Among animals with black and white skin or fur, my favorite is panda.  You have to agree with me that pandas are cuter than killer whales and skunks.   My first encounter with pandas took place in Japan more than two decades ago, and the most recent was when I took the train to visit the resident pandas at San Diego Zoo.  I am willing to travel some distance to see those adorable creatures.

Last month, on the Lunar New Year’s Day, Taipei Zoo in Taiwan formally introduced two giant pandas sent by the People’s Republic of China.  Curiously, they were named Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, which when put together means “reunion” in Chinese. Considering China’s decades-long intention to annex Taiwan which was once part of the Chinese Empire, the two pandas would be more aptly named “Re-unification.”  The Chinese government generally loans pandas to other nations on a 10-year term with an annual fee of up to US$ 1,000,000 and a provision that gives China the ownership of any newborns.  Taipei Zoo most likely got Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan for free; the animals became highly publicized “gifts,” blatantly political ones.

In 2008 I visited the vast and verdant Taipei Zoo for the first time and almost thought the captive animals were happy to call the place their home.   Formosan Black Bears, also known as white-throated bears, slept lackadaisically under the shade.  (Come to think of it, these bears are also black and white.)   Clouded Leopard, thought to have become extinct in the wilderness in Taiwan, could not be seen in its cage.   The magnificent home for the two pandas of course cost the Taiwanese government a bundle; its construction is debated especially feverishly in this global economic crisis.   The last Taiwanese administration under President Chen ShuiBien declined the first offer of gift the Chinese government made in 2005, arguing that it was best for the pandas to stay near their natural habitat in SiChuan Province, China.   Now seeing in tv news these giant pandas behind the display glass at their new home, I not only feel sorry for them but also for the rest of the animals which, as one commentator noted, seemed to have been treated as second-class citizens at the zoo.

I decided to survey my friends and relatives in Taiwan to find out if any of them was planning a trip to Taipei Zoo in the near future.  Almost all of them e-mailed a quick and decisive NO.   My cousin elaborated in her response, “FYI, pandas ain’t that innocent.”   What could she possibly mean?  The pandas are not innocent because they are wild creatures with such sharp teeth that chew on woody bamboo for hours daily?  Or because innocence is always lost when exploitation is involved?

Ashley Judd ferociously ripped into Sarah Palin recently and accused Palin of supporting the “senseless savagery” of shooting wolves from helicopters. Palin mauled Judd’s “reprehensible” remarks and fiercely defended the practice of thining out wolves which prey on moose and caribou so there would be enough big game left over for Palin and others to hunt and eat.

Which lady do you agree with?

“I am awesome at guitar hero, and I am sure if I bought a real guitar I could be good at that too! Who wants to start a band?”

That my friends was an actual classified post I recently came across.  To those of you who do play guitar, you know your realm of capability.  Your either a beginner, intermediate, or an expert.  Most beginners think theyre experts, and most intermediate students know what they should do to progress. Its called time.  Thousands of hours you spent watching TV this year, or playing video games, you could have painted, worked out, or played music.  But, no, this D-bag chose to play guitar hero.

He is the epitome of the tone deaf retards on American Idol who waltz in like they own the stage and forget words to a shitty acapella version of a song THEY wrote.   Id like to be a ninja, but I didnt take any karate, therefore I will not enter a backflip competition.  If you’ve never sang in public, or heard a recording of yourself singing? Dont try out for a vocal competition

Speaking of things I hate about the thing I love the most, (which is music) is the coined phrase “playing” music. It underminds the literal skill and work and technique.  No artist is playing crayons.

Random thought,  Drums are toys for adults.  If you have not sat behind a kit, I recommend you do so immediately.  Try and frown.

So Ive played until my guitar was covered in blood, and smoked 2 packs durring every 1 song I wrote (which is up to 70 songs now) recorded extensively, ive played over 150 bar/college/party shows.  Ive been reduced to street performing in Killadelphia due to financial difficulty and some nutsack got good at a video game and wants to learn an instrument.

If anyone knows who this is, please tell him to send his new 2 thousand dollar Martin that Im sure mommy will buy and give it to some one who needs it when he gets bored in 2 hours and realizes he doesnt really know how to play Enter Sandman.

Finally Ill leave you with this,  ALL rap doesnt suck, but in a pie chart graph, good rap would be the “other” section marked off in the 1 or 2 %    haha most rap fans couldnt tell you what a bass was if it was Victor Wooten raping their ear holes to a Jay-z song.   Grown ass adults named Jay-z, and p dooty, or whatever mr combes calls himself, and is every rapper a fucking midget?  They are all named Lil! Sorry for my grammatical errors and syntax misuse, Im incredibly high on weed, the difference between my music and rap is Im not going to shoot anyone over a dimebag, and then Im going to wait till I come down to see if what I wrote is actually good.

From the horror stories we hear, or in reality have to face, cancer is a four letter word. It is emotionally damaging to the diagnosed, and to their loved ones.  It is a killer and everything about the disease is only an understatement.  The most terrifying aspect of the epidemic is that it can not be prevented.  Smoking may speed up processes like brain tumors, or melenoma, but if you are prone to not being able to fight off the ailment, odds are you will get it. (With the exception of smokers and throat cancer)

Unless you are fleeing to Canada for free MRI’s and CAT scans, the average American can not afford a full body cavity search.  If you could stop your mother from contracting breast cancer, you would.  If you could forsee your younger brothers lymphoma, you would prohibit it. Likewise with grandpas prostate cancer. (see http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/alphalist for an A-Z list of cancers)  Life is a crapshoot when it comes to thinking about what way and when are we gonna go out. (Please be like Elvis on the can)

What is more disturbing, is that there is another epidemic that is completely contradictory to the means of contraction regarding cancer, and it’s AIDS.  HIV left behind 15 million orphans last year.  Many of the victims are born into the disease.  AIDS is predominantly spread by unprotected sex, and desperate drug users.  Ok, that is well known information.  They preach safe sex all the time, or if you turn on Disney, the Jonas brothers say abstinence is the way to go.  I can’t wait to see whose gay, or the first to father a child under 20 years old in that band. But I digress.

AIDS is a disease we continue to bring upon ourselves.  Lusting, and shamelessly being foolish with our sexual endeavors.  Whether it is the man whore, the slut, or the unsuspecting one night stand, we are all at risk. Particularly in densely populated cities, where it is impossible to fathom your partners sexual history.  The death casts nothing but a painful, dreadful shadow on those inflicted.  Torturous, and relentless in its conquest of crumbling the bodies immune system until the body caves in on itself.  In Africa that’s considered a Tuesday.

Wake up America, come on, seriously, and insert another whiny sounding colloquialism here. Put on your cock balloons, plug in your diaphragms, or go to rehab if you’ve ever thought about sticking a needle in your arm.  I hope those lovely images make you think twice before trying to bang some one off craigslist.

(glance at the all the categories that this topic can relate to)

While watching the Larry King Show on Friday night, I heard the tragic news about John Travolta/Kelly Preston’s son, Jett.  They repeatedly showed a tape of the family on a street in Paris, just a few weeks ago.  Watching the tape, the true colors of this family were obvious, even though no sound accompanied the tape.  They moved slowly, obviously to keep pace with Jett.  There was no attempt to hide, or speed up, or in any way change what was really happening.  Just a family, albeit rich, on a holiday trip.

In very few minutes, we had allegations being stated that the Travolta’s were “covering up” the fact that Jett may have autism.  We found out that the boy was diagnosed some 13+ years ago with Kowasaki’s disease, and heard the parents taking the blame for that situation as well.    I thought this all very sad.  As the mother of two grown sons, I am sure that there are medical/historical facts about my children that would have little or no bearing on the day of their death.  As two educated and wordly people, the Travoltas have the right to believe in whatever medical information they find most sound, and this can’t be second guessed by a world with zero knowledge of the facts at hand.

Rather than diagnosing what the Travolta’s may or may not be “hiding” or acknowledging, the only emotion any of us should have is sorrow for their pain, and hope that they will have the strength as a family to overcome this terrible tragedy.  Perhaps we should put as much weight on our country’s lack of emotional health as we do on our economic health, and things might be better all the way around.

Older Men - Pros

If the older man had lead a life that has gained him experience and wisdom, he can relax and still keep the fires burning.

He knows what sexy is even when it’s not within the commercial guidelines.

If He is wise enough, he knows what battles to pick, and how to do things for a woman that will make her appreciate him, even if it is a small gesture. He does this not just because of her needs, but because of his needs. He knows if he messes up, his previous good nature may save him from full onslaught of his misdoings.

He is intelligent enough to know that what he has isn’t as important in materials, as in his relationship. He enjoys pleasuring his woman. He knows how to keep his woman interested not only in him, but in their relationship.

He may be more established, and be able to allow his woman things that is needed and sometimes remembers things she wants, because he understands that is needed too.

An older man most likely will not need to have continuous noise or talking and understands that being together means just being in the same room to be close.

Older Men - Cons

Some older men do not gain enough experience or wisdom to understand how to keep a woman - younger or older.

He may want to rain his kingdom, but loose the rains through direct orders, or petty guidelines that only provokes a fight, or a power struggle.

Not changing or understanding the change that is necessary means that he may be too settled in, and won’t want to do what he could to help keep the relationship

He may not understand the underlying importance of helping his mate feel important to him as a woman, and again fail his part in the relationship.

He may not understand the importance of giving to a woman sexually, and at times over do or misunderstand because he has not taking the time to find out how to.

Younger Men – Pros

If the younger man enjoys women, he will be well liked and often have the most success.

Not just sexually, but in friendship.

Although younger men may or may not be less wrinkled, or they may have more muscles, their energy to life is refreshing. Even if a woman is much older, she can enjoy and allow the fever for life and relish it. Especially after being with a man who does not relish much.

Creation of a relationship with a woman will be important to him. It is not always sexual, but his energy to sustain that will be plenty.

A younger man will often want to please a woman and find it erotic for himself to do so for a woman. Women like this, and it does not have to be a lot of drama to accomplish this. Woman also like cunninlingus, some older men do not do this.

Younger men like to explore, while older men may have a tendency to follow “old directions” even if the highway has changed some.

Younger Men – Cons

Younger men seemed to have less patience in things, and may not understand how to retain his emotions, or how to express them properly when something devastating happens.

Younger men may not want to stay in and just enjoy the evening as it is, but rather feel the need to always moving or doing and not understand the quiet closeness.

It may be harder for the younger man to feel comfortable with your older friends, however; for some they may feel more comfortable.

Younger men tend to be in need for the next adventure, while some may not be adventuring enough and feel lost.

Men: In conclusion, all men are stubborn and will not stop and ask for directions.

I want to see YOUR input on Cons and Pros of Younger and Older Men

Assume Caroline Kennedy is appointed Senator of New York and is elected senator two years later by special election. In 2012, if the presidential election is between Senator Caroline Kennedy and Governor Sara Palin, I think Caroline Kennedy will win.

What say you?

 If this movie didn’t have the book standing behind it, it would have flopped in the box offices with out a doubt.  I hate to write bad reviews but I think that Hardwicke absolutely did not do any justice to the novel and got away like a bandit with the large gross of money from loyal Twilight fans.

I am honestly happy that they have already decided to make the new director that of “The Golden Compass” and “About a Boy” fame, I have yet to be extremely disappointed with any of Wietz work.

But back to Hardwick’s interpretation of the novel; Some things she got right - for the most part - she did excellent casting with Edward, Alice, and the rest of the Cullen crew. The atmosphere, props, and stage setting were excellent.

but the editing! Oh the editing! and the placing of which music where was sometimes just ridiculous and matched to close toward “made for TV drama” that it totally took away, not only the magic of Stephenie Meyer, but the hard-work that I’m sure was exerted by many people for this film.

and my last gripe: Kirsten Stewart as Bella - just plain sucked, she lacks emotion on so many levels - and also parades around smoking bongs in public. (Not a good role model for teen readers!)

The chemistry between all the characters were pretty spot on and her soundtrack is pretty great -

Regardless of my disappointment with Twilight the movie, I am hoping that eclipse and new moon get knocked out of the ballpark with both the budget, talent, and special effects! I cannot wait for all the characters of Twilight to come alive. Especially Breaking Dawn!!!!

Yay!

Bare with me as I get one of the many things off my chest. Being new to California, I just want to know being a east coast woman and all, not trying to disrespect anybody but….WHY THE HELL DO THE WOMEN HERE WEAR THOSE UGS AND THOSE FUR BOOTS IN 70 DEGREE WEATHER???Are you serious or is this a joke that is not going to go away? Me being from Pittsburgh,  Pa and seeing the women wear those exact same boots there even then got on my nerves.  But here, in sunny it never rains, california you got these young girls looking like they are about to go hiking on the mountains on christmas break!!!! I mean what is this,  why do they insist on looking ridiculous every single day and who do we blame for this fashoin disaster? I feel a couple of women are at fault for this style, Mariah, J-Lo, even Paris have been caught wearing these ugly ass boots and now everyone wants to copy their image. But reality check posers, these women travel all over the world through different weather while you just stay in sunny Cali where you will never need them, and that is what boils my blood. These boots are around $150 a pair and girls  who don’t even have a job here have more than 1 pair, why? At least on the east coast you can get away with wearing them in the winter where you actually need them, but out here, it’s a horrible cult following that i wish would stop!!! Tell me,  is there anyone who feels this way about a certain fashion trend that won’t go away, or  am I just a  old fashion woman who just wants people to follow the seasons and not celebrities  wardrobes.

   I was surfing the net, looking for something to catch my eye in this San Diego city I just became familiar with 3 weeks ago and came pass this post. Complain, vent or just say what is on your mind on this site, hey why not? I have always wrote down my thoughts and sometimes expressed them to people verbally so why not here? Why not let people hear my thoughts on today’s entertainment and society in the world? Let them know how I feel, a look into my mind. How would they react when I say that hip hop is increasing dying with artists like soulja boy and lil wayne, and how people with actual talent get denied while Paris Hilton makes movies and albums. Seriously what is the entertainment industry coming to? I remember when you had to work your ass off to be famous and now all you have to do is promote violence and show off your tits! Britney spears is getting more notice from her personal life then her music, which both might I add are going down the drain. Everyone’s seems to be interested in celebrities personal lives then their actual talent. We rather know and talk about what kind of drugs they take and what kinky sex they participate in then how they prepared for the Oscar nominated performance they gave. Is this what we really succumb to, worrying about others problems and not out own?

    I always felt that entertainment in our generation has become dull and recycled. Everyone wants to be famous even when they shouldn’t be and who can blame them? Celebrities became are idols, role models, are Greek god and goddess of the world. We worship these people like they are better than us and expect them not to have any flaws or we will crucify them along with their career. What happened to people having privacy, having the option to live their lives peacefully? What happen to people having dreams and goals of doing something to help mankind and striving to change the world? They have been replaced with artificial talent and “wanna be” artist only out to get rich quick. Nobody seems to care about their fellow neighbors unless they can help them achieve their wants and needs. I come to realize that we are living in a dog eat dog world and it is not going to get better unless we stop this charade of we are just adapting with the times.

    It seems that what’s important in today’s culture is far different from when I was growing up. Sure everyone wants to have money, be secure and stable but the means of going about it vast in comparison. I remember wanting to be a doctor or lawyer growing up, someone who could contribute. Now a days kids want to be a rappers or actors, someone who is adored by many and has access to anything their hearts desires as they make enormous amounts of dividends easily. But in reality, nothing is ever easy, if you go behind the scenes, just take a peek behind the curtain you will see just how much of their lives are just as complicated as our own.

    That’s the message I want to get across, I want to pull the wool from the worlds eyes and open their minds to what we have become. Life shouldn’t be about beating everyone to the top, it should be about helping others and together making a good impression for people to live by. But how can that be when we have everyone wanting to be a leader and no followers? We are not in balanced, we have left behind what really makes gods and goddesses, our decisions to be creative and unique in everything we do. Everyone is not meant to be on the silver screen, just face it, even if it’s a desire of yours. Yes you might think you got what it takes but if there is no talent, real passion or drive then it is pointless. You need to figure out what makes you stand out, what makes you you? We all are here for a purpose and that’s what we need to find in order restore the balance. Find what makes you the needle in the haystack. Mine is writing, what’s yours?

Shalace Moore

Observer of the world