Thoughts on vegetarianism and vegans:

I've done a bit of reading about vegetarianism and veganism lately, and I must admit that I'm more than a bit curious about it. I have no interest in the ethical concerns regarding the farming of edible fauna. The way I see it, we're built to be omnivorous as evidenced in a number of ways. If I were interested in the ethics of cattle farming, I would instead be more inclined towards entomophagy than any of the various flavors of vegetarianism. No, my concern is that I'm no longer in my 20s, I'm overweight by more than 30 lbs., my cholesterol (especially my LDL) is high, my triglycerides are high, and I'm developing a burning desire to not die of heart disease at a young age like I've seen too many people do. At this point, if I do take the plunge, I would probably lean more towards lacto-ovo vegetarianism because of its reduced need for artificial supplements, more specifically, the issue of vitamins B₁₂ and D, and calcium. Also, I'm concerned about Omega-3 fatty acids, and would like more information on plant sources of DHA and EPA, which I currently consume in the form of fish oil tablets. Frankly, any input would be welcome.

Also, I fell off the caffeinated beverage wagon recently in the form of two Pepsi's. In my defense, it was in response to sleep deprivation of a particularly nasty sort, and those boosts kept me functioning that day. I've been determined since then, though, and I have not gotten another Pepsi since. It could've been worse. I could've gotten a Vault soda, but that tastes like rancid piss.

As a musical special, I'm posting a video of a mash-up for the first time ever. I wish I could claim credit for creating it, but I can't. The two songs are "Loser" by Beck and "Into Dust" by Mazzy Star. Damn, I wish I could've seen Mazzy Star live.

Thank you, Candace, and a deep, sincere apology to 1138:

One of the most difficult things to do is to admit fault. Thank you, Candace, for your part in getting me to admit that. When I see celebrities act insane, I often muse that every rich and famous person needs someone around them to keep them level-headed and to inform them when they're being an asshole. Though I am neither even remotely rich nor famous (the latter of which being a condition for which I am immensely grateful), in my real life, I have my family to tell me when I'm being an idiot.

1138, I have treated you extremely poorly and at times, I have allowed my considerable temper to get the better of me. I should have been as calm and measured as I usually try to be. I should have adhered to the concept of disagreeing without being disagreeable. I shouldn't have said a great number of the things I said to and about you. For this, I have no excuse because in most instances, I think excuses are bullshit, and this situation is a prime example of where an excuse would be bullshit. What I will say is that I was damned wrong, and you have my deepest apology and my promise to refrain from these types of petty attacks in the future. I insulted you deeply and repeatedly, and I dishonored myself in the process. For the first, I will not make that lapse in judgment again, and for the second, I will remember this and not make this mistake again.

This does not mean that I will not raise hell from time to time, because sometimes that is necessary to address problems. I cite my rants against Roy Moore and Ann Coulter as prime examples. I will, however, do my best to be fair and reasoned in my approach in such instances.