Archive for the ‘government’ Category
Happy Inauguration Day!
Tuesday, January 20th, 2009I Voted
Tuesday, November 4th, 2008
Did you?
OK, so I have to admit, although I registered to vote at 18, I never actually voted in an election until I was 22. It was during the election that eventually gave California the Governator after recalling Gray Davis (D). But ever since then, I’ve voted in every single election. Big and small. Sure it helped that in California my polling place was literally half-block away. But here, too, it is. It’s my next-door neighbor, and I can actually see it from my room here in my apartment — from a window in my room!
But, alas, that’s not my only reason for voting. Here are a few others for this year:
1. I wanted a free cup of coffee.
2. I don’t want to ever have to tell my kids or grandkids that “I didn’t vote that year.”
3. I believe every vote counts.
4. The lines at the polls are sure to have a few hot guys.
5. Did I mention my 401(k) is only 2/3 of what it was at this time last year?
6. I’m no political expert (not that I really think these exist); I don’t know what my vote will bring for the next four years. I just believe in a few key points here and there.
7. All the cool kids are doing it. Well, at least 24.4 million others had before today.
8. I’m still a little annoyed I wasn’t able to register and vote in “bellwether” Missouri.
9. My parents always voted. They never would tell me who they voted for, but they always voted. They got up at 6 a.m. to do it again this year.
10. I may someday need help from an elected official.
11. I can.
Money, Money, Money
Friday, September 26th, 2008Is it bad that you hated your bank so much that you were happy to see it tank?
During my year abroad, I began a hate-hate relationship with WaMu. It began in China when they refused to lift a hold on my account, so I could pull money to eat. It was capped off when it took me 11 calls from India to have my debit card replaced. And when I needed to pay my security deposit for my new digs, three phone calls to the company all ended with assurance that my daily limit had been lifted…but still with the limit in place every time I tried to use the card.
Two weeks ago I had yet another problem with them, and I was going to pull all my money from WaMu before the 10-day rush happened…and have to go through the rigamarole of opening checking and savings accounts elsewhere, waiting for a new debit-card, and rearranging my direct deposits.
Now, though, I can just sit back and wait for someone to do all that for me. And I never have to deal with WaBoo again.
On another money note, I came across a site that calculates the difference in taxes people would pay under the two presidential candidates. It’s around a $1000 difference for me…what about you?
Porn Ain’t So Popular
Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008OK…so I have to admit…I’m a bit behind on posts. BUT, just know that there will be quite a few to come these next few days…
Anywho, when I recently saw an article that social networking searches have surpassed porn, I remembered I had a picture I hadn’t shown from the conventions yet.
It was a bit of a shocker to see McCain sporting a “Porn Is Bipartisan” cap and shirt since I didn’t know what the organization was all about. Luckily the back of this trading card er, collectible, assuages our fear that McCain is an Internet pedophile chat-room stalker (which I think would be pretty hard to do, if you don’t know how to use e-mail). It also tells us some little facts about those naked pictures you were looking at before you decided to come on over to ususbaby.com, such as:
-”Porn is overtaking the American youth and our govt. is doing nothing.”
-”87% of all teens are online.”
-”The U.S. produces the most porn in the world.”
My favorite is the clincher: “If you are pro the American family then you are pro Porn Is Bipartisan.”
OK. Just don’t EVER make me wear that hat. Do you know what kind of weirdos would hit on an Asian woman wearing that???
What’s the Difference Between the DNC and the RNC?
Friday, September 12th, 2008OK, OK, I know it’s been a while since the conventions ended, but I still wanted to give you all my completely irrelevant comparison between the two…
Most Fun Welcome Media Party
Although I missed it, word on the street is the DNC one (which included free amusement park rides, food, and games) was much better.
Best Showcase of the City
The RNC Media Party showed off one of the best parts of the Twin Cities, and I got to have a fab time (and awesome t-shirt) on a free 5K the first day of the convention.
Most Media Access
Do you really have to ask? Let’s just say that the DNC was far more welcoming to the press and the public. There’s a reason there’s no gratuitous Jayna picture from the RNC.
Friendliest Attendees
Although the organizers liked to keep us nobodies out of the events, people attending the RNC almost always made a point to seek out the strangers when there were some, which I didn’t feel in Denver. At the RNC, one Republican told me Democrats are “intellectual snobs”…and although I hate to admit it, I don’t think her assessment was unfounded.
Most Exciting
Walking through the streets of Denver, you knew what was going on. Stores, streets, and restaurants were almost always packed. And there was enough Democratic merchandise being sold on the streets to put a third-world country’s market to shame (my favorite was the “It’s time for change!” watches). Walking around in St. Paul, however, was kind of spooky. It was almost like a Cristopher Pike novel where huge numbers of people had disappeared, and those left behind were greeted only by black fences and armed forces. There was so little RNC gear being sold, that if I’d just been a tourist who didn’t know what was going on, it would have taken me a while to figure it out. The number of people there was so low, that one of the events (the Civic Fest) is actually having to refund vendors their fees!
Most Inspiring
I think one of the key differences between the two was that the DNC itself (although not always its attendees) was far more inclusive…while there, it felt like there was really a movement and that everyone could join in. The RNC, though, made me feel like an outsider…like I’d somehow been disinvited to an elementary school party because some person in my group of friends had snubbed the party-thrower. So instead of getting to go to the party, I had to just hear about it from others.
Best Loved City
Much to my surprise, the group I was with far more preferred the Twin Cities over Denver. Yes, the Minnesotans are far friendlier than many other peeps in the U.S. But our group also really liked the outdoorsy aspect of all the lakes in the Land o’ Lakes.
Most Missed Movie
The DNC and Denver inspired no movie madness for me…Minneapolis however made me order Drop Dead, Gorgeous, which I just received today. I think I’ll go watch it now, don’t you know.
Comment o’ the Day
Friday, September 5th, 2008While discussing racism related to past wars, I said something along the lines of, “Yeah, I’ve had older people yell ‘dirty Jap!’ at me.”
The response: “Jayna, I didn’t know you were Jewish.”
and a random pick of me eating some Minnesota sweet corn…SO delicious!
Curious
Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008I feel like I’m in a bit of a bubble here, so out of curiosity…
The Democratic PARTY
Saturday, August 30th, 2008Seriously, I never thought politics was supposed to be this much fun.
After a pretty rough week of work and dealing with multiple personalities, going to hear Obama’s speech at Invesco Field was a welcome break. (highlights of the crowd feeling are in the video below)
Although there was the “madness” of actually getting there and in, I felt like the night represented most things that politics aren’t but should be. It was fun. It was interesting. It was motivating. Oh, and there were nachos, too.
I really hope I get to hear McCain’s speech live next week.
But, somehow, I doubt that the patriotism shown at the RNC will have the same feel as that shown at Mile High Stadium. Or that there will be the wave. I could be wrong.
But if there are nachos, I’m there.
Gratuitious-Jayna-Was-Here Photo #22
Friday, August 29th, 2008
Last night went to Invesco Field to hear Obama’s speech.
Deets and a video to follow…(wireless connection in Denver airport is a little too slow to upload a video!)
It’s All White
Wednesday, August 27th, 2008
Last night we headed out to an event that was celebrating youth doing great things in their communities. Apparently, only white people must be doing great things or be interested in people doing great things. Other than our NY contingent, I saw only two other people of color at the bar.
“Yeah…it’s pretty WASP-y…especially for a liberal event,” my colleague commented.
But that party wasn’t the only one like it. Driving/walking past other Democratic National Convention parties, I saw lots of white people…and few to no minorities.
Really, it’s pretty weird to be here where they’ll be naming an African-American man as the party’s nominee tomorrow night and seeing how un-integrated things still are.
