2010 Flower Pr0n - Chameleon Tree Edition

Sunday, October 31, 2010
A number of years ago, we replaced a tree in our back yard with a young female Maple. Now, we really like Maples, but this one is somewhat unusual - depending on the time of year, the leaves are different color. It makes the view from the deck a bit more interesting, and I can't wait until it fills out.

Spring - Purple
Summer - Green
Fall - Yellow

Chick Stuff - Shoe Love

Saturday, October 30, 2010
First, something for the guys:


Actually, I myself lust after this fine machine. I guess that makes me, as one of my co-workers claims, "a man's woman." I think he meant that as a compliment.

On to shoes!

My new Fluevogs arrived yesterday! In case you're unfamiliar with John Fluevog, he's a shoe designer. The incredible Jeri introduced me to him during our Seattle trip earlier this year, and while I've been meaning to buy MORE since then, I could never decide which style I wanted. So in a fit of unbridled greed, I recently purchased THREE PAIRS. My name is Janiece, and I have a problem. Hm...shoes.



Boogie Blogging Friday - Limited Mobility Edition

Friday, October 29, 2010



Poor Boogie. He injured one of his pads on Wednesday morning, so we've been trying to limit his mobility to keep the wound from opening up every time he walks on it. We've had limited success, as it apparently doesn't hurt. So he's been padding all over the house, leaving dots of blood over every available surface. Today we got smart and I wrapped the foot in a pad with some Neosporin and then put one of his ice booties on. Hopefully it'll heal up soon so he can return to his normally scheduled activities.

Melancholy

Thursday, October 28, 2010
I spent yesterday trying to figure out why the news of my old friend's loss made me feel so bad. After all, I haven't spoken to her or her family in years and years, and while I had spent a considerable amount of time in their home as a teen, the fact is that we drifted apart for a reason.

Then it occurred to me. My grief wasn't really about my friend losing her father - although losing a parent is never easy and I wouldn't wish it on anyone - it was about the fact that I have drifted away from all the people I grew up with. I'm still in touch with any number of them, but we're not close.

Part of the reason is that my life evolved in very different ways from theirs. My military experience matured me in ways that post-High School employment simply can't, and I'm sure that their own experiences led them down intellectual and emotional paths that I never tread. After I left the Navy, I was a member of the working poor before I eventually ended up working in a white collar, professional job, and my life and values reflect my circumstances.

But to be honest, most of it is that I value far different things now than I did then. Now, in my middle age, I can't imagine being genuinely close to someone who doesn't read regularly, or vote responsibly*, or has a healthy dose of intellectual curiosity about the world, or values education, or engages in any of the other things that make me judge someone and find them wanting. And the fact of the matter is that many (but not all) of the people I grew up with don't value the same things I do now. Just as I may not value what they consider important (like religious faith, for example).

I suspect that given my personal growth trajectory, such an outcome was inevitable. But it still makes me melancholy.


__________
*Not to be confused with voting the same as me. Voting responsibly means taking the time to research the issues and making intelligent, considered choices with your franchise.

Blue

Wednesday, October 27, 2010
I'm feeling a little blue today. I just found out that one of my dearest friends from my high school years lost her father on Saturday. While I haven't spoken to this woman in many years, and we currently don't have much in common aside from the memory of our coming of age, the news still saddens me.

I'm also dealing with some work related...challenges. I don't have much patience with challenging workmates on the best of days, so I'm working hard on keeping my blood pressure down today.

I'm sure tomorrow will be better, but in the short term, I think I need a cookie.

Accepting Me

Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Once again, I am inspired by HCDSM reader and occasional commenter David. At the rate he's going, I may never have to think of original blogging fodder again - I'll simply copy David for the duration.

He recently inspired me to write this as a result of some thoughtful snarkiness, and now he's written a follow-up piece detailing Nine Things That Will Not Make Me Judge You. I like having balance in my life. I like it so much I'm going to balance the scales here at Hot Chicks Dig Smart Men and totally steal David's idea AGAIN.

Here are Seven Things That Will Not Make Me Judge You.

1. You are grief-stricken when your beloved pet dies.

People who don't consider their pets to be part of their family typically don't understand how someone can have a deep emotional relationship with a pet. But in many ways, such relationships are the purist, most fulfilling things in this life. Being grief-stricken when they die is appropriate, and fitting.

2. You are poor.

Unlike willful ignorance, being poor isn't something people choose. If you're not convinced, go read this.

3. You have faith.

Like most atheists, I'm far too pragmatic to understand faith. Unlike many atheists, I admire those who manage a spiritual connection to this world that does not interfere with empirical reality.

4. You choose not to serve in the Armed Forces.

While my own family has a tradition of military service, there are many ways to serve your country and your fellow human beings. It's not up to me to proclaim that my preferred method of service is superior to any other.

5. You perform what is considered "menial" work.

Menial is as menial does. If you're the best waiter I've ever had, the key word there is "best," not "waiter."

6. You cry for sentimental reasons. 

Crying because something reminds of you of what's really important about being human is a sign that you might be someone I'd enjoy knowing, not the opposite.

7. You ask for help.

Not to be completely cliche, but no man is an island. Needing help occasionally does not make you weak or needy, but it does make you human. And allowing others to help you when you genuinely need it makes those who are willing to help human, too.

2010 Flower Pr0n, Fall Colors Edition

Sunday, October 24, 2010


I'm the Party of No

Saturday, October 23, 2010
Well, I've completed my mail-in ballot for the November election, and I've determined that at least here in Colorado, I'm the party of NO.

Of course, I can't really be blamed for voting "no" on every single Amendment or Proposition. The utterly douchebaggery of what made it on the ballot this year forced my hand:
  • Amendments 60 and 61, along with Proposition 101, are such complete pieces of crappola, everyone recommends a "no" vote. While doing my research, I couldn't find a single mainstream organization or candidate who thought these legislative abortions are a good idea. 
  • Amendment 62 is the so-called "personhood" Amendment. I've blogged about this idiocy before, and really, it's not getting any better with age. 
  • Amendment 63 is the "fuck you, Obama-care" Amendment. This incredible piece of demagoguery is Colorado's chance to amend its Constitution in a way that basically tells the Federal government, "You're not the boss of ME!" Very mature. Not to mention that these fuckwits don't have a viable alternative to the individual mandate. 
  • And as usual, the Colorado Constitution has a variety of Amendments on the ballot, because evidently the Colorado Constitution MUST BE AMENDED every two years, in numerous places, for no apparent reason other than to fill up the ballot.
So I've done my due diligence, completed my research, and retired my civic duty for another two years.

SO YOU CAN STOP CALLING MY HOUSE NOW, BECAUSE IT'S TOO LATE. TOO LATE, DO YOU HEAR? IF YOU CALL MY HOUSE AGAIN, I WILL BREAK OUT THE SHOVEL OF DOOM ON YOUR INTRUSIVE ASS.

Boogie Blogging Friday - Fuzzy Edition

Friday, October 22, 2010

Boogie's appointment for a bath and haircut had to be postponed a week due to my trip to Las Vegas, so he's a bit fuzzy and musty at the moment. But he was still happy to see me, in a smelly, dusty, fuzzy sort of way.

Don't You Wish You Were Married to Me?


Because if you were, you'd be the proud owner of this fine timepiece. But unless you're the Smart Man, you're not married to me, and you'll have to buy your own Omega. Which sucks for you, but is great if you're the Smart Man.

Attention, Deadbeats:

Thursday, October 21, 2010
Here's the deal. If I need something from you, and it's your job to provide it, I am not going to set you up to fail by not providing the details and deliverables you need to be successful. Instead, I will go to the trouble of explaining to you, in clear and comprehensive language, exactly what it is that I need from you, and why, and when, and I'll document my request in writing. Because I go to the trouble of doing all this, I become irked when you claim after the fact that "Really, I had NO IDEA what you needed and that you needed it by Friday!"

So don't be surprised when my response will invariably be a return e:mail to you, and everyone else involved in the request, with the original request attached, and some sort of language that holds you accountable. I do this because you've essentially just told on yourself by admitting that you never read the initial request at all, and I really don't think that's an acceptable reason for having failed to do your job. 

Sorry - that's just the way I roll. Janiece, former SNCO and current Systems Engineer, holding people accountable since 1984. As Staff Sergeant Dignam said in The Departed, "I'm the guy who does his job. You must be the other guy."

Expanding My Musical Horizons

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

My work friend and former padawan Aylee is a big fan of this group - The Idan Raichel Project. I like their music, although I wish they wouldn't sing in Hebrew quite so much. Like most middle eastern languages, I believe Hebrew to be a fundamentally ugly language (sorry, Aylee), and it distracts me from the music. They're worth a listen, though, and this song is lovely.

Tasty Tuesday - Sausage Paella

Tuesday, October 19, 2010
This recipe is simple, fast, healthful and quite tasty. It also makes plenty, so it's a good choice if you're feeding the masses or teen boys.

Sausage Paella

1 lb turkey kielbasa or fully cooked chicken sausage, cut into 1/4 inch slices
1/2 lb frozen peeled and deveined shrimp (optional)
2 tsp. olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
2 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 (14 1/2 oz) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
3/4 cup basmati or long-grain brown rice
12 small stuffed green olives
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1. Spray a large nonstick skillet with nonstick spray and set over medium-high heat. Add the kielbasa and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

2. Heat the oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and jalapeno; cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, 4 minutes. Add the broth, tomatoes, rice, olives and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat; cover and simmer until the rice is almost tender, about 35 minutes.

3. Stir in the kielbasa and shrimp (if desired). Cover and simmer until the rice is tender and the kielbasa is heated through, about 5 minutes. Fluff with mixture with a fork and stir in the parsley.

Per serving (1 cup): 261 calories, 11 grams fat, 3 gram sat fat, 0 gram trans fat, 40 mg cholesterol, 1,118 mg sodium, 26 carbs, 4 gram fiber, 16 gram protein, 51 mg calcium.

A Pearl of Great Price

Monday, October 18, 2010
I try not to write too much about work here on Hot Chicks Dig Smart Men. It's not that I'm ashamed of what I do, or that I think my company is the worst place to work on the planet. I'm not,* and it's not.** And really - anyone smart enough to pour pee out of a boot can figure out where I work. It's not a big mystery.

Like most adults in this country, work is a large part of my life. In a normal week, I spend the majority of waking hours performing tasks associated with work, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't have some pretty strong opinions about my industry, the leadership strategies I'm subjected to, and other work-related matters.

So today's topic is work-related, with the caveat that I'm pretty sure no member of my leadership team reads this space, although I can't be sure.

Have you ever worked for a boss who was so insecure in their leadership, while simultaneously so arrogant about their decision-making skills that dissent was simply not tolerated? I don't do well in such an environment, since I'm opinionated and don't like to feel like my observations are dismissed out of hand. I especially don't do well in an environment where I'm punished, either implicitly or explicitly, for telling the boss I think he's full of crap. Not that I'll stop raising the bullshit flag, mind you - I just don't enjoy being punished for speaking truth to power.

Which is why, in spite of Fiscal Year 2010 being kind of a rough year for me professionally, I'm happy to be working in the team I'm in. I'm free to tell my immediate boss that he's full of crap, or that an idea or process is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. (Yes, that's exactly how I phrase it, thanks. Wasting time weaseling around the issue really isn't my style.) He doesn't take it personally - instead he analyzes my objections, determines if there's merit to my complaint, and makes changes appropriately.

I can't tell you how freeing such an environment is. While I have no desire or ambition to "move up" in the organization, the expression of my honest, defensible opinion does not constitute a CLM on my team. In fact, it's encouraged, especially if doing so results in the resolution of an issue that negatively affects our company or our customers.

I'm opinionated (yes, yes - shocking). Not having the opportunity to express my opinion or take an active role in the on-going functioning of my team creates stress for me. So I have acquired my pearl of great price. I can deal with a lot of crap as long as I have that.

_______
*Except that my company sells a proactive contact solution. For those not in my industry, that means we sell the solutions that automatically dial your house during the dinner hour so the agent or recording on the other end of the line can talk to you about their charity, or their political opinion, or what their company can sell you. I'm sorry. Deeply, deeply sorry.

**If it was, how stupid would I have to be to have stayed there for fourteen years?

2010 Flower Pr0n

Sunday, October 17, 2010


Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Saturday, October 16, 2010
I'm leaving tomorrow for our company's annual sales conference. It's in Las Vegas this year, and as always, I'm girding my loins for the inevitable discomfort such events engender in me.

It's not that I have to travel - now that the kids are off the payroll, I enjoy traveling periodically, and I think the Smart Man enjoys baching it for a few days, too.* While I don't particularly enjoy Las Vegas (it's just TOO MUCH), I may take in a Cirque show while I'm there, which is always a hoot.

No, my issue with these events are unrelated to traveling or the location of the conference.

I don't like crowds. They make me claustrophobic, and because there are so very many people at these things, I spend the week gritting my teeth and hoping I don't go postal the eighty-seventh time someone invades my personal space.

And these events are simply exhausting. Part of it is the crowds, and part of it is being over scheduled, but the majority of it, I think, is that I'm enough of an introvert that this kind of Ra-Ra-Sis-Boom-Ba event sucks the life right out of me. I know some people find such things energizing and motivating, but for me it's just one long week of being inevitably drawn into the black hole of corporate-speak and "networking."

The technical talks are usually valuable, but all things considered, I think I'd rather stay home and tell the kids to stay off my lawn. 




______
*The dog, however, is NOT AMUSED when I travel.

Boogie Blogging Friday - Rainy and Cold Edition

Friday, October 15, 2010

It's been a bit rainy and cold this week, so Boogie has taken to curling himself into a ball and sulking. He doesn't care much for getting rained on during walkies. And his attempt to find The Door Into Summer has been less than successful.

The Lost Art

Thursday, October 14, 2010
I spend a lot of time on line. Part of it is due to the nature of my work and lifestyle - I spend 8-10 hours a day, five days a week, at my home office desk, in front of two computers. Periodically during the day, I take little mini-breaks and look at my RSS feed or Facebook.

But it seems like the older I get, the more I end up writing letters. Yes, real letters, using ink pens and note cards, carried by the U.S. Postal Service.

Part of the current crop of letters are heading to the Navy's Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL. The only form of contact the Smart Boy is permitted to have is Snail Mail, so I've been sending two or three notes a week, offering encouragement and such. But I also send notes to some of the elderly women in my life who don't use computers, as well as a few friends who do use computers.

It just seems more personal to write things out longhand, and I know the ladies on my weekly distribution list appreciate and enjoy my boring little missives.

I wonder how long it will be before no one writes personal letters anymore?

Judgey Me

Wednesday, October 13, 2010
I have a tendency towards being self-righteous and judgey. Yes, I know - shocking. I do try to keep it under control, though, as I find these particular personality traits of mine to be less than becoming and not really something to be proud of. Like all of us, I'm a work in progress, and unlike the saints among us, I suspect I will remain unfinished.

However, I recently read a really outstanding blog post by HCDSM reader and occasional commenter David, who is a professional historian and an all-around Smart Man. It was called Nine Things that Make Me Judge You, and it contained the characteristics that push David to judge other people and find them wanting. Because David is someone I consider to be more charitable than myself, and less, well, judgey, the list made me think. Everyone judges other people - everyone. It's simply part of being human. So at what point does judging others become a vice, and at what point is it simply learning from world around you?

I'm not sure I'm qualified to answer that question, given my innate tendencies, but I do know that there are characteristics that push me over the edge. I suspect expressing them makes me a self-righteous, judgey bitch, but I know that I'm unwilling to compromise on them. So here's my list of 7 Things That Make Me Judge You.


1. You consider people who choose to serve in the Armed Forces to be losers, or suckers, or that the military was their "last resort."

My family has served this nation in uniform for over 150 years in every branch except the Coast Guard. We did so because we have a tradition of military service, and a service ethos. It's a fundamental part of who we are. When you express the opinion that our service is without value, you imply that we are without value. This, of course, makes me wonder why me and mine would put ourselves in harm's way for the likes of you.

2. You choose to disregard empirical truth in favor of your unprovable belief.

I have no issue with faith. I don't understand it, I don't have it, but I consider it a private matter, and therefore none of my damn business. But when you insist on disregarding observable evidence in favor of something that can't be proven, then I will assume your lack of critical thinking skills extend to every area of your life, not just geology and your "case for a young earth."

3. You consider others' accomplishments grounds for your contempt rather than your respect.

Unless you're the pinnacle of human evolution,* there will always be someone who is smarter than you, or better educated than you, or has a better understanding of a specific topic than you, or just simply works harder than you. This hard fact of life isn't grounds for accusing these people of being "elitists," or "snobs" or whatever disparaging name you choose to apply. People who have better skills than you should be considered assets. When I'm considering who I want to be my doctor, or my architect, or my handyman, I want someone who can do the job better than me. Why would you not apply the same standard to those who govern our country?

4. You believe that because you don't understand a concept, then it must not be true.

As a corollary to number three, you are still not the pinnacle of human evolution.** You can't be an expert on everything, and even with diligent and dedicated effort, it may turn out that you don't have the natural ability to fully grasp specific disciplines. Your inability in this area, however, does not prove that others don't have the expertise you lack. "Disbelieving" the Theory of Evolution because you either haven't taken the time to fully understand it or lack the ability to do so does not make it untrue. It simply makes you ignorant and an unworthy heir to the Enlightenment.

5. You assume that your social prejudices are the "natural order of things," and act accordingly.

If you assume that your discomfort with homosexuality or other non-destructive, non-mainstream aspects of humanity means that such people should be marginalized and ostracized, then don't be surprised if you yourself are eventually marginalized and ostracized by those who practice self examination on a regular basis.

6. You refuse to change your opinion in the presence of contradictory evidence.

People with critical thinking skills are capable of changing their minds and analyzing the other side of the argument. If you have a dearly held opinion, and are presented with evidence that you are simply WRONG, show some moral courage, admit your error and change your mind.


7. You lack generosity of spirit.

Helping others when they need it, whether that's through philanthropy, volunteerism, or working toward a more equitable world, is one of the things that differentiates us from other species. When you leave the weak to suffer and die, or refuse to help those who cannot help themselves, you show me a side of humanity that I don't really care for. Which means I probably won't care much for you, either.


____________
*You're not.

**No, really - you're not.

Donors Choose, Science Rules!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010


It's that time of year again - time for the annual Cosmic Variance Donor's Choose charity drive. I participate every year, for a variety of reasons, but mostly because I'm a science fan-girl and I want kids to have the chance to be more than just fans if they have the will and the capability.

This year I'm supporting an AP Calculus class in a high poverty area (take that, higher math!).Won't you please consider doing the same? HP is providing matching funds this year, so anything you donate will go twice as far.

Go, STEM!

I ♥ Grover

The Adult Years

As many of you know, the Smart Man and I have been picking away at at mini-remodel here at the Big Yellow House for the last six months or so. We had the floors in the kitchen and bathrooms replaced, and have been painting and freshening up one room a month through the summer.

And it's weird.

It's weird because for the last 20 years I've made decisions about my house and lifestyle based not only on what I prefer and can afford, but on the idea that I need to share my domicile with minor children whose needs and preferences are quite different from my own. The kids' bedrooms have been converted into guest rooms, which I'm decorating to suit myself. The fourth bedroom has been converted to the Smart Man's music room, which he is decorating to suit himself. We still have family photos everywhere, but sports and gaming equipment, arts and crafts, backpacks and winter coats that used to be strewn all over the house are all gone.

Our house is starting to resemble a space where only adults live.

It's way too big for us, now, of course. Four bedrooms, a living room, a family room and a finished basement are a bit much for two people and a large dog. We're not planning on selling until the Smart Girl has graduated from college, though, because she has an open offer to live here rent-free as long as she's a full-time student and it would be pretty rude to sell and move into a smaller place after extending her that backup plan. But once she's started on her new career, we'll be moving to our retirement home. Which will also be a place where only adults live - only smaller.

It's just the next stage of my life - The Adult Years. It's exciting. It's fulfilling. It's fun. But it's still weird.

National Coming Out Day

Monday, October 11, 2010
It's National Coming Out Day!

I fully support all members of the LGBTQ community in their quest to be true to themselves publicly as well as privately. The closet is dark and gloomy, my friends. Join us in celebrating your diversity and unique contribution to our culture and society.

Don't be afraid. Even though there are intolerant asshats who will judge you for being true to yourself, there are also people who support you fully. Come out into the sunshine and bask in the warmth of being the same person both publicly and privately - we've got your back.

2010 Flower Pr0n

Sunday, October 10, 2010

I ♥ The First Amendment

Saturday, October 9, 2010
You know, with the possible exception of those who have had loved ones' funerals protested by the hateful, horrifying members of the Westboro Baptist Church, I can't really think of anyone who hates those motherfuckers more than me. Seriously - I would consider a short jail term if it meant that I could punch Fred Phelps in the throat. Their behavior as it relates to the Armed Forces simply makes me APOPLECTIC WITH RAGE, although I try to keep it under control so that I don't sink to their level.

And yet, and yet...

As much as I hate them, and as much as I wish they would just crawl back under the medieval rock they came from, and as much as I would thoroughly enjoy doing violence upon their person, I strongly believe they should win their Supreme Court case against Mr. Snyder, who sued them for protesting the funeral of his fallen son Matthew.

That's not to say that Mr. Snyder wouldn't be perfectly justified from a moral and ethical point of view in punching Phelps and his merry band of bigots in their throat hisownself. In fact, I'd be more than happy to hold the man's coat, and then provide moral and financial support for his legal fees. My heart aches for his loss, and I understand how fundamentally offensive WBC's behavior was during the ceremony that buried his son. But compromising the First Amendment - one of the very ideas his son swore to uphold - to shut these lunatics up simply isn't the answer.

It's true that I hate the WBC, and everything they stand for. With the heat of a thousand burning suns, and a rage that burns my blood. But I love the Constitution more.

Boogie Blogging Friday Featuring Demento Dog

Friday, October 8, 2010

That blur you see to the right of his butt is his tail, which almost breaks the sound barrier when he's excited and wants to play. Bless his empty, bulbous head - I'm really getting quite fond of the twitchy little freak.

My Fabulous, Fabulous Plan

Thursday, October 7, 2010
The status of our all-volunteer military has been on my mind a lot lately. Partly because my Smart Boy is now a member of that elite group, and partly because I still consider myself a member of that community. Today's all-volunteer military is meeting more demands than nearly any time in history on a per capita basis, and I worry about my brothers and sisters in arms.

Add that the fact that those amoral hacks in Washington are playing fast and loose with the Armed Forces appropriation bill because the DREAM Act was added in*, and the current "discussions" surrounding the repeal of DADT, and I'm ready to rethink the entire sordid mess, including reconsidering the draft or some other form of mandatory public service.

Now I'm not going to retreat to my Freehold and insist that a term of service should be mandatory to achieve full citizenship (although I still think a reasonable case can be made for such a point of view, ethics-wise), but I am going to throw this into the ring - why don't we have mandatory service in this country?

I think we should, and here's my FABULOUS PLAN, which America should adopt immediately because, obviously, I know better than anyone what's best for AMERICA. (Okay, I choked on that last part, but hear me out, anyway. If Sarah Palin can get an incredulous national audience for her retarded shitbaggery, surely a few folks will listen to me. At least I'm smart enough to pour piss out of a boot.)

The Fabulous, Fabulous Plan

This requirement would be for mandatory public service. A minimum term, say two to three years, to be completed by the time you're thirty years old. The requirement could be satisfied by any number of jobs - the only requirement being that the job must place the good of the citizenry ahead of the good of the individual. Here are some examples:
  • Military service
  • Fire fighting
  • Police
  • Public defenders
  • Doctors, nurses or other health care providers who work in clinics for the poor and underserved
  • Child care providers who provide care for the children of the poor and underserved
  • Public school educators who are willing to teach in inner-city, poor and underserved communities
You get the idea. The work must benefit society as a whole, and no one should be getting rich during their term of service. Service should be performed in this country, for the benefit of Americans. And election to public office DOESN'T COUNT.
    And here's the key part: No one is exempt from this requirement. And I mean no one. No excuses, no deferments, no buying your way free. If you're a competent adult, able to make your own decisions and capable of self-determination - you must serve. Physical disabilities will of course be accommodated, but they will not be considered as a reason not to serve.

    And here we come to the point of the sticky wicket. If someone refuses to serve, i.e., they refuse to contribute to the society in which they live in accordance with the social contract, what does the society do? Deport them? Send them to Coventry? Allow them to stay, but cut off their social entitlements such as Social Security and Medicare? Take away their rights? Stuff them in a barrel and feed them through the bunghole?

    I don't know the answer, and I don't pretend to think that mandatory public service will solve all of our country's ills. What I do know is that having such a small, clustered segment of the population bear the entire burden of our country's foreign policy is not a sustainable model. Socially, ethically, this can't go on forever. Eventually, ALL Americans must be asked to sacrifice for the common good - not just military families. If we had a mandatory service requirement, would more Americans care about what military families are asked to do? I don't know. But it can't hurt.


    ____________
    *What kind of ungrateful, sociopathic pricksack denies a veteran the opportunity to become a U.S. citizen? No, really - who? Who thinks it's simply a FABULOUS AND MORAL MOVE to say to volunteer members of our Armed Forces, "Yeah, great, thanks for your service, now GO HOME to that horrid third world shithole from whence you came. Because America is for [white][Christian] AMERICANS. So FUCK OFF. And kindly also please promptly die of amoebic dysentery or tuberculous, so we don't have to pay your benefits. KTHXBIE" 

    As the Incomparable Anne™ notes, this attitude makes me APOPLECTIC WITH RAGE.

    Technology Fail, Now with More Schadenfreude!

    Wednesday, October 6, 2010
    I hate election season. The ads annoy me. The ads that plain LIE piss me off. The ads that assume I'm a retard INFURIATE me. And since my industry has evolved to the point where robocalls are the most cost effective way to "reach" voters, my phone is ringing CONSTANTLY. I'm a full time home-worker, and I use our home line for business purposes. I really don't need it tied up by the mindless droning of both parties talking about how THEY'RE the cat's pyjama's and their opponents eat babies for breakfast while lighting their cigars with your tax dollars. The entire affair makes me want to crawl under a rock until mid-November.

    However, every once in a while, something happens that makes me laugh hysterically, in a politicians are deeply deserving of my schadenfreude kind of way, and yesterday was my day.

    As I was returning from my mammogram appointment, I saw a sign from Colorado candidate Ken Buck, who is running for the Senate against Michael Bennet. Buck's sign said, "Ken Buck - The Grass Roots Candidate."

    Now, I happen to think they're both pretty crappy choices in terms of duplicitous behavior, but Ken Buck is just WACKY, and apparently has an unnatural interest in my uterus, to boot. So I'm going to hold my nose and vote for Bennet. But even if I wasn't going to vote for Bennet, I'd still find Buck's sign more than a little disingenuous. He's not a grass roots candidate - he's a Tea Party candidate. Which, as we all now know, is financed by oil baron libertarian ka-billiionaires. I guess because nothing says "libertarian" like someone who wants to regulate my uterus.

    In any event, I made the following tweet when I got home:
    Saw a "Ken Buck - Grass Roots Candidate" sign. Does that mean you need to smoke a bowl before even considering voting for this Fruit Cup?
    I was just being a smart ass, of course, as is my wont. So imagine my surprise when I saw the following response in my twhirl application:
    kenbucktweets RT @Janiece65: Saw a "Ken Buck - Grass Roots Candidate" sign. Does that mean you need to smoke a bowl before even considering voting for this Fruit Cup?
    Um, yeah. It turned out what I thought was Ken Buck's autobot automatically retweets everything that has Buck's name in it, good, bad, or indifferent. So of course I tweeted,
    HAHAHA! I tweeted a negative comment about Fruit Cup Ken Buck and his autobot retweeted me. SNORT. #technologyfail
    Which the autobot promptly retweeted.

    I found this frickin' hilarious. I wondered, what kind of retarded technology manager decided THIS particular strategy was made of teh hawesome? I checked out the KenBuckTweets Twitter account, and the majority of the entries are retweets of negative comments and links. Turns out, the account is maintained by the Denver Post, and has the following bio:
    It makes me wonder if ole Ken is aware of this. His opponent apparently hasn't garnered the same attention from the Denver Post, although both candidates have campaign-run twitter accounts, as well.

    Let's hear it for the Lame-Stream Media, who gave me at least one good laugh this election season.

    Happy Mammogram Day

    Tuesday, October 5, 2010
    I'm having my annual mammogram today, as my HMO still believes there's value in this preventative diagnostic test. I choose to have them in October, breast cancer awareness month, because it reminds me how lucky I am not only that I've never had cancer, but also that I have access to state of the art medical care. Lucky, lucky Janiece.

    So in honor of me being a lucky, lucky Janiece, I'm going to buy some of these Foxy Blunt cancer support cards, because they make me laugh, and they suit my personality, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Young Survival Coalition. While I don't currently have anyone in my life who's battling cancer, it's a sad fact of life that eventually, I'll need to send these to someone.

    Happy Mammogram Day.

    Every Day is Veteran's Day

    Monday, October 4, 2010
    I was listening to my NPR Podcasts yesterday. Inspired by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates' speech at Duke University on the state of our all-volunteer force, one of the Tell Me More discussions was surrounding the state of our Armed Forces and who serves.

    In his speech, Secretary Gates was attempting to convey the idea that having an extremely small all-volunteer force where the burden of two wars is carried by such a small percentage of the population results in a disconnect between those who serve and those they protect. He tried to encourage the students to consider a term of service in the military, while at the same time being completely honest about the stress and strain associated with multiple deployments on both service members and their families.

    This is not news to me, and I didn't find anything in Secretary Gates' speech that I hadn't heard (or thought of) before. But the Tell Me More discussion made me think, especially these comments:
    I looked at it [military service] as something kind of honorable. But more and more, its something now that even when I was coming up and now especially, it's looked as something that's like, say it's not honorable necessarily anymore. It's something, it's the last resort. It's like your last entry into middle class life.
    "...it's not honorable necessarily anymore."

    This made my blood run cold.

    There have always been members of the Armed Forces who don't behave in an honorable fashion. Given the enormous stress of military service, it's surprising it doesn't happen more often. But such incidents are not indicative of our military culture as a whole, and do not imply that agreeing to a term of service is a "last resort." My parents had the means and the will to support me if I had decided on a college education straight out of high school. I had the means and the will to support the Smart Boy if he had chosen that path. Yet neither of us did so - instead, like millions before us, we chose to enlist and provide a term of service to our country. It wasn't a last resort. And it offends me that not only would someone consider my choice in that light, but also that they might consider the profession of arms to be a dishonorable profession because of a few bad apples or because the civilian leadership chooses to deploy our Armed Forces in an unpopular conflict.

    There are many professions that people may choose not to pursue because they're not interested, or the work offends them, or they're not temperamentally suited to the vocation. You would never find me working in an abattoir, for example. But that doesn't mean that I don't see the value in that work, or that I have some moral objection to the people who perform it. I eat meat, which, as the saying goes, puts me on the same moral footing as the butcher.

    And Americans who pay their taxes and elect their public officials are on the same moral footing as the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and guardsmen who protect them. To claim otherwise is to assume that somehow your enjoyment of the liberties and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution will never be threatened. Because human beings are so very live and let live, and non-aggressive, I guess.

    The Armed Forces have many missions in today's world - peacekeeping, counter-insurgency, protecting the sea lanes, intelligence. But at its core, military service involves destroying property and killing people, or supporting those that do - using physical force to change the behavior of those who oppose you. It seems to me that there are a lot of people who consider this mission to be something they cannot do, and as a result, choose not to serve. That's okay - it doesn't make you a bad person, any more than my refusal to kill my own meat makes me one. But those who perform these tasks on your behalf do not deserve your disdain, and they don't deserve to have their profession labeled "dishonorable" because you haven't taken the time to work through the moral ramifications of what it means to be part of self-governing Republic with a standing Army under civilian control. These men and women deserve your respect. Your respect, not your lip service. And that includes making the Armed Forces a viable career option for your children, not a last resort.

    I've written before about the dangers of an Armed Forces being isolated from the citizenry they protect, and the conversation on NPR reinforced my belief. It honestly never occurred to me that someone would be so morally immature as to assume that service in the U.S. Armed Forces wasn't an honorable endeavor while at the same time enjoying the benefits of living here. Members of the Armed Forces can behave in a dishonorable way, certainly, and sometimes their civilian masters deploy them dishonorably. But the profession isn't dishonorable. Because if it is, then our entire country is dishonorable.

    Every day is Veteran's Day around here. I wish that was the case in more places.

    2010 Flower Pr0n - San Diego

    Sunday, October 3, 2010

    Boogie Blogging Friday Featuring Demento Dog

    Friday, October 1, 2010

    Jake: A CLICKING NOISE. I must BARK.

    Boogie: Seriously? She uses that thing all the time. Settle down, you freak.

    Jake: A CLICKING NOISE. I must BARK!

    Boogie: If you hold still and let her take the picture, she'll give us a both a snack. SETTLE DOWN.

    Jake: THE CLICKING NOISE MUST BE BARKED AT.

    Boogie: When are you going home?

    Jake: ARF! ARF!

    Boogie: God I hate you.

    Jake: ARF!