26.12.07

Packing A Suitcase

I sit here waiting for my laundry to dry. I wonder why I always put packing off until the last possible moments. Even more so, I am curious how I ended up like this. I look at my siblings and those who grew up around me, and none have traveled to the extent that I have. Many would see it as a blessing, but there are times I would beg to disagree. Another country, another town, another frustrating language. Do not get me wrong, I am very thankful for the miles I have traveled, and even more so for those I have met along the way. But who else do you know that uses luggage as furniture? That nightstand by my bed is a suitcase. And my laundry bin is the Rubbermaid tub I shipped some of my stuff over in. I even have a collection of alarm clocks I have bought around the world, not because I collect them, but I end up forgetting to pack one. Which reminds me, I better pack one of those.

Well, the laundry is done. Must finish packing and try to get a little sleep. I do not want to miss Ratatouille and Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer on the flight. At least on my return they are showing The Simpsons Movie and Stardust.

Currently listening to: The Frames -

22.12.07

Do You Hear What I Hear?

I think I mentioned that I have almost three whole days of Christmas music in my collection. It is a rather random mix of tunes. I've got complete holiday albums by the classics like Vince Guaraldi, John Denver, and the Steamroller. There is also the Twisted Sister, Rick Springfield, Barenaked Ladies, Menudo, Partridge Family and Sufjan Stevens albums to add a new twist on the holiday season. And don't even get me started on over 150 versions of Wham!'s Last Christmas, I discovered via this site. Needless to say I have plenty to help with the holiday cheer, and to save me from tears...

But as I have been listening to these tunes, I have become a little disturbed by some of the lyrics in some popular songs. And I'm not talking about Weird Al's "Christmas At Ground Zero" or "The Night Santa Went Crazy". So if any of you have any insight, let me know what they where thinking when they wrote these:

1. "Tonight thank God it's them instead of you" from "Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Band Aid. Sure they recorded this to raise money and attention to the poor in Africa, but this sort of distracts from the purpose a little?

2. "Making my life long sorrow if you caught pneumonia and died" from "Baby It's Cold Outside" by Frank Loesser. While the guy is pressuring his girlfriend to stay the night, he drops this odd line. Sure she would be dead, but how would that make him feel.

3. "There'll be scary ghost stories" from "The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" by Eddie Pola and George Wyle. Did I miss something growing up? I never remember ghost stories as part of the holiday festivities.

Well, there are probably more, but I have got to get back to my Christmas music marathon. Before I go, I recommend this mix of Winter Wonderland. I only wish I had thought of doing that.

Currently listening to: John Denver and the Muppets -

21.12.07

Buy A Shiny Backpack

Ireland next week
Switzerland the following
Not too bad a break

Cheaper to fly there
Than most countries I checked on
Except for Japan.

Going to see The Frames
Playing a New Year's Eve gig
Should be a good show.

Got a rental car
To enjoy the autobahn
While in Germany.

Any Europe folk
Who want to meet up with me
Leave me a comment.

Currently watching:

Highway Run


"The Best of 2007" is the theme of PhotoFriday this week. I've posted over a thousand photos taken in nine different countries. It is hard to narrow down to just one as the best. I picked this one, as it shows one of the things about travel that I love most, the open road. Travel to me is not always about the destination, but the journey. Too often for me the best parts about a trip happen on the way. The destination is sometimes the icing on the cake. J.R.R Tolkien said it best, "Not all who wander are lost." I am just grateful I have been able to wander this far and for this long.

18.12.07

Now That It's Out

Last week I was excited when I discovered that Once was coming out on DVD here in Korea the same day it was being released in America. This has to be one of the best films I have seen in a while, and I was planning on having the folks ship it to me. But if I could get it sooner, even better. So I had one of my students check the Korean websites just to make sure I was right. He told me he could just download it for me. After a little explanation about how I do not agree with that, plus want to physical dvd, he found that I was correct.

So this morning I was set to wake up and head to one of the local DVD stores to see if they had it. Well, morning disappeared before I got out of bed. But once I got up, I headed out fully intended to head to the store. I was then distracted by some friends watching the Monday night game. After it was apparent that Chicago was going to lose, I headed to the store. I walked in looked around, and figured it would be best to go straight to the counter. Showing a paper I printed off the Korean website about the DVD, I proceeded to see if the movie was in stock. She smiled and grabbed a copy of it from right in front of me. She then walked it up to the checkout counter. I got the feeling she had not even entered it into the system yet, as she was still putting pricing stickers on them when I showed up.

I headed home, hoping to put it into the DVD player. Alas, upon my return, I discovered a package from home with the Commitments. Seeing that I have been waiting a while for that one, I popped it into the player. Once can wait one more day.

Either way, these Irish films are getting me excited about the upcoming trip. Eight days from now I will be back in Dublin.

Currently watching:

17.12.07

Living Out This Life I've Chose

I have been lacking in things to post lately, but here are a couple random thoughts:

1. It is sad when a Popa John's Pizza across town is a note of excitement in your week, if not month. Too bad they do not deliver to this side of town. But if the mountain won't come to Muhammad, Muhammad must go to the mountain.

2. When I die, I want someone to hire David Caruso (or a suitable impersonator) to stand off to the distance at my burial. Then after some silence, he should put on some sunglasses and walk away. This could be a sign I have been watching too much CSI Miami.

3. Today I was saddened by the news that Dan Fogelberg passed away. Unfortunately, most of the people I work with would have to google to figure out who he was.

4. I never expected that I would be my age and still counting down days until Christmas break. Heck, I might be more excited than some of my days as a student. And the number is 3, but that is including a day off.

Currently listening to: Dan Fogelberg -

14.12.07

Reach Up For The Sunrise


The PhotoFriday theme this week is "Sunrise." It must be proof that I am not really a morning person, when this is the only sunrise photo I have. I took this from the top of an orphanage near Bangalore, India. I am excited to be able to return there in about two months. This will be my third time taking a group of students from our school to work with the children there.

7.12.07

Upon A Midnight Clear

Went to a concert
Swedish a capella group
Touring Korea.

Time for Christmas tunes
Over fifty-four hours
In my collection.

Less than two weeks left
The Christmas break begins
I can't hardly wait.

Heading to Europe
Because tickets were so cheap
And I hate the beach.

So if you are there
In Dublin or Basel-land
Let's get together.

Currently listening to: Hall & Oates -

Shake All The Way To The Outhouse


The theme this week at PhotoFriday is "Primitive." I have spent a lot of time in this little outhouse. While I do enjoy all the benefits of indoor plumbing, I have to admit that I do find a simple enjoyment in using an outhouse. I am not totally sure I can explain it fully. Perhaps it is the feeling of privacy, going to a seperate location to take care of business. I could lie and say it is because it is wasting less water and potentially causes less impact on the environment. Maybe it is fact that most people I know have never used on, and thus it is yet another a unique experience that makes me who I am. Although I will say that using one in the winter does make me appreciate indoor plumbing, at least for the fact that the seat is not freezing cold upon contact.

3.12.07

One Day I Have Ham And Bacon

As a news junkie, I usually get a good laugh at some of the odd stories out there. Unfortunately, a report of people stealing seventeen tons of ham made me cringe a little. See, before I started my world traveling ways, I spent many post college days processing meat for Rocke's Meating Haus. On a normal week I would process one to two ton of ham a week. During the holiday season, I saw two to three ton of ham pass before my eyes. To give you an idea, it would take two solid days of work for me just to pump the brine into a ton or two of ham. Then, there was the smoking, slicing and glazing to still be done. If the ham wasn't enough to occupy my time, I also would cure a large amount of turkey breasts as well. Needless to say, by the end of the holiday season, I would pretty much avoid any ham product. It was bad enough that I smelled of ham pretty much all the time, the thought of eating it was unbearable.

But to walk into work and discover that I would be having to redo all that work due to a burglary, I'd be asking for a serious pay increase and a Christmas bonus that wasn't meat related.

Currently listening to: Rick Springfield -

30.11.07

It's Close To Midnight

I can't believe it
A couple haiku-less weeks
Do you miss them much?

The Thriller album
It has been twenty five years
Dang I'm feeling old.

Thanksgiving weekend
Took a little get away
With some friends in Seoul.

Met some new people
They wanted to play Hold 'Em
I took their money.

With all these late nights
I'm becoming nocturnal
Just like the Lost Boys.

Currently listening to: Loverboy -

How Does It Feel When You're Alone


"Dead of Night" is the theme at PhotoFriday this week. This was taken two summers ago in Moscow. My friends had left for the airport, and I decided to wander around Red Square at midnight. One of my favorite activities when I travel is to wander major cities in the middle of night. A city changes so much when all the activity dies down, and the locals all go home. There is something about wandering around streets that are usually full of activity, but at the time are deserted. One can get the feeling of being the only survivor in a ghost town. Plus, you can save a few bucks on lodging that way.

23.11.07

There Were Two Sisters



PhotoFriday's theme this week is "two." I took this photo in the Philippines. This is the Two Sisters, a boat that will take you to the base of Taal volcano. There you can see the largest island in a lake on an island in a lake on an island.

18.11.07

Just An Advertisement

It has only been three days since my post on Korean television, and I have already seen Charlie And the Chocolate Factory and Spiderman 2 being aired again. Surprisingly, I do not watch a whole lot of television. At least here in Korea, like in Europe as well, commercials do not always break up shows, but are mostly shown before and after the program. Sure you have to put up with about ten to fifteen minutes between shows, but at least it is not breaking up the story line of your favorite show. And once in a while you actually get good commercials. This is one being shown in repetition for Samsung's Anycall cell phone. It actually works as a stand alone music video, complete with a 1984 storyline. Enjoy.

You can also watch it with English subtitles, but I would recommend doing that after watching the original.

16.11.07

Picture Yourself On A Train In A Station


"Travel" is the theme at PhotoFriday this week. This might be the toughest theme for me to narrow down. Having passed through over thirty five countries, how do you pick one photo from all those adventures? I chose this photo of the Basel SBB train station. It has been a starting, ending, or midway stop to some of my greatest adventures. From here I started several ski trips into Switzerland. I pass through here three times on a fifteen day, fifteen country trek across Europe. Even on my summer of riding the Trans-Siberian railroad, I managed to pass through the SBB. On that trip, I arrived and found a place to store my luggage. Ten minutes later I entered one of my favorite churches, only to miss the first song of the morning service.

I look forward to my next time through that fine station.

15.11.07

My Baby Loves The Western Movies

I just finished watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on television. If I want, I can probably watch it another five times in the next couple weeks. That is the interesting thing about Korean television. I am constantly amazed at the movie selection, let alone repetition over here. Last week I was walking back to the dorm with a coworker, and we were joking about what movies we would be able to watch in the afternoon. He had mentioned that Spiderman was already on that morning, so I guessed that Spiderman 2 might be on. I ended by saying that at least we should have a strong chance of some Lord of the Rings. About five minutes later, he called me to let me know that I was correct. As I flipped to see the Hobbits on their quest, I was shocked to pass over Peter Parker saving Mary Jane from a car flipping through the coffee shop.

Each month it appears that they add one or two movies to the rotation, but for the most part I can almost bet on seeing Hellboy, The Rock, Sahara, one of the Blade or Final Destination series, or Love Actually at least once a month on television. This month they've tossed the Transporter into the mix, and I've already seen parts of it at least five times. Don't get me wrong, I find comfort knowing I can turn my television on and be able to see a Steven Seagal, Jean Claude Van Damme, or Jackie Chan film.

And it isn't just movies that are on constant repeat over here. If you enjoy Sex In The City, CSI (any of them), Law and Order (all except the original) America's Next Top Model or The Nanny you should pack your bags and head this way. Any of these can be seen at least once a day. Toss in a little Airwolf and Kung Fu and life is almost complete.

And people wonder why I would even consider leaving this place.

Currently watching:

9.11.07

We Stay Up Very, Very, Very, Very Late

Must make this post quick
Got some computer problems
It keeps shutting down.

Switched to a back up
My eight year old computer
Call it Old Faithful.

Enjoying late nights
Not having to do breakfast
This gig got better.

An X-files movie
I really hope this is true
Find out in July.

Watched this episode
About imagination
Has the best ending.

Currently listening to: John Fogerty -

Just A Little Bit Dangerous


This week "dangerous" is the theme at PhotoFriday. I loved when the frog signs and fences would pop up in Germany. The fact that you have to drop your speed almost fifty percent shows that danger those frogs can bring.

2.11.07

Another Boring Afternoon

My schedule changed
I am like Henry Winkler
Working the night shift.

She tried to give me
The Watchtower in Russian
No on both accounts.

Come to the table
I think I heard the cook say
The Meatloaf is done.

I can't believe it
Christmas music already
On Launchcast station.

Currently reading:

It's A Tug Of War



"Strength" is this week's theme at PhotoFriday. This game of tug of war happened last year in India. I am excited about going back again this February for my third visit to the orphanage.

27.10.07

Last Night Was Shaking And Pretty Loud

When I told some of my friends here that I was going to the Scorpions concert, I got mixed reactions. Some questioned my taste in music, others questioned who in the world the Scorpions where. Still others just blamed my extensive stay in Germany for my interest in hearing one of the fatherland's biggest selling artists perform.

All in all, it was a rather good concert. Once again my concert luck paid off, when I purchased one of the cheapest tickets, yet ending up in the most expensive seats. As far as the band goes, I was impressed with their musicianship. I actually had to try to remember the last concert that had guitar, bass and drum solos. To be honest, I even got goosebumps during the introduction to "Wind of Change." They spoke about growing up in the shadow of the Berlin Wall, and writing the song after it fell. Klaus then mentioned that on their first day here in Korea, they visited the DMZ, and thought about how the "wind of change" could easily see a change there too. And then the whistling began...

Although the best line of the night came during the encore. They had played all of their biggest hits, save one. To introduce it, lead singer Klaus Meine announced, "Don't worry Seoul, we will not leave without rocking you like a hurricane" To which the crowd burst into wild applause. Made me wish I could drop lines like that, and for it actually make sense.

Currently listening to: Scorpions - Wind of Change

26.10.07

The Future's In The Air

Jumping a train soon
For a night of rock and roll
With the Scorpions.

Still need to plan trip
But just don't know where to go
During Christmas break.

Planning my future
Trying to figure out "next"
and just what that is.

Currently listening to: Scorpions - Rock You Like a Hurricane

In The Playground On The Dark Side Of Town



"Silence" is this week's theme at PhotoFriday. This is a the playground along the Michigamme River in Republic, Michigan.

19.10.07

In The Midnight Hour

One last baseball game
The last game of the season
Too bad they got beat.

Yet another game
Keeping me stuck on Facebook
Their version of Risk.

Down in the subway
A photo exhibition
That includes this one.

Currently listening to: Ken Oak Band -

In The City Of Blinding Lights


"The City" is this week's theme at PhotoFriday. This is a shot of the "Symphony of Lights" in Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour.

18.10.07

I'm Waiting In Line

If you are a frequent reader of this blog, you know I enjoy the Korean baseball. It is playoff time, and the local team made it into post season play. The playoffs in Korean baseball are done differently than American baseball. Here is the basic version of how it works. The top four teams make the playoffs. The fourth and third place teams play a best of five series. The winner of that then plays a best of five series against the second place team. The winner of that goes on to yet another best of five series against the top team in the league.

Last night was game three of the second series for the Hanwha Eagles. They had been beaten twice by the Doosan Bears, so it was looking like this could be the last game of the season for the Eagles. I decided it was worth switching my days off to catch it. The only problem was that it was estimated to be a sold out game, and I did not know how to score tickets.

I checked with two different people to see if they knew anything. One got back to me informing me that tickets went on sale at three in the afternoon. I headed over to the stadium an hour earlier to get in line. On the way another coworker called me to let me know that the best way to see the game was probably on television, as I would probably not be able to get a ticket. Not being one to give up easy (as the many restraining orders are evidence), I decided to give it a shot.

I am happy to say that not only did I get a ticket, but I got six. This might not be a big deal to most, but it really is. See, they were only allowing two tickets per person at the ticket window. They had signs up stating this policy, but unfortunately they were all in Korean. After I got my first two tickets, I decided to get back into line. As I approached the window, I noticed they were stopping a guy. From the gestures, pointing, and tone of voice, he had already gotten his two tickets, and they were not letting him get more. I was a little worried, as I have a tendency to stick out in a crowd of Koreans. Luckily for me, I was able to get two more, get back into another line and score two more.

The best part of the ticket buying occurred while I waited for the ticket counters to open. As the lines grew longer, an older man walked through selling dried squid. Soon one of the stadium staff tried to get him to leave, as he was not allowed to sell in that area. The squid seller began shouting and waving his squid around. For about ten minutes he created a scene yelling, running around, and even selling some squid to the occasional person sympathetic to his cause. As I watched, I wished I understood more Korean. Yet at the same time, I enjoyed making up my own dialog for the argument. I could just hear him yelling, "But the people want their squid! You can't keep the Squidman down! " About ten minutes after the police escorted him away, he was back hawking his squid.
All in all, a good day of waiting in line, followed by some fun inside the stadium. But I'll save that for the next post.

Currently listening to: Ken Oak Band -

12.10.07

Before The Night Owl

It is almost midnight
And Friday is almost gone
So is the deadline.

I forgot last week
Until Saturday had come
To post some haiku.

New Radiohead
Is well worth the purchase price
And yes I did pay.

I might go and see
A German rock and roll band
In concert next week.

A new addiction
Playing Scrabble on Facebook
Just wish I could win.

Am I very odd
Starting laundry at midnight
Is a common thing?

Currently listening to: Gomez -

Right Here Waiting

The PhotoFriday theme this week is "Real Life." I took this shot in Hong Kong. I am beginning to think that while on vacation the only real life is that you see in the people who are living out their normal day to day lives.

5.10.07

These Wholesome Memories

"Wholesome" is the theme at PhotoFriday. Last week in Hong Kong, I experienced many different culinary delights, including chicken feet. They told me that it was actually considered a very healthy dish.

4.10.07

It's A Small World After All

Last week, I had the opportunity to go to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. I decided to go to the park during a torrential rain storm with the hopes many would stay at home. This allowed me the opportunity to ride Space Mountain about six times in a half hour. I completely lost count of the number of times I rode Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters ride. I know I rode it enough to come to the conclusion that 273700 is a pretty decent score. I am also glad that I was able to visit the park before they installed the Small World ride. I think the ten minute wait at Autopia, the "hey I'm driving a car that is on a track" ride, was the longest of the day. I even had time to catch all the shows, as well as get my photo taken with all the characters.

I have been fortunate enough to walk down Main Street U.S.A. in Paris and Hong Kong. There is something interesting about visiting the Disney parks overseas. Everything feels very familiar, yet there is a foreign feel as well. Usually this is made most clear during the stage shows. All the characters are the same, but they sound so different. I'm not talking about pitch, but the language they speak. You expect to hear Mickey greet you in English, but when he is speaking in French or Cantonese it messes with your mind. Too me, it actually make me think of the many people who come to America to see the Disney parks. They might not understand the language, but they know the entertainment we have exported around the world. And in the end, freakishly large animals dancing around a stage is always good family fun.
Mickey And Friends In Cantonese


Currently listening to: Aimee Mann -

1.10.07

Sheets On A Hong Kong Bed

I know some of you were beginning to wonder if there would be another real post, and not just those stupid haikus and photos every Friday. To be honest, I was beginning to wonder myself. It felt like life had gotten pretty routine and boring. Last week, however, I set out like Columbus, Magellan, Vasco De Gama, and other explorers of old looking for new worlds to explore, exotic foods to consume, and stories to post on their blogs. I have returned scurvy free and full of stories.

Today I tell the tale of the Hostel from Hades. After doing some research online, I booked the cheapest one I could find. For those unaccustomed to hostel life, this is not always the wisest move. But how bad can a place be if it is located between the Holiday Inn and the Imperial Hotel, and only a block from the Sheraton? Plus with a name like Chungking Mansion, it has to be good.

As I checked in, the guy looked at me and said, "You are big guy, the room is small. This could be a problem." Fearing that this might be the only bed he has, or that he would try to upgrade me for more money, I told him it should be a problem. A minute later I realized I could be wrong. He opened the door to the closet which held the bunk bed I would be sleeping on that night. I am telling the truth that when I was spread out on the bed, my head and feet hit two of the walls. I could touch the other walls with my elbows. At least the mirror made the room feel a little bigger.
After a rough night jammed in that room, I headed out on the town. When I got back later that night, I discovered someone was sleeping on my bed. I went out to the office to discover that they had moved my luggage out and I was getting a new room on the eleventh floor. This one was better. It actually had a bathroom attached, and space to breath. Even the air conditioner appeared to work. I woke up that next morning refreshed and ready for the day.

Interestingly enough, when I returned to the room about two hours later, I found that I was being moved to yet another room. The guy claimed that they were working on the air conditioner, and that he had a room back on the third floor. The room had the space and even had the bathroom attached. Too bad it did not have a toilet seat. But hey, I have traveled this world enough to deal with that. What I was not prepared for was sharing the room with people who have no desire to enjoy cool air, or air flow for that matter, during the night. For the rest of the week, battles were fought for the control of the air conditioning. At one point, one of my roommates felt it would be better to have the windows open, allowing the hot, humid air to permeate to room. With that hot air came the sounds of one of the busiest streets in Hong Kong.

In the end, I can not complain much, as my week in the hostel cost less than a fourth of what one night at the Holiday Inn would have cost. Heck, spending eight hours in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn would have cost me more than the hostel for the week. So would I do it again, perhaps. But next time I might pack my own toilet seat.

Currently listening to: KT Tunstall -

21.9.07

It's Another Small Adventure

A lame Friday night
Had two strawberry smoothies
And home before ten.

For celebration
We stopped the education
A week vacation.

Got to get away
A new city to explore
Hope to find some rest.

A family party
I'll be the lone Caucasian
With all the Asians.

Been writing quizes
For Facebook IQ challenge
Try your luck with one.

Currently listening to: Romantica -

Take Me To My Beach

This week "The Beach" is the theme over at PhotoFriday. Here is a shot of the area where the "The Beach" was filmed. I was fortunate enough to do some night diving in that bay.

14.9.07

Here Comes The Rain Again

An unwelcome guest
Scheduled to be here Sunday
It's typhoon Nari.

Korean baseball
I've been to many a game
But never seen this.

Hanging with the guys
Playing some Facebook poker
I get paid for this?

We've barely started
Yet vacation in a week
This is the dream job.

Songs for ice cream trucks
What a great album concept
Wish I drove a truck.

Currently listening to: Michael Hearst -

Sailin' Ships The Viking Spits

"Fantasy" is the theme of PhotoFriday. Here is a photo from the opening ceremony at Hume Lake this summer. They put on a performance of a Viking attack on a Nordic town, complete with fake rain and pyrotechnics.

7.9.07

Another Stressed Out Week

It has not rained yet
But the clouds are threatening
Wow what a surprise.

Got my next trip planned
Gonna see a past student
And a Disney park.

My last two visits
The barista hooked me up
With free iced Earl Grey.

A busy weekend
Most of the kids are staying
Should be a fun time.

Police were summoned
The emergency that night
Just a burnt pizza.

Currently reading:

Blinded By The Light

"Purple" is the theme this week at PhotoFriday. Here is a shot of one of my favorite musicians, Bill Mallonee. This is him perfoming at London's Borderline back in March 2004.



Currently listening to: Bill Mallonee -

5.9.07

Hasn't Stopped Raining For Days

Friday I linked to the Youth Group song, "Start The Day Tomorrow." When I looked out the window this morning the first lines of that song came to mind:
The summer rain is falling like its never going to stop, it's been ages.
Puddles form on city corners, businessmen they leap between the edges.
Umbrellas take up battle spots but nature's fury always proves much stronger.
I've been sitting in my room wondering if I'm going to last much longer
The forecast tells me that there is at least four more days of rain ahead. I am sick of rain. I am weary of dodging puddles and streams flowing down the street. I'm tired of carrying an umbrella. I want a rainbow to tell me that this too will pass.

In my radio days, I would humor myself and hopefully my listeners by playing rain based songs. So in that spirit, I made an iMix, I like to call, "Rain Rain, Go Away." Give it a click and a listen.

If it does not stop soon, the only joy I could get out of this rain is if it turned purple. Purple rain, purple rain, I only want 2 see u , I only want 2 see u in the purple rain.

Currently listening to: My "Rain Rain, Go Away" iMix

31.8.07

Insignificant Little Things

Time for another PhotoFriday entry. This theme this week is "insignificant." I took this photo on the way home the other night.

30.8.07

Start The Day Tomorrow

It keeps falling down
There are puddles all over
When will the rain end?

He plays the glass harp
Made with cups filled with water
On the streets of Prague.

Finished season six
In my quest to watch them all
Talkin' bout X-files.

Two go head to head
Only the strong will survive
M&M battles.

Song to go with this post: Start Today Tomorrow by Youth Group

26.8.07

A Personality Loaded With Ability

Most people know Alyssa Milano from her days on Who's The Boss? Some might know that she is also a musician. (This blog entry's title comes from one of her songs.) She even has a blog covering her love of baseball, where she recently quoted Gandhi. Too bad she is a Dodger fan.

Well, I recently read that Alyssa has been named the ambassador for Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases? This raises so many questions in my head. Does not bringing attention to the neglected tropical diseases make them non-neglected? Would this not create a vicious circle where the current non-neglected tropical disease would then become the neglected ones that would need Alyssa's assistance to bring them to the world's attention? And by getting a former child star to be your ambassador does that help keep the neglected status intact?

Why did I devote a whole post to Alyssa? I did it to set up one of my favorite jokes. What are my favorite kind of cookies? Alyssa Milano Cookies. (Follow that link to the question about what her fan's don't know about her) If you do not get the joke, this might help.

Currently listening to: Alyssa Milano -

24.8.07

A Haiku Poem Inside Of My Head

An addicting game
Testings geography skills
Keeps me on Facebook.

Dorm closed this weekend
Some old students visiting
Should be a good time.

Only back three weeks
Already making some plans
For the next big trip.

These are getting lame
I need some inspiration
Or they might end soon.

I see you reading
But you never leave comments
Are you a loser?

Currently listening to: St. Vincent -

Jeremiah Was A Bullfrog

This week's theme at PhotoFriday is "Unfinished." Here is a photo I took this summer of a snake snacking on a frog. At this point, he is about to enjoy some tasty frog legs.


If you want, here is a video of the event.

23.8.07

If You're A Redhead

As I scanned the news this morning, I came across some disturbing news. According to this source, I could only have about fifty three years left to live. Some scientists claim that redheads will be extinct in less than a hundred years, and as early as by 2060. That kind of puts a damper on things, now doesn't it?

Currently less than one percent of the world's population has red hair, a fact made very clearly to me on a daily basis right now. I am thinking I need to see if this allows me to have some kind of federal protection. This does give me a new excuse for avoiding certain things, "I am an endangered species, dang it."

Currently listening to: Sarah McLachlan -