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At first I thought it was the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. But what was their motive?

Archive for the 'Social Awareness' Category

But I thought the suburbs were safe…

Posted by Gian on 28th April 2008

Two men were attacked with a knife and tire iron at a soccer game in Kent. At a high school, no less.

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Composting

Posted by Gian on 17th March 2008

Recently, UW began placing compost bins across campus. This was very exciting for Anthony and I, because since our move we haven’t had access to a yard waste bin. So, every couple of days, we put our compost in a Tupperware container and bring it to work (often on the bus… I am so damn green Green emoticon). Several coworkers have teased me and used my composting “fanaticism” as examples in class. I actually think it is pretty funny… but I wish others would compost. Ever since Anthony and I began composting about two years ago, we have reduced our garbage by at least 80% (seriously). I was a bit grossed out about putting our food waste in the yard waste bin at first. But when I realized how much we reduced our landfill contribution, I became a serious advocate!!

Go Compost!

Posted in Social Awareness, Personal Life, Seattle Specific | No Comments »

Spo-scandal-iscious

Posted by Gian on 5th February 2008

So, growing up just outside of Spokane, WA, I would have never guessed that so much gayness existed around me. Reading stories like this is sort of surreal. Not until I left for college did I find out that there were gay hang outs and even a couple gay bars in Spokane.

While I am sure I would have never interacted with these folks, I do, in a way, feel almost bad for some of the people mentioned in this article (not the Catholic church, mind you). Living in such a conservative community often forces people with non-normative orientations to hide their identity. While I think that everyone should be true to their identity, I can say from experience that it isn’t easy. I had to leave before I came out…

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Jury Duty… day two

Posted by Gian on 24th January 2008

So, if I understand this correctly, juries are made up of a random sampling of citizens from your county. If it is a random sampling, it should be representative of the people, right? All I have to say about King County is we are REALLY white and old! If I didn’t know where I was, I might think I was back on the cruise ship!

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Vegetarian Haggis?

Posted by Gian on 23rd January 2008

This is disgusting. I am all for fake-meat products… but yuck!
**from the Slog**

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$1.5 Billion for TV

Posted by Gian on 1st January 2008

The US government has set aside $1.5 billion dollars for digital television boxes. In February of next year, the television industry will be switching from analog signals to digital. This means that anyone with an analog television will be unable to receive a picture. These televisions will now require a box to convert the signal. Now, while I understand this puts an unfair burden on low income families, I am annoyed that our government is so concerned about or TV viewing audiences that they will create $40 certificates.

What about health care? I know $1.5 billion wouldn’t go far for 300 million citizens, but wouldn’t it help some of the most needy? What about putting that towards renewable energy research, medical research, world peace, or something? Really, is TV that much a necessary component of our society that we need to create a coupon similar to food stamps for it? Am I the only person flabbergasted by this?

Posted in Social Awareness, Annoyances | No Comments »

Southern Mega-Church Refuses to Hand Over Financial Documents

Posted by Gian on 7th December 2007

The best part is the minister’s name: Creflo Dollars. With a name like Dollars, you know he has to be hiding something. In order to prove and maintain a church’s tax-exempt status, they are required to turn over financial documents proving the donations they receive are used to support lavish lifestyles.

I think it is so ridiculous that churches have tax-exempt status. Way too many use the pulpit for political and personal gain. Think of how much additional government money would come from taxing churches. The money could be used to support low income and homeless people. Things the churches should be doing, rather than creating multi-millionaires. What ever happened to the vow of poverty? I love how this specific ministry preaches that god wants people to have the best in life… yet the majority of these churche’s attendees are impoverished. Maybe they should edit their mission statement to read that they want their ministers to have the best at the hand of the poor.

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