Haven't done a baseball post in a while...
The Mets had a decent season, but now is the time of year where the media speculates on how teams will try and tinker with their rosters to build a better ballclub. Here are my comments on some of the players that have been rumored as possible Mets in 2006:
Manny Ramirez. Of course it would be amazing to get a guy who puts up the numbers he puts up. He is clutch, and he is awesome. I don't even think Heilmen and Milledge is too much to ask for the guy. HOWEVER, can someone please tell me why every year he asks to be traded? He's getting paid a ridiculous amount of money, he's beloved in Boston, and the team is really good with a chance at winning a championship every year. I've never see a reason for his trade requests teh past few years. Are the Boston sportswriters that lazy to ask the question? If we get him, will he ask to be traded after the first year and then we've lost him and our top prospects?
Carlos Delgado. This would be pretty sweet, to get a guy who can play first base and hit like crazy. I think it would be crazy to see him in a Mets uniform after all the Minaya bashing that Delgado supposedly said last spring. But I wanted the Mets to sign him last winter, and I think he's a better idea than most of the others I've heard. Would he really come here and not ask for a trade next winter?
Sheffield. No, thank you. We should have gotten him 8 years ago. Move on. The guy is a complete ass and a whiner. I don't need to read reports of him complaining about how bad he hurts and how much he's underpaid.
Sammy Sosa. Okay, last season Omar was the only guy in the universe who thought Sosa in a Mets uni was a good idea. If he still thinks it's a good idea, after his atrocious season, I think we should really question his sanity.
Trading Benson and Trachsel. Yes, Benson is overpaid, but is there really anyone better available? Trachsel's making like 8 cents next year. The only reason to trade him is if you're gonna give his slot to Heilman or Seo.
Kenji Jojima Wow, the Mets have had soo much success with importing players from Japan. I mean Shinjyo, Matsui, Komiyama are all sure-fire, first-ballot hall-of-famers. Sooner or later the Mets luck would have to run out.
Pudge Rodriguez. His production is way down and he'll be 34 next year. I thought that was why we were letting Piazza move on.
Furcal. If he really is willing to come to teh Mets and play second, and it isn't just his agent trying to jack up his price by getting a New York team involved, pull the trigger on this one. No-brainer. The guy can field and hit and run. Nice to get him away from the Braves. Maybe that would make up for how much Glavine sucks.
Aubrey Huff and Baez Landing Huff sounds like something the Steve Phillips Mets would do. Acquire a second rate player and try to sell him to teh fans as a savior. IIt doesn't sound like Minaya's style. Baez I guess would be good if we don't get Wagner.
Wagner. I think everyone will be shocked if it doesn't happen. Which means it probably won't happen.
Thoughts? Comments? Did I miss anything/anyone?
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Sheryl Crow Annoyed at the Media
From Yahoo:
I would like to say these statements are inane, but that might offend a lot of people who I have personally heard say the same thing. This idea, that the media should run around looking for "good" and "positive" things to report. The reality is that it is not the journalist's job to tell warm and fuzzy stories. Leave that to Disney. The job of the journalist is to report NEWS. And yes, news is predominantly going to be "negative," because news is about (among other things) corrupt politicians, lying corporate executives, and tragedies. The press is supposed to be the public's watchdog. To look out for our common good by exposing abuses of power.
My biggest gripe with the press is their laziness. We have too many talking heads and puppets, too many pundits and commentators, and not enough real investigative journalists who actually do fact checking.
I really like Sheryl Crow's music, but she sounds like a moron with this whining. If she doesn't want the tabloids to write about her relationship she shouldn't do things like go on Oprah Winfrey with her husband.
Crow said celebrity magazines are more interested in seeing a couple break up than reporting on them being happy together. The 43-year-old singer and Armstrong, 34, announced their engagement in September.
"When we were rumored to have split, and when our publicists called these magazines to say we haven't split, the magazines were all so disappointed because that's really what's selling, rooting for a couple and then they split," she said. "That's what sells the magazines."
And Crow says it's not just tabloids that perpetuate the negative vibe.
"There's so much harshness in the world now, there are so many hard edges," she complained. "I cannot pick up a magazine or really even for that matter a newspaper without some kind of nasty editorial comment that just offends me. Why can't we just report things the way they are or see things for the good in them? ... It's an insidious energy." Full Story on Yahoo News
I would like to say these statements are inane, but that might offend a lot of people who I have personally heard say the same thing. This idea, that the media should run around looking for "good" and "positive" things to report. The reality is that it is not the journalist's job to tell warm and fuzzy stories. Leave that to Disney. The job of the journalist is to report NEWS. And yes, news is predominantly going to be "negative," because news is about (among other things) corrupt politicians, lying corporate executives, and tragedies. The press is supposed to be the public's watchdog. To look out for our common good by exposing abuses of power.
My biggest gripe with the press is their laziness. We have too many talking heads and puppets, too many pundits and commentators, and not enough real investigative journalists who actually do fact checking.
I really like Sheryl Crow's music, but she sounds like a moron with this whining. If she doesn't want the tabloids to write about her relationship she shouldn't do things like go on Oprah Winfrey with her husband.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
He's Back
I know I have put up more political posts than usual lately, and I have actually been making a conscious attempt at limiting them because they tend to be a bit polarizing, but when I saw a report on Yahoo! that Ahmed Chalabi would meet with Condoleeza Rice today, I couldn't resist comment.
Ahmed Chalabi is Iraqi's Deputy Prime Minister, but those of you who pay attention may remember him as the guy whom President Bush met with in the Oval Office, but then whom Bush later claimed he had little recognition of ever meeting, even though Chalabi was a special guest of First Lady Laura Bush at the President's Jan 2004 State Of The Union Address .
February 7, 2004, G.W. Bush on Chalabi: "...right here in the Oval Office I sat down with Mr. [Adnad] Pachachi and Chalabi and al-Hakim, people from different parts of the country that have made the firm commitment, that they want a constitution eventually written that recognizes minority rights and freedom of religion. "
June 1, 2004, Bush, again, on Chalabi: "My meetings with him were very brief. I mean, I think I met with him at the State of the Union and just kind of working through the rope line, and he might have come with a group of leaders. But I haven't had any extensive conversations with him. "
Okay, here's the long story of why he is such a controversial figure. Long ago, Chalabi was viewed by the U.S. as our "inside man" in Middle East relations. Chalabi was born in Iraq but moved to the U.S. back in the 1950's where he recieved his education. He started a bank in Jordan, and was subsequently convicted of bank fraud and sentenced to 17 years in prison. He fled the country to avoid serving the time.
In the 1990's he created a group called the INC (Iraqi National Congress) designed to overthow Saddam Hussein. The INC recieved funding from the United States and helped to organize a failed Kurdish resistance movement against Hussein's regime.
Fast forward to 2003. When the U.S. was readying its case for war on Iraq, Chalabi was counted on as a source; he provided key information that Saddam Hussein possessed WMDs and ties to Al-Qaeda. Once that information turned out to be false, Washington was suddenly backpedaling from their ties to Chalabi.
Then, in 2004, Chalabi was reported as giving United States state secrets to Iran. Yes, Iran.
So, why was Chalabi welcomed in Washington today today for meetings on Iraqi energy plans with Rice, Dick Cheney, and Donald Rumsfeld, instead of with FBI investigators to discuss the intelligence failures?
Someone please explain.
Ahmed Chalabi is Iraqi's Deputy Prime Minister, but those of you who pay attention may remember him as the guy whom President Bush met with in the Oval Office, but then whom Bush later claimed he had little recognition of ever meeting, even though Chalabi was a special guest of First Lady Laura Bush at the President's Jan 2004 State Of The Union Address .
February 7, 2004, G.W. Bush on Chalabi: "...right here in the Oval Office I sat down with Mr. [Adnad] Pachachi and Chalabi and al-Hakim, people from different parts of the country that have made the firm commitment, that they want a constitution eventually written that recognizes minority rights and freedom of religion. "
June 1, 2004, Bush, again, on Chalabi: "My meetings with him were very brief. I mean, I think I met with him at the State of the Union and just kind of working through the rope line, and he might have come with a group of leaders. But I haven't had any extensive conversations with him. "
Okay, here's the long story of why he is such a controversial figure. Long ago, Chalabi was viewed by the U.S. as our "inside man" in Middle East relations. Chalabi was born in Iraq but moved to the U.S. back in the 1950's where he recieved his education. He started a bank in Jordan, and was subsequently convicted of bank fraud and sentenced to 17 years in prison. He fled the country to avoid serving the time.
In the 1990's he created a group called the INC (Iraqi National Congress) designed to overthow Saddam Hussein. The INC recieved funding from the United States and helped to organize a failed Kurdish resistance movement against Hussein's regime.
Fast forward to 2003. When the U.S. was readying its case for war on Iraq, Chalabi was counted on as a source; he provided key information that Saddam Hussein possessed WMDs and ties to Al-Qaeda. Once that information turned out to be false, Washington was suddenly backpedaling from their ties to Chalabi.
Then, in 2004, Chalabi was reported as giving United States state secrets to Iran. Yes, Iran.
So, why was Chalabi welcomed in Washington today today for meetings on Iraqi energy plans with Rice, Dick Cheney, and Donald Rumsfeld, instead of with FBI investigators to discuss the intelligence failures?
Someone please explain.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Baseball is Back in Washington
Back in September, I posted word that since-confirmed Chief Justice John Roberts was apparently a baseball fan, as he was using baseball analogies to describe how he would preside as a Supreme Court Judge.
Well it seems Bush, who used to run the Texas Rangers, has appointed another baseball lover to the highest court in the land. Nominee Samuel Alito grew up a huge Phillies fan, according to former star pitcher and current U.S. Senator Jim Bunning.
Well it seems Bush, who used to run the Texas Rangers, has appointed another baseball lover to the highest court in the land. Nominee Samuel Alito grew up a huge Phillies fan, according to former star pitcher and current U.S. Senator Jim Bunning.
Bunning... ran into the Supreme Court nominee in a Capitol bathroom last week.
Alito grew up rooting for the Hall of Famer in New Jersey, and had no problem speaking his mind about the Phillies' epic collapse.
"This jurist is probably the biggest Phillies fan in the world. He proceeded to tell me about the 1964 season and how we blew the pennant," Bunning said Tuesday.
I don't know if Alito is a good choice for the Supreme Court or not, but being a baseball fan is at least as legitimate an indicator to me as what religion he is.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Don't Mess With Texas
So I was in San Antonio for a few days last week. It was my first time in Texas, and I'd certainly be interested in visiting again. Check out my flickr set of the most interesting sights I saw during my two night stay. Just don't ask me what The Alamo is all about; I don't remember. If I ever go back I'll check it out and see if Pee Wee's bike is in the basement.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Even More Sly
Just last week we found out that Sylvester Stallone will reprise his role as the "Italian Stallion" in Rocky VI, Rocky Balboa. Filming is set to begin sometime in December. Today we learn that after that movie is completed, Sly will begin filming Rambo IV!!!!
Yes, you read right. In 2006 moviegoers will be blessed with a sixth Rocky film and a fourth Rambo film. Now we have to keep checking the newswires for word on a sequel to Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot. C'mon! Estelle Getty needs the work.
Yes, you read right. In 2006 moviegoers will be blessed with a sixth Rocky film and a fourth Rambo film. Now we have to keep checking the newswires for word on a sequel to Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot. C'mon! Estelle Getty needs the work.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Mmmmm.... Milk Duds...
Hershey is suing this clothing company for trademark infringement. They want to stop the clothing company from using the name "Milkdudz" for their line of apparel that makes breastfeeding easier.
Hershey's says: "The clothier is trying to capitalize on the name recognition of Milk Duds to avoid having to build up its own brand."
Milkdudz co-founder Kiersten Wall says that Hershey has a trademark only for candy, not clothing: "It's not like we'd be right next to them in the candy aisle. We're in boutiques. We're not anywhere close to competing with Hershey's."
What do you think? Is this a case of copyright infringement, or a situation where a big greedy company is stepping on the little guy?
My opinion is that the name "Milk Duds" makes a heck of a lot more sense for clothing ("duds") than candy anyway.
Hershey's says: "The clothier is trying to capitalize on the name recognition of Milk Duds to avoid having to build up its own brand."
Milkdudz co-founder Kiersten Wall says that Hershey has a trademark only for candy, not clothing: "It's not like we'd be right next to them in the candy aisle. We're in boutiques. We're not anywhere close to competing with Hershey's."
What do you think? Is this a case of copyright infringement, or a situation where a big greedy company is stepping on the little guy?
My opinion is that the name "Milk Duds" makes a heck of a lot more sense for clothing ("duds") than candy anyway.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
The Right Side of Hypocrisy
Hypocrite Alert!!!
I can't believe Miers caved to pressure (from the right) to withdraw her nomination. Isn't it, as Republicans claimed during Roberts nomination, the President's right to nominate and appoint anyone he chooses?
I can't belive the blatant hypocrisy from the right throughout this whole process. As soon as Roberts was nominated, we heard complaints from conservatives that he was not conservative enough. Not that he wasn't fair enough, but rather that they weren't sure that his agenda wasn't what they wanted (i.e. Pro Life). This after all this grandstanding about how supposedly Democrats wanted an "activist" judge. Well isn't that what they were really upset about, that Roberts wasn't enough of a Pro-Life activist? Since abortion is legal, a judge who wants to overturn Roe V. Wade is an activist.
But the Conservatives stood by their man and voted him in, howling at the Democrats who had reservations.
Then Miers gets nominated, and the sh-t really hits the fan. Again, conservatives are mad that she's not hard-line enough. Then we start to hear that she's wholly unqualified. Bush tries to save her by saying her religion is the right religion (wink wink she's pro life). Didn't work.
As poll numbers start to show America is ready for a change in 2006, I think we'll finally start to see Conservatives distance themselves from Bush, like rats leaving a sinking ship.
First though, now we are hearing Republicans HOWLING about the possible indictments of Rove and Libby. They are saying that #1 this is all political and unjustified. Then they say that if there is an indictment, it better be for a "real" crime, not perjury. Because prejury isn't really a crime, right? It's not a crime to lie in court about a possible crime. Apparently perjury is only a really big deal when you lie about sex, but not about a crime.
Hypocrites!!!
By the way, kudos to my cousin John, usually a supporter of Republicans, for pointing out the hypocrisy on his blog. Together we can make a difference!
I can't believe Miers caved to pressure (from the right) to withdraw her nomination. Isn't it, as Republicans claimed during Roberts nomination, the President's right to nominate and appoint anyone he chooses?
I can't belive the blatant hypocrisy from the right throughout this whole process. As soon as Roberts was nominated, we heard complaints from conservatives that he was not conservative enough. Not that he wasn't fair enough, but rather that they weren't sure that his agenda wasn't what they wanted (i.e. Pro Life). This after all this grandstanding about how supposedly Democrats wanted an "activist" judge. Well isn't that what they were really upset about, that Roberts wasn't enough of a Pro-Life activist? Since abortion is legal, a judge who wants to overturn Roe V. Wade is an activist.
But the Conservatives stood by their man and voted him in, howling at the Democrats who had reservations.
Then Miers gets nominated, and the sh-t really hits the fan. Again, conservatives are mad that she's not hard-line enough. Then we start to hear that she's wholly unqualified. Bush tries to save her by saying her religion is the right religion (wink wink she's pro life). Didn't work.
As poll numbers start to show America is ready for a change in 2006, I think we'll finally start to see Conservatives distance themselves from Bush, like rats leaving a sinking ship.
First though, now we are hearing Republicans HOWLING about the possible indictments of Rove and Libby. They are saying that #1 this is all political and unjustified. Then they say that if there is an indictment, it better be for a "real" crime, not perjury. Because prejury isn't really a crime, right? It's not a crime to lie in court about a possible crime. Apparently perjury is only a really big deal when you lie about sex, but not about a crime.
Hypocrites!!!
By the way, kudos to my cousin John, usually a supporter of Republicans, for pointing out the hypocrisy on his blog. Together we can make a difference!
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
I'm Dreaming Of A White Pumpkin
The word on the scene is that white pumpkins, also known as ghost pumpkins, are all the rage this year. Apparently they've just about hit the tipping point, as farmers say they can't keep enough in stock to meet the demand. People say they make scarier jack-o-lanterns, because at night the candle-lit interior (still orange) against the albino white skin is as creepy as it gets.
Memories, Like Fingerprints Are Slowly Raising
Since their 2000 tour, fans of Pearl Jam have been able to buy official bootlegs of pretty much ever show they've performed since that time. The CD's are minimally packaged, but are direct-from-the-soundboard recordings of their shows. They make great souvenirs from shows you've attended, and there are plenty of people who will tell you which shows/recordings are especially good and "must-haves". I have about five or six performances in my CD collection. They really make excellent soundtracks for long drives. According to Pearl Jam's website, over three million of these official releases have been sold since they've been available.
Now the band has taken the program one step further. Often just a few hours after any particular show has ended, fans can now download high resolution digital files of the perfromance, complete with special downloadable artwork and a slideshow specific to each night's show, for just $9.99 per show. This is really an amazing deal, considering most shows could fill two or three CDs. A real nice thing about this offer is that the files have no DRM protection on them, so fans can dowload them into whatever format they like best, listen to them on whatever device they choose, and share them however they'd like.
Personally I plan on monitoring the playlists from the band's current world tour and buy a few recordings myself. Thanks Pearl Jam!
Now the band has taken the program one step further. Often just a few hours after any particular show has ended, fans can now download high resolution digital files of the perfromance, complete with special downloadable artwork and a slideshow specific to each night's show, for just $9.99 per show. This is really an amazing deal, considering most shows could fill two or three CDs. A real nice thing about this offer is that the files have no DRM protection on them, so fans can dowload them into whatever format they like best, listen to them on whatever device they choose, and share them however they'd like.
Personally I plan on monitoring the playlists from the band's current world tour and buy a few recordings myself. Thanks Pearl Jam!
From One V to Another
Congratulations Bobby V!
Bobby Valentine (former manager of the Mets) led his Chiba Lotte Marines to a 3-2 win over the Hanshin Tigers, to win their first Japan Series title in 31 years. Valentine became the first foreign manager in the 70-year history of Japanese baseball to win a Japan Series (Japan's equivalent of the World Series).
"I feel wonderful," said Valentine. "We started in spring training with a dream to be here for the last game. We wanted to win the last game and we did,"
Bobby thinks it's long overdue for the winner of the Japan Series to play the winner of the World Series to decide the true World Champions.
"Maybe it's just time for our owner to make the challenge to the owner of the team that wins the World Series,"
Bobby V has been rumored to be a candidate for open MLB managerial positions with the Dodgers and Devil Rays but has dismissed the rumors, saying he is happy in Japan.
Bobby V is my favorite manager of all time and if he were ever going to manage in the MLB again, I'd only want him to be back at the helm of the Mets.
Bobby Valentine (former manager of the Mets) led his Chiba Lotte Marines to a 3-2 win over the Hanshin Tigers, to win their first Japan Series title in 31 years. Valentine became the first foreign manager in the 70-year history of Japanese baseball to win a Japan Series (Japan's equivalent of the World Series).
"I feel wonderful," said Valentine. "We started in spring training with a dream to be here for the last game. We wanted to win the last game and we did,"
Bobby thinks it's long overdue for the winner of the Japan Series to play the winner of the World Series to decide the true World Champions.
"Maybe it's just time for our owner to make the challenge to the owner of the team that wins the World Series,"
Bobby V has been rumored to be a candidate for open MLB managerial positions with the Dodgers and Devil Rays but has dismissed the rumors, saying he is happy in Japan.
Bobby V is my favorite manager of all time and if he were ever going to manage in the MLB again, I'd only want him to be back at the helm of the Mets.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Is it getting better?
One of my favorite songs of all time is "One," by U2, from their Achtung Baby album (which happens to be my favorite U2 album.
Mary J. Blige is including a cover of "One" on her upcoming Greatest Hits album, featuring Bono on vocals. I usually am unsure about R&B covers of rock songs, but for some reason I am expecting this version to be pretty good. Blige is a real talent, and might have an interesting interpretation of the song. Let me know what you think once you've heard it.
Speaking of interpretations, Melissa Etheridge's cover of Tom Petty's "Refugee" on her Greatest Hits CD is outstanding.
Mary J. Blige is including a cover of "One" on her upcoming Greatest Hits album, featuring Bono on vocals. I usually am unsure about R&B covers of rock songs, but for some reason I am expecting this version to be pretty good. Blige is a real talent, and might have an interesting interpretation of the song. Let me know what you think once you've heard it.
Speaking of interpretations, Melissa Etheridge's cover of Tom Petty's "Refugee" on her Greatest Hits CD is outstanding.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Scary Pumpkins
For some reason, my wife won't let me re-create this masterpiece and display it on our front lawn this weekend:
We're having a pumpkin carving contest at my job this weekend. If I win, it's because of an idea I got from this site.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
My Review: Elizabethtown
Cameron Crowe is one of the great filmmakers of our time. His movies aren't just enjoyable experiences, but works of art that seem to stick with us long after we've seen them. Say Anything, Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous, Vanilla Sky, Singles... these films are captivating and enduring. And a big part of Crowe's gift has been to craft soundtracks to these films that elevate the movies into our consciousness many years later. Remember Tom Cruise shouting out the chorus to Free Fallin' as he raced along the highway, a busload of people singing Tiny Dancer, and John Cusack using In Your Eyes to profess his love? Vanilla Sky would have been something else entirely without the incredible soundtrack.
The music in Elizabethtown does not disappoint. However, whereas in his previous films Crowe used music as a device to help capture the emotion of the story, Elizabethtown's story and characters are underdeveloped (despite a two hour running time) and far too much reliance is placed on the soundtrack. Crowe seems to have spent too much time creating a wonderful mix tape and not enough on the screenplay. Perhaps because the film was based, in part, on his own healing following the death of his father, Crowe did not dig deep with his characters, and we are left without the personal introspection that usually follows seeing his movies.
The film does leave us with great new imagery to think of whenever we hear the highly mocked but honestly great "Freebird," and we do feel a renewed interest in creating mixtapes and taking roadtrips, so it was not a total waste of time. Also, Nancy Wilson's score is magnificient, and I've already added her CD's to my wishlist. Sadly though, I regret to report that so far, for me, the most enduring images of Elizabethtown weren't what Crowe was attempting. Unless he indeed wanted me to ponder Kirsten Dunst's odd smile.
Of course the true test of any film is time, and perhaps I'm rushing to judgement. The film's messages of appreciating life, love, music, and America may endure after all.
Grade: B-
The music in Elizabethtown does not disappoint. However, whereas in his previous films Crowe used music as a device to help capture the emotion of the story, Elizabethtown's story and characters are underdeveloped (despite a two hour running time) and far too much reliance is placed on the soundtrack. Crowe seems to have spent too much time creating a wonderful mix tape and not enough on the screenplay. Perhaps because the film was based, in part, on his own healing following the death of his father, Crowe did not dig deep with his characters, and we are left without the personal introspection that usually follows seeing his movies.
The film does leave us with great new imagery to think of whenever we hear the highly mocked but honestly great "Freebird," and we do feel a renewed interest in creating mixtapes and taking roadtrips, so it was not a total waste of time. Also, Nancy Wilson's score is magnificient, and I've already added her CD's to my wishlist. Sadly though, I regret to report that so far, for me, the most enduring images of Elizabethtown weren't what Crowe was attempting. Unless he indeed wanted me to ponder Kirsten Dunst's odd smile.
Of course the true test of any film is time, and perhaps I'm rushing to judgement. The film's messages of appreciating life, love, music, and America may endure after all.
Grade: B-
Thursday, October 20, 2005
J. Crew or Cruel?
Okay, so some people think PETA is a group of freaks, but they produced this video which depicts practices that are pretty hard to defend. Unless, of course, you're a heartless prick. Then maybe it doesn't bother you.
WARNING!! The following video contains highly graphic and gruesome imagery. It depicts grossly inhumane treatment of dogs and cats. The animals are first shown during the transportation stage, packed in tiny cages of top of one another, and then dropped from thirty feet down on to the ground. Then the animals are de-skinned for the use of their furs in clothes. Allegedly the cat and dog fur is often deliberately mislabeled as fur from other species and is exported to the United States to be sold to unsuspecting customers in retail stores. PETA further alleges that if you buy fur from J.Crew you may be wearing the fur from abused dogs and cats.
http://www.petatv.com/tvpopup/Prefs.asp?video=jcruel_china_dog
Watch this video if you have the stomach for it, but definitely visit www.jcruel.com and tell your freinds about it.
Some people think PETA is a bunch of freaks, but they were successful in getting PETCO to stop selling large birds such as parrots in unsafe conditions, and helped convince Mary Kay and Revlon to stop testing their products on animals. They also got McDonalds to require improvements in the treatment of the animals raised and slaughtered by its suppliers. This in turn makes the meat safer for us to eat.
Again, you don't have to be a freak to think there's something inhumane about the treatment of the animals in this video: http://www.petatv.com/tvpopup/Prefs.asp?video=jcruel_china_dog
WARNING!! The following video contains highly graphic and gruesome imagery. It depicts grossly inhumane treatment of dogs and cats. The animals are first shown during the transportation stage, packed in tiny cages of top of one another, and then dropped from thirty feet down on to the ground. Then the animals are de-skinned for the use of their furs in clothes. Allegedly the cat and dog fur is often deliberately mislabeled as fur from other species and is exported to the United States to be sold to unsuspecting customers in retail stores. PETA further alleges that if you buy fur from J.Crew you may be wearing the fur from abused dogs and cats.
http://www.petatv.com/tvpopup/Prefs.asp?video=jcruel_china_dog
Watch this video if you have the stomach for it, but definitely visit www.jcruel.com and tell your freinds about it.
Some people think PETA is a bunch of freaks, but they were successful in getting PETCO to stop selling large birds such as parrots in unsafe conditions, and helped convince Mary Kay and Revlon to stop testing their products on animals. They also got McDonalds to require improvements in the treatment of the animals raised and slaughtered by its suppliers. This in turn makes the meat safer for us to eat.
Again, you don't have to be a freak to think there's something inhumane about the treatment of the animals in this video: http://www.petatv.com/tvpopup/Prefs.asp?video=jcruel_china_dog
Leaving New York
I am coming up on the one year anniversary of my relocation from Long Island, NY to Greensboro, NC. It's amazing to think how quickly the last year has gone by. People ask me how the transition has been, and really it's been mostly good. My wife and I are feeling really good about our move. There are things I miss, of course. Besides my friends and family, and The Mets, it is hard to get good pizza and down right impossible to get a decent bagel. Although spare ribs are A LOT better down here!
The last time I was up visiting New York I discovered two things that so far I've been unable to find down here in The South. My message to the manufacturers: PLEASE try and secure distribution down here! The items:
Velamints Vanilla Mints
Velamints Chocolate mints have been around for awhile, and are readily available here, but these vanilla flavored mints are awesome. They taste kind of like cream soda. They're sugar free and fat free, and work great as a breath freshener. So far I haven't found them anywhere but at Trader Joe's on Long Island though...
Thomas Corn Toasting Bread
No, not corn bread, which is very much available in The South. This is sliced bread, with a look and texture just like the bread you make sandwiches with all the time, except it tastes remarkably like a corn muffin! If you toast a couple slices with butter, it makes an amazing snack! Delicious!
So, please, To The Powers That Be at George Weston Bakers and The Wrigley Company: Bring me these awesome snacks!
And if only I could find some decent pizza...
The last time I was up visiting New York I discovered two things that so far I've been unable to find down here in The South. My message to the manufacturers: PLEASE try and secure distribution down here! The items:
Velamints Vanilla Mints
Velamints Chocolate mints have been around for awhile, and are readily available here, but these vanilla flavored mints are awesome. They taste kind of like cream soda. They're sugar free and fat free, and work great as a breath freshener. So far I haven't found them anywhere but at Trader Joe's on Long Island though...
Thomas Corn Toasting Bread
No, not corn bread, which is very much available in The South. This is sliced bread, with a look and texture just like the bread you make sandwiches with all the time, except it tastes remarkably like a corn muffin! If you toast a couple slices with butter, it makes an amazing snack! Delicious!
So, please, To The Powers That Be at George Weston Bakers and The Wrigley Company: Bring me these awesome snacks!
And if only I could find some decent pizza...
Lost Video
So I got a few complaints that my summary of Lost was missing a few key details. You may have a point... so check out this music video that attempts to summarize the first season.
http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/272811
Fans of Weird Al Yankovic and Queen will either love it or be outraged.
http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/272811
Fans of Weird Al Yankovic and Queen will either love it or be outraged.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Lost Spoiler
One of my favorite shows on television is Lost. It's a great show, and it's wildly popular now, but still every so often I'll try to talk to someone about it, and they tell me they don't feel like they can watch the show because they didn't see it from the beginning and wouldn't be able to pick it up mid-stream. I understand. It's a serial, so potential viewers may feel like they will have too many storylines to try and figure out if they were to start watching the show mid-season.
Well, as a public service, I will now summarize all of the show's major plotlines so that the uninitiated will feel comfortable tuning in every Wednesday night at 9 PM (ET) on ABC:
A plane en route from Australia to Los Angeles has crashed, leaving 40 survivors to try and find a way off the island. Think "Gilligans Island," but each episode is an hour long.
You're Welcome.
The new season of Drawn Together on Comedy Central is a parody of Lost.
Well, as a public service, I will now summarize all of the show's major plotlines so that the uninitiated will feel comfortable tuning in every Wednesday night at 9 PM (ET) on ABC:
A plane en route from Australia to Los Angeles has crashed, leaving 40 survivors to try and find a way off the island. Think "Gilligans Island," but each episode is an hour long.
You're Welcome.
The new season of Drawn Together on Comedy Central is a parody of Lost.
Everyone's a Comedian... even Bob Dylan
A page of jokes told by Bob Dylan on stage during various concerts
June 27, Phoenix, "Thanks everybody, you're too kind...You know, I was talking to Neil Young yesterday (audience cheers at the mention of Young) and he said to me, he said 'Bob, you just can't hear cool music on the radio anymore...' and I says to Neil, I says 'sure you just... (a decent pause) you just need to stick your radio in the refrigerator."
Okay, so he's not the best comedian out there, but he is still the most influential and prolific songwriter of our time. Do yourself a favor and catch Martin Scorcese's documentary No Direction Home, airing on PBS.
I missed it the first time it was on so I set my TiVo to record anything with Bob Dylan in it so I would catch the documentary whenever it aired again. What I got was a nice surprise. Besides recording the two part documentary, TiVo also found an episode of Dharma & Greg (I know, I know) guesting Mr. Dylan. He isn't really in the plot, but the last five minutes of the show is Jenna Elfman (Dharma) playing the drums, jamming with Bob! They banter a bit back and forth. It almost seemed improvised, the way they were cracking each other up.
June 27, Phoenix, "Thanks everybody, you're too kind...You know, I was talking to Neil Young yesterday (audience cheers at the mention of Young) and he said to me, he said 'Bob, you just can't hear cool music on the radio anymore...' and I says to Neil, I says 'sure you just... (a decent pause) you just need to stick your radio in the refrigerator."
Okay, so he's not the best comedian out there, but he is still the most influential and prolific songwriter of our time. Do yourself a favor and catch Martin Scorcese's documentary No Direction Home, airing on PBS.
I missed it the first time it was on so I set my TiVo to record anything with Bob Dylan in it so I would catch the documentary whenever it aired again. What I got was a nice surprise. Besides recording the two part documentary, TiVo also found an episode of Dharma & Greg (I know, I know) guesting Mr. Dylan. He isn't really in the plot, but the last five minutes of the show is Jenna Elfman (Dharma) playing the drums, jamming with Bob! They banter a bit back and forth. It almost seemed improvised, the way they were cracking each other up.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Poster Children...
Poster Children For...
...Not Taking Steroids
It was announced today that reliever Felix Heredia (6.28 ERA in 2004; missed almost all of 2005 due to a shoulder aneurysm) will be suspended for the first 10 days of next season for violating baseball's steroids policy. He could get the award for Worst Ever Results From Steroids.
...Keeping Prostitution Illegal
This woman, Camille Cabral, showed up in Brussels to represent French prostitutes at a rally to end the criminalization of prostitution in Europe. I'm trying to avoid saying something really mean here, but I'll just let the photo speak for itself and see if you don't draw the same conclusion, okay?
...For Moving Inland
Hurricane Wilma (and yes, a hurricane can be a poster 'child.' It has a name after all), as the 20th tropical storm in the Atlantic Basin and 12th hurricane in the same region this year, sets 2005 as the worst year on record for storms. As if the devastation from Katrina weren't enough, just the idea of twelve threats to my home in a single year ensures that I'll never have my primary residence on these shores. I'm just glad I am in a position to make that kind of choice. Not all of us get to pick where we live and have the luxury of moving if we don't like it.
...Not Taking Steroids
It was announced today that reliever Felix Heredia (6.28 ERA in 2004; missed almost all of 2005 due to a shoulder aneurysm) will be suspended for the first 10 days of next season for violating baseball's steroids policy. He could get the award for Worst Ever Results From Steroids.
...Keeping Prostitution Illegal
This woman, Camille Cabral, showed up in Brussels to represent French prostitutes at a rally to end the criminalization of prostitution in Europe. I'm trying to avoid saying something really mean here, but I'll just let the photo speak for itself and see if you don't draw the same conclusion, okay?
...For Moving Inland
Hurricane Wilma (and yes, a hurricane can be a poster 'child.' It has a name after all), as the 20th tropical storm in the Atlantic Basin and 12th hurricane in the same region this year, sets 2005 as the worst year on record for storms. As if the devastation from Katrina weren't enough, just the idea of twelve threats to my home in a single year ensures that I'll never have my primary residence on these shores. I'm just glad I am in a position to make that kind of choice. Not all of us get to pick where we live and have the luxury of moving if we don't like it.
Land Of The Dead
I had no idea I lived so close by (the next town over!) to the Land Of The Dead! Zombies? This is gonna kill my property value.
'Shrooms
I made these sauteed mushrooms last week. They came out delicious!
Unicef is using a shock tactic to get attention for its anti-war ad campaign. The poor Smurfs' mushroom village gets bombed and look what happened to little Smurfette!
Want to grow your own mushrooms at home? Click here.
Unicef is using a shock tactic to get attention for its anti-war ad campaign. The poor Smurfs' mushroom village gets bombed and look what happened to little Smurfette!
Want to grow your own mushrooms at home? Click here.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Daylight Fading
A great photo collection from Jason Kottke reflecting on the end of Summer. I could look at photographs all day long.
That new Nickelback song is still lame, though.
That new Nickelback song is still lame, though.
Fright Night
Lately the fear of having my home burglarized has been on my mind. The star of one of my favorite shows, Lost, and his wife woke up at 4 A.M. to find an intruder with a handgun, standing over them, demanding money. Early this morning my wife and I heard an odd beep emitting from our house alarm. It wasn't alerting us to an open door or anything, but apparently just noticed we'd moved the living room motion detector when we re-painted 3 months ago. That was unnerving. And in today's Newsday, there is an article about a rise in home-invasion robberies on Long Island, where I used to live.
The thing is that we don't even own anything worth stealing, and we don't have a safe full of cash or even much jewelry to speak about. So now I worry about pissing off a would-be burglar!Ugh. What to do? Living in fear isn't how I want to live, but I am not sure how to feel safe. Can we count on Mookie?
The thing is that we don't even own anything worth stealing, and we don't have a safe full of cash or even much jewelry to speak about. So now I worry about pissing off a would-be burglar!Ugh. What to do? Living in fear isn't how I want to live, but I am not sure how to feel safe. Can we count on Mookie?
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Cool Photographs
I love photography as much as anyone can without knowing anything about it. All those numbers on the side of a 35mm camera are just jibberish to me. I know this must be really shocking for fans of my "Mookie Of The Month" series, but it's true! I'd like to take a photography class, but the cost of a nice SLR just isn't something I can swing right now. Right now, I do all my photography on a 4.0meg Fuji FinePix camera. If anyone has some advice, post a comment!
Here are some cool photography sites:
http://990000.com
www.flickr.com
http://vphoto.blogspot.com/
Here are some cool photography sites:
http://990000.com
www.flickr.com
http://vphoto.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
i(want)Pod
Okay, so I have wanted an iPod for a little while now, and now they just introduced a new version that makes me REALLY REALLY want one. They are hyping the new feature that allows it to play video, but I could give a crap about that. What's really cool about the new iPod is that you get 50% more space, but it's thinner, and comes in black. Oh, and for the same price of $299. Beat that. I dare you.
Why would anyone buy a Nano?
ipod-------Nano ---- 4th gen. iPod ---- NEW iPod Video
capacity --- 4g ---------20g ---------------30g
price ------$249 -------$299 ------------- $299
Somebody please buy me one.
http://www.apple.com/ipod/ipod.html
Apple Introduces New Video IPod
Why would anyone buy a Nano?
ipod-------Nano ---- 4th gen. iPod ---- NEW iPod Video
capacity --- 4g ---------20g ---------------30g
price ------$249 -------$299 ------------- $299
Somebody please buy me one.
http://www.apple.com/ipod/ipod.html
Apple Introduces New Video IPod
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Yankees Break Tom Hanks' First Rule Of Baseball
...when Torre and Giambi passed each other on the Fenway Park mound after the Yankees clinched, Giambi says Torre hugged him one more time and told him, "Words can't even describe how I feel about you, and how your year went."
Asked what he said back, Giambi replied, "Not a lot. I got choked up a little bit."
Then Giambi looked at Torre and saw "he was crying, too."
http://www.newsday.com/sports/printedition/ny-spbbhow044454200oct04,0,3628727.column?coll=ny-sports-print
Touching. Just touching, really.
Asked what he said back, Giambi replied, "Not a lot. I got choked up a little bit."
Then Giambi looked at Torre and saw "he was crying, too."
http://www.newsday.com/sports/printedition/ny-spbbhow044454200oct04,0,3628727.column?coll=ny-sports-print
Touching. Just touching, really.
Monday, October 03, 2005
List of Lists
Do you like lists? I know it's a strange thing to be a fan of, but I really dig lists. To Do lists are the only organizational tools I truly embrace, and I also love Top Ten lists and lists like 101 Things Removed From The Human Body. Sick show by the way! Timothy McSweeny also apparently shares my enthusiasm for lists, as he regularly posts them on his blog. Check out lists like Things Koala Bears Would Say, Poorly Selling T-Shirts, Elements Waiting Patiently for Inclusion on the Periodic Table, and Obscenities Uttered by Jesus Christ (such as "Dad damn you," and "Holy Mom, mother of me,"). See them all here.
Friday, September 30, 2005
New FDNY Chaplain Doubts Official 9/11 Story
Conspiracy theories about what really happened on September 11th have circulated on the internet and in European newspapers for years, but this is the first time I've seen it as a front page story in a major American newspaper.
The reason it made it here is that the new FDNY chaplain, Imam Intikab Habib, the man who's job it is to provide spiritual guidance to New York's firefighers, has made comments questioning how the Twin Towers could have collapsed from the fire caused by the jets:
"I've heard professionals say that nowhere ever in history did a steel building come down with fire alone," he said. "It takes two or three weeks to demolish a building like that. But it was pulled down in a couple of hours. Was it 19 hijackers who brought it down, or was it a conspiracy?"
Habib is muslim, and was questioned by Newsday whether he anticipated difficulties performing his duties as chaplain when there may be resentment towards muslims because of 9/11.
"I as an individual don't know who did the attacks," said Habib, 30, a soft-spoken man who immigrated to New York in July 2000 after spending six years in Saudi Arabia getting a degree in Islamic theology and law. "There are so many conflicting reports about it. I don't believe it was 19 ... hijackers who did those attacks."
I wonder what the outcome of these comments will be.
UPDATE: 12:04 PM: "The Fire Department this morning received the resignation of Imam Intikab Habib from his position of FDNY Chaplain," said FDNY Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta. "Based on comments he made to Newsday, Imam Intikab Habib would have been unable to effectively serve in the role he was appointed to."
Well, so there you go.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Braves (fans) Stink!
For the last several years, at some point between the end of July and the beginning of September, I've had to switch my alliance from rooting for the Mets, to rooting against the Yankees and Braves. I've had much more success at this part of my fandom, as neither team was won a championship lately.
Who knows what will happen this year, but regardless of the outcome of this years World Series, I do at least have this: Braves fans don't wash their hands after they use the bathroom. In a study done recently, it was reported that at Atlanta's Turner Field, 37 percent of men left the bathroom without washing, while 16 percent of the women did.
Meanwhile, lets go Red Sox and Cardinals!
Who knows what will happen this year, but regardless of the outcome of this years World Series, I do at least have this: Braves fans don't wash their hands after they use the bathroom. In a study done recently, it was reported that at Atlanta's Turner Field, 37 percent of men left the bathroom without washing, while 16 percent of the women did.
Meanwhile, lets go Red Sox and Cardinals!
Monday, September 19, 2005
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Gag Gift Of The Year - "The Ex"
This is an actual knife set you can really buy - It's called "The Ex," and it costs $80 bucks here. Maybe this will be as big as those singing fish were a few years back.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Talkin' Baseball
I don't have a strong feeling either way about the nomination of John Roberts for Chief Justice (though the lack of hysteria on the matter coming from the left is comforting), but I was glad to hear his baseball analogy:
There are some MLB umps who could learn a thing or two from this guy!
"Judges are like umpires. Umpires don't make the rules; they apply them. The role of an umpire and a judge is critical. They make sure everybody plays by the rules, but it is a limited role. Nobody ever went to a ballgame to see the umpire."
"...I will fully and fairly analyze the legal arguments that are presented. I will be open to the considered views of my colleagues on the bench. And I will decide every case based on the record according to the rule of law without fear or favor to the best of my ability. And I will remember that it's my job to call balls and strikes and not to pitch or bat."
There are some MLB umps who could learn a thing or two from this guy!
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Hero Of The Week - George W. Bush (seriously!)
Bush Takes Responsibility for Blunders
By LARA JAKES JORDAN, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - President Bush' said Tuesday that "I take responsibility" for failures in dealing with Hurricane Katrina and said the disaster raised broader questions about the government's ability to respond to natural disasters as well as terror attacks.
Katrina exposed serious problems in our response capability at all levels of government," Bush said at joint White House news conference with the president of Iraq'
"To the extent the federal government didn't fully do its job right, I take responsibility," Bush said.
The president was asked whether people should be worried about the government's ability to handle another terrorist attack given failures in responding to Katrina.
"Are we capable of dealing with a severe attack? That's a very important question and it's in the national interest that we find out what went on so we can better respond," Bush replied.
He said he wanted to know both what went wrong and what went right.
As for blunders in the federal response, "I'm not going to defend the process going in," Bush said. "I am going to defend the people saving lives."
Full Story
This is the first time I've seen anyone accept responsibility for what happened, and it came from the most unlikely of places - a man who's never wanted to admit mistakes. The cynic in me says this is a response to falling poll numbers, but ultimately it was the right thing to do and I applaud him for it.
By LARA JAKES JORDAN, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - President Bush' said Tuesday that "I take responsibility" for failures in dealing with Hurricane Katrina and said the disaster raised broader questions about the government's ability to respond to natural disasters as well as terror attacks.
Katrina exposed serious problems in our response capability at all levels of government," Bush said at joint White House news conference with the president of Iraq'
"To the extent the federal government didn't fully do its job right, I take responsibility," Bush said.
The president was asked whether people should be worried about the government's ability to handle another terrorist attack given failures in responding to Katrina.
"Are we capable of dealing with a severe attack? That's a very important question and it's in the national interest that we find out what went on so we can better respond," Bush replied.
He said he wanted to know both what went wrong and what went right.
As for blunders in the federal response, "I'm not going to defend the process going in," Bush said. "I am going to defend the people saving lives."
Full Story
This is the first time I've seen anyone accept responsibility for what happened, and it came from the most unlikely of places - a man who's never wanted to admit mistakes. The cynic in me says this is a response to falling poll numbers, but ultimately it was the right thing to do and I applaud him for it.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Bush On Vacation
I think this Photoshop creation pretty much sums up the country's sentiment towards the President right now.
Katrina damages Bush in two polls
Bush's Approval Rating Is Lowest of His Presidency
Sunday, September 11, 2005
An Ominous Issue
In April's Issue of Popular Science, in a section called When Earth Attacks, the magazine looked at potential disasters we face at the hands of Mother Nature. Volcanoes, Landslides, Tsunami's, Earthquakes, and Hurricanes were all covered. The part on Hurricanes was all about what would happen if a Category 5 hit New Orleans.
Although hurricanes of this magnitude slamming directly into New Orleans are extremely rare—occurring perhaps every 500 to 1,000 years—should one come ashore, the resulting storm surge would swell Lake Pontchartrain (a brackish sea adjoining the Gulf of Mexico), overtop the levees, and submerge the city under up to 40 feet of water. Once this happened, the levees would "serve as a bathtub," explains Harley Winer, chief of coastal engineering for the Army Corps’s New Orleans District. The water would get trapped between the Mississippi levees and the hurricane-protection levees. "This is a highly improbable event," Winer points out, "but within the realm of possibility."
Friday, September 09, 2005
What is America's Worst Airport?
It has been quite a year for me with traveling. I've been lucky enough to experience many of our nation's airports. My least favorite airports to travel through are:
Washington D.C. (Dulles)
Charlotte, NC
Orlando, FL
But what is America's Worst Airport? I'll be posting on this subject occasionally to try and get to the answer. A big part of the hassle at airports is the wait time at the security line.
Check out this chart from USA Today that tracks the longest wait times in security lines. They've ranked America's 100 busiest airports to see how they compare.
Surprisingly, little ol' PTI in Greensboro/High Point has the highest average wait time (almost 8 minutes), and the highest percentage of wait times over 10 minutes (over 23 % of the time). Meanwhile, LAX in Los Angeles has the highest maximum wait time (almost 2 and a half hours!)
Going forward, I'll compare frequency of delays, aesthetic appearance, comfort, and any other way to compare airports to find.... America's Worst Airport. (bump, bum, BUM!!!)
Comments, Please!
Washington D.C. (Dulles)
Charlotte, NC
Orlando, FL
But what is America's Worst Airport? I'll be posting on this subject occasionally to try and get to the answer. A big part of the hassle at airports is the wait time at the security line.
Check out this chart from USA Today that tracks the longest wait times in security lines. They've ranked America's 100 busiest airports to see how they compare.
Surprisingly, little ol' PTI in Greensboro/High Point has the highest average wait time (almost 8 minutes), and the highest percentage of wait times over 10 minutes (over 23 % of the time). Meanwhile, LAX in Los Angeles has the highest maximum wait time (almost 2 and a half hours!)
Going forward, I'll compare frequency of delays, aesthetic appearance, comfort, and any other way to compare airports to find.... America's Worst Airport. (bump, bum, BUM!!!)
Comments, Please!
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Monday, September 05, 2005
Mookie Of The Month - September
Happy Labor Day everyone! Drink Up!
P.S. Please don't e-mail me with complaints or call animal protection on me or anything. I assure you, the bottle was empty!
P.S. Please don't e-mail me with complaints or call animal protection on me or anything. I assure you, the bottle was empty!
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
The Wilburys Live On!
Worth the time it takes to download is this animated video of The Travelling Wilbury's song "Cool Dry Place," featuring lead vocals by Charlie T. Wilbury (A.K.A. Tom Petty). What's really cool is that the video was made by a 13 year old kid named Mitch. Check it out and give the kid some props!
http://www.deviantart.com/view/21898582/
http://www.deviantart.com/view/21898582/
Better stock up on Drano
Back when Al Gore created the internet, I'm not sure he had this in mind:
http://catsinsinks.com/
Why not?
http://catsinsinks.com/
Why not?
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
The Big Easy?
You have to view Newsday's slideshow of pictures from the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina. I've visited New Orleans twice in the past year, and even stayed at The Hyatt which now looks like a bomb blew it out. Unreal.
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/sns-hurricane-katrina-pix,0,3092265.photogallery?index=2
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/sns-hurricane-katrina-pix,0,3092265.photogallery?index=2
Monday, August 29, 2005
My Review: March Of The Penguins
Even the most heartless bastard would enjoy this documentary about penguins! The film, narrated by Morgan Freeman, shows the arduous journey the Emperor Penguin endures every year for one sole purpose: mating. Gotta love it. The filming of this feature must have been is an incredible undertaking, as we watch the penguins huddle through the harshest of winter storms, deep in Antarctica. It's worth the price of admission just for the images of a part of the earth most of us never will get to see. Oh, and a bit of advice for the aforementioned heartless bastards: check this film out on a weekday afternoon, when there's apt to be fewer annoying children talking and running around in the theater. Grade: A
UPDATE (8/30): Jason Kottke tells the interesting story of how the original French edit of the film was reworked to be more appeaing the US audience: http://www.kottke.org/05/08/march-penguins-remake
UPDATE (8/30): Jason Kottke tells the interesting story of how the original French edit of the film was reworked to be more appeaing the US audience: http://www.kottke.org/05/08/march-penguins-remake
Saturday, August 27, 2005
What the fuss is all about...
I recently was forwarded an essay titled "What's All the Fuss?" by Doug Patton, where the author chastises the media for investigating mishandlings of the Koran at Guantanomo Bay. Basically his position is that our soldiers can do no wrong since they are fighting a dangerous enemy. He also has made a distorted correlation between 9/11 and the war in Iraq...
http://www.gopusa.com/commentary/dpatton/2005/dp_0606p.shtml
What I found most interesting about what he doesn't care about, is respecting the Koran while it's illegal to own a bible in Saudi Arabia. It's true that it's illegal for Christians to prostelitize and distribute Bibles in Saudi Arabia. The CIA Factbook says of the country, "The Government prohibits public non-Muslim religious activities. Non-Muslim worshippers risk arrest, imprisonment, lashing, deportation, and sometimes torture for engaging in overt religious activity that attracts official attention." http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2002/14012.htm
It's evident that Christians, and Jews are not welcome in Saudi Arabia and in fact Saudi Arabia is a hotbed for religious extremism. I wonder if Doug Patton cared when George Bush was seen walking hand in hand through a rose garden with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdullah when 15 of the 19 hijackers were from Saudi Arabia?
ANYWAY... What the fuss is all about is that Saudi Arabian hijackers inspired/directed by Osama Bin Laden flew planes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and instead of severing political ties with Saudi Arabia or even engaging in military tactics against that country we instead invade an impotent Iraq and, as Doug Patton says, wait for Osama to "turn himself in."
Yes, we are at war. But are we at war with the right people?
http://www.gopusa.com/commentary/dpatton/2005/dp_0606p.shtml
What I found most interesting about what he doesn't care about, is respecting the Koran while it's illegal to own a bible in Saudi Arabia. It's true that it's illegal for Christians to prostelitize and distribute Bibles in Saudi Arabia. The CIA Factbook says of the country, "The Government prohibits public non-Muslim religious activities. Non-Muslim worshippers risk arrest, imprisonment, lashing, deportation, and sometimes torture for engaging in overt religious activity that attracts official attention." http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2002/14012.htm
It's evident that Christians, and Jews are not welcome in Saudi Arabia and in fact Saudi Arabia is a hotbed for religious extremism. I wonder if Doug Patton cared when George Bush was seen walking hand in hand through a rose garden with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdullah when 15 of the 19 hijackers were from Saudi Arabia?
ANYWAY... What the fuss is all about is that Saudi Arabian hijackers inspired/directed by Osama Bin Laden flew planes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and instead of severing political ties with Saudi Arabia or even engaging in military tactics against that country we instead invade an impotent Iraq and, as Doug Patton says, wait for Osama to "turn himself in."
Yes, we are at war. But are we at war with the right people?
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Hypocrite Of The Month - Pat Robertson
Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson said that the U.S. should assassinate Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Since the statements caused an uproar, he has tried to say his statements were taken out of context, however the meaning of his statements are pretty straightforward:
"If he thinks we're trying to assassinate him, I think that we really ought to go ahead and do it"
"We have the ability to take him out, and I think the time has come that we exercise that ability," Robertson said. "We don't need another $200 billion war to get rid of one strong-arm dictator. It's a whole lot easier to have some of the covert operatives do the job and then get it over with."
http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/08/23/robertson.chavez.1534/index.html
Now, some of Pat Robertson's (hopefully dwindling) supporters may say that they agree with his suggestions, but agreeing with his statements is irrelevant. What is relevant is that here is a man who claims to be a man of God, suggesting murder as a viable option. I'm pretty sure there is something in the Bible about killing. Hmmm...
"If he thinks we're trying to assassinate him, I think that we really ought to go ahead and do it"
"We have the ability to take him out, and I think the time has come that we exercise that ability," Robertson said. "We don't need another $200 billion war to get rid of one strong-arm dictator. It's a whole lot easier to have some of the covert operatives do the job and then get it over with."
http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/08/23/robertson.chavez.1534/index.html
Now, some of Pat Robertson's (hopefully dwindling) supporters may say that they agree with his suggestions, but agreeing with his statements is irrelevant. What is relevant is that here is a man who claims to be a man of God, suggesting murder as a viable option. I'm pretty sure there is something in the Bible about killing. Hmmm...
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Pulp Fiction 2 - President Koons
Christopher Walken is running for President in 2008.
I haven't been this excited since Andy Kaufman announced he wasn't dead.
I haven't been this excited since Andy Kaufman announced he wasn't dead.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
What Is Rollyo?
Dave Pell of davenetics has created a new site called rollyo with the tagline "Roll Your Own." He is asking people to help beta test the new site, but he isn't saying what the site is. He asks us to sign up to help out based only on the logo (which is a cool one, as logos go) and faith in the power of Dave. I signed up because I dig his blogs and figure it might be cool to get in on whatever this is in the early stages and be part of helping it grow, whatever it is.
http://rollyo.com/
http://davenetics.com/2005/08/roll-your-own/
http://rollyo.com/
http://davenetics.com/2005/08/roll-your-own/
Monday, August 15, 2005
Thursday, August 11, 2005
How About That?
Check out this AMAZIN' catch by Mets' 3rd baseman David Wright!
Click here for dial up
Click here for high speed
WOW!!!
www.mets.mlb.com
http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/
Click here for dial up
Click here for high speed
WOW!!!
www.mets.mlb.com
http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/
Monday, August 08, 2005
World's Ugliest Dog
This is Sam, a really ugly dog. He is so ugly he got his own website! http://samugliestdog.com/
Previous Post: The World's Ugliest Cat
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Mookie Video
See Mookie chase off the geese!
http://www.putfile.com/media.php?n=mookiechasinggeese2 Awesome!
http://www.putfile.com/media.php?n=DSCF056765 This one would be better, if only I had steadycam.
http://www.putfile.com/media.php?n=mookiechasinggeese2 Awesome!
http://www.putfile.com/media.php?n=DSCF056765 This one would be better, if only I had steadycam.
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Putfile.com's Top Videos Of The Week
Putfile.com is a website that allows anyone to post their wave movies or flash videos for free. Why it is a free service, I don't know, but it's pretty cool that it is. Anyway, here are 5 of the most downloaded movies and flash videos off putfile.com this week:
1. Hot chick driving a Ferrari 'nuff said.
2. Two Weird Japanese Kids This defies explanation. At first, it looks a bootlegged video of two kids horsing around with a video camera in a video they must've hoped would never see the light of day. Then, it becomes apparent that this is actually a highly rehearsed video that in ten years they will have hoped never saw the light of day. As they say here in the South, bless their hearts.
3. Funny Family Guy clip A funny clip from a great, great show. Look out for the Family Guy movie this fall.
4. A compilation of unfortunate events. Some people getting jacked up.
5. Really Bad MC Hammer/Old Guy/Elmo video. This is really lame. However, it allows me to dream that someday, with about 8 minutes of learning Flash, I could create a Top putfile.com video.
1. Hot chick driving a Ferrari 'nuff said.
2. Two Weird Japanese Kids This defies explanation. At first, it looks a bootlegged video of two kids horsing around with a video camera in a video they must've hoped would never see the light of day. Then, it becomes apparent that this is actually a highly rehearsed video that in ten years they will have hoped never saw the light of day. As they say here in the South, bless their hearts.
3. Funny Family Guy clip A funny clip from a great, great show. Look out for the Family Guy movie this fall.
4. A compilation of unfortunate events. Some people getting jacked up.
5. Really Bad MC Hammer/Old Guy/Elmo video. This is really lame. However, it allows me to dream that someday, with about 8 minutes of learning Flash, I could create a Top putfile.com video.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
V.I.C.K.I.'s older, hotter sister
My friend Dave once said to me about the show "Small Wonder,"
Japanese scientists apparently have had the same idea. They created a robot that looks and moves like an adult woman. Apparently it's not quite ready for Prime Time yet, though:
Full Story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4714135.stm
"If you had the ability to create a lifelike female, why would you make her 11 years old?"
Japanese scientists apparently have had the same idea. They created a robot that looks and moves like an adult woman. Apparently it's not quite ready for Prime Time yet, though:
"Repliee Q1 can interact with people. It can respond to people touching it. It's very satisfying, although we obviously have a long way to go yet."
Full Story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4714135.stm
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
'Catastrophic Success,' or 'Mission Accomplished'
So, I didn't post yesterday, so technically my goal of posting every day for 30 consecutive days didn't happen. But, you'll live. i'll attempt to make up for it by talking about some success stories by other people.
Return To Space
First, the shuttle launch. I was in Vegas the morning of the launch, so since I didn't have to start my work duties out there until 10 AM Vegas time, I was able to watch the launch live at 7:30 AM. It was one of the coolest things I've ever seen. The utter speed of the shuttle was so incredible. The reporters said at top speed, the shuttle could fly from New York to LA in ten minutes. Too bad we can't all get around that quick.
Here's video of the launch:
http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/videos/metafiles/ksc_072605_rtf_launch.ram
Here's video of the fuel tank seperating from the shuttle:
http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/videos/metafiles/ksc_072605_rtf_etcam.ram
NASA's official page on the shuttle mission: http://www.nasa.gov/returntoflight/main/index.html
Tour De Lance
I tried earnestly to follow Lance Armstrong's attempt to win his 7th Tour De France. I read the daily reports several times, and I have come to realize I have no idea how cycling races work. Somehow it is a team sport, but I can't figure it out. I have heard that NASCAR is a team sport as well, though I'm not sure if it's the same type of thing.
Anyhow, I did learn something this week. And yes, I am aware that practically everyone else already knew this, but I didn't know that Lance had never won a Tour De France before his comeback from cancer. Again, I do realize he wrote a bestselling, highly inspirational book on this, which led to the proliferation of those yellow rubber wristbands to be worn everywhere, but I can't be the ONLY one to have not known this, so I am writing it anyway. He said that the reason he was always a failure in the French races was because he always dreaded going to Europe. He was consumed by his own negativity, and ultimately the cancer helped him focus on how fortunate he was, and what an amazing opportunity it was to be racing in this famous race. I now have a greater understanding of Lance Mania, though no better an understanding of the rules of his sport. Now, can his girlfriend release her new album already?
The Klosterman
Besides accumulating frequent flyer miles, time for leisure reading is the major benefit of travelling via airplane. I have always enjoyed reading Chuck Klosterman's columns in Esquire magazine, but I just discovered his book, Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs. A hysterical read. I am not even done with the book yet, but he's already become one of my favorite authors. Somehow managing to be ludicrous and dead-on insightful at the same time, I can't wait to share this book with friends. Klosterman examines small items in pop culture and analyzes them for clues on how they make statements on society as a whole. From The Real World to Billy Joel to John Cusak, it's the most interesting and funny book I've read in forever.
Thanks, Mr. Klosterman. You made being stuck in McCarren Airport for 6 hours not such a terrible experience. And that's despite having to listen to Rich Little's dreadfully unfunny impression of Kirk Douglas, warning passengers of the dangers of the moving sidewalk, on electronic loop over and over and over again for that same six hours.
"Hi this is Rich Little as Kirk Douglas, reminding you to watch your step. Otherwise you might fall on your dimple."
Return To Space
First, the shuttle launch. I was in Vegas the morning of the launch, so since I didn't have to start my work duties out there until 10 AM Vegas time, I was able to watch the launch live at 7:30 AM. It was one of the coolest things I've ever seen. The utter speed of the shuttle was so incredible. The reporters said at top speed, the shuttle could fly from New York to LA in ten minutes. Too bad we can't all get around that quick.
Here's video of the launch:
http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/videos/metafiles/ksc_072605_rtf_launch.ram
Here's video of the fuel tank seperating from the shuttle:
http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/videos/metafiles/ksc_072605_rtf_etcam.ram
NASA's official page on the shuttle mission: http://www.nasa.gov/returntoflight/main/index.html
Tour De Lance
I tried earnestly to follow Lance Armstrong's attempt to win his 7th Tour De France. I read the daily reports several times, and I have come to realize I have no idea how cycling races work. Somehow it is a team sport, but I can't figure it out. I have heard that NASCAR is a team sport as well, though I'm not sure if it's the same type of thing.
Anyhow, I did learn something this week. And yes, I am aware that practically everyone else already knew this, but I didn't know that Lance had never won a Tour De France before his comeback from cancer. Again, I do realize he wrote a bestselling, highly inspirational book on this, which led to the proliferation of those yellow rubber wristbands to be worn everywhere, but I can't be the ONLY one to have not known this, so I am writing it anyway. He said that the reason he was always a failure in the French races was because he always dreaded going to Europe. He was consumed by his own negativity, and ultimately the cancer helped him focus on how fortunate he was, and what an amazing opportunity it was to be racing in this famous race. I now have a greater understanding of Lance Mania, though no better an understanding of the rules of his sport. Now, can his girlfriend release her new album already?
The Klosterman
Besides accumulating frequent flyer miles, time for leisure reading is the major benefit of travelling via airplane. I have always enjoyed reading Chuck Klosterman's columns in Esquire magazine, but I just discovered his book, Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs. A hysterical read. I am not even done with the book yet, but he's already become one of my favorite authors. Somehow managing to be ludicrous and dead-on insightful at the same time, I can't wait to share this book with friends. Klosterman examines small items in pop culture and analyzes them for clues on how they make statements on society as a whole. From The Real World to Billy Joel to John Cusak, it's the most interesting and funny book I've read in forever.
Thanks, Mr. Klosterman. You made being stuck in McCarren Airport for 6 hours not such a terrible experience. And that's despite having to listen to Rich Little's dreadfully unfunny impression of Kirk Douglas, warning passengers of the dangers of the moving sidewalk, on electronic loop over and over and over again for that same six hours.
"Hi this is Rich Little as Kirk Douglas, reminding you to watch your step. Otherwise you might fall on your dimple."
Monday, July 25, 2005
Yes, We May Have No Bananas!
Did you know that bananas are in danger of extinction? I heard this some time ago and shrugged it off as an urban myth, but this month's issue of Popular Science has a big article on the subject. In short, bananas as we know them are very vulnerable to being wiped out to a fungus or disease, and if it happened, would happen very quickly. Within 5 to ten years from now our supermarket shelves could be completely devoid of what is now America's most popular fruit!
This actually happened one other time in our history. The bananas on our kitchen tables 40 years ago were a bit different (and tastier) than the ones we have now. Those bananas, called the Gros Michel, were eventually wiped out by a fungus in the early 1960's, after a 50 year fight. They were replaced by what we eat now, a breed called The Cavendish. The demise of the Cavendish could be more imminent. A new disease is already affecting banana crops throughout Asia, and if the disease makes it's way to Latin America, the banana could be toast. Scientists are working feverishly to both build a defense against an impending fungus and develop a new breed of bananas that would replace the Cavendish in the event of it's demise. So far, the scientists haven't had luck in either area. Check out the full article for the story, http://www.popsci.com/popsci/science/article/0,20967,1076199,00.html and enjoy The World's Perfect Food while you still can.
This actually happened one other time in our history. The bananas on our kitchen tables 40 years ago were a bit different (and tastier) than the ones we have now. Those bananas, called the Gros Michel, were eventually wiped out by a fungus in the early 1960's, after a 50 year fight. They were replaced by what we eat now, a breed called The Cavendish. The demise of the Cavendish could be more imminent. A new disease is already affecting banana crops throughout Asia, and if the disease makes it's way to Latin America, the banana could be toast. Scientists are working feverishly to both build a defense against an impending fungus and develop a new breed of bananas that would replace the Cavendish in the event of it's demise. So far, the scientists haven't had luck in either area. Check out the full article for the story, http://www.popsci.com/popsci/science/article/0,20967,1076199,00.html and enjoy The World's Perfect Food while you still can.
Sunday, July 24, 2005
A Little Summer Reading
A man named Josh Kaufman has compiled a list of 40 books, that if you read them all, would give you roughly the same education as if you had gone to business school to get your MBA. He calls it the Personal MBA Program, and by visiting www.personalMBA.com you can discuss the books on the list as well as many other topics. It's this part that simulates the interactivity of a traditional MBA program.
So, if you are interested in an MBA program for the educational aspect, and not for the resume-padding aspect, this might be a cool project to take on. Or, if you've been illegitimately listing an MBA on your resume and are worried that you might be exposed as a fraud, this project may at least help you seem like you know what you're talking about!
So, if you are interested in an MBA program for the educational aspect, and not for the resume-padding aspect, this might be a cool project to take on. Or, if you've been illegitimately listing an MBA on your resume and are worried that you might be exposed as a fraud, this project may at least help you seem like you know what you're talking about!
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Meet The Mets
Just finished reading "The Bad Guys Won," by Jeff Pearlman. It's the story of the 1986 Mets, one of the most dominating teams of all time. Jeff Pearlman not only takes us inside the clubhouse of this gang of jokers, ball-busters, excessive drinkers, and wildly talented ball players, he takes us onto the plane where the team celebrated their NLCS victory with such a wild party that they destroyed the jet's interior.
We learn about all the different personalities, and get inside the sad deconstruction of two of the most talented players to ever play the game. Dwight Gooden and Daryl Strawberry simply threw their talents away. On the other end of the spectrum was Gary "the Kid" Carter. His squeaky clean image, big smile, and exuberence in front of the camera rubbed practically everyone the wrong way. Opposing players hated him and his own teammates couldn't stand him, mostly because he wasn't like them. He wasn't a drinker, a carouser, a brawler... mostly, he wasn't cool. He was a big geek and like bullies in a schoolyard, thugs can't stand a geek.
The last few pages take us to the present day, and how each of these guys are faring almost twenty years later. Undisputably, the title for most successful career from that team goes to The Kid. The only Hall Of Famer on the club, Gary Carter gives hope to all nerds getting wedgies in high schools around the country.
We learn about all the different personalities, and get inside the sad deconstruction of two of the most talented players to ever play the game. Dwight Gooden and Daryl Strawberry simply threw their talents away. On the other end of the spectrum was Gary "the Kid" Carter. His squeaky clean image, big smile, and exuberence in front of the camera rubbed practically everyone the wrong way. Opposing players hated him and his own teammates couldn't stand him, mostly because he wasn't like them. He wasn't a drinker, a carouser, a brawler... mostly, he wasn't cool. He was a big geek and like bullies in a schoolyard, thugs can't stand a geek.
The last few pages take us to the present day, and how each of these guys are faring almost twenty years later. Undisputably, the title for most successful career from that team goes to The Kid. The only Hall Of Famer on the club, Gary Carter gives hope to all nerds getting wedgies in high schools around the country.
Friday, July 22, 2005
Quiz NOT Created by Charles Schultz of The Month
Someone sent this quiz to me that was supposedly created by Chales M. Shultz (creator of Peanuts). Well, the quiz wasn't created by him, but it's pretty insightful anyway:
You don't actually have to take the quiz. Just read this straight through and you'll get the point. Here's the first quiz:
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
How did you do? The facts are, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier? The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
Kind of cool, huh? Okay, now here's a quote that actually was written by Charles M. Shultz:
"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today ...... It's already tomorrow in Australia."
You don't actually have to take the quiz. Just read this straight through and you'll get the point. Here's the first quiz:
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
How did you do? The facts are, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier? The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
Kind of cool, huh? Okay, now here's a quote that actually was written by Charles M. Shultz:
"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today ...... It's already tomorrow in Australia."
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Odd Picture Of The Month
Snopes is a great site to debunk myths. As often as the Internet is used to dispurse misinformation, Snopes works really hard to sort out the truth.
Please visit www.snopes.com often for all your myth debunking needs, but today just check out this page for the weirdest picture you may ever see:
http://www.snopes.com/photos/gruesome/googly.asp
Please visit www.snopes.com often for all your myth debunking needs, but today just check out this page for the weirdest picture you may ever see:
http://www.snopes.com/photos/gruesome/googly.asp
What is Art?
I came across this clip and didn't really think much of it. I didn't think it was very shocking or even very funny. Then I followed the creator's (not THE Creator's) suggestion that I read the reactions to the clip, here, and the heated discussion that ensued. It was then I understood that the clip is, undisputably, Art. This is 21st century art. Instantly accessible to everyone, the way art is supposed to be, and evoking emotions, as art does at it's best.
I now have a better appreciation for some of the more abstract modern art that exists. Art doesn't have to be anything, or mean anything specific, but great art does evoke emotions, even if it is just a passionate response decrying the art as not art.
Damn I'm profound.
The clip: http://william.torkington.com/movies/20050716-7words.mov
The blog (scroll down for the Comments section): http://radar.oreilly.com/archives/2005/07/why_imovie_shou.html
I now have a better appreciation for some of the more abstract modern art that exists. Art doesn't have to be anything, or mean anything specific, but great art does evoke emotions, even if it is just a passionate response decrying the art as not art.
Damn I'm profound.
The clip: http://william.torkington.com/movies/20050716-7words.mov
The blog (scroll down for the Comments section): http://radar.oreilly.com/archives/2005/07/why_imovie_shou.html
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Aqua Teen Hunger Force
One of my favorite shows on TV right now is Aqua Teen Hunger Force, on Cartoon Network. It's absolutely hysterical, but since it usually airs at 3:00 in the morning, I count on my Tivo to record it nightly. Anyhow, the show is 15 minutes long, and follows the adventures of the three main characters: Frylock (a box of French Fries), Master Shake (a giant milkshake), and Meatwad (a meatball), as well as their neighbor Carl (aging Guido). The show is too strange to describe any further, but I just found out a full length movie is in the works. I predict it will make at least $750,000 in the theater.
Here are the lyrics to the theme song by Schooly D:
Number One indeed.
Here are the lyrics to the theme song by Schooly D:
My name is...
Shake zula
The mic rula
The old schoolah
You wanna trip? I'll bring it to ya
Frylock and I'm on top rock you like a cop
Meatwad you up next with your knock knock
Meatwad get the moneysee
Meatwad get the honeys, G
Drivin in my car livin like a star
Ice on my fingers and my toes and I'm a Taurus
Cuz we are the Aqua Teens
Makes the homies say HO and the girlies wanna scream
Cuz we are the Aqua Teens
Makes the homies say HO and the girlies wanna scream!
HaHa! Aqua Teen Hunger Force number 1 in the hood G
Number One indeed.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
The Aristocrats
I heard about this movie, created by Penn Jillette (of Penn and Teller), and this "joke" about a year or so ago when this South Park clip was sent to me. As I understand it, the joke is really a gag played by stand-up vets on rookie comics or sometimes on nightclub audiences.
The idea behind the gag is that a hack comic without any real material will often just get up on stage and curse a lot, as if anything dirty is inherently funny. In the practical joke, the test is to see how much the rookie comic (or audience) will laugh at a joke with no punchline.
There are a million variations on how the joke is told, and the upcoming movie shows star comedians with their versions. In all the versions this is how the joke goes: A family is pitching their vaudeville show idea to a venue, and the act they're pitching is a series of outrageously vile acts on one another. After the act is explained, the organizer asks what the family calls their routine. They respond, "The Aristocrats."
How in the world a full length movie can be made out of this I have no idea but apparently it's all supposed to be a statement on free speech or something but so far, if you believe this article, the reviews have been great and audiences have found it really entertaining.
To view the trailer, see the list of comics who perform the joke in the movie, as well as for a better explanation of what this joke is and what this movie is like, visit the official site: http://www.thearistocrats.com/
The idea behind the gag is that a hack comic without any real material will often just get up on stage and curse a lot, as if anything dirty is inherently funny. In the practical joke, the test is to see how much the rookie comic (or audience) will laugh at a joke with no punchline.
There are a million variations on how the joke is told, and the upcoming movie shows star comedians with their versions. In all the versions this is how the joke goes: A family is pitching their vaudeville show idea to a venue, and the act they're pitching is a series of outrageously vile acts on one another. After the act is explained, the organizer asks what the family calls their routine. They respond, "The Aristocrats."
How in the world a full length movie can be made out of this I have no idea but apparently it's all supposed to be a statement on free speech or something but so far, if you believe this article, the reviews have been great and audiences have found it really entertaining.
To view the trailer, see the list of comics who perform the joke in the movie, as well as for a better explanation of what this joke is and what this movie is like, visit the official site: http://www.thearistocrats.com/
Monday, July 18, 2005
A New York State of Mind
If you're a transplanted New Yorker, or need a gift for one, I've learned of an excellent website. One of the things I've missed about New York is the availability of rainbow cookies, also known as seven layer cookies. If you've ever attended a New York wedding you know these tasty treats: On a giant platter of assorted Italian cookies, you'll find two or three of these heavenly morsels, in all their red, yellow, and green glory. Grab one fast because they don't last long!
Anyway, these cookies are nowhere to be found down here, but I was given a box of them as a gift this weekend by my new favorite coworker. She ordered them from www.newyorkfirst.com This website is incredible! In addition to these cookies and Jerry Seinfeld's favorite black and white cookies from the William Greenberg Bakery, browse around and you'll also find Guss's pickles, H&H Bagels, Kossar's Bialy's, and Junior's of Brooklyn Cheesecake! Now all I need is Angelo's Pizza. Mmmmm......
Anyway, these cookies are nowhere to be found down here, but I was given a box of them as a gift this weekend by my new favorite coworker. She ordered them from www.newyorkfirst.com This website is incredible! In addition to these cookies and Jerry Seinfeld's favorite black and white cookies from the William Greenberg Bakery, browse around and you'll also find Guss's pickles, H&H Bagels, Kossar's Bialy's, and Junior's of Brooklyn Cheesecake! Now all I need is Angelo's Pizza. Mmmmm......
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Public Service Announcement Of The Month
Luckily I haven't yet been the victim of identity theft, but I've been researching it quite a bit lately. The best site I've found on the subject is Vicims Assitance Of America. They provide a free service to anyone who's been a victim of identity theft, and they are aggressively fighting to reduce the incidence of the crime. http://victimsassistanceofamerica.org
They also provide a long (i.e. exhausting) list of ways you can reduce the risk of identity theft happens to you. It's worth reading the whole list, but it seems these are the two most effective steps a person can take:
#3. Opt out of pre-approved credit and insurance offers as allowed under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. section 1681b (e). By calling 1-888-5OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) consumers can prevent the 4 national bureaus from releasing their name on the prescreened lists used to create pre-approved offers. The consumer has the option to opt out for 2 years or for life. We at VAA recommend for life and being done with it. This information is included in the ID THEFT LINKS section of the website also.
#22. Pull credit reports for the entire family at least once a year and be sure they are still clean of any tampering and accurate. At the VAA website click on the CREDIT REPORTS button in the left hand row of buttons and order your first ones now. Have all three credit reporting agencies put a permanent fraud alert on every family member’s credit report: and also a PIN or password if you haven’t done so yet. A fraud alert will make it where you can’t walk into a retail establishment any longer and get “instant credit” in your name –but neither can anyone else.
With a fraud alert on your credit reports at just three agencies, if anyone tries to use your name to establish credit the company extending credit in your name must call you first and get your OK. The fraud alert however is not fail-safe. We now recommend that you also ask for a PIN or password to be added to all three agencies report. This also makes it where no one can get instant credit. It totally locks down your credit report from anyone accessing it except you.
If you need to get a home loan or the like – you will have to offer to get the credit reports for the company (do not give them your password info). This step will stop pre-approved credit offers because those companies will not be able to access your account to see if you qualify. This one step alone would take a huge bite out of identity theft if everyone would just do it. How far can a perpetrator get if your permission has to be gotten in advance and no one can access your credit reports to authorize opening new accounts in your name? Do it Now! An Identity Thefter (when in access to your info) knows that he must act immediately to run up bills and move on. If your fraud alert and PIN/password is already in place, hopefully He’ll move on to his next victim the first time he’s turned down for credit in you name. If you find anything that you’d like to question or notice any problem when you receive your credit reports – feel free to CONTACT VAA by phone or e-mail so that a VAA Advocate can assist you with it.
Read the entire list at:
http://victimsassistanceofamerica.org/eduinfo/idtheft_prevention.cfm
They also provide a long (i.e. exhausting) list of ways you can reduce the risk of identity theft happens to you. It's worth reading the whole list, but it seems these are the two most effective steps a person can take:
#3. Opt out of pre-approved credit and insurance offers as allowed under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. section 1681b (e). By calling 1-888-5OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) consumers can prevent the 4 national bureaus from releasing their name on the prescreened lists used to create pre-approved offers. The consumer has the option to opt out for 2 years or for life. We at VAA recommend for life and being done with it. This information is included in the ID THEFT LINKS section of the website also.
#22. Pull credit reports for the entire family at least once a year and be sure they are still clean of any tampering and accurate. At the VAA website click on the CREDIT REPORTS button in the left hand row of buttons and order your first ones now. Have all three credit reporting agencies put a permanent fraud alert on every family member’s credit report: and also a PIN or password if you haven’t done so yet. A fraud alert will make it where you can’t walk into a retail establishment any longer and get “instant credit” in your name –but neither can anyone else.
With a fraud alert on your credit reports at just three agencies, if anyone tries to use your name to establish credit the company extending credit in your name must call you first and get your OK. The fraud alert however is not fail-safe. We now recommend that you also ask for a PIN or password to be added to all three agencies report. This also makes it where no one can get instant credit. It totally locks down your credit report from anyone accessing it except you.
If you need to get a home loan or the like – you will have to offer to get the credit reports for the company (do not give them your password info). This step will stop pre-approved credit offers because those companies will not be able to access your account to see if you qualify. This one step alone would take a huge bite out of identity theft if everyone would just do it. How far can a perpetrator get if your permission has to be gotten in advance and no one can access your credit reports to authorize opening new accounts in your name? Do it Now! An Identity Thefter (when in access to your info) knows that he must act immediately to run up bills and move on. If your fraud alert and PIN/password is already in place, hopefully He’ll move on to his next victim the first time he’s turned down for credit in you name. If you find anything that you’d like to question or notice any problem when you receive your credit reports – feel free to CONTACT VAA by phone or e-mail so that a VAA Advocate can assist you with it.
Read the entire list at:
http://victimsassistanceofamerica.org/eduinfo/idtheft_prevention.cfm
Friday, July 15, 2005
And everyone's phone number starts with 555
Check out this funny webpage that lists 40 things that only happen in movies. Among the rules listed:
#13. If staying in a haunted house, women should investigate any strange noises wearing their most revealing underwear.
#39. All teen house parties have one of every stereotypical subculture present (even people who aren't liked and would never get invited to parties).
#18. If a microphone is turned on it will immediately feedback
#35. During all police investigations it will be necessary to visit a strip club at least once.
http://www.nostalgiacentral.com/features/20moviethings.htm
#13. If staying in a haunted house, women should investigate any strange noises wearing their most revealing underwear.
#39. All teen house parties have one of every stereotypical subculture present (even people who aren't liked and would never get invited to parties).
#18. If a microphone is turned on it will immediately feedback
#35. During all police investigations it will be necessary to visit a strip club at least once.
http://www.nostalgiacentral.com/features/20moviethings.htm
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Living In A Jet Plane
Are you bored with your current home? Would you prefer to have one that has many more windows and is very strange looking? Your new home will be absolutely hurricane and flood proof, but part of the defense is that your new home to spins around with the wind like a weathervane on a column. How does that sound? Oh, and how about making this new house out of an old plane?
There is a company that is offering for sale: a B727-200 aircraft that they will convert into a house for a mere $300,000 (land not included).
http://www.airplanehomes.com
Just imagine the parties!
There is a company that is offering for sale: a B727-200 aircraft that they will convert into a house for a mere $300,000 (land not included).
http://www.airplanehomes.com
Just imagine the parties!
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Fire Him, Please!
"I mean, my first thought when I heard, just on a personal basis, when I heard there had been this attack and I saw the futures this morning, which were really in the tank, I thought, 'Hmmm, time to buy.'"
- from an on-air transcript of Brit Hume, Washington Managing Editor, FoxNews, 7/7/2005.
This is the same tool who once said on air:
“Two hundred seventy-seven U.S. soldiers have now died in Iraq, which means that statistically speaking U.S. soldiers have less of a chance of dying from all causes in Iraq than citizens have of being murdered in California, which is roughly the same geographical size. The most recent statistics indicate California has more than 2300 homicides each year, which means about 6.6 murders each day. Meanwhile, U.S. troops have been in Iraq for 160 days, which means they’re incurring about 1.7 deaths, including illness and accidents each day.”
Of course this is a ridiculous manipulation of numbers! As Howard Kurtz reported in the Washington Post, “California has 34 million people, but there are 145,000 U.S. soldiers in Iraq.” As Buzzflash.com calculated, this means that U.S. troops in Iraq at that time were 66 times more likely to die than Californians were likely to be murdered. When Kurtz asked him about his comment, Hume responded: "Admittedly it was a crude comparison, but it was illustrative of something."
This man is a jackass and needs to be exposed as so!
Please don't fire me
So I put a posting up about tuning in to watch Fire Me Please on CBS, and it's not even on. I guess it's already on hiatus or something. Well, if it ever comes back on the air, check it out. It's a very funny show!
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Fire Me, Please
My favorite new TV show of the summer is called Fire Me, Please, and it airs Tuesday nights on CBS. It's sort of like a game show version of Punk'd without celebrities. Basically they hide cameras in two stores where the contestants have been hired to work. The two people try to get fired on their first day of work, but they have to get fired as close to 3:00, without going over. The one who does wins like $25,000 or something, but that's besides the point. The entertainment value of the show is seeing how funny it is watching how much the bosses will put up with before they finally fire the people. It's really a riot to watch.
This link has some video clips: http://www.cbs.com/primetime/fire_me_please/
official link:
www.firemeplease.com
This link has some video clips: http://www.cbs.com/primetime/fire_me_please/
official link:
www.firemeplease.com
Monday, July 11, 2005
Where do you stand?
The past two presidential elections created a very testy environment between the two parties. We've become a nation divided into Red States and Blue States, with all of us individuals feeling isolated if we happen to have voted one way while our state went the other. We feel obliged to pick a side, declare our allegiance to it, and consider the opposing party the enemy. Well, if we're gonna pick sides, we may as well make sure the one we pick is in line with how we feel in our heart of hearts. Are you a 'conservative' because your parents are? Are you a 'liberal' because you don't care for George Bush?
Well here's a neat online questionaire that will help you figure out not only which side of the fence you really sit, but also just how Left or how Right you may actually be. The quiz may reaffirm your perspective or it might serve to make you question your allegiance entirely! Take it and see for yourself:
http://www.digitalronin.f2s.com/politicalcompass/questionnaire.pl?page=1
Well here's a neat online questionaire that will help you figure out not only which side of the fence you really sit, but also just how Left or how Right you may actually be. The quiz may reaffirm your perspective or it might serve to make you question your allegiance entirely! Take it and see for yourself:
http://www.digitalronin.f2s.com/politicalcompass/questionnaire.pl?page=1
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Saturday, July 09, 2005
American Girl
Check out the work of Tom Petty's daughter...
http://www.adriapetty.com/
She and I were in college at the same time. She at NYU, me at Hofstra. I never went through with my grand scheme of tranferring to NYU, dating and marrying Adria just so I could call Tom Dad.
http://www.adriapetty.com/
She and I were in college at the same time. She at NYU, me at Hofstra. I never went through with my grand scheme of tranferring to NYU, dating and marrying Adria just so I could call Tom Dad.
Friday, July 08, 2005
Suicidal Sheep?
450 Sheep Jump to Their Deaths in Turkey
This is one of the crazier stories I've heard in a while. In Turkey, 1,500 sheep jumped of a cliff, killing 450 of them. Apparently the first one fell, or jumped, or whatever, and the rest followed! After a while, the fall was less deadly as the pile of sheep got bigger and bigger and provided more of a cushion for the sheep that followed later. Kind of a huge wool landing pad I guess.
I, for one, question the total number of sheep that jumped. I'm thinking the shepherds would have fallen asleep after counting the first few dozen. 1... 2.... 3.... 4.... Zzzzzzz....
Bah dum dum.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Jolie, Pitt Taking Home Ethiopian Orphan
Link: http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=502&e=9&u=/ap/people_jolie
Most people just bring home a T-shirt or a snowglobe as a souvenir when they go on vacation...
Most people just bring home a T-shirt or a snowglobe as a souvenir when they go on vacation...
Music Notes
With the sad images coming out of London this morning, reminding us what a violent world we live in, I thought this was a good time to provide a couple music links. Music has always been my favorite way to escape a little bit, and help me get through difficult periods.
Firstly, here's a cool link for any true-blue Counting Crows fans. It's a whole page of rare songs and alternate versions to some of your favorite CC songs. I happen to think that Adam Duritz is one of the best songcrafters of this generation, so this was a real treat for me: http://www.hummingbird617.com/hummschoice.html
Secondly, this may be one of the worst pieces of music to have ever been created, but it makes me smile all the same, so it's a must watch. It's the 1986 Mets video for the team’s theme song that season, Lets Go Mets. Link: http://www.promocast.com:8080/ramgen/mets/mets.rm Even if you're not a Mets fan it's a real riot to watch. A peek back at a different era, of sorts. Really, whatever happened to this lost art form, the team sports video? Remember the Chicago Bears' Super Bowl Shuffle? I guess the 2004 Red Sox are just too cool to create a World Series Wiggle or whatever.
Finally, here's the video of Jessica Simpson washing a car in a bikini: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/launch/hp/vidchart/1/*http://music.yahoo.com/video/20812189/
I'd say the music is secondary to the imagery in this video, but that would be giving the music too much credit. Enjoy!
Firstly, here's a cool link for any true-blue Counting Crows fans. It's a whole page of rare songs and alternate versions to some of your favorite CC songs. I happen to think that Adam Duritz is one of the best songcrafters of this generation, so this was a real treat for me: http://www.hummingbird617.com/hummschoice.html
Secondly, this may be one of the worst pieces of music to have ever been created, but it makes me smile all the same, so it's a must watch. It's the 1986 Mets video for the team’s theme song that season, Lets Go Mets. Link: http://www.promocast.com:8080/ramgen/mets/mets.rm Even if you're not a Mets fan it's a real riot to watch. A peek back at a different era, of sorts. Really, whatever happened to this lost art form, the team sports video? Remember the Chicago Bears' Super Bowl Shuffle? I guess the 2004 Red Sox are just too cool to create a World Series Wiggle or whatever.
Finally, here's the video of Jessica Simpson washing a car in a bikini: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/launch/hp/vidchart/1/*http://music.yahoo.com/video/20812189/
I'd say the music is secondary to the imagery in this video, but that would be giving the music too much credit. Enjoy!
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
I'm Lovin' Flippin Burgers?
http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/21472537
McDonalds is looking to hire Puff Daddy, Tommy Hilfiger, or some other top designer to design new employee uniforms. They say they want to "create uniforms that our crews would want to wear outside the restaurant environment."
McDonalds must be on drugs if they think any employee will want to advertise the fact that they work at McDonalds.
McDonalds is looking to hire Puff Daddy, Tommy Hilfiger, or some other top designer to design new employee uniforms. They say they want to "create uniforms that our crews would want to wear outside the restaurant environment."
McDonalds must be on drugs if they think any employee will want to advertise the fact that they work at McDonalds.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Most Awesome Website of The Month
http://postsecret.blogspot.com/
This site is great on so many levels. Do you have a secret that you've been holding inside, that you can't bear to tell anyone? PostSecret is a website where people can anonymously tell their secrets to the world. It's utterly fascinating to read the secrets of others! And I am positive it is very helpful for people to read secrets posted that they themselves also have. Additionally, the artwork is beautiful and raw.
Anyone can post any kind of secret to the website. The only rule is that it must be a true secret that has never been shared with anyone before.
Visit Now: http://postsecret.blogspot.com/
Special Thanks to Ralphy's blog for the link: http://www.myspace.com/ralphys
This site is great on so many levels. Do you have a secret that you've been holding inside, that you can't bear to tell anyone? PostSecret is a website where people can anonymously tell their secrets to the world. It's utterly fascinating to read the secrets of others! And I am positive it is very helpful for people to read secrets posted that they themselves also have. Additionally, the artwork is beautiful and raw.
Anyone can post any kind of secret to the website. The only rule is that it must be a true secret that has never been shared with anyone before.
Visit Now: http://postsecret.blogspot.com/
Special Thanks to Ralphy's blog for the link: http://www.myspace.com/ralphys
Cinco de Julio
Hope you had a happy Independence Day, and didn't lose any fingers! Today's posting marks the first post in my attempt to post consecutively for 30 straight days. I've rarely been able to post for more than two straight days, so I'll be very proud of myself if I can pull it off.
The goals of this attempt are to see if I can create 30 days of relatively engaging content, thereby improving the overall quality of this blog, and hopefully generate more traffic.
So... check back here daily for my comments on pop culture and politics, reviews of movies and TV shows, and, of course, the Mookie Pic of The Month.
Hope you enjoy! Let me know what you think!
The goals of this attempt are to see if I can create 30 days of relatively engaging content, thereby improving the overall quality of this blog, and hopefully generate more traffic.
So... check back here daily for my comments on pop culture and politics, reviews of movies and TV shows, and, of course, the Mookie Pic of The Month.
Hope you enjoy! Let me know what you think!
Friday, July 01, 2005
Happy Canada Day
Well, we've made it to July. According to the calendar in my cube, that means Canada Day has arrived! Boy hasn't the year just flown by? It seems like we just celebrated this holiday...
Meanwhile google.com has done nothing to acknowledge the holiday. Whenever a holiday comes around you can count on google to alter their logo to acknowledge the day. Today, nothing. What, they couldn't change one of the O's to a maple leaf, at the least?
Sheesh. Happy Canada Day, everyone!
Meanwhile google.com has done nothing to acknowledge the holiday. Whenever a holiday comes around you can count on google to alter their logo to acknowledge the day. Today, nothing. What, they couldn't change one of the O's to a maple leaf, at the least?
Sheesh. Happy Canada Day, everyone!
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