And When I'm in Texas, I'm Reminded of Backwards Hicks

Via HuffPo:

PRESIDENT BUSH: Madam President, it is a pleasure to welcome you back to the Oval Office. We have just had a very constructive dialogue. First, I want to tell you how proud I am to be the President of a nation that -- in which there's a lot of Philippine-Americans. They love America and they love their heritage. And I reminded the President that I am reminded of the great talent of the -- of our Philippine-Americans when I eat dinner at the White House. (Laughter.)

PRESIDENT ARROYO: Yes.

PRESIDENT BUSH: And the chef is a great person and a really good cook, by the way, Madam President.

PRESIDENT ARROYO: Thank you.

(emphasis mine). *Sigh* It's like when you meet someone and, upon learning you're Filipino, getting asked "Oh, do you know (whatshisorhername)?" No, goddammit! We don't all live together in a 1 room cottage on Beacon Hill.

Actually, I'm a decent cook, but that's beside the point.

I Hate Your Kids

Just now caught this on the Ballard blog. You mean to say that not everyone wants to deal with someone else's uncontrollable, squalling chirrens?

Several Ballard businesses have received some press about their kiddo policy. At Duque Salon + Spa, they have banned children altogether. Their sign reads, “About the little ones … Due to the delicate nature of our business, we ask that children not be brought into the salon, spa or boutique. Thank you.” Apparently moms pushing strollers have been seen flipping off the shop as they walk by and one angry mom had to be escorted out with her toddler. Habitude Salon also has a no-kid rule, leaving some moms in a tiff. The owner of the upscale salon says that it’s not safe having babies around all the chemicals and scissors. Diva Espresso on Phinney Ridge takes a more humorous approach, “Unsupervised children will be given espresso and a puppy.”

Couple things: 1) Business owners are free to serve whomever they want, and 2) parents who voice their displeasure with a petulant bird through the window justify the former's policies.

The comment thread has provided me with my 2 new fave phrases:

"Kindergarchy"
"Crotch Fruit"

Brains!

With his hands held up like that, Roc looks like a zombie, or maybe a Young Frankenstein Welcome to toddlerhood, my man. His confidence is growing quickly; he has pretty much abandoned crawling as a means of transportation. To celebrate his learning how to walk, we bought him some new shoes today at the U. Village sidewalk sale.



Up next: the Electric Slide.

Ong Bak 2: Tony Jaa Tries to get a Haircut

This one's for Mahalie:




Looks badass. Doubt there's much in the way of a story, but I'd hit it.

Rule of Thumb

Google an idea before you publish it, you know, just in case.

Back from Philly

We brought back more than memories and photos; the whole fam has been beset by some kind of wicked chest cold since we returned from the northeast. Man, was it hot, upper 90's during the day, not much cooler at night. Still, it was good seeing friends old and new, introducing Roc to the wonders of a real cheesesteak, and getting some sand between our toes.

Sad to think this is probably our last trip anywhere as a family for awhile. Maybe we can travel with 2 young kids but I can't imagine how we can do it without going batty.

Rule of Thumb

Don't trust a dreadlocked white guy.

Happy Father's Day!

Yay me. Oh, by the way, did your baby's mama get you one of these?



She rocks, more than Gwar. Roc is a lucky kid.

Kids on a Plane

(Rocco learns that it really isn't butter)

Heading out tomorrow for some fun and sun with our East Coast peeps, which forces me to face that which I dread: Flying with Kids. It's not so much the hassle of it all (though it is an incredible one), rather it's another thing I dread: People who Hate Flying with Kids. It's a touchy subject, from both the annoyed (non parental) traveler to the harried, frantic parent. Here's an example from Salon's Ask the Pilot:

[H]ow about a list of the best and worst ideas in airline marketing history? I'll leave the latter to you, and there are plenty to choose from. As for the best, I'll tell you my own pick: Northwest's decision, 20 years ago, to become the globe's first major carrier to impose a systemwide in-flight smoking ban. That'd be a hard one to beat, but here's a challenge to any airline daring enough: a rule that requires the medicating, muzzling or sequestering of all children under 4 years old -- below deck would be nice, or out on the wing.

(emphasis mine) A throwaway comment at the end of an article mainly about American's $15 checked bag fee that ends jokingly (I hope) suggesting kids ride steerage or wingside generates a storm of comments from both sides of the argument. I mean, really? I have no constructive solutions for an already shitty situation, vis-a-vis air travel, but from my perspective, to think that there is a population of people who, upon seeing me and my family arrive at the gate, silently (or maybe not so silently) curse us out for having the gall to leave our house once in awhile, well, I take it personally. Actually, I do have some solutions:

1. ipod + a good set of noise-canceling headphones (I have the Etymotic ER-6i)
2. Fuck You, You Fucking Fuck.

As parents, we are perhaps a bit hypersensitive about the way Roc behaves around others, though in reality there's nothing we can do about it except to distract and redirect. Not like you can argue/reason with a 1 year old. All I ask is for a little understanding and patience; if Roc is upset or acting up, you can be sure Jala2 and I are on it, dealing with it as best we can. We're not one of those parents who sit/sleep idly by and let their spawn wreak havoc with everyone's fun.

As frustrating as flying is, doesn't it make you want to cry sometimes?