Don't Stop Believing

So a couple of days ago I found the greatest book title & tag line combo ever. The Plutonium Blonde: He was the last P.I. on the planet, but could he save the world from a nuclear-powered, genocidal, exotic-dancing fembot? Wow. What a literary masterpiece. Imagine my deep and delightful guffaw when I found it was published in 2001, not 1971 at the height of the science fiction era. It is clear that the science fiction awesomeness of the 70's continues to live on. Don't stop believing in things long past, history often repeats itself (as we can see from today's hideous fashion trends that are reawakening nightmares that I put to sleep long ago).
To continue your rock education I will teach you that former Foreigner front man Steve Perry hails from Hanford, CA. Additionally, Richland, WA (my current residence) is home to the Hanford nuclear site which produced the plutonium for the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki, Japan to end World War II. It also produced plutonium for countless tests and our atomic arsenal during the cold war. Some "liberal" reporters also claim the site engineered a crazy fembot who threatened to destroy world peace, but those claims are unsubstantiated.

Go to Hell

Some of you may remember the Hollywood favorite "God's Army," and it's signature song about how seemingly everyone (except the Mormons) are going to Hell. Well this week I was back knocking doors, instead of telling people they were going to Hell I got to tell them they were going to prison unless they filled out their census form. Just kidding, I never told anyone that, but I can because a fine and/or jail time is the punishment for refusing to fill out a census form. So if you have a problem with your census taker make sure you yell out the line, "then I'll see you in Hell!" if they try to force you to do anything you don't want to do. They'll smile a sad little smile as they realize you're right; prison, Hell, what's the difference?

Mama, I'm Coming Home

Just like Ozzy, I went home for Mother's Day this year. My brother cooked the meal and I did most of the clean-up. It was hard keeping my mother out of the kitchen and trying to tell her to just relax. We had a good time and I have a great mother. So Happy Mother's Day to all you mother's out there-you're probably doing a great job.

Back in the Sadle Again

I'm back baby!! That's right, I entered the workforce. I am now a crew leader assistant for the 2010 census. I guess it's really temporary-it ends on June 7th, which makes me really happy because I had a lot of fun planned for this summer; at least one day trip to Seattle, weekend trip to San Fransisco, week-long cancer survivor's retreat (kayaking in White Salmon, WA), and 2 family reunions to name a few. I just needed to refill the coffers, and since Washington pays lots for menial labor, I should be better prepared financially for summer fun.
I have used this blog in the past as a sounding board for the awesomeness of rock and the putrescence of country "music." Aerosmith showcases another example of how rock artists can take and explore a typically country theme and lyrical score and turn it into something noteworthy and awesome instead of melodramatic cat droppings. Kenny Chesney and his fake man boobs should just stop spreading horribleness (I couldn't resist the jab). After watching this blog's video, it's clear where Liv got her Angelina Joliesque lips; it's great to see families in the entertainment business, the Baldwin's can only take familial ties so far.

Welcome to the Machine

On April 1st I was "admitted to the machine" and became enrolled in medicare parts A, B, and D. For the under 65 crowd that's hospital insurance, medical insurance, and drug insurance. I tell you when I chose my title for a blog it's scary how many aspects of my life are evidenced by the lyrics, melody, and album in general.

"You've been in the pipeline, filling in time" is reminiscent of minor league baseball players putting in their time in the pipeline to the bigs-and the MLB just opened with a Red Sox victory! I am so happy the Sox beat the Yankees on Opening Day! Its definitely a sign of good things to come and Stephen King reminded us (in Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption) that Hope Springs Eternal every spring.

"And you didn't like school..." I really liked college but I like grad school a lot less, it is just really hard for me to concentrate on it and get excited/motivated about studying and doing assignments. Especially my Environmental Health class (Green Party Propaganda 101).

I was also recently invited to become a cog in The Machine that is the U.S. census. I got offered a full time office job but had to decline because I didn't think I could handle it and school.
So if anyone has scholarly insights on malaria control without DDT let me know. I should be doing my own research right now, but as I've graced you with a post, it's the least you can do.

The New American Way

As I promised I'm including a few pics from St. Patrick's Day festivities. Some pretty lucky people caught the leprechaun this year, but strangely enough my title refers both to my playlist at the party and the current socio-political climate. I've heard a lot of conservative anger/angst against Obamacare and I've also been directed by my "fair and balanced" University to contact my congressional representative to encourage them to support the new legislation. As the plan will increase health care coverage, especially among low-income high-risk groups, it is public health's short term dream in some major ways. I'm not going to pontificate more on the subject as the scant literature I've read on the legislation is biased and I don't know enough about it to competently comment. But I will say that Dropkick Murphys said it perfectly in my title track, "I know I'll win my battles, though I fear we'll loose the war to the new American way." Socialization is the new American way. You can battle against it if you wish, but I fear you'll lose the war.

Run Like Hell

Saturday, March 20th was the 1st annual Ribbon River Run. It was your choice of a 5K or a 1 mile to benefit the patient and family programs at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center. So my team and I ran the 1 mile with the gray ribbon for brain cancer.

For the conservative base (meaning family) who are offended at my title, you should know that the PG-13 word is not in the lyrics of this awesomeness that is Pink Floyd; it's just part of the title.
Teaser!!! Pics et al. from my St. Patrick's Day party are coming!