Lacking Creativity

"Seattlest Runs the San Francisco Marathon"

2011-08-01T23:27:00.000-07:00

Originally published on Seattlest:Imagine that you're standing on Embarcadero Street at dawn, looking out across San Francisco Bay to see the Bay Bridge lit up in all its glory, hearing Sufjan Stevens' "Chicago" in the background, and surrounded by near 25,000 other people who spent however many months training for what comes next: 26.2 miles of scenic, albeit physically demanding, running

New York Senate's Marriage Equality Vote

2011-06-23T10:38:00.000-07:00

Equality is being held hostage by Senate Republicans:Several state senators and Senate staff members have said in recent days that the Republicans needed one more caucus meeting to decide whether to allow a vote on the marriage issue. Same-sex marriage is opposed by a large majority of the Republican caucus, but the caucus is torn over whether to allow a vote in the Senate, knowing it could

Then (2003) & Now (2011)

2011-05-21T19:49:00.000-07:00

Click photos to enlarge.

2011 Vancouver, B.C. Marathon Why I Run

2011-03-24T23:55:00.000-07:00

As most of you already know, I will be running in the Vancouver, B.C. Marathon on Sunday, May 1. I've been training for almost 11 weeks, and it's been quite the adventure. I never thought I would get to this point in my physical ability. I ran (permanent junior varsity) cross country during my junior and senior years of high school, and I think the best time I ever managed for a 5k was in the

New Viper Creek Club Music Video for "Soft Spots in the Dark"

2011-03-24T22:23:00.000-07:00

I really liked their last video. They just released this video, which they filmed at locations around Capitol Hill: Sonic Boom Records and Victrola Coffee on 15th. Enjoy!

Wingnut on the Right Tries to Re-Write the U.S. Constitution

2011-03-24T18:24:00.000-07:00

First we have U.S. Rep. Michelle Bachmann (R-IA) making the bold assertion that the founding fathers "...worked tirelessly until slavery was no more in the United States." And that's why it took 78 years from the time the Constitution was signed to the official abolition of slavery with the enactment of the 13th amendment.Now we have Bryan Fischer, the "Director of Issues Analysis" for the

New Years Resolutions: The Twelve Month Model (Cont.)

2011-03-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

2011 has been a great year thus far! Just to recap, I've been committing to New Years Resolution by the month. January was perfect oral hygiene month, which I executed with absolute perfection! February was no coffee or Grindr month. Again, I made it through the month without so much as having a single taste of coffee. Although, I did have some tea, which is neither here nor there. And finally,

New Years Resolutions: The Twelve Month Model (Cont.)

2011-02-06T13:47:00.000-08:00

Well, I successfully fulfilled my January resolution of maintaining a rigorous oral hygiene regiment. That is, I would brush, floss, scrape my tongue, and use mouthwash (at least) twice a day; typically it was when I woke up and before I went to bed. Lucky for me, my dentist appointment was scheduled right after the end of the month. I received very high marks for my tooth and gum care, and it's

Currently Playing On Repeat

2011-01-23T01:13:00.000-08:00

This song, despite it's lyrical content, makes me happy.

Water Fountains: The Silent Assailants

2011-01-21T00:20:00.000-08:00

I'm no longer surprised when anyone in this country does something stupid and decides that the appropriate response is legal action. If you don't want attention for something that you did, such as falling into a water fountain in a mall because you were too preoccupied with texting someone on your phone, then I might recommend NOT going on national news to talk about the incident.

New Years Resolutions: The Twelve Month Model

2011-01-20T23:18:00.000-08:00

I believe it was in 2009 that a friend of mine decided that she was not going to have a single New Years resolution, but rather, she would have twelve: one for each month of the year. Although, her model was based on simply giving something up for the month and then (presumably) going back to indulging in whatever habit--sugar, coffee, etc.--she had given up. In my case, I'm going to attempt in

Book Review: "The Instructions"

2011-01-20T22:20:00.000-08:00

Where do I even begin with this one? Well, this was yet another book that built me up only to let me come crashing down; McSweeney's has disappointed me again.One of the latest additions to Jewish literature, The Instructions by Adam Levin, is supposed to be an epic tale about a ten year old boy named Gurion Ben-Judah Maccabee who may (or may not) be the Messiah. Apparently everything he does is

"Did You Read?"

2011-01-20T19:41:00.001-08:00

It's eerie how similar this is to the conversations that I typically start with my friends. Also, I own that same red hoodie!

And Seven Months Later...

2011-01-20T19:34:00.000-08:00

...I make my return! That's right. After I lost my free internet privileges I was forced to live in a cave without Internet access. That was back in June. But now I'm back! I have several things about which to write: books, films, music, my marathon training, political news, etc., but I'm going to need some time to get them all written out. Please bear with me, and stay tuned!

SIFF Film Review: Brotherhood

2010-06-08T13:59:00.000-07:00

Let's start at the beginning: two strangers--both of them men--meet in a field at night for, what appears to be, anonymous and consensual sex. For one of them, it's the first time, and he's extremely nervous. After some reaffirmation that everything will be okay from the other man (Jimmy), the newbie begins to get undressed. At this time, four skinheads appear out of nowhere and attack the

The Flaws That Befall a Teenager Who Believes Nothing About Himself

2010-06-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

I have this friend: Jacob. We met online in December 2007. He had everything: a loving relationship with a suitable guy, majoring in theater at Cornish College, a wealth of friends, and a family that finally accepted him for being gay. What happened next? He dumped his boyfriend, quit school, and moved with his family to Arizona. Why? There are many reasons, but mostly it's because of God. "I

Theater Review: Nietzsche: The Musical

2010-05-30T15:12:00.000-07:00

Unless you have some prior knowledge of Nietzschean philosophy, you probably won't enjoy this musical. In fact, the person who will enjoy it the most is the one who has fully read Nietzsche's magnum opus, Thus Spoke Zarathustra. The first act begins with a musical number making fun of how people mispronounce his name, along with many other misconceptions of the famous philosopher; and the act

Theater Review: An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein by Shel Silverstein

2010-05-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

On Thursday night, I went and saw a coworker of mine star in Theater Schmeater's production of An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein by Shel Silverstein. It's a play, but it's not. There are ten individual acts that push the bounds of the absurd.A couple fight at a restaurant because the girl in the relationship is turning into a "bag lady"; a shoe, an empty picture frame, a bowl of cooked oatmeal

SIFF Film Review: From Beginning to End

2010-05-26T23:43:00.000-07:00

This was another film that I wanted to enjoy--and I did, to a certain extent--but I still had my qualms with it. Two half-brothers, born of the same mother, develop a relationship that goes beyond the, shall we say traditional, bounds of brotherhood. The two become inseparable, ultimately sending them both into depressive states when one of them travels to Russia in order to train for the

"The Peanut Butter Solution"

2010-05-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned this film to several of my friends on many different occasions, and they always look at me as if I'm crazy and just making it all up. Well, here's the trailer:It's a real movie, friends! I grew up on shit like this. Although, I seem to recall it being scary at times. I think someone disappears into a painting at some point. Now that shit is crazy.

I'm Attending SIFF, Are You?

2010-05-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

Last year's SIFF had me viewing a gay Filipino romance film. My review of that is here. This year promises to be just as good. Granted, there aren't any gay Filipino romances being presented--I can't help what I like--but I'm just as pleased, if not more so, with the three five six films that I've chosen to go see.*"Do Começo ao Fim" ("From Beginning to End") by Brazilian director, Aluisio

Parked On the Corner of Boylston and Olive

2010-05-26T12:15:00.001-07:00

I would love to drive this around town. Where can I get one?

Man Suffers Bleeding in His Brain After Assault in the University District

2010-05-26T11:40:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, around 2 a.m., Seattle police and fire responded to an assault call at the corner of NE 50th and University Way, according to a police report. A female witness told officers that she and her male friend--the victim in this case, and also very intoxicated at the time of the incident--were waiting at the aforementioned corner when "a red vehicle with two large black males drove up and

They're Always Saying Hello!

2010-05-18T13:10:00.000-07:00

My former co-worker, Kestrel, and her roommate, Amelia, thought it would be nice to put up a sign that always welcomes me to their abode--at least when they're not home. Now, whenever I walk over to Broadway--an almost daily journey--I get a big smile on my face when I see their little sign: "HI JON -K&A". The best part is that they did not tell me about it; so, as I walked by their apartment the

Friday, May 14 through Sunday, May 16

2010-05-17T12:34:00.000-07:00

I don't know whether or not to judge the past weekend as an utter failure or success. It's open for debate. Let me start at the beginning:I worked a full and (mostly) productive day at work; although, it became a struggle around 3 p.m. Nevertheless, I pushed onward. After work, I headed up to Gay City to get my periodic STD testing. Yes, I'm responsible like that. I must say, the guy who screened

Re: The Recent British Elections

2010-05-10T12:46:00.001-07:00

Andrew Sullivan sums up my thoughts:It just seems odd to me that after this election, someone who was not in any ofthe debates could somehow become prime minister in a party that clearly won many fewer votes and seats than the Tories.I'll admit that I don't know much of anything about the political parties/system of Britain, but I know enough to make sense of what Sullivan is stating here. Let me

The Best iPhone App Ever Created

2010-05-08T18:30:00.000-07:00

I thought this app topped them all--no pun intended; but I was wrong. I was dead wrong. Last week I discovered the "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" random quotation app. Click on any of their faces and you get a sweet dose of IASIP. This is guaranteed to put a smile on my face anytime I have a bad day. The best part: it's free!"Kitten mittens. You'll be smitten. So come on down to Paddy's Pub.

An Egyptian-Made Keffiyeh (Or Shemagh)

2010-05-08T15:31:00.000-07:00

As I noted earlier, my friends, Jessica and Raili, were in Egypt for the past two weeks. They were kind enough to bring me back a nice present: a keffiyeh (a/k/a a shemagh). I think this may be my latest treasured asset. It was handmade in Egypt. It's not something I purchased at Urban Outfitters. Although, it's not like I could. I've found that there are two ways to wear it:(1) The hipster look*

I Survived Two Weeks of Cat Wrath

2010-05-08T14:45:00.000-07:00

Even though the two devil cats, Ollie and Ellie, annoyed the shit out of me, I enjoyed the company. My two friends returned from their vacation in Egypt this morning, and now I'm back to my humble abode. I'm glad I washed all the dishes before I slipped away for two weeks. Now I just need to clean up the rest of the apartment. Give it time.I've been keeping myself busy with work and hanging out

What a Delightful Saturday

2010-04-25T15:38:00.000-07:00

It's been too long since I've been able to share weekends with my friends. Now that I have a grown-up job, things are looking up. Yesterday, I sat around the apartment for a few hours in the morning before I did some laundry. After that, I went over to Ballard to pick up one of my former co-workers so we could grab lunch. I was really in the mood for a Red Mill burger, but the line was too long

This Is Going to Be a Long Two Weeks

2010-04-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

I've been tasked with watching over my friends' apartment and two (devil) cats while they are on vacation in Egypt for the next two weeks. There were too many perks to not take the job: Xbox, Netflix, cable television, high-speed internet, and access to a car. However, the two felines are determined to cause my stress and anger levels to spike and send me into a murderous rampage.I've been here

Oh, the Things One Finds at Half Price Books

2010-04-21T21:34:00.000-07:00

This seems like a joke (and maybe it is), but it's still funny nonetheless. I was at Half Price Books earlier--selling books, not buying them--and I came across a folded up note on top of some books in the True Crime section. It was a checklist of things; some were crossed out, others were not. The italics are mine.Tonight:DinnerClean House <---First Time.Shower <---Really?Friday:Straighten House

What Does a $30 Million Yacht Look Like Inside?

2010-04-19T00:31:00.001-07:00

Like this (oh, and, holy fucking shit):Via Towleroad.

There Is No God; Or, How Religion(s) Destroy Humanity

2010-04-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

Yep. I said it. There is no God. The only place where God exists is inside your head. It's an idea. A false sense of security; it supposedly protects you from the woes and worries of life. You think He's there, and that from time to time he answers your prayers. But He's not, because He doesn't exist.Nearly three years ago I became friends with a rather young, gay male. In the time I have known

If You're Asked to Sign a Petition for I-1068...

2010-04-18T18:12:00.000-07:00

...you should really sign it.

Review of Vessel, Part Two

2010-04-18T18:00:00.000-07:00

My first review is here. And now my second review: I still thoroughly enjoyed the drinks, atmosphere, and service. Although, to be fair, I was in good company, and I'm sure that helped. I started with a libation called "Captain Handsome" (pictured left). It's gin, creme de violette, limoncello, lime juice, and absinthe; it is also carbonated.All the ingredients, save the absinthe, were put into a

Theater Review: Paradise Lost

2010-04-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, I was surprised with an outing to Intiman Theatre's production of the Clifford Odets play, Paradise Lost. Thanks, Tino! It's debatable whether or not one's experience of the arts--in this case, theater--is more or less enjoyable with knowledge of the plot/story. In my case, the experience was constantly evolving, as I had to listen and focus on all the elements as these happened on

New Music Video: Symphonies feat. Kid Cudi by Dan Black

2010-04-07T13:38:00.000-07:00

Some Things Will Never Change

2010-04-07T13:12:00.000-07:00

I was walking downtown yesterday, and I crossed paths with an individual--he's not worthy of being referred to as a person--that contributed greatly to some of the shittiest moments of my life. Anyone who has intimate knowledge of my personal experience would know that I am talking about Richard Dewayne Jones. He's a crack addict, with a penchant for lying and stealing on a grand scale. I thought

Lady Gaga Vs. Cubby

2010-04-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

I'll admit it, this guy has better dance moves than I do. More power to him. I love the outfit at 2:33. Priceless.

Quote of the Day

2010-03-31T23:45:00.000-07:00

"Have you heard of [his] new thing? The 'fuck me, I'm right here' app?" - My friend asking another friend about this.

My Sunny Saturday Exploration

2010-03-31T17:19:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know it's Wednesday, but because I have one of the most fucked up schedules ever, today is my Saturday. Deal with it. Anyway, every time I ride the bus on I-5, I notice two very long staircases that go from the top of Capitol Hill down to the base of the freeway. I've had an urge to go check them out, and get some much needed exercise. So, today, with the sun shining, I went and did just

My Good Deed of the Day

2010-03-31T13:47:00.000-07:00

Earlier I sold some books, went to the bank, and bought some groceries. As I was heading home from QFC, a nice little old lady flagged me down at the corner of Union and Harvard. She asked me if I was going far, and if I could help her out and carry her groceries for her. So I did, and she was much obliged. A woman that passed us on the street even mouthed "thank you" to me. Good job, Jon.As a

If I Were Ever to Do Drag...

2010-03-31T11:46:00.001-07:00

...I would have to dress like this.

How to Produce an Episode of Kitchen Nightmares

2010-03-31T10:14:00.000-07:00

God, I need a life. I've wasted so much time just sitting in front of this damn computer, watching ridiculous television shows on Hulu: shows like...Kitchen Nightmares (with Gordon Ramsay). I've watched over 30 episodes of it, and I've figured out the secret formula for producing it. Just follow these simple steps:Find a fledgling restaurant that is run by an arrogant asshole.Send Gordon Ramsay

Victims of DoodleBuddy

2010-03-31T09:16:00.000-07:00

My phone has an app--I hate that term--that lets you draw pictures with the tip of your finger. On separate occasions, I drew three of my friends: Kristin, Rich, and Jess. Enjoy.

King County Public Health Really Wants You to Get Vaccinated for the H1N1

2010-03-31T08:58:00.000-07:00

How else could you interpret this ad? Apparently, being infected with H1N1 means you spew a frothy liter's worth of liquid up to a distance of at least five feet. Gross.

What If Ophelia Had a Sassy Gay Friend?

2010-03-30T00:47:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I waited this long to watch these hilarious remakes of Shakespeare classics:Watch Romeo and Juliet here. Othello here.

Perks of Working in a Bookstore

2010-03-29T23:14:00.000-07:00

I don't remember where I heard about this mammoth of a book--Witz by Joshua Cohen--but I do know that it peaked my interest; I subsequently ordered a copy for myself, and have been anticipating its May release. As I was speaking with my manager this afternoon, I noticed he had a review copy on his desk. I expressed my interest in it, and he kindly handed it over. It kind of made my day. It's

There Really Are Some Things That Cannot Be Explained

2010-03-29T22:40:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, I noticed a journal in our lost-and-found at work. It had been sitting there for quite some time, and I decided to give it a glance. It sounds invasive, but I felt an inexplicable connection to its content. There's nothing special about it. It was written by a guy who was clearly down on his luck, but remained hopeful. The biggest mindfuck for me came when I noticed the drawing

Memories (feat. Kid Cudi) by David Guetta

2010-03-29T22:26:00.000-07:00

I can't say much to the video, but I love this song. Anything with a beat that includes piano usually gets my attention right from the start. The guy I dated back in November introduced me to it, as well as this song. As a side note, if I could pull it off, I would definitely dress like K.C. does at 0:46.

My Contributions to Greater Things: Blood and a Ballot

2010-03-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

I was of voting age in the fall of 2002, but the first election I voted in was the 2004 presidential race between Kerry and Bush. I voted for Kerry. But one has to stop and think: given the state of things now, was it better that it happened that way? That is to say, that Bush won, and subsequently, Obama is now our president. I guess we'll never know.I didn't really get into politics until after

The Children's Version of Scarface

2010-03-29T20:29:00.000-07:00

I'll let this thing speak for itself:Via Eric Becker.

Schadenfreude of the Day

2010-03-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

I told her so.

And the Award for the Biggest Idiot Goes To...

2010-03-29T15:06:00.000-07:00

...the guy who thought it was perfectly reasonable to drive his Chevy Trailblazer up onto the curb and within five feet of our store's entrance in order to load his used books into his car. I took this photo from inside while he was backing out. You can see how much closer his car was if you look at the wet tire treads on the pavement.

Short Story: A Hot Night in the City

2010-03-29T09:21:00.000-07:00

It was the hottest day that the city had known. 103 degrees. People were doing anything they could to stay cool. In the gay part of town, slim, sexy men strutted about the beach and basked in the bright and shining sunlight. I, on the other hand, did not. I was never comfortable with my body; you'd see me wearing a t-shirt if anyone ever persuaded me to get into the water. Not this time. I

This Is How I Feel

2010-03-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

Guess what? I'm sober right now. I'm not under the influence of any intoxicants. (That's not the point I'm trying to make, though.) But do you remember a time where you had too much to drink and you ended up like that (<---) guy? Remember being hunched over the toilet, feeling like absolute shit; the only things that were running through your head were: "why?", "why me?", "when will this be over?

I Didn't Know Dan Savage Could Be Such a Dick

2010-03-26T21:12:00.000-07:00

Check out the second most commented item on Slog today:He hounded that poor kid out of town. Shame on you, Dan. Shame on you.**This is merely a joke derived from coincidence.

This Is What Cats Do When You're Not Home

2010-03-26T12:15:00.000-07:00

My friend Jessica and I came home to this mess the other night. Ollie and Ellie, you're in big trouble!

Less Than Zero and Imperial Bedrooms

2010-03-23T13:00:00.000-07:00

In 1985, Bret Easton Ellis published his first novel, Less Than Zero; a story about a group of uppity, vacuous teenage characters back home in L.A. for their Christmas break. I first read it nearly three years ago, and I was very taken in by it. I'm intrigued by any story that attempts to get its message across indirectly.Well, it's now 2010, and Ellis is releasing his newest book, Imperial

Oh, How I Wish They Were Mine

2010-03-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

"You're a shoe whore," a friend once told me. While it is not entirely accurate, I have no problem embracing the claim as such. I enjoy a nice pair of shoes about twice a year. I buy them; they look pretty for a while; they get beat up; they get worn out; I keep my eye out for another pair; I start all over.After starting my day at the gym yesterday, I walked home passed Edie's Shoes on Pine and

A Riddle For Your Monday Afternoon

2010-03-22T13:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it's not really a riddle. And depending on when you read this, it may not even be Monday or the afternoon. Oh well. As I was doing some "book work" today, I noticed four white index cards near the Cliffs Notes section. Can you figure out what book the person was writing notes on? (Click photo to enlarge)

It May Be Your Monday, But Today Is My Thursday

2010-03-22T09:30:00.001-07:00

For reasons that are, as of yet, undetermined, I have been itchy and subsequently scratching myself into oblivion for the past couple of weeks. (All signs point to allergies.) In the past few nights, I've been unable to sleep due to it all. So, this morning I woke up around 3:30 a.m. and never fell back to sleep. Although, I did tell myself last night that I was going to wake up and get my lazy

219 - 212

2010-03-21T19:48:00.000-07:00

The House passed the Senate's healthcare reform with three votes more than they needed for it to pass.

Would You Like to Sample That Beer (Or Wine) Before Buying It?

2010-03-21T00:02:00.000-07:00

The Washington State legislature passed a bill--it has yet to be signed by Governor Gregoire--that allows grocery stores that sell beer and wine to add a "tasting" endorsement to their liquor license. From the final bill report (.pdf):A store seeking to obtain the endorsement must meet the following criteria:At least half of the gross sales of the store must be from retail sales of grocery

There's Stupid, and Then There's Just Crazy

2010-03-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

Check out the latest from New Left Media:It's easy to pick people at random, have them give their opinion on a matter, and make them look stupid. This applies equally to both sides of the spectrum--liberals and conservatives. However, these people clearly do not understand that if you make an argument for something, you must back it up with facts.

"I'm glad you're crazy, cuz I'm crazy too"

2010-03-20T00:43:00.001-07:00

Via explodingdog.

Gay? There's an App for That!

2010-03-20T00:25:00.000-07:00

Manhunt: did it. Adam4Adam: still doing it. Grindr: well, hello, my new friend! I no longer have to be at a computer--preferably my own--to find guys. I'm free! Want to find sex (and/or friends) on-the-go? Use Grindr. It's an 'app' for the iPhone that lets you connect with other users in your surrounding area. The setup is quite simple: you upload a picture and a small profile, and you're good to

Viper Creek Club Music Video for "Eliza"

2010-03-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

Via Capitol Hill Seattle blog:I really like the song, and I can't wait until their album is released (in April, as I understand it).

Like the Rest Of You...

2010-03-18T16:47:00.000-07:00

...I received my 2010 U.S. Census form, and it reminded me of this:I almost don't want to send mine in just so I can do something similar when the census checker shows up on my doorstep. Yep, 80 people live in my studio apartment.

I Don't Just Lack Creativity

2010-03-17T23:19:00.000-07:00

I also lack the ability to decorate and cook: two things that, I feel, most gay men have. Tonight, I tried (and failed) to cook a simple bone/skinless chicken breast. Any good cook would tell you that this is quite simple, and it only takes an idiot to fuck it up. Well, I'm that idiot.As you can see, it's burned on the outside and barely cooked on the inside. Whenever the smoke alarm goes off,

A Fun New Project

2010-03-13T16:17:00.001-08:00

I love to bitch and moan about both pretentious youths and crappy literature (if you can even call it that). Therefore, I thought it would be refreshing, in different ways, to engage myself in the Clique series by Lisi Harrison. I know I'm going to love to hate them...all 14 of them (if you include the prequel and the forthcoming July release).Why would I waste my time reading such dribble? Well,

The Stranger News Internship Recap

2010-03-11T21:48:00.000-08:00

November 19, 2009: the day I sat down with Dominic Holden and Garrett McCulloch over coffee and nervously made my case as to why I should be the next news intern for The Stranger.November 20, 2009: after a few back and forth emails, Dominic sent me this:This sounds great. Can you start on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.?I received the good news while I was at work, and I immediately ran around and told

An Interesting Robbery (in Its Details)

2010-03-09T21:48:00.000-08:00

From a Seattle police report:Sometime during the listed dates, unknown suspect(s) defeated the lock on the rear sliding glass door and entered the residence. Once inside, suspect(s) removed the listed items exiting through the front door. While inside the residence, the suspect(s) ransacked the entire home, smoked several cigarettes leaving behind the butts, consumed an orange and packed up

Some Thoughts Concerning Youth Activism

2010-03-09T21:32:00.000-08:00

It frightens me that people believe that creating and/or becoming "fans" of Facebook (or other online groups) will bring about any real change in this world. Filling in some boxes on a ballot will do more than clicking a button. Think about it.

V.P. Biden in Israel to Smooth Things Over

2010-03-09T12:31:00.000-08:00

I'm still unsure as to where I stand on the Israeli-Palestine conflict, considering the circumstances surrounding it change nearly every day. However, to put it mildly, I do not support the Israeli government and its actions toward the Palestinian people. That being said, I do not support the Palestinian Authority, and the actions that it takes towards the Israeli people. Both parties are

Said to Me at Work Today

2010-03-08T12:06:00.000-08:00

"You smell like my grandma."

Things That Annoy Me

2010-02-27T10:08:00.000-08:00

I work with the public; and so, for eight hours a day, I am forced to endure the crimes of fashion that our customers unknowingly commit. My biggest annoyance is when people insist on wearing shorts in cold and/or rainy weather. This happens all the time, and it drives me nuts. Now, I know I am not exactly Mr. Couture when it comes to the things I wear, but I have enough common sense to know that

This Is Neat!

2010-02-26T21:05:00.000-08:00

Via Sullivan.

Latest Washington State Legislature Cutoff Date

2010-02-15T23:33:00.000-08:00

Any bills that are not passed out of their house of origin by 5 p.m. tomorrow, February 16, will be dead until the next legislative session, which begins January 11, 2011. Stay tuned for my forthcoming Slog post on which prominent bills made the cutoff, and which ones did not.Update: And here is the post.

Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh Will Not Seek Re-Election

2010-02-15T11:20:00.000-08:00

Today, two-term Democratic Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana will announce that he is going to retire at the end of the 2010 congressional session. This is another loss for the Democrats, seeing as how news outlets are reporting that Bayh could easily defeat Republican Dan Coats, who announced only five days ago his intent to challenge Bayh for his seat.From Talking Points Memo:R.J. Gerard,

Man Stabbed And Robbed Three Blocks From My Apartment

2010-02-15T11:15:00.000-08:00

Capitol Hill Seattle Blog reports.

Play Review: "Speech and Debate"

2010-02-13T16:07:00.001-08:00

I am fortunate enough to have at least one friend that I can always drag along to certain events--plays, lectures, concerts, etc. (Read that as me having a handful of friends who share at least one similar interest with me.) In this case, it didn't take much of my persuasive charm to sell my friend--a theater major at Cornish College--on seeing "Speech and Debate" at the Seattle Rep.Synopsis from

Film Review: "Brief Interviews with Hideous Men"

2010-02-12T16:27:00.000-08:00

While I have not yet read the book by David Foster Wallace--I intercepted my sister's copy from her before she sold it back--I did rent the movie based on said book. John Krasinski, of The Office fame, in addition to making his directorial debut, wrote the screenplay.After a bad break-up, a female graduate student decides to interview random men in an attempt to find the true intentions of their

Apropos Of My Inner Being

2010-02-12T11:36:00.001-08:00

Drinks At Vessel, Talk At Benaroya

2010-02-11T14:11:00.000-08:00

Last night, my friend and I attended Dr. Abraham Verghese's talk at Benaroya Hall, as part of the Seattle Arts and Lectures Literary Series. You can read my review on Slog here.Prior to our arrival, I thought it would be nice to grab a drink at Vessel on 5th Avenue (between University and Union). I've walked by the place a few times, and was struck by it's unusual window setup. My friend thought

The Best Line I've Ever Read In A Police Report

2010-02-11T14:07:00.000-08:00

"On 020510 victim invited the suspect and a couple other friends to come to his apartment to partake in some substance abuse and to stay the nights."Rad, dude.

It's Time To Get With the Program

2010-02-08T00:24:00.000-08:00

Okay. Enough is enough. I used to write posts for this blog on a daily basis. Why have I stopped? Frankly, there are a few reasons. First, I have been overwhelmed with many personal issues for the past few months, and I only feel like writing about those menial things. When I revamped Lacking Creativity--focusing more on news, politics, and opinion--I decided to purge any personal posts and never

My Wasted Years With Newspapers

2010-01-24T11:05:00.000-08:00

For the longest time, my mother would get the Sunday Seattle Times, and sift through it to look at all the shopping catalogs. I don't recall her ever reading an actual piece of news printed throughout. The saddest part is that I never took advantage of the pieces she recycled. That is, I never read the damn newspaper. Now that printed news is rapidly disappearing, I find myself regretting all

A Backdoor Attempt at Pushing Out Undocumented Immigrants?

2010-01-24T10:14:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, Rep. Tom Campbell (R-2) will introduce a bill in the state House that, if passed, would require anyone applying for a driver's license or instruction permit to provide "[p]roof that is satisfactory to the department that the applicant's presence in the United States is authorized under federal law." It should come as no surprise that all of the representatives that are officially

How I've Spent My Evenings for the Last Three Weeks

2010-01-14T17:15:00.000-08:00

Drinking lattes, writing, and reading news.

Overheard At Work

2009-11-28T09:32:00.000-08:00

"What are you working on, mam?...TPS reports?"

A Job Application Gone Awry

2009-11-25T23:36:00.000-08:00

Some of my readers may or may not know that I recently interviewed for and was given the opportunity to be the Stranger's next News Intern. Everyone has asked me "what exactly does a news intern do?" Well, here is the job advertisement that was posted a few weeks ago:"Do you spend your days dreaming of digging through court records to find out terrible things about secret Republican politicians

When Toothbrushes Turn Gay

2009-11-22T00:12:00.000-08:00

Were You Aware That...

2009-11-18T23:39:00.000-08:00

Okay, I have been off the radar for quite some time now. That's called life, get over it. But now I've discovered some new topics about which to blog. Patty Murray is the senior U.S. Senator from Washington, and she is up for re-election next November. I thought it rather appropriate to dig into her legislative record and find what exactly she has done for us as a representative of our state.

Yesterday Was A Victory, Tomorrow Is A Battle Of Preservation

2009-11-05T00:42:00.000-08:00

As of November 4th, 6:24pm, the election results for Referendum 71 are as follows: 593,956 (51.65%) Approved | 556,090 (48.35%) Rejected That's a positive lead of 37,866 votes in support of the 'everything-but-marriage' law in Washington State. Equality is, in fact, winning right now. However, I sense this is far from being over. Of the 39 counties in Washington, only nine of them [Clallam,

A Time And Feeling Reminiscent Of November 5, 2008

2009-11-04T08:58:00.000-08:00

Right now I feel like I did on November 5, 2008. The candidates and measures that I voted (and lobbied) for all won their respective offices, but in another state, gay marriage was voted down. Last year, Californians went to the polls to strip away marriage--equal protection--rights from gay couples. In 2009, in Maine, voters went to the polls, driven by the same fear tactics used in

Now That Everyone Should Have Their Ballots...

2009-10-21T12:50:00.000-07:00

...it's time to do the right thing, and vote! Approve Referendum 71 | No on Initiative 1033

Are You Registered To Vote?

2009-10-04T10:34:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, October 5th, is the last day to register to vote in the upcoming election via mail or online. After that, you will need to register (in person) at the King County Elections Office in Tukwila--and who wants to travel out there?--by October 26th. If you live in King County, and you don't know the status of your registration, you can check here (or call 206.296.VOTE). There are some

Gmail Can Keep You Occupied In Different Ways

2009-09-28T16:33:00.000-07:00

I cleaned house: 'All Mail' went from 6,751 to 4,570.