Wednesday, October 1, 2008

WTF - How to Become an Abortionist

Now I know abortion is a touchy subject, and while I remain pro-choice for a myriad of reasons I am very open minded and sympathetic to the other side of the coin. I tend to treat pro-life-ers with the same agree-to-disagree attitude that I might bestow on Al Qaeda. Nothing derogatory to say the least, just that I'm totally fine with what you believe in, but when you get all "radical" with it, and somebody gets hurt, it kind of hurts both our causes.

Roe v. Wade aside, I was discussing this whole topic with a friend of mine. There really isn't a clean cut line to becoming an abortionist, at least not one that I've been able to locate. Clearly you must have some medical knowledge, these days at least. Now back in the day your choices were very much the stereotypical "back alley" and it was these very hacks which necessitated and provided the foundation for modern medical abortions and the doctors who perform them. But today I don't think the lines are so clearly drawn. Abortion is a very secretive thing, both to protect the confidentiality of the patient and the safety of the staff and clinic. But what about the schooling necessary?

Does a young doctor get tapped to be an abortionist in some Skull and Bones sort of way? Some strange secret fraternity in our medical schools? Or perhaps the title of abortionist is something bestowed upon those few OB/GYN's who simply can't get anything right. Perhaps it works like Major League Baseball, as in "Alright, McCallister. You've botched your last delivery. You gave it all you've got, but we're sending you to Reproductive Services." Of course none of these makes any real sense, as becoming an abortionist requires the utmost commitment to the safe preservation of life and choice.

I think my first theory would have to be an apprenticeship. This seems the most logical path as it allows for the maintenance of said privacy. It just seems a tiny bit odd that we should treat abortionists as Sith Lords, a master and an apprentice. Cobblers, yes.... blacksmiths, yes.... abortionists, I think not.



My second theory is that there must be some fly-by-night trade school which specializes in this. I'm talking to you ITT Tech! Somewhere in the links of the links of the links, the University of Phoenix must have some online abortion school they're not talking about. Perhaps it's that last informercial every night, the one at 4:30am, when absolutely no one is paying attention.




Finally, the only other thing I can think of is some magical book. Some strange baby necronomicon passed down through the ages. Basically the Jumanji of abortion manuals. There it lies at Johns-Hopkins, on the second floor of the library behind the RC Cola machine. Waiting for some unsuspecting intern to find it ... and then BAM! Like a Kung Fu infused Keanu Reeves the knowledge is seemingly piped into the brain of whomever finds the book and they are forever destined to play doctor in the cloak and dagger world that is the abortion clinic.


But then again ... what do I know?

Any ideas?

Have a wonderful day!
Jimmy.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

VOD - It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia


What can I say, if you're not watching It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, you're missing arguably one of the best comedies on TV. And with the evolution of cable TV, you get the added bonus of "M" rating language. Nothing spices up a joke like a well timed "Shit!" or "Goddamn!".

History tells us that the pilot for the show was shot by the three male leads with a camcorder for a total cost of about $85 dollars. As FX has currently ordered enough episodes for a sixth season, this represents a pretty good return-on-investment.

The simple premise is this: Dennis, Mac, and Charlie are all co-owners of Paddy's Bar, an ill-fated establishment in Philadelphia. Dennis' twin sister Dee works as a bartender, while their father Frank weasels his way into all their schemes (Frank debuted in Season Two, working his way into the ownership of the bar by buying the land underneath it). It's simple but it works, and with hilarious results always. More on the series if you need it here.

I've embedded Episode 1 from the current season (4) for your viewing pleasure. I know you probably don't have the full twenty two or so minutes at your disposal, but if you don't now, find time later.

FYI, the entire episode comes courtesy of Hulu. The brainchild of Fox parent News Corp. and NBC (who was looking for a proper outlet for their content after ending their Itunes relationship), Hulu has now become one of the top online distributors of streaming content, effectively silencing its doubters. Call me convinced, the website provides a fast and efficient way to enjoy a vast library of some great shows with limited commercial interruption. Now go watch!

That being said I fucking hate Fox News, may it burn in hell alongside it's pundits whom have all sold their souls to the devil that is Rupert Murdoch. But sweet Jesus I love The Simpsons ... what can you do?

Enjoy.

Monday, September 29, 2008

My Return to the World ... of Warcraft.


Greetings all. My sincerest apologies on my lack of updates over the last few days. Those late romantic operas tend to drain the body, mind, and soul. Every hour that wasn't spent performing or working has been spent sleeping. And I mean every hour, even the precious few minutes when I arrive home only to change outfits and leave again.

And speaking of neglect, I must add that I have also neglected another aspect of life over the last few months. This of course, as the title suggests, is that very aspect of my life which tends to marginalize life itself - World of Warcraft.

Now say what you will. I understand that MMOs tend to be time sinks. I also understand that they are the cause of some pretty unusual human actions. By which I mean silly things like game addiction which has led to death in a few extremely rare cases.

However, for the rest of us, myself included, the game is fun and a nice way to kill a few hours while effectively costing you pennies and hour versus other forms of entertainment (i.e. movies, a round of golf, happy hour).

That being said, I haven't played the game since the tail end of July thanks to a much needed visit from my best man and his wife from D.C. With the onset of parenthood in a few more weeks, and the round-the-clock preparation for the nursery and the baby shower, I haven't felt the "urge" to venture back into Azeroth for awhile now.

So, later on tonight, I'll venture on prior to server reset and log an hour or so on my level 32 Shadow Priest, Crystäl, which I know means nothing to anyone who isn't a Shadow Priest. I'll stop by and fly around Shattrah City with Disemboweler, my main, and a handy level 70 tank. And maybe, just maybe I'll visit Lothlorianos, my former Tauren Druid, and move him up a bit from level 64 where he's sat for over a year and a half. Hopefully, I'll be able to spend a bit of time with these neglected few intangible friends, and with luck I'll find some time to chat a bit with some real world friends, whom I've also neglected (as the game provides and convenient way to keep in touch with said friends).

Here's to renewing old friendships ... however intangible.