Toons n animations av never ceased to impress me, may it be the good old Popeye or the Tom n Jerry duo

So I thot I ll pay my tribute to these ever lasting characters, by listing down a few of them who will always find a place close to my heart!

Tom n Jerry

Tom and Jerry is a series of theatrical short subjects created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer that centered on a never-ending rivalry between a housecat (Tom) and a brown mouse (Jerry) whose chases and battles often involved comic violence. Hanna and Barbera ultimately wrote and directed one hundred and fourteen Tom and Jerry cartoons at the MGM cartoon studio in Hollywood, California between 1940 and 1957, when the animation unit was closed down. The original series is notable for having won the Academy Awards for Best Short Subject (Cartoons) seven times, tying it with Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies as the most-awarded theatrical animated series. (Thanks Wiki)

They sort of changed the toon genre. When animators made the toons talk, this cute little pair brought smiles upon us with their action. Its slapstick comedy, and pretty good at that, but surely is within limits. I never missed out any of their episodes when this wretched CAS was not in place. Even now whenever I could lay my eyes on them, I just don't bother to look away. In simple words, always have been n will be my all time favorite.

Tintin

Tintin and Snowy (original French language names: Tintin et Milou), a journalist and his canine companion, are a pair of adventurers who travel around the world in The Adventures of Tintin, a series of comic books drawn and written by the Belgian cartoonist Georges Remi, better known as Hergé. The series is one of the most popular comic book series in Europe and the world, especially in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands.

Tintin was kind of a role model to me. I always wanted to be someone like him. His curiosity for adventure and tendency to go way out to help others always landed him in a messy soup. Yet he intelligently manages to creep out free of trouble with his amazing common sense n presence of mind. It all started when my sister used to bring the illustrated version (Hergé) from the school library. I even used to photocopy the books so that I can have them foreverJ. Then came the animated series. But it used to be a shortened version trying to cover an entire book in about half n hour. But it was a wonderful experience to c my frnd Tintin n the cute snowy alive n kicking ;). My favourite adventures are ‘Destination moon’ and its sequel ‘Explorers on the moon’.. Good sci-fi adventures.

Mickey

Mickey Mouse is a comic animal cartoon character who has become an icon for The Walt Disney Company. Mickey Mouse was created in 1928 by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks^[1] and voiced by Walt Disney. The Walt Disney Company celebrates his birth as November 18, 1928 upon the release of Steamboat Willie.^[2] The anthropomorphic mouse has evolved from being simply a character in animated cartoons and comic strips to become one of the most recognizable symbols in the world.

Can u find me one person who doesn’t like this tiny weeny mouseJ ?!? It’s the oldest and the most adorable masterpiece of Walt Disney. All his adventures have been enjoyable. He is usually accompanied by his close knit of friends Goofy, Minnie mouse, Donald and Daisy duck. His part in Fantasia is sweet as the magician’s assistant where so many things go wrong, yet he escapes them all with his sheer innocence. Hats off Walt Disney for giving us such a wonderful friend.

Pingu

Pingu is a Swiss animated television series created by Otmar Gutman, about a family of penguins who live at the South Pole. The main character is their son and title character, Pingu.

The programme is set in Antarctica, where the penguin families and businesses live and work in igloos.

One reason for Pingu's international success is its lack of dialogue per se. All dialogue is in a honking "penguin language" (called Penguinese), and was initially performed without script by Carlo Bonomi.

This was one of the most addictive series I have ever seen. It had only a few episodes (of course I av them all in my private collectionJ). Penguins are always cute particularly if they are as naughty and witty like this little Pingu. He s very playful and his usual partners in crime are ‘Pinga’ (his little sister) and Robby the seal (Pingu’s best friend). Pingu maybe playful but often helps his mom with pancakes and his father in delivering his posts. I never used to miss them as a kid. Whenever u feel bored or got nothing to do, jus watch this n allow Pingu to take u on a wonderful trip to a world of snow. U av my word that it ll b one unforgettable journey. I honestly hope that some day the series will b continued n that we get to see more of this naughty brat.

Noddy

Noddy is a character created by British children's author Enid Blyton, originally published between 1949 and 1963. The television show based on the character is the longest running show in British television since 1955, and continues to appear to this day. Noddy is a little wooden toy who lives in his own little House-for-One in Toyland.

Noddy is that sweet little boy next door, always providing u a wonderful company. He s really sweet, kind n helpful. He gets his name from his unusual head which starts nodding (with the jingle of the bell on his blue hat) when someone bumps into him and he needs help to stop it. He s so funny and a few toys like the Goblins (sly and Gobo) take advantage and lands him in trouble (usually with the pot-bellied local policeman ‘Mr. Plod’). But he usually has his good friend God fatherly like ‘Big Ears’ who advises him often on the way the things to be done.

Noddy loves driving his friends around Toyland in his little red and yellow taxi. The other toys can hear him coming by the distinctive "Parp, Parp" sound of his taxi's horn.

I used to regularly watch his adventures during my college days (ya.. u read it correct. nt school but college :P) When I used to return home early during the semester exams and other holidays, he used to be my lunch time partner J. I always used to have a good laugh and it was so relaxing. Av not watched any of his episodes for a long time now. Hope to catch up with it soooooon….

There are many more memorable ones. May b I’l come back some day n continue..

so long..

The idea came out of a conversation that I was having with a liberal friend, and it is that conservatives are always characterized unfairly as I've said in recent posts.  Being one who has some skills of grandiloquence, I am going to try to change those perceptions by helping find better ways to elaborate upon conservatism.  In the process, maybe we can cut through some of the crap that has been heaped on top of the label, and make it mean something more meaningful again.

Besides, I want to get back into the political circuit, and this is a good chance for me to get some needed practice.  So, please visit the site, let me know what you think either here or there.  I also have a Facebook group and a YouTube channel, so you can listen to me talk, if you so desire.  If you want to participate, let me know.

As an afterthought, I still intend on posting political commentary here, as I play much faster and looser at my personal blog than otherwise.

In life, everything is a negotiation.  We look at it in many other terms, but every decision comes down to a simple question:  what are you willing to give in order to get something in return?  The medium being exchanged changes each time, but the balancing of risk and benefit does not.

The smallest things require nothing, and therefore are easiest to us.  There is little risk in simply buying gum and chewing.  But, as the rewards grow greater, so rises also the cost.  Sometimes, the price is simple, being either time or money.  But for the very best of things, the cost is yourself:  your mind, your heart, and even your soul.

I don't like taking bad risks even though I have a bit of the heart of a gambler.  I take chances, because I know I would rather fail and at least see if my ambitions can be fulfilled.  But, I also like to stack the deck, making sure all the cards are in my favor before I push my chips in.

That said, in each tournament and every game I ever won, there comes a moment when you have a stack about the size of your opponent, and you just have to push in.  Usually, in my life, it's a pair of queens, and I have a full house, but there's the chance that a straight flush could be coming against me.  I have to bet, hope, and try to make it work.  I don't know how it ends, but it is my only chance to win.

There are other games, perhaps, and therefore losing isn't as bad as it might be.  But that is cards.

Life is different.  The wager is the same, but you don't know if you will ever get another chance.  You sit at the table, you play the hand you are dealt, but you don't know what anyone else has, and you can't get a read.  You start risking things other than some plastic; you put your heart on your sleeve and hope it will carry you through.  Courage in the face of terror.  Patience even if it kills you.

And ultimately, you have a final choice:  you play, not knowing how it will end, but thinking you have the luck and the skill to make it work, or you walk.  I think, if you walk away, you might walk away from that scene but never the thought of what might have been.  But, if you stay, and you lose, it all crumbles.  But that isn't worse, and just maybe, you come up with that hand, and life becomes something magical again.  You are on top of the world, if only for a moment, but the view is worth it as you fight to stay there.

There is no perfection.  Life is merciful like that, and we have small meaningful moments instead of momentous troubling decisions.  But, for all the beauty in those, the character we gain in our hardest choices is what makes us special.  And they make us real.  Bruised, battered, blood coursing through our veins, sweat on our brows, tears in our eyes, and love within a hopeful heart.

I hope, forever.  I fight, risking all, for the chance.

I am a dreamer.  I am real.

Are you?

Is “normal” Skype affected?

No. The Skype software downloaded from skype.com is not affected by the behavior. The only time “normal” Skype users are affected is when they communicate with TOM-Skype users.

What is TOM-Skype and what is the difference between it and Skype?

If you go to www.skype.com from China, you are redirected to skype.tom.com — so that’s version most Chinese people will use.

In 2004 Skype developed a relationship with TOM Online, a leading wireless provider in China, and announced a joint venture in 2005. Skype and TOM Online produced a special version of the Skype software, known as TOM-Skype, for use in China.

[Continua]

Nguyên liệu

• 8 con tôm sú bỏ vỏ chừa đuôi
• 4 trái ớt khô
• 3 củ hành tím thái khoanh
• 5 tép tỏi đập dập
• ½ trái ớt chuông thái miếng vuông
• 2 muỗng súp tương ớt
• 1 muỗng súp đường
• 2 muỗng càphê hắc xì dầu
• 2 muỗng cafe bột nêm
• 1 cọng hành lá thái khúc

Chế biến

• Phi thơm tỏi và hành tím, ớt khô.
• Cho tôm và gia vị, tương ớt, hắc xì dầu vào xào nhanh tay.
• Cho tiếp tương ớt vào xào nhanh.

If you’ve ever seen a Mafia movie, you know that playing nice with the mob is like having the tiger by the tail. It is no different for companies who do business in China, whether on their own or through partnerships. The latest one to experience the downside of this is eBay’s Skype, which has been taking some flack for privacy breaches in the region.

Citizen Lab, an Internet research group at the University of Toronto, released a report that shows text messages of Chinese Skype users were monitored and their messages blocked if they included political words such as the Chinese Communist Party, the Falun Gong, Tibet, and the great milk scandal. As a quick background, Skype and TOM teamed up in 2004 and in 2005 released a special software version, TOM-Skype. Since then Chinese users — some 69 million of them — have become a major part, roughly 20 percent, of Skype’s total install base of 338 million.

The report got so much attention that last evening Skype decided to respond. In a blog post, Josh Silverman (Check out my interview with Josh) tries to defend Skype and downplay its role in the China fracas:

Read the details of Om's analysis. It ain't long. It is cogent.

Seriously guys, these compromises are routine and will likely be commonplace. For for-profit entities (despite their slogans), China is a big, growth market and the promise of millions in future profits keeps them from making the right decisions for their shareholders. Sad, but true!

As political as I am, commerce is part of a whole equation involving nations and governments. History is another factor that I'm certain is automatic on Om's part - as it is mine. Some cultures, many individuals, grow and learn to account for every reason why policies are what they are - and will change.

Whining isn't good enough.

E para quebrar esse clima sanguinolento, curta um Bee Gees, gostosinho.

Por mais que tente, o gato Tom nunca consegue se livrar de seu inimigo eterno, o rato Jerry. Essa é a ordem natural dos desenhos animados, mas o artista inglês James Cauty resolveu subverter essa regra em sua nova exposição na Aquarium Gallery, em Londres. Em uma série de quadros, ele recria o que aconteceria se os personagens animados tivessem, finalmente, um fim trágico. O gato Tom também acaba mal, assim como Pernalonga, finalmente superado pelo Patolino.

Do g1.

Nguyên liệu

• 500 gr tôm đất.
• 300 gr khoai lang bí.
• 2 trứng vịt.
• 200 gr bột mì.
• 100 gr bột năng.
• 1 quả dừa xiêm.
• Nước mắm chua ngọt có củ cải, cà rốt bào sợi.
• Rau sống.

Chế biến

• Trứng vịt đánh nổi, rây từ từ bột năng + bột mì vào tạo hỗn hợp sền sệt, để bột dậy 30 phút.
• Khoai gọt vỏ, xắt sợi, ngâm 15 phút trong nước pha muối. Vớt ra, để ráo, trộn vào bột.
• Tôm làm sạch, ướp với chút muối, tiêu, bột ngọt.
• Khử hành tỏi thật thơm rồi vớt xác hành, tỏi bỏ ra bát. Lấy thìa lớn cho khoai lang vào, xếp tôm lên trên. Chiên vàng.
• Cuộn bánh tôm với rau sống, chấm nước mắm chua ngọt

In an election where many people feel both candidates are missing what impacts the people, I want to offer a challenge to my readers.  Imagine for a second that you were candidate for the Presidency, what would you say if you could give a brief address to the people?

Let me hear your thoughts and your speeches, if you like.  I always love learning what motivates others, and more importantly perhaps, what you believe people care about.

Skype räumt Zensur und Verstöße gegen Privatsphäre in China ein

Seit einigen Wochen bin ich begeisterter Skype Nutzer ( seit ich einen Laptop mit eingebauter Cam besitze )...

und finde diesen kostenlosen Service bisher klasse. Und wenn eine Firma wie Skype im chinesischen Raum tätig ist, dann muss sie sich wohl oder übel an die lokale Rechtssprechung halten ( die in China nunmal einen extrem hohen Grad an Zensur enthält ). Entscheidend ist also wie eine Firma nun damit umgeht - entweder offen die Karten auf den Tisch legen ( das hat Skype 2006 eigentlich getan ) oder alles unter den Tisch kehren ( heutzutage nicht immer eine besonders gute Idee ).
Wer sich den Bericht auf heise durchliest, der sieht, dass im vorliegenden Fall das Datenschutzversprechen nicht eingehalten wurde, weil eine lokale Partnerfirma ( die quasi Teil von Skype ist ) doch Daten gespeichert hat. Mein Vertrauen in Skype ist somit nicht komplett in ihren Grundfesten erschüttert, allerdings bin ich jetzt sehr gespannt welche Konsequenzen daraus gezogen werden.

Gut finde ich allerdings die Aussage am Ende des Artikels:

Silverman bestätigte, dass auch Skype-Nutzer aus anderen Ländern der Kontrolle zum Opfer fallen, wenn sie mit einem der rund 70 Millionen Nutzer der TOM-Skype genannten Variante in China kommunizieren. Solange aber beide die Standard-Software von Skype benutzten, sei die Kommunikation "absolut sicher und privat", beteuerte der Skype-Präsident.

Ich hoffe, dass dieses Datenschutzversprechen nicht gebrochen wird. Allerdings bleibt bei mir eine Frage offen - wenn sich ein Skype Kontakt bei mir meldet, sehe ich dann welche Version die andere Seite betreibt ? Oder könnte auch zum Beispiel ein NSA-Skype oder BayernTrojaner-Skype im Umlauf sein ( ungekennzeichnet im Internet ) für das dieses dann nicht mehr gilt ?

]]> http://tomrydquist.wordpress.com/?p=141 Fri, 03 Oct 2008 03:08:56 +0000 trydquist http://tomrydquist.da.wordpress.com/2008/10/03/chrome/

I havn't really had anything good to write about because I've been kind of busy, but I had to take 5 minutes to write how much I love Chrome.  I finally hopped back on to my Windows machine after many months of pure Macbook use, just to put things in perspective.  

That's something I like to do...although my Windows computer is actually really fast, I just can't stand the OS.  So I go back and use it for a while, so I'll appreciate Leopard a lot more.    

Anyways, I got back on Windows, and eventually did the inevitable...I downloaded Chrome.  Now I had heard about how fast Chrome was suppossed to be, and being a Google lover I didn't doubt it for a minute.  But when I ran it for the first time, I was astounded.  It was beautiful, automatic, and faster than any other major application I'd ever run on Windows, excluding Explorer.  I don't really want to go into all the details of the program, for two reasons:

1. It's all over the web, go Google it or read the comic book (by the way the comic was pure marketing genius)

2. I don't understand most of it

Even though I love Chrome, it's Flash hasn't been too great.  But knowing Google patches will come out soon to fix that.

But in any case, I wanted to put my two-cents in about how awesome it is.  Hopefully it will flow well on a Mac as well, even though Google is obviously biased toward Windows.  

And by the way, I'm not too excited about the Android phone....

But, this shouldn't be a partisan issue.  We should take a few commonsense steps to eliminate voter fraud:

1. Require that people register with some form of government issued photo ID.

If you go to open a checking account, you need to either have a driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID.  Why should we hold picking a President to any lower standard?  These are basic things that everyone participating in society either has or can get with minimal effort.

2.  Require that such identification be presented when voting in a precinct.

For the same reasons described above, it is simply good judgment to make sure someone is who they claim to be.

3.  Institute a national database containing only the information:  voter name, date of birth, time of birth, place of birth, and where registered, to prevent cross-listing.

This is a simple way, minimally invasive, to make sure people don't vote in person in one state and as an absentee somewhere else.  It maintains enough to reasonably differentiate any two people without compromising their security, and will prevent fraud.

4.  Ensure that absentee ballots are provided by the state only to those who request them in advance, and to their address of record, as provided to the registrar.

For those who want absentee ballots, we should make efforts to accommodate them, but only with the same due diligence about making sure the information is accurate, and without allowing a large number of contentious ballots to float aimlessly.

As I stated at the beginning, all of these steps are listed with only one intent in mind:  to secure the validity of each vote, and to protect the vast majority of us who are voting ethically.  I cannot see why one would oppose any of these measures, and I would imagine they would go a long way in preventing future complications.

I make no pretenses to being an economist.  I like to think I have as much knowledge as your general lay observer, but when it comes to the details of how Wall Street functions, I find myself sorely lacking.  In the past few weeks, I have tried to gain better understanding by reading various writers and checking out a book or two.  Given all the information available, it has been an uneven process, but I think I have a little better handle on the issues at hand.

I understood what caused the credit crisis succinctly enough as my earlier post dictated.  But, what I didn't understand was what the practical problem had become.  Since then, I've learned that the real danger is from these credit default swaps, mechanisms whereby banks exchange funds with one another, and that they have stopped doing so because they have no value for the assets linked to mortgages that served as securities in many instances.

It also helped me understand the issue at the core of the bailout.  The banks want government to intervene, as stated publicly, to remove the toxic debt (the aforementioned mortgage backed securities) thinking that will lead to increased liquidity as the understanding and reduction of risk should free up lending.  This sounds good, and if it were a panacea for the ills of the economy, the bailout might make sense.  But, I think it is an oversimplification, and a dangerous one that will deceive many people and that almost captured me as well.

The problem is not that the toxic assets cannot be sold.  The problem is they cannot be valued.  Were we able to establish a value, that would prove equally effective in clearing the logjam.  The bailout is one method of doing so where a new buyer, the government, would enter with the intent of establishing value, purchasing these assets at some price, and creating the market.  Banks like this option because it minimizes their risk, and in all likelihood, because of the motive of the government to stimulate spending, they will overpay compared to the actual value that would be obtained by a private actor.  If you can read between the lines there, what I am saying is that it seems that if the government didn't buy these assets, in time, another suitor would emerge.

They would pay less.  They would be responsible, because it would be their money.  By contrast, the government, acting with the money of the taxpayers and with a different interest, would overpay.  There would be dislocation from the delay, but the cause of this and the suffering is that Wall Street is expecting (probably with good justification) for a government bailout to make their situation easier.  It is entirely possible, on the balance books, this will be a win-win.  I imagine the government may make money, free up the economy, and satisfy the taxpayers in this one transaction.

But, I can't shake this feeling that this is a major situation because of the law of unintended consequences.  Giving the authority to the executive branch of our government to become a player in the economy, buying and selling investments, is a very dangerous precedent for our taxpayers, aside to the fact it is almost assuredly unconstitutional.  If we grant this power to the Treasury, I wonder how else they might use it, what assets they might be, and where the risk might emerge.

This situation, as we now understand, was at least partially caused by the fact that social interests, as expressed through governmental regulation, created an artificial and unsustainable market.  Specifically, the policy objective that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac provide affordable housing to people unable to qualify by conventional sound-lending criteria, prompted through the threat of lawsuits, led to unsafe practices, elevated risk, and the creation of a housing bubble.  That bubble is collapsing, and we are paying for it in every sector of the economy.  The best of intentions from the government; the worst of results in the market.

We have seen this many times.  Free markets are effective because they allow each person to pursue their desire, to act rationally, and they contain risk more largely to the parties involved in a transaction.  Some succeed, some fail, but that is how corrections happen, and as long as there is transparency, the expectation that investors and the like will act rationally usually wins out.  In the event it does not, they suffer, and that is the natural correction.  If the government gets involved, however, then those priorities are often inverted, the wealth of the people is put at risk, and disastrous consequences can result.

I don't know that this would be the case.  But, I know my history well enough to know government makes poor decisions because it tries to do what does not happen naturally.  It can be a positive and powerful force in that.  But, a poor economic actor, and the risk to the people from such activity seems too great and far beyond what the intent was for our executive or legislative entities.  Let government be a neutral third party, representing the interests of no one.  Should we corporatize our government into a larger investor, which is precisely what this plan does, how can we countenance the risk we are taking not just now, but also in those future decisions that will inevitably stem from this precedent and this power?

I cannot answer that, but I am fearful of what might come.  It is why, despite my desire to see something done to kick start a sluggish economy, I know this is a false allure.  I hope the House remains strong, and continues representing the will of the people in opposing this.  The bill that passed the Senate this night, greased by pork designed to attract Republicans (a reduction of the alternative minimum tax) and Democrats (an increase in mental retardation health funding) is the same bill that failed before in the House.

The system we have is amazing, even still.  Despite a government where most representatives are often detached from the constituents they purportedly represent, the founders created a framework where government still can function as intended when people become active.  The House, the body of the people, has politicians running scared in the face of an election, which is the reason this bill failed.  I am certain the people there have no greater knowledge of economics and finance than you or I, but they have heard our voices, and we can trust that our collective decision, be it wise or foolish, is being represented.  In that, we have found hope, and in this battle, a chance to challenge the pernicious idea that our lives should be dictated by our government.

We have made them represent us.  Not Wall Street.  Not the supposed Main Street, either.  Just individuals, caring for their families, watching for their interests, and vigilant for our liberty, realizing that it is not just words we share, but the ability to have money that means something, choices we can make for ourselves, and just maybe, a chance to keep what is our own.  Maybe this is an aberration, but where there is hope, we should stand.

I urge you to oppose the bailout.  Not because it is bad, in and of itself, but because it is unnecessary, there are better ways to act (such as encouraging the creation of insurance to protect taxpayers), and because we will pay dearly later if this measure is enacted.

Featuring: April Schaack, Brian Drummond, Connor Drummond, David Drummond, Donald Davis, Kristin Schaack, Logan Martin, Phil Snyder, Somer Drummond, Sue Drummond + Tom Sorenson

This last weekend, we've been sharing the tingle!!!  We just completed our video for the Carmex - Share the Tingle contest. The folks at Carmex wanted a unique Carmex story, they wanted to know why people love Carmex and/or how you share the tingle - and all under 3 minutes!  They will be "rewarding the most promising up and coming film-makers with [cash] and other fabulous prizes (i.e. a 5 year supply of Carmex!).  Videos will be judged on creativity (tingliness), humor, overall appeal and popular vote in case of a tie."

We truly made this a family (and a few close friends) affair - parents, cousins, uncles, friends sharing together - mass hysteria!  Our l'il studio was a revolving door bringing our family and friends in and out Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  We had such a great time with everybody.  They all brought something different to the tingle :O)

And I think we can all agree that we learned a few important lessons from this PSA - if you want to kiss a girl, refrain from using excessive tongue + use Carmex!  And, it's completely acceptable to share the tingle with your ex-fiance!

The winning videos will be announced on or around October 13 - we will be sure to update you all here! You can Rate our video entry on YouTube (in case of a tie), and if you'd like to check out the other Carmex contestants, click here.

Trivia: how many times do I use the word Carmex in this entry?

Answer: a lot!

CARMEX!

1. Mentale aspect.
Willen is kunnen wordt wel eens gezegd. Ik wil en ik zal kunnen. Niets zal me kunnen tegenhouden in mijn rush naar mijn doel. Mijn hoofd is gericht op niets meer dan 3u.

2. Conditioneel.
Lopen, lopen, lopen. Ik deed de afgelopen weken niets anders meer. Zwemmen viel weg, fietsen deed ik enkel als herstel. Nooit liep ik meer en harder. Toch voel ik me niet zo fit als voor een ironman. i plaats van 2 trainingen per dag, haalde ik er slechts 1. Of de afgelopen weken zullen volstaan om conditioneel in staat te zijn om onder 3u te blijven zal op het randje zijn.

3. Lichamelijk.

Sinds de zwem -en fietstrainingen wegvielen, vielen ook enkele remmingen weg. Ik at en dronk iets meer dan goed voor me was. Zo kwam ik drie kg aan . Drie kg die ik onherroepelijk zal meeslepen tijdens de marathon. Ik werkte naast de trainingen ook een stuk meer en aan rust ontbrak het me ook. Mijn lichaam zelf zal dus niet in optimale omstandigheden aan de start staan.

Welke van die drie aspecten het meest zullen doorwegen weet ik niet. Ik hoop dat mijn kop sterk genoeg zal zijn om mijn conditionele tekortkomingen te overwinnen, zodat mijn minder optimaal lichaam mijn ultiem doel kan bereiken. Afspraak op 12 oktober.

Groeten Tom

Lundi soir, les élus de Reims Métropole ont voté la création d'une Taxe d'Enlèvement des Ordures Ménagères. Il est vrai que Reims est la seule ville de plus de 100 000 habitants à ne pas en avoir. La raison est très simple ; en 1977, le Maire de Reims Claude Lamblin avait décidé d'intégrer cette taxe aux impôts fonciers. Ainsi, les habitants de l'agglomération payaient l'enlèvement de leurs ordures. En instaurant cette taxe, les rémois vont payer deux fois pour le même service.

Catherine Vautrin a dénoncé lors du Conseil Municipal du 22 septembre le poids de cette taxe dans le budget des familles. Elle a ainsi expliqué que pour un ménage qui est toujours juste au dessus quand il s'agit d'être aidé, 108€ supplémentaire sur une taxe d'habitation de 600€, c'est 15% d'augmentation. Elle s'est également inquiété du cout de cette taxe pour les entreprises et donc sur l'attractivité de Reims.

La leader du groupe UMP DVD aurait préféré que la Maire procède par palier et non pas en une fois, qu'elle privilégie une mobilisation qui responsabilise les habitants de Reims Métropole. Et, elle aurait souhaité que soit analysé le principe de la redevance qui permet de faire payer chaque habitant selon les déchets qu'il produit.

De toute façon, malgré tout ce que peut dire Adeline Hazan, la nouvelle municipalité trahit ses promesses électorales. Ils avaient promis qu'ils n'augmenteraient pas les impôts... cette taxe n'est pas autre chose qu'une augmentation de la charge fiscale pour les rémois.

Ainsi, même dans sa majorité, des désaccords sont apparus. Plusieurs conseillers communautaires ont voté contre, dans l'élu de Reims Michel Guillaudeau et bien entendu Catherine Vautrin et Jean-Marie Beaupuy.

I don't have much to say about MTV's new reality competition series, "Paris Hilton's My New BFF," because I always tell everyone at the newspaper that "I don't watch MTV, ever." But that's a lie; if I never watched it, I'd never have a legitimate answer for when people asked why I hated it, other than the boilerplate "No music videos!"

So I watched it tonight. I watched the second half of the new Paris Hilton series. I want to tell you why it's bad, and why its good.

First, the bad. Though she starred in "The Simple Life," Hilton is a failure as a TV personality. She's a distant, aloof heiress who doesn't concern herself with the issues of those she considers below her -- a tragic mistake for a show where all the contestants are her subordinates. She comes off as sad, as would anyone who needs a TV show to make a friend. The competitions are cheesy, and the contestants are predictable. And as easy as it is to take a shot at this, it's impossible to ignore the sickening feeling you get when you watch dozens of attractive young people fawn over a woman who really doesn't deserve the praise or attention.

But the show isn't so horrible as to warrant violence, certainly not "Tila Tequila"-level unwatchable. Watching the contestants admit that they're lying about everything they say is refreshing. None of these people want to be Hilton's friend -- they want to be famous themselves. And when they admit it, as some did in the premiere, it's refreshing to hear. It's also fun to know that one day, your grand-kids may ask you about it, since it's probably the most horrible premise for a show in the history of television. Watch "My New BFF," and you're watching history.

There is some strange attraction that I have to Hilton. It's not physical, because I find her a bit muleish and bland. There's this itch, somewhere in the back of my mind, that she might not be as dumb as she seems. She's never done anything to prove her intelligence -- quite the opposite, in fact. But sometimes I think she's a modern day Andy Kaufman, and that she's consciously playing with an American public so crazed with celebrity that they'll accept anyone, anyone, to fill the role, no matter how talented. And when I think about that, I just can't help but love this girl and every hilarious, terrible new joke she plays.