I don't have too much to say yet. Looks like another season of predominantly self-absorbed, physically attractive, competitive people, with one or two geeks thrown in for good measure.
McCrae comes across as a visual and social outcast, so I'm not sure why he fought so hard to win HOH. Good for him that he outlasted those buff guys, but why does he want to make enemies so soon? Definitely no one was rushing over to form an alliance with him last night. Unfortunately, several people left a room when he entered. But maybe that's his strategy. Seize power early, demonstrate that he can win challenges, and maybe people will begin to take notice. Anything can happen in Big Brother. Superfan geek Ian won last season.
Texas is representin' in season 15! Aaryn, Candice, Jeremy, and Jessie are all current residents of the Lone Star State, although Candice originally hails from New Orleans.
And who is my favorite so far? Easy answer if you know me: Andy. I love the geeks, especially when they're red-headed. :)
librarianintx
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Abortion Bill Fails in Texas - For Now
http://www.kvue.com/home/Capitol-protesters-help-prevent-vote-on-controversial-abortion-bill-213121161.html
Protesters Help Prevent Vote on Abortion Bill
AUSTIN -- Lt. Governor David Dewhurst is blaming the failure of Senate Bill 5 on hundreds of protesters. The vote for the bill came in just minutes after the midnight deadline, which means it was unable to pass.
Hundreds of protesters exploded in anger just before midnight at the State Capitol when Republicans moved to vote on a bill that has been controversial in Texas and across the United States.
More than 11 hours into a filibuster by Senator Wendy Davis, leaders ended her speech, saying a point she was trying to make was not within the rules. With just 15 minutes left in the special session, Republicans moved to vote on Senate Bill 5, and that's when the gallery erupted. People began shouting and screaming so loud that those there say you couldn't hear the person next to you talking.
There was a vote and Republicans passed the bill. The Senate's website even showed it happened after midnight. Moments later it was changed to say the vote happened on June 25.
There was then more confusion and uproar from Democrats and protesters. Lt. Governor David Dewhurst called a caucus and cleared the gallery.
After three hours he came back to say the vote did not happen before midnight, not before the special session ended, therefore the bill was dead.
Around 3:30 a.m. Senator Davis came out to address the hundreds who supported her in the gallery and through Twitter. Many used the hash tag #IStandWithWendy.
Democrats say they are prepared to continue the battle over this issue.
"Last night you saw 2 or 3 thousand people in the Capitol," Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa estimated. "Next time you'll see 10 thousand people in the Capitol making sure that the Republicans don't do this. They're gonna be heard and they're gonna be sure that the Republicans know there are consequences for their dirty tricks and the way they're playing in the Texas Senate today."
Lt. Governor Dewhurst took to Twitter to speak to more than 6 thousand followers just after 8 o'clock Wednesday morning, stating "I pledge to Texas one thing; this fight is far from over".
In addition to the abortion regulations, there are two other bills lawmakers never had a chance to vote on in this historic special session.
End of article
Oh, I wish I could have been there! How great to see the will of the people prevail! Now we need to get Wendy Davis elected governor, and oh how happy we Texans would be!
Well, the Democratic Texans anyway. The people who matter. :)
Unfortunately, this was a short-lived victory. Governor Perry has called a second special session. The bill will pass this time. Very sad that a bunch of lawmakers who advocate so hard against big government are spending taxpayers money to push a bill through that will tell Texas women what they can and can't do with their bodies. Especially Texas women in poverty, who don't have the financial means to travel out of state for needed gynecological care.
#standwithwendy
"Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Beyond the barricade
Is there a world you long to see?
Then join in the fight
That will give you the right to be free!"
from "Les Miserables"
librarianintx
Protesters Help Prevent Vote on Abortion Bill
AUSTIN -- Lt. Governor David Dewhurst is blaming the failure of Senate Bill 5 on hundreds of protesters. The vote for the bill came in just minutes after the midnight deadline, which means it was unable to pass.
Hundreds of protesters exploded in anger just before midnight at the State Capitol when Republicans moved to vote on a bill that has been controversial in Texas and across the United States.
More than 11 hours into a filibuster by Senator Wendy Davis, leaders ended her speech, saying a point she was trying to make was not within the rules. With just 15 minutes left in the special session, Republicans moved to vote on Senate Bill 5, and that's when the gallery erupted. People began shouting and screaming so loud that those there say you couldn't hear the person next to you talking.
There was a vote and Republicans passed the bill. The Senate's website even showed it happened after midnight. Moments later it was changed to say the vote happened on June 25.
There was then more confusion and uproar from Democrats and protesters. Lt. Governor David Dewhurst called a caucus and cleared the gallery.
After three hours he came back to say the vote did not happen before midnight, not before the special session ended, therefore the bill was dead.
Around 3:30 a.m. Senator Davis came out to address the hundreds who supported her in the gallery and through Twitter. Many used the hash tag #IStandWithWendy.
Democrats say they are prepared to continue the battle over this issue.
"Last night you saw 2 or 3 thousand people in the Capitol," Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa estimated. "Next time you'll see 10 thousand people in the Capitol making sure that the Republicans don't do this. They're gonna be heard and they're gonna be sure that the Republicans know there are consequences for their dirty tricks and the way they're playing in the Texas Senate today."
Lt. Governor Dewhurst took to Twitter to speak to more than 6 thousand followers just after 8 o'clock Wednesday morning, stating "I pledge to Texas one thing; this fight is far from over".
In addition to the abortion regulations, there are two other bills lawmakers never had a chance to vote on in this historic special session.
End of article
Oh, I wish I could have been there! How great to see the will of the people prevail! Now we need to get Wendy Davis elected governor, and oh how happy we Texans would be!
Well, the Democratic Texans anyway. The people who matter. :)
Unfortunately, this was a short-lived victory. Governor Perry has called a second special session. The bill will pass this time. Very sad that a bunch of lawmakers who advocate so hard against big government are spending taxpayers money to push a bill through that will tell Texas women what they can and can't do with their bodies. Especially Texas women in poverty, who don't have the financial means to travel out of state for needed gynecological care.
#standwithwendy
"Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Beyond the barricade
Is there a world you long to see?
Then join in the fight
That will give you the right to be free!"
from "Les Miserables"
librarianintx
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
So You Think You Can Dance Week 1
I probably won't have time to blog every week, but here's a few comments on week one. I'm not going to talk about each dance, just mention a few of my favorite moments.
1) The group dance number
Absolutely the most innovative creation SYTYCD has ever done. Innovative for this show, not as in "never been seen before" because it reminded me of an opening to an awards show, like the Tony's or the Emmy's. Anyway, I thought it was great. Fun to see Mary and Nigel in on the act as well.
2) Yea for TWO Travis Wall numbers!
The first one was much more memorable to me than the second, but the second one was good too. Wow wow wow to Jasmine M. and Alan...having to be blindfolded on their first dance together! It was an amazing piece, and they danced it beautifully. Unlike Wayne Brady, I WAS super nervous for them, but I have OCD. Anyway, they rocked it. For Jasmine to have that level of faith in Alan so soon...that she would fall backward into the arms of her blindfolded partner...incredible!
3) Jasmine H. rocked her dance as well. Sonya knew what she was doing when she put all those leg extension moves into the routine. What a standout performance! And she and Aaron look great together! I'm happy that Aaron made it on the show, and that he has a strong partner who will soon be known as much more than "Cyrus' ex-girlfriend."
4) I agree with the judges that Hayley and Curtis' hip hop routine was miles better than Alexis and Nico. Surprising to me, because I would think Nigel would want his tapper girl to stick around longer.
5) Wayne Brady was a great guest judge! He was funny and he gushed, but he also showed he knows a thing or two about dancing.
6) The girls stood out more to me than the guys on this first night, but the exception to that would be Jenna and Tucker. I think Tyce's Broadway routine allowed Tucker to outshine his partner.
Overall I think it was a great first night. That first hip hop routine was kind of a dud, and the jive routine was just a'right, but in addition to the performances already mentioned, I really enjoyed the African jazz and Viennese waltz numbers, as well as the final contemporary dance with Amy and Fik-Shun. Fik-shun is already being touted as this year's TWitch, Joshua, Russell, and Cyrus. I think it was presumptuous of Nigel to declare him and Amy Top 4 on Night One, but that's what Nigel does.
librarianintx
1) The group dance number
Absolutely the most innovative creation SYTYCD has ever done. Innovative for this show, not as in "never been seen before" because it reminded me of an opening to an awards show, like the Tony's or the Emmy's. Anyway, I thought it was great. Fun to see Mary and Nigel in on the act as well.
2) Yea for TWO Travis Wall numbers!
The first one was much more memorable to me than the second, but the second one was good too. Wow wow wow to Jasmine M. and Alan...having to be blindfolded on their first dance together! It was an amazing piece, and they danced it beautifully. Unlike Wayne Brady, I WAS super nervous for them, but I have OCD. Anyway, they rocked it. For Jasmine to have that level of faith in Alan so soon...that she would fall backward into the arms of her blindfolded partner...incredible!
3) Jasmine H. rocked her dance as well. Sonya knew what she was doing when she put all those leg extension moves into the routine. What a standout performance! And she and Aaron look great together! I'm happy that Aaron made it on the show, and that he has a strong partner who will soon be known as much more than "Cyrus' ex-girlfriend."
4) I agree with the judges that Hayley and Curtis' hip hop routine was miles better than Alexis and Nico. Surprising to me, because I would think Nigel would want his tapper girl to stick around longer.
5) Wayne Brady was a great guest judge! He was funny and he gushed, but he also showed he knows a thing or two about dancing.
6) The girls stood out more to me than the guys on this first night, but the exception to that would be Jenna and Tucker. I think Tyce's Broadway routine allowed Tucker to outshine his partner.
Overall I think it was a great first night. That first hip hop routine was kind of a dud, and the jive routine was just a'right, but in addition to the performances already mentioned, I really enjoyed the African jazz and Viennese waltz numbers, as well as the final contemporary dance with Amy and Fik-Shun. Fik-shun is already being touted as this year's TWitch, Joshua, Russell, and Cyrus. I think it was presumptuous of Nigel to declare him and Amy Top 4 on Night One, but that's what Nigel does.
librarianintx
Monday, June 24, 2013
George Zimmerman trial
From what I know about the trial, which I admit is not extensive, I'm going to make a prediction. The jury will not find him guilty of murder. He may be convicted of a lesser charge, but if the voice recording analysis is not going to be allowed, I don't think the prosecution will be able to prove murder without reasonable doubt. If we don't know for sure who was screaming, but we do know that Zimmerman had injuries and Martin had the fatal gunshot wound but no other injuries, then self-defense has to a possibility. I don't think it can be ruled out. I'm not saying I agree or like my assessment, but I believe that he will not be found guilty of murder. I also predict that Martin's family will then bring a civil case against Zimmerman, and they might have more success with that trial.
When it comes to this case especially, self defense is an interesting concept. Zimmerman is claiming self defense, right? But he was the one who was following, in effect stalking Martin, who was simply minding his own business, walking home from a convenience store. The fact that he was a black kid in a predominantly white area, walking at night, wearing a hoodie, these facts are what made him an object of suspicion to Zimmerman. And of course Zimmerman has no authority to be following anyone, and was told not to by the 911 operator. Martin was unarmed; Zimmerman had a gun. But Zimmerman is claiming self-defense. If you're a teenager, walking alone at night, and a dude is following you, wouldn't you consider the need for self-defense?
librarianintx
When it comes to this case especially, self defense is an interesting concept. Zimmerman is claiming self defense, right? But he was the one who was following, in effect stalking Martin, who was simply minding his own business, walking home from a convenience store. The fact that he was a black kid in a predominantly white area, walking at night, wearing a hoodie, these facts are what made him an object of suspicion to Zimmerman. And of course Zimmerman has no authority to be following anyone, and was told not to by the 911 operator. Martin was unarmed; Zimmerman had a gun. But Zimmerman is claiming self-defense. If you're a teenager, walking alone at night, and a dude is following you, wouldn't you consider the need for self-defense?
librarianintx
So You Think You Can Dance
In all honesty, I'm more excited about the start of Big Brother when it comes to summer reality tv, but I'm still a SYTYCD fan. I think it will be a good season. I don't remember anyone's name yet, but I think the girls stand out to me more than the guys so far.
Tap is probably my least favorite style of dance, so I'm not thrilled that there are three tappers this season, although I am interested in this season's crop more than usual. The female tapper is quite unique; I enjoyed her audition. And I'm excited for the guy who didn't make it, but then did make it into the Top 20 because someone else had to withdraw due to injury.
I'm also glad both of the animators made it, because I like both of them and couldn't choose between them, but I think they will have a rough road with the choreographers.
Hopefully Adam will be on the panel frequently this season. I liked that he gave a lot of constructive criticism after the first night of dancing. The dancers aren't going to learn and grow if the judges give standing ovations and glow about every performance. And I really like the way Adam gives critiques. He's very liberal with his praise, but he also gives clear, concise instructions on what he feels they need to do to improve.
Hopefully it will be an exciting season of breathtaking dancing and fresh, innovative routines by inspired choreographers.
librarianintx
Tap is probably my least favorite style of dance, so I'm not thrilled that there are three tappers this season, although I am interested in this season's crop more than usual. The female tapper is quite unique; I enjoyed her audition. And I'm excited for the guy who didn't make it, but then did make it into the Top 20 because someone else had to withdraw due to injury.
I'm also glad both of the animators made it, because I like both of them and couldn't choose between them, but I think they will have a rough road with the choreographers.
Hopefully Adam will be on the panel frequently this season. I liked that he gave a lot of constructive criticism after the first night of dancing. The dancers aren't going to learn and grow if the judges give standing ovations and glow about every performance. And I really like the way Adam gives critiques. He's very liberal with his praise, but he also gives clear, concise instructions on what he feels they need to do to improve.
Hopefully it will be an exciting season of breathtaking dancing and fresh, innovative routines by inspired choreographers.
librarianintx
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Vacation
What a great vacation!
--I welcomed my new baby, a Samsung Galaxy S4, swaddled in a pink case (of course!)
--slept late
--spent time at my favorite hangouts, Barnes and Noble, and Starbucks
--indulged in the amazing chocolate mousse at Ciro's
--got an awesome mani and pedi
--found some pretty summer dresses online (hope they fit!)
--and most importantly, did all this with two of the best people ever.
librarianintx
--I welcomed my new baby, a Samsung Galaxy S4, swaddled in a pink case (of course!)
--slept late
--spent time at my favorite hangouts, Barnes and Noble, and Starbucks
--indulged in the amazing chocolate mousse at Ciro's
--got an awesome mani and pedi
--found some pretty summer dresses online (hope they fit!)
--and most importantly, did all this with two of the best people ever.
librarianintx
Friday, June 07, 2013
Life coaches commit suicide
http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/06/us/new-york-life-coaches-suicide/index.html?hpt=hp_c2
"Two life coaches who hosted a radio show called "The Pursuit of Happiness" apparently committed suicide together in their Brooklyn apartment, police said.
Motivational speaker John Littig, 48, and his common-law psychotherapist wife, Lynne Rosen, 46, were found with plastic bags over their heads and a tube attached to a canister of helium, according to police.
Two suicide notes were found, police said. ..."
Wait...what?? They were life coaches?!?! Suicide is tragic anyway, but to think that these two people spent their lives trying to help others achieve happiness, when they were obviously so broken....how terrible. I'm shocked, but I guess I shouldn't be. They say that comedians can be some of the most miserable, messed-up people, and they spend their time trying to make everyone laugh.
librarianintx
"Two life coaches who hosted a radio show called "The Pursuit of Happiness" apparently committed suicide together in their Brooklyn apartment, police said.
Motivational speaker John Littig, 48, and his common-law psychotherapist wife, Lynne Rosen, 46, were found with plastic bags over their heads and a tube attached to a canister of helium, according to police.
Two suicide notes were found, police said. ..."
Wait...what?? They were life coaches?!?! Suicide is tragic anyway, but to think that these two people spent their lives trying to help others achieve happiness, when they were obviously so broken....how terrible. I'm shocked, but I guess I shouldn't be. They say that comedians can be some of the most miserable, messed-up people, and they spend their time trying to make everyone laugh.
librarianintx
Oklahoma weatherman
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/06/us-usa-tornadoes-meteorologist-idUSBRE95506S20130606
A well-respected weatherman in Oklahoma is receiving critcism for urging residents in the path of a violent tornado to leave their homes and head south by car. Many people believe that he is the reason why there was a huge traffic jam on the main highway. So far as least twenty people died that day, and several of the dead, including a mother and baby, were in their cars, trying to flee the tornado.
Weathermen have always urged people to seek sturdy shelter during severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. An interior room or hallway on the lowest floor, or a basement, are the best places to be during a tornado. But after an EF5 tornado decimated part of Moore, Oklahoma less than two weeks earlier, and many of the dead were in those supposedly safe areas, weather experts have started to say that sheltering is no longer good enough during a tornado of that magnitude. Many are now stating, "A direct hit by an EF5 tornado is unsurvivable."
My thoughts on this:
People in the path of an EF5 tornado are damned if they do and damned if they don't. Staying in your home may kill you; trying to leave may kill you. It's really difficult to know what to do. If you have enough warning, leaving might be the right option. But you have no idea how many other people are also trying to leave. And a tornado can both change direction and vary in strength. It can be an EF5 for awhile, then weaken, then re-strengthen.
I think putting all the blame on this one weatherman is unfair. There were other weathermen saying the same thing. And not everyone on the highway was there because they heard someone on tv tell them to do it. Some decided on their own. Some were on their way home from work, or somewhere, and didn't know how bad the weather was going to get. Forecasters had been talking about impending storms, but they blew up very quickly. The weather had been sunny and hot just a short time earlier.
EF5 tornadoes are not a new thing. But to have two in the same state, in the same part of the state, in less than two weeks - that is unusual. Maybe it was just an oddity. Or maybe it's a sign of our worsening climate problems.
Someone said to me the other day, "Anyone who lives in Oklahoma who doesn't have a basement or a storm shelter or a safe room is crazy." Did they stop to think how many people in Oklahoma can't afford a storm shelter or a safe room?" Safe rooms aren't cheap. And many houses in the state don't have basements because the ground is too hard.
librarianintx
A well-respected weatherman in Oklahoma is receiving critcism for urging residents in the path of a violent tornado to leave their homes and head south by car. Many people believe that he is the reason why there was a huge traffic jam on the main highway. So far as least twenty people died that day, and several of the dead, including a mother and baby, were in their cars, trying to flee the tornado.
Weathermen have always urged people to seek sturdy shelter during severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. An interior room or hallway on the lowest floor, or a basement, are the best places to be during a tornado. But after an EF5 tornado decimated part of Moore, Oklahoma less than two weeks earlier, and many of the dead were in those supposedly safe areas, weather experts have started to say that sheltering is no longer good enough during a tornado of that magnitude. Many are now stating, "A direct hit by an EF5 tornado is unsurvivable."
My thoughts on this:
People in the path of an EF5 tornado are damned if they do and damned if they don't. Staying in your home may kill you; trying to leave may kill you. It's really difficult to know what to do. If you have enough warning, leaving might be the right option. But you have no idea how many other people are also trying to leave. And a tornado can both change direction and vary in strength. It can be an EF5 for awhile, then weaken, then re-strengthen.
I think putting all the blame on this one weatherman is unfair. There were other weathermen saying the same thing. And not everyone on the highway was there because they heard someone on tv tell them to do it. Some decided on their own. Some were on their way home from work, or somewhere, and didn't know how bad the weather was going to get. Forecasters had been talking about impending storms, but they blew up very quickly. The weather had been sunny and hot just a short time earlier.
EF5 tornadoes are not a new thing. But to have two in the same state, in the same part of the state, in less than two weeks - that is unusual. Maybe it was just an oddity. Or maybe it's a sign of our worsening climate problems.
Someone said to me the other day, "Anyone who lives in Oklahoma who doesn't have a basement or a storm shelter or a safe room is crazy." Did they stop to think how many people in Oklahoma can't afford a storm shelter or a safe room?" Safe rooms aren't cheap. And many houses in the state don't have basements because the ground is too hard.
librarianintx
Thursday, June 06, 2013
Survivor: Fans v Favorites
I know I'm several weeks late, and this is old news now...
but...
YEA COCHRAN!! CONGRATS!!
I'm a big Cochran fan. I was a fan last season as well as this season. I love watching superfans play the games they love. I was so happy when Ian won Big Brother last summer. And now Cochran has won Survivor. He outwitted, out played, and out lasted tough, buff Malcolm, Eddie, and Reynold; beautiful Aundrea and Brenda; and at times emotionally unstable Dawn. He won with a unanimous vote, took four individual challenges, masterminded the blindsides of Aundrea and Brenda, and made sure he took two women to the final tribal council with him who were the least deserving to win the million dollar prize.
While its obvious that I absolutely think Cochran deserved to win, I do understand the arguments of his critics. Cochran was very lucky in many respects. Malcolm didn't find another hidden immunity idol. Cochran outlasted Eddie in a challenge because he (Cochran) paid for an advantage during the Survivor auction. Aundrea got blindsided with an idol in her pocket. Brenda let Dawn win a challenge, which resulted in her blindside. And Eric had to leave the game due to illness. If Brenda or Eric had made it to the final tribal council, Cochran might not have won.
But that's the great thing about Survivor. Malcolm said it himself during the reunion. ANYONE can win Survivor. Anyone. In fact, its often NOT the brawny tough guy that wins. This year, it was the pasty, nerdy, formerly social awkward Harvard law student that took the prize. And I am thrilled. Way to go Cochran! By your example, we see that dreams can come true, using our powers of intelligence, perseverance, and learning from previous missteps.
librarianintx
but...
YEA COCHRAN!! CONGRATS!!
I'm a big Cochran fan. I was a fan last season as well as this season. I love watching superfans play the games they love. I was so happy when Ian won Big Brother last summer. And now Cochran has won Survivor. He outwitted, out played, and out lasted tough, buff Malcolm, Eddie, and Reynold; beautiful Aundrea and Brenda; and at times emotionally unstable Dawn. He won with a unanimous vote, took four individual challenges, masterminded the blindsides of Aundrea and Brenda, and made sure he took two women to the final tribal council with him who were the least deserving to win the million dollar prize.
While its obvious that I absolutely think Cochran deserved to win, I do understand the arguments of his critics. Cochran was very lucky in many respects. Malcolm didn't find another hidden immunity idol. Cochran outlasted Eddie in a challenge because he (Cochran) paid for an advantage during the Survivor auction. Aundrea got blindsided with an idol in her pocket. Brenda let Dawn win a challenge, which resulted in her blindside. And Eric had to leave the game due to illness. If Brenda or Eric had made it to the final tribal council, Cochran might not have won.
But that's the great thing about Survivor. Malcolm said it himself during the reunion. ANYONE can win Survivor. Anyone. In fact, its often NOT the brawny tough guy that wins. This year, it was the pasty, nerdy, formerly social awkward Harvard law student that took the prize. And I am thrilled. Way to go Cochran! By your example, we see that dreams can come true, using our powers of intelligence, perseverance, and learning from previous missteps.
librarianintx
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)