Aug 3, 2005
Maribel Cuevas
Yes, it made 8-year-old Elijah Vang's forehead bleed. A lot.
Yes, the boys were teasing her.
But kids tease other kids. Kids also react irrationally. They're kids, for fuck's sake.
Leading 11-year-old Maribel Cuevas away in handcuffs, saying she "resisted arrest" by kicking officers and scratching one on the arm is a bit much. She's a kid. She was probably scared out of her right mind. Big scary white man with badge going to take little brown girl away.
The way Fresno police have treated Lil' Cuevas was as if she was the town bully or something. Quite frankly, if I was a kid, and a group of seven boys started throwing rocks and water balloons at me while I was minding my own business playing with my little brother and some friends, best believe I would throw rocks back at them.
How outrageous is it that the more we do things to "protect the children," we end up doing things that
a) will fuck them up forever (e.g. what's being done to Maribel Cuevas),
b) end up being unsuccessful because kids will do what kids do anyway (e.g. downloading a patch so that they can play GTA San Andreas with all the nasty parts), or
c) make childhood boring as hell (e.g. trick-or-treating in malls).
Has the world really gotten worse, or has it pretty much stayed the same, but we've only become more informed and, therefore, more paranoid?
(cross-posted at Blogs by Women)
UPDATE: Luckily, the Powers That Be have come to their senses and agreed that Lil' Cuev go to into mediation with Elijah Vang's family instead of going to trial to face the felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon. Fresno's mayor and police chief stand by their handling of the case, asserting that it was the right thing to do.
Aug 2, 2005
Kamanawanna Schoolya
A federal appeals court Tuesday struck down the exclusive Kamehameha Schools' policy of admitting only Native Hawaiians, saying it amounts to unlawful racial discrimination.
Overturning a lower court decision, a panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit of Appeals in San Francisco ruled 2-1 that the practice at the private school violates federal civil rights law even though the institution receives no federal funding.
The case was brought by an unidentified non-Hawaiian student who was turned down for admission in 2003.
If you don't know, back in 1883, a Hawaiian princess established the Kamehameha schools to educate "the children of Hawaii." According to this article, the Hawaiian-only admission policy was created specifically to remedy the disadvantages suffered by Hawaiians as a result of the overthrow of Hawaiian monarchy. And the Kamehameha schools have been known to be some of the most sought-after institutions based on the quality of education received here.
I'm curious to know what my friend Reid thinks about this, as I know that he closely follows the goings-on in his home state. Most likely we'll think the same - that this is a defeat for native Hawaiians' efforts to hang on to whatever shred of original, non-mainland culture they have left. The Kamehameha schools are private. They are partly funded by a trust left behind by the Hawaiian princess which is worth now about $6.2 billion, and it receives no federal funding. As far as I am concerned, they can admit whomever they want. And in this case, where the schools are trying to uphold the mandate in the name of preserving Hawaiian culture and giving back to the children, I see no problem with it.
I hate to draw this parallel, but if this happened on the mainland, say, oh, I don't know, in a red state? Oh, the uproar. Yeah, I know, if these were white people wanting a white-only school system, the same argument applies. And yes, I'd be angered to find out that there's some private school out there that only admits whites. Hell, I went to a private university for grad school, and there was just a handful of non-whites there, anyway.
But when it comes to minority interests, we need all the help we can get. American society as a whole is not the kumbaya, racially tolerant society we think we are. Not yet, anyway. And yes, even in California. So whatever helps out the underdog, I'm all for.
And good for that Hawaiian princess wanting to save all her money and donate it to the "children of Hawaii." Of all the selfless, charitable, heartfelt gestures ever. Go on with your bad self.
Let the native-born Hawaiians have their Hawaiians-only schools, Jesus H.
Mohammed Jacko
Michael Jackson has been spending time in the Middle East while recuperating from his molestation trial. Rumor has it that the King of Pop feels so at home in the region that he has gone so far as to purchase "a 14 acres spread in Bahrain, adjacent to the palace of his 'good pal' Sheik Abdullah bin Hamad al Khalifa." What's the attraction for the reclusive rocker? Sources say, "The Gloved One has enjoyed his monthlong Middle East vacation, in part because he can don local garb -- often a flowing, white djellaba, complete with headdress -- and walk the streets virtually undetected."
I'm fresh out of Jacko jokes. Please, be my guest.
Aug 1, 2005
Blogs by Women
Your specialty food industry update
You can thank me later.
- Jana Skinny Water - Did you know that there's a "functional hydration" category of beverages? And did you know that this new water claims to curb the appetite and increase metabolic rates? It'll be available starting today at your friendly neighborhood 7-Eleven for a little less than $2 a bottle. I'll take five cases, please.
- Atkins Nutritionals files for bankruptcy - Man cannot survive on cream cheese and cold cuts alone. And apparently, neither can the company.
- Barefoot Contessa - Ina Garten, the cooking show hostess I love to hate and hate to love, is coming out with a new line of products called the "Barefoot Contessa Pantry." Now all of us can pretend we're cooking for our rich university professor husband who only comes home on the weekends.
- Metromint - That minty water you've seen around town with the cool packaging is now making its way to the Midwest according to a July 25 press release. Now beveragistas around the world can rejoice, while drinking water that not only soothes your stomach and freshens your breath at the same time. Sidenote: Everyone that works for this company is totally hot. I think it's like, a requirement for working there.
Someone owes me a carne asada burrito
Bush names Bolton as U.N. Ambassador
"This post is too important to leave vacant any longer, especially during a war and a vital debate about U.N. reform," Bush said from the Roosevelt Room at the White House.
The move bypasses the confirmation process in the Senate, where Democrats had blocked the nomination in a dispute over documents and accusations that Bolton lacks the temperament to hold the U.N. post.
I'm sure the presidential privilege of recess appointments has existed for like, forever. But really, it is just rank with autocratic overtones. "I really want this, so therefore, it shall be."
Ugly. Just ugly.
We put the "BAR" (twice) in "BARBARIAN"
I'm sure it'll be an awesome time. I still don't know if I can make it though. If not, have a pint or two for me.
Did I mention $2.50 Pabst? Boo yeah.
Aww yeah.
Part Passionate Kisser |
![]() For you, kissing is about all about following your urges If someone's hot, you'll go in for the kiss - end of story You can keep any relationship hot with your steamy kisses A total spark plug - your kisses are bound to get you in trouble |
Part Expert Kisser |
![]() You're a kissing pro, but it's all about quality and not quantity You've perfected your kissing technique and can knock anyone's socks off And you're adaptable, giving each partner what they crave When it comes down to it, your kisses are truly unforgettable |
Jul 31, 2005
Slurp happy
I once thought about starting a website that reviewed restaurants around my local neighborhood. I still may do it one day. But until then ...
Today, I decided to head into the City with my cousin and for some shopping and some Japantown explorin' because neither of us had been to J-town in eons.
And for lunch, we had the most awesome bowl of ramen at Sapporo-Ya. I may be a latecomer to the culinary wonders of J-town, but I'm telling you: This ain't your usual bowl of Top Ramen, Cup O' Noodles, Sapporo Ichiban, or whatever. No sir. This ramen is the best bowl of noodles and soup you'll ever have. I mean, better, even, than Vietnamese pho. This place makes the ramen noodles by hand and serves them up in big bowls of broth and veggies.
We got the tempura ramen, which was topped with - you guessed it - pieces of tempura shrimp, green beans, and squash. The fried tempura pieces were so light and airy and not greasy at all. I think that next time (and yes, there will be a next time, oh yes), I'll ask for the tempura on the side. Or I'll order the miso ramen, just because I loves me some miso soup.
The broth was perfect - piping hot, clear (I don't trust soup I can't see through), and so savory. The ramen noodles were done just perfectly, too. I hate mushy noodles, but these were just right; just firm and chewy enough.
We also ordered the shrimp okonomiyaki, which is an egg "pancake" filled with onions, shrimp (or whatever meat you want), and topped with some sauce and what looked like a big gob of butter/margarine. I first had okonomiyaki in Toronto, and have craved it ever since. But, I gotta say, a) it wasn't as good as I remembered, and b) the ramen was THAT good, that really, I wasn't even trying to get down with the okonomiyaki at all.
Anyway, if you haven't been, you gotta go. It's in J-town, in the Kinokuniya Mall section, sort of kitty corner from the bookstore. If I remember correctly, the ramen offerings were no less than $10.
Jul 29, 2005
Caveat Emptor
Usually, I'll fall asleep to The Daily Show, and get ready for work every morning with the Today Show running in the background. And every morning, I'll turn on the TV (I guess Comedy Central also runs infomercials in the early morning hours), and I'll always see this guy, Kevin Trudeau, "hosting" what appears to be a talk show, while discussing this book he wrote called "Natural Cures 'They' Don't Want You to Know About." And I usually just write the whole thing off as yet another stupid and cheesy infomercial**.
But Christopher Dreher's July 26 article in Salon sheds some harsh light on Trudeau and exposes him for the snarky, "master huckster" he really is. Did you know, for example, that he:
- Spent two years in federal prison in the early 90's after pleading guilty to credit card fraud?
- Settled an Illinois case in 1996 when he was accused of running a pyramid scheme?
- Was banned by the Federal Trade Commission last year for false advertising claims against him?
And because now he's hawking this book, he's enjoying first amendment protection, even though in the book, he makes dubious claims, like that it's sunblock - not the sun - that causes cancer.
Not surprisingly, this "book" of his is Number 1 on the NY Times' bestseller list for Hardcover Advice books. Buyer beware.
**Full Disclosure
I am - sometimes - an infomercial sucker. In the past, I have purchased the following:
- A NordicTrack (which is now rusty and somewhere in the garage)
- Some ab thingy (I don't even know where this is, or what it was called)
- The "Slim in 6" DVD sets (gathering dust)
- ProActiv Solution (which I LOVE, by the way)
- The Katami Bar (I was all about working The Core)
- Ron Popeil's Showtime Rotisserie (a bitch to clean!)
And I SO totally want the GT Xpress 101! Don't judge me!
Have a great weekend, everybody.
Jul 28, 2005
Random Thought Thursday
2. Why was the Ying Yang Twins promo SUV in the IKEA parking lot?
3. If I eat any more salad, I'm going to turn into a rabbit.
4. Why did my feet hurt more doing the AIDS walk than two days of walking all over Melrose and Disneyland?
5. Will I ever get better at flamenco guitar?
6. What should I have for lunch today?
7. I should really get back into my yoga practice.
8. Will I ever be as eloquent a writer as Brother Kenya or Jones of the Nile?
9. I can't believe he busted out with the "no call, no show" thing on me.
10. Is it time to go home yet?
Yeah, but can she blog?
Simpson and beefcake hubby Nick Lachey recently visited Iraq to perform for the troops.
Must. Not. Make. Joke.
The footage that didn't fit into ABC's squeaky-clean-kumbaya image it was trying to project with its variety special (Jessica as the new Bob Hope?) got "mysteriously misplaced."
Now, I wouldn't jump to brand Jessica as the newest conspiracy theorist, but I gotta hand it to her when she says:
It was unbelievable. They didn't show a lot of what really went on with the enemy attacks and the shelling. There was so much stuff that went on and somehow the tapes got mysteriously misplaced. It put everything in perspective for me. It really did teach me the definition of sacrifice. I can't even fathom being out there right now. I was ready to come home.
So are they, Jess. So are they.
Jul 26, 2005
Is nothing sacred?
The Hershey Company to Acquire Scharffen Berger, Entering Premium Chocolate Segment
Monday July 25, 5:27 pm ET
HERSHEY, Pa., July 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY - News), a leading snack food marketer and the largest North American confectionery company, today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker, Inc., one of the fastest-growing premium dark chocolate companies in the United States. Based in Berkeley, California, Scharffen Berger is known for its high-cacao content, signature dark chocolate bars and baking products sold online and in a broad range of outlets, including specialty retailers, natural food stores and gourmet centers across the country. Scharffen Berger also owns and operates three specialty stores located in New York City, Berkeley, and San Francisco.
Oh and BTW, if you're in the Berkeley area, you gotta check out Cafe Cacao, the restaurant that adjoins the chocolate factory. Their chocolate croissant bread pudding is to DIE for. Trust.
Jul 25, 2005
Feel the burn
For those of you who don't know what that is, it's basically the removal of all pubic hair using hot wax and all that.
Did I share too much? Moving a little too fast in our relationship? I'm sorry, boo.
Anyway. I came across this video of an actual Brazilian waxing. Yes, I'll share. If you're reading this at work, you may want to watch it later.
Yes, there's nudity. No, it's not hot.
Unless you're into that. Courtesy of Coolios Weblog.
After seeing that video, I'm still not sure whether or not I want to get it done. All the ladies if you feel me, help me sing it out. Ever got one done? What did you think of it? Would you get it again? Did you do it at the request of a significant other? What did he/she think of it?
The Bay Area Is Talking
I've made a nice little local addition to my blogroll. It's a link to the KRON Channel 4's Bay Area blogger aggregator. Check out what SF Bay Area bloggers have on their minds these days.
Jul 24, 2005
I lovehate L.A.
Disneyland was pretty fun this time around (heat aside) because we got to ride the new and improved Space Mountain (it's basically smoother and faster). And I'm now totally in love with the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ride. For nostalgia's sake, we also rode "it's a small world." The design is shabby compared to some of the other rides, and toward the end, I wanted to hit myself on the head with a brick to get that damn song out of my head. Hello, can we say IASW is in desperate need of a makeover?
The themepark started celebrating its 50th anniversary this month, so it was great that we were able to join in the festivities. And while I know I'm a cynical bitch sometimes, watching the Mickey Mouse "Fantasmic" light/fireworks/live action presentation got me all misty eyed in some parts. I guess the Magic Kingdom does that to some people.
Or I'm just getting sappier in my old age.
Jul 21, 2005
Happy Thursday
Anyway, off to L.A. for the weekend. Hope you enjoy yours.
Jul 20, 2005
More of the same
Our country’s leadership is corrupt. They place ideology before truth, before international law, before national security, before justice.
Read more here.
No autographs, please
Dennis K said...
I have an idea on how you and your political party can make some changes to the direction our country is headed - start winning some elections.
Oooooh! He sure showed me!
I feel so special.


