I just spent the Thanksgiving weekend having the longest road trip since 2000.
I ended up visiting Arizona, New Mexico, and west Texas. My goal was to take my mother to Santa Fe and Carlsbad Caverns, and in the process, visit Petrified Forest National Park and Tucson as well.
It was my second visit to Carlsbad Caverns - and definitely worth returning; no photos or descriptions can ever do justice to the grandeur of the sights within the cave, even though I only got to see the developed sections. I look forward to another future visit when I will hopefully be able to take more "wild" tours.
Santa Fe was a bit of a letdown, but I still managed to see Palace of the Governors and Georgia O'Keeffe Museum as well as eating at Cafe Pasqual's, which involved a long wait. I liked the narrow European-style streets that made up the downtown area, as well as the shops lining those streets. My new GPS navigation system was of major help here as well.
Petrified Forest was interesting, and I enjoyed the far-reaching vistas of red stones and cliffs just as much as I enjoyed fossilized wood. It's definitely a worthy stop on I-40.
This was my first return to Tucson since leaving there five years ago under very humiliating conditions, and the population and housing boom, especially in surrounding communities like Marana, was very noticeable. My sightseeing in Tucson involved the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, an outstanding zoo and botanical garden rolled into one. I would have also gone to the scenic Sabino Canyon, given more time.
I did all the 2,100+ miles of driving, but it was bearable thanks to my BMW, which was not only a pleasure to drive, but economical as well, averaging 31.5 MPG and cruising from Tucson back to my driveway (470+ miles) comfortably on one tank, even with four traffic jams between Phoenix and Los Angeles. It was refreshing to return to Tucson in it, much like returning to San Francisco's financial district, another locale that had broken me in the past. And having satellite radio on board certainly helped pass the time.
It was also worth noting that despite lots of driving in so-called "red" states, the most blatant supporters of W's fascist cabal I encountered on the road were from Southern California's Reagan Country. Even El Paso, in W's home state of Texas, was far less blatant. I got to see lots of anti-W activism in Santa Fe, and was pleased.
I look forward to a future road trip that will take me all the way to the East Coast, heading through the northern half of the US and returning through Canada (I have no desire to ever visit the Southeast at this time). I will certainly enjoy it.
Now, back to some early morning novel writing...
28 November 2006
21 November 2006
Time to collect coins - again
I've been an avid collector of coins, both US and foreign. Although my usual collection is leftovers from my foreign trips, plus a special collection of oddball US coins like the bicentennial half-dollar, I do take troubles to collect special series, such as the first batch of 1-Euro coins or the 50-state US quarters. In fact, I made sure to buy proof sets for the 50-state quarter program, which has gone through 40 states so far.
I've just found out that the US dollar coin will get similar treatment starting in 2007. It will get faces of dead US presidents, four presidents per year, starting with George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. The schedule currently goes up to early 2016 and Richard Nixon, though by then, Ronald Reagan will certainly qualify, and most likely Gerald Ford as well. I certainly don't look forward to spending George W. Bush dollars in the future though!
If these new coins can get the acceptance they deserve, something neither the Susan B. Anthony dollar nor the Sacajawea dollar did, that would be fantastic, as the current dollar bill has short lifespan and outdated design. (The $1 is not being included in any of the redesigns that other bills are getting.) Among all the countries I've been to, only China prints lower-value denomination banknotes than the US $1 (though the South Korean 1,000-won is close). $1 and $2 ought to be in coins - just like in Canada and Euroland; they will work wonderfully at parking meters and pay phones.
The new coins will have new features. "E Pluribus Unum" and "In God We Trust" (the latter I object to, due to its paternal connotations of God) will move to the edge, just like the various Latin phrases on a British pound coin. The word "Liberty" will disappear, replaced by an image of Statue of Liberty on the back.
In any case, I will promptly order proof sets of these new dollar coins.
I've just found out that the US dollar coin will get similar treatment starting in 2007. It will get faces of dead US presidents, four presidents per year, starting with George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. The schedule currently goes up to early 2016 and Richard Nixon, though by then, Ronald Reagan will certainly qualify, and most likely Gerald Ford as well. I certainly don't look forward to spending George W. Bush dollars in the future though!
If these new coins can get the acceptance they deserve, something neither the Susan B. Anthony dollar nor the Sacajawea dollar did, that would be fantastic, as the current dollar bill has short lifespan and outdated design. (The $1 is not being included in any of the redesigns that other bills are getting.) Among all the countries I've been to, only China prints lower-value denomination banknotes than the US $1 (though the South Korean 1,000-won is close). $1 and $2 ought to be in coins - just like in Canada and Euroland; they will work wonderfully at parking meters and pay phones.
The new coins will have new features. "E Pluribus Unum" and "In God We Trust" (the latter I object to, due to its paternal connotations of God) will move to the edge, just like the various Latin phrases on a British pound coin. The word "Liberty" will disappear, replaced by an image of Statue of Liberty on the back.
In any case, I will promptly order proof sets of these new dollar coins.
17 November 2006
Fashion Corner
Photo courtesy of WireImage.comHere's Christina Aguilera in Hollywood earlier this month.
While the idea of wearing a long sweater as a dress is popular these days (at least for those with good curves - which doesn't include me), this is an example of how NOT to do it. Since sweaters tend to have loose weaves and can show what's underneath, Christina should've worn a dark camisole underneath. Or at least wear a bra that's less obvious than red. At least no panty lines are showing thanks to the tights, but the shoes clash with the rest of the outfit.
12 November 2006
"Ban Organized Religion Completely"
Or at least one of my favorite musicians, Sir Elton John, says so.
He specifically mentioned the plight of gay rights activists in Eastern Europe, and the Orthodox Church's oppression of them. Furthermore, he called for a conclave of believers of different religions, to discuss and work out their differences, since their differences are currently causing more and more wars.
Like it or not, Sir Elton is making a valid point. Just like the 20th Century was a struggle between different economic ideologies, the 21st Century is starting to look like a struggle between different belief systems. Many nations, including the likes of Saudi Arabia on the Muslim side and the USA on the Christian side, are enacting barbaric laws in the name of their religions. And there is no question that the US involvement in the Middle East today is nothing short of a modern-day crusade, at a cost of numerous lives - not to mention the financial costs for all involved.
I was taught that God (or Goddess) gave humans the ability to think, so that they could better manage the world they were put in. Blind faith in any religion goes against that.
BBC
Sir Elton John
He specifically mentioned the plight of gay rights activists in Eastern Europe, and the Orthodox Church's oppression of them. Furthermore, he called for a conclave of believers of different religions, to discuss and work out their differences, since their differences are currently causing more and more wars.
Like it or not, Sir Elton is making a valid point. Just like the 20th Century was a struggle between different economic ideologies, the 21st Century is starting to look like a struggle between different belief systems. Many nations, including the likes of Saudi Arabia on the Muslim side and the USA on the Christian side, are enacting barbaric laws in the name of their religions. And there is no question that the US involvement in the Middle East today is nothing short of a modern-day crusade, at a cost of numerous lives - not to mention the financial costs for all involved.
I was taught that God (or Goddess) gave humans the ability to think, so that they could better manage the world they were put in. Blind faith in any religion goes against that.
BBC
Sir Elton John
09 November 2006
Fashion Corner
Back again after a long hiatus.
I was never a fan of Jennifer Lopez; the only thing she had to stand out from the crowd was her infamous derriere. (And maybe a strategic sequence of husbands.) And I like this outfit even less. I can't pinpoint a specific feature, but she just looks horrendous, from her hairdo to her makeup to the frumpled style of the dress. Chain-link shoes don't help at all.
I was never a fan of Jennifer Lopez; the only thing she had to stand out from the crowd was her infamous derriere. (And maybe a strategic sequence of husbands.) And I like this outfit even less. I can't pinpoint a specific feature, but she just looks horrendous, from her hairdo to her makeup to the frumpled style of the dress. Chain-link shoes don't help at all.
08 November 2006
Election Update
The results were pretty much what I expected.
The House: The Dems are in control, even though they were nowhere to be found in my district. Nancy Pelosi will make history as the first woman to hold position as the House Speaker.
The Senate: Joe Lieberman was re-elected with strong Republican support. Independent socialist Bernie Sanders is now Vermont's new Senator. That's two independents - and both will caucus with the Democrats. 49 Republicans and 47 Democrats have been called, and in Virginia and Montana, Dems are leading barely, and will most likely need recounts. Assuming that the recounts hold, the Dems will take control of the Senate - barely.
California: Phil Angelides never had a chance. The Governator is back for a sequel. Given the pathetic campaigning, Angelides never deserved to win anyway. As for the propositions, all new taxes were defeated, even including 87, which would've taxed the oil companies. The anti-choice 85 lost too - again. As for the secretary of state, incumbent Republican appointee Bruce McPherson barely lost to Democrat Debra Bowen, who ran on a "voter's rights" platform. As for the Board of Equalizations, I am seeing two Asian-Americans - a Chinese-American Democrat representing the 4th district (mine), and a Korean-American neocon Republican representing the 3rd.
Now the work for the Dems and progressives is not to rest on their laurels, but to carry the momentum forward, and start courting demographics - including many that I belong to, such as motorist and business - that have been well courted by the Republicans. The Republicans have succeeded in recent years by courting formerly safe Democratic voting blocs such as Jews, Catholics, and Mexican-Americans; the Dems can surely learn from that.
The House: The Dems are in control, even though they were nowhere to be found in my district. Nancy Pelosi will make history as the first woman to hold position as the House Speaker.
The Senate: Joe Lieberman was re-elected with strong Republican support. Independent socialist Bernie Sanders is now Vermont's new Senator. That's two independents - and both will caucus with the Democrats. 49 Republicans and 47 Democrats have been called, and in Virginia and Montana, Dems are leading barely, and will most likely need recounts. Assuming that the recounts hold, the Dems will take control of the Senate - barely.
California: Phil Angelides never had a chance. The Governator is back for a sequel. Given the pathetic campaigning, Angelides never deserved to win anyway. As for the propositions, all new taxes were defeated, even including 87, which would've taxed the oil companies. The anti-choice 85 lost too - again. As for the secretary of state, incumbent Republican appointee Bruce McPherson barely lost to Democrat Debra Bowen, who ran on a "voter's rights" platform. As for the Board of Equalizations, I am seeing two Asian-Americans - a Chinese-American Democrat representing the 4th district (mine), and a Korean-American neocon Republican representing the 3rd.
Now the work for the Dems and progressives is not to rest on their laurels, but to carry the momentum forward, and start courting demographics - including many that I belong to, such as motorist and business - that have been well courted by the Republicans. The Republicans have succeeded in recent years by courting formerly safe Democratic voting blocs such as Jews, Catholics, and Mexican-Americans; the Dems can surely learn from that.
07 November 2006
And it looks like...
... the Dems did win without my help. They have taken over the House of Representatives, even without running a candidate in my district.
Senate remains to be seen.
BBC
In the meantime, Republican morality darling Britney Spears has filed for a divorce.
BBC
Senate remains to be seen.
BBC
In the meantime, Republican morality darling Britney Spears has filed for a divorce.
BBC
Did not vote today
That's so unlike me to say. I've never missed an election since 1996.
But that's what it came down to today. Between heavy workload which kept me at the office until 15 minutes before poll closing - giving me no time to make it to the polling place - and my lack of enthusiasm this time, I ended up not voting. I feel bad about it, since I've been the one on the front line of making others vote as well.
But given the cocky attitude I've gotten from Democrats and white liberals, who completely ignored my concerns and acted as if they could win without my help, maybe I need to see if they indeed can. I did intend to vote for a few lower-level state level Democrats as well as most of their positions on the various propositions, and they've lost that.
In any case, I feel exhausted, and it's time to move on. In the meantime, I will vote absentee next time.
But that's what it came down to today. Between heavy workload which kept me at the office until 15 minutes before poll closing - giving me no time to make it to the polling place - and my lack of enthusiasm this time, I ended up not voting. I feel bad about it, since I've been the one on the front line of making others vote as well.
But given the cocky attitude I've gotten from Democrats and white liberals, who completely ignored my concerns and acted as if they could win without my help, maybe I need to see if they indeed can. I did intend to vote for a few lower-level state level Democrats as well as most of their positions on the various propositions, and they've lost that.
In any case, I feel exhausted, and it's time to move on. In the meantime, I will vote absentee next time.
Canadian humor
Remember the aftermath of 2004 elections, when there was a map of North America circulating, tying the blue states and Canada together into a United States of Canada, and calling the red states Jesusland?
Well, here is a Canadian rebuttal. I recently commented on the Silenced Majority blog, and DiAnne responded by posting this snippet, which she had gotten from a friend who moved from the US to Canada. It is so telling of the attitudes of both countries, that I feel obligated to post here as well.
As a Canadian, I have to disagree with your proposed 'United States of Canada". Canada has provinces not states, so the name of the expanded country will remain 'Canada'. Please leave your imperial attitudes in your country of origin. You are not taking over Canada, you are arriving as guests with propects of becoming Canadian citizens.
Canada would be pleased to admit Washington as a province in order to round out its protection of its major west coast port of Vancouver.
Canada does not want Oregon or California in order to prevent the emergence of a political entity called Cascadia which, of course, would be a serious blow to a coast-to-coast-to-coast Canada.
Michigan we would probably give to our natives to fulfill the promise we made to them for their support in Canada's victory in the War of 1812.
We would be interested in reclaiming Maine and would also be interested in adding New Hampshire, Vermont and upstate New York. We are not interested in Massachusetts or lower New York state because of the drain on the public purse when global warming indundates Boston and New York City.
In addition, all of this would happen over time in order to avoid an American take over Canadian politics. We will give you time to leave behind all those unproductive American attitudes and adopt the more progressive and communal attitudes of Canadians.
There will be some surprises when an American immigrates to Canada:
1. Canada is a multi-cultural country not a melting pot. This means that you will be involved with people of different cultures on their terms.
2. There is strict gun control and no right to bear arms.
3. There is less litigation in Canada. Monetary awards are significantly less. There are no draconian prison sentences.
5. Taxes are higher.
6. There is a national medical system. While you are free to choose your physician, you cannot buy treatments.
7. There are two official languages - English and French.
8. If you live in Quebec your children will be educated in aFrench language school and you will be restricted to an official list of names for new-borns. You will meet people who do or refuse to speak English.
9. Canada's main enemies are the U.S. (now Jesusland) and Denmark.
10. Communism has a legal political party.
11. One of our favourite vacation spots is Cuba.
12. The growing season is shorter. Winter is longer and colder. Be prepared to like and participate in winter sports.
13. Canadians have a respect for but are wary of Americans (based on 400 years of American attempts to take over Canada).
Well, here is a Canadian rebuttal. I recently commented on the Silenced Majority blog, and DiAnne responded by posting this snippet, which she had gotten from a friend who moved from the US to Canada. It is so telling of the attitudes of both countries, that I feel obligated to post here as well.
As a Canadian, I have to disagree with your proposed 'United States of Canada". Canada has provinces not states, so the name of the expanded country will remain 'Canada'. Please leave your imperial attitudes in your country of origin. You are not taking over Canada, you are arriving as guests with propects of becoming Canadian citizens.
Canada would be pleased to admit Washington as a province in order to round out its protection of its major west coast port of Vancouver.
Canada does not want Oregon or California in order to prevent the emergence of a political entity called Cascadia which, of course, would be a serious blow to a coast-to-coast-to-coast Canada.
Michigan we would probably give to our natives to fulfill the promise we made to them for their support in Canada's victory in the War of 1812.
We would be interested in reclaiming Maine and would also be interested in adding New Hampshire, Vermont and upstate New York. We are not interested in Massachusetts or lower New York state because of the drain on the public purse when global warming indundates Boston and New York City.
In addition, all of this would happen over time in order to avoid an American take over Canadian politics. We will give you time to leave behind all those unproductive American attitudes and adopt the more progressive and communal attitudes of Canadians.
There will be some surprises when an American immigrates to Canada:
1. Canada is a multi-cultural country not a melting pot. This means that you will be involved with people of different cultures on their terms.
2. There is strict gun control and no right to bear arms.
3. There is less litigation in Canada. Monetary awards are significantly less. There are no draconian prison sentences.
5. Taxes are higher.
6. There is a national medical system. While you are free to choose your physician, you cannot buy treatments.
7. There are two official languages - English and French.
8. If you live in Quebec your children will be educated in aFrench language school and you will be restricted to an official list of names for new-borns. You will meet people who do or refuse to speak English.
9. Canada's main enemies are the U.S. (now Jesusland) and Denmark.
10. Communism has a legal political party.
11. One of our favourite vacation spots is Cuba.
12. The growing season is shorter. Winter is longer and colder. Be prepared to like and participate in winter sports.
13. Canadians have a respect for but are wary of Americans (based on 400 years of American attempts to take over Canada).
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