Tuesday, September 27, 2005
A quickie
This is why I don't trust the anti-war people. Gotta love that first-class NY Times journalism.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Austin City Limits Music Festival: Jason Mraz & Coldplay
Jason Mraz and Coldplay were all I hoped they'd be - completely astounding.
If I were African, however, and the city of Austin didn't surround Zilker Park, I might have been at a music festival in sub-Saharan Africa, in the savana, where thick dust, 108-degrees of mercury and high humidity come together to squelch any possible enthusiasm for such heavy hitters as Coldplay and Mraz. However, me and my buddy Choongkun braved the scorching conditions and fought for our place in the festival. And indeed, the bands knocked my socks off. Wowzers.
I took a few pictures, and Choongkun about a gazillion, stopping what seemed every 35-and-a-half seconds to get out his pair of very nice cameras to take some wide-angle and zoom shots.
We arrived for Jason Mraz (the so-called "Geek in the Pink") precisely on-time, at 4:30. Here's a few shots:
If I were African, however, and the city of Austin didn't surround Zilker Park, I might have been at a music festival in sub-Saharan Africa, in the savana, where thick dust, 108-degrees of mercury and high humidity come together to squelch any possible enthusiasm for such heavy hitters as Coldplay and Mraz. However, me and my buddy Choongkun braved the scorching conditions and fought for our place in the festival. And indeed, the bands knocked my socks off. Wowzers.
I took a few pictures, and Choongkun about a gazillion, stopping what seemed every 35-and-a-half seconds to get out his pair of very nice cameras to take some wide-angle and zoom shots.
We arrived for Jason Mraz (the so-called "Geek in the Pink") precisely on-time, at 4:30. Here's a few shots:
Afterwards, we waded through the dust-polluted air to (1) find water, (2) get $ from the ATM (3) look around. The next couple of just randomly taken at what looks like to be about an hour before Coldplay came out.
Last but not least - the best out of only a couple shots I took of them - night shots are difficult. I'll get more of Choongkun later.
Coldplay was by far the most amazing of any of the other bands I saw - it was a whole show, production if you will, besides just the band. Special cameras, huge display behind the band, and even a good dose of personality from Chris Martin (lead singer, guitarist). There were rumors that Gwyneth Paltrow was seen ealier with the couple's baby.
So that was Sunday. Anyone up for SXSW...
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Non-profit?
I discovered today that Baylor is very protective of its faculty fax machines. So protective, in fact, that the University charges $2 per page to students to fax anything anywhere, even though we pay roughly $17,000 per year in tuition and general student in fees. I know with gasolines prices up, and the world getting bigger with the advent of costlier communication services, that the the cost of faxing a document has risen.
Some things are so ridiculous there's really no way to accurately describe them.
Some things are so ridiculous there's really no way to accurately describe them.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Sometimes I just wish I was an O.G.
The cool thing about being an O.G. must be the fact that an orignal gangsta could not possibly ever be overwhelmed with academic life. Nor does one have to worry about, say, getting good grades, getting a job, or even being socially accepted by society--say nothing of women, who, in the land of O.G.s are like cool articles of clothing. However, an O.G. must always worry about getting his wig split. That isn't any fun.
Anyway, I've been busy lately...GRE is on the horizon still, and I have less than two weeks to cram in all the studying that should preclude it. Nonetheless, I'm enjoying actually having an income, from the library, and being busy encourages productivity.
That's it for the moment. Oh, I've semi-continued my Xanga...we'll see how that turns out...
Anyway, I've been busy lately...GRE is on the horizon still, and I have less than two weeks to cram in all the studying that should preclude it. Nonetheless, I'm enjoying actually having an income, from the library, and being busy encourages productivity.
That's it for the moment. Oh, I've semi-continued my Xanga...we'll see how that turns out...
Saturday, September 10, 2005
The finger game
It's easy to be insensitive and overly emotional simultaneously when viewing events in retrospect. The Katrina disaster, the most pertinent example here, illustrates just how much the mass media centered the criticism of slow responses on the Bush Administration (the Feds) and not on the states themselves, the ones actually responsible for having disaster management plans. One of the critical elements of federalism is the sharing of governmental responsibility between the federal government and the state/local governments.
The Palm Beach Post ran an article today focusing on the fact that Louisiana and Mississippi didn't have any acceptable plans for dealing with huge disasters such as Katrina, and didn't want any, at that. Did this come up during the initial outbursts from Mayor C. Ray Nagin of New Orleans, when he berated the Feds and Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco for not doing any work?
Well, now some tough questions have surfaced against Nagin, naturally, after criticism has been focused by the media on the federal government. Robert E. Pierre in the The Washington Post today speaks of Nagin's apparent loss of control in New Orleans shortly before Katrina struck:
'"Should there have been a better plan to evacuate those without cars? Was his police force up to the task? Why weren't there supplies for the legions of people directed to the Superdome? Why were all those city buses left in low-lying areas? Why did so many of his officers leave their posts as the city descended into a chaos that left many residents afraid that either thugs or the elements would kill them?
On conservative talk radio, especially, Nagin has been characterized as an irrational and incompetent local official who lost control of his city, his police force and, ultimately, his senses when he publicly dressed down the president. Even some of his underlings think the critics may be right.
"He should have evacuated the place earlier," said one city firefighter, echoing a mostly whispered sentiment here as the collection of dead bodies begins in earnest. The firefighter asked not to be identified for fear of retribution.'
Of course, a view like "well, it was the officials in New Orleans' fault" for the mess is not going to be popular in the news. Obviously the federal response was less than adequate, but, we must remember that New Orleans could have evacuated, or at least had a plan to evacuate, those who could not leave the city. This is a basic part of managing a city, especially one the size and location of New Orleans.
On top of this, it's well known that New Orleans is a seedy, poverty-stricken and corrupt city almost to its core. This could not have been a positive influence for a city living literally on the edge of complete disaster. House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R) wisely noted that it's a valid question whether or not New Orleans should completely be rebuilt. Should the federal government reward crooked leaders and incompetent officials with billions of dollars in reconstruction money? It's still below sea-level, and many of the inhabitants have moved out. Indeed, according to one woman who was relocated to Houston, TX, she wanted to start anew, and was surprised at the opportunities available to her outside of the Big Easy.
The Palm Beach Post ran an article today focusing on the fact that Louisiana and Mississippi didn't have any acceptable plans for dealing with huge disasters such as Katrina, and didn't want any, at that. Did this come up during the initial outbursts from Mayor C. Ray Nagin of New Orleans, when he berated the Feds and Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco for not doing any work?
Well, now some tough questions have surfaced against Nagin, naturally, after criticism has been focused by the media on the federal government. Robert E. Pierre in the The Washington Post today speaks of Nagin's apparent loss of control in New Orleans shortly before Katrina struck:
'"Should there have been a better plan to evacuate those without cars? Was his police force up to the task? Why weren't there supplies for the legions of people directed to the Superdome? Why were all those city buses left in low-lying areas? Why did so many of his officers leave their posts as the city descended into a chaos that left many residents afraid that either thugs or the elements would kill them?
On conservative talk radio, especially, Nagin has been characterized as an irrational and incompetent local official who lost control of his city, his police force and, ultimately, his senses when he publicly dressed down the president. Even some of his underlings think the critics may be right.
"He should have evacuated the place earlier," said one city firefighter, echoing a mostly whispered sentiment here as the collection of dead bodies begins in earnest. The firefighter asked not to be identified for fear of retribution.'
Of course, a view like "well, it was the officials in New Orleans' fault" for the mess is not going to be popular in the news. Obviously the federal response was less than adequate, but, we must remember that New Orleans could have evacuated, or at least had a plan to evacuate, those who could not leave the city. This is a basic part of managing a city, especially one the size and location of New Orleans.
On top of this, it's well known that New Orleans is a seedy, poverty-stricken and corrupt city almost to its core. This could not have been a positive influence for a city living literally on the edge of complete disaster. House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R) wisely noted that it's a valid question whether or not New Orleans should completely be rebuilt. Should the federal government reward crooked leaders and incompetent officials with billions of dollars in reconstruction money? It's still below sea-level, and many of the inhabitants have moved out. Indeed, according to one woman who was relocated to Houston, TX, she wanted to start anew, and was surprised at the opportunities available to her outside of the Big Easy.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Maybe they listened to my call..
The State Department has been accepting offers of aid when it will help the victims of Hurricane Katrina, and the Red Cross has accepted numerous donations from over 90 countries. Here's the story.
As far as I go, things have been heating up around here. I'm working in the library in the Office of Library Advancement, doing Habitat for Humanity, writing for the Lariat, a bible study, and Sigma Iota Rho. I'm taking 3 classes and one independent readings course. The latter is going to be interesting - I have to read over 1300 pages (roughly 4 books) for the course, and write book reviews on each. I haven't gotten started on these yet. On top of this, I have the GRE to study for, scholarships to apply for, and graduate school researching to do, all in about 2-3 months. So far, however, I've enjoyed being busy.
The foosball table has been added to the repertoire of fun and games at our apartment. Already, it has been a success.
As far as I go, things have been heating up around here. I'm working in the library in the Office of Library Advancement, doing Habitat for Humanity, writing for the Lariat, a bible study, and Sigma Iota Rho. I'm taking 3 classes and one independent readings course. The latter is going to be interesting - I have to read over 1300 pages (roughly 4 books) for the course, and write book reviews on each. I haven't gotten started on these yet. On top of this, I have the GRE to study for, scholarships to apply for, and graduate school researching to do, all in about 2-3 months. So far, however, I've enjoyed being busy.
The foosball table has been added to the repertoire of fun and games at our apartment. Already, it has been a success.
Sunday, September 04, 2005
The bad kind of pride
George, accept the aid offers. They're offering it to Americans, not to the U.S. government. The USG is not always going to be all what it's meant to be. The world's people, by-and-large, like and care about Americans. We do, after all, give billions of dollars in private and public donations (and invaluable training, assistance) to other countries every year. We're not above receiving aid when we need it; it's good PR, and it helps Americans.
Already, charges of racism are surfacing from black leaders. I think it's 99% rubbish, but, civil rights activists aren't what they used to be. In saying that the placement of refugees in large city convention centers is somehow racist, we must also assume that giving displaced blacks and whites free medicine, food, clothing, housing and many other things for free, is probably somehow racist too. The problem with activists like Jesse Jackson is that they inherently focus on what makes themselves appear to be legitimate—not on how to better the black community, which is bridge-building. Obviously, if racism was not a problem in this disaster, but only poor logistics, they would be useful only in raising money for victims and nothing else.
Also, some of you may remember my prediction on Friday that Congress will want an investigation on the slow federal response to Katrina. Well, it's already starting.
Already, charges of racism are surfacing from black leaders. I think it's 99% rubbish, but, civil rights activists aren't what they used to be. In saying that the placement of refugees in large city convention centers is somehow racist, we must also assume that giving displaced blacks and whites free medicine, food, clothing, housing and many other things for free, is probably somehow racist too. The problem with activists like Jesse Jackson is that they inherently focus on what makes themselves appear to be legitimate—not on how to better the black community, which is bridge-building. Obviously, if racism was not a problem in this disaster, but only poor logistics, they would be useful only in raising money for victims and nothing else.
Also, some of you may remember my prediction on Friday that Congress will want an investigation on the slow federal response to Katrina. Well, it's already starting.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
22 years, and nine little-person months
I feel sorry for people named Katrina. Though today marks my 22nd birthday, my thoughts and prayers are almost completely on the subject of hurricane Katrina's rampage through the Gulf Coast states. I’m thinking of going with a Baylor team over fall break to help in the reconstruction efforts. Who’s with me?! (Warning: this post has some boring bits, but there's a surprise at the end!)
On the radar, she, the harlot of the sea, seems beautiful as the storm spins across the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. "Oh look! How fluffy she looks!" But she is not – indeed she is the opposite (like a temptress indeed!)
Some of you may have noticed, but even in the midst of the media storm associated with Katrina’s aftermath, a recent poll by some organization noted that President Bush’s approval rating was at a career low: 45%. That said, a lot of other presidents have had it much lower, and for much longer. But that’s not the point I want to make.
The link to Katrina is this: it is a rare sight to see someone not blaming the President for something bad that happens. In this hurricane’s case, President Bush and his alleged oil allies in no way can be blamed for the disaster. If anything, they suffered a major blow (oops, little pun there). Anti-oil company folks might be thrilled about this…surely they got what was coming to them…but wait a minute, how much are gas prices now? And how many families who work for an oil company in the Gulf region are displaced, killed, or not working?
(Update: I spoke too soon, as blame is quickly befalling Bush)
If blame can be placed anywhere, it can be on the general public. The biggest national effect of the disaster is the price of oil. If you’re a peace-loving massage therapist in Seattle, Washington, the last thing on your mind, probably is how delicate and how essential petroleum is to every single aspect of our comfy lives—even if you drive a hybrid. The same is true, for say, the gas-guzzling, conservative CEO riding around in his Hummer H2 40 miles to and from work. The truth of the matter is this: the dirty, unglamorous petroleum industry has been lambasted by every kind of person in the United States, but few realize how much goes into getting those European groceries to Whole Foods or getting that cheap TV shipped to Wal-Mart. Almost everything that moves is somehow connected to the petroleum industry.
I am thankful though, that Skinny’s down the street kept regular under $3 (Well, 1/10 below).
Others, of course, always will profit from disasters, and almost exclusively from the (yet another “evil”) insurance industry. Who pays to rebuild all the mangled wrecks of houses, cars, ships, and bridges? Insurance companies. Well, maybe they’re good for something after all. Construction contractors, builders, wood and steel providers, Wal-Mart, Target, and really any other household-supplies retailer will make billions off the disaster, but it won’t be as much as it would have been if the oil industry wasn’t so disrupted. With gasoline so expensive, generating profits will be much more difficult, and one may wonder if, in the end, Katrina actually produced more profits or shrunk profits due to gasoline prices. Those truckers only get like 4 miles per gallon.
I am thankful to God, however, that amidst the crisis at hand, that we and the survivors live in a country so greatly endowed with resources to pick up the pieces--these resources being more than money or helicopters--the resource that so mysteriously drives good in the United States--the generosity and hospitality of the American people. Rich or poor, and whatever color, people reach out and devote their time to helping victims--no matter their color or background. It's a sight to behold, and its a model for other people in other countries to see.
As such, those are my thoughts at the moment. BIG NEWS THOUGH: WE'RE GETTING A FOOSBALL TABLE THIS WEEKEND. Hardcore, people, hardcore. =] Note: the table I'm getting is not the one shown here, and doesn't come with girls in bikinis, sadly.
On the radar, she, the harlot of the sea, seems beautiful as the storm spins across the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. "Oh look! How fluffy she looks!" But she is not – indeed she is the opposite (like a temptress indeed!)
Some of you may have noticed, but even in the midst of the media storm associated with Katrina’s aftermath, a recent poll by some organization noted that President Bush’s approval rating was at a career low: 45%. That said, a lot of other presidents have had it much lower, and for much longer. But that’s not the point I want to make.
The link to Katrina is this: it is a rare sight to see someone not blaming the President for something bad that happens. In this hurricane’s case, President Bush and his alleged oil allies in no way can be blamed for the disaster. If anything, they suffered a major blow (oops, little pun there). Anti-oil company folks might be thrilled about this…surely they got what was coming to them…but wait a minute, how much are gas prices now? And how many families who work for an oil company in the Gulf region are displaced, killed, or not working?
(Update: I spoke too soon, as blame is quickly befalling Bush)
If blame can be placed anywhere, it can be on the general public. The biggest national effect of the disaster is the price of oil. If you’re a peace-loving massage therapist in Seattle, Washington, the last thing on your mind, probably is how delicate and how essential petroleum is to every single aspect of our comfy lives—even if you drive a hybrid. The same is true, for say, the gas-guzzling, conservative CEO riding around in his Hummer H2 40 miles to and from work. The truth of the matter is this: the dirty, unglamorous petroleum industry has been lambasted by every kind of person in the United States, but few realize how much goes into getting those European groceries to Whole Foods or getting that cheap TV shipped to Wal-Mart. Almost everything that moves is somehow connected to the petroleum industry.
I am thankful though, that Skinny’s down the street kept regular under $3 (Well, 1/10 below).
Others, of course, always will profit from disasters, and almost exclusively from the (yet another “evil”) insurance industry. Who pays to rebuild all the mangled wrecks of houses, cars, ships, and bridges? Insurance companies. Well, maybe they’re good for something after all. Construction contractors, builders, wood and steel providers, Wal-Mart, Target, and really any other household-supplies retailer will make billions off the disaster, but it won’t be as much as it would have been if the oil industry wasn’t so disrupted. With gasoline so expensive, generating profits will be much more difficult, and one may wonder if, in the end, Katrina actually produced more profits or shrunk profits due to gasoline prices. Those truckers only get like 4 miles per gallon.
I am thankful to God, however, that amidst the crisis at hand, that we and the survivors live in a country so greatly endowed with resources to pick up the pieces--these resources being more than money or helicopters--the resource that so mysteriously drives good in the United States--the generosity and hospitality of the American people. Rich or poor, and whatever color, people reach out and devote their time to helping victims--no matter their color or background. It's a sight to behold, and its a model for other people in other countries to see.
As such, those are my thoughts at the moment. BIG NEWS THOUGH: WE'RE GETTING A FOOSBALL TABLE THIS WEEKEND. Hardcore, people, hardcore. =] Note: the table I'm getting is not the one shown here, and doesn't come with girls in bikinis, sadly.