Grrr...

Someone broke into my car last night and stole my ipod.. :( The police officer who took the report said he confiscates stolen ipods all the time, but I doubt I'm getting it back. I'm almost more upset about the case than the ipod.. it was custom made and I got it for christmas.. sigh. It was out of sight too, and whoever stole it tore up my glove compartment as well. What really gets me is that this happened at like 10:30 last night! One of my brothers friends came to the door last night around then and said he saw an interior light on, but it wasnt so I didn't think anything of it...the thief had popped my door open (without tampering with the lock, and without my alarm going off..argh!) and when he left it wasnt shut all the way..but the interior lights go off after about 10 minutes anyway.. sigh.. No one saw anything though. Grrr! Its so aggravating.

From Freedom Fries to Roses of the Prophet Muhammad...

Can anyone really take this seriously? It was laughable here and it will be laughable there...

Juste une pensée...

«La politesse est un mélange de discrétion, de civilité, de complaisance et de circonspection, accompagné d'un air galant répandu sur tout ce qu'on dit, et ce qu'on fait. Et comme tant de choses sont essentiellement nécessaires pour avoir de la politesse, il ne faut pas s'étonner si elle est si rare. »

-Charles de SAINT-ÉVREMOND

Sometimes the only response is "Duh!"

I haven't made a "political" post in quite some time, and after I read an article today on Denmark's surprise at being the targets of Muslim retaliation in the Middle East, I feel compelled to air my two cents.

First of all, two caveats. My parents lived and worked in the Middle East for many years, and I myself have (unlike most Americans) a working knowledge of what Islam is all about. Two: I also have no tolerance for stupid people whether they're rednecks or Muslims. But I do not call entire groups stupid, only individuals.

So on with my gripe.

Europe is often a progressive place, or at least it likes to think of itself that way. And nowhere moreso than Denmark. Mecca (no pun intended) for charity, socialism and really nice people. The article I read today was basically expressing shock of seeing the Danish flag being burnt in Muslim countries. Sure they're used to seeing the American or Israeli flag burnt, but surely not the Danish flag. It goes on to say that:

[There are] tensions for Muslims in a country where the prevailing secularity, liberal sexual mores and affection for beer are deeply at odds with Islam.

Now people, I ask you this: WHY MOVE THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE. If a country is KNOWN for being free, for liking beer and displaying prostitutes in shop-windows....why go there? Is it, dare I saw, for a free ride? To get government aid and subsidies and an education and the RIGHT to say "You are repressing me." How is a country that is so liberal "Repressing" anybody? If there are cultural differences I'm sure it must be very difficult to deal with, but why Denmark?? Why not someplace nice and Catholic where prostitution is illegal (Spain? Take back Alhambra! Just kidding....).

I think that its ridiculous to expect a country that has been around for hundreds of years with its own culture, its own history and its own mores to have to change itself to be palatable to a few thousand in the minority. I mean, call me inflammatory! But that's just how I feel.

I think that as long as they are free, aren't being rounded up and harrassed, and have access to public services there should be no griping. Especially in a place like Denmark where everyone is so darned nice!

Isn't it also a little disturbing that people go so ape-shit over a cartoon? Man if Bush did that every time he was lampooned there wouldn't be anything left to burn....

Katie claws, my old lady. 

Ringo and me! 

Cute kitty.... 

New Semester, New Motivation

Well, it's taken four years but I think I've finally done it.

I've become a student.

Four years and 110 credits later! Woohoo! Seriously though, I think that I've finally gotten to a place where I can do as well as I know I have the potential to do. It also helps that all my classes this semester are awesome. I have the trifecta of excellence from the French department...it's awesome.

I've also decided I'm staying an extra year to finish a second degree. I want that time to get a better GPA and finish some lose ends. It will be weird having the rest of my peoples graduating, but its ok :)

I've also come to the end of my financial rope. It's a damn good thing I 1) got a raise and 2) am working more because, damn. Dad's giving me a bit of help which is amazingly wonderful of him. I dunno what I'd do without him...

Rien de grand ne s'est accompli dans le monde sans passion.