Power trip

I’m glad to see that the American Bar Association is in top form. I constantly hear from legal eagles how Bush thinks he is king by making his own rules and today’s CNN story helps back up these opinions. In a nutshell, Bush writes exceptions to laws he signs, known as bill-signing statements, which basically say that he reserves the right to change or translate certain laws based on constitutional grounds.

"This report raises serious concerns crucial to the survival of our democracy," said the ABA's president, Michael Greco. "If left unchecked, the president's practice does grave harm to the separation of powers doctrine, and the system of checks and balances that have sustained our democracy for more than two centuries."

Let me remind us all that Bush works for us, not himself or the oil companies owned by friends. My personal opinion is that this is an abuse of power and to believe that one is the only person that needs to be involved in the decision making process of laws is ignorant and dangerous.

Pull the numerous stunts that Bush has gotten away with at any company, perhaps with Enron as the exception, and he would have been fired by now.

Common courtesy is not rocket science

Each time a new technological gadget or form of communication is introduced to the masses, a guideline for proper handling and etiquette should be required for consumers to read/listen to/watch before use can begin.

It took me years to convince my dad to take his cell phone calls outside of restaurants but there's now another trend that requires a little how-to help on the etiquette front: text messaging.

My friend and former coworker Molly is a hilarious, independent, single mother who looks related to Kelly Ripa and has been giving online dating a try. She has had fairly decent luck but the last two men, each of whom she has taken a month to get to know, share a common thread: they cancelled their first dates with her via text messages. That’s right, they sent a text message which comes from the same gadget known as the cell phone.

Molly is understandably disappointed but mainly because neither of these men took the time to pick up the phone and instead opted for the easy way out: I’m sorry, I can’t make it tomorrow. Will call you to reschedule. One could spend hours analyzing the text versus calling factor but in this case it’s safe to say that her dates just didn’t care enough or feel attached enough to make the effort; better to find out early that these dates were duds from the start.

I dated a guy a few years ago who would text me about our weeknight plans. We’d carry on brief chats that went something like this:

Him: Dinner?
Me: sure
Him: what should we have?
Me: Thai, Japanese or burgers are fine
Him: In n Out?
Me: Ok. Your place?
Him: Yes, 7 ok?
Me: Ok. I'll pick up food.

We made plans via text to catch a movie one night and he completely forgot about it because his cell phone was in the car (the ultimate lazy move and excuse). Here’s the kicker: he was supposed to swing by my place and pick me up on the way. He didn’t even remember our plans until I drove to his place after being unable to reach him, worried something had happened, only to find him watching an All Blacks rugby match he had taped. Hindsight, I tell you.

Technology is fantastic except when it makes us lazy. Text when you’re on your way or running late. Call when you’re cancelling a date.

He who is incompetent

I try not to get too political but I can’t bite my tongue on this one.

Honestly, Bush (I have a difficult time labeling him President Bush) is creating one gigantic mess and the fact that he was reelected still baffles the mind. But back to the topic at hand, the comments heard ‘round the world today that reinforce what most of us know: an idiot is supposedly in charge of the U.S. and rising to his level of incompetency, per what’s known as The Peter Principle.

“See the irony is that what they need to do is get Syria to get Hezbollah to stop doing this s*** and it’s over,” Bush told Blair as he chewed on a buttered roll.

Bush’s comments accidentally caught on tape should be enough for even hardcore Republicans and those not interested in politics to understand how completely out of touch Bush is when it comes to… politics. I don’t believe he comprehends the history or background involved in what’s happening in the Middle East. You want peace? You have to get in there and talk to the other countries, being a phony only makes matters worse.

And let me be clear, I don't dislike the guy. I'm sure Bush would be fun to grab a beer with down at the local drinking hole after a long day. However, I strongly feel he's destroying the country and our relations with all other countries. He'd do well pursuing other career opportunities outside of politics. The sooner the better.

The U.S. cannot afford to wait for 2009.

War, what is it good for?

It is difficult for me to watch and read the news as of late, war between any country or people puts knots in my stomach and it is worse when deeply rooted religious beliefs are involved. This “open war” threat between the Hezbollah group and Israel is disturbing; I cannot fathom the level of hatred and sorrow that escalates tension to a level where civilians are fleeing for safety. Let me rephrase: I do not understand where the logic is involved.

And given history, I wonder and worry how many of the weapons being used were at some point - even if indirectly - provided by the U.S.

No complaints here

Every few months I have a work deadline that requires large consumptions of coffee in order to stay alert and productive. This week and last were deadline weeks and one morning, while standing in a line for coffee that snaked out the door and around the corner, I noticed something I hadn’t picked up on before: nobody complains while waiting in line for coffee.

I have heard under-the-breath muttering and near tantrums from adults in much shorter lines like the 15 items or less express line at a grocery store or one hour dry cleaning place down the street, but everyone acts civilized and patient in lines for coffee – even when only two baristi stand behind the counter during the morning rush.

Does the desperate nature of needing coffee override the impatience most of us have when standing in lines? One has to wonder, especially when nobody turns away from ridiculously long lines for one cup of joe we were too lazy to brew at home.