P!nk performing "Glitter in the Air" on the 2010 Grammy Awards.
I love her!!!! Amazing Performance!
Bob Out
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Afro dance at Friskis & Svettis
Aouch. My body hurts.
I know I can only blame myself for working out three days in a row, but sis and I have been wanting to try Friskis & Svettis’ Afro dance for quite a while, and since it’s a new thing, they only have it once a week. So we were like: why wait another week when we can go today?
Well well, even though my body aches all the way from my shoulders and down to my feet, Afro dancing was pretty fun. I didn’t get the adrenaline rush like when I’m running on the treadmill, but the hour just disappeared so I guess I still had a good time, haha. ^^ When I think about it, I think I’m going to try it again in the future actually.
I know I can only blame myself for working out three days in a row, but sis and I have been wanting to try Friskis & Svettis’ Afro dance for quite a while, and since it’s a new thing, they only have it once a week. So we were like: why wait another week when we can go today?
Well well, even though my body aches all the way from my shoulders and down to my feet, Afro dancing was pretty fun. I didn’t get the adrenaline rush like when I’m running on the treadmill, but the hour just disappeared so I guess I still had a good time, haha. ^^ When I think about it, I think I’m going to try it again in the future actually.
Sandra's look of the day :)
Internet Savvy
Internet Savvy is a tough thing to evaluate. We have 4 beautiful children at our home ranging from 13 to 5 and I make my living in the technology field. I know what can happen to uncontrolled, unmonitored systems of interaction when they are exposed to the "general public". We have adopted a "full life" approach to securing our children while allowing them to benefit from the rich blessings of technology and internet communications/information. We don't allow "private" internet access. All computers are in the kitchen in full view of everyone else. We have basic common sense controls, like a multiple router setup, but in general my kids have access to the full internet. We don't use filters, or highly automated monitoring tools. Instead, we teach our kids about making good choices and we stay connected to them so we know them. We trust them, and they trust us, but we verify with regular communications and check-ins around internet behaviors.
I treat the internet as a tool. It is a very powerful tool like a drill or a saw, but a tool nonetheless. They have to learn to use it, and as they get more proficient, they can do more and more with it.
The big question of the last few months swirled around facebook access for my 11 and 13 year olds who both have email accounts. BTW, I have set a threshold of ~11/6th grade to allow an email account. Younger kids don't have personal email. I explained to my daughters that they needed to be savvy before I would allow them to have facebook accounts. When asked what the definition of savvy was.. I replied "when you are savvy, both you and I will know it".. Not very scientific, I know but it worked well. Both my girls set off on a quest to learn and eventually convinced me that they could handle themselves and they are now "live on Facebook". My only real requirement here was and is that I must be friended, and be aware of their friends. Not so different from anything else in their life.. in my opinion.
How we decide to let our kids do anything is a test of their savvy. My children are firstborn of God and precious blessings. My wife and I are here to take care of them and guide them as they grow and develop, not just control them. My goal is to empower them to think and act on their own as soon as it is possible for them to do so safely. As soon as they are savvy, they should be thinking, building, and communicating on their own using every tool that they can reasonably manage. I think that the best tool for internet safety is knowing your kids, staying connected to their lives intentionally through conversations, snow days, meals together, and yes... Once in a while I look over their shoulder when they are on the internet just to be sure. As savvy as they are, they are still just kids. I wouldn't let them use a drill or saw on their own yet either..
I treat the internet as a tool. It is a very powerful tool like a drill or a saw, but a tool nonetheless. They have to learn to use it, and as they get more proficient, they can do more and more with it.
The big question of the last few months swirled around facebook access for my 11 and 13 year olds who both have email accounts. BTW, I have set a threshold of ~11/6th grade to allow an email account. Younger kids don't have personal email. I explained to my daughters that they needed to be savvy before I would allow them to have facebook accounts. When asked what the definition of savvy was.. I replied "when you are savvy, both you and I will know it".. Not very scientific, I know but it worked well. Both my girls set off on a quest to learn and eventually convinced me that they could handle themselves and they are now "live on Facebook". My only real requirement here was and is that I must be friended, and be aware of their friends. Not so different from anything else in their life.. in my opinion.
How we decide to let our kids do anything is a test of their savvy. My children are firstborn of God and precious blessings. My wife and I are here to take care of them and guide them as they grow and develop, not just control them. My goal is to empower them to think and act on their own as soon as it is possible for them to do so safely. As soon as they are savvy, they should be thinking, building, and communicating on their own using every tool that they can reasonably manage. I think that the best tool for internet safety is knowing your kids, staying connected to their lives intentionally through conversations, snow days, meals together, and yes... Once in a while I look over their shoulder when they are on the internet just to be sure. As savvy as they are, they are still just kids. I wouldn't let them use a drill or saw on their own yet either..
Red Alert 2
RA2 was developed by, you guessed it, Westwood Studios and released by EA in 2008. Though this will be the last time that Westwood will create a RA title. The game has one expansion, Yuri’s Revenge. But like Red Alert I won’t be reviewing that, only the core game.Red Alert 2 picks up the story of the Allied victory in RA, although this is open for discussion as not everyone agrees with this statement. but let leave that behind us. It’s the year of 1970, after the destruction of the USSR, the Allies appointed Alexander Romanov to rule and rebuild the country. The game starts with the USA being invaded by Soviet forces. The USA tries to retaliate by launching its nuclear missiles. And even that is impossible because Yuri, head of the Soviet Psychic Corp, manipulated the men working in silos and let them explode the missiles in their silos.
Now I have promised myself not to tell the entire story of the game because it would too long to write and the review would turn out massive. The story of the Allies start in New York where you have to liberate the city. You will be fighting throughout the USA destroying mind-controlling Psychic Beacons, rushing your way through Europe and eventually end your fighting journey in the Soviet capital Moscow.
The Soviet campaign is all about the destruction of the Allies and total world domination. Your first mission is destroying the Pentagon. Like in the Allied campaign you fight throughout the USA, but also in Mother Russia. The campaign ends at the Bering Strait. Though the Soviet campaign of ruling the world isn’t without treachery. The man who started it all simply named Yuri, murders de leader of the Soviet Union, Romanov. And to make matters worse, he then frames a general named Vladimir of conducting the murder. Vladimir is declared a traitor and you are ordered to capture him in Washington. After doing so successfully, you are ordered back to Moscow to be congratulated by Yuri himself. But before arriving there, you receive a video from Romanov before his death where he explains that Yuri has been brainwashing him and demands you to bring Yuri down.
So far the campaign of the two factions.
Everything in RA2 is unrecognizable when you compare it to RA. Where C&C and RA where almost similar, RA2 has been build up from scratch. The only things that are left from the first part are the Allies’ Chromosphere and the Soviet’s Red Curtain. Every unit has had it size increased. Sometimes infantry is bigger than a tank. Base Buildings are usually bigger than entire apartment blocks. The pace of battle has been increased dramatically. Where in RA you would have to wait maybe a minute for your units to reach the enemy, in RA2 the units rush to the enemy base in matter of seconds.
Everything in RA2 is unrecognizable when you compare it to RA. Where C&C and RA where almost similar, RA2 has been build up from scratch. The only things that are left from the first part are the Allies’ Chromosphere and the Soviet’s Red Curtain. Every unit has had it size increased. Sometimes infantry is bigger than a tank. Base Buildings are usually bigger than entire apartment blocks. The pace of battle has been increased dramatically. Where in RA you would have to wait maybe a minute for your units to reach the enemy, in RA2 the units rush to the enemy base in matter of seconds.
The two factions in RA2 have their own tactics. Where the Soviet Union is good at rushing early on in the game and almost superior in landbattles, the Allies rely on defenses and advanced tech that comes available as a match progresses.
Resource gathering hasn’t changed a lot, there’s only one exception. The Allied harvester can instantaneous teleport back to the refinery, very useful when harvesting in hostile territories. You still have to gather gold and diamonds to get your credits.
The 2 factions are split into multiple countries, but that doesn’t account for the campaign. Every country fights under the flag of the 2 main factions, but operate with different sets of buildings and units. Every country usually has a special unit, with the exception of the USA’s paradrop and the Grand- Cannon from the French.
In the end I really enjoyed playing Red Alert 2. The style of the game really addresses me because it the game doesn’t take itself serious and can sometimes cause some hilarious moments. So if you want this game I suggest buying The First Decade, containing all Command & Conquer series.
Retorno de uma pausa involuntária
Meninas, estou de volta!
Depois de uns dias internada com o que me disseram ser uma virose. Sim, porque quando febre que não passa, o médico não tem um diagnóstico preciso, nenhum exame acusa nada e não aparece nenhum outro sintoma, então o que mais pode ser??? Virose!
É nessa hora que a gente vê como é bom ter amigos! Com mamis viajando e marido tendo trabalho e filhos pra cuidar, foi com minha escudeira fiel Ida que eu pude contar pra me acompanhar no hospital. Ida, de novo e sempre, muito obrigada!
Mas agora está tudo bem, ainda estou um pouco fraca por ter ficado tanto tempo sem conseguir comer direito, mas já estou em casa e louca pra voltar a fazer arte!
Não esqueci da promoção de aniversário do blog... Essa semana, se Deus quiser (e ele é bom pai e há de colaborar), ela entra no ar. Mas já vou dando uma dica: preparem seus PAPs! E aguardem!
Beijos!
Retorno de uma pausa involuntária
Meninas, estou de volta!
Depois de uns dias internada com o que me disseram ser uma virose. Sim, porque quando febre que não passa, o médico não tem um diagnóstico preciso, nenhum exame acusa nada e não aparece nenhum outro sintoma, então o que mais pode ser??? Virose!
É nessa hora que a gente vê como é bom ter amigos! Com mamis viajando e marido tendo trabalho e filhos pra cuidar, foi com minha escudeira fiel Ida que eu pude contar pra me acompanhar no hospital. Ida, de novo e sempre, muito obrigada!
Mas agora está tudo bem, ainda estou um pouco fraca por ter ficado tanto tempo sem conseguir comer direito, mas já estou em casa e louca pra voltar a fazer arte!
Não esqueci da promoção de aniversário do blog... Essa semana, se Deus quiser (e ele é bom pai e há de colaborar), ela entra no ar. Mas já vou dando uma dica: preparem seus PAPs! E aguardem!
Beijos!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Ted Haggard has been cured from being gay
Ted Haggard has been cured from being gay. How convenient for him.
In case you don't know who Ted Haggard is let me refresh your memory...
He is the founder and former pastor of the New Life Church in Colorado Springs and was leader of the
National Assoc of Evangelicals. In November 2006, he resigned from all of his leadership positions after he admitted soliciting prostitute Mike Jones for homosexual sex and methamphetamine. Initially Haggard denied even knowing Mike Jones, but as a media investigation proceeded he acknowledged that some allegations, such as his purchase of methamphetamine, were true. Although, he later said he never actually did drugs, he just bought them. He later added "sexual immorality" to his list of confessions.
After the scandal was publicized, he entered three weeks of intensive counseling, overseen by four ministers. In February 2007, one of those ministers, Tim Ralph, said that Haggard "is completely heterosexual. Ralph later said he meant that therapy "gave Ted the tools to help to embrace his heterosexual side."
Through all of this his wife, Gayle Haggard, has stuck by his side. Just this week they appeared on Oprah to talk about her book, "Why I Stayed". She told Oprah that at first she didn't believe any of the allegations that the press were making against her husband. This was despite the fact that he had admitted to her 25 years ago that he had an "encounter" with another male in a book store. This had happened after the birth of their first child and he immediately sought counseling and they had no issues until this latest incident. Is love that blind?
I had a friend who was married and got busted at a local park for soliciting sex from a police officer. After that he went into counseling and he and his wife tried to make it work. She even said she felt like she was in love with him all over again because she now knew what his "issues" were and they could work thru them together. His "issue" was that he was a gay man trying to live as a heterosexual. Ted Haggard has the same issue. I wonder how many gay men are married to women and trying to live as heterosexual because of religious or social stigmas? My friend later got divorced and is now living as a gay man with his partner. I watched Ted Haggard saying he was "cured" of his gayness and he was careful not to put himself in situations where this supposed gay disease will rear it's ugly head again. He even made hints that now his sex life with his wife is very healthy. I'm sure it is, thanks to viagra and nude men dancing in his head.
Bob Out
In case you don't know who Ted Haggard is let me refresh your memory...
He is the founder and former pastor of the New Life Church in Colorado Springs and was leader of the
National Assoc of Evangelicals. In November 2006, he resigned from all of his leadership positions after he admitted soliciting prostitute Mike Jones for homosexual sex and methamphetamine. Initially Haggard denied even knowing Mike Jones, but as a media investigation proceeded he acknowledged that some allegations, such as his purchase of methamphetamine, were true. Although, he later said he never actually did drugs, he just bought them. He later added "sexual immorality" to his list of confessions.
After the scandal was publicized, he entered three weeks of intensive counseling, overseen by four ministers. In February 2007, one of those ministers, Tim Ralph, said that Haggard "is completely heterosexual. Ralph later said he meant that therapy "gave Ted the tools to help to embrace his heterosexual side."
Through all of this his wife, Gayle Haggard, has stuck by his side. Just this week they appeared on Oprah to talk about her book, "Why I Stayed". She told Oprah that at first she didn't believe any of the allegations that the press were making against her husband. This was despite the fact that he had admitted to her 25 years ago that he had an "encounter" with another male in a book store. This had happened after the birth of their first child and he immediately sought counseling and they had no issues until this latest incident. Is love that blind?
I had a friend who was married and got busted at a local park for soliciting sex from a police officer. After that he went into counseling and he and his wife tried to make it work. She even said she felt like she was in love with him all over again because she now knew what his "issues" were and they could work thru them together. His "issue" was that he was a gay man trying to live as a heterosexual. Ted Haggard has the same issue. I wonder how many gay men are married to women and trying to live as heterosexual because of religious or social stigmas? My friend later got divorced and is now living as a gay man with his partner. I watched Ted Haggard saying he was "cured" of his gayness and he was careful not to put himself in situations where this supposed gay disease will rear it's ugly head again. He even made hints that now his sex life with his wife is very healthy. I'm sure it is, thanks to viagra and nude men dancing in his head.
Bob Out
Forgetful me
Aargh, I’ve become so forgetful lately! I just saw (or jie jie told me the other day )that I have an expired 10-times swimming card for Centralbadet lying around…-.- Not even slightly OK, Sandra.
I just don’t get it. Me, who usually will make people shake their heads with my perfectionism for keeping everything organized with all of my lists, and my from time to time, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) that makes some think I’m crazy, hehe.
But maybe I can still use it…^^ I payed quite much for it, so why not just try flirting with the reception guy and see if I get in…? God, I’m horrible, but it’s not such a bad idea actually! Haha! Anyway, I’m off to the gym now. And I am going to make sure that I always will remember where I put my gym card so that one won’t expire without my knowledge as well.
I just don’t get it. Me, who usually will make people shake their heads with my perfectionism for keeping everything organized with all of my lists, and my from time to time, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) that makes some think I’m crazy, hehe.
But maybe I can still use it…^^ I payed quite much for it, so why not just try flirting with the reception guy and see if I get in…? God, I’m horrible, but it’s not such a bad idea actually! Haha! Anyway, I’m off to the gym now. And I am going to make sure that I always will remember where I put my gym card so that one won’t expire without my knowledge as well.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Spotless
Yesterday I had progress talks with Faf (Fredrik - but we call him Faf) and he was almost “concerned” about my abcence from class…^^
No black = 0.00% absence What can I say. I’m just extremely good at attending class. No secrets, I promise. ♥
What I've been up to
There is always something to do in Atlanta. However, most of the time I'm not doing it. I usually end up hanging with friends and eating at the same places. So as part of my 10 goals for 2010, I visited a new place last Saturday...The World of Coke. An entire museum dedicated to Coca-Cola.
The museum was filled with all kinds of Coke and Coke related memorabilia. They also had a 4-D theatre that was really cool. And a theatre where they ran old Coke commercials. At the end you got to taste 60 varieties Coke products from around the world.
Three of my nephews. They are great and a lot of fun to hang with.
Yesterday, my friend Bunny and I went roaming in Atlanta. First we went to IKEA(love) and then headed to lunch. In keeping with my 10 for 2010 goals. I ate at a new restaurant..
The Real Chow Baby. This place rocked!
Start by going through their buffet style line, filling a bowl with your choice of noodles, rice, vegetables, sauces, spices, meats, and seafood. Then their cooks transform it into a delicious stir-fry. So great and super fresh ingrediants. Here is my creation..
Delicious!
After lunch we went to see "Avatar".
Here we are outside the theatre in our 3D glasses. Aren't we cute!(hehe)
I LOVED THIS MOVIE....LOVED IT! I've heard that it had great special effects but the story was lacking. I didn't think so! If you haven't seen it, check it out!
That's all for now. I'm supposed to be working. Shhhhhh, don't tell my boss!
Bob Out
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
I HAVE A BLOG!
And yes even though any mammal with internet access can have one as well I still feel a sense of accomplishment. Not for any feat of digital wizardry but for the fact that i finally got around to it.
Myself like many people with apposable thumbs was initially opposed to blogs, largely for the dumb as fuck name. The asisninity of the meaningless name perfectly captured the inherent nothingness of our culture.
I thought I wasn't an early adopter. As John Stewart quips in his polemic against the mass medias bandwagoning of twitter, "New does not automatically equate to good". I realized however I was only not an earlier adopter to things I hadn't discovered first. Resistence to internet weblogs was only an insecurity: "What if i throw a blog and nobody comes." (on a side note it's funny that blogger recognizes the word blogging, blogger, and blogs but not weblogs, their origin name, in its spell checker)
I overcame this wariness of blogging when I began this january to be required to post to a blog as part of a graduate seminar in digital arts and science. What really brougth me around to the power of blogs was the realization that you do not write blogs for others but for yourself. I now have my own personal searchable database of everything i've written or ever thought was cool. Also i didn't want this awesome name to be taken by a schmoe.
So in the spirit of blogs i leave you with a probable misquote, as Yogi Berra famously said "Blogging is 90% mental and the other half is physical."
Myself like many people with apposable thumbs was initially opposed to blogs, largely for the dumb as fuck name. The asisninity of the meaningless name perfectly captured the inherent nothingness of our culture.
I thought I wasn't an early adopter. As John Stewart quips in his polemic against the mass medias bandwagoning of twitter, "New does not automatically equate to good". I realized however I was only not an earlier adopter to things I hadn't discovered first. Resistence to internet weblogs was only an insecurity: "What if i throw a blog and nobody comes." (on a side note it's funny that blogger recognizes the word blogging, blogger, and blogs but not weblogs, their origin name, in its spell checker)
I overcame this wariness of blogging when I began this january to be required to post to a blog as part of a graduate seminar in digital arts and science. What really brougth me around to the power of blogs was the realization that you do not write blogs for others but for yourself. I now have my own personal searchable database of everything i've written or ever thought was cool. Also i didn't want this awesome name to be taken by a schmoe.
So in the spirit of blogs i leave you with a probable misquote, as Yogi Berra famously said "Blogging is 90% mental and the other half is physical."
Hump Day Hunk(David Bromstad)
Happy Hump Day! Today's hunk is a wonderful decorator,Tv show host & Artist. The first seaon winner of HGTV's Design Star and current host of his own show, Color Splash....David Bromstad.
Call me, David
Bob Out
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
I received a blogger award...woot, woot
"You like me, you really like me"!That phrase is cemented in pop culture but did you know(I didn't)...
That's not exactly what Sally Field said...the actual quote was "I can't deny the fact that you like me, right now, you like me!" but I still like the mis-quote better so I just went with it. :)
I won an award and I didn't have to blow anyone this time...
TWO: Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
Check: see above
THREE: Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
http://ishouldbelaughing.blogspot.com/
FOUR: Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.
Oh No. I'm not sure if there is 7 interesting things about me but I'll try :)'
1- I was born on Christmas day just 19 minutes after midnight
2- My mom didn't have insurance so she checked out of the hospital at 9am. She & My Dad couldn't afford to pay the bill so they set up a payment plan. They made the first payment b4 leaving the hospital. When my mom went back to make the second payment they told her that someone had paid the entire bill.. We still don't know who did it.
3- I LOVE music! Almost all kinds. My Ipod is filled with country, pop, rock, alternative, gospel and so on...
4- After graduation from high school I was enrolled in Bible College. Well, it was held in my church but it was tought by an accredited proffessor. It was supposed to be a four year degree but because It was only held once a week, I went four years and only got about half way through.
5- I had a couple of "gay" experiences in high school but soon afterwards felt weird about it and "convicted" of it due to my religious background. I was pushing 30 b4 I had another sexual encounter with a guy.
6- I am a foodie. I love The Food Network and just about any other type of cooking shows or shows involving food. The highlight of my recent trip to DC was seeing Julia Child's kitchen at the Smithsonian. I've been to eat at Paula Deen(The Lady & Sons) & one of Bobby Flay's(Mesa Grill) resteraunts. I would give my left nut(well, not really) to meet Ina Garten. I LOVE HER!!!!!!
7- I am a radio station contest winner. Actually I have won a lot. Somewhere in the neighboorhood of 300 contest and all sorts of different prizes. You can check out part of the list here.
FIVE: Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers and post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
1- My friend, Bunny at Bunny-Go-Round. She is a dear friend and just loves gay men so much that she married one...haha j/k...check her out!
2- http://www.bos-bowl.com/- He can cook! Look at the pics and recipes. Mmmmmmm
3- Rad Homo- Great & Funny guy and he knows how to pick some hot men to feature on his page.
4- Michael Rivers:The Blog- freelance writer with a great blog
5- http://explodingdoughnut.blogspot.com/- Great Artist and all around nice guy.
6- Spice of Life- An American in Europe. Great blog on good living
7- Be kind and unwind- Another American living in Switzerland with a great blog
I would have also picked one of these other blogs...my favs ...but they had already won the award but check them out anyway(if you aren't already) Bob... Mark...and Sean
:)
That's not exactly what Sally Field said...the actual quote was "I can't deny the fact that you like me, right now, you like me!" but I still like the mis-quote better so I just went with it. :)
I won an award and I didn't have to blow anyone this time...
ONE: Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
Thank you, Bob! I would kiss you but I'm not a lesbian
TWO: Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
Check: see above
THREE: Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
http://ishouldbelaughing.blogspot.com/
FOUR: Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.
Oh No. I'm not sure if there is 7 interesting things about me but I'll try :)'
1- I was born on Christmas day just 19 minutes after midnight
2- My mom didn't have insurance so she checked out of the hospital at 9am. She & My Dad couldn't afford to pay the bill so they set up a payment plan. They made the first payment b4 leaving the hospital. When my mom went back to make the second payment they told her that someone had paid the entire bill.. We still don't know who did it.
3- I LOVE music! Almost all kinds. My Ipod is filled with country, pop, rock, alternative, gospel and so on...
4- After graduation from high school I was enrolled in Bible College. Well, it was held in my church but it was tought by an accredited proffessor. It was supposed to be a four year degree but because It was only held once a week, I went four years and only got about half way through.
5- I had a couple of "gay" experiences in high school but soon afterwards felt weird about it and "convicted" of it due to my religious background. I was pushing 30 b4 I had another sexual encounter with a guy.
6- I am a foodie. I love The Food Network and just about any other type of cooking shows or shows involving food. The highlight of my recent trip to DC was seeing Julia Child's kitchen at the Smithsonian. I've been to eat at Paula Deen(The Lady & Sons) & one of Bobby Flay's(Mesa Grill) resteraunts. I would give my left nut(well, not really) to meet Ina Garten. I LOVE HER!!!!!!
7- I am a radio station contest winner. Actually I have won a lot. Somewhere in the neighboorhood of 300 contest and all sorts of different prizes. You can check out part of the list here.
FIVE: Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers and post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
1- My friend, Bunny at Bunny-Go-Round. She is a dear friend and just loves gay men so much that she married one...haha j/k...check her out!
2- http://www.bos-bowl.com/- He can cook! Look at the pics and recipes. Mmmmmmm
3- Rad Homo- Great & Funny guy and he knows how to pick some hot men to feature on his page.
4- Michael Rivers:The Blog- freelance writer with a great blog
5- http://explodingdoughnut.blogspot.com/- Great Artist and all around nice guy.
6- Spice of Life- An American in Europe. Great blog on good living
7- Be kind and unwind- Another American living in Switzerland with a great blog
I would have also picked one of these other blogs...my favs ...but they had already won the award but check them out anyway(if you aren't already) Bob... Mark...and Sean
:)
Sunday, January 24, 2010
And the Actor goes to...
The SAG awards were held last night. I was out roaming around Atlanta and didn't get to watch it BUT being the good gay boi that I am, I recorded it on my DVR! It was a great awards show and I was soooo excited that Sandra Bullock won. I REALLY hope she wins the Oscar. If she doesn't win I hope Meryl Streep does. She was brilliant as Julia Child in "Julie & Julia". Here's a list of the winners ....
Cast: "Inglourious Basterds."
Actor in a leading role: Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart."
Actress in a leading role: Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side."
Supporting actor: Christoph Waltz, "Inglorious Basterds"
Supporting actress: Mo'Nique, "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire"
Drama series cast: "Mad Men."
Actor in a drama series: Michael C. Hall, "Dexter."
Actress in a drama series: Julianna Margulies, "The Good Wife."
Comedy series cast: "Glee."
Actor in a comedy series: Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock."
Actress in a comedy series: Tina Fey, "30 Rock."
Actor in a movie or miniseries: Kevin Bacon, "Taking Chance."
Actress in a movie or miniseries: Drew Barrymore, "Grey Gardens."
&
Life Achievement: Betty White
I LOVE Betty White! She looked wonderful last night! 88 years young and still going strong. You Go Betty!
There were a lot of great(and not so great) fashions last night but I just had to show you guys Christina Applegate.
Check her out...
Movies:
Cast: "Inglourious Basterds."
Actor in a leading role: Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart."
Actress in a leading role: Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side."
Supporting actor: Christoph Waltz, "Inglorious Basterds"
Supporting actress: Mo'Nique, "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire"
Television:
Drama series cast: "Mad Men."
Actor in a drama series: Michael C. Hall, "Dexter."
Actress in a drama series: Julianna Margulies, "The Good Wife."
Comedy series cast: "Glee."
Actor in a comedy series: Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock."
Actress in a comedy series: Tina Fey, "30 Rock."
Actor in a movie or miniseries: Kevin Bacon, "Taking Chance."
Actress in a movie or miniseries: Drew Barrymore, "Grey Gardens."
&
Life Achievement: Betty White
There were a lot of great(and not so great) fashions last night but I just had to show you guys Christina Applegate.
Check her out...
Fabulous!
Bob Out
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Take the bus
Out of laziness to wait for the bus, I decided that I instead would take the bike to the gym. Good Lord, that was the most horrifying biking experience I’ve had in ages!
People think that Halloween is scary, but I know something that is so much more scary than that. - Biking in Sweden when it’s a lot of snow outside. I must have been so blessed today since I didn’t get injured. So please people, why put yourself in danger like that? Take the bus.
What if they would have had Hello Kitty buses in Uppsala...Then I would always take the bus, haha. ♥
People think that Halloween is scary, but I know something that is so much more scary than that. - Biking in Sweden when it’s a lot of snow outside. I must have been so blessed today since I didn’t get injured. So please people, why put yourself in danger like that? Take the bus.
What if they would have had Hello Kitty buses in Uppsala...Then I would always take the bus, haha. ♥
Friday, January 22, 2010
Atlanta is the gayest city in America
I just found out I live in the Gayest city in America. Well, according to The Advocate. Here's what they said...
1. Atlanta
Georgia isn’t the most gay-friendly state, but Atlanta is undoubtedly our gayest city—with 29 gay bars here, there’s a reason it’s dubbed Hotlanta. Atlanta’s several queer events include one of the nation’s largest Prides in October (returning to Piedmont Park this year), and MondoHomo, a May event celebrating art, drag, burlesque, film, and BBQ. The gay epicenter is Midtown, anchored by Outwrite Books, a giant gay bookstore bucking the national trend—by staying in business! Atlanta guys are hunky, the ladies are gracious, the gay sports leagues are seriously well organized, and its housewives (and their gay BFFs, complete with handbags and heels) are now camp icons. And who doesn’t love the sweet lilt of a Georgia accent on a knockout guy or gal?
And I still can't find a man. DAMN IT, What's wrong with me?!?! DON"T ANSWER THAT!
:)
Bob Out
1. Atlanta
Georgia isn’t the most gay-friendly state, but Atlanta is undoubtedly our gayest city—with 29 gay bars here, there’s a reason it’s dubbed Hotlanta. Atlanta’s several queer events include one of the nation’s largest Prides in October (returning to Piedmont Park this year), and MondoHomo, a May event celebrating art, drag, burlesque, film, and BBQ. The gay epicenter is Midtown, anchored by Outwrite Books, a giant gay bookstore bucking the national trend—by staying in business! Atlanta guys are hunky, the ladies are gracious, the gay sports leagues are seriously well organized, and its housewives (and their gay BFFs, complete with handbags and heels) are now camp icons. And who doesn’t love the sweet lilt of a Georgia accent on a knockout guy or gal?
And I still can't find a man. DAMN IT, What's wrong with me?!?! DON"T ANSWER THAT!
:)
Bob Out
At the gym
I never thought I would say this, but I had so much fun at the gym today! M showed me how to use a lot of different machines; in a way, you could almost say that she was my own mini-version of a personal trainer. So kind of her. ♥
Although we couldn’t stay very long (50 min) since we had a class afterwards, it was enough for me to give my stomach, chicken arms and legs a workout. I mean, now the cross trainer and I are like best buddies. (Meaning that I now know why Oprah uses that one every morning, haha).
Although we couldn’t stay very long (50 min) since we had a class afterwards, it was enough for me to give my stomach, chicken arms and legs a workout. I mean, now the cross trainer and I are like best buddies. (Meaning that I now know why Oprah uses that one every morning, haha).
Oh, and since I was such a good girl going to the gym, I just had to give myself a reward…hihi.
I usually don't eat dinners like these, but to be honest: I would be able to live on a diet with mango chicken skewers, Greek bread and vegetables, haha...
Friday's sin.
Cindy McCain supports gay marriage
Cindy McCain, the wife of Arizona senator & 2008 Republican presidential nominee John McCain, has posed for an ad endorsing pro-gay marriage forces in California. NOH8 is a gay rights group challenging Proposition 8 passed by California voters in 2008 banning same sex marriage.
John McCain's office issued a statement saying he respects the views of members of his family but remains opposed to gay marriage. It says McCain believes "marriage is only defined as between one man and one woman." Who cares, John! We are going to get the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn gay marriage bans throughout the nation. I believe!
Busy busy
I don’t think I could have been more efficient than what I have been this whole week. Ever since Monday, I’ve been booked from morning to night with everything from info meetings to open house tasks, and on top of that, homework. Puuh, I must say that I am tired. But, I am still going to the gym today with M.
Yesterday I went to buy my first ever gym card at Friskis & Svettis, so I am going. No excuses. I need a dose of sweat! Haha…
Yesterday I went to buy my first ever gym card at Friskis & Svettis, so I am going. No excuses. I need a dose of sweat! Haha…
Thursday, January 21, 2010
A hug from me to you
Did you know today is National Hugging Day?
I would like to send out a great big hug to all my blogging buddies...
I would like to send out a great big hug to all my blogging buddies...
Did you feel it? I hope so!
Have a WONDERFUL day!
Bob Out
Company Of Heroes
Company of Heroes is a game developed by Relic Entertainment and published by THQ. It's an second world war RTS. The game was released in 2006 for Windows. CoH also got two standalone expansion packs: Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts, which added two new factions and Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor.The single player campaign puts the player in some of the major American operations during the Battle of Normandy, like D-Day, Carentan and Cherbourg.
Company of Heroes features two factions: The Allies and the Axis. The Allies are represented by the Americans and the Axis by the German Wehrmacht. The Americans have cheap units and are more numerous than the Germans. American tanks aren't as powerful as German tanks but their movability is higher. Their units will become stronger by killing enemies.
The Germans have more units than the Americans and they're more powerful, but also more expensive.
When starting a match you can choose your doctrine. Allied doctrines:
- Infantry Doctrine: Centered on defense and infantry support, this doctrine allows players to train infantry and build defences faster, employ heavy artillery, and call in reinforcements such as the elite US Army Rangers, or a randomized group of units with the "Battalion Reinforcement"
- Airborne Doctrine: Centered on paratroopers and air support, this doctrine allows players to deploy paratroopers, call in recon planes, and enjoy the destructive capabilities of the P-47 Thunderbolt fighter-bomber.
- Armor Doctrine: Centered on vehicles and armor support, this doctrine is slow to gain, but boast powerful abilities, such as improved vehicle production, Sherman Calliopes and the mighty M26 Pershing heavy tank.
- Defensive Doctrine: Centered on artillery and defense, this doctrine allows base structures to defend themselves against Infantry, offers bonuses for defending infantry, and allows players to call in rocket barrages and deploy the powerful Flak 88 cannons.
- Blitzkrieg Doctrine: Centered on speed and offensive operations, this doctrine allows players to speed up their military and economy, and allows players to deploy powerful assault units such as Stormtroopers and the famous Tiger I.
- Terror Doctrine: Centered on psychological warfare and destructive power, this unusual doctrine provides players with die-hard infantry and the ability to rout the enemy, be it with propaganda, devastating V1 rockets, or a single, powerful Tiger Ace.
Infantry units can occupy civilian buildings and convert a field barracks. You can create infantry units here. Infantry units can also occupy a building and use it as cover. You're able to build normal buildings with your engineers. Some available buildings are: a field barracks, supply yard and tank depots for the Americans and Krieg barracks, Sturm armory and the Wehrmacht quarters.
The graphics of this game are pretty decent. Explosions and building damage look extremely realistic and limps are flying all over the place. The sound is remarkable too, units are talking to you via walkie-talkies when they're under attack and it seems that they've used gun sounds that belong to the specific tank and gun.
This game has got several awards, most of them are game of the year awards of 2006 and best strategy game. This game is certainly worth your money, and the single- and multiplayer will keep you busy for many hours.
Haze
Haze is a game created by Free Radical, a company known for games such as the TimeSplitters series, the company was shut down in 2008 and has been bought by Crytek. The publisher was Ubisoft, which is known for a huge range of games. Haze was released on May 2008. A year in which games like Killzone 2, Fallout 3, Grand Theft Auto 4 and Metal Gear Solid 4 hit the market, which meant major competition for Haze.The game is set in 2025, where no UN or NATO exist and governments are thus forced to contract their military operations to PMCs). You play as Sergeant Jake Carpenter, a new recruit in the Mantel Global Industries army, who are fighting guerillas in South America. Mantel is also an MNC with bio-medical expertise. This has led to the development of Nectar, a nutritional supplement that enables soldiers to fight harder and smarter. The game takes place over three days that will 'change Jake forever' as Mantel battle a guerilla group known as The Promise Hand lead by a dictator called Gabriel "Skin coat" Merino; a brutal man who wears the flayed skins of his POW camp inmates.
The game had a lot of promotion before it came out and created quite a hype, many people even called it the halo-killer. However the game didn't live up to its expectations and was soon seen by many reviewers as a below-par game.
The graphics in this game aren't too special, for the most part they are a bland and dull, giving the game a bit of a boring experience. The surroundings are pretty standard and you don't really have any noteworthy levels that'll leave a memorable experience. The player characters might be averagely detailed, but are nowhere near as good as Halo was, when it got first released. This game doesn't have any ground-breaking improvements, making it a standard shooter.
The gameplay isn't very different from a standard FPS, you simply shoot the enemy in order to get higher on the rankings. There isn't a leveling system in which you unlock things by playing well. This game only features four different types of guns, which are the sniper rifle, the machine gun, the shotgun and the pistol. Each faction, Mantel and the Rebels, has their own version of these guns, but besides the looks there aren't any differences. So this is quite a limited amount of guns featured in this game, making this game boring rather fast.
The game has some unique features to it, which all have to do with Nectar, which is a drug used to make Mantel soldiers better at waging war. These Mantel soldiers can use Nectar in order to see enemies more easily, by giving some sort of a heat-detector. The rebels can abuse Nectar in order to give Mantel soldiers an overdose causing them to go berserk and make them shoot friend and foe during this period. The Rebels also have the ability to lay mines and to scavenge ammo from guns that aren't from their own faction.
When it comes to sound in this game, there isn't really anything worth mentioning. There was however one thing that annoyed me a lot, and that was that if you were fighting for the Rebel side online, you sometimes had to listen to a shitty rap song playing in the background, which couldn't be turned off in anyway, whilst the Mantel didn't have any of that crap to deal with.
The online mode is where the game truly lets down, the maps aren't really varied and are always wide open maps. I'd have preferred to play in a close-combat environment, since that would discourage many people to pick up the sniper rifle, but alas, you'll probably be sniped a couple of hundred times before you get sick of it and throw this game in your cabinet and never look back. The game doesn't give players the option to choose their weapons before they spawn, instead you have to pick a weapon from the battlefield, and because you have to hold the triangle-button this takes more than a few seconds, leaving you as an open target. The lag on the servers is also a big problem in this game, every server you join seems to have this problem, making playing usually an unpleasant experience if that wasn't already the case. This game also offers a co-op mode in which you can play online or play the campaign together, which works rather well, although I wouldn't mind an option for changing how the screen was divided between the two players. The game also has only a few game-modes online, which is a missed opportunity, the few they have are spin-offs of various popular modes, however Deathmatch isn't included, only Team Deathmatch, which is a bit odd in my opinion, since if it truly wanted to compete with Halo, it should've added it, since Slayer is one of the more popular modes there.
So all-in-all, the game isn't really worth your money, since there are way better shooters out there on the PS3, such as Fear 2, Warhawk, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Killzone 2. The game could've been way better if they focused more on developing the game than the promotion of the game. The choice is up to you, are you spending your money on a better game or are you fighting for the Mental corporation?
Age of Empires
Age of Empires is an RTS which was created by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft in 1997 for PC and Mac. The game also got an expansion pack, Age of Empires: The rise of Rome, in 1998. AoE and its expansion pack were later released together as the Gold Edition. You're able to play single-player or multi-player with a maximum of eight players.You're able to choose from 12 civilizations, each with an unique tech tree. Which means that some civilizations got stronger military units, but aren't able to build all buildings, or research all economic technologies. In the game you can advance through four ages: The Stone Age, the Tool Age, the Bronze Age and the Iron Age. Each advancement will grant you more buildings, research and units.
There are four resources in this game: Wood, gold, stone and food. You need wood for creating buildings and certain military units, like archers, ships and catapults or for researching new technologies. You can acquire wood by chopping down the forests or by trading with other players (the AI doesn't give you anything), and you will need a market for that. Food is required for training new units and for research. You can acquire food by hunting animals, fishing or farming. Gold is needed primarily for research, but also for creating the more advanced military units and priests. You can acquire gold by simply mining the goldmines shattered around the map, or by trading wood, food or stone for it. You'll need a trading ship for that (a market isn't required here, just sail the merchant to an allied or enemy dock and you'll receive gold). Stone is needed for building watch/sentry/guard/ballista towers, walls, and some is needed for research. You can acquire stone by mining the stone mines shattered around the map.
The game features four single-player campaigns in which you have to complete certain objectives, like simply defeating your enemies or obtain some valuable artifacts. The campaign follows four civilizations: the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Babylonians and the Yamato civilizations. You can adjust the difficulty in five levels: Very easy, easy, moderate, hard and very hard.
Aside from the Campaign mode you can also play a random map, in which the computer randomly generates a map. You can also play death matches in which you have very much resources. It's also possible to create your own maps and play them single-or multiplayer.
The graphics of this game are very nice for a 2D game. Some people say this is a cross between Warcraft II and Civilization, but I think this game is unique. The sound is also remarkable, it really fits in with the game. Stephen Rippy was the music director. He created the original music in Age of Empires using sounds from actual instruments from the periods in the game, as well as their digital samples. The tunes were the result of extensive research on the cultures, styles, and instruments used. The game won numerous awards, including Gamecenter's 1997 Game of the Year and the 1998 AIAS Computer Strategy Game of the Year award.
In conclusion: This game is a true classic, and I think it's the best game in the series. If you manage to find it somewhere just buy it, I don't think it costs very much since it's more than ten years old.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Hump Day Hunk(Cristiano Ronaldo)
Before you get totally distracted by the awesomeness of the pics you are about to behold I want to talk about my Hump Day Hunk weekly blog. I will still continue to feature celebrities but I would also like to feature some of my blogging buddies. If you are interested in being a "Hump Day Hunk, send me some pics of you and a link to your blog(robertga99@yahoo.com). The pics can be as revealing(or unrevealing) as you care but not including full nudity. I would like to keep it PG to PG-13. All shapes and sizes welcome! This is more about getting to know the fellow bloggers and promoting blogs.
I realized this week I have never featured one of my favs...
Check out the new ad photos followed by random pics of this HOT, HOT, HOT, Hump Day Hunk
I realized this week I have never featured one of my favs...
Cristiano Ronaldo
Besides being one of the hottest soccer players on the planet. He is now the new face of Armani Underwear.Check out the new ad photos followed by random pics of this HOT, HOT, HOT, Hump Day Hunk
You're Welcome
:)
Bob Out
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Nepal set to Protect Gays in Constitution
Nepal's will be the first country in Asia to draft a constitution that includes equal rights to sexual minorities.
The new constitution should be completed by May. It will include antidiscrimination protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex citizens.
Way to go, Nepal!
The new constitution should be completed by May. It will include antidiscrimination protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex citizens.
Way to go, Nepal!
Bob Out
Monday, January 18, 2010
Two movies I HAVE to see
I just watched the following movie trailers online and they look HYSTERICAL.
Check them out...FUNNY! I hope the movies live up to the trailers.
Bounty Hunter
&
Death at a Funeral
Bob Out
Check them out...FUNNY! I hope the movies live up to the trailers.
Bounty Hunter
&
Death at a Funeral
Bob Out
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
It is a time for the nation to remember the injustices that Dr. King fought. A time to remember his fight for the freedom, equality, and dignity of all races and peoples. A time to remember the message of change through nonviolence. Especially as gay American's are fighting for their right to marry and be treated as equal to heterosexuals.
One day it will happen...One day, SOON!
Bob Out
One day it will happen...One day, SOON!
Bob Out
Time to study
What’s up with Sundays, or maybe it’s Mondays? Either way, I never seem to get any sleep the night between those two days and it’s so frustrating not to know why. Luckily, school wasn’t as heavy as it usually can be on Mondays. You know, when you’re mind still wants to believe it’s weekend and not a new week again.
Nevertheless, there are still a lot of home studies that need to be done, so it’s just time for me to start working.
Nevertheless, there are still a lot of home studies that need to be done, so it’s just time for me to start working.
Today’s dress-for-success: blue long sleeved shirt from KappAhl, black jeans leggins from ZOUL, leopard belt from Gina Tricot, red scarf from Malaysia.
Voltando de Férias!
Saudades de todas, meninas! (ops! temos leitores meninos também!) Pois é, sumi sem me despedir... É que resolvi assim, de repente, ir pra Vitória passar uns dias com meu pai. A viagem foi óóótima!!!
Eu já não ia à Vitória a 16 anos. Não, eu não sou uma filha desnaturada! É que meu pai vem, aí eu, preguiçosamente, acabo não indo...
Fiz uma viagem que, pra mim, foi super diferente. Fui até Rio Piracicaba de carro e lá embarquei no trem da Vale que sai de BH. A viagem é maravilhosa! Não tanto pela vista, que sinceramente esperava mais, mas pelo ambiente, o andar entre os vagões, o tempo no restaurante, a novidade em si. Apesar de longa, a viagem não cansa.
Chegando em Vitória minha ótimadrata, porque boa pra Raquel é pouco, foi nossa companheira de aventuras, junto ao meu irmãozinho de 10 anos, o Marco Antônio. E entre praia, shopping, museus, espaços de ciências, conversas até de madrugada, o tempo passa e chega a hora de vir embora.
Cada momento deixa uma lembrança. Como esquecer o almoço no Partido Alto, hein Marco Antônio? E a noite da despedida? Deixou um gostinho de quero mais...
A volta não seria de trem, mas gostei tanto que acabei voltando nele. Então ontem, às 17:30, desembarquei em Rio Piracicaba, onde o carro me esperava para me trazer de volta pra casa.
Agora é a volta à rotina, ao trabalho e, claro, ao bloguinho!
Aliás, o blog fez aniversário! E isso merece uma promoção! Agora, de cabeça fresca, vou bolar alguma coisa e, ainda essa semana será lançada a promoção "1 Ano Criando Asas".
Aos poucos, durante a semana, vou colocando minhas visitas em dia.
Beijos!
Eu já não ia à Vitória a 16 anos. Não, eu não sou uma filha desnaturada! É que meu pai vem, aí eu, preguiçosamente, acabo não indo...
Fiz uma viagem que, pra mim, foi super diferente. Fui até Rio Piracicaba de carro e lá embarquei no trem da Vale que sai de BH. A viagem é maravilhosa! Não tanto pela vista, que sinceramente esperava mais, mas pelo ambiente, o andar entre os vagões, o tempo no restaurante, a novidade em si. Apesar de longa, a viagem não cansa.
Chegando em Vitória minha ótimadrata, porque boa pra Raquel é pouco, foi nossa companheira de aventuras, junto ao meu irmãozinho de 10 anos, o Marco Antônio. E entre praia, shopping, museus, espaços de ciências, conversas até de madrugada, o tempo passa e chega a hora de vir embora.
Cada momento deixa uma lembrança. Como esquecer o almoço no Partido Alto, hein Marco Antônio? E a noite da despedida? Deixou um gostinho de quero mais...
A volta não seria de trem, mas gostei tanto que acabei voltando nele. Então ontem, às 17:30, desembarquei em Rio Piracicaba, onde o carro me esperava para me trazer de volta pra casa.
Agora é a volta à rotina, ao trabalho e, claro, ao bloguinho!
Aliás, o blog fez aniversário! E isso merece uma promoção! Agora, de cabeça fresca, vou bolar alguma coisa e, ainda essa semana será lançada a promoção "1 Ano Criando Asas".
Aos poucos, durante a semana, vou colocando minhas visitas em dia.
Beijos!
Voltando de Férias!
Saudades de todas, meninas! (ops! temos leitores meninos também!) Pois é, sumi sem me despedir... É que resolvi assim, de repente, ir pra Vitória passar uns dias com meu pai. A viagem foi óóótima!!!
Eu já não ia à Vitória a 16 anos. Não, eu não sou uma filha desnaturada! É que meu pai vem, aí eu, preguiçosamente, acabo não indo...
Fiz uma viagem que, pra mim, foi super diferente. Fui até Rio Piracicaba de carro e lá embarquei no trem da Vale que sai de BH. A viagem é maravilhosa! Não tanto pela vista, que sinceramente esperava mais, mas pelo ambiente, o andar entre os vagões, o tempo no restaurante, a novidade em si. Apesar de longa, a viagem não cansa.
Chegando em Vitória minha ótimadrata, porque boa pra Raquel é pouco, foi nossa companheira de aventuras, junto ao meu irmãozinho de 10 anos, o Marco Antônio. E entre praia, shopping, museus, espaços de ciências, conversas até de madrugada, o tempo passa e chega a hora de vir embora.
Cada momento deixa uma lembrança. Como esquecer o almoço no Partido Alto, hein Marco Antônio? E a noite da despedida? Deixou um gostinho de quero mais...
A volta não seria de trem, mas gostei tanto que acabei voltando nele. Então ontem, às 17:30, desembarquei em Rio Piracicaba, onde o carro me esperava para me trazer de volta pra casa.
Agora é a volta à rotina, ao trabalho e, claro, ao bloguinho!
Aliás, o blog fez aniversário! E isso merece uma promoção! Agora, de cabeça fresca, vou bolar alguma coisa e, ainda essa semana será lançada a promoção "1 Ano Criando Asas".
Aos poucos, durante a semana, vou colocando minhas visitas em dia.
Beijos!
Eu já não ia à Vitória a 16 anos. Não, eu não sou uma filha desnaturada! É que meu pai vem, aí eu, preguiçosamente, acabo não indo...
Fiz uma viagem que, pra mim, foi super diferente. Fui até Rio Piracicaba de carro e lá embarquei no trem da Vale que sai de BH. A viagem é maravilhosa! Não tanto pela vista, que sinceramente esperava mais, mas pelo ambiente, o andar entre os vagões, o tempo no restaurante, a novidade em si. Apesar de longa, a viagem não cansa.
Chegando em Vitória minha ótimadrata, porque boa pra Raquel é pouco, foi nossa companheira de aventuras, junto ao meu irmãozinho de 10 anos, o Marco Antônio. E entre praia, shopping, museus, espaços de ciências, conversas até de madrugada, o tempo passa e chega a hora de vir embora.
Cada momento deixa uma lembrança. Como esquecer o almoço no Partido Alto, hein Marco Antônio? E a noite da despedida? Deixou um gostinho de quero mais...
A volta não seria de trem, mas gostei tanto que acabei voltando nele. Então ontem, às 17:30, desembarquei em Rio Piracicaba, onde o carro me esperava para me trazer de volta pra casa.
Agora é a volta à rotina, ao trabalho e, claro, ao bloguinho!
Aliás, o blog fez aniversário! E isso merece uma promoção! Agora, de cabeça fresca, vou bolar alguma coisa e, ainda essa semana será lançada a promoção "1 Ano Criando Asas".
Aos poucos, durante a semana, vou colocando minhas visitas em dia.
Beijos!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Horton vs. Roe vs. Wade
Anyone who's ever spent time with a kid should worship Dr Seuss. I do. No other children's author has every quite matched Seuss for style; the guy has a back catalogue of over 60 books, and the 222 million copies sold are jam-packed with some of the most original and bizarre characters and stories every created, which not only entertain children, but teach them to read, act as a diction trainer and impart gentle moral lessons - and all without ever sounding preachy or boring. Seuss (actually born Theodor Seuss Geisel) gave up the twin worlds of Preachy and Boring when he decided to throw in the towel as a political cartoonist, and start writing and drawing for an audience who might actually, well... learn something.
Some of the lessons sink in early, such as; try new things, you might like them (Green Eggs and Ham); and sometimes the best thing to be is yourself (I Wish That I Had Duck Feet).
Others come quietly in their wake. Protect the trees (The Lorax); and don't judge people who look different from you (The Sneetches). Seuss didn't stop at environmentalism and race-relations. He railed against materialism in How The Grinch Stole Christmas, against fascism in Yertle the Turtle*, and provided some fairly unclear advice to young boys in Oh! The Places You'll Go! with regards to staying focused despite getting "mixed up with many strange birds".
And then, there's Horton Hears A Who! ** Purportedly, it's about internationalism, and the importance of reaching out to other cultures (OK fine, it's about a giant sky-elephant and a talking kangaroo). And then, you have your factions who've managed to pull Dr Seuss into the abortion debate.
There are so many things wrong with that sentence. For one, the debate's basically been over for a couple decades***. And, oh yeah, for two: Some jerk actually got Dr Seuss involved in this shite. On what basis, you may ask? Two little lines;
... although you can't see them or hear them at all,
A person's a person, no matter how small.
Let's get this straight; when Horton the Elephant uttered those words, he was referring to tiny little people living on a speck on a flower. Seuss was generally pretty clear about the messages in his works. In comparison to the Lorax, who came straight out and said; I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues, there's a notable absence of fetal advocacy here. Even Seuss, the great envelope-pusher, can't be accused of sufficent bad taste as to use children's books as a medium for brainwashing kids about the evils of abortion.
Seuss actually disapproved thorougly of his work being co-opted in this manner, and his widow has in recent years threatened to sue several anti-choice protest groups for having the audacity to reprint the phrases on their stationery****. Undeterred by this very clear message, the protesters used the L.A. premiere of the film version of Horton as a picketing ground.
Without dwelling upon the seeming lack of logic in picketing what they believe to be a pro-life film, or the total lack of style involved in raising abortion at the premiere of a children's movie, there's a beautiful irony here. If you had have asked me, I'd have said that Horton is all about waking up to the world around you - something these guys seem not to have done for a long, long time.
* As Lisa Simpson put it, "possibly the finest book ever written on the subject of turtle-stacking". For more on turtle-stacking, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turtles_all_the_way_down
** Seriously, what is with this guy and ending his book titles with an exclamation point? Paging Elaine Benes!
*** Yes, it fucking well is. Anti-choice protesters are just kidding themselves.
**** Oddly enough, she didn't try to sue the Australian organisation Doctors for Forest for their use of The Lorax in promoting environmental awareness. Maybe that's because the book is... um... actually about saving trees?
And the Golden Globe goes to...
I love a good Awards show and The Golden Globes are one of my favorites. It's non-stop action with great categories. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that Sandra Bullock won for "The Blind Side"! And Meryl Streep for "Julia & Julia". The only disappointment for me was the Stanley Tucci didn't win! I love him!
Best Motion Picture- Drama, "Avatar"
Best Motion Picture- Comedy or Musical, "The Hangover"
Actress, Drama: Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side"
Actor, Drama: Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart"
Director: James Cameron, "Avatar"
Actor, Musical or Comedy: Robert Downey Jr, "Sherlock Holmes"
Actress, Musical or Comedy: Meryl Streep, "Julie & Julia"
Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz, "Inglourious Basterds"
Supporting Actress: Mo'Nique, "Precious: Based on the Novel `Push' by Sapphire"
Foreign Language: "The White Ribbon"
Animated Film: "Up"
Screenplay: Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner, "Up in the Air"
Original Score: Michael Giacchino, "Up"
Original Song: "The Weary Kind" (theme from "Crazy Heart"), (written by Ryan Bingham, T Bone Burnett)
Series, Drama: "Mad Men"
Actor, Drama: Michael C. Hall, "Dexter"
Actress, Drama: Julianna Margulies, "The Good Wife"
Series, Musical or Comedy: "Glee"
Actor, Musical or Comedy: Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock"
Actress, Musical or Comedy: Toni Collette, "United States of Tara."
Miniseries or Movie: "Grey Gardens"
Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Kevin Bacon, "Taking Chance"
Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Drew Barrymore, "Grey Gardens"
Supporting Actor, Series, Miniseries or Movie: John Lithgow, "Dexter"
Supporting Actress, Series, Miniseries or Movie: Chloe Sevigny, "Big Love"
&
Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award: Martin Scorsese.
Here is a full list of the winners tonight...
Best Motion Picture- Drama, "Avatar"
Best Motion Picture- Comedy or Musical, "The Hangover"
Actress, Drama: Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side"
Actor, Drama: Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart"
Director: James Cameron, "Avatar"
Actor, Musical or Comedy: Robert Downey Jr, "Sherlock Holmes"
Actress, Musical or Comedy: Meryl Streep, "Julie & Julia"
Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz, "Inglourious Basterds"
Supporting Actress: Mo'Nique, "Precious: Based on the Novel `Push' by Sapphire"
Foreign Language: "The White Ribbon"
Animated Film: "Up"
Screenplay: Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner, "Up in the Air"
Original Score: Michael Giacchino, "Up"
Original Song: "The Weary Kind" (theme from "Crazy Heart"), (written by Ryan Bingham, T Bone Burnett)
TELEVISION:
Series, Drama: "Mad Men"
Actor, Drama: Michael C. Hall, "Dexter"
Actress, Drama: Julianna Margulies, "The Good Wife"
Series, Musical or Comedy: "Glee"
Actor, Musical or Comedy: Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock"
Actress, Musical or Comedy: Toni Collette, "United States of Tara."
Miniseries or Movie: "Grey Gardens"
Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Kevin Bacon, "Taking Chance"
Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Drew Barrymore, "Grey Gardens"
Supporting Actor, Series, Miniseries or Movie: John Lithgow, "Dexter"
Supporting Actress, Series, Miniseries or Movie: Chloe Sevigny, "Big Love"
&
Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award: Martin Scorsese.
Bob Out
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