Sunday, November 13, 2005
San Francisco as its Own Country?
By Shaun Nichols, staff writer
Well, if you read the newspaper, watch the news, or were one of the many people handed a newspaper and then interviewed on the news, you know about Fox News commentator Bill O’Reilly’s comments about our fair city.
The professional talking head concluded that if San Francisco wants to pass a largely symbolic law that opposes military recruitment on school campuses, then the city should form its own country and the rest of the U.S. should consent to let Al-Qaeda bomb Coit Tower.
Now, I know, the immediate reaction is to call for O’Reilly to be dragged into the middle of the Embarcadero and publicly lobotomized in hopes that it would lead to an improvement in the drivel coming forth from his mouth, but let’s just hold back the knee-jerk reactions and violent urges for a second.
Let’s give Bill O’Reilly the bleeding-heart benefit of the doubt. He’d do the same for us, right? Err…anyways…
Let’s give O’Reilly a chance to explain himself. I’m willing to bet he won’t prove to be the horse’s ass that he’s made of himself with his half-baked comments earlier this week.
Let’s assume that he’s not really as hateful as to suggest that a city which contributes tens of millions in federal income taxes does not deserve the same sort of treatment from the federal government as everywhere else simply because they democratically decide to issue a declaration against recruiting 14 year-olds to go to war.
Let’s assume that he’s not so blatant of a partisan hack that he’d really condone killing thousands of innocent Americans because they reside within a city that is critical of government policy. Let’s assume that he’s not so wrapped up in his own delusions of grandeur that he’d really disregard the more than two-dozen Bay Area soldiers that have given their lives in Iraq.
Let’s put aside the natural conclusion that O’Reilly holds partisan politics so high above the welfare of the country as to condone blowing up a monument to firefighters killed on duty.
Let’s just assume that he’s stupid.
Let’s conclude for now that he’s just unbelievably ignorant. We should just figure that he’s so focused on upping his ratings and scoring with his female staffers that he doesn’t quite realize just how blatantly outrageously offensive and disgusting his comments were.
Let’s go with Chris Daly’s assertion and figure that O’Reilly was whacked out on hillbilly heroine like fellow right-wing tough-talker Rush Limbaugh and really had no idea what he was saying.
The man deserves a chance to explain himself as a publicity-driven drivel machine with few solid morals and even less consciousness as to the impact of his words, and not as the hateful, unpatriotic, vengeful prick that he’s currently being portrayed as.
It’s the least we can do before we’re disowned and added to the Axis of Evil, right?
Well, if you read the newspaper, watch the news, or were one of the many people handed a newspaper and then interviewed on the news, you know about Fox News commentator Bill O’Reilly’s comments about our fair city.
The professional talking head concluded that if San Francisco wants to pass a largely symbolic law that opposes military recruitment on school campuses, then the city should form its own country and the rest of the U.S. should consent to let Al-Qaeda bomb Coit Tower.
Now, I know, the immediate reaction is to call for O’Reilly to be dragged into the middle of the Embarcadero and publicly lobotomized in hopes that it would lead to an improvement in the drivel coming forth from his mouth, but let’s just hold back the knee-jerk reactions and violent urges for a second.
Let’s give Bill O’Reilly the bleeding-heart benefit of the doubt. He’d do the same for us, right? Err…anyways…
Let’s give O’Reilly a chance to explain himself. I’m willing to bet he won’t prove to be the horse’s ass that he’s made of himself with his half-baked comments earlier this week.
Let’s assume that he’s not really as hateful as to suggest that a city which contributes tens of millions in federal income taxes does not deserve the same sort of treatment from the federal government as everywhere else simply because they democratically decide to issue a declaration against recruiting 14 year-olds to go to war.
Let’s assume that he’s not so blatant of a partisan hack that he’d really condone killing thousands of innocent Americans because they reside within a city that is critical of government policy. Let’s assume that he’s not so wrapped up in his own delusions of grandeur that he’d really disregard the more than two-dozen Bay Area soldiers that have given their lives in Iraq.
Let’s put aside the natural conclusion that O’Reilly holds partisan politics so high above the welfare of the country as to condone blowing up a monument to firefighters killed on duty.
Let’s just assume that he’s stupid.
Let’s conclude for now that he’s just unbelievably ignorant. We should just figure that he’s so focused on upping his ratings and scoring with his female staffers that he doesn’t quite realize just how blatantly outrageously offensive and disgusting his comments were.
Let’s go with Chris Daly’s assertion and figure that O’Reilly was whacked out on hillbilly heroine like fellow right-wing tough-talker Rush Limbaugh and really had no idea what he was saying.
The man deserves a chance to explain himself as a publicity-driven drivel machine with few solid morals and even less consciousness as to the impact of his words, and not as the hateful, unpatriotic, vengeful prick that he’s currently being portrayed as.
It’s the least we can do before we’re disowned and added to the Axis of Evil, right?
Men in Tight Pants are NOT Sexy
Story by Allison Bloch
I wonder if men who wear women’s clothing find it sexy. Do their balls feel better in a tight, confined place?
More and more I see men adopt a more “girlie” style of dressing and I grow
concerned. Walking around the campus, I lose count of how many guys are
wearing tighter pants than I am.
They may think they look all sexy and hot, but most of the time they just…don’t.
One friend of mine said her guy friends wear girl’s pants because it cheaper. I think this is just ridiculous.
Many people go to thrift stores because the clothes are cheaper and they like the “vintage” style, but they don’t covert to this way of dressing just simply on the money factor. They go follow that trend because they like the style or the way they look. The same could be said for these guys.
I have a friend from work named Tim that is into the whole “indie hipster” look. You know- his hair is always hairsprayed in place, his hair always looking better than mine and he wears tight girl pants.
The first day I saw him I had to suppress my giggles. I walked behind my store’s counter to see Tim standing there. White dress shirt, black tie, green apron, tight black pants, Adidas shoes and his hair styled (almost close to the whole “Flock of Seagulls” hairstyle).
I almost thought it was a good look, until he opens his mouth.
Every time I hang out with Tim he makes fun of the “sell-out bands” (as he likes to call them), such as the Killers or Fall Out Boy. He comments on their slicked hair, tight pants and poppy tunes. To me, sometimes he sounds like he is describing himself. The only difference is that he’s still a struggling musician.
He always says he doesn’t care about what others thinks, but I know he does.
One time, I made a joke about he went a whole five minutes without fixing his
hair.
Guess what he did.
He fixed his hair.
I’m torn though.
I’m not sure if he realizes people don’t like his look, or he is oblivious. I know he thinks he’s hot, because he says it daily, but I’m not sure if he thinks that everyone sees him in the same light. I may never know.
One day, I gathered the courage to ask him why he preferred women‘s clothing.
“They fit better,” he answered plainly.
I believe my butt always looks good in my own pants, but I don't believe the same can be said for our male counterparts.
But what I’m really wondering if what type of underwear they wear. I’m curious
if they wear briefs or if they just go commando.
Or even better, maybe they wear girl’s panties. Come on.. Inquiring minds need to know!
This is the one question that I may never find the answer to because there is
no way in hell that I’m asking any of my guy friends.
They’ll probably just want to show me.
I wonder if men who wear women’s clothing find it sexy. Do their balls feel better in a tight, confined place?
More and more I see men adopt a more “girlie” style of dressing and I grow
concerned. Walking around the campus, I lose count of how many guys are
wearing tighter pants than I am.
They may think they look all sexy and hot, but most of the time they just…don’t.
One friend of mine said her guy friends wear girl’s pants because it cheaper. I think this is just ridiculous.
Many people go to thrift stores because the clothes are cheaper and they like the “vintage” style, but they don’t covert to this way of dressing just simply on the money factor. They go follow that trend because they like the style or the way they look. The same could be said for these guys.
I have a friend from work named Tim that is into the whole “indie hipster” look. You know- his hair is always hairsprayed in place, his hair always looking better than mine and he wears tight girl pants.
The first day I saw him I had to suppress my giggles. I walked behind my store’s counter to see Tim standing there. White dress shirt, black tie, green apron, tight black pants, Adidas shoes and his hair styled (almost close to the whole “Flock of Seagulls” hairstyle).
I almost thought it was a good look, until he opens his mouth.
Every time I hang out with Tim he makes fun of the “sell-out bands” (as he likes to call them), such as the Killers or Fall Out Boy. He comments on their slicked hair, tight pants and poppy tunes. To me, sometimes he sounds like he is describing himself. The only difference is that he’s still a struggling musician.
He always says he doesn’t care about what others thinks, but I know he does.
One time, I made a joke about he went a whole five minutes without fixing his
hair.
Guess what he did.
He fixed his hair.
I’m torn though.
I’m not sure if he realizes people don’t like his look, or he is oblivious. I know he thinks he’s hot, because he says it daily, but I’m not sure if he thinks that everyone sees him in the same light. I may never know.
One day, I gathered the courage to ask him why he preferred women‘s clothing.
“They fit better,” he answered plainly.
I believe my butt always looks good in my own pants, but I don't believe the same can be said for our male counterparts.
But what I’m really wondering if what type of underwear they wear. I’m curious
if they wear briefs or if they just go commando.
Or even better, maybe they wear girl’s panties. Come on.. Inquiring minds need to know!
This is the one question that I may never find the answer to because there is
no way in hell that I’m asking any of my guy friends.
They’ll probably just want to show me.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Unaffiliated and Proud
By Keka Robinson, staff writer
When entering college, young, fresh collegians often find themselves experimenting with new things. They begin to start peeling off the layers and discovering not who their families and friends think they are but their true selves. A school as free and open as SF State certainly feeds the desire of its students to explore new territory and tread the unbeaten path. Well, I am no exception to the trend and today, I’m coming out. I am not a liberal.
As a Black woman born in Berkeley and raised in the Bay Area, it’s pretty much predetermined and assumed that once you start forming your political opinion it will be a liberal one. At first, that’s how it was for me.
On my 18th birthday, I voted for the very first time. I can’t remember what was on the ballot but I’m sure my votes were democratic.
It went that way for a few years. An election would come up and I’d vote democratic. Then Al Gore ran for president and I was uneasy about his personality. But he was, in my eyes, a better choice than George W. Bush. So, reluctantly, I voted for him.
Then, in 2004, John Kerry came along and I really didn’t like him or his Catsup-peddling wife. But, again, I voted democratic and gave John Kerry the okay because I just can’t see myself voting for a former powder-head. Seriously, G.W. Bush is reminiscent of Rain Man.
Lately I’ve been listening to AM radio. There’s only so much 50 Cent I can tolerate before I am no longer able to tolerate FM radio. I have been listening to a lot of Jeff Katz and Michael Savage on KNEW talk 910 and I find myself understanding their points of view though not necessarily agreeing with them all the time.
This, coupled with my newfound fondness of Senator John McCain freaked me out. Was I becoming a liberal? Then, at the anti-military rally in Malcolm X Plaza two weeks ago, I had an epiphany.
As I stood in the midst of the crowd listening to “FREE PALESTINE!” and “KILLING IRAQIS IS NOT A CAREER!” as obvious dissenters dressed in AIR FORCE sweatshirts and waved Israeli flags in opposition it came to me.
I’m not a liberal nor am I a conservative.
I’m just me. Unaffiliated with any particular party especially the dominant two. Democrats, the party with no ideas and Republicans, the party with bad ideas.
When entering college, young, fresh collegians often find themselves experimenting with new things. They begin to start peeling off the layers and discovering not who their families and friends think they are but their true selves. A school as free and open as SF State certainly feeds the desire of its students to explore new territory and tread the unbeaten path. Well, I am no exception to the trend and today, I’m coming out. I am not a liberal.
As a Black woman born in Berkeley and raised in the Bay Area, it’s pretty much predetermined and assumed that once you start forming your political opinion it will be a liberal one. At first, that’s how it was for me.
On my 18th birthday, I voted for the very first time. I can’t remember what was on the ballot but I’m sure my votes were democratic.
It went that way for a few years. An election would come up and I’d vote democratic. Then Al Gore ran for president and I was uneasy about his personality. But he was, in my eyes, a better choice than George W. Bush. So, reluctantly, I voted for him.
Then, in 2004, John Kerry came along and I really didn’t like him or his Catsup-peddling wife. But, again, I voted democratic and gave John Kerry the okay because I just can’t see myself voting for a former powder-head. Seriously, G.W. Bush is reminiscent of Rain Man.
Lately I’ve been listening to AM radio. There’s only so much 50 Cent I can tolerate before I am no longer able to tolerate FM radio. I have been listening to a lot of Jeff Katz and Michael Savage on KNEW talk 910 and I find myself understanding their points of view though not necessarily agreeing with them all the time.
This, coupled with my newfound fondness of Senator John McCain freaked me out. Was I becoming a liberal? Then, at the anti-military rally in Malcolm X Plaza two weeks ago, I had an epiphany.
As I stood in the midst of the crowd listening to “FREE PALESTINE!” and “KILLING IRAQIS IS NOT A CAREER!” as obvious dissenters dressed in AIR FORCE sweatshirts and waved Israeli flags in opposition it came to me.
I’m not a liberal nor am I a conservative.
I’m just me. Unaffiliated with any particular party especially the dominant two. Democrats, the party with no ideas and Republicans, the party with bad ideas.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Fresh Stupidity in the Castro
By Flo Brown, Staff Writer
Like many other San Franciscans too lazy to make the drive out of town, I attended the Castro celebration for Halloween. Here's my take on the worst and best dressed.
Props Where Props Are Due
The guy who came as Frida Kahlo - unibrow, back brace and all.
The Hunter S. Thompson look-alike whose photo ended up in the Chronicle.
The sailor and nurse gay couple who posed just like the original WWII photo.
…and those who deserve no props.
The Guy in Really Bad Drag
Your beer belly and hairy back are disturbing when combined with fairy wings. If you're not a drag queen, you have no business cross-dressing in the Castro. Real drag queens spend hours waxing and applying MAC makeup, while your ugly ass is running around Market Street looking like a deranged frat boy during pledge week. No.
Uniform Dudes
You work at McDonald's so you came in your uniform…with fake blood and bruises. Or maybe you used to play football in high school so you're wearing your jersey and pads to relive the glory days. Or maybe you're a reservist who happens to own a pair of BDU's and camo paint. Wow, F for effort guys.
Lingerie Fairys
Let me guess, you're a freshman at SF State and the boy from your Speech 150 class mentioned he'd be at the Castro too. Don't worry, I already saw him earlier running around in a ballet skirt and wings…just like yours, actually. You must have spent the afternoon in Victoria's Secret finding the perfect lacy bra and panty set…how effing cute. I have one thing to say to you, slut…starts with a "t", ends with an "ool".
"I Came As Me" Guy
I hate you. That's all.
The Naughty Schoolgirl/Nurse/Maid/Cop
Ooh, are you going to put me in detention/play doctor/clean my bedroom/arrest me? You original, creative hottie you. Nobody else would have EVER thought to buy their costume from a lingerie website…nobody. Except the other 200,000 of you on this street alone.
Mask Guy
Notice that the people I dislike are the people who half-ass their costumes thinking that their devilish good looks will somehow compensate for their total lack of creativity. Sorry, guy in the mask and regular clothes…you look like you just stepped out of Spencer's with that thing on and forgot to wear the rest of your costume. Go home and change now before my belligerent ass walks straight up to you and tries to start a fight. You don't want to mess with a Samoan chick, trust me.
The Literal Costumes
The "one night stand" girl partially wearing a nightstand? You're not cute, you're cumbersome and awkward. The wannabe cool guys walking around as beer pong tables with red plastic cups and beer? You remind me of my tool-box exboyfriend, DOWNGRADE. The plug and socket couple costume? Haha, we get it, you plug your prongs (which happen to be cleverly placed at your groin) into her socket. That's so funny I forgot to laugh.
Honestly, if I'm still in San Francisco next Halloween I will make a dress code sign and make sure nobody can get away with this crap in the Castro ever again. Email me if you experienced similarly hideous costumes. flobrown@sfsu.edu
Like many other San Franciscans too lazy to make the drive out of town, I attended the Castro celebration for Halloween. Here's my take on the worst and best dressed.
Props Where Props Are Due
The guy who came as Frida Kahlo - unibrow, back brace and all.
The Hunter S. Thompson look-alike whose photo ended up in the Chronicle.
The sailor and nurse gay couple who posed just like the original WWII photo.
…and those who deserve no props.
The Guy in Really Bad Drag
Your beer belly and hairy back are disturbing when combined with fairy wings. If you're not a drag queen, you have no business cross-dressing in the Castro. Real drag queens spend hours waxing and applying MAC makeup, while your ugly ass is running around Market Street looking like a deranged frat boy during pledge week. No.
Uniform Dudes
You work at McDonald's so you came in your uniform…with fake blood and bruises. Or maybe you used to play football in high school so you're wearing your jersey and pads to relive the glory days. Or maybe you're a reservist who happens to own a pair of BDU's and camo paint. Wow, F for effort guys.
Lingerie Fairys
Let me guess, you're a freshman at SF State and the boy from your Speech 150 class mentioned he'd be at the Castro too. Don't worry, I already saw him earlier running around in a ballet skirt and wings…just like yours, actually. You must have spent the afternoon in Victoria's Secret finding the perfect lacy bra and panty set…how effing cute. I have one thing to say to you, slut…starts with a "t", ends with an "ool".
"I Came As Me" Guy
I hate you. That's all.
The Naughty Schoolgirl/Nurse/Maid/Cop
Ooh, are you going to put me in detention/play doctor/clean my bedroom/arrest me? You original, creative hottie you. Nobody else would have EVER thought to buy their costume from a lingerie website…nobody. Except the other 200,000 of you on this street alone.
Mask Guy
Notice that the people I dislike are the people who half-ass their costumes thinking that their devilish good looks will somehow compensate for their total lack of creativity. Sorry, guy in the mask and regular clothes…you look like you just stepped out of Spencer's with that thing on and forgot to wear the rest of your costume. Go home and change now before my belligerent ass walks straight up to you and tries to start a fight. You don't want to mess with a Samoan chick, trust me.
The Literal Costumes
The "one night stand" girl partially wearing a nightstand? You're not cute, you're cumbersome and awkward. The wannabe cool guys walking around as beer pong tables with red plastic cups and beer? You remind me of my tool-box exboyfriend, DOWNGRADE. The plug and socket couple costume? Haha, we get it, you plug your prongs (which happen to be cleverly placed at your groin) into her socket. That's so funny I forgot to laugh.
Honestly, if I'm still in San Francisco next Halloween I will make a dress code sign and make sure nobody can get away with this crap in the Castro ever again. Email me if you experienced similarly hideous costumes. flobrown@sfsu.edu