Thinking Blogger Awards

Oh yay! I won something! I never win anything. I'd like to thank.... blah blah *music plays*

The real deal: Kathy T - thank you!

Should you choose to participate, please make sure you pass this list of rules to the blogs you are tagging. I thought it would be appropriate to include them with the meme.

The participation rules are simple:

1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think,
2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme,
3. Optional: Proudly display the 'Thinking Blogger Award' with a link to the post that you wrote (here is an alternative silver version if gold doesn't fit your blog).

My four nominees:

1) Miss O'Hara. Our friendship is proof that one does not need to be face to face all the time in order to participate in the significant events of each other's lives. We had been talking in IM for months and months before we met. And the second time we met was when I flew to Detroit for her bridal shower. It was a hoot at her wedding to tell people that we met online and in person only twice. The looks were priceless.

Beyond that, she is amazing, thoughtful, stylish, intelligent and almost as crazy as me.

2) Blake Wylie. When he's blogging that is. Like I can say much. He has a very unique (in a good way) take on things. Good humor and insightful analysis. Blake goes for the best dressed man in the blogosphere and one of my favorite gun lovin' (almost, sort of) libertarian. That whole Fred Thompson thing I think disqualifies him. Hee. And I miss his videoblogs.

3) Digital Cowboy. Mark is one of my best friends. His posts on religion push me to search the Bible for more answers. And don't forget the poker. At least it isn't all poker all the time.

4) Chris Wage. I know. Shock! Chris and I likely agree on very little but he does make me think and he's a dang fine photographer.

And since there were a number of choices for 5 (most of them already nominated by other people) and I spent 6 days working on this post, I'm stopping at 4.

Case Study

When I did my Masters in Higher Education Administration, we used case studies to come up with solutions to problems facing colleges. Were our solutions similar, worse, or better than what actually occurred?

The shooting at Virginia Tech is about to become a case study in crisis management and response. In the coming days and weeks, there will be alot of criticism and analysis of the school's actions following the first shooting. People always say "you didn't do enough" in hindsight.

What is "enough?"

If you are an administrator at a time like this, there is NOTHING you can do to win (I don't mean win like the Sharks did last night - boo). Nothing. You are screwed no matter what you do. It is too much; it isn't enough. You aren't giving enough information. You are talking too much. If the university had cancelled classes and no further incident took place, there would have been hissy fits that the administration over-reacted. I guarantee it.

A large number of students commute to the campus and probably don't check their email first thing when they get up so they may not have gotten anything sent before 9:30am, approximate time of the email notifying students of the dorm shooting.

It took time to get the RA's up and moving. They went from door to door in the dorms, encouraging people to stay inside and away from windows. When the first shooting happened, they had no indication that a second spree would take place. I believe they focused their attention properly: on the dorms to keep those people safe.

Now, when did the university and police know the male victim in the room was not the shooter (assuming they thought murder/suicide and he shot her then himself)? That is where some quibbling can come in. I read one article that said witnesses at the scene told them the shooter fled the scene.

If they knew, say, at 8:30 that the shooter was loose and didn't do something at that point, then there is some room for questioning the school's response. I'm not sure what could have been done - I think it might have been a logistics nightmare to get security/police in all buildings. As the Vol Abroad noted in the NiT comments, college campus are porous. People come in and out from a variety of places. It would be nearly impossible to lock it completely down.

Virginia Tech is a large campus. I can't imagine what it would take to get something like that to happen at Vanderbilt given its size. Perhaps the email should have gone out earlier to cancel classes given they knew the shooter was at large.

The next question about warning signs will be what did the university do for the student in an attempt to prevent this. Well, a school can have the best counselors and psychological assistance programs in the world and if the student doesn't voluntarily walk through the door for assistance, there is nothing that we in administration can do.

Or are you going to suggest we force people go in for treatment?

-----------------------------------------------

People think living/working on a college campus is a safe environment. It isn't. Everything that happens in the wider world happens here. Incidents on campus are magnified because of that perception. Several years ago, an expelled student shot the Dean and others at Appalachia State University. An angry parent called and threatened me several weeks ago. It was serious enough that I called security in anticipation of his arrival to carry it out. Unfortunately, I am not permitted to carry on campus or else I could defend myself against such threats. Fortunately, he did not fly down to "take care of things."

-----------------------------------------------

I originally had a long rant about why the foreign press is involved and why it is none of their business, but I took that out mainly because I still don't care for the French. And Iran condemning the shootings like it was our own government that did it? Yeah. Whatever. I could also go on and on about gun control, but other people can argue that better than I can so I will stay out of it.

-----------------------------------------------

bridgett has some excellent thoughts about the stress of being on campus/in school in April. And I'm guessing the same bridgett has more spot on comments at Kat's blog on depression among foreign students. I would take her assessment of professional programs (engineering, etc) one step further to say that colleges should look at them long and hard as well as the surrounding support systems.

A friend of mine from undergrad was a physics major. She hated the program but loved what she was studying. There was no support - do or die culture. It isn't about the feminization of the hard sciences. If we expect the university to act as in loco parentis (in place of the parents) then make sure students are fully aware of ALL services available to them - not just when the Muncie Mart is open.

Give faculty, RA's, TA's, and staff that have regular student contact (not all staff positions deal with students) training on how to recognize depression and the appropriate information to help direct students to treatment. Full blown courses on psychology aren't necessary. We don't need to get into the business of treatment. A couple of hours spent in a meeting with the Director of Campus Counseling ought to be enough so that we as staff know what to look for in the students we work with on a daily basis. In defense of my own place of employment, we do have such a talk each fall during faculty orientation.

Given the size of the programs at many schools and lack of training for faculty and staff in recognizing warning signs of depression, it is an absolute wonder more incidents like what happened at Virginia Tech don't happen more often. Thank God they don't.

Vox Day is also correct in either one of his post or somewhere in the comments thread about what happened that the live coverage of the shooting and for days on end will be nothing more than violence porn.

Big ol fight

And so did everyone else
Originally uploaded by pink-kitty.

Jordin Tootoo and others beating each other silly. That's the stuff people come to hockey games to see.

GO PREDS!!!!!!

See the rest of the photos here.

A place for all your Bo-staff makin' needs

can be found in Sylvan Heights or where ever he said it is.

I love mes some Craigslist. Thanks to Elena for forwarding it to me.

Scrapple in the corner

Scrapple in the corner
Originally uploaded by pink-kitty.

Duke Diva and I went to the Predators game tonight. It was awesome. The other fans were great. The off-ice stuff wasn't as bad as the last time. The first (and only) game I went to *cough* years ago, there was so much stuff going on... the game was secondary.

Maybe because this is the playoffs, things are different.

See all the photos here.

Can't wait for Friday!

My friend, Kat

has been served by J.L. Kirk Associates with a letter to take down posts about her experience with their company.

Actually, Brittney at NiT has a very nice roundup of the whole saga. Saves me from trying to hunt everything down again because I'm sure I missed something.

In PK's opinion, you have no right to free speech anymore. It's on paper - that whole First Amendment thing. But to protect it takes time and money. The crappy a$$ thing is that JL Kirk has more money and more resources than Kat (who SHOULD BE ABLE TO SAY WHAT HAPPENED TO HER AND WHAT SHE THOUGHT ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE WITHOUT FEAR OF BEING SUED).

Free speech is for those that can afford it.

Today, liberty died a little more. (/end melodramatic effect)

UPDATE: Evil Glenn (from the days of the War) has picked up the story. As a law professor, he does have some knowledge on the subject of free speech in the digital frontier.

UPDATE 2: I would like to remind JL Kirk Associates that the blogosphere took out John Kerry (Swiftboat Vets anyone?) and Dan Rather (fake memos). I'm sure the story will be picked up in the old school media as well as float around the internet for a while. The internets is nearly forever, ya know. Oops. You thought threatening Kat would stop it? No. It's just started. Just because Kat may be forced to take it down, doesn't mean that others won't keep it.

UPDATE 3: Newscoma is keeping a master list of bloggers writing on this story. My favorites are Bob Krumm (SERIOUS google juice) and Bill Hobbs. They should definately be read.

UPDATE 4: Bob's post made the front page of Fark.com. Read the thread here. Oh... the linky goodness.

I am a bad friend

A very bad friend.

I completely missed the birthday of one of my best friends, the former Miss O'Hara. And her husband.

No excuse. I am a dolt and I hurt her. I am sorry, sweetie.

Serious Time Waster

I feel the need - the need for Pink Kitty!

source: The Surrealist Movie Quote Generator

A Qualitative Comparison

Suhaila and I
Originally uploaded by pink-kitty.

There are dancers. Then there is Suhaila Salimpour. She is in a class all by herself.

Saturday night was the Bal Anat show, the first time ever in the Midwest and one of the few presentations outside of California. Bal is the French word for "dance" and Anat is the Mesopotamian mother goddess, so the show (and the first dance) is "Dance of the MotherGoddess".

I wish I could convey to you what that show was like. Amazing. Wonderful. Way better than Bellydance Superstars. This show should be on the road. It takes the viewer on a journey - the history and evolution of belly dance from its roots in the Mother Goddess rituals through the folk dances of North Africa and the Middle East (such as gahwazee, Algerian and the Tea Tray dance) to today with hip hop belly dance fusion and props such as veils and swords.

The opening had a processional of all the dancers coming down the aisles to the stage. The energy and joy they projected was emotionally overwhelming for me. I cried all the way through the entrance. One of the other non-belly dance performances that does that to me is Ben and Shalene Ermis dancing to O Mio Bambino Caro. I have it on tape and every time I watch it, I cry. The love for the dance and each other just pours out of the screen. See? Even as I am thinking about it right now, I am tearing up. 'Scuse me. *tissue dab*

I went up to talk to Suhaila about my injury and how it was affecting my dance. My roommates encouraged me to do so. She gave me some recommendations to take back to my physical therapist. "Tell him your your dance teacher said to do..."

"My dance teacher."

Suhaila called herself my dance teacher. I nearly squealed. I did scream when she was rolling my thigh - it hurt! She has hands like vice grips. 38 years of zil playing will do that.

Few people live up to the hype that sounds them. Fewer still exceed expectations. She launched past any pre-conceived notion I had about her and her teaching style.

I plan to go to California (eep!) to attend her Level-1 Certification workshop in later this year. After really being exposed to she and her mother's technique, I can see how it can and does transform the dance. Her mother is truly the root of belly dance in America, along with Ibrahim Farrar (who passed away a while ago). Total East Coast/West Coast drama, but according to Suhaila they loved each other and danced together often. Many of the terms we use are terms Jamilla Salimpour created. Maya. Turkish Drop. Basic Egyptian. I had no idea how much of an impact her mother had on my dancing. I can't wait to meet her.

She is 80 years old and still teaches! "And she will kick your butt, too." Can you imagine it? She has been dancing since the 1940's. 60 years devoted to her craft. The amount of knowledge and experience she has is likely to never be paralleled. Except for maybe Suhaila or her daughter (who is a doll-baby! You just want to put her on a shelf. So cute and so sweet.)

On my way home, I was listening to some songs that I have danced to in the past. I was seeing them in a whole new way after the choreography session this weekend. I heard new elements in the music. "If my feet went half time, then I could do interior hip squares full time... layer that with a undulation up to down..... while turning 6 counts to the right. Stop and turn 6 counts to the left." so you can see how complicated this art form can really be.

I am definitely blessed to have been a part of it and my dancing will be much better for it.

And it was all way better than Bellydance Superstars. Yeah - I'm saying it again 'cause it needs to be said. This isn't a smack to the dancers in that show (several of them are former students of Suhaila) but there isn't real variety in the show as compared to Bal Anat. There is no history. No depth. No real emotional experience for the viewer. Sure, you are entertained by pretty girls in cute costumes who are technically very good dancers with years of training in multiple dance styles but... it lacks depth. I would follow Bal Anat around the country like people follow(ed) the Dead or Widespread Panic.

Overheard at Opry Mills

Teenager on Cellphone (loudly): We are at the mall walking around.
Duke Diva (just as loud): No. Really? Are you?

Eric Volz Story on Today Show

On Monday, March 26th at approximately 7:30 am, the Today Show on NBC will feature the story of Eric Volz. Please urge your friends and family to watch and become involved in his case. This is a great step forward in gaining national and international attention for Eric's story.

The role of the press in Eric's case is incredibly important. The more who learn about his case on a national and international scale, the more there will be to come together in the broader fight for justice in places where lines of right and wrong have become blurred.

Eric and his family are humbled by the letters, prayers, and donations given to his defense. Please continue to spread the word about Eric's case and demand that justice be served.

Cancel or Allow?

"the many benefits...?"

Does that involve cancel or allow? I guess so because it took me to a site where I could buy Vista and other quality Microsoft products, like add ons to IE.

Yes, I drank the kool-aid and now look at Windows with great derision.

Update on Eric Volz on the web

His story is on page 1 of WSJ.com

And he has a myspace page

And the full list of updates is on the official site.

pink kitty cupcakes

pink kitty cupcakes
Originally uploaded by secret agent josephine.

Hee

Looking for something to do this weekend?

You are invited to the
Grand Opening of
Aladdin’s

Hookah Lounge and Bar

This Friday and Saturday: March 16th & 17th

With DJ spinning the
Hottest New Mixes of International music
Belly Dance Shows at 11:30pm
Featuring Linda and Elina
With guest artists Jennifer and Ciona

2206 Elliston Place
Nashville, TN 37203
615-329-3558
Food, beer, and wine served all night, 7 days a week
Over 30 flavors of Hookah!
Must be 18 or older
Open ‘till 3am
Free wireless internet

Fashion Disaster of Epic, Cosmic Proportions

blog post title courtesy of Elena...

Dagnabit.... I swear... I hate ugly clothes. I was just walking back from another building, and the girl in front of me was wearing a grey jersey knit mini dress with a green (large, thick, ugly) belt hiked up to create an empire waist. But wait - it gets worse... the dress had a pilgrim style white collar thing.

And she was probably wearing flip-flops but I don't know. I was in shock—and still need therapy—after the pilgrim collar thing.

In the Springtime...

the only pretty ringtime, birds sing heyding... Sweet lovers love...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

pasty white legs
flip flops
manfeet

That's all I have to say about that.

Hello. My name is Pink Kitty, and I am a slacker.

OK. I admit it. I'm a slacker. I read the sparkpeople boards almost daily but don't post. Today is a day I am going to change that. Why?

Because I need to take a real active role in my own weight loss. When I started working with Allison (my dietitian) in November 2005, the weight came off like gang busters. Every week, I went in and lost at least 2 lbs. I know initially, alot of that was water weight. As March and April rolled around, it tapered off to about a pound a week.

I dropped 2 dress sizes in 6 months. I coasted. It wasn't hard work.

When I moved in July, I stopped paying attention to what I was eating. I stopped keeping my food records. I believe the only thing that kept me from ballooning back to my original size was the fact that I exercised alot. Dance classes several times a week. Walking 10,000+ steps per day.

I also toned up quite a bit too. So the time wasn't completely wasted.

This morning, however, I went into my closet and pulled out a pair of pants that I haven't worn since last summer (it's finally warm enough to wear them again). And I couldn't zip them.

I thought I would hyperventilate. I couldn't believe it. Actually... in truth... I can. I've been eating like crazy, especially when I get home from work.

I am still a stress eater. I eat when I don't feel well. I actually would rather exercise but I can't physically do as much as I would like (and my physical therapist wouldn't recommend too much activity anyway until my back and abdominal muscles are stronger). Since I can't exercise much, I eat. And when I've been to the store, I've been buying crap - chips, ice cream.

So, tonight, when I get home, I'm throwing whatever is left out of the chips and ice cream. I don't care if they are barely or un-opened bags or how much they cost. They are gone.

Today after physical therapy, I will be meeting with the coordinator of the fitness center at the rehab place. I can stay on and use their gym for up to 6 months after being released from therapy. It is right across the street from my office. That will make it super convenient to go right after work. You meet with a personal trainer twice at the beginning, again at 3 months and at 6 months (or whenever you would like to pay for their additional services). I know that will be a real benefit to me - to have access to a full range of equipment and expertise. You can only do it alone for so long, you know?

So, today, I'm getting started all over again. I don't know what my weight right now is... probably between [Hey - I'm not putting here for you people - sorry] given that I couldn't zip up my size 18 pants (I know - it does depend on the cut. I put on a size 16 pair this weekend and could almost get them zipped up.)

I am going to stick to under 1700 calories per day. I will actually use the meal tracker. I will start to use some of the recipes. With my therapist and trainer at the gym, I will come up with appropriate exercises. I will eventually get back into my regular dance classes (right now they aren't fun because I hurt! And that frustrates Todd, which frustrates me. We've been snipping at each other. It's just bad.)

I know I can lose the weight. Thanks for letting me rant but I just need to say it out loud (so to speak). Seeing it in print will make it more real. Knowing that other people have read it will make me accountable.

* originally posted on sparkpeople.com *

What I Heard

Last night was the first meeting of a new class at church - Conversations with the Women in my Head. The lady teaching it is a phenomenal teacher and speaker. She is very open, honest, and transparent about her life which helps to encourage other people to share what is going on. I’ve taken her classes for several years and was among the first to sign up for this one.

So, knowing that there are people in there who would put her on a pedestal because she’s up there teaching, she offered up this story to knock herself off of it before they had a chance. “Before you hold me up there, just remember that last week… I was almost a convicted felon.”

Huh? Wha? How did that happen, D? And knowing her, this is going to be on HOOT of a story. So the short version is that a couple of weeks ago, she was pulled over in Spring Hill for busted tail lights and expired tags. When they ran her license, it has been suspended over a ticket in 2004 which they said she hadn’t paid and they were going to arrest her and impound her 1992 red Chevy mini-van.

After dragging 2 more officers into the situation, putting her in the back of the police car with blaring lights in front of half the town of Spring Hill, they graciously decide to release her on her own recognizance as soon as someone gets there to pick her and drive the van back home. So on Monday, she and her mother have to go to the Department of Safety to get a copy of the original citation in 2004 and proof that it WAS PAID in 2004.

And then she had to go through a nightmare process to get her license reinstated at the DMV.

And then she had to go back to Spring Hill to answer these charges. She said a magistrate stepped in her on behalf and spoke to the judge and they dropped all the charges save for some court costs.

D explained what the voices in her head were telling her – I hate my husband (she admits this was completely irrational and she does love him very much). I hate my car. How can you be so stupid? They were constantly beating her down until the magistrate stepped in.

She made the comparison that this magistrate was like Jesus stepping in and acting as a mediator, an advocate on our behalf to God.

What were the voices telling me?

“Yeah BUT Jesus didn’t create the situation that caused his execution. He ISN’T part of the problem! He is the solution! Faulty comparison, D. This is why I hate the government. Granted Spring Hill isn’t a hotbed for criminal activity but surely it didn’t take 3 officers to arrest a not hysterical woman. They aren’t protecting and serving. They are the lowest form of tax collectors. Can you tell me what possible harm her expired tags were causing society? None! A notice about the break lights I could possibly understand. Maybe. And all of this was compounded because 3 years ago, some state employee didn’t enter her payment correctly and they automatically suspended her license – without notifying her! I hate the government. NOW do you really understand why I am libertarian?!”

In talking with some women after class about it, I went through a not so full-of-anger version of this and when I got to the libertarian part, I think I scared them.

South Park Personality Quiz

What's that heavy breathing?

That's Wesson trying to catch the fly through the window. Lucky for the fly - it's outside.

*thonk* That would be his head hitting the glass. Silly kitty.

You'll have to wait....

until June.

But if you thought my first showcase routine was rockin'...
wait'll ya see the next one!!

We did most of the choreography for Summer showcase last night, and this new dance is hawt.

Like "oh my god, I will actually be doing *that*?!" hawt!
"Wait... Todd's married, right? Is Alisa ok with this?"

The answer is yes, yes, and yes.

Yummy

Yummy
Originally uploaded by pink-kitty.

I like camera straps, mommy. They are tasty.

Caption Contest

Have fun!

GUILTY!

Eric Volz has been found guilty of murder in Nicaragua. Please visit his website (linked in above in the subject) to read more about the decision as well as to contact your Congressional and Senatorial representatives. Contact them as soon as you can.

Keep praying for his family and his safety.
Pray that the appeals process will be swift and the Embassy will work with the local government to have him released.

Cutest Kitty Picture

Gotcha again !!!
Originally uploaded by vanstaffs.

you will see today. Tussi is one of my favorite kitties... aside from my own, of course. And Remmy, my cat-nephew.

Behaving Badly

Is it possible that of all people, K-Fed could come out for the better (in the public eye that is) because Britney is acting like an idiot?

After Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey were separated, public sympathy was overwhelmingly in favor of Nick. It seems to always goes to the woman by default.

I got to thinking about it yesterday. I don't know why other than some random image I saw on TV about Britney's latest fling in NYC and that her ex's, Justin Timberlake and K-Fed, were overheard at a Grammy event talking about her.

Could Britney do in divorce what she couldn't do in marriage - give K-Fed public sympathy/credibility? At least for the short term. I mean - he is a joke, right? He can't possible milk this for more than say 30 minutes of fame? Can he? Or is this a warning sign of the apocalypse?

Sugar Overload

So, if all the candy and cookies from yesterday's Valentine's Day snacky table wasn't enough, we had King Cake and doberge cake sent up from Gambino's in New Orleans for the web launch celebration.

Elena... I think I need some of your insulin or something. ;)

Bland food here I come.

Snippet of Conversation

Elena and I went to Parisia's for dinner Saturday night. I think I caught a snippet of something on CNN out of the corner of my eye and this sent me on an anti-government rant.

Elena: Uh... you are more anti-government than usual tonight.
PK: Well, we watched Serenity last night and I watched V for Vendetta today.
Elena: That explains it.
PK: Yeah. And I haven't even paid my taxes yet. I should probably take something to keep me calm during that experience.

* partially modified because I can * :)

Continue to Pray for Eric Volz

Please continue to pray for Eric Volz. His trial started yesterday.

For more update information, go to Friends of Eric Volz.

Specific prayer requests from the Web site:
• Safety of all involved in and surrounding the trial: Eric, witnesses, press, attorneys, bystanders, security, police
• Health of one of Eric’s key defense team who is sick with the flu
• Judge
• Mother & family of Doris (the murder victim)
• That the trial is swift and that Eric will be free on Friday!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!
Originally uploaded by Zach's Dame.

Not my photo but I like it.

Groundhog Day

Punxsutawney Phil has predicted an early spring.

Yay.

But.... how can he see his shadow with all those cameras and people around? Huh?

Unusual Sights

Moving Snowman
Originally uploaded by pink-kitty.

Since it doesn't snow very often, the roads can be difficult.

But... heh... you do see some fun stuff.

Wrongful Imprisonment

Eric Volz is the son of a woman (Maggie Anthony) that Elena and I knew when we were at Belmont University. She was the Philosophy Dept. secretary (a place where we spent way too much time on the horrid yellow couch.) Her husband is Dane Anthony, former campus minister at Belmont (I worked with him at the time through SGA) and now Associate Dean of Students. He's Eric's step-father.

Eric is currently being held in Nicaragua for a murder he did not commit.

To learn more about his case, send him a note of encouragement, and to donate to his defense, please visit Friends of Eric Volz.

Belmont will be hosting a benefit concert next Wednesday, Jan 24, 7:30 pm in Massey Auditorium. Cost is $20 and all ticket sales will go toward his defense.

Fellow believers, pray and believe that he will be released from prison.

Time for Dancing

If you are so inclined, you can come see me and other faboo dancers at the Maxwell House Hotel this weekend. My times are as follows:

Friday morning - various heats 9am to 12pm (American Rhythm)
Saturday morning - various heats 8 to 11 am and 3 to 4:30 (American Smooth and International Latin respectively)
Sunday morning - various heats 10 to 11 am (International Standard) and.....
---------- drumroll please solo exhibition of the Showcase Routine sometime after 3:30

Matinee prices are $15 and you can come and go as you like. More information at competition website.

Broken down, but not down in the mouth

Pink Kitty's laptop is in the shop, so she's blogging less, folks. Plus, this weekend is the Nashville Starz competition! I haven't counted up exactly how many times she'll be dancing, but it's a lot! And she'll be doing her famous faboo samba on Sunday during a series of solo exhibitions.

From all the dance practice, PK's back problem has flared up again. Those of y'all who are sibs in Christ---join us in believing that PK's back is gonna be totally healed! Intercede on her behalf!

Her computer may be broken down, her back may be giving her fits, but she's not down in the mouth. She's movin' on, in classic PK-style!!


Here's a classic PK quote: "The deeper the can'ts go, the harder it is to climb up out of the pit."

Preach it, sister!

Squirrel with a Twix Wrapper

Squirrel with a Twix Wrapper
Originally uploaded by pink-kitty.

Yeah... ok... so more rodents with trash in the trees.

It's still hilarous. The wrapper was almost completely stuck on his head.

That's a squirrel with a cup in a tree

Funniest thing I ever saw... aside from a Zune that is.

iWants it!

Must... have... the precious.

Sorry, for 2 days now I have been stuck in Gollum-mode, drooling over the iPhone. I even put a picture up at my desk next to my South Park and Zunecasting cartoons.

Pinch or squirt? Come on. No contest. And it doesn't come in brown. It is my incentive to lose 30 more lbs by June 2007. I can't get it until I reach the 100 lbs lost part. It is better than the red dress from Charlotte Russe I'm still waiting to wear out in public. And way better than chocolate chocolate biscotti.

Anyway, the iPhone makes me happy. Why? It is going to make my life so much easier, I can't even begin to tell you. Some people gripe about the size. I have an iPod mini that I've barely touched on its storage capacity in the few months I've had it, so I don't think it will be a problem.

It will replace my cell phone (buh-bye anyway), my iPod mini (so sad), and my date book. I had a Palm for a long time but got so frustrated with the thing that I went back to a paper date book December 2005.

This little device has prompted me to get my Address Book in order.

Shoot, I will even be using iCal since I will be able to sync back and forth easily from the phone to the hard drive.

I may even drop my land line to use this as my primary phone. I'm still thinking about that.

Sure, all the hard core tech folks are saying they have been doing this for years. But Apple made it easy. And Apple made me want it.

Something funny....

The human body moving well is beautiful

- Morocco (belly dancer)

Misery is a communicable disease – Martha Graham

Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance. Great dancers are not great because of their technique; they are great because of their passion. – Martha Graham

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

This post isn't going where you think it's going. I hope that you will be pleasantly surprised.

I don't believe Brittney should have removed the comment. I really believe in a ‘once it is up, it stays up’ kind of thing. We should be men and women enough to accept the consequences of what we say, hear, and read. To me, it was all a part of God teaching me a valuable lesson which I will get to in a moment.

After receiving so many positive comments both here, at the studio and on sparkpeople, the negative was eventually going to come around. It reminded me that I need to accept both with grace and humility. Now – that does not mean I have to place value on either the good or the bad. Or find my value in either the good or the bad. My value comes from who God thinks I am. For a while, I forgot that.

The problem comes when one says they are ignoring the negative comments but feed on the positive ones, going so far as to seek them out. I admit to doing that from time to time. On those occasions, I send stuff to my friends who are likely to tell me something good.

See, Friday was the condition for the perfect storm. I was feeling down about myself because my weight loss has kind of stalled and I haven't been eating what I am supposed to (which makes this whole thing rather circular). And then this happened. I could have wallowed in self-pity and eaten everything in the house. I could have deleted my blog, the video and sworn never to set virtual foot online again. Even worse, I could have decided that the one negative comment was too much to take and stop dancing.

People like Wintermute would have anyone who doesn't fit the mold to be out of the public sphere. When Mark was here after New Year's, I told him about the emails I get on almost a daily basis from other folks at sparkpeople.com who tell me that I am inspiration because I am out there dancing. I found it really surprising and had no idea how to respond to these folks other than ‘thanks and here are some suggestions for where you can get started.’ “I always thought I was too fat to do it. Maybe I will get out there and take lesson!” He said “Of course you are. You are out there living your life without fear or concern for what others think.”

Coming out of belly dancing (which is very body-friendly and accepting), I had no problem with ballroom and just went for it. Because part of my identity as a dancer was formed in a different discipline, it never occurred to me that my body would bother or offend other people.

People like Wintermute attempt to rob people like me of life through public shame and harassment. Fat people stay in there homes having been hounded for so long, made fun of, made to feel ugly and ashamed for what they look like. 18 months ago, a person like Wintermute might have succeeded with me. For a few minutes, he did.

However, it is today and it didn't work. I will not hide. I will not be ashamed. I will continue to live my life as God and I see fit, and that includes dancing. If he was bothered by that, what is he going to think when I finally perform belly dancing in public?!

One of my favorite quotes:

After our shows, the most commonly heard remark to us from our audiences are how happy we look and how happy that made them feel. That is the most important compliment to me, that we were successful in sharing the joy we feel while dancing with our audiences so much so that they feel it too! Joy is contagious! We also hear how 'we light up the room when we dance' and how 'our beaming/radiant faces are a joy to behold.' Who doesn't want/need to feel joy? That is a basic human need. - Kajira Djoumahna (belly dancer)

I will continue to live with joy.

I would like to thank Wintermute.... now, before you yell at me “WTF, PK! WHY?!”, let me explain.

Thanks to Wintermute, the Nashville blogging community came out to defend me and call a spade a spade… or in this case a jerk (and many other colorful words). It is very clear to me that this very unusual social experiment has turned into a real community. It makes me glad to be a part of such a community. It revealed his true nature – one that is ugly… uglier than any perceived unattractiveness of my physical being.

Thanks to him, many of you watched the video when you might not otherwise have done so (no offense taken). More people have now seen it than were in attendance at the original event I think. You have said many wonderful and very kind things. Thanks to the other bloggers who have viewed the video and taken the time to comment and e-mail. I appreciate it very much.

I hope that it will bring some of you out to watch my next competition (Jan 19-21 – we will be performing this number again Sunday afternoon) or even better that you will give dancing a try. You don't have to make it your hobby or.. er.. life's passion... but once you get over the initial shock of learning something new, I'm sure you will have fun. There are plenty of people who dance socially without ever having designs on competition or performing in showcases. Don't think that in order to dance, you have to take it as far as I have. You are not too fat or too old. If George Hamilton and Jerry Springer can waltz, you can too! ;)

Thanks to him, many of you who don't regularly visit my blog have stopped by. Too bad I don't post regularly anymore or else I'd ask you to stay. But do come back on occasion :) And I will do my best to make it to the next blogger meetup.

Thanks to him, he also got a spike in his sitemeter hits. Or should that be thanks to me since I was the person who posted the video that started this in the first place.

Wintermute, I would like to thank you for reminding me that I am valued by God. It is His opinion of me that really matters. And He loves me. He even loves you. My human mind is still working on why. I'm sure God will reveal it to me in the fullness of time. You also reminded me that I need to pray for lots of different people, even those that are difficult to love. I've said a prayer for you a few times over the weekend when I started to feel a little down on myself. And because God loves me just as I am, I am learning to love me just as I am.

It is because of God's grace that I don't respond to how I would have in the past - full of vitrol, anger, and hurt. I believe the general concensus is that Wintermute is any number of names and my adding to the pile doesn't do anything to advance discourse.

It has also opened up discussion on deletion polices, body image, and language - things that I never intended to happen when I posted the video.

What Wintermute has done to himself is show that his karma isn’t grounded in a good place. The fruit of his thoughts and actions are nasty. (Thought I would put that in his religious background, not just my own.) Second, somewhere on his blog he states that people respect him. I'm sure THAT will happen when he returns to NiT. I leave that up to the other readers. Treat him however you would like.

Most importantly, I would like to thank Mark (Digital Cowboy) for being there and listening to me at my most upset and speaking words of wisdom and truth to me when I needed to hear them most. Thanks, Mark, the conversation meant more than you will know.

Happening this weekend!

You are invited to the RhythMystik World Music and Art Festival
Featuring some of Nashville’s Amazing Belly Dancers….
Please assemble all your friends and family and come celebrate the first Saturday of the New Year with RhythMystik and other Local Artists!

This event features an art exhibit by several of Nashville’s finest artists Full Circle Art, smoking hot drumming and dance performances by RhythMystik Tribal Percussion Duo and some of Nashville’s wonderful Belly Dancers. To top it all off, capitalFRESH! lays down the super funk.

RhythMystik World Music, Art and Dance Festival
· Full Circle Art Show 6:30pm
· Belly Dance Artists 8:30pm: featuring Linda, Jennifer, Alliah, Ciona, Shabnam, Marlow, Genevive, and Layla Ocara!
· RhythMystik 9:30pm
· capitalFRESH! 11:00pm

Saturday, Jan, 6
1st SATURDAY OF 2007!!!
12th and Porter - (615) 254-7236
$5.00

Bein' a Star

See for yourself....

Stop saying...

"See you next year!"

It's annoying and not cute. "I'll see you Tuesday" or "have a happy new year" are far more appropriate.

Advice

One of my neighbors apparently doesn't understand how to use the trash cans provided by Metro. They were just putting one bag in my trash can and that didn't bother me. When they filled it up, I was so angry, I couldn't see straight. After completely filling it for 2 weeks in a row (to the point I had no room for my 1 bag of trash), I put a lock on mine. That has worked so far.

Now, this _@(&#)&@! has filled up someone else's can AND the green recyclable container with trash. I wouldn't be bothered by this at all IF they actually put the cans to the street, but they don't. They have been sitting there for weeks - full. I picked through it to see if I could find anything with a name or a unit number so I could talk to them (and order a trash can from Public Works to be delivered to them on their behalf). No such luck to date. Apparently, they do not receive mail or other packages with an address on it but they drink a helluva lot of wine and beer.

Yes, this is completely petty but come spring, there will be a serious problem with inscets if this idiot doesn't learn how to take his/her trash to the street. And my back deck faces the trash area. Suggestions on how to handle this?

Merry Christmas everybody!

Have a great weekend and a very happy holiday!

PK

I shouldn't laugh...

but it was funny.

A grown man on a scooter, throwing his helmet on the ground in a hissy fit about something. I don't know what. I tried really really hard not to laugh but I did start snickering once my back was to him.

Memo to me: throw fits out of sight of other people.

Bad Parenting, Exploitation, Radio, and Annoyance

107.5 The River has been playing calls into their Santa tip line or whatever it is. Parents and children can leave messages about who has been naughty or nice. This morning, a mother was saying over and over how bad her son was, that he doesn't listen to his mom, he was awful and that Santa should not visit him this year. All while I'm assuming said child was screaming in the background.

The second one I remember was a young girl calling in to say she had been good. In the background, her mother said "No you haven't!" The girl responded with "MOM!" and nearly went into tears.

Something that was intended to be funny and amusing exposes the emotional abuse that can and does occur with parenting. I'm sure the conversations went like "If you don't do X, I'm going to call Santa and tell him not to visit you this year." The mother in the first message was obviously distressed and at the end of her rope.

Granted, I'm not parent. I'm not particularly fond of children so say whatever you want about my grandstanding or speaking without knowledge or experience. I don't care.

I know what I heard. What I heard wasn't funny. It was sad, manipulative, hurtful, and angry. And I won't be listening any more.

Desde Brasil

Botafogos...
Originally uploaded by pink-kitty.

Since you weren't there, you can see the photostream on flickr.

It was actually difficult to choose from the photos. There were a number of pictures with really good lines and angles (but strange expressions) that I left behind.

People were still talking about it over a week after the event. It was the number that 'woke the crowd up' and got them into the show. I had several people tell me it was the highlight of Act I or their favorite number. Even David Hamilton told me that I did an amazing job and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

Todd said that after 24 years in the business, he tends to be kind of jaded when it comes to Showcase routines. "Oh great - another showcase. Let's hurry up and get it over with so we can get back to other things." He did say that after the opening step sequence he said to himself "wow - this is fun!"

That's when he told me we will be doing this routine again at Nashville Starz (formerly The Dancer's Cup) in January. It will be open to the public. Information is at http://www.nashvillestarz.net/

Kind of a duh thing...

But... yeah... blogging is really not my thing right now. I don't really have anything to say. Actually, I probably do (as evidenced by the 20 minutes discussion in the parking lot outside the studio on why I am a libertarian and NO it isn't a wasted vote. You may think you are being practical by holding your nose and voting for one of the major parties but if you don't agree with them... that is a wasted vote.

Turd or douche - you decide. It was really cold.)

but I'm really lazy right now. Too much mental energy that I don't have.

So, I'll be back... whenever.

Doctor's Visit: Update

I got the bloodwork report back. My cholesterol is 147. "Excellent" as my doctor put it. The HDL (good) cholesterol as well as my iron counts are still low but improved over my last visit back in May.

Praise God!

Exercise. Eat right. There ya go.

Casino Royale

KICKED A$$!!!! I LOVED IT. OK, I'll stop screaming now. I give this movie my "yes, it is worth it to pay full price" rating. I definately want to see it again.

Daniel Craig is a much better Bond than I thought he would be. In fact, dare I say it, he's better than my personal favorite Bond, Sean Connery. In fact, I really wanted to make my place sort of inspired by From Russia, With Love/Goldfinger in terms of style. But, even I don't want to live in some place that looked like my nana bought the stuff new and never updated her surroundings. There's vintage and then there is sad.

I really should go back and watch the Timothy Dalton era movies again. From my readings, I may be short changing him. I've seen all the Bond movies (and am a fan... der.) Some I really like. Others - I would gouge my eyes out if forced to watch them again.

I loved Craig's version of Bond - ruthless, intelligent, yet full of humanity. And for his personal hatred of guns - meh. He handled the prop guns well enough.

They cut out the camp (with a couple of one-liners thrown in for good humor). I did miss John Cleese as R (Q's replacement). I liked Judi Dench alot more in this movie than I did in her previous attempts at M. The score was AMAZING - will be getting that off of iTunes. The opening sequence rocked (even the Chris Cornell song is growing on me.) Some reviewers complained about the long poker scene. I enjoyed it. I thought it was broken up with some good action bits as well as the extended action sequences.



It just kept going and going. There were at least 2 times when I thought the movie was over. But no! There's more stuff to blow up!

This movie is seriously PK-approved. Go see it. If you have seen it, go see it again.

Getting Fiber

After a visit to CVS to buy some fiber supplements, I remembered that Amazon now carries some groceries. I typed in "Fiberchoice" and got the following results:


It might be a little difficult to make out but that is a book that came out WAY after her 15 minutes of fame flitted on past (though how Wonkette managed to extend them is beyond me). The Washingtonienne by Jessica Cutler.

Who? You might be asking. Well, Ms. Cutler made a name for herself and the seedy side of the blogosphere by writing about her sexual escapades while working on Capitol Hill a while ago. Whenever that was.

I agree with Miss O'Hara: there has to be a better way to get fiber than eating her "crappy" book.

A Doctor's Visit

I went for my annual physical today.

My blood pressure is 120/80 (on the left arm) and 119/89 (on the right). He said that so long as the numbers were within 10, it was ok. The real point is that the overall numbers are down from my May visit, which was 135/90.

He's anxious to get the bloodwork back to see if my good cholestoral has gone up. It was low.

He was beyond happy to see the change in my body and the blood pressure. Like I predicted, he didn't take me off the diuretic but give it another 6 months and maybe... just maybe...

On to the not good news: I have tendonitis in my left foot and bursitis in my right hip from overuse. He suggested that I visit a speciality shoe place to get some tennis shoes with higher arch support (I have no arch apparently). If it keeps up for more than a couple of weeks, he told me to call and get a referral to an orthopod. He also suggested I throw out all of my shoes that in any way lean to the outside of the foot.

My weight used to lean to the outside of my foot, causing it to roll. As I have lost weight, the movement over my foot as been more centered.

At least he didn't tell me to stop dancing. 'Cause if he did that, we would have had a little talk about 'OK, if I was a football player with a million dollar bonus for 100 yards rushing every game, you would find a way I could rush 100 yards every game. Find a way I can keep dancing.'

Return of the caption contest!

I couldn't decide. So here are two pictures for you.

Overheard at VU

A pair of young men discussing the Clintons.

Something about Bill Clinton and teabagging... eww. And this gem:

"The people of DC are smart enough to not vote for Hillary C."

PK - literally chewing on her tongue and thinking: "Yeah... and apparently you aren't smart enough to know she's the Senator from New York and DC doesn't have a senator."

Randomness

I don't know why I got to thinking about this incident. I was working at the legislature in 1999. I spent alot of time hanging out with the staff in Sen. Ben Atchley's office, who was the minority leader at the time. For Sundquist's inauguration, we got together and had coffee that morning and sat in a little group at the Plaza for his speech. I think my rear was frozen to my chair by the end of it.

Either later that day or the next day, Elena and I got all spiffied up to go to the open house at the Governor's Residence. We parked at Judson Baptist and rode the shuttle over. We stood in line to shake hands with the Governor (who knew that 5 months later, I would be standing in the plaza calling him a liar among other colorful words during the horn-honking income tax protests.)

So, I told you all that to tell you this. I will never forget the woman that stood in front of us in line: an older Asian woman with tatooed eyebrows that had faded from black to blue (which is what black tatoo ink does over time.)

I hate plucking and waxing my brows as much as the next girl but I will not go so far as to a line permanently stenciled on my forehead, unless I lost the hair to chemo or something. That's just freaky.

More being peeved...

Kat is peeved (or is it that Brittney is peeved and Kat is a hypocrite... ah, it doesn't matter) about the use of the English language, specifically by Americans inserting British-isms into their every day speech.

Adding to this, I would like to say that the word is "library" not "liberry." That was cute when you were 2. Please say it correctly now that you are an adult.

Thank you.

PK

Why and Ways I love my MacBook Pro

A couple months ago, I bought a refurb MacBookPro - shortly after they were released. For a while, it has been really nothing more than a way to get on the internet and use my iPod. Until Monday that is.

I had a choreography session with Todd and David for the upcoming winter showcase. Since I don't own a camcorder, I thought I would record it with my digital camera and burn it onto DVD using iMovie and iDVD software. I've recorded video before but never pulled it off the memory card. This was the theory... I was praying that it would actually work.

The reaction from people at the studio was funny when I pulled out my tiny camera.

"THAT'S going to record the video? It's so small!"
"What? I have a 2 gig memory card in there. It will hold up to 17 minutes of video. How long do you plan to talk?"
"OK. If you say so. Start the camera on me so you can see everything from the beginning."

I'm home. Now it's time to go to work. There it is, asking me if I want to make iPhoto the default software for my Canon camera. It recognized my camera... neat! Why yes, of course. iPhoto loaded the stuff from my camera without the need for loading the special Canon software. Boom. All ready for me to view and edit. Now I can't wait to get the rest of my pictures loaded onto there! Not now - must edit video.

Without looking at the help menu, I pieced together my 2 snippets of video in iMovie. iDVD was a little more complicated. It took me about 30 minutes to figure that out and get the DVD ready to burn. I'm not sure why it took so long to index the file but 30 minutes later, I had my first DVD. It isn't super spiffy. It doesn't need to be - it's just for Todd and myself as a reference. The whole time I was thinking "this never would have been this easy on a PC - even the new one at work. WOW. I love you MacBook Pro!!!"

And Wednesday night - I was able to rip the audio from the choreography video and put it onto my iPod so that I have the music at the right tempo to practice with. Talk about one happy dancer!!! Can I even do that with a commonly available Windows program like Real or WMP? I have no idea. I don't care. I love my Mac.

Hotlanta

Ugh. So I spent most of last week in my not-so-favorite-place on the planet - Atlanta. I went for the Hotlanta Dance Challenge. Some of the best pro-am couples in the country were there as well as some of the top professionals. And of course, it wouldn't be a Pink Kitty event without being snarky about the icky outfits ballroom dancers have a tendancy to wear.


I would have given her the Ugly Dress Award....

And lots more at flickr.

God Listens

Yesterday I found a picture of Ben and Shalene Ermis from the US National Championships (at which they won their 2nd Smooth title and won the 9-dance competition!). I love to see pictures of the pair, as well as to watch them teach and dance. You can see their love and passion for dance, and for each other, in pretty much every move. Just from brief observations I learn quite a bit. I don't watch their lessons for very long because, in my mind, that would be stealing. (I'm not paying for that time, and I shouldn't try to pick up on what they are teaching at that given moment.) But every now and then, I hear or see something that catches my attention, and I watch for a moment.

I looked at that photo for a while and thought, Wow... I've been at the studio almost a year now, and I've never spoke to Shalene more than just a brief greeting in passing or an apology when there is a collision on the dance floor. I wonder if she even notices me.

Anyway, Todd starts off my recent lesson by telling me how many people have been coming up to him and telling him how great they think my hair looks. They love the color and think it is really becoming. I say thanks and we get to work.

About 15 minutes in, Shalene comes and says, "May I interrupt, Todd?"
Todd: "Sure."
I'm thinking it is something business related, what with the competition coming up and all.

She looks me straight in the eye and says, "I wanted to tell you that I see how great you are doing. You are looking SO GOOD. I can see how your waist is slimming up and how your dancing has improved so much over the last few weeks. You look amazing. Truly amazing. You must feel so much better. I am so happy for you." This was said with typical Shalene enthusiasm and passion.

I thought I was going to cry and in my head I said, Thank You, God, for hearing me! and to her I said, "Thanks" and gave her a big hug. Shalene's been watching me... and my dancing is actually watchable! *jumps up and down*

Todd said that the unsolicited compliments are such a boost: encouragement to me as the student and to him as the teacher (his peers are recognizing that he's doing something right). He said, "You work and work, and you wonder if anyone is noticing and then something like that happens... it really helps people see the benefits. It feels good for me. I can't imagine how you must feel."

PK: "High."

There are times when I pray, I feel as though it is into a void. I don't see any fruit (that is one of the challenges to those called to prayer ministry: we pray and pray and may never see the result of that prayer on this side of heaven). God seems so distant and silent. I begin to wonder if He's listening at all. And then... *boom* something I desperately needed to hear from someone I respect and admire, is His answer to me.

God isn't only listening - He's answering. It may not seem like much of anything to you, but it means the world to me.

Finding Ways to get Shot

Apparently, one of my neighbors is attempting to get shot. By me.

Last night. It's sometime after 11:30. I finished up my laundry. Watched a little TV and headed upstairs to go to bed. I clicked all the lights out downstairs and as I get to the top of the stairs I see a shadow approach the door and move from side to side as though he was trying to see inside.

Of course he couldn't because of the new ArtGlass films I put over the windows in the door.

I went into my spare bedroom, loaded my Sig and walked back down to where I could see out the window. I could see a bevy of my neighbors gathered across the street. They waved. Twice. Then I finally waved back.

Stupid.

You don't just walk up to someone's door at 11:30 at night without a reason. Scaring me like that is a real good way to get shot. My light had been on all evening. If you had wanted to ask me something, ring the doorbell.

Incidentally, there is a new crime wave happening related to Halloween - pumpkins being smashed through car windows. My co-worker daughter's car was hit last night by a pumpkin and it went through one of the windows of her car. It wasn't on the street; it was in her parents' driveway.

The police said they had several reports of that occuring throughout the county. She wanted the police to come out and take fingerprints off the pumpkin. They wouldn't. They only look for fingerprints in the cases of murder, home invasion, and rape.

If Chief Serpas is all about preventing crime by pulling motorists over in droves (since someone with a busted tail light could also be a drug dealer), wouldn't it seem reasonable that we could prevent other crimes by fingerprinting smashed pumpkins? Doesn't that kind of mischief show a tendancy for the disregard of private property? What is to stop them from graduating to car theft? They already know how to get inside a car.

UT Man (my brother) Marries Bama Girl

Doesn't he look great in his dress blue uniform?

I was given the honor of standing in for the mother of the groom (since our parents are both deceased). I cried through the rehearsal. I cried through all the songs played before Bama Girl came down the aisle. Elena made me cry when the couple was leaving, asking if I felt UT Man was all grown up. But for a change, they were all happy tears. It was nice to go to a happy event for our family.

A couple of people told me they couldn't look at me because I was crying---that it would have gotten them to crying.

Our aunt and uncle (our mom's brother) came. They asked me, "So when are we going to have one of these for you?"
PK: *sigh* "Well, I have to be dating someone first.... that is usually the first step."
Relatives: "Yeah... I guess you have been busy."

I SWEAR---questions like that make my head hurt.

DC (who is blogging again now, by the way - go see his new layout and stuff. He's supposed to put up some pictures soon from Cowboy Camp Meeting - don't make me into a liar, Mark) said that I should have said, "When God starts making real men again."

You can see more pictures from the rehearsal and the wedding on flickr.

The perfect Aryan Couple...

I don't know why but I was a little bothered by this ad that appeared in my mailbox this morning.



They are just a little too perfect... a little too white... a little too blue-eyed. They scare me.

Must See Movie

I certainly don't need any help in suspecting and distrusting the government. I never ever want to hear the phrase "I'm from the government and I'm here to help" because... well, quite franly, I don't think so.

So there's a movie to help keep people like me on pins and needles and thinking 'how can I get out of the system'. National ID cards? RFID chips in citizens? Finally, people are asking the question: where is the law that says my labor is to be taxed?

America: Freedom to Fascism will be playing at the Belcourt starting Oct. 6th. Congressman Ron Paul is in it. He is the only libertarian in Congress.

Aaron Russo also attempted to run as the LP candidate for President in 2004.

No Kitty... that's my pie....

With the release of Shows - South Park: The Hits, Vol. 1 - Matt and Trey's Top Ten on DVD next week, I thought it would be appropriate to give you PK's personal South Park top ten:

1) Die, Hippie, Die - this is the best episode ever. The drum circle hippie... the giggling stoner hippie.. and the worst of them all - the college know-it-all hippie. I LOVE THIS EPISODE!
2) Return of the Fellowship of the Rings to the Two Towers - They did a good job of hitting the high points of the films and its iconic scenes.
3) Cartman gets an anal probe - the first episode. I howl with laughter every time I see it.
4) Douche and Turd - American politics summed up in 20-25 minutes. Brilliant.
5) All About Mormons - More from the musical side of South Park. "dumb dumb dumb dumb... Lucy Harris - Smart smart smart smart"
6) Smug Alert - The smugness of hybrid driving South Park folk collides with the smugness of George Clooney and causes a diaster of Katrina-like proportions.
7) Two Days before the day after tomorrow - continuing the enviro trend... it's global warming and it's coming for you! EVERYBODY PANIC!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
8) Trapped in the Closet - and I got a gun... *duck and cover* Tom Cruise - come out of the closet.
9) South Park is Gay - The women of South Park do what we all sort of wish would happen - kill the Queer Eye guys. That show was cool the first few times but now? Not so much. How many times can they say "use skin care" and "slow down while shaving" and dressing them all to look like hipsters before people just get completely sick of it? Apparently alot because it is still on the air.
10) Death Camp of Tolerance - Pointing out the difference between tolerance and acceptance. They are so brave.

Honorable mentions:
Trapper Keeper (I can't let you do that Kyle....)
Grey Dawn (Attack of Senior Citizen drivers... stop them at Country Kitchen Buffet - thanks Geeky voice for the correction.)
The Red Badge of Gayness (Cartman relives the Civil War and almost wins)
Cancelled (it's great when they go back and poke fun at themselves by revisiting Cartman gets an anal probe)
Raisins (All the pain, saddness, Peter Gabriel/Say Anything one can stand outside of that movie.... "Besides, I'd rather be a crying little pu**y than a faggy Goth kid")

Spending My Money...

A conversation last night at the studio between classes...

Fellow Student: Todd told me you are going to Ohio.
PK: What?
FS: Yeah. He said that you were planning to go to the Ohio Star Ball.
PK: *sighs... looks shocked* We hadn't talked about it... this is the second time that he's run around telling people I'm going to a competition when I haven't said one way or the other. Are you going?
FS: No! It's too big! I'm not ready for something like that. [The Ohio Star Ball is the largest competition in the US. Last year, there were over 14,000 people... or was it entries? I don't remember. It's huge. They filmed the PBS special America's Ballroom Challenge there last year. Nashville's Ben and Shalene Ermis were on it.]
PK: I tell ya... Todd must be the woman in this relationship. He's doing a bang up job of spending my money.

Can you believe it?

I've had Smith and Wesson for a year.

Crazy crazy kitties.

So ya know....

The week before Dancing with the Stars started up again, the US Dancesport Championships were held in Miami. Tony Dovolani and his partner Elena Grinenko (both on this season of DWTS... well, she was anyway. She was Tucker Carlson's partner and he got the boot Wednesday night.)

Nashville's own Jeremy Gatlin and Anna Harwood placed 2nd in the Rising Star-American Rhythm competition. (Rising Star is for new professionals on the competitive circuit). They have consistently placed in the top 3 this entire year.

They also made the semi-final in the open division. Let me tell ya, that is an amazing feat. There are so many good dancers in that category.

Ben and Shalene Ermis won the American Smooth competition. This is their second time to win that title. AND they also won the 9-dance competition. That means they did the 5 dances in the American Rhythm style (cha-cha, rumba, swing, bolero, and mambo) and the 4 American Smooth (waltz, foxtrot, tango, and viennese waltz). They won 6 of the 9 dances.

Way to go!

Just think - you can't get talent teaching you like this at certain other studios, even in town. *cough NDC cough* And they are right there at Dance World along with a couple-dozen other very talented and capable instructors.

Adding to the Chorus...

I seriously dislike myspace. I think I joined so I could view someone's profile and haven't done much of anything with it since.

I logged in today to respond to a message from Ashley the Blue Raider about the "no it isn't porn they are filming in the capitol" mayor of Gallatin. Now, all of a sudden, I have been slammed with friend requests and emails to sign up for MLM parties "and you, too can earn a free trip to Jamaica!"

Pfft.

No. I was once a BeautiControl consultant and by the grace of God, I managed to earn back the money I put into signing up and then I got out. Not.for.me.

Scratch that - I hate myspace.

PK's Babies... Growing up

My four-legged nephews cut quite the capers in their new digs. These photos, however, do not capture the capering...but merely the cutenesses that are Smith and Wesson... which are over a year old now. Exactly how old are they, PK?


Smith



Wesson

Remembering

I know this will be one of hundreds of posts regarding 9/11. I don't claim that mine will be special, spectacular, or even remotely interesting. However, 5 years after 9/11, there are some things I would like to remark upon.

With all the cable channels running specials on 9/11 and the subsequent War on Terror, the footage from that horrible day has been replayed for the first time en masse in just about 5 years.

I forgot how horrified I was watching the planes crash into the WTC and the Pentagon.

I forgot how big of a hole United 93 left in the ground in PA.

I forgot about the brave men who raced into the Towers to try to rescue anyone left, many of them dying when the Towers crashed.

I forgot the fear that the people on those planes must have felt.

It slipped my mind exactly how selfless the people on United 93 actually were. I'm sure they were trying to save their own lives but in the end, they likely saved many by fighting back.

I believe it was a God thing that United 93 left 45 minutes later. While we can say "why did God allow this to happen?" I cannot give any answer that would satisfy those critics.

We have all forgotten the good will that we as a nation had for those few days and weeks following 9/11. We (myself included) let slip caring for our neighbor. Instead, mistrust, contempt, and rivlaries fill everything again.

I forgot that one of my former co-worker's son-in-law's father (hows that for 6 degrees of separation) saw the plane that crashed into the Pentagon. He was across the street for a meeting.

I forgot about how much I hate that Alan Jackson song "Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?"

I forgot about Osama bin Ladin.

I forgot about fear.

Whoops - I let go the fact that W encouraged us to fight terrorism by shopping. OK - that might be a gross exaggeration but I seem to remember something about encouraging consumer spending right after the terrorist attacks.

And I'm probably not alone in many of these statements. It was a day that changed America. We can argue until we are blue in the face about whether or not it was for the better or the worse, but it has changed. However, as life has gone on, we have adapted to the changes (like the whole airport security BS). It just is. The mundane takes over.

---

United 93 came on A&E the other day. I could only watch about 10 minutes of it before turning the station. It was too hard for me. I'm sure the film was respectful and all. It was too overwhelming for me.

If I was really good...

I would have practiced tonight when I got home. Todd told me I have to work on my samba before we show it to David for showcase. At least he didn't say it sucked.

There are 2 competitions and a showcase to prepare for. Elena said "When are you getting ready for these things?!"

"Now. Everything I do outside of work pretty much relates to dance. If I am not at work, I am either in a class, practicing, watching videos/dvds or working out all in preparation for these upcoming events."

"Geez. By this time next year, I expect you to be a stick. You don't have time to eat."

Instead I spent the evening burning CDs onto and off of my laptop.

So, apparently...

I should watch my language.

At dinner last night with Mr and Mrs formerly Miss O'Hara, Kat and her husband, and Blake, we got to talking about Steve Irwin. It was decided that he did count as a celebrity and since they typically die in 3's, we speculated about who might be next or was there someone that we missed.. was Steve #2 and so on.

I said "Maybe Paris Hilton."

And what do you know.. the girl got busted for a DUI.

Kat sent me an email saying "That's God, sending a warning shot over your bow."

Whoops.

It's still funny.

DON'T TOUCH IT!!!!!

This particular outfit left me with a facial tick. And a full body twitch. UEREORYOWQ:YR#){*Y#$@#$.

Sorry about that.

via Ashley the Blue Raider.