Day Without a Gay: I Think I'll Stay Gay Tomorrow, Thank You Very Much

I've spent quite a bit of time trying to decide what I think about Day Without a Gay. When I first heard of it about a month ago on Facebook, I didn't think much of it. There's a Facebook group for just about everything, so I wanted to wait and see if it actually caught on. Thing is, tomorrow is my birthday, so now that the big ol' gay protest is apparently going down, I figured I should at least develop an opinion on the subject.

The purpose of Day Without a Gay, according to its website, is that "On December 10, you are encouraged not to call in sick to work. You are encouraged to call in 'gay'--and donate your time to service!" This is all fine and dandy, I suppose, but it just sort of rubs me the wrong way.

I mean, I get it. We're trying to increase exposure of the gay community's importance by showing how many of us there are while at the same time providing service to the community and looking like super great human beings. Blah blah blah. These things I 100% support.

However, I just don't know if I'm behind the way it's being done. Why, exactly, must we take a day off work to provide this service? What's the point of all of us just not showing up for work? Couldn't the service occur on the weekend, or after work, or during my lunch break or something?

My understanding of the argument is that if we all don't show up, then society will be able to see what huge role we play in society. *Gasp* Who will cut our hair? Who will teach our gym classes and golf lessons? Will there be anyone to host the cable news?

Okay. I get that. But what's the point of not going to work? Proposition 8 didn't pass because people were unaware that homos decorate all the houses and produce all the theater, it passed because of ignorance and fear of gay people and the way that we love. We don't need to be staying home from work, we need to be talking to people about the similarities between us and how we can work together to accept and understand each other.

I remember when I was in college and the immigrant community organized a similar event. Throughout the country, immigrants banded together to show their impact on the economy by staying home from work for one day. THAT made sense. See, the whole argument they were trying to make was that their community plays an enormous role in the economy of the United States, and they were tired of being exploited for their contribution while at the same time being put down for their status as an immigrant.

The Gays are totally different. Labor and employment rights are not the reason for Day Without a Gay.[1] In fact, the stated reason for it is a reaction to referendums and legislation which have taken away or limited our right to marry and adopt children. Someone explain to me what this has to do with going to work, and how it will help things for me to just not show up?

It seems to me that the only people/companies/organizations that are going to be affected by this action are the ones who are already supportive of the gay rights movement. See, being able to just "call in gay" is a luxury of either people who have flex time off (read: rich folks with cushy jobs) or people who work in jobs who support this event and will look the other way and allow this to be counted as a sick day. I know for sure that if I had called into my retail job saying "I'm calling in gay" they would have said "yeah, okay, see you in 15 minutes." Working people don't just have the ability to skip a day, and the insinuation that they could is just plain elitist and annoying. People have to feed their families, pay their rent, buy new shoes, whatever. I'm not going to get into a "in these tough times" diatribe, but the idea that taking a day off is as simple as one phone call ignores the reality of most people in the United States.

I have to be honest. I'm not really one for a protest. A stern call to my Congress person? Sure thing. A letter in support of a cause? Yessiree. A door knock or fifty for the candidate of my choice? I'll be there for you, my friend. But a huddled group of people yelling "we're here, we're queer, get used to it" is just not really my style. I realize that's not really what we're doing here, but it seems analogous. This type of action is not what will convince people of acceptance and understanding. Acceptance and understanding has to come from, you know, FUCKING UNDERSTANDING. How does not going to work one day promote understanding? I imagine the conversation going like this:

"Hey boss, you know how my being a homo sort of freaks you out?"

"Why yes, good employee, it really does scare me a bit."

"Well, boss, I've decided that in order to help you understand my importance to the community around me, I'm not going to come to work tomorrow. Instead, I'm going to volunteer at the Red Cross."

"Wait. Hmmm. What? Couldn't you volunteer on the weekend? Wait. What does this have to do with you being a homo again?"

"You see boss, we homos care about the community. So I'm not coming to work. I'm doing community service."

"Community service is good, but tell me about the homo thing again? That part's still pretty scary. Why not come to work? I'm confused..."

I'm not saying that a group reaction and effort is a bad thing; in fact, I believe it is necessary. Also, I sincerely believe that the people who planned this event did so because they wanted to do something big after Prop 8 passed to show how many people support LGBT equality. I just think that in the end, Day Without a Gay misses the point and ends up coming across sophomoric and out of touch.

I'd love to know what you all think.


[1] Please do not misconstrue my words to mean that no members of the LGBT community deals with labor or employment issues because of their gender identity or sexuality. I realize that this is a large problem, and I'm excited to talk about the ENDA in another post soon. All I'm saying is that those things are unrelated to this.

I Lost

I made it so far, but alas I have failed.

Damn you NaBloPoMo!

I Will Survive

Tonight I plan to watch Survivor and I am very excited about it.

That is all.

Anxiety Really Wastes My Flavor

I am an anxious person. This is not news to those who know me, but it has gotten really annoying lately and I'd like it to just go away, thank you very much.

So I'm sitting in the law library, attempting to put together some semblance of an understanding of what might be on the family law exam. I have mediation team tonight at 8pm (WAYYYYYYYY past my bedtime, p.s.) so GF and I talked this morning and decided that she'd call me after work to decide if she would come get me before my team meeting or if I'd just stay here and study.

GF usually gets off work at around 5 or so, and calls pretty quickly after that. I don't know where my head was at (actually I do, it was halfway between marital status and facebook status) but I forgot that my phone was off and lost track of time, thus missing GF's 5 phone calls. When I finally got around to calling her back, she was already home, and our chance at grabbing a drink before class or just talking or whatever was completely lost.

Even as I write this, I realize that it's not really that big of a deal. I mean, I live with said GF and I'll get to hang out with her in like 4 hours. That, however, has not stopped me from obsessing over the incident and feeling overwhelmingly bad for missing her calls. Ridiculous? Yes. Inescapable? It sure seems that way.

Now, before you all comment with tips about meds I should be taking, let me cut you off. I KNOW. Those types of remedies are helpful in making sure that I'm not full out, batshit crazy, but they do not solve the day to day annoyances of situational anxiety. I'm not really looking for remedies here so much as I just needed to write it down to realize that it's no biggie and I can go back to studying.

So, you know, thanks for that.

Ellen's Wedding is Still News to Me

Okay, I know it's been a while since Ellen got married, but I haven't really had a chance to talk about the amazing singer that she had come perform, or what a grand romantic gesture it was. I am quite interested in grand romantic gestures, so obviously when combines with pretty lesbians and glorious music, it's got me.

Okay, first, you must watch this:



Yeah, I know. If you didn't cry just now, you have no soul.

Also, though, I just want to point out the singer in the background. He's Joshua Radin, and he just fucking rules. Best part, though, is that he's Portia's favorite and Ellen brought him as a surprise. Yeah, how's that for grand gesture! I tried to find the video of him actually playing at the wedding, but didn't see it anywhere (although I know it exists because I've seen it before).

Good times.

I Need to be a Clean Person

I've been trying really hard to keep my apartment clean these days. I am not a necessarily a neat person, but I really want to be, so GF and I decided that we should just do it as opposed to always complaining that our house is messy. So while watching the most adorable niece ever today, I did some of our laundry and planned a delicious dinner of meat loaf, squash and fresh green beans to have tonight. I figure it will be pretty awesome, if only for the fact that it has little to compare itself to.

I don't know why keeping my house neat is so difficult for me, considering my level of neuroses about other things. It's like, when it comes to the way I organize school stuff or outline or whatever, it has to be just so but when it comes to my apartment, it's totally fine to just have laundry all over the floor. Like I said, it's something that I'm changing because I'm annoying myself.

Law school finals studying is starting for real now, which is one-half awesome, one-half panic inducing. Whatever, though, I know I just have to get it done. Plus, then I will be halfway done with my J.D., which is sort of totally awesome.

Yeah, Sundays either.

This weekend blogging is too hard for me, and I feel like I'm cheating because these aren't really blogs so much as placeholders so I don't get kicked out of NaBloPoMo.

Finals season has begun, so I'm going to have even less time than usual to blog. I'll try, dammit.

I'm no good on Saturdays

Ug. For some reason I can't bring myself to blog on Saturdays. It's not that I'm busy so much as I always forget.

Debate Judging on a Friday Night

So I'm judging debate this weekend with my sister, which is actually way more fun than it sounds because it involves mostly listening to hilarious ninth graders go back and forth about environmental policy and playing with Kiernan, my adorable and hilarious niece. It went kind of late last night, and I was crabby, but really I don't mind being here, especially considering I get paid for it.

In other news, there's only about three weeks until finals and that means I better start getting on the ball if I think I'm going to have any semblance of success this time around. I'm so ready to be done with school that it clouds my judgment into being lazy and playing nintendo too much, but I'm confident I'll figure it out.

Okay, yeah, this one has to be short because it's too late.

Could the neighbors downstairs please shut up?

So I live in an apartment building with 5 other units in it. Until recently, we have had lovely neighbors who are considerate of the community. We would open doors for each other, occasionally take out each other's trash if we encountered it waiting in the hall, and just generally treat each other with respect. However, one of our best neighbors recently moved out, and we got new people in the apartment directly below me.

It has been more than a week now, and they have been pretty much yelling non-stop since they moved in. Maybe not yelling as much as just talking super loud ALL THE TIME and never going to sleep until at least midnight. Now, I know that I have a loud voice and I know that not everyone should have to conform their schedule to my grandma-esque 10 o'clock bedtime. However, this has gotten out of effing control. It's like, these kids NEVER SLEEP! They're constantly slamming doors and coming inside and outside and propping the door open. Not to mention the overwhelming smell that comes out of their apartment. Again, I'm not one to judge anyone else's behavior, but OH MY GOD it's like Cheech and Chong moved in downstairs. It's madness.

I've already called the building manager once, but they're still totally intolerable. GF and I talk every night about how we should just hook up our ovaries and go downstairs and ask them nicely to shut the fuck up, but for some reason we can never bring ourselves to actually go. I mean, actual confrontation and resolution of the problem? Too much!

What should I do? I mean, I can't just let this annoyingness continue for however long we continue to live at the apartment. I know I should just go down there and talk to them, but isn't there any other way?

Law school isn't good for blogging

I totally almost forgot to post today. That would have really pissed me off, considering I've made it this far with NaBloPoMo. Ug, blogging everyday is WAYYYYYYY harder than it seems.

Also harder than it seems? Law school. First semester of my second year has been going well, but I came to the realization today that I better get my ass in gear if I think that I'm going to be successful. I like the classes that are graded pass/fail way more than I like any of my other classes, so that provides little incentive to, you know, study for classes that I'm just not that into. I mean, Wills and Trusts is actually pretty interesting, but compared to the orders I get to write for the Judge? Just can't compete.

So yeah, hopefully I can finish this month long blogathon, but I didn't really realize that it would be running right into good old law school studying. Barf.

Keith Olbermann Says Just What I've Been Waiting to Hear

A lot of people that I really like to read have written about this already today, but it's poignant enough that I'm gonna write too. I've put links to other people's thoughts on the subject at the end of this so you can check them out, too.

When I was a kid, I used to watch Sportscenter on ESPN religiously. As soon as I got a TV in my room, and even before that, I watched Keith Olbermann and Dan Patrick recap the days athletic happenings every single night, mostly because these guys were hilarious and they made sports about so much more than box scores.

Eventually, Olbermann left ESPN to get a "real" news job, and I have watched his show on MSNBC sporadically for years, mostly because he's an unapologetic ultra-liberal badass and while sometimes he says stuff I don't agree with, you can always tell that he genuinely believes in what he's saying.

So, when all the blogs this morning started popping up with "Can you believe what Keith Olbermann said last night?!" I knew that it was going to be good. However, I had no idea it would be this powerful, this right on. I beg you to watch the whole thing, as it is exactly what the gay rights movement has been trying to figure out how to say for years.



Allies always ask me how they can be more involved, how they can make this issue one that they have ownership of. Well, Mr. Olbermann has just explained why it matters to everyone, and that every person is important in the campaign to increase understanding and acceptance.

Here are some other people's thoughts:

Information Access Avenger
Bitch, Ph.D.
Jezebel

Well if Melissa Etheridge Isn't Paying Taxes, Does that Mean None of Us Have To?

Election week provides far more blog-fodder than regular old Mondays, and I'm having trouble thinking of good things to write about. Actually, I don't have trouble thinking of ideas, I have trouble remembering ideas. I used to carry around a little composition book that I would write all sorts of things in. Perhaps I'll have to bring back that practice.

In other news, Melissa Etheridge has decided to stop paying her taxes until she's allowed to get married in California. I appreciate her tenacity, really I do, but is that really the best way to solve things? Not to mention, at the risk of getting all lawyer-y on you, it's not a legally supportable action, so really all that would happen is she'd end up in court for tax evasion, wasting even more tax payer money for a lawsuit that she knew full well wouldn't enact the ends she was looking for.

I realize that taxes are like our favorite thing as citizens of the United States to complain about, but I, for one, am happy to pay my taxes as long as I trust the person who's writing the checks. And, because that person has switched to someone who is presumably at least equally interested in social programs as he is with the wars we've created, I feel pretty good about the 15% tax that I will pay this year. I'll feel even better about the 35% I will pay if and when I start making $357,700 a year. I don't mean this to sound all liberally and holier-than-thou (although I'm aware of my propensity to come across that way), I just believe that sometimes people do have enough money and while the conservatives can scream from the rooftops about how this "redistribution" is code for socialism, I don't really care because it's gotta be better than what we've got now.

I'm a strong believer in the progressive tax system because I believe that the people at the top have a moral and legal responsibility to look after and provide for the people at the bottom. It has worked historically, and although there have obviously been major problems with some social services, the general idea that FDR set forth in his New Deals is one that continues to thrive, regardless of what the right tries to tell you.

While they'll try to tell you that welfare just allows for lazy people to milk the system (or they just come right out and say what they mean, like this asswipe) the reality is that the vast majority of the people on welfare are just normal citizens who are down on their luck and need temporary support to get back on their feet. Does that mean that nobody is out to fuck over the welfare system? Of course not, but there's criminals in every system, and the obsession with demonizing anyone who asks for help has gotten wildly out of control.

They'll try to tell you that national healthcare is a bad thing because it takes the power away from individuals. However, Obama's healthcare plan doesn't change anything for those who are happy with their healthcare, it just provides it affordably for those who can't access it now. It's this twisting of information that's got everything all fucked up, and I'm excited for the opportunity for someone to finally set the country straight.

I realize that Melissa Etheridge probably didn't mean that she didn't care about poor people or children or anyone else who receives governmental funding (like, you know, EVERYONE) but not paying your taxes is not the way to fix things. Paying your taxes, funding your government so that it can function the way it's supposed to, is what will really help to change things.

I agree that things need to change, I'm just certain that there's a better way to do it.

Sundays are for playing video games

This weekend posting is the hardest to get used to so far. I guess you can tell my level of productivity by the amount of times that I looked at my computer, which was a big ZERO. Good thing I've got the Blackberry, I guess.

I downloaded Mario 3 and Tetris to my Wii, so I don't know how successful this coming week is going to be in terms of anything productive. Mario 3 is by far the best of all the Marios, so you understand my difficulty.

This coming week should be much more optimistic compared to last week's pessi-fest. Law school is heating up, too, so it should be an exercise in time management and focus, two things I'm not very good at.

Too exhausted for blogging today. Perhaps tomorrow will bring another flash of brilliance.

Ralph Nader Sucks Too Much to Handle

Okay, I've been trying to keep to one large issue per day, but this is too ridiculous and overwhelmingly offensive to save until tomorrow.

As if I needed more of a reason to hate Ralph Nader. His altruistic facade that hides his egomaniacal self-importance has made me want to barf since he duped people into believing him in 2000. This just puts the proverbial nail in the coffin.

Feministe has posted about this Presidential "Hopeful" and all around Selfish Bastard releasing a statement, and then appearing on Fox News, in which he calls President-Obama an Uncle Tom.



Perhaps there was an important point he was trying to make somewhere in his racist bullshit, but it was completely lost in the midst of him trying to reason away his grotesque behavior. Plus, dude, when Fox News is calling you out for being racist, you've got some major problems. I'd like to join Feministe in joining in a resounding FUCK YOU NADER.

This Just In! Obama has Erased Racism in the United States?

I've been having a hard time figuring out how to approach the race issue with this whole election. However, this dumbfuck has created a glorious segue to the way that feel about things:

“You know, if you were a slave in the old South, what did you get as a slave? You got free room and board, you got free money, and you got rewarded for having children because that was just, you know, tomorrow’s slave. … Can I ask a question? How’s that different from welfare? You get a free house, you get free food, and you get rewarded for having children. Oh, wait a minute, hold on a second. There is a difference: The slave had to work for it.” - Jim Quinn [hereinafter, Douchebag], on radio program The War Room with Quinn & Rose

Okay, let's break this down. First, Douchebag says that slaves should have been grateful for their station in life because, dammit, they got to eat and not live outdoors. Plus, they got to have children! Who whines about that?!

Next, Douchebag says that welfare is the same as slavery. That may or may not be a tenable argument, although I'm certain that Douchebag and I have very different reasons why. However, he goes on to reasons that it might actually be different because slaves had to work for their (non-existent) living.

Now, let's not get into the racial breakdown of who receives welfare because that missed the point completely. The point that has been clearly demonstrated through this Douchebag's ability to say such things and keep his job is that merely electing a Black [1] president does not magically fix race relations in this country.

I've been watching the 24-hour news cycle all week long, and while there are glowing aberrations (Oh how badly I want to be Rachel Maddow's friend...),the majority of what I've been hearing from white pundits is how great it is that we can finally move on from those pesky race problems and finally get to the business of fixing Uh-mer-i-cuh. But don't worry, you radical socialist liberals, they've always got the token Black person to throw in the "Um, guys? Maybe it's not the best thing to say we've moved past race in this country..." so that the whiteys can rebut with their "But we elected a Black dude!"

Let's get one thing clear: my views about racism fall to the very left of the political spectrum. I believe that racism is an institutionalized problem that affects every aspect of life in the United States. I believe in reparations, I believe in affirmative action, and I believe in funding social welfare programming which works towards understanding and inclusion of these issues. So, when I say that the whole idea that racism is "over" because we finally elected a Black president is offensive, it should come as no surprise.

Maybe the theory of color blind racism hasn't quite reached the mainstream. But, the idea that the ability of one person to "pull himself up by his bootstraps" means that every other member of the Black community should be able to as well only perpetuates the idea that all people in that community are the same. I keep hearing that "now Black students have a role model," and I don't want to negate the overwhelming importance of that fact. However, it does not mean that all the limitations placed on racial minorities have magically disappeared in a cloud of Obama greatness.

I'm excited that the issues of race have been brought more squarely to the front of politics in the United States because it's been a long time coming. However, we cannot use this as an excuse to declare victory on the race war and move along to other issues. Racism is still an issue in the United States, and will continue to be until we acknowledge their existence and begin to genuinely work towards its eradication. The possibilities have been greatly expanded, and for that I am truly enthusiastic, but please stop minimizing the issue by declaring that it can be completely remedied by one president's election.

[1]: I use the term "Black" to reference the color of President-Elect Obama's skin while not making a statement about his nationality or race. My use of the term "Black" is not meant to offend, but merely reference color of President-Elect Obama's skin as it is reflected in the current culture of the United States. Maybe we can get to the offensive nature of conservative "is he or isn't he" conversations another time...

Obama and Ellen's Rescue Plan

Two things to think about that have made today a little bit better than yesterday.

First:

Obama's mention of gay people in his acceptance speech is the one of the only times (certainly the only instance I've seen) where a major party candidate mentioned us in a major speech. His inclusion of our community opens the dialogue for things like Proposition 8 to never happen again, and allow me to work towards moving on from the hurt of its passing to a place where I can work for change.

If Obama has taught us anything, it is that normal people really can make a difference, and his election has reminded me that these anti-gay measures are not the same as those in 2004 because at that time, there was no prospect for a fundamental shift in political ideals. Now, regardless of how much change we're able to actually pass, I can rest assured that my president respects my humanity and believes in my contribution to society.

Caveat: I realize that Obama doesn't support marriage equality at an optimal level. However, as we've seen, chances are good that if he would have come out as pro-marriage, he would have had a harder time getting elected. I'm all for political pragmatism, and I think Obama has earned the benefit of the doubt.

Second reason today is better than yesterday:

Ellen understands my hurt, and agrees with my resolve. I say that as if I asked her while talking on the phone this morning (oh my god, how awesome would that be?!) but really I just read her statement:

"Watching the returns on election night was an amazing experience. Barack Obama is our new president. Change is here. I, like millions of Americans, felt like we had taken a giant step towards equality. We were watching history.

This morning, when it was clear that Proposition 8 had passed in California, I can’t explain the feeling I had. I was saddened beyond belief. Here we just had a giant step towards equality and then on the very next day, we took a giant step away.

I believe one day a 'ban on gay marriage' will sound totally ridiculous. In the meantime, I will continue to speak out for equality for all of us."

Okay, so I know that I love her at a level that is unnatural, but for some reason everything sounds a bit more hopeful when Ellen says it. I'm ready to work for the things that I want to see, and I'm excited at how many people sent supportive words yesterday to remind me of what's at stake.

Tomorrow, we talk about something light, like puppies or peacock babies. Even I can't stay downtrodden for this long.

An Open Letter to the Anti-Gay Majority

Dear Anti-Gay Legislation Supporter,

I am a lesbian. I am a citizen of the United States. Yesterday, you chose to pass 4 measures which severely limit the rights of me and my friends based solely on the people we love. In California, Florida, and Arizona, you passed propositions which make marriage unavailable to gay and lesbian citizens. In Arkansas, you passed a measure which would make me and my partner of 4 years adopting children in need of a home illegal. While it may be easy for you to vote for such things, I think it is important for you to understand just what effect your vote has.

The discrimination in my life began early, and continues each day. From the time when I was told to go to the boys bathroom as an 8 year old, to the time when I was 23 and was refused service for looking too masculine in South Dakota, to my constant wondering now about how much to disclose about my personal life in job interviews, I am tired of living in a world where it is perfectly acceptable to treat people as second class citizens.

Today, I have had to take numerous breaks to the bathroom in order to cry privately before returning to study. I have had to come to grips with the fact that a democracy in which I believe so strongly chose to legislate hate. You may think that your actions have little effect on actual people, but there are millions of people just like me for whom your decisions matter greatly. While you may not realize it, we are your neighbors, your teachers, your government officials, your friends, and your family. You think you don't know us, but people like me reside everywhere and I will no longer allow myself to live in a world where such overt hatred is allowed to prosper.

Perhaps most disheartening, anti-gay legislation supporter, is who you are. In California, nearly a quarter of you are women. Another quarter of you have at least a bachelor's degree. Of the African-Americans polled, seventy percent of you voted for discrimination. Nearly thirty percent of you identify as a democrat or independent. You had the chance to help eradicate hate in your state, yet you chose to support a measure which only solidified discrimination.

So, anti-gay legislation supporter, you can go fuck yourself. While I am overwhelmingly sad over the decision you've made, I will no longer allow you to disguise discrimination as sound public policy. Change is seeping from everything I see in this post-Bush society, and today is the day that your backwards and offensive views are no longer allowed to prosper.

I encourage and welcome the support of others in this enormous task, even those who previously voted for such measures. Hate should not be a legislated value, and I look forward to fighting against that notion until everyone in the United States is truly equal.

Sincerely,

ChangeAgent

Ain't No Party Like an Obama Party

More on the best day ever in a while.

Today is the best day in a long time

Wow.

I wish I had more time and sobriety to explain how I'm feeling right now but suffice it to at that this is one if the most exciting and important events that I've witnessed in my life.

I believe in democracy and I believe in Barack Obama. Thank goodness that they came together today.

More on this historic event tomorro.

A Girl's Guide to Voting (As Long as that Girl is Me)

Since it's the day before the election, I've decided to compile a handy voter guide for people who a) live in Precinct 13, Ward 3 and/or b) people who have the exact same political views as I do. I realize how helpful this will be for all, so I'd like to graciously thank you in advance. ;)

I looked up my sample ballot at the Star Tribune, which has an awesome site telling you where your polling place is and everyone who's on the ballot. Just make sure you don't put the name of your street in the "House #" box because it took me three attempts to figure that out.

Anyways, I thought I'd go through each contested race and explain why I'm voting for who I'm voting for, half for your benefit, half so I can decide exactly why I'm going the way I am. I'll start with the bottom of the ballot and make you wait until the end for the biggies. Otherwise, how do I keep your interest piqued?

Soil and Water Supervisor, Seat 3

Do people really know about these candidates? It's kind of surprising that there are three challengers to the incumbent for this seat, considering I don't really know what this person does (I mean, they supervise soil and water, I get it). However, when you go to that Strib site, you can click on all the candidates to get a little bio, which rules. In doing so, I realized that the incumbent, although a woman, is not who I will be voting for. Anyone who lists "fiscal conservativism" as their most important issue is going to have a hard time getting my vote. So instead, I'm voting for Mara Magnuson Humphrey. She's endorsed by the DFL, plus her most important issue is the protection of natural resources, so she's the one for me.

Soil and Water Supervisor, Seat 2

Again, who gets to be soil and water supervisor isn't exactly my most important issue this campaign, but I believe in the system so I believe that these seats are important to making sure Ramsey County (and thus, Minnesota) maintains the right view on natural resources. This race was a bit harder to choose on its face, as there are no women running, but I'm voting for David Bogue. He has a degree in Environmental studies, and he lists some great issues (including decreasing runoff of surface contaminants and improving groundwater) as important. Plus, the other guy with a profile, Nick Quade, was a state delegate for Ron Paul, which is an automatic disqualification for all votes cast by me.

2nd District Court, Seat 21

This race is a really difficult choice for me because both candidates are great. It's between Gail Chang Bohr and Howard Orenstein, and I'm voting for Gail Chang Bohr. If I'm being honest, her gender is probably what pushed me over the edge, but I don't usually like to use that as a sole determining factor. She is the Executive Director of Children's Law Center of Minnesota, and used to be a social worker, so in my house that's a enough to get my vote. However, Orenstein got pretty much all the DFL bigwig endorsements, which is also a good thing in my book, so read their profiles and decide for yourself what's most important.

Minnesota House, District 64B

This is an easy one, as I've met both candidates. I'm voting for Rep. Michael Paymar because he's genuinely cares about Minnesota and the district, and has proven that fact by his years of service in the Minnesota House. Plus, Emory Dively was really rude to me personally during my days at St. Kate's. I realize that my district is distinctly democratic, so the candidate knows they have little chance of winning, but he treated me as though my (and a group of other college students I was with) vote didn't matter to him, and that was a major turnoff. Rep. Paymar is a nice guy with great experience and a genuine interest in the lives of his constituents and I'm excited to get to vote for him.

United States House of Representatives, District 4

The choices get easier and easier for me as we move up the ballot, but this one is kind of ridiculously easy. There are some decisions that Rep. Betty McCollum makes that I don't agree with (for example, her stance on music/video game censorship really bugs me), but in the end I am a die-hard Betty! advocate. I'm voting for Rep. Betty McCollum because she has proven through action that she cares about all members of the community, not merely those in the DFL. Really, though, I'm voting for Betty because she's a Katie (read: she went to the College of St. Catherine) and has lived the lifethat I am striving to create for myself. She came back to St. Kate's a number of times while I was the Senate President there, and the way she talks to students makes her both a fantastic advocate for the area and just an all around great person. Plus, who's even heard of this Matthews guy?

Constitutional Amendment: Increase state sales tax by 0.375% to pay for environmental and cultural programs

This has been by far the most difficult decision for me this election season. We talked about this amendment extensively in my caucus during primary season, and my team decided that it was not a good idea. Still, i've decided that I'm voting YES because although I don't necessarily agree with the manner in which the money is being obtained, I believe strongly in the programs and services that it's going to.

My main concern is that sales tax, by definition, is recessive, which means that people with less money end up paying more of their income. In one informational pamphlet I read, it was estimated that the increase would cost Minnesota families about $1 a week, which doesn't seem like much, but when you only get $200 a month in food stamps and WIC benefits, each dollar is extremely important. Sales taxes are not the right way of getting money to pay for things, and a constitutional amendment is a particularly extreme way to go about raising funds. HOWEVER, after learning that the money will be spent specifically on programs that assist the low-income community in accessing the arts and environmental resources, I changed my No vote to Yes. I would love to hear more reasons for or against this amendment, because this is really the only issue in which my mind is not completely made up.

MN Appeals Court Judge, Seat 16

Here, I'm voting for Hon. Terri J. Stoneburner because she's the incumbent, she's been a judge for 18 years, and her opponent has given no legitimate reason to vote against her. Plus, as I said, I'm always going to err on the side of the woman, so without a reason to vote for the other guy, Hon. Stoneburner wins it for me.

MN Supreme Court Associate Justice, Seat 4

Both candidates here seem as though they would be good for the Court, but I'm voting for Hon. Lorie Skjerven Gildea . My sister got to hear her speak, and said she had some really great things to say. Plus, retired MN Chief Justice Kathleen Blatz endorsed her, and I respect Hon. Blatz immensely, so Gildea it is.

MN Supreme Court Associate Justice, Seat 3

Here seems like as good a place as any to voice my disdain for the voting for judges system we have in the great state of Minnesota. In this race, I'm voting for Hon. Paul H. Anderson because I've met him and he's really nice, plus his voting record is one of a fair and impartial guy who cares deeply for justice. But, it totally bugs me that he has to run in the first place, as he's been on the Court since 1994. He's a competent, impartial judge who deserves to keep his seat. Plus he went to Macalester, so my family would hate me if I voted against him.

United States Senate

This race is perhaps the most important one that Minnesotans have to vote for. Forgive me for my bluntness, but Norm Coleman is a total tool and the thought of him continuing as the Senior Senator from Minnesota makes me want to barf. Although it took me a second to get as excited about Al Franken as I am now, I caucused for him in the primaries and have heard him speak three times now. I'm voting for Al Franken because he's passionate about grassroots change in a way that I haven't seen since Sen. Paul Wellstone. He excites the people into believing in the political process, and anyone that knows me knows that I'm passionate about such things too. If you want to hear just how excited I am about Al, you can go on over to MPR and give it a listen. However, if I can convince you Minnesotans of one thing throughout this entire diatribe, let it be that Al Franken is exactly what this state needs.

United States President

It wont come as much of a surprise after this here rant that I'm voting for Sen. Barack Obama in tomorrow's presidential election. Besides the fact that I pretty much hate every single policy stance that Sen. John McCain holds, his entire demeanor throughout this election process only cemented my disdain for him as a candidate. There has been much talk about things not related to policy (his refusal to combat the racist comments coming from his supporters, his support for fabricated tales of terrorism in the Obama campaign, his inability to say S's correctly, his neck skin...) however I am much more interested in the actual reasons that Obama is better for the United States than McCain.

A short rundown:
- He's better on economic policy (unless you're a facist free-market libertarian, in which case you better be voting for Bob Barr because McCain ain't so free market either)
- He's WAYYYYYYYYY better on women's issues. If you want a more in depth analysis of that, go here
- He's better on foreign policy, and chose a running mate that can at least decipher who is and is not the President of France
- He cares about health care and the ability of low income people to access it
- He doesn't hate gay people
- He's a dreamboat.

Okay, this has got to be the longest post I've ever written, but it's doubtful that I have ever been as excited to vote as I am for tomorrow's big day. Even if you disagree with every single thing I've written, PLEASEPLEASEPLEASE go vote because otherwise all those fucking political ads were for naught and that seems like a big waste. There are a lot of candidates that I care about that I won't get to vote for (the joy that will ensue if Elwin Tinklenber wins the 6th District is unreal) so make sure to do your own research at the Strib website above.

I'm such a political science nerd that I doubt I'll sleep at all tonight.


P.S. - I have never had as much trouble posting a blog as I did today, so if you've read parts of this throughout the day, I appreciate your tenacity in accessing the whole thing. Happy voting!

Ben Harper Softens the Blow of Law School Papers (but they still sure blow)

The Get Out the Vote concert with Tenacious D, Ben Harper, and the Beastie Boys did not disappoint. We arrived about 3 songs into the D, which was disappointing, but I caught "Fuck Her Gently" so all was right with the world. Bharps played a lot of new stuff that I enjoyed, but I doubt a novice listener would really dig the foray into the deeper tracks of his yet-unreleased album.

However, The Beastie Boys were fucking ridiculous. I hadn't ever seen them before, which is somewhat surprising considering the volume of shows I attended in high school, but I guess when you just go see the same three bands over and over again, you're gonna miss something. Still, it was well worth the wait because I can't imagine them being any better than they were last night.

One of the best parts was how awesome they still look:




MCA was my favorite because he's totally rocking the salt and pepper 44 year old dude hair. They all sound exactly like they did on Paul's Boutique and the venue didn't suck at all so I could totally see even though we had like the last seats in the place.

I had to write a paper for international law today, which didn't actually suck as much as I thought it would. I picked a sort of interesting topic about an international treaty about women's rights, so you know that was exciting in a land where feminism doesn't exactly come up very often. Good times.

Okay, I'm gonna go watch The Wire now. Kari and I have started watching it and I don't think we'll be able to stop until the whole series is finished. That's quite a lot of drug dealer and cop lingo to pick up between now and the end.

Since voting is only 2 days away, I'll probably write something about the election tomorrow. It's my last chance to convince that random guy in his basement scanning through weird blogs, you know?

Get Out the Vote = Best Concert of the Year

I don't really have time to write a legitimate blog today, but I don't want to be disqualified on my very first day of NaBloPoMo
so here's a short little note for good measure.

I'm going to perhaps the most exciting concert of the season tonight. The lineup includes Beastie Boys, Tenacious D and, most importantly, Ben Harper in a Get Out the Vote party. It promises to be as awesome as possible, and I will certainly update tomorrow with good times and perhaps some pictures stolen from Wanda's iPhone. Hopefully there wont be too many frat boys at the concert to interrupt my beer drinking and general rabble-rousing, but that remains to be seen.

Okay, yeah. Have a super great Saturday!

This picture warrants its own post

Al Franken and ice cream? Count me in!

Ug. Law school has me all sorts of busy so the blog has fallen to the wayside. In order to thwart that problem, I've decided to join National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo). My sister does it every year, and it's just a blog sharing event where you have to post every day for the entire month of November. I encourage you to join, too, as it's pretty fun and forces you to think about things and write them down. Good, good times.

In other news, the most exciting show will soon be on Showtime. Written by Diablo Cody? Starring Toni Collette? Produced by Steven Spielberg? (Okay, he's not as exciting as the first two, but whatevs). It promises to be AWESOME. Too bad I don't have Showtime...

You know what's fun? The election. I try not to think about it that much, but let's be honest. It consumes my thoughts. I went to a Franken rally the other day, and ended up on MPR, a fact that I find way more exciting than need be. I'm still pretty worried Franken actually winning, but the more I hear from him (and talk to his awesome wife, Franni), the more excited I am about him as a candidate, and his dedication to the legacy of Paul Wellstone. Plus, Norm Coleman is just gross on so many levels that it's not difficult to rally against him.

I really think that the Dean Barkley component of the Senate race will end up helping Al, more than they're even counting on. You heard it here first: if Barkley gets more than 17% of the vote, Franken wins. Man, I hope I'm right.

In related voting news, I'm totally in favor of places offering free stuff for voters. Both Krispy Kreme and Ben and Jerry's are offering free goodness, and although I don't think I'll be able to find a store for either, I like the idea of rewarding people for the civic duty. I mean, if there are people that don't really care about voting, but really love ice cream and doughnuts, why not push them over the voting edge by giving it free?

Okay. Prepare to live because this witty repartee will be continuing every single day for the next month. You're welcome!

Gays on TV: No Girls Allowed!

Okay, so GLAAD put out a press release today to applaud the major TV networks (read: CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, and the CW) for a higher level of inclusion. Let's move quickly past the fact that we're supposed to stand up and clap when representation raises to a whopping 2.6% onto the actual meat of the statistics.

It took me a second to find out who this 2.6% actually included, which is 16 people appearing on a total of 12 shows. I attempted to compile a list from the hodge-podge that GLAAD lists, but that proved harder than it may seem. Suffice it to say, one thing is glaringly obvious: lesbians are not welcome on network television.

Now, I wrote my thesis in college about this very topic, so its not like the absence of lesbians, particularly butch lesbians, in the media is some breaking news that's flying across the wire. But, when I have to read press releases lauding the entertainment industry for having a couple white gay dudes on their primetime roster, it gives me permission to rant about gender theory and equality for like one fucking second.

Now, don't get me wrong, there are a couple of women-dating-women counted in GLAAD's number. And don't you dare think for one second that I mean to discount them because of some bisexual-loathing sentiment that is all too rampant in the lesbian community (a blog for another time, certainly). Bisexual women are what I live for; they are a vital part of the community if only because otherwise I would have no one to date.

BUT, of the 16 main and supporting characters counted in GLAAD's glorification of network television, less than a third are women. And, from what I can see, there are exactly ZERO self-proclaimed lesbians. All are either overtly labeled as bisexual by show bios, or are said to be "known to have sexual trysts with women" or some other objectifying quip. All of the women are super femme-y, super hot and very sexualized, which rings far more of an attempt to attract male viewers than it does of LGBT inclusion.

In other news, Lindsay Lohan came out, which is so totally awesome. I couldn't tell you why I enjoy her, but I feel like she'd have been my super crazy fun friend if we'd met at the bar 3 years ago.

This just in: The internet is way neat-o!

Ever think about the size of the internet? I mean, obviously you think about it whilst enjoying unnecessarily illegal hallucinogenic smokables, but ever really think about it? I'm an anxious person (rrreeeeaaaaalllllllyyyy???) so I can't ponder it for long, but if you make an attempt to traverse the internet, then you'll realize just how big it really is.

I'm trying to become more literate in such things, mostly because I don't like it when other people are significantly better at things than me and Wanda and Katie are way better at the internet than me.[1][2] In that quest, I learned how to use a blog aggregator (Google Reader rules my life), have returned to Twitter (okay, that just happened yesterday, but the interest is high!) and have generally just tried to learn what the heck is going on in the internet.

Did you know that sometimes even liberals do things that I don't agree with? Did you know that there are gays who have shitty politics? Did you know that there's an alternative to pretty-much-downright-misogynistic Perez Hilton?

Now, all you real live internet knowers out there, don't make fun of me. I realize that these references are a mere primer to what the internet actually holds for me. Like I said, I'm just starting. But, for now, it makes life so much more interesting! Random news from random news sources (some more reputable than others) is a great way to acquire knowledge, and I'm excited to have hitchhiked onto the internet superhighway.[3]


[1] I'm going to just feel free to refer to "the internet" in whatever noun form I feel like, whether it be person, place, or thing. I realize how it sounds, and I suppose that not everyone can hear the weird ironical tone that I'm taking in my head each time I use the term. Thus, I felt the need to lay out my sense of humor here.
[2] I'm also really into footnoting right now. It's not news that I'm nerdy (ooh! alliteration!) so effing deal with it. If you know how to make these hyperlinks, pleeeeeese tell me. I looked for like an hour.
[3] There was no way I was going to get through an entire post about the internet without making a cheesy internet superhighway joke.

Spanish Basketball Players

Okay, so after checking out a great blog that my law school comrade pointed me to, I'm pretty peeved to have discovered the Spanish Olympic Basketball team's overtly offensive photo spread.

Go here to check out the whole story.

I couldn't even tell what they were doing at first glance, but once you figure out that they're making squinty eye faces at the, it's easy to see how it could be deemed offensive. In fact, I can't really figure out how it could NOT be deemed offensive. I mean, really, racist gestures aimed at the HOST of the Olympics that you're participating. Beyond stupid, racist and offensive, their actions are just downright rude.

The players have defended themselves (obvs.) by saying that they never meant any harm, but it's that exact statement that's at the root of the problem. The fact that any advertising company, any athlete, any PERSON wouldn't realize that making a face in order to mimic Chinese people is offensive only speaks to the pervasive nature of racism.

As if I needed more reasons to hate the Lakers.

North Minneapolis Follow-up

Little did I know that people actually read this here blog!

I think I need to be more clear about my contempt for the Minneapolis Police Department, particularly those who work on the Northside. As I was assuming that less than 10 people would actually read what I was saying, I was quite vague and generaliz-y about my comments.

So, if you know me, you know that my SO (which stands for significant other) worked in N. Mpls. last year in early childhood special education. Her working there is what first brought my attention to the plight of that part of the city, and really opened my eyes to the drastic lack of attention and care paid to the citizens there.

In addition to SO working over in North, I also went to a StreetLaw training course, which teaches law students how to go into high schools and inform kids about their rights and responsibilities. During that training session, a public defender who works and lives in North shared some information which is probably well known and understood as reality for the citizens in North, but still shocking for an idealist white kid from Highland Park. While many believe the problems in North stem from the people living there (they're all criminals! they deserve what they get!), the truth seems to be that the police have all but given up on a part of town that they allowed to get out of control in the first place.

Leftist race theory junkies all know this in the abstract, but hearing tales of 16 year old kids getting stopped EVERY DAY for merely walking down the street and police officers lording their power over innocent citizens really brought it home for me.

So move to the present, when two of my best friends own a home in the Bethune area of North Minneapolis. Their house was robbed this past weekend, and when the police came to "investigate," they did little more than look around, harass my friends, and move along their merry way.

Upon learning that the two are partners (you know, lesbians), the officer looked at them and stated, "Well, girls like you should really stick to Uptown." This comment only cements the idea that North Minneapolis has become a place where only "bad" people are supposed to live, and apparently law abiding citizens in that region are not entitled to the protection of the police or anyone else because, hey, they chose to live there.

It's difficult to talk about this without appearing to have also given up on North, but my view is completely the opposite. I believe that North can be revitalized, and I believe that steps in the right direction are being taken. However, there are things that the city, county and state could be doing that they're not. Schools in North Minneapolis have devestatingly low graduation rates, a statistic which has been proven over and over to have a direct correlation to crime rates. When the police are viewed by nearly everyone as a threat rather than an organization dedicated to preserving the peace, citizens have very little reason to trust them enough to seek help when they need it.

I realize that all of these thoughts have been stated before, and disparate treatment of people based on their race and/or socioeconomic status is nothing new in Minnesota or anywhere else. However, it's frustrating that more resources haven't been dedicated to revitalizing that part of the city. Granted, I'm the leftist that would be willing to pay more taxes to see this happen, and I realize that not everyone is down for that.

I feel like a teenager with angst when I say that I hate the police, and it is certainly not every police officer creating problems. I am very confident that many officers, probably even the majority, are interested in preserving the peace and treating people with respect. However, when every encounter I hear about has racist undertones, it gets very difficult to believe in the system.

American Apparel Sucks, Apparently

Apparently I'm not allowed to wear American Apparel anymore. Or eat butter. I didn't know this was the case, but after reading this, I've been convinced. Apparently, the owner of American Apparel sucks goat ass, and is somebody that I would never purchase items from if I knew better.

In other news, the Minneapolis Police Department continues to suck hard monkey balls. As if you needed further proof of this, Polkey and KK were downright harassed after their house was broken into, and it has only become apparent that the police has all but given up on North Minneapolis as a whole.

I've been wildly unproductive as of late, but I'm sure this will remedy itself once school starts next week. I've got a nice little lineup of classes, plus the judicial practicum and LR, so I should be pretty busy.

That does not mean, however, that I do not want to hang out with my pals. Because otherwise, I'll go crazy.

Do I look like I drive a jeep cherokee and shop at abercrombie?

I've decided to pause my Pandora obsession for at least a little while. Instead, I'm going to stream the Current, mostly because I've now been listening to the same 10 or so albums for the last 3 years and am in desperate need of something new. That and Pandora is seemingly obsessed with the idea that I love jam bands and Jack Johnson, two things I quasi-enjoy but certainly not at the level Pandora expects. Reminds me of the kids I went to high school with, who referred to Dave Matthews Band as simply "Dave" and talked pretentiously about music with "soul." Barf.

In other news, I'm researching for two professors which is actually pretty fun. It's also an excercize in concentration and time management, which are two areas that could use a little refining. I just realized that it's less than a month until school starts, which is embarassingly exciting. I remember a couple years ago when Snoobs would talk about how much she wanted to go get her textbooks as soon as she could, and I'm in that exact spot. I don't know what I'll do with them once they arrive, but I'll be ordering them soon so that they can rest peacefully in the garbage dump we like to call "the office."

Also, I'm sure you all know this, but cable and internet is effing RIDICULOUSLY expensive. I'm trying desperately to save money, so cable was the first to go, and it has been all good, but the lack of internet is something that I cannot deal with. When I looked up Comcast's "deals," I was met with 6 month "promotional" pricing, followed by at least double the price after that. What really pisses me off is that my stupid apartment building wont allow satellite dishes (because it apparently ruins the aesthetic, a hilarious notion for anyone that knows the place) so its either Comcast or nothing. Fascists.

Okay, I'm going to go research unfair trade practice now. Gooooood times.

Blackjack, Biscuits, and Betting

I promised Wanda probably a week ago that I'd write a new blog, but then promptly forgot in the whirlwind of coffee aroma and online scrabble. Shoot.

Last weekend we went to Turtle Lake for Polkey's birthday. We decided on that casino for the sole reason that they serve alcohol, but I think our reasoning was misguided and I doubt that I'll patronize that place again. Not because we were treated poorly or anything, actually the people were really nice. This one guy we were playing blackjack with actually made a sort of affirming, "I know you're all lesbians and I'm okay with it" joke, so that ruled. Especially considering his Cabela's hat and marlboro reds. Not usually the kind of guys that take a liking to me...

Anyways, the only reason that Turtle Lake is a ridiculous place to travel is that its less than half the size of Mystic Lake and is farther away. Granted, it has craps and roulette while Mystic does not, but I'm sort of a die hard blackjack gal anyways so it makes little difference. I did, however, call the bet on the first roulette number that we saw, so I made a 35-1 return on my first action at the casino. So, you know, that ruled.

So you all know that I get obsessed with playing things correctly, so all week before we were going to go I read blackjack strategy books trying to get the exact balance between smart betting and playing the odds. I even handmade a chart which I synthesized from about 10 charts that are available, making the one TRUE strategy chart that I will stick with from now on. It seemed to work pretty well once we got there, as all of us were up at least double at some point. Sadly, we did not follow the one rule that EVERY strategy book pretty much plasters on its cover: leave when you're ahead. I still made a little money in the end, but jeez could I have made out like a bandit if I was just a bit more frugal.

In that same obsessive vein, I've become obsessed with the idea of playing golf. Most of you know that I enjoy really anything that makes a person pretentious or high brow, so I feel like golf and I would be great friends. This obsession is compounded by the fact that I don't have golf clubs, so I don't have to actually do anything except dream about how great a golfer I would be if only I got to practice.

I'm so weird.

I did have biscuits and gravy at the Louisiana Cafe before we left for the casino, and while they were good, they're certainly nothing to write home about (especially to my home, where the biscuits and gravy made by my mom and grandma would win any contest in which they were entered, hands down). Still, worth ordering again if you're ever in the mood for 28 grams of fat in one sitting.

Okay, I'm going to research some stuff now.

Sex and the City

Okay, so thinking up correlative song lyrics every time I want to write a blog is perhaps one of the major things that prevents me from writing more often (pathetic, yes, but true) so I've decided to switch to more descriptive titles. If you didn't notice that they were song lyrics before, then you wont be missing much.

So, as the title indicates, I went to Sex and the City (SATC) this weekend with Kari, her sister Sarah, law school compatriot Tracy and her BFF Rachel. A great group, I must say.

The movie was perfection. I know that they New York Times wrote this article, and although I usually agree with most things the NYT has to say, this time they're WAY off the mark. Anyone that loved the movie will certainly love the film, and the comedic timing is just as good in the film as the show. There's a chance that we'll actually go back and see it again in the theater before all's said and done, and we'll definitely be buying it when it comes to DVD, so, you know, keep that in mind.

I still have so much to do, but little drive to actually do anything. Kari and I went to look at open houses today. One of my favorite hobbies, especially because I usually get to get ice cream or some other delicious treat while we're out. Awesome.

I think I may add sesame chicken to my food review list, but we'll see. Also, the Uptown Diner (not to be confused with the Uptown Bar and Grill) has proclaimed on its sign that they have the best biscuits and gravy in the city, so I'll definitely be going there ASAP.

Other than that, I must get something done today because I've been wildly unproductive thus far. Hopefully I'll be getting a job SOMETIME but for now I'll just sit at the greatest coffee shop ever and try to complete this task.

True for you and truth will lead you

Okay, so some people I really love are either already in a foreign land or will be arriving shortly. Thus, I have decided to perhaps make my blog into more of a land where domestic goings-on can be displayed so that the CorpsKids can keep up.

In that vein, I wanted to discuss Lindsay Lohan. Rumor has it that she's been carpet-diving with Samantha Ronson. While this is not new, I heard on the radio this morning that there is marriage talk now that California has decided to live up to its LiberalerThanThou reputation. My guess is that the paparazzi has just got nuts with the actual pictures of the two making out and have jumped to the wedding talk because its sexy.

Speaking of the pictures, all the paparazzi folk have been touting this one as the best evidence of Linds' lesbot tendencies:



However, don't you think this one is a better indication that Linds and Sammy are in true love?:




I know that the whole "true love" vibe is not necessarily what the press is going for but don't they look downright precious in this one? I also know that there are some Sam-haters out there, but it seems (from my intricate and personal knowledge) that Linds is happy with her dirty DJ and there's no reason to hate on what seems like a sort of normal relationship.

However, obviously, attractive women must be involved in torrid affairs instead of it being actually legitimate, so pictures serve a much better purpose when they show her doing something naughty. Still, I'd say those two getting married would be one of the most exciting pop culture happenings in a long while. Not to mention, it would totally fulfill the lesbian u-haul stereotype, which is always a good time.

I rode my bicycle past your window last night

My middle school dream is coming true.

I don't know if you've heard, but Beverly Hills, 90210 (aka BEST SHOW EVER) is going to have a spinoff in the fall season. Included as a cast member will be Jennie Garth (aka Kelly Taylor; aka reason I'm a lesbian) which makes this the most anticipated show perhaps of my entire life.

They've dropped off the "Beverly Hills" part of the title to call it just 90210 which is totally awesome. I can't even wait. What's better than high school drama that makes fun of rich people while at the same time lauds them? Nothing, that's what.

Okay, maybe $5 footlongs. Those are fucking awesome, too.

Oh man! And Sex and the City comes out on Friday! That rules.

Okay, I'll stop with the stream of consciousness.

Inaugural B&G Review: Keys Cafe, Downtown St. Paul

At the request of my millions of fans (read: Wanda), I have decided to introduce a feature to the blog that explores the wonders of one particular food group ("group" being used extremely liberally) that I believe I have enough knowledge to be touted as an expert on:

Biscuits and Gravy.

Growing up, one of the best parts about going to my grandma's house was her uncanny ability to create the best sausage biscuits and gravy that have ever been eaten on this planet. Since childhood, I'd say biscuits and gravy have always been at least on the Top 5 Delicious Eats list.

I pretty much ALWAYS order them at restaurants, and with breakfast being my favorite restaurant meal, I'd say I eat biscuits and gravy quite a bit more often than the regular human. Not to mention, most of my friends are vegetarians, which distinctly limits your B&G options.

So, this weekend I had 'em at Keys Cafe in Downtown St. Paul. I should note that I usually find Keys to be somewhat overrated. So, while the B&G were okay and totally not disgusting, they certainly weren't something to write home to grandma about. As is often the problem, the gravy was too thick and the biscuit was too dry. Additionally, while there was sausage in the gravy, there were no sausage patties just for eating. Also, I had to order my eggs on the side, so in all the breakfast was probably around 11 dollars and included: 2 biscuits covered in gravy, 2 eggs over easy, and hashbrowns. Adding to that the fact that the biscuits were too dense and dry and the gravy was sort of goupy and too thick, you can see that while Key's may have delicious hashbrowns, the overall experience was lacking.

In the future, I'll have pictures of the delicious-ness/disgusting-osity so you can see what I started with.

I said what you wanted to hear

I woke up at 6:30 this morning and couldn't go back to sleep so I decided to just get up and go to the coffee shop real early like. When I walked in, Ben Folds Five was playing on the radio, a really old song from their first album, and any feelings of regret for leaving my warm bed so early immediately evaporated.

I'm currently listening to Pandora (what's new?) while the Attack of the Cretin Derham Hall kids occurs at the counter. I know its asshole-y of me, but high school students, on the whole, drive me nuts. Okay, that's not true. Rich, pretentious, 17-18 year olds on their cell phones drive me nuts. Like, honestly? Do you think I want to hear about your sexual encounter from last night? Because that's what I'm listening to right now. And it's been going on for the last 35 minutes. At first, I'll admit, it was a little interesting to hear about how third base worked out for you. But at this point, it's just awkward for everyone.

In other news, I wish I was going to Chicago this weekend. Kari and I tried to figure out a way to get to Kato's going away shindig, but my lack of employment made such a trip fairly irresponsible. Dammit, though, because I love Chicago, I love Kato, and I love Kato's family. Stupid jobless summer...

I'm supposed to be reading endless amounts of documents right now for an imaginary homework assignment that I've more or less assigned to myself. Alas, such responsibility is difficult when there's poker to be played and blogs to be written. In a related side note, big ups to Mucha for lending me her computer while mine is at Dad's Fix-it Shop. No computer = crazy Karly. Plus, theoretically, people with jobs contact me through here, so I don't like to be away for too long.

I should probably go check for my grades for the 20th neurotic time today. Super way to pass the time.

Precious little life to guide and lead

Life has been a little crazy this week!

Along with finishing finals on Monday, my sister also had her baby!!!! Kiernan Colleen is her name and cuteness is her game. My sister and brother in law's blogs are both linked here, so you should go check them out because I'm sure they'll have pictures up soon! However, I'll have you know that she is totally soft and squishy and awesome.

I think I might have a job interview tomorrow, but we'll see. I can't keep getting my hopes up because I'll go crazy.

In other news, Kari and I have been watching The Tudors, which is totally awesome and everyone should watch it. Granted, I'm a total sucker for 16th century period films, but this one has the added joy of being a Showtime show, which means it has copious amounts of needless sex, which is always a good time.

So, um, yeah. Not much exciting stuff is going on besides that. :)

testes testes 1 2

heh. that joke will be funny forever.

but in other news, I'm not sure that my comments are working.

or, perhaps, i'm just talking to myself. TOTALLY possible.

so, you know, if you're reading this, if you could comment that would be awesome. and then, if it didn't work, if you could let me know somehow, that would be equally awesome.

With open arms I'll guide and I'll lead

I've decided to skip class today. Not for any good reason, really, just because I want to sit at the coffee shop and do stuff that's more fun than sitting in class. Too bad its so gloomy out.

I took Wanda and Mucha to the airport this morning. I have to say that I am not the world's best stickshift driver. Seriously. Its embarassing. One tip: take off the emergency brake. Also, I'm fairly certain that they forgot to give me keys to their house, so I have to figure out a way to spring their cats.

I wish I could work at Kopplin's. I love it in here. Plus, they make their coffee in a really fancy way and you know how much I like it when things are more complicated than they need to be. Not to mention they have this mocha that is just something else. Seriously.

Kari and I got rid of our cable. Its weird so far. Mostly because I always turn on the TV in the morning and watch the news, which I can no longer do. I'm sure I'll be fine, its just kind of an adjustment.

Cover letters suck.

That man will trick you with his thoughts

My friend Adam has just alerted me to the funniest website I've seen in a while. Perhaps I only find it to be so hilarious because I like practically everything on the list. Ah well.

I've been wicked sick since last week, but have started to feel better. Seriously, though, I thought I was going to die on Saturday. Plus, this big huge writing project for law school was due, so the stress was at an all time high. But, paper's been turned in and things are looking up.

I need a car so badly. Its gotten sort of out of hand. I need a job, which I could only get to by driving. Its a circular problem that has gotten quite tired in the last few months.

Its a big day for primaries, and I have to at least comment on the way these primaries have been going. I just get so frustrated with the way people are making Obama into some kind of hero. Of course this will all be construed as me hating the guy, which I don't, but its just frustrating that the candidate with great speeches but few tangible ideas has garnered so much support from liberals. Its just so hypocritical the way that some people will preach about taking care of the working class, keeping traditional democratic values at the forefront, but then support a person who seems to care little about this group. Clinton is the far better choice for working class people, which is probably why she has been so strong amongst those voters. Rich people, however, LOVE Obama. He's like a rich man's wet dream. You can pretend to be really liberal while still getting to keep all of that hard earned money. Stupid.

Whatever. Maybe there will be some amazing turn of events tonight and my hope for the world will be restored.

You save big money, you save big money

I got P.J. Murphy's this morning for breakfast. I was watching Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on the Food Network the other day and the Nook was featured, which was totally awesome. In addition to them gaining national noteriety, I got to learn how to make the juicy lucy. Regardless, they buy their buns from P.J.'s and I've been wanting to go there ever since I watched. I feel like its my own little person bakery considering how much I used to go there. And considering someone I know has touched their front door naked. So, you know, keep that in mind.

I'm trying to keep motivated in school but it's seriously waning lately. Or since I came back this semester, you know, either way. Its not like I'm not doing my work or anything, its just like, honestly? 40 pages for Constitutional Law on Thursday? Really? Okay. I have plenty o' time for that.

When I was writing that I 40 pages to read, I almost wrote that it was for "Conlaw" but thought better of it. While my fellow law students wouldn't even think twice, my friends (and girlfriend) get PISSED at the constant over-abbreviating that occurrs with everything in law school. It's actually pretty hilarious when I get called out on it, considering I don't even really think about it, and it is pretty ridiculous how self-important and pretentious it comes across to other people. Like, I couldn't possibly be bothered to say such long words on a daily basis. I'm shortening Criminal Law to Crim, Civil Procedure to CivPro etc. etc. etc. Oh, this place.

In other news, I had a suberb meal last night. Its restaurant week in Minneapolis, so all the cool restaurants have a special menu (and special prices). We went to Cosmos, which is in the Graves 501 Hotel (which effing rules, ps) and it was delicious.

Okay, I can't procrastinate anymore.

By the 10th time I'm drifting away

Today is one of those days where I completely doubt myself.

My chosen career, namely how much it has and will continue to cost me to obtainin that career, is drowning me today, and I can't quite shake the thought that I would be happier playing guitars with Heidi the rest of my life. I don't even know if I actually know how to play the guitar anymore, and that's a weird weird WEIRD phenomenon.

I also can't figure out why it is apparently impossible for me to keep my house clean, regardless of how many resolutions I make. Merely saying "I'm just a messy person" doesn't really work when you're 25 yet I am at a loss with how to actually change my behavoir. I keep telling myself that I can just get a cleaning service when I'm older but that is
a. a cop out and
2. not going to help me today.

I wish I was good enough to play poker professionally. There's something that I love doing. Think how awesome I would look in aviators, scotch on the rocks and pocket aces. Seriously.

I desperately trying to remember what I used to do, what used to make me happy and how to get that back.

I don't know that I've ever felt this restless.

There's always someone younger, someone with more hunger

Having subsisted in the land of Itakemyselftooseriously for about 6 months now, I'm about at my wits end with how to handle all the boneheads. This isn't a commentary on anyone in particular but on the overall culture of law school that apparently attracts all the people I wanted to beat up while in high school.

Don't get me wrong, I'm certain that there are other reasons for today's overwhelming annoyance with the situation in which I have engulfed myself, but if I have to hear one more self-important blowhard ramble on and on about how much they (don't) know about everything under the sun, I will shoot myself with the shotgun the 2nd Amendment so thoughtfully allows me to have.

Honestly, try to imagine a room full of people, each one thinking they're smarter than the next. Not only that, but each one is on a never ending quest to prove that they are, in fact, the most intelligent person to ever walk the earth. This, combined with the knowledge that the people who are actually the smartest just sort of answer questions when they come up and otherwise act like a normal, nice person, makes me despise the culture of intelligent idocy that law school creates.

I wish I was still in college. What concerns me is that I actually fucking like law school. Now, of course I can't tell anyone this because hating law school is one of the first things you learn when entering law school.

Its a good thing that there's the tiny amount of people that make my days bearable. See, not everyone is a jackass and not everyone thinks that law school is the most important thing on Earth.

Some days I just get sucked in to only hearing the things I hate. Apparently today is one of those days.