Monday, April 28, 2008
Because a picture can speak a thousand words
I don't normally do the political talk on my blog for many reasons. But I couldn't resist sharing this. (Thanks Tee!) [Source here]
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Three Beautiful Things Thursday
1. High Tea: My coworkers and I went to the Ritz Carlton today for some afternoon tea. They serve you nice biscuits and pastries and the tea of your choice. The Earl Gray is so fragrant you feel soothed just taking in the aroma. I find the accompanying biscuits, etc completely overrated but the concept of high tea is awesome, and the fact that I got to spend a few hours relaxing and getting to know my very cool co-workers a bit better was very beautiful.
2. Madiha: I wrote about Madiha in the past. She is the most inspiring person I've ever met and even now she continues to inspire me. Yesterday I learned she's been awarded a 7 year scholarship at one of the most prestigious private schools in the city. She embodies the American Dream and both her spirit and her future are very beautiful indeed.
3. Hope: Because I continue to believe it springs eternal.
2. Madiha: I wrote about Madiha in the past. She is the most inspiring person I've ever met and even now she continues to inspire me. Yesterday I learned she's been awarded a 7 year scholarship at one of the most prestigious private schools in the city. She embodies the American Dream and both her spirit and her future are very beautiful indeed.
3. Hope: Because I continue to believe it springs eternal.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
3bt- Food Crisis Edition
In an effort to match handbag to outfit I switched bags before heading to work today. In doing so I left my wallet at home. The prospect of not having any food until possibly 8pm tonight made me feel positively woeful.
Then I remember the link Huda sent me a little while ago and I quickly got a grip: "While many are worrying about filling their gas tanks, many others around the world are struggling to fill their stomachs, and it is getting more and more difficult every day"
Unlike many in the world, I have full knowledge that if I make it home tonight, I will eat. In fact, I will need to control my portions and watch my carbs, that's how much food will be available to me. Gas prices and the greed that fuels it are quickly skyrocketing prices in all areas including food, and particularly rice. I will feel this in my pocket book, but its unlikely I will die of starvation. This is not true for my counterparts around the globe.
Today, my 3 beautiful things reflects on the people who created organizations to address this problem. The people who respond to the need and give to these organizations. And the hope that these actions give to the hungry in this world.
1. freerice.com donates 20 grains of rice for each vocabulary question you answer. I've researched it and it seems legit, its a free way to do some good while simply taking a five minute break at your office.
2. You can also donate money directly to the World Food Program.
3. You can donate at the Hunger Site but also buy cool products, a portion of the proceeds, going to help stop hunger.
This is the year of the hungry man, Whose place is in the past... I guess somewhere along the way God must have let us all out to play Turned His back and all God's children Crept out the back door... This is the year of the guilty man. Your television takes a stand And you find that what was over there is over here... It's hard to love there's so much to hate. Hanging on to hope when there is no hope to speak of... -George Michael
Then I remember the link Huda sent me a little while ago and I quickly got a grip: "While many are worrying about filling their gas tanks, many others around the world are struggling to fill their stomachs, and it is getting more and more difficult every day"
Unlike many in the world, I have full knowledge that if I make it home tonight, I will eat. In fact, I will need to control my portions and watch my carbs, that's how much food will be available to me. Gas prices and the greed that fuels it are quickly skyrocketing prices in all areas including food, and particularly rice. I will feel this in my pocket book, but its unlikely I will die of starvation. This is not true for my counterparts around the globe.
Today, my 3 beautiful things reflects on the people who created organizations to address this problem. The people who respond to the need and give to these organizations. And the hope that these actions give to the hungry in this world.
1. freerice.com donates 20 grains of rice for each vocabulary question you answer. I've researched it and it seems legit, its a free way to do some good while simply taking a five minute break at your office.
2. You can also donate money directly to the World Food Program.
3. You can donate at the Hunger Site but also buy cool products, a portion of the proceeds, going to help stop hunger.
This is the year of the hungry man, Whose place is in the past... I guess somewhere along the way God must have let us all out to play Turned His back and all God's children Crept out the back door... This is the year of the guilty man. Your television takes a stand And you find that what was over there is over here... It's hard to love there's so much to hate. Hanging on to hope when there is no hope to speak of... -George Michael
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
On Public Speaking
I am a lawyer. Inherent in what I do, is speak.
I speak to clients, opposing counsel, mentors, organizations, supervisors, squirrels [if there is a particularly compelling reason to do so]
I also speak publicly, complete with power point presentations, laser pointy things, and fancy schmancy suits [I'm a public interest attorney so a suit simply by being a suit is fancy schmancy]. I've spoken to crowds as small as 10 and larger than 100. Not once, not twice but numerous times.
Then why is it that each time I feel like a cat forced to take swimming lessons? I thought it would get easier once I'd done it a few times, and while I no longer fear that I will recite the alphabet and then flee off the stage in tears, the anxiety and nerves remain.
But even actors get stage fright when speaking in front of audiences. These are folks followed by paparazzi, who act for a living but put them in front of a live audience and they freak out. And considering that public speaking ranks as one of the most frightening prospects of all to most people, surpassing even death, I have company.
Tonight I am speaking to a large group of important people who I very much want to walk away from my speech thinking "wow she's divine, just divine" and not "Stan- can we hand check her bar exam results? I'm doubtful"
I hope it goes well. I hope I do fine. But one thing I've learned is just because you've been there and done that, it doesnt make it much easier. *Gulp*
***Update: I went. I stood. I spoke. and it went REALLY well alhamdullilah. I shall now proceed to collapse at the nearest couch. Thank you.
I speak to clients, opposing counsel, mentors, organizations, supervisors, squirrels [if there is a particularly compelling reason to do so]
I also speak publicly, complete with power point presentations, laser pointy things, and fancy schmancy suits [I'm a public interest attorney so a suit simply by being a suit is fancy schmancy]. I've spoken to crowds as small as 10 and larger than 100. Not once, not twice but numerous times.
Then why is it that each time I feel like a cat forced to take swimming lessons? I thought it would get easier once I'd done it a few times, and while I no longer fear that I will recite the alphabet and then flee off the stage in tears, the anxiety and nerves remain.
But even actors get stage fright when speaking in front of audiences. These are folks followed by paparazzi, who act for a living but put them in front of a live audience and they freak out. And considering that public speaking ranks as one of the most frightening prospects of all to most people, surpassing even death, I have company.
Tonight I am speaking to a large group of important people who I very much want to walk away from my speech thinking "wow she's divine, just divine" and not "Stan- can we hand check her bar exam results? I'm doubtful"
I hope it goes well. I hope I do fine. But one thing I've learned is just because you've been there and done that, it doesnt make it much easier. *Gulp*
***Update: I went. I stood. I spoke. and it went REALLY well alhamdullilah. I shall now proceed to collapse at the nearest couch. Thank you.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Pondering the Imponderables
1. Why did we leave in search of an oven, visit seven different stores and return home with a toaster?
2. Why is the grass always greener on the other side? No seriously, my neighbors lawn? Literally always greener.
3. Two Sears guys came to estimate my AC and said they worked on ACs for 40 years and were utterly devoted to ACs. What happens in childhood that leads to an intense commitment to cooling systems?
4. Why does Tivo insist on recording five episodes of The Hills and...
5. Why did my husband suggest we not delete them?
2. Why is the grass always greener on the other side? No seriously, my neighbors lawn? Literally always greener.
3. Two Sears guys came to estimate my AC and said they worked on ACs for 40 years and were utterly devoted to ACs. What happens in childhood that leads to an intense commitment to cooling systems?
4. Why does Tivo insist on recording five episodes of The Hills and...
5. Why did my husband suggest we not delete them?
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
To no one in particular
Insulting?
Intimidating?
Ignoring?
Not abuse?
Shoving?
Slapping?
Swearing?
Not abuse?
Refusing to let her leave her home?
Or see her family?
Or hold her child without your jealousy intruding?
Not abuse?
When she
Bore your children
Boosted your ego
Cleaned your home
Served your dinner
Sacrificed her life so you could succeed in yours
Is this what she deserves?
Its a woman's job.
So your humanity is optional?
Many women have it worse.
So it makes it right?
Its just words.
It still hurts.
Its just in anger.
Its still abuse.
Intimidating?
Ignoring?
Not abuse?
Shoving?
Slapping?
Swearing?
Not abuse?
Refusing to let her leave her home?
Or see her family?
Or hold her child without your jealousy intruding?
Not abuse?
When she
Bore your children
Boosted your ego
Cleaned your home
Served your dinner
Sacrificed her life so you could succeed in yours
Is this what she deserves?
Its a woman's job.
So your humanity is optional?
Many women have it worse.
So it makes it right?
Its just words.
It still hurts.
Its just in anger.
Its still abuse.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
A big ole Lost post
I love Lost and its being on Time's 100 greatest TV shows doesn't surprise me:
It's a fine show on the level of character and writing, but what makes it a classic is that it's the finest interactive game ever... an elaborate fractal pattern of intersecting stories... Its mysteries, clues and literary-historical allusions demand research, repeat viewing, freeze- framing and endless online discussions. And in a medium where executives assume that viewers will flee anything that remotely challenges them, Lost proves that millions of people will support a difficult, intelligent, even frustrating story.
So here's me finally gushing and GRRing on all things Lost. Do you have a take? Please share! Would love to hear from you! [Warning: If you don't watch Lost beware of Spoilers]
My favorites:
Sawyer: His story line rocked Season 1. I loved his tough exterior but broken childhood and I think his nicknames are hilarious and witty! Charlie: Why'd Charlie die?? He experienced complete redemption on the island. Hurley: DUDE! Hurley Rocks! He's down to earth, funny and constant in his personality through the show. Sayid: He's just awesome and I love that a show is actually portraying a Muslim in a way that breaks stereotypes by not being just another stereotype. Desmond: I have bought his epic love story hook line and sinker. This guy can act and I love his storyline. I hope he stays on the show until the end.
GRR... me no like you!
Michael. Why is he back? I really can't stand him and I dont see how he can redeem himself for what he's done. I hope he exits soon. Ben: If I ever see this actor in person I will scream and flee in the opposite direction. He pays villain to an uncanny level and it seems just as I begin thinking he might be better than Widmore... I am reminded of his evil-ness all over again.
Who are the Oceanic 6?
Sun, Hurley, Jack, Kate, Sayid, and ??? The ABC execs imply its Aaron, Claire's son, but he was not on the flight as an independent person and the LOST writers said the ABC promo was not their decision. I think the official "Oceanic 6" is unimportant because it seems as they are just a media term, it seems there may be others who escape the island but not under media attention. (i.e. Walt, Jin who we see in Korea)
Why is Jin without Sun in the flash forwards?
Not only is he not with her he's totally moved on! He's recently married seems to be working for some big corporation and happy as a peach. Meanwhile his wife gave birth to their baby and is weeping at her husband's gravestone? Jin had too much integrity to abandon his wife like that, and even if his relationship with Sun was over he would have been there for his baby. Did he develop some type of amnesia? Is he working for Ben and under cover?
Why does Sayid work for Ben?
Seeing this I initially thought maybe Ben is good but his ploy to lure Rousseau into the woods and have her and Alex's boyfriend murdered proves to me he is pure evil. So why is Sayid working for this man? What transpired.
Why does Kate have Aaron and why is it hard for Jack to see him?
Is it because Claire died and he couldn't save her? In Season 3 Desmond had a vision that Claire escaped the island with Aaron. Charlie died trying to make sure this happened so why is she not there? Did she die in Jack's arms as he tried to save her but could not and now he feels guilt?Did he ever find out she was his sister?
Why does everyone pretend only 8 survived and seem depressed?
What could have happened to shut everyone up as they have? On the island all these people were nothing but valiant and now they cowardly say nothing and simply try to move on with their lives. What could have happened to make them all so fearful?
Are they going to simply write off the smoke monster?
I get this feeling that the Lost writers made up this monster and then realized "ummm dumb move" and now dont know what to do with it. So far they haven't come up with a storyline with it this season.
Are the newbies good or evil?
I think individually the new arrivals to the island are not bad. Lapidus seems there to save people. Charlotte and Faraday seem there to discover the island's properties, and Miles though not there for them seems more interested in his greed. I think that the person who sent them there is evil and doesn't care about the island dwellers, so I think the mission is ominous but not necessarily the people.
Who is Jacob?
Is this another smoke monster issue where they dont know what to do with this aspect that they've raised? He hasn't come up much in this season and I found this storyline the weakest with Jacob in his rickety chair.
What's the deal with this island's magical properties?
I dont know but right here is a very detailed explanation which seems to click for me.
Every episode in Season 1 rocked [Chilliest moment: Sayid intercepting the tower cry for help, ON A LOOP for sixteen years! finding the Hatch!] Season 2 was 50/50 with Season 3 really awful with tons of pointless episodes [Like the one with the spider that made the evil couple seem dead though alive and thus get buried alive: interesting but very obvious filler] My favorite is the one where Desmond and Penny reunite, I nearly cried, some sitting near me, did. No names though zzzzzzzzip! :)
I leave you with some cool links I've enjoyed in the hopes you will too:
To catch up: All the episodes are free online and HD here.
To dissect the show play by play: See here
To figure out if Lost is scientifically possible: Popular Mechanics discuss here. [you'd be surprised but most stuff is grounded in existing theories]
An insight into the writers of Lost? here
Lost the sitcom? here
The funniest Lost parody guaranteed to make you laugh: [thanks Tee!]
It's a fine show on the level of character and writing, but what makes it a classic is that it's the finest interactive game ever... an elaborate fractal pattern of intersecting stories... Its mysteries, clues and literary-historical allusions demand research, repeat viewing, freeze- framing and endless online discussions. And in a medium where executives assume that viewers will flee anything that remotely challenges them, Lost proves that millions of people will support a difficult, intelligent, even frustrating story.
So here's me finally gushing and GRRing on all things Lost. Do you have a take? Please share! Would love to hear from you! [Warning: If you don't watch Lost beware of Spoilers]
My favorites:
Sawyer: His story line rocked Season 1. I loved his tough exterior but broken childhood and I think his nicknames are hilarious and witty! Charlie: Why'd Charlie die?? He experienced complete redemption on the island. Hurley: DUDE! Hurley Rocks! He's down to earth, funny and constant in his personality through the show. Sayid: He's just awesome and I love that a show is actually portraying a Muslim in a way that breaks stereotypes by not being just another stereotype. Desmond: I have bought his epic love story hook line and sinker. This guy can act and I love his storyline. I hope he stays on the show until the end.
GRR... me no like you!
Michael. Why is he back? I really can't stand him and I dont see how he can redeem himself for what he's done. I hope he exits soon. Ben: If I ever see this actor in person I will scream and flee in the opposite direction. He pays villain to an uncanny level and it seems just as I begin thinking he might be better than Widmore... I am reminded of his evil-ness all over again.
Who are the Oceanic 6?
Sun, Hurley, Jack, Kate, Sayid, and ??? The ABC execs imply its Aaron, Claire's son, but he was not on the flight as an independent person and the LOST writers said the ABC promo was not their decision. I think the official "Oceanic 6" is unimportant because it seems as they are just a media term, it seems there may be others who escape the island but not under media attention. (i.e. Walt, Jin who we see in Korea)
Why is Jin without Sun in the flash forwards?
Not only is he not with her he's totally moved on! He's recently married seems to be working for some big corporation and happy as a peach. Meanwhile his wife gave birth to their baby and is weeping at her husband's gravestone? Jin had too much integrity to abandon his wife like that, and even if his relationship with Sun was over he would have been there for his baby. Did he develop some type of amnesia? Is he working for Ben and under cover?
Why does Sayid work for Ben?
Seeing this I initially thought maybe Ben is good but his ploy to lure Rousseau into the woods and have her and Alex's boyfriend murdered proves to me he is pure evil. So why is Sayid working for this man? What transpired.
Why does Kate have Aaron and why is it hard for Jack to see him?
Is it because Claire died and he couldn't save her? In Season 3 Desmond had a vision that Claire escaped the island with Aaron. Charlie died trying to make sure this happened so why is she not there? Did she die in Jack's arms as he tried to save her but could not and now he feels guilt?Did he ever find out she was his sister?
Why does everyone pretend only 8 survived and seem depressed?
What could have happened to shut everyone up as they have? On the island all these people were nothing but valiant and now they cowardly say nothing and simply try to move on with their lives. What could have happened to make them all so fearful?
Are they going to simply write off the smoke monster?
I get this feeling that the Lost writers made up this monster and then realized "ummm dumb move" and now dont know what to do with it. So far they haven't come up with a storyline with it this season.
Are the newbies good or evil?
I think individually the new arrivals to the island are not bad. Lapidus seems there to save people. Charlotte and Faraday seem there to discover the island's properties, and Miles though not there for them seems more interested in his greed. I think that the person who sent them there is evil and doesn't care about the island dwellers, so I think the mission is ominous but not necessarily the people.
Who is Jacob?
Is this another smoke monster issue where they dont know what to do with this aspect that they've raised? He hasn't come up much in this season and I found this storyline the weakest with Jacob in his rickety chair.
What's the deal with this island's magical properties?
I dont know but right here is a very detailed explanation which seems to click for me.
Every episode in Season 1 rocked [Chilliest moment: Sayid intercepting the tower cry for help, ON A LOOP for sixteen years! finding the Hatch!] Season 2 was 50/50 with Season 3 really awful with tons of pointless episodes [Like the one with the spider that made the evil couple seem dead though alive and thus get buried alive: interesting but very obvious filler] My favorite is the one where Desmond and Penny reunite, I nearly cried, some sitting near me, did. No names though zzzzzzzzip! :)
I leave you with some cool links I've enjoyed in the hopes you will too:
To catch up: All the episodes are free online and HD here.
To dissect the show play by play: See here
To figure out if Lost is scientifically possible: Popular Mechanics discuss here. [you'd be surprised but most stuff is grounded in existing theories]
An insight into the writers of Lost? here
Lost the sitcom? here
The funniest Lost parody guaranteed to make you laugh: [thanks Tee!]
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Why "four pills a day" should not be taken literally
Because then you might in your sleepy state see the bottle's "Take 4 times a day" realize its 5pm and proceed to take 4 pills in the span of 4 hours and then spend the next day entirely incapacitated due to aforementioned genius move. When I told my pharmacist what I did he got quiet and then began speaking to me like I was three. Isn't it a given that a sick person may not employ full logic and might frantically take all four to comply with the "a day" requirement? Of course I feel foolish now... but in my exhausted state I just didn't think. Perhaps it would be more clear to say: take one every six hours [which I was supposed to do] Please learn from my mistake: When confronted with "a day" requirements, divide them into the 24 hour day. Sigh.
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