Mele Kalikimama!

I gots:
A noritake teapot from my gramma's house (from parentals), but it broke in transit.
A woodblock print (from parentals)
4 champignon chocolates from Cocoa Bella (from D)
3 mini moleskin journals (from D)
Tea (from parentals)
Okoshi (from aunty Viv)
Caramel Popcorn and Kaki mochi (from Aunty B)
Very old, VERY COOL harmonica from gramma's house (from parentals)
Charles Chocolates (from D)
Cool ultraman privacy screen for cellphone (from Bro)
Measuring Tape (from D)
Kitty Magnet (from D)
Zojirushi rick cooker (from Syd and Barr)
EDIT: Homemade Panda Bear (from TN)

I gaves:
Cookies to everyone.
Osho Zen Tarot Cards + Book to D
Weleda birch oil stuff to D

My Senator's response to my letter re: Liebermann

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Dear [MIni-boss]:



Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns regarding Senator Joseph Lieberman's (ID-CT) retention of the chairmanship of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.



The election of Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) to be President has started a new chapter in our history, and the President-elect has said that he wants to heal the divisions in this nation. He also made it clear that he does not want Senate Democrats to isolate Senator Lieberman for his actions during the campaign.



The Senate Democrats voted on November 19, 2008 to bring about reconciliation, not only within our caucus, but between Democrats and Republicans. We are trying to develop a more civil dialogue that will hopefully allow us to get more done on behalf of the American people. I believe we are on the right path to moving away from divisive partisan politics and towards a cooperative legislative body.



The resolution presented in the caucus passed by a vote of 42-13. Although the resolution condemned statements Senator Lieberman made while campaigning for Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and removed him from the Environment and Public Works Committee, he will continue to Chair the Homeland Security Committee and will remain a member of the Democratic caucus.



Once again, thank you for contacting me. Please feel free to contact my Washington, D.C. staff should you have any additional concerns at (202) 224-3841.


Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator
Further information about my position on issues of concern to California and the Nation are available at my website http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/. You can also receive electronic e-mail updates by subscribing to my e-mail list at http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ENewsletterSignup.Signup.


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Reconciliation? Whatevs. Secondly, as President-elect, Obama should be the first to realize that his job is now in the executive branch, and while he's entitled to giving his opinion (and advice) to the congressional branch, Congress DOES NOT exist to execute orders from the White House. Have we learned *nothing* from the last 8 years? I realize that it's overly optimistic of me to think that Democrats would vote, at least on this issue, in the best interest of the country (which I firmly believe Liebermann no longer understands) - can anyone really explain how retaining Liebermann as both a) in the Democratic Caucus, and b) as chairman of that committee is anything but a blatant, "Thank you, sir, may I have another?"

I Only Wanna Be With You

A few weeks ago, I stumbled on an old TV segment of Dusty Springfield - awesome, awesome, awesome.



Isn't she hot?

A friend of mine is visiting me for the weekend, and we've been spending time playing music. After I showed him the Dusty Springfield clip, he directed me here:



We sign off now to learn how to play this song, in alternating English and Spanish. We are fashioning a shoulder shrug dance routine to go with it, ala Luis Miguel. To make this SUPER hilarious, my friend says that the Spanish version's title translation is "Now You Can Go Away". BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

New Muzak

Thanks to H&M for the gift certificate to Amoeba Records. I went there and picked up the 2007 Okkervil River album that I've been meaning to get since I saw them last time they were here. The first half of the album is pop-y - the second half, is a little too slow for me right now. In six months, I fully expect to amend my statement and proclaim how brilliant the slower songs are.

I also picked up the new Lucksmiths album, but haven't listened to it yet. I picked up one other album, but that will remain nameless, because it is a guilty pleasure.

When I was at the record store, I forgot that I'd also really wanted to get Bandwagonesque by Teenage Fanclub - but thanks to not having Evernote *readily* available on my phone, that's what happened. Plus, Amoeba is like a memory stealing device. You get in there, and completely forget what time it is, why you're there, and sometimes, who you are!!!! (I often find myself wandering in the hip hop section!!!!!)

Thanks to H&M for the great tunes!!!!

Norad & Santa

Gizmodo put a post regarding the history of NORAD and Santa Tracking. It leads to www.norad.org, which details exactly how a misprint in a Sears Roebuck ad led to, essentially, a batphone for the commanding officer of NORAD.

Even funnier, the CO talks about getting the first phone call (and subsequent ones) here. Norad continued the tradition by staffing the phones with volunteers during Christmas since then.

Milk - See it

I went to see Milk at the Castro Theater on Monday (for date night). I regret, now, that I didn't participate in the filming, as an extra, particularly in the night vigil sequence.

I was struck by the similarities of Prop 6 (the Briggs Initiative, that would have fired all gay teachers, and all employees of schools that supported gay rights, or gay individuals) and Prop 8. Notably, the absence of the word "gay" from any and all literature from the No side (pro-gay rights).

I found the action that Milk supported also worthy of introspection. Milk called upon gay people to come out to the people around them, and I find the call no less important today. I realize that this is an intensely personal decision for most gay people, and can come with recriminations, the shame surrounding being gay will continue to exist until enough people come out. I also realize that I'm being more than mildly hypocritical, since I don't lead a particularly OUT lifestyle when I'm around my family, but it is important, to make the attempt.

Anyway, go see the movie. It broke ALL box office records at the Castro theater last weekend. Oh, and DON'T go see it at Cinemark, on account of their CEO donating $9999 to the Yes on 8 campaign. That means no Century Theaters, CineArts, or TinselTown.

Here's the preview, if you haven't already seen it.

Mini-boss re: Lieberman - He sucks.

Dear Senator Boxer,

I am writing to inform you of my support for the removal of Senator Joe Lieberman as Chair of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs committee. He sucks.


Thank you.

Sincerely,

Mini-boss

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If you want to send your OWN email to Senator Boxer, please feel free.

I *heart* Olbermann

Ahoy, Mateys!

I've (mostly) recovered from stress-induced fatigue caused by the recent election. I'm now back to the dreary task of finding myself a job. I have to admit that I am not immune to the anxiety-ridden "what-the-fuck-is-going-on-with-the-economy-and-job-market" hysteria that seems to be on the front page of every newspaper from Hawaii to Maine, but I think I'm managing fairly well.

My new goal is to get my resume out to three prospective employers every day, Monday-Friday. I sort of wish that I didn't have to do this, and I actually *want* to go home and help my parents at the shop (and surf every morning), but D would prefer that I stay here, even if that means that D has to pay my rent. (I swear this isn't an under-the-table way for me to live, rent-free.)

What with the endless news of layoffs and bailouts, who wouldn't be nervous? I'm actually glad that I left that last company, seeing as they're Sequoia backed, and must be trying to reduce costs by 10%, as has been endlessly blogged about in the last few weeks.

Today, I am thankful that I have a leftover pot of spaghetti.
I am thankful for Vornado heater fans.
I am thankful for wool-lined house slippers.
I am thankful for wifi that lets me sit on my couch and blog (and apply for jobs).
I am thankful for Strauss Family milk that will make wonderful hot chocolate at lunch.

Facebook, why must you mock me?

Embedded in my "home" page of facebook, is a sponsored link that reads:

"Getting Married?

ShitfuckerCompanyNameThatIWon'tPrintHere.com is the easiest way to plan your perfect wedding..."


WHY MUST YOU MOCK ME?!?!?!

I am slightly amused, mostly annoyed.

From Le Monde's Robert Sole'

http://www.lemonde.fr/opinions/article/2008/11/05/sorry-we-can-t-par-robert-sole_1115209_3232.html

Sorry. No column today. The keyboard is not responding. History is a page being turned. Three words on the screen: "Yes we can." While it is impossible to joke with genocide or disaster, it is equally impossible to joke with an event that makes you weep for joy. The first worldwide good news since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 needs more than a pirouette or an amused wink. At this moment - but for how long ? - we can say with far more conviction than on 11 September 2001 : we are all Americans.

Yay. and boo.

I promised no posts on prop 8 after TWO days. This is the last one, from me.

First, a few things. Maxine Hong Kingston wrote a great post about Obama on Open Salon here. My parents' shop, in Hawaii, is very close to Obama's gramma's house, and she says that Obama's picture was taken when he was visiting here, walking around on the street that the shop is on in rubbah slippahs. For some reason, I am totally fucking comforted by this.

On a separate note, I would like to go back to bed. I am pissed and sad and extremely annoyed that I can't be like someone in Oregon, or whatever, and be happy for Obama (and me). I'm more than slightly annoyed that chickens get more leg room and a 16 year old has more rights than me today. I know that sounds terrible - I voted Yes on 2, and No on 4, but hey, give me a little breathing room here.

I find the hypocrisy appalling. I can't say *anything* nice about the people who voted Yes on 8, so I'm just not going to. I will deal with my knee-jerk reactions today by going back to bed.

Ohana means family.

Samuel Jackson on Prop 8

Edit: Today is the last day that donations count. Seriously. I have been donating just about once every three days. (insane). Donate Now!!!

Why Mormons, Why?

What do the Mormons have against gay people?

"According to the ABC affiliate in Salt Lake City, Utah, Mormon donations as of October 27, 2008, were an estimated $19 million. The Ashton contribution therefore brings total Mormon donations to Prop 8 to an astonishing $20 million."

From a press release from the No on Prop 8 campaign.

WTF? The Mormon church was also the single biggest donor to the constitutional amendment that was passed in Hawaii banning same-sex marriages, as well. I will *never* go back to Utah again. (Salt Lake City is just about the creepiest place I've ever been, excepting, perhaps, the Porky's style bar I played a show at near Fond du lac that had the bears in cages in the back.)

Thank GOD there's a separate heaven for you true believers, because when I die, I sure as fuck don't want to go there.

Hockey Mom for Obama!

No on Prop 8 Update

Yesterday, the Yes on Prop 8 people raised $2.2 million buckaroos. SF Chronicle reported that the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic organization donated $1.4m - the largest sum in both sides of the campaign. Additionally, the US conference of Catholic Bishops has donated $200k.

No on Prop 8 people say that our side needs $3m to match them on the airwaves, or we'll likely lose, and the constitutional amendment will pass. I know I've asked all of you to donate before (I've donated twice so far), but if you can, please donate again. These last days leading up to the election are going to be totally critical, and we need all the help we can get on this issue!

If you can, please, please donate again.

No on 8

The No on 8 campaign is still losing in the most recent polls. I feel strongly enough about this to volunteer, since I have so much free time on my hands. I'm going to ratchet up my volunteering and get some time in for the Obama campaign, as well.

Even with all the stuff going on in my life, I've a mind to marry her before the election, just because Prop 8 has no provisions in it to deal with what they're calling the "interim" marriages. It's a horrible thing, though, to wonder about your legal status because the mob believes the lie campaigns. Imagine what life would be like now if the laws against interracial marriages hadn't been struck down. Why would we want to repeat this kind of injustice?

I wonder why it is that Republicans, who are so small government, give a shit about who I decide I want to marry. I wonder why more Libertarians are not involved in trying to defeat this proposition. And in California, of all places, why would we want to rewrite the constitution with this kind of hate?

Seriously, it breaks my heart.

I'm fucking $2000 in the hole because of the cat business (this story is too long - the cat is fine), but even I have $20 to donate to this campaign. Scrounge up a $20 to donate, please, so that I can marry the person that I love.

Is Sarah Palin Qualified to be President?

PBS is running a poll *now*. It's tied 49% yes, 49% no.

GO TAKE THE POLL

As an aside, Camille Paglia is a very interesting supporter of Palin as a feminist. I found it interesting reading, but I really don't know enough about post-modern feminism nor Palin, to really comment on her opinion. You can read it here (from Salon).

EDIT:

You can read the details about this poll here. For the first few days of the poll, you could vote as many times as you wanted. Halfway in, they started cookie-ing voters. Apparently, they change the poll every week.

Bailout == Spa!!!!

From a newspaper story on the Congressional hearings over Wall Street bailout:

"Lawmakers revealed Tuesday that just days after the Sept. 16 federal bailout of AIG, executives and salespeople at the firm met at the lavish St. Regis Monarch Beach resort in Dana Point (Orange County), where the rooms can cost $1,000 a night. According to the invoices, the company spent $200,000 on rooms, more than $150,000 on meals, $23,000 in spa charges and $7,000 on golf."

WTF? This is what my tax dollars are paying for?

No on 8

Hey. I'm gay. No new news there. Prop 8 is winning in the most recent polls, due to the massive lie campaign on TV. I'm sending money over to the No on Prop 8 people, even though I'm not working right now.

If you can spare it, please donate at the No on Prop 8 website. Last time Hawaii rewrote its constitution, the Mormon church donated an INSANE amount of money to flood the airwaves with similar lies about what the constitutional amendment was going to do.

I'm also reposting stuff from their FAQ, just to make it clear what the proponents of this horrible constitutional amendment are lying about.

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From http://noonprop8.com
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Proponents of Prop 8 make many misleading assertions in their new television ad. Here’s what’s fiction and what’s fact:

Fiction vs. the Facts

Fiction: People can be sued over personal beliefs.

Fact: California’s laws already prohibit discrimination against anyone based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. This has nothing to do with marriage.

Fiction: Churches could lose their tax-exemption status.

Fact: Nothing in Prop 8 would force churches to do anything. In fact, the court decision regarding marriage specifically says “no religion will be required to change its religious policies or practices with regard to same-sex couples, and no religious officiant will be required to solemnize a marriage in contravention of his or her religious beliefs.”

Fiction: Same-sex marriage would be taught in public schools.

Fact: Not one word in Prop 8 mentions education, and no child can be forced, against the will of their parents, to be taught anything about health and family issues at school. California law prohibits it. A Sacramento Superior Court judge has already ruled that this claim by the proponents of Prop 8 is “false and misleading.” In fact, the “case” that is cited in the ad is from Massachusetts…the proponents knew what California law said, so they used another state, again to mislead voters.

Fiction: Four Activist Judges in San Francisco…

Fact: Prop 8 is not about courts and judges, it's about eliminating a fundamental right. Judges didn't grant the right, the constitution guarantees the right. Proponents of Prop 8 use an outdated and stale argument that judges aren't supposed to protect rights and freedoms. This campaign is about whether Californians, right now, in 2008 are willing to amend the constitution for the sole purpose of eliminating a fundamental right for one group of citizens.

Regardless of how you feel about the issue, we should not eliminate fundamental rights for ANY Californians. Please vote NO on Prop 8.