Wabazi Heaven

Addendum
So I just found this whilst surfing through Racialicious this (Friday) morning at work: a shot of the white kid playing Goku in the upcoming Dragonball movie (set to be released 04-10-09). I quickly proceeded to scour Google for more information and pictures, and was rewarded by the Dragonball Movie Blog. If, like me, you indulged yourself in your younger years by watching this anime on Toonami after school or ever paged through one of the 50 bajillion manga volumes at Border's, then you owe it to yourself to check this out. I have no idea what my opinion on the movie is yet as there's not a trailer out, but rest assured I'll be seeing it if for no other reason than nostalgia and love of James Marsters (as Piccolo) and Chow Yun-Fat (as Master Roshi).

I kind of hate the idea of Emmy Rossum as Bulma, but that's purely because I did not find her worthy to play Christine in Phantom of the Opera. They're all doing their own stunts (of which there are many, duh, this is Dragonball!), so I can respect her for that. Thank you, 20th Century Fox, for digging my junior high and early high school years out of the closet of international pop culture and turning the idea we all had while watching the show (honestly, who didn't think about the possibility of a live-action Dragonball movie?) into a reality.

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Another Thursday, another cute animal-related something--this time brought to you via Jezebel:

"The best genre of "cute" has to be "animal friends," especially when the animals are of different species. Meet Ellie, a King Charles Spaniel living in the English countryside who was featured on the National Geographic Channel's 'Dogs With Jobs'. Ellie's job is that she's a stay-at-home mom — to bunnies! One day she discovered a litter of baby rabbits whose mother was found dead a few yards away and adopted them as her own. She sleeps with them, faux nurses them, and best of all, snuggles with them. Just watch this clip and try not to die from an overload of warm, fuzzy feelings."

The family's visit was fabulous this past weekend. I took them down to the Esplanade to see the Charles. EarthFest was in full swing, with Cake playing on the main stage, and I managed to find my all-time favorite snack: cinnamon roasted almonds! They're only ever available at festivals, some sporting events, and at zoos in the winter. I hate that they're not more widely available, but I suppose their rarity is one thing that makes them so especially delicious to my taste buds. Dad and Megan loved Yuval, and vice versa. Mom had already met him, so now he has the full approval from my whole family. And they made a point of saying (about 85 times) that we need to visit Cincinnati before Megan goes back to school in September. Yay for my family loving the guy I love! :o)

Speaking of Yuval, he's in Montreal right now for his sister's graduation, so I won't be seeing him 'til tomorrow night or Saturday late afternoon. Sad times. But yay for Michal! I forsee her and my sister having super nerdy conversations about how cool chemistry is while I sit in the background protesting that biology is the best science (and Yuval argues that it's physics). Nerd-tacular times to come, y'all.

Spring is finally arriving now that it's almost time for summer. We had an amazing deluge of a thunderstorm on Tuesday that was fun to listen to while safe inside my office. However, I've come to understand that real thunderstorms--with lightning, thunder, high winds, lashing rain--are rare here in New England, and that makes me sad. There are few things I find more beautiful (and relaxing) than watching a huge thunderstorm with a mug of something warm in my hands, my legs tucked under a blanket on the couch. Maybe that's just me? In any case, the days have been relatively sunny and warm, which is good considering I have kickball tonight.

Yesterday I played tennis for the first time in 4 years, and I realized how much I've missed the sport. I'm taking a tennis clinic through BU's fit-rec program on Mondays and Wednesdays now. It's definitely one of the best decisions I could have made for my summer, and I'm so happy to have a racquet back in my hands. Of course I'm sore from using muscles that haven't been used in years, but such is the price of taking back a fabulous sport. I'm sure my body will come to appreciate the effort.

Next week, on June 3rd, I'm going to a Red Sox game with Kat and Garrett. Nothing exciting--they're only playing the Tampa Bay Rays--but just being able to snag tickets to a game is already a highlight of my summer. And I'll get to see Kat and Garrett, who I haven't seen in weeks. Huzzah!

The Lost 2-hour season finale is tonight! That means I'll be skipping out on the bar activities post-kickball game and rushing home to see if Jin lives through the season, if Ben continues to be freakishly well-informed, and if Sayid will ever get the spotlight he deserves. And who knows? Maybe the producers were playing tricks with us all season and Kate actually gets killed! Wouldn't that be nice? I'd certainly appreciate it.

Read
The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson & the Olympians Book 3) by Rick Riordan

Raindrops Falling On My Head

Happy Thursday! If you're not feeling like it's a particularly happy Thursday, you might change your mind after looking at this:
A mama Capybara getting a kiss from her daughter. Who knew rodents could be so freaking cute?

Speaking of animals, a donkey just got released from jail in Mexico after his owner paid the bail. No, for serious. The donkey basically got in a bar fight and kicked two guys' asses (or should I say butts, just to be clear?). It's things like this that make me want to visit Mexico again.

Tonight is kickball night, hurray! Last week's game reminded how much fun this playground sport is. I'm of the opinion that there should be an Olympic category for it in the Summer Games. I'd be glued to the TV. Also, my family is coming to visit this weekend! They arrive on Saturday around noon and leave Monday night. This means Yuval will finally get to meet Dad and Megan. I'm not worried: Mom loved him, and I'm in love with him, so there's nothing bad they could possibly have to say about him. A BBQ with Yuval's parents is planned for Sunday lunch. Yummy!

Yesterday had me going through many emotional ups and downs because of different news items I encountered. Yeah, maybe it's a little weird getting emotional over news that's not related to earthquakes and floods and the ending of the world, but I've got PMS so give me a break--the emotional barriers in my brain aren't at 100% right now. Jezebel, my current go-to blog for news in the world of modern feminist issues in media/news/public opinion, published a story yesterday about photographer Rachel Papo's new book featuring her photo series on female Israeli soldiers (of which she was one from 1988-90). That's not the part that got me upset--in fact, if the book wasn't $250 I'd totally pre-order it on Amazon. What got me upset was this book, a fascinating look at the portrayal of Israeli female soldiers, and the juxtaposition it creates with the horrendously offensive spread that Maxim published recently on the same topic. If you don't want to take the time to read the stories, at least watch this video and see if you can understand why I was so upset when I found out about it:


I completely agree with the female Knesset member who they quote. Really, Israel? The only idea you can come up with to boost your tourism numbers is to exploit your female soldiers in a men's porn magazine? Have some respect for the women of your country! At the very least you could have a spread of male Israeli soldiers put in Vogue or Elle or something to balance out the gender issues! Ugh.

One of the comments on the Jezebel post got me thinking about how Yuval has convinced me to reverse my position on mandatory military service/conscription. Realize he wasn't actively trying to change my opinion, just explain his own on why he thinks that Israel's policy of mandatory 2-year army service is a brilliant idea. I'm a staunch pacifist, always have been. I'm 100% against killing anyone for any reason. That part in The Once and Future King when Arthur learns that humans and ants are the only creatures that kill their own? Yeah, it's stuck with me since 8th grade. So clearly I've been against a draft and mandatory military service for as long as I've had an opinion.

But Yuval made the (excellent) point that, since everyone is required to serve in Israel, they are much more cautious about their military decisions and everyone cares a lot more about what exactly the military does. Yes, they kill Palestinians just as the Palestinians kill them (Yuval and I have had many discussions about this), but not everyone is a sniper. You can be a medic, work in an office, or do airport security (which is provided by the army in Israel, not the police). His mom worked in an office for her two years of service and never saw a fight. Yes, they all carry M-16's around with them, but it's part of their uniform just like their boots--they're required to have it. And it's not like they're running around looking for an excuse to fire it. Regardless of your feelings on guns, they are much more prevalent in Israel and cause a lot fewer (non-military) related deaths than here in America. Now, I'm not exactly pro-gun--I'm terrified just to touch one--but clearly Israel's acceptance of them as a presence in society hasn't caused crime rates to skyrocket or anything.

Now, he and I both admit that a mandatory conscription law would never fly here in the US. There are too many rich Congressmen and business folks with too much power to ever let something like that out of committee. But think about it. If everyone was required to serve for 2 years, don't you think the US would be a lot less cavalier about sending troops off to fight pointless wars that have no clear battle plan? The answer would be a resounding "yes" since everyone would have that common experience and no one is exempt--not the rich, not the poor, not the elite, not the middle-class. Bush probably wouldn't have been so quick to attack Afghanistan and Iraq if Jenna was required to serve in the military. Lord knows those 2 years of service have generated a much tighter-knit sense of community and duty in Israel. It's humbling, in a way. No one is above the law, but because of it Israelis are much more self-conscious about their use of force.

Any thoughts out there on this? Like I said, this by no means should translate to "Erin is pro-draft and loves the military." A draft is different (and I'm against it), and I argued with Yuval about the fairness of forcing pacifists like me to aid an organization that kills people. He said that, if I really didn't want to support the army in any way that lets them kill people, then I would request airport security--where your whole purpose is to save people who have no intention of harming anyone. And I'm also not saying Israel and their military tactics are perfect.

All I'm saying is, now that I've had lots of open discussion and debate about it, I think that required military service is a good idea. Comments button, GO!

Oh, and for anyone out there who has any interest/knowledge of Greek mythology (JEFF!) and is looking for some fun summer reading, check out the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. It's reminiscent of Harry Potter with the "half-blood" and "special place for special kids" shtick, but it's much funnier and the main character isn't nearly as whiny and annoying. The whole premise of the series is that the Greek gods are still alive and kicking, but immortal doesn't mean people will believe in you forever. You just live forever. And they're all still up to their old habits, i.e. having lots of kids with mortals. In the first book Percy discovers that he's a son of Poseidon, his ADHD is a result of his ingrained battle instinct to never stay still, and his dyslexia is actually caused by his brain trying to read everything as if it's ancient Greek. He makes friends with Grover (a satyr) and Annabeth (a daughter of Athena), and together the three of them must stop an evil force that's trying to rise from Tartarus that's been plotting revenge for 1,000+ years. Really fun stuff, and very quick reads.

Read
Owly Vol. 1: The Way Home & The Bittersweet Summer by Andy Runton
Owly Vol. 2: Just a Little Blue by Andy Runton
Owly Vol. 3: Flying Lessons by Andy Runton
Owly Vol. 4: A Time to Be Brave by Andy Runton
The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson & the Olympians Book 1) by Rick Riordan
The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson & the Olympians Book 2) by Rick Riordan
Mouse Guard: Winter 1152 [Issue 1] by David Petersen
Mouse Guard: Winter 1152, [Issue 2] by David Petersen

Ice Box

First, everyone needs to go sign this petition right now. It's in support of the fight for equal treatment under the law for the women of Iran, and there's no reason for anyone to not sign it. From the petition: "Iranian women’s rights activists are initiating a wide campaign demanding an end to discriminatory laws against women in the Iranian law. The Campaign “One Million Signatures Demanding Changes to Discriminatory Laws” is a follow-up effort to the peaceful protest of the same aim, which took place on June 12, 2006 in Haft-e Tir Square in Tehran."

I'm going to the Red Sox game tonight and so pumped I could punch a wall. Luckily I have restraint. Last night was my debut game with my team, Strangers in the Alps, in the adult kickball league playing in Boston that Yuval introduced me to. Even though we lost 0-2 I had a razzmatazz of a good time. I even got on base after my second time at bat! Then part of the team headed over to Tommy Doyle's in Harvard Square (our official sponsor bar) for food and debauchery. All in all, it was worth missing the new episodes of Ugly Betty and Lost--which is saying a lot.

Watch this video and see how long you can keep yourself from saying "Awwww!"


My parents and sister are coming to Boston for Memorial Day weekend, so I'm obviously very excited for said weekend to get here. This was the first year I wasn't able to be home for Mom's birthday or Mother's Day, so I'm really missing the fam (though that's nothing new). Adrienne is still doing the AD thing in Jersey, but I'll be seeing her at the end of the month, yay! I recently found out that The Mysteries of Harris Burdick is returning to Barrington Stage Co. this summer from June 18-July 5. If you are going to be anywhere near MA during that time, I implore you to go see this show. You will not regret it, and you'll probably be moved to tears by the end (just like I was for every single one of its 20+ performances that I worked on last summer). It is absolutely stunning.

To all my graduating Kenyon senior folks: CONGRATULATIONS! You did it. I hope the weather at your Commencement is much better than ours was last year. I'm terribly sad I won't be there to see you all off into the world, but such is the peril of a competitive airline industry and rising oil prices.

Read
Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier
Once Upon a Time in the North by Philip Pullman
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

Blogs
Muslimah Media Watch
Racialicious

Just A-Sittin' and A-Rockin'

Hola, el mundo. The past week wasn't filled with a whole lot, but it definitely had its ups and downs. A platelet donation on Monday, trivia night on Tuesday, not much on Wednesday, and then came Thursday. I awoke with a stabbing, throbbing pain in my face (specifically behind my eyes) and feeling more than a little sick to my stomach. But since I always feel crappy in the mornings these days thanks to allergies, I went to work anyway after popping a Claritin and some nasal decongestant. I was 30 minutes late, though, because of this firey huge mess of a multiple-car accident on Commonwealth Avenue that closed down the B Line for 3 hours.

But the pain did not lessen as time marched on, it got worse. I found I couldn't look at the computer screen for more than a few minutes before my eyes would water in pain. My head throbbed, and I felt like I was going to throw up any minute. So, listening to my body, I told my boss I had to go home sick and I'd be back the next day. I crawled into bed as soon as I got home and promptly fell asleep for about 6 hours. My head still hurt when I woke up, but not as much. I took copious amounts of Advil and more decongestant, and things started getting better. I was supposed to go to the birthday party of one of Yuval's friends that night, but decided that would be a very bad idea indeed.

Speaking of the boy, I let him know of my condition on the way home from work and woke to discover a text saying he'd come over and make me soup for dinner. And he did: delicious chicken noodle soup. Then he went off to the party, I watched Lost, and then once again I passed out for the night. I was completely fine on Friday.

Friday night Yuval and I went to go see a community theater production of Godspell that one of his good friends assistant choreographed. Wow. I mean, I know the running joke is that community theater musicals are generally awful, but I never expected something that bad. It was painful to sit through, and Jesus couldn't die fast enough for us. Once the final curtain fell, we congratulated Elaine on a job well done (the choreography was the only thing that was done well!) and then got the hell out of Dodge. Yuval apologized for dragging me to the show, but I told him it was good because it taught me that I'll never be that desperate to get involved in just any show, ever.

As always, Saturday was a lazy day. I got more driving practice in and managed to drive us all around Lexington and back to Boston with out any major scary mishaps. And there was delicious sushi at Daikanyama to be had as a reward. I did stall like 6 times. But I'm learning! Then it was off to Joe Sent Me for Meaghan's birthday party. She and Yuval (and Tim) have been friends since high school and I play trivia with them on Tuesdays. It was fun, but because I have the internal clock of a 75-year old I was wiped out by midnight. Yuval walked me back to his place and then headed back to the bar. I showered and collapsed in bed by 12:45am. I'm the lamest of lame, I know.

Sunday brought a call to Mom on her special holiday and a delightful discovery. We were taking the T back to my place around 2pm. But as we stepped out of the Harvard T station in the Square to meet the 66 bus, there bloomed a festival all around us! Apparently it was Mayfair, so we took our time in wandering around and eating way more food than we should have physically been able. We munched on Italian sausages, chicken tikka masala, naan, fudge, handmade ice cream, and fried dough. We followed cute dogs (and their owners) around the Square, admired the goods for sale, and even made a side journey to Million Year Picnic so I could get some new comics. A truly happy accident, indeed.

Then it was back to my place where Yuval promptly passed the fuck out, which left me time to do my laundry, the dishes, clean the bathroom, and go to CVS without boring the tar out of him. Once Sleeping Beauty awoke, we journeyed to Shaw's so I could get some much needed provisions for the apartment and he could get lunch for Monday. Carrying those bags is much easier when there's two of you, that's for sure. When we got home he made Turkish coffee, I made a Funfetti cake, and we watched an episode of The West Wing. Bed followed soon after, and now here we are.

It's a Monday in the middle of May and it's 48 degrees and rainy. Seriously, Boston?

Seen
Baby Mama
The West Wing -- Season 6

Read
Tunnels by Roderick Gordon