Let's get Married...Or not

So this post was a long time in the making. Since gay marriage was legalized in CA, it's been the topic for many fags around the country, my friends included. Marriage has always been an institution in our lives and it's what we are told to strive for in looking for love, ever since we're four and watching Disney shows like The Little mermaid. In the end, we're supposed to get married. Of course being queer shaped my views on the topic. I never thought that I would be allowed to be married or that it was even an option, so it quickly left my mind. It was nothing something that I would do. And now that I'm 23 I'm still in this frame of mind, though I feel it wavering. I've developed an independence streak and I don't want to fall into the trap of marriage. It's not for me.

In marriage as well as relationships, there are things that need to be set ins tone early. And i think a lot of enough just don't let a simple rule be known before we embark on the road to love. But I'm here to stop the BS. Let's get one thing clear here. I don't *need* you. I choose to be with you. You can be replaced. I think the sooner we all accept this fine and simple truth relationships can flow a lot smoother. No more dependency issues. No more lies. Like Beyoncé said, don't you ever get to thinking you're irreplaceable.

Marriage as a concept is just weird. You mean to tell me that if I don't like someone I have to pay the government to get away from them? Bump that. And in that process probably lose half of what I own? Why go through that? If I don't get married and we just break up, then it's a breakup and we move forward with our lives. I don't want to go out of pocket and move back in with my mama because one of us ain't in love anymore. Hell to the naw.

If I do get married, I'm getting a pre-nup. Furthermore, I'm making sure things that I own are in my name so when the divorce happens, there won't be any of that 50/50 crap. If it's in my name, I keep it. Simple enough right? And after hearing divorce rumors of Madonna and Guy Richie, it makes me even more certain that ifI get married I'm getting a pre-nup. There's $600,000,000 dollars at stake between them. Do you realize how much money that is? And there's a custody battle too. No way am I going that route. If you want me like that, then sign a pre-nup. Your love ain't worth that sort of battle.

I think love is great. But marriage? Eh...not so much.

LG Dare is Here!

I received my LG Dare yesterday and I've been playing with it ever since. It's quite an awesome phone. And the best part is, it's not trying to be like the iPhone. It just is something in itself. The camera on the back works great and there's even an option to make panoramic photos. The touch screen is also more easy to use than the iPhone's I think. I found it hard to type in my friend's iphones but the Dare has larger "keys" which means less mistakes when typing.

I could go on and on about the positives but I think I should do everyone some good and talk about the flaws. LG Dare has handwriting recognition much like a stylus. However, it's not that's responsive. I don't use it often because it takes me that much longer to write. The web browser isn't nearly as pretty as the iPhone's and while fast, just doesn't look that good. Luckily I'm not the type to go on the internet on my phone but for those that do, be aware. Also, the web email option really only works if you have AOL, yahoo, or Windows Live Mail. Other users, such as google are left with a generic mobile email application. But I guess it's expected seeing as how much google has invested in the iPhone. I remember there was a period when every new gmail update had to do with connectivity with the iPhone and new ways to access your mail from it. But aside from this experience I think the phone is quite awesome. And again, I don't see myself checking my mail from my phone every given minute because quite frankly, I don't want to be that connected with the world.



So that's a quick and dirty review of the LG Dare. If you want to try something new and you're on Verizon, definitely check it out. It's a quality phone that adds a slew of new features that have never been seen in the US, like slow-motion video. I really like it and it was fairly easy to make the switch to a touch screen phone. I give the LG Dare 37/40.

Getting a new look

I'm in the process of reformatting my blog. It's summertime so I figure I should update a few things. Check out the new music selection (including the autostart radio which I may turn off if people can't stand it), available from Micahceous FM. I also added a new video to the sidebar, namely the great Whitney Houston in her heyday. So stay tuned for new changes to Micahceous! And of course more random posts on all things awesome.

The Black Anima Closes

I've decided to stop updating http://theblackanima.blogspot.com. When I created this blog, race was heavily on my mind and determined to write about how I saw it since I encounter it practically everyday. However, I didn't follow through with it. Honestly, there just isn't enough for me to want to write on the topic and keep up with it on a somewhat regular basis. And on top of that, I found myself wanting to cross-post to http://ultramicah.blogspot.com. I will still be making posts related to race and posting them, however they will not be on The Black Anima. I don't plan to delete the blog though because who knows, I may revisit it in the future. In the meantime though, all future posts related to race will remain on http://ultramicah.blogspot.com. Please update your subscription and rss feeders accordingly.

Live bombs in Orlando

So this is scary. A bunch of half-million dollar homes were built in Orlando over a World War II bombing range. Over 100 bombs were found on school grounds, including live bombs. You can read the article here courtesy of cnn.

I have to blame the developer Lennar. The information was public knowledge. Even if the information wasn't readily available to buyers (because really, who checks to see if the land their future home is being built upon was a former bomb range?) the developer should have made this information available to potential buyers. I can only imagine the number of foreclosures that will come up as a result of this. It will no doubt affect our current fragile mortgage system.

McDonalds Iced Coffee

So I'm totally in love with McDonald's new ice coffee. I think they're ads have subliminal messages in them. After seeing them I was craving ice coffee. Check out the ad...



McDonalds made a brilliant ad. Don't you want coffee now? The clearly-not-American music, the small McDonalds branding, the way it appeals to on-the-go coffee drinkers...it's a smart ad. I don't think of McDonald's when I think of coffee but with its great price and great flavor, I can see why it's the place to be.

I had this a few times last summer. From what I understand, McDonalds tested it out in a few US markets including DC and I had an opportunity to try these charming coffees. Now they're nationwide and taking over the country, one sip at a time.

Why pay $3.20 for a grande at Starbucks when McDonald's cost $2.19 for a large? Furthermore, since it's summer and what a better way to quench your thirst and wake you up than with an iced coffee? Available in five flavors, Hazelnut, Vanilla, Caramel, Sugar-Free Vanilla and Regular. As the ad says, “a large cup of cool, creamy bliss for just $1.79." I think Starbucks better watch out for McDonalds.

Things I Can't Stand #7: LA Drivers

So I can't stand LA drivers. They're horrendous. I was leaving McDonald's on Santa Monica Blvd with my caramel iced coffee (future post on this forthcoming) and this girl driving a Honda while smoking and drinking coffee zoomed up behind me. She was going around 50 (and the speed limit is 35). And the heifer didn't look like she was going to slow down! She was completely tailgating me. Thank goodness I have a car with some power.

LA drivers are the worst. They drive while on their phones, stalling traffic (though this may change since today the hands-free law goes into effect), they drive in the fast lane in the 405 going 45 mph, and run red lights constantly. I have come so close to getting into accidents turning to go left at an intersection and someone on the other road runs a red light. LA drivers also are really antsy, despite the fact that they are really slow when it concerns themselves. As soon as the light turns green they'll honk. I'm convinced that people in LA never really learn how to drive. They just get a license and hop on the freeway. It's rather scary.

With all of this going on people wonder why I keep a bat in my car. Because LA drivers are crazy!

Review: Hulk Smash + The Happening

This past weekend I saw not one, but two movies: The Incredible Hulk & The Happening.


The Incredible Hulk was quite good. Not as good as Iron Man, but that's also because of the way the subject matter was handled. It wasn't as full of humor as Iron Man and rightly so. But action was pretty intense nonetheless. Edward Norton was a great choice for Bruce Banner. Liv Tyler was good too. I also really enjoyed the fact that they hinted at the possibility of at least 4 future films: Avengers, Iron Man 2, Hulk 2, and Captain America, for which at least 2 of these, Avengers and Captain America, are both definitely planned for a 2011 release.

I really like how Marvel Studios is handling its intellectual properties. They are creating quality films and translating comic book characters faithfully from the comics. Furthermore, they're placing in actors who are fairly established and it really helps to carry the films. And furthermore, they're creating a universe where we as movie-goers can go and see the same actors playing a signature role, crossing over across films. Honestly I can't wait for them to make a Marvel crossover film like the Onslaught Saga or House of M or the like.

I give the film 34/40.



The Happening wasn't too bad. The mass deaths sequences left me with my mouth open and with horror/wtf a la Hostel. There was a bit of confusion in the film though as to exactly what was happening. How did Mark Walberg know what to do? The film also had some quite humorous moments which I guess is good for this type of film. The film seemed like it was meant to be an eco-warning but it just came off as odd. I will give M. Night Shyamalan credit though for not following the mold with his characters. He brought in characters to the plot and did things with them that I didn't expect to happen.

I give it 22/40.

Undie Run

I forgot to add that the Thursday of finals (so two weeks ago) I participated in Undie Run at UCLA. My friend's frat was having a special event; their underwear was sponsored by Andrew Christian. It's his special Obama underwear with Obama's face on the front and 08 on the back. I'll have to admit that it's pretty uncomfortable underwear. But whatever, it was a good time and I had an opportunity to meet Andrew Christian. Some newscrews were on site and they recorded us for television. Here's the video. Do you see me?

I Survived a Japanese Gameshow

ABC has a new game show/reality tv show called "I Survived a Japanese Gameshow."

So offensive. I don't know if I should be mad at the ignorant Americans or the portrayal of japanese culture. I think it may be the latter. And do they have to pay that stereotypical Oriental music? (I use the term Oriental because it is that stereotypical.) I think the whole show is to portray the "Other" and show the weirdness from an American perspective. But this isn't that foreign of a topic either.

iPhone: not for women

So I just got wind of this: women dislike the iPhone. It's because it's very difficult to use the phone if a person has fingernails. Similar charges have been made for keyboards and touch-screen monitors but each of these have had workarounds in some way. You can read the LA Times article here.

They are even suggesting that Apple is misogynistic because they don't include a stylus and phone activation can only be achieved with electrical charges from the finger, something a fingernail cannot emit.

I'm not gonna lie though, it wouldn't surprise me if Apple was against women. Look at the boss, Steve jobs.


He's totally the type that isn't in touch with women. Does he look like he's been laid lately? No, I didn't think so. Sure he's married but that doesn't mean jack.

I'm Voting Republican

This is a funny little video that my friend forwarded to me. Hope you like!

New Resident Evil 5 trailer

So there's a new trailer of Resident Evil 5. Sorry, this is late, the trailer's been out for like a month now. Does it help the message? I don't know. There's a new black heroine though so that may help. But again, it's hard not to look at this trailer without wearing race goggles. I really think we have to wait until the finished product, but even then, it will be difficult. This article from 1up.com talks of the designer's intentions, but these creators are Japanese and even farther removed from the racism issue in the US. I just really hope that they do some research on these Africans and don't give into some stereotypes of Africans and have voodoo and people speaking click language. Otherwise I'll be a very angry black man. And you wouldn't like it when I'm angry.

Things I Can't Stand #6: People who say "I don't have time"

When someone says "I don't have time" i relation to things like hanging out, that bothers me. Why? Because people aren't being truthful in what they're saying. When someone says "I don't have time" what they are really saying is "it's not a priority." So why not just say that instead? it would be easier. Cause after all, there's nothing worse than having someone say "I don't have time" then seeing that same person at a bar later that night. So why get caught in a lie? It's like that saying "he/she is just not that into you." It's okay to say it. I think we, particularly as Americans, are afraid to say no. We're taught as youngsters that saying no is so rude that instead we fabricate lies. How many times have you lied instead of saying no?Honestly is the best policy and while the truth hurts, I think we as people are more accepting of the truth and forgivng than we are when we catch that same person in a lie.

So what's the lesson? Don't say "I don't have time." Say "it's not a priority" or words to that effect.

Parent slapped by son

Kind of a random video but I think it's funny how far the parent lets the child go. if the family was black, latin or asian, this wouldn't happen just because of the way that these parents discipline their children. Obviously one can't generalize but it's still interesting to compare parenting techniques nonetheless. This is why Dr. Phil is fun/horrible to watch. And of course, these people are also a special type of people because they choose to be on Dr. Phil.

Japan seeks trimmer citizens

I've been such a bad blogger. Sorry everyone! I was in finals for grad school which can be pretty tough. But now that it's summer I'll be able to get back to blogging. I have a couple of posts that I've been meaning to do so expect a barrage soon.

The first one is an article from Japan. Currently as a way to curb obesity people are being weighed at work and put on special programs. As a result, there's now some social stigma for being identified on the program. You can read the article at this link, courtesy of the International Herald Tribune. I think this would be great in America. That's a problem we face: Americans don't have shame anymore. I think we lost it somewhere in the 1970s/early 80s. Anyway, it's a good read.

Dog dies in street sweeper

This is actually quite side but here's a story on a dog that was sucked up into a street sweeper in the Bronx while his master was walking her. So sad!

The article is courtesy of the BBC. You can read the full article here.

So Daring

Verizon has officially announced the LG Dare!



source=engadget.com

Also, according to lgdare blog, it will come with a stylus, 3.2-megapixel camera that promises to adapt to low light, a built-in photo editing tool, plus the ability to upload the photos to a "social networking site". W00t!

Obie travel

Hey kids, want to go to Oberlin? Oberlin is hosting a program through a bed and breakfast for travel. Doesn't mean you'll get into Oberlin but there are some perks if you want to stay somewhere in Ohio and class isn't in session.

Read about it here

Darn those fuel prices

The rising fuel prices are really affecting travel. American Airlines is now charging for the 1st checked bag at $15. 2nd checked bag is $25 and $100 for additional bags. It is expected that more airlines will follow suit since American is doing it. In fact, here's a list of airlines and their additional charges.

It's really affecting travel. The Washington Post reports that travel in March was at its lowest since 1979. In addition to the high gas prices, gas stations are being forced to close down too because they can't afford the rent of the gas station and can't pay the gas companies like Exxon due to low profit margins. So not only is gas going up but it's going to be even harder to find a gas station.

"These soaring gas prices shouldn't sour our love affair with our vehicles," said Rich White, the [Car Care Council's] executive director. He added that the changes in driving behavior may be temporary. "It's going to take a lot for Americans to give up that freedom of mobility that they cherish," he said.

If Americans can't afford to drive, I think that's a sign that they're willing to change their habits.

I just want to know what the government is going to do. Our salaries aren't increasing with the higher prices of gas, food, and everything else that depends on oil. If something doesn't happen we can see the collapse of our economy. After all, if people can't afford to go shopping or afford the things to shop, then our economy stagnates.

When are we going to make the change? Airlines are screwed; the airline industry has never been self-sustainable. Where's the announcements of different modes of transportation being introduced or expansion of current models? I hear all this talk about new car technology, but what a cheaper sustainable option? I have not heard anything about trains. I just don't understand why we as Americans are so hesitant of using trains, especially since now the technology is available for fast cross country travel. We don't use locomotives anymore; we have Maglev. We have bullet trains. America needs a policy of updating its tracks (which haven't been updated in most of the country since the 1930s) and making the transition. Gas prices aren't getting any cheaper and won't. The days of $1.49 a gallon are long gone. So is $2.99 a gallon. We need answers. We need results. We need change.