The most dangerous job in the world

(Map courtesy of this site).

I don't know if people watch this show, but "Deadliest Catch" on Discovery is AMAZING. It's about these men who go hundreds of miles off the coast of the Aleutian Is. in the Bering Sea (see map above-if you don't know where they are, the islands run off the southwest of Alaska) and try to catch Alaskan King Crabs. I watched the season premiere of the show last night, and it was awesome. I learned that the crab fishing industry up there is an $80 million industry, and these guys go out and have the potential to make their year's salary in one week..... but at the risk of dying in the wickedly fierce waters. The show told their stories, and how they make what could be their last phone calls back home to their wives, parents, etc. What a job. They said hundreds of men have died doing this job; they have been thrown overboard in horrible storms, have died from the cold, etc. I just cannot imagine this.

So, the men leave, and there are over 200 boats that are rivaling for the crabs. They have to have approval to fish too-there are weight restrictions so that the boats won't capsize, and the "pots" (the crates they catch the crabs in) weigh around 300 pounds themselves (I think) and so there are restrictions on how many pots you can have too. One guy was interviewed b/c he was the sole survivor of a boat that capsized a while back... he said he had to take the lifejacket off one of his friends and let his body sink to the bottom. Unbelievable.

If you can catch this show, I would highly recommend it. Every Tuesday at 9 on Discovery.

* One more thing: I went to Alaska with my family and 3 other families in Aug. 1994, and I although I didn't go to the islands (but went to Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, the Inside Passage, etc.), I can totally see how this water can be so deadly.

Scavenger hunt # 3

As you all know, the weekends are big party times here. I have posted before about what kind of garbage I find on the street after the weekend, and I thought I would do it again b/c it's so funny. On my walk to work I found:

A Trojan condom box, a smashed coat hanger all in little pieces, an apt. brochure, a dirty nasty Q-tip, napkins, a plastic soda top, your token Bud Light beer bottles, a bracelet from a nearby club, a Quarter Pounder box, the usual splattered ketchup packets.... and the week before there was a big bow for a present and some Homer Simpson inflatable sponge laying in the grass.

Not too exciting, but interesting.

Scavenger hunt # 3

As you all know, the weekends are big party times here. I have posted before about what kind of garbage I find on the street after the weekend, and I thought I would do it again b/c it's so funny. On my walk to work I found:

A Trojan condom box, a smashed coat hanger all in little pieces, an apt. brochure, a dirty nasty Q-tip, napkins, a plastic soda top, your token Bud Light beer bottles, a bracelet from a nearby club, a Quarter Pounder box, the usual splattered ketchup packets.... and the week before there was a big bow for a present and some Homer Simpson inflatable sponge laying in the grass.

Not too exciting, but interesting.

1/2 B'day and dart game

Tomorrow is my 1/2 b'day. : ) Feliz (medio) cumpleanos a mi.

My coworker gave me a GREAT game to play at work. It's a dart game where you aim the dart at the location you think a certain European capital is located. The website is in German, but you can figure out what it is saying. Here is the site. Here is how I did the first time back on Feb 21 (yes, I saved my answers):

I came 197 km away from Berlin, 369 Moscow, 130 Lisbon, 358 Stockholm, 58 Madrid (gee, do I know Spain or what?), 101 Paris, 20 London (wow), 94 Brussels, 46 Hague, 115 Dublin, 36 Bern, 147 Roma, 580 Wein (? Where is that), 219 Prague, 156 Budapest, 311 Warsaw, 98 Ankara, 188 Oslo, 161 Copenhagen, 190 Belgrade, 84 Athens, 478 Kiev (yikes), 97 Bucharest, 115 Helsinki.

Here is how I did today:

177 Berlin (close to what I did in Feb), 80 from Moscow (wow!-what an improvement), 161 Lisbon (close to what I did before), 338 Stockholm (guess I haven't learned that one yet), 49 Madrid (closer!), 101 Paris (are you kidding? the SAME ANSWER?), 33 London (not bad), 56 Brussels (better), 23 The Hague (wow!), 102 Dublin (about the same), 112 Bern (oops), 189 Roma (oops), 563 Wein (UH...), 105 Prague (better!), 128 Budapest (better), 49 Warsaw (nice!!), 287 Ankara (oops-further north than I remembered), 183 Oslo (same), 146 Copenhagen (eh), 147 Belgrade (better), 21 Athens (whoa!), 312 Kiev (better-Ukraine is so big that I forget where it is : ( ), 84 Bucharest (better), 137 Helsinki (close).

Yes, this is what I do when I am bored-play geography games. Obviously you can tell where my expertise is (what areas in Europe). I will keep doing it every so often to refresh my memory b/c I love this type of stuff! Feel free to comment with your results if you play the game.

20somethings

Well, I stayed up to watch Denzel on Letterman (since his new movie "Inside Man" is coming out on Friday, he's on every show right now), and he looked SOOOO classy. He always dresses in a suit for Letterman. Wish more people would do that and quit wearing jeans if they are a guest on that show. Anyways...

So I wasn't tired, and what did I decide to do? Post on my blog of course. What I wanted to talk about was the plight of my 20something friends. All the books out there about how 20somethings are in this state of flux all the time are so worthy, and I might even read one. Most of my friends are in their upper 20s now (with one more year to go before the big YUCKY 3-0 that I do not want to talk about), and they are making these life changing decisions. I think the older generations (grandparents and parents) sometimes cannot understand our generation b/c we quit things so fast and so easily (so they think) and want to move on to the next thing as soon as possible (again, so they think). We really do weigh things, I swear!

Without mentioning names, I have had friends in the last year, I'd say (and even as recently as a couple days ago), tell me about their plans to quit their jobs and make a total different career move, or quit their jobs and go to grad school (masters or Ph.D.), or get divorced after about 6 yrs of marriage b/c of various reasons, or quit their Ph.D. and just live the life they want without any school pressure, or keep their jobs AND go to grad school AND have a family (any combo of those), or give up everything and go travel (my dream), or go back to their original career and the area they were schooled in after taking a break and doing these other things (like moving), or experience something new they never thought they would. And the list goes on.

I am definitely included in this list too-I have worked for 5 1/2 yrs at the same job and been in school for what seems like forever and a day, and though I love every minute of it, I just am looking forward to the day when I can walk across that stage, be a Dr., and move to Espana. haha But really, all of these friends are like that: after doing something for a while, they are tired of it and make changes. Many baby boomers cannot understand that, for many have worked at the same job for 30+ years and have been married for more than that. I think that is incredible in this day and age to do something for that long, while at the same time, I also think it's incredible for my peers to have the confidence to try these new things and leave their comfort zone. I am not saying one or the other is right, but just that our generation seems restless and sooooo ready to get out there and do everything that is available to us. Maybe globalization has helped that along. Or maybe it's the fact that the dreaded 3-0 is looming, and we all want to do what we wanted before 3-0. I am sure other generations experienced the 3-0 thing too, but somehow us Generation-Y (is that the term?) people are different.

If you go on Amazon.com and type in "20something", all these books pop up about how to cope in this world if you are a 20something, and there are books for parents about parenting their 20somethings. Most of the books share stories and make 20somethings feel better about their place in this world, and how other people their age might be anxious, worried, depressed, ambitious, scared, broke, rich, regretful, confused, satisfied, and a ton of other feelings.

I don't know what my point was in writing this, but I am just sensing a trend lately and it's the trend the whole world is experiencing. Wow this was a long post! Comments welcome as usual.

St. Patty's Day and tennis

On St. Patty's Day, I went out to drink with a coworker and her sister at Poor Paul's. When we were walking there, a random guy pinched me b/c I wasn't wearing green (my bad). At PP, we saw Lacey from the Real World Austin with her boyfriend. That was kinda cool. (She is from Tally).

Today Federer won the Pac Life, as I predicted. He is like this rock everyone is hitting themselves against and can't seem to beat. He will be the best tennis player EVER. And that is saying something b/c Sampras, Borg, Agassi, Lendl, etc. are in the list of all-time greats too, but I think barring any injuries, he will be the best player. : ) I know I always talk about him, but I can't believe what he has done already. He says such great stuff about the players he beats, and is a role model off the court too!

Been a while....

I tried to update last night, but the site kept saying "errors". So I will do it now.

I went to my best friend's baby shower back home on Sunday, and it was great. : ) I am so lucky to be able to go to these things.... and it helped that I had 2 free tickets from Delta b/c I had so many Skymiles. haha

Any Ph.D.s out there-please remind me that doing all this studying and stressing is worth it in the end. I need reminding.

SU lost last night-guess they were just pooped out from the magical Big East tourney run they had. Oh well...... GMac had four great years there!

Nothing much else to report, other than I saw a lady dump a piece of plastic out her car window the other day and I wanted to walk up and make her get out and pick it up. I didn't want to get beat up though, so I didn't do that. hahaha My blood was boiling.

Prediction for the Pacific Life Open: Federer will win. I don't think my prediction will change much in the next year for other tournaments b/c he is just too damn good. Nadal will present a challenge to him though-he's lookin' good. Safin too.

LET'S GO ORANGE!!!!

SU beat the Bearcats in the first round of the Big East tourney, and just now they beat UCONN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What great news!! Who's gonna criticize GMAC and Coach Boeheim now!!

(Logo courtesy of this site).

Power trip

I am so sick of people in high positions taking advantage of their position of power by preying on and using people who are underneath them... OR using people who don't have the power to challenge their authority. I don't know how they get this idea in their heads that it's okay to make people under them scapegoats for what they do. The higher ups try to blame their mistakes on people under them and try to cover up what they do by framing others. OR they mess up and don't take responsibility for their actions... at the cost of innocent people. It's ridiculous!!

Take 2 recent news stories por ejemplo. The Cpl. Pat Tillman case and Katrina. So, just NOW, after Tillman died in Afghanistan 2 YEARS AGO, the Army says "gee, now we may investigate"... b/c all of a sudden there may be evidence of foul play. The poor parents, family, and friends of Pat! Just b/c the Army delays this criminal investigation, these people have to suffer. "SAN JOSE, California (CNN) -- The father of former NFL player Cpl. Pat Tillman said Monday he doesn't believe the full truth about his son's death in Afghanistan will ever emerge, despite a new investigation. Tillman, who left the Arizona Cardinals for the Army after the 2001 al Qaeda attacks on New York and Washington, was killed by friendly fire in April 2004. The Army, which originally reported that he died during a Taliban ambush, has now launched a criminal investigation to determine whether the death was the result of negligent homicide." (Quoted from this March 7, 2006 CNN article). Obviously some person of power doesn't want something leaking out.

THEN, months after Katrina, there are still bodies being found. What is wrong with people?! "NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (CNN) -- Three days after officials inspected a storm-damaged home spray-painted with "0" -- indicating no bodies inside -- cadaver dogs led searchers to a victim of Hurricane Katrina in the attic. Before dying, the man apparently was trying to crawl out of an air-conditioning vent to escape rising floodwaters, said Dr. Louis Cataldie, Louisiana's medical examiner." (Quoted from this March 6, 2006 CNN article). So some family probably thinks their loved one was washed away, but in reality he was not, and the family could have had a proper burial months ago but couldn't b/c someone didn't do their job. UGH.

I won't even mention the workplace either and problems I hear about peoples' bosses. That could go on forever.

Then there is that story about how kids' SAT scores were incorrectly graded (scanned), and now their scholarships and entrance into specialized programs and majors will be affected. See this March 7, 2006 CNN article. Can't anyone get anything right? The article says that the grading problem was a technical issue but Topiel (College Board spokesperson) said the College Board was still investigating what went wrong. (Meaning someone screwed up).

I know some people hate their jobs, and don't take them seriously. If you don't like it, get out and find something else. And if you do hate your job but don't have any other option at the moment, don't be a jerk and give people wrong information-think about your actions. I know I am cynical today, but I can't help it. This world is so full of incompetent people. Comments welcome.

New season of baseball

PLEASE GO TO WWW.PINSTRIPEPASSION.COM to check out my brother's new website and radio show!! : ) : ) He's doing a great job!

Also, Kirby Puckett passed away yesterday at age 45. What awful news.

And the Oscar goes to.............

............. who knows. This year's awards are hard to predict. This is the first year I have actually seen most of the nominated movies. I saw "Capote" last night, and it was amazing too. I have to admit I didn't really know (or care) about who Philip Seymour Hoffman was and what he has done, but his performance in that was outstanding. He is definitely a contender!! (It was also funny last night b/c Shan and I went into the theater and the movie started and she says um, this isn't "Capote"... the movie worker lady had told us the wrong theatre, but at least we didn't miss any of the movie). : /

The Oscars are cool for me too b/c I have been to LA and went inside the Kodak theatre and everything. I am not big into following celebs, but it is a pretty cool night. Here is the list, who I think will win, and who I want to win (just in the categories of Best Actor and Actress, Supporting Actor and Actress, and Best Picture). **NOTE: Of the ones listed, I have seen "Munich", "Walk the Line", "Brokeback", "Capote", "Syriana", and "Cinderella Man" and plan on watching "Crash" before Sunday on the DVD that Shan gave me. (Pic above courtesy of this site).

BEST PICTURE
"Brokeback Mountain"
"Capote"
"Crash"
"Good Night, and Good Luck"
"Munich"

-I think "Capote" will win, but I want "Brokeback". BUT again, I haven't seen 2 of these movies, so my guess may be worthless.

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Philip Seymour Hoffman, "Capote"
Terrence Howard, "Hustle & Flow"
Heath Ledger, "Brokeback Mountain"
Joaquin Phoenix, "Walk the Line"
David Strathairn, "Good Night, and Good Luck"

-I think Joaquin will win, and I want Joaquin to win. : ) He just stretched himself so much to play Johnny. Hoffman was incredible too-close call, but GO JOAQUIN.

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Judi Dench, "Mrs. Henderson Presents"
Felicity Huffman, "Transamerica"
Keira Knightley, "Pride & Prejudice"
Charlize Theron, "North Country"
Reese Witherspoon, "Walk the Line"

-NO idea who will win, but I would want Reese. Or Charlize b/c I know she is good.

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
George Clooney, "Syriana"
Matt Dillon, "Crash"
Paul Giamatti, "Cinderella Man"
Jake Gyllenhaal, "Brokeback Mountain"
William Hurt, "A History of Violence"

-Hum.... this one is a tight race. I would say George or Paul will win, but I hope George or Jake does. Matt Dillon too maybe b/c Shan said he was great in "Crash". Guess I'll find out when I watch it.

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Amy Adams, "Junebug"
Catherine Keener, "Capote"
Frances McDormand, "North Country"
Rachel Weisz, "The Constant Gardener"
Michelle Williams, "Brokeback Mountain"

-Well, I think Frances will get it, but I hope Catherine does. She was just awesome in "Capote" as Harper Lee. I like Michelle Williams, but I don't think her performance rivals Catherine's.

Just for some history, AFI ranked their top 100 greatest American movies. Among them are "Schindler's List" (1993) (#9), "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" (1975) (#20), and "E.T." (1982) (#25). Here is the complete list if you are interested.

Can't wait to see what everyone is wearing too. That's always fun.

La primavera casi ha llegado

Spring has almost arrived.... it was so nice to go to bed last night and hear the birds still chirping at 1 AM. It's really neat!

Well, I just have some random things to say today. I have come to realize how stressful the internet can be. I was talking to a fellow blogger the other day, and they were saying how even when they are at the bars, if something happens there, they pull out a napkin, write down what happened, and save it for their blog. That to me is stressful! Bloggers are always looking for great stuff to happen, and when it does, it's like a race to write down everything so you can remember for your blog. I get kinda nervous about that b/c it's pressure to remember everything you want to say. haha Luckily for me, I always carry a pen and post-it notes with me. Another blogger said how it is stressful now that they have a myspace, a blog, and used to use a dating thing online. It's so hard to keep track of! You could spend hours just checking comments, posts, new friends, virtual kisses, and things like that. Ugh. (Even right now, I am looking at my little post-it and crossing off the items on the list I made last night that I wanted to talk about on my blog today!)

The next thing I had to say was that while Curves is great for me, I don't get how some women benefit from it. Some ladies go and talk the WHOLE TIME to other ladies, and when they get on the springy block things where you can march or jog in place, they just stand there. Hum. I mean some ladies are older like in their 70s even, and it's good to just get their blood circulating. But other people are in their 40s and just don't do anything. Gotta wonder.

Third thing: my friend's car got towed from my apt. complex the other night when he was visiting. Figures that the one night we forget to put the damn visitor's parking pass in there, he gets towed. Before 8 AM, you have to pay $118 to get the car back (WHAT CROOKS!), then after 8 AM it's $88. Moral of the story: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A VISITOR PASS WHEN YOU VISIT PEOPLE B/C THESE TOWING COMPANIES ARE NO JOKE.

Last: One of the new people on the "Real World Key West" goes to FSU. I thought I recognized him, and then at the beginning they showed his audition tape where he was thrown in the Westcott Fountain, and then I knew I was right. He said on the show that he is a finance and real estate major, and then that confirmed it too. I have talked to him before-very nice person. : )

'Til next time.