You need to check out proof that Brad Pitt adopts a hairstyle to match whatever woman he is dating at the time. What a hammer.
UPDATE: Thanks Tubby for pointing out the bad link. Here is the right one.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Woe Is Mookie
We tried to give Mookie a gift this weekend - the gift of freedom. Little Mookie loves to run around our yard, but we usually have to keep a leash on her because she likes to run into the neighbor's yard and sniff around their barbecue. We also felt that she wasn't getting enough time outside, with the chance to run around and exercise. So this Saturday we spent most of the day installing an underground fence.
It was relatively easy to install, and I had it finished Sunday afternoon. Then it was time to start the training.
Basically, the training is that you allow the dog to wander towards the boundary, marked by white flags, until she gets a "correction" (i.e static shock), at which time you pull her back into the yard, praise her, give her a treat and then wiggle the flag to show her it was because she crossed the boundary that she got zapped. They say the system is safe for any dog over 8 pounds (Mookie is about 28 lbs.), but we tested the collar on ourselves and it is not pleasant!
I think we traumatized our dog! So far, she's been "corrected" (i.e. zapped) three times. She definitely does not like the zapping, but I don't think she is making the connection between getting shocked and the boundary. She is very cautious outside right now, because I think she is afraid this could happen at any time while outside. Usually I have to drag her back inside after a little while outside, but this morning she wanted to go back in as quick as possible!
Hopefully she will learn quickly, and learn that outside is still fun, as long as she stays within the boundary. I feel so guilty!
It was relatively easy to install, and I had it finished Sunday afternoon. Then it was time to start the training.
Basically, the training is that you allow the dog to wander towards the boundary, marked by white flags, until she gets a "correction" (i.e static shock), at which time you pull her back into the yard, praise her, give her a treat and then wiggle the flag to show her it was because she crossed the boundary that she got zapped. They say the system is safe for any dog over 8 pounds (Mookie is about 28 lbs.), but we tested the collar on ourselves and it is not pleasant!
I think we traumatized our dog! So far, she's been "corrected" (i.e. zapped) three times. She definitely does not like the zapping, but I don't think she is making the connection between getting shocked and the boundary. She is very cautious outside right now, because I think she is afraid this could happen at any time while outside. Usually I have to drag her back inside after a little while outside, but this morning she wanted to go back in as quick as possible!
Hopefully she will learn quickly, and learn that outside is still fun, as long as she stays within the boundary. I feel so guilty!
Thursday, January 26, 2006
A Real Ringer
This week I got a new cell phone, the Samsung a950. In addition to all the things a phone is supposed to do, it has a 1.3 megapixel camera and an mp3 player included. Pretty cool, huh?
The only problem with the 1.3 megapixel capability is that you can't send a picture that large over the airwaves. I took a picture at the camera's highest limits, but now the picture is just stuck in the phone, only viewable through the phone's 1 inch LCD display! I can't even transer the picture to my computer via a cable, like a regular digital camera. To transfer a picture, I need to buy a special $99 Trans Flash memory card and separately, a card reader to connect to a computer (I don't know how much that reader is). Okay, well that doesn't really bother me. I already have a decent digital camera, and at low settings, the phone's camera is useful for assigning pics to a person's phone number, or sending quick snapshots to friends.
The mp3 player would be okay, if I didn't already have an iPod, or was willing to shell out $2.50 per song.
What I DO like about the phone, besides that it looks cool, is the ability to record custom ringtones with the built-in microphone or through e-mail. Because of that feature, I finally have the ringtone I have always wanted, ever since I got my first cell phone - The original 1962 version of "Meet The Mets", the Mets' theme song. Heh, heh...
Speaking of the Mets, I started a new blog today, about what it's like to be a transplanted Mets fan. The url is www.transplantedmetsfan.blogspot.com Hope you enjoy it!
The only problem with the 1.3 megapixel capability is that you can't send a picture that large over the airwaves. I took a picture at the camera's highest limits, but now the picture is just stuck in the phone, only viewable through the phone's 1 inch LCD display! I can't even transer the picture to my computer via a cable, like a regular digital camera. To transfer a picture, I need to buy a special $99 Trans Flash memory card and separately, a card reader to connect to a computer (I don't know how much that reader is). Okay, well that doesn't really bother me. I already have a decent digital camera, and at low settings, the phone's camera is useful for assigning pics to a person's phone number, or sending quick snapshots to friends.
The mp3 player would be okay, if I didn't already have an iPod, or was willing to shell out $2.50 per song.
What I DO like about the phone, besides that it looks cool, is the ability to record custom ringtones with the built-in microphone or through e-mail. Because of that feature, I finally have the ringtone I have always wanted, ever since I got my first cell phone - The original 1962 version of "Meet The Mets", the Mets' theme song. Heh, heh...
Speaking of the Mets, I started a new blog today, about what it's like to be a transplanted Mets fan. The url is www.transplantedmetsfan.blogspot.com Hope you enjoy it!
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Save CBGB's!
Wow. I just read that legendary Manhattan club CBGB's has announced it will close indefinitely on Halloween 2006. I don't know when this news broke, but I just read it on Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia.
I had looked up CBGB because for some reason I was thinking of the place and I couldn't remember what the letters on the sign outside the club stood for. The letters on the awning are:
CBGB
OMFUG
As it turns out, according to Wikipedia:
Anyway, regardless of what the place looks like, CBGB is a little piece of history of American music, and it will be a damn shame when it closes. The owners are working to find another location in Manhattan, or God forbid, Las Vegas. In the meantime, head down to CBGB while you still can. And you may want to ignore what the place looks like, but don't. Embrace it. Eventually I came to realize that true rock and roll isn't all polished and neat and shiny. It's all about the energy, and I've never been in a club with more energy than CBGB.
Link: www.savecbgb.org
I had looked up CBGB because for some reason I was thinking of the place and I couldn't remember what the letters on the sign outside the club stood for. The letters on the awning are:
CBGB
OMFUG
As it turns out, according to Wikipedia:
The full name is CBGB & OMFUG which stands for "Country, Bluegrass, and Blues and Other Music For Uplifting Gormandizers".CBGB's is most famous for being the place where The Ramones became famous. Since then, virtually every band who ever made it (as well as countless other bands who never made it), played at CBGB at one time in their careers. When I was in college my friends and I used to see shows there all the time. The first time I went there, I thought it was an absolute dive. I couldn't understand what the big deal was. I knew some big names had played there in the past, including Tom Petty, and that in some ways it was the birthplace of American punk rock, but when I looked around, all I could see was that the place was a wreck! Obviously I was not cool enough to appreciate what "punk rock" was all about. Heh, heh."And gormandizers is a voracious eater of, in this case, music." - Hilly Kristal, proprietor of CBGB.
Anyway, regardless of what the place looks like, CBGB is a little piece of history of American music, and it will be a damn shame when it closes. The owners are working to find another location in Manhattan, or God forbid, Las Vegas. In the meantime, head down to CBGB while you still can. And you may want to ignore what the place looks like, but don't. Embrace it. Eventually I came to realize that true rock and roll isn't all polished and neat and shiny. It's all about the energy, and I've never been in a club with more energy than CBGB.
Link: www.savecbgb.org
A Million Little Opinions
This month America went nuts over the revelation that some of the events in James Frey's memoir A Million Little Pieces were either exaggerated or completely made up. I didn't read the book after Oprah picked it for her Book Of The Month club, but my wife did. My wife loved the book and the message it conveyed. She was amazed when she saw James Frey appear on Oprah, amazed that a man who seemed so nice could have committed so the heinous acts described in the book.
So then The Smoking Gun comes out with these accusations, and James Frey appears on Larry King to defend himself. Oprah even calls into the show, defending Frey, and says this is all "much ado about nothing," because the message in the book is the message in the book, and people connected to the book, and whether or not things were exaggerated is irrelevant.
As I said, I didn't read the book, so I can't say if it would matter to me to find out events described in the book did not exactly happen as written.
I did, however, read a memoir by Dave Eggers titled A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Genius. This book was suggested to me by Amazon.com based on earlier purchases, and was given to me as a gift by a co-worker this past Christmas. I read about the critical acclaim for the book and that it was a Pulitzer Prize finalist. I had become somewhat of a fan of Eggers through his website, McSweeney's Internet Tendency, so I was excited to read his bestseller.
I was disappointed by AHWOSG. The first half was quite compelling, but the narrative completely fell apart for me midway through, as the story of a young man attempting to raise his orphaned younger brother was interrupted by other, extraneous, stories, especially of the launch of Might Magazine and Eggers' attempts to become a castmember of The Real World.
I recently read that James Frey was also disappointed by Eggers book:
Now though, as Frey defends his work as a memoir that was not meant to be taken as an autobiographical exact account of events, he must be haunted by his attacks on AHWOSG, a memoir whose author went to great lengths to precisely explain where he had drawn lines between fiction and non-fiction.
In summation, I somewhat agree with Frey's assessment of AHWOSG, but I think he should regret making it.
So then The Smoking Gun comes out with these accusations, and James Frey appears on Larry King to defend himself. Oprah even calls into the show, defending Frey, and says this is all "much ado about nothing," because the message in the book is the message in the book, and people connected to the book, and whether or not things were exaggerated is irrelevant.
As I said, I didn't read the book, so I can't say if it would matter to me to find out events described in the book did not exactly happen as written.
I did, however, read a memoir by Dave Eggers titled A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Genius. This book was suggested to me by Amazon.com based on earlier purchases, and was given to me as a gift by a co-worker this past Christmas. I read about the critical acclaim for the book and that it was a Pulitzer Prize finalist. I had become somewhat of a fan of Eggers through his website, McSweeney's Internet Tendency, so I was excited to read his bestseller.
I was disappointed by AHWOSG. The first half was quite compelling, but the narrative completely fell apart for me midway through, as the story of a young man attempting to raise his orphaned younger brother was interrupted by other, extraneous, stories, especially of the launch of Might Magazine and Eggers' attempts to become a castmember of The Real World.
I recently read that James Frey was also disappointed by Eggers book:
"A book that I thought was mediocre was being hailed as the best book written by the best writer of my generation. F**k that. And f**k him and f**k anybody who says that. I don't give a f**k what they think about me. I'm going to try to write the best book of my generation and I'm going to try to be the best writer."And this was before all the criticism levied at Frey. Before Pieces even came out! Now, looking back, it's quite ironic that AHWOSG was the target of Frey's attack. Like Pieces, Eggers' book was also a memoir, but there were events in the book that also were clearly embellished, exaggerated, and convoluted. As a reader, there was no doubt that Eggers had drifted into fiction territory. Even more of a difference however, is that Eggers wrote extremely explicit disclaimers to these passages in the book's foreword. At the time, these drawn out disclaimers seemed odd to me, as some sort of literary device, or an attempt to add humor to the story of what had been a traumatic part of his life.
Now though, as Frey defends his work as a memoir that was not meant to be taken as an autobiographical exact account of events, he must be haunted by his attacks on AHWOSG, a memoir whose author went to great lengths to precisely explain where he had drawn lines between fiction and non-fiction.
In summation, I somewhat agree with Frey's assessment of AHWOSG, but I think he should regret making it.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Everyone's Favorite Long Islanders
Like many other 17 year old male Long Islanders at the time, I had a minor obsession with "The Long Island Lolita," Amy Fisher back in the early 1990's. Well, Amy went away for awhile, then resurfaced a few years back when she got out of prison. She landed a job as a columnist for the The Island Ear, and appeared on Oprah Winfrey last year to talk about the whole ordeal (and to promote her autobiography). Meanwhile, Joey and Mary Jo divorced, with Joey he moving out to Hollywood to try and pursue an acting career. So far, not much has happened there.
Well, I guess the trio feels they haven't received enough publicity, because they've gotten together to plan a TV reunion!
"It's been nearly 15 years, so it's time to just put it behind us," Fisher, now 31, told the New York Post.
Why is it that some people think the best way to "put something behind them," is to appear on national television to talk about it?
Well, I guess the trio feels they haven't received enough publicity, because they've gotten together to plan a TV reunion!
"It's been nearly 15 years, so it's time to just put it behind us," Fisher, now 31, told the New York Post.
Why is it that some people think the best way to "put something behind them," is to appear on national television to talk about it?
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Myth Busters
If you ever get an e-mail forwarded to you with a story of a missing kid, or a scandalous statement by a politician, or a call to boycott a store because of a particular policy, it's a good idea to try and find out if the information is true before continuing the e-mail chain. The easiest way to do this is to go to Google and type in the word "snopes" and a key phrase from the e-mail, like the name of the missing kid or the damning phrase uttered by the famous person. Most likely your search will bring you to snopes.com, a site dedicated to the topic of urban legends. They are really good at investigating the veracity of stories that are circulating.
Here's one example:
From: http://www.snopes.com/racial/business/hilfiger.asp
Claim: Designer Tommy Hilfiger shocked the world when he appeared on a television talk show and said, "If I knew that blacks and Asians were going to wear my clothes, I would have never designed them."
Status: False
Rumors that Tommy Hilfiger made a racist remark exploded onto the Internet in the fall of 1996 after a news article purporting to be from a Philippines tabloid began making the online rounds. One version had him saying, "If I knew that blacks and Asians were going to wear my clothes, I would have never designed them." More colorful renditions had him making his shocking revelation on national TV and Oprah Winfrey then throwing him off her show. (Oddly enough, the same story has been told about Liz Claiborne since 1991, that Oprah threw her off the show after Liz claimed she didn't design for Black women as "their hips are too big." That didn't happen either.
A 1997 newspaper article debunking this tale noted:
In one cybermyth, Hilfiger supposedly told style reporter Elsa Klensch of CNN that he didn't think Asians looked good in his clothes. Then, as the story morphed, he told Winfrey the same thing about Blacks, at which point she threw him off the set.
Yet representatives of both shows deny Hilfiger ever appeared as a guest.
A 1999 article also carried denials from officials of the shows on which the incident is rumored to have taken place:
"Tommy Hilfiger has never appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show," said Audrey Pass, a spokeswoman for Winfrey. "Hilfiger's never appeared on CNN Style with Elsa Klensch," said Kathy Park of CNN.
Oprah herself did what she could to quell this slander. On Monday, 11 January 1999, she opened her show by adamantly denouncing the rumor, emphatically stating the following:
So I want to just set the record straight once and for all. The rumor claims that clothing designer Tommy Hilfiger came on this show and made racist remarks, and that I then kicked him out. I just want to say that is not true because it just never happened. Tommy Hilfiger has never appeared on this show. READ MY LIPS, TOMMY HILFIGER HAS NEVER APPEARED ON THIS SHOW. And all of [the] people who claim that they saw it, they heard it — it never happened. I've never even met Tommy Hilfiger.
Here's another one. http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/diamond.asp
Claim: Diamond Pet Brands dog food has caused canine deaths.
Status: True.
Origins: A voluntary recall involving a number of Diamond Pet Foods products is in effect in 24 states (Alabama, Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia). The recall has been issued because dogs in 22 states have died as a result of ingesting this brand's product that had been contaminated with Aflatoxin.
Okay, one more... http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/cell411.asp
Claim: Cell phone users must register their numbers with the national "Do Not Call" directory to prevent their cell phone numbers from being released to telemarketers.
Status: False.
Example:
Greetings To All of My Friends and Family
In just 4 days from today all U. S. cell phone numbers will be released to telemarketing companies and you will begin to receive sales calls. You will be charged for these calls! Even if you do not answer, the telemarketer will end up in your voice mail and you will be charged for all of the minutes the incoming (usually recorded) message takes to complete. You will then also be charged when you call your voice mail to retrieve your messages.
To prevent this, call 888-382-1222 from your cell phone. This is the national DO NOT CALL list; it takes only a minute to register your cell phone number and it blocks most telemarketers calls for five years.
In case you have friends other than me, pass this on to them.
Origins: Despite dire warnings about the imminent release of cell phone numbers to telemarketers that continue to be circulated via e-mail year after year, no such thing is about to occur, nor do cell phone users have to register their cell phone numbers with the national Do Not Call registry before a soon-to-pass deadline to head off an onslaught of telemarketing calls. The panic-inducing e-mails (which circulate especially widely every January, since many versions of the warning list the end of that month as a cut-off date for registering cell phone numbers with the national Do Not Call registry) have grown out of a misunderstanding about the proposed creation of a wireless directory assistance service.
Here's the truth:
A national directory will be compiled, but numbers will be included on an opt-in basis. If a cell phone subscriber does nothing, the number will not be listed. When the directory is ready, it will be available only as part of the existing 411 directory service, accessed by calling in and asking for a specific number. It will not be published in a book or on the Internet. And it will not be sold to telemarketers.
Cell phone subscribers can list their numbers on the do-not-call registry if they choose, but there is no deadline to get on the list, as the e-mail messages now circulating suggest
Some versions of the exhortation to cell phone users to add their names to the Do Not Call Registry erroneously state there is a specific deadline for getting listed. Says Lois Greisman, the Federal Trade Commission official who oversees the anti-telemarketing registry: "There is no deadline; there never has been a deadline to register."
Adding one's cell phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry won't have any adverse effect, but customers should be aware of exactly what that action will and will not accomplish.
Updates: Verizon Wireless and U.S. Cellular Corp. have always declined to participate in the proposed cell phone directory, and initial partners Sprint Corp. and Alltel Corp. have since pulled away from the project due to concerns about bad publicity and possible new government regulations. So, as of January 2005, even if the cell phone directory database were compiled as planned, at least 45% of U.S. cell phone numbers wouldn't be included.
So, there you go. Lets end the misinformation together!
Check out these investigations of e-mails you may have gotten recently:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/bush/muddled.asp
http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/fishfly.asp
http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/pitman.asp
Here's one example:
From: http://www.snopes.com/racial/business/hilfiger.asp
Claim: Designer Tommy Hilfiger shocked the world when he appeared on a television talk show and said, "If I knew that blacks and Asians were going to wear my clothes, I would have never designed them."
Status: False
Rumors that Tommy Hilfiger made a racist remark exploded onto the Internet in the fall of 1996 after a news article purporting to be from a Philippines tabloid began making the online rounds. One version had him saying, "If I knew that blacks and Asians were going to wear my clothes, I would have never designed them." More colorful renditions had him making his shocking revelation on national TV and Oprah Winfrey then throwing him off her show. (Oddly enough, the same story has been told about Liz Claiborne since 1991, that Oprah threw her off the show after Liz claimed she didn't design for Black women as "their hips are too big." That didn't happen either.
A 1997 newspaper article debunking this tale noted:
In one cybermyth, Hilfiger supposedly told style reporter Elsa Klensch of CNN that he didn't think Asians looked good in his clothes. Then, as the story morphed, he told Winfrey the same thing about Blacks, at which point she threw him off the set.
Yet representatives of both shows deny Hilfiger ever appeared as a guest.
A 1999 article also carried denials from officials of the shows on which the incident is rumored to have taken place:
"Tommy Hilfiger has never appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show," said Audrey Pass, a spokeswoman for Winfrey. "Hilfiger's never appeared on CNN Style with Elsa Klensch," said Kathy Park of CNN.
Oprah herself did what she could to quell this slander. On Monday, 11 January 1999, she opened her show by adamantly denouncing the rumor, emphatically stating the following:
So I want to just set the record straight once and for all. The rumor claims that clothing designer Tommy Hilfiger came on this show and made racist remarks, and that I then kicked him out. I just want to say that is not true because it just never happened. Tommy Hilfiger has never appeared on this show. READ MY LIPS, TOMMY HILFIGER HAS NEVER APPEARED ON THIS SHOW. And all of [the] people who claim that they saw it, they heard it — it never happened. I've never even met Tommy Hilfiger.
Here's another one. http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/diamond.asp
Claim: Diamond Pet Brands dog food has caused canine deaths.
Status: True.
Origins: A voluntary recall involving a number of Diamond Pet Foods products is in effect in 24 states (Alabama, Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia). The recall has been issued because dogs in 22 states have died as a result of ingesting this brand's product that had been contaminated with Aflatoxin.
Okay, one more... http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/cell411.asp
Claim: Cell phone users must register their numbers with the national "Do Not Call" directory to prevent their cell phone numbers from being released to telemarketers.
Status: False.
Example:
Greetings To All of My Friends and Family
In just 4 days from today all U. S. cell phone numbers will be released to telemarketing companies and you will begin to receive sales calls. You will be charged for these calls! Even if you do not answer, the telemarketer will end up in your voice mail and you will be charged for all of the minutes the incoming (usually recorded) message takes to complete. You will then also be charged when you call your voice mail to retrieve your messages.
To prevent this, call 888-382-1222 from your cell phone. This is the national DO NOT CALL list; it takes only a minute to register your cell phone number and it blocks most telemarketers calls for five years.
In case you have friends other than me, pass this on to them.
Origins: Despite dire warnings about the imminent release of cell phone numbers to telemarketers that continue to be circulated via e-mail year after year, no such thing is about to occur, nor do cell phone users have to register their cell phone numbers with the national Do Not Call registry before a soon-to-pass deadline to head off an onslaught of telemarketing calls. The panic-inducing e-mails (which circulate especially widely every January, since many versions of the warning list the end of that month as a cut-off date for registering cell phone numbers with the national Do Not Call registry) have grown out of a misunderstanding about the proposed creation of a wireless directory assistance service.
Here's the truth:
A national directory will be compiled, but numbers will be included on an opt-in basis. If a cell phone subscriber does nothing, the number will not be listed. When the directory is ready, it will be available only as part of the existing 411 directory service, accessed by calling in and asking for a specific number. It will not be published in a book or on the Internet. And it will not be sold to telemarketers.
Cell phone subscribers can list their numbers on the do-not-call registry if they choose, but there is no deadline to get on the list, as the e-mail messages now circulating suggest
Some versions of the exhortation to cell phone users to add their names to the Do Not Call Registry erroneously state there is a specific deadline for getting listed. Says Lois Greisman, the Federal Trade Commission official who oversees the anti-telemarketing registry: "There is no deadline; there never has been a deadline to register."
Adding one's cell phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry won't have any adverse effect, but customers should be aware of exactly what that action will and will not accomplish.
Updates: Verizon Wireless and U.S. Cellular Corp. have always declined to participate in the proposed cell phone directory, and initial partners Sprint Corp. and Alltel Corp. have since pulled away from the project due to concerns about bad publicity and possible new government regulations. So, as of January 2005, even if the cell phone directory database were compiled as planned, at least 45% of U.S. cell phone numbers wouldn't be included.
So, there you go. Lets end the misinformation together!
Check out these investigations of e-mails you may have gotten recently:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/bush/muddled.asp
http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/fishfly.asp
http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/pitman.asp
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Top V TV Shows
Here are my 5 favorite shows on TV:
1. 24 (FOX)
2. Lost (ABC)
3. The Office (NBC)
4. Aqua Teen Hunger Force (TOON)
5. Family Guy (FOX)
Sorry, CBS, I did really like "Everybody Loves Raymond," I'm just not a 'CSI' kind of guy.
1. 24 (FOX)
2. Lost (ABC)
3. The Office (NBC)
4. Aqua Teen Hunger Force (TOON)
5. Family Guy (FOX)
Sorry, CBS, I did really like "Everybody Loves Raymond," I'm just not a 'CSI' kind of guy.
Nine Tonight
Don't bother rearranging your schedule to watch tonight's 8PM broadcast of Lost. That episode is actually a rerun of last week's 9PM episode. Instead, wait, have a late dinner, and tune in at 9PM tonight, when the new episode airs.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Dating Drew Barrymore
Oh! I almost forgot the other movie we rented this weekend... There is a documentary out called "My Date With Drew," which chronicles the adventures of Brian Herzlinger as he attempts to meet, and secure a date, with his longtime crush, Drew Barrymore. On it's own, the movie is just "okay," I give it a B-," but we found it really funny for some personal reasons.
Firstly, way back in the day, my friend Tubby and I once made a movie called "I Won't Back Down," which was a goofy comedy chronicling my (fictional) attempts to meet Tom Petty and get him to perform a song I wrote for him. A song called "Devil Dogs."
Okay, now the other reason that "Drew" was so enjoyable was the fact that Brian H. appears to be the long-lost, separated-at-birth, twin brother of my good friend Scott. Not only do they look alike, but the mannerisms, expression, and personality are dead-on as well. Even if you don't know my friend Scott, perhaps you will still be amazed by the physical resemblence:
Firstly, way back in the day, my friend Tubby and I once made a movie called "I Won't Back Down," which was a goofy comedy chronicling my (fictional) attempts to meet Tom Petty and get him to perform a song I wrote for him. A song called "Devil Dogs."
Okay, now the other reason that "Drew" was so enjoyable was the fact that Brian H. appears to be the long-lost, separated-at-birth, twin brother of my good friend Scott. Not only do they look alike, but the mannerisms, expression, and personality are dead-on as well. Even if you don't know my friend Scott, perhaps you will still be amazed by the physical resemblence:
24 is back!
I was a little unsure about this season of '24,' my favorite show on television. The reason is that this season Jack Bauer is a man who is supposed to be dead, so I was afraid the show would go in a weird, Michael Knight-type direction. But I was not disappointed in the least by last night's two-hour premiere. Even if you missed it, now is the time to get on board by watching tonight's two-hour "part two" of the premiere.I've said this before, but '24' is essentially "Die Hard: The TV Series. If you enjoyed those films, you will love this show.
The show is supposed to take place in a real-time format, but if you try to analyze all the times where characters must be using teleporters to get from one place to another for it to actually be "real-time" you'll make yourself crazy and distract yourself from the action and drama.
Last night Jack's daughter Kim was mentioned but not seen, so I can only hope this season marks the return of Elisha Cuthbert.
The show is supposed to take place in a real-time format, but if you try to analyze all the times where characters must be using teleporters to get from one place to another for it to actually be "real-time" you'll make yourself crazy and distract yourself from the action and drama.
Last night Jack's daughter Kim was mentioned but not seen, so I can only hope this season marks the return of Elisha Cuthbert.
More movies
The Dukes Of Hazzard: At the suggestion of my good buddy Tubby, I rented The Dukes Of Hazzard last week. I thought Willie Nelson was funny in his role as Uncle Jesse, and Burt Reynolds was a fine choice for a slimmer, more evil, Boss Hogg. I was also very happy to see Flash, even if Roscoe P. Coltrane was meaner than I remember him to be. Johnny Knoxville was surprisingly good in this movie as Luke Duke. I never would have guessed he could act! Sean Willams Scott did an acceptable job as Bo. As for Jessica Simpson, well, I don't think she had two dozen lines in the entire movie so I can't rip apart her acting apart too badly. Essentially she was just there to walk around in sexy outfits, which she did very well. Of course, my favorite part of the movie was this exchange of dialogue:
Boss Hogg: Do you really think you can fix this thing (The General Lee)?
Cooter: Well, I'm fixing to fix her.
Hogg: You couldn't fix an election if your brother was the governor!
I also was happy to see a guy wearing a Full Moon Fever T-shirt throw a hot dog at a guy wearing an armadillo hat. That was pretty damn funny. Especially because I'm pretty sure I once have had a hot dog thrown at me while I was wearing a Tom Petty shirt.
The Dukes of Hazzard makes for a good rental if you don't want to think too much.
Grade: B
Munich: On the completely other end of the spectrum, the latest film from Steven Spielberg takes a look at the aftermath of the massacre at the 1972 Summer Olympics. I thought the movie was a bit long, and though I haven't read any other reviews to corroborate my theory, but to me the movie seemed to be a statement about the aftermath of 9/11. This is in line with something my wife said she was once told by a professor: A historical movie often says just as much about the time period in which it was made as it does about the film's subject.
Grade: B
(By the way, It feels a bit weird to give identical ratings to a brainless comedy and a movie that could be considered Oscar-worthy, but I need to judge films within their own category. Catch my drift?)
I have seen a lot of movies lately, but the cool thing is that I haven't paid full price for any movie since King Kong. The reason is that at the theatre I live near they are very generous when it comes to matinees. We saw Munich on Saturday at 4:50PM and only paid the matinee price of $5.50. Any movie before 5:00, any day of the week, is a matinee. We literally paid more for the snacks at the concession stand! Also, gift cards for Blockbuster and Hollywood Video are beautiful things.
That's all for now. But we also rented Million Dollar Baby, so look for a review later this week!
Boss Hogg: Do you really think you can fix this thing (The General Lee)?
Cooter: Well, I'm fixing to fix her.
Hogg: You couldn't fix an election if your brother was the governor!
I also was happy to see a guy wearing a Full Moon Fever T-shirt throw a hot dog at a guy wearing an armadillo hat. That was pretty damn funny. Especially because I'm pretty sure I once have had a hot dog thrown at me while I was wearing a Tom Petty shirt.
The Dukes of Hazzard makes for a good rental if you don't want to think too much.
Grade: B
Munich: On the completely other end of the spectrum, the latest film from Steven Spielberg takes a look at the aftermath of the massacre at the 1972 Summer Olympics. I thought the movie was a bit long, and though I haven't read any other reviews to corroborate my theory, but to me the movie seemed to be a statement about the aftermath of 9/11. This is in line with something my wife said she was once told by a professor: A historical movie often says just as much about the time period in which it was made as it does about the film's subject.
Grade: B
(By the way, It feels a bit weird to give identical ratings to a brainless comedy and a movie that could be considered Oscar-worthy, but I need to judge films within their own category. Catch my drift?)
I have seen a lot of movies lately, but the cool thing is that I haven't paid full price for any movie since King Kong. The reason is that at the theatre I live near they are very generous when it comes to matinees. We saw Munich on Saturday at 4:50PM and only paid the matinee price of $5.50. Any movie before 5:00, any day of the week, is a matinee. We literally paid more for the snacks at the concession stand! Also, gift cards for Blockbuster and Hollywood Video are beautiful things.
That's all for now. But we also rented Million Dollar Baby, so look for a review later this week!
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Thursday, January 12, 2006
New Camaro Pics
Check out pics of the new Camaro from the North American International Auto Show:
Click here for slideshow
Click here for slideshow
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
24 starts Sunday!
Did you know that '24' star Elisha Cuthbert has a blog? About hockey???
http://www.nhl.com/blogcentral/cuthbert_blog.html
Watch the two hour premiere of '24' this Sunday night, and then the next two hours on Monday!
http://www.nhl.com/blogcentral/cuthbert_blog.html
Watch the two hour premiere of '24' this Sunday night, and then the next two hours on Monday!
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Recent Movies
Blogging has been light this month because I simply haven't been inspired by anything enough to post a note about it. More to come, though! In the meantime, here are some short takes on some movies and DVDs I've recently watched:
Fever Pitch: This movie was excellent. I laughed throughout the movie, and I must admit I cried at the end (not when guy got girl - when the Red Sox won!). I think it would be best appreciated by a die-hard baseball fan, like myself, or the significant other of a die-hard baseball fan, like my wife. Drew Barrymore is rather lousy in this movie, but it didn't hurt the film overall.
Grade: A-
Cinderella Man: Much better than I expected. This is much more than a boxing movie, even though it happens to be a very good boxing movie. But it is also a look at what life was like in New York during the depression. I would give it an "A" except Renee Zelwegger got on my nerves quite a bit.
Grade A-
Must Love Dogs: In all fairness, I can only give a review for the first 20 minutes of this movie. It was so painful that I had to turn it off. Unlike Mses. Barrymore and Zelwegger, I really like Diane Lane and I don't dislike John Cusack, but the dialog in this movie is so atrocious that even Oscar winners couldn't deliver them with conviction. If anyone was able to sit through this train wreck and would like to give me their take, please post a comment.
Grade: F / Incomplete
Broken Flowers: You may not have heard of this film, which I assume went direct to DVD, but I picked it up on a whim at the video store. This is a low-budget, independent film, and stars Bill Murray. I liked this movie a lot, though it may not be for everyone. It's oddly paced, and doesn't have a typical Hollywood-ending, but all in all it is a nice break from the usual fare.
Grade: B+
Rumor Has It: The concept for this film makes for a funny premise. It's sort of a sequel to The Graduate. The film is amusing enough, but for a movie that pays homage to such a great film, I was really annoyed at some very sloppy editing. Several times during the film, when there was a conversation between two actors, it was extremely obvious that when the character who had her back to you was talking, the vocal track was from a different take. The facial movements did not line up at all, and there were audio cues to tip you off as well. This may seem like nitpicking, but I found it very distracting, and one of the people who was with me noticed it as well. It made a mediocre film even worse. Kevin Costner sucked too, as usual.
Grade: C
Fun With Dick and Jane: The trailers looked like Dick and Jane would be a lot of fun, but unfortunately this movie was seriously lacking in the areas of both "fun" and "funny." Jim Carrey tries really hard to carry this very flat film, but to no avail. Ultimately, it may have been that the movie's theme (people losing their jobs and pensions due to corporate bankrupty caused by executive fraud) is just too serious a topic to get enough laughter.
Grade: C-
Fever Pitch: This movie was excellent. I laughed throughout the movie, and I must admit I cried at the end (not when guy got girl - when the Red Sox won!). I think it would be best appreciated by a die-hard baseball fan, like myself, or the significant other of a die-hard baseball fan, like my wife. Drew Barrymore is rather lousy in this movie, but it didn't hurt the film overall.
Grade: A-
Cinderella Man: Much better than I expected. This is much more than a boxing movie, even though it happens to be a very good boxing movie. But it is also a look at what life was like in New York during the depression. I would give it an "A" except Renee Zelwegger got on my nerves quite a bit.
Grade A-
Must Love Dogs: In all fairness, I can only give a review for the first 20 minutes of this movie. It was so painful that I had to turn it off. Unlike Mses. Barrymore and Zelwegger, I really like Diane Lane and I don't dislike John Cusack, but the dialog in this movie is so atrocious that even Oscar winners couldn't deliver them with conviction. If anyone was able to sit through this train wreck and would like to give me their take, please post a comment.
Grade: F / Incomplete
Broken Flowers: You may not have heard of this film, which I assume went direct to DVD, but I picked it up on a whim at the video store. This is a low-budget, independent film, and stars Bill Murray. I liked this movie a lot, though it may not be for everyone. It's oddly paced, and doesn't have a typical Hollywood-ending, but all in all it is a nice break from the usual fare.
Grade: B+
Rumor Has It: The concept for this film makes for a funny premise. It's sort of a sequel to The Graduate. The film is amusing enough, but for a movie that pays homage to such a great film, I was really annoyed at some very sloppy editing. Several times during the film, when there was a conversation between two actors, it was extremely obvious that when the character who had her back to you was talking, the vocal track was from a different take. The facial movements did not line up at all, and there were audio cues to tip you off as well. This may seem like nitpicking, but I found it very distracting, and one of the people who was with me noticed it as well. It made a mediocre film even worse. Kevin Costner sucked too, as usual.
Grade: C
Fun With Dick and Jane: The trailers looked like Dick and Jane would be a lot of fun, but unfortunately this movie was seriously lacking in the areas of both "fun" and "funny." Jim Carrey tries really hard to carry this very flat film, but to no avail. Ultimately, it may have been that the movie's theme (people losing their jobs and pensions due to corporate bankrupty caused by executive fraud) is just too serious a topic to get enough laughter.
Grade: C-
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Letterman
It's been a while since I was able to stay awake late enough to watch Late Show, but I found this excerpt from the transcript of Bill O'Reilly's appearance amusing:
DAVE LETTERMAN, HOST, "THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN": How were your holidays? Good?
O'REILLY: I had a nice winter solstice, yes.
LETTERMAN: OK.
O'REILLY: You can't say Christmas.
LETTERMAN: You can't say Christmas? Why is that?
O'REILLY: Because it's politically incorrect. And we did a lot of reporting on this. And that was a big thing that we were doing leading up to the -- while you were in St. Bart's, we were leading up to the Christmas holiday by saying, "Hey, how come we can't say Christmas?
LETTERMAN: I wasn't aware that you couldn't say "Christmas." When did this happen?
O'REILLY: Sears-Kmart started it. They said, "No more Christmas. It's all Happy Holidays or Winter Solstice. I actually got a card from a friend of mine that said, "Have a blessed winter." I live in New York. You know what you can do with your blessed winter, you know what I'm talking about it? Are you with me, Dave?
LETTERMAN: I wasn't aware that this had happened.
O'REILLY: You weren't aware of the big, giant controversy over Christmas?
LETTERMAN: Well, I ignore stuff like that. It doesn't really affect me. I go ahead and do what I want to do. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, Happy Hanukkah.
O'REILLY: Here's why it matters.
LETTERMAN: Yes.
O'REILLY: You with me on this?
LETTERMAN: Yes.
O'REILLY: OK. Ridgewood Elementary School in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. The song "Silent Night"? "Silent Night," you know? Knocked out the words and told the little kids to sing, "Cold in the night, no one in sight. Winter winds whine and bite. How I wish I was happy and warm, safe with my family out of the storm." They replaced the words to "Silent Night" with that.
Now, with all due respect, I even think the baby Jesus would say, "Give me a break." You know? You want another one?
LETTERMAN: No, but what -- I don't -- but what does this prove? It proves that community of...
O'REILLY: It proves there are pinheads at the Ridgewell Elementary School in Wisconsin. That's what it proves. Here's another one. You want another one, or are you bored with this?
LETTERMAN: I kind of think we should -- I mean, but isn't this the kind of thing where, like, once or twice every 20 years, somebody gets outraged and says, "Oh my God, we've got to put diapers on horses."
DAVE LETTERMAN, HOST, "THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN": How were your holidays? Good?
O'REILLY: I had a nice winter solstice, yes.
LETTERMAN: OK.
O'REILLY: You can't say Christmas.
LETTERMAN: You can't say Christmas? Why is that?
O'REILLY: Because it's politically incorrect. And we did a lot of reporting on this. And that was a big thing that we were doing leading up to the -- while you were in St. Bart's, we were leading up to the Christmas holiday by saying, "Hey, how come we can't say Christmas?
LETTERMAN: I wasn't aware that you couldn't say "Christmas." When did this happen?
O'REILLY: Sears-Kmart started it. They said, "No more Christmas. It's all Happy Holidays or Winter Solstice. I actually got a card from a friend of mine that said, "Have a blessed winter." I live in New York. You know what you can do with your blessed winter, you know what I'm talking about it? Are you with me, Dave?
LETTERMAN: I wasn't aware that this had happened.
O'REILLY: You weren't aware of the big, giant controversy over Christmas?
LETTERMAN: Well, I ignore stuff like that. It doesn't really affect me. I go ahead and do what I want to do. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, Happy Hanukkah.
O'REILLY: Here's why it matters.
LETTERMAN: Yes.
O'REILLY: You with me on this?
LETTERMAN: Yes.
O'REILLY: OK. Ridgewood Elementary School in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. The song "Silent Night"? "Silent Night," you know? Knocked out the words and told the little kids to sing, "Cold in the night, no one in sight. Winter winds whine and bite. How I wish I was happy and warm, safe with my family out of the storm." They replaced the words to "Silent Night" with that.
Now, with all due respect, I even think the baby Jesus would say, "Give me a break." You know? You want another one?
LETTERMAN: No, but what -- I don't -- but what does this prove? It proves that community of...
O'REILLY: It proves there are pinheads at the Ridgewell Elementary School in Wisconsin. That's what it proves. Here's another one. You want another one, or are you bored with this?
LETTERMAN: I kind of think we should -- I mean, but isn't this the kind of thing where, like, once or twice every 20 years, somebody gets outraged and says, "Oh my God, we've got to put diapers on horses."
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Worst Christmas Gift Ever!
I always resented the popularity of Sesame Street's Elmo. As a kid, my fave character was Grover, and I was annoyed that his glory was cast aside when the Sesame Streeters colored him orange and had him neutered to create the high-strung Elmo character. After reading this article, I'm convinced that the little bastard is evil!
Nice, Elmo. Real Nice. You don't hear Super Grover making those kinds of comments!
Family members said 16-month-old Miranda Boll's new book, "Potty Time With Elmo," was supposed to teach an interactive lesson using voice commands. However, when the book's buttons are pressed, it reportedly says something it is not supposed to -- "who wants to die?"
Nice, Elmo. Real Nice. You don't hear Super Grover making those kinds of comments!
Mike V and Annie's Beer, Cheese, and Potato Soup
Made this last night. Mmmmmm...
Annie and Mike V's Beer, Cheese, and Potato Soup
(serves 8)
Ingredients:
5 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed into 1 inch pieces
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 small onion, diced
12 oz. bottle of Amstel Light (or beer of choice)
1/2 cup milk
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup flour
1 tablespoon corn starch
2 celery stalks, sliced into 1/2 inch slices
1 can of corn
2 lbs. Velveeta, cubed
salt and fresh ground pepper
1. Put the potatoes and 1 cup cold water in a microwaveable bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Vent the plastic wrap with a fork or knife. Microwave on high for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
2. In a large pot, saute the garlic and onions in olive oil on medium/high heat.
3. Add potatoes and the water they steamed in.
4. Add beer, chicken broth, and just enough water to cover potatoes (about two cups)
5. Add flour, corn starch, celery, salt and plenty of freshly ground pepper. Stir regularly to prevent potatoes from sticking to the bottom and burning.
6. Once liquid has begun to thicken, add milk and corn. Cook at medium heat for about two or three more minutes.
7. Reduce heat to low, and add Velveeta cheese. Stir continuously to prevent cheese from burning in bottom of pot. I like to add more black pepper at this point.
8. Be patient and wait for more thickening! We are looking for a nice, thick chowder here. Once the soup is really nice and thick you are ready to serve.
Best served with warm biscuits.
Mmmmmmm....
Annie and Mike V's Beer, Cheese, and Potato Soup
(serves 8)
Ingredients:
5 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed into 1 inch pieces
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 small onion, diced
12 oz. bottle of Amstel Light (or beer of choice)
1/2 cup milk
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup flour
1 tablespoon corn starch
2 celery stalks, sliced into 1/2 inch slices
1 can of corn
2 lbs. Velveeta, cubed
salt and fresh ground pepper
1. Put the potatoes and 1 cup cold water in a microwaveable bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Vent the plastic wrap with a fork or knife. Microwave on high for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
2. In a large pot, saute the garlic and onions in olive oil on medium/high heat.
3. Add potatoes and the water they steamed in.
4. Add beer, chicken broth, and just enough water to cover potatoes (about two cups)
5. Add flour, corn starch, celery, salt and plenty of freshly ground pepper. Stir regularly to prevent potatoes from sticking to the bottom and burning.
6. Once liquid has begun to thicken, add milk and corn. Cook at medium heat for about two or three more minutes.
7. Reduce heat to low, and add Velveeta cheese. Stir continuously to prevent cheese from burning in bottom of pot. I like to add more black pepper at this point.
8. Be patient and wait for more thickening! We are looking for a nice, thick chowder here. Once the soup is really nice and thick you are ready to serve.
Best served with warm biscuits.
Mmmmmmm....
Monday, January 02, 2006
Top V Films of 2005
Here are the 5 best movies I saw in 2005. I didn't see a TON of movies last year, but of the ones I did see, these are the ones I liked best:
1. Hotel Rwanda
2. Batman Begins
3. March Of The Penguins
4. Wedding Crashers
5. Sin City
Honorable Mentions:
The 40 Year Old Virgin
Shopgirl
The Family Stone
War Of The Worlds (Because of how much of a jerk Tom Cruise is, I really did not want to see this film, but the special effects were the best I've ever seen, and I just have to admit Mr. Cruise is a really good actor.)
Other Movie I Must Mention:
Fever Pitch - I have not actually seen this movie - I avoided it because I thought known Mets fan Jimmy Fallon was a traitor for celebrating on the field when the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series, but then I found out that was part of the filming of this movie (in the script of which the Red Sox lose and agonizing defeat but the movie had to be altered due to actual events) and everyone who knows me says I should go see this because I'll love it. I plan on renting it soon!
1. Hotel Rwanda
2. Batman Begins
3. March Of The Penguins
4. Wedding Crashers
5. Sin City
Honorable Mentions:
The 40 Year Old Virgin
Shopgirl
The Family Stone
War Of The Worlds (Because of how much of a jerk Tom Cruise is, I really did not want to see this film, but the special effects were the best I've ever seen, and I just have to admit Mr. Cruise is a really good actor.)
Other Movie I Must Mention:
Fever Pitch - I have not actually seen this movie - I avoided it because I thought known Mets fan Jimmy Fallon was a traitor for celebrating on the field when the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series, but then I found out that was part of the filming of this movie (in the script of which the Red Sox lose and agonizing defeat but the movie had to be altered due to actual events) and everyone who knows me says I should go see this because I'll love it. I plan on renting it soon!
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Top V Books of 2005
Happy New Year!
Here are the 5 best books I read in 2005:
1. Sex Drugs and Cocoa Puffs by Chuck Klosterman
2. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
3. Freakonomics by Levitt and Dubner
4. The Bad Guys Won! by Jeff Pearlman
5. America The Book by Jon Stewart and the writers of The Daily Show
Honorable Mentions:
Cradle To Cradle by McDonough and Braungart
Automatic Millionaire by David Bach
Superstud by Paul Feig
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Here are the 5 best books I read in 2005:
1. Sex Drugs and Cocoa Puffs by Chuck Klosterman
2. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
3. Freakonomics by Levitt and Dubner
4. The Bad Guys Won! by Jeff Pearlman
5. America The Book by Jon Stewart and the writers of The Daily Show
Honorable Mentions:
Cradle To Cradle by McDonough and Braungart
Automatic Millionaire by David Bach
Superstud by Paul Feig
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Friday, December 30, 2005
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Donuts
Where I live, Krispy Kreme is king. Unfortunately for me, I still prefer the doughnuts and coffee I grew up with, from Dunkin Donuts! I think their doughnuts are way better, and I even think their coffee is better (and cheaper) than Starbucks. Whenever I make a trip to Long Island I try to make a stop at a Dunkin Donuts.
The reason I'm reminiscing about that store today is because the former face of Dunkin Donuts, Michael Vale, died today at age 83. In the Dunkin Donuts commercials, he was known as "Fred The Baker," and in the early incarnations of the ads he was perpetually exhausted because it was always "Time To Make The Donuts." The purpose of the ads was to show that Dunkin Donuts' doughnuts were always fresh. The funniest ads were when Fred The Baker would dress up in drag and visit other doughnut stores to interrogate their employees about how fresh their doughnuts were. If I remember right, the competitor's employees looked dumbfounded, especially because Fred didn't bother to shave his dark mustache while posing as a woman.
According to Newsday, Michael Vale worked as an actor on the Broadway stage, in film and on television, and appeared in more than 1,300 TV commercials besides his work as Fred, the Dunkin Donuts Baker.
So the next time you visit Dunkin Donuts for their coffee, pour a bit on the ground outside for your homey, Michael Vale.
The reason I'm reminiscing about that store today is because the former face of Dunkin Donuts, Michael Vale, died today at age 83. In the Dunkin Donuts commercials, he was known as "Fred The Baker," and in the early incarnations of the ads he was perpetually exhausted because it was always "Time To Make The Donuts." The purpose of the ads was to show that Dunkin Donuts' doughnuts were always fresh. The funniest ads were when Fred The Baker would dress up in drag and visit other doughnut stores to interrogate their employees about how fresh their doughnuts were. If I remember right, the competitor's employees looked dumbfounded, especially because Fred didn't bother to shave his dark mustache while posing as a woman.
According to Newsday, Michael Vale worked as an actor on the Broadway stage, in film and on television, and appeared in more than 1,300 TV commercials besides his work as Fred, the Dunkin Donuts Baker.
So the next time you visit Dunkin Donuts for their coffee, pour a bit on the ground outside for your homey, Michael Vale.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Have Yourself A Very Mookie Christmas
Blogging will be light or non-existent for the next several days, as we head off for the holidays. I expect to have limited- to no- internet access until next Wednesday. In the meantime, enjoy whatever holiday or non-holiday you celebrate or don't celebrate this time of year, and pass your free time browsing the links on the right hand side of this page! Ho! Ho! Ho!
Also, click here to view a holiday card from the New York Mets!
Also, click here to view a holiday card from the New York Mets!
Peace on Earth, and Ill Will Towards Man
Well, the D.A. and that California jury of boneheads couldn't put Michael Jackson away for child molesting, but the Department of Justice is investigating the singer for allegedly lying to get his children new passports in an attempt to illegally remove them from the United States.
Personally, and I don't care if it's for unpaid parking tickets, someone's got to be able to get this man convicted of something just to show me that there is justice in this country for celebrities!
Personally, and I don't care if it's for unpaid parking tickets, someone's got to be able to get this man convicted of something just to show me that there is justice in this country for celebrities!
Countdown to 24
My wife is going to be so happy in January. That's when I begin monopolizing the TV two nights a week. Lost returns with new episodes, and the new season of 24 begins!
Set your Tivo: The four-hour, two-part season premiere of "24," will air Jan. 15-16 (8 p.m. EST).
The cast of 24 has been updated for the new season (Thanks John for the tip!) Can't wait!
Set your Tivo: The four-hour, two-part season premiere of "24," will air Jan. 15-16 (8 p.m. EST).
The cast of 24 has been updated for the new season (Thanks John for the tip!) Can't wait!
More Poetry in (Non) Motion
Day two of the NYC transit strike brings us another poem. This one is by Brian Sack. An excerpt:
Read the entire poem here.
The workers were nestled all snug in their booths;
Where oft they're found sleeping, to tell you the truth.
Toussaint wants their pensions to be like the cops' -
you know, 'cause it's stressful announcing each stop.
Read the entire poem here.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Mookie's First TV Appearance!
Hey check out Mookie in the latest webisode of Ralph Suarez's very funny Disorderly Conduct TV show. An image of Mookie appears in the first sketch of Episode Six, available for download here. (Right click the link, save to your desktop, and when it's finished open it with Quicktime. If you don't have Quicktime you can watch it with Windows Media Player but you need to download a plug-in as described here.)
Subway Sestina
Some days I really miss the big city. Even though I really lived on Long Island, I did commute to "The City" for several years. Today the NY City transit workers went on strike, leaving many many people who depend on the subways and buses stranded. As New Yorkers we cursed the subways, but I am sure they are missing those trains today. Check out this sestina by Adam Mazmanian called Sestina For The Q Train. I used to take the Q Train daily up to my job's offices on 56th and 6th. Here's an exerpt of Adam's sestina:
"No trains," says a workman, after a contemptuous eternity,
"Stop here tonight. Upstairs for the Q Train."
They follow me, the passengers, through Canal
Street Station, and one in particular, Shirley,
introduces herself right there on the platform,
and asks, would I share with her a taxi across the bridge.
Read the full Sestina here, and find out what a sestina is here. I am going to try and write a sestina myself over the holidays. I haven't written any sort of poetry in years. Wish me luck!
"No trains," says a workman, after a contemptuous eternity,
"Stop here tonight. Upstairs for the Q Train."
They follow me, the passengers, through Canal
Street Station, and one in particular, Shirley,
introduces herself right there on the platform,
and asks, would I share with her a taxi across the bridge.
Read the full Sestina here, and find out what a sestina is here. I am going to try and write a sestina myself over the holidays. I haven't written any sort of poetry in years. Wish me luck!
Monday, December 19, 2005
Public Service Announcement
Dear Readers,
Not trying to be a jerk here or anything, but when addressing holiday cards to a family, there is no need to put an apostrophe before the "s" when pluralizing the family's name. For instance: "The Smiths" is correct, "The Smith's" is not.
The apostrophe implies possession (or a contraction). Notice usage above with the phrase "family's name," Here the apostrophe is used because the name belongs to the family. Conversely, this post begins "Dear Readers," with no apostrophe needed.
Thank you all very much for the cards you've sent to me, grammar errors notwithstanding. It is very nice to be remembered.
Merry ChristmHanuKwaanza,
Mookie
Not trying to be a jerk here or anything, but when addressing holiday cards to a family, there is no need to put an apostrophe before the "s" when pluralizing the family's name. For instance: "The Smiths" is correct, "The Smith's" is not.
The apostrophe implies possession (or a contraction). Notice usage above with the phrase "family's name," Here the apostrophe is used because the name belongs to the family. Conversely, this post begins "Dear Readers," with no apostrophe needed.
Thank you all very much for the cards you've sent to me, grammar errors notwithstanding. It is very nice to be remembered.
Merry ChristmHanuKwaanza,
Mookie
New Snacks
Nestle and Hershey both think the next big thing in candy are sticks, or, more specifically, crispy wafers rolled up into a stick, and then filled with creme and sprinkled with bits of candy. Nestle will have Butterfinger Stixx and Nestle Crunch Stixx, while Hershey will launch a similar line with their own brands, presumably including Almond Joy and Reeses (different from the already available bar-shaped Reeses Sticks). They'll both hit your local candy distributors shelves this coming March. Just in time to give up next year's new years weight-loss resolutions!
A Word On Advertising
Great line by Rob Jones on Advertising in PMT in an article titled "Advertising is a Four Letter Word":
"Advertising can be three things: (1) Fast, (2) Effective, and (3) Economical, . But it can only be two of those things at once. If it is Fast and Effective, then it is not economical. If it is Effective and Economical, then it is not fast. And if it is Fast and Economical, it is not effective."
This man is a genius.
Full article can be found here. (Search by author: Jones)
"Advertising can be three things: (1) Fast, (2) Effective, and (3) Economical, . But it can only be two of those things at once. If it is Fast and Effective, then it is not economical. If it is Effective and Economical, then it is not fast. And if it is Fast and Economical, it is not effective."
This man is a genius.
Full article can be found here. (Search by author: Jones)
The Family Kong
I saw two movies this weekend: King Kong and The Family Stone. Obviously I dragged my wife to the former, and she dragged me to the latter. I expected The Family Stone to be a "chik flik" and a dreadful experience, but it actually turned out to be a pretty good movie. I had expected that all the "funny" parts were shown in the preview, but in actuality the preview didn't give that much away at all, and I was happy to find out that the funniest parts were saved for people who went to see the movie. Guys, this is a good movie to let your better halves drag you to. You'll enjoy it, and you'll score a point or two as well.
Kong was everything I expected, and then some. It was the "then some" that bugged me a bit. I'm not talking about the length of the movie; the three hours went by fast enough. My only issue with the film was that I thought director Peter Jackson went a bit too far with the love story. The love story between Naomi Watts' character and the big ape, that is. Poor Adrian Brody and his character were so overshadowed by this creepy love affair. My feeling was that Ann Darrow's affection for the beast would have been better portrayed more like the way a person feels affection for a pet. Jackson made Kong too human-like. He went just a bit too Lord Of The Rings fantasy for me. The magic of the King Kong story is the idea that it could actually happen, and Jackson went a bit too far for me to completely suspend disbelief.
Grades:
Stone: B
Kong: B-
Kong was everything I expected, and then some. It was the "then some" that bugged me a bit. I'm not talking about the length of the movie; the three hours went by fast enough. My only issue with the film was that I thought director Peter Jackson went a bit too far with the love story. The love story between Naomi Watts' character and the big ape, that is. Poor Adrian Brody and his character were so overshadowed by this creepy love affair. My feeling was that Ann Darrow's affection for the beast would have been better portrayed more like the way a person feels affection for a pet. Jackson made Kong too human-like. He went just a bit too Lord Of The Rings fantasy for me. The magic of the King Kong story is the idea that it could actually happen, and Jackson went a bit too far for me to completely suspend disbelief.
Grades:
Stone: B
Kong: B-
Friday, December 16, 2005
Yet Another New Coke
If Diet Black Cherry Vanilla Coke doesn't sound appealing enough to you, Coca-Cola will attempt to appeal to your taste buds (and open your wallet) for Coca-Cola Blak, a combination coffee/cola carbonated beverage in 2006. According to a press release, the new flavor is aimed at adults.
"Coca-Cola Blāk is not just a flavor extension. It is a blend of unique Coke refreshment with the true essence of coffee and has a rich smooth texture and has a coffee-like froth when poured. We believe we have created a new category of soft drink – an adult product in a carbonated beverage – and a whole new drinking experience. This brand is ideal for any part of the day when people are looking for renewed energy or simply to take a break," said Marc Mathieu, vice president, Global Core Brands, TheCoca-Cola Company.
People in France will be the first to try the new soda, in January, with Americans getting a taste sometime later in 2006. To me, the bottle looks like a beer. What do you think?:
I will definitely give this new drink a try, but I am not optimistic about it. I guess we'll have to see. Meanwhile, Pepsi is making sure they don't get caught in the dust. If Coca-Cola Blāk takes off, they'll be ready with Pepsi Cappuccino.
Not nearly as sexy a name, but I think it might come down to which company hits the U.S. first.
"Coca-Cola Blāk is not just a flavor extension. It is a blend of unique Coke refreshment with the true essence of coffee and has a rich smooth texture and has a coffee-like froth when poured. We believe we have created a new category of soft drink – an adult product in a carbonated beverage – and a whole new drinking experience. This brand is ideal for any part of the day when people are looking for renewed energy or simply to take a break," said Marc Mathieu, vice president, Global Core Brands, The
People in France will be the first to try the new soda, in January, with Americans getting a taste sometime later in 2006. To me, the bottle looks like a beer. What do you think?:
I will definitely give this new drink a try, but I am not optimistic about it. I guess we'll have to see. Meanwhile, Pepsi is making sure they don't get caught in the dust. If Coca-Cola Blāk takes off, they'll be ready with Pepsi Cappuccino.
Not nearly as sexy a name, but I think it might come down to which company hits the U.S. first.
Howard Stern
Today was Howard Stern's final broadcast on what's called "terrestrial radio." I am not sure about that terminology, but the news media is using it to describe the end of his free, over the air radio show, contrasting his new gig on satellite radio.
In January, Howard will begin broadcasting on Sirius, one of the two satellite radio providers. The other is XM. Since leaving New York just over a year ago, I have missed Howard's morning show dearly. Every other morning show is absolutely dreadful! So it would seem to be a no-brainer for me to sign up for Sirius next month, right? Well, here's the thing...
I think the reason Howard Stern is so misunderstood is because of how the E! television show is edited. If you tune in to that show, nine times out of ten you'll see a stripper or a wanna-be stripper taking their clothes off or being humiliated for the right to take their clothes off. Now, I have nothing against naked women, but by far the best part of Howard's radio show was not that element.
The best part was the honesty. When Howard and Robin and Baba Booey and whoever happened to be in the studio would just sit there and talk, or argue, or make fun of each other, it was real. It wasn't contrived conflict, like what is so prevelant on every other morning show; it was real, even if sometimes it was real immature. Also, Howard's interviews with celebrities were fascinating. We always learned way more than on other radio shows or TV talk shows where again and again the same softball fluff questions were tossed at the stars. Howard asked the best questions, the hard questions.
So, as I go on and on about the greatness of Howard's show that I miss so dearly on my short morning commute, why wouldn't I be salivating at the opportunity to reconnect with Stern on his new Sirius gig?
Frankly I am worried. I am worried that with the FCC restrictions lifted, Howard's show is going to become an even raunchier, uncensored version of his E! show. A non-stop parade of strippers and profanity. I fear Howard's true talent is going to be lost among the mayhem.
And the celebrity interviews. Howard played to an ENORMOUS audience on his broadcast show. Even the celebs who were scared of answering his questions were almost obligated to appear on his show to promote their latest project to Howards giant audience. That audience will be decidedly smaller on Sirius. Sirius total subscriber base is about 2.2 million. Over the air his audience was about four times that. Will he still be able to book celebs on his new show?
Finally, my other hestitation has nothing to do with Howard at all. It has to do with the other thing I miss so much about radio in New York. XM Radio, Sirius' competitor, is the only way I can listen to radio roadcasts of Mets games down here in North Carolina.
Won't these two companies make my life easier and just merge already?
In January, Howard will begin broadcasting on Sirius, one of the two satellite radio providers. The other is XM. Since leaving New York just over a year ago, I have missed Howard's morning show dearly. Every other morning show is absolutely dreadful! So it would seem to be a no-brainer for me to sign up for Sirius next month, right? Well, here's the thing...
I think the reason Howard Stern is so misunderstood is because of how the E! television show is edited. If you tune in to that show, nine times out of ten you'll see a stripper or a wanna-be stripper taking their clothes off or being humiliated for the right to take their clothes off. Now, I have nothing against naked women, but by far the best part of Howard's radio show was not that element.
The best part was the honesty. When Howard and Robin and Baba Booey and whoever happened to be in the studio would just sit there and talk, or argue, or make fun of each other, it was real. It wasn't contrived conflict, like what is so prevelant on every other morning show; it was real, even if sometimes it was real immature. Also, Howard's interviews with celebrities were fascinating. We always learned way more than on other radio shows or TV talk shows where again and again the same softball fluff questions were tossed at the stars. Howard asked the best questions, the hard questions.
So, as I go on and on about the greatness of Howard's show that I miss so dearly on my short morning commute, why wouldn't I be salivating at the opportunity to reconnect with Stern on his new Sirius gig?
Frankly I am worried. I am worried that with the FCC restrictions lifted, Howard's show is going to become an even raunchier, uncensored version of his E! show. A non-stop parade of strippers and profanity. I fear Howard's true talent is going to be lost among the mayhem.
And the celebrity interviews. Howard played to an ENORMOUS audience on his broadcast show. Even the celebs who were scared of answering his questions were almost obligated to appear on his show to promote their latest project to Howards giant audience. That audience will be decidedly smaller on Sirius. Sirius total subscriber base is about 2.2 million. Over the air his audience was about four times that. Will he still be able to book celebs on his new show?
Finally, my other hestitation has nothing to do with Howard at all. It has to do with the other thing I miss so much about radio in New York. XM Radio, Sirius' competitor, is the only way I can listen to radio roadcasts of Mets games down here in North Carolina.
Won't these two companies make my life easier and just merge already?
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Read: An Open Letter to Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
A.F. Passafiume (real name?) writes an open letter to our favorite reindeer at http://www.mcsweeneys.net/links/openletters/7rudolph.html:
an excerpt:
an excerpt:
When Santa came over to you that foggy Christmas Eve and asked, "Rudolph with your nose so bright, won't you guide my sleigh tonight?," I couldn't wait for the part where you'd tell Santa to stick it up his ass, and run off with Hermey to open a thriving dental practice on the Island of Misfit Toys. So what if Christmas got canceled that year and all the little boys and girls all over the world would wake up to empty stockings by the fireplace. You needed to teach Santa a lesson in how to treat people.
However, you didn't do that. Instead, to my shock, you were happy that Santa asked you to guide his sleigh! You said, "Sure, I'll guide your sleigh! I'd be thrilled to!" Then off you went with that creep, who up until then had treated you like you were the bastard child of the Elephant Man.
Read the full letter here. Happy Holidays everyone!
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Incest Is The Best, Put Your Cousin To The Test
Today at lunch we were discussing the excellent movie, Walk The Line, which tells the story of the life of Johnny Cash. We were talking about another person portrayed in the film, Jerry Lee Lewis, who is notorious for having married his 13 year old cousin. We got to talking about the always fun topic of 'kissin cousins,' which led me to come back to the office and look up a bit about the subject. Here's what I found out.
In addition to Jerry Lee Lewis, Charles Darwin and Albert Einstein are also people who married their cousins. All three suffered for having violated a widely held social norm against "incestuous" unions. Yet there may be less reason for this norm, and for the laws enforcing it, than was once believed.
A panoply of state laws say cousin marriages are taboo. But a report in the Journal of Genetic Counseling concludes that cousins can have children together without running much greater risk than a "normal" couple of their children having genetic abnormalities. Accordingly, the report potentially undermines the primary justification for laws that prevent first cousins from marrying or engaging in sexual relations with one another. True, marriage among close kin can increase the chance of pathological recessive genes meeting up in some unlucky individual, with dire consequences. The problem isn't cousin marriage per se, however, but rather how many such genes are floating around in the family pool. If the pool's pretty clean, the likelihood of genetic defects resulting from cousin marriage is low. The report says that, on average, offspring of first-cousin unions have a 2 to 3 percent greater risk of birth defects than the general population, and a little over 4 percent greater risk of early death. While those margins aren't trivial, genetic testing and counseling can minimize the danger. An argument can be made that marriages of first cousins descended from strong stock can produce exceptional children.
The formerly high incidence of congenital defects, specifically hemophilia, among European royal families isn't the classic demonstration of the perils of inbreeding that everybody thinks it is. The short explanation is that hemophilia is an X-chromosome-related characteristic, transmitted only through the female line. The children of royal female carriers would have been at risk no matter whom their mothers had married.
The U.S. is virtually alone among developed nations in outlawing marriage among first cousins. European countries have no such prohibition. Even in the U.S. laws forbidding the practice are far from universal.
Twenty-four states prohibit marriages between first cousins, and another seven permit them only under special circumstances. For example:
- Utah permits first cousins to marry only provided both spouses are over age 65, or at least 55 with evidence of sterility. Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin also have laws stating minimum ages or proof of sterility.
- North Carolina permits first cousins to marry unless they are "double first cousins" (cousins through more than one line. For instance, two brothers from one family marry two sisters from another; if each couple has a child, those offspring are double cousins).
- Maine permits first cousins to marry only upon presentation of a certificate of genetic counseling.
The remaining nineteen states, including New York and California, and the District of Columbia permit first-cousin marriages without restriction. All states allow marriage of second cousins or more-distant relatives.
So, how common are cousin marriages? Well, he frequency of cousin marriages in the USA is about 1 in 1,000. In comparison, the frequency of cousin marriages in Japan is about 4 in 1,000. It is estimated that 20 percent of all couples worldwide are first cousins. It is also estimated that 80 percent of all marriages historically have been between first cousins. And in some respects, we are all cousins, as no two people are more distantly related than 50th cousins.
So there you go.
This post flagrantly plagiarizes from:
http://archives.cnn.com/2002/LAW/04/columns/fl.grossman.incest.04.09/
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/041001.html
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05094/482448.stm
http://www.ncsl.org/programs/cyf/cousins.htm
http://www.cousincouples.com/?page=facts
http://www.leanleft.com/archives/002297.html
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Lessons In Effective Copywriting
Jay Dyckman, of McSweeneys.net, has some suggestions for how to improve the effectiveness of animal adoption ads. Here's an example:
Rocky
MALE CALICO
MALE CALICO
Current: My name is Rocky and I was abandoned here at the center. I'm 10 years old and looking for a nice home to live out my golden years. Please come down and say hello. Until you come, I'll be waiting here. Full disclosure: I have a hyperthyroid and am blind in one eye. Hasn't slowed me down, though, and I'm sure it's something you can handle.
Suggested: Let's get real honest. If I don't come home with you, I'm taking a one-way trip on the needle express. And all those touchy-feely posters out front describing the center's painless euthanasia procedure? Says who? We can't talk, you know. It's your call.
Check out all the rewritten ads here.Saturday, December 10, 2005
Richard Pryor, R.I.P.
One of the great comic geniuses of our time, Richard Pryor died today, at age 65.
This weekend, honor him by renting his cinematic trilogy of greatness, Brewter's Millions, Superman III, and The Toy.
Actually, donating to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society might be a nice idea.
This weekend, honor him by renting his cinematic trilogy of greatness, Brewter's Millions, Superman III, and The Toy.
Actually, donating to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society might be a nice idea.
Mookie Of The Month - December
I thought it was time for a flashback. This is our little Mookie at just 5 weeks old. You already could see her attitude!
Thursday, December 08, 2005
The Word Of The Year
Who knew there was a 'Word of the Year?' well, ladies and gentlemen, the Word Of The Year for 2005, according to the editors of the New Oxford American Dictionary, is..... podcast.
Podcast.
Behold, the 2005 Word Of The Year, in all its glory. Congratulations, podcast. Although, personally, I was really pulling for squick.
Podcast.
Behold, the 2005 Word Of The Year, in all its glory. Congratulations, podcast. Although, personally, I was really pulling for squick.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
From The Junk Mail File...
I think this may be a recurring feature here, posting spam messages I find amusing....
I just got this in my e-mailbox. A company called Encompass Media wants me to know that pizzerias nationwide are now offering up their pizza boxes as advertising space. For example:
I have two concerns about this:
1) Since they're now being subsidized by advertisers, will it make my pizza any cheaper?
2) What will happen to the stereotypical overweight Italian guys who usually model for the covers of these things?
I just got this in my e-mailbox. A company called Encompass Media wants me to know that pizzerias nationwide are now offering up their pizza boxes as advertising space. For example:
I have two concerns about this:
1) Since they're now being subsidized by advertisers, will it make my pizza any cheaper?
2) What will happen to the stereotypical overweight Italian guys who usually model for the covers of these things?
The Carnivore
Bob, of PartyWithBob, is attempting to eat as many different types of animal as he can in one sitting. He's calling it Operation Noah's Ark, it is tentatively set for January 1, 2006, and he's inviting anyone who wants to join him in his quest. Vegetarians Need Not Apply.
"...one by one (counter to Noah's 2 by 2 I know, but if it is nasty who will want a second?), we will blaze a path through the animal kingdom and remind every last one of them who is at the top of the food chain...and who wears who as a coat."
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
V Photo
My cousin has a blog where he puts his photography skills on display. Today he's showing off his photo editing skills as well. How quickly can you spot what was changed in the retouched image of this original shot?
How Do You Define Respect?
These last two weeks, in-between work, checking blogsites for Mets updates, and waiting for new Aqua Teen Hungerforce episodes, I have been reading a new book by Paul Zollo titled, "Conversations With Tom Petty." I will post a review of the book when I'm done with it, but today I wanted to post a cool quote I read from a different Tom Petty interview with Billboard Magazine's Melinda Newman. Tonight Tom Petty will recieve The Century Award, recognizing his incredible music career. Her entire, lengthy, interview with Tom can be read in the news section of www.TomPetty.com, but my favorite part was Tom talking about his most recent album, The Last DJ:
Q: Do you think [The Last DJ] did not do well because it was not what people expect from Tom Petty?Check out the Billboard Awards tonight on FOX. where Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong will present the Century Award to Tom Petty.
A: Well, too bad, you're going to have to take what he gives you. I don't give a damn what you want.
Q: Yes, you do. You have just spent hours talking about the respect you have for your audience.
A: Yes, well, that is respecting them. If I disrespected them, I would pander to them, but I don't. I never have, and I'm never going to. If you just think I'm going to sing "Refugee" every time, I'm not going to do it. I'm too old for that now.
Q: What do you want to do?
A: I'm more interested in what I'm going to leave behind me now than in making a big hit record. I've refined what I do for a long time. If getting better at it means it goes over the heads of those who only wanted to party, then so be it.
Q: There is a great line in the song "Joe" on "The Last DJ" that says, "We could move more catalog if he'd only die quicker." So death really is a good career move.
A: Well, you always sell more. It's just a downright vicious song. It's black, black humor. I think I was hurt inside that you guys fucked this up, just the business in general, you fucked up this beautiful thing, this music that spoke for people. You turned it into this thing that nobody trusts, and it's, like, all for money. Like you weren't making enough money.
Q: What can we expect from your next solo album, "Highway Companion," when it comes out next year?
A: It has a lot to say about time and the passage of time. It's not so much love songs, it's not going to be what anybody expects from me, I'm sure of that. But it's good music, it's really good music.
Q: Do you see a day where you do not make music anymore?
A: My wife will tell you I'm not any happier anywhere than when I'm in the studio. I'm over the moon about it. It keeps me young, it keeps me feeling like I have some purpose. There's some reason this stuff is coming through me. So I don't intend to quit.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Oprah Winfrey's Pomegranate Martini
We had a party this past weekend and served these. Though it's really more a mixed drink than a true martini, the ladies in attendance were quite happy with them. I made a pitcher's worth in the afternoon and then put it in the refrigerator to chill. When it was time to serve, I would pour some into a shaker with ice and then shake to chill even more before pouring into a martini glass:
(Makes 12 servings)
12 oz. Vodka
6 oz Triplesec
9 cups Pomegranate Juice
Oprah's original version can be found here.
(Makes 12 servings)
12 oz. Vodka
6 oz Triplesec
9 cups Pomegranate Juice
Oprah's original version can be found here.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Mitzvahpalooza
Maybe I should have stayed on Long Island. Maybe if I had, I could have scored an invitation to the Bat Mitvah of Elizabeth Brooks, daughter of defense contractor David H. Brooks. Apparently a DJ wasn't enough entertainment for Little Elizabeth. Oh, no. Instead, her daddy booked an all star line-up to perform. The lineup: Tom Petty, Aerosmith, Don Henley, Stevie Nicks, Fifty Cent (which one of these is not like the other?), and more. Fitty was obviously a throw in to appease the kid. I can't imagine a thirteen year old girl has any idea who Don Henley is. Well, if the 150 kids in attendance were bored by the classic rock show, they also got $1,000 goody bags, complete with digital cameras and video iPods!
Get Out Of New York State Before Its Too Late
Just over a year ago, I left Long Island and moved down South. According to a report in todays Newsday, I may have a bunch of Long Islanders following me.
More Long Islanders say they are considering moving away amid difficulties paying for the high cost of housing, a new poll has found.For me, personally, leaving Long Island was really hard. It was hard to leave behind my friends, family, my beloved Mets, and the corner pizzeria. But having escaped, and now haveing been able to buy a house I never could have afforded on 'The Island,' I can safely say I don't think I'd ever move back to Long Island. I just need to get rich enough to buy a jet so I can still fly back on the weekends for Mets games!
The poll found the biggest jump in those considering leaving Nassau and Suffolk counties came among those the local economy can least afford to lose - adults in their peak earning years between ages 50 and 64. The results come even as record-low interest rates have decreased homeowners' monthly housing bills, and as regional rental rates have leveled off or even decreased.
"It's just getting to the point that people really are thinking ... is Long Island really worth it?" said Carrie Meek Gallagher, executive director of the Long Island Index, which sponsored the poll.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Are You Ready for Diet Black Cherry Vanilla Coke?
Get your taste buds ready, folks! Look out for the debut of Black Cherry Vanilla Coke and Diet Black Cherry Vanilla Coke on the shelves of your local lovely beverage retailer in January. A spokesperson says the company is listening to their consumers:
"Right now diet black cherry vanilla coke and black cherry vanilla coke are what consumers are telling us they want."
Of course, there's only so much space to spare on the grocery store shelves, so cola fans will have to say 'bye bye' to three other Coke flavors: Vanilla Coke, Diet Vanilla Coke, and Diet Coke with Lemon are on their way out. Get 'em while you can! They may be collectors items soon.
Speaking of retired sodas, to my dismay I haven't been able to find Holiday Spice Pepsi this year.
No fluff pieces here, folks. Only hard news at The Good, The Bad and The Mookie!
"Right now diet black cherry vanilla coke and black cherry vanilla coke are what consumers are telling us they want."
Of course, there's only so much space to spare on the grocery store shelves, so cola fans will have to say 'bye bye' to three other Coke flavors: Vanilla Coke, Diet Vanilla Coke, and Diet Coke with Lemon are on their way out. Get 'em while you can! They may be collectors items soon.
Speaking of retired sodas, to my dismay I haven't been able to find Holiday Spice Pepsi this year.
No fluff pieces here, folks. Only hard news at The Good, The Bad and The Mookie!
Thursday, November 24, 2005
One Man's Perspective on the Nick and Jessica Breakup
So I suppose I should be saddened by the news that Jessica Simpson and Nick Whatshisname have officially broken up. After all, they are about the same age as my wife and me, so this could be viewed as a sad failure of another young marriage. After all, these two became super-famous with their MTV show 'Newlyweds.' One reason the show was popular was because it gave young women a role model for their own relationships. 'If they can make it, so can we, right?'
But for some reason I couldn't help but feeling vindicated at the news of the breakup. I think other men might be feeling the same thing today. I am sure I'm not the only guy whose wife or girlffriend would complain that their man wasn't as romantic as Nick. Why couldn't we be more like him? To which we could only reply,
"You're right honey. I can change. No go out and make a few million dollars so I can stay home and figure out romantic ways to spend your money, all right?"
The news of the split validates my feeling that this televised relationship was a sham from the beginning. Not that they weren't really a couple in "real life," but that their real life couldn't possibly live up to the image they portrayed on their television show. What was supposed to be a "reality show," was really a fantasy show created with the help of the brilliant editors at MTV. The show had three main characters: The ditsy but devoted Jessica; the patient and grounded Nick, and the real star: the balanced, loving and super-romantic marriage. Once these characters were created, it put an impossible expectation on the shows' real-life counterparts. They had to be exactly as they were portrayed to be.
And how could they complain? They made their money-lined bed; they had to lie in it. They can't claim a gripe against an intrusive media. It was this invitation into their lives that made them rich and famous in the first place.
All in all, the split does teach us all a lesson: Nobody, and no couple is perfect. A happy relationship isn't hot-air balloons, expensive gifts or goofy sound-bytes from gorgeous people. A happy relationship is honesty. Honesty with who we are, flaws and all, and acceptance that our partner is being the best, imperfect partner they can be. My thanks to them for that.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
But for some reason I couldn't help but feeling vindicated at the news of the breakup. I think other men might be feeling the same thing today. I am sure I'm not the only guy whose wife or girlffriend would complain that their man wasn't as romantic as Nick. Why couldn't we be more like him? To which we could only reply,
"You're right honey. I can change. No go out and make a few million dollars so I can stay home and figure out romantic ways to spend your money, all right?"
The news of the split validates my feeling that this televised relationship was a sham from the beginning. Not that they weren't really a couple in "real life," but that their real life couldn't possibly live up to the image they portrayed on their television show. What was supposed to be a "reality show," was really a fantasy show created with the help of the brilliant editors at MTV. The show had three main characters: The ditsy but devoted Jessica; the patient and grounded Nick, and the real star: the balanced, loving and super-romantic marriage. Once these characters were created, it put an impossible expectation on the shows' real-life counterparts. They had to be exactly as they were portrayed to be.
And how could they complain? They made their money-lined bed; they had to lie in it. They can't claim a gripe against an intrusive media. It was this invitation into their lives that made them rich and famous in the first place.
All in all, the split does teach us all a lesson: Nobody, and no couple is perfect. A happy relationship isn't hot-air balloons, expensive gifts or goofy sound-bytes from gorgeous people. A happy relationship is honesty. Honesty with who we are, flaws and all, and acceptance that our partner is being the best, imperfect partner they can be. My thanks to them for that.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Adam Duritz Not Doing Well
Adam Duritz, lead singer of the Counting Crows, announced on his blog yesterday that the reason we fans haven't seen much of the band in the way of a tour or album recently, is that he is going through some personal mental problems. He says he's not "stable." Some excerpts:
"Right now I'm just trying to live my life. I just wanna try and put it back together. The last few years I've been personally just slipping further and further downhill. It got to a point where I felt things were becoming unsafe for me. I've never been the most stable person but i was seriously losing touch with my surroundings and not thinking very clearly. It happens. For some of us, this sort of thing is just a fact of life. You have to try and learn to live with the way your head works or find the drugs that make it work better or whatever. Either way, that's all I'm trying to do. And i know I can't do it on a tourbus. I lost my way out there in the first place.As an enormous Counting Crows fan, I hope whatever demons Adam is battling, he comes out okay. Hopefully soon he'll feel well enough to get back to his music, which in turn might lead to his further healing.
"So I'm just trying to live my life and fix some things. Because I'm a musician and I wanna get back to doing the things I was born to do."
"My main aim in life right now is to take care of myself and avoid as much as possible the kind of people who want to waste their time judging me."
"I'm on sabbatical trying not to go too 'Smiley Smile' on ya. I tried it out. I grew the beard and stayed in bed most of the Summer. But in the end, things started to feel more than a little sketchy so I got out of bed. Kept the beard though."
Imagine his electric bill!
My favorite free attraction in Las Vegas is the dancing fountains (click for wmv video link) outside the Bellagio hotel/casino. If you've never seen it, you must. It's basically a huge water fountain that seems to "dance" to music. It's right there on Las Vegas Blvd., and it happens every fifteen minutes or so at night. You could literally sit there for hours watching the different arrangements to the different songs. very cool.
The point of my seemingly random endorsement of a Las Vegas attraction is to direct you to this video link of a house decorated with Christmas lights. Christmas lights that appear to "dance" to rock music in the same manner as the Bellagio fountains. Pretty cool. Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, good.
Link from: http://john.hoke.org/
The point of my seemingly random endorsement of a Las Vegas attraction is to direct you to this video link of a house decorated with Christmas lights. Christmas lights that appear to "dance" to rock music in the same manner as the Bellagio fountains. Pretty cool. Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, good.
Link from: http://john.hoke.org/
Kiner's Korner
Today the Mets traded a couple guys barely worth a bag of baseballs for one of the top-producing first basemen in baseball, Carlos Delgado. Mark Simon noted that Delgado is currently tied with Ralph Kiner on the all time home run list , with 369. In honor of these two fine gentlemen, here's a sampling of Kinerisms, courtesy of this Baseball Humor website:
"All of the Mets road wins against the Dodgers this year occurred at Dodger Stadium."
"All of the Mets road wins against the Dodgers this year occurred at Dodger Stadium."
"If Casey Stengel were alive today, he'd be spinning in his grave."
"On Fathers Day, we again wish you all happy birthday."
"Solo homers usually come with no one on base."
"Sutton lost thirteen games in a row without winning a ballgame."
"The hall of fame ceremonies are on the thirty-first and thirty-second of July."
Click here for full list
Click here for full list
People losing their minds over X Box 360
Reason #63 Why Not To Have Kids:
People are going to insane lengths to score a new XBox for the holidays. From camping out overnight to paying over $12,000 on eBay for the $400 system, I wonder: exactly how much crack is included with these game systems?
People are going to insane lengths to score a new XBox for the holidays. From camping out overnight to paying over $12,000 on eBay for the $400 system, I wonder: exactly how much crack is included with these game systems?
Monday, November 21, 2005
What are Zubbles?
Within the next few months, a new product will be released to the market. It's called Zubbles, and the concept is, quite simply, colored soap bubbles. Instead of just clear bubbles, they will be sold in many different vibrant colors. The concept might sound simple enough, but development actually took over ten years of work! It's a pretty cool story about determination. Check out this story on PopSci.com, and then check out the Zubbles website to see a video of the bubbles. Pretty cool stuff.
I predict this will be a very popular item at weddings and proms, where the bubbles are released in school colors or the wedding colors.
I predict this will be a very popular item at weddings and proms, where the bubbles are released in school colors or the wedding colors.
Tom Petty, Prince, and The Beatles?
Check out this link to a streaming video from the 2004 Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Induction ceremony. It's Petty, Jeff Lynne, and others performing "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," in honor of George Harrison. The best part of the performance is Prince doing an incredible solo at the end. Petty called it "inspiring." If you are one of those people who still doubt the awesome talent of the artist named Prince, check this video out. It is worth it.
http://www.warnerreprise.com/qt-ref/TP_ghi_1mov.mov
(You must have Quicktme).
http://www.warnerreprise.com/qt-ref/TP_ghi_1mov.mov
(You must have Quicktme).
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Mookie Of The Month - November
Mookie is so helpful around the yard. Here she is, helping us prune an overgrown shrub. (Click for larger view)
Monday, November 14, 2005
Free Crap
This was unexpected. AOL is changing from a paid Internet Service Provider into a free service, similar to Yahoo!. I've been telling my friends who use AOL for years that they've been paying good money for stuff that could be found free on the internet. Now that stuff can be found free on AOL.
AOL Mail? Free.
200 channels of XM Radio? Free.
Photo Storage and Sharing? Free.
Okay it's free, so the price is right, but I still don't see the draw. Google and Yahoo already offer free e-mail, Snapfish, Flickr, and Kodak Gallery offer free photo storage. Free XM is cool, but will the free service include MLB? Anyway, I'm glad to hear they've decided to stop ripping people off.
Now can they stop sending me those stupid CD's in the mail?
AOL Mail? Free.
200 channels of XM Radio? Free.
Photo Storage and Sharing? Free.
Okay it's free, so the price is right, but I still don't see the draw. Google and Yahoo already offer free e-mail, Snapfish, Flickr, and Kodak Gallery offer free photo storage. Free XM is cool, but will the free service include MLB? Anyway, I'm glad to hear they've decided to stop ripping people off.
Now can they stop sending me those stupid CD's in the mail?
Saturday, November 12, 2005
The Milli Vanilli Law
H.O.P.E. is trying to get legislation passed that would require concert promoters to disclose when lip-synching is used during any "live" performance. Some people might feel that they have been ripped off to learn that the Madonna concert they just attended was actually only Madonna dancing and moving her mouth to the words of songs that were previously recorded.
If a performer is going to lip synch in their concerts, H.O.P.E. feels this information should be disclosed in any and all advertisements for the concerts, and be printed on the ticket as well. For those of us to go to concerts expecting to see a live performance, this legislation would ensure that we are getting what we paid for.
By the way, H.O.P.E. stands for Horrified Observers of Pedestrian Entertainment and the group aims to expose mediocrity in entertainment. They offer a free CD of an artist of "higher entertainment value" in exchange for an Ashlee Simpson album. Their website is http://www.hopeinamerica.com.
If a performer is going to lip synch in their concerts, H.O.P.E. feels this information should be disclosed in any and all advertisements for the concerts, and be printed on the ticket as well. For those of us to go to concerts expecting to see a live performance, this legislation would ensure that we are getting what we paid for.
By the way, H.O.P.E. stands for Horrified Observers of Pedestrian Entertainment and the group aims to expose mediocrity in entertainment. They offer a free CD of an artist of "higher entertainment value" in exchange for an Ashlee Simpson album. Their website is http://www.hopeinamerica.com.
Friday, November 11, 2005
Blue Ball Machine
"The Blue Ball Machine" would have been a good nickname for a prudish girl I once dated, but it's also the name of this very strange website: http://blueballfixed.ytmnd.com/
Paris is Lovely This Time Of Year
Talentless twit Paris Hilton is no stranger to the camera, and this website gives evidence to the theory that if you make a certain face long enough, it might freeze that way.
http://parisfacial.ytmnd.com/
http://parisfacial.ytmnd.com/
Thursday, November 10, 2005
The Simpsons
Talentless twit Ashlee Simpson says she doesn't want her next boyfriend to be famous.
Said Ashlee, "I'm not looking for an actor, I'm not looking for a musician!"
I guess she's saying she wants to make sure they'd have things in common.
Said Ashlee, "I'm not looking for an actor, I'm not looking for a musician!"
I guess she's saying she wants to make sure they'd have things in common.
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