Wednesday, December 31, 2008
My New Year's Eve 2009
In the heyday of his youth, the Blog used to dj New Year’s Eve parties; one night I dj’ed five hours in a row without a break (and for the curious, the spirits were served to me so I would not have to leave the deck). How times change. Tonight, in lieu of the 16th Street Mall festivities or the 11th and Lincoln Arby’s festivities (I wonder if the police are barking up the wrong tree; perhaps the gangs were dueling over the last roast beef sandwich instead of E-40), I took my son to Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo. What better way to remind one’s self of what 2008 represented than a trip to the Pachyderm House? Happy New Year to everyone!!!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Gone With the Wind
It was almost like the Wizard of Oz, but in this case, the Wizard of Odd, as hurricane-force wind gusts blew the entire city of Brighton into Kansas (and the eagle to Arkansas). No word on whether the city transformed from black-and-white to technicolor after the dislocation. Also no word as to whether The Dark Side of the Moon was playing in the background or what happened to the Judy Garland groupies. Kansas officials refuse to comment, but there are rumors that they are working around the clock to construct a wind-turbine to send Brighton back to Colorado (or some other state). Brighton residents were equally dismayed becuase they could no longer utter their favorite saying, "You're not in Kansas anymore."
Club Vinyl -- $20 Cover, Open Bar, and Free Shootings
Intersting details are arising from the investigation into the fatal shooting of five people outside Club Vinyl early Saturday morning. One, I discovered that the Arbys is actually open at 2 am. Two, the police and City Council are trying to place some blame on E-40, the rapper who performed that night, saying he tends to attract rival gangs. How do they know this? Did they conduct a study of all the venues he has played? Three, E-40’s moniker refers to the fact he is 41 (presumably he came up with it when he was 40; in which case it should now be E-41). The “E” apparently refers to his first name, Earl. Certainly one thing we should blame this guy for is his lame rap moniker. No one gets it. WD-40 would have been a better choice. Or even French Vanilla Ice.
This is what the soon-to-be-defunct Rocky had to say:
The rapper, originally from Vallejo, Calif., is 41 and on his MySpace page, boasts he's a "rap innovator, a business-savvy tycoon and one of the music industries most consistent success stories."
His raps are varied - a track called Earl urges youths not just to dream of being athletes or entertainers but to become lawyers as well.
However, he also raps about being a drug dealer and a pimp and has a track, Pole, as an homage to strippers.
Apparently his message encouraging law as a profession got lost in the translation. Or perhaps the shooters thought he was encouraging them to get to know the legal system and/or hire lawyers.
I will keep you posted regarding further developments.
This is what the soon-to-be-defunct Rocky had to say:
The rapper, originally from Vallejo, Calif., is 41 and on his MySpace page, boasts he's a "rap innovator, a business-savvy tycoon and one of the music industries most consistent success stories."
His raps are varied - a track called Earl urges youths not just to dream of being athletes or entertainers but to become lawyers as well.
However, he also raps about being a drug dealer and a pimp and has a track, Pole, as an homage to strippers.
Apparently his message encouraging law as a profession got lost in the translation. Or perhaps the shooters thought he was encouraging them to get to know the legal system and/or hire lawyers.
I will keep you posted regarding further developments.
I finally moved past . . .
. . . the stunning picture of Jennifer Aniston on the cover of GQ to actually read the article. It turns out she might have been the dumper in the initial break-up with John Mayer. And it is nothing to do with the fact that he is a playah. Apparently he likes to kiss and tell in his blog and that irked the very private Jen. But they are back together trying to sort these issues out. She had not heard any of his songs, including Your Body is a Wonderland (he was smart to keep the "your" nondescript), prior to meeting him. I guess she was living under a rock.
Did I tell you . . .
That LiLo is also loves Ladyhawke (not in the same sense that she loves Samantha Ronson; then again who knows). Here is what she had to say as she takes a break from recording her new album/hangin' in da clubs:
more music!!!!!!!!
i love this group.
i was actually searching on itunes not too long ago and was getting the album for "the black ghosts" and saw Ladyhawke on the same page. mixture of 80s pop/new wave and i'm pretty much obsessed with their entire vibe.
check out: my delirium, magic, and paris is burning.
whole record is dope but those are my personal favorites so far... hope to hear more from them!!
lots of love
LL
Monday, December 29, 2008
Abstinence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
From today's Washington Post:
Teenagers who pledge to remain virgins until marriage are just as likely to have premarital sex as those who do not promise abstinence and are significantly less likely to use condoms and other forms of birth control when they do, according to a study released today.
The new analysis of data from a large federal survey found that more than half of youths became sexually active before marriage regardless of whether they had taken a "virginity pledge," but that the percentage who took precautions against pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases was 10 points lower for pledgers than for non-pledgers.
"Taking a pledge doesn't seem to make any difference at all in any sexual behavior," said Janet E. Rosenbaum of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, whose report appears in the January issue of the journal Pediatrics. "But it does seem to make a difference in condom use and other forms of birth control that is quite striking."
Does this mean that The Jonas Brothers actually may be getting jiggy with it?
Teenagers who pledge to remain virgins until marriage are just as likely to have premarital sex as those who do not promise abstinence and are significantly less likely to use condoms and other forms of birth control when they do, according to a study released today.
The new analysis of data from a large federal survey found that more than half of youths became sexually active before marriage regardless of whether they had taken a "virginity pledge," but that the percentage who took precautions against pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases was 10 points lower for pledgers than for non-pledgers.
"Taking a pledge doesn't seem to make any difference at all in any sexual behavior," said Janet E. Rosenbaum of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, whose report appears in the January issue of the journal Pediatrics. "But it does seem to make a difference in condom use and other forms of birth control that is quite striking."
Does this mean that The Jonas Brothers actually may be getting jiggy with it?
Movies of the Year, Part I
This is going to take a while mainly because I have not seen many of the contenders. But I have one that I know will be near the top of the list, if not the top of the list – Slumdog Millionaire. Danny Boyle, the man who gave us Trainspotting, manages to morph into a Bollywood director. But the songs and the dancing get lost in transit. What does arrive is a movie that one could deem staggeringly linear but with many detours along the way. While it eschews many of the standard Bollywood elements it does capture its essence, a man and woman in love facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles with tragedy or joy being equally likely outcomes or perhaps even co-existent outcomes. The narrative style is original beyond compare, and the insight into the New India culture and the widening rich/poor gap, as well as the caste structure morphing into a mafia culture, are some of the many gems this movie so generously offers. And, oh yes, a song and dance finally arrives.
Tracks of the Year
Use Somebody, Kings of Leon: It took me a while, years, in fact, after seeing them open for R.E.M., to get them; but they got me with this song, and I suspect they reined in many others as well.
I'm Not Going to Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You, Black Kids: Hands down, the best song title of the year; this is the song The Cure hoped to craft to remain relevant, but their failure resigns them to the role of "influence."
My Delirium, Ladyhawke: She could have arguably occupied five spots in this list, but that would not make it fun, would it? Her delirium becomes my delirium.
Time to Pretend, MGMT: They probably could have taken the other five spots. This song is the one that introduced me to them, and it was the freshest, and most subtly retro, sound of the year.
Love In This Club, Usher featuring Lil Wayne – I saw Usher open for Janet a few years ago, and hated every song he did. That trend continued until this song. Totally incendiary.
Paper Planes, M.I.A. – This song kept resurrecting fueled by appearances on the Pineapple Express and Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack. Its distorted advocacy yielded to its Clash-like tunefulness.
Work, Kelly Rowland: A run-of-the-mill dance song until the Freemasons got their hands on it and transformed it into a floor-filler extraordinaire.
Great DJ/That's Not My Name, The Ting Tings: It is impossible for me to differentiate between these two songs that demonstrate the versatility of this one man/one woman band. Plus they made it on Yo Gabba Gabba.
I Will Possess Your Heart, Death Cab for Cutie: After following him on this epic eight minute voyage, you know he can possess anything. Haunting in the manner Disintegration was.
Carry Feelings, South Rakkas Crew – Gangster dancehall that's original; a rare feat indeed.
Disturbia, Rihanna: The hits keep rolling for the songstress whose future is so bright she needs an umbrella.
Forever, Chris Brown: He showed that he is more than Rihanna's boy toy. A worthy successor to JT.
Life in a Northern Town, Sugarland: They countrify an 80s classic and elicit even deeper hues from the song.
Miracle Cure, Blank & Jones: Any song featuring a member of New Order automatically makes this list.
Sentimental Heart, She & Him: Dare I say that Zooey does a better job than Scarlett at the actress/singer thing? OK, I said it.
4 Minutes, Madonna & Friends: I don't know how they did it; but they saved it; what it is, I don't know.
Epic Love Song, Does It Offend You, Yeah?: Simply epic.
Just for Tonight, One Night Only: Takes the 80s song template, perfects it, and destroys the template.
Wow, Kylie Minogue: A world without Kylie is a world without sun; glad to have her back.
Unusual You, Brit – I am not kidding about this one. Her wisdom and depth will surprise you.
Albums of the Year
Ladyhawke – Ladyhawke: A magical elixir that fuses Fleetwood Mac, Blondie, and a mid-20s artiste who has an incredibly keen insight on modern life coupled with infectious grooves.
MGMT – Oracular Spectacular: These guys from Brooklyn manage to do the impossible – unite Pink Floyd fans and dance mavens into contemplative whirling dervishes.
Cut Copy – In Ghost Colours : I saw them at the Larimer Lounge where they stole the show from The Black Kids; Depeche Mode without the pontification; not that I needed to be convinced, but the sinewy dancing of one of the women attending the concert sealed the deal; this band raptures and enraptures.
Hercules and Love Affair -- Hercules and Love Affair: An album where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Not sure what I mean by that, but when I know, I will let you know.
Kate Nash – Made of Bricks: Only a 2008 album in the US, but that is our reality. She rose to the top of the class of the wave of UK Sirens.
Florence and the Machines – I am not sure if their album has even been completed, but if it contains the two singles from 2008, it will be one of the albums of the decade.
Paul Weller, 22 Dreams: Over 30 years of music, touching virtually every genre; I don't know how he does it, but I am glad he continues doing it.
Rihanna, Good Girl Gone Bad: Six hits kept this album in the charts year round.
Vampire Weekend, Vampire Weekend: Not necessarily my cup of tea genre-wise, but a very accomplished debut, and they do hail from one of my alma maters.
Sigur Ros, Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust: Move past the Icelandic lyrics you can never hope to understand and focus on the magical, mystical sounds.
The Ting Tings, We Started Nothing: Their album's sound is all the more amazing considering it is just a duo.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Is Circus this decade’s Sgt. Pepper?
The rave reviews keep pouring in for Circus, Brit's epic new album. Here is what famed singer and music connoisseur, Lindsay Lohan, had to say:
i feel like Britney Spears is an amazing talent, and she has gone through a lot, (just as i have) in the public eye.. which is not necessarily a bad thing.. It teaches young girls and boys that there are certain things in life that you should not let get in the way of your dreams and accomplishments. also that you need to take care of yourself before anyone else, and i mean anyone and everyone else. because at the end of the day, you have to look at yourself in the mirror and see who you really are. stripped of all the distractions in life. so YAY Britney for just being you and still following through with your dreams. i know i am a bit late in writing about this record since it came out already, but better late than never!!!! :)
She recommends:
check out:
unusual you
phonography
if you seek amy-look at the title and listen to the chorus carefully ;)
shattered glass
blur
I did not look at the title and listen to the chorus, or the song, so I am not sure what the big discovery is.
Here is another review, from K Fed:
Brit's new album is the jam on my toast. I like to listen to muzak versions of the songs and create my own lyrics and dance moves. So buy the album now so I can get more alimony!
OK, I made that last review up.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Congrats to Gonzaga
Congratulations to Gonzaga for playing such a tight exhibition game against the Portland Trailblazers. They kept it close and lost by only seven points, 77-70. It was gutsy of them to schedule a NBA team exhibition during their season. Oh, wait. They did not play the NBA Portland team. They played Portland State, a Big Sky team. Not heard much about them? Well that could be due to the fact that they only reinstated basketball in 1997 and have never beaten a ranked team besides the Zags. To their credit, Portland St. did give the powerhouse MEAC team, Hampton, a run for their money until falling in overtime. Looks like a long drop from No. 4 for the Zags.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Breaking News . . .
. . . from MTV.
Lauren and Heidi take the first step to a possible reconciliation in Hills Season Ten by talking. They both miss each other but can't take the steps to fully bridge the gap.
And the next Real World will be in Brooklyn. And one of the cast members is Mormon. I can't wait.
Lauren and Heidi take the first step to a possible reconciliation in Hills Season Ten by talking. They both miss each other but can't take the steps to fully bridge the gap.
And the next Real World will be in Brooklyn. And one of the cast members is Mormon. I can't wait.
The Greenest Band
Kudos to The Pussycat Dolls. I was just watching them on The Hills Aftershow and they are by far the band that goes the extra mile for conservation by using the minimum amount possible for their outfits. They also help conserve energy for sound systems by lip synching.
The Heated Bidding
For those of you waiting by the edge of your seat to find out what the final bid will be on Scarlett's mucus -- with six hours left -- the bidding stands at $4050.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Invesco Needs a Roof
I was at the coldest game ever at Invesco, and all I can ask is why me? I don’t like either the Bills or Broncos but I was appreciative of my friend’s offer to attend the game. Of course, I accepted the offer two weeks ago when I would not have suspected the arctic tundra I would face. We were supposed to eat lunch at a bar before the game, but it was closed so we headed to the stadium. As a result we were there in Section 537, Row 27, one hour before the game started. Luckily we were on the sunny side, but since it was the winter solstice this was the sun at its weakest. Once halftime rolled around, the cold was penetrating all my lines of defense (much like the Bills offense did in the second half to the Broncos lines of defense). In the third quarter, while intrigued by the Bills suddenly turning into the 60s Green Bay Packers, I was hoping one team would get far ahead enough that we could leave early. By the 4th quarter, I realized that I would not be so lucky so I headed to the Men’s Room. It was heavenly; one of the few places in Invesco, particularly on the 5th level with heat. At that point I wished the Men’s Room was like the Ladies Room in plush hotels (not that I have ever been in one) where they have a lounge area. I would have gladly lounged in the Men’s Room for the rest of the game. But I went back and endured the long 4th quarter that comes with both teams passing in a tight game. Finally Stokley drops the desperation 4th down pass in the end zone and we can begin the long trek back to the car. The return of my extremities to a normal temperature would take much longer.
I think the time has come for a roof over Invesco. Given the Broncos woeful record at home we can throw out the notion that the natural elements given them some sort of advantage. Either put in a roof or don't stop the clock for anything.
I think the time has come for a roof over Invesco. Given the Broncos woeful record at home we can throw out the notion that the natural elements given them some sort of advantage. Either put in a roof or don't stop the clock for anything.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
For Those Who Love, Have Ever Loved, Or Hope to Love Again
This is what it is all about. Of course, I had to use The OC as the soundtrack. WARNING: There is a Strip Scrabble scene in the video.
I just want to see you
When you’re all alone
I just want to catch you if I can
I just want to be there
When the morning light explodes
On your face it radiates
I can’t escape
I love you till the end
I just want to tell you nothing
You don’t want to hear
All I want is for you to say
Why don’t you just take me
Where I’ve never been before
I know you want to hear me
Catch my breath
I love you till the end
I just want to be there
When were caught in the rain
I just want to see you laugh not cry
I just want to feel you
When the night puts on its cloak
I’m lost for words don’t tell me
All I can say
I love you till the end
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Scarlett's Snot is Priceless
I was watching the Tonight Show and Scarlett Johannson was on promoting The Spirit. She had a cold which she claims she got from Samuel Jackson and she said she kind of felt like it was valuable -- a celebrity cold. So Jay suggested she blow her nose into a Kleenex and they would put it on eBay. Said blowing resulted not only in a deposit of a lot of snot (her words), but also on lipstick. It is currently on eBay and the current high bid is $1025.
This is the eBay description:
During her 12/17/08 appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Scarlett Johansson blamed her cold on The Spirit co-star Samuel L. Jackson, saying she caught it from him. She believed that for this reason her cold had some "value." During her appearance on The Tonight Show, she blew her nose into a tissue provided by Jay Leno. All proceeds of this sale will benefit USA Harvest, the charity of Scarlett Johansson's choice.
Best.Stocking.Stuffer.Ever.
In the ultimate example of an advertising campaign that's ripe for the internet, Burger King Holdings (NYSE: BKC) started selling Flame, a $3.99 perfume for men that smells like -- wait for it -- a flame-broiled hamburger. And an informal Boston Herald survey reveals that the scent of a burger appeals to some people.
Burger King, which sells Flame through Rickey's, a New York City retailer, and at firemeetsdesire.com, bills Flame as "a new men's body spray: the scent of seduction with a hint of flame-broiled meat." Unbelievably, some who have sniffed this concoction find it appealing.
But wouldn't it just be easier to take your date to Burger King? I guess the fear there is that she may jump the counter and attack the Whopper chef.
Burger King, which sells Flame through Rickey's, a New York City retailer, and at firemeetsdesire.com, bills Flame as "a new men's body spray: the scent of seduction with a hint of flame-broiled meat." Unbelievably, some who have sniffed this concoction find it appealing.
But wouldn't it just be easier to take your date to Burger King? I guess the fear there is that she may jump the counter and attack the Whopper chef.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The Golden Fox Returns II
The documentary is perhaps one of the most powerful and riveting methods of communicating social, political and/or historical messages. Consider The Civil War by Ken Burns, Michael Moore’s missives, or Hearts and Minds, on the Vietnam War. I had the opportunity to watch such a consciousness-raising and attitude-altering documentary --- Britney: For the Record. I was one of the many that had written off Brit at the start of the year after the incident at her house, the Dr. Phil intervention, and dating that photographer. But the documentary showed a Britney revitalized in spirit and body, but at the same time still vulnerable. We see her doing what she does best: dancing, shopping, and running from the paparazzi. But she also revealed some of her inner fears. Instead of disgust, it made me want to give her a big hug and tell her everything will be ok. And it will be. The appearance at the Madonna concert, her new album, and stunning videos demonstrate unequivocally that the Brit is back; and what a better world it is because of that. It would be a crime if Britney: For the Record fails to win the Oscar for Best Documentary.
The Golden Fox Returns I
I was returning to Denver Thanksgiving Sunday on a flight from Indianapolis when, lo and behold, who do I run into at the terminal – The Golden Fox. Admittedly she did look a bit lost as DIA is nothing like the GV. But other than that she looked her sporty self with a Victroinox windbreaker (I wonder if she has the matching luggage) and being the devoted student of the law that she is – a law textbook and a study outline. While many of us would plunge into the latest best seller, she was reading case law. Let me just say I was brimming with pride. It almost made up for the fact that she had blown me off for much of the semester failing to stay in contact unlike the other interns, and not providing any good fodder for the Blog. She has promised to “hang” over winter break so maybe we can get some stories out of that. By the way, this is the second time I have bumped into her in a location filled with thousands of people. The last time was at Coors Field where she was being squired by that guy who flew her down to Belize (which apparently is the new hot spot – so we will give her some trend points for that one).
Sunday, December 14, 2008
A Run for Hope
This morning I stood out for about 90 minutes in zero degree weather (with the wind it felt like -18 degrees). Why? I was manning a water stand for 100 runners participating in the Shell’s Bells Run to Recovery. It was in honor of one of the assistants at my son’s school, Shelly.
Early in 2008, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. A couple surgeries and rounds of chemo later, she has found herself at MD Anderson in a clinical research trial - experimental treatment not covered by insurance. The treatment alone has an estimated cost of $75,000 over the next 3 months. So her family and friends organized this run to raise money for the treatment. Unfortunately they missed the warm weather by a day, but that did not deter the participants and volunteers. And Shelly showed up as well; a shell of her former self, but still with a fighting spirit.
For those who think our health care system is adequate; it is. It is adequate if you never have cancer, a heart attack, MS, birth defects, disabilities. But if you have a serious disease, or God forbid, a rare disease (Shelly has an extremely rare form of ovarian cancer), the right to life, the right to keep fighting for your life, comes at an unfathomable cost. Today’s run probably will not cover the full cost of the treatment so Shelly and her family will likely have to continue to find other sources. So as their beloved fights for her life, her family’s ability to console and support has to be balanced by their ability to fundraise.
So next time you think about substantive reform to our health care system, think what if I was faced with finding hundreds of thousands of dollars to give a loved one a chance to live. There surely must be a better way; but only if we dare.
Early in 2008, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. A couple surgeries and rounds of chemo later, she has found herself at MD Anderson in a clinical research trial - experimental treatment not covered by insurance. The treatment alone has an estimated cost of $75,000 over the next 3 months. So her family and friends organized this run to raise money for the treatment. Unfortunately they missed the warm weather by a day, but that did not deter the participants and volunteers. And Shelly showed up as well; a shell of her former self, but still with a fighting spirit.
For those who think our health care system is adequate; it is. It is adequate if you never have cancer, a heart attack, MS, birth defects, disabilities. But if you have a serious disease, or God forbid, a rare disease (Shelly has an extremely rare form of ovarian cancer), the right to life, the right to keep fighting for your life, comes at an unfathomable cost. Today’s run probably will not cover the full cost of the treatment so Shelly and her family will likely have to continue to find other sources. So as their beloved fights for her life, her family’s ability to console and support has to be balanced by their ability to fundraise.
So next time you think about substantive reform to our health care system, think what if I was faced with finding hundreds of thousands of dollars to give a loved one a chance to live. There surely must be a better way; but only if we dare.
Friday, December 12, 2008
The Lankan Little Prince
In honor of my 200th post, I thought I would finally clue you in as to the title of my blog (yes, I am sure you have been anxiously waiting on the edge of your seat for this one). But first a trip back to my high school years (yes, I am a brave soul). In high school, I was told that I am like two characters in literature. Normally I would brush such things off especially since one of the people making the comparison was my AP English teacher who used to like to imbibe during the day and at one point asked me to handle the grading of some of her classes (but I do digress). As you can probably surmise, one of the characters was The Little Prince, hence the Lankan Little Prince since I am from Lanka. For those of you who have not read this classic nugget of literature, it was penned by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Here is a brief analysis from a critic on the character of The Little Prince:
The Little Prince is the main character and protagonist of the novel. The book is the story of his search for answers about what is important in life. The Little Prince has always lived on a distant star, Asteroid B-612. One day a new flower grows up on his planet. He finds the plant to be lovely and believes it is one of a kind in the universe; as a result, he believes himself to be a rich man, the owner of a unique and valuable treasure. He nurtures and cares for the flower, making sure that no harm comes to it. Unfortunately, the flower also believes herself to be beautiful and unique. Because of her vanity, she exaggerates about herself more and more. Finally, the Little Prince can stand her bragging no more. He decides to leave his star to get away from the flower and to travel to various planets, seeking the answers to life.
Before he arrives on earth, the Little Prince visits five planets. On each of them he learns a new lesson. For example, from the switchman he learns that it is crazy to rush forward through life, never happy with the place where one finds himself. From the businessman, he learns that most wealthy people are too busy counting their assets to appreciate and enjoy life. From the geographer, he learns that facts and figures often hide the real meaning of life.
Finally, the Prince reaches planet Earth and finds himself in a desert. The first creature he meets is a snake, who promises that he can send the Little Prince back to his star when he is ready. The Prince never forgets the snake’s promise and later returns to the creature to seek his assistance. The Little Prince then meets a fox who teaches him the most important lesson of all: one cannot really see with one’s eye; instead one must feel with one’s heart in order to understand the true meaning of things. Because of the fox, the Little Prince begins to understand the he really loves his flower and needs to return to his star to take care of her.
Next the Little Prince meets the narrator, whose airplane has crashed in the desert. The two of them become friends, and the Little Prince tells him about his travels to the other planets and what he has learned from each of them. He also tells him what he has learned from the fox. The narrator is charmed by the Little Prince because of his sincerity, truthfulness, and child-like innocence and purity. He feels that the Prince has actually “tamed” him, just as the Prince tamed the fox. When he realizes that the Little Prince is going home, the narrator is greatly saddened, knowing he will miss his friend.
Before the Prince is bitten by the snake and returns to his star, he gives the narrator one last direction. He tells him to look up at the stars and imagine them laughing; then he is to think about the Little Prince and their friendship.
I will leave it for you to decide the aptness of the comparison. As for the other character, I will save that for my 250th post.
The Little Prince is the main character and protagonist of the novel. The book is the story of his search for answers about what is important in life. The Little Prince has always lived on a distant star, Asteroid B-612. One day a new flower grows up on his planet. He finds the plant to be lovely and believes it is one of a kind in the universe; as a result, he believes himself to be a rich man, the owner of a unique and valuable treasure. He nurtures and cares for the flower, making sure that no harm comes to it. Unfortunately, the flower also believes herself to be beautiful and unique. Because of her vanity, she exaggerates about herself more and more. Finally, the Little Prince can stand her bragging no more. He decides to leave his star to get away from the flower and to travel to various planets, seeking the answers to life.
Before he arrives on earth, the Little Prince visits five planets. On each of them he learns a new lesson. For example, from the switchman he learns that it is crazy to rush forward through life, never happy with the place where one finds himself. From the businessman, he learns that most wealthy people are too busy counting their assets to appreciate and enjoy life. From the geographer, he learns that facts and figures often hide the real meaning of life.
Finally, the Prince reaches planet Earth and finds himself in a desert. The first creature he meets is a snake, who promises that he can send the Little Prince back to his star when he is ready. The Prince never forgets the snake’s promise and later returns to the creature to seek his assistance. The Little Prince then meets a fox who teaches him the most important lesson of all: one cannot really see with one’s eye; instead one must feel with one’s heart in order to understand the true meaning of things. Because of the fox, the Little Prince begins to understand the he really loves his flower and needs to return to his star to take care of her.
Next the Little Prince meets the narrator, whose airplane has crashed in the desert. The two of them become friends, and the Little Prince tells him about his travels to the other planets and what he has learned from each of them. He also tells him what he has learned from the fox. The narrator is charmed by the Little Prince because of his sincerity, truthfulness, and child-like innocence and purity. He feels that the Prince has actually “tamed” him, just as the Prince tamed the fox. When he realizes that the Little Prince is going home, the narrator is greatly saddened, knowing he will miss his friend.
Before the Prince is bitten by the snake and returns to his star, he gives the narrator one last direction. He tells him to look up at the stars and imagine them laughing; then he is to think about the Little Prince and their friendship.
I will leave it for you to decide the aptness of the comparison. As for the other character, I will save that for my 250th post.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The Cutting Edge
As you know, the Blog likes to keep its readers ahead of the curve on the latest style trends. The accompanying picture demonstrates what is sure to be the hottest hairstyle for 2009 and beyond. It is a type of faux mohawk/mullet hybrid so I will call it the “MulletHawk”. The best thing about it is its unisex nature, so ladies feel free to sport this trendy “do” as well.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
A Guest Blogger
I normally do not allow guest bloggers, but one of my colleagues, A Beautiful Disaster, is a huge fan of New Kids on the Block (“NKOTB”) and wanted to share her review of their Friday night concert with the blogging world. While I am not a NKOTB fan, I decided I should not stand in the way of them pursuing their musical dreams. So, without further ado, take it away A Beautiful Disaster:
Hi, everyone. I want to share the best night of my life with you. It was a cool Friday night; more like Indian summer than mid-November. I was a bit flummoxed that instead of playing the Broomfield Arts Center, NKOTB would actually be playing in the adjacent corn field. But I was not going to let anything ruin this experience. In fact, an outdoor concert on a nice November night may be even a more perfect place to see them. Heck, who I am kidding. I would see them anywhere, anytime. Thoughts raced through my head. What songs would they play? Would they still be tight (note: I do not mean their music and singing; I mean their butts)? Was Donnie able to stem the hair loss by joining the Hair Club for Men? Would Marky Mark make a surprise appearance? How about Jenny from the Block (J-Lo) so that they could have a dance-off to determine who ruled the Block? Is the Block literally a block or a figurative representation of our consciousness? I popped a Xanax to stop these racing thoughts. As soon as I did I regretted it because it may diminish my concert experience, so I downed three cans of Red Bull.
The first opening act is The Osmonds. I was momentarily psyched until I realized it was not the original Osmonds but their third cousins. Then the next act arrives; it is The Partridge Family on their reunion tour. But wait, where is David Cassidy or Susan Dey? How about Shirley Jones? What, no Reuben?!!! We do get a juiced Danny Bonaduce doing an extended riff from Chinese Democracy. I was really impressed until I saw he was just playing Guitar Hero on stage. And the two young ones are there – I always forget their names. All I know is that those were some of the best tambourine solos I ever heard.
Finally NKOTB!!!! Here they come! The stage goes black. Ooops, that was just me; I fainted with excitement. They open with all their hits. That takes five minutes. Then they play all the other stuff from their albums; that takes three hours. But the ten of us in the corn field are not complaining. The band looks great, but it is hard to tell as there is no lighting in the corn field and the stalks keeping swaying in the wind obscuring the band. The last song is a ballad and we all raise our lighters. Oh, no!!!! One lighter sets a corn stalk on fire. Now it is a full blown maize blaze. One of the flames engulfs the few remaining hairs on Donnie’s scalp. Tragedy!!! I better run before I get engulfed. That is it for now. Catch them on their tour if you can.
Hi, everyone. I want to share the best night of my life with you. It was a cool Friday night; more like Indian summer than mid-November. I was a bit flummoxed that instead of playing the Broomfield Arts Center, NKOTB would actually be playing in the adjacent corn field. But I was not going to let anything ruin this experience. In fact, an outdoor concert on a nice November night may be even a more perfect place to see them. Heck, who I am kidding. I would see them anywhere, anytime. Thoughts raced through my head. What songs would they play? Would they still be tight (note: I do not mean their music and singing; I mean their butts)? Was Donnie able to stem the hair loss by joining the Hair Club for Men? Would Marky Mark make a surprise appearance? How about Jenny from the Block (J-Lo) so that they could have a dance-off to determine who ruled the Block? Is the Block literally a block or a figurative representation of our consciousness? I popped a Xanax to stop these racing thoughts. As soon as I did I regretted it because it may diminish my concert experience, so I downed three cans of Red Bull.
The first opening act is The Osmonds. I was momentarily psyched until I realized it was not the original Osmonds but their third cousins. Then the next act arrives; it is The Partridge Family on their reunion tour. But wait, where is David Cassidy or Susan Dey? How about Shirley Jones? What, no Reuben?!!! We do get a juiced Danny Bonaduce doing an extended riff from Chinese Democracy. I was really impressed until I saw he was just playing Guitar Hero on stage. And the two young ones are there – I always forget their names. All I know is that those were some of the best tambourine solos I ever heard.
Finally NKOTB!!!! Here they come! The stage goes black. Ooops, that was just me; I fainted with excitement. They open with all their hits. That takes five minutes. Then they play all the other stuff from their albums; that takes three hours. But the ten of us in the corn field are not complaining. The band looks great, but it is hard to tell as there is no lighting in the corn field and the stalks keeping swaying in the wind obscuring the band. The last song is a ballad and we all raise our lighters. Oh, no!!!! One lighter sets a corn stalk on fire. Now it is a full blown maize blaze. One of the flames engulfs the few remaining hairs on Donnie’s scalp. Tragedy!!! I better run before I get engulfed. That is it for now. Catch them on their tour if you can.
Your music critic,
A Beautiful Disaster
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Don't Cry for Madonna
You would never think Madonna was in the throes of a nasty divorce by the way she looked and performed at the Pepsi Center tonight. She was the most energized person in a nearly sold-out crowd and that is saying a lot. Perhaps she has become inured to dying relationships or she has an uncanny ability to compartmentalize emotions. Whatever it is, she cemented her reputation as the best performer on Earth. There are acts who are both stellar musicians and stellar performers such as U2, but no one can match the magnificence that is a Madonna concert (and she does wield a nasty guitar). I saw her on The Ray of Light tour I guess nearly five years ago, and she only played one “oldie” then. Tonight, she played Get In the Groove, Borderline (perhaps the greatest reinvention of a song I have heard), La Isla Bonita (where the not-so-traditional flamenco was interspersed with an Ukrainian band which alternated between more traditional Ukrainian songs and Riverdance-esque jigs; and the band was led by 70+ year old fiddler), and Like a Prayer (which is now anthemic). The sets were gargantuan and featured a ramp (with a moving walkway) to a circular mini-stage that had a circular screen and its own lighting right above it). There were 4-5 mammoth screens on stage, a roving DJ booth with a stripper pole, and a vintage car that drove onto the mini-stage. There were also mobile video screens which featured images of Kanye, Pharell, Timba, and JT as if they were background singers. The show ran two hours and she showed up on time tonight. She never took a break, save for changing her outfits; hence no need for an encore. Lastly, she looked incredible, she looked about 15 years younger than her 50 years, she had amazing stamina (she jumped rope through one song), and the songs kept the crowd on the floor all night long. Quite simply – You Must Love Her.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
A Beautiful Disaster reveals her undying love for . . .
. . . Donnie Wahlberg. His noticeably receding hairline is of no concern to her. She cryptically mentioned something about doing a hair transplant with Elvis’ chest hair.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Someone should test this guy's competency . . .
. . . to be in Congress.
Republican Compares Obama to Hitler By BEN EVANS, AP
(Nov. 11) - A Republican congressman from Georgia said Monday he fears that President-elect Obama will establish a Gestapo-like security force to impose a Marxist dictatorship.
"It may sound a bit crazy and off base, but the thing is, he's the one who proposed this national security force," Rep. Paul Broun said of Obama in an interview Monday with The Associated Press. "I'm just trying to bring attention to the fact that we may — may not, I hope not — but we may have a problem with that type of philosophy of radical socialism or Marxism."
Republican Compares Obama to Hitler By BEN EVANS, AP
(Nov. 11) - A Republican congressman from Georgia said Monday he fears that President-elect Obama will establish a Gestapo-like security force to impose a Marxist dictatorship.
"It may sound a bit crazy and off base, but the thing is, he's the one who proposed this national security force," Rep. Paul Broun said of Obama in an interview Monday with The Associated Press. "I'm just trying to bring attention to the fact that we may — may not, I hope not — but we may have a problem with that type of philosophy of radical socialism or Marxism."
Madonna is in town . . .
. . . do you think ARod is as well? If not she will have to settle for Clint Hurdle (just kidding! I know he is a happily-married manager).
Distracted Disaster
A Beautiful Disaster's head has been in the clouds as her all-time fave band will be playing this Friday in a corn field, oops, I mean the Broomfield Arts Center. She said she will begin her vigil outside the Westminster Comfort Inn on Wednesday Night.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Your continuing source for the latest underwear developments
Not sure what market need is being met here; but without further adieu -- GPS underwear:
This product announcement has us searching for the proper quip that will offend as few as possible: GPS lingerie is on the market (at last!) for all those women who ... have a poor sense of direction?Yes, it's true, GPS lingerie has been introduced by Brazilian Lucia Lorio, who says her dainty garments are for the "modern, techno-savvy woman." This follows a great tradition of adding all sorts of odd technology to underwear.But, maybe these are really for insecure husbands and boyfriends who want to keep track of their gals? That's the argument raised by some women who say the new underwear amounts to nothing more than a modern-day chastity belt. (Question: Does adding a GPS unit to any item instantly make that item more ... GPSey? Discuss amongst yourselves.)Lorio says it isn't a chastity belt, since the wearer can turn off the device at any time – or simply keep the password to her GPS-tracking account a secret. In the end, a gimmick is a gimmick. At $800 to $1000 a set, we're going to suggest you stick with regular, cotton undies – and we'll stick with GPS for our cars, our pets, and maybe our kids. Of course, this doesn't stop us from putting a picture of a woman in lingerie on our Web site. Either way, do you think this GPS lingerie is sexy, or is it just a modern-day chastity belt? Or do you think this is just too silly? Before make your final judgment, please check out our gallery of other iffy tech-related clothing below, and let us know what you think. [From: BoingBoing.]
Friday, October 31, 2008
Great Halloween Costumes
There were some great costumes on the Today Show. For some reason I am unable to post the pictures, but here is the link. Check out slides 7, 10 and 11.
http://www.msnbc.com/modules/interactive.aspx?type=ss&launch=27472884,2&pg=7
http://www.msnbc.com/modules/interactive.aspx?type=ss&launch=27472884,2&pg=7
Thursday, October 30, 2008
No room in the manger, but plenty of space in the Hummer.
As you may know from reading The Blog, I have a colleague whose name is Mary, and her husband’s name is Joseph, and they coincidentally share many of the virtues of the original Mary and Joseph (actually it is no coincidence since those names are aliases). At any rate, Mary and Joseph are virtuous, kind, and generally live pretty austere lives (and they will become more austere next week when their sole mode of transportation becomes an ’86 Jeep). But tomorrow night, Mary and Joseph are letting some flash out as they will be doing a bar crawl in two 30-passenger Hummer limousines. These limos are so big I cannot even find a picture of one; the largest I have seen are the 25 passenger ones. They are so big that if one person at one end of the limo calls another person at the other end it is an interLATA call unless the terminating carrier is doing VNXX (telecom joke). This limo has eight bars, three TVs, two dance floors (one on the ceiling), but alas no KC & the Sunshine Band (who are coming to Denver next month). Mary is dressing as Little Red Riding Hood and suffice to say Ms. Hood has never rocked a ride so fly as this Hummer. As one who has cursed much smaller Hummer limos for taking up an entire non-curb lane on the road, you may want to consider avoiding the Colfax corridor tomorrow night (and, yes, I mean the entire Colfax corridor). So I just wanted to alert you in case you mistakenly thought when seeing the limos that the Palins are celebrating Halloween in Denver.Only in Vegas . . .
. . . could you vote and play slots in the same room. I guess both are a gamble with Obama being the jackpot.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
On Wednesday, Nov. 5th . . .
. . . Beautiful Disaster will recreate this scene in the Castle Rock kitchen of the ACME offices by waxing Elvis's chest hair. His chest may look like this:
Monday, October 27, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Today is Truly a Day of Enlightenment for Us All
From Details/CoEd:
A little trivia for you: The origins of the term “cougar” dates back to the 1980’s when members of the Vancouver Canucks used it in the locker room as a derogatory name for the team’s older groupies. But the concept has been around much longer.
Hot, tight-bodied older women have always fueled younger men’s sexual fantasies since our fathers were our age. (Just watch 1967’s The Graduate to see Dustin Hoffman seduced by pop-culture’s first cougar.) But now that every “The View”-watching wildcat is lusting after boy-toy ass, a new breed of sexed-up older ladies is upon us - and no man is safe.
A little trivia for you: The origins of the term “cougar” dates back to the 1980’s when members of the Vancouver Canucks used it in the locker room as a derogatory name for the team’s older groupies. But the concept has been around much longer.
Hot, tight-bodied older women have always fueled younger men’s sexual fantasies since our fathers were our age. (Just watch 1967’s The Graduate to see Dustin Hoffman seduced by pop-culture’s first cougar.) But now that every “The View”-watching wildcat is lusting after boy-toy ass, a new breed of sexed-up older ladies is upon us - and no man is safe.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
I Fear I May Have Picked the Wrong Career
I should be the person conducting this type of research:
The Come-Hither Voice
By Rachel Zelkowitz
ScienceNOW Daily News
8 October 2008
Forget the scent of a woman. Listen to her voice to find out if she's in the mood, researchers say.
Female animals produce a variety of cues to let males know they're fertile and looking to mate. For example, research on humans has shown that women's faces and scents become even more attractive to men as levels of a chemical called luteinizing hormone rise in women, and their ovarian follicles prepare to release an egg. Female lap dancers even appear to earn higher tips when ovulating (ScienceNOW, 5 October). In certain animals, such as cows and elephants, the females moo, bellow, and grunt more during ovulation. But no one had looked for a link between ovulation and women's voices.
Two researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, decided to examine the question by comparing voice recordings of women at different stages of the menstrual cycle. They enlisted 69 women between the ages of 18 and 39 who were not on birth control, and they used urine tests to analyze the woman's level of luteinizing hormone. The volunteers were recorded saying vowel sounds "eh-ee-ii-o-oo" and a sentence, "Hi, I am a student at UCLA" at the peak of ovulation and at the end of the reproductive cycle, just before the women began menstruating.
The researchers then analyzed the two samples for differences in traits such as pitch, speech rate, and scratchiness, or sound quality. On average, the women's voices were about 5 hz higher in pitch at the peak of ovulation than before menstruation. That's a small difference, so the researchers also played the recordings to a group of 15 men and women to see if humans could detect the difference. The listeners could distinguish the higher one 55% of the time, slightly better than chance, the researchers report today in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biology Letters.
The pitch difference occurred only when women uttered the sentence, not when they made the vowel sounds, the scientists note. Lead researcher Greg Bryant, an evolutionary psychologist, says this suggests the hormone surge doesn't alter the vocal chords; instead, it may play out on a more subliminal level. "It's motivating them to dress differently and walk differently," he says, citing previous research that showed women act in ways perceived as more feminine during ovulation. "It could be making them talk differently."
Ben Jones, a psychologist at the University of Aberdeen in the U.K. who has studied how changes in the reproductive cycle affect women's behavior, says the findings "fit nicely" with previous research on ovulation and female behavior. "The picture that's emerging is that all these factors work together to increase the likelihood of women having healthy kids," Jones says. That's because increasing one's femininity might prove more appealing to the most masculine--and thus healthiest--mates, he says.
The Come-Hither Voice
By Rachel Zelkowitz
ScienceNOW Daily News
8 October 2008
Forget the scent of a woman. Listen to her voice to find out if she's in the mood, researchers say.
Female animals produce a variety of cues to let males know they're fertile and looking to mate. For example, research on humans has shown that women's faces and scents become even more attractive to men as levels of a chemical called luteinizing hormone rise in women, and their ovarian follicles prepare to release an egg. Female lap dancers even appear to earn higher tips when ovulating (ScienceNOW, 5 October). In certain animals, such as cows and elephants, the females moo, bellow, and grunt more during ovulation. But no one had looked for a link between ovulation and women's voices.
Two researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, decided to examine the question by comparing voice recordings of women at different stages of the menstrual cycle. They enlisted 69 women between the ages of 18 and 39 who were not on birth control, and they used urine tests to analyze the woman's level of luteinizing hormone. The volunteers were recorded saying vowel sounds "eh-ee-ii-o-oo" and a sentence, "Hi, I am a student at UCLA" at the peak of ovulation and at the end of the reproductive cycle, just before the women began menstruating.
The researchers then analyzed the two samples for differences in traits such as pitch, speech rate, and scratchiness, or sound quality. On average, the women's voices were about 5 hz higher in pitch at the peak of ovulation than before menstruation. That's a small difference, so the researchers also played the recordings to a group of 15 men and women to see if humans could detect the difference. The listeners could distinguish the higher one 55% of the time, slightly better than chance, the researchers report today in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biology Letters.
The pitch difference occurred only when women uttered the sentence, not when they made the vowel sounds, the scientists note. Lead researcher Greg Bryant, an evolutionary psychologist, says this suggests the hormone surge doesn't alter the vocal chords; instead, it may play out on a more subliminal level. "It's motivating them to dress differently and walk differently," he says, citing previous research that showed women act in ways perceived as more feminine during ovulation. "It could be making them talk differently."
Ben Jones, a psychologist at the University of Aberdeen in the U.K. who has studied how changes in the reproductive cycle affect women's behavior, says the findings "fit nicely" with previous research on ovulation and female behavior. "The picture that's emerging is that all these factors work together to increase the likelihood of women having healthy kids," Jones says. That's because increasing one's femininity might prove more appealing to the most masculine--and thus healthiest--mates, he says.
If you want to keep updated about my blog
I know many of you view every minute that passes until you read my latest posting as precious moments forever lost, never to be regained. If you want to avoid losing those moments, just click on "Follow this Blog" on the right and follow the instructions. This will allow you to go back and dwell on the other things you have lost: your innocence, your virginity, your 401(k) . . .
An Innocent Man
A rash of false accusations has been taking place at the ACME Law Department and, unfortunately, most (ok, all) have been directed at yours truly. Admittedly I do have a history of being a prankster in the ACME offices such as placing a NKOTB poster in the cube of Beautiful Disaster, or putting a dirty Target bag in the otherwise immaculately clean office of Anderson Cooper, or sending flowers to a male co-worker with a note saying “Meet me in the lobby” and then racing down to see his reaction when no one showed up (but he played a trick on me so it was deserved). But in yesterday’s cases, the accusations were undeserved. First, someone left a package of beef ramen noodles on Penelope’s desk. Then, someone threw a half-filled Starbucks cup in RTD Rider’s recycling bin. And finally someone put a pink “Anderson” name tag on Anderson Cooper’s door. I, however, am blameless in all the incidents. In regard to the first one, I have not purchased, or otherwise had in my possession, ramen noodles of any kind since college over 20 years ago. Plus Penelope is a vegetarian, and has been for years, so it would be beyond belief (albeit highly amusing) if she chose to end that with the processed beef in beef ramen noodles. In regard to the Starbucks cup, yes, I am a Starbucks addict, and yes I do deposit my cups in Beautiful Disaster’s cube, but with her knowledge and consent (you see, they took away our trash cans and replaced them with recycling bins and you can’t put cups with liquid in the bins since the trash must be dry. BD, however, was aware of the stealth removal of the trash cans and hid hers so she is one of the lucky few who still have one. And lastly, I have not been near Anderson Cooper’s office in weeks. I have been cleared on one incident. Buckeye admitted that he took the ramen noodles from the kitchen and put in on Penelope’s desk. But the two other charges remain out there. Once the perps are apprehended, I expect a full, and public, apology from all who rendered false accusations against me.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Anticipating Our Every Need
Yes, the folks at Google are at it again -- staying one step ahead of the curve. Google has created a beta application that is akin to a breath tester in a car, i.e., your ignition is locked if your breath registers a BA % above a certain rate. In this case, if you sign up for the application and you attempt to send a Gmail between 10 pm and 4 am, you need to complete five math problems to be able to send an email. The intent is to preclude the sending of the email(s) you wrote in a drunken state which you regret the next morning. Back in the day, the risk was the 3am phone calls; many of my friends must have wished there was similar call impeding technology back then. The magic of those calls was that you actually had real-time conversations with the person you called; then again that person was usually half asleep.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Nature's Safe
I heard the news the other day that many people having been buying safes to secure their savings finding that banks are no longer worth the brick, mortar, wood, and drywall that constitutes their building. But one of my colleagues, let’s call her Corporate Bohemia since she has not picked a nickname yet, feels she has found an even more secure place – the bushes in front of her house. One morning CB had an early meeting and she was pulling out of her driveway when she discovered that she had her husband’s nephew’s girlfriend’s handbag in her car. Let’s call this person, Bonfemme. CB, not having time to stop the car, and run the bag inside, simply threw it in her front bushes. CB then proceeded to forget that fact for the rest of they day. Finally, her hubby called her in the evening and said that Bonfemme inquired about the whereabouts of her bag. Then CB remembered it was still in the front bushes. Now in fairness to CB, she reasonably suspected that said bag would not have much, if any, money in it. You see, while Bonfemme is intelligent and articulate, she is still searching for her career in life. For now, she is a caregiver for an autistic child and is primarily compensated by the free room and board offered by the child’s parents. But CB may be on to something. Thieves would look for a safe first in robbing a house. They would not likely check the front bushes for valuables. So perhaps the best “safe” is one of your front bushes (but watch for dogs that may pilfer the contents of the bushes). And, yes, the bag was still there in the bushes; untouched.
An Evening in the Sam's Club Parking Lot
It is a fascinating sociological and anthropological study to spend three hours observing what transpires in a Sam’s Club parking lot. What I discovered was i) invariably a car alarm will go off every hour and keep sounding for a minimum of five minutes; ii) the whole “disassembled box instead of bags” experiment that these bulk food stores use is a complete failure – I witnessed numerous cases of items falling out of the flimsy boxes onto the parking lot; iii) sales of Charmin have not been impacted by the economic crisis. Now what was I doing in the Sam’s Club parking lot for three hours on a Friday evening? No, I was not stalking anyone (believe me a Sam’s Club parking lot is a stalker-free zone). No, I was not hanging out with teens. And no, I was not waiting for Charmin to go on sale. I was collecting money for the Special Olympics by offering free Tootsie Rolls. Remember Tootsie Rolls? They were quite popular when I was a kid, but not as much today. And some non-children who took the free Tootsie Rolls did not grasp the concept that perhaps since I was standing there in a yellow vest which said “Please donate to the Special Olympics” and had a can in my hand which said the same thing meant that a nice quid pro quo for the free candy would be a donation.
There's Just Something About Mary II
Poor Mary. In the past week, on two occasions, once in a bar and once in a Starbucks she has had men say “I’m just not into you.” Once she was simply asking a guy where the ATM was and before she could even utter the question, the guy said “You’re not my type, missy” and acted all cool in front of his friends. At the Starbucks, another guy randomly told her something similar and they had not even initiated any remnant of a conversation. Don’t fret for Mary, though. One, she is blissfully married to a great guy so she does not need those losers. And two, it turns out she was a victim of what Maxim terms the “Neg.” (OK, yes I do subscribe to Maxim but it was a gift from my soon-to-be-former wife. It was one of the nicest things she did for me in the latter stages of our marriage. In fact, she got me a three year subscription. Of course, I failed to mention that she was snookered into buying $400 worth of magazine subscriptions by one of those teens who sell them door-to-door. At any rate, clearly, I do read the articles). Supposedly there was a recent book for men called The Game and one of the pointers they give is to try to pick up an attractive woman using reverse psychology, in this case, opening with an insult or back-handed compliment. The theory is that it supposedly makes the woman want you more. The reality is that not only do they now not want you, but they also think you are an ass and will communicate that to their other hot friends. Sure enough, the two guys who “neg-ed” Mary did end up trying to hit on her. The guy at the bar came up to her and apologized saying he was just trying to impress his friends. So women do not fret the “Neg;” it is the purveyors of the “Neg” who should fret.
Say It Ain't So!!!
Our ace Tidbits staff (for those new to the Blog, Tidbits is the successor to Curling Today, the tabloid arm of the Blog. CT was renamed due to IP reasons. Congrats to Beautiful Disaster who won the naming contest) has heard that the talk in Hollywood (Tidbits has no actual staff in Hollywood so it relies on news from other tabloids; essentially it is a reseller of tabloid news) is that David Duchovny’s marriage to the luscious Tea Leoni did not break up due to his sex addiction (you might as well face it you’re addicted to love) but because Tea was dabbling with the Billy Bob. This has not been confirmed and no sightings of amulets with BB’s blood have appeared around Tea’s neck, but no gossip around Hollywood can ever be random. This continues the strange fascination of Hollywood starlets with the Bob (Dern, Jolie), and all I can ask is why? Women readers, are you attracted to the Bob? If so, why? And you mean to tell me that I have been wasting my money on skin products to make me look like a dashing metrosexual when all I need to do is look like a scraggly bum like the Bob?
Even Better than SNL
Check out the video of the Alfred Smith Foundation Dinner which is traditionally the last time the candidates meet before the election. It is a political roast and had McCain and Obama roasting each other. Some excellent jokes and this is one debate that McCain won. Here is a link to it. C-Span also has the video.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/16/al-smith-dinner-obama-mcc_n_135455.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/16/al-smith-dinner-obama-mcc_n_135455.html
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Valuable Advice No. 2
I realize that I am running the risk that some of you may view me as a “Dear Abby” or Dr. Phil-type by providing so much useful advice, but I feel duty-bound to pass on this advice. If you are planning on stalking someone, do not put their picture as your background on your computer or cell phone. I learned this from watching an episode of Fringe, a new dramatic series from JJ Abrams currently on Fox. In the episode, a delivery guy was madly in love with a receptionist at an office where he made daily deliveries. Of course, she had no clue. Then one day they were on an elevator together, and the elevator suddenly plunged a few floors and came to a stop. All the passengers fell over each other, and the delivery guy dropped his cell phone. The unwitting object of his affection picked up the phone and lo and behold saw her picture as the wallpaper on his cell phone. She had that aghast look that people display when they realize they are being stalked. Luckily for him, the elevator plunged again, this time all the way to ground floor and everyone died except for himself. But a stalker cannot always expect to escape an embarrassing situation so easily. Real life is much different from TV. So consider yourself warned; always use the generic Microsoft Windows picture as your wallpaper if you are a stalker.
Where are all the interns?
Buired in your law books? I miss the parrying. Someone comment on something. Jenny from the GV, if you are reading this, I saw a GV patrol car on I-25. I guess they have been allowed to return to their patrol cars. No more stakeouts in the bushes to nab turtle-esque drivers. By the way, the 3G works like a gem; I told you to ignore Joe. Speaking of Joe Rove, how goes the Young Lawyers for McCain a/k/a LOST.
Valuable Advice
Periodically, the Blog likes to give some useful advice, and that often is the only time the Blog provides anything "useful."
My advice -- Never schedule a glucose tolerance test (GCT) on the same day you schedule a dental cleaning.
Why? I am doing this study for CU Hospital. Since it is a study I cannot divulge the full details, but I have to do periodic GCTs for the study. For the unaware, a GCT requires you to fast for at least eight hours. They then draw blood from you to establish baseline levels. Fifteen minutes later, you are given a small bottle containing what is the equivalent of a sugar-laden orange soda. That is your sole nourishment for the four hour study during which they draw blood from you at 30 minute intervals. My GCT ran longer than expected, so I was unable to grab lunch before my dentist appt as I had planned to do. As a result, I had my cleaning on an empty stomach. This heightened my gag reflex, and, just my luck, my hygienist wields a mean pick. She likes to explore the full depths of my mouth (boy, this is sounding pretty racy here; rest assured it was not as I clung to the chair and stared at the map of the world on the ceiling). So I was in permanent gag mode for the duration of the appt. And to facilitate her cleaning of my molars she really likes to reach deep into my mouth (again, in a totally non-erotic manner). To enhance her reach, she has to essentially plant her chest into my face, or vice-versa. Normally, I enjoy this immeasurably, but since I was in gag mode this time, it was torture. So this is why I counsel against doing a GCT on the same day as a dental cleaning.
My advice -- Never schedule a glucose tolerance test (GCT) on the same day you schedule a dental cleaning.
Why? I am doing this study for CU Hospital. Since it is a study I cannot divulge the full details, but I have to do periodic GCTs for the study. For the unaware, a GCT requires you to fast for at least eight hours. They then draw blood from you to establish baseline levels. Fifteen minutes later, you are given a small bottle containing what is the equivalent of a sugar-laden orange soda. That is your sole nourishment for the four hour study during which they draw blood from you at 30 minute intervals. My GCT ran longer than expected, so I was unable to grab lunch before my dentist appt as I had planned to do. As a result, I had my cleaning on an empty stomach. This heightened my gag reflex, and, just my luck, my hygienist wields a mean pick. She likes to explore the full depths of my mouth (boy, this is sounding pretty racy here; rest assured it was not as I clung to the chair and stared at the map of the world on the ceiling). So I was in permanent gag mode for the duration of the appt. And to facilitate her cleaning of my molars she really likes to reach deep into my mouth (again, in a totally non-erotic manner). To enhance her reach, she has to essentially plant her chest into my face, or vice-versa. Normally, I enjoy this immeasurably, but since I was in gag mode this time, it was torture. So this is why I counsel against doing a GCT on the same day as a dental cleaning.
"W"
As America anxiously awaits the opening of "W" Oliver Stone's take on the Worst President in History, I am sure Grande Roja will be plotting ways in which to lure her ardently Republican husband to the movie theater to see it. She almost succeeded in getting him to watch "Sicko" by telling her hubby it was a horror movie (and, it actually was).
Ignore the 2% Figure . . .
Your Republican friends will tout a Gallup poll saying the margin is down to 2%. Toss that out the window based on the following:
Gallup is presenting two likely voter estimates to see how preferences might vary under different turnout scenarios. The "expanded" model determines likely voters based only on current voting intentions. This estimate would take into account higher turnout among groups of voters traditionally less likely to vote, such as young adults and minorities. That model has generally produced results that closely match the registered voter figures, but with a lower undecided percentage, and show Obama up by six percentage points today, 51% to 45%.
The "traditional" likely voter model, which Gallup has employed for past elections, factors in prior voting behavior as well as current voting intention. This has generally shown a closer contest, reflecting the fact that Republicans have typically been more likely to vote than Democrats in previous elections. Today's results show Obama with a two-point advantage over McCain using this likely voter model, 49% to 47%, this is within the poll's margin of error. -- Frank Newport
Gallup is presenting two likely voter estimates to see how preferences might vary under different turnout scenarios. The "expanded" model determines likely voters based only on current voting intentions. This estimate would take into account higher turnout among groups of voters traditionally less likely to vote, such as young adults and minorities. That model has generally produced results that closely match the registered voter figures, but with a lower undecided percentage, and show Obama up by six percentage points today, 51% to 45%.
The "traditional" likely voter model, which Gallup has employed for past elections, factors in prior voting behavior as well as current voting intention. This has generally shown a closer contest, reflecting the fact that Republicans have typically been more likely to vote than Democrats in previous elections. Today's results show Obama with a two-point advantage over McCain using this likely voter model, 49% to 47%, this is within the poll's margin of error. -- Frank Newport
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
More Sage Investment Advice -- Vote Democrat
Courtesy of The Invisible Hand of Idiocy by Devilstower Tue Oct 14, 2008 at 03:30:04 PM PDT:
Democrats fight for reasoned regulation of the markets using a consistent, fair framework. Republicans chaff at any restraint, sure that the market can be "self regulating." So how much data do you need to see which side is right? Since 1929, Republicans and Democrats have each controlled the presidency for nearly 40 years. ... As of Friday, a $10,000 investment in the S.& P. stock market index would have grown to $11,733 if invested under Republican presidents only ... Invested under Democratic presidents only, $10,000 would have grown to $300,671 at a compound rate of 8.9 percent over nearly 40 years. $1700 in growth under Republicans, $290,000 under Democrats. Even if you exclude the failure of the markets under Hoover, Democrats still come out with six times the results of the GOP.Of seven Republican presidents, three turned in negative results and the average rate of return was only 0.4%. Every Democratic president since 1929 has turned in a positive performance, with Bill Clinton setting the record at a 15.2% rate of growth.So the next time someone suggests to you that the market averages 6%, or 7%, or 8% growth over the long term, remember this caveat: only when Democrats are in charge.
Democrats fight for reasoned regulation of the markets using a consistent, fair framework. Republicans chaff at any restraint, sure that the market can be "self regulating." So how much data do you need to see which side is right? Since 1929, Republicans and Democrats have each controlled the presidency for nearly 40 years. ... As of Friday, a $10,000 investment in the S.& P. stock market index would have grown to $11,733 if invested under Republican presidents only ... Invested under Democratic presidents only, $10,000 would have grown to $300,671 at a compound rate of 8.9 percent over nearly 40 years. $1700 in growth under Republicans, $290,000 under Democrats. Even if you exclude the failure of the markets under Hoover, Democrats still come out with six times the results of the GOP.Of seven Republican presidents, three turned in negative results and the average rate of return was only 0.4%. Every Democratic president since 1929 has turned in a positive performance, with Bill Clinton setting the record at a 15.2% rate of growth.So the next time someone suggests to you that the market averages 6%, or 7%, or 8% growth over the long term, remember this caveat: only when Democrats are in charge.
Maybe You Don't Need a Financial Planner
Someone passed along this sage investment advice to me:
If you had purchased $1,000 of AIG stock one year ago, youwould have $42 left. With Lehman, you would have $6.60 left. With Fannie or Freddie, you would have less than $5 left. But if you had purchased $1,000 worth of beer one year ago,drank all of the beer, then turned in the cans for thealuminum recycling REFUND, you would have had $214.Based on the above, the best current investment advice isto drink heavily and recycle. It's called the 401-Keg.....
If you had purchased $1,000 of AIG stock one year ago, youwould have $42 left. With Lehman, you would have $6.60 left. With Fannie or Freddie, you would have less than $5 left. But if you had purchased $1,000 worth of beer one year ago,drank all of the beer, then turned in the cans for thealuminum recycling REFUND, you would have had $214.Based on the above, the best current investment advice isto drink heavily and recycle. It's called the 401-Keg.....
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Supreme Court Opinions Can Be Droll
Sunny Day. The Chief Dissents. A Touch of Noir.
Three years into his job as chief justice, is John Roberts Jr. already getting bored with traditional opinion-writing? Or is it just one more way in which he is following in the footsteps of William Rehnquist, his predecessor, mentor, and amateur mystery writer? Or does Roberts have a law clerk who's a descendant of Dashiell Hammett? These are just three of the questions that come to mind after reading an extraordinary dissent from denial of review issued this morning by the Supreme Court in Pennsylvania v. Dunlap, a fairly routine drug arrest case raising "probable cause" issues. Roberts, who was joined by Justice Anthony Kennedy, wrote the dissent, and this is how it begins:
"Officer Sean Devlin, Narcotics Strike Force, was working the morning shift. Undercover surveillance. The neighborhood? Tough as a three dollar steak. Devlin knew. Five years on the beat, nine months with the Strike Force. He’d made fifteen, twenty drug busts in the neighborhood.
"Devlin spotted him: a lone man on the corner. Another approached. Quick exchange of words. Cash handed over; small objects handed back. Each man then quickly on his own way. Devlin knew the guy wasn’t buying bus tokens. He radioed a description and Officer Stein picked up the buyer. Sure enough: three bags of crack in the guy’s pocket. Head downtown and book him. Just another day at the office."
The rest of the dissent is written in routine opinion-speak. Just another day at the office, you might say, except for those top two paragraphs. Paul Levine, a prolific Florida mystery writer and former lawyer who co-created First Monday, the short-lived TV drama on the Supreme Court, said after reading Roberts' work today, "Good for the Chief. Faux Hammett and imitation Chandler beat legalese any day." He added, "My guess is that the Chief lost a bet with Scalia on the baseball playoffs. If Roberts wins the next wager, Scalia will have to write an opinion in iambic pentameter."
Three years into his job as chief justice, is John Roberts Jr. already getting bored with traditional opinion-writing? Or is it just one more way in which he is following in the footsteps of William Rehnquist, his predecessor, mentor, and amateur mystery writer? Or does Roberts have a law clerk who's a descendant of Dashiell Hammett? These are just three of the questions that come to mind after reading an extraordinary dissent from denial of review issued this morning by the Supreme Court in Pennsylvania v. Dunlap, a fairly routine drug arrest case raising "probable cause" issues. Roberts, who was joined by Justice Anthony Kennedy, wrote the dissent, and this is how it begins:
"Officer Sean Devlin, Narcotics Strike Force, was working the morning shift. Undercover surveillance. The neighborhood? Tough as a three dollar steak. Devlin knew. Five years on the beat, nine months with the Strike Force. He’d made fifteen, twenty drug busts in the neighborhood.
"Devlin spotted him: a lone man on the corner. Another approached. Quick exchange of words. Cash handed over; small objects handed back. Each man then quickly on his own way. Devlin knew the guy wasn’t buying bus tokens. He radioed a description and Officer Stein picked up the buyer. Sure enough: three bags of crack in the guy’s pocket. Head downtown and book him. Just another day at the office."
The rest of the dissent is written in routine opinion-speak. Just another day at the office, you might say, except for those top two paragraphs. Paul Levine, a prolific Florida mystery writer and former lawyer who co-created First Monday, the short-lived TV drama on the Supreme Court, said after reading Roberts' work today, "Good for the Chief. Faux Hammett and imitation Chandler beat legalese any day." He added, "My guess is that the Chief lost a bet with Scalia on the baseball playoffs. If Roberts wins the next wager, Scalia will have to write an opinion in iambic pentameter."
I Always Thought Sarah Palin was a fusion of FDR and Princess Di
Barack Obama and Dick Cheney are not the only political odd couple who share a family tree. Sarah Palin is linked in her lineage to Franklin Roosevelt. She also has a connection with Princess Diana.
Roosevelt, the Depression-era Democratic president, is a distant cousin of Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee, according to genealogists at Ancestry.com.
Roosevelt is Palin's ninth cousin once removed. Their common ancestor is Rev. John Lothrop, who came to Massachusetts in 1634.
Palin also has ties to the late British princess, the Web site's researchers found. The Alaska governor is a 10th cousin of the former royal.
Last year, Cheney's wife, Lynne, discovered the ancestral ties between the Republican vice president and Democratic presidential nominee while researching her book. She said the relationship was eighth cousin, though the Chicago Sun-Times has traced it as ninth cousins once removed.
Roosevelt, the Depression-era Democratic president, is a distant cousin of Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee, according to genealogists at Ancestry.com.
Roosevelt is Palin's ninth cousin once removed. Their common ancestor is Rev. John Lothrop, who came to Massachusetts in 1634.
Palin also has ties to the late British princess, the Web site's researchers found. The Alaska governor is a 10th cousin of the former royal.
Last year, Cheney's wife, Lynne, discovered the ancestral ties between the Republican vice president and Democratic presidential nominee while researching her book. She said the relationship was eighth cousin, though the Chicago Sun-Times has traced it as ninth cousins once removed.
Apparently there is a strategy to ineptitude
Or as Pres. Bush would say, "stratergy"
"Let me give you the state of the race today. We have 22 days to go. We're six points down. The national media has written us off. Senator Obama is measuring the drapes, and planning with Speaker Pelosi and Senator [Harry] Reid to raise taxes, increase spending, take away your right to vote by secret ballot in labor elections, and concede defeat in Iraq. But they forgot to let you decide. My friends, we've got them just where we want them," John McCain said yesterday.
Apparently, McCain is channeling Napoleon at Waterloo. Or Charlie Brown as he is about to attempt a field goal.
"Let me give you the state of the race today. We have 22 days to go. We're six points down. The national media has written us off. Senator Obama is measuring the drapes, and planning with Speaker Pelosi and Senator [Harry] Reid to raise taxes, increase spending, take away your right to vote by secret ballot in labor elections, and concede defeat in Iraq. But they forgot to let you decide. My friends, we've got them just where we want them," John McCain said yesterday.
Apparently, McCain is channeling Napoleon at Waterloo. Or Charlie Brown as he is about to attempt a field goal.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Someone Somebody Somewhere
OK, I guess it is only fair that I throw myself out there. After over 150 posts, probing into the depths of individuals, public figures and private souls, it is time to reveal some of myself. I am not sure why I decided tonight was the night to start, but it was triggered by a song. More on that later.
As some of you know, I make mix CDs. I have been doing this for about 23 years now; when I started they were mix tapes. For me these tapes or CDs were not meant as a form of seduction as they are for many people; instead I just wanted to share the wonderful music I have heard. And I have heard a lot. I started out with vinyl records and had hundreds of those. I think my CD collection numbers over 500 and that is after discarding many at the behest of my soon-to-be-former wife. And now I have over 1300 songs on my iTunes. I am a music addict; plain and simple. My ultimate dream is to be a DJ at a night club; a trendy one in a big city; one in which I hold sway over the masses on the dance floor below. But that dream has expired; at least any hope of it ever realistically manifesting itself.
So I do the next best thing. I make mix CDs for people and I spread the music that way. By the way, if you want to be on my distro list, let me know. They are free. One of the best tapes I ever made was called “Happiness” which ironically enough was made at a time in which I was very unhappy. I had just experienced a romance that was nipped in the bud, and as I am sure many of you can identify, there is no worse feeling. You are always left with a feeling of “what if . . . .” The tape reflected the manner in which I deal with sadness. Side A, I believe was titled Disintegration, which was the title of a Cure album that came out in the mid-80s. The album was distilled sadness, and, yes, it dealt with the disintegration of a romance with such killer lines as:
i never said i would stay to the end so i leave you with babies and hoping for frequencyscreaming like this in the hope of the secrecyscreaming me over and over and overi leave you with photographs pictures of trickerystains on the carpet and stains on the scenerysongs about happiness murmured in dreamswhen we both us knew how the ending would be...
Side A consisted of the saddest songs I knew, because I felt, and still feel, that to purge sadness you have to experience its deepest depths. Side B was then titled Integration because after you reach the depths you begin the climb upwards. You literally piece yourself back together again. So Side B deals with hope. And hope for me was reattaching myself to my romantic ideals. For me, music really helped articulate and conceptualize what I was searching for. And just like everyone else I was searching for that Someone Somewhere in Summertime.
Stay, I'm burning slow
With me in the rain, walking in the soft rain
Calling out my name
See me burning slow
Brilliant days, wake up on brilliant days
Shadows of brilliant ways will change all the time
Memories, burning gold memories
Gold of day memories change me in these times
Somewhere there is some place, that one million eyes can't see
And somewhere there is someone, who can see what I can see
Someone, Somewhere In Summertime
Someone, Somewhere In Summertime
Someone, Somewhere In Summertime
Stay, I'm burning slow
With me in the rain, walking in the soft rain
Calling out my name
See me burning slow
Moments burn, slow burning golden nights
Once more see city lights, holding candles to the flame
Brilliant days, wake up on brilliant days
Shadows of brilliant ways will change me all the time
Somewhere there is some place, that one million eyes can't see
And somewhere there is someone, who can see what I can see
Someone, Somewhere In Summertime
Someone, Somewhere In Summertime
Someone, Somewhere In Summertime
Someone, Somewhere In Summertime
For many years I thought I found this "someone" in my wife. But now I know that was an illusion, and an illusion I helped craft. Tonight I heard a song on one of my newer CDs titled “Use Somebody” that reminded me that I am still searching. It is a song by Kings of Leon, a band from Tennessee that is more popular in the UK than here. I never was really into them; I did see them open for R.E.M. once. But this song captured my feelings. I may never find this woman. Maybe it is just an illusion. Maybe, like the premise of “The Ex-List” this person was already in my life and I failed to recognize her. Or maybe you only get one shot. I don’t know. But for now I will keep looking.
I've been roaming around always looking down at all I see
Painted faces fill the places I can't reach
You know that I could use somebody
You know that I could use somebody
Someone like you and all you know and how you speak
Countless lovers under cover of the street
You know that I could use somebody
You know that I could use somebody
Someone like you
Off in the night while you live it up I'm off to sleep
Waging wars to shake the poet and the beat
I hope it's gonna make you noticeI hope it's gonna make you notice
Someone like me
Someone like me
Someone like me
I've been roaming around always looking down at all I see.
I don’t know who this “somebody” is; I just hope there is a “somebody” for “someone like me.”
As some of you know, I make mix CDs. I have been doing this for about 23 years now; when I started they were mix tapes. For me these tapes or CDs were not meant as a form of seduction as they are for many people; instead I just wanted to share the wonderful music I have heard. And I have heard a lot. I started out with vinyl records and had hundreds of those. I think my CD collection numbers over 500 and that is after discarding many at the behest of my soon-to-be-former wife. And now I have over 1300 songs on my iTunes. I am a music addict; plain and simple. My ultimate dream is to be a DJ at a night club; a trendy one in a big city; one in which I hold sway over the masses on the dance floor below. But that dream has expired; at least any hope of it ever realistically manifesting itself.
So I do the next best thing. I make mix CDs for people and I spread the music that way. By the way, if you want to be on my distro list, let me know. They are free. One of the best tapes I ever made was called “Happiness” which ironically enough was made at a time in which I was very unhappy. I had just experienced a romance that was nipped in the bud, and as I am sure many of you can identify, there is no worse feeling. You are always left with a feeling of “what if . . . .” The tape reflected the manner in which I deal with sadness. Side A, I believe was titled Disintegration, which was the title of a Cure album that came out in the mid-80s. The album was distilled sadness, and, yes, it dealt with the disintegration of a romance with such killer lines as:
i never said i would stay to the end so i leave you with babies and hoping for frequencyscreaming like this in the hope of the secrecyscreaming me over and over and overi leave you with photographs pictures of trickerystains on the carpet and stains on the scenerysongs about happiness murmured in dreamswhen we both us knew how the ending would be...
Side A consisted of the saddest songs I knew, because I felt, and still feel, that to purge sadness you have to experience its deepest depths. Side B was then titled Integration because after you reach the depths you begin the climb upwards. You literally piece yourself back together again. So Side B deals with hope. And hope for me was reattaching myself to my romantic ideals. For me, music really helped articulate and conceptualize what I was searching for. And just like everyone else I was searching for that Someone Somewhere in Summertime.
Stay, I'm burning slow
With me in the rain, walking in the soft rain
Calling out my name
See me burning slow
Brilliant days, wake up on brilliant days
Shadows of brilliant ways will change all the time
Memories, burning gold memories
Gold of day memories change me in these times
Somewhere there is some place, that one million eyes can't see
And somewhere there is someone, who can see what I can see
Someone, Somewhere In Summertime
Someone, Somewhere In Summertime
Someone, Somewhere In Summertime
Stay, I'm burning slow
With me in the rain, walking in the soft rain
Calling out my name
See me burning slow
Moments burn, slow burning golden nights
Once more see city lights, holding candles to the flame
Brilliant days, wake up on brilliant days
Shadows of brilliant ways will change me all the time
Somewhere there is some place, that one million eyes can't see
And somewhere there is someone, who can see what I can see
Someone, Somewhere In Summertime
Someone, Somewhere In Summertime
Someone, Somewhere In Summertime
Someone, Somewhere In Summertime
For many years I thought I found this "someone" in my wife. But now I know that was an illusion, and an illusion I helped craft. Tonight I heard a song on one of my newer CDs titled “Use Somebody” that reminded me that I am still searching. It is a song by Kings of Leon, a band from Tennessee that is more popular in the UK than here. I never was really into them; I did see them open for R.E.M. once. But this song captured my feelings. I may never find this woman. Maybe it is just an illusion. Maybe, like the premise of “The Ex-List” this person was already in my life and I failed to recognize her. Or maybe you only get one shot. I don’t know. But for now I will keep looking.
I've been roaming around always looking down at all I see
Painted faces fill the places I can't reach
You know that I could use somebody
You know that I could use somebody
Someone like you and all you know and how you speak
Countless lovers under cover of the street
You know that I could use somebody
You know that I could use somebody
Someone like you
Off in the night while you live it up I'm off to sleep
Waging wars to shake the poet and the beat
I hope it's gonna make you noticeI hope it's gonna make you notice
Someone like me
Someone like me
Someone like me
I've been roaming around always looking down at all I see.
I don’t know who this “somebody” is; I just hope there is a “somebody” for “someone like me.”
The Value of an Open Mind
The problems we face today are much to complex and significant to let ideology or notions of party politics get in the way. The Administration seems to be finally learning that lesson, but is it too late?
From the NY Times:
Two weeks after persuading Congress to let it spend $700 billion to buy distressed securities tied to mortgages, the Bush administration has put that idea aside in favor of a new approach that would have the government inject capital directly into the nation’s banks — in effect, partially nationalizing the industry.
As recently as Sept. 23, senior officials had publicly derided proposals by Democrats to have the government take ownership stakes in banks.
The Treasury Department’s surprising turnaround on the issue of buying stock in banks, which has now become its primary focus, has raised questions about whether the administration squandered valuable time in trying to sell Congress on a plan that officials had failed to think through in advance.
It has also raised questions about whether the administration’s deep philosophical aversion to government ownership in private companies hindered its ability to look at all options for stabilizing the markets.
Some experts also contend that Treasury’s decision last month to not use taxpayer money to save Lehman Brothers worsened the panic that quickly metastasized into an international crisis.
From the NY Times:
Two weeks after persuading Congress to let it spend $700 billion to buy distressed securities tied to mortgages, the Bush administration has put that idea aside in favor of a new approach that would have the government inject capital directly into the nation’s banks — in effect, partially nationalizing the industry.
As recently as Sept. 23, senior officials had publicly derided proposals by Democrats to have the government take ownership stakes in banks.
The Treasury Department’s surprising turnaround on the issue of buying stock in banks, which has now become its primary focus, has raised questions about whether the administration squandered valuable time in trying to sell Congress on a plan that officials had failed to think through in advance.
It has also raised questions about whether the administration’s deep philosophical aversion to government ownership in private companies hindered its ability to look at all options for stabilizing the markets.
Some experts also contend that Treasury’s decision last month to not use taxpayer money to save Lehman Brothers worsened the panic that quickly metastasized into an international crisis.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Who is the Biggest Loser?
Yes, clearly, this is a big blow for the empire-building dreams of Sarah and Todd. But surely it could not have come as a surprise to them. Granted, before they became educated in civics and ethics after her nomination they thought her Governor’s position gave her unchecked control over her private fiefdom of Alaska. Now they know, and hopefully Alaskans do the right thing and nip her “political” career in the bud by voting her out of office.
The big blow, however, is dealt to Sen. McCain, whose judgment is now discredited. Ironically, the man who has spent his campaign trying to denigrate the character of Sen. Obama is now the one left holding the unethical mess that is Sarah Palin. And all the concerns about his rash decision-making in his choice of Gov. Palin are validated and all the questions about his quick-trigger are only exacerbated.
The big blow, however, is dealt to Sen. McCain, whose judgment is now discredited. Ironically, the man who has spent his campaign trying to denigrate the character of Sen. Obama is now the one left holding the unethical mess that is Sarah Palin. And all the concerns about his rash decision-making in his choice of Gov. Palin are validated and all the questions about his quick-trigger are only exacerbated.
The Women of Curling -- The Official Blog Review
First, let me say this calendar did not disappoint. To the women/ladies of curling, you are all beautiful and do a tremendous service to your sport. To the calendar makers, very tastefully done. Great promotion of the sport. And it is very altruistic of you to donate proceeds to the lady curlers and/or their favorite charities. To the US lady curlers, sadly none of you made the cut, but here's to next year! To Denverites, there is a major curling competition in Denver next February. And to the world, I highly recommend this wonderful calendar.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
The Woman of Curling
I finally got the calendar. Full report tomorrow.
Oh, and the starlet in the quiz from earlier this week was Ellie May from the Beverly Hillbillies.
Oh, and the starlet in the quiz from earlier this week was Ellie May from the Beverly Hillbillies.
Things Not to Do in the Garage of your Office Building
I was cruising in the lower garage of the ACME building and I see a very cute blonde from afar strutting to the elevator. As I get closer, I realize to my horror it is a co-worker. I immediately get that look on my face that Macaulay Culkin had in Home Alone I, II and III.
So I do apologize to my co-worker for “checking her out” even though she was blissfully unaware of the fact (she is blonde after all; just kidding; actually she is extremely bright). And I vow to never check out a co-worker again, particularly since this blog has no umbrella insurance. I will restrict my gawking to the Channel 9 studio, and my gym, and I-25, and church (just kidding II), and Earls, and Coyote Ugly, and Red Rocks, the Fillmore, the Gothic, Zengo, DIA, Invesco, Red Robin . . .
The Good Samaritan?
When I got in my car this morning, my car indicated that I had only 20 miles left of fuel. Not wanting to endure the Mary saga of running out of gas and having to walk miles to a gas station (and having no spouse or significant other to blame for running out of gas), I decided to fill up at my local gas station. While I was getting ready to “fill ‘er up” an attractive cougar came up to me and asked if I could jump start her car. Of course, I said yes (and for the record, I would have said yes to anyone as long as they did not have Crips or Bloods written on their jacket or tattooed on their body). (Before I continue, a brief digression discussion -- One, is an attractive middle-age woman a cougar if her prey is someone in her own age group? And this begs the following question – Is an attractive middle-age woman a cougar if she is not on the prowl, i.e., happily in a relationship? I wish we had a Supreme Court to address these types of questions).
Well, my chivalrous endeavor when south pretty quickly. One, I could not find the latch to release the hood. Now before you nod your head in disapproval, I have never had to pop the hood on my car in four years; I let my dealer’s garage do that. I also drive an European car and as any European car driver can attest Europeans do not make anything in their cars “easy” – for instance, see the almost universal disdain for the mouse in BMWs when they were first introduced (for the record, I am not a B-mer driver but I did read of the very negative reaction). So I had to pop open the manual to find out where the lever was and, of course, it was in some remote, practically hidden location with no sign indicating its location. So then I pop the hood and discover the battery is not there. Back to the manual I go. It turns out the battery is in the trunk. But, of course, it is under the floor, and my trunk is jam packed with stuff from my move that I have to find a place for since I no longer have a garage. At this point, the woman jokes, “your trunk is as bad as my office.” Little does she know that my office is equally bad. After a couple of minutes of my trying to rearrange stuff to access the battery, she suggests that perhaps she should ask someone else. I reluctantly concur, as I have a conference call to join.
So she asks another guy who thankfully for her sake actually knew what he was doing. He checked her lights and they were still working as were her interior lights so he discerned that when she parked the gear probably had not fully fallen into place. And, lo and behold, he was right and the car started right up. As simple as that. So I don’t know if a failed Samaritan is a good one, but hopefully it is the thought that counts.
Well, my chivalrous endeavor when south pretty quickly. One, I could not find the latch to release the hood. Now before you nod your head in disapproval, I have never had to pop the hood on my car in four years; I let my dealer’s garage do that. I also drive an European car and as any European car driver can attest Europeans do not make anything in their cars “easy” – for instance, see the almost universal disdain for the mouse in BMWs when they were first introduced (for the record, I am not a B-mer driver but I did read of the very negative reaction). So I had to pop open the manual to find out where the lever was and, of course, it was in some remote, practically hidden location with no sign indicating its location. So then I pop the hood and discover the battery is not there. Back to the manual I go. It turns out the battery is in the trunk. But, of course, it is under the floor, and my trunk is jam packed with stuff from my move that I have to find a place for since I no longer have a garage. At this point, the woman jokes, “your trunk is as bad as my office.” Little does she know that my office is equally bad. After a couple of minutes of my trying to rearrange stuff to access the battery, she suggests that perhaps she should ask someone else. I reluctantly concur, as I have a conference call to join.
So she asks another guy who thankfully for her sake actually knew what he was doing. He checked her lights and they were still working as were her interior lights so he discerned that when she parked the gear probably had not fully fallen into place. And, lo and behold, he was right and the car started right up. As simple as that. So I don’t know if a failed Samaritan is a good one, but hopefully it is the thought that counts.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Whither the Dance Crew?
A lot of people have been asking me about the status of the ACME Dance Crew. OK, perhaps not actual people but the voices in my head. OK, perhaps not those voices, but the parking garage machines (walk up to them and they will talk to you – try it). Admittedly I have been neglecting the Crew in favor of my political campaign work. But subconsciously I fear it is the realization that even if I was George Balanchine (and some have made such a comparison) I could not mold this motley crew into a VH-1-worthy dance crew much less a MTV one. This is not to say that there is not talent on this crew – the CD&S Czar and the Daughter of the CD&S Star are classically and Riverdance -trained respectively, but I have to bring the other Gomer Pyle-eque talents to their level before I can tap into the talents of the two stars. And to say it creates choreographical challenges is an understatement. Even worse is the time pressure; HMIII drops in a couple of weeks and as with the prior versions, it will define dance for the next year. Who knows what radical moves and staging to expect – pirouettes in the locker room? A West Side Story-invoking scene in the detention hall? A conga line during Spirit Week? And what about the costumes? What will be this year’s low rise jeans or pajama pants? I have been trying to recruit the one person who can meet all these challenges – yes, Mischa Baryshnikov, but he seems to have fallen off the face of the earth. And, of course, the seminal dancer/choreographer who created “Step Up” Ms. Paula Abdul is still amazingly plugging ahead on American Idol. At best I can hope the ADC will have a year like the Broncos – lucky calls, puff opponents leading into a “winning” season.
Drive for Life
I ventured to Invesco Field yesterday for Drive for Life XI. Normally I donate blood at the ACME Building or at Bonfils’ Highland Ranch Location, but I thought it would be fun to check this out. You get to donate with hundreds of other people. You get free bling, lots of food, and excellent treatment by the entire Bonfils staff. But I must admit I had an ulterior motive. In my plan, I would feign fainting and a Bronco cheerleader would rush to my rescue and perform CPR (because per their job description, “[t]he job of a Denver Broncos Cheerleader is to be a lady at all times, to be gracious and kind to those she comes into contact with and to support and uphold the impeccable image of the Denver Broncos organization.”)(Note: Apparently no longer does the impeccable Bronco image involve a Bronco fathering nine children out of wedlock). Alas, one small crink in my plans. It seems that the DBC do not like to get up early. They were only going to show up at 11 am (of course, the ads never disclosed that fact). So, I was only left with the opportunity to get the autographs of two of the Bronco offensive linemen (which, of course, I passed up.)
It's the Economy, Stupid
One thing we learned last night is that Sen. McCain finally gets that. But what about his "plan."
Sen. McCain's one bid to insert a new element in the debate was a $300 billion plan to buy the mortgages of troubled homeowners and replace them with payment regimes the homeowners can afford. Sen. Obama's campaign later noted that the Treasury Department was granted such power by the financial-rescue law signed last week, and that Sen. Obama brought up such a step two weeks ago, as the New York Times reports. The paper also cites the McCain campaign saying that the idea was recently proposed by Hillary Clinton and originally came from a Depression-era New Deal agency. And like most other ideas last night, it was channeled through campaign dynamics that have become familiar, including Sen. Obama's efforts to tie Sen. McCain to an unpopular President Bush and Sen. McCain's efforts to distance himself from the fellow Republican he would succeed. "It's my proposal," Sen. McCain said about the plan, as the Journal notes. "It's not Sen. Obama's proposal; it's not President Bush's proposal."
Sen. McCain's one bid to insert a new element in the debate was a $300 billion plan to buy the mortgages of troubled homeowners and replace them with payment regimes the homeowners can afford. Sen. Obama's campaign later noted that the Treasury Department was granted such power by the financial-rescue law signed last week, and that Sen. Obama brought up such a step two weeks ago, as the New York Times reports. The paper also cites the McCain campaign saying that the idea was recently proposed by Hillary Clinton and originally came from a Depression-era New Deal agency. And like most other ideas last night, it was channeled through campaign dynamics that have become familiar, including Sen. Obama's efforts to tie Sen. McCain to an unpopular President Bush and Sen. McCain's efforts to distance himself from the fellow Republican he would succeed. "It's my proposal," Sen. McCain said about the plan, as the Journal notes. "It's not Sen. Obama's proposal; it's not President Bush's proposal."
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