why journalism?

People always ask me why I went into journalism.

I took up journalism because I have no skills. Just kidding - sort of. 

I'm passionate about writing. There are some nights that I'll suddenly wake up from a deep sleep and feel the need to write something down. I keep a notebook and pen near my bed just for that reason. I learned from fumbling in the dar, hitting my knees against furniture, cursing a little then completely forgetting what I was going to write - leading to more cursing. It only took six years. 

But until I write the newest, greatest American novel (I'm thinking girl meets guy, they fall in love, she turns out to be an evil cyborg bent on destroying human life, fin. I'm thinking about casting Paris Hilton in the movie version so it's believable), I'm sticking with journalism.

It was either starving artist, literature teacher, public relations or journalism. I like food, so starving artist is out. I don't want to be a lit teacher because they over-analyze everything. I mean, what if Moby Dick wasn't an allegorical novel for the human condition and man's relationship with a supreme being? What if it was just a story about a whale and a deranged captain? Public relations is out for now because I heard you have to sell your soul. And I already sold my soul for a peanut butter chocolate milkshake two years ago - and it was completely worth it. 

airspace = foreign policy experience

I like to keep up-to-date with my politics but I have to shout out to my favorite blog, Dooce.com, for alerting me to this one.

I'm more than a little scared about the upcoming election. And Sarah Palin scares me. It's not the gun-toting or the moose-killing that has me nervous - it's the fact that she didn't own a passport until last year. She has no foreign policy experience when this country desperately needs to mend international relations.

And this video tells it all -
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4478156n

So, Russian airplanes crossing over Alaska gives you world cred? And you need to "keep an eye" on the Russians? And don't forget about those shifty Canadians!

And another part that bothers me - she has a journalism degree but isn't allowed to talk to reporters? How does that work out? She should be willing to talk and anticipate the questions since she's been in the field. Are people supposed to feel comfortable voting with her on the ticket if they have only heard what she stands for through handlers or old speeches?

I say switch her out for Tina Fey.

NEWS FLASH!

Apparently Clay Aiken has come out of the closet (!!!) according to People magazine.

Thanks. I think the rest of America kinda figured that out.

I could learn more from the National Enquirer at this point.

D.C. is the way to be

I have dreamed about living in D.C. since my first trip there eight years ago. Be prepared for a walk down memory lane - or a light jog.

It was a Model United Nations trip (yes, I'm that kinda nerd) and it was my first long trip away from home without my parents. You would think all sorts of young mischief would ensue - graffiti, under-age drinking, public nudity. Nope - remember it was Model UN. We got our chuckles from making obscure references to World War II. (Gettin' with your mama was as easy as invading Poland in 1939!)

The days were filled with hot debates, shoddy treaties and strong declarations over Midi Cafe freshly squeezed orange juice on Connecticut Ave. The nights were shared with laughs and whispers over Best Hunan's steaming dumplings. We all dressed in our "Western business attire" and playing "adults" for the week.

Now when I go into D.C. for work, talks are over Jack and Cokes. This time I have to listen - my job requires me to be unbiased and listen. (My favorite word - What?) But I miss voicing my opinions - as loud and obnoxious as they may be. And I still feel like I'm pretending to be an adult.

sorry...is my geek showing?

You know those "You might be a redneck..." jokes? the Large Hadron Collider. Ya know -

"If directions to your house include 'turn off the paved road,' you might be a redneck." (Thanks Jeff Foxworthy!)

Well, if you know what the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is...you might be a geek. Stay with me here - the LHC is one of the most exciting things to happen for particle physics - they are going to collide two opposing proton beams and will watch to see what happens. And they fire this baby up tomorrow night!

I don't have a degree in particle physics. Hell, I almost failed high school physics. Well, a B- is like failing to me.

But I am excited to see what happens with LHC. I'm in awe of just the sheer size of the project - more than 8,000 physicists worked on it. It's on the border of France and Switzerland and has a 17 mile circumference.

Sure - everyone thinks that it will blow up the earth. But that makes it all the more impressive. And they do school tours! That sure beats our trips to the Meadowlands.

sunburn and beer - the best combination

I'm not big on sports. I watch two "sports" on television:

1. Legends of the Hidden Temple - Try and tell me that you never dreamed of being a Red Jaguar or a Silver Snake? (No one wanted to be the Purple Parrot - they always lost.) Olmec's baritone voice always got to me - and the temple guards still haunt my nightmares. (By the way - google "Olmec: Sex Therapist.")

2. Ninja Warrior - Do I need to explain this one? These guys just can't get enough of that wall crawl. And the translations are the best.

Anyway, sports. First was the Yankee game on Sunday. I stupidly forgot to slather sunscreen on my translucent skin and got burned on one side. ONE SIDE OF MY BODY. I would have been fine if I was evenly scorched - but I don't like looking like half a tomato. My boyfriend lovingly referred to me as Two-Face. At least I'm going to say it was lovingly for his sake.

Then yesterday was Rutgers football. Tailgate started at 11 a.m. - skip breakfast, just pass me the Blue Moon. Five hours and a few drinking games later we hit the stadium - at least I think we went in the stadium. It was a little fuzzy after the first "RU!" chant. Since my college didn't have a football team, it was just fun to watch students and alumni scream at players at the top of their lungs. I wanted to tell one very loud girl behind me, "I'm not sure if Kordell Young heard you offending his skills, manhood or mama. You should repeat that just in case." But I promised not to start a fight that day. Darn it.

Two days, two games - and both teams lost. I feel like a damned Purple Parrot.