Mao, Che and the advent of the Internet message boards

It's been a while since I've even read a news story about a celebrity--I mean with Paris in jail, what is the point really!?--BUT I could not contain myself when I hopped across a story about Cameron Diaz wearing a purse with a Mao statement on it while in Peru. I found the story facsinating on several levels... 1-the consideration that it was such an incident as to create national headlines... 2-that Peruvian officials were so offended... 3-that Diaz would actually wear trite accessories (it's like wearing a Che t-shirt, it really goes against the whole concept if you believe those sentiments to even be wearing them and BUYING them).

BUT what really facsinated me were the reader comments that followed the story... and I so wish I had copied the link to provide it here, but I didn't think this morning (I'm still working on my first cuppa java, note, not Peruvian either). A few intelligent readers picked up on the onvious discussion this story opens up in sense of the political ideologies of Peru, and other countries, but many more decided to use it as an opportunity to rag on Cameron Diaz--and not even her choice of accessory but that she is too stupid, too skinny, too old (she's what, 30?!) to be held accountable for her actions... and then there were the ones that were obviously resentful of her successes. I suppose the will of the people to berate and belittle someone they don't even know for the sake of their own (not-so-celever) moment of internet celebrity can easily replace rational thought and even rise above the use of grammar, sentence structure and more high-brow contributions to society. Ah, but then art comes in all forms and who I am to judge it.

Still, while I would like to see a real discussion on politics and someday, maybe even understand why it is that the United States is considered a democracy (YES, I know the definition, and folks, we really don't fit that mold if you've been paying attention) and what the real threat of challenging that notion truly is (and I do get it, trust me... I like to play the devil... why succumb to just being the advocate?), I think it is safe to say that the only truly "safe" place to have the kind of dialogue is the Internet these days, because you never know who is sitting in the dark corner of your basement with a notepad and ticket to Guantanemo (do you really think we'll give that up?)... at least online we know who is watching and it is a lot harder to be silenced when there is a larger audience. It at least requires a lot more thought, something I wonder if our government has done in the past 8 (or more) years. Nixon was a crooked, mean bastard, but you knew where you stood in his regime--he was calculating and strategic and while he might not have done it right he at least had some character. Not that another Nixon would be the answer--yegods, I would ascertain it would certainly not be the case, but what is currently in place and what the prospects for the future look like don't hold much faith for me... it will be interesting to see how this (as Jon Stewart so aptly calls it) "Clusterfuck to the White House" will play out.

On that note, I go to the farmers market, but before I do... Cameron Diaz, you get a Super Genius rating of 2.

Politics via feline behaviour

There is no question that when it comes to my cats, Calvin is bourgeois through and through. He even looks French, with his little goatee... all he needs is a beret. Bowie, now we all know that Bowie is a throughbred Commie cat. Two brothers, seemingly at political odds, and yet, they cuddle together in the condo at least 4-5 times a week. The other two, well, who knows? What I do know is that Jake and Bowie are at constant odds iver territory and Vinnie is like the Swiss--hiding in the closet half the time. I think the main point we can take away from this that the Cold War was not about Communism and the Iraqi war is not about terrorism. So really, we are no further than when I started this post.

In memorium

The news today is that David Halberstam, respected and noted journalist, who was maybe best known for penning "The Best and the Brightest" was killed today in a car accident. He will be missed. Brave journalists are few and far between these days.

I would guess it appropriate to mention that Boris Yeltsin also died today... for those who were surprised that he was still even alive. Though, I have to say, I did appreciate the headline on the Guardian: Man for all seasons: hero, villian, buffoon. Yeah, that says it all even if the article is laced with all the expected commentary by other leaders hailing him as great--even if while alive they would not have dreamt of lending their support.

Poetry and Shoes

So, I was checking the forecast for the area today, as I’m eagerly waiting the arrival of sandal season… and yes, it is March, but early Daylight Savings Time has skewed my perceptions but I will get back to that momentarily. I came across the following headline to a video on the wildfires at weather.com:

Wildfire flames lick the back doors of homes

Hmm, I’m all for poetic license, but this isn’t poetry—this is a serious fucking fire about to lay waste to the homes of many folks, it is not a kitten pawing on the screen door looking for milk.

That said, the forecast for tomorrow is a high of 64 degrees in the Fahrenheit measure (because we all know that Centigrade sheeyat is Communist and highly suspect), but for my dear Commie friends—that would be about 17 degrees. And what this really means, if achieved, is the opening of sandal season. That is the rule… 60 degrees and sandals are allowed—OFFICIALLY. This in no way impacts my sandal wearing of this previous Saturday; it was in the 50s, I had put a good 18-19 miles on my feet already and they needed to be free. But mostly, I had just forgotten to bring fresh socks with me for when I left the gym, and as such, kept my flip flops on.

Now, I realize that beyond tomorrow, the weather seems a tad cold for sandals, being that there isn’t currently a day forecast to be warmer than say 43 degrees now through the 10-day forecast, but do not let this deter you should you wish to wear sandals. A few suggestions for this time of year in sandal selection, if I may:

1. For simply chilly weather falling below 60 degrees, you may decide to wear boots to the office and change into the sandals. Alternately, if this option does not appeal to your pedicure, park close to doors and walk briskly. Remember it may have been a while since you wore heeled sandals, so stick with the lower heels (1.5-2.5 inches) until you build back up to the 4 inchers.
2. If the forecast calls for a “wintery mix” I might suggest you opt for a shoe that is more of a platform with a thicker heel. This will provide a bit more traction should the sidewalks be a tad more icy than one might like. Of course, the tenets of #1 above still apply here and throughout.
3. Should the weather for the day call for rain, this is simple—you will want to follow the same protocol for rainy weather as you would anytime of the year when wearing a sandal. Given the air temperature, however, I might suggest a wedge—this will provide enough of a platform to keep the toe from flooding (providing the wedge is one with a platform toe, but that is the implied recommendation here) and the wedge itself will provide a safe barrier between your foot and the cold, wet ground.

Now, you may ask… why wouldn’t you wear a wedge in the “wintery mix” scenario…? and it is a good question—for the novice. A wedge does not provide traction, which you can get around in simple rainy weather. For the wintery mix, you will want something with more of a heel to be able to “dig-in.” Heels also, as contrary as it may seem, provide a good deal of traction by their very construction.

Later, a refresher on how to properly purchase sandals, strengthening your feet for the upcoming season, pedicure basics and of course, everyone’s favorite, how to actually walk in sandals.