Politics? I've almost had enough!

As many of you know, this is the first time in my life I've been interested or involved in politics. I've voted in the past, but have never found a politician that I have been inspired to support.

But getting into politics a little bit, I'm finding myself getting very annoyed by a few things that keep happening:

1: Polarization. I hate how there's no in-between in politics. According to conservatives and liberals, there are only two choices in politics: Conservative or liberal. What? To what degree does this make sense? I was listening to Sean Hannity on the radio today, and before taking each call, he started with a "And now we have Ben, a liberal, on the line." I would classify myself as neither conservative or liberal. Is that not ok?

2: Nobody wins. You could go around and around and around some issues, but there'll never be a winner. I tend to like the black and white, obvious choice in things. Maybe that's why I like computer things: HTML, search engine optimization, etc. These things only work if they're coded correctly, and when they are, they work, and they "win."

Ok. Maybe this is all sparked because I listened to two Neo-Con talk shows today (Sean Hannity and Jason Lewis (from MN)) I think the only reason talk shows like these survive is because there's enough passionate, pissed-off people listening to them just to hear what they'll say next. They're outspoken and one-sided and will never think outside of their polarized boxes.

Ugh!

Why is sushi an American subculture?

It's funny to me that there's so much hoopla associated with sushi. For some, sushi gives a sense of self ("Hi, I'm Ryan. I like traveling, reading, learning new languages and sushi.") For others, the thought that someone (gasp!) might not like sushi definitely indicates that they're not cultured, socialized, hip or worldly (nor never will be.)

There are books about sushi; online Meetup groups about sushi; YouTube videos on how to eat sushi. Sushi served on naked women's bodies. What's next? Sushi wars?

The Japanese are actually much more relaxed about sushi than we are. They eat it from the supermarket. They laugh that we put mayonnaise, cream cheese and avocado in our sushi. They're much more into noodles right now (Udon, Soba, etc.) Although they drink Sake with sushi, it's typically associated with old men. Yes, ladies and gents, sake is an old man's drink. Shochu is much hotter right now.. all the young Japanese are drinking it.

So next time you get asked whether you like sushi, have eaten sushi, or want to start a relationship with sushi, remember that it's just sushi.

Where did fall go?

Why is it, the most beautiful times in Minnesota (fall and spring) go by so fast? I don't have to point out that winter drags on and on and on... but beautiful fall slips through your fingers.
Now it's November and the cold is JUST starting.
By the way, November is the month with the most cloudy days.
Here are a few pretty fall pictures from Hendricks.

Baby Showers ! ! !

Baby showers are fun! Armed with fresh and fun ideas, great party favors and some great music, anyone can throw an awesome pre or post-baby bash. Check out these links:

YeahBaby- Tons of totally free baby shower theme and game ideas


Oriental Trading - Great party supplies for a variety of parties and budgets

Recalled Food

I am stunned at the amount of recent food recalls... Is it just me, or are these recalls becoming more and more common? Maybe it's just that I'm noticing it more than before...
Anyway, here's a little list of recent recalls

• 1 million pounds of beef - Cargill, November, 2007
  
• Pizza containing pepperoni - General Mills, November, 2007
  
• Pot Pies - ConAgra, October, 2007
  
• Peanut Butter - ConAgra, March, 2007
  
• Spinach - Metz Fresh, August, 2006
  

And these are just the ones that come to my mind...