Afghanistan is the worst place in the world for women!

I watched the CNN special investigation, Afghanistan: Lifting the Veil and hot-darn, I wanted to cry. The lives of women in Afghanistan are abominable. 

The documentary shows widows, in full blue burkas (their husbands died fighting one of the numerous wars in Afghanistan over the years – when was the last time this country was at peace?) who now have to beg on the streets for money as men walk by and hurl insults at them. 

Afghan women begging in the streets

They don't educate the women, and when the breadwinner dies, they have no way to provide for their family. It's a sad, sad cycle.

The saddest thing to me was the fact they were showing a 40 year old women who look 70 years old. The hardship of their lives made them age twice as fast! It’s so, so sad. It reminded me of the photo of the "Afghan Girl" (photo below). The photo on the left she is a strikingly beautiful 12 year older. In the photo on the right she is only 29 years old! Yes, 29 - my age! But she looks 50! 

Sharbat Gula, the "Afghan Girl" who appeared on the cover of the National Geographic

The show went on to show a burn unit in a poorly staffed hospital which hosts many women who burn THEMSELVES to escape oppression. These women who are abused mentally and physically feel it is better to kill themselves than continue to live in their current condition. Unfortunately, many of them survive. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, the reporter, speaks with a married 14 year old girl (she was married at 7 years old) who describes how she burned herself at age 11 to escape the marriage. The girl pulls up her pant leg to show thin horribly scarred legs.

An Afghan woman who burned herself

After the show, I decided to find a NGO I can donate to that will help educate girls in Afghanistan (if you know of one, please let me know). I'm still looking, but will let you know of any updates.

I found this photo of Afghan women on a U.S. military website

Throw Back - Head of the Class

Class photo! Make sure you grab your little black free plastic comb!

Head of the Class was about a group of gifted students and their teacher. The only problem was, the teacher didn’t seem that bright and these kids never did any actual school work (they did fight the Russians, right?). 

The show aired during the height of the nerd parade of the 80’s. The 80’s were a time when nerds appeared in every movie and were part of our cultural collectiveness. We had Revenge of the Nerds, Sixteen Candles, Real Genius (I love this movie, watched it easily like 15 times), Weird Science, and Lucas (my least favorite of the nerd movies). 

Of course, the 80’s nerds gave way to the rich and grunge kids of the 90’s like Beverly Hills 90210 and rock bank Nirvana. What will we say of the 00’s? 

Farting on cops... now scaring children dressed as a cow...

Some people do funny things. Then some people do REALLY funny things.

Last week, it was Jose Cruz who was arrested with assault for FARTING on a police officer. And this week...

In Middletown, OH the police received complaints that Michele Allen was dressed in a cow costume and chasing children, blocking traffic and urinating on a porch. [ full story ]

Michele Allen's mug shot

No, you didn't read that wrong.

And to top it off, she appeared for sentencing in the same costume.

I just want to know what has happened in her life to make her act like this? Did she just wake up one morning and decide to dress in a cow costume. Then when she was in the costume, figured she should go around and scare children? And since she was already outside, cause a little traffic jam?

People are freakin' funny! 

[Got this from my friends at Boing Boing]

Sarah Palin isn't that daft, is she?

I really believe the McCain campaign is imploding. Every day Sarah Palin says something that makes us believe she's an idiot (today is no exception). 

It's so ridiculous, I'm starting to believe it's a ploy. She can't really be this dense? It's all a trick. Slight of hand! Right??? They want us to believe she's an idiot and then she shows up at the VP debate looking like Steven Hawkings! 

But then again, maybe she really is that daft.

Lil’ Wayne is all about sports

I found out from my friends at Young, Black and Fabulous (I say friends, but they don’t know I’m alive, but they are friends in my head) that Lil’ Wayne is now a blogger for ESPN. Yes, the very real and popular cable network and all things sport – ESPN.

The logo for ESPN's Sports Center

Apparently Lil’ Wayne doesn’t watching anything but sports on TV so who couldn’t ask for a better deal, right? 

You can read his blog here.

Lil' Wayne's mugshot from January 2008

Since I will admit I’m not a sport expert, but my partner is (seriously, he’s that typical dude that can’t go to sleep at night before his fix of sports center and Sunday’s are devoted to football – seriously, he doesn’t move off the couch). 

His analysis of Lil’ Wayne’s first blog entry was “terrible blog… he started well but lost focus after the first paragraph… he’s writing like there should be someone there commenting on his point. It’s like a bunch of guy speaking in general about sports but all are muted except one guy, so you only hear one part… it sucks.”

I didn’t read his blog because I can’t support Lil’ Wayne. Seriously, shouldn’t that guy be in jail already?

Jim Henson I Still Love You

With all the mass confusion with the money trouble of the US economy, here’s a post to make you smile!

Jim Henson surrounded by his wonderful creations!

I was listening to the NPR: Pop Culture Podcast and they were discussing a new traveling exhibit about Jim Henson’s life sponsored by the Smithsonian and wanted to share it with you.

Jim Henson brought smiles and sunshine to the world. His creative and funny puppets (excuse me, Muppets) over the years have helped children to learn their number and the importance of diversity. They also brought grins to the faces of adults who still remember all the words to Rainbow Connection sung by my beloved Kermit the Frog.

It's time to play the music

It's time to light the lights

It's time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet Show tonight!

Jim Henson died unexpectedly May 16, 1990 but he will always be remembered by every child who grew up watching Sesame Street and the adults who remember the Muppet Show.

I loved these two grumpy old men always heckling the rest of the cast

Jim started his career in advertisement. Below you will find one of his most famous commercial. The commercial is pretty dark if you ask me. The Muppet kills the other Muppet who doesn’t drink the coffee. He shoots him with a cannon, then a gun, beats him with a club, he gets run over by a train, and then blown up by dynamite. Funny stuff!

We can all remember the song Mahna Mahna. You probably didn’t even know Jim Henson made it famous (but it first appeared in a Swedish softcore porn movie - is that where his idea for the Swedish Chef came from?)!

And how can we forget the beautiful The Rainbow Connection sung by Kermit the Frog?

The song will always be for lovers, dreams and me!

Usain Bolt - I Love This Guy!

I know the Summer Olympics is but a vague memory to most people by now, but for me, who I will remember most (besides Michael Phelps because NBC won't let me forget) is Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt. 

Usain Bolt broke the world record for 100 meters at 9.69 seconds (do you even realize how fast that is?)! Usain has his own style and was always entertaining on the track.

Usain returned home to Jamaica a national hero! Check out this video of some of the celebration (who doesn't love dance hall). Big Up!

Watch his interview on David Letterman (he looked kind of nervous).

I found this funny parody of his world record win on youtube (Where did you hide your cell phone? The same place I hid the champagne!)

Bill Clinton STILL doesn't like Obama

Not to belabor the point (using Katie Couric's words to Sarah Palin) but Bill Clinton really doesn't like Obama (as I stated here and here). And it might be better if he stops doing interviews because the reporters will keep asking if he does and he will have to say some round-about answer like, "I don't dislike him."

Tom Brokaw asked this Sunday, "Would you use the same words for [Obama] that you have used for Senator McCain, that you admire him and that you think he's a great man?"

Billy's response, "Well, I don't --- look, I had my first conversation with him in my entire life in Harlem."

Even SNL had to mock him on his no-likey of Obama.

The Moon Walk

I was watching The Jacksons: An American Dream on VH1 (I don't know why, just bored I guess) and then I started doing a little Internet search for Michael Jackson dance moves. I came across this little video and wanted to share it with you. Random guy doing one hell of a moon walk!

Eye Candy - Tom Welling

Look at that face. It's so manly, so strong, so beautiful!

Look at that body. So big and strong. Can you imagine what a nice tight hug from him might feel like? Would you even be able to get your arms around his entire chest?

Don't look at his teeth, they's kind of messed up.

This week's eye candy is Tom Welling!

I will admit, this eye candy is all about LUST. I lust after Tom Welling. I don't want him to talk (the jury is still out on his personality and speaking abilities). I just want him to lay next to me and for me to rest my head on his chest.

He has the look of a construction worker, a very, very good looking blue collar guy. I can imagine our meeting going like this:

I am in a local bar, sipping on an amaretto sour (my favorite drink) and reading a book (I read where ever I go, that’s the geek in me). I hear someone walk in and nosily sit down. He orders a beer (he doesn't say what type, just beer). After taking a long sip he turns and looks at me. Even though I can feel him looking at me, I don’t dare look up from my book.

“Hey, I’ve read that book,” he says.

I reluctantly look up and say, “Really?” Then I really see him and realize it’s Tom effin’ Welling. I instantly make up my mind to pretend I don’t know who he is or that he just made the temperature go up ten degrees.

“Yeah, in high school if was required reading.” He gets up and sits next to me. “I really liked it.”

“Cool. Have you seen the movie? Of course, it’s not as good as the book, but it’s definitely worth seeing.”

“Wow, I didn’t know they made it into a movie.”

Of course, I’m thinking idiot! Thanks for affirming my notion that good looking people are stupid. But that thought quickly floats from my head as I realized this gorgeous man wants to talk to me.

“Want to watch it?” he asks.

“You mean now?”

“Yeah, why not? I’m staying in a hotel up the street and I think I passed a video store up the block.”

Inside I’m screaming, “hell ya! Let’s go now!” But I realize I must play it cool.

“Sure!” He gulps down the rest of his beer and stands to pull out my bar stool for me (and he has manners!). 

Luckily the video store has the movie and we proceed to walk to his hotel. He explains he's in town for his job (I assume he doesn’t want me to know he’s a famous actor) and didn’t have much to do with his down time. Our conversation is friendly but not romantic and I figure he really just wants company.

We finally reach his hotel room and I mention he must have a good job to have such a large suite and he explains “it’s all a tax right off or something.”

I settle down on the couch while he puts in the DVD. He smiles at me and says “Ready?”

“Of course,” I answer (is he flirting, I'm not quite sure). He walks to the couch and sits so close to me that our legs are touching (yeah, he's flirting).

We don’t talk during the movie and after 30 minutes his head gently lands on my shoulder. His hair is tickling my neck. I reach over to move the hair and notice how soft and light it is. While I’m touching his hair, I notice his eyes are open and he’s staring at me.

I clumsily jump up and say “sorry.” I start to gather my belongings because I am mortified that Tom effin’ Welling just caught me fondling his hair.

He stands and grabs my hand. “It’s okay. Really, it’s okay.”

“Oh, err, it’s just your hair, it’s… it’s just so soft – what conditioner do you use?” My brain screams “idiot, I don’t believe you just said that!” He laughs.

“You know, there’s a DVD player in the bedroom. I’m kind of tired and it might be more comfortable to watch it in there.”

Yeah, I know that sucked and was poorly written (check out my Jude Law meeting), but believe me I did that on purpose, because it’s all ridiculous! I was just having some fun and wanted an opportunity to post some photos of a good looking guy.

Anyway, I first noticed Tom on Smallville (yes, I am a fan even though each year it becomes more difficult to justify watching). He's eye candy to me and from the absurd number of photos of him I found on the internet, I'm sure many people agree with me (probably all 13 year old girls -- geez, I'm such a loser).

Quick Tom Trivia:

• 31 years old
• He stands 6’3”
• Shoe size, 14!
• Worked as a construction workers until be became a model
• Only stared in three movies
• Is part Native American
• Claim to fame – playing Superman on Smallville

Enjoy the eye candy. You can check out more photos here.

Presidential Debate Tonight!

This isn't Obama and McCain, just some stand ins... only a couple more hours to go!

I'm actually a little excited about the Presidential Debate tonight. I started off switching from CNN and MSNBC for pre-show coverage, but I usually stay on MSNBC for my girl Rachel and my guy Keith. But MSNBC better get HD soon, because CNN is just a better viewing experience (and they have cool little facts popping up on the bottom of the screen).

Now, I have to say, Obama has to stop looking too cool. Seriously, these anchors and pundits keep hatin' on his coolness. But then again, he can't help if he's good looking and has a smooth Denzel Washington stroll.

The Big Bailout - More like Corporate Welfare

Why do they keep calling this whole bank thing a bailout? I think they should call it welfare. I mean, that's what it is and the connotation is more appropriate, so laymen, like myself can understand.

So, the government wants to give the BANK'S welfare. 

Does that sit well with you?

Yeah, yeah, I know there are a billion other things involved in this complex economic issue, but straight up, on the surface, it just doesn't sound right to me. No matter how many people I hear explain how it will help use stave off the next great depression. Bullsh^t!

America will bounce back. That's what we do, we are so Rocky, we'll come back in part TWO!

I just checked the World GDP Rankings and guess what we're - #1! (if you don't count the EU - 27 countries combined). And we have a 9 TRILLION lead over number two (Japan)! NINE MUTHAFRAPIN TRILLION! We aren't about to fall into a great depression and George Bush should be ashamed for scaring us half to death in his National Address Thursday night.

Now, I ain't go to no fancy school and I only took business stat in college, so I won't attempt to get into the details of this mess, but something doesn't seem right and I ain't buying (or paying for) this whole corporate welfare stuff. 

I got a forward today and this person came up with a plan (which I think is great), which can solve this whole mess:

Subject: A Modest Proposal

Forwarded from some genius on the internet:

I'm against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG.

Instead, I'm in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a We Deserve It Dividend.

To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000 bonafide U.S. Citizens 18+. Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child. So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up..

So divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billon that equals $425,000.00.

My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a We Deserve It Dividend.

Of course, it would NOT be tax free. So let's assume a tax rate of 30%. Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes.

That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam. But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in their pocket.

A husband and wife has $595,000.00. What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family? 

Pay off your mortgage - housing crisis solved. Repay college loans - what a great boost to new grads Put away money for college - it'll be there Save in a bank - create money to loan to entrepreneurs. Buy a new car - create jobs. Invest in the market - capital drives growth. Pay for your parent's medical insurance - health care improves. Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean - or else. Remember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back. And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces.

If we're going to re-distribute wealth let's really do it...instead of trickling out a puny $1000.00 ( "vote buy" ) economic incentive that is being proposed by one of our candidates for President.

If we're going to do an $85 billion bailout, let's bail out every adult U S Citizen 18+! 

As for AIG - liquidate it. Sell off its parts.

Let American General go back to being American General. Sell off the real estate.

Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.

Here's my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn't.

Sure it's a crazy idea that can "never work."

But can you imagine the Coast-To-Coast Block Party! How do you spell Economic Boom?

I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 Billion

We Deserve It Dividend more than I do the geniuses at AIG or in Washington DC. And remember, This plan only really costs $59.5 Billion because $25.5 Billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.

Ahhh...I feel so much better getting that off my chest.

Yup, I'm cool with that plan. I'll be checking the mail for my check.

Throw Back - My Two Dads

I loved this show. I wanted two dad's too! My silly mother and father were so old fashion with their heterosexual relationship.

I just imagined if I had two dads, my life would be interesting and I could have a cool room (kids on TV always have cool rooms).

Now, the premise of the show was suspect. The girls mom dies and the COURT awards custody to the two dudes the mom was dating before she died! Crazy, right! They weren't even her BIRTH fathers'! But hey, it provided hours of sitcom humor.

"You can count on me, no matter what you do, 

You can count on me, no matter where you go!" 

- Theme song

Sarah Silverman bringing out the Jewish Obama Vote

Funny woman Sarah Silverman supports Obama.

She supports him so much she made a video supporting Obama.

In the video she makes a plea for all Jewish kids to threaten their grandparents in Florida into voting for Obama.

Hilarious!

The Great Schlep from The Great Schlep on Vimeo.

Smart People Support Obama

Still undecided about the Presidential Election? Well, take the word of our smartest and vote for Barack Obama.

61 Nobel Laureates in Science gathered and have concluded Barack Obama should be our next President. Apparently this is a big deal because this is the largest number of smarty-pants to endorse a candidate for office (only 48 openly endorsed Kerry).

These aren't the guys who signed it, just a stock photo of scientist

Read their open letter here and see all the smarties who signed it! (pdf)

Of course, if you are still undecided and don't believe in science - this probably doesn't help.

[Got this from Slog.]

Seriously, Bill Clinton does not like Obama

I said it once (so did Chris Rock) now someone else is saying it. 

This dude (Bill Clinton) is not hiding the fact that he's not too keen on my main man Obama. He keeps saying McCain is a good guy and what not, but can't he tell McCain lost his mind a couple months ago (if not earlier?).

Geez, Bill, if you heart isn't in it, just stop.

Throw Back - Small Wonder

Do you remember the TV show Small Wonder? 

Things I've always wondered about this show:

• I didn't grow up in the suburbs, but are all suburban neighbors nosy there? That red headed girl and her parents were always in their business.
• Is it cool to make your daughter/robot do ALL the housekeeping. Wasn't she really a slave?
• No one realizes she's a robot? It's like Clark Kent (and I didn't buy that either)

Blogging - Oh that's how you get more visitors!

I stumbled across this interesting post on Tech Crunch about technorati's "annual report".

What I learned:

• If your blog gets 1000,000 hit per month, you can make $75,000 a year (really, no one told me that?)

• The more you post, the higher they rank you (which means more hits, right, so I can make that $75K?)

Check out their post here.

Farting - now a lethal weapon... parents warn your boys.

This is hilarious! 

Dude farts on cop, cop charges man with assault.

Read the full story here

I Hate... My Commute Home

Today was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. 

It all started with my subconscious decision to be late for work today and ending with me almost running home from a dog. I will spare you all the details, but needless to say when I started my commute home I was in a foul mood and everything seemed to bother me. 

Here are the highlights of all the things that pissed me off on my commute home today:

• The man driving a blue van who quickly turned the corner and stuck his head out the window to "hock-spit" out.

• The three male teenagers who walked passed me wearing skinny jeans. I hate skinny jeans, they just look unhealthy, especially on males.

• The man who walked by as I sat on a bench waiting for the bus and flicked his cigarette which caused all the ashes to fly into my face.

• The extremely old man in the janitor's uniform who sat next to me on the bench. His hands were so large and callous, and OLD. I don't hate the man. I just hate the fact that this man, clearly over 70 years old has to work so hard everyday.

• The bus driver who was so inconsiderate and slammed on the breaks at every opportunity. All you have to do is slowly apply pressure to the break petal.

• The man talking loudly on his cell phone on the bus. Did it occur to you that you are surrounded by 20 people? Who cares who took your mother to the dentist this afternoon, she went and got her teeth fixed, be happy and stop talking so damn loud. No, just hang up (it's not about voice level, it just plain rude).

• The dog that barked at me when I was walking to my house. I thought we had an agreement! I pass you every day and you've never barked before - why today? I hate you stupid dog!

I read this book as a child, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst. It's a great book when you're feeling down.

McCain done lost his dang mind!

I was in a meeting at work, when I return to my desk I see a text message on my cell phone. It's from CNN Breaking News:

John McCain suspends campaigning to work on economy, requests postponing Friday debate; asks Obama to do the same.

What da! I was shocked and happy. McCain has finally lost it. Why suspend your campaign now? Doesn't he realize there are 98 other senators at work and over 500 congressmen currently working on and able to deal with this? But oh no! McCain has to be our saviour! The same McCain who said he doesn't know much about the economy!

This is so freakin' funny, it almost seems unreal.

Actually I think Presidential Candidate Barack Obama said it best with these words, "Presidents are going to have to deal with more than one thing at a time."

Uganda - Vacation Photos

I went on vacation in Uganda this summer and wanted to share some photos with the world! 

Here... we... go...

Uganda is so green! 

Ground nuts!

Bananas were everywhere!

Woman standing on the sidewalk

A mother and her two children

School children

The Nile River

I consumed so much alcohol, my liver is still recovering!

The flight home via. a layover in Brussels.

You can view more photos in my picasa album.