you do that someone will make racist and sexist jokes at your expense and millions will laugh. And to make matter worse, even more millions won't even get what the fuss is about.
My advice to everyone who thinks that Don Imus was unfairly treated is to contact MSNBC and CBS Radio and demand that Imus gets his job back. If enough people do it, Imus will be back.
Personally, I'll shed no tears for Imus. Perhaps it is a sign of our progress as a nation that, at the very least, we pretend that we don't approve of racist and sexist humor.
I believe in near absolute free speech so I wish Imus well in finding a new home for his brand of humor. Just because I don't want to listen to him doesn't mean that I want to prevent anyone else from doing so. Perhaps he can join Howard (no K.) Stern on the satellite. If enough people want to listen to Imus, I'm sure someone or some corporation will give him another chance.
My concern is Katie Adams, Matee Ajavon, Essence Carson, Dee Dee Jernigan, Rashidat Junaid, Myia McCurdy, Epiphanny Prince, Judith Brittany Ray, Kia Vaugh, and Heather Zurich. This is the Rutgers Womens Basketball Team.
No matter how successful they are or even what their race is, these women will forever be known as Don Imus's "nappy-headed hos".
He robbed them and their family and friends and fellow students from the satisfaction and enjoyment of their success. Instead being champions, they are "nappy-headed hos." I'm a White Male so I'm sure that I don't really understand what these women went through; but I've got to think that it's not a good feeling to know that no matter how good you are at what you do that someone will make racist and sexist jokes at your expense and millions will laugh. And to make matter worse, even more millions won't even get what the fuss is about.
mrmike - 04/12/07 18:55
Nice doggies.
In regards to Imus, the firings since there are two now seem a little disingenuous since the radio and tv networks already metered out one punishment. When popular opinion wasn't enough, they went further. I'm all for taking a stand, but to take a number of stands makes it hard to take MSNBC and CBS truly seriously.
I think he's an assclown, but they knew what they were getting, especially since he's been in trouble for this type of thing before. Hopefully it does get people talking instead of just giving Al Sharpton yet another soapbox
Nice doggies.
In regards to Imus, the firings since there are two now seem a little disingenuous since the radio and tv networks already metered out one punishment. When popular opinion wasn't enough, they went further. I'm all for taking a stand, but to take a number of stands makes it hard to take MSNBC and CBS truly seriously.
I think he's an assclown, but they knew what they were getting, especially since he's been in trouble for this type of thing before. Hopefully it does get people talking instead of just giving Al Sharpton yet another soapbox
metalpeter - 04/12/07 18:32
Glad you brought it up cause I was going to but I can say it as a comment. Them firing him is complete bullshit. The Reason is that he didn't lie he stated his opinion. I think that it is ok if you think Black women are what he said they are and it is ok to say that. I also think it is ok for people who think interacial dating is good and people who publicly support it. The fact of the matter is that there are whites who hate blacks, blacks who hate Puerto Ricans, Puerto Ricans who hate mexicans, Whites who hate all forgeiners, Blacks who hate whites. The point I'm trying to get at is that there is a lot of racism in this country and there all ways will be. See there is this double standard that you can be biased in silince and behind closed doors but you can't say it publicly. It is kinda like when you where a kid and everyone wacked off but no one could say they did type of thing. Then what happens is you have people who don't want to look racist so as soon as someone says something then they go oh he has to go. See that way no one thinks they think that way.
I admit I like Chris Rock and think he is pretty funny. But a lot of his jokes are racist but I don't care cause they are funny. Chris rock isn't the only one who does them but he is the most famous one. If I where to repeat any of his blacks Vs. I'm not gonna say it you know what bit I mean jokes. I would tottaly get my ass kicked and I might deserve it. The same thing could be said about "You Might be a Redneck if" jokes. If someone who isn't from the south or country said those as a put down then there would be problems.
I also blame the companies that pulled there ads. Those companies have no balls. All those companies should have said "we don't agree with what he said, but we believe that he has the right to say what he wants" "we also believe that pulling are ads would wind up being a form of censoring" "we believe in our right to to free speach and would die for a man to have the right to say something we don't agree with". But all these companies see is the bottom line. But what they don't see is that we have freedom of speech in this country. It often seems like people want to not let the desenter speak. But what if the people who believe Imus and agree with him decide not to buy those products then those companies will wind up losing money.
This country is at a crossroads. I know that corporations shouldn't encourage hate but it wasn't really that long ago when they did. But if companies pull ads cause they don't like what is said on a Radio show what will be the next censorship. Will some one say that they think abortions are great and all the baby food companies and every company that owns them pulls there ads. What is to stop the corporate America from censoring all talk shows. All they have to do is pull there ads every time they here something they don't like. Then what will be next the companies get to read what will be said before it is said. That has happened before and looks like it may happen again soon. Ok my rant is over I hope some other people jump on this.
Glad you brought it up cause I was going to but I can say it as a comment. Them firing him is complete bullshit. The Reason is that he didn't lie he stated his opinion. I think that it is ok if you think Black women are what he said they are and it is ok to say that. I also think it is ok for people who think interacial dating is good and people who publicly support it. The fact of the matter is that there are whites who hate blacks, blacks who hate Puerto Ricans, Puerto Ricans who hate mexicans, Whites who hate all forgeiners, Blacks who hate whites. The point I'm trying to get at is that there is a lot of racism in this country and there all ways will be. See there is this double standard that you can be biased in silince and behind closed doors but you can't say it publicly. It is kinda like when you where a kid and everyone wacked off but no one could say they did type of thing. Then what happens is you have people who don't want to look racist so as soon as someone says something then they go oh he has to go. See that way no one thinks they think that way.
I admit I like Chris Rock and think he is pretty funny. But a lot of his jokes are racist but I don't care cause they are funny. Chris rock isn't the only one who does them but he is the most famous one. If I where to repeat any of his blacks Vs. I'm not gonna say it you know what bit I mean jokes. I would tottaly get my ass kicked and I might deserve it. The same thing could be said about "You Might be a Redneck if" jokes. If someone who isn't from the south or country said those as a put down then there would be problems.
I also blame the companies that pulled there ads. Those companies have no balls. All those companies should have said "we don't agree with what he said, but we believe that he has the right to say what he wants" "we also believe that pulling are ads would wind up being a form of censoring" "we believe in our right to to free speach and would die for a man to have the right to say something we don't agree with". But all these companies see is the bottom line. But what they don't see is that we have freedom of speech in this country. It often seems like people want to not let the desenter speak. But what if the people who believe Imus and agree with him decide not to buy those products then those companies will wind up losing money.
This country is at a crossroads. I know that corporations shouldn't encourage hate but it wasn't really that long ago when they did. But if companies pull ads cause they don't like what is said on a Radio show what will be the next censorship. Will some one say that they think abortions are great and all the baby food companies and every company that owns them pulls there ads. What is to stop the corporate America from censoring all talk shows. All they have to do is pull there ads every time they here something they don't like. Then what will be next the companies get to read what will be said before it is said. That has happened before and looks like it may happen again soon. Ok my rant is over I hope some other people jump on this.
james - 04/12/07 18:20
Imus has been saying that shit for years. My folks were telling me about some bit he did nearly 30 years ago that was even more racist. If anything, he should have been fired 20 years ago for not changing up his routine.
But, I sincerly hope stores do not pull his line of salsa, as it is delicious.
Imus has been saying that shit for years. My folks were telling me about some bit he did nearly 30 years ago that was even more racist. If anything, he should have been fired 20 years ago for not changing up his routine.
But, I sincerly hope stores do not pull his line of salsa, as it is delicious.
I hope you have a great time I'm sure you will. It is good that you know people who know a lot about cruises so you can get some advice. Yes you are there to have fun. That being said there is some planning invovled. Like do you want to explore each port itself or do you want to go on an excersion and what one. You know stuff like that. You also want to give your self extra time cause if you miss geting on the ship (unless you have cruise insurance) then the boat leaves and no cruise and you don't get your money back. With the ports of call you get strandend there. Every ship is different and has differant features and entertainment but being on the ship can be fun to. I have only been on one cruise but would like to go again they are a lot of fun. Unless of course you are that guy who feel off the boat was rescued and continued the cruise. Have a great time.
that's so awesome about the cruise... good for you!
the booze, yeah that's why my mom sneaks in bottles of vodka in her luggage, otherwise it's a couple of hundred extra.
Congradulations! I've always wanted to go on a cruise. Divertete!
so exciting! have fun, and, be crazy! cajun style.
enjoy! cruises sound fun but I can't imagine doing one by myself! I'm sure you will have a really good time though, good weather, good people, good drinks, what more do you need.!
Good for you ---- beignets at Cafe DuMonde, yum......sadly delicious. Chicory coffee is good food....
Enjoy and good luck on the presentation
Man, cruises are totally hokey and totally awesome at the same time. They're actually pretty economical too, since they're more or less all-inclusive. [Except they don't bill you for the booze until the end of the trip. THAT'S how they GETCHA.]
- Z