I’ve got my glasses on since I have an eye appointment this afternoon.

When I got my contacts a couple months ago, I had them made according to my current eye prescription, which is way off from the original prescription before my surgery. The vision in my left eye is at about half of what was before, which is pretty awful. But with my contacts, by vision is awesome.

So when I do wear my glasses, which were made with my pre-operative prescription, I’m pretty much walking into walls. OK, fine, I’m not, but I did get a little confused when I got off the train and I couldn’t find stairs to the bus. I felt like an old lady!

I’ve got training at work today, so I have no idea how I’m going to see the stuff on the screen. I’ll have to sit right in front of the wall to see anything.

Of course, if I close my left eye and just look out my right, the world is good again. Well, except for that perception thing - you need two eyes for that.

So how long do I have to go through this visually impaired torture? It’ll take my left eye about 2 years to return to its original crappiness (which is better than its current level of ass suckiness).

The bright side?

I can see. Plain and simple. It may not be 20/20, more like 60/20, but I’ve got my sight, so I guess that’s what matters.

Tags: Daily by Yano
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This post won’t make any sense to you, unless you read my angry, tortured, loving post that I left up for a couple hours yesterday. Even with that, you still probably won’t understand. But if you don’t, then it’s not for you to understand.

You know I’ve seen a lot of what the world can do,
and it’s breaking my heart in two,
cause I never want to see you sad girl,
don’t be a bad girl,
but if you want to leave take good care,
hope you make a lot of nice friends out there,
but just remember there’s a lot of bad and beware,

Oh baby baby it’s a wild world,
it’s hard to get by just upon a smile
Oh baby baby it’s a wild world,
and I’ll always remember you like a child, girl.

I love you. Let us in to help you. I know you’re going through some tough things right now, but if you allow us to really see you, to know who you are, maybe we can get through this together. But I can’t do that if I don’t trust you, and I want to trust you. We all love you so much! You’re one of the most important things in my life. Trust us to help you.

…and don’t make me kick your ass.

Tags: Daily by Yano
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So Republican Alan Keyes’ daughter, Maya Marcel-Keyes, has come out as a liberal queer. This is a pretty big thing for a young 19 year old woman to do, especially considering her father’s stance on homosexuality. It wasn’t long ago that he called the daught of fellow Republican Dick Cheney a ’sinner’ and homosexuality as “selfish hedonism”.

What does Keyes have to say about this? “My daughter is an adult, and she is responsible for her own actions. What she chooses to do has nothing to do with my work or political activities.” Hmm, I think it kinda does, don’t you think?

What does the man who preached ‘family values’ do in this situation? Seek counseling? Accept it and keep on loving his daughter? Try to convert her? Nope. He kicks her out of the house and stops paying her tuition.

Don’t you love parents?

I applaud Maya for her strength, for coming out when she knew she would lose so much. It would be interesting to hear the people who argue that people who are gay learn to be gay - considering that Maya (and I’m sure Mary Cheney) grew up in such conservative households. Or that people choose to be gay - why make a choice like that when you know you’d go through so much pain?

However, I’m starting to rethink my position after reading this list:

———————————————————————-

Why homosexual marriage should be banned:

1. Homosexuality is not natural, much like eyeglasses, polyester, and birth control.

2. Heterosexual marriages are valid because they produce children. Infertile couples and old people can’t legally get married because the world needs more children.

3. Obviously gay parents will raise gay children, since straight parents only raise straight children.

4. Straight marriage will be less meaningful, since Britney Spears’ 55-hour just-for-fun marriage was meaningful.

5. Heterosexual marriage has been around a long time and hasn’t changed at all; women are property, blacks can’t marry whites, and divorce is illegal.

6. Gay marriage should be decided by people not the courts, because the majority-elected legislatures, not courts, have historically protected the rights of the minorities.

7. Gay marriage is not supported by religion. In a theocracy like ours, the values of one religion are imposed on the entire country. That’s why we have only one religion in America.

8. Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay, in the same way that hanging around tall people will make you tall.

9. Legalizing gay marriage will open the door to all kinds of crazy behavior. People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has legal standing and can sign a marriage contract.

10. Children can never succeed without a male and a female role model at home. That’s why single parents are forbidden to raise children.

11. Gay marriage will change the foundation of society. Heterosexual marriage has been around for a long time, and we could never adapt to new social norms because we haven’t adapted to cars or longer life spans.

12. Civil unions, providing most of the same benefits as marriage with a different name are better, because a “separate but equal” institution is always constitutional. Separate schools for African-Americans worked just as well as separate marriages for gays and lesbians will.

Tags: Cool Link, Lists by Yano
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No more nagging about the comment header - I’ve changed it from the kitty.

So shut up already, Aquaman!

Tags: Daily by Yano
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The Assembly Room of Independence Hall - Philadelphia, PA : February 2005

I was really lucky to get out of work early on Friday. My client suggested I do a little sightseeing since I had several hours before my flight. I walked over to Independence Park, where the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and several other national landmarks are located.

The Liberty Bell has a brand new house. Last time I was in Philly we could just drive by and see it. This time around I had to go through security and go into a building to see it.

After that I had a little time left to take a tour at Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was written and debated over. There’s a power in that place that you can’t deny, a sense of history so strong you can almost touch it. Amazing things happened in that place. Just to stand in the room, a room where George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin all sat in was incredible. Have you ever seen the musical 1776? The songs from it rang in my head as I stood in there. I tried renting it when I got home but my ghetto Blockbuster didn’t have it.

On my way back I got to go through Chinatown, which was a bustling, colorful place. I had Chinese New Year dinner there, and it was really tasty. I don’t have much time to go to the Chinatown in Chicago, but I have to admit, ours is a little better. Of course, I’m biased.

Philly was a ball to be in. I’m going back there next month and I already have places lined up that I want to see.

I’ve got more pictures, but I’ll be posting them up once I get all the captions together….

Tags: Daily by Yano
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A cool picture I got from Brad P.:

Sunset from Space

It’s pretty awesome, check it out.

Tags: Cool Link by Yano
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Well, it’s that time of the year again.

I really don’t think much of this day, it was created to generate more revenue for card companies and candy makers. It gives a lot of stress and empties the wallets of people who are in relationships, and it depresses the people who aren’t.

Luckily, I’m married, so for the rest of my foreseeable life (if he plays his cards right), I really don’t have to worry about this day. What is he gonna do if I don’t get him something? Break up with me? Nope.

I admit, though, that I’m reflecting a bit on today. I’m happy that I have someone so wonderful in my life, someone who is both my complete opposite, yet so much like me. Sometimes, when he’s sleeping, I look at him and just marvel at how we ended up together. Ten years ago if you told me I was going to marry this guy I would have told you that you’re crazy. I’m lucky to be with him.

And he better think he’s lucky, too, or he’ll be a dead man.

So enough of my sugar sweet cheesiness.

Happy Valentines, everyone!!!

Tags: Daily by Yano
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7pm - 5 bands! Four stages! The Black Eyed Peas start it off with ‘Let’s Get It Started’, the most played out song since ‘La Vida Loca’. But I still love BEP, and they did a good job. Surprised Fergie didn’t have her tiny tony skirt on. Probably afraid of the FCC. Gwen Stefani and Eve did a good job. The Joku girls are hot. I want to be one. Los Lonely Boys did a good job. The lead reminds me of Jose Feliciano, which brings a tear to my heart. The other guitarist looks like George Perez. For some reason, I’m really attracted to the lead singer of Maroon Five. His voice sounds really high and nasally today, and he looks like Peewee Herman in that suit, but still hot. Love this song by Franz Ferdinand. It rocks! Makes my toes wiggle and dance. Then everyone gets together and has one big smorgasboard of song. And it actually sounds good. Overall? A pretty kickass opening for the Grammys.

7: 20 - Los Lonely Boys win, in what to me is a surprise, beating out Maroon Five and No Doubt. They are genuinely surprised, and it’s touching to see their dad all teary eyed

7:25 - Alicia! What are you wearing? White just isn’t your color, especially as your foot is banging against the piano pedal. “She looks THICK!” Dave exclaims. “She has a big ass!” You know what, though? Who the hell cares what you look like when you sing like that? She is lighting it up tonight! She looks beautiful, and this rendition of ‘If I Ain’t Got You’ is spectacular. She’s amazing - her voice is just, man I can’t even find the words! “She’s hot. She’s really hot!” Dave says, neutralizing his earlier comment. She looks at the camera and Dave cries, “She’s looking at me!” Jamie Foxx comes out and channels Ray Charles, very well, I must say. A sweet, sweet rendition of “Georgia On My Mind” Who knew that Jamie could sing so well? And a well deserved standing O for the two of them.

7:32 - Prince wins Best Male R&B Male Performance, and he’s not there. I’m a bit surprised that it isn’t Usher. Dave’s upset that Usher didn’t win because he wants to see Usher’s date again.

7:40 - Hmm, U2 seems a little chill today. I was expecting a little more. Nice song, though. Gives me a chance to go to the kitchen and get some cookies. Did you see the shot of Quentin Tarantino afterwards? He looked like a big Korean thug.

7:45 - Pharrell Williams is up giving away and award. Yummy! Greenday wins, the first of many, I’m sure. Dave points to the TV and yells, “You saved rock, baby! You saved rock!”

7:55 - JLo and Mark Anthony. Was it worth all the hype? Well, Jlo’s dress was awesome, her voice is much stronger than I thought it would be, but she had trouble with some notes. Mark, of course, was fantastic. But he looks like a chihuahua. I admit it, they look cute together - you can really see something in their eyes - for a couple seconds, at least. I wish they kissed at the end.

8:09 - OK, I admit, that although I used the beginning of the Country mastermix performance as a bathroom break, I really loved it when they performed ‘Sweet Home Alabama’.

8:14 - ever since I listened to Queen Latifah’s jazz CD, I wanted to see her sing it. I’m really impressed. I’m tempted to start waving my arms and chanting ‘U-N-I-T-Y”. It’s been a long time since then, baby! She’s now a sexy, sultry jazz diva, and it’s obvious that she’s lost weight. Looking like a queen, there. I tell Dave that I should start singing jazz, he tells me he’s going to start tap dancing. And proceeds to dance. Which isn’t pretty.

8:20 - Kanye West loses Best New Artist. To make up for what happened during the American Music Awards where he went ballistic when he lost, he shakes the hand and hugs each one of the Maroon Five guys, who beat him for the award. I guess someone told Kanye (probably Christopher Cross) that Best New Artist translates to “Most People Who Win This Are Never Heard From Again”. No wonder he’s smiling.

8:27 - What the hell is Quentin Tarantino wearing? I think he’s packing heat, yo. He announces Greenday, who are FUCKING AWESOME. Greenday to me represents being young, being stupid, not caring, being an idiot, and just living and loving life. They make me smile, they make me feel good. I adore them. THEY ROCK! *sticks out tongue and makes rock signs with her fingers and jams*

8:45 - Love the Kanye West part. I wish he was at the podium a little more - maybe he’ll win some later. This was a great performance.

8:49 - Whew!!! Kanye wins best Rap Album. Come on Kanye, cry. But don’t make me cry. Oh, here I go. You go, my Chi-Town boy!!! Nice speech, nice.

8:47 - Kris Kristofferson co-wrote ‘Me and Bobby McGee’? That’s AWESOME. One of Janis Joplin’s best songs. He’s up to introduce Joss Stone, who I think is one of the best things to happen to music in a LONG time. Who thought such soulfull sounds could come out of that tiny little British girl? Um, it may be a little insensitive of me, but why is Melissa Etheridge bald? Is she going through chemo? Because if she is, and she’s going in front of everyone bald, she’s my new hero. Showing everyone out there that bald is beautiful - who needs wigs? Be proud of what you’re going through. I was so proud of my mom when she ditched the wig and just went out with her super short do - she looked badass. Joss and Melissa make this one of the best performances of the night!
[edit] Yes, Melissa Etheridge was diagnosed with breast cancer last year

9:25 - John Mayer sings ‘Daughters’ and it makes me all tingly. Reminds me of when Maui sang it for his little Jillian. I think I want to be best friends with John Mayer.

9:37 - Anthony Lapaglia speaks. Who? Exactly. Just kidding. He announces a song that is going to raise money for tsunami victims. I’m sorry, but this song is no ‘We Are the World’. I mean, Steve Tyler’s playing maraccas! Please, stop, I’m hurting here. Looks like Duff McKagan in the back is hurting, too. Dave says, “Who’s that guy? He looks like a math teacher!” I tell him it’s Brian Wilson, and he says, ‘WHO!?!’ and I said ‘From the Beach Boys’. Dave’s eagle eyes notice that Nora Jones’ mic is stuck to her dress.

9:44 - Is this everyone wins a Grammy night? John Mayer wins for Song of the Year.

9:53 - Usher is up! He’s got the whole package - he’s got a great voice, and he’s got some sweet moves. Smooth. I can watch him all day. Watching this really makes me miss dancing in college. That fucking handkerchief move kicked ass. And Dave’s happy because once again, they showed Usher’s date.

9:58 - Ray Charles and Nora Jones win record of the year. Her speech is touching. I was hoping he’d win this one. I can’t believe it - they’re turning the music on the people who are speaking for Ray Charles! Have you shame, Academy? OK, they turned it off.

- Album of the Year - it could be anyone! But the voters go for the safe choice and honor the late Ray Charles. I love this old man who speaks for Ray. Such kind eyes. Nice way to end the night.

Best quote?

“Everybody wanted to know what I’d do if I didn’t win. I guess we’ll never know.”
–Kanye West

Best commercial?

The one where the guy drops the case of Heineken, and then throughout the land, men stop, scared, frozen, knowing that something, somewhere, has gone terribly wrong. AWESOME.

Funniest post show comment:

“Irony Award: At the one event where no one was likely to yell out “Play ‘Freebird,’” they played “Freebird.”" <- E! Online

Truthfully, this was the best Grammys I’ve seen in a while. It moved along, the performances were all pretty good, there wasn’t one clear winner, and no big drama. Good times.

Tags: Reviews by Yano
1 Comment »

The last few weeks have been really tough for me, and I admit to giving in to my darkside, which I rarely ever do. I don’t like being an angry, bitter person - it just doesn’t suit me. That’s a part of me that I really try to keep under control, because when that dark side comes up, I’m not a good person.

I apologize to the people I’ve hurt, I’ve snapped at, and I’ve bitched to. I’ve really been unbearable over these past few weeks, and I haven’t been a nice person.

It’s good to be home. I spent yesterday just recharging and relaxing. It was good for me to just be alone, doing nothing, hanging at home. I needed it.

Thanks to everyone who’s sent emails of encouragement, IM’s, e-cards and positive thoughts, I’m really lucky to know people who care so much about me. I love all you guys.

I was still in a ratty mood yesterday morning, and the pressure and stress had hit a peak, and I needed time to cool off. I was complaining to a friend, and really dwelling on what sucks in my life (which really is just one thing) and she sent me an email, telling me that she was upset with me. Why? Because there is so much that’s wonderful in my life that I’m choosing to ignore - the bad stuff in my life is insignificant compared to all that is good.

So here’s her list, and yeah, I’m stroking my ego here for a little, but after I read her email, I really did put into perspective all that I have, all that make my life such an awesome thing. (I’ve also added my comments)

Thank you, dear friend, for stroking my ego and inflating my head just when it was needed. I love you.

Actually, I love all of you.

Life is good. Not all parts of it, but the parts that count? Yeah, those parts are great. Thanks for reminding me.

Tags: Daily by Yano
4 Comments »

This story just makes me want to scream:

Two Durango teens thought they’d surprise neighbors with nighttime deliveries of home-baked treats. But one woman was so terrified, she sued and has won.

It seems that two teenage girls, Taylor Ostergaard and Lindsey Jo Zellitti, decided to bake some cookies for their neighbors as a surprise. They left packages of cookies on their neighbors doorsteps, knocked on the doors, and walked away. Inside one of the homes, however, Wanita Renea Young got scared by the knocking and called the police. When they came, they saw no wrongdoing. She was upset to find the cookies on the porch. So upset that the next day she went to the ER due to an anxiety attack.

Normal people would laugh, and maybe, just MAYBE be touched that these girls did such a sweet thing.

But not Wanita.

She sued the girls for her medical bills - $900. Even though the girls sent a letter of apology, she won’t forgive them.

The families had offered to pay Young’s medical bills if she would agree to indemnify the families against future claims.

Young wouldn’t sign the agreement. She said the families’ apologies rang false and weren’t delivered in person. The matter went to court.

Young said she believes that the girls should not have been running from door to door late at night.

“Something bad could have happened to them,” she said.

Is it just me, or does this just not seem right?

If someone was knocking on my door at night with cookies, nothing’s gonna stop me from opening it and stealing ALL their cookies.

Tags: Cool Link by Yano
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