One of my Favorite Stevie Wonder songs...

Performed by my immortal skating beloved. This coverage comes from Russian tv (god, I love the internet) and it was from Cup of China. The announcer is stating (my translation is rough, but I do know some Russian) that he's the winner of Cup of China at the Grand Prix series and that he will be awarded a special prize known as "For the Love of Russia" later that year.

Another interesting thing you don't see on American television: the extra 2 minutes comes from the magic of editing. The first time you watch it, you'll see how he doubles a jump and his last backspin travels. They invite him back for an editing "encore" to fix the spin, centering it! American television NEVER shows this, which is why most people think skaters nail all their jumps and spins on the first try.

WRONG.

They get "do-overs", a nasty little secret the USA networks don't want you to know. HA! I love this.

He'll be in Sweden next month at Worlds. Since he's half Norwegian, I'm sure they'll be watching their American counterpart. Like me, he's Irish, German, and a bit Norwegian. My Norse roots are very distant, but I like to think it keeps my hair blonde!

Go, Johnny, go...

The View from My Window

Well, that's what my snowy view looks like. That's Hughie, my superintendent, shoveling away so we all don't surf down the stairs.

So, let's recap: in the last week, I managed to 1) find a part-time job; 2) find an ok iPod on eBay; and 3) get myself a roommate. Whether I spelled correctly or not, doesn't matter. I may actually have a long-term person helping me with my bills.

The job situation is not just bad for me, I see. It's all over. We have hit a recession, kiddies. I actually spoke to a guy in Starbucks the other night--and I might just apply there, too--who told me people my age are coming in with all sorts of degrees, but no companies will hire them. That, my darlings, is how bad this country is. Dubya, or "Shrub" as I like to call him, has given all the fat cat wonks the power of mega-salaries, but no incentive to keep workers in this country. I am happy to say that my own job (!) was emailed me via monster.com and I laughed out loud. Patricia, the temp, who replaced me, bolted after six months. Then another replaced her, who I can only assume is gone, ran like hell as well. And now, Sad Sack and Baldo are looking once again to do my work, the work that was unfathomable, unending, and completely insane.

I fondly remember telling Evil Longoria the Mad HR Rep, how difficult and expensive it would be to replace me. And lo and behold, I WAS...NO I AM....RIGHT! The buro chiefs must be crapping their pants--this is an election year and no one to check up on all those orders, online and satellite dish, colleges, Hillary and Obama photos, and oddball last-minute requests that I would bang out at 5:55 pm right before I walked out the door? Oh, they must gritting their teeth trying not to say how much they miss me. And all I wanted was $40,000. Not much to ask, but they were cheap and rotten. Karma's a mofo, people. Don't ever doubt it! Patricia, the first temp cost $35 per hour, I'm assuming the one after her was the same, and now they have to bring in someone else PLUS I hear they dropped the salary to $25,000? That job will sit empty and I will LAUGH HEARTILY.

So, I'm just waiting for Ohio and Texas to roll over Hillary and bring in Obama. I dig Hillary. I think we could sit down, have a burger and fries and discuss things. Things like how we hate Shrub, how Rumsfeld and the BTK killer look almost exactly alike, how sucky the glass ceiling really is, and how sexism is ok in this country, but racism is still very hidden and sooo un-P.C. But, I don't think she's gonna win. Anyway, NY needs a senator. It's obvious Spitzer, our so-called governor, has fucked up everything beyond recognition and no, nothing changed on Day 1, to use his campaign slogan. It's still Shelly and Schumer running it all.

Obama reminds me a lot of Bobby Kennedy, whose footage I've watched over and over. Practical, sensible, low-key, and with a great sense of balance and more of a difference and less of the same. Plus, if he wins, the racial question will be wiped off the map, which thrills me.

But for now, I will enjoy the snow. It's a nice respite from the madness that usually is February.

Enjoy!

Site of the day

Special thanks to Mary to sending. Click on the purple "box" to contribute free food for an abused or abandoned animal. Corporate sponsors pick up the "money bags" portion of running the site.

Click here for an easy and free way to help care for those in need at The Animal Rescue Site!

Happy Chinese New Year

It's a year for rats! That would be me. I'm a water rat...reminds me of a silly song Dad used to sing.

FAT FAT you water RAT
Go get EATEN by A CAT

LOL Enjoy the info!

Here's the skinny from Wikipedia...

Being the first sign of the Chinese zodiacs, rats are leaders, pioneers and conquerors. They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking. Rat people are endowed with great leadership skills and are the most highly organized, meticulous, and systematic of the twelve signs. Intelligent and cunning at the same time, rats are highly ambitious and strong-willed people who are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas, which often include money and power. They are energetic and versatile and can usually find their way around obstacles, and adapt to various environments easily. A rat's natural charm and sharp demeanor make it an appealing friend for almost anyone, but rats are usually highly exclusive and selective when choosing friends and so often have only a few very close friends whom they trust.

Behind the smiles and charm, rats can be terribly obstinate and controlling, insisting on having things their way no matter what the cost. These people tend to have immense control of their emotions, which they may use as a tool to manipulate and exploit others, both emotionally and mentally. Rats are masters of mind games and can be very dangerous, calculative and downright cruel if the need arises. Quick-tempered and aggressive, they will not think twice about exacting revenge on those that hurt them in any way. Rats need to learn to relax sometimes, as they can be quite obsessed with detail, intolerant and strict, demanding order, obedience, and perfection.

Rats consider others before themselves, at least sometimes, and avoid forcing their ideas onto others. Rats are fair in their dealings and expect the same from others in return, and can be deeply affronted if they feel they have been deceived or that their trust has been abused. Sometimes they set their targets too high, whether in relation to their friends or in their career. But as the years pass, they will become more idealistic and tolerant. If they can develop their sense of self and realize it leaves room for others in their life as well, Rats can find true happiness.

According to tradition, Rats often carry heavy karma and at some point in life may face an identity crisis or some kind of feeling of guilt. Rats are said to often have to work very long and hard for everything they may earn or have in life. However, a Rat born during the day is said to have things a bit easier than those who are born at night. Traditionally, Rats born during the night may face extreme hardships and suffering throughout life. Rats in general should guard themselves against hedonism, as it may lead to self-destruction. Gambling, alcohol and drugs tend to be great temptations to Rat natives.

Traditionally, Rats should avoid Horses, but they can usually find their best friends and love interests in Monkeys, Dragons, and Oxen.

Professions include espionage, psychiatry, psychology, writing, politics, law, engineering, accounting, detective work, acting, and pathology.

Lullaby

I love youtube.

Here's a version of Brahm's Lullaby by Angele DuBeau and La Pieta with kittens from cuteoverload.com. Adorable!

I have a copy of the St. Vincent de Paul check, and my account #'s on it, so my landlord fucked up, not me. So quick to blame they are. And they wonder why I broke out crying yesterday? My nerves are absolutely raw from this past year. I swear. I have no patience with incompetence. And a bitch named "Kim" hung up on me while I was in the middle of a question. I mailed my rent certified and with a return receipt. That way I have a name to blame the next time they screw up, which they will.

Happy Groundhog's Day.

Frazzled Friday

Since I do not care for Superbowls, I posted this as simply the greatest version of the Star Spangled Banner. Yes, even greater that Tina Turner, James Brown, half-time shows, and all that Janet Jackson boob mess from a few years back. Play this and tell me you're not proud to be American. It's that moving.

In other news...Well, my landlord is telling me they never received a check from September, when the St. Vincent de Paul society sent my rent for me. They are a bunch of fuckups. They also did not receive my December rent, which I mailed in January. I think it's time to sent my mail certified, to see which asshole signs for it. Simple and plain. I am putting a stop on the check right now, and will remail the check. More money that I don't have, but I am truly tired of incompetence.

That and the job report which is not good means I am still sitting here on my ass. What the hell do I have to do for someone to hire me? I'm off to the welfare office next week, my money is depleted.

I'm soooo screwed it isn't even funny.