Michael Jackson's Death: The Aftermath

There is still little closure for family, friends, and fans. Everyone simply knows that Michael Jackson died. However, nobody is entirely sure why he passed away at such a young age. The sad part is the fact that there is so much drama erupting from his sudden and shocking passing.

His father did not care about him. He's a greedy, abusive old man that only cares about his own personal success and wealth. During a recent public press briefing, Joe Jackson only seemed interested in advertising and plugging his new record label. Michael Jackson seems to be having all sorts of people coming out of the word work. Doctors, dermatologists, surrogate mothers, family friends, associates, and other people are all vying for part of Jackson's estate. There are those questioning whether or not Jackson was really even the biological father of his three children. Just so much drama!

Then, there is even more to add to the increasing drama. Seems like some people just couldn't handle the passing of their idol. There have been over a dozen people who are reported to have committed suicide because of the passing of the King of Pop. Come on people! I don't want to minimize their deaths, but come on! Don't commit suicide. It is a senseless waste of life.

The Jackson family needs some peace. It would be nice if the media would just leave them alone during this tough time. However, that would be too convenient.

Should we or should we not?

Here are some things I believe should happen (or not happen) relating to current events:

1. South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford SHOULD resign. He was horribly disrespectful to his family and state.

2. The United States government SHOULD NOT interfere with the Iranian elections. Let the global media and free will of the people do the work.

3. Giuliani SHOULD run for mayor of New York. Why? As an Independent Democrat, I should be concerned that he would be a Democratic candidate. However, he seems to thinks he has something to offer.

4. Former Vice President Cheney SHOULD retire and keep his opinions to himself.

5. The Iraqi people SHOULD celebrate their newfound authority. American troops are due to withdraw from the streets of Iraq tomorrow.

One Year and a Day.

It has been over one year since my friend John Mark passed away. I can't believe it has already been that long. He certainly is missed. However, it really is nice knowing that he is no longer in pain and in a much better place. There have been so many instances where I'll be doing something or will see something that just reminds me of JM. Times like that prove that his spirit will certainly live on forever in everyone who knew him. JM, thanks for the memories and for continuing to look out for all of us.

A Day of Fun.

Today was a blast. That is because I made a day trip down to San Antonio with two of my good friends, Mary and Kimee. The trip was really unplanned and last minute, but that didn't detract from the fun. Since San Antonio is relatively close to Austin (approximately 80 miles), the drive didn't take too long. On the way down, we went to Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. It is an outdoor drive-thru zoo. You literally get to drive your car through it like a safari. I've been to a place similar to this south of Fort Worth (Fossil Rim in Glen Rose), but this was nice too. It was even cooler, because I was driving my car. However, I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't concerned about an animal ramming my car. After doing that, we pet stopped by the petting zoo to pet some adorable goats. Our day wasn't over there. We continued on to San Antonio (it was still about 20 miles away). We planned to see the Alamo, walk around the River Walk along the San Antonio River, and eat a late lunch. Walking outside in the hot sun wasn't entirely pleasant, but we still had fun seeing all of the restaurants and stores along the River Walk and in the River Center. It was so hot outside today. It got up to a scorching 100 degrees. While we were there, our friend Paul, from Korean class, met up with us since he is from San Antonio. We ate lunch at a pretty nice Mexican restaurant along the River Walk. I really wanted Mexican or Tex-Mex at the very least. It only seemed natural considering we were in San Antonio. After hours of walking, sight seeing, chatting, and having fun, we headed back to Austin.

Overall, I must say it was nice to simply get away for a day. I had lots of fun and can't wait to do something like that again soon.

The greatest feat of the day: driving to all of these places and around San Antonio without using my Garmin GPS.

I'll be posting a link with all of my pictures later. Here are some pictures now:

This ostrich attacked the lady in the van in front of my car. We rolled up the window after that.

Who knew giraffe necks were so flexible?

These zebras did not move at all. I got several great pictures of them.

The donkey on the left was so adorable.

Just the goat and me in the petting area.

Mary, Kimee, and myself in front of the Alamo.

View of the grounds inside the Alamo compound.

View of the River Walk

This was a funny multicolored glass chandelier in some shop we walked by.

My Parent's Anniversary!

Today is my parent's wedding anniversary. So, I'd like to dedicate my post for the day to them. Through all of the ups and downs, thick and thin, good times and bad, they always love each other. Happy anniversary and I love you both!

(I thought this was a funny picture.)

Whirlwind of a Day.

They always come in threes. That is something my mom has always said to me. Two days ago, American icon Ed McMahon past away. Today we lost two more American icons: Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. It is really sad when you think about it. All were legends in their own right. The media is really covering the very shocking death of the King of Pop, MJ. It was so surprising and sad. At the same time, we should all remember to pay tribute to the lives of McMahon and Fawcett too. I'll certainly be keeping each of these people and their families in my thoughts and prayers.

Sad news aside, my roommate, Tamara, got her LSAT score today. She did very well -- well enough to still be eligible for consideration by Harvard apparently. Congratulations, Tamara! How did we celebrate? We went to see Star Trek again. That is my fifth time seeing it. I still love that movie. It doesn't ever get boring.

Funny story. I wanted to be able to go to the movie again. However, I almost didn't go because of homework for my philosophy class. Solution: I did my homework on my iPhone on the way to the theater and during the previews.

Republican Demise?

I posted before on the demise of the Republican party. However, this post is a little different. Instead of questioning the exclusionary and unprogressive politics, I'm going to talk about another problem currently plaguing Republicans. The problem comes in the form of scandals -- sex scandals to be precise. Many of them are men having affairs on their wife with another women. However, some are having relationships with gay men. This is completely surprising considering many actively and vocally speak out against gay rights and publicly issue statements disrespecting gay Americans. These prominent politicians and activists are cheating on their wives, lying to their families, and disrespecting their office and constituents. Today's revelation that South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford was galavanting around Brazil, having an affair and frolicking with his lover. Need I remind you that he is married with kids and is governor of a state with nearly 4.5 million residents? I probably don't have to remind you that Gov. Sanford was the head of the Republican Governors Association and was very seriously considered as Senator John McCain's 2008 running mate. Hmm, someone seems to have lost his senses.

Thomas, wait! There is something wrong here. You've failed to mention anything about cheating Democrats. Don't you remember Bill Clinton?

It is true that I'm not mentioning the wrongdoings of Democrats in this post. Why? The number of Republican sex scandals and affairs outnumbers those of Democrats by a margin of like 10 to 1. Maybe Democrats just do a better job at keeping their indiscretions secret. Who knows? That aside, I'm tired of Bill Clinton's indiscretion being tossed around. Most of the who actively sought to get Clinton impeached have since been caught having sexual affairs, committing adultery, lying, and sinning.

The point is that the Republicans need to be working on the image after a crushing defeat in the 2008 presidential election. What ever happened to those down home family values that Republicans take so much pride in? What happened to those excellent morals? It is annoying when people say Republicans are angelic and of good more standing because they represent conservative values. Many Republicans aren't conserving anything. They need to be conserving their sexual appetites and reserving it for their spouses.

It doesn't help when you have South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, Nevada Senator John Ensign, U.S. Rep. Mark Foley of Florida (and his successor Tim Mahoney), Pastor Ted Haggard, former Idaho Senator Larry Craig, Washington State Rep. Richard Curtis, and the list goes on and on. Those are some prominent cases. That doesn't include past cases brought against George W. Bush, Rudy Giuliani, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

I'll give Larry Craig some credit. He had only spoken out against gay marriage, but never said anything about anonymous gay sex in airport bathrooms... (I'm being completely sarcastic here...just FYI).

Car Talk.

Yep, that's right. Car Talk. On the drive from Seattle to Forks, Washington in January, my oldest brother, Joseph, introduced me to this great radio show. I know relatively little about mechanics, but certainly know that the hosts, Tom and Ray Magliozzi, are hilarious. Several of their podcasts can be found on my iPod. The great thing is that I'm actually learning a great deal about cars while enjoying myself. Tom and Ray, also know as Click and Clack the Tappet Brothers, are MIT graduates and lifelong mechanics who really know their stuff. On the show, they take phone calls from people all over the U.S. (and solar system...) in need of car help. Throughout it, they just succeed at making me laugh. On my trips between Austin and Dallas, I love to listen to their show. They are approximately fifty minutes long and make time fly by somehow. By the time three podcasts are finished, I'm only a few miles away from my destination on either end. 

Listen to Car Talk!

News Pollution.

Want some news pollution? It has to do with... Jon & Kate plus their eight little ones. Can we say 'DRAMA?' As I was doing my daily news reading, the first thing that popped up was "Jon & Kate Announce Split." Surprise! Not really. If someone was surprised by this tidbit of news, then they need to confess to not even peeking at the news for the past couple months. It has graced front page stories for weeks. Why though? It is an annoyingly sad story. Public speculation and intense media attention is only harming the marriage further and hurting the kids. I honestly feel sorry for the family. There is a lot of greed, abuse, jealously, anger, pain, and sadness there. If you want to read the statements offered by the couple, click here. I wish them the best.

Enough drama.

I had a delightful weekend at home. Went home for Father's Day and Lynn's 21st birthday. Father's Day was quiet, but relaxing. Lynn's birthday was fun -- mix of old and new friends, food, and surprising fun (game of Uno with the parentals present). 

Happy Father's Day!

Just want to wish my pops a very happy Father's Day! Thanks for being there for me and thanks for being you.