WARNING: Newsrant!
Some of you like these. The rest of you probably wish I would just shut up already. Oh well. *shrug* I don't remember when my last one was. This may be new to a person or two.
This first article is one of the most horrifying things I've read in a long time. Please READ THE WHOLE THING... $150?! $150?! Really? I'm sorry, but if you need to be in a plane to "level the playing field" then you have no respect for your sport. I don't hate hunting. I have no oposition to it. I understand that we are an upper-level predator. But I also think hunting policies need to be based in science, not belief. Other predators are just as and likely more important to the ecosystem than we are. Let's be honest, we like to fuck things up.
A note on that last link, you may need to click "Enter Salon" to see it. Just FYI.
Moving on to another favorite topic, it looks like Hezbollah wants to talk a little. My cynical self suspects this is because some idiot shot down a military helicopter in the south. Now, in Lebanon, the army is seen as largely non-sectarian. It tends to be a mediator and an impartial force in any conflict. In short, shooting down an army helicopter is not a way to earn good will in the country. They're in trouble if they lose all the good will.
It bothers me when people say meat is bad for you. First of all, we evolved to be omnivores. That means I need to eat and veggies. What I could do with less of, of course, is the processed food and the high fructose corn syrup. And I'll admit, I should eat more plants. Actually, I should just eat a more balanced diets. On that note, there was a study recently that suggests vitamin B12 (vegetarians, don't forget the supplements!) is good for your brain. I will quote:
"This study suggests that consuming more vitamin B12 through eating meat, fish, fortified cereals or milk as part of a balanced diet might help protect the brain. Liver and shellfish are particularly rich sources of B12.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: we can't be all talk. Our government and our people must try our best (fail and stumble as we might) to be the example for all countries. No matter what is going on, I wish we wouldn't forget who we are. We are a nation of immigrants. We are the land dreams. We live a country where a factory-worker can become a butcher and eventually own a small market with his brothers. We live in a country where that butcher's son grows up to make more money than anyone thought possible. But we also live in a country whose government has taken a wrong turn, whose government has forgotten what its constitution and other important documents are supposed to stand for. Because, honestly? If we don't at least try to stand by the ideals that have made our country unique, then how will we ever combat thoughts such as these? People can call me anything they want, but I'm unafraid to say that I think we in this country have forgotten what we stand for. When we do that, I cannot say we are the best country in the world. It's home, but I want to feel comfortable with a nationalistic belief... and I'm just not.
More scariness on the Palin front. I'm sorry. Religion is a private thing. Keep it out of your job, especially if you want to lead people who may not follow your beliefs. I'm sick of hearing about God all the time.
This is very sad. But it does not mean we shouldn't continue exchange programs and continue to hope people won't take part. The more people you can actually bring to this country (to meet the people), the better things will be. Exposure can breed understanding. I wish more of us would go to other places.
I know, I know, enough on Palin. This one isn't actually about her, though. Her daughter is lucky to have the support of her parents (who actually have the money to help her out). But let us not forget what the lives of most teenage parents are like. It is no easy path.
On a more personal note, I hope that one day, the state can address the problem of people (mostly mothers because, let's be honest, what father gets custody?) who see their children as meal tickets and not children. Part of me fears for the future of my cousin's daughter... and she's only three.
I kind of want one of these. Yes, that's a do-it-yourself two-seater hybrid car. When I get older, it may be a viable option for my main transportation needs. 225 mpg in hybrid mode! And it runs on biodiesel! Two thumbs up! I'd be tempted if I had a real job. Though I'd be more tempted if I didn't have to find the time to make it.
And one more thing with an enviromentalist tilt: Here's a paper that studied accidents involving walkers and bikers in relation to the number of the walkers and bicyclists present. The findings? These numbers are inversely proportional. More bikers and pedestrians equals less cars hitting people! This is good news for those who want to (and live in a place where they can) use their car less and their bike more. I thought it was interesting.
ON A NON NEWS-RANTING NOTE:
Part of me really wants to participate in National Park(ing) Day 2008.I will have to look at my schedule to see if it's feasible.
Not thinking about this one... I'll be participating in Blog Action Day this year. 2008's subject: Poverty. Maybe you want to mention it too?
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wolfperson1) wrote,
bored
