Go to Boomer's today! It's the last day they're offering all burgers for $2.49! I'm going to stockpile like it's the Cold War. Remember, it's also Fat Tuesday. God wants you to eat.
The Hunt for Cargo Pants
Scott has searched near and far for cargo pants and is now looking for your help.
"I can't find anything. I feel like the world's against me," Scott said.
He's been to Zumiez, Pac-Sun, Buckle, TJ Maxx, Ross, Abercrombie, Gap and Old Navy. He found some nice cargos at Abercrombie but they were $75 -- too pricey. Help a friend in need and please provide some shopping alternatives for Scott by leaving comments below. Scott thanks you for your efforts in advance.
Catholics Know How to Party
Reason #21 why I live in the wrong country (I'll come up with the other 20 reasons at a later date): Carnival.
I'm not talking about Girls Gone Wild Mardi Gras. I'm talking about Brazil's Carnival (the party starts Thursday). According to a Reuter's article, the Brazilian Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church urged party-goers to abstain from reckless sex, too much alcohol and violence during the country's Carnival celebrations. For those who lost score, Carnival is rooted in Paganism (correction amended, credit Nicole), and was later adopted by Christians. Brazil is the largest Catholic country in the world.
According to the article, "The government will hand out 25 million free condoms to promote safe sex during the several days of parties, revelry and parades. In northeastern Salvador, health officials will provide 'next-day pills,'..." Catholics are a "little lose" about the contraception restrictions these days. Pun intended.
Got Brave and Read Brave New World
Due to a dangerous combination of boredom and literary quality, I read Brave New World (a 200-page paperback) in fewer than 48 hours. I just finished it. Freakonomics, here I come.
Let the International Seaports Run Wild
Check the headlines: W. is defending a deal that would let a United Arab-Emirates company run major U.S. seaports, including New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, New Orleans, Miami and Philadelphia.
These specific U.S. seaports have been run by a British-based firm, but that firm was recently acquired by UAE-based Dubai Ports World for $6.8 billion.
"I don't understand why it's OK for a British company to operate our ports but not a company from the Middle East when we've already determined security is not an issue," W. said.
Before continuing, let's clarify that W. was not behind the deal. According to the AP, the deal was approved by the federal Committee on Foreign Investments (tisk, tisk) and W. was unaware of the deal before its approval.
The U.S. is not a stranger to foreign-owned ports. In L.A. alone, companies from China, Denmark, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan lease operations, according to CNN. Port security is the responsibility of the U.S. Coast Guard and the United States customs office, but the idea of Arab ownership is drawing security questions - and rightfully so.
Most Americans are timid about Arab-related economic ties as we see instability and corruption in the Middle East on a daily basis (although the UAE isn't usually a problem). And we don't need to step too far out of political correctness to say that most terrorist groups that target the U.S. are Arab-based. Bi-partisan leaders in Congress are drafting legislation to halt the acquisition, but W. says he'll veto.
I'll end on a humorous note. Take are a gander at this NY Times article about W's recent alternative energy campaign. According to the article, "...the Energy Department transferred $5 million over the weekend to the Midwest Research Institute, the contractor that operates the renewable energy lab, to restore all the jobs cut earlier this month due to budget shortfalls" - just before W.'s publicity visit yesterday. W., fire your PR people and give me a call.