Look how he spelled "company." He's so cute!!!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Ok, autism, sometimes you're actually quite adorable
I have no idea when this new thing started but I just found about 15 of them on the floor under the desk in my office.
Look how he spelled "company." He's so cute!!!
Look how he spelled "company." He's so cute!!!
Song of the day: Rooster
This is an incredibly intense video, too.
Rooster
Alice in Chains
Ain't found a way to kill me yet
Eyes burn with stinging sweat
Seems every path leads me to nowhere
Wife and kids household pet
Army green was no safe bet
The bullets scream to me from somewhere
Here they come to snuff the rooster, aww yeah, hey yeah
Yeah here come the rooster, yeah
You know he ain't gonna die
No, no, no, ya know he ain't gonna die (x2)
Walkin' tall machine gun man
They spit on me in my home land
Gloria sent me pictures of my boy
Got my pills 'gainst mosquito death
My Buddy's breathin' his dyin' breath
Oh god please won't you help me make it through
Here they come to snuff the rooster, aww yeah
Yeah here come the rooster, yeah
You know he ain't gonna die
No, no, no ya know he ain't gonna die
Jon Stewart speaks for me
This is worth watching through to the end because the very end is very funny.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| I Give Up - 9/11 Responders Bill | ||||
| ||||
"Paid for by citizens who have just given up. Because why bother?"
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Being a Californian got about 8 times better today
The 9th Circuit will be a breeze; it's the SCOTUS I'm worried about....
Judge strikes down Prop. 8, allows gay marriage in California
A federal judge in San Francisco decided today that gays and lesbians have a constitutional right to marry, striking down Proposition 8, the voter approved ballot measure that banned same-sex unions.
U.S. District Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker said Proposition 8, passed by voters in November 2008, violated the federal constitutional rights of gays and lesbians to marry the partners of their choice. His ruling is expected to be appealed to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and then up to the U.S. Supreme Court.
[Updated at 1:54 p.m.: "Plaintiffs challenge Proposition 8 under the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment," the judge wrote. "Each challenge is independently meritorious, as Proposition 8 both unconstitutionally burdens the exercise of the fundamental right to marry and creates an irrational classification on the basis of sexual orientation."
Vaughn added: "Plaintiffs seek to have the state recognize their committed relationships, and plaintiffs’ relationships are consistent with the core of the history, tradition and practice of marriage in the United States.“
Ultimately, the judge concluded that Proposition 8 "fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license. Indeed, the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that opposite-sex couples are superior to same-sex couples. (emphasis mine because I like that part) … Because Proposition 8 prevents California from fulfilling its constitutional obligation to provide marriages on an equal basis, the court concludes that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional.”]
[Updated at 2:28 p.m.: Both Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa praised the judge's decision. "Because a judge had the courage to stand up for the constitution of the United States, prop 8 has been overturned!" the mayor wrote on Twitter.
“This ruling marks a victory for loving, committed couples who want nothing more than the same rights and security as other families,” added Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, minutes after Walker’s ruling was released. “From the start, this has been about basic fairness.”
Austin R. Nimocks, senior legal counsel for the Alliance Defense Fund who fought to uphold Prop 8 in Walker’s court, vowed to appeal, saying “We’re obviously disappointed that the judge did not uphold the will of over 7 million Californians who made a decision in a free and fair democratic process.”]
Walker, an appointee of President George H.W. Bush, heard 16 witnesses summoned by opponents of Proposition 8 and two called by proponents during a 2½-week trial in January.
Walker’s historic ruling in Perry vs. Schwarzenegger relied heavily on the testimony he heard at trial. His ruling listed both factual findings and his conclusions about the law.
Voters approved the ban by a 52.3% margin six months after the California Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage was permitted under the state Constitution.
The state high court later upheld Proposition 8 as a valid amendment to the state Constitution.
An estimated 18,000 same-sex couples married in California during the months that it was legal, and the state continues to recognize those marriages.
The federal challenge was filed on behalf of a gay couple in Southern California and a lesbian couple in Berkeley. They are being represented by former Solicitor General Ted Olson, a conservative, and noted litigator David Boies, who squared off against Olson in Bush vs. Gore.
A Los Angeles-based group formed to fight Proposition 8 has been financing the litigation.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown refused to defend Proposition 8, prodding the sponsors of the initiative to hire a legal team experienced in U.S. Supreme Court litigation.
Backers of Proposition 8 contended that the legal burden was on the challengers to prove there was no rational justification for voting for the measure. They cited as rational a view that children fare best with both a father and a mother.
But defense witnesses conceded in cross-examination that studies show children reared from birth by same-sex couples fared as well as those born to opposite-sex parents and that marriage would benefit the families of gays and lesbians.
Spotted in Berkeley: How many Priuses?
Spotted in Berkeley
This morning I begin my new series: Things I see around town.
If you've never been to Berkeley you can only imagine how awesome it is. We're a liberal utopia, we are, where I and my politics are not even the most liberal. Sometimes we forget that the outside world exists and people aren't like this everywhere. As a result, though, I'm always spotting funny bumper stickers or graffiti that perfectly sum up this town.
For example, the sign in front of the City building that says "Electric car parking only. No hybrid parking." I think that one's my favorite.
This morning I saw my favorite bumper sticker: "If guns were outlawed, only outlaws would accidentally shoot their kids."
If you've never been to Berkeley you can only imagine how awesome it is. We're a liberal utopia, we are, where I and my politics are not even the most liberal. Sometimes we forget that the outside world exists and people aren't like this everywhere. As a result, though, I'm always spotting funny bumper stickers or graffiti that perfectly sum up this town.
For example, the sign in front of the City building that says "Electric car parking only. No hybrid parking." I think that one's my favorite.
This morning I saw my favorite bumper sticker: "If guns were outlawed, only outlaws would accidentally shoot their kids."
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
You must chill! I have hidden your car keys!
I can't even count the number of times I've said that I'm not cut out for this parenting thing because I'm too neurotic. Well, whatever that number was, we may now add another one.
The boys and I are at the grocery store this afternoon (where we ran into H and C and H's mom and OMGITWASSOEXCITING that we ran around the cheese display about 10 times until we fell down!!!!!!!!!). We were there to get some chicken, and there was a bit of a line, there was a group of shaggy high school, maybe college guys in front of us. Child 1 walks over, stands in front of them, points to them (which is more of a point/flap/stim combo) and asks "Are you guys getting chicken?"
And thus begins the internal dialogue.....
No, he can't do that! Must make him stop! They'll think he's weird!
So what if they think he's weird? Who the fuck cares what they think?
But other kids don't do things like that.
Yes they do, other 8 year olds definitely do things like that.
How the hell do you know what other 8 year olds do? Have you ever known an NT 8 year old?
Well, no, I'm just assuming that he's weird because he's, well... WEIRD.
Maybe YOU'RE the one who thinks he's weird, have you ever considered that?
Hey, fuck you!
No, fuck YOU!
NO! Fuck YOU!!!
*fight scene ensues*
I didn't actually make him stop, but when they told him they weren't getting chicken I did feign surprise. Somebody seriously needs to take away my parenting license. Oh, that's right, you don't NEED a license for this. HA HA HA HA HA.... oh, that's not right....
Song of the day: Melissa
This one would definitely be in my top 10.
Melissa
The Allman Brothers
Crossroads ... seem to come and go ... yeah
The gypsy flies from coast to coast
Knowing many, loving none
Bearing sorrow, havin' fun
But back home he'll always run ... to sweet Melissa
Freight train ... each car looks the same ... all the same
And no one knows the gypsy's name
No one hears his lonely sighs
There are no blankets where he lies
In all his deepest dreams the gypsy flies ... with sweet Melissa
Again the morning's come
Again he's on the run
Sunbeams shinin' through his hair
Appearing not to have a care
Well pick up your gear and gypsy roll on ... roll on
Crossroads ... will you ever let him go
Lord ... Lord
Or will you hide the dead man's ghost
Or will he lie ... beneath the clay
Or will his spirit float away
But I know that he won't stay ... without Melissa
Yes I know that he won't stay ... without Melissa
Monday, August 2, 2010
Karaoke part 2
That Mel-o-dee lounge is a cool place! If you go to their website you will not only see a background image of their awesome red velvet wallpaper, but all the pictures of the people doing karaoke are the people we were hanging out with last night, and they're so cool! They will cheer for you and get up and dance for you if you are sucking, just to show their support. One of the people I was chatting with told me she and her husband have been going there every Friday night for 8 years. They're a whole karaoke community!
So, the last time we went to karaoke, I had been determined to redeem myself because my original Who Will Save Your Soul was, um, kind of a horrible mess, but the disc was broken. This time, though, the disc was NOT broken! HA HA!! Reputation = mended!!!
For the 2nd song I figured I'd do this Billy Joel song I had blogged about the other day. It was totally out of my range, though, I wasn't expecting that. However, the cool karaoke community broke out the fucking FOG MACHINE, baby! Hell yeah! And the plastic blow up guitars, and then gave me the plastic blow up saxophone and we jammed! HA HA!! I have a picture of that and am willing to send it to whomever emails me (if I like you). No video, though, sorry mom.
Ahhhh, yes. Magic Man. I want to say I heart this song, but that would be a pun and puns are wrong. They told me I owned the place. I got a lot of high fives on my way out. Maybe hubs will write a little about it in the comments.... I don't want to brag....
So, the last time we went to karaoke, I had been determined to redeem myself because my original Who Will Save Your Soul was, um, kind of a horrible mess, but the disc was broken. This time, though, the disc was NOT broken! HA HA!! Reputation = mended!!!
For the 2nd song I figured I'd do this Billy Joel song I had blogged about the other day. It was totally out of my range, though, I wasn't expecting that. However, the cool karaoke community broke out the fucking FOG MACHINE, baby! Hell yeah! And the plastic blow up guitars, and then gave me the plastic blow up saxophone and we jammed! HA HA!! I have a picture of that and am willing to send it to whomever emails me (if I like you). No video, though, sorry mom.
Ahhhh, yes. Magic Man. I want to say I heart this song, but that would be a pun and puns are wrong. They told me I owned the place. I got a lot of high fives on my way out. Maybe hubs will write a little about it in the comments.... I don't want to brag....
Song of the day: Troublemaker
Comment on the YouTube page: "Rivers looks like a rapist now." LOL
TroublemakerWeezer
Put me in a special school
‘Cause I am such a fool
And I don’t need a single book
To teach me how to read
Who needs stupid books’
They are for petty crooks
And I will learn by studying
The lesson in my dreams
So turn off the TV
‘Cause that’s what others see
And movies are as bad as
Eating chocolate ice cream
They only sicken me
Don’t let me play football
I’ll sack the quarterback
And jack the brother of the ball
I’m a troublemaker
Never been a faker
Doing things my own way
And never giving up
I’m a troublemaker
Not a double taker
I don’t have the patience
To keep it on the up
I picked up a guitar
What does this signify’
I’m gonna play some heavy metal riffs
And you will die
You wanted arts and crafts
How’s this for arts and crafts’
That’s right
I’m growing out my hair
I’m movin’ out to Cherokee
I’m gonna be a rock star
And you will go to bed with me
‘Cause I can’t work a job
Like any other slob
Punchin’ in and punchin’ out
And suckin' up to Bob
Marrying a bitch
Having 7 kids
Giving up and growing old
And hoping there’s a God
I’m a troublemaker
Never been a faker
Doing things my own way
And never giving up
I’m a troublemaker
Not a double taker
I don’t have the patience
To keep it on the up
I’m gonna be a star
And people will crane necks
To get a glimpse of me
And see if I am having sex
In studying my moves
They try to understand
Why I am so unlike the singers
In the other bands
I’m such a mystery
As anyone can see
There isn’t anybody else
Exactly quite like me
And when it’s party time
Like 1999
I’ll party by myself
Because I’m such a special guy
I’m a troublemaker
Never been a faker
Doing things my own way
And never giving up
I’m a troublemaker
Not a double taker
I don’t have the patience
To keep it on the up
(Keep it on the up)
I’m a troublemaker
(Keep it on the up)
I’m a troublemaker
(Keep it on the up)
I’m a troublemaker
(Keep it on the up)
I’m a troublemaker
Never giving up
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Jerry Day!!!!
 |
| Awwww, it's Jerry!! He actually looks a whole lot like Child 1's 2nd grade teacher |
So, for those of you who don't know, today is August 1, which was the birthday of Jerry Garcia. This being the Bay Area, home of Jerry and the Grateful Dead, there is a concert every year to celebrate the life of Jerry and bring all the Bay Area deadheads together to remember Jerry and the Dead and the good ol' days. The show is held at the appropriately named Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, in San Francisco. We went last year for the first time and will probably make it an annual event.
This post will serve as both a description of our day as well as a reminder to myself of all the things I need to do/bring next year that I had forgotten about from the year before. Note to self: Read this post on July 31, 2011!
1. Bringing an autistic child who is afraid of dogs to a free outdoor hippie concert where the ratio of dogs to people is probably 1:10 is not necessarily a good idea. He was fine, if not a little bit nervous. Aversion therapy! says hubs. Right? Sure! Next time I'll just have to remember this so we can discuss it in advance.
2. Just because it's outdoors doesn't mean smoke gets dissipated or smells don't still waft if you know what I'm sayin'. Next year bring a gas mask for the kids!
3. There is VIP parking there, and you can get your name on the list by being part of the production or I guess knowing somebody. I've been chatting with the organizers of this thing on Facebook for the past few months and I probably could have gotten my name on the list if I had asked. Note to self: CHAT THEM UP FOR A FREE PARKING SPACE NEXT YEAR. Not only did we have to park about 6 miles away, we got lost on the way back to finding our car. But the parking lot is just right there! Hopefully I will remember this for next time.
Here are some interesting bits of knowledge I gained from today's activities:
1. Child 2 picked up on The Hippie Dance really quickly. In fact, I don't think he even saw anybody else doing it, he just started doing it on his own. He said he was like a bird flying. (all I know is something like a bird within him sang??)
It's the arms that really make it work
2. These are pretty much all of the same people I went to shows with when the band was playing 15+ years ago, yet none of them seem to have any kids. They just got older and crazier and higher and gained about 100 dogs each, but no kids. Why is that?
That's actually all I can think of right now because I'm tired, but if I come up with any more pearls of wisdom for you, you can be sure I will update this post with them. In the meantime, here's a video I found while looking for hippies dancing. Enjoy!
A lovely view of heaven but I'd rather be with you.
UPDATE:
This picture just seems appropriate for right here.....
Song of the day: Just Breathe
I don't need to say anything about this song, I'll just quote my friend who said "I like aging with Eddie."
Just Breathe
Pearl Jam
Yes, I understand that every life must end, aw-huh,..
As we sit alone, I know someday we must go, aw-huh,..
Oh I'm a lucky man, to count on both hands
the ones I love,..
Some folks just have one,
yeah, others, they've got none, huh-uh
Stay with me,..
Let's just breathe.
Practiced are my sins,
never gonna let me win, aw-huh,..
Under everything, just another human being, aw-huh,..
Yeh, I don't wanna hurt, there's so much in this world
to make me bleed.
Stay with me,..
You're all I see.
Did I say that I need you?
Did I say that I want you?
Oh, if I didn't I'm a fool you see,..
No one knows this more than me.
As I come clean.
I wonder everyday
as I look upon your face, aw-huh,..
Everything you gave
And nothing you would take, aw huh,..
Nothing you would take
Everything you gave...
Did I say that I need you?
Oh, did I say that I want you?
Oh, if I didn't I'm a fool you see,..
No one knows this more than me.
As I come clean, ah-ah...
Nothing you would take,..
Everything you gave.
Hold me till I die,..
Meet you on the other side.
Out of the mouth of babes, I don't know what number I'm up to
Me: Okay, everybody in this house who is under the age of 10 needs to go upstairs immediately and brush their teeth.
Cousin: Child 2, are you under the age of 10?
Child 2: I'm 5. I have 5 more old until I'm 10.
Freakin. Genius child.
Cousin: Child 2, are you under the age of 10?
Child 2: I'm 5. I have 5 more old until I'm 10.
Freakin. Genius child.
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