Courtesy of CNN:
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
I'll Take A Cheeseburger...Hold The Jesus
As a family, we tend to boycott companies that have business practices that we find deplorable. For a short time, we boycotted Target because of their financial support of an anti-gay candidate in Minnesota. Although we would have preferred to see them send a matching contribution to a gay cause, they have since apologized for their actions.
We boycott Whole Foods because of recent comments from their CEO. He was quoted as saying that Americans "have no intrinsic rights to health care, food or shelter". In a nutshell, he's a teabagger. He refuses to keep his opinions to himself, and Whole Foods continues to stand behind him.
We boycott Chick-Fil-A, primarily because they're bigoted evangelical assholes.
And we also boycott In-N-Out Burger. It's not that we don't like their cheeseburgers, it's the other stuff they try to shove down our throats. Until recently, I thought the restaurant's Christian connection was an urban legend. Then I did some reading. In-N-Out has been printing Bible verses on their cups and burger wrappers for 25 years or more. Here are some pictures:
On their cheeseburger wrappers:
In-N-Out has been privately owned by the Snyder family since the 40s. They have no stockholders to answer to and they don't franchise out their restaurants. They have a history of donating to GOP candidates and causes, but tend to keep their political views quiet. They may not go all out guerrilla Christian like their Chick-Fil-A counterparts(playing Christian music in their locations and closing for worship on Sundays), but they like to proselytize in their own subtle way.
I'm not offended that a burger place is owned by a Christian family. I'm sure the CEOs of Burger King and McDonalds are probably also Christian. What does offend me is a company that refuses to keep their beliefs out of my food. I don't want a Sunday school lesson with my dinner.
We boycott Whole Foods because of recent comments from their CEO. He was quoted as saying that Americans "have no intrinsic rights to health care, food or shelter". In a nutshell, he's a teabagger. He refuses to keep his opinions to himself, and Whole Foods continues to stand behind him.
We boycott Chick-Fil-A, primarily because they're bigoted evangelical assholes.
And we also boycott In-N-Out Burger. It's not that we don't like their cheeseburgers, it's the other stuff they try to shove down our throats. Until recently, I thought the restaurant's Christian connection was an urban legend. Then I did some reading. In-N-Out has been printing Bible verses on their cups and burger wrappers for 25 years or more. Here are some pictures:
On their cheeseburger wrappers:
Their Double Double wrappers:
Their shake cups:
And their soda cups:
In-N-Out has been privately owned by the Snyder family since the 40s. They have no stockholders to answer to and they don't franchise out their restaurants. They have a history of donating to GOP candidates and causes, but tend to keep their political views quiet. They may not go all out guerrilla Christian like their Chick-Fil-A counterparts(playing Christian music in their locations and closing for worship on Sundays), but they like to proselytize in their own subtle way.
I'm not offended that a burger place is owned by a Christian family. I'm sure the CEOs of Burger King and McDonalds are probably also Christian. What does offend me is a company that refuses to keep their beliefs out of my food. I don't want a Sunday school lesson with my dinner.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Father Of Disabled Teen Threatens Bullies
Found this on Boing Boing today. A man in Florida was arrested after boarding a school bus and threatening the kids that were bullying his disabled daughter. The boys had put open condoms on her head and smacked her repeatedly. The fuckers got off easy.
What I can't believe about this clip is how upset the boys' parents are. If it was my kid that was tormenting a girl with Cerebral Palsy, I would have told him that he got what he deserved. Then, I would have beat the shit out of him. Somehow, the parent defending his kid is painted as the bad guy, and not the teenage boys that had been regularly assaulting a girl with a disability. I don't get it.
What I can't believe about this clip is how upset the boys' parents are. If it was my kid that was tormenting a girl with Cerebral Palsy, I would have told him that he got what he deserved. Then, I would have beat the shit out of him. Somehow, the parent defending his kid is painted as the bad guy, and not the teenage boys that had been regularly assaulting a girl with a disability. I don't get it.
Interesting PSA From Singapore
In 2008, the Singapore government released two public service announcements under their "Breathe" campaign. The purpose of the campaign was to "encourage youth to choose (breathe in) life, truth and self-expression and not succumb to (breathe out) insecurity, pessimism, pressure and judgement. “Breathe” will also brand health as exciting, vibrant and an asset youth should treasure to help them achieve their fullest potential and ambitions in life." It appears that Singapore's Health Promotion Board, the agency that aired the commercials, doesn't view tattoos and body piercings as "self-expression". In fact, they liken it to binge drinking:
Those tattoos are obviously fake. You would think they could have at least found someone with real tattoos. Then again, maybe they weren't able to find an actor that was OK with the concept of being someone "that doesn't know when to stop".
Friday, September 17, 2010
Sacha Baron Cohen To Play Freddie Mercury In Biopic
Exciting movie news: Sacha Baron Cohen has just signed a deal to play Freddie Mercury in an upcoming biopic. Although it should be easy for him to look the part(he could be a ringer with the right makeup), it is unclear whether Cohen will actually sing Freddie's songs during filming.
The picture received a green light and promise of intellectual support from the surviving members of Queen. In fact, this is the first time that Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon have licensed songs and music publishing rights for a movie about the band. The rights package includes the use of We Are the Champions, Another One Bites the Dust, You're My Best Friend, We Will Rock You and Bohemian Rhapsody. Production is set to start sometime in 2011.
The picture is scripted to cover the early days of Queen through their Live Aid performance in 1985. At this time, there is no plan to make Mercury's final days a subject of the film. He died from complications of AIDS on November 24, 1991. It was his death that helped remove the stigma of those suffering with the AIDS virus.
The picture received a green light and promise of intellectual support from the surviving members of Queen. In fact, this is the first time that Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon have licensed songs and music publishing rights for a movie about the band. The rights package includes the use of We Are the Champions, Another One Bites the Dust, You're My Best Friend, We Will Rock You and Bohemian Rhapsody. Production is set to start sometime in 2011.
The picture is scripted to cover the early days of Queen through their Live Aid performance in 1985. At this time, there is no plan to make Mercury's final days a subject of the film. He died from complications of AIDS on November 24, 1991. It was his death that helped remove the stigma of those suffering with the AIDS virus.
Two Games I Might Buy A Wii For
I don't own a Wii, but I do have a PS3 and an XBox 360. The reason why I don't own a Wii is because Nintendo has had a history of neglecting the hardcore gamer and tends to focus their efforts toward the casual gamer and family demographic. Their lineup for this holiday season is no exception. There are two titles, however, that look like they may be worth investing in a Wii this Christmas.
First up is Michael Jackson: The Experience. It's a dancing game(which automatically puts it in the "will probably be lame" stack), that has you move along with Michael on screen. So far, Ubisoft, the game's developer, has announced ten original MJ tracks that will be featured in the game, including Smooth Criminal and Billie Jean.
Secondly, is Epic Mickey, a new game from Disney featuring Mickey Mouse. The internet has been blowing up over this game for close to a year. It's a Wii exclusive, and features an artistic style the likes of which have not been seen in a video game. It's clean, fluid, and at times, dark. Looks like it is geared more toward true gamers and not so much for the little kids. It comes out November 30.
Add to that the release of Rock Band 3 and DJ Hero 2, and I'm going to have a laundry list of games and systems to give to Santa this year. Now if I can just be a good boy until Christmas.
First up is Michael Jackson: The Experience. It's a dancing game(which automatically puts it in the "will probably be lame" stack), that has you move along with Michael on screen. So far, Ubisoft, the game's developer, has announced ten original MJ tracks that will be featured in the game, including Smooth Criminal and Billie Jean.
Secondly, is Epic Mickey, a new game from Disney featuring Mickey Mouse. The internet has been blowing up over this game for close to a year. It's a Wii exclusive, and features an artistic style the likes of which have not been seen in a video game. It's clean, fluid, and at times, dark. Looks like it is geared more toward true gamers and not so much for the little kids. It comes out November 30.
Add to that the release of Rock Band 3 and DJ Hero 2, and I'm going to have a laundry list of games and systems to give to Santa this year. Now if I can just be a good boy until Christmas.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Birth Control Lessons Withheld From Sex Ed Classes
A new study released today by the CDC finds that as many as one third of students do not receive birth control information during sex education classes. While 97 percent of high school students have received some form of formal sex education class, 62 percent of boys and 70 percent of girls report being taught about condoms and other forms of birth control. Interestingly, 92 percent of students were taught about STDs, and 87 percent of boys and 81 percent of girls were taught how to say no or abstain from sex.
Studies show that after years of steady declines, the birth rate among teens rose between 2005 and 2007, only to dip in 2008, after new comprehensive based sex education programs came into existence.
The study found the main reason for this misinformation was because the Bush Administration had a thing for funding religious based, abstinence only programs to educate our children. These programs have been proven to be ineffective at best. Since the Obama Administration has been in place, funds have been redirected toward programs that teach both abstinence and how to use birth control.
Studies show that after years of steady declines, the birth rate among teens rose between 2005 and 2007, only to dip in 2008, after new comprehensive based sex education programs came into existence.
Today, I Became A College Dropout
This afternoon, I signed the paperwork necessary to drop out of school. It's something I've been debating over the last couple of weeks, and, upon the advice of my doctor, thought it was the best decision to make. I was only going to class part time, but it was overwhelming. I have been at such a high stress level over the last week that I can't eat a meal without getting sick. That's not healthy. It came to a point where I realized I had to lighten my load, and school was the easiest thing for me to drop.
I may go back in the future. I don't know. I do know one thing: If I go back to school for massage therapy, it will be at a different campus. I can't imagine having to start all over again with my Professional Development teacher. He was such an asshole. He did nothing but single out and degrade students based upon how they dressed, the tattoos and piercings they had, etc. In Monday night's lecture he said, "Your commitment to help people should be more important than your tattoos and piercings." He then told us that we should remove any artwork or piercing he found "unprofessional". The following morning, I went to my local barber and got a mohawk. I couldn't stay in this guy's class until next March.
I liked what I learned, and I was good at it, but between the Tourette's and the PTSD, I'm not able to do this right now. I haven't been myself for weeks. I'm stressed out and pissed off all the time, and I am definitely not happy.
As to the future, my future, I don't know what I'm going to do. I just had my interview for my third level appeal for Social Security. It may take as long as 16 months to get a thumbs up or thumbs down on that. The company I have been working with has a 91% benefits approval rate at this level, so odds are in my favor. My long term disability is still set to expire next October. If I am forced to go back to work at that time, I don't know if I can handle it or not. I've been thinking about focusing on this blog and developing a following over the next year. Hopefully, in another 12 months, I can make a living writing. Hey, it can happen.
I may go back in the future. I don't know. I do know one thing: If I go back to school for massage therapy, it will be at a different campus. I can't imagine having to start all over again with my Professional Development teacher. He was such an asshole. He did nothing but single out and degrade students based upon how they dressed, the tattoos and piercings they had, etc. In Monday night's lecture he said, "Your commitment to help people should be more important than your tattoos and piercings." He then told us that we should remove any artwork or piercing he found "unprofessional". The following morning, I went to my local barber and got a mohawk. I couldn't stay in this guy's class until next March.
I liked what I learned, and I was good at it, but between the Tourette's and the PTSD, I'm not able to do this right now. I haven't been myself for weeks. I'm stressed out and pissed off all the time, and I am definitely not happy.
As to the future, my future, I don't know what I'm going to do. I just had my interview for my third level appeal for Social Security. It may take as long as 16 months to get a thumbs up or thumbs down on that. The company I have been working with has a 91% benefits approval rate at this level, so odds are in my favor. My long term disability is still set to expire next October. If I am forced to go back to work at that time, I don't know if I can handle it or not. I've been thinking about focusing on this blog and developing a following over the next year. Hopefully, in another 12 months, I can make a living writing. Hey, it can happen.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Prince Poppycock's Performance On AGT Finals
If you're following America's Got Talent this year, I am sure you have fallen in love with Prince Poppycock as much as I have. In a sea of "seen it before" acts, he has continually delivered exciting, artistic over the top performances. His costumes are second to none. He is a visionary; easily the only contender in the final four contestants that could bring a two hours, eight shows a week extravaganza on the Las Vegas strip.
Two weeks ago, he covered Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody better than anyone else that I've seen. In fact, he may have even given Freddie Mercury a run for "most memorable performance":
Last night's performance at the finals wasn't as exciting but was nonetheless beautiful:
Without a question, I'll be glued to the tube for the results show. I'm crossing my fingers for Poppycock.
Update: I'm sad to say that Prince Poppycock did not win America's Got Talent. With the notoriety and media attention he has received in recent months, I'm sure we haven't seen the last of the Prince.
Two weeks ago, he covered Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody better than anyone else that I've seen. In fact, he may have even given Freddie Mercury a run for "most memorable performance":
Last night's performance at the finals wasn't as exciting but was nonetheless beautiful:
Without a question, I'll be glued to the tube for the results show. I'm crossing my fingers for Poppycock.
Update: I'm sad to say that Prince Poppycock did not win America's Got Talent. With the notoriety and media attention he has received in recent months, I'm sure we haven't seen the last of the Prince.
Gaga Fans Rally To Repeal DADT
On Sunday's VMAs, Lady Gaga urged her fans to call Harry Reid and their local Senators to demand the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell. Many people acted, but one group in particular has received some attention. Two college students filmed themselves calling Mike Bennet, their local Senator from Colorado. These two young ladies had to first find out who their Senator was. Once the call was made, they enlisted the help of the rest of their college dorm to call as well. The Senator's voicemail was full the next morning. Here is the clip they posted on Youtube yesterday:
Senator Bennet posted his own response video this afternoon. In it he affirms that he IS for the repeal of DADT.
I'm sure the Senator had already made up his mind regarding the vote, but it's nice to see young people that wouldn't normally get involved politically lend their voice to the democratic process.
Senator Bennet posted his own response video this afternoon. In it he affirms that he IS for the repeal of DADT.
I'm sure the Senator had already made up his mind regarding the vote, but it's nice to see young people that wouldn't normally get involved politically lend their voice to the democratic process.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
This Is Your GOP Nomination For Senator In Delaware....
....Tea Party nutjob and abstinence activist, Christine O'Donnell. O'Donnell won her primary tonight after easily defeating the candidate the GOP really wanted for the job. This is a clip of Christine on MTV, back in '96, peddling her bullshit agenda:
Luckily, the Republican party has decided not to contribute toward her campaign, as she is, at last count 27 points behind her Democratic rival in the polls. With a Democratic win in Delaware this November, it will be all but impossible for the GOP to attain a 60 seat majority in the Senate.
Luckily, the Republican party has decided not to contribute toward her campaign, as she is, at last count 27 points behind her Democratic rival in the polls. With a Democratic win in Delaware this November, it will be all but impossible for the GOP to attain a 60 seat majority in the Senate.
If You Can't See The Videos.....
I apologize. Youtube has been doing "scheduled maintenance" off and on all evening. Any Youtube links at the moment are sort of hit and miss.
Fun With Google Instant
As you may know, Google recently introduced Google Instant, a new search engine format that displays results in real time as you type. It's a little much for me, personally. I prefer having my results given to me after pressing enter. Google Instant can practically be seizure inducing, depending on the query.
A gentleman named Jason Newman posted a video showing Google Instant in all of it's glory. Have you ever searched the lyrics to your favorite song? Check this one out:
A gentleman named Jason Newman posted a video showing Google Instant in all of it's glory. Have you ever searched the lyrics to your favorite song? Check this one out:
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