evanroberts.com

Uh…

A Croatia lumberjack claims he started ‘enjoying housework and knitting’ after he was given a female kidney..

Stjepan Lizacic, 56, from Osijek, is suing his local health authority because he says he’s become a laughing stock.

He says his life changed from enjoying heavy drinking sessions with pals to prefering housework after the operation.

He told local newspaper 24sata: “The kidney transplant saved my life, but they never warned me about the side effects.

“I have developed a strange passion for female jobs like ironing, sewing, washing dishes, sorting clothes in wardrobes and even knitting.”

He pointed out that before the kidney transplant he would not have been seen dead doing the housework, and expected his wife to do it all, but now found it both relaxing and fulfilling.

He said: “My wife is the only one that is pleased. I do most of the housework now, and I blame the hospital that transplanted me the kidney of a 50-year-old woman instead of a man’s kidney.”

His wife Radmila added: “If the new femine side to him is confined to housework I am very happy, I only hope he doesn’t start looking at other men.”

- source -

…I don’t know what to say…

This morning, I checked out CNN.com as I often do when I want to have a laugh as to what qualifies as “news” down in the United States. Their form of news usually borders upon sensationalism, which is most evident when watching CNN on TV; they always have to be reporting about something, and most of their stories are given the “Hollywood” treatment. Still, CNN is leaps and bounds better than Fox News… but really… ANYTHING is better than Fox News.

Anyway, I stumbled upon this article. While I can’t give CNN the credit for writing it, as they’re just regurgitating stories from the Associated Press, I can give CNN credit for making it one of their headlines. Talk about appealing to the average couch potato:

Snack lovers, rejoice: Munching on potato chips just got a little healthier.

Four food manufacturers agreed to reduce levels of a cancer-causing chemical in their potato chips and french fries under a settlement announced Friday by the state attorney general’s office.

California sued H.J. Heinz Co., Frito-Lay, Kettle Foods Inc., and Lance Inc. in 2005, alleging they violated a state requirement that companies post warning labels on products with carcinogens.

The companies avoided trial by agreeing to pay a combined $3 million in fines and reduce the levels of acrylamide in their products over three years, officials said.

“Other companies should follow this lead,” Attorney General Jerry Brown said, calling the settlement “a victory for public health.”

- click here to read the rest of the article -

I love the quote from Attorney General Jerry Brown regarding the settlement. You know what would be an even greater victory for public health? NOT EATING POTATO CHIPS AND OTHER FRIED FOODS.

I will admit, I do have potato chips once in a blue moon, but the aftertaste is usually what reminds me why I don’t eat them more often… other than the fact that I feel like crap afterwards. My tastebuds may initially say “Yay! Potato chips!”, but it is my gut and the rest of my body that later say “Why the HELL did you put us through that torture!?”.

Back in January of this year, the BBC had an interesting article listing key events of how the price of crude oil per barrel has increased from a few dollars back in the 1970s, all the way up to $100 per barrel:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7083015.stm

This past Friday, the price of crude oil was $139 per barrel. WTF. I don’t drive, so I’m not hit by these prices (I do offer to help pay for gas for those who offer me rides, though), but it really makes me wonder how people can afford to keep using their cars.

I also find it funny how Dubya is now trying to reverse a ban on offshore drilling in an attempt to deal with the high prices Americans, and the rest of the world, face at the pumps:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7460767.stm

He calls the ban “outdated and counter-productive”. Hmmm. You know what is outdated? The constant meddling of the United States government in the affairs of foreign countries, especially in the Middle East. You know what is counter-productive? The Bush Administration and the conflicts they have started around the world, mostly in the Middle East.

Oh, and let’s not forget McCain, the rising Republican star. He is for offshore drilling (surprise!), but is also trying to reign in the environmentalists to his side by pledging a goal of 45 new nuclear reactors by 2030:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/19/us/politics/19nuke.html

What is it with politicians setting goals, especially during campaign times, that far exceed the term of office they are seeking? At best, McCain (God forbid) could serve an eight year stint in the White House. Quick math puts that up until 2016. Not 2030. So… why is this a goal HE is setting? Chances are, he won’t live to see 2030 in the first place, considering he is 71. He is setting a goal of 45 nuclear reactors to be built within the next 22 years to deal with the energy crisis we’re dealing with today!? Read that again: 22 years from NOW. What kind of a pledge is that? I seriously hope American voters don’t fall for this. Lofty goals like this are only used to grab more votes, and the last thing the Republican party deserves are more votes in their favour.

Anyway, that’s enough ranting for one post. 

Haha…

There is good news and bad news for President George W. Bush as he pursues his valedictory tour of Europe this week, according to a new worldwide study by the Pew Global Attitudes Project.

On the one hand, the image of the United States has improved slightly in many countries over the past year. On the other, the new optimism appears to be driven largely by the fact that Bush will soon be leaving office.

- source -

Personally, I really REALLY hope that Obama is elected. Not only would having a black President be a great thing to help end the continuing racial issues we’re always hearing about on the news, but the last thing the world needs right now is another four year stint with the Republicans in charge. Best to have the Democrats in power so they can clean up the mess left behind by the Bush administration before the Republicans can fuck things up further.

Come on America! Be smart! Vote Democrat!