Just a few more days. Enjoy something pretty in the meantime:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi_P8XwrSCU
Peace.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
Save Me
No, don’t. Please don’t even try. Truly. Big waste of your time. And mine.
Those who know me, know I am an atheist. They also know I think agnostics are just chicken shit atheists. Sorry. It’s my belief. I allow you yours. Could you be kind enough, or Christian enough, or Jewish enough, or Muslim enough, or Buddhist enough, or whatever it is you believe in enough to just let me have my own beliefs?
I have never believed in God. I believe there may be a higher power. But that’s a personal idea to me. Not something I’ll share with just anyone. It’s so very, very personal. And yet… I will give you a brief overview.
My thoughts go towards the tenants of most religions. “Do unto others….” Yes, it’s simple. But most true things are. And sometimes doing unto others means being critical of them. Wouldn’t you want someone to tell you that you were acting badly? That the way you behaved was closed minded? Narrow? I would. I might not like it at first. But the greatest gifts I’ve received from friends has been the ability to see how I am viewed.
I grew up reading the bible as literature. And it’s actually a good read. Great stories. And if you have the opportunity to see it as such, you’ll have a greater understanding of most great books. Same goes for Shakespeare. But he never claimed to be “the word”.
So if you want to save me? Save me from zealots. Save me from people who believe their way is the only one. Save me from the pomposity of religion. Save me from the idea that there is just one true way to follow your life. Save me from people who believe abortion is wrong but the death penalty is right. Save me from those who think sex is only for procreation. And please, please save me from all the hypocrites who think they have found the answer.
Because there is no answer. There is only the question. And that should make us behave differently towards each other. So, go ahead, save me from that. Save me from ever thinking that my thoughts mean more than yours. And save me from your ever trying to make me think your thoughts mean more than mine.
But no one is going to save you from my anger when you try and shove your beliefs down my throat. Max don’t play that. And she never will.
And if you wonder where this is coming from? Please read Professor Howdy's comments in the post below.
And Professor or Captain Howdy. I may not believe in god. But I do in soul and meaning. And I forgive you for trying to push your ideas on me without an invite. Maybe Max is trying to tell you something. And that's not to let you believe you are a judge of me. Or my life. Or my thoughts. That is for a higher power. If it is. Save your judgement for yourself sir.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7ZT5sajkys
Those who know me, know I am an atheist. They also know I think agnostics are just chicken shit atheists. Sorry. It’s my belief. I allow you yours. Could you be kind enough, or Christian enough, or Jewish enough, or Muslim enough, or Buddhist enough, or whatever it is you believe in enough to just let me have my own beliefs?
I have never believed in God. I believe there may be a higher power. But that’s a personal idea to me. Not something I’ll share with just anyone. It’s so very, very personal. And yet… I will give you a brief overview.
My thoughts go towards the tenants of most religions. “Do unto others….” Yes, it’s simple. But most true things are. And sometimes doing unto others means being critical of them. Wouldn’t you want someone to tell you that you were acting badly? That the way you behaved was closed minded? Narrow? I would. I might not like it at first. But the greatest gifts I’ve received from friends has been the ability to see how I am viewed.
I grew up reading the bible as literature. And it’s actually a good read. Great stories. And if you have the opportunity to see it as such, you’ll have a greater understanding of most great books. Same goes for Shakespeare. But he never claimed to be “the word”.
So if you want to save me? Save me from zealots. Save me from people who believe their way is the only one. Save me from the pomposity of religion. Save me from the idea that there is just one true way to follow your life. Save me from people who believe abortion is wrong but the death penalty is right. Save me from those who think sex is only for procreation. And please, please save me from all the hypocrites who think they have found the answer.
Because there is no answer. There is only the question. And that should make us behave differently towards each other. So, go ahead, save me from that. Save me from ever thinking that my thoughts mean more than yours. And save me from your ever trying to make me think your thoughts mean more than mine.
But no one is going to save you from my anger when you try and shove your beliefs down my throat. Max don’t play that. And she never will.
And if you wonder where this is coming from? Please read Professor Howdy's comments in the post below.
And Professor or Captain Howdy. I may not believe in god. But I do in soul and meaning. And I forgive you for trying to push your ideas on me without an invite. Maybe Max is trying to tell you something. And that's not to let you believe you are a judge of me. Or my life. Or my thoughts. That is for a higher power. If it is. Save your judgement for yourself sir.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7ZT5sajkys
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The Petition Grows
Someone was nice enough to have sent this to me. Thank you.
The petition is two signatures away from being sent to Jeremy. I would like him to see it.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/yelpcom-supports-violence-against-women
The petition is two signatures away from being sent to Jeremy. I would like him to see it.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/yelpcom-supports-violence-against-women
Xtie? I'm totally fine with it.
Truly. Do what you need to. You and your husband have been so very, very kind to me. I love you both. I do.
Elite '08
93
95
Xtie G.
Grow a set of principles, seriously.
Chicago, IL
Compliment
Send a Message
05/12/2008
3 star rating
(part 2 of 2. Part 1 at http://www.yelp.com/biz/yelp-chicago-3#hrid:-LEbSXnURSLorpBDDJF7qw)A couple of months ago a "prominent" Yelper got SEVERELY dissed by another, largely marginalized, Yelper. Cries of "foul" by multiple Yelpers went ignored for at least a week (an eternity in Yelpland) by HQ who, theoretically, moderate such BS (HATE).
This incident and the ensuing string of unfortunate circumstances brought to light several shitty things about this site, its creators and moderators:-Terms of Service appear to be VERY unevenly enforced. In fact, it appears that fucked-up situations, like this incident, are only considered on a case-by-case basis and only if enough people cry foul directly to HQ.
In the meantime, such situations are solely at the mercy of a select few, hair-trigger flaggers who are seemingly drunk with this "power"...specifically if such situation offends their "delicate" sensibilities (HATE).
-Yelp, the company, holds ZERO value for the time, effort and emotional energy we as Yelpers put into our reviews...the backbone of what makes this site possible. This was made clear to me when the voluminous and brilliant work product of several prolific Yelpers disappeared like a fart in the wind because said Yelpers somewhere, somehow offended the sensibilities of a select few flag-happy "Elites". And because of this I realized that "there, but by the grace of Yelp HQ, go I" (HATE).
-Not only did these brilliant, funny, useful and cool bodies of work disappear, so did everything else - every PM (so what remains is like was having a conversation with myself), every compliment, every thread post - every shred of their existence in this community. At best, this seems unnecessarily excessive. At worst, those of us remaining Yelpers who've had the privilege to interact with this former member of the community have been stolen from. This just appears to disrespect the presence and efforts of those of us who remain in the wake of the deleted (HATE).
-Yelp is postured as a community of "Real People, Real Reviews". By virtue of agreeing to adhere to Yelp's TOS, we as users agree to respect the community we are entering into. Sadly, there is no reciprocal sort of agreement for Yelp to respect us as real people who not only invest our time and energy into the site by providing reviews of the establishments that pay them, but also participate in the community that perpetuates a sense of loyalty and belonging to the site and community (HATE).
-Before all this mess I was proud to declare "I'm a Yelper!" and I wore my "Elite" hoodie with pride. Since this mess, said hoodie has been balled-up in the back of my closet...and I have NOT been proud to say I'm a Yelper (HATE).NOW let's check the math: LOVE=10; HATE=14
Because of these ugly realizations, about a month ago I decided to stop contributing reviews to the site or engaging in the community. But I've missed it. Yelp has filled a void in my life over the past year. It's provided me with a well-interfaced forum to create, connect, socialize and express myself. In short, it's helped me realize that this rock I've lived under for the past couple of years isn't so heavy. I can "do the math" all I want, but the truth is, this experience has been invaluable to me. I want it back.While I can wish all I want that Yelp really was a community that had a firm set of ethics...something to define what "do the right thing" means, in the end it's not. It's a business with It's own agenda. Those that run this business do what they have to do to make it viable. A wise friend offered the analogy that while I may not be happy with the operational ethics of petroleum companies, that fact doesn't keep me from buying gas to run my car.
SO...I've decided to suck it up, take the bad with the good and visit the nearest gas station to fill up my tank. And while I don't know how long this little road trip will last, I know that despite traffic, roadblocks, construction or detours, in the end it's ME driving the car and setting the course.
Darling Xtie. You have nothing but my very best wishes. Yelp away. But fight the good fight. That's all I ask.
Max
Elite '08
93
95
Xtie G.
Grow a set of principles, seriously.
Chicago, IL
Compliment
Send a Message
05/12/2008
3 star rating
(part 2 of 2. Part 1 at http://www.yelp.com/biz/yelp-chicago-3#hrid:-LEbSXnURSLorpBDDJF7qw)A couple of months ago a "prominent" Yelper got SEVERELY dissed by another, largely marginalized, Yelper. Cries of "foul" by multiple Yelpers went ignored for at least a week (an eternity in Yelpland) by HQ who, theoretically, moderate such BS (HATE).
This incident and the ensuing string of unfortunate circumstances brought to light several shitty things about this site, its creators and moderators:-Terms of Service appear to be VERY unevenly enforced. In fact, it appears that fucked-up situations, like this incident, are only considered on a case-by-case basis and only if enough people cry foul directly to HQ.
In the meantime, such situations are solely at the mercy of a select few, hair-trigger flaggers who are seemingly drunk with this "power"...specifically if such situation offends their "delicate" sensibilities (HATE).
-Yelp, the company, holds ZERO value for the time, effort and emotional energy we as Yelpers put into our reviews...the backbone of what makes this site possible. This was made clear to me when the voluminous and brilliant work product of several prolific Yelpers disappeared like a fart in the wind because said Yelpers somewhere, somehow offended the sensibilities of a select few flag-happy "Elites". And because of this I realized that "there, but by the grace of Yelp HQ, go I" (HATE).
-Not only did these brilliant, funny, useful and cool bodies of work disappear, so did everything else - every PM (so what remains is like was having a conversation with myself), every compliment, every thread post - every shred of their existence in this community. At best, this seems unnecessarily excessive. At worst, those of us remaining Yelpers who've had the privilege to interact with this former member of the community have been stolen from. This just appears to disrespect the presence and efforts of those of us who remain in the wake of the deleted (HATE).
-Yelp is postured as a community of "Real People, Real Reviews". By virtue of agreeing to adhere to Yelp's TOS, we as users agree to respect the community we are entering into. Sadly, there is no reciprocal sort of agreement for Yelp to respect us as real people who not only invest our time and energy into the site by providing reviews of the establishments that pay them, but also participate in the community that perpetuates a sense of loyalty and belonging to the site and community (HATE).
-Before all this mess I was proud to declare "I'm a Yelper!" and I wore my "Elite" hoodie with pride. Since this mess, said hoodie has been balled-up in the back of my closet...and I have NOT been proud to say I'm a Yelper (HATE).NOW let's check the math: LOVE=10; HATE=14
Because of these ugly realizations, about a month ago I decided to stop contributing reviews to the site or engaging in the community. But I've missed it. Yelp has filled a void in my life over the past year. It's provided me with a well-interfaced forum to create, connect, socialize and express myself. In short, it's helped me realize that this rock I've lived under for the past couple of years isn't so heavy. I can "do the math" all I want, but the truth is, this experience has been invaluable to me. I want it back.While I can wish all I want that Yelp really was a community that had a firm set of ethics...something to define what "do the right thing" means, in the end it's not. It's a business with It's own agenda. Those that run this business do what they have to do to make it viable. A wise friend offered the analogy that while I may not be happy with the operational ethics of petroleum companies, that fact doesn't keep me from buying gas to run my car.
SO...I've decided to suck it up, take the bad with the good and visit the nearest gas station to fill up my tank. And while I don't know how long this little road trip will last, I know that despite traffic, roadblocks, construction or detours, in the end it's ME driving the car and setting the course.
Darling Xtie. You have nothing but my very best wishes. Yelp away. But fight the good fight. That's all I ask.
Max
Sunday, May 11, 2008
On talking with my retired therapist.
Helen gave me a call today. She’s been reading the blog. As usual, she spoke rather plainly. Five years with someone will do that. Honesty can be a real pain in the ass when you’re not quite ready for it.
She said, “What are really angry about?”. I said, “I’m angry about the theft of my work.” She said, “Bullshit. Pure bullshit.” “That’s not what’s hurting you Barbara.”
I got cocky. As is my want. And said, “So what do YOU think it is about?” A come on friend, bring it. Just bring it. Fucking bring it already.
She spoke softly and said, “You got raped again. By a website this time. It has no face. It has no voice. It has no name. But it took your power away and you’re feeling it all over again.”
And then I began to cry. And cry. And cry. And I’m starting to let this really go. Not just say it. But feel it.
The woman gets it. I wonder why so many others do not.
Life can be a total crap fest. Sadly. People will kick you when you’re down. People will lie about you. People will use you. People will try to make you feel like shit. Understanding their motives is meaningless. I believe that in the long run… the understanding of your own self is what really matters. Why let others rule your life?
Only if you let them. Take it from Max. Don’t let them.
It’s hard to recover from being treated as if you’re nothing. As if your life has little meaning.
My life has meaning. I am a woman of both heart and mind. And nothing – and no one can take that from me.
And I'm still here. I'm STILL HERE. Nothing will make me lay down and die. Not a word. Not a comment. Nothing. I'm here and I'm glad to be here. If I give one person a voice? I've done what I need to do.
Women and men who have been raped are told to shut the fuck up about it. It's disturbing. Hell yes it's difficult to hear. But your voice is all you have. Name it! It wasn't a mistake... it wasn't your fault... It wasn't fucking "date rape"! Rape is rape is rape is rape.
Get mad. Take it back. No person deserves to feel constant cosmic pain because of someone who hurt them.
We are a part of something. What that is? I cannot name it. But I believe we have the ability to be kind. To be caring. To make ourselves a part of the world.
I want to think my being part of the world means something. I want to think any of us who love people and want to help them means something. I may be wrong. But I don't think I am.
She said, “What are really angry about?”. I said, “I’m angry about the theft of my work.” She said, “Bullshit. Pure bullshit.” “That’s not what’s hurting you Barbara.”
I got cocky. As is my want. And said, “So what do YOU think it is about?” A come on friend, bring it. Just bring it. Fucking bring it already.
She spoke softly and said, “You got raped again. By a website this time. It has no face. It has no voice. It has no name. But it took your power away and you’re feeling it all over again.”
And then I began to cry. And cry. And cry. And I’m starting to let this really go. Not just say it. But feel it.
The woman gets it. I wonder why so many others do not.
Life can be a total crap fest. Sadly. People will kick you when you’re down. People will lie about you. People will use you. People will try to make you feel like shit. Understanding their motives is meaningless. I believe that in the long run… the understanding of your own self is what really matters. Why let others rule your life?
Only if you let them. Take it from Max. Don’t let them.
It’s hard to recover from being treated as if you’re nothing. As if your life has little meaning.
My life has meaning. I am a woman of both heart and mind. And nothing – and no one can take that from me.
And I'm still here. I'm STILL HERE. Nothing will make me lay down and die. Not a word. Not a comment. Nothing. I'm here and I'm glad to be here. If I give one person a voice? I've done what I need to do.
Women and men who have been raped are told to shut the fuck up about it. It's disturbing. Hell yes it's difficult to hear. But your voice is all you have. Name it! It wasn't a mistake... it wasn't your fault... It wasn't fucking "date rape"! Rape is rape is rape is rape.
Get mad. Take it back. No person deserves to feel constant cosmic pain because of someone who hurt them.
We are a part of something. What that is? I cannot name it. But I believe we have the ability to be kind. To be caring. To make ourselves a part of the world.
I want to think my being part of the world means something. I want to think any of us who love people and want to help them means something. I may be wrong. But I don't think I am.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Max Loves Mug shots. Mucho.
Welcome. And enjoy.
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2008/0509082mugs1.html
Number 16 is one of my all time favorites. Seersucker suit and a coy glance. Work it mister. Work it! Call me!
Good stuff.
Max
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2008/0509082mugs1.html
Number 16 is one of my all time favorites. Seersucker suit and a coy glance. Work it mister. Work it! Call me!
Good stuff.
Max
Friday, May 9, 2008
Hmmm. Like Throwing a Hot Dog Down a Hallway?
Apologies to Seth for stealing that.
Once again, a quick reminder: Lady, it’s not a clown car. Or a clown tractor trailer, in this case.
Yipes!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080509/ap_on_re_us/18_kids
Once again, a quick reminder: Lady, it’s not a clown car. Or a clown tractor trailer, in this case.
Yipes!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080509/ap_on_re_us/18_kids
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