JessurrealWorld

BloggerBlabber

2006-02-20T11:12:00.000-06:00

Do you know what? I have not been having a good weekend. I threw my back out, I have tendonitis, and my car's leaky headgasket is causing a heat shortage on the intereior of the vehicle. Yay! I love driving to the chiropractor freezing in my car while it's -44 degress wind chill outside and checking my blind spots when making left turns with a stiff neck and a messed up back.

But anyways, enough complaining for now. . .

Over and Out-
JJ

Easter Lily

2006-02-15T16:38:00.000-06:00

Up and (sort of) Running

2006-02-15T16:19:00.000-06:00

My new project blog is up and running, though I am having some troubles in the posting of pictures. I will fix the glitch and be forming my first official post.

In the mean time, here is a link to Joseph Theroux's online portfolio at MN artisits.org. It's a cool site to peruse, and all of the art is 100% homegrown Minnesotan. Everything from his sculptures to his paintings are featured by title. Check it out.

Another sampleof his work below -

Graveyard in the Snow

2006-02-12T16:12:00.000-06:00

Sunday Brunchfast

2006-02-12T15:58:00.000-06:00

Slacking on a Sunday. Reminicing over some old Metallica I dug out of the dusty CD bin. Master of Puppets: "Master of Puppets are pulling the stings. . . Obey your Master," Whatever that may be. . .

Class Project Blog

2006-02-09T23:30:00.000-06:00

So many ideas floating around my head for the project blog, but so much indecision plagues my mind.
+ a picture blog
+ a current events type of blog with commentary
+ a music blog
+ pictures with stories behind them
+ pictures and current events

I don't much like recounting my days activities, but instead, my daily ideas and knowledge gathered or photos taken usually appear in ym blog entries.
Any suggestions? Any patterns that any readers may have noticed?

Just Say No. . .

2006-02-08T12:01:00.000-06:00

"Do you call yourself a patient or a junkie? The only difference is who takes your money." Atmosphere Panic Attack (P.A.) You Can't Imagine . . .

There is an effort in our surrounding communities to develop plans for a regional drug treatment facility. The need is readily apparent to many residents and, easily visible in the headlines in the local papers and news broadcasts. We have Hazelden, a high cost, well respected national drug treatment center, but it and the many other teen and adult treatments centers around the metro unfortunatley do not serve the need of our unique Northern communities.

We have drug problems in Minnesota. Whether you want to see it or not. I think the entire American culture has a drug problem, and I'm not just speaking about illicit substances or alcohol and tobacco. Everyday we are bombarded with messages from the media and from respected authorities and medical institutions that we need drugs to be fixed. Now I'm not denying that the medical and technological innoivations are not needed to sustain quality of life, or that people should not get prescription medication. I'm simply stating the obvious; that's its overwhelming and "they" are pushing it down our collective American throats.

Drugs like ritalin and adderall are being consumed in massive quantities, unparralelled to the global average of consumption for those powerful stimulants. Other psychotropic meds are readily gobbled up by Americans stricken with depression, a disease that is at all time highs in the United States. I guarantee the majority of people that read my blog today will be depressed themselves, or know someone who is, or know several people plus be depressed themselves. Why is this? Why are som many of us depressed? Why do we all need to be medicated? Again, not saying that people with depression don't need medication, many do. But is medication the answer? Do we even underwstand the problem? It seems to me there is something lurking deep within the depressed and stressed American syndrome that we are just, excuse the cliche', but "slapping a bandage on".

And children on speed? What the hell is wrong with us? What's with the depressed parents and superhyperactive kids these days? And the quick fix; feed the kids some stimulants, what else? "Look, little Jason cleaned his whole room, did the dishes, mowed the lawn, and finished all his homework, and it only took him an hour!"

In many cases, people need these meds to cope, survive in the world. There are many serious medical conditions that need drug therapy, and the advances in medicaine have been a godsend, improving the quality of life for millions. This is not my issue.

What about caffeine? How many Americans can't go start the day without that cup of coffee?

More on this topic. . .
I have a lot to say and very little time to say it at present.

Over and Out-
JJ

Super Duper "Bowl" Saturday

2006-02-05T21:34:00.000-06:00

SBS

2006-02-05T21:06:00.000-06:00

So I bet you're all busy watching the Super Brawl. Well, whether you are watching the big game in the comfort of your own home or the home of friends and loved ones, or at the bar in the comapny of pals and strangers, or even if you're in bed 'cause you don't care about football, or you're watching different programs on tv, HAPPY SUPER BOWL SUNDAY!

Go Both Teams! (it's probably over by now, isn't it?)

I want to know how many of you did not watch the super bowl. And for those who did watch it, how were The Stones?

I never did understand football. . .

Over and Out-
Jess

The Impaler for Governor. . .

2006-02-02T13:42:00.000-06:00

*Disclaimer: The author of this blog is not responsible for the statements made on any linked web pages or web pages about to be discussed.

Jonathon Sharkey, “The Impaler” stands for religious freedom. He sides with pro-life advocates, and believes, with few exceptions, in a vision of an otherwise abortion-free State and Nation. He is a vampire, and he’s running for Governor in Minnesota.

Sharkey stands for religious equality. If elected Governor of MN, he plans to build a “Wall of Religious Beliefs” to be placed inside the State Capitol. “The Wall will include everything from “The Ten Commandments” to the “Wiccan Rede”. Get ready for a boost in the job market for professional stone carvers, cuz that’s allotta carvin’!

The Impaler wants to improve education. Jonathon Sharkey is a firm believer in family values, and wants to put more money into MN schools to improve the quality of education for all Minnesotans. He also wishes to implement a plan that sends juvenile criminals to “Boot Camp”, preferably run by former military drill sergeants.

Sharkey demands harsher penalties for those convicted of DWI/DUI offenses. The Impaler reasons that anyone that puts the lives of other persons in danger deserves to be sent to jail. And not just overnight, Sharkey wants to increase the mandatory sentence for a DWI conviction to 3 months in jail, while prohibiting judges from ordering a stayed sentence.

Watch out, illegal drug users and abusers. Sharkey has a mind for extreme punishment when it comes to anyone associated with drugs in MN. He intends to lock dealers away for life, with the possibility of impalement!

The Impaler also wants to develop a “Universal/Medical Prescription Payment Plan” for all Minnesotans who are otherwise ineligible for State health insurance or do not receive health insurance from their employer.

If you peruse his home page, you will see that Mr. Jonathon Sharkey is a Satanic Priest; magical name Ares. He claims he hates God, but not necessarily the people who follow him. He has two covens. He’s got kids and so does his girlfriend. They live in Princeton, MN.

Mr. Sharkey is very politically active. He has been in lots of different states and met a lot of interesting people. He has a NASCAR Busch series license, but has yet to make his racing debut (sometime in 2006). Apparently, Jonathon used to be good friends with two prominent political figures.

His ex-wife, or girlfriend or whatever, has had a major impact on his life and on who he is today. He documents his fall (or rise) to the Dark Side here, explaining how his girlfriend’s addiction to drugs and alcohol ultimately transformed him.

Sharkey hopes to turn this state around. He wants to improve the quality of life for all Minnesotans, and eventually, all Americans.

That’s RIGHT! Jonathon “Th Impaler” Sharkey is running for President in 2008.

Oh, did I forget to mention, he’s also a wrestler?

Let’s not break the Minnesota Gubernatorial tradition. . . .

New Linkage to MN News

2006-02-02T07:40:00.000-06:00

Congrats to our very own Olympic Atheltes! I've posted a Minnesota Monthly Article about the Curlers from Bemidji. Good Luck in Torino!

Bemidji 2006 Olympic Curlers include:

Did you know that a self-proclaimed vampire has decided to run for governor in MN? I didn't either until I heard a news story about Jonathon Sharkey's arrest for stalking and "escape". Apparently, the guy was wanted in Indiana because he couldn't leave his ex-girlfriend alone.

Known as Jonathon "the impaler" Sharkey, his policy concerning terrorists is that they be Implaed on the front of the State Capitaol lawn. Good Look Mr. Sharkey, hope you're outta jail before election time!

Over and Out-
JJ

Picture Game #2

2006-02-01T09:12:00.000-06:00

Okay, this ones a little harder, but can you name this nighttime Bemidji Location?
note, picture has not been altered, exposure is turned way up with Kodak software, doesn't it look cool?

Contest

2006-01-31T00:12:00.000-06:00

Guess this Northern Minnesota Winter Location:

Sunrise on lake Bemidji from BSU Campus

2006-01-30T13:35:00.000-06:00

Now Playing. . . .

2006-01-30T09:07:00.000-06:00

Currently in JJ's jukebox:

Atmosphere, You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having: an intelligent rap group from Minneapolis. An insightful and a refreshing change from the MTV hip-hop scene, Atmosphere have a distinct and complex sound that gets at the root of the lyrics.
*Frontman Slug Speaks.

+discography

The Strokes, First Impressions of earth: Pop-rock at it's best. You've probably heard them on radio or TV.

+discography

Jack Johnson, In between Dreams: This surfer, slash, musician from Hawaii mixes light and inspiring acoustic sounds and unique lyrics. Mellow out to his melodies.

+discography

Dredg, Catch Without Arms: This is heavier music, often referred to as art metal. Dredg mixes elements of classical and modern heavy metal. They usually open for the Deftones.

+discography

Sufjan Stevens, Illinoise: very different, uplifiting sounds. He's a writer at heart.

+discography

BloggingBlogs 3

2006-01-26T23:26:00.000-06:00

BloggingBlogs 3

Ironic Teachings

I found this one a welcome change from the last two blogs I reviewed. The writer of this blog is in fact, a teacher. Known as Leab, this guy blogs about anything and everything on his mind.

It follows the common notebook style as the previous two do, yet with no real aim or political agenda. His style is casual and conversational. He makes no attacks, and he creates no place for debate.

His latest entry is about another blog. He is in the business of blogging blogs as well, and I see this as a great way to acknowledge your fellow blogger in a kind and respectful way. Not to say the first two blogs I encountered weren’t engaging.

The thing that drew me to him was the way he mixes his own personal ramblings with random tidbits of information. The entry I read from yesterday was about a new equation for the most depressing day of the year, which came out as January 24^th. He asked his readers whether or not they were in fact having a bad day. I responded just because the equation turned out to be right in my case.

Another reason why I like this blog is that he is an English teacher from MN. I am partial to the field of English, and therefore anything an English teacher has to say must be interesting.

If you want a casual blog experience, check out Leab’s blog. Much of the content is easy to swallow, and you might learn something you never thought you’d know. I guess thsts the point of blogs in general. This is truly a random musing, information sharing blog.

Over and Out-

BlogginBlogs 2: the possibility of fire

2006-01-26T21:50:00.000-06:00

The possibility of fire

A blog by WCH

“if i say

that i am concerned about the expansion of presidential powers and the potential destructiveness of one party politics, i am a hopelessly outdated progressive.”

At first glance, I imagined the NSA google tracker would be on my tail.

The writer is very informed and critical of the current administrations latest decisions.

This is a call to action, call to awareness, call to wake up and be informed.

The most striking difference between this and SWhicker’s World is that this guy uses a very serious tone to convey his thoughts. His blog is well organized, and his information is well researched.

The man behind the blog is pictures is known as WCH, a man “of small talent and less ambition, ageing and unemployed, i have plenty of time to write about politics, sex and other things about which i care deeply.”

His blog is very similar to that of Scott Whickers in that he uses it to vent and to get noticed. He states it himself: “this blog is my way of meeting my need for recognition, so i would appreciate you acknowledging me as frequently as possible.”

Reading WCH’s blog is like a crash course in current world politics. His latest entry concerns the elections in Israel. I know very little about the issue concerning the fighting in Israel. Only the bare minimum. WCH knows that if the Hamas retain power (which I just heard they have on the news), this will mean more suffering for the Palestinians.

WCH uses every opportunity to remind us that in the United States, we are free to change things without a violent revolution. He reminds us that we are free to vote.

Scott Whicker and WCH definitely have some things to debate about. WCH believes that the U.S. government has no right to spy on it’s own citizens, and presents his arguments thoroughly. Where Scott Whicker would make a snide remark, WCH makes us think.

He often speaks directly at the reader near the end of his entries, urging us to get off our fat American asses and take the power we have been given back. This blog is meant to incite change and motivate his readers to participate and take ownership.

WCH uses the “fire” analogy again and again to describe the state of things. This is my favorite quote from WCH: “while we fiddle, rome burns. if we don't start taking responsibility for what is happening in washington and try to do something about it, there won't be much left but ruins.”

Have an Open Mind. . .(and read the entry below)

2006-01-26T14:50:00.000-06:00

Body Worlds at the Science Museum

2006-01-26T14:24:00.000-06:00

These are real cadavers, restored and plastinated for educational purposes. I first saw a blurb on Fox 9 news about this touring exhibit abour four months ago. Since then, I have been waiting for it's arrival at the Science Museum in St.Paul. It's here in May and will stay through September. I feel like I've been waiting forever already. Tickets go on sale Feb 1st. Check it out!
I posted a link, which leads to other links, and those to other links, and more and more links. Linkage.

Over and Out-
JJ

Blogging Blogs 1-Caution:Contents are Extremely Opinionated

2006-01-26T10:58:00.000-06:00

Swhicker’s World

A review of the blog written by Scott Whicker

This blog greeted me with the slogan “I want to hear your thoughts on events in your world and I'll give you my opinion.” and a blog entry entitled “Women, Please tell me WHY!” a rant about women’s obsession over candles and the absurdity behind it. He also rants about the relationship between his wife and their cordless telephones.

Now, I would usually be turned off by a site that begins by bickering about women (as I am of the female persuasion) but the tone isn’t too insulting, and this guy has that enticing, edgy voice common in most animated adult sitcoms.

Reading further, I found that Mr. Whicker has a rant or two within the realm of the political world. He often resorts to attacks and name calling that is both insulting and informed. He backs up his belligerence with information that clues the reader in to why he feels the way he does.

Some other notable titles for his entries include “Boo-Hoo, Hillary”, “Insurance: What a Scam!”, and “You Democrats just don’t get it”. Just the titles alone can send a persons blood boiling, or, perhaps prompt a wicked laugh and a nod of approval.

Yes, Scott Whicker is a conservative; a dirty word for many at Any Given University (AGU). He sports links to Rush Limbaugh, supports the death penalty, and cheers for the Panthers. He is extremely opinionated and gifted in the art of the “dis”.

I found something very interesting in Scott’s profile; he likes Dan Brown, the author of The Davinci Code. The general public often equates being a conservative as being ultra-Christian, and many ultra-Christians denounce The Davinci Code, and its fictionalized accusations that Christ and Mary Magdalene were lovers. To me, this signals a distinct reality separate from common stereotypes.

Scott Whicker’s blog is entertaining, especially if you don’t agree with him. His words incite mad* blog comments from people of all political viewpoints. Check out Laura’s Comment to his Merry Christmas/Happy New Year blog entry. She offers a newcomer’s perspective.

Mr. Whicker also has a good handful of regular commentors who come to his site ready to debate. His latest entries have inspired nearly forty comments a pop, all coming from people of varying political backgrounds. Just reading the comments alone provides hours of entertainment. Who doesn’t love a good debate?

This is definitely a “ventilation” blog. Swhicker’s World is a place where he can publish his opinions for a large audience and probe a reaction. I call that a success.

Next, let’s pit him against an Ultra Serious, Ultra Liberal. . . .

*mad used as slang for “a lot”

Over and Out-

Stay Tuned. . .

2006-01-25T09:26:00.000-06:00

Mornin', bloggers! I changed my display name to JJ as there is another Jess in the class. Well two; One with one "s", and one with her last initial. Well, even though I'm called Jess, I forfeit the rights as of now. JJ is still true to my original initials and has been a nickname of mine in the past. So it will do for this class and this blog, and hopefully eliminate any possible confusion that might have arisen.

Still working on bloggingblogs. I found some really engaging material and kind of went for a common thread in the three blogs I looked at. Check back here soon (Tonite or Thursday) for the most controversial blogs I could find.

Over and Out-
JJ

The Ringer (cont'd)

2006-01-20T13:40:00.000-06:00

Good Afternoon!

I found that the Special Olympics actually endorses "The Ringer". There is a link to your right. The thing is, Fox kind of downplayed the movie's marketing because of the premise and the touchy subject. I also linked that article here. My article has taken a complete 180.

I will now focus on the portrayl of disability in Hollywood; for better or for worse, how people with disabilites view themselves in realtion to actors, and how the general public reacts to these kinds of movies. I have also read negative reviews of the movie that comment about the Farrelly Bros. "playing it safe" and being "too PC to be funny". The kind of movie I dreaded The Ringer would be is the kind of movie some people wanted.

Anyhow, I am awfully relieved that the movie is not intended to poke fun. i stil think I can write a good article based on my findings.

Over and Out,
-Jess

Movie: Harmful or Helpful?

2006-01-19T09:37:00.000-06:00

Good Morning! I think I have a topic for my first "freelancing" article. We need a topic by 4pm tonight for my freelancing class, and I have been thinking about this particular issue for a while:

The Ringer, a new movie from the Farrelly Bros. starring Johnny Knoxville, was really the inspiration. The plot seems to run like this: Knoxville pretends to be developmentally disabled and cheats his way into the Special Olympics so his greedy uncle can capitalize on a fraudualent bet to gain money.

I have to admit, the trailers I watched were disturbing. It sure looked like this movie would poke fun at those with mental disabilites, and perpetuate the social stigma surrounding these individuals. Just the premise alone (pretending to be disabled) infuriated me.

Then I looked online for reviews. I found many of them that credited the Farrely Bros. for treating the subject with dignity and respect. Also, some of the actors are really people with disabilities. This almost blew my entire argument out of the water.

As a footer to a review by Roger Ebert, he mentions an article or a comment from a woman who is a mother to a developmentally disabled child. She does not allow her son to watch movies that depict the disabled, including titles such as Forrest Gump, I am Sam, and What's Eating Gilbert Grape. She does this because she takes into account what her son's perception will be of the movie, and what his perception of himself in painful situations movies often depict. I will link to the article.

I have not seen the movie yet, and I feel almost apprehensive about going into the theater and watching it. I will examine this subject based on movies about the developmentally disabled and their intent, versus reality and the reaction of the developmentally disabled and their caretakers. I have already come across many articles and blogs that cover the spectrum of opinions and fervor.

I will post some of those links soon.

Over and Out,
-Jess

Cleo the German Shepard

2006-01-18T20:16:00.000-06:00

My Mom's New Puppy (the kind I want)

2006-01-18T20:12:00.000-06:00

Wedding Party (I'm fourth from right)

2006-01-18T13:24:00.000-06:00

NoonTime (lunchrush)

2006-01-18T12:52:00.000-06:00

Good Afternoon!

I hope this template works out. it took me a long time to choose one. And this one is the same color as my shoes. I haven't decided yet what kind of theme my shape my blog will take, so until then, you're stuck with random ramblings and misc. ideas. So bear with me.

Some going's on in my recent history: My good friend and cousin David recently got married. I participated in the wedding as an usher. The Priest had to tell us when to come up and roll out the carpet, and then the carpet got stuck on the string and came untacked. My Cousin had to stand on the carpet as we backed down the aisle, trying to stifle our giggles (David was laughing too). And the damn thing kept getting stuck on the string and ripping all the way down the aisle!

It was the first time I ever put on a formal gown, and MAN did it suck! It was a strapless, and the frickin' corset nearly killed me by the end of the night. I also had my hair done professionally. My makeup too. The problem was, she put so much eyeshadow and foundation on that I ended up looking like a clown. It was okay, I guess. I felt like a movie star for a day.

Otherwise, my cars a peice of crap, bills suck to pay, and I got a new video game. It's Mario Party 7. If you aren't familiar with the Mario Party Games, then I have to warn you; serious fun ahead! It's like an electronic boardgame, with no peices to lose. Up to EIGHT people can play the latest version. There aren't any weapons or blood, so it's a video game for girls and kids, really. There are some guys that do enjoy it, otherwise the girlfriends have to force the boyfriends to play it.
So check it out, if you're as much of a dork as I am!

Over and Out
-Jess

Good Morning!

2006-01-16T09:10:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Blog! Props to those who wake up early on a Daily. You can get more done before the day is over. I'll be waking up at 6am five days in a row for work and classes, and I'm not ready to "get used to it" yet. But here I am, on a day I don't need to wake up early, typing some nonsense into cyberspace.

I would have still been sleeping if Judy hadn't called me from Colorado at 815am. I think it's 715 her time. I haven't seen Judy since she moved to Texas almost a year ago. Since then, she has moved to Colorado and I still haven't traveled out of state to see her. I'm Minnesota bound, and I scarcely leave the borders.

I'm not afraid to travel, I just haven't. I want to. Last summer and last October I crossed the Minnesota/North Dakota border into Fargo. It was an impulsive trip the first time, and it turned into a shopping spree the second time, but the real goal was to cross North Dakota off my very long list of places I've never been. I'm hoping Colorado becomes the next name to perish by slash of the pen.

-Jess

by Joseph Theroux (my dad)

2006-01-14T21:13:00.000-06:00

Spring Semester '06

2006-01-13T22:39:00.000-06:00

A semester of writing. Who could ask for a better schedule? Maybe if I had Fridays and Mondays off as well, but we can't always get everything. From Fiction to Freelancing, Blogging and Creative Non-Fiction, my fingers will surely walk miles across the keyboard these next few months. Lots of writing means lots of time. Dedication instead of Procrastination; a beast not so easily overcome. I'm up for it, though. I have that start of the semester spirit that tends to fade toward midterms. Here I go!

Me trying to look cool

2006-01-13T13:34:00.000-06:00

Hi I'm Here!

2006-01-13T10:24:00.000-06:00

Well, I made it to the world wide web. now maybe my name will pop up in YahooSearch. oh what a glorious day this is!!