"Bonobos share 98 percent of their DNA with humans -- they also apparently share a love of decaf caramel machiatos."
Oh yeah, and they can also communicate clearly...
There's a video after the jump from the interview with John Berman (ABC reporter) and Kanzi.
Awesome.
Two stories that infuriate me:
First - A lawsuit brought on by a woman that slipped in a puddle of vomit at Wal-Mart. She's suing the company because she allegedly "suffered serious neck and upper back injuries in the fall and has undergone several surgeries and is unable to work."
Puh -Leeze! She slipped in vomit. I'm not doubting that Medema wasn't injured...and I'm not doubting that the fall didn't hurt her ego. But come on...surgery! To repair what exactly?! And unable to work? Come on...
Two - Some people just don't learn. A New Mexico man is charged with his 28th DWI offense. 28th!! He had 27 DWI offenses with 14 convictions before this current arrest. Someone please tell me why this man is still on the road and not behind bars? Ha - well, I guess he is behind bars...but I mean the bars of the steel/prison variety.
He parked his car, fell out of his truck, failed to complete the field sobriety tests and, consequently, refused to take the breathalyzer.
I think the criminal court system has failed the citizens of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Libertarian, Centrist, Conservative, Liberal, or Big Government?
Where do you stand?
So, I was tagged in this dining meme by LeBlanc (and also promised the Exception), and I'm with him...I don't really know what a meme is, but I'm willing to give it a shot...Here we go!
The rules are as follows:
1. Add a direct link to your post below the name of the person who tagged you. Include the city/state and country that you are in.
Nicole (Sydney, Australia)
velverse (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
LB (San Giovanni in Marignano, Italy)
Selba (Jakarta, Indonesia)
Olivia (London, England)
ML (Utah, USA)
Lotus (Toronto, Canada)
tanabata (Saitama, Japan)
Andi (Dallas [ish], Texas, USA)
Todd (Lousiville, Kentucky, USA)
miss kendra (Los Angeles, California, USA)
Jiggs Casey (Berkeley, California, USA)
Tits McGee (New England, USA)
Joe (NE Tennessee, USA)
10K Monkeys (Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA)
Big Stupid Tommy (Athens, Tennessee, USA)
Newscoma (Weakley County, Tennessee, USA)
Finnspace (Springfield, Tennessee, USA)
LeBlanc (Lewisburg, Tennessee, USA)
I Am DisHeartened by My Jetta (Nashville, TN, USA)
2. List out your top five favorite places to eat at your location.
Phew - Top five?! There are a lot of really good restaurants here in Nashville (I think). The ones that I frequent most aren't necessarily the ones that I like the most. So, humm....
In no particular order my list is as follows:
1. Virago - Such good sushi! Good martinis, too! Monday's are half-priced sushi and martinis. Go then...but tip to the unaware, make reservations ahead of time...you'll need them on Monday's. Oh...and I'm not sure but there is some dress code. Guys can't wear hats or something like that. Don't quote me here...but I think that's right.
2. J. Alexander's - If you can't find something on their menu that suits your fancy...then you're too hard to please. They have a fantastic veggie/black bean burger that even non-vegetarians will like and their spaghetti squash is killer too. For dessert, they have a Snicker's pie thing that will make you wanna smack your mama.
3. Jasmine - One of my mom's favorite restaurants and recently one of mine, Jasmine serves fantastic and creative French-Thai cuisine. The standard Wonton Soup and Pad Thai are phenomenal! Beginner's Tip - Go at lunch when the meals are considerably cheaper and you get soup and an egg roll to boot.
4. Rosepepper Cantina - Located in East Nashville, this trendy "Mexican" restaurant has loads of character. And they have the best fish tacos and margaritas in town. Seriously, don't argue with me on this...it's true. They are the best.
5. Christopher Pizza Co. - Have to include fellow a Belmont grad in here! Christopher's has crazy pizzas if you like to try something a little different and it's located in a prime spot...right on Demonbruen. Awesomeness. Grab a beer, order a dish, sit back and people watch on their porch while live music plays most nights.
3. Tag up to 5 other people, preferably in other states or countries.
Kerpupples - I'm going to Denver in June/July and I need the dish (if you will ) on some good places to go!
BB - Sure, she's in NashVegas...but whatever.
Michael - Sure, he's in Nashville too...
Salmon Pants - Okay I really need to get around more...another Nashville blogger.
The Biscuits - I hear you are the person to go to for restaurant info and I need somewhere new to crave!
1. TCBY - Man that place is delish. I love their soft serve, White Chocolate with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Sure, it makes the 96% fat free not so...ah hem, 96% fat free...but you know, I have to live a little. And let's be honest, they never go too crazy on loading me up with toppings anyway.
The hand scooped, Cookies and Cream is pretty freakin' good too. Just so you know...for future trips. I actually had a dream that a TCBY was being built next to where I work. Oh, that be dangerous. Dangerous, delicious and fantabulous.
2. Gmail Chat - Possibly the best invention ever for the 8-5 desk slave. Not the computer, not the fax machine, no...Gmail Chat. It's like AIM only they (read, Big Brother) can't really know that I'm chatting away. At least...I don't think they know...
Oh dear God...perhaps I have made a careless error in judgement...perhaps Big Brother can read all of my chats...
Nah. I'm pretty sure I'm safe...Plus, if not...I'll go drown my sorrows in TCBY. All will be well with the world.
3. Books - I think I have posted before about my sometimes bizarre, almost fetish, with books. There is just something about the way they smell...the pages' texture between my fingers...that just keeps me coming back for more.
Sure, I love reading the books. Sure, I love the development of plot, story lines, underlying meanings, and the association and familiarity I feel with the characters at the end of a satisfying novel.
But I love the physical aspects of the novel just as much. The cover design. The look, the feel, the smell. And the way that certain books are bound. You know, when you open it and it makes that lovely crinkle sound? Ahhh, I love that.
I just finished a book and have started The Memory of Running by Ron McLarty. Has anyone read this? Have any book suggestions? I have the summer off from school and a lot of books to be readin'! Hook me up with your favorites!
And what do those morals say about you?
Find out what your core moral values are and how those relate to your political ideology, whether you are a socially dominate individual, and what you find disgusting and how that relates to your morals at YourMorals.org.
Pretty interesting if I do say so myself!
I'm not sure I understand some people's obsession with ensuring the respectful treatment of bodies post death. While I agree that bodies should not be treated willy-nilly, dumped and degraded, I also believe that people should be able to do with their bodies what they see fit. I don't see how individuals' views that this form of...well...body disposal...is "trivial, disrespectful and voyeuristic" should be of concern when I make my arrangements.
Honestly, I don't see how this is any more disrespectful than draining all the blood out of someone, pumping them with toxins, locking them into a little box, and then digging a hole six feet in the ground and throwing them in it to be slowly eaten and dissolved.
Is that really better? I'm just saying...
As for "trivial, disrespectful and voyeuristic", my thoughts are these:
If it is so trivial, why care?
I've already addressed the disrespectful aspect.
And voyeuristic? Heck yes it's voyeuristic! But I think more than anything it's curiosity. Death is a natural human fear and it's only natural to be curious about it. Some people choose to confront their fears by facing them (literally, in this case), to learn about them; and some people (like my mom) choose to turn a blind eye to them...hoping that, you know, death won't really happen to them.
From the USA Today article I linked to above, a lady is quoted saying that her "major objection stems from the belief that there's an innate dignity to humans that extends to our bodies. Anything that denigrates our bodies by commercializing them I'm opposed to."
An "innate dignity to humans that extends to our bodies"? I hate to think that this is true, but I feel that a lot of times, people are treated better and are more highly revered in death than they are in life. Before we can say that there is an "innate dignity to humans that extends to our bodies" why don't we try treating people with dignity and respect while they are actually living?
To end my argument, another lady is quoted stating why she has chosen to donate her body to plastination:
"The body is just a vessel. This is just what I have in this life."
Sums it up pretty good, I think.
What are your thoughts?
Degradation, disrespect?
Also, as an aside, if you are interested in this or have morbid curiosity, you should read the book Stiff by Mary Roach. It's an awesome and hilarious read.
I'm thinking about going vegetarian (with the exception of fish).
What are your thoughts?
Is anyone out there a vegetarian? Does anyone have any helpful advice?
Belmont was robbed. Robbed of claiming the vocal development of the next American Idol. Fortunately, pretty much everyone agrees with me.
Melinda, What happened??
And, here's a Nashville round-up from NIT.
Oh, well. I guess we'll have to stick to touting the Belmont alumnus and current Miss America, Rachel Smith. Unfortunately, we can't claim that BU helped develop her beauty...
Vocally and developmentally, I guess we'll have to stick to the following (shameless plug follows):
Minnie Pearl (Sarah Cannon)
Brad Paisley
Trisha Yearwood
Josh Turner
JoDee Messina
Kimberly Locke
Julie Roberts
Lee Ann Womack
DJ Qualls (from Hustle and Flow and Road Trip)
Brooke LaBarbera (From The Real World: Denver)
Oh, right...And me. I'm famous.
Here we go! Due to an overwhelming number of requests (including begging and pleading), I am posting my Three Thanks. Okay there was only one request (thanks!) and there was neither begging nor pleading associated with it....
I'm sure everyone else was too sad to make it over to their computers to email me...
Yeah, that's it.
So, wipe your tears away, I will delay no longer.
1. EpiPen - Last night was a long one. I was out with a friend when I got a call from my mom saying that she and my dad were in the emergency room. He'd had an allergic reaction to something he had eaten and they had rushed over to the ER, EpiPen in hand. On the way, his face started to swell and it became harder for him to breathe and he was forced to jab the EpiPen into the muscle tissue in his leg (instructions, in case you are curious, are to the right).
My parents arrived at the ER where he quickly collapsed into a wheelchair and was taken back to Exam Room 7. This is when I was called.
My mom told me he would be fine once the doctors gave him steroids and Benadryl, that I shouldn't worry. He's done this a lot and every time is scary but he pulls through like a champ every time. This time his reaction got a second wind and he started to swell again. My mom called back and I left for the ER. When I got there, he was snoring away in Exam Room 7, swollen and red like a cherry.
They decided to keep him overnight and I stayed there with him until he got comfy in his cool and dark hospital room. They released him this morning and he's doing fine but I am definitely thankful for that EpiPen.
2. Work - Sometimes I complain. Sometimes I hate it. Sometimes I cry and scream. But all in all, my work's not so bad. In fact, it's pretty good.
I have people that are easy to work with and we get along great. I have accrued an inordinate amount of vacation days (28.2 to be exact) and I am given 30, count that, 30 sick days a year. I have been promoted, praised and paid to do what I love doing. And they are paying for a good portion of my graduate school.
When I decided to take this job two or so years ago over another opportunity, some of my friends scoffed. "Won't it be boring?" "Aren't you better than that entry-level position?" "Yes and yes", I responded. And many days, I was bored and I was overqualified. And many days I still am. But I like my company and I like my new position. I like my co-workers and I "like" my pay (is anyone really satisfied with what they are paid...I submit that they are not).
3. Summer Time (!) - I'm out of school for the summer and that's freakin' amazing! I can read for pleasure and not worry about the other things that I should be reading/studying/writing. It's fantastic...'Nuff said!!!
Philip Workman's recent execution here in Tennessee made me wonder about the equability of his punishment. Should killing a cop automatically equal a harsher punishment than killing a civilian? What are your thoughts? From the limited knowledge I have read about the case, Workman was strung out on crack, frantically searching out money for his next high. Thus, he attempted a robbery of a fast-food store and in the process, killed a Memphis police officer.
What I don't understand, or maybe what I am trying to work through, is the equability of crimes and their punishment. This blog entry is by no means meant to be a debate on the ethics for or against the death penalty.
There are hundreds of murders that get lighter punishments. Murders that happen completely sober (not that being high is an excuse) and planned out. Perhaps the assailant will get released on good behavior, you know...because he's been "rehabilitated" or whatever. And there are hundreds of crimes that are far more torturous and heinous that get lesser penalties. Domestic abusers who beat their wives and/or girlfriends to within an inch of their lives are up for parole constantly, forcing those abused to relive the assault over and over again in hearing after hearing. And there are the child molesters who, time after time, have proven that they are not rehabilitated but are released onto the streets to do it again and again.
So did Workman's penalty fit his crime? Should killing a cop equal a harsher punishment?
A Wichita Falls woman sold her 15 year old daughter for a meager $3,000.
$3,000.
That's all this little girl's life was worth to her own mother.
Apparently, the 35 year old man (who was already in trouble for possession of child pornography and indecency with a child) took the girl to Mexico. The mother told police that her daughter had run away to look for her father...and even forged a note saying as such.
The poor little girl is back in TX and will be placed in foster care.
I just...well, what are people thinking?! Am I the only sane one left here?
You read that right.
The same artist that sculpted the much discussed Britney Spears giving birth on a bear-skin rug has sculpted Paris Hilton. He wanted to show the dangers of drinking and driving, which if you follow celebrity news, you would know that Paris will be serving time for her multitude of vehicular crimes. These range from driving under the influence to driving with a suspended license.
Anyway, Paris is featured on her back with her legs spread (common enough)...
cough...cough...Inappropriate, Sarah...sick.
Paris has her ribs splayed open with her intestines bulging out. Gross.
Tinkerbell, her mini Chihuahua, is at her side and her ever-present cell phone is in hand. Paris also comes with another accessory, a tiara placed high on her head.
More pictures after the jump.
I just realized that I never posted my Three Thanks on Monday. My bad. I'm getting really forgetful about this and I apologize.
1. Playing in the Rain - Okay, so it was soaking...and cold...and I was in a tank top - but I got stuck outside at a soccer game and was hurricaned on. But when is the last time that you can remember that you got rained on...and it was okay...you enjoyed it? Grade school? I think that might have been mine. I remember being little and loving rainy days because my mom would let me go run around outside - as long as it wasn't lightning and thundering. In a very cliche way, it was almost like a cleansing or a release. I'm going to make it a point to enjoy the rain a little more...and not just from the safety of my sheets on rainy mornings...
2. Exercise that doesn't feel like exercise because it's fun - Enough said.
3. Songs that just make you feel good - One of my feel good songs is by the country band, Bomshel. While they aren't my favorite group...the song, "Ain't My Day to Care", is awesome. I seriously suggest you listen to it if you can stomach country music even a little. Maybe you should just read the lyrics or something...it's pretty twangy.
I just renewed my DL and it was the most enjoyable experience of my life. Well, the most enjoyable...mandatory...automobile experience of my life. I was in, out and back to work, including drive time, in 30 minutes.
Ridiculously seamless and amazing.
Okay - that was just a little update from me.
I’m 25 now. 25. I just have to keep saying it so that it will sink in. And while it’s sinking in, I’m left here wondering, is this – all that is around me – what I’d dreamed? Is this what I’d wanted? When I pictured my life, when I pictured who I’d be…was it me? Would my five-year old self recognize me? Would she think I was “cool”? Would she want me to be the babysitter? Or would she be disappointed at what her life had mapped out for her in her future? Have I said the right things, made the right decisions?
The past five years have gone by fast…faster than I thought they would…but not faster than every older and wiser woman warned. “You’ve got to enjoy every minute because, one day, you’re going to look back on these times and wish you could have them back.” “Ha” – I scoffed. “You obviously don’t know what I am going through. These times are tough.” And they were.
Five years ago, I was in love. In love, but broken hearted. And I was in the process of transferring colleges to escape. I found solace in the small, religious university that was close to my parents and that only one year prior had caused me so much strife in my efforts to grow up. It wasn’t an easy decision to leave my “real college.”
While I was there, I blossomed into a confident and outgoing woman. I tested my wings and flew a little. I made friends with girls, something I’ve never really been great at doing, and joined a sorority. I asked boys to date parties and formals. I got alcohol poisoning, fell down a flight of stairs and skipped classes (in that order). I went to
When I transferred back to
And these limited experiences were all in one year. My twentieth year.
All this leads me to wonder, how fast will the next five years go? Does time ever slow down?
Can’t the world just stop.
Stop.
Just for a moment. Let me catch my breath.
Sometimes I feel that if life were an amusement park ride, mine would be operated by the crazy, toothless, liquored-up carnie. He would laugh maniacally as he turned the ride’s gears to go faster and faster, forcing my head back so hard that I couldn’t lift it anymore. The lights of the park would become one long blur, spinning round and round
I’d beg him to stop. Slow down.
Just for a moment. Let me just catch my breath.
But he’d just laugh harder…and perhaps a little spittle would drip down the side of his mouth.
Maybe in the next five I’ll graduate grad school (phew, I better!). Maybe in the next five I’ll fall in love. Maybe I’ll fall out of love. Maybe I’ll give up on love. Maybe I’ll live in
This article takes me back to my high-school years.
I don't know how many times I got in trouble for snapping at my mom that she didn't work. A highly educated woman, my mom took serious offense to my implication that she didn't contribute to the household.
I truly appreciate that she quit work when I was younger, allowing me the luxery of not attending daycare or after-school programs. When I got into high school and later, college (and still to this day), was when I wondered what exactly it was that she did around the house all day long...when there was no one to look after (I'm an only child). There certainly can't be that much cleaning to do day in and day out.
To this day, her feathers would ruffle if she read this post. Though she had me come over last night because she was "bored".
Well, getting to my point, Salary.com conducted a survey which 40,000 mothers responded to. They detailed their jobs and how many hours they worked per week. The calculations were tabulated...and the salary for moms was decided.
$138,095
The average mom apprently works 10 jobs totaling 92 hours per week.
Among the jobs detailed in the survey, these were the most common:
-Housekeeper
-Day-care center teacher
-Cook
-Computer operator
-Laundry machine operator
-Janitor
-Facilities manager
-Van driver
-Chief executive officer
-Psychologist
Okay - seriously, I understand if you are running a household of multiple children. Multiple. But I do a lot of the jobs on this list...and no one is trying to figure out what the things I do are worth.
I keep my house...I wash my clothes (and I have a ton)...and for God's sake, I operate a computer (who doesn't?). I fight traffic two times a day to work and four more times a week when I have class. I counsel my friends/co-workers/parents...all the time. I cook for myself and others. I manage my facilities...pay the morgtage...pay the bills. And I am a janitor...I kill the bugs...unclog the drains. I'm not exactly sure what this "CEO" thing is...I mean...I'm the CEO of "Me Inc"...is that what this is saying?
So, the only thing I don't do is child-care center teacher. But I do work full time and go to grad school. I wonder what that's worth? Probably nothing.
This is not to demean what mother's are worth and the services they provide...I know that mothers who have multiple children are stretched to the limits and have plates more full than you can get at the $5.99 buffet at the Golden Corral.
But come on...$138,095?
Sometimes I think my fears of deep and dark water are a little...well, unfounded. But then I see videos like this and I think...seriously, I must be the smartest most rational person in the entire world. The entire world.
Oh. My. God. This thing is disgusting.
