Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am tired. I am tired of work, of not work, of everything and nothing. It all is just too much and not enough at the same time.

People have loaded up photos of themselves incorporated with album sleeves. Brilliant!

It was cold tonight in London and since I was making my way home from work at nine o'clock at night I was feeling sorry for myself. I saw a homeless woman huddled on the steps just outside the tube. AS I walked past her, I thought that she must be freezing. I crossed the road and bought a tea.

I returned a couple minutes later and offered her the tea. She thanked me for it, she said she really appreciated it and I walked away.

I felt like I should have done more but at least I did something.

Had a dream about my mother and how she had a cockroach infestation and I was getting frustrated with her because I didn't feel like she was dealing with the situation as I would have done.

Looked up the meaning of cockroaches on-line. Very interesting.


Meaning of Dreams about Cockroaches: Dream Interpretation Dictionary - Cockroaches


Cockroaches

Seeing and at times just thinking about cockroaches makes a person feel squeamish and repulsed. When dreaming about these dreaded insects, the unconscious mind may be hinting to the dreamer that he needs to reevaluate and reassess a major part of his life. There is never just one roach; thus, the areas of life that need cleansing and renewal may be deep and wide. The negativity or contamination that is represented by the roaches may affect a great deal of your life. Thus, this may be a call to clean your psychological, emotional, and spiritual self. (Also, examine your motives!)

And Javier Bardem...

(sigh) is a really amazing actor too.

Aaah! The sweet smell of socialism


Paul Hamilos in Madrid
Monday January 14, 2008
Guardian Unlimited


Election campaigns have witnessed some strange political strategies over the years, but the Catalan Socialist Party (PSC) surely broke new ground today when it launched its very own perfume.
At a press conference today, the PSC answered the question on everybody's noses since the party announced last week it had created the fragrance: what does socialism smell like?

Apparently, it mixes Mediterranean herbs and fruits such as Bergamot orange and white tea with base notes from the Orient, which come together to produced an aroma of "confidence, equality, progress and efficiency".

Oddly, it also smells a little like air freshener. One journalist at the press conference said the smell was so strong that he was practically overwhelmed and left feeling faint.
The creator, Albert Majós, told Cadena Ser radio station today that it was neither a "perfume nor air-freshener" but the aromatic representation of socialism's values.

The vice-president of the PSC, Manuela de Madre, argued that overall "it would be no bad thing if Catalan politics could relax a little using this fragrance" and recommended "the aromatic and relaxing herbs" to the conservative opposition People's Party (PP).

De Madre said the PSC would be sending a sample to all the political parties in the Catalan parliament.

The fragrance, which comes in little bags to be placed in all good leftwing wardrobes, will go on sale at the PSC headquarters in Barcelona and its other offices, as well as at party meetings.

A spokesman for the PSC said it could also be used in offices to create a pleasant environment of equality and fairness.

The Spanish prime minister, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, dissolved parliament today, officially announcing the general election, which will take place on March 9.

It looks set to be a close race between the ruling Socialists and the PP, after what has been a tense political year, with angry divisions between the left and right over the strength of the economy, the government's handling of the terrorism threat posed by Islamic fundamentalism and the Basque separatist group Eta, and social policies such as gay marriage and abortion.

Polls show the Socialists with a lead of two to four points over the opposition, but statistically the parties are virtually in a dead heat.

Whether or not the smell of socialism will help return the left to power remains to be seen.

An Solicition for a Rock Band to tour Kuwait and Afghanistan for the Army. This is real. The military is now asking bands - with at least one notable celebrity - to visit their troops.


Solicitation below.

R--Professional Celebrity Rock Music Band

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Solicitation 01 - Posted on Jan 11, 2008

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

General Information


Document Type: Presolicitation Notice
Solicitation Number: W912PE08T0064
Posted Date: Jan 10, 2008
Original Response Date: Jan 17, 2008
Current Response Date: Jan 17, 2008
Original Archive Date: Mar 17, 2008
Current Archive Date: Mar 17, 2008
Classification Code: R -- Professional, administrative, and management support services
Set Aside: N/A
Naics Code: 711410 -- Agents and Managers for Artists, Athletes, Entertainers, and Other Public Figures

Contracting Office Address
ACA, RCO Seckenheim, Attn: AEUCC-S, Unit 29331, APO, AE 09266-0509

Description
Professional Celebrity Rock Music Band, group not to exceed seven people for tour of FOB's in Kuwait and Afghanistan for February 4-13 2008. The band should be an active rock band, with a music genre consisting of Southern Rock, Pop Rock, Post-Grunge and Hard Rock. At least one member of the band should be recognizable as a professional celebrity. Protective military equipment, such as kevlar, body armour, eye and ear protection will be provided when the group is travelling on military rotary or fixed wing aircraft.

Point of Contact
Rachel Kline, +49621-4873405
Email your questions to ACA, RCO Seckenheim at rachel.kline@eur.army.mil
Place of Performance
Address: ACA, RCO Seckenheim Attn: AEUCC-S, Unit 29331, APO AE
Postal Code: 09266-0509
Country: EU

Well, New Years was perfect, simply perfect.
I finally made it to Seattle a half a day later but was pleased when I saw my friend, Isaac, waiting for me. We went for some food and picked up a bottle of champagne for later.
I was exhausted so I introduced Isaac to his first 'Disco Nap'.
Then we headed out to the bar. After drinking two of the strongest vodka tonics, we engaged in a conversation where I described what I did for a living,which quickly descended into a political discussion.
Since it was nearly 11 we headed to his house for the champagne. At his, we had a hug which turned into a kiss. It was really nice and I thought that this was great, just how I wanted to spend the night - laughing, talking and the odd kiss.

We walked to Gasworks Park and drank champagne from the bottle while watching the fireworks. People were all in a good mood and we quickly made new friends.

I laughed and giggled.



Happy New Year.