On Tuesday, December 11th, I went to Lansing with my union local for the Right To Work protest. Here's a tip for anyone that has an anxiety disorder like myself, I don't recommend it without proper medication.
When I first got to the fringe part of the protest, there were some talkers. Upset, loud, but the crowd was somewhat calm. The angriest group outside were on the capital steps. If you ignored the talkers & the signs, it looked like a street fair.
After taking some video of the talkers, I went for a little walk. I was trying to find the AFP tent that a friend was in. I found it. Wasn't hard. When I got there, there was a heated discussion between some union guys & this nicely dressed gentleman. So I got out my video camera. Taped that discussion when another one started behind me. I heard (& hopefully captured) a white union guy ask a well dressed black man 'how does it feel to be bought?'
After that talk calmed down, I found I was near the door to tent. So I sneaked in. Where I was greeted my 2 lovely women offering me coffee. I turned it down & went searching for my friend. Found him. We talked a bit. He knew I couldn't stay long. While I talked to him, I noticed a lot of union people looking in the tent. It made me queasy because I to go back out. I got back out with no problem.
I want to say, about 10:15ish, we marched around the capital building. I don't know why. One guy had a megaphone who lead the chants. The people I met while walking. I met a teacher who was texting while marching. Met the guy that stuck out the most to me at the beginning of the march. He was in his young 20's (if he was even 20). Nice guy. Very gay. Which automatically made me love him. (I have a thing for gay guys) But he told me that one the other union guys took a swing at him. Now I should mention, my friend was dressed with union logos at the time. I asked him what happened. He said this guy came up to him, called him a tea-bagger & told to get the f*ck out of there! Then swung. I couldn't believe it. When I told one of my coworkers about it, she was fine with it, blaming the younger one.
After the march, I went back to the tent. Got good video the first time, thought I try it again. When I got there, I noticed one guy trying to take down the tent. He was stopped by security. When I got up to the front, I got out my camera again. This time I taped a teacher 'teaching' one of the AFP guys about the Gadsden flag & how it came to be. (You'll have to watch the video, she was funny)
Shortly after I shot that video, I got my camera out again to tape what the firefighter was saying. I swear about 20-30 seconds later, I'm getting shoved from behind by the guys from AFP so they could save the tent. (They apologized while they shoved me) Then I saw people charged the tent. The next 5 seconds I'm not sure how I got out. Hear what I saw after that, people trying get the dog to chew up one of the banners from the tent, the pamphlets from the tent being tossed in the air, & police horses. I was a bit scared. I knew people in there.
When the police horses showed up, I left. I decided I needed a walk & a drink. If you all must know, I had a Jack & coke. If you ever meet me, buy me one. I'd appreciate it. After I left the bar, I crossed paths with the teacher & her union guy. They gave me the evil eye. Apparently they thought I was with the AFP.
By the time I got back to the protest site, they had stormed the Romney building. I watched one guy with an escort of about 14 or 16 cops getting taken away. He got pepper sprayed. The rant I heard from the building was 'No one in! No one out!'
To tell you the truth, it all became a blur after awhile. I know I did one on-camera interview. Like I said, I have an anxiety disorder. I was more amazed that I didn't completely shut down. I remember seeing riot police, anger, billy clubs, litter, & children.
So I went. If I go again, I want to be on the other side. If I remember more, I write another piece.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
I Am Offended
Apparently America is offended by everything lately. Someone can breathe wrong & someone will be offended. So here are some things that 'offend' me.
I despise calling someone or someone calling me a racist. How are you supposed prove them wrong? Say "I can't be racist, my baby daddy is black", "my dealer is Mexican", or "my gardener is Asian". Will that really work? (You can change those to how you want by the way)
Same thing with the calling someone 'homophobe'. How can you prove them wrong? As a straight woman, how would I be able to say I'm not a homophobe. (Beside that I do not fear homosexuals which is what a 'phobia' is) Say I can't be a homophobe because I experimented in college? Ridiculous.
Now on to gender roles/feminism/emasculation. Chose your word. I don't care. A community college made construction workers stop working on campus until they changed their sign. What did the sign say that was SOOOO offensive? "Caution: Men at Work" It wasn't gender neutral. Give me a break. It's a sign put there for the workers safety! Not only that, there were no women in the crew. It was an all male crew!! Get over yourselves.
Here's something I'm pretty sure we all can agree on. Bubble kids. Do you know what a 'bubble kid' is. A bubble kid is a child whose mother wanted everything in life to be easy for them. Can't let them get frustrated learning hard things like learning to write neatly, tying their shoes, cleaning up after themselves, and proper manners. Do you know what these children grow up to be? Occupiers.
This one is just a real big pet peeve annoyance of mine that kind of offends. Sports players talking about how hard they have to work. I'm sorry. They get paid how much? No job is ever easy. If it was, it wouldn't be called a job. It's the whininess of their voices when they say it. Meanwhile, we have men & women overseas, working basically around the clock, having bullets & rockets aimed at them for very little pay. That offends me!
Last thing. I promise. People who don't read past the headlines and want to tell me how to think about news stories.
Now I don't feel so offended.
I despise calling someone or someone calling me a racist. How are you supposed prove them wrong? Say "I can't be racist, my baby daddy is black", "my dealer is Mexican", or "my gardener is Asian". Will that really work? (You can change those to how you want by the way)
Same thing with the calling someone 'homophobe'. How can you prove them wrong? As a straight woman, how would I be able to say I'm not a homophobe. (Beside that I do not fear homosexuals which is what a 'phobia' is) Say I can't be a homophobe because I experimented in college? Ridiculous.
Now on to gender roles/feminism/emasculation. Chose your word. I don't care. A community college made construction workers stop working on campus until they changed their sign. What did the sign say that was SOOOO offensive? "Caution: Men at Work" It wasn't gender neutral. Give me a break. It's a sign put there for the workers safety! Not only that, there were no women in the crew. It was an all male crew!! Get over yourselves.
Here's something I'm pretty sure we all can agree on. Bubble kids. Do you know what a 'bubble kid' is. A bubble kid is a child whose mother wanted everything in life to be easy for them. Can't let them get frustrated learning hard things like learning to write neatly, tying their shoes, cleaning up after themselves, and proper manners. Do you know what these children grow up to be? Occupiers.
This one is just a real big pet peeve annoyance of mine that kind of offends. Sports players talking about how hard they have to work. I'm sorry. They get paid how much? No job is ever easy. If it was, it wouldn't be called a job. It's the whininess of their voices when they say it. Meanwhile, we have men & women overseas, working basically around the clock, having bullets & rockets aimed at them for very little pay. That offends me!
Last thing. I promise. People who don't read past the headlines and want to tell me how to think about news stories.
Now I don't feel so offended.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
My Controversial Thought of the Day
I'm going to put on my theologian hat today. So if you aren't into religious talk, you might want to skip this post.
To date, my favorite theologian question to get people riled up is "When did Jesus know who he truly was? What his mission on Earth was to be?"
Oh the answers. The silly fights. I love it. I should tell you, my mother taught me when I was young that if it has nothing to do with my salvation, not to worry about it. So, I don't. But that won't stop me from asking questions & being a pain.
So I was listening to this song today & it mentioned the phrase 'original sin'. That got be thinking about how some Christians' view Mary. I should tell you now, I am a protestant. My father was raised in the Christian Reformed church & my mother was raised in what is called 'Gospel Hall' or how I refer to it, Strict Baptist. I do have an Irish Catholic aunt & my father is the godfather to a Polish Catholic. (Yes, I mentioned the different countries. There's a difference, so I'm told) Enough of that rabbit trail.
Anyway, back to original sin & how it portrays to Mary, Jesus' mom. Some people believe that Mary didn't have original sin. Some even put her on this pedestal & worship her. Either one, I don't get. But here is my thought. What if Mary wasn't pick out by God because of the original sin thing, but because who she was engaged to, Joesph. I hear people yelling now. But please hear me out. In the Old Testament, it talked about the Messiah being from the line of David. The line of David pointed to Joesph, not Mary. Not saying she wasn't a wonderful mother or anything.
That's just my thought. I could be wrong. My main focus in life will always be Jesus. Its just every once in a while, I like to stir the pot & get people thinking.
To date, my favorite theologian question to get people riled up is "When did Jesus know who he truly was? What his mission on Earth was to be?"
Oh the answers. The silly fights. I love it. I should tell you, my mother taught me when I was young that if it has nothing to do with my salvation, not to worry about it. So, I don't. But that won't stop me from asking questions & being a pain.
So I was listening to this song today & it mentioned the phrase 'original sin'. That got be thinking about how some Christians' view Mary. I should tell you now, I am a protestant. My father was raised in the Christian Reformed church & my mother was raised in what is called 'Gospel Hall' or how I refer to it, Strict Baptist. I do have an Irish Catholic aunt & my father is the godfather to a Polish Catholic. (Yes, I mentioned the different countries. There's a difference, so I'm told) Enough of that rabbit trail.
Anyway, back to original sin & how it portrays to Mary, Jesus' mom. Some people believe that Mary didn't have original sin. Some even put her on this pedestal & worship her. Either one, I don't get. But here is my thought. What if Mary wasn't pick out by God because of the original sin thing, but because who she was engaged to, Joesph. I hear people yelling now. But please hear me out. In the Old Testament, it talked about the Messiah being from the line of David. The line of David pointed to Joesph, not Mary. Not saying she wasn't a wonderful mother or anything.
That's just my thought. I could be wrong. My main focus in life will always be Jesus. Its just every once in a while, I like to stir the pot & get people thinking.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
I Feel Ranty
Ugh. So many things, but don't feel like writing a lot. My fault, I haven't really written a rant in a while. So let's see how much I fit in here before I get bored still we?
Okay, first off. To all those who did not do anything during this past election cycle besides talk on twitter/facebook, but want to complain or talk bad about those who did do something, SHUT UP!!!! You did nothing but sit on your butt behind a computer talking smack. That makes you a punk. Meanwhile, the people you mock/complain about, sacrificed time with family, cold called strangers, went door to door. Until you are willing to do the same, you opinion is invalid.
Next! Greediness at Christmas time. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas!!! I love shopping for other people. It brings me such joy! But there is one thing that gets my panties in a bunch. I'll explain. Growing up, my parents weren't poor, but we weren't rich by any stretch of the imagination, but we had enough. Never really did anything extravagant at Christmas, but we always had a good time & created memories.
Premise set, now I'll start. At my job, we have a giving tree where you can 'adopt' someone for Christmas. No problem. (I got adopted one year, so I'm paying back) When I first started, I adopted teenagers. Why? Because everyone wanted to buy for the babies. The teenagers that were in our mix to choose from wanted bath soap & socks. Just basics. Yesterday, the tree was up, so I went over to look for someone to adopt. All I can say is WOW! The stuff they want my mother would slap me for asking for such things, especially a stranger. They are asking for things that start at $50 & going up to a few hundred dollars. I cannot fathom that! That's being greedy.
Okay, next. How the hell is Bloomberg getting away with rejecting donations? There are people starving! Freezing! With no homes! And he says, NO? Why hasn't anyone bitch-slapped him yet? Don't say no to free food, unless its rancid or tainted with drugs. Also, why not more backlash at New Jersey for turning away non-union help? If someone is willing to work for free (or even at cost) to help after a disaster, shut up & let them!
Finally, I am over this 'anti-bullying' crap. Okay, I understand some bullying goes too far. I would never bully someone to the point of contemplating suicide. I believe a little bullying is good for you. Why? Because the world is not nice. No matter how much we all want it to be, it will never be. So it teaches you how to let things roll off your back & not get the best of you. Also along with that, most of the 'anti-bullying' leaders are the biggest bullies out there. And I, for one, am sick of it and you should be to.
That's all I got for today. If you notice, yes I did change the name of my blog. Its a title of a poem I wrote years ago. The blurb up top are the first lines. Thank you to all who read my blog. Y'all rock! MUAH!
Okay, first off. To all those who did not do anything during this past election cycle besides talk on twitter/facebook, but want to complain or talk bad about those who did do something, SHUT UP!!!! You did nothing but sit on your butt behind a computer talking smack. That makes you a punk. Meanwhile, the people you mock/complain about, sacrificed time with family, cold called strangers, went door to door. Until you are willing to do the same, you opinion is invalid.
Next! Greediness at Christmas time. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas!!! I love shopping for other people. It brings me such joy! But there is one thing that gets my panties in a bunch. I'll explain. Growing up, my parents weren't poor, but we weren't rich by any stretch of the imagination, but we had enough. Never really did anything extravagant at Christmas, but we always had a good time & created memories.
Premise set, now I'll start. At my job, we have a giving tree where you can 'adopt' someone for Christmas. No problem. (I got adopted one year, so I'm paying back) When I first started, I adopted teenagers. Why? Because everyone wanted to buy for the babies. The teenagers that were in our mix to choose from wanted bath soap & socks. Just basics. Yesterday, the tree was up, so I went over to look for someone to adopt. All I can say is WOW! The stuff they want my mother would slap me for asking for such things, especially a stranger. They are asking for things that start at $50 & going up to a few hundred dollars. I cannot fathom that! That's being greedy.
Okay, next. How the hell is Bloomberg getting away with rejecting donations? There are people starving! Freezing! With no homes! And he says, NO? Why hasn't anyone bitch-slapped him yet? Don't say no to free food, unless its rancid or tainted with drugs. Also, why not more backlash at New Jersey for turning away non-union help? If someone is willing to work for free (or even at cost) to help after a disaster, shut up & let them!
Finally, I am over this 'anti-bullying' crap. Okay, I understand some bullying goes too far. I would never bully someone to the point of contemplating suicide. I believe a little bullying is good for you. Why? Because the world is not nice. No matter how much we all want it to be, it will never be. So it teaches you how to let things roll off your back & not get the best of you. Also along with that, most of the 'anti-bullying' leaders are the biggest bullies out there. And I, for one, am sick of it and you should be to.
That's all I got for today. If you notice, yes I did change the name of my blog. Its a title of a poem I wrote years ago. The blurb up top are the first lines. Thank you to all who read my blog. Y'all rock! MUAH!
Friday, November 2, 2012
It's My Fault
I'm sorry. Apparently 'climate change' is my fault. In the 1970's the Earth was heading into an ice age. Then I was born.
The Earth started to warm up. I have even been accused of putting a hole in the Ozone layer. (What can I say? Junior High was a bitch & I lashed out) I kept on this trend for quite a while. I liked my warm weather.
Then it happened. I became so highly attractive, I became magnetic! So now the North Pole is starting to creep on me. He's showing off his power by throwing all these so-called super storms around the Earth.
So once again, I apologize. I didn't mean for it to happen. I will try to keep my awesomely adorableness to a minimum. Sorry for all the destruction this has cause.
Sincerely,
Jennie
The Earth started to warm up. I have even been accused of putting a hole in the Ozone layer. (What can I say? Junior High was a bitch & I lashed out) I kept on this trend for quite a while. I liked my warm weather.
Then it happened. I became so highly attractive, I became magnetic! So now the North Pole is starting to creep on me. He's showing off his power by throwing all these so-called super storms around the Earth.
So once again, I apologize. I didn't mean for it to happen. I will try to keep my awesomely adorableness to a minimum. Sorry for all the destruction this has cause.
Sincerely,
Jennie
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Confessions of a TV Junkie
I confess, I LOVE competition reality shows! Adore them. Was thinking about it earlier, and I do watch a lot of them. Some I'm straying away from, or have all together. But for the most part, I have my faves. So I split them into groups & I'll tell why I love them or have stopped watching.
PERFORMING ARTS (singing/dancing/variety)
X-Factor, American Idol, America's Got Talent, The Voice
I always love the auditions for these, its afterwards they lose me. American Idol - I quit watching that after Simon left. I was getting bored and his way of delivering the truth kept me watching. America's Got Talent - I watch the auditions & that's it. I love that got Howard Stern as a judge. Can't stand Mandel. The Voice - I watched the first season. I feel it like pandered too much to the judges. X-Factor - Watching it for the first time this season. This will probably be my last as well. I hear that a Kardashian will be a judge, so I'm out.
COOKING
Chopped, Top Chef, Top Chef Masters, Hell's Kitchen, Master Chef
The knife techniques, flavor profiles, & timing constraints that go into a plate in these shows would make me nuts!
Chopped - Love this show. Timed, rules, & wacky ingredients make this show amazing. There are some judges I don't care for, but for the most part its awesome.
Top Chef/Top Chef Masters - I love these shows, because of the challenges. No matter how great of a chef you think you are, if you're not ready to think outside the box, you'll lose.
Hell's Kitchen - By far, my favorite!! Why? I believe it will be going into its 11th season this next year & we will still have chefs coming in not knowing Ramsay's menu. Every year, he has the same 3 things. Scallops, risotto, beef wellington. Every year, those 3. Without fail, you will have chefs, not knowing how to cook a scallop. I've been watching through a TV screen, and I can tell you when a scallop is raw. I am not a trained chef! I can barely cook! Then there's Master Chef. I love it. Home chefs come in & try to cook restaurant quality food. That's just good drama.
Last but not least its
FASHION
Project Runway, Project Runway All-Stars, America's Next Top Model
Oh, the diva-ness of these shows. When I watch them, I feel like I have a gay man living inside me screaming to come out. I get it, fashion is their passion. There are just times that they treat it like if this hem isn't in straight, the world will collapse. On ANTM, a model contestant blew a raspberry because she was exasperated, and one of the judges went off on her while on the shoot. He was just blown away that she would act in such a manner! Like, 'how dare you?!' Do not get me wrong, I love fashion, but lets get real, it is not life or death. At least when Ramsay goes off on his chefs, its because they were going to send out raw food which would make someone ill. Priorities!
I guess the two main reasons I love these shows is the competitiveness & the creativity. Which is what has kept America going.
PERFORMING ARTS (singing/dancing/variety)
X-Factor, American Idol, America's Got Talent, The Voice
I always love the auditions for these, its afterwards they lose me. American Idol - I quit watching that after Simon left. I was getting bored and his way of delivering the truth kept me watching. America's Got Talent - I watch the auditions & that's it. I love that got Howard Stern as a judge. Can't stand Mandel. The Voice - I watched the first season. I feel it like pandered too much to the judges. X-Factor - Watching it for the first time this season. This will probably be my last as well. I hear that a Kardashian will be a judge, so I'm out.
COOKING
Chopped, Top Chef, Top Chef Masters, Hell's Kitchen, Master Chef
The knife techniques, flavor profiles, & timing constraints that go into a plate in these shows would make me nuts!
Chopped - Love this show. Timed, rules, & wacky ingredients make this show amazing. There are some judges I don't care for, but for the most part its awesome.
Top Chef/Top Chef Masters - I love these shows, because of the challenges. No matter how great of a chef you think you are, if you're not ready to think outside the box, you'll lose.
Hell's Kitchen - By far, my favorite!! Why? I believe it will be going into its 11th season this next year & we will still have chefs coming in not knowing Ramsay's menu. Every year, he has the same 3 things. Scallops, risotto, beef wellington. Every year, those 3. Without fail, you will have chefs, not knowing how to cook a scallop. I've been watching through a TV screen, and I can tell you when a scallop is raw. I am not a trained chef! I can barely cook! Then there's Master Chef. I love it. Home chefs come in & try to cook restaurant quality food. That's just good drama.
Last but not least its
FASHION
Project Runway, Project Runway All-Stars, America's Next Top Model
Oh, the diva-ness of these shows. When I watch them, I feel like I have a gay man living inside me screaming to come out. I get it, fashion is their passion. There are just times that they treat it like if this hem isn't in straight, the world will collapse. On ANTM, a model contestant blew a raspberry because she was exasperated, and one of the judges went off on her while on the shoot. He was just blown away that she would act in such a manner! Like, 'how dare you?!' Do not get me wrong, I love fashion, but lets get real, it is not life or death. At least when Ramsay goes off on his chefs, its because they were going to send out raw food which would make someone ill. Priorities!
I guess the two main reasons I love these shows is the competitiveness & the creativity. Which is what has kept America going.
Monday, October 15, 2012
The Lost Art of Being Civil
First of all, how great of book title would that be! It sounds like one of those upper tier type of reading. I'll have to keep in mind if I ever write a book. I figure I should finish reading one before I try writing one. (BTW, I'm currently in the middle of reading 2 e-books & 8 regular print books). Back to my original thought.
What does civil mean? (from freedictionary.com)
civ·il (s
v
l)adj.
vl)adj.
4. Of or in accordance with organized society; civilized.
5. Sufficiently observing or befitting accepted social usages; not rude: a civil reply. See Synonyms at polite.
Growing up, my mother made sure I had manners. I addressed every adult that was not family as Mr or Mrs. At the family table, we did not bring distractions & engaged in the conversation. 'Getting dressed' to go outside meant clean clothes. To this day, I have a hard time going outside to my car in my pajamas.
If I was in an argument, I was taught language & tone. Hitting was allowed in self-defense. (I had 2 older brothers, so I had to use it a lot) Name calling was beneath what I was supposed to bring to the table.
The reason I bring those examples up is because in the world today it seems that there are no manners left.
Example: How many children today address adults as Mr/Sir or Mrs/Miss/Ma'am?
(It's okay, I'll wait while you think about it)
When was last time you sat down to eat with no phones at the table?
I'd be happy if people that shopped at Wal-Mart wore clothes that fit. If they're clean, its an added bonus!
To me, that's just pure laziness in life. On the my last point, arguments.
It seems in the last few years, people have gotten trigger happy in arguments. It used to be it was just the lowest of lows that resorted to violence/murder. Every where I turn, people threaten death on anyone that disagrees with them. And if it isn't death, its rape on their wife or children.
HUH?
Really?
Our minds have become so narrow & small that any deviation must be exterminated?
That's not how I want to live. I like being able to discuss/argue ideas with others. It forces me to strengthen my argument. It forces me to go back & look up facts.
For me to threaten violence is like someone yelling 'RACIST!', it means I lost the argument. I lost the fight & this is how I can get you to shut up. Plus, it just sounds ignorant. I'm not ignorant, just flippant.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)