Here you will find my latest theories, commentaries, complaints, words of wisdom, practical tips, satires, epiphanies, conspiracies, and random thoughts. Feel free to respond with your comments at charles@crackhousemonkey.com.
It's been a long time since I've posted anything. First, I just moved back to my apartment in SLO. The cable modem wasn't working so I had trouble getting online the past two weeks. Ever since the terrorist attacks, it has been hard to say something on the lighter side. The events were horrific and America is slowly healing its wounds. Things might not be back to normal for a while if ever. Charlesisms will continue.
posted by Charles Wang 3:18 PM | 0 comments
A few days ago I watched an all news channel having viewer comments. One viewer called in to say that people in California weren't sad enough for the events that occurred on September 11. It made me a little angry that he would say something like that. After thinking about it for a while, he might be right. Californians are sad about the event without a doubt. It seems that they are not as sad as the people in New York. Why is this? Is it because people here are more superficial? Is it because people here care less about others? Is it because people here are so self-absorbed that they have no clue what is happening to the world around them? No, I don't think it is any of these. This tragedy hasn't hit home for people on the west coast. We don't have buildings like the World Trade Centers that are symbols of freedom. For me, I have never seen the World Trade Center. I've never looked up at a 110-story building. I never had the chance to bask in its glory. Maybe 3000 miles and four time zones do make a difference. It's the same for disasters that we have in California. The east coast doesn't understand the devastation of an earthquake. They may see it on television and see how people are hurt and injured. They might send donations and try to help, but they don't truly understand what it is like. They don't know what it feels like to be afraid of any little shaking for the few months following an earthquake. Even a truck passing by causing the ground to shake will make someone scared. When it seems that we are insensitive at this time, we are truly lost and confused people who don't understand.
posted by Charles Wang 11:59 PM | 0 comments
On September 11. 2001, the United States of America suffered one of the greatest tragedies on American soil. Terrorists hijacked planes and crashed them into the World Trade Centers in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.. Thousands are believed to be dead. Many Americans are shocked that such an event can happen here. In the midst of tragedy, Americans have come together more than ever before. People have started to comfort one another, people donate blood at blood banks, and donations are being made to the Red Cross and Salvation Army.
For an entire day, we were glued to the television screen. My parents woke me up at around 6:45am. They said the United States has been attacked. I saw the devastation on the people's faces. It was a surreal feeling. It was almost like watching a model airplane crashing into a model building except this was for real. I am not scared of this event. I am sad and angry. Most of all, I feel sick. I feel sick that people would actually do this. I feel sick because of the hate in this world. I feel sick that wherever we turn, we will see this tragic event. My prayers go out to anyone, which is everyone, affected by this tragedy. We should and will never forget what has happened.
posted by Charles Wang 10:09 PM | 0 comments
In current events, President George W. Bush recently talked with President Vincente Fox of Mexico about the border problem. It is well known that many Mexicans have crossed over the border as illegal aliens. This has been an especially big problem in California and Texas. Americans do not like this because they think their jobs are in danger because of these people crossing over illegally and taking them. Although this might be true, I do not think this is the greatest problem. The bigger problem is from our neighbors from the north, Canada. Canadians have been crossing over for decades. Many have done it. Alex Trebek, Paul Shaffer, and Peter Jennings just to name a few. There are two main reasons for this. Have you ever tried to cross the American-Canadian border? It is so easy. You don't even need a passport. The second reason is because they can blend in so well. If no one told you they were Canadian, you might have never known. So don't blame Mexican for stealing our jobs. Blame the real troublemakers, Canadians.
posted by Charles Wang 11:34 PM | 0 comments
Santa Claus really does exist! There are two main reasons. First the world is spinning. Santa can travel in the opposite direction of the spin. This will give him more time to deliver the presents. Second, not all kids are nice. Like what the song says Santa "knows when you've been bad or good." Most kids are not nice. A good 99.99998% of the kids have done something bad during the year. They do not deserve to get presents. Santa probably only has about 7 houses to deliver presents to on Christmas Eve. Santa, of course, has his super flying reindeer and sled. The elves only have to make about 7 toys. Elves are not very hard working. What does Santa do for the rest of the year? He's out in public all the time. You probably have seen him disguised in his civilian clothing.
posted by Charles Wang 11:25 PM | 0 comments
Borrowing in subtraction is no borrowing at all. It's stealing.
posted by Charles Wang 9:46 PM | 0 comments
Today, I will do something that is odd for me. I will recommend a book. Many may know I don't like to read. Yesterday while at the bookstore, I noticed a book by one of my favorite authors that I have never seen before. The book is call Uncle Shelby's ABZ Book by Shel Silverstein. Shel Silverstein is the author of many children's classics like A Light in the Attic, The Missing Piece, and my favorite The Giving Tree. This may be his funniest book by far. I cannot recommend this book for children but adults will get a kick out of it. This is one of his lesser know titles. If you ever happen to stumble across it, do pick it up. It is a short, quick read. I cannot give enough praise for this book. If you do happen to read it, please email me with your thoughts.
posted by Charles Wang 10:39 PM | 0 comments
This is a complaint about the letter "y." People have given it too much credit by giving it consonant and vowel status. For me there will always be five vowels: a, e, i, o, and u. "Y" cannot be on both sides. It's like playing basketball for both teams in the same game. It's not fair and shouldn't be allowed. I understand that "y" is needed sometimes. Words like "sky" or "fly" use "y" as their vowel since all words need vowels in them. Let's not let "y" be a vowel and call these words "special words." They don't have vowels in them but then again all rules in English are always broken. The alphabet should be divided with a thick black line. Let vowels be vowels and consonants be consonants. Let there be no mistake on which side a letter should be.
posted by Charles Wang 9:58 PM | 0 comments