Clong

On this weekend's shooting. Ugh.

2011-01-10T11:49:00.000-08:00

I've been reading the commentary on the horrible shooting of Representative Gifford, The Hon. John Roll, and many others.

Here are some posts from folks I read regularly to give some perspective.

Andy Love's at Fair and Unbalanced: Tragic and Inevitable

Above the Law's Elie Mystal: Sarah Palin doesn't kill people. Guns, on the other hand. . .

Popehat: "Tragedy Generates Stupidity"

This is a divisive issue. The vitriol on all sides is incredible. Pro-gun advocates are "gun nuts" and Opponents are "anti-gun nuts." Seriously. This is the status of the popular debate over gun regulation. I am an admin on the Justia Facebook page, and we get commentary from all over country on this stuff--I am not making this up.

It's true we need to take the politics out of this issue, at least as the main focus. Obviously the shooter was seriously mentally ill, and not motivated by a coherent political ideology. However, I will say this: Republicans, what does it say about the rhetoric of your party and your media supporters that the immediate, gut reaction of the American public* was "Holy shit someone finally took Sarah Palin seriously and shot a Democrat" ? Do you see this? To me, it says we were all expecting something like this to happen. That is a problem, and you need to fucking do something about it.

On the gun issue, I think I'm what you might call a moderate (or, in crazy time parlance, a gun apologist). I actually do support the right of citizens to own handguns and rifles. Not semi-automatic weapons. Up to a limited number. Once they pass stringent background checks. With regular re-licensing requirements. I'm a Californian: I say regulate the shit out of it.
The fact that the shooter legally had a gun means that something is wrong with the law, and unless you think schizophrenics should own semi-automatic weapons, then you should support a change in that law.

You know what else you should support? Care for the mentally ill. I don't know who was looking out for this guy, but he was kicked out of school for erratic behavior, is believed to be schizophrenic, and was in desperate need of intervention and care. We need something like, I don't know, national health care reform to get people like this off the street and the treatment they require. Think about this. Seriously, before opening your mouth to flap your jaw about socialism, think for a moment. How did the shooter get to this place? Did this kid have primary care? Did he have someone to turn to when he heard voices? Did his parents have support to help him? Do you think that increased governmental regulation would have been worth the cost of these and future victims' lives? I know--I just used a tragedy to push my own agenda. I just can't find another way around this issue except to say that it's about mental illness, and social services and health care are the only two avenues that I know of to help with this.

Oy. Sorry for the ranty post, I'm just so disturbed by what happened--but I'm increasingly more disturbed by the commentary
in its wake. I'm open to thoughts and criticism. Hit me up.

*based on proven statistical accuracy of Facebook and Twitter feeds. In my defense, I was watching the Twitter stream on Google, not just my followers

Just added: Today's post on Jezebel, focusing on treatment for mental illness--nicely written

Got Geeks to Buy For?

2010-12-17T10:41:00.000-08:00

Ideas! [BLONG: stop right here and go back to Reddit]

BoingBoing's Gift Guide

I09 Gift Guide

Weather Station -- Geeks love to contribute data -- and obviously Wunderground is an awesome site

Wardrobe refresh a la Einstein (what, your geek wears more than orange, blue, and green t-shirts?)

Wikipedia Support

Finally, don't forget to check their Amazon Wish List :) Please add ideas in the comments! Um, unless your geek partner also reads this blog.

Signed, the Reluctant Hippie

2010-12-15T15:38:00.000-08:00

Friends. It has come to my attention that I am slowly, but surely, turning into a hippie.

Facts in Evidence:

*I recently got so desperate to keep healthy that I started taking Chinese Herbs (not working).

*I ordered a CSA Produce Box, which delivers local farm produce to my door twice a month. Wait--which am I, an elitist or a hippie?

*I made bath salts for people for Xmas. With recycled (from my fridge) jars. What's that--Hippies don't buy Vlasic pickles from Safeway? Shut up and take your bath.

*I am coming online to blog in the first time in over a year to tell you all about a recipe for KALE CHIPS. I know! You just spit your beer out. But--keep an open mind (hippie!)!

Let me ask you this: Do you like brussels sprouts? Roasted, crunchy, caramelized brussels sprouts with lots of salt? OK then, you will like kale chips, because that's what they taste like. Yeah, yeah, it sounds like something moms from Marin with kids named after Jazz greats feed their kids in lieu of Cheetos. And I will admit that I only made them because I have a shitload of kale from aforementioned farm box, and you can only make so many soups with it. But--they really are good so I wanted to share this with you great people.

So please, enjoy responsibly and laugh if you will, but remember that it's San Francisco. I'm surrounded by the most progressive people in the country, and I'm practically a Reaganite here. I voted for Sit Lie, after all.

Also, I'm back to blogging. You can also follow me at the Justia Blog, where I post every Friday about lawyer stuff.

[Image credit: Brookfield Farm Crops, where you can find other delicious Kale recipes]

Fire Chief Blake to the Rescue

2009-03-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

Ok, this was just too cute not to post. Here is Nolan's friend Blake helping SFFD put out a cab fire [you read that right--the cab in the photo was actually on fire]. As you can see, Blake was prepared with his helmet and rushed to the scene to aid this nice fireman. I credit Lots and Lots of Fire Trucks. TV doesn't cause autism--it creates a hero complex!

The Weekend Weekender from the NYT

2009-03-03T15:03:00.000-08:00

Suck it, yuppies.

This Old House Part 2

2009-03-01T15:54:00.000-08:00

My parents are about to undertake another remodel, 1 block away from their last project. My dad is blogging about it, so you can follow along at This Old House Part 2. Come on, it's always fun to watch people's lives go to hell as their house is torn up and put back together! I predict that Penny from the Park will have a full blown valium habit a week after demolition starts. Stay tuned!

Chicken Under a Brick

2009-01-27T14:02:00.000-08:00

Oh man, I need to blog more. This page is depressing! I would blame Teh Twitter (@caminick) but everyone's doing that, so I think I'll just write a post.

And so here's an awesome recipe, folks:

Chicken Under a Brick

And if you need help butterflying the chicken, this video was great. After watching me destroy this chicken with a pair of scissors, Blong commented that he expected to come home to find me on a rampage with a cleaver. It could happen, especially around tax time this year.

Bailout fun

2008-12-22T10:47:00.001-08:00

Got this today.

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T14:16:00.000-07:00

In The Know: Has Halloween Become Overcommercialized?

More on Flying with Kids

2008-10-02T16:40:00.000-07:00

Lisa Belkin of the NYT, whose writing I admire greatly, has a nice post on kids on planes. Thought fellow parents might like to read.

The comments are interesting--mostly sympathetic, with a few crabs thrown in who obviously hate kids all around, so no surprise they hate them on planes, too.

The most cogent remark about the situation is from a commenter who puts it thusly:

"You don’t realize how peaceful flight travel is, even when someone else is screaming, until you fly half a dozen flights with your own kids."

It reminded me of a funny encounter I had on our last flight with the munchkin. I sat down in an aisle seat next to a business traveler, Nolan in my lap, while Brandon installed the carseat in the seat next to his. The man looked at me with such a pained expression on his face, and I said "Don't worry, the kid is going over there." He said, "Oh, good. I mean, I have nothing against kids, but I've had a very long day." I looked him straight in the eye and said, "Yeah. You and me both." Which totally shut him up.

Because let's face it--it's always easier to have to listen to a crying, upset, unhappy child than it is to be the parent that has to deal with that child. I don't care where--grocery store, bus, mall, park, wherever. You were a teething child once too, so pay your Mom back for having to deal with your infant bullshit and try not to hate too much. That is all.

Saving Calories and Money

2008-08-26T17:16:00.000-07:00

Margie and I were talking about cheap wine today. Trying to be calorie conscious, we are both cutting back on the alcohol. . .which for me means 1 glass per day, and for M considerably less [comment was made that she and I drink the same amount when I am pregnant. ahem.]

So you need to buy cheap when you are drinking less, because you don't want to waste an expensive bottle by having only 1 glass of it. I can usually stretch the bottle two days by using the storage vacuum pump, but after that the wine's toast.

Which leads me to my latest finds:

Bandit Pinot Grigio from Three Thieves: Yes, it's technically in a box. Get over it. This is NOT FRANZIA! Bandit comes in this awesome, 1L portable cardboard carton, like a big juice box, and it keeps forever in the fridge. So you can have 1 glass/day and it will last the whole week. It's really good and it's only $6.99.

Hey Mambo Sultry Red from Don Sebastiani and Sons. This wine is so so good, and it is ten bucks a bottle. It's just delicious. I got a whole case at Andronico's awhile back.

Also by this group, but slightly more expensive (I think $12.99 at Faletti's) is the Plungerhead Zin [I had the Lodi vintage. Yes, you read that right]. Awesome buy for the price.

Now go and enjoy your wine according to FDA guidelines. Post suggestions if you have them!

2008-08-15T11:59:00.000-07:00

It's Great to be Alive. . .in Colma!

2008-08-11T13:02:00.000-07:00

Forum has an awesome program about Colma this morning. I was especially pleased to hear it referred to as the only necropolis in the United States. Rad.

Also, one consequence of a 1000:1 dead to living resident ratio, a huge budget and lots of great services for the citizens of Colma--including summer camp, after school care, and tickets to Giants and 49ers games.

Corn Salad

2008-08-05T14:45:00.000-07:00

From Martha: Sauteed Corn with Bacon and Scallions. Just in time for the summer corn rush.

Really good--nothing like a little grease to bulk up your 5 a day veg requirement.

Hangin Old!

2008-07-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

OMFG y'all. New Kids on the Block (NKOTB for those of us who had Bop Magazine pictures of Joey McIntyre hanging on our walls in middle school) has a NEW ALBUM. Molly pointed this out to me last week. We watched their video, "Summertime," about 6 times in a row until we could finally stop laughing. I highly recommend watching. It's like the big budget follow up to Dick in a Box.

I went to a fight and a hockey game broke out

2008-06-24T19:28:00.000-07:00

Hey--that could be you!!

NCWHL is hosting Give Hockey a Try Day, an annual event where players donate the use of their gear for a game so other women can try out the sport. We have coaching, skating lessons, and a scrimmage.

And, obviously kidding about the fighting. We are an all women, no check recreational league. Instead we fight about what the logo should look like, who gets to be on what team, and who takes the best notes at the board meetings.

See you on the ice, girls!

Running Sucks Less

2008-06-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

I got a lot of reactions to that last post to the effect of . . .quit whining. Totally on point. I think was in a lot of pain and kind of frustrated when I posted.

It turns out that I had a sprained/turned/busted ankle, which was causing said pain when I ran. I took a week off, let it heal, and then got back into the grind. It's getting better now--I am doing a 12 minute mile and I can go for 30 minutes, or 2.5 miles, at a stretch. I think managing expectations is key here--giving yourself 5 minute or quarter-mile goals.

Last week I got some advice from my friend Heidi, who runs. She told me that I won't understand the point of running until I get the high. She also told me that it's about distance, not speed. Unless, of course, you're a competitive lawyer, and then obviously its about both. Right. I wouldn't know a thing about that, as I sit here typing up a post about my progress so you all won't think I'm a total loser.

Running Sucks

2008-05-28T19:52:00.001-07:00

I have been on a mission to get back into shape for hockey, and the evil masochist in me said "start running again--it's the fastest way to get lung capacity back up." What the little leather-clad angel forgot to mention, however, was "it's also the fastest route to feeling like someone has taken a drill to your heels and a sledgehammer to your ankles and knees." I feel like someone has driven strategically placed nails into my feet.

I have been running (actually, let's be honest here--walking and jogging) for 2 weeks now. It is hell. Now I remember why I HATED THIS SHIT in gym class--which, of course, was 20 years ago when my bones weren't made of dust and my muscles weren't completely atrophied.

Today I looked like a complete geriatric on Stevens Creek Trail. I could only lift my feet about 1/2 an inch off the ground, and that was possibly only by shaking my ass like I was in a Sir Mixalot video [oh.my.god. becky. look at how crippled she is]. My age loomed ominously before me as I realized that my lungs had outpaced my legs.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but running actually hurts worse than hockey. Hockey, which produced bruises that led my sister to comment that I looked like a battered wife. Possibly the cure is worse than the ailment, here?

Nolan's Inaugrual Flight, and Why Does Mommy Dress Like a Whore?

2008-05-09T09:21:00.000-07:00

Last week we took Nolan on his first plane trip, to San Diego. I wanted a practice run for the longer flight to Chicago in June.

Here's what I learned:

1. TSA is an even more of a giant pain in the ass with a baby. Now I understand why Midway has separated the lines out for "novice" travelers. Otherwise known as the people I hated before I had a munchkin with 14 pieces of luggage to drag through the airport. We are totally green circle people now.

2. Your 6 month old is a suspect, too. I thought things were going well, we took a friend's "divide and conquer" approach to security--Blong handled the luggage and I took the baby--everything was dissasembled, on the belt, ready to go. My big ommission--I didn't take the baby's hoodie off. Yes, I know the fucking rule: jackets (and sweatshirts) have to come off before going through the metal detector. Really, honestly--I did not think it applied to tiny babies. Just to show you the extent of naivete I am functioning under when it comes to the executive branch's enforcement powers.

I was about to step through when the agent said to me "You need to take the baby's jacket off." Stupidly, I said to her, "Are you serious?" Which leads me to my next lesson:

3. Apparently, I dress like a slut when I travel. Aforementioned federal employee fired back at me, "YES. And the only reason I am not making you take yours off is because what you have on there is so skimpy." [For the record, it was a black v-neck t-shirt, ok, it's not like I remembered to take my clear plastic heels off but didn't want to expose the pleather halter with the keyhole cut-out to the world.]
At this point, all of my professional traveler friends are rolling their eyes and thinking, "no shit, this is why security lines are so long," and they are right. This, more than anything else, is why I am joining the green circle club--baby has addled my brain and affected my ability to multi-task. I have baby ADD. I was so worried about the pacifier attached to the car seat getting covered in filth on the conveyer belt that I didn't think to remove my jacket.

By the way, this is not a new phenomena. In my pre-child days, I got tossed out of St. Peter's Basilica for wearing this:

According to the 400 year old asshole working as a docent there, I was exposing too much skin. For the twelfth century, which is I believe where the Catholic Church is currently operating.

Despite all of this, Nolan was good (asleep) on the plane, and we had a fun and uneventful trip. I now have some confidence to go forward with Chicago. This time, I will dress my kid like a whore, in a super tight little onesie, and we will sail through the line (green circle, of course).

Um

2008-05-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

Kel and Al took this photo for me in Omaha, Nebraska. I'm to write a funny blog about it, but man, what else can I say? This shit speaks for itself. Go Nebraska!

Represent!

2008-04-23T21:51:00.001-07:00

Who's Your Nabby?

2008-04-23T21:04:00.001-07:00

A scrappy hottie from Chino, you say? SI has a hilarious, and oddly accurate, photo montage comparing NHL stars with their lookalike Hollywood Stars.

I was just as happy to see Nabby compared to Ryan from the OC as I was to see the Flames' captain Jarome Igninla compared to Mike Tyson. In Mike's defense, he still has his real teeth.

And, hai, Marco Sturm and Adam Sandler! Awesome. But Big Joe and Rhys Ifans? What the fuck is a Rhys Ifans? Dude, we do not compare hockey players to British actors. Note I am resisting another teeth joke. I hate to be redundant.

In case you don't follow hockey [hmmm, Trimbo?], you should know that the Sharks finally closed the deal in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semi-Finals last night. Get ready, Dallas. With the dude from Napolean Dynamite on as center, you're sure to give it up in 4.

Source: Sports Illustrated via Defamer.

Where the Sidewalk Ends

2008-03-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

Starbucks finally opened up in Crescent City, where Meg lives. Seems like maybe the last place on earth to get an SBUX? Well, now you know why.

How to Stop the Examiner

2008-03-21T14:35:00.000-07:00

Finally! Contact information to stop the Examiner from trespassing on your property with their unread crap landfill fodder:

866-733-7323
circulation@examiner.com

The only good thing about having these goddamn papers cluttering up the sidewalks is that you can use them for emergency dog shit receptacles. I'll just have to carry more blue plastic bags now (thanks, Supes).

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2008-03-16T17:33:00.001-07:00