It has been a crazy, mad, challenging couple of weeks in the life of Taraneh, and what's kept me alive is the 10-day vacation granted to us by our bosses earlier this month.
Starting tomorrow evening, I don't have to think for 10 whole days. I don't have any obligations. I can sleep in. I can work out in the middle of the day. I'm going to Vegas and Colorado. I get to party with my family and see my boyfriend.
There are lots of things to do before tomorrow night, but I don't care. I am really looking forward to it.
Happy Holidays!
12.20.2007
12.05.2007
The Namesake
I recently saw a movie that I really want to recommend to everyone I know, especially my fellow first-generation friends. Over the weekend, I rented "The Namesake" with my mom. "The Namesake" is based on a book by Jhumpa Lahiri, and it is the story of a young Bengali couple who moves from India to New York City to start a family.
It was excellent, subtle, real, and had me hooked two minutes in. Growing up as a first-generation Iranian, I often felt that my parents would never "get it," that I was doomed to a life of adhering to tradition, that I'd never get to just do my thing.
What I didn't see (and sometimes still don't) was their side. My parents gave up so much to ensure that we'd grow up with endless possibilities before us. Parenting never comes with a manual, but it often comes with some type support staff. My mom and dad, aged 22 and 21 when they got married and started a family here in California had NO ONE. When Ashima, the mother character, suffered through contractions alone in the city hospital as it panned to shots of her parents and siblings at home in India, I heard a whimper out of my own mom.
With fists full of damp tissues and a tear-stained face, she kept whispering, "I know exactly what that feels like."
Throughout the film, I saw these two people do everything to offer their children freedom and opportunity while struggling to instill a sense of culture and tradition in them, things that are easily lost in this society. Within that struggle, they often felt unwanted, unappreciated, misunderstood and most of all, heartbreakingly lonely.
Fellow first-generationers, for all our parents have done for us, it is the least we can do to respect the cultures that made them who they are. The older I get, the more I realize that as much as I'm an American, I am a proud Iranian, and I'm honored to be.
So yeah, "The Namesake." Watch it.
It was excellent, subtle, real, and had me hooked two minutes in. Growing up as a first-generation Iranian, I often felt that my parents would never "get it," that I was doomed to a life of adhering to tradition, that I'd never get to just do my thing.
What I didn't see (and sometimes still don't) was their side. My parents gave up so much to ensure that we'd grow up with endless possibilities before us. Parenting never comes with a manual, but it often comes with some type support staff. My mom and dad, aged 22 and 21 when they got married and started a family here in California had NO ONE. When Ashima, the mother character, suffered through contractions alone in the city hospital as it panned to shots of her parents and siblings at home in India, I heard a whimper out of my own mom.
With fists full of damp tissues and a tear-stained face, she kept whispering, "I know exactly what that feels like."
Throughout the film, I saw these two people do everything to offer their children freedom and opportunity while struggling to instill a sense of culture and tradition in them, things that are easily lost in this society. Within that struggle, they often felt unwanted, unappreciated, misunderstood and most of all, heartbreakingly lonely.
Fellow first-generationers, for all our parents have done for us, it is the least we can do to respect the cultures that made them who they are. The older I get, the more I realize that as much as I'm an American, I am a proud Iranian, and I'm honored to be.
So yeah, "The Namesake." Watch it.
10.23.2007
Grumpy Tuesday
I was all ready to go into this rant about how I've been feeling kind of lost and misguided lately ... feeling sorry for myself, growing increasingly overwhelmed by the lifestyle I have chosen, the whole bit. And while all of that's still true, I realize that with that mentality, it becomes really, really easy to take life for granted.
This realization came upon me in three not-so-subtle ways:
1. A young friend of mine is having her second go at cancer treatment ... and the smile hasn't yet left her face. We often forget that our good health can be lost in an instant.
2. The state I happen to live in is currently burning to a crisp. To the north and south of where I am currently sitting, people are fleeing from their homes and neighborhoods by the thousands. By the hundreds of thousands. And so far, thank God that my friends and family are safe, though their homes may not be.
3. This morning, I was sitting in my nice office, trying to edit an article and lamenting about how loud everyone was being and thinking that they were all assholes for ruining my concentration. Finally, I reached a breaking point and yelled for them to please keep it down. Sounds like not too much of a big deal, but consider that I am pretty non-confrontational. Amber walks by and jokes, "Does someone have a case of the Tuesdays?" After growling back that these deadlines (and my life) suck, she responded simply. "How can life suck? You're breathing, and you have all your fingers and toes."
And she's right. Without these fingers, I wouldn't be able to type and work all day long. So I guess I should stop complaining, right? ;)
This realization came upon me in three not-so-subtle ways:
1. A young friend of mine is having her second go at cancer treatment ... and the smile hasn't yet left her face. We often forget that our good health can be lost in an instant.
2. The state I happen to live in is currently burning to a crisp. To the north and south of where I am currently sitting, people are fleeing from their homes and neighborhoods by the thousands. By the hundreds of thousands. And so far, thank God that my friends and family are safe, though their homes may not be.
3. This morning, I was sitting in my nice office, trying to edit an article and lamenting about how loud everyone was being and thinking that they were all assholes for ruining my concentration. Finally, I reached a breaking point and yelled for them to please keep it down. Sounds like not too much of a big deal, but consider that I am pretty non-confrontational. Amber walks by and jokes, "Does someone have a case of the Tuesdays?" After growling back that these deadlines (and my life) suck, she responded simply. "How can life suck? You're breathing, and you have all your fingers and toes."
And she's right. Without these fingers, I wouldn't be able to type and work all day long. So I guess I should stop complaining, right? ;)
9.20.2007
What if we Cut Off Your Balls?
I can't even begin to express my disgust about the practice of genital mutilation in young women. It's an age-old practice that involves removing the clitoris in girls as young as 7, and is very common in some Middle Eastern and African countries and often within Muslim communities--though not condoned by the Muslim religion. "Female circumcision" is practiced to remove sexual desire and discourage homosexuality in women.
In Egypt, a whopping 96 percent of married, divorced or widowed women have undergone the procedure, according to a 2005 government health survey.
Just this summer, two Egyptian girls have died as a result of complications during circumcision procedures, which are conducted at clinics, barbershops, kind of anywhere.
Fueled by instances like these (and a delayed realization that it's fucking 2007) the Egyptian government has partnered with activists and religious organizations to kickstart a nationwide campaign fighting to stop the practice. The Egyptian government is also working hard on a comprehensive, loophole-free ban on the practice.
But still genetic mutilation continues, routinely, regularly, contentiously. Guess you can't mess with tradition.
In Egypt, a whopping 96 percent of married, divorced or widowed women have undergone the procedure, according to a 2005 government health survey.
Just this summer, two Egyptian girls have died as a result of complications during circumcision procedures, which are conducted at clinics, barbershops, kind of anywhere.
Fueled by instances like these (and a delayed realization that it's fucking 2007) the Egyptian government has partnered with activists and religious organizations to kickstart a nationwide campaign fighting to stop the practice. The Egyptian government is also working hard on a comprehensive, loophole-free ban on the practice.
But still genetic mutilation continues, routinely, regularly, contentiously. Guess you can't mess with tradition.
8.23.2007
AHWOSG
Just finished "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius" by the great Dave Eggers. I know everyone read it about 5 years ago. SORRY. I've spent many years attached to the classics, convinced that it would be very hard to find something that would move me in modern literature. But at the urging of my roommate, I decided to put Austen and friends aside for a moment.
Anyhow, I loved this book, and not in a "I am so touched" kind of way. Eggers has a way of making you feel like you're in it, in the middle of the mess he's going through. You're not just a bystander, reading along--you're involved. He's your honest young friend who's having a bad go of it, and you are providing a listening ear, perplexed by his sheer honesty, because he's verbalizing things in a way that you'd never have the balls to do.
Throughout the course of Eggers' rant, I was annoyed, embarrassed, disgusted--it was awesome. Much to my dismay, I laughed out loud several times while reading in public places. People thought I was weird. When I had reached the last 20 pages, I milked them for all they were worth, reading 2, 3 pages at a time and then putting the book down, trying to make it last because I didn't feel like it could be over.
And now, days later, I find myself wondering how my old friend Dave and his nice family are doing. He's back on the bookshelf, and I am trying out my first Didion. She's pretty good I hear, but it's just not gonna be the same. =)
Anyhow, I loved this book, and not in a "I am so touched" kind of way. Eggers has a way of making you feel like you're in it, in the middle of the mess he's going through. You're not just a bystander, reading along--you're involved. He's your honest young friend who's having a bad go of it, and you are providing a listening ear, perplexed by his sheer honesty, because he's verbalizing things in a way that you'd never have the balls to do.
Throughout the course of Eggers' rant, I was annoyed, embarrassed, disgusted--it was awesome. Much to my dismay, I laughed out loud several times while reading in public places. People thought I was weird. When I had reached the last 20 pages, I milked them for all they were worth, reading 2, 3 pages at a time and then putting the book down, trying to make it last because I didn't feel like it could be over.
And now, days later, I find myself wondering how my old friend Dave and his nice family are doing. He's back on the bookshelf, and I am trying out my first Didion. She's pretty good I hear, but it's just not gonna be the same. =)
8.10.2007
No Mango for You!
I've always loved a good mango. Tart, a little sweet and fleshy, mangoes are surprisingly satisfying for the small number of calories they set you back. Lately, I've been bringing mangoes to work for a delicious and nutritious mid-morning treat. During lunch after a mango morning, I have less of an appetite for junk. It's really a win-win situation. Except for one thing. I don't know how to properly cut a mango. I've heard tips and tricks on how to do it, but always fall short of correct execution. This morning, frustrated by my lack of ability, I e-mailed my boyfriend while frantically knawing on jagged chunks of mango. Ever the cool, collected, resourceful young man, he replied simply and artistically:
"Your best bet with the mango is to peel it with a sharp knife, or cut it in two vertical slices. Then, make a tic-tac-toe cut in each half and invert the half dome slice of mango inside out. Finally, bite into the savory yellow cubes of ecstasy."
Yes, I know ... a little over-the-top, considering we are talking about fruit. But face it, it's not just any fruit. It's a mango. I rest my case.
8.08.2007
Wow.
A few days ago, I posted about an elderly woman who adopted several special needs children prior to 1999 (when New York state policy on adoption was more lax than it is now) to reap the governmental benefits in the form of $55 a day per special needs child. She then proceeded to lock the kids up, chain them by the wrists and feed them nothing but noodles. The children were left for hours and days on hand, often sitting in their own filth because they weren't released to use the restroom. This went on for almost a decade, undetected, until last week, when one of the adopted children wandered off and was discovered at a gas station many miles away.
With the government's allowance, these children fell through the cracks. It reminds me of the 50s and 60s, where "special" children were institionalized and forgotten, dismissed out and away from the public eye. Out of sight, out of mind ... when matched with a home, these children were no longer the government's problem--all they had to do at this point was write a check. Where are the social workers?
I hear stories like this and wonder how the government can be so dismissive, so irresponsible on one hand, and on the other hand, beat certain matters to death.
National security should be a priority nowadays ... I don't think that many people would deny that. I also believe that due to the current state of affairs, the U.S. government has the right to exercise extra caution when it comes to dealing with Middle Eastern countries. But there should be limits to the madness. Yesterday, Moroccan Ahmedyassine Boujrad, 3, arrived at Reagan Airport and into the arms of his father and mother, a U.S. citizen and legal resident, respectively, after two years of immigration delays and red tape.
While immigration officials did not give a clear explanation as to why it took two years for the toddler's papers to clear, the Council on American-Islamic Relations are certain it's because of his first name, Ahmedyassine. It bears a striking resemblance to Ahmed Yassin, the founder of Hamas, who was assassinated in 2004. The saddest part? Ahmedyassine's poor parents didn't even who the Hamas leader was and had never heard his name. Read more about it here.
Let's give the U.S. government a hearty round of applause for their careful caution. Only they can keep a baby with potential ties to terrorism (really??) away from his loving parents for two years, while allowing special needs orphans to fall into the hands of any old American, just to get them out of the way. Bravo.
With the government's allowance, these children fell through the cracks. It reminds me of the 50s and 60s, where "special" children were institionalized and forgotten, dismissed out and away from the public eye. Out of sight, out of mind ... when matched with a home, these children were no longer the government's problem--all they had to do at this point was write a check. Where are the social workers?
I hear stories like this and wonder how the government can be so dismissive, so irresponsible on one hand, and on the other hand, beat certain matters to death.
National security should be a priority nowadays ... I don't think that many people would deny that. I also believe that due to the current state of affairs, the U.S. government has the right to exercise extra caution when it comes to dealing with Middle Eastern countries. But there should be limits to the madness. Yesterday, Moroccan Ahmedyassine Boujrad, 3, arrived at Reagan Airport and into the arms of his father and mother, a U.S. citizen and legal resident, respectively, after two years of immigration delays and red tape.
While immigration officials did not give a clear explanation as to why it took two years for the toddler's papers to clear, the Council on American-Islamic Relations are certain it's because of his first name, Ahmedyassine. It bears a striking resemblance to Ahmed Yassin, the founder of Hamas, who was assassinated in 2004. The saddest part? Ahmedyassine's poor parents didn't even who the Hamas leader was and had never heard his name. Read more about it here.
Let's give the U.S. government a hearty round of applause for their careful caution. Only they can keep a baby with potential ties to terrorism (really??) away from his loving parents for two years, while allowing special needs orphans to fall into the hands of any old American, just to get them out of the way. Bravo.
8.06.2007
Yoohoo! Anyone reading?
When I wrote for my college newspaper, I knew that some people would end up reading my column by default.
While lining the litterbox with my carefully thought out words, they might have picked up on a phrase that piqued their interest. Perhaps, when using the newsprint to get that streak-free finish on their bathroom mirror, they may have seen my smiling face and thought, "I wonder why she's so cheery?"
Some people even read it regularly, I think. I had a few loyal readers who dropped me an e-mail whenever my latest edition hit, thanking me for my honesty.
But out here in the wide world of the web, I have no idea how many people see the words, if any? I see so many people who have success with blogging, and wonder what the winning formula is, what makes people tune in. For now, I'll just keep writing.
While lining the litterbox with my carefully thought out words, they might have picked up on a phrase that piqued their interest. Perhaps, when using the newsprint to get that streak-free finish on their bathroom mirror, they may have seen my smiling face and thought, "I wonder why she's so cheery?"
Some people even read it regularly, I think. I had a few loyal readers who dropped me an e-mail whenever my latest edition hit, thanking me for my honesty.
But out here in the wide world of the web, I have no idea how many people see the words, if any? I see so many people who have success with blogging, and wonder what the winning formula is, what makes people tune in. For now, I'll just keep writing.
8.01.2007
Personality Test
So I took this crazy personality test. It told me a lot that I already knew. Apparently, I am an anxious, emotional person who likes to please others.
Take Free Advanced Global Personality Test
personality tests by similarminds.com
| Advanced Global Personality Test Results
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personality tests by similarminds.com
7.30.2007
Is it Possible to Ignore such a Guilty Conscience?
When I feel my conscience tugging at me in the most "carefree" of situations, it gives me the impression that people are unable to live with large amounts of guilt, or that a desire to be good exists in all of us.
But today I was rocked by something I can only describe as horrific and I just can't believe that anyone could be capable of this.
But today I was rocked by something I can only describe as horrific and I just can't believe that anyone could be capable of this.
7.11.2007
Maybe Someone Switched my Mirror
I weigh 120 lbs. I weighed that much a year ago, and two years ago, and three years ago. The difference, however, is that for the first time, I don't shudder at my reflection in the mirror anymore. I don't see areas on my body that are vastly disproportional and feel an overwhelming need to get on the Stairmaster, something I felt from the time I was 16--and the exact weight and height that I am today. Instead, I catch a quick glance in the mirror before I head to work and think, hey, I guess I look pretty good. Sometimes I even think I have pretty nice legs!
Women always talk about waking up one morning and suddenly feeling comfortable in their skin. For me, I thought that'd never be the case. The quintessential Virgo, I secretly wish to be perfect in every way and that manifests itself in a commitment to physical fitness, political correctness, and mild, smiling responses to even the most unpleasant mothafuckin-sons-of-bitches.
I can't put my finger on it, but I feel that I am quickly becoming OK, even happy, with myself. Even though I'm living in L.A.-land now, where my regular size-4 frame, which is small by most standards, will never get me into show business unless I have an aerodynamic ass to show for it, I'm satisfied with the way I look. Maybe my expectations are lower, or my weight has re-distributed, or my new obsession with veggies has blasted some of my body fat percentage, or the paint fumes in my apartment are making me high. Or maybe I'm just growing up and away from the distorted body image that many young women, all over the world, who are exposed to any sort of mainstream media, develop. That must be it. :)
Women always talk about waking up one morning and suddenly feeling comfortable in their skin. For me, I thought that'd never be the case. The quintessential Virgo, I secretly wish to be perfect in every way and that manifests itself in a commitment to physical fitness, political correctness, and mild, smiling responses to even the most unpleasant mothafuckin-sons-of-bitches.
I can't put my finger on it, but I feel that I am quickly becoming OK, even happy, with myself. Even though I'm living in L.A.-land now, where my regular size-4 frame, which is small by most standards, will never get me into show business unless I have an aerodynamic ass to show for it, I'm satisfied with the way I look. Maybe my expectations are lower, or my weight has re-distributed, or my new obsession with veggies has blasted some of my body fat percentage, or the paint fumes in my apartment are making me high. Or maybe I'm just growing up and away from the distorted body image that many young women, all over the world, who are exposed to any sort of mainstream media, develop. That must be it. :)
6.18.2007
Total and Utter Unnecessariness
That's right, I made up a word.
Here's the thing. I like Grey's Anatomy ... a lot. One reason I like it so much is that the characterization on the show is near-impeccable. There is an interesting variety of personalities that everyone who is familiar with the show can tell you is both amusing and engaging.
I also am a huge supporter of gay rights. To me, everyone is the same and, as such, everyone should be allowed to the same social liberties--simple as that. It bothers me personally when people use derogatory terms or exhibit intolerant behaviors.
However, we can't reprogram the minds of every intolerant person in one fell swoop, nor should we feel like it is our job to. I'm not speaking against educating people and spreading positive awareness. I just think that there are effective ways to handle issues, and excessive ones.
Isaiah Washington, who plays (played) Dr. Burke on Grey's Anatomy, was recently notified that his contract would not be renewed for another season, and the reason for that are both private and public incidences where he used homophobic slurs when speaking of his openly gay co-star, T.R. Knight--aka Dr. O'Malley.
I don't deny it--Isaiah Washington is a dickwad. I don't like the guy, he's an asshole. I wouldn't want to have a nice lunchtime chat with him. And although he's made public apologies and entered supposed "rehabilitation programs, I don't buy for a second that he's sincere. He's just covering his ass.
But all of this being said, Washington WAS an integral, valuable and major character in the program. My unhealthy obsession for the program aside, what will ABC achieve by firing him? The new title of Gay Man's Hero? No. The fact is, Washington DID apologize, even though I'll admit that his fingers were probably crossed behind his back. With so many people out there in the world of television and radio media, we would be delusional to believe that a couple of the other television stars we eagerly tune into every week don't hold similar beliefs. By allowing Washington to remain on the air, ABC would simply be retaining an employee who's not as tactful as some others who may agree with his rude way of thinking. This would be completely acceptable, considering his oh-so-public slap on the wrist affirmed that ABC doesn't condone such behavior. Firing him is like, and excuse my horrible analogy, shoveling a snowstorm of intolerance with a quick-fix teaspoon instead of a plow of information and awareness.
Furthermore, this is the beginning of Grey's Anatomy's downward spiral to the hit-TV tomb.
Here's the thing. I like Grey's Anatomy ... a lot. One reason I like it so much is that the characterization on the show is near-impeccable. There is an interesting variety of personalities that everyone who is familiar with the show can tell you is both amusing and engaging.
I also am a huge supporter of gay rights. To me, everyone is the same and, as such, everyone should be allowed to the same social liberties--simple as that. It bothers me personally when people use derogatory terms or exhibit intolerant behaviors.
However, we can't reprogram the minds of every intolerant person in one fell swoop, nor should we feel like it is our job to. I'm not speaking against educating people and spreading positive awareness. I just think that there are effective ways to handle issues, and excessive ones.
Isaiah Washington, who plays (played) Dr. Burke on Grey's Anatomy, was recently notified that his contract would not be renewed for another season, and the reason for that are both private and public incidences where he used homophobic slurs when speaking of his openly gay co-star, T.R. Knight--aka Dr. O'Malley.
I don't deny it--Isaiah Washington is a dickwad. I don't like the guy, he's an asshole. I wouldn't want to have a nice lunchtime chat with him. And although he's made public apologies and entered supposed "rehabilitation programs, I don't buy for a second that he's sincere. He's just covering his ass.
But all of this being said, Washington WAS an integral, valuable and major character in the program. My unhealthy obsession for the program aside, what will ABC achieve by firing him? The new title of Gay Man's Hero? No. The fact is, Washington DID apologize, even though I'll admit that his fingers were probably crossed behind his back. With so many people out there in the world of television and radio media, we would be delusional to believe that a couple of the other television stars we eagerly tune into every week don't hold similar beliefs. By allowing Washington to remain on the air, ABC would simply be retaining an employee who's not as tactful as some others who may agree with his rude way of thinking. This would be completely acceptable, considering his oh-so-public slap on the wrist affirmed that ABC doesn't condone such behavior. Firing him is like, and excuse my horrible analogy, shoveling a snowstorm of intolerance with a quick-fix teaspoon instead of a plow of information and awareness.
Furthermore, this is the beginning of Grey's Anatomy's downward spiral to the hit-TV tomb.
6.13.2007
6.05.2007
Update?
I have a good life. My parents are my rock, and I am theirs. I have a few friends whose unconditionality is like that of a family member. My siblings are bright, loving and real. I am in love with a dynamic, adventurous person who never ceases to amaze me and respects me in a way that no guy ever has. I have a cool job that challenges me in new ways every day and am living the good life in the big city. To top it all off, I'm starting grad school in the fall. I'm young and clever and the world is my oyster.
But let's be real here. I am fucking exhausted. There is so much going on that I can't even slow myself down enough to enjoy it. Seems like a pretty lame gripe to have, but there it is.
I feel much better now.
But let's be real here. I am fucking exhausted. There is so much going on that I can't even slow myself down enough to enjoy it. Seems like a pretty lame gripe to have, but there it is.
I feel much better now.
5.15.2007
Just Whatever
I am compelled to say something. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because I usually only write in this thing when I feel like I haven't in a while. This blog has started to feel like an assignment, a regular obligation. Like my column in college, for example. I had set deadlines that I had to meet, so it stopped being fun sometimes, especially when I felt that there was nothing to say.
But I see my friends and cohorts writing in their blogs about nothing more than the annoying thing that happened in the meeting today, or their favorite soda, or that funny comment their mom made, and these notes are wonderful and clever in their simplicity.
So if eloquence happens to pour out of me at a particular time, I'll welcome it. But instead of shutting up until I have something important to say, I'll just start talking. I mean, it never stops me in real life.
But I see my friends and cohorts writing in their blogs about nothing more than the annoying thing that happened in the meeting today, or their favorite soda, or that funny comment their mom made, and these notes are wonderful and clever in their simplicity.
So if eloquence happens to pour out of me at a particular time, I'll welcome it. But instead of shutting up until I have something important to say, I'll just start talking. I mean, it never stops me in real life.
5.03.2007
Asshole
Why are there so many ridiculous people out there?
With everything in today's world that we can choose to be outraged about, say, for example, the AIDS pandemic, why do we see people with more wealth and resources than us making a hot fuss about nothing?
Roy L. Pearson, a judge based out of Washington, was a little tiffed when Custom Cleaners, a drycleaning business owned by a South Korean couple, lost a pair of his slacks in 2005. Pearson, a man of justice, promptly sued the Chungs for $65 million.
While the pants were identified almost immediately (the ticket on the recovered pants matched his receipt), Pearson's fight was not over. He believed his rights had been violated and pushed on with a list of charges.
After two years of paying legal fees and attempting to settle with Pearson for up to $12,000, the Chung family is considering moving back to South Korea. They are out of money and frankly, the American dream didn't work out so well for them, despite their honest attempt.
This leads me to a simple conclusion: Roy L. Pearson, you're an asshole.
Read more here.
With everything in today's world that we can choose to be outraged about, say, for example, the AIDS pandemic, why do we see people with more wealth and resources than us making a hot fuss about nothing?
Roy L. Pearson, a judge based out of Washington, was a little tiffed when Custom Cleaners, a drycleaning business owned by a South Korean couple, lost a pair of his slacks in 2005. Pearson, a man of justice, promptly sued the Chungs for $65 million.
While the pants were identified almost immediately (the ticket on the recovered pants matched his receipt), Pearson's fight was not over. He believed his rights had been violated and pushed on with a list of charges.
After two years of paying legal fees and attempting to settle with Pearson for up to $12,000, the Chung family is considering moving back to South Korea. They are out of money and frankly, the American dream didn't work out so well for them, despite their honest attempt.
This leads me to a simple conclusion: Roy L. Pearson, you're an asshole.
Read more here.
4.13.2007
310 Chick
I know I haven't been around. Sorry, I've been busy. You understand, right?
Almost every decision I've made in life up to this point was safe, calculated and had a low risk factor.
With a quick flip of the switch in the obsessively analytical part of my mind and my eyes on the prize, I picked up and moved to West LA a couple of weeks ago and accepted an editing job in new media.
Now, I'm living in a big apartment, meeting creative people every day and trying not to be so wide-eyed and clueless about LA--it's very unflattering.
My short-term goals include:
1. Not going broke as a result of awesome dining and drinks out here.
2. Not being afraid every time someone on the street asks me for spare change.
3. Walking, instead of driving, as much as possible.
4. Not buckling under the pressure and tearing up during work. =)
Let's see if I can do this.
Almost every decision I've made in life up to this point was safe, calculated and had a low risk factor.
With a quick flip of the switch in the obsessively analytical part of my mind and my eyes on the prize, I picked up and moved to West LA a couple of weeks ago and accepted an editing job in new media.
Now, I'm living in a big apartment, meeting creative people every day and trying not to be so wide-eyed and clueless about LA--it's very unflattering.
My short-term goals include:
1. Not going broke as a result of awesome dining and drinks out here.
2. Not being afraid every time someone on the street asks me for spare change.
3. Walking, instead of driving, as much as possible.
4. Not buckling under the pressure and tearing up during work. =)
Let's see if I can do this.
2.22.2007
Divertor
One more thing...this clip from Saturday TV Funhouse on Saturday Night Live is really clever. In our Anna Nicole and Britney-soaked evening newscasts, it's easy to forget what's really going on, even for those of us who are aware of it. Click on video to watch the "Divertor" clip.
http://www.crooksandliars.com/2005/05/23.html#a3075
http://www.crooksandliars.com/2005/05/23.html#a3075
History Repeats Itself
When I was a freshman in college, my sociology professor showed our class a documentary that explored the lives of Vietnam War vets soon after they returned home from war. I recall a panel discussion where trembling soldiers took turns describing some of the atrocities they and other soldiers committed against Vietnamese civilians, some so gruesome that they caused a wave of shudders across the lecture hall I sat in.
Despite the graphic nature of the descriptions, what I won't forget about that documentary is the listless, absent expressions on the faces of some of the soldiers, almost as if they had experienced and taken part in so much horror that there was nothing left inside of them.
I remember ... it was Spring 2003 when Professor O'Connell showed us this documentary, which, I might add, was completely unrelated to the course he was teaching.
The credits faded to black, and he stood in front of us and said, "I'm not trying to change your opinions or affect you deeply. I just want to provide you with a piece of information. Don't think about it right now, just file it away for later." He then proceeded with his regular lecture as if nothing had happened, while the 300 of us sat in stunned silence for the remainder of the hour. Less than a week later, the Iraq war, which is still raging on, had its official start.
This morning, I started my workday by reading the CNN headlines, business as usual, when I stumbled upon a story about Paul Cortez, a U.S. soldier who recently testified to raping an Iraqi girl and killing her family. All of a sudden, the information that Professor O'Connell asked me to file came racing to the front of my mind.
Reading further, I found out that Cortez is avoiding the death penalty by testifying against three other soldiers also involved in the case. As it turns out, the soldiers took turns holding 14-year-old Abeer Qassim al-Janabi down while their fellow soldiers could rape her, one by one, before shooting her several times in the head and killing her family.
Allegedly, Cortez cried and showed signs of extreme grief as he described his own actions and the scene, but all I could ask myself was why and how. Why would a group of young people who are serving their country and supposedly fighting for democracy in another destroy an innocent family so heartlessly? How many cases are there like this one that we haven't heard about? Why is this useless war still going on? And why, why, why do we allow history to keep repeating itself this way, without learning from our mistakes?
My file on this subject is rapidly expanding, as you can tell. I don't really know what else to say.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/02/22/soldier.rape.ap/index.html?eref=rss_us
Despite the graphic nature of the descriptions, what I won't forget about that documentary is the listless, absent expressions on the faces of some of the soldiers, almost as if they had experienced and taken part in so much horror that there was nothing left inside of them.
I remember ... it was Spring 2003 when Professor O'Connell showed us this documentary, which, I might add, was completely unrelated to the course he was teaching.
The credits faded to black, and he stood in front of us and said, "I'm not trying to change your opinions or affect you deeply. I just want to provide you with a piece of information. Don't think about it right now, just file it away for later." He then proceeded with his regular lecture as if nothing had happened, while the 300 of us sat in stunned silence for the remainder of the hour. Less than a week later, the Iraq war, which is still raging on, had its official start.
This morning, I started my workday by reading the CNN headlines, business as usual, when I stumbled upon a story about Paul Cortez, a U.S. soldier who recently testified to raping an Iraqi girl and killing her family. All of a sudden, the information that Professor O'Connell asked me to file came racing to the front of my mind.
Reading further, I found out that Cortez is avoiding the death penalty by testifying against three other soldiers also involved in the case. As it turns out, the soldiers took turns holding 14-year-old Abeer Qassim al-Janabi down while their fellow soldiers could rape her, one by one, before shooting her several times in the head and killing her family.
Allegedly, Cortez cried and showed signs of extreme grief as he described his own actions and the scene, but all I could ask myself was why and how. Why would a group of young people who are serving their country and supposedly fighting for democracy in another destroy an innocent family so heartlessly? How many cases are there like this one that we haven't heard about? Why is this useless war still going on? And why, why, why do we allow history to keep repeating itself this way, without learning from our mistakes?
My file on this subject is rapidly expanding, as you can tell. I don't really know what else to say.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/02/22/soldier.rape.ap/index.html?eref=rss_us
2.06.2007
Modern Day Gandhi? I think not.
Racial issues are, unfortunately, still, very visible in today's society, in all shapes and forms. Our current administration has fueled a new uprising of the "white power" mentality that exists in the conscious, or even subconscious, of many.
But I am hard pressed to believe that within the education system, especially in such a forward-thinking, academic area as Boston, MA, a respected professor and recipient of presitigious grants would be denied tenure because he is black.
After two hearty bowls of Chex and a two-year battle to reverse the rejection of his tenure bid, James Sherley, a stem cell researcher at MIT, began a hunger strike yesterday outside the provost's office. While the administration cited outside reasons for the rejection, flat-out denied that the decision was racially motivated, and explained that less than half of junior faculty at MIT have their tenure bids accepted, Sherley is convinced that his continuing status as a junior faculty member has something to do with his skin color.
Now, as much as I respect the guy for the revolutionary work he's done and for his conviction, I am disinclined to believe that race plays a role in this case. However, someone who garners so much respect for his professional work would not normally draw such intimate attention to himself without some sort of motivation. In any case, this whole situation made me very curious, and I'll be sure to follow up when I learn more.
Here's the CNN link.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/EDUCATION/02/06/professor.hunger.strike.ap/index.html?eref=rss_us
But I am hard pressed to believe that within the education system, especially in such a forward-thinking, academic area as Boston, MA, a respected professor and recipient of presitigious grants would be denied tenure because he is black.
After two hearty bowls of Chex and a two-year battle to reverse the rejection of his tenure bid, James Sherley, a stem cell researcher at MIT, began a hunger strike yesterday outside the provost's office. While the administration cited outside reasons for the rejection, flat-out denied that the decision was racially motivated, and explained that less than half of junior faculty at MIT have their tenure bids accepted, Sherley is convinced that his continuing status as a junior faculty member has something to do with his skin color.
Now, as much as I respect the guy for the revolutionary work he's done and for his conviction, I am disinclined to believe that race plays a role in this case. However, someone who garners so much respect for his professional work would not normally draw such intimate attention to himself without some sort of motivation. In any case, this whole situation made me very curious, and I'll be sure to follow up when I learn more.
Here's the CNN link.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/EDUCATION/02/06/professor.hunger.strike.ap/index.html?eref=rss_us
1.29.2007
A Promise
Blog, I promise I'm going to have more to say in the coming weeks and months, if not for any other reason than to sustain a good habit.
At first, I needed you as a crying shoulder, someone to listen when there was nothing necessarily profound to say.
Now, my needs have changed. I don't need you so much as I need to continue improving upon myself by keeping fresh ideas spinning in my mind.
I'm not inspired by the same things anymore. In fact, I'm hardly inspired at all. Apparently, this is what adulthood and a steady work schedule can do to you.
So I've given myself a homework assignment, as an attempt to relive my days as a student and as a search for inspiration.
I'll address one topic a week, be it political, religious, or newsworthy in some way, shape or form. It'll be something I don't know much about and am forced to wrap my brain around.
Hopefully, this assignment will help me dust off and switch on some areas of my mind that I haven't used in several months ... and maybe, it'll even inspire me every once in a while.
At first, I needed you as a crying shoulder, someone to listen when there was nothing necessarily profound to say.
Now, my needs have changed. I don't need you so much as I need to continue improving upon myself by keeping fresh ideas spinning in my mind.
I'm not inspired by the same things anymore. In fact, I'm hardly inspired at all. Apparently, this is what adulthood and a steady work schedule can do to you.
So I've given myself a homework assignment, as an attempt to relive my days as a student and as a search for inspiration.
I'll address one topic a week, be it political, religious, or newsworthy in some way, shape or form. It'll be something I don't know much about and am forced to wrap my brain around.
Hopefully, this assignment will help me dust off and switch on some areas of my mind that I haven't used in several months ... and maybe, it'll even inspire me every once in a while.
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