ridiculously deep thoughts

Spouses & exotic animal training - same difference?

2006-06-25T12:14:00.000-07:00

This article in the NYT cracks me up as the author likens spousal interaction to exotic animal training. She makes some good points about learning to understand/ cope with one's spouse, though I don't know that human relationships should ever be reduced to animal training.
Cheers.

Really, really stupid people...

2006-06-21T12:45:00.000-07:00

who have to suffer the reprocussions of the choices they make. Check out this Daily Mail article.

It was like....

2006-05-24T22:56:00.000-07:00

Analogies...finding the appropriate can be somewhat of a challenge, as these high schoolers found out. Several of the high schools are actually in the D.C. area...hmm....anyway, these attempted analogies are a good laugh

Is "that time of the month" becoming obsolete?

2006-05-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

Here's an article about how contraceptive use is facilitating the eradication of monthly cycles for women. Sounds healthy, eh? Really, if women are ever going to achieve equality with men they will have to get control over their bodies for once & for all. So, let's continue the masculinization of the female body by eliminating menstruation. No menstruation, no pregnancy, no babies - just a neutral "convenient" body that has reached Cartesian fulfillment; it's merely material with no attached meaning or significance. Congratulations, post-modern reality; you have successfully neutered women.
Cheers.

2006-05-12T14:20:00.000-07:00

2 out 3, not 1/2 bad for the Red Sox as they emerge from their 3 game series with the Yankees. Can I just say that Johnny Damon was way more appealing when he had the scruffy thing going? His new look now that he's a Yank just doesn't cut it (heheh, I flatter myself with puns).
Cheers.

It's written all over your face, dude...

2006-05-11T00:23:00.000-07:00

An interesting article on CBS news today: whether or not a guy is suitable for fatherhood/long-term relationship is apparently written all over his face. Shocking! Could it be that the body reveals the person?? Wait a second....are we saying that there's some intrinsic relationship between between physiological affectivity & psycho-social patterns??? What a novel idea!! Maybe Wojtyla isn't too far off with his notion of the language of the body....
Cheers.

Better luck next time

2006-05-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

The Yankees got spanked last night by Boston in a 14-3 loss. I know it must have been tough to suffer such defeat on their home turf. Yankee fans warned throughout the game that their team has a reputation for coming back strong in the latter half of the game - didn't happen last night. Oh well, it's early in the season. Better luck next time:)

After weeks of negligence...

2006-05-09T18:14:00.000-07:00

..I've decided to post again. I've got plenty of excuses for why I haven't posted, but I don't want to bore my readers.

Anywho, it's 70 and gorgeous here in our nation's capital today, a great day to go for a jog, which is what I'm going to do in a few minutes.

What I always presumed to be a "non-issue" is slowly gaining notoriety in the media; that, is the anti-contraception movement. NY Times magazine has an interesting piece, though not necessarily neutral, on the growing concern with contraceptive use and its link to a denigration of sexuality and increased incidence of abortion. The controversial question is, is contraception good for society?

Anyways, better go get my jog on so I don't miss too much of the Yankees/Red Sox game.

Cheers.

Happy Easter & Whoa

2006-04-18T08:45:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a blessed Easter day. I had the privilege of attending the Vigil this year ~ beautiful service, though rather lengthy. If you get the chance, go next year.

Ok, here's some ridiculous celebrity gossip: Tom Cruise's newest outlandish statement is the he's going to eat the placenta following the birth of his child. I remember watching my cat eat the placenta after giving birth to a litter on our doorstep, but I didn't realize this was a celebrity practice. Anyway, I think the guy needs help. Katie, get out while you still can!! Save you baby from being subjected to this wacko!!

Cheers.

"Leave the gun, take the cannoli"

2006-04-12T08:54:00.000-07:00

Well, my friends, one of the big bosses of the mafia has gone down (after 43 years). See the full story here on Bernardo Provenzano. Who would think that this sweet old face is responsible numerous murders!
Corleone is a real Sicilian town - I'm amazed! I absolutely LOVE the Godfather movies, so if you haven't seen them, please do so. Maybe wait until after Easter, though.
Enjoy Holy Week!
Cheers.

Mexicali blues

2006-04-10T18:02:00.000-07:00

The commute home today was a little tighter than usual, thanks to the immigration laws protest on the Mall. Since I have the privilege of living 2 blocks from the metro, there also were zero parking spots available, thanks the protest traffic. That's the kicker about living in this oh-so-exciting government center: ya get to deal with the protest days! The media's calling for as many as a million protesters - woohoo!

On my soap box

2006-04-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

In light of the gender course I'm taking this semester, I found the Rivers/Barnett article in the Post quite interesting. These women essentially want to deny (like many feminists) the gender difference. I found their method to be somewhat unpersuassive, especially given the mocking tone used in regards to even neurophysiological differences, such as brain structure. I don't see that they adequately address single sex academic achievement vs. coed in any significant way. It's amazing to me how afraid these women are to admit to the sexual difference; they are so caught up in their egalitarian obsession that they would advance their agenda to the detriment society. It's seems as though there's almost a sort of self-loathing and envy in the final analysis. Egalitarian feminists such as these perceive male attributes (competitiveness, power, publicity) as being more desirable than traditional feminine attributes (interiority, tenderness, nurturing). Am I saying that these attributes are mutually exclusive? NO!!! Is there some crossover? DEFINITELY! But aren't these egalitarian types essentially trying to eliminate the feminine category for all practical purposes (I mean, perhaps they could be relegated to the realm of private relationships) in favor of masculine attributes? The thing is, egalitarian feminists don't want to make this distinction (even though there is physiological basis for it in the very shape of maleness & femaleness); rather, they want to say that these are merely "human" characteristics. What they are, effectively, promoting here is a kind of masculine superiority ~ how ironic!! Anyway, I could go on about this for days, but I'll stop here. Doesn't anyone want to pick a bone with me over this? I know many would totally disagree with me...
Cheers.

This one's for you, Johnny!

2006-03-31T00:36:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile, so I thought I'd humor you with this bizarro tatooed skullet. What the heck? This just goes to show you, my friends, that the mullet TRULY is an art form!

Cheers.

Happy Friday - gorgeous day in our nation's capital.

"Marriage is for White People"

2006-03-28T04:53:00.000-08:00

Interesting article in the Post about male/female/marriage dynamics in black culture. I think most are aware of the crisis facing black family structures. While this writer makes many astute observations on the significance of these trends, there's somewhat of a sense of hopelessness in her tone about revamping the currents structure of the black family (or the white, for that matter) in America.
Cheers.

Risky business

2006-03-23T19:01:00.000-08:00

Don't know if anyone else saw the article in the Post about the effectiveness of D.C.'s HIV/AIDS prevention program. Of course, the concentration of their efforts is on condom distribution. Can you guess what their big plans for this year in HIV prevention? MORE condom distribution! Their mantra is, "use a condom so that you cut down your risk for getting AIDS." This is misleading, though - even the CDC notes:

The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases is to abstain from sexual intercourse, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and you know is uninfected.
For persons whose sexual behaviors place them at risk for STDs, correct and consistent use of the male latex condom can reduce the risk of STD transmission. However, no protective method is 100 percent effective, and condom use cannot guarantee absolute protection against any STD. Furthermore, condoms lubricated with spermicides are no more effective than other lubricated condoms in protecting against the transmission of HIV and other STDs. In order to achieve the protective effect of condoms, they must be used correctly and consistently. Incorrect use can lead to condom slippage or breakage, thus diminishing their protective effect. Inconsistent use, e.g., failure to use condoms with every act of intercourse, can lead to STD transmission because transmission can occur with a single act of intercourse.

Does anyone ever READ the fineprint for effectiveness? No! Condoms require "correct & consistent use" in order to be effective. So, they're basically asking those at risk to practice responsible behavior by using condoms in the first place, then they must also skillfully apply the condom in order to have somewhat of a chance of effectiveness in STD prevention. OK, what's the deep irony? They're asking people who are regularly engaging in irresponsible high-risk sex to "be responsible" with their irresponisibility! Huh? When do they think this is ever TRULY going to work?

This is the thing: condoms are degrading; by their very nature, condoms attempt to "protect" human beings from each other. What is that saying about how persons are relating to each other? Through a latex barrier? Is this worthy of the dignity of a human person? The average person engaging in risky sex is (atleast inadvertently) seeking fulfillment/gratification on a much deeper level than mere carnal pleasure. Teaching people to realize their dignity is a much greater task - & is the real task at hand - one that our utilitarian society is not willing or able to do. In the meantime, people are losing their lives & their self-respect with the culture of condom promotion.

Cheers.

Some South Louisiana humor for ya:

2006-03-23T09:53:00.000-08:00

Boudreaux, his wife, and mother-in-law went on vacation to Jerusalem. While they were there the mother-in-law passed away.The undertaker told them, "You can have her shipped home for$5,000, or you can bury her here in the Holy Land for $150." Boudreaux thought about it and told him he would just have her shipped home.The undertaker asked, "Why would you spend $5,000 to ship your mother-in-law home, when it would be wonderful to be buried here and you would spend only $150." Boudreaux replied, "Long ago a man died here, was buried here, and three days later He rose from the dead. I just can't take that chance."

What IS this?

2006-03-22T19:16:00.000-08:00

My panties are in a serious bunch, thanks to the continued freezing temperatures, even though winter was SOOO two days ago!! For the love of God, when will the warm weather get here????
Sorry for the outburst.
On a more academic note, the purpose of one of my classes this semester is to examine the gender issue; i.e., some would purport that there are no real differences between men & women, boys & girls, except for the obvious physiological differences. Is this even a tenable claim? It seems almost counterintuitive to entertain the idea that men and women are essentially the same. Rather, doesn't the sexual difference serve as the form of even more pronounced psycho-physiological differences that distinguish men & women from each other? It's interesting how even the electrophysiology of the brain in both men and women differ in emotive capacity and expression. The big question is, does the difference actually make a difference? If so, what is it? More on this later.
Today's ridiculous item from the past: teenage mutant ninja turtles - what? How did these guys ever take off? I can possibly see the intigue of teenage mutant ninjas....but why turtles, the slowest loaf-like animals? Maybe that's where the mutant part comes into play. Anyway, hat's off to the publicists of these heroes-in-a-halfshell who helped them make it big. Craziness.
Cheers

Grrrr & Brrrr

2006-03-20T23:09:00.000-08:00

Today is supposedly the first day of Spring (unless my source deceives me), yet it 30 degrees here in our nation's capital. I'm annoyed. Why is it 30 degrees with a chance of snow tomorrow? Enough of the bloody cold weather already! I long for the extended Springtime weather in my southern home. Don't get me wrong, it's great having four seasons ~ just wish Spring pronounced itself a little more.
There is surprisingly little of interest today in the news. I was hoping to have some sort of intrigue to post here, but I came up empty. Sorry, folks.
Cheers.

FYI ~ for all the Cath-o-lics

2006-03-16T08:00:00.001-08:00

Via the Washington Post, our Friday Lenten abstention from meat has been lifted in light of St. Patrick's feast day. The catch: you've gotta abstain from beer instead! Just kidding....really, Catholics are merely asked to abstain from meat during another day of the week. I didn't have any yesterday, so I'm cool.

You know, one of the things I really love about Catholicism is its solidarity with human experience. It celebrates life, embraces the inevitable suffering that comes along the way (and transforms it into something redemptive) and gives meaning even to death with the hope of eternity. It gives man the framework to live fully.

That's all for now. Cheers.

The latest in women's fitness

2006-03-15T19:35:00.000-08:00

Gosh, isn't it wonderful that you can both act like a slut and get in shape simultaneously? Yep, striptease/burlesquercize is gaining popularity among the womenfolk. That's great we're using all available avenues to help women to objectify themselves in every arena.

Cheers

ecSTATIC

2006-03-09T20:13:00.000-08:00

Check out this goofball:

Beware of the seething country bumpkins

2006-03-09T19:37:00.000-08:00

Everyone watch out, Faith Hill & Tim McGraw are T.O.'d about clean-up efforts in the wake of hurricane Katrina. In an ABC news report they indicated how angry they are at the prez for his lack of leadership. I hope you're all shaking in your boots, 'cause they're mad! I mean....who gives a damn what celebrities have to say about politics? They don't have the 1st clue as to what it means to run a country. Anyway, celebrities mouthing off about politics is one of my particular pet-peeves.

This was kinda funny: some chick in the U.K. was arrested for apply makeup while driving. She was apparently en route to a date with some dirtbag. I thought it amusing that this news source felt it necessary to note that the dude was already in a relationship with some other girl AND has a child.

Anyway, that's all for now. Cheers.

The slacker's back

2006-03-07T00:04:00.000-08:00

I've been a major blog-slacker lately, but there are just too many news items that beg sharing today.

First of all, let's acknowledge today's obituaries: Superman's real-life wife, Dana Reeves, died of cancer today at the age of only 44! Isn't that sad? Also, Kirby Puckett (baseball hall o' famer) dropped dead from a stroke - he's only 45! I used to have his baseball card back in the day. Anyway, God rest their souls.

How do you like this headliner: "Lesbian Crowned Homecoming King at Md. College"? Hmm....brings up some pretty daring ontological questions. In fact, perhaps it gives evidence to the utter gender skewing involved in homosexuality. The article calls this a "positive step" for the liberal arts college - what does that mean? Is the denial of femininity & the move towards androgeny (or even masculinization of women) what they're defining as a positive step? At the least this article demonstrates the self-determinist movement to define oneself as he/she pleases. Is the sexual difference lost in this pursuit?

Oh, and Yanni's facing battery charges. Who woulda thunk that cheesy musician would be a lady-beater? What's up with all the misogyny?

Cheers.

Arrrgh!!

2006-03-01T00:28:00.000-08:00

I put the wong link on the previous post. The article was actually about a guy who got arrested for drinking little boy pee-pee. He put some sort of collection device in the bottom of urinals used frequently by little boy then would sneak in once they were finished. Some psychologist was comparing it to alcoholism...anyway, it was such a bizarre article....
Cheers.
Oh, & I hope everyone got their ashes!

Is this a joke?

2006-02-27T22:15:00.000-08:00

Unbelievable. Check it out. At least it's sterile...
Cheers.

In the Post?

2006-02-23T18:05:00.000-08:00

I was really surprised to see this plug for Theology on Tap in the Post today. While I admire the premise, I must say I've never been one to attend these functions regularly. The problem with any kind of singles activity (which TOT inadvertently has become) is that it nearly always turns into a meet market.

Anyway, friends...I'm stoked about my upcoming weekend on the slopes...should be pretty sweet, even if it isn't the Swiss Alps.

Cheers.

Not for little eyes

2006-02-22T18:42:00.000-08:00

This article makes me so glad the I went to University of Dallas, the humble Catholic traditional liberal arts school for nerds. I'm just marvelling at how the panel of professional porn stars works!!?? And this, my friends, is the sort of rubbish that takes place at America's ivy league schools!
Cheers.

Bizarro!!

2006-02-20T18:27:00.000-08:00

Check out this headline on MSNBC today: California woman, 62, gives birth to 12th child. First of all, how the h%*$ is she still fertile? Secondly, in vitro fertilization for your 11th &12th children? Why? Another thing: she's married to a 48 year old dude - and it's her 3rd husband!!! What a broad...
Cheers.

Mothers, don't let your babies grow up to be (gay) cowboys

2006-02-15T20:36:00.000-08:00

Have you heard Willie Nelson's newest tune? He so *appropriately* set its release for Valentine's day ~ how romantic. It's a gay cowboy song titled "Cowboys Are Secretly, Frequently (Fond of Each Other)." Nice, eh? Between Brokeback Mountain & Willie's latest, I think what we're experiencing, folks, is the penetration of homosexual culture into perhaps one of the last uber-manly categories, the American cowboy. Where are we headed with this not so tacit agenda?
Cheers.

Happy VD ~ hope you don't have one!

2006-02-14T10:24:00.000-08:00

Just kidding, guys. I know - crude. Sorry about that ~ sometimes I just can't help myself. FYI, here's a little info on the REAL St. Valentine who was a martyr.
Also, I don't know if anyone's been keeping up with Sadam Hussein's trial, but it's hysterical! He and his lawyers have been dragged out of the court, literally kicking & screaming, several time. The most recent development in the court scene is that he is now on a hunger strike. How dramatic can you get, eh? He just can't give it up.
Cheers.

procrassssstination

2006-02-13T22:00:00.000-08:00

Hey, folks. I'm supposed to be reading Henri du Lubac but I'm posting nonsense instead. I'd like to think it's not a waste, though, since I'm sharing my brilliance with whoever reads this here blog.
Some of you may have noticed that I've become a little remiss in my mullet postings. I'm afraid that I'm growing a little weary of the weekly mullet responsibility, so I'm thinking of changing it up a bit. I think it will be more exciting for everyone to have random surprise mullet appearances on the blog. Whadya think?
In the meantime, check out this hysterical site that my dear friend Daniel-son (protege of the former Mr. Miagi) passed along to me.
Cheers.

Six year old perverts - are you serious?

2006-02-09T09:45:00.000-08:00

What the heck? You got it, folks. A SIX YEAR OLD has been suspended from school on sexual harassment charges. An article on Fox News reported the ridiculous incident. I've gotta say, I sympathize with the kid's mom who "can't even explain to her son what he did wrong because he's too young to understand." Poor kid. I realize there are extreme cases of deviant behavior among young children, but I think this is NOT one of them.

In other news, U2 (my favorite rockstars) apparently carried the evening at the Grammys last night. It was a Beautiful Day for the Irish rockers, fans beamed with Pride realizing that their lives were far richer With rather than Without U2. Ok, that was cheezy. Sorry. Anyway, I'm just glad that they beat out Mariah Carey. I think she's washed up & passe.

Cheers.

The "Brokeback" Craze

2006-02-06T17:15:00.000-08:00

So at this point everyone has heard of the homoerotic film in theaters titled "Brokeback Mountain." Let me just say that I have not seen the film, though I have read about it in the news. I'd just like to share this one particular essay in the Washington Post from a couple of days ago - it touches on the themes of love/marriage/family as portrayed in the film. I have a lot to say about this essay/the film, but for now I'd just like to suggest that sexual love (as opposed to lust) expresses a higher reality than merely the emotion between two consenting adults. There is a symbolic meaning to sexual union that is not apprehended by contemporary society. I'm not sure that we're even capable of understanding this considering the total disconnect between fruitfulness and sexual union. Anyway, this probably seems vague & weird, so I'll end here & maybe develop this more a little later. For more on love, tune into Papa Ben's thoughts l'amour.
Cheers.

About the halftime show...

2006-02-06T14:16:00.000-08:00

I love the Rolling Stones - don't get me wrong - but it's time to go ahead and retire. Firstly, the old fart hipster thing just isn't really working out for him. Secondly, the music sounds like crap. Thirdly, what's up with the mid-riff t-shirts & studded belts (not represented in photo)? Nice try, guys - no cigar. Hang it up. If you haven't gotten satisfaction yet, you ain't gonna.
Cheers.

Celebrity mullets ~ Uncle Jesse

2006-02-01T19:04:00.000-08:00

Here's to John Stamos, who was recently dumped by the lovely Rebecca Romjin. How could she? And now she's run off with Jerry O'Connel, the love of my life.

Anyway, this Full House star pulls off a very chic - yet tussled - 80s mullet. Enough said.

Cheers.

MIA

2006-01-29T18:03:00.000-08:00

I've been severely neglectful in tending my little blog lately. I'd just like to say that it wasn't merely carelessness that caused my negligence; rather I've been under the weather with a strange brand of stomach flu. Not what you'd call fun. Anywho, I'm back to business now that I can eat again without suffering any negative repercussions.

Let me say a quick word about the March for Life. Great turn out (in spite of the weather) & what a testament to the sanctity of life! Let me toss out my highs and lows:

Highs: the youth and religious constituent of the March was incredibly heartening ~ such enthusiasm! Also, the testament of the post-abortive women who, by great strength character, came out to represent "the other side" of the abortion experiment really posed a powerful statement about the reality of abortion.
Lows: There was a small group of pro-aborts who were in the midst of the crowd in front of the Supreme Court ~ I can't say I was very impressed with the way some of the March for Lifers heckled them. Don't we stoop to their level of conflict when we engage them in such an undignified manner? If we truly respect the dignity of all life, doesn't that include the lives of our opponents. The other low is the fact that I became deathly ill after the March.

I guess I didn't realize that there were demonstrations nationwide this year on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. I thought this one shot from San Francisco's demonstration was impressive. I think one of the problems in the pro-life movement in the past is the lack of attention given to the other victim of abortion: the woman. At the root of the abortion movement is a deep-seated ~ yet artfully disguised ~ misogynism. The abortion movement tells women that the natural rhythms and physiological effects of their fertility are not acceptable, not tenable in certain instances. Women have abortions because they lack support from their families, their signifcant others, and their culture. Having spent time counseling women in crisis pregnancies I can attest to this. In the last few years the pro-life movement has begun to validate the realization of the violence against women that abortion advances. I think this clip from the San Fran March conveys this: abortion does harm women; women do deserve better than abortion.

Cheers.

Celebrity Mullets ~ Week 3

2006-01-19T08:33:00.000-08:00

Introducing the Swayze mullet! This 1980's heartthrob (why?) sported a mostly well-styled mullet through the majority of his prime years of celebrity. This is why he stands out among others as a mullet master.
P.S. Sorry I'm a bit late on this one!
Cheers.

Man in Black

2006-01-17T18:05:00.000-08:00

So, yesterday I went to the matinee & saw Walk the Line, the film about the late Johnny Cash. It was definitely a well-done and enjoyable flick - the acting was quite good, especially Reece Witherspoon as June Carter. In fact, it may be one of Reece's best performances ever; she's so natural and fluid in this role. Joaquin Phoenix gave quite a solid performance as Johnny Cash; I think I may have finally overcome my bias against him in the role of Commodus (the bad guy in The Gladiator). Funny how certain characters just stick with particular actors. I had the same experience with Matt Damon - couldn't stand his sociopathic character in The Talented Mr. Ripley, then had a change of heart in his role as Jason Bourne of the Bourne movies.
Cheers.

John Paul II's Assassin Is Released from the Pen

2006-01-12T09:38:00.000-08:00

Here's an interesting BBC blurb about Ali Agca and the late holy father. I think this is yet a further testament to the sanctity of the man, Karol Wojtyla. Not only in his strength of character is this manifested, but in his deep understanding of the human soul, of the longing and restlessness propels man through life.
Cheers.

Celebrity Mullets ~ Week Deux

2006-01-11T16:13:00.000-08:00

Introducing Lethal Mullet ~ Mel Gibson at his finest!! He beautifully pulls off the rugged bad-ass look with this stylish yet no-nonsense do. Really makes the ladies wanna run there fingers through those tresses. NICE!
I've been remiss on the posting front - classes are just starting up this week & I've been distracted.
Cheers...

Celebrity mullets ~ first schmuck

2006-01-04T15:54:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd kick off the five week celebrity mullet series with Jerry Seinfeld since I figure he, of all mulleted celebs, would have the best sense of humor about having sported the mullet. His mullet looks permed, but I think his hair is naturally curly. Isn't it cute the way it kind of poofs out behind his ears?
Any other reflections on the Seinmullet?
Cheers.

What would Schindler say?

2006-01-04T10:49:00.000-08:00

On the same note as the previous, here's another unique nativity ensemble, courtesy of my dear brothers. Yes, friends, that's a cellular worshipping at the manger. Are we converting the pornographic cell-phone here?

Cheers.

"Whom angels sing & storm-troopers guard"

2006-01-04T10:41:00.000-08:00

My brothers are weird....
I hope no one is offended by this picture. I swear, I come from a devout Catholic family.
But come on, admit it - this display is a scream! I think it speaks volumes on how Christians are able to sanctify the temporal order. Hee-hee....
Cheers.

A New Years word from the illustrious Dave Barry

2006-01-02T22:28:00.000-08:00

Here's to 2006!
Dave Barry's reflection on 2005 is rather hilarious, so everybody should check it out.
Back in D.C., the weather sucks - rainy & cold. I wish I were still drinking wine with my mom & sisters on the patio in LA with 65 degree clear starry nights :(
Cheers.

They are victims, folks...

2005-12-28T15:43:00.000-08:00

Disconcerting - yes; but this is a reality that we all need to face up to. Child mullets are not as rare as you might think. Even so, this photo is a novelty. I mean...when do you ever find a set of TRIPLET MULLETS!!??
I must say, though, that these are the cutest little mullets I've ever laid eyes on.
Cheers.
P.S. Next week I will initiate a five week celebrity mullet series. Should be fun. As always, if any of you have any good material, don't hesitate to send it my way.

Oops!

2005-12-28T15:36:00.000-08:00

Today's mullet day & I've totally neglected to find a good mullet to post. No fear, folks. I'll try to scrounge up something.
Cheers from Louisiana. It's absolutely gorgeous down here - sunny & 65 degrees!

Tidings of great joy...

2005-12-25T18:26:00.000-08:00

...that I get to go home tomorrow & finally celebrate Christmas!! By the way ~ Merry Christmas! I spent last eve in the hospital (not as a patient but caring for them) & let me just tell you, people don't tone it down over Christmas. I swear, all hell broke loose the moment I walked onto the unit. They must have known that it was ALSO my birthday. Anyway, I think God must have a really good sense of humor: I prayed on the way to the hospital that my night would be nice & peaceful, reflecting the utter serenity of the night in which His Son came into the world as a wee little babe. My night did not reflect the idyllic scene of the Nativity ~ it was more akin to a circus. Better luck tonight (please, God?).
No worries, by tomorrow this time I'll be with 9 other Parkers opening presents around the tree. I'll probably have about 2 liters of coffee on board at that point, but it won't matter.
Cheers & Merry Christmas again!

I hate Christmas shopping...

2005-12-22T14:00:00.000-08:00

...and I think there's nothing like it to nearly obliterate any trace of the Christmas spirit left in commercial America. I'm all for mail-order gifts. Had I been more abreast of my holiday shopping this year I might have taken advantage of it. Alas, I am one of those really annoying last-minute shoppers.

Let's talk about Christmas songs: any favorites? It's kind of mixed bag as far as I'm concerned. There are definitely a few that should go away for awhile, such as "Jingle Bell Rock" or "Baby's 1st Christmas" or "Have yourself a merry little Christmas"(mostly 'cause I think it's depressing). Others I'll never tire of ~ "Winter Wonderland," "Baby it's Cold," "Sleigh Ride." Note that I distinguish Christmas songs from Christmas carols; the latter I associate with the traditional celebration of the Incarnation while "songs" are just pop culture's version of Christmas. Both have their place, of course. I recommend the "Elf" soundtrack as a good Christmas song album.

Anyone seen "The Family Stone"? It's recently out & is supposed to be this season's fun romantic comedy/Christmas drama. In my opinion, don't waste $10. It's definitely entertaining, but more disconcerting than anything else. "The Family Stone" puts the "fun" into "disfunctional." I leave it at that. If anyone wants to discuss further I'd be glad to provide my 2 cents (I usually am, by the way).

Random question: has anyone read Maureen Dowd's book, Are Men Necessary? ? I haven't, but what's your reaction to the title? I mean, isn't it a little offensive? Why aren't guys bothered by the verbal bitch-slapping that goes on? Anyway, I can't say too much about the book - like I said, I haven't even read it. Maybe I should. Maybe I will.

Cheers.

Santa's party-out-back

2005-12-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hey folks. I can't believe it's already time again for the mid-week mullet moment! Where does the time go? I thought that it might be appropriate to incorporate a Christmas theme to this week's mullet, so here you are! Granted, it's definitely fake; still, you've gotta give credit to the ingenuity of bringing a little Christmas cheer to mulleting. Nice work, weird Santa-mullet-dude!
Cheers.

A done deal

2005-12-18T23:10:00.000-08:00

Semester's over now, so I'm thinking that I'll actually do some pleasure reading ~ imagine that! Not that the material I've read over the last semester wasn't exceeding pleasurable (I'm serious)....I was just thinking it might be nice to do some reading that doesn't beg deep ontological questions. Though, I have the feeling that I may be ruined at this point, thanks to Dr. Schindler. I don't think I'll ever be able to do anything without somehow relating some aspect of whatever it is to the "ontological difference." I'm afraid that I'm permanently altered after this semester, having realized that I'm a metaphysical animal.

This past weekend I went to a party that was the epitome of Catholic nerd-dom ~ it was great. I mean, I love conversations about Duns Scotus (heh, heh..) and Aquinas....what a unique conglomerate of intellectuals, quite a contrast to medical academia ~ QUITE A WELCOME CONTRAST!

Anyway, more later. Cheers.

Proudly presenting....the FEMULLET!!

2005-12-14T18:50:00.000-08:00

I nearly forgot all about the mid-week mullet moment. No fear guys - I can't let my last final get in the way of the femullet! This one is particularly nice because we have here the grown-out look with a nice salt-n-pepper root do. This is definitely a classy mullet!! Thoughts?

Cheers.

Not my first priority

2005-12-13T16:42:00.000-08:00

FYI, the lack of new posts is primarily due to the fact that I am engrossed in finals. Be back soon!
Cheers...

Say "hi" to your mama

2005-12-08T09:15:00.000-08:00

Today, December 8th, is a feast day in the Catholic Church ~ the feast of the Immaculate Conception. It is a day in which we honor Mary, theotokos & mother of the Church, as conceived without sin. This means that she was born into the world without the dirtbagginess that the rest of us inherited. Catholics should all stop by mass today to show their spiritual mother how much they love her & how grateful they are for her fiat, her "yes" which enabled the Incarnation, which we celebrate at the end of the month.
Cheers, fellow dirtbags.

Celebrity gossip

2005-12-07T00:44:00.000-08:00

I've really got nothing brilliant to say right now, so I thought I'd just post some random celebrity trash. Firstly, Britney Spears' marriage is on the brink of debacle apparently - BIG shocker there. In New Orleans there was a huge billboard with her picture (in a Pepsi ad) that claimed her as the "Pride of Louisiana." We always used to joke the she was the "ride of Louisiana" - anyway, sorry for the dirtbaggy comment. The Tomkats(Cruise & Holmes) are preggers with a boy & - looky here - Adam Sandler & wife (note that they are actually married & have been for a couple of years) are also expecting a babe. Adam Sandler (sigh...) ~ I've had a mad crush on him for years, not because he's terribly attractive but because he's damn funny, entertaining & non-superficial! Best flicks of his are The Wedding Singer & Splanglish was amusing (just to see his not-so-funny side). Now he'll be a big daddy himself. So sweet.
Anyway, time to hit the sack.
Ciao.

Bono's new campaign

2005-12-06T11:42:00.000-08:00

News flash, folks: on the drive in today I heard that Bono is campaigning again - this time, it's for personal recognition as the originator of the mullet. Yes, indeed - the hottest rockstar on the planet is taking credit for bringing the mullet into fame (per the local classic rock station). We have so much to be thankful for. You know, I've always had a great deal of respect for Bono as a rockstar. But he's more than that: he's a lover, he's a poet, he's a fighter, he's a trend setter, & dammit he cares about those people in Africa! Mullet the blue sky, baby!
Cheers..
P.S. What happened to the shades? Do you think he wears them in shame because he no longer sports the full-fledged mullet?

Flashback to Halloween

2005-12-05T19:14:00.000-08:00

This past Halloween I dressed up as Braveheart 'cause I thought it would be funny. Whaddya think???
Cheers...

Snow day....maybe?

2005-12-05T19:05:00.000-08:00

So, today is the first snow of the season in the D.C. metro area. As a southerner this will always be a novelty for me ~ all that white powdery stuff that glistens in the trees & makes everything look clean & bright....I'm not so cheery about it when I have to shovel my car out at 6 in the morning, but - thanks to grad school - this isn't the case tomorrow.

Seasonal recommendation: if you haven't already seen Elf with Will Farrell, then you really should see it. Good laughs - heck, it's worth seeing the movie just for the spectacle of WF dressed up like an overgrown elf!

Anyway, I still haven't addressed the Vatican document on gay priests. There's much to say on the topic, but I'll just throw out a few observations: for one thing, those who are commenting on the document in the media don't understand that the Vatican is merely addressing a specific impediment to the priestly vocation. There are plenty of other impediments to the priesthood (and marriage for that matter). The particular nature of the homosexual impediment lies in a disordered sense of fatherhood. Namely, fatherhood is realized or brought to fulfillment in the experience of the feminine other. Men who claim to be homosexual are unable to transcend the same-ness of their sex. Male homosexuality is fundamentally disoriented toward the feminine. Priests act in the place of Christ and are fulfilled in their masculinity in the face of the feminine Church. Sexual difference is not merely physiological ~ it even affects our vocation! Anyway, your thoughts on this are welcome.

Stay warm....cheers for reading!

Not for little eyes (i.e. MJ)

2005-12-01T22:52:00.000-08:00

First of all, I'd like to thank Jen for giving us the 411 on Canadian mullet culture. Heretofore I designate her as the resident Canadian culture guru.
Here's a cheery bit of world news: India's HIV cases are up 29%, so what did Asia do? They threw a condom party!! We all know how effective condoms have been in reducing AIDS transmission in Africa... I mean, it's ludicrous to think that maybe we should suggest a type of behavior modification that would involve - say - not screwing around with everyone in sight. That's just too much to ask. And please don't violate our rights to lecherous behavior by suggesting that we act in accord with our dignity! Geez...Interestingly enough, HIV/AIDS transmission has fallen in Kenya, by 4% (to 6.1% transmission rate) with a mixed abstinence/condom program. About a year ago an article appeared on allAfrica.com about agencies such as USAID, UNICEF & WHO threatening to decrease AIDS funding after an independent Kenyan abstinence program was initiated (& was overwhelmingly successful). Is there something insidious behind the condom pushing?
I really do want to talk about the gay priest document, but I'll have to save it for later.
Cheers...

Mid-week Mullet Moment ~ Holy Waterfall, Batman!

2005-11-30T14:59:00.000-08:00

This mullet is brought to you by a wonderful Canadian friend of mine - Canadians share a common appreciation of the mullet, though I'm not sure of the prevalence of mullets in Canadian society....would any of the Canadians like to comment on this?
Back to the mullet: this one is demonstrative in showing the extent to which one can, indeed, create a waterfall effect in the posterior aspect of the mullet. I think the jean shorts are a particularly nice touch to the general ensemble of this tourist-mullet. Cheers..

FYI

2005-11-29T20:40:00.000-08:00

I changed the comment options so that non-bloggers are able to post, so please feel free to throw in your two cents!!

Killer kiss

2005-11-29T20:00:00.000-08:00

This really is tragic: Teen with peanut allergy dies after kiss . Isn't that crazy? Apparently this girl's boyfriend had peanut butter residue hanging out in his mouth. I can't imagine how guilty he must feel. He'll probably have a kissing complex from now on.
Also, Pope Benny issued a mandate on homosexual priests which has, of course, caused a stir in the secular media. I haven't read the mandate yet, so more on this later.
Anyone into Sudoku? My sister got me hooked on it over Thanksgiving & now there's no turning back.
Alrighty - I've gotta start preparing the mullet-of-the-week. Ciao.

Airports...

2005-11-28T20:33:00.000-08:00

I remember the days when I loved the thrill of going to the airport, boarding a plane & landing in a far off place. Now, the airport runs neck-&-neck with hospitals as Genevieve's least favorite places on the planet. First of all, you've got the bloody security check where you get molested by irritable security officers. Then you enter the terminals, which - during the holidays - is a veritable mosh-pit of people running around trying to catch their overbooked flights, elbowing you, running into you with their stupid rolly-suitcases. Oh, & don't forget about the holidays bugs floating about in the airtight terminals & planes. Everyone's coughing, sneezing, sniffling...
Anyway, it's nice to be home again. Thanksgiving's great. Already miss the sibs & parentals. Hope everyone else had a lovely Turkey Day as well. Cheers...

More akin to a rodent than a canine

2005-11-22T23:25:00.000-08:00

Check out this headline, folks: "World's 'ugliest dog' dies" ~ and they aren't kidding around with the superlatives here. This is possibly one of the ugliest creatures known to man....I mean, can we say fugly? Seriously...
According to this article, his owner "was initially terrified of Sam when she agreed to take him in as a rescue six years ago on a 48-hour trial basis. Although she fell in love with him, his appearance repulsed her then-boyfriend and prompted the man to break up with her." Isn't that hilarious? I probably would've dumped her, too, if I were that guy. But get this: "Later, however, Sam became a matchmaker by bringing together Lockheed [the owner] and her current beau, who saw a picture of the two on an online dating site." OK, this new guy's gotta be a weirdo. The woman slept with that butt-ugly dog for SIX YEARS!!! I'm so repulsed! How did she not have nightmares???

Mid-week Mullet Moment

2005-11-22T18:52:00.000-08:00

Since this is a holiday week I thought I'd go ahead & post a a little early. For your viewing pleasure, I present the mullet at left, courtesy of one of my readers. Please note the temporal ridges above the ear and the facial hair pattern flanking his chin. He wants to be taken seriously - he means business (in the front). Yet, he's simultaneously able to let his hair down (so to speak) ~ he's always up for a good party (in the back). Bet the ladies are just DYING to stroke his wispy waterfall. Oh yeah, he's badd and he wants you to know it. Ladies? I think he's available.
Cheers...

Pimp my Church

2005-11-21T16:24:00.000-08:00

OK, let the jokes begin about this ludicrous headline: "Brothel owner wants his own Church". Yes, folks - you read me right. (I've gotta give credit to the Curt Jester for the clever blog title.) Anyway, I think it's sweet that he throws charity events at his brothel - what a humanitarian! Oh, & nice shot at ecumenism, buddy! A brothel is (I'm sure) a great space for the religions of the world to have "religious" intercourse (pun intended). It goes without saying that their theology of the body will not be what Wojtyla had in mind.
I'm not obsessed with pornographic themes, by the way - I'm just pointing out how inescapable they are in our culture; we're practically numb to them. Think about it - er- don't....
Cheers.

Easy like a Sunday Mornin'

2005-11-20T10:37:00.000-08:00

Good song.
I went to a party last night & met a very audacious sort of fellow who sported BOTH a molestache AND a flavor saver. I had to congratulate him on his brave facial hair style ~ glad he had a sense of humor about the whole thing. If a guy's going to have such a hair growth pattern on his face, I sure hope he has a sense of humor about it. I'm one of those all-or-nothing kind of girls. Either full beard (to the best of the guy's ability) or clean shaven (though, I really dig a nice 5 o'clock shadow). Anyway, no need to reveal my preferences.
There's a (surprisingly) good article in the Post this morning about the problem of girls embracing the objectification culture & parents allowing this to happen by not giving them proper direction. Patricia Dalton (author & clinical psychologist) asserts, "Women once complained about being reduced to sex objects. Now, their daughters are volunteering to be sex objects. And while parents register disapproval, they often fail to take action. In that failure, they unwittingly place their daughters at risk by allowing them to bypass girlhood. When a daughter moves straight from little girl to woman, she's playing a role rather than gradually learning to live her own life. These girls may seem whole, but they aren't. There is often a lost girl inside." She aptly connects this trend to the introduction of birth control & the sexual revolution, which enabled provocative behavior (without the consequences of pregnancy) in women as part of their sexual liberation. How ironic that this attempt at liberation has brought about more of a regress in women's status. As Dalton affirms, "These girls are treated as objects just as surely as in any earlier generation. It's pre-liberation treatment in post-liberation disguise. "Turn back before it's too late!" we want to warn them -- because what awaits them is not Prince Charming. It is more likely to be loneliness and regret." So sad!
The bottom line is that this sort of provocative self-objectification is a) disrespectful to a woman herself, b) misleading & disrespectful to men, & c) is demoralizing to femininity as a whole! My generation is definitely feeling the effects of it ~ I see this kind of behavior among my fellow women and the detriment that inevitably follows. I really believe that part of the genius of the woman is her capacity to love authentically via her orientation towards others & her ability to see the person as an end rather than an object. Intrinsically bound to this capacity is a certain moral sense that sets the tone of her relationships with men. Yet, this is somehow lost when she has, anteriorly, advertised herself seductively - she obscures both her own personhood & that of the other. Women & men both deserve better than this lot! Women need to be women so that men can be men! Anway, enough here. I've got too much to say on this topic.
Cheers.

Are you KIDDING me?

2005-11-16T22:47:00.000-08:00

I skimmed an article today about an organization in (I believe) Portland called Voluntary Human Extinction Movement. Yes, my friends - you've read me correctly. This organization is trying to halt the generation of human persons in the interests of Earth-health. "We can't be breeding right now," says Les Knight (founder of the organization). "It's obvious that the intentional creation of another [human being] by anyone anywhere can't be justified today." Did I mention that these people are from Oregon? Yeah...enough said. So much for the inherent dignity of the human person, eh?
I'm brain-dead - time for bed. Paper due tomorrow. This feels like the most sedentary day of my life. I hope there's not a permanent indention in the couch. Cheers..

Mid-week mullet moment..

2005-11-16T07:32:00.000-08:00

I feel a mixture of guilt & pride in posting this mullet photo-op. You see, I actually took this picture in my own home at a party. Neither I nor my roommates have any clue who this guy is or where he came from. One thing's for sure: he must be pretty audacious to enter my abode with a bonafide 80's mullet in all its "feathered glory"! The persons in the foreground are merely pawns affording me the mullet pic. boohaha!! Cheers..

Introducing...the UBERSEXUAL!!!

2005-11-15T20:04:00.000-08:00

He's what women have been wanting for years & didn't realize it. I know I've brought this article up with a lot of you guys within the past few weeks, but I just thought I'd immortalize it here. Funny thing is (echoing Limbaugh's comment), ubersexuals are no more than a traditional man with class. Imagine that? As Rush says, "An 'ubersexual' is simply what men used to be before feminists came along and neutered them. It is hilarious that we now have a book claiming women want, essentially, a new type of man, who is in reality the traditional man." Good point, Rush. I'd just like to point out that an authentic feminist never would have allowed this to happen. Commentaries on authentic feminism will most assuredly be forthcoming. Cheers..

I really hate it when...

2005-11-15T00:36:00.000-08:00

...I'm running late in the morning & I forget a very crucial piece of American hygiene. Of course, I never realize this until I'm jammed into a crowded metro car with a bunch of other stinkers. Bummer..

Dilbert appreciates mullets, too

2005-11-14T22:07:00.000-08:00

There's a reason why this is one of my favorite comics. I thought I'd throw in this piece of lagniappe to tie everyone over 'til Wednesday when I release this week's "mid-week mullet moment." Cheers...

Case of the Mondays?

2005-11-14T00:26:00.000-08:00

Why do people keep ASKING me that? It's from a movie, guys...anyone know which one? It's one of my faves...
Anywho, I was thinking that Wednesday might be a good day for my mullet post. We'll call it the "mid-week mullet moment" - just so you know, contributions are welcome. I have a few pics in my personal stash, but they'll only get me through a couple of weeks.
On a more substantial note, there's an article in the UK Times online about this "revolutionary" birth control patch that has been found to sky-rocket a woman's risk for developing blood clots. In a similar article there was mention of a 26 year old girl who was recently hospitalized for a deadly pulmonary embolism after using the patch. She was quoted as saying, "Had I known the potential side effects of using the patch I never would have tried it in the first place." Apparently her hospital stay was extensive...wise-up, ladies!! Haven't you ever read the potential side-effects of regular birth control pills?? Maybe it's NOT a good idea to dump extra hormones into our bodies. Hmmm...I love this line from the director of the Family Planning Association: "Women should not suddenly stop using the patch as they would risk pregnancy, but if concerned should seek advice from their health professional.” Well, we all know that pregnancy would be WAAAAAAAAAY more threatening to a woman's well-being than a pulmonary embolism, right? (Dripping with sarcasm..)
Cheers!

Is it all in the genes?

2005-11-13T10:41:00.000-08:00

So, I'm reading the news this morning with my nice cup of French roast coffee & I come across an article that reads, "Tendency Toward Loneliness May be Genetic." Researchers are basing this theory on twin studies, it can potentially lower one's immune system response...blah, blah, blah, - anyway, I find this idea of relating emotional-spiritual issues with genetics to be misleading. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for scientific discovery, but I must say I'm a little wary of the modernist tendency towards reductionism; i.e. reducing all things to scientific explanations. That our body reflects the disposition of soul is certainly undeniable, but my concern is that the reductionist mentality trivializes the true nature of the human person (simply because is doesn't take ordered nature into account). And the modernists' remedies for such problems are so superficial - we either medicate them or send them to therapy. You know, maybe we should consider the possibility that loneliness is really the result of a loss of meaning in human existence. The brilliant philosopher (among other things) Karol Wojtyla says that man must go outside of himself to find himself, that he only truly discovers himself in communion with others via sincere gift of himself. Perhaps radical individualism has failed modern man. I mean, is it possible that loneliness is really a result of the fact that the modern is so turned in on himself? My friends, I think what we should all become aware of is the fact that the "royal we" (me, myself, & I) just doesnt cut it. Cheers...

It's a weird obsession

2005-11-12T10:03:00.000-08:00

I admit it. Those of you who have perused my profile might have noticed that "mullets" are among my random assortment of interests. You may see - from time-to-time - mullet posts. In fact, maybe I should institute a "mullet of the week" section...hmm...I like this idea. Heretofore, I will post a "mullet of the week." I've gotta figure out what day is going to be mullet day. Anywho, contributions are welcome, but I feel that I must start with a former mulleted friend's pic. So, here's to the Lohmullet!
By the way, I can now say that I am the proud owner of a "mullets rule" t-shirt, thanks to a dear friend of mine who said that it "screamed Genevieve." Er - thanks. Cheers!

What motivates me...

2005-11-10T19:20:00.000-08:00

...is a really good inspirational poster. We have these all over at work & they tend to put violent thoughts into my head.

My bro' the stud

2005-11-10T17:56:00.000-08:00

I just thought I'd share this picture of my all-star 14 year-old brother who's been built like a Greek god since birth. Seriously, our neighbor used to ask if the kid (at age 4) did weight training.
Obviously, he's the one running for the touchdown.

My mom always told me I shouldn't eaves-drop

2005-11-10T11:16:00.000-08:00

OK, I won't ever get over the fact that I think it's weird when people discuss indecent details of their personal lives OUT LOUD on the morning train when everyone is quiet and half asleep & you can hear all of the gory details. In that sense, maybe it isn't cell phone qua cell phone that's pornographic; maybe it's just society in general that is pornographic (in the sense of being an indecent exposure of the self). I guess these indiscreet babblers think it's OK because they assume that no one is paying attention; little do they know how ears will perk up when a juicy bit of gossip/scandal comes up.
Last night I watched Waking Ned Devine (are movies italicized? I don't even remember...). Good flick - the Irish humor is so charming (like all things Irish - er - minus the smell; & I can SAY that because I've dated (I use this term loosely) an Irishman). I swear I didn't dump him for the smell...just kidding....enough of the personal stuff(lest I fall into pornographic displays of personal info). Anyway, perhaps the most endearing aspect of the Irish (for me) is their very idyllic sense of being, as portrayed in this flick I mentioned. More on this later, though....cheers

pornographic cell phones

2005-11-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

Here's a thought: one of my profs says that the cell phone is pornographic. I was just a little taken aback by the extremism of his statement. He went on to explain himself as follows: the cell phone, he said, affords an indecent stream of personal information to whomever happens to be standing around while one is blabbing on and on about such-&-such. I think everyone can testify to having experienced TMI (too much information) about some random person via public cell phone conversations. It's an interesting point, though - is it, perhaps, a violation of our dignity to have our personal lives broadcast to everyone on the morning train, for instance?
On another note, I read an article in the Post about new iPod software for "adult movie trailers" - i.e., short porn flicks - isn't that lovely? And there's some literal pornography for ya...mainstream porn a little more, why don't we....

ohmygosh - what IS this?

2005-11-08T20:44:00.000-08:00

Alrighty folks - I just inadvertently created my own blog as I attempted to post on a friend-of-mine's blog. Ummm, I don't know where this is going, but I guess there's no turning back now.....Cheers!