Congratulations, your four months of jury is up and you can return to your respective lives. Before you do, I was hoping I could get one question answered. I have a feeling that if I don't ask, it might really nag at me, so I just better ask it. This has happened to me before, and I never asked the question. I have regretted it ever since. In fact, I really can't look at Orange Juice the same way.
My question is, "How can a grown man, who has admitted that he encourages children to sleep in his bed, ignoring any kind of social boundaries, be found not guilty on all the counts that he faced?"
I mean, ok, you might have believed the defense when they argued that the mom of the accuser manipulated the system to extort Mr. Jackson. So I can see there being reasonable doubt in the most severe charges facing him, but when it comes to the counts of attempting lewd acts and providing alcohol to a minor, can you truly find reasonable doubt? Witness after witness described the inappropriate manner that Mr. Jackson behaved. Can you honestly say all of his motives were just? Even if he was found guilty on the counts that carried misdemeanor sentences, a message would have been sent. But what message have you sent?
I guess I just have one follow up question, "If you had the opportunity, would you let your 13 year old boy spend unsupervised time with Mr. Jackson?"
Thanks for your service to our infallible justice system.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Bloglines
In a search to organize all of the sites I visit daily, I found this cool on-line tool to keep track of any sites that offer RSS.
Bloglines
What is Bloglines?
Bloglines is a FREE online service that helps you subscribe to and manage lots of web information, such as news feeds, weblogs and audio. Bloglines tracks the information you're interested in, retrieves new stuff as it happens, and organizes everything for you on your own personal web news page.
Check it out!
Bloglines
What is Bloglines?
Bloglines is a FREE online service that helps you subscribe to and manage lots of web information, such as news feeds, weblogs and audio. Bloglines tracks the information you're interested in, retrieves new stuff as it happens, and organizes everything for you on your own personal web news page.
Check it out!
The new and semi-improved "House on Stilts"
I wrote this post on the house on stilts. Well, it is becoming very apparent that if we don't do some minor (read:major) repairs in the near future, House on Stilts will become Pile of Wood. So, being the over enthusiastic people that members of my family are, we ignore most of the critical areas of "HOS" that need attention and decide to paint the porch. The idea is to move everything on the porch to the yard, clean from ceiling to floor and apply paint to every surface. We added the additional goal of being done by noon, 1:00 at the latest and get some beach in.
I enlist the help of honorary* family member Greg, and we set out early Saturday morning for a nine o'clock arrival in Matunuck, RI. We meet up with my mom and dad, sister and brother-in-law at The Breakfast Nook. As with any adventure concerning my family, some wrenches had already worked into the grand plan. The major wrinkle was that the paint had not been acquired, so half of the group would drive the 30 minutes to the "local" Home Depot and pick out the paint, while the other half would remove the furniture from the porch and begin cleaning.
I am delegated to cleaning crew. We complete the task at noon, but the paint still hadn't arrived. My thoughts of laying by the ocean were fading fast. We waited just long enough for me to get the workings of the first sunburn of the season, when the paint arrives.
We trudge in and set to work painting the ceiling. Greg turns out to be a real asset, because he had a lot of experience painting. Under his direction, we make quick work of the ceiling. We take a break and ask for the paint to be used for the wall.
We are handed a quart of paint. This is clearly to small of an amount to do the job. So Greg and I drive to "Home Depot" to buy another gallon of paint. An hour later, we return and get back to work. It is now 3:00 and apparently the non-painters have decided that painting the ceiling in the cottage would be a great idea. I however do not see the merits of that idea, with the day waning and with it the possibility of even a pre-sunset stroll along the beach.
We finish the walls about 4:00 and the non-paint crew decide to put the trim on the window sills. I have no idea what went into the color selection, but "Pepto-Bismol" pink is never a good idea. This setback killed any thoughts of continuing painting the interior of "HOS".
Finally, it appeared that the painting chore was just about completed and that it was time to get dinner. I took a shower, and while scrubbing off all of the paint, I came to the conclusion that, if this painting exercise was any indication, I better come into some money quick and hire professionals or the House on Stilts is doomed! I will keep you updated.
*We use the term honorary, even though we are unsure of where the honor lies. We felt the original term of indentured servant to be too mean.
I enlist the help of honorary* family member Greg, and we set out early Saturday morning for a nine o'clock arrival in Matunuck, RI. We meet up with my mom and dad, sister and brother-in-law at The Breakfast Nook. As with any adventure concerning my family, some wrenches had already worked into the grand plan. The major wrinkle was that the paint had not been acquired, so half of the group would drive the 30 minutes to the "local" Home Depot and pick out the paint, while the other half would remove the furniture from the porch and begin cleaning.
I am delegated to cleaning crew. We complete the task at noon, but the paint still hadn't arrived. My thoughts of laying by the ocean were fading fast. We waited just long enough for me to get the workings of the first sunburn of the season, when the paint arrives.
We trudge in and set to work painting the ceiling. Greg turns out to be a real asset, because he had a lot of experience painting. Under his direction, we make quick work of the ceiling. We take a break and ask for the paint to be used for the wall.
We are handed a quart of paint. This is clearly to small of an amount to do the job. So Greg and I drive to "Home Depot" to buy another gallon of paint. An hour later, we return and get back to work. It is now 3:00 and apparently the non-painters have decided that painting the ceiling in the cottage would be a great idea. I however do not see the merits of that idea, with the day waning and with it the possibility of even a pre-sunset stroll along the beach.
We finish the walls about 4:00 and the non-paint crew decide to put the trim on the window sills. I have no idea what went into the color selection, but "Pepto-Bismol" pink is never a good idea. This setback killed any thoughts of continuing painting the interior of "HOS".
Finally, it appeared that the painting chore was just about completed and that it was time to get dinner. I took a shower, and while scrubbing off all of the paint, I came to the conclusion that, if this painting exercise was any indication, I better come into some money quick and hire professionals or the House on Stilts is doomed! I will keep you updated.
*We use the term honorary, even though we are unsure of where the honor lies. We felt the original term of indentured servant to be too mean.
Tea for Two
I have always been very interested in the British culture. I have no interest in the royals or any of that, but since visiting Great Britain in 1992, I have an affinity for the culture, and consider myself pretty knowledgeable about their way of life. However, I was recently visiting author Neil Gaiman's site and he mentioned that, as an Englishman living in the US, the one thing he will never get used to what we pass off as tea. You can find his original complaint here.
Apparently adding a bag of tea to hot water isn't the proper way to make tea. After posting the above, he received a lot of questions as to the proper brewing of tea. He researched it and posted the proper way to make tea. Ever since reading the post and studying the references, I am determined to make tea the "proper way". I now need to find an acceptable tea pot and some Indian Ceylon tea leaves. And, while I am out shopping, perhaps picking up a life would be a good idea.
Apparently adding a bag of tea to hot water isn't the proper way to make tea. After posting the above, he received a lot of questions as to the proper brewing of tea. He researched it and posted the proper way to make tea. Ever since reading the post and studying the references, I am determined to make tea the "proper way". I now need to find an acceptable tea pot and some Indian Ceylon tea leaves. And, while I am out shopping, perhaps picking up a life would be a good idea.
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
An Evening with Kevin Smith
My previous post got me thinking about the celebrity phenomenon. I don't know what it is about celebrity sightings that make them so fun for me. Normally, I am pretty anti-establishment and get irked at most mob mentality that celebrity stalkers display, but I have to admit that seeing a famous person is a cool thing to me.
Part of my job is helping student's entertain themselves. That is a very simplistic view, and I won't bore you with my thoughts and theories on how putting on events teaches students more about themselves than most classroom activities. I just bring it up because I get to meet all sorts of performers and every once and a while one of them falls into the "celebrity" column.
My biggest job related high at this point has been meeting film director Kevin Smith. In the spring of 2000, my students at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) decided to invite Mr. Smith to speak at the college. I have to admit that I was psyched about meeting him. As advisor, I would be able to not just meet but pretty much hang out with the guy, and in my book, there are few movies that I enjoy more than his Jersey films (Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back).
I have to admit I was pretty nervous meeting him, but he was so laid back. He spent a lot of time with the students working on the event and was happy to pose for photos and sign autographs. He then went on stage and immediately opened the floor for questions. No prepared speech, just "Ask me anything" and the audience did, for 3 and a half hours. The only break in the questioning was a glimpse at his soon to be released (at the time) animated series Clerks.
By the third hour, I kind of wondered what other questions could be out there. My sister, who traveled down from Connecticut for the event, must have been thinking the same thing, because she whispered to me "What fries do you like better: McDonald's or Burger King". That killed me.
He then graciously stayed at the venue until 2:00 am, signing an autograph for any student who wanted one.
Pretty cool, if you ask me.
I took a ton of pictures at the event . Here are the two best. The one on the bottom is hanging in my office framed with an autographed photo that reads "Ian, Thanks for making sure I knew where I needed to be, Kevin Smith"
Kevin Smith signing autographs
Posted by Hello
Kevin Smith and me (on the right). The guy on the left is my former student, the soon to be famous Richard White.
Posted by Hello
Part of my job is helping student's entertain themselves. That is a very simplistic view, and I won't bore you with my thoughts and theories on how putting on events teaches students more about themselves than most classroom activities. I just bring it up because I get to meet all sorts of performers and every once and a while one of them falls into the "celebrity" column.
My biggest job related high at this point has been meeting film director Kevin Smith. In the spring of 2000, my students at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) decided to invite Mr. Smith to speak at the college. I have to admit that I was psyched about meeting him. As advisor, I would be able to not just meet but pretty much hang out with the guy, and in my book, there are few movies that I enjoy more than his Jersey films (Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back).
I have to admit I was pretty nervous meeting him, but he was so laid back. He spent a lot of time with the students working on the event and was happy to pose for photos and sign autographs. He then went on stage and immediately opened the floor for questions. No prepared speech, just "Ask me anything" and the audience did, for 3 and a half hours. The only break in the questioning was a glimpse at his soon to be released (at the time) animated series Clerks.
By the third hour, I kind of wondered what other questions could be out there. My sister, who traveled down from Connecticut for the event, must have been thinking the same thing, because she whispered to me "What fries do you like better: McDonald's or Burger King". That killed me.
He then graciously stayed at the venue until 2:00 am, signing an autograph for any student who wanted one.
Pretty cool, if you ask me.
I took a ton of pictures at the event . Here are the two best. The one on the bottom is hanging in my office framed with an autographed photo that reads "Ian, Thanks for making sure I knew where I needed to be, Kevin Smith"
Kevin Smith signing autographs
Posted by Hello
Kevin Smith and me (on the right). The guy on the left is my former student, the soon to be famous Richard White.
Posted by Hello
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
New York Stories
This past Saturday, my mom and I headed into New York City to see "The Glass Menagerie" starring Jessica Lange and Christian Slater. While I was excited for a day in the city, I have to admit that I was less than excited about the play. I head read some less than flattering reviews and it is not one of my favorite plays, but in the end I figured that the chance to see these actors is worth risking a matinee of bad theatre.
As it turns out, the play was really good. After the intermission, my mom finagles the usher into letting us sit in some empty front row seats (the house was only half full, and there were plenty of seats left empty in the orchestra). So there were under 6 feet away from famous people. I have no idea why that is exciting to me, but it was really cool to be that close to the actors. I mean come on, Jessica Lange was in "Tootsie"! And Christian Slater? "Heathers" and "Pump Up the Volume"! So he may be a little on the crazy side, grabbing women's asses in the early morning hours, but he was Clarence Worley for God's sake!
I digress... After the play we make our exit and see a small group hanging around the stage doors. We decide to join them to see if we can get a glimpse. All I really wanted was a picture for this site, but after 10 minutes, we decided to give it up and walked towards Times Square.
Times Square was busy so we turned down 44th street. On this street is the Belasco Theatre where Denzel Washington is starring in "Julius Caesar". My uncle, who works for Broadway.com took me to see it a couple of months back while it was in previews. Unlike "The Glass Menagerie" experience, seeing Denzel Washington did not make up for the torture of sitting in the tiniest seats ever installed in a theatre (I literally had bruises on my legs where the seat in front of me gouged into my shin). I honestly can't say if the play was good or bad as I had to go into a trance-like state to cut off the excruciating pain that these torture device seats were causing me.
Again, I digress... So here we are walking down the street toward the Belasco. There is a large crowd assembled outside the theatre. I figure they must be waiting to catch a glimpse of Denzel Washington come out of the stage door. Just as I though to my self that that will never happen, the crowd becomes animated and camera flashes start going off like crazy.
We rush to join the crowd and see that he is behind a barricade, signing autographs for people who were waiting in line. These people must have been to the show and were invited to wait in line for autographs. So we muscle are way up to the barricade and all I want to do is take a picture, again to add to this site, but his back is to us and all I have is my crappy camera phone, so I know he will have to be close if I want any clarity to the picture.
As the line for autographs is getting shorter, the anticipation grows. All of a sudden he moves to right in front of me and I manage to get two photos. My mom is trying to put a pen and paper in his hand when his manager says "Julius Caesar playbills only" as a general direction to the crowd.
So my mom, the ever resourceful one who is now directly in front of Denzel Washington says, "Would it be alright if I touch you?" to which he nods. He then adds with a grin, "That'll be fifty bucks!"
My mom replies, "It is worth it, I won't wash this hand ever again" to which he says in the definitive Denzel Washington voice, "I really hope you do!"
So not only did we get a chance to see Denzel Washington up close and personal, but my mom had a legitimate back and forth with the man. I on the other hand got the two photos posted below and a "Mom groping a strange man" story that I will be telling the grandkids!
As it turns out, the play was really good. After the intermission, my mom finagles the usher into letting us sit in some empty front row seats (the house was only half full, and there were plenty of seats left empty in the orchestra). So there were under 6 feet away from famous people. I have no idea why that is exciting to me, but it was really cool to be that close to the actors. I mean come on, Jessica Lange was in "Tootsie"! And Christian Slater? "Heathers" and "Pump Up the Volume"! So he may be a little on the crazy side, grabbing women's asses in the early morning hours, but he was Clarence Worley for God's sake!
I digress... After the play we make our exit and see a small group hanging around the stage doors. We decide to join them to see if we can get a glimpse. All I really wanted was a picture for this site, but after 10 minutes, we decided to give it up and walked towards Times Square.
Times Square was busy so we turned down 44th street. On this street is the Belasco Theatre where Denzel Washington is starring in "Julius Caesar". My uncle, who works for Broadway.com took me to see it a couple of months back while it was in previews. Unlike "The Glass Menagerie" experience, seeing Denzel Washington did not make up for the torture of sitting in the tiniest seats ever installed in a theatre (I literally had bruises on my legs where the seat in front of me gouged into my shin). I honestly can't say if the play was good or bad as I had to go into a trance-like state to cut off the excruciating pain that these torture device seats were causing me.
Again, I digress... So here we are walking down the street toward the Belasco. There is a large crowd assembled outside the theatre. I figure they must be waiting to catch a glimpse of Denzel Washington come out of the stage door. Just as I though to my self that that will never happen, the crowd becomes animated and camera flashes start going off like crazy.
We rush to join the crowd and see that he is behind a barricade, signing autographs for people who were waiting in line. These people must have been to the show and were invited to wait in line for autographs. So we muscle are way up to the barricade and all I want to do is take a picture, again to add to this site, but his back is to us and all I have is my crappy camera phone, so I know he will have to be close if I want any clarity to the picture.
As the line for autographs is getting shorter, the anticipation grows. All of a sudden he moves to right in front of me and I manage to get two photos. My mom is trying to put a pen and paper in his hand when his manager says "Julius Caesar playbills only" as a general direction to the crowd.
So my mom, the ever resourceful one who is now directly in front of Denzel Washington says, "Would it be alright if I touch you?" to which he nods. He then adds with a grin, "That'll be fifty bucks!"
My mom replies, "It is worth it, I won't wash this hand ever again" to which he says in the definitive Denzel Washington voice, "I really hope you do!"
So not only did we get a chance to see Denzel Washington up close and personal, but my mom had a legitimate back and forth with the man. I on the other hand got the two photos posted below and a "Mom groping a strange man" story that I will be telling the grandkids!
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Full of 'Craps' part 3
Shaun and I step up to the table and plop down are entire budget for the event: $60 dollars each. We receive a handful of red chips and put down two red chips ($10) on the pass line and the sweat on our respective brows appears.
The first roll of the dice is a "7", which at this point in the game is a winner for us. We are now $10 up and I get cocky. The next roll is an 8, and the cycle begins. My money on the table is a wager that the an "8" will be rolled before a "7". While the odds are not in your favor, it is pretty close to 50/50 so I "bet the odds" and put another red chip down to back up the bet.
Shaun does not do this back up bet, which is significant. The primary objective is for Shaun and I to go home with exactly the same (or even better, more) money as the other. To end the evening with less money than the other person is an unbearable thought, so it is rare that we do not bet exactly the same. Misery loves company, they say, and I'll go one step further that success loves solitude. In all honesty, either of love when we are in the position to say that the other person made "X" amount, but I ended up with $10 more.
So here I am with more money on the table than Shaun and a "7" is rolled. So I am down $15, while Shaun only lost $10. Damn! This will mean I will have to be more riskier with my wagers to gain the lost ground. I vaguely am aware that Dennis is still with us and has chips burning a hole in his pocket. He says something about playing blackjack and he would see us later. I wave him off and get back to the table.
I lose a few re wages and I am down to $15. I am ready to hang it up, but Shaun (with significantly more chips than I) wants to hang on. I begrudgingly agree as the dice are handed to a new roller. She rolls the dice and this is where our luck changes. We are betting conservatively, no backing up the bets, no side bets. By the time her end runs, I am up to about $70 bucks in my pocket and I am feeling ready to take a risk.
She loses the dice and it is given to an elderly gentleman with the most perfectly coifed hair I have ever seen. He places the dice in front of him, meticulously turns each die so that his lucky numbers are facing up, and slowly lobs them down the table. A "10" is rolled and the cycle has begun. I back up the bet, which is risky, as a"10" is harder to roll than a "7". However the payoff is 2 to one on the back up so I am in. I also start making some side bets on the "6" and "8" to come in. Every time he rolls a "6" or an "8", I get $14 bucks, and that happens multiple times.
Shaun and I are on a roll, but the meticulousness of the old guy with the fancy hairdo is too much and I am getting annoyed at how long he is taking with each roll of the die. I point thus out discreetly to Shaun.
"He must put the same amount of time into his hair as he does rolling the dice!" I observe.
Shaun looks surprised and gives the guy a once over, "I really thought he was a woman".
At this point the guy hits the "10" we needed, and we continue a long steady climb to winning more chips. This goes on for a while; chips laid down, dice rolled, winnings picked up. It was a great feeling. After what felt like a long while, "The 'do" finally loses the dice and Shaun and I decide it is time. We had been at the table for a while and felt our luck could change at any moment and we had quite a good run.
I call for a "color in" (meaning your red chips are exchange for higher amount chips of different colors so you don't have a unmanageable wad of chips) and the tally comes to $163, a net profit of $103 dollars. Not my biggest haul but close. I anxiously await Shaun's tally to see if I will have to bear the shame of walking out with less then him.
The dealer says "Wow that is weird, you both have the same amount." I scratched my head. We hadn't been betting the same but in the end we had both leveled out. Ecstatic about the situation we turn and see Dennis approaching.
"Dennis, we are up $100 each, isn't that incredible? We had the best run!", I exclaim.
He replies with all sincerity, "That is great! I did well too at the blackjack table."
"Really, that is awesome. How did you do?", I inquired.
He opens his hand, reveals 1 $100 chip and 2 $500 chips and says "OK, I recouped my poker losses."
And as the excitement of making a quick $100 is suddenly replaced with a curiosity of what losing and winning $1000 in one day must feel like, I turn to Shaun and say, "What do you say we come back next week?"
We find Dan and head for the exit, stopping only to watch Dan place a wager on the roulette wheel. Dan has an annual tradition of coming to the casino and laying $100 down on either red or black at the roulette table. Up until this evening his record is 1 and 1. Tonight he puts his money on red and his record stands at 1 and 2.
The trip home is filled reliving the evening and congratulating each other on how well we did (and consoling Dan), but I think in the back of our minds we were thinking, "Next time I am going to turn my $60.00 into a thousand."
The first roll of the dice is a "7", which at this point in the game is a winner for us. We are now $10 up and I get cocky. The next roll is an 8, and the cycle begins. My money on the table is a wager that the an "8" will be rolled before a "7". While the odds are not in your favor, it is pretty close to 50/50 so I "bet the odds" and put another red chip down to back up the bet.
Shaun does not do this back up bet, which is significant. The primary objective is for Shaun and I to go home with exactly the same (or even better, more) money as the other. To end the evening with less money than the other person is an unbearable thought, so it is rare that we do not bet exactly the same. Misery loves company, they say, and I'll go one step further that success loves solitude. In all honesty, either of love when we are in the position to say that the other person made "X" amount, but I ended up with $10 more.
So here I am with more money on the table than Shaun and a "7" is rolled. So I am down $15, while Shaun only lost $10. Damn! This will mean I will have to be more riskier with my wagers to gain the lost ground. I vaguely am aware that Dennis is still with us and has chips burning a hole in his pocket. He says something about playing blackjack and he would see us later. I wave him off and get back to the table.
I lose a few re wages and I am down to $15. I am ready to hang it up, but Shaun (with significantly more chips than I) wants to hang on. I begrudgingly agree as the dice are handed to a new roller. She rolls the dice and this is where our luck changes. We are betting conservatively, no backing up the bets, no side bets. By the time her end runs, I am up to about $70 bucks in my pocket and I am feeling ready to take a risk.
She loses the dice and it is given to an elderly gentleman with the most perfectly coifed hair I have ever seen. He places the dice in front of him, meticulously turns each die so that his lucky numbers are facing up, and slowly lobs them down the table. A "10" is rolled and the cycle has begun. I back up the bet, which is risky, as a"10" is harder to roll than a "7". However the payoff is 2 to one on the back up so I am in. I also start making some side bets on the "6" and "8" to come in. Every time he rolls a "6" or an "8", I get $14 bucks, and that happens multiple times.
Shaun and I are on a roll, but the meticulousness of the old guy with the fancy hairdo is too much and I am getting annoyed at how long he is taking with each roll of the die. I point thus out discreetly to Shaun.
"He must put the same amount of time into his hair as he does rolling the dice!" I observe.
Shaun looks surprised and gives the guy a once over, "I really thought he was a woman".
At this point the guy hits the "10" we needed, and we continue a long steady climb to winning more chips. This goes on for a while; chips laid down, dice rolled, winnings picked up. It was a great feeling. After what felt like a long while, "The 'do" finally loses the dice and Shaun and I decide it is time. We had been at the table for a while and felt our luck could change at any moment and we had quite a good run.
I call for a "color in" (meaning your red chips are exchange for higher amount chips of different colors so you don't have a unmanageable wad of chips) and the tally comes to $163, a net profit of $103 dollars. Not my biggest haul but close. I anxiously await Shaun's tally to see if I will have to bear the shame of walking out with less then him.
The dealer says "Wow that is weird, you both have the same amount." I scratched my head. We hadn't been betting the same but in the end we had both leveled out. Ecstatic about the situation we turn and see Dennis approaching.
"Dennis, we are up $100 each, isn't that incredible? We had the best run!", I exclaim.
He replies with all sincerity, "That is great! I did well too at the blackjack table."
"Really, that is awesome. How did you do?", I inquired.
He opens his hand, reveals 1 $100 chip and 2 $500 chips and says "OK, I recouped my poker losses."
And as the excitement of making a quick $100 is suddenly replaced with a curiosity of what losing and winning $1000 in one day must feel like, I turn to Shaun and say, "What do you say we come back next week?"
We find Dan and head for the exit, stopping only to watch Dan place a wager on the roulette wheel. Dan has an annual tradition of coming to the casino and laying $100 down on either red or black at the roulette table. Up until this evening his record is 1 and 1. Tonight he puts his money on red and his record stands at 1 and 2.
The trip home is filled reliving the evening and congratulating each other on how well we did (and consoling Dan), but I think in the back of our minds we were thinking, "Next time I am going to turn my $60.00 into a thousand."
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Full of 'Craps' part 2
Upon arriving, Dan met up with his family and Shaun and I started the circle in search of our table. We have a friend Dennis who is a big time poker player. I have never watched him play, but he does eat and sleep poker. We usually invite him on our casino runs to add a little legitimacy to our entourage.
Shaun had been calling him most of the day but had yet to connect. I decide to give his cell phone one last ring as I had a strong suspicion he was already at the casino. I got his voicemail and explained we were at "Foxwoods" and he should call my cell if he was there.
Meanwhile, we couldn't find the nerve to start betting at $10 tables so early in the evening so we each resigned ourselves to putting $5 into a quarter slot machine. After losing that in 30 seconds, we decided to eat at the $13.95 buffet.
The length of the line to the buffet was intimidating at first, but the attendant said it would only be a 25 - 30 minute wait. We decided to go for it. As soon as we had gotten in line, a battalion of people passed by us claiming they had folks further up in the line holding their spaces. I was ok with this until an elderly couple just walked past the end of the line and stopped just ahead of us.
Normally I would have said something, but to be honest the women of the twosome looked like a scrapper with a walker and was just looking for a reason to go upside someone's head with it. So I resigned to a nasty sideways glance in her direction and let it go.
At this point my phone rings. It is Dennis. As I suspected he was there (and had been for 11 hours). He says he is having a miserable day and would like to join us for dinner. He met us at the line (after losing a battle with the rope barrier that separated him from us). It was pointed out that we were now the obnoxious people holding place for people in line and the irony of the situation was a little embarrassing. It subsided as we got closer to the front of the line.
It should be stated here, that Dennis has taken a very different career route then the rest of my college friends. He has had at least half a dozen jobs in laboratory settings since graduating with a bachelor's degree in biology. While I could write a half dozen different things on Dennis' exploits, what you need to know is that he really wants to be a professional poker player. I have never met someone so comfortable on the floor of a casino than Dennis.
So, as soon as Dennis meets up with us, he is on the phone describing the play by play of his round of bad luck to one of his poker buddies. It sounds as if he couldn't get a break and was at that moment down $1000.00.
Shaun and I hear this and turn sickly green. We can't imagine being in a position of being $1000.00 up, let alone losing that amount. Even though Dennis is a little crabby about his loss, he buys us dinner with his casino points. I know for me, if I was that much in the hole, I wouldn't be able to eat, let alone pick up a tab! But that is Dennis for you!
By the end of dinner, we were all stuffed and as ready to hit the tables as we would ever be. Dennis needs a break from poker and heads with us to reconnect with Dan. We find Dan and find a craps table that had space for us.
To be continued...
Shaun had been calling him most of the day but had yet to connect. I decide to give his cell phone one last ring as I had a strong suspicion he was already at the casino. I got his voicemail and explained we were at "Foxwoods" and he should call my cell if he was there.
Meanwhile, we couldn't find the nerve to start betting at $10 tables so early in the evening so we each resigned ourselves to putting $5 into a quarter slot machine. After losing that in 30 seconds, we decided to eat at the $13.95 buffet.
The length of the line to the buffet was intimidating at first, but the attendant said it would only be a 25 - 30 minute wait. We decided to go for it. As soon as we had gotten in line, a battalion of people passed by us claiming they had folks further up in the line holding their spaces. I was ok with this until an elderly couple just walked past the end of the line and stopped just ahead of us.
Normally I would have said something, but to be honest the women of the twosome looked like a scrapper with a walker and was just looking for a reason to go upside someone's head with it. So I resigned to a nasty sideways glance in her direction and let it go.
At this point my phone rings. It is Dennis. As I suspected he was there (and had been for 11 hours). He says he is having a miserable day and would like to join us for dinner. He met us at the line (after losing a battle with the rope barrier that separated him from us). It was pointed out that we were now the obnoxious people holding place for people in line and the irony of the situation was a little embarrassing. It subsided as we got closer to the front of the line.
It should be stated here, that Dennis has taken a very different career route then the rest of my college friends. He has had at least half a dozen jobs in laboratory settings since graduating with a bachelor's degree in biology. While I could write a half dozen different things on Dennis' exploits, what you need to know is that he really wants to be a professional poker player. I have never met someone so comfortable on the floor of a casino than Dennis.
So, as soon as Dennis meets up with us, he is on the phone describing the play by play of his round of bad luck to one of his poker buddies. It sounds as if he couldn't get a break and was at that moment down $1000.00.
Shaun and I hear this and turn sickly green. We can't imagine being in a position of being $1000.00 up, let alone losing that amount. Even though Dennis is a little crabby about his loss, he buys us dinner with his casino points. I know for me, if I was that much in the hole, I wouldn't be able to eat, let alone pick up a tab! But that is Dennis for you!
By the end of dinner, we were all stuffed and as ready to hit the tables as we would ever be. Dennis needs a break from poker and heads with us to reconnect with Dan. We find Dan and find a craps table that had space for us.
To be continued...
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Full of 'Craps' part 1
About every six weeks or so, a regular group of my friends and I head on out to the Connecticut Casinos to try to bring a few dollars home that we normally wouldn't have. This group consists of high stakes "gamers" (gambler has such a distasteful ring to it) and those of us who get feverish when there is $5 on the line.
My friend Shaun and I fall into the latter category. We have probably made the trip to the casino 10 times in the last few years and every time it is the same story: we separate from our high roller friends, circle around the casino for 45 minutes, trying to find the allusive $5 minimum bet craps table. As soon as we do, we plop down our $5 and hope to God we don't lose it. It's not that we don't have a little extra to bet with, but each red chip (the equivalent of $5) represents eating lunch out, or half a movie ticket, etc. and to just give away money for no reason is against my nature.
Normally we head up on a Tuesday or Thursday after work so the crowds are more manageable and the $5 tables are a little less scarce, but our friend Dan was traveling up to meet his cousins this past Saturday and asked if we wanted to go.
So we loaded up the car and drove the 90 minutes to the Casino. Upon arrival, our worst fears were realized; the place was packed. Geniuses that we are, we forgot that the Preakness was run that day and of course all casinos would be packed with people betting on the ponies and then playing table games. The true travesty is that there would be no $5 tables. If we were to "game" this evening, the stakes would be considerably higher....$10 to get in on the game.
To be continued...
My friend Shaun and I fall into the latter category. We have probably made the trip to the casino 10 times in the last few years and every time it is the same story: we separate from our high roller friends, circle around the casino for 45 minutes, trying to find the allusive $5 minimum bet craps table. As soon as we do, we plop down our $5 and hope to God we don't lose it. It's not that we don't have a little extra to bet with, but each red chip (the equivalent of $5) represents eating lunch out, or half a movie ticket, etc. and to just give away money for no reason is against my nature.
Normally we head up on a Tuesday or Thursday after work so the crowds are more manageable and the $5 tables are a little less scarce, but our friend Dan was traveling up to meet his cousins this past Saturday and asked if we wanted to go.
So we loaded up the car and drove the 90 minutes to the Casino. Upon arrival, our worst fears were realized; the place was packed. Geniuses that we are, we forgot that the Preakness was run that day and of course all casinos would be packed with people betting on the ponies and then playing table games. The true travesty is that there would be no $5 tables. If we were to "game" this evening, the stakes would be considerably higher....$10 to get in on the game.
To be continued...
Thursday, May 19, 2005
The freaks come out at night
As I have done with the first two installments of the new episodes of Star Wars, I went to the 12:01 am showing last night. I go not only for the movie, but also the experience of being out with the fans. I am by no means a fanatic: no costumes for me, and to be honest, I only know what I have seen in the films. So, while these movies are some of my favorites, I don't obsess on it like some of the more zealous fans do. I do enjoy seeing the films with people who have a passion for it. It ensures the right amount of applause at the appropriate time in the film. It is really a phenomenon that only happens at these early morning first screenings. Plus watching some of the freaks in costume passes the time while waiting for the show to start.
Last night was different. There were 8 of us and we all met up at 9:00 to grab a bite and check out the scene. Upon eating and inspection of the theatre, we decided to head over to a sports bar to kill some time. At 10:30, (an hour and a half before the show time) we headed to the theatre fully anticipating to have to jump into a line and wait at least 45 minutes until the theatre would let us claim our seat. We were surprised as we were ushered in immediately to a half filled theatre.
I can't say that I was disappointed to not have to wait in line, but a small part of me wishes that we did have to put some time into standing in line. It is part of the experience and really that is what these outings are for me. The movie could be a disappointment, but the experience makes it worth it, listening to the over-analyzed diatribes of people obsessed with the films, some in elaborate costumes. It is really something to experience. I even intended to snap some pics to post here, but the absence of a line made that part of the evening moot.
So we claimed are seats and waited 90 minutes in the hottest theatre I have ever been in. It was "Africa hot" or "Hotter than the hinges of Hell" (I'll let you pick your metaphor). Only a few folks had costumes (mostly cloaks and capes). Overall, it was pretty tame.
Luckily any disappointment that I had in the lack of pre-show craziness was offset by what was the best film of this new series, tying in new to old in the appropriate manner. I am not going to comment on it, because the 'net is full of reviews of the movie these days, but for those who have been jaded by the last two volumes, give this one a chance. I think you will like it.
By the time the film ended I was doused in sweat (because of the movie, or more likely the freaking hot theatre!) and a feeling of satisfaction that I had not experienced with the first two.
As I drove home at 2:30, I noted how pleased I was with my decision to stay up for the first show. I then realized that I was even more psyched about my decision as I had taken the following day off from work. I always forget how much being a fan kicks your ass!
Nai
Last night was different. There were 8 of us and we all met up at 9:00 to grab a bite and check out the scene. Upon eating and inspection of the theatre, we decided to head over to a sports bar to kill some time. At 10:30, (an hour and a half before the show time) we headed to the theatre fully anticipating to have to jump into a line and wait at least 45 minutes until the theatre would let us claim our seat. We were surprised as we were ushered in immediately to a half filled theatre.
I can't say that I was disappointed to not have to wait in line, but a small part of me wishes that we did have to put some time into standing in line. It is part of the experience and really that is what these outings are for me. The movie could be a disappointment, but the experience makes it worth it, listening to the over-analyzed diatribes of people obsessed with the films, some in elaborate costumes. It is really something to experience. I even intended to snap some pics to post here, but the absence of a line made that part of the evening moot.
So we claimed are seats and waited 90 minutes in the hottest theatre I have ever been in. It was "Africa hot" or "Hotter than the hinges of Hell" (I'll let you pick your metaphor). Only a few folks had costumes (mostly cloaks and capes). Overall, it was pretty tame.
Luckily any disappointment that I had in the lack of pre-show craziness was offset by what was the best film of this new series, tying in new to old in the appropriate manner. I am not going to comment on it, because the 'net is full of reviews of the movie these days, but for those who have been jaded by the last two volumes, give this one a chance. I think you will like it.
By the time the film ended I was doused in sweat (because of the movie, or more likely the freaking hot theatre!) and a feeling of satisfaction that I had not experienced with the first two.
As I drove home at 2:30, I noted how pleased I was with my decision to stay up for the first show. I then realized that I was even more psyched about my decision as I had taken the following day off from work. I always forget how much being a fan kicks your ass!
Nai
Monday, May 16, 2005
Magnum P.I.
Just going through pictures on my camera phone and found this one that made me laugh.
This was taken on a visit to Wilmington, NC to visit my friend Shannon. We we're at a boat race on the Cape Fear River and noticed this gentleman (second from left) in a beret and, what was accurately described by our friend Bob, as "Magnum, P.I. shorts."
Priceless!
Posted by Hello
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Open letter to all the future contestants of "The Amazing Race":
I realize that I was late to jump on the bandwagon of this show, but I already have observed the following pitfalls. This is my advice to anyone who makes it on the show:
Nai
- If your relationship is falling apart, it will not get better by adding the stress of an around the world race. The Amazing Race is not relationship therapy, nor is it a test to measure how well you work together under stress. The stress of marriage is very different than the stress of bungee jumping off a 150 foot bridge.
- Referring to any country outside of the US as a "third world country" makes you really look like the arrogant American you most likely are and if it is said by people that have the words "model" or "actor" in their resume, you come off extremely obnoxious.
- If you are over 60, good for you! You don't stand a chance, but bravo!
- There is ALWAYS a flight leaving earlier than the one you are on.
- No matter how far behind, there is always a chance.
- No matter how far ahead you get, remember that no lead is safe!
- Be wary of any previous winners of reality t.v. shows. They are shifty and will sabotage you at any turn.
- Phil the host only likes you if you are in first place.
- The prettier you are, the farther you will go.
- Yelling at people that don't speak english won't make them understand you.
- Hire a local to guide you whenever possible.
- Being smarter than everyone else is a nice quality, but the Amazing Race is a physical contest. If you are counting on your ability to outfox the other teams to make up for your physical stamina, you will quickly be eliminated. I would suggest a pre-race workout routine of rope climbing and repelling, heavy lifting, running and rowing.
- Lastly, when approaching the final pitstop, make sure to pay your Cab fare. Apparently karma is a huge factor in "The Amazing Race"
Nai
"Is this the Real Life? Is this just fantasy?"
I have spent most of my life disinterested in sports of any kind. That is not to say I didn't try as a child. Soccer and basketball were attempted for a season, baseball for 2. I was forced to abandon these activities because I found it interfered with my ability to fit in the 4 hours of T.V. that was a huge part of my daily routine.
So now, when most of my male friends discuss (read: obsess) on sports and reciting statistics ad nauseum, I am lost. Sure I can counter with "The reason Don Knotts (Barney Fife) left 'The Andy Griffith Show' was he had understood that Andy Griffith would not do more than 5 seasons so he signed a film contract and was obligated to leave even when Andy Griffith continued" and other nuggets of pop culture history.
However, it is very hard to avoid sports and I am mellowing with age. So when I investigated Yahoo's fantasy league baseball, I saw an opportunity to make something I find to be a rather dull spectator sport and add some participation. Now I can obsess with the best of them. I am memorizing stats, researching players, and in 3rd place, actually competitive so far. I have to admit I am hooked.
So to all my "I Can't Bunt" league mates, I give you fair warning: The manager of the Raleigh Durhams just may be the longshot this season.
So now, when most of my male friends discuss (read: obsess) on sports and reciting statistics ad nauseum, I am lost. Sure I can counter with "The reason Don Knotts (Barney Fife) left 'The Andy Griffith Show' was he had understood that Andy Griffith would not do more than 5 seasons so he signed a film contract and was obligated to leave even when Andy Griffith continued" and other nuggets of pop culture history.
However, it is very hard to avoid sports and I am mellowing with age. So when I investigated Yahoo's fantasy league baseball, I saw an opportunity to make something I find to be a rather dull spectator sport and add some participation. Now I can obsess with the best of them. I am memorizing stats, researching players, and in 3rd place, actually competitive so far. I have to admit I am hooked.
So to all my "I Can't Bunt" league mates, I give you fair warning: The manager of the Raleigh Durhams just may be the longshot this season.
Monday, May 09, 2005
A slip of the tongue...
A word of caution to my faithful readers in the New England area. When frequenting a "99" restaraunt, please take great caution in ordering their Barbeque Turkey Tips. Just one consonent off and you just may get a different kind of breast than your were anticipating.
A lesson learned the hard way by the author and a very stunned matronly waitress named Anna.
A lesson learned the hard way by the author and a very stunned matronly waitress named Anna.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
It's all uphill from here... Part 4
When we all reached the starting point, Brother Toby begins to beat a drum he is carrying and we start out on a leisurely pace. At this point we are on the main road and heading into a curve that obscures the terrain ahead.
Once around the bend, I notice that we will be traveling away from the sanctuary down a steep sloping grade on the main road. Immediately, I become concerned as 1.) We are heading away from the Peace Pagoda 2.) We are quickly descending the steepest hill I have encountered in a long time (Picture Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings) 3.) The Finish Line is at the Pagoda which was at a much higher elevation than the starting line. Being the smart guy that I am, I realized what goes down, must come up and I steadied my pace, because cadence is everything.
This would be the last I see of Greg because he is practically running. So here I am walking downhill (or more accurately downmountain), without my walking buddy or IPod (which was in the car because I didn't want to be rude to said walking buddy), quickly realizing that with every step down would equal a steep climb up and now questioning my ability to do this task, as I had pretty much "atrophied" during the winter months.
After what had to be a mile and a quarter (although if this was a 2 mile walk as advertised it should've been only 3/4 of a mile at this point), the procession turned around and began the long, steep climb of death. I saw Greg for one last time as he barrelled past me in the other direction. I maintained a comfortable pace and climbed, and climbed, and climbed. When I was younger, I was diagnosed with asthma and have taken the holistic treatment plan of inactivity to keep it in check (no inhalers for me!). So effective is this plan I often forget I have asthma. Well, I won't be forgetting it anytime soon as my chest became quite uncomfortable constricted and my breathing became labored, and, as with any exertion, my face must have been a deep shade of red. The same color red that caused elementary school teachers to insist that I sit out recess because the color is just plain scary on a pasty white guy as myself.
I must have been quite the site because at one point I saw a monk on the sidelines and he deeply bowed to me. No one else but me. I figured that he must have seen my apparent respiratory attack as a sign of my dedication to his religion and recognized it with a bow, when in all actuality, I was avoiding a scene by needing a rescue by the side of the road.
Finally, I reached the point where we had started. With renewed energy, I started up the dirt road to the Peace Pagoda. I figured I was past the worst of it. No just a short climb to the Pagoda. I was very wrong. The hill became even steeper, so steep that I had to reach out and use the roots on the path to help me climb this mountain. Luckily the hill plateaued at 3 different points and I rested at each, being passed by the elderly and small children, who looked like they were on the leisurely stroll that I was promised but had not received.
Just when I thought I would give up and walk to the car, I saw, at the top of the steepest rise yet, the Pagoda and the finish line just up ahead. With my last ounce of strength and determination, I crawled up to the top, keeping the finish line in my sites. I fought for air and miraculously stayed upright, knowing people have had an easier time running a marathon than I had climbing this mountain.
Just as the finish line was within my reach, a volunteer told me to get off the course, as the runners were about to arrive. I was directed off the path, and not allowed to cross the finish line. There would be no paper peace swan for me, no sense of accomplishment that crossing that finish line would have symbolized, just an orange wedge and a Dixie cup of water.
Once around the bend, I notice that we will be traveling away from the sanctuary down a steep sloping grade on the main road. Immediately, I become concerned as 1.) We are heading away from the Peace Pagoda 2.) We are quickly descending the steepest hill I have encountered in a long time (Picture Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings) 3.) The Finish Line is at the Pagoda which was at a much higher elevation than the starting line. Being the smart guy that I am, I realized what goes down, must come up and I steadied my pace, because cadence is everything.
This would be the last I see of Greg because he is practically running. So here I am walking downhill (or more accurately downmountain), without my walking buddy or IPod (which was in the car because I didn't want to be rude to said walking buddy), quickly realizing that with every step down would equal a steep climb up and now questioning my ability to do this task, as I had pretty much "atrophied" during the winter months.
After what had to be a mile and a quarter (although if this was a 2 mile walk as advertised it should've been only 3/4 of a mile at this point), the procession turned around and began the long, steep climb of death. I saw Greg for one last time as he barrelled past me in the other direction. I maintained a comfortable pace and climbed, and climbed, and climbed. When I was younger, I was diagnosed with asthma and have taken the holistic treatment plan of inactivity to keep it in check (no inhalers for me!). So effective is this plan I often forget I have asthma. Well, I won't be forgetting it anytime soon as my chest became quite uncomfortable constricted and my breathing became labored, and, as with any exertion, my face must have been a deep shade of red. The same color red that caused elementary school teachers to insist that I sit out recess because the color is just plain scary on a pasty white guy as myself.
I must have been quite the site because at one point I saw a monk on the sidelines and he deeply bowed to me. No one else but me. I figured that he must have seen my apparent respiratory attack as a sign of my dedication to his religion and recognized it with a bow, when in all actuality, I was avoiding a scene by needing a rescue by the side of the road.
Finally, I reached the point where we had started. With renewed energy, I started up the dirt road to the Peace Pagoda. I figured I was past the worst of it. No just a short climb to the Pagoda. I was very wrong. The hill became even steeper, so steep that I had to reach out and use the roots on the path to help me climb this mountain. Luckily the hill plateaued at 3 different points and I rested at each, being passed by the elderly and small children, who looked like they were on the leisurely stroll that I was promised but had not received.
Just when I thought I would give up and walk to the car, I saw, at the top of the steepest rise yet, the Pagoda and the finish line just up ahead. With my last ounce of strength and determination, I crawled up to the top, keeping the finish line in my sites. I fought for air and miraculously stayed upright, knowing people have had an easier time running a marathon than I had climbing this mountain.
Just as the finish line was within my reach, a volunteer told me to get off the course, as the runners were about to arrive. I was directed off the path, and not allowed to cross the finish line. There would be no paper peace swan for me, no sense of accomplishment that crossing that finish line would have symbolized, just an orange wedge and a Dixie cup of water.
Saturday, April 30, 2005
It's all uphill from here...Part 3
As we headed to the start of the walker's course, we became aware that a lot of people were walking. Many had small children or strollers with them. Quite a few were seniors. I know I am not in the best shape, but I take a lot of pride being able to keep up toe to toe with a septuagenarian.
The obligatory crunchy volunteer got up with a non-functioning bull horn to give us a low down on the course. The walk would be 2 miles, beginning 1/10th of a mile down the road and would resume at the actual Peace Pagoda, which I had not seen at this point.
I took issue to the fact that the starting line was 1/10th of mile from our current position. Shouldn't that make the course 2 and 1/10th miles long? I had signed up for 2 miles and now there was a pre-walk walk. We were all gathered listening to this guy. Why not just start here and end all that much sooner? It is misadvertising like this that gets me going....but I digress.
The crunchy guy then introduces Brother Toby, who is to be our leader for the walk. Brother Toby is a monk from the Peace Pagoda. Brother Toby is white man, about 50 years old, dressed in robes to form what can be most closely described as a toga. He has a shaved head, thick glasses and is wearing high end hiking shoes. He is also carrying a drum.
Brother Toby bows deeply and leads us to the starting line. Now my spirits soared when I saw the ederly participants; The sight of Brother Toby truly inspired a sense of confidence. I mean I was just sure there was an inhaler tucked into his robes. Greg and I would stay a few paces back from the lead and when the finish line was in site, make our move to finish first, trying our best not to knock Brother Toby and the seniors over in the process (although thoughts of being compared to George Costanza and the fire alarm episode of Seinfeld did put a smile on my face!)
To be continued...
The obligatory crunchy volunteer got up with a non-functioning bull horn to give us a low down on the course. The walk would be 2 miles, beginning 1/10th of a mile down the road and would resume at the actual Peace Pagoda, which I had not seen at this point.
I took issue to the fact that the starting line was 1/10th of mile from our current position. Shouldn't that make the course 2 and 1/10th miles long? I had signed up for 2 miles and now there was a pre-walk walk. We were all gathered listening to this guy. Why not just start here and end all that much sooner? It is misadvertising like this that gets me going....but I digress.
The crunchy guy then introduces Brother Toby, who is to be our leader for the walk. Brother Toby is a monk from the Peace Pagoda. Brother Toby is white man, about 50 years old, dressed in robes to form what can be most closely described as a toga. He has a shaved head, thick glasses and is wearing high end hiking shoes. He is also carrying a drum.
Brother Toby bows deeply and leads us to the starting line. Now my spirits soared when I saw the ederly participants; The sight of Brother Toby truly inspired a sense of confidence. I mean I was just sure there was an inhaler tucked into his robes. Greg and I would stay a few paces back from the lead and when the finish line was in site, make our move to finish first, trying our best not to knock Brother Toby and the seniors over in the process (although thoughts of being compared to George Costanza and the fire alarm episode of Seinfeld did put a smile on my face!)
To be continued...
Monday, April 25, 2005
It's all uphill from here... Part 2
So at 7:15 Greg and I are on the road heading to Leverett, MA. With only one minor misdirection on our way there, we pull into the beautiful sanctuary at 8:08 am. We make our way down to the registration table and proudly announced that we would be walking. The volunteer clearly didn't know that was an option.
"Well the line to register to run is to your right," she said.
"Well the sign in front of you says Walker Registration," I informed her.
"Oh, we haven't had many walkers you could be the first. Let me find someone who knows how to handle walkers." I quickly looked around to determine which circle of hell I was occupying.
Another volunteer approached and explained that all I needed to do was turn in the registration form and donation. Walkers really don't need to register. We did get a nice shirt, though.
It was at this point we realized that Molly and her friend had not shown up yet. Just as I was thinking up a proper retaliation for standing us up, my cell phone rings. They too, had gotten lost and were now back on track.
Now that the whole group had arrived, we made our way to the respective starting lines. I was really excited to be participating in a walk through what really is a beautiful area. That excitement wouldn't last for long...
To be continued...
Monday, April 18, 2005
It's all uphill from here...Part 1
Back in September I wrote this about my co-worker Molly who, for some reason, loves to push her limits in physical activity. Well, I let my guard down for half a second and the next thing I know she has convinced me that I should participate in a fund raiser for a the Peace Pagoda. Enticing me with the promise of Buddist drumming and vendors, she de-emphasised that the main attraction was a five mile run or a 2 mile walk.
I sort of remember thinking to myself, "2 miles is nothing to walk." So I agreed on the condition that I could find a friend to walk with.
To be honest, I sort of put it out of my mind untill last week when I was reminded by Molly. "Did you get someone to walk with? The event is Saturday." So I enlisted the help of the one friend who I know is up for any challenge, Greg.
So Saturday morning arrives and my alarm goes off at 5:55 am. The plan is to meet everyone at 8:15. Greg has crashed at my place so we can make the early meet time. Now, it isn't until the alarm goes off that I realize I am voluntarily getting up at 6:00 in the morning on a Saturday. I contemplate this on the way to the shower and other realizations come flooding in. What if Greg and I are the only people not running? What if Molly and her friend decide to bail? Oh, what have I gotten myself into?
To be continued....
I sort of remember thinking to myself, "2 miles is nothing to walk." So I agreed on the condition that I could find a friend to walk with.
To be honest, I sort of put it out of my mind untill last week when I was reminded by Molly. "Did you get someone to walk with? The event is Saturday." So I enlisted the help of the one friend who I know is up for any challenge, Greg.
So Saturday morning arrives and my alarm goes off at 5:55 am. The plan is to meet everyone at 8:15. Greg has crashed at my place so we can make the early meet time. Now, it isn't until the alarm goes off that I realize I am voluntarily getting up at 6:00 in the morning on a Saturday. I contemplate this on the way to the shower and other realizations come flooding in. What if Greg and I are the only people not running? What if Molly and her friend decide to bail? Oh, what have I gotten myself into?
To be continued....
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
I need a montage
I have to admit that while things are good in my life, I am at the verge of feeling like I am in a rut. I have assessed some things, came up with a new plan and now I am just waiting for the results of that plan.
I am not patient. I want the results now. In the movies, this is where the director would insert a montage to show the protagonists journey and speed the film along. Picture Rocky 4 as Rocky works out in what has to be Siberian farm. The tune of John Cafferty's "Hearts on Fire" playing in the background. By the end of that song you knew Rocky was ready to represent the USA against Ivan the stereotypical Russian Athlete.
Now I am no Rocky, and don't mean to infer that I am, but a montage sure would be appreciated. I leave the song selection up to my readers. Please add them to the comments!
I am not patient. I want the results now. In the movies, this is where the director would insert a montage to show the protagonists journey and speed the film along. Picture Rocky 4 as Rocky works out in what has to be Siberian farm. The tune of John Cafferty's "Hearts on Fire" playing in the background. By the end of that song you knew Rocky was ready to represent the USA against Ivan the stereotypical Russian Athlete.
Now I am no Rocky, and don't mean to infer that I am, but a montage sure would be appreciated. I leave the song selection up to my readers. Please add them to the comments!
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
"Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in..."
I apologize for the absence. I haven't felt inspired to write...until now.
Before I begin, a disclaimer. I write under my real name. When I set up this site, I thought a little about using a pseudonym but ultimately, I decided against that. The only thing that gave me pause was that I am an educator at a small college and I am always wary of any barrier that may come between my students and me. Or that what I say here may haunt me in another aspect of my life. It is no secret that I am fairly liberal and that I am outspoken in my circle of friends on what I believe. However, I keep that in check at work, because I realize that for people that don't share my ideologies, that may be a barrier to developing the trust inherent in my work with college students.
Ultimately I decided that I was not giving the amazing students I work with credit enough to separate me from my beliefs. So while I try to keep this site light and fairly humorous, I will occasionally dip into observations that will take a side on an issue. This post is one of them. It deals with birth control and a woman's right to choose. If you continue reading consider yourself forewarned.
Besides, I am finding that the only time my students get really critical of this site is when I fail to "bring the funny". For that I have no excuse.....
_________________________________________________________
I am on a few liberal "call to action" mail listings. You know, the kind of list where some organization has created a form letter to be sent to address an unfair policy or tragedy. I usually don't participate because either I only half agree with the proposed action or don't trust the source. Actually, I am mostly just to lazy to fill it out.
Tonight I received an action calling for pharmacies to honor prescriptions for birth control, in particular "the Morning After Pill". Naive guy that I am, I had no idea a pharmacy could choose what drugs they distributed. Apparently they can.
Here is the canned letter that was sent on my behalf:
Dear [National Pharmacy],
All over the country I have noticed a disturbing trend of pharmacies refusing to fill women's prescriptions for birth control. When a woman and her doctor decide that a prescription for contraception is in the woman's best interest, a third party has no right to override that decision. Pharmacies must ensure that patients get their doctor-prescribed medication without delay or inconvenience. I ask that your company assure me and your other customers that no woman seeking prescription contraception will be turned away by your company's pharmacies.
No doubt a majority of your customers take for granted that women should be able to receive their birth control despite the personal beliefs of the individual pharmacist. Timely access to contraception is central to women's health, autonomy, and equality. We must trust women and their doctors to make their own reproductive health decisions.
I thank you, in advance, for protecting your customer's health by ensuring your pharmacy will guarantee women have unhindered access to their prescribed medications.
Thank you for your attention and support.
Sincerely,
Ian Martin
This was sent to all the major pharmacy chains: CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Eckerd, and Wal-Mart.
Almost instantly I got an email from Walgreens indicating the receipt of my email. It was a standard automated response to my automated submission.
Two seconds later I received the following from Wal-Mart:
Dear Valued Customer,
Thank you for contacting us at Walmart.com regarding women's prescriptions for birth control. Your comments and concerns are very important to us as we strive to meet your needs.
Wal-Mart does not carry emergency contraceptives. Our pharmacists may decline to fill a prescription based on personal convictions. However, they must find another pharmacist, either at Wal-Mart or another pharmacy, who can assist you by filling your prescription.
Again, we thank you for your comments regarding this issue.
Sincerely,
Customer Service at Walmart.com
So what this means is not only can a pharmacist refuse to honor a prescription that a doctor has prescribed for the benefit of the patients health based solely on their belief system. (Which is really just rhetoric for pharmacists being able to refuse to honor birth control). It also means that once again Wal-Mart is inappropriately developing a corporate policy that devalues women and is so heinous that they should be run out of business.
I really encourage anyone who reads this, please stop shopping at Wal-Mart.
Also, if you would also like to send out a letter like I did, please click here. If you choose to act, I would love to know about it. Either leave a comment or email me.
Nai
Before I begin, a disclaimer. I write under my real name. When I set up this site, I thought a little about using a pseudonym but ultimately, I decided against that. The only thing that gave me pause was that I am an educator at a small college and I am always wary of any barrier that may come between my students and me. Or that what I say here may haunt me in another aspect of my life. It is no secret that I am fairly liberal and that I am outspoken in my circle of friends on what I believe. However, I keep that in check at work, because I realize that for people that don't share my ideologies, that may be a barrier to developing the trust inherent in my work with college students.
Ultimately I decided that I was not giving the amazing students I work with credit enough to separate me from my beliefs. So while I try to keep this site light and fairly humorous, I will occasionally dip into observations that will take a side on an issue. This post is one of them. It deals with birth control and a woman's right to choose. If you continue reading consider yourself forewarned.
Besides, I am finding that the only time my students get really critical of this site is when I fail to "bring the funny". For that I have no excuse.....
_________________________________________________________
I am on a few liberal "call to action" mail listings. You know, the kind of list where some organization has created a form letter to be sent to address an unfair policy or tragedy. I usually don't participate because either I only half agree with the proposed action or don't trust the source. Actually, I am mostly just to lazy to fill it out.
Tonight I received an action calling for pharmacies to honor prescriptions for birth control, in particular "the Morning After Pill". Naive guy that I am, I had no idea a pharmacy could choose what drugs they distributed. Apparently they can.
Here is the canned letter that was sent on my behalf:
Dear [National Pharmacy],
All over the country I have noticed a disturbing trend of pharmacies refusing to fill women's prescriptions for birth control. When a woman and her doctor decide that a prescription for contraception is in the woman's best interest, a third party has no right to override that decision. Pharmacies must ensure that patients get their doctor-prescribed medication without delay or inconvenience. I ask that your company assure me and your other customers that no woman seeking prescription contraception will be turned away by your company's pharmacies.
No doubt a majority of your customers take for granted that women should be able to receive their birth control despite the personal beliefs of the individual pharmacist. Timely access to contraception is central to women's health, autonomy, and equality. We must trust women and their doctors to make their own reproductive health decisions.
I thank you, in advance, for protecting your customer's health by ensuring your pharmacy will guarantee women have unhindered access to their prescribed medications.
Thank you for your attention and support.
Sincerely,
Ian Martin
This was sent to all the major pharmacy chains: CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Eckerd, and Wal-Mart.
Almost instantly I got an email from Walgreens indicating the receipt of my email. It was a standard automated response to my automated submission.
Two seconds later I received the following from Wal-Mart:
Dear Valued Customer,
Thank you for contacting us at Walmart.com regarding women's prescriptions for birth control. Your comments and concerns are very important to us as we strive to meet your needs.
Wal-Mart does not carry emergency contraceptives. Our pharmacists may decline to fill a prescription based on personal convictions. However, they must find another pharmacist, either at Wal-Mart or another pharmacy, who can assist you by filling your prescription.
Again, we thank you for your comments regarding this issue.
Sincerely,
Customer Service at Walmart.com
So what this means is not only can a pharmacist refuse to honor a prescription that a doctor has prescribed for the benefit of the patients health based solely on their belief system. (Which is really just rhetoric for pharmacists being able to refuse to honor birth control). It also means that once again Wal-Mart is inappropriately developing a corporate policy that devalues women and is so heinous that they should be run out of business.
I really encourage anyone who reads this, please stop shopping at Wal-Mart.
Also, if you would also like to send out a letter like I did, please click here. If you choose to act, I would love to know about it. Either leave a comment or email me.
Nai
Saturday, January 08, 2005
The pod people are taking over!
You can put me in the ranks of IPod ownership. I was shown way to much love on my birthday/Christmas and, as a result, I have one of these amazing gadgets. Not since I became a ReplayTV (TiVo, but way more features) owner has a gadget impressed me as much as this gadget has. I have every album I own with me and quickly accessible.
But maybe what I enjoy most out of it is the opportunity to easily discover new artists. There are many sites (of which I will highlight as I discover the gems) that have sample mp3 files of bands that may or may not be that well known. I enjoy being able to listen to a track or two and then digging deeper on Itunes to purchase more tracks.
Today's site of mention is Scenestars. This mp3 blog has multiple contributors and I have found a lot of great music based on their recommendations. Check them out, download a few files (this is, of course available to everyone, not just mp3 player owners!) and I bet you will find a few "new to you" favorites.
But maybe what I enjoy most out of it is the opportunity to easily discover new artists. There are many sites (of which I will highlight as I discover the gems) that have sample mp3 files of bands that may or may not be that well known. I enjoy being able to listen to a track or two and then digging deeper on Itunes to purchase more tracks.
Today's site of mention is Scenestars. This mp3 blog has multiple contributors and I have found a lot of great music based on their recommendations. Check them out, download a few files (this is, of course available to everyone, not just mp3 player owners!) and I bet you will find a few "new to you" favorites.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
"The Internet is for porn"
I just checked my blog's statistics and noticed, that even though I hadn't posted in close to a month, my hits were still where they were when I was posting regularly. I did some further investigation. It appears, instead of having a very dedicated reader base, I have become a favorite of people looking for spankings. I have taken the liberty of listing all the keyword searches that have brought people to my site.
As you can see, As Trekkie Monster from Avenue Q so poignantly put it: "The Internet is for porn..."
As you can see, As Trekkie Monster from Avenue Q so poignantly put it: "The Internet is for porn..."
We Never Ever Close (mostly)
A new year, perhaps a little more attention will be paid to my blog. The lack of inspiration has been deafening.
Today's entry deals with snow days. Growing up in New England, these little nuggets of sunshine in the dead of winter were forever anticipated but were rare to materialize. I was never a skier and I hate the cold, so after the holidays the only thing to look forward to was spring. However, the grey days between the first of the year and the first day of spring can seem neverending. You literally spend your time racing from indoor locations and dreading the next immersion from the pocket of warmth that you are residing in.
So a snow day, to me, was always a reward for putting up with the deep freeze we must endure. I also thought that snow days were a thing of childhood, a benefit that is turned in upon receipt of your diploma.
Today that was proven wrong, thanks to 5"-8"inches and a threat of ice (the grandaddy of all winter weather threats). That and I do work at a college whose students are still on break and so there really isn't a lot of pressure to stay open.
So as I sit here writing, hot chocolate next to me, the world outside white with snow, I can almost bring myself to say that the winter doesn't suck. I realize that it will eventually dawn on me that I will have to work tomorrow, meaning I will have to go out extra early and chip the car out of the iceblock that has formed around it. But for now, I am remembering the magic of snow days, when I was a kid and all was right with the world.
Today's entry deals with snow days. Growing up in New England, these little nuggets of sunshine in the dead of winter were forever anticipated but were rare to materialize. I was never a skier and I hate the cold, so after the holidays the only thing to look forward to was spring. However, the grey days between the first of the year and the first day of spring can seem neverending. You literally spend your time racing from indoor locations and dreading the next immersion from the pocket of warmth that you are residing in.
So a snow day, to me, was always a reward for putting up with the deep freeze we must endure. I also thought that snow days were a thing of childhood, a benefit that is turned in upon receipt of your diploma.
Today that was proven wrong, thanks to 5"-8"inches and a threat of ice (the grandaddy of all winter weather threats). That and I do work at a college whose students are still on break and so there really isn't a lot of pressure to stay open.
So as I sit here writing, hot chocolate next to me, the world outside white with snow, I can almost bring myself to say that the winter doesn't suck. I realize that it will eventually dawn on me that I will have to work tomorrow, meaning I will have to go out extra early and chip the car out of the iceblock that has formed around it. But for now, I am remembering the magic of snow days, when I was a kid and all was right with the world.
Friday, December 10, 2004
A message to all the believers
It seems to me that there have been a lot of discussion on the web and on TV about the reality of Santa Claus. This is making me a little nervous, because while we do a good job of protecting our kids from porn other information that is for adults only, I could see a search landing a million sites that dispute the existence of Saint Nick.
So the staff at "Me Talk Pretty" would like to go on record that "Yes, 8 year old Google Searcher, there is a Santa Claus". Right now the people who put things on the television and put things up on the internet love to try to tell you that there is no such thing as a Santa Claus, or the Easter Bunny, or the Tooth Fairy. But don't listen to them, because I will let you in on a secret. All of these things are real. The people who tell you that they are not are the people who made it onto the "naughty list" and want you to believe it so they are not so lonely at this time of year.
Whenever someone tells you that there is no such thing as Santa, you don't listen. These people will not get a visit from Santa this year, because they don't believe. But you do! So hold onto it tight and no matter what continue to believe because it is so important.
So the staff at "Me Talk Pretty" would like to go on record that "Yes, 8 year old Google Searcher, there is a Santa Claus". Right now the people who put things on the television and put things up on the internet love to try to tell you that there is no such thing as a Santa Claus, or the Easter Bunny, or the Tooth Fairy. But don't listen to them, because I will let you in on a secret. All of these things are real. The people who tell you that they are not are the people who made it onto the "naughty list" and want you to believe it so they are not so lonely at this time of year.
Whenever someone tells you that there is no such thing as Santa, you don't listen. These people will not get a visit from Santa this year, because they don't believe. But you do! So hold onto it tight and no matter what continue to believe because it is so important.
Thursday, December 09, 2004
RADish
Welcome Rhapsody Radish to the "Me Talk Pretty" blogroll. For those of you who know me, I have been a faithful subscriber to Rhapsody for a little over a year. The author of Radish does some cool things on his site to share playlists and that sort of thing. He was searching profiles, found mine, and dropped me a line. I have been listening to great music ever since.
If you have access to Rhapsody (or even if you don't!) check out the site. It is cool.
If you have access to Rhapsody (or even if you don't!) check out the site. It is cool.
Monday, November 15, 2004
The Most Aptly Named Film of the Year
Run out and see the Pixar film "The Incredibles". The animation of this film is unbelievable. It made me think I was watching 3D models in the vein of Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer, but not choppy. You have to see it to understand. The story was excellent as well. Definitely for older kids and adults. Just a phenomenal animated movie!
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Spanked!
local6.com - News - Women Allege Boss Spanked Them for Errors
Please read the above article and then read this post.
Ok, finished? Good! Can we just say that this provides an in depth understanding of the problems of the "Red States" (i.e. voted for W).
First off, the guy is a pervert who exploits these women to get off on whatever power trip he's got going on. That is undisputed.
But let's look at the whole picture. First off, all employees sign off on a clause that says ""I give Gene permission to bust my behind any way he sees fit."" What? I am no lawyer but I think upon reading this I might give some hesitation to signing it. When does the little voice say "Hey, maybe McDonald's isn't so bad after all. There is no spanking clause there."
And then, when the victims had been spanked, one stayed and finished her day because she didn't have a ride? What?!? You have just gotten a spanking on the job by your boss, but you choose to finish out the day because walking is just beneath you.
Then the other victim stayed on the job for over a year because she was given the ultimatum "either she could be spanked or be fired." Really? You chose the spanking? You work at the Tasty Flavors Sno Biz and you take the spanking over any of the upteen other minimum wage job that can be found along the main street of your hick town? Interesting choice!
But really what hits home to the mentality that we are dealing with is this quote from the local law enforcement officer: Police Sgt. Jay LaMance said the two 19-year-old women likely accepted the spankings instead of leaving immediately because they were "brought up to respect anybody who is an authority figure."
Holy crap, are you serious? The man owns a frickin' sno cone stand in Tennessee. Authority figure, really?
Sgt. LaMance was dangerously close to siding with Mr. Tasty Flavors when defending that the "photos are not sexually explicit," he said. "They are clothed." They of his employees ass! Clothed or not' the shot was of the derriere and that is it. And you elected Bush on the basis of Morality? Come on, Skeeter! I am from the morally bankrupt north and even I know a rose is a rose and a buttock is a buttock, clothed or not.
Please read the above article and then read this post.
Ok, finished? Good! Can we just say that this provides an in depth understanding of the problems of the "Red States" (i.e. voted for W).
First off, the guy is a pervert who exploits these women to get off on whatever power trip he's got going on. That is undisputed.
But let's look at the whole picture. First off, all employees sign off on a clause that says ""I give Gene permission to bust my behind any way he sees fit."" What? I am no lawyer but I think upon reading this I might give some hesitation to signing it. When does the little voice say "Hey, maybe McDonald's isn't so bad after all. There is no spanking clause there."
And then, when the victims had been spanked, one stayed and finished her day because she didn't have a ride? What?!? You have just gotten a spanking on the job by your boss, but you choose to finish out the day because walking is just beneath you.
Then the other victim stayed on the job for over a year because she was given the ultimatum "either she could be spanked or be fired." Really? You chose the spanking? You work at the Tasty Flavors Sno Biz and you take the spanking over any of the upteen other minimum wage job that can be found along the main street of your hick town? Interesting choice!
But really what hits home to the mentality that we are dealing with is this quote from the local law enforcement officer: Police Sgt. Jay LaMance said the two 19-year-old women likely accepted the spankings instead of leaving immediately because they were "brought up to respect anybody who is an authority figure."
Holy crap, are you serious? The man owns a frickin' sno cone stand in Tennessee. Authority figure, really?
Sgt. LaMance was dangerously close to siding with Mr. Tasty Flavors when defending that the "photos are not sexually explicit," he said. "They are clothed." They of his employees ass! Clothed or not' the shot was of the derriere and that is it. And you elected Bush on the basis of Morality? Come on, Skeeter! I am from the morally bankrupt north and even I know a rose is a rose and a buttock is a buttock, clothed or not.
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Alexander Graham Bell didn't picture this.
I love new technology, I love bells and whistles, and I love saving money. Combine those three things into one package and it is all over.
Since getting a cell phone 5 years ago, I have been toying with the idea of getting rid of my landline. Most of my phone conversations are long distance, so my cell is usually my phone of choice. However, I haven't felt comfortable making my cell my primary phone for 2 reasons:
I have heard a lot about VOiP telephone service. Basically it uses your internet broadband service to carry the telephone service. You plug your telephone into an adapter that is connected to the internet. Because the process uses little of the traditional telephone infrastructure, costs are much cheaper and nation wide long-distance is a thing of the past; every call is local.
After the adapter has been set up and you have your phone plugged into it, you really wouldn't know that you we're not on a traditional phone connection. The call goes through instantly and is clear.
The best part is it has even more features than my landline at no additional charge (Call Waiting, Caller ID, Call Forwarding, Call Transfer, Voice Mail that emails your message to your email address, and much more) and it is 10 cheaper for unlimited calling. It can even ring my cell phone at the same time as my home phone.
There are some drawbacks:
Interested? Check it out:
Vonage
CNET Reviews of VOiP Services
E-mail me if you want more info, or if you want a free month of service to try it out. (Current users can recommend a friend and give them a free month to try it.)
Since getting a cell phone 5 years ago, I have been toying with the idea of getting rid of my landline. Most of my phone conversations are long distance, so my cell is usually my phone of choice. However, I haven't felt comfortable making my cell my primary phone for 2 reasons:
- I don't want to give out my cell phone number to businesses and have it ring all the time.
- 911 is a feature I never want to use, but it's nice to know it is there.
I have heard a lot about VOiP telephone service. Basically it uses your internet broadband service to carry the telephone service. You plug your telephone into an adapter that is connected to the internet. Because the process uses little of the traditional telephone infrastructure, costs are much cheaper and nation wide long-distance is a thing of the past; every call is local.
After the adapter has been set up and you have your phone plugged into it, you really wouldn't know that you we're not on a traditional phone connection. The call goes through instantly and is clear.
The best part is it has even more features than my landline at no additional charge (Call Waiting, Caller ID, Call Forwarding, Call Transfer, Voice Mail that emails your message to your email address, and much more) and it is 10 cheaper for unlimited calling. It can even ring my cell phone at the same time as my home phone.
There are some drawbacks:
- Internet or power goes out - no service (It will detect that my phone is down and automatically forward calls in that situation to my cell)
- I had to get a new phone number (however some numbers can be transferred)
- DSL users can't cancel their phone and keep DSL (I don't think...I have cable)
- 911 is routed to a non-emergency local number, but it still works
Interested? Check it out:
Vonage
CNET Reviews of VOiP Services
E-mail me if you want more info, or if you want a free month of service to try it out. (Current users can recommend a friend and give them a free month to try it.)
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
And Sweden is to blame
Well, my theory is blown to crap....
I apologize in advance for a maudlin post. I rarely discuss things that don't have a humorous edge to them but really nothing seems funny today.
I am just shocked that Americans would "re-elect" Bush. I understand the fundamental differences between Republicans and Democrats. I have friends that lie all over the gamut in political philosophy and I respect where they are coming from most of the time. However, no matter how you look at it Bush has done a horrible job in his tenure. The economy is crap, Iraq is an abominable mess, The country is in pain and his administration is directly responsible.
No incumbent president in history has ever entered an election with and approval rating as low as Bush's and been re-elected.
So Why?
Well, I of course have a theory. The American public has been reeling ever since 9/11. People have been scared and instead of making anyone feel safe, the administration has done all it can to prolong that fear and then say the fear is real and the only one who can protect them is the Bush administration.
It is just like "Stockholm Syndrome". This is the phenomenon of when hostages end up feeling an affinity for their captors. They often end up refusing to testify against their captors and may even help them escape in the end. In essence, realize it or not, America has been held hostage by the Bush administration with misinformation, trumped up reports, and the mantra of a safer America with Bush. And our electorate has fallen for it.
It is the only scenario that makes sense that a traditionally unforgiving public forgive the mismanagement that has been rampant over the last few years. Sure, there will always be devout conservatives who are more concerned with the abortion debate or making sure that the wealthiest among us pay less in taxes. But this war is so unpopular among so many people, re-election doesn't make sense until you look at the Stockholm phenomena.
So four more years...and a lame duck status and control of the House, Senate, and perhaps more of the Supreme Court. There is absolutely nothing holding him back. I am afraid for the college aged people I work with. I hope that a military draft stays out of the picture, but for the first time I am pretty nervous that it will surface. I am concerned that more lives will be committed to securing oil rich states in the name of fighting terrorism. But mostly I am concerned that this is now our undoing as a nation. Prior to this election, I felt the American public was not to blame for the loose cannon antics by an administration not genuinely elected into office. But now, we all own this. And this election has divided us and it will get worse. I know we will all be paying the price for generations to come.
I apologize in advance for a maudlin post. I rarely discuss things that don't have a humorous edge to them but really nothing seems funny today.
I am just shocked that Americans would "re-elect" Bush. I understand the fundamental differences between Republicans and Democrats. I have friends that lie all over the gamut in political philosophy and I respect where they are coming from most of the time. However, no matter how you look at it Bush has done a horrible job in his tenure. The economy is crap, Iraq is an abominable mess, The country is in pain and his administration is directly responsible.
No incumbent president in history has ever entered an election with and approval rating as low as Bush's and been re-elected.
So Why?
Well, I of course have a theory. The American public has been reeling ever since 9/11. People have been scared and instead of making anyone feel safe, the administration has done all it can to prolong that fear and then say the fear is real and the only one who can protect them is the Bush administration.
It is just like "Stockholm Syndrome". This is the phenomenon of when hostages end up feeling an affinity for their captors. They often end up refusing to testify against their captors and may even help them escape in the end. In essence, realize it or not, America has been held hostage by the Bush administration with misinformation, trumped up reports, and the mantra of a safer America with Bush. And our electorate has fallen for it.
It is the only scenario that makes sense that a traditionally unforgiving public forgive the mismanagement that has been rampant over the last few years. Sure, there will always be devout conservatives who are more concerned with the abortion debate or making sure that the wealthiest among us pay less in taxes. But this war is so unpopular among so many people, re-election doesn't make sense until you look at the Stockholm phenomena.
So four more years...and a lame duck status and control of the House, Senate, and perhaps more of the Supreme Court. There is absolutely nothing holding him back. I am afraid for the college aged people I work with. I hope that a military draft stays out of the picture, but for the first time I am pretty nervous that it will surface. I am concerned that more lives will be committed to securing oil rich states in the name of fighting terrorism. But mostly I am concerned that this is now our undoing as a nation. Prior to this election, I felt the American public was not to blame for the loose cannon antics by an administration not genuinely elected into office. But now, we all own this. And this election has divided us and it will get worse. I know we will all be paying the price for generations to come.
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
BBC NEWS Electoral College Map
For those of you following at home. This map of the electoral votes is as cool as it gets. Leave it to the British!
Ian
BBC NEWS
Ian
BBC NEWS
Monday, November 01, 2004
Bush Loses...by a huge margin
I stand by this headline even though the pools have yet to open. How can I be so sure. Well, I attribute it to what I have learned as a Red Sox fan.
For my whole life, growing up in New England, I have believed in two things:
1.) At the beginning of every season, that this will be the year that the Red Sox will win the World Series
2.) The Yankees suck.
Now over the course of my 32 years, the facts to support these truisms have ebbed and flowed. It has not been until this year with the Sox taking the championship after beating the Yanks, that these two statements have been unequivocally been proven true. And it is retroactive, meaning that the years that the Red Sox finished not even close to the lead in the pennant race and the Yankees led the division, don't count. 2004 proved that we will win the World Series and that the Yankees suck.
So how does that relate to the current election? Well, keep the above scenario in mind. First of all Bush and a candidate that is not Bush (Gore in 2000, Kerry in 2004). Now, in 2000 Bush was appointed President even though he lost the popular election. He used all means available to make sure he won. He used all resources available to him(money, his brother the governor of Florida, etc.) to make sure he had an unfair advantage over his opponent. This is much like Steinbrenner and the Yankees. Just Like George W., George S. has used all his resources to assemble a team that on paper far surpasses the competition. He will stop at nothing to win.
So here we have the next election, and already there are reports of manipulating the voting system are being reported. And although close, the candidate that is not Bush (Kerry) is behind in the poles. So being a Red Sox fan, and facing mounting evidence that W will once again claim the title that he has manipulated in to getting, I dig down deep and say the political equivalent to "The Red Sox will win the World Series this year" and go on record and "Kerry will win the election"
For my whole life, growing up in New England, I have believed in two things:
1.) At the beginning of every season, that this will be the year that the Red Sox will win the World Series
2.) The Yankees suck.
Now over the course of my 32 years, the facts to support these truisms have ebbed and flowed. It has not been until this year with the Sox taking the championship after beating the Yanks, that these two statements have been unequivocally been proven true. And it is retroactive, meaning that the years that the Red Sox finished not even close to the lead in the pennant race and the Yankees led the division, don't count. 2004 proved that we will win the World Series and that the Yankees suck.
So how does that relate to the current election? Well, keep the above scenario in mind. First of all Bush and a candidate that is not Bush (Gore in 2000, Kerry in 2004). Now, in 2000 Bush was appointed President even though he lost the popular election. He used all means available to make sure he won. He used all resources available to him(money, his brother the governor of Florida, etc.) to make sure he had an unfair advantage over his opponent. This is much like Steinbrenner and the Yankees. Just Like George W., George S. has used all his resources to assemble a team that on paper far surpasses the competition. He will stop at nothing to win.
So here we have the next election, and already there are reports of manipulating the voting system are being reported. And although close, the candidate that is not Bush (Kerry) is behind in the poles. So being a Red Sox fan, and facing mounting evidence that W will once again claim the title that he has manipulated in to getting, I dig down deep and say the political equivalent to "The Red Sox will win the World Series this year" and go on record and "Kerry will win the election"
Authors caveat: It is hard for me to compare Kerry to the Red Sox as I am by no means a fan of Kerry's. It took all my strength to cast my vote for him. But my fear of another 4 years with W won over my want of voting for a 3rd party candidate. If Kerry had perhaps shown any of the heart of the Red Sox (or for that manner showed any passion at all for his vision for a future) I might be able to get excited to vote for him. But I will settle for Bush losing.
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
IFILM - Television: Jon Stewart's Brutal Exchange with CNN Host
There is nothing I can say to comment on this, except that everything I hear Jon Stewart say I agree with. Check out this appearance on "Crossfire".
IFILM - Television: Jon Stewart's Brutal Exchange with CNN Host
IFILM - Television: Jon Stewart's Brutal Exchange with CNN Host
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Red Sox fever
I am by no means a sports fan.
I say that with an appreciation and respect for those of you who are. I can understand an interest for something that borderlines obsession. My friends who enjoy sports can recite statistics, place first in their fantasy league, and play armchair quarterback with the best of them.
While I have my many interests, the minutiae of sports has never been one of them. I have to admit that at one time I resented sports and their ability to negatively impact my life. During football season, my friends were no where to be found on Sundays. Baseball interrupted the new television season.
However, that has slowly changed over the years. College opened the door for football, as it was inescapable. I then starting turning to Patriots games while I was in North Carolina for a glimpse of home. One of my friends was a huge sports fans as well as an avid video gamer so he introduced me to the narcotic effect of Madden on the PS2.
Well now I am back and things have definitely changed. I am routinely tuning in to see the Patriots break the consecutive wins record. But maybe the most exciting is seeing the Red Sox come back from a 3-0 deficit in the ALCS and force a game 7.
While not being a lifetime sports fan, but being a huge rooter for any underdog, I have been a lifetime fan of the Red Sox. I go into every season believing that the Red Sox will win their pennant and World Series every year.
However, I am not sure if I am cut out for this. First of all, with games averaging about 4 hours this post season (Actually seeing a game just shy of 6 last night), all my spare time has been used up. Projects have been put on the back burner as hours have been spent on the couch. Second, my heart can't take it. I am hanging on every pitch, and as the Sox move closer to the winning the division and advancing to the World Series, I become more steadfast in my belief that they will win. Past experience tells me I should steel myself for a loss, but I can't do it.
So, I give in. While I will never be able to talk stats with the diehards, I am starting to appreciate the excitement of the competition. ESPN will not be programmed as a "favorite channel", but I now can hold my own with office sports chatter. Besides if the Red Sox can win against the Yankees, a team that has every advantage going into this series, doesn't that mean that there is hope for all of us who have had to work hard to achieve what we want out of life? To me there is no better analogy of overcoming adversity today than the Red Sox/Yankees matchup that has been consuming my week.
Now that is what I call reality TV.
I say that with an appreciation and respect for those of you who are. I can understand an interest for something that borderlines obsession. My friends who enjoy sports can recite statistics, place first in their fantasy league, and play armchair quarterback with the best of them.
While I have my many interests, the minutiae of sports has never been one of them. I have to admit that at one time I resented sports and their ability to negatively impact my life. During football season, my friends were no where to be found on Sundays. Baseball interrupted the new television season.
However, that has slowly changed over the years. College opened the door for football, as it was inescapable. I then starting turning to Patriots games while I was in North Carolina for a glimpse of home. One of my friends was a huge sports fans as well as an avid video gamer so he introduced me to the narcotic effect of Madden on the PS2.
Well now I am back and things have definitely changed. I am routinely tuning in to see the Patriots break the consecutive wins record. But maybe the most exciting is seeing the Red Sox come back from a 3-0 deficit in the ALCS and force a game 7.
While not being a lifetime sports fan, but being a huge rooter for any underdog, I have been a lifetime fan of the Red Sox. I go into every season believing that the Red Sox will win their pennant and World Series every year.
However, I am not sure if I am cut out for this. First of all, with games averaging about 4 hours this post season (Actually seeing a game just shy of 6 last night), all my spare time has been used up. Projects have been put on the back burner as hours have been spent on the couch. Second, my heart can't take it. I am hanging on every pitch, and as the Sox move closer to the winning the division and advancing to the World Series, I become more steadfast in my belief that they will win. Past experience tells me I should steel myself for a loss, but I can't do it.
So, I give in. While I will never be able to talk stats with the diehards, I am starting to appreciate the excitement of the competition. ESPN will not be programmed as a "favorite channel", but I now can hold my own with office sports chatter. Besides if the Red Sox can win against the Yankees, a team that has every advantage going into this series, doesn't that mean that there is hope for all of us who have had to work hard to achieve what we want out of life? To me there is no better analogy of overcoming adversity today than the Red Sox/Yankees matchup that has been consuming my week.
Now that is what I call reality TV.
Sunday, October 03, 2004
Carolina In My Mind
Two years ago I left Wilmington, North Carolina to move a little closer to my family. I spent 2 years in Virginia going to school and then 3 in Wilmington working at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. To be honest, I never anticipated being away from my family that long. Five years is a long time, although looking back it doesn't seem that long. Moving away from Wilmington was bittersweet at best. I became very close with my friends there (many of them had relocated to Wilmington as well). I think that in a sense a surrogate family formed because we were all so far away from home, starting our first jobs out of grad. school. I had already assumed I would never have friends like the ones I made in college, but the people I met in Wilmington are some of my closest friends.
I was the first to leave and that was tough for me. I hated the fact that while I never intended to move so far away from home, it was so difficult to leave this place. My leaving was rough on my friends, too. I think we were all getting restless for a change of scenery. Wilmington is a phenomenal place to live for a young person. It is a small city, located on the ocean with a thriving film industry. However, it seems isolated to someone who grew up in New England with major cities (NY and Boston) nearby along with small communities scattered in between. Basically if what you needed wasn't in Wilmington, then it would be a two hour drive to Raleigh to find it. So after three years there, homesickness was starting to sink in. Every trip home made returning to Wilmington harder. My friends were going through the same thing. It also didn't help that I was getting restless in my job. I loved working there but I was antsy for new responsibilities and a new setting. So when a job presented itself back home, the decision to move was made. However, it wasn't an easy one. I would be the first of my friends to actually do it. If you know me, you know I have a phobia of being left out of any good time, and man we had had some good times.
So why this trip down Melancholy Lane? This Wednesday I am flying to Wilmington for the first time since leaving. My friend Shannon has flown to see me 4 or 5 times since I left and I am past due to visit her. She has very nicely put her foot down and pointed out it is time for me to visit her. While I am so excited to see her and the rest of the wonderful people that I met there, I am anxious, because you really can't go home again. Of our group of friends, only Shannon remains. In a lot of ways I don't want to ruin the sense of nostalgia that I have for the place. However, the chance to see my friends out weighs the trepidation I feel.
So Wilmington, be warned. I am coming back, let the debauchery begin.
I was the first to leave and that was tough for me. I hated the fact that while I never intended to move so far away from home, it was so difficult to leave this place. My leaving was rough on my friends, too. I think we were all getting restless for a change of scenery. Wilmington is a phenomenal place to live for a young person. It is a small city, located on the ocean with a thriving film industry. However, it seems isolated to someone who grew up in New England with major cities (NY and Boston) nearby along with small communities scattered in between. Basically if what you needed wasn't in Wilmington, then it would be a two hour drive to Raleigh to find it. So after three years there, homesickness was starting to sink in. Every trip home made returning to Wilmington harder. My friends were going through the same thing. It also didn't help that I was getting restless in my job. I loved working there but I was antsy for new responsibilities and a new setting. So when a job presented itself back home, the decision to move was made. However, it wasn't an easy one. I would be the first of my friends to actually do it. If you know me, you know I have a phobia of being left out of any good time, and man we had had some good times.
So why this trip down Melancholy Lane? This Wednesday I am flying to Wilmington for the first time since leaving. My friend Shannon has flown to see me 4 or 5 times since I left and I am past due to visit her. She has very nicely put her foot down and pointed out it is time for me to visit her. While I am so excited to see her and the rest of the wonderful people that I met there, I am anxious, because you really can't go home again. Of our group of friends, only Shannon remains. In a lot of ways I don't want to ruin the sense of nostalgia that I have for the place. However, the chance to see my friends out weighs the trepidation I feel.
So Wilmington, be warned. I am coming back, let the debauchery begin.
Monday, September 27, 2004
Reasons to switch to the Mozilla Firefox browser
Firefox has released the best version of it's browser yet. I am telling you will change how you surf the web. Need reason's why? Check this article out. Ready to make the switch? Click on the button below.
Reasons to switch to the Mozilla Firefox browser
P.S. It is a 4.5 MB download and it is easy to install. Tabbed browsing is the way to go.
Reasons to switch to the Mozilla Firefox browser
P.S. It is a 4.5 MB download and it is easy to install. Tabbed browsing is the way to go.
VOTE or NOT - $200,000 Sweepstakes
Wanna win $100,000? Just follow the link to find out how. Make sure you follow this link which is coded to me, because if you win, I win and that would make me very happy.
VOTE or NOT - $200,000 Sweepstakes
VOTE or NOT - $200,000 Sweepstakes
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Summer Mourning
The summer is over and I haven't had a chance to mourn it. Busy helping my students put on their Dane Cook concert, Homecoming weekend, and just the general excitement of a new school year.
Excuse the self-indulgence, but I thought a list of what this summer held for me would be appropriate to record:
It was a great summer, but over way too quickly.
Excuse the self-indulgence, but I thought a list of what this summer held for me would be appropriate to record:
- Spending time with my family (especially my sister) at folk festivals (Clearwater and Falcon Ridge). Bands discovered (Eddie from Ohio, Guy Davis, Dar Williams, Sonia, Toshi Reagon, Vance Gilbert, Girlyman)
- My entry into Blogging
- Many trips to the beach (but it never seems enough)
- Movies seen in the theatre (Spiderman 2, Dodgeball, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, The Bourne Supremacy, Garden State) Wow, that is a short list!
- Books read (Dress Your Family in corduroy and Denim - David Sedaris, Reread 3 Harry Potter books) Again I usually average 8 over the summer, too short a list!
- Taking my friends new boat out on the CT. river.
- Camping
- Trip to Cape Cod to see family that wasn't there.
- 2 weeks in RI with my parents, being a total sloth.
- Cancer walk marathon - 2:00 am - 4:00 am shift
It was a great summer, but over way too quickly.
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
A long time ago...
I remember being 7 years old and my dad taking me to see a movie. Back then, he was working as an airplane engine machinist, working second shift. Money back then was tight, so the rare occasions that my parents took us to the movies, it was a drive-in where we were charged by the car and not by the person.
But this was different. It was just me and my dad, and it was a surprise to me. I think we went to Cinema City in Hartford. To be honest the memories blur into the cloudiness of a dream, but I remember the feeling of that day and it is one of a thousand memories since then that makes me value my relationship with my dad.
I don't know why, but this memory has always been a favorite to me. Just two guys going to the movies. (I just did the math and he was 31 at the time. I am older now then he was then.)
The movie was Star Wars and it was released on DVD today. While all Star Wars geeks are getting bashed for obsessing on a movie that is 30 years old, I would like to go on record that for me it has never been about Death Stars and Light Sabres (although they are cool!), but about connecting with my dad for perhaps the first time as his son.
For a more universal view of the movie, check out this entry on We're Taking Bets That...
But this was different. It was just me and my dad, and it was a surprise to me. I think we went to Cinema City in Hartford. To be honest the memories blur into the cloudiness of a dream, but I remember the feeling of that day and it is one of a thousand memories since then that makes me value my relationship with my dad.
I don't know why, but this memory has always been a favorite to me. Just two guys going to the movies. (I just did the math and he was 31 at the time. I am older now then he was then.)
The movie was Star Wars and it was released on DVD today. While all Star Wars geeks are getting bashed for obsessing on a movie that is 30 years old, I would like to go on record that for me it has never been about Death Stars and Light Sabres (although they are cool!), but about connecting with my dad for perhaps the first time as his son.
For a more universal view of the movie, check out this entry on We're Taking Bets That...
Monday, September 20, 2004
Yahoo! News - MySpace Basks in R.E.M. 'Sun'
For me there are a few bands that hold revered status in my catalogue. U2 is up there, as well as Peter Gabriel, The Police, Bareneked Ladies. These are the biggies (and I already have a list of new to me bands that will be there soon). However, R.E.M. is the first band I really got into. Do you know what I am talking about? The bands that cause an obsession to have every album. I remember pay days from Baskin Robbins. I would cash that check and buy a missing cd. And then play it, and play it, and play it. I would try to figure out what every little lyric meant.
Well R.E.M. has an album (Around the Sun) being released Oct. 5. Guess what I will be doing that day. I would like to apologize in advance to my co-workers for the cd being on repeat all day.
If you would like to hear their album in advance, check out Myspace.com.
Yahoo! News - MySpace Basks in R.E.M. 'Sun'
Well R.E.M. has an album (Around the Sun) being released Oct. 5. Guess what I will be doing that day. I would like to apologize in advance to my co-workers for the cd being on repeat all day.
If you would like to hear their album in advance, check out Myspace.com.
Yahoo! News - MySpace Basks in R.E.M. 'Sun'
Thursday, September 16, 2004
Free advertising for blogs :: BlogSnob
I know many of my readers are also bloggers. I just discovered this cool new service to help advertise your site. It is totally free and I think will help increase your traffic. Check it out!
Free advertising for blogs :: BlogSnob
Free advertising for blogs :: BlogSnob
Check It Out: "The World's Shortest Blog"
I think the greatest impact of weblogging is the ability for giving everyone a voice and an audience to rally around that voice. The revolution may not be televised, but it sure will be logged on individual's web sites.
The World's Shortest Blog
The World's Shortest Blog
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
The Complaint Dept.
I woke up yesterday morning, tired. Some weeks I just won't let the weekend go, desperately clinging to it by staying up into the wee hours. This weekend was better than most, with a visit from my friend gmad, a trip to the UConn vs. Duke football game, and some of the best weather that reaffirmed my love of falls in New England. So needless to say, I stayed up way too late. I faced Monday and the craziness that this week will be work wise with more than a little trepidation.
To add injury to insult, my back started to throb as I was getting ready Monday morning. It was a weird pain and I couldn't figure out why it was hurting me, because the most strenuous activity I had been involved in was being a little rowdy at the football game. I decided to attribute it to a weird sleeping injury (or, as my mind tends to work, a life threatening ailment) and to suck it up and get to work.
By the time I got to work, I was feeling very uninspired (read: crabby) to be there. I sulked into my office without the normal jovial manner that has come to be normal for me. My boss picked up on it immediately: "What is wrong with you today?"
Delighted with the attention, I told her that my back was killing me. She sympathized and, feeling a little better with the empathy, I went back to my office. Now my curse (or maybe it is a blessing) is that I telegraph every little feeling I am experiencing on my face, so soon everyone was asking if anything was wrong. So I would tell them my back hurt and would relish in the attention that would generate.
"Oh, do you have a heating pad?"
"That has happened to me, not fun!"
"You should be at home!"
And with each of these comments, I felt a sense of pride. Why I should be at home, nursing my back, yet I am here because the students need me! This is homecoming week, no time to rest. If I end up paralyzed or perhaps even dead, at least the week will have been a success! Despite the pain, I was really enjoying putting on a brave face.
During the course of the morning, our new staff person came in to my office to talk about a project she is working on. Now, my coworker is an amateur triathelete, who is known for spending her free time training and being the opposite of a couch potato. Really the opposite of me and my personal philosophy of only running when chased. About a minute into our conversation (just before I was to launch into my back pain diatribe) I noticed a bandage emerging from her shirt sleeve.
"What is that?" I inquired.
"Oh well yesterday I attempted my first 'century ride'. You know a hundred mile bike ride. During the ride, my tire caught an old train track and I went sailing. I have a few scratches on the right side of my body." She then exposed to me the horrific results of her injuries up and down her arm. She said her leg is bad as well. She indicated that she was disappointed that it happened on her 51st mile.
"Oh, because you didn't make the 100 miles?", I asked.
"No, I rode 108 miles. It just made the last 50 uncomfortable."
Our meeting ended, and knowing I had been trumped, I never mentioned my back again for the rest of the day.
To add injury to insult, my back started to throb as I was getting ready Monday morning. It was a weird pain and I couldn't figure out why it was hurting me, because the most strenuous activity I had been involved in was being a little rowdy at the football game. I decided to attribute it to a weird sleeping injury (or, as my mind tends to work, a life threatening ailment) and to suck it up and get to work.
By the time I got to work, I was feeling very uninspired (read: crabby) to be there. I sulked into my office without the normal jovial manner that has come to be normal for me. My boss picked up on it immediately: "What is wrong with you today?"
Delighted with the attention, I told her that my back was killing me. She sympathized and, feeling a little better with the empathy, I went back to my office. Now my curse (or maybe it is a blessing) is that I telegraph every little feeling I am experiencing on my face, so soon everyone was asking if anything was wrong. So I would tell them my back hurt and would relish in the attention that would generate.
"Oh, do you have a heating pad?"
"That has happened to me, not fun!"
"You should be at home!"
And with each of these comments, I felt a sense of pride. Why I should be at home, nursing my back, yet I am here because the students need me! This is homecoming week, no time to rest. If I end up paralyzed or perhaps even dead, at least the week will have been a success! Despite the pain, I was really enjoying putting on a brave face.
During the course of the morning, our new staff person came in to my office to talk about a project she is working on. Now, my coworker is an amateur triathelete, who is known for spending her free time training and being the opposite of a couch potato. Really the opposite of me and my personal philosophy of only running when chased. About a minute into our conversation (just before I was to launch into my back pain diatribe) I noticed a bandage emerging from her shirt sleeve.
"What is that?" I inquired.
"Oh well yesterday I attempted my first 'century ride'. You know a hundred mile bike ride. During the ride, my tire caught an old train track and I went sailing. I have a few scratches on the right side of my body." She then exposed to me the horrific results of her injuries up and down her arm. She said her leg is bad as well. She indicated that she was disappointed that it happened on her 51st mile.
"Oh, because you didn't make the 100 miles?", I asked.
"No, I rode 108 miles. It just made the last 50 uncomfortable."
Our meeting ended, and knowing I had been trumped, I never mentioned my back again for the rest of the day.
Monday, September 06, 2004
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