Western Michigan got a taste of good things to come yesterday when temperatures in Holland reached 70 degrees. I generally consider myself to be a nonviolent person, but having every patron come up to my desk and tell me how beautiful it was outside and how it was just too bad I was stuck inside all afternoon turned my mind to vicious and murderous thoughts. I'm happy to say I was able to get out and enjoy the end of the day at least with a trip to Laketown Beach. Originally there was talk of heading to the Saugatuck Dunes for a hike, but that wouldn't have left time for lake-watching enjoyment. The stairs? At Laketown? INSANE. I was feeling okay about my ascent until this strapping young lad came r-u-n-n-i-n-g up the very stairs I had just slowly traversed. This, of course, fueled my competitive nature and led me to speak of grandiose plans involving biking to the park, running up the stairs, running along the beach and finishing up with a swim. If someone is willing to meet me at the beach with lots o'food and icy cold beers, I think I could actually talk myself into doing it sometime this summer. In addition to the Laketown Beach lunacy, I hope to finally bike to Saugatuck and run up Mount Baldhead. You know, because it sounds fun.
I'm looking forward spending some time this weekend with an adorable baby I have not seen since she was in the smushy newborn stage. And, weather permitting, taking some serious time raking the beejeezus out of the croquet lawn.
I say "croquet lawn."
I mean "scruffy, overgrown, man-does-it-have-potential-but-there's-a-ton-of-work-to-do lawn."
Friday, March 31, 2006
Thursday, March 30, 2006
did you hear that click? i think the buzz word is cheney. did you hear that?!
I'd like to welcome the U.S. Department of Justice to my blog. Last time you were only here for 24 seconds. You should feel free to stay and hang out for awhile. Witness the great Constitutional right to free speech in action.
I have a distinct feeling the ethics bill that was passed yesterday is another example of Washington giving America the illusion some serious policy-making has been going on, but in reality it's a watered down piece of legislation. I predict (and I'm always wrong about these things so don't give it too much weight) this will be the way just about everything is going to go until the midterm mess is over.
I'm still pretty shocked that Jill Carroll was released today. I remember driving to Saugatuck one night and listening to a report on NPR about her. I remember saying "She's dead. She has to be dead. They're just going to find her body somewhere in a few weeks." I keep wondering if this will end up being politicized and who'll jump on it first. Will she? Has she already by insisting she was not treated badly? Will the left use it to gather some sympathy for the situation over there? Will the right use it as an example of how prayer really does work? I've obviously been overthinking this and it was brought to my attention through a short series of emails:
Me: I'm still shocked that Jill Carroll was released. That's madness.
Someone else: Yeah. and now she has a lifelong career option of lecturing and at least a few books out of the experience. Like those damn hostages from the eighties. That bitch has it made.
Me: That bitch just endured 3 months of forced captivity. I would think the least she could get out of it is a comfortable future. I wonder how she'll play this. I wonder if there will be a little more sympathy for the conflict in general. As opposed to the very American us vs. them mindset we seem to be in.
Someone else: Heheheheehehehe I know. What a bitch. It won't make any difference. You know, people have their politics. I guess if anything it might move along the growing discomfort with the war but thats happening anyway. I don't know. Fucking politics
Me: I wonder. She had the entire country focused on her release until we got distracted by the new season of American Idol. She has been very insistent that she was treated well. This doesn't really have anything to do with politics. Though it easily could. I wonder who'll exploit it first...or if she'll do that all on her own.
Someone else: who knows. Maybe she'll become a guest host on American Idol. If I were her I'd take the opportunity to do a "liberals uncovered" spread for playboy wearing only that sexy headcover thing. You know, the towel.
turn-offs: being imprisoned for 3 months
turn-ons: being released from 3 months of captivity
Just so you know, I did mention that mayhaps it was in poor taste to go down that road less than 24 hours after she'd been freed. But, more importantly, it's a pretty shining example of how I'll take hold of something and think it to the point of ridiculousness. Thanks for pointing that out.
And finally: Happy Birthday to Travis! May your golden birthday be splendid! May we survive the challenge ahead of us without killing ourselves or others! May Bell's Amber be rained down upon you in copious amounts! Thanks for being so hospitable and having an apartment that is filled to the brim with good karma and good conversation!
And today, thanks for the unexpected ride that ensured I was not late for work.
I have a distinct feeling the ethics bill that was passed yesterday is another example of Washington giving America the illusion some serious policy-making has been going on, but in reality it's a watered down piece of legislation. I predict (and I'm always wrong about these things so don't give it too much weight) this will be the way just about everything is going to go until the midterm mess is over.
I'm still pretty shocked that Jill Carroll was released today. I remember driving to Saugatuck one night and listening to a report on NPR about her. I remember saying "She's dead. She has to be dead. They're just going to find her body somewhere in a few weeks." I keep wondering if this will end up being politicized and who'll jump on it first. Will she? Has she already by insisting she was not treated badly? Will the left use it to gather some sympathy for the situation over there? Will the right use it as an example of how prayer really does work? I've obviously been overthinking this and it was brought to my attention through a short series of emails:
Me: I'm still shocked that Jill Carroll was released. That's madness.
Someone else: Yeah. and now she has a lifelong career option of lecturing and at least a few books out of the experience. Like those damn hostages from the eighties. That bitch has it made.
Me: That bitch just endured 3 months of forced captivity. I would think the least she could get out of it is a comfortable future. I wonder how she'll play this. I wonder if there will be a little more sympathy for the conflict in general. As opposed to the very American us vs. them mindset we seem to be in.
Someone else: Heheheheehehehe I know. What a bitch. It won't make any difference. You know, people have their politics. I guess if anything it might move along the growing discomfort with the war but thats happening anyway. I don't know. Fucking politics
Me: I wonder. She had the entire country focused on her release until we got distracted by the new season of American Idol. She has been very insistent that she was treated well. This doesn't really have anything to do with politics. Though it easily could. I wonder who'll exploit it first...or if she'll do that all on her own.
Someone else: who knows. Maybe she'll become a guest host on American Idol. If I were her I'd take the opportunity to do a "liberals uncovered" spread for playboy wearing only that sexy headcover thing. You know, the towel.
turn-offs: being imprisoned for 3 months
turn-ons: being released from 3 months of captivity
Just so you know, I did mention that mayhaps it was in poor taste to go down that road less than 24 hours after she'd been freed. But, more importantly, it's a pretty shining example of how I'll take hold of something and think it to the point of ridiculousness. Thanks for pointing that out.
And finally: Happy Birthday to Travis! May your golden birthday be splendid! May we survive the challenge ahead of us without killing ourselves or others! May Bell's Amber be rained down upon you in copious amounts! Thanks for being so hospitable and having an apartment that is filled to the brim with good karma and good conversation!
And today, thanks for the unexpected ride that ensured I was not late for work.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
it's a bird! it's a plane! it's...superman with a flesh wound?!?
Quite a bit that has happened in the world in the past 24 hours.
Israel had elections and the Kadima party came out on top. That's the centrist party Sharon created after leaving the right-wing Lekuid party who, incidently, ended up with the least amount of seats. The left-wing Labor party was a close second and is expected to play a big role in the forming of a coalition. Two things stand out: 1. Kadima won with a much less than expected margin leaving everyone wondering which direction things are headed. 2. The voter turnout was one of the lowest ever at 63.2%. Our turnout in 2004 was the highest it had been since 1968 at 60.7%.
And we consider ourselves the shining example of democracy.
Right.
The Supreme Court has an interesting case involving the Gitmo detainees and the administration's assertion that they can do whatever they want with political prisoners thank-you-very-much. It looks like the Court might have something to say about that. First of all, the government's case included a not so subtle hint that this is none of the Court's business. Ooookaaay, that's ONE way to win the minds of the highest court in the land. Needless to say, it appears that Breyer, Ginsburg, Kennedy, Souter, and Stevens are pretty sure it is their business. Roberts has recused himself as he heard the case in July 2005 (where the 3-judge panel found in favor of the government). So that leaves us with Scalia who, to no one's surprise, not only appears to support the government's case, jumped in and gave a helping hand to the solicitor general when it appeared he was drowning under Kennedy's questioning. Alito appears amenable as well. And, of course, Thomas said nothing (incidently, what exactly are we paying this man to do aside from being Scalia's bitch?). This case is a perfect example of how checks and balances operate in a democracy. Whenever I get scared and lie awake at night thinking about how G.W.B. has essentially raped my most-revered Constitution, it's nice to know that the Supreme Court is going to be there making sure their power isn't stripped.
Of course, one could make the case that they were the branch of government responsible for him even being in office, but that's ancient history.
G.W.B. gave another speech today this time blaming Saddam Hussein for the ongoing sectarian violence in Iraq. This strategy of pointing fingers at everyone but himself for this big mess certainly seems to be a winning one! Just look at those poll numbers .
And finally:
paging Reckley.....I know you're out there...
Israel had elections and the Kadima party came out on top. That's the centrist party Sharon created after leaving the right-wing Lekuid party who, incidently, ended up with the least amount of seats. The left-wing Labor party was a close second and is expected to play a big role in the forming of a coalition. Two things stand out: 1. Kadima won with a much less than expected margin leaving everyone wondering which direction things are headed. 2. The voter turnout was one of the lowest ever at 63.2%. Our turnout in 2004 was the highest it had been since 1968 at 60.7%.
And we consider ourselves the shining example of democracy.
Right.
The Supreme Court has an interesting case involving the Gitmo detainees and the administration's assertion that they can do whatever they want with political prisoners thank-you-very-much. It looks like the Court might have something to say about that. First of all, the government's case included a not so subtle hint that this is none of the Court's business. Ooookaaay, that's ONE way to win the minds of the highest court in the land. Needless to say, it appears that Breyer, Ginsburg, Kennedy, Souter, and Stevens are pretty sure it is their business. Roberts has recused himself as he heard the case in July 2005 (where the 3-judge panel found in favor of the government). So that leaves us with Scalia who, to no one's surprise, not only appears to support the government's case, jumped in and gave a helping hand to the solicitor general when it appeared he was drowning under Kennedy's questioning. Alito appears amenable as well. And, of course, Thomas said nothing (incidently, what exactly are we paying this man to do aside from being Scalia's bitch?). This case is a perfect example of how checks and balances operate in a democracy. Whenever I get scared and lie awake at night thinking about how G.W.B. has essentially raped my most-revered Constitution, it's nice to know that the Supreme Court is going to be there making sure their power isn't stripped.
Of course, one could make the case that they were the branch of government responsible for him even being in office, but that's ancient history.
G.W.B. gave another speech today this time blaming Saddam Hussein for the ongoing sectarian violence in Iraq. This strategy of pointing fingers at everyone but himself for this big mess certainly seems to be a winning one! Just look at those poll numbers .
And finally:
paging Reckley.....I know you're out there...
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
golden age of radio, hello starling, and the animal years in that order
I want someone to tell me "All the other girls here are stars, you are the Northern Lights." I cannot help myself. I love that line (compliments of Josh Ritter, by the way). Who woulda thunk that I'd have a sappy romantic streak in me?
I was wrong about the visit from Pete Hoekstra. He was here talking about his recent trip to Iraq. I'm not sure how I missed her, but Krista was here covering it for the Sentinel and wrote a nice piece for them (yeah, you're probably going to have to register to read it, but it's worth it.) I can't believe it, but I find myself agreeing with him. It is frustrating that there is a lack of urgency regarding Iraq forming a unified government. The problem, of course, stems from the United States attempting to impose democracy on a country that wasn't ready for it. By definition one cannot impose democracy. It has to come from society. One would think after years of "democratizing" other countries we would have learned that pretty important fact, but I guess history can't really teach us very much anyway.
35 people were abducted in Iraq in 2 days with no real understanding as of why.
Those wacky Frenchmen are at it again with big old protests regarding the new labor law.
And it looks like G.W.B. is taking some advice from people and shaking up his staff. Hiring a new chief-of-staff this late in the game is a risky move, but absolutely necessary if he has any hope of breathing some life into his administration. Unfortunately he just hired someone else from the inside, but at least it's symbolic. Wow. Is it me, or does it seem like I've softened up a bit on the old George? It's just so sad to see a man who had a such a clear-cut mandate to govern fall so far and fast.
Yeah, I can't even type that with a straight face.
I was wrong about the visit from Pete Hoekstra. He was here talking about his recent trip to Iraq. I'm not sure how I missed her, but Krista was here covering it for the Sentinel and wrote a nice piece for them (yeah, you're probably going to have to register to read it, but it's worth it.) I can't believe it, but I find myself agreeing with him. It is frustrating that there is a lack of urgency regarding Iraq forming a unified government. The problem, of course, stems from the United States attempting to impose democracy on a country that wasn't ready for it. By definition one cannot impose democracy. It has to come from society. One would think after years of "democratizing" other countries we would have learned that pretty important fact, but I guess history can't really teach us very much anyway.
35 people were abducted in Iraq in 2 days with no real understanding as of why.
Those wacky Frenchmen are at it again with big old protests regarding the new labor law.
And it looks like G.W.B. is taking some advice from people and shaking up his staff. Hiring a new chief-of-staff this late in the game is a risky move, but absolutely necessary if he has any hope of breathing some life into his administration. Unfortunately he just hired someone else from the inside, but at least it's symbolic. Wow. Is it me, or does it seem like I've softened up a bit on the old George? It's just so sad to see a man who had a such a clear-cut mandate to govern fall so far and fast.
Yeah, I can't even type that with a straight face.
Monday, March 27, 2006
pete hoekstra's in da house
So I'm going back upstairs after my morning break and I pass Rick Albin on the stairs. He's a bit of a celebrity to me as he's the political reporter for WoodTV 8. I quickly learn that I have ju-ust missed Pete Hoesktra who is giving a press conference downstairs. I'm currently looking for something to throw at him as he walks past my desk on the way out. I can only assume he's weighing in on the immigration issue something that has taken a local turn with protests planned for today in Grand Rapids. An estimated 500,000 people took the streets of L.A. to protest the impending legislation that's hitting Congress this week. I can't help but think this is all a bunch of political posturing. There is very little chance of anything actually getting passed and signed in a mid-term election year on such a divisive issue. There are so many opinions and bills being thrown around, I'm having a hard time keeping track of who is for what. A big wall that lines 700 miles of the border with Texas (compliments of Bill Frist) is one of my favorite proposals. What a fantastic idea! No one would ever think to CLIMB the big wall or dig a tunnel UNDER the big wall. Plus, nothing says isolationist better than a ginormous wall. If I had to take a guess, I'd say G.W.B. is looking at another bad week. The Republicans appear to be distancing themselves further and further away in an election year attempt at redefining the party and getting away from an administration with sinking poll numbers. What's interesting is that G.W.B. is actually trying to help the party retain the Hispanic vote--an important demographic that could swing the presidential election in 2008.
The Silver Jews concert was even better than expected, despite the sweltering temperatures within the confines of the Blind Pig. Someone, of course, already had a review up yesterday afternoon complete with a set list. They just sounded so good live. I realized I didn't have much motivation to listen to them before going. Though I adore the lyrics, musically I had a hard time listening to the cds because it seemed thin. There weren't nuthin' thin about that concert. David Berman was exactly what imagined him to be: a big greasy looking poet with an entirely too calm demeanor and an undercurrent of major anxiety. Pre-concert we took in some food at Seva's and then a beer or two or three or four at Ashley's where Xtina made the classic mistake of telling Peter that she would kill him if he put "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey on the jukebox. Despite knowing that it was possible he'd get run out of the place by an angry mob, Peter could not help himself. Many thanks to kevdek for navigating successfully in an unfamiliar town and getting us safely back to Grand Rapids in the wee hours of the morning. And thank you thank you thank you for the Hem cd! I listened to it yesterday and I am even more excited than ever to see them live. I don't know about anyone else, but after that brief trip I'm back to getting serious about thinking about the possibility of maybe going to grad school at U of M. Don't worry. I won't make any rash decisions.
I was told that I misrepresented someone in a previous post. I'm pretty sure I promised I'd make things right, but unfortunately I'm having a hard time remembering...well...that part of the conversation. I'm optimistic I'll see him soon as I'm in possession of one of his coffee mugs and forks. Next time I'll take copious notes assuming I'm capable of writing.
Maybe a tape recorder is a better way to go.
The Silver Jews concert was even better than expected, despite the sweltering temperatures within the confines of the Blind Pig. Someone, of course, already had a review up yesterday afternoon complete with a set list. They just sounded so good live. I realized I didn't have much motivation to listen to them before going. Though I adore the lyrics, musically I had a hard time listening to the cds because it seemed thin. There weren't nuthin' thin about that concert. David Berman was exactly what imagined him to be: a big greasy looking poet with an entirely too calm demeanor and an undercurrent of major anxiety. Pre-concert we took in some food at Seva's and then a beer or two or three or four at Ashley's where Xtina made the classic mistake of telling Peter that she would kill him if he put "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey on the jukebox. Despite knowing that it was possible he'd get run out of the place by an angry mob, Peter could not help himself. Many thanks to kevdek for navigating successfully in an unfamiliar town and getting us safely back to Grand Rapids in the wee hours of the morning. And thank you thank you thank you for the Hem cd! I listened to it yesterday and I am even more excited than ever to see them live. I don't know about anyone else, but after that brief trip I'm back to getting serious about thinking about the possibility of maybe going to grad school at U of M. Don't worry. I won't make any rash decisions.
I was told that I misrepresented someone in a previous post. I'm pretty sure I promised I'd make things right, but unfortunately I'm having a hard time remembering...well...that part of the conversation. I'm optimistic I'll see him soon as I'm in possession of one of his coffee mugs and forks. Next time I'll take copious notes assuming I'm capable of writing.
Maybe a tape recorder is a better way to go.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
saved!
When one does not have cable television one ends up watching whatever happens to be on the 5 or so fuzzy channels one gets with rabbit ears. Last night we stumbled upon "Unlocking the Mystery of Life," a documentary film that makes a "scientific" case for intelligent design that happened to be showing on TCT (that's Total Christian Television--snappy name, no?). Interestingly enough, this charming film is available for purchase on the PBS website, but that's another story. I'm still not entirely certain what it is that I watched, but I'm pretty sure at one point Mount Rushmore was used to illustrate the "activity of intelligence":
"...human beings correctly detect the activity of intelligence whenever they observe a highly improbable object or event that also matches a recognizable pattern. Just such a pattern is found in the Black Hills of South Dakota."
"Now if you travel through the west, you'll see lots of different shapes on the mountainsides, most of which mean nothing at all. They're just rocks strewn in various patterns. But, what you don't see are the faces of Lincoln, Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt, and George Washington on the mountainsides. The only place you see that is in South Dakota. And the reason it's there is because a sculptor--an eccentric sculptor--decided he wanted to honor these Presidents by spending the larger part of his life chiseling their faces in the side of a mountain."
Oh hell, you should just read the script yourself. I think I spent most of the time asking Peter if anything they were saying made any sense to him. It appeared to be chock-full of pseudo-science. If it looks like creationism and sounds like creationism...well...you know.
You would think we'd had our fill of TCT, but nay. Next up was "The Way of the Master" a delightful show hosted by none other than former Growing Pains star Kirk Cameron. I highly recommend spending some time on that site. Seriously. Answer Yes and No to the "Are you a Christian" question. Go up to Tools and hit 100 Question and Objections to learn important things like points for open-air preaching and how to speak at a funeral of someone you suspect wasn't saved and how to witness to a homosexual. You can take the Are You a Good Person quiz (You aren't. Trust me. You're a liar, a thief, and an adulterer) For some reason Kirk and his co-star Ray Comfort were situated in what appeared to be a casino (this wasn't explained, but I suspect it had something to do with their purity allowing them to resist the evil temptation of gambling?) where they talked directly to the camera very earnestly about how if you are not born again you are most decidedly going to hell. They also chastised pretty much every mainstream Christian chuch for being too politically correct. They essentially called on ministers to stop being such candyasses and start telling people that if they don't repent they will spend eternity being damned. They also took to the streets (of what looked like some sort of Christian DisneyWorld) and asked people who were self-proclaimed Christians if they would mention hell to people they were witnessing to. When most said no--that they didn't feel comfortable using such scare tactics--their true faith was called into question. They were told they were sinners and failures and fakes.
Now, I am not a huge fan of organized religion. I spent most of my 20s being pretty angry at myself for choosing to go to a private Christian college, but even I know many Christians that are intelligent, thoughtful, logical, and loving people. Mr. Cameron and Mr.Comfort? They are right of the right-wing Christian conservatives. And they're scary. And popular.
Oy.
"...human beings correctly detect the activity of intelligence whenever they observe a highly improbable object or event that also matches a recognizable pattern. Just such a pattern is found in the Black Hills of South Dakota."
"Now if you travel through the west, you'll see lots of different shapes on the mountainsides, most of which mean nothing at all. They're just rocks strewn in various patterns. But, what you don't see are the faces of Lincoln, Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt, and George Washington on the mountainsides. The only place you see that is in South Dakota. And the reason it's there is because a sculptor--an eccentric sculptor--decided he wanted to honor these Presidents by spending the larger part of his life chiseling their faces in the side of a mountain."
Oh hell, you should just read the script yourself. I think I spent most of the time asking Peter if anything they were saying made any sense to him. It appeared to be chock-full of pseudo-science. If it looks like creationism and sounds like creationism...well...you know.
You would think we'd had our fill of TCT, but nay. Next up was "The Way of the Master" a delightful show hosted by none other than former Growing Pains star Kirk Cameron. I highly recommend spending some time on that site. Seriously. Answer Yes and No to the "Are you a Christian" question. Go up to Tools and hit 100 Question and Objections to learn important things like points for open-air preaching and how to speak at a funeral of someone you suspect wasn't saved and how to witness to a homosexual. You can take the Are You a Good Person quiz (You aren't. Trust me. You're a liar, a thief, and an adulterer) For some reason Kirk and his co-star Ray Comfort were situated in what appeared to be a casino (this wasn't explained, but I suspect it had something to do with their purity allowing them to resist the evil temptation of gambling?) where they talked directly to the camera very earnestly about how if you are not born again you are most decidedly going to hell. They also chastised pretty much every mainstream Christian chuch for being too politically correct. They essentially called on ministers to stop being such candyasses and start telling people that if they don't repent they will spend eternity being damned. They also took to the streets (of what looked like some sort of Christian DisneyWorld) and asked people who were self-proclaimed Christians if they would mention hell to people they were witnessing to. When most said no--that they didn't feel comfortable using such scare tactics--their true faith was called into question. They were told they were sinners and failures and fakes.
Now, I am not a huge fan of organized religion. I spent most of my 20s being pretty angry at myself for choosing to go to a private Christian college, but even I know many Christians that are intelligent, thoughtful, logical, and loving people. Mr. Cameron and Mr.Comfort? They are right of the right-wing Christian conservatives. And they're scary. And popular.
Oy.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
i'm so tired, i haven't slept a wink i'm so tired, my mind is on the blink i wonder should i get up and fix myself a drink
I just can't seem to get worked up about this Columbian drug bust. Nor do I have much to say about the GM buyouts. I can't seem to get too riled up about too much fluoride despite being of the generation that swished regularly. I got mildly excited about Omaha Public Library's Grand Re-Opening ceremony as Ice-T is a special guest speaker, but that too was unable to hold my interest. I had a whole thing I got into last night about child obesity rates and smoking and personal responsibility and health care costs and generations of people who have gotten more and more immobile, but I don't much care about that tonight either. What I do care about right now seems to revolve around getting out of the library, buying some wine, picking up my bike from the old apartment and going home.
And maybe eating some of these.
And maybe eating some of these.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
a major confession
I slept a great sleep last night and awoke feeling refreshed and optimistic about the world in which I live. The cynic in me returned quickly, however, the minute I turned on my television and saw G.W.B. giving a press conference. I find that I can be entertained by his folksy venacular and mispronunciations if I convince myself that he's not the most powerful individual in the world and instead I'm watching a spoof akin to Saturday Night Live or Mad T.V. But reality eventually sets in and I find myself horrified that this is my president.
It took him 3 questions to make the Iraq/9-11 connection.
"My attitude about the defense of this country changed on September the 11th. When we got attacked, I vowed then and there to use every asset at my disposal to protect the American people.
Our foreign policy changed on that day. You know, we used to think we were secure because of oceans and previous diplomacy. But we realized on September the 11th, 2001, that killers could destroy innocent life.
And I'm never going to forget it. And I'm never going to forget the vow I made to the American people, that we will do everything in our power to protect our people.
Part of that meant to make sure that we didn't allow people to provide safe haven to an enemy, and that's why I went into Iraq."
"..we used to think we were secure because of oceans and previous diplomacy?!?!" What does that even mean? Methinks it was the naivete of the American government who foolishly thought that oceans would keep us safe as they did on December 7, 1941. And that our great and powerful military would scare off anyone stupid enough to mess with us on our turf. I assume previous diplomacy refers to all of those years we were close pals with the mujahideen and supplying them with weapons?
On Iran:
"If you're a nontransparent society, you've got a negotiating advantage over six parties, because all you have to do is, kind of, try to find, you know, a -- the weakest link in the negotiating team. And so, our job is to make sure that this kind of international will remains strong and united, so that we can solve this issue diplomatically."
Is that even English?
On patting himself on the back:
"We're supporting our troops. Over the last 12 months, we've got two Supreme Court judges confirmed, we've got the Patriot Act reauthorized over the objections of the Democrat leadership in the Senate.
We've got some tort reform passed. We've passed a budget that cut nonsecurity discretionary spending ... We've got an energy bill passed.
We worked to get a lot of positive things done. And now we've got an agenda to continue, to keep this economy growing and keep this nation competitive.
I meant what I said in my speech. We shouldn't fear this future. In other words, we shouldn't allow isolationism and protectionism to overwhelm us.
We ought to be confident about our ability to shape the future. And that's why this competitiveness initiative is important. That's why this energy plan that gets us less addicted to oil is important."
Supporting our troops by having them do multiple tours of duty, by not having a clear definition of victory, by leaving them in the middle of sectarian violence...2 Supreme Court judges that will more likely than not restrict civil liberties...the reauthorizing of the Patriot Act--a law that is skirting the line of constitutionality..."nonsecurity descretionary spending" otherwise known as cutting education, drug coverage for seniors and low income housing...
I'm too exhausted to go on.
A few weeks ago in an attempt to win a discussion as to whether or not $50-$70 was too much to pay to see Bob Dylan in concert, I referred to him as a great American musical icon. This is obviously coming back to haunt me as often as Berghoef can manage to weasel it into a conversation. Last night I reluctantly watched "Don't Look Back", the DA Pennebaker 1967 documentary. And I liked it, okay?! First, it was beautifully done. It was an actual documentary--a ton of footage that was seamlessly edited into a cohesive piece without silly commentary mucking it up. The first thing I said when I saw him was "My God, he looks like such a baby!"- a far cry from the walking corpse one associates with Dylan today. He was 24 years old, touring England where he was repeatedly mobbed, and being called the voice of a generation. No pressure. He acted the way any 24 year old would--arrogant at times, nonsensical and rambling at others, determined to not believe in anything and refusing to explain his work. He surrounded himself with people who, for the most part, agreed with him and thought him a genius thereby allowing him to bait easy targets like poor unsuspecting journalists. And yet, the songs: Musically, he's pretty uninteresting. Repeating musical phrases over and over and over and over to the point of boredom (though this is typical of American folk music--Joan Baez did the same thing). But the lyrics? The lyrics are pure poetry. I'm going to check out No Direction Home again.
And maybe read his book.
My name is Erin.
And I like Bob Dylan.
It took him 3 questions to make the Iraq/9-11 connection.
"My attitude about the defense of this country changed on September the 11th. When we got attacked, I vowed then and there to use every asset at my disposal to protect the American people.
Our foreign policy changed on that day. You know, we used to think we were secure because of oceans and previous diplomacy. But we realized on September the 11th, 2001, that killers could destroy innocent life.
And I'm never going to forget it. And I'm never going to forget the vow I made to the American people, that we will do everything in our power to protect our people.
Part of that meant to make sure that we didn't allow people to provide safe haven to an enemy, and that's why I went into Iraq."
"..we used to think we were secure because of oceans and previous diplomacy?!?!" What does that even mean? Methinks it was the naivete of the American government who foolishly thought that oceans would keep us safe as they did on December 7, 1941. And that our great and powerful military would scare off anyone stupid enough to mess with us on our turf. I assume previous diplomacy refers to all of those years we were close pals with the mujahideen and supplying them with weapons?
On Iran:
"If you're a nontransparent society, you've got a negotiating advantage over six parties, because all you have to do is, kind of, try to find, you know, a -- the weakest link in the negotiating team. And so, our job is to make sure that this kind of international will remains strong and united, so that we can solve this issue diplomatically."
Is that even English?
On patting himself on the back:
"We're supporting our troops. Over the last 12 months, we've got two Supreme Court judges confirmed, we've got the Patriot Act reauthorized over the objections of the Democrat leadership in the Senate.
We've got some tort reform passed. We've passed a budget that cut nonsecurity discretionary spending ... We've got an energy bill passed.
We worked to get a lot of positive things done. And now we've got an agenda to continue, to keep this economy growing and keep this nation competitive.
I meant what I said in my speech. We shouldn't fear this future. In other words, we shouldn't allow isolationism and protectionism to overwhelm us.
We ought to be confident about our ability to shape the future. And that's why this competitiveness initiative is important. That's why this energy plan that gets us less addicted to oil is important."
Supporting our troops by having them do multiple tours of duty, by not having a clear definition of victory, by leaving them in the middle of sectarian violence...2 Supreme Court judges that will more likely than not restrict civil liberties...the reauthorizing of the Patriot Act--a law that is skirting the line of constitutionality..."nonsecurity descretionary spending" otherwise known as cutting education, drug coverage for seniors and low income housing...
I'm too exhausted to go on.
A few weeks ago in an attempt to win a discussion as to whether or not $50-$70 was too much to pay to see Bob Dylan in concert, I referred to him as a great American musical icon. This is obviously coming back to haunt me as often as Berghoef can manage to weasel it into a conversation. Last night I reluctantly watched "Don't Look Back", the DA Pennebaker 1967 documentary. And I liked it, okay?! First, it was beautifully done. It was an actual documentary--a ton of footage that was seamlessly edited into a cohesive piece without silly commentary mucking it up. The first thing I said when I saw him was "My God, he looks like such a baby!"- a far cry from the walking corpse one associates with Dylan today. He was 24 years old, touring England where he was repeatedly mobbed, and being called the voice of a generation. No pressure. He acted the way any 24 year old would--arrogant at times, nonsensical and rambling at others, determined to not believe in anything and refusing to explain his work. He surrounded himself with people who, for the most part, agreed with him and thought him a genius thereby allowing him to bait easy targets like poor unsuspecting journalists. And yet, the songs: Musically, he's pretty uninteresting. Repeating musical phrases over and over and over and over to the point of boredom (though this is typical of American folk music--Joan Baez did the same thing). But the lyrics? The lyrics are pure poetry. I'm going to check out No Direction Home again.
And maybe read his book.
My name is Erin.
And I like Bob Dylan.
Monday, March 20, 2006
tom wopat's demise
When I listen to Nick Drake's "One Of These Things First" I have this overwhelming urge to put my arms out to the side all 5 year old playing airplane-like and swoop around until I get dizzy and fall down.
Eggplant parmesan was wildly successful. It was served alongside some pasta that was merely coated with butter, more parmesan, and some black pepper and yet for some reason that got rave reviews as well. Unfortunately I was less than impressed with the episode of the Sopranos. They usually handle dream sequences really well, but last night fell way short for some reason. It may have had something to do with my guilty conscience for continuing to spend my evening as planned instead of having the invalid escape his sick-bed prison for a much needed respite at the compound. I think I'm fired from my role as Florence Nightingale.
Everybody's all talking about the 3rd anniversary of the Iraq Conflict. I think the administration may be taking some serious hallucinogenic substances as they seem to be under the impression things are going swimmingly over there. I gotta get me some of what they're taking! I don't know if I'd go so far as Allawi and call it an all-out civil war, but he's at least closer to the truth than G.W.B. and co. And have I mentioned my complete adoration for Sen. Chuck Hagel? He's a Republican who's eyeing the White House in 2008 (more electable than McCain...). I'm not certain what he means by "low-grade civil war" (it doesn't warrant staying home from school, but you'll still feel pretty shitty for the day?) but I can dig on that. The biggest challenge with this Iraq situation is that we have no idea what the definition of victory is. Saddam is gone, democratic elections have been held, a constitution is in place, I saw G.W.B. fly onto an aircraft carrier and say "Mission Accomplished"...can't we just call it done? Obviously no, as withdrawing would be monumentally stupid, but then when do we get to declare it over? I hate to say I told you so, but hasn't the left been screaming about obvious comparisons to Vietnam forever? Vietnam was a monumental failure because there was no clear strategy. We were fighting an ideology, not a specific enemy. And we involved ourselves in a civil war. The U.S. "strategy" revolved around one of escalation--that's never a good way to go.
Switching gears to a little McPaper News (my petname for USA Today):
"The House of Representatives is on track this year to be in session for fewer days than the Congress Harry Truman labeled as do-nothing during his 1948 re-election campaign...Through Friday, the House was in session for 19 days, compared with 33 for the Senate. If they stick to their current schedule including two weeks off in April, a week in May and July, plus all of August House members will spend 97 days in Washington this year...Lawmakers will make $165,200 this year. Leaders earn more."
I obviously copied and pasted the beejeezus outta that thing, but this is a pretty good example of why alot of Americans may hate their government. Now, granted, just because they aren't in D.C. doesn't mean they aren't working and there is something to be said for spending more time with constituents, but given just how many hours a week the average American works and how much time off they get per year doesn't it seem a little...I don't know...tacky that the House of Representatives is on track to spend only 97 days in Washington?
And lastly, to lighten things up a little around here, I was not surprised to learn of Tom Wopat's demise this weekend. My one interaction with the man included him being stinkin' drunk at the revered and beloved Barrymore's (may it rest in peace!), leaning over our very crowded table, and pointing to a picture of John Barrymore whilst claiming it was "the other Barrymore."
And to think, Luke was my very favorite Duke brother.
Eggplant parmesan was wildly successful. It was served alongside some pasta that was merely coated with butter, more parmesan, and some black pepper and yet for some reason that got rave reviews as well. Unfortunately I was less than impressed with the episode of the Sopranos. They usually handle dream sequences really well, but last night fell way short for some reason. It may have had something to do with my guilty conscience for continuing to spend my evening as planned instead of having the invalid escape his sick-bed prison for a much needed respite at the compound. I think I'm fired from my role as Florence Nightingale.
Everybody's all talking about the 3rd anniversary of the Iraq Conflict. I think the administration may be taking some serious hallucinogenic substances as they seem to be under the impression things are going swimmingly over there. I gotta get me some of what they're taking! I don't know if I'd go so far as Allawi and call it an all-out civil war, but he's at least closer to the truth than G.W.B. and co. And have I mentioned my complete adoration for Sen. Chuck Hagel? He's a Republican who's eyeing the White House in 2008 (more electable than McCain...). I'm not certain what he means by "low-grade civil war" (it doesn't warrant staying home from school, but you'll still feel pretty shitty for the day?) but I can dig on that. The biggest challenge with this Iraq situation is that we have no idea what the definition of victory is. Saddam is gone, democratic elections have been held, a constitution is in place, I saw G.W.B. fly onto an aircraft carrier and say "Mission Accomplished"...can't we just call it done? Obviously no, as withdrawing would be monumentally stupid, but then when do we get to declare it over? I hate to say I told you so, but hasn't the left been screaming about obvious comparisons to Vietnam forever? Vietnam was a monumental failure because there was no clear strategy. We were fighting an ideology, not a specific enemy. And we involved ourselves in a civil war. The U.S. "strategy" revolved around one of escalation--that's never a good way to go.
Switching gears to a little McPaper News (my petname for USA Today):
"The House of Representatives is on track this year to be in session for fewer days than the Congress Harry Truman labeled as do-nothing during his 1948 re-election campaign...Through Friday, the House was in session for 19 days, compared with 33 for the Senate. If they stick to their current schedule including two weeks off in April, a week in May and July, plus all of August House members will spend 97 days in Washington this year...Lawmakers will make $165,200 this year. Leaders earn more."
I obviously copied and pasted the beejeezus outta that thing, but this is a pretty good example of why alot of Americans may hate their government. Now, granted, just because they aren't in D.C. doesn't mean they aren't working and there is something to be said for spending more time with constituents, but given just how many hours a week the average American works and how much time off they get per year doesn't it seem a little...I don't know...tacky that the House of Representatives is on track to spend only 97 days in Washington?
And lastly, to lighten things up a little around here, I was not surprised to learn of Tom Wopat's demise this weekend. My one interaction with the man included him being stinkin' drunk at the revered and beloved Barrymore's (may it rest in peace!), leaning over our very crowded table, and pointing to a picture of John Barrymore whilst claiming it was "the other Barrymore."
And to think, Luke was my very favorite Duke brother.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
cigarettes and whiskey and wild, wild, women. they'll drive you crazy, they'll drive you insane
Despite numerous protestations to the contrary, I did end up consuming green colored beer on Friday night. I was certain the Sandbar would not participate in such a charade and yet, alas, pitcher #2 was a sickly, unnatural greenish color. You'll be happy to hear that the taste of the Fosters was not affected. You'll also be happy to hear I kicked some Berghoef ass at pinball. Repeatedly. Obviously karma was not on his side that night as when we returned to the compound an ill-fated kick at a suspicious item sticking out of the ice resulting in a spectacular fall and an injury to which the extent is still not known. He's faced with the moral dilemma 48 million Americans are: do I go to the hospital where they will charge me obscene amounts of money for everything from an x-ray to an ace bandage to ibuprofen only to tell me that I need to take ibuprofen and wrap it in an ace bandage and it'll hurt like a bitch for a few weeks OR do I just ride it out and hope for the best? The last I heard he was going with option 2, but he may change his mind at some point. Not being able to write/type/do-whatever-else-young-men-do-
with-their-dominate-hands will eventually take it's toll. Though it sounds like a slacker's paradise, only being capable of operating a remote is bound to become monotonous as is being trapped at the parents' house.
Due to said injury, my weekend ended up being vastly different than usual. Saturday afternoon I went out with Michael for Thai food, Target, grocery shopping, and table-picking-uping. Yes, yes, I am now the proud owner of an actual table. I still only have 1 chair but I no longer have to eat with my food balanced on my lap. It's almost like I'm becoming a grown-up. Saturday night I turned down all invitations for social interaction and instead spent the evening with my cat, my leftovers, and hours of season 4 of the West Wing. Because I had such a tame evening I was up with the sun (okay, it was more like 8:30am) and watched my Sunday morning news shows. I also made what appears to be killer eggplant parmesan for the weekly viewing of The Sopranos. I'm currently at work, watching the clock, grateful I am but Miss Information ("You can get a library card right over there at circulation." "Reference services would be happy to place an item on hold for you." "The audio-visual department is upstairs." "No, I'm sorry, the cafe isn't open today." "The photocopy machine is directly behind you in the room marked 'public photocopier' and copies are 15 cents." "Slow down please....please slow down...GUYS! STOP RUNNING IN THE LIBRARY!") and not waiting on the hoards of people who are impatiently standing in line. I'm looking forward to my jaunt homeward. It's stunningly gorgeous outside, if but a tad cold. I've got me some big ol'sunglasses, an old mix tape with some Beck, The Streets, Wilco, and Uncle Tupelo, and I'm properly dressed in wool tights and a wool sweater. I think I'm going to walk down 14th street so I can see my favorite handwritten sign: "Thank God for John Murtha. He's standing up to all the liars who went to war for oil and greed." Plus awaiting me at home is an ice cold vodka martini, some small nosh to keep me going until the previously mentioned eggplant parmesan is devoured, and The Sopranos. Life could be worse.
with-their-dominate-hands will eventually take it's toll. Though it sounds like a slacker's paradise, only being capable of operating a remote is bound to become monotonous as is being trapped at the parents' house.
Due to said injury, my weekend ended up being vastly different than usual. Saturday afternoon I went out with Michael for Thai food, Target, grocery shopping, and table-picking-uping. Yes, yes, I am now the proud owner of an actual table. I still only have 1 chair but I no longer have to eat with my food balanced on my lap. It's almost like I'm becoming a grown-up. Saturday night I turned down all invitations for social interaction and instead spent the evening with my cat, my leftovers, and hours of season 4 of the West Wing. Because I had such a tame evening I was up with the sun (okay, it was more like 8:30am) and watched my Sunday morning news shows. I also made what appears to be killer eggplant parmesan for the weekly viewing of The Sopranos. I'm currently at work, watching the clock, grateful I am but Miss Information ("You can get a library card right over there at circulation." "Reference services would be happy to place an item on hold for you." "The audio-visual department is upstairs." "No, I'm sorry, the cafe isn't open today." "The photocopy machine is directly behind you in the room marked 'public photocopier' and copies are 15 cents." "Slow down please....please slow down...GUYS! STOP RUNNING IN THE LIBRARY!") and not waiting on the hoards of people who are impatiently standing in line. I'm looking forward to my jaunt homeward. It's stunningly gorgeous outside, if but a tad cold. I've got me some big ol'sunglasses, an old mix tape with some Beck, The Streets, Wilco, and Uncle Tupelo, and I'm properly dressed in wool tights and a wool sweater. I think I'm going to walk down 14th street so I can see my favorite handwritten sign: "Thank God for John Murtha. He's standing up to all the liars who went to war for oil and greed." Plus awaiting me at home is an ice cold vodka martini, some small nosh to keep me going until the previously mentioned eggplant parmesan is devoured, and The Sopranos. Life could be worse.
March 19, 2003-March 19, 2006
American Deaths:
2318
American Wounded:
17004 (official)
Iraqi Civilian Deaths:
33679 (minimum)
37795 (maximum)
2318
American Wounded:
17004 (official)
Iraqi Civilian Deaths:
33679 (minimum)
37795 (maximum)
Friday, March 17, 2006
Thursday, March 16, 2006
i watched xmen last night and i liked it so there
Ooooooooooak-lahoma where the House of Representatives decides what your child reads! I'm not sure if it'll work, but this is my favorite article. You'll probably have to register in order to read it, but let me give you my most favorite quote:
"Libraries and librarians should not be usurping the role of parents," Kern said. "You can't sell toothpaste without sex. Our society is obsessed with sex. And I will tell you this, the American Library Association is out to sexualize our children." (that's Rep. Sally Kern R-Okalahoma City, the author of this illustrious bill)
I'm going to make t-shirts to sell at the next ALA meeting:
"The American Library Association: Turning your children into sex machines since 1876."
G.W.B. outlined the "new" national security strategy--here's the official White House version and this is the Post's take on it. Why I'm even remotely surprised at the arrogance of this administration to continue with a pre-emptive strike policy (and make it absolutely central to the entire strategy!!!) despite having been caught with it's pants down regarding weapons of mass destruction in Iraq just goes to show how truly stupid I can be. Hamas, Russia, North Korea, and China all get a nice little mention, but he saves the big guns for our new enemy #1: Iran. (Incidently, what ever happened to the man responsible for 9/11? Is he still suffering from kidney disease and possibly hooked up to a dialysis machine, hiding out in the mountains of Afghanistan while the most powerful and sophisticated military attempts to hunt him down 5 years after the fact?) Good luck with that. I don't know if his advisors just aren't showing George the bank statements, but I'm wondering how he's going to pay for another costly, lengthy, no-end-in-sight conflict after the Senate just passed a $781 billion dollar increase in U.S. borrowing capability bringing our debt to a whopping $9 trillion. AND it appears as if we're currently engaged in the largest military operation in three years.
I'm certain that timing has nothing to do with this.
"Libraries and librarians should not be usurping the role of parents," Kern said. "You can't sell toothpaste without sex. Our society is obsessed with sex. And I will tell you this, the American Library Association is out to sexualize our children." (that's Rep. Sally Kern R-Okalahoma City, the author of this illustrious bill)
I'm going to make t-shirts to sell at the next ALA meeting:
"The American Library Association: Turning your children into sex machines since 1876."
G.W.B. outlined the "new" national security strategy--here's the official White House version and this is the Post's take on it. Why I'm even remotely surprised at the arrogance of this administration to continue with a pre-emptive strike policy (and make it absolutely central to the entire strategy!!!) despite having been caught with it's pants down regarding weapons of mass destruction in Iraq just goes to show how truly stupid I can be. Hamas, Russia, North Korea, and China all get a nice little mention, but he saves the big guns for our new enemy #1: Iran. (Incidently, what ever happened to the man responsible for 9/11? Is he still suffering from kidney disease and possibly hooked up to a dialysis machine, hiding out in the mountains of Afghanistan while the most powerful and sophisticated military attempts to hunt him down 5 years after the fact?) Good luck with that. I don't know if his advisors just aren't showing George the bank statements, but I'm wondering how he's going to pay for another costly, lengthy, no-end-in-sight conflict after the Senate just passed a $781 billion dollar increase in U.S. borrowing capability bringing our debt to a whopping $9 trillion. AND it appears as if we're currently engaged in the largest military operation in three years.
I'm certain that timing has nothing to do with this.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
"Can I hit in the MORNING without givin you half of my dough And even worse if I was broke would you WANT ME?"
The immortal words of the Jay-Z.
A moment of silence, please.
I have been sidelined at work with..well...work. The past 2 days have been chock-full of irritating co-worker encounters, pointless demos, and more reminders of how often I do other people's jobs for less money in less time. I really need to work on my efficiency skills. And get rid of that pesky work ethic.
The 10am Diane Rehm show centered around the Electoral College. I recall the infamous 2000 election (man, check out the red/blue split! Who says regionalism is dead?!) during which I guilted a whole lot of people into voting for the first time. Imagine their disgust when the whole mess blew up and the antiquated Electoral College was left standing in the center of the dust with everyone's fingers pointing directly at it. I had a slightly different reaction, being a lover of all things ceremonial. I was outraged, of course, at losing the election to G.W.B., but just sort of shrugged my shoulders and said "that's the way the electoral college works." Which brings us to the Diane Rehm show today. Wikipedia really does a remarkable job of explaining the arguments on both sides of the aisle, but today the one that stood out to me was from a John Anderson. He repeatedly said that the Electoral College is responsible for the younger generation not getting out to vote. Why bother voting if you know the outcome of your state's electoral vote? If I'm a Democrat who lives in Arkansas, or a Republican who lives in California--who really cares if I vote or not? He made a case for this aiding to the apathy of youth in this country. Eh. I disagree. The Electoral College is merely a minor symptom of the disease known as America's Apathetic Youth Generation. 18-30 year olds don't care about the Electoral College. They care about their skyrocketing costs for education and the inevitable mountains of debt that will result in them graduating from an institution of higher learning. They care about being a college graduate who lacks any marketable skills who is willing to take a job that didn't require them to take the $120,000 for the loan in the first place. They care about affordable housing in cities and towns that don't completely suck. They care that this mythological "American Dream" their parents assured them existed is in fact a lifetime of working jobs that are barely tolerable, credit cards that will never be paid off, rising health care costs that no average person could ever afford, and politicians who every four years tell you that they can solve your problems despite having no idea what it's like to go home to a freezing cold apartment, a choice of a can of beans or ramen noodles for supper, and the monthly decision to pay your student loans or your rent.
A moment of silence, please.
I have been sidelined at work with..well...work. The past 2 days have been chock-full of irritating co-worker encounters, pointless demos, and more reminders of how often I do other people's jobs for less money in less time. I really need to work on my efficiency skills. And get rid of that pesky work ethic.
The 10am Diane Rehm show centered around the Electoral College. I recall the infamous 2000 election (man, check out the red/blue split! Who says regionalism is dead?!) during which I guilted a whole lot of people into voting for the first time. Imagine their disgust when the whole mess blew up and the antiquated Electoral College was left standing in the center of the dust with everyone's fingers pointing directly at it. I had a slightly different reaction, being a lover of all things ceremonial. I was outraged, of course, at losing the election to G.W.B., but just sort of shrugged my shoulders and said "that's the way the electoral college works." Which brings us to the Diane Rehm show today. Wikipedia really does a remarkable job of explaining the arguments on both sides of the aisle, but today the one that stood out to me was from a John Anderson. He repeatedly said that the Electoral College is responsible for the younger generation not getting out to vote. Why bother voting if you know the outcome of your state's electoral vote? If I'm a Democrat who lives in Arkansas, or a Republican who lives in California--who really cares if I vote or not? He made a case for this aiding to the apathy of youth in this country. Eh. I disagree. The Electoral College is merely a minor symptom of the disease known as America's Apathetic Youth Generation. 18-30 year olds don't care about the Electoral College. They care about their skyrocketing costs for education and the inevitable mountains of debt that will result in them graduating from an institution of higher learning. They care about being a college graduate who lacks any marketable skills who is willing to take a job that didn't require them to take the $120,000 for the loan in the first place. They care about affordable housing in cities and towns that don't completely suck. They care that this mythological "American Dream" their parents assured them existed is in fact a lifetime of working jobs that are barely tolerable, credit cards that will never be paid off, rising health care costs that no average person could ever afford, and politicians who every four years tell you that they can solve your problems despite having no idea what it's like to go home to a freezing cold apartment, a choice of a can of beans or ramen noodles for supper, and the monthly decision to pay your student loans or your rent.
Monday, March 13, 2006
"nobody ever went broke underestimating the taste of the american public". h.l. mencken
Happy Monday to all!
Well, don't I sound chipper? Despite having not gotten enough sleep this weekend and especially last night, I am in an outstanding mood. Why? I know not. Methinks it may have something to do with my new favorite online comic Married to the Sea. Or maybe it has something to do with my stellar weekend. Or seeing the Sopranos last night. Regardless, I'm pleased as punch to be at work today, looking forward to an afternoon of The Grapes of Wrath, and a hearty tofu loaf/mashed potato/brussel sprouts feast for dinner. As everyone's favorite t-shirt says: life is good.
A brief recap of my weekend:
Friday night started with a deelish dinner in the more than adequately spaced apartment of Kevin and Christina. We flew through in order to make it to the UICA for "The Confederate States of America." All agreed the movie fell short, but we had a hearty chuckle over Kevin's over-the-top offensive comment of the evening. The night's fun didn't end there as we returned to the home, drank a bottle of wine and some other tasty adult beverages. The womenfolk seemed content to stay home (it is our place, afterall), but the men were interested in venturing out. And how! Sazarac is a damn fine watering hole with yummy and inexpensive pizza and a Friday night cosmopolitan special of $3.00 (those cosmos would be made with Absolut Citron, by the way). Raleigh and Co. made an appearance which brought the evening together nicely. I hear some felt less than well the next day which is darn shame, but I hope the copious amounts of fun were at least a little worth it. I know that I had a delightful time and look forward to another social evening in the Grandest of Rapids soon.
Saturday: Greensky Bluegrass. Sigh. Young, bearded gentlemen who play good ol'fashioned 'merican music on unusual guitar-type instruments make me swoon. Raleigh joined us on our turf despite having to drive a vehicle that seemed to be filling up with carbon monoxide. I also met the lovely Jen--a charming woman who went to Johnson State College. It was swell to wax poetic about the gloriousness of Vermont with someone. Chicago dogs were consumed, a strong and free gin and tonic was given to me by Mel, there was some pinball played and rumor has it someone got kicked out for exposing himself to a bunch of lesbians. heh heh. Sunday brought a day of drinking-too-much-coffee-without-food, a late lunch/early supper at Margarita's with Raleigh and I finished up the evening with the Sopranos. Woo-hoo, I say. Woo.Hoo.
I was incapable of keeping my remarks brief leaving me little time for a political round-up, but I'll give her a go.
Milosevic--heat attack? suicide? poison?
Simultaneous car bombs went off in Sadr City leaving almost 50 dead and over 200 wounded.
A roadside bomb killed 4 G.I.'s in Afghanistan.
Feingold proposes a censure of G.W.B.
And Moussaoui may end up with a mistrial.
I'm optimistic I'll have a fairly dull week socially leaving me plenty of space and time to get back to the important task of informing all 5 people who read this what I think about topics they don't really care about.
Well, don't I sound chipper? Despite having not gotten enough sleep this weekend and especially last night, I am in an outstanding mood. Why? I know not. Methinks it may have something to do with my new favorite online comic Married to the Sea. Or maybe it has something to do with my stellar weekend. Or seeing the Sopranos last night. Regardless, I'm pleased as punch to be at work today, looking forward to an afternoon of The Grapes of Wrath, and a hearty tofu loaf/mashed potato/brussel sprouts feast for dinner. As everyone's favorite t-shirt says: life is good.
A brief recap of my weekend:
Friday night started with a deelish dinner in the more than adequately spaced apartment of Kevin and Christina. We flew through in order to make it to the UICA for "The Confederate States of America." All agreed the movie fell short, but we had a hearty chuckle over Kevin's over-the-top offensive comment of the evening. The night's fun didn't end there as we returned to the home, drank a bottle of wine and some other tasty adult beverages. The womenfolk seemed content to stay home (it is our place, afterall), but the men were interested in venturing out. And how! Sazarac is a damn fine watering hole with yummy and inexpensive pizza and a Friday night cosmopolitan special of $3.00 (those cosmos would be made with Absolut Citron, by the way). Raleigh and Co. made an appearance which brought the evening together nicely. I hear some felt less than well the next day which is darn shame, but I hope the copious amounts of fun were at least a little worth it. I know that I had a delightful time and look forward to another social evening in the Grandest of Rapids soon.
Saturday: Greensky Bluegrass. Sigh. Young, bearded gentlemen who play good ol'fashioned 'merican music on unusual guitar-type instruments make me swoon. Raleigh joined us on our turf despite having to drive a vehicle that seemed to be filling up with carbon monoxide. I also met the lovely Jen--a charming woman who went to Johnson State College. It was swell to wax poetic about the gloriousness of Vermont with someone. Chicago dogs were consumed, a strong and free gin and tonic was given to me by Mel, there was some pinball played and rumor has it someone got kicked out for exposing himself to a bunch of lesbians. heh heh. Sunday brought a day of drinking-too-much-coffee-without-food, a late lunch/early supper at Margarita's with Raleigh and I finished up the evening with the Sopranos. Woo-hoo, I say. Woo.Hoo.
I was incapable of keeping my remarks brief leaving me little time for a political round-up, but I'll give her a go.
Milosevic--heat attack? suicide? poison?
Simultaneous car bombs went off in Sadr City leaving almost 50 dead and over 200 wounded.
A roadside bomb killed 4 G.I.'s in Afghanistan.
Feingold proposes a censure of G.W.B.
And Moussaoui may end up with a mistrial.
I'm optimistic I'll have a fairly dull week socially leaving me plenty of space and time to get back to the important task of informing all 5 people who read this what I think about topics they don't really care about.
Friday, March 10, 2006
oh what a beeyouteefull morning! oh what a beeyouteefull day!
A sleep to end all sleeps last night is allowing me to actually enjoy being at work without copious amounts of caffeine. Thankfully, I didn't need copious amounts of caffeine to fuel my day as I forgot my travel mug for the 2nd time in two weeks. This weekend is shaping up to be a fun-filled social fest: tonight is dinner with the Dekkinga/Kapteyn's and possibly a film at the UICA. (Does that movie look straight up my alley or what?!) and tomorrow night Greensky Bluegrass
is playing at the Sandbar. It appears as though virtually everyone I know is going to make an appearance including various family members. I think we're going to get there at 11am just to ensure the best seats. And it'd be kinda pathetically neat-o to consume at least 2 meals there.
David Ignatius has some really interesting things to say about the failed ports deal in the Washington Post. I had a very difficult time figuring out what the heck Congress was all up in arms about and yet relished the smackdown Bush received as a result of his position. The death of this deal really does have so much more do to with American's distrust of Arab culture than an actual security risk. This is the sum up at the end of the editorial:
"President Bush tried to do the right thing on the Dubai ports deal, but he got rolled by a runaway Congress. The collapse of the deal was a measure of Bush's political weakness -- but even more, of America's traumatized post-Sept. 11 politics. The ironic fact is that the UAE is precisely the kind of Arab ally the United States needs most now. But that clearly didn't matter to an election-year Congress, which responded to the Dubai deal with a frenzy of Muslim-bashing disguised as concern about terrorism. And we wonder why the rest of the world doesn't like us."
Rumsfeld says nothing new while testifying at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on additional funding for the war. I wonder how they expect the Iraqi security forces to handle a civil war situation on their own. And in yet another example of the Democrats not seizing an opportunity: they failed to hit Rumsfeld hard with substantial questions though Byrd did give it a go. Bush's approval ratings are back around the 38% mark. Now is the time to seize some political capital and nailing Rumsfeld and Rice would have been an excellent opportunity to do just that. Slate's got a decent editorial about this very thing.
In a small victory for the White House, Bush renews the Patriot Act with a few insignificant changes. The most notable?
"These new civil liberties protections for the first time say explicitly that people who receive subpoenas granted under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act for library, medical, computer and other records can challenge a gag order in court."
How nice of Congress and the White House to allow people the right to due process! I love that these "new civil liberties protections" are called just that as opposed to something akin to these"Constitutional Rights guaranteed by the 5th-8th Amendments."
is playing at the Sandbar. It appears as though virtually everyone I know is going to make an appearance including various family members. I think we're going to get there at 11am just to ensure the best seats. And it'd be kinda pathetically neat-o to consume at least 2 meals there.
David Ignatius has some really interesting things to say about the failed ports deal in the Washington Post. I had a very difficult time figuring out what the heck Congress was all up in arms about and yet relished the smackdown Bush received as a result of his position. The death of this deal really does have so much more do to with American's distrust of Arab culture than an actual security risk. This is the sum up at the end of the editorial:
"President Bush tried to do the right thing on the Dubai ports deal, but he got rolled by a runaway Congress. The collapse of the deal was a measure of Bush's political weakness -- but even more, of America's traumatized post-Sept. 11 politics. The ironic fact is that the UAE is precisely the kind of Arab ally the United States needs most now. But that clearly didn't matter to an election-year Congress, which responded to the Dubai deal with a frenzy of Muslim-bashing disguised as concern about terrorism. And we wonder why the rest of the world doesn't like us."
Rumsfeld says nothing new while testifying at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on additional funding for the war. I wonder how they expect the Iraqi security forces to handle a civil war situation on their own. And in yet another example of the Democrats not seizing an opportunity: they failed to hit Rumsfeld hard with substantial questions though Byrd did give it a go. Bush's approval ratings are back around the 38% mark. Now is the time to seize some political capital and nailing Rumsfeld and Rice would have been an excellent opportunity to do just that. Slate's got a decent editorial about this very thing.
In a small victory for the White House, Bush renews the Patriot Act with a few insignificant changes. The most notable?
"These new civil liberties protections for the first time say explicitly that people who receive subpoenas granted under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act for library, medical, computer and other records can challenge a gag order in court."
How nice of Congress and the White House to allow people the right to due process! I love that these "new civil liberties protections" are called just that as opposed to something akin to these"Constitutional Rights guaranteed by the 5th-8th Amendments."
Thursday, March 09, 2006
you won't believe it. you just won't believe it.
I had quite an evening last night talking with someone who thinks and sees the world so completely differently than myself. It was fascinating for us to talk our way around an issue only to realize that we essentially believed in the same end result, but we disagreed on the best way to get there. I had an "Aha! Here's a demographic we're overlooking" moment when he proudly stated that at the age of 29 he has never voted in an election. Anyone who knows me can imagine the reaction I had: Utter and complete shock, a tiny bit of rage, judgment, and finally confusion. Here's a guy who obviously has some pretty strong and well-thought out opinions on issues. Why isn't he bothering to vote?
No one to vote for.
He thought about Clinton and sort of wishes he'd voted for him, but oh well.
He despised G.W.B. for the war, but heard Kerry was going to raise taxes on small businesses. He works for a small business. That's all he needed to hear.
When I mentioned the wealth of 3rd parties he could be voting for he conceded that he probably should be voting for someone.
Here is a guy who works anywhere from 40-50 hours a week. He's self-educated. He's worked hard his entire life in hopes of ensuring a better future for himself financially. He's trapped in a too-bad-you-qualify-for-nothing box; he makes too much money to qualify for home heating help, but not enough to benefit from a tax break. He grew up surrounded by people on public assistance who he always saw as "lazy" so he hates all social programs. He has the option to buy into a health insurance policy through his job, has decided not to for financial reasons, yet still thinks that universal health care is a horrible idea. Believes in the right to die and also believes that death row inmates should be restricted as to how many appeals they get before being executed (we had a really interesting conversation regarding him wanting to pass an amendment ensuring this very thing. I explained that typically amendments to the constitution are there to expand rights not restrict them and that the right to due process is more than a little important to democracy). He thinks that drugs should be decriminalized and that the funding and running of public schools is a mess. He is the biggest believer in capitalism I have ever met.
What most amazed me was that I didn't use my typical bitch slap'em down tactic I am so fond of. We sat there for 5 hours and really listened to what each other had to say. We both conceded that the other one had some good points. I didn't immediately crush him under the liberal leftist logic I'm so quick to use nor did I go off into a blind rage.
Yeah.
I was there and I can't hardly believe it myself.
Oh yeah, looks like the port deal is off.
I'm glad that Congress got itself all up in arms about something that most likely was not a security threat at all, but at least scored everyone a few paltry political points and allowed Americans to continue to feel a false sense of security.
And Condi: Let's not take on yet another "greatest challenge" shall we?
Between Iraq, Afghanistan, and The Elusive War on Terror methinks we've
got our hands full.
No one to vote for.
He thought about Clinton and sort of wishes he'd voted for him, but oh well.
He despised G.W.B. for the war, but heard Kerry was going to raise taxes on small businesses. He works for a small business. That's all he needed to hear.
When I mentioned the wealth of 3rd parties he could be voting for he conceded that he probably should be voting for someone.
Here is a guy who works anywhere from 40-50 hours a week. He's self-educated. He's worked hard his entire life in hopes of ensuring a better future for himself financially. He's trapped in a too-bad-you-qualify-for-nothing box; he makes too much money to qualify for home heating help, but not enough to benefit from a tax break. He grew up surrounded by people on public assistance who he always saw as "lazy" so he hates all social programs. He has the option to buy into a health insurance policy through his job, has decided not to for financial reasons, yet still thinks that universal health care is a horrible idea. Believes in the right to die and also believes that death row inmates should be restricted as to how many appeals they get before being executed (we had a really interesting conversation regarding him wanting to pass an amendment ensuring this very thing. I explained that typically amendments to the constitution are there to expand rights not restrict them and that the right to due process is more than a little important to democracy). He thinks that drugs should be decriminalized and that the funding and running of public schools is a mess. He is the biggest believer in capitalism I have ever met.
What most amazed me was that I didn't use my typical bitch slap'em down tactic I am so fond of. We sat there for 5 hours and really listened to what each other had to say. We both conceded that the other one had some good points. I didn't immediately crush him under the liberal leftist logic I'm so quick to use nor did I go off into a blind rage.
Yeah.
I was there and I can't hardly believe it myself.
Oh yeah, looks like the port deal is off.
I'm glad that Congress got itself all up in arms about something that most likely was not a security threat at all, but at least scored everyone a few paltry political points and allowed Americans to continue to feel a false sense of security.
And Condi: Let's not take on yet another "greatest challenge" shall we?
Between Iraq, Afghanistan, and The Elusive War on Terror methinks we've
got our hands full.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
go, get out of my house please
Time to stop being so shallow and start up the political ranting again.
Because, you know, it's doing so much good.
We'll begin today's lesson with a very underreported story coming out of the Land of Milk and Honey: 5 towns in Vermont voted to call on Rep. Bernie Sanders to file articles of impeachment against G.W.B. Kos does an excellent job of explaining the intricacies involving the legality of such a move. I know that there are many who believe Vermonters are bunch of long-haired hippies who live on communes, smoke pot, and are a bunch of godless liberals (Dang. That sounds like a mighty fine life to me). You know what else alot of Vermonters are? Intelligent citizens who believe that it is their responsibility to participate in democracy. We saw it go down with civil unions--though this was an instance where the State Supreme Court demanded such action BOTH sides of the aisle were very active in mobilizing people--and we see it happening with Killington's wacked out idea of secession. Regardless, I believe this is one of the reasons I'm so fanatic about politics. I grew up in a state surrounded by people who felt that their opinions and beliefs were important and it was their (I know, I know I already used this word) responsibility to do something about it. So today I stand proud as a native Vermonter. It's a ball and it's rolling.
That Diane Rehm keeps kicking out quality shows. It was as if she called me up and asked what I'd like her show to be about today and all my dreams came true: The Democrats strategy for this election year and into the 2008 presidential election. I'm a fan of Leon Panetta and thought he hit it right on with his assessment of the party: no cohesive message. It's insane that G.W.B. has poll ratings as low as they are and yet we're still out there fumbling around trying to figure out what direction we should go. Granted, I've always believed that one of the major problems
with Democrats is our inability to focus. We tend to want to save everything and everyone which leaves us overwhelmed, ineffective, and incapable of doing anything. Therefore, I agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Panetta on that--let's put out 3 or 4 major issues we're going to tackle and how we're going to tackle them. I'm certainly not suggesting we haven't been doing anything these past few years. We did successfully kill Social Security reform. Go us. But we've been playing defense for so long it's as if we've forgotten how to act and not just react. In Erin's padded room of an existence I'd pick health care, education, and terrorism/Iraq/foreign policy (they throw it all into a big old mess, why shouldn't we?). I'd come up with very specific plans for each of these issues and campaign on those. We need to stop thinking we're going to win just because we aren't Bush. That's one of the reasons Kerry was such a monumental failure--the party was incapable of articulating what they were for and instead banked on people being fed up with the neocons. The big problem? Coming up with intelligent, workable, and electable plans for each of those issues. I'd say I'm glad it's not my problem but you all know that I lie awake at night pondering policy questions and worrying that I'm not doing enough to solve the major problems of this world.
No really. I do.
Tom DeLay won his primary. I say yippee to that. It'll be much easier to defeat a money-laundering scumbag politician than an unknown. What I find curious is that the people of the greater Houston area that he represents actually voted for him despite the indictments. Then again, it's Texas. Nothing that comes out of that state should surprise me anymore.
And because I can't help but be a little shallow (after all, I wouldn't want to live a joyless existence) how's about I end with a little Paris Hilton restraining order action. Because nothing is funnier than a talentless, unintelligent individual whose entire claim to fame revolves around inheriting an obscene amount of money who manages to frighten people enough that they feel a 100 yard distance is necessary to their safety.
Oh yeah, and this.
Because, you know, it's doing so much good.
We'll begin today's lesson with a very underreported story coming out of the Land of Milk and Honey: 5 towns in Vermont voted to call on Rep. Bernie Sanders to file articles of impeachment against G.W.B. Kos does an excellent job of explaining the intricacies involving the legality of such a move. I know that there are many who believe Vermonters are bunch of long-haired hippies who live on communes, smoke pot, and are a bunch of godless liberals (Dang. That sounds like a mighty fine life to me). You know what else alot of Vermonters are? Intelligent citizens who believe that it is their responsibility to participate in democracy. We saw it go down with civil unions--though this was an instance where the State Supreme Court demanded such action BOTH sides of the aisle were very active in mobilizing people--and we see it happening with Killington's wacked out idea of secession. Regardless, I believe this is one of the reasons I'm so fanatic about politics. I grew up in a state surrounded by people who felt that their opinions and beliefs were important and it was their (I know, I know I already used this word) responsibility to do something about it. So today I stand proud as a native Vermonter. It's a ball and it's rolling.
That Diane Rehm keeps kicking out quality shows. It was as if she called me up and asked what I'd like her show to be about today and all my dreams came true: The Democrats strategy for this election year and into the 2008 presidential election. I'm a fan of Leon Panetta and thought he hit it right on with his assessment of the party: no cohesive message. It's insane that G.W.B. has poll ratings as low as they are and yet we're still out there fumbling around trying to figure out what direction we should go. Granted, I've always believed that one of the major problems
with Democrats is our inability to focus. We tend to want to save everything and everyone which leaves us overwhelmed, ineffective, and incapable of doing anything. Therefore, I agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Panetta on that--let's put out 3 or 4 major issues we're going to tackle and how we're going to tackle them. I'm certainly not suggesting we haven't been doing anything these past few years. We did successfully kill Social Security reform. Go us. But we've been playing defense for so long it's as if we've forgotten how to act and not just react. In Erin's padded room of an existence I'd pick health care, education, and terrorism/Iraq/foreign policy (they throw it all into a big old mess, why shouldn't we?). I'd come up with very specific plans for each of these issues and campaign on those. We need to stop thinking we're going to win just because we aren't Bush. That's one of the reasons Kerry was such a monumental failure--the party was incapable of articulating what they were for and instead banked on people being fed up with the neocons. The big problem? Coming up with intelligent, workable, and electable plans for each of those issues. I'd say I'm glad it's not my problem but you all know that I lie awake at night pondering policy questions and worrying that I'm not doing enough to solve the major problems of this world.
No really. I do.
Tom DeLay won his primary. I say yippee to that. It'll be much easier to defeat a money-laundering scumbag politician than an unknown. What I find curious is that the people of the greater Houston area that he represents actually voted for him despite the indictments. Then again, it's Texas. Nothing that comes out of that state should surprise me anymore.
And because I can't help but be a little shallow (after all, I wouldn't want to live a joyless existence) how's about I end with a little Paris Hilton restraining order action. Because nothing is funnier than a talentless, unintelligent individual whose entire claim to fame revolves around inheriting an obscene amount of money who manages to frighten people enough that they feel a 100 yard distance is necessary to their safety.
Oh yeah, and this.
Monday, March 06, 2006
erin goes on about the oscars
Let me begin by saying that I am a hypercritical individual who believes movies are not just for entertainment value, but rather a medium of visual, performance, writing, and technical art.
Be warned all ye lovers of "Walk the Line" and "Crash."
I'll start with the good stuff:
George Clooney for Syriana--a win for an under-represented film and an under-recognized actor.
Rachel Weisz for The Constant Gardener--a win for a lovely actress (sorry to have pointed out that the reason for her "nice rack" was the result of being 7 months pregnant..I'm such a killjoy) and a lovely film. Sure it would have been nice had Michelle Williams won for Brokeback, but whatev.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman for Capote--a win for an unbelievably talented actor who has paid.his.dues and methoded the bejeezsus outta that role. Again, I'm mildly disappointed in a Ledger loss, but the joy of not having to listen to the media wax poetic about Joaquin Phoenix and Walk the Line for the next few weeks balanced that win out nicely.
Gustavo Santaolalla for Brokeback--a win for the perfect match between the visual experience and the musical experience. People who haven't seen Brokeback love the score. That says something.
Ang Lee--A most deserved win. A Chinese man who masterfully told a beautiful love story set in the idyllic American West with a steady and light hand. Though I was a fan of "Good Night and Good Luck" there was no real competition between the Clooney and the Lee. The Lee. Hands down.
Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana--Having read Brokeback made this screenplay that much more perfect. They took a 35 page short story and turned it into a 2 hour and 14 minute masterpiece. Sparse, deliberate dialogue that was so faithful to the book it knocked me socks off. And McMurtry gets my favorite speech award for reminding a bunch of Hollywood-types that books reign supreme. And he's an old guy. Who doesn't love a really old guy?!
The "Huh. How's about that. I don't much care" section:
Geisha-- Well. Huh. How's about that. I don't much care. It got mediocre reviews and didn't even manage a nomination in any of the heavy categories. Good for them?
King Kong--In a "my bad" moment, I managed to miss this on the big screen. Seems like quite a mistake given the technical awards they racked up, but oh well.
That damn penguin movie--I really can't muster THAT much disgust for it's win to bump it into my "what the hell" category, but Enron was better. The penguins were cute, but honestly.
The "What in the name of God is going on with the Academy this year" section:
Reese Witherspoon for Walk the Line--I'll admit, I'm glad it didn't go to Charlize Theron and her second attempt at if-I-look-ugly-enough-maybe-they'll-overlook-the-fact-that-I-suck or Keira Knightly and her maybe-they'll-take-me-seriously-if-I-show-up-in-an-Austin-film-wearing-an-empire-waisted-dress, but REESE WITHERSPOON? In all fairness, I have not seen Transamerica, but methinks Felicity Huffman had a wee bit more of a challenge acting-wise than Ms. Witherspoon. Reese played a beloved American icon who was from the same regional area as herself and has a lot of the same qualities as June Carter Cash, according to her husband. Wow. What a stretch.
Hughes Winborne (editing) for Crash--one of the most glaring aspects of Crash, for me, was just how hard they tried to edit that film. You could actually see what they were trying to do--and it was something that had been done, more effectively, countless times before in films like Magnolia and Traffic. The editing felt clunky and obvious. Good editing should be seamless. Nor should you notice it. Ever. The Constant Gardener was far superior.
Paul Haggis and Bobby Moresco (original screenplay) for Crash--some of the worst dialogue I have heard in a loooooong time. Contrived and over-the-top forced. There were scenes that were painful to watch, not because of the "harsh" racial slurs, but because the dialogue was that awful. It, again, attempted to work as Traffic, but fell short. The plot was fairly predictable and bordered on ridiculous (I'm referring to that scene with Matt Dillon coming across Thandie Newton after her SUV was wrecked. Granted, I've never been to L.A., but my understanding is that it's a pretty big and sprawling mess of a city. What a coincidence that he happens to be the officer whose job it is to save the exact same woman he degraded a few short hour before!). The use of racial slurs was not shocking, at least to someone of my age and generation. Syriana and Good Night and Good Luck were far superior screenplays. Beyond superior.
Those lucky producers of Crash for Best Picture--I think I've rambled enough about the reasons I don't think this remotely deserved a best picture win so instead let me tell you why I think it did: There appears to be a major divide amongst the generations regarding the importance and greatness of this film. I know many people who are anywhere from 20-40 years older than myself who believe this to be a very important and timely film. They completely bought the story line. They didn't care about the dialogue or the editing. All they knew was that the society that they fought so hard to change, the stereotypes that they thought had been debunked were not only still around, but more cruel and harsh and in your face than ever before. The one thing that this film did do was start yet another dialogue about the racial divide in this country and that's never a bad thing. I only wish that they had made a better film.
Today I was supposed to show up to work wearing something in the spirit of the film that won Best Picture. It was suggested I show up in blackface wearing a slinky dress and he would show up as a racist white cop and inappropriately frisk me while I'm on the desk.
Too cruel and harsh and in your face?
Be warned all ye lovers of "Walk the Line" and "Crash."
I'll start with the good stuff:
George Clooney for Syriana--a win for an under-represented film and an under-recognized actor.
Rachel Weisz for The Constant Gardener--a win for a lovely actress (sorry to have pointed out that the reason for her "nice rack" was the result of being 7 months pregnant..I'm such a killjoy) and a lovely film. Sure it would have been nice had Michelle Williams won for Brokeback, but whatev.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman for Capote--a win for an unbelievably talented actor who has paid.his.dues and methoded the bejeezsus outta that role. Again, I'm mildly disappointed in a Ledger loss, but the joy of not having to listen to the media wax poetic about Joaquin Phoenix and Walk the Line for the next few weeks balanced that win out nicely.
Gustavo Santaolalla for Brokeback--a win for the perfect match between the visual experience and the musical experience. People who haven't seen Brokeback love the score. That says something.
Ang Lee--A most deserved win. A Chinese man who masterfully told a beautiful love story set in the idyllic American West with a steady and light hand. Though I was a fan of "Good Night and Good Luck" there was no real competition between the Clooney and the Lee. The Lee. Hands down.
Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana--Having read Brokeback made this screenplay that much more perfect. They took a 35 page short story and turned it into a 2 hour and 14 minute masterpiece. Sparse, deliberate dialogue that was so faithful to the book it knocked me socks off. And McMurtry gets my favorite speech award for reminding a bunch of Hollywood-types that books reign supreme. And he's an old guy. Who doesn't love a really old guy?!
The "Huh. How's about that. I don't much care" section:
Geisha-- Well. Huh. How's about that. I don't much care. It got mediocre reviews and didn't even manage a nomination in any of the heavy categories. Good for them?
King Kong--In a "my bad" moment, I managed to miss this on the big screen. Seems like quite a mistake given the technical awards they racked up, but oh well.
That damn penguin movie--I really can't muster THAT much disgust for it's win to bump it into my "what the hell" category, but Enron was better. The penguins were cute, but honestly.
The "What in the name of God is going on with the Academy this year" section:
Reese Witherspoon for Walk the Line--I'll admit, I'm glad it didn't go to Charlize Theron and her second attempt at if-I-look-ugly-enough-maybe-they'll-overlook-the-fact-that-I-suck or Keira Knightly and her maybe-they'll-take-me-seriously-if-I-show-up-in-an-Austin-film-wearing-an-empire-waisted-dress, but REESE WITHERSPOON? In all fairness, I have not seen Transamerica, but methinks Felicity Huffman had a wee bit more of a challenge acting-wise than Ms. Witherspoon. Reese played a beloved American icon who was from the same regional area as herself and has a lot of the same qualities as June Carter Cash, according to her husband. Wow. What a stretch.
Hughes Winborne (editing) for Crash--one of the most glaring aspects of Crash, for me, was just how hard they tried to edit that film. You could actually see what they were trying to do--and it was something that had been done, more effectively, countless times before in films like Magnolia and Traffic. The editing felt clunky and obvious. Good editing should be seamless. Nor should you notice it. Ever. The Constant Gardener was far superior.
Paul Haggis and Bobby Moresco (original screenplay) for Crash--some of the worst dialogue I have heard in a loooooong time. Contrived and over-the-top forced. There were scenes that were painful to watch, not because of the "harsh" racial slurs, but because the dialogue was that awful. It, again, attempted to work as Traffic, but fell short. The plot was fairly predictable and bordered on ridiculous (I'm referring to that scene with Matt Dillon coming across Thandie Newton after her SUV was wrecked. Granted, I've never been to L.A., but my understanding is that it's a pretty big and sprawling mess of a city. What a coincidence that he happens to be the officer whose job it is to save the exact same woman he degraded a few short hour before!). The use of racial slurs was not shocking, at least to someone of my age and generation. Syriana and Good Night and Good Luck were far superior screenplays. Beyond superior.
Those lucky producers of Crash for Best Picture--I think I've rambled enough about the reasons I don't think this remotely deserved a best picture win so instead let me tell you why I think it did: There appears to be a major divide amongst the generations regarding the importance and greatness of this film. I know many people who are anywhere from 20-40 years older than myself who believe this to be a very important and timely film. They completely bought the story line. They didn't care about the dialogue or the editing. All they knew was that the society that they fought so hard to change, the stereotypes that they thought had been debunked were not only still around, but more cruel and harsh and in your face than ever before. The one thing that this film did do was start yet another dialogue about the racial divide in this country and that's never a bad thing. I only wish that they had made a better film.
Today I was supposed to show up to work wearing something in the spirit of the film that won Best Picture. It was suggested I show up in blackface wearing a slinky dress and he would show up as a racist white cop and inappropriately frisk me while I'm on the desk.
Too cruel and harsh and in your face?
Saturday, March 04, 2006
i am a dreamgirl for 6th grade nintendo playing boys from 15 years ago
Somehow it's managed to be Saturday and I am on day 1 of a 7 day working stint. Despite my best efforts at acting like a grown-up last night, I still only got about 4 hours of sleep. This was mostly due to some very normal Friday night noise coming from upstairs. No big whoop. I got to sleep on my futon. In front of the heater. With dark curtains surrounding me. It was pretty swell. This morning's walk was pretty swell too. The sun was just coming up and I listened to an old mix tape of my favorite Indigo Girls songs. I believe I actually beamed throughout all of Closer to Fine and Least Complicated and Virginia Woolf...I only wish I had not forgotten my travel mug at work on Thursday as my walk only would have been more perfect with some French Roast. I wouldn't want to spoil myself though.
Weekend news always leaves me with the sense that something really important is actually going on, but they aren't expecting anyone to care so they only release stories like Kate Moss and her triumphant return to the runway. Even the headline at CNN is hardly newsworthy: Musharaff and Bush show solidarity! If only someone would shoot someone in the face.
Work beckons.
Weekend news always leaves me with the sense that something really important is actually going on, but they aren't expecting anyone to care so they only release stories like Kate Moss and her triumphant return to the runway. Even the headline at CNN is hardly newsworthy: Musharaff and Bush show solidarity! If only someone would shoot someone in the face.
Work beckons.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
a birthday to remember or why yesterday was a nearly perfect day
I am in full-blown hermit mode. I managed to not leave my apartment yesterday save using the secret door to head upstairs and hang out with me new neighbor. He appears to be a good man with some good taste in music and good conversational skills. And he's generous as hell. I was introduced to the beauty known as HDTV (it really is an amazing difference), TiVO (I got to watch Wilco at a Farm Aid concert that aired a few days ago), discovered that HBO is merely a knock away, (Hello, new season of The Sopranos you beautiful, beautiful thing!), and got to eat some tatertots: a delicacy I have not had the pleasure of consuming for approximately 20 years.
Walking to work t'weren't that bad. I had a mug of Green Mountain coffee, NPR on my walkman (seriously...it's still a walkman), and Yaktrax on my feet--a godsend as this morning when I left for work the world was coated in a significant amount of ice. I'm tired though someone wise told me that the rigorousness of moving paired with the amount of slacking off time I've been enjoying will inevitably lead to exhaustion. I really do like waking up to sunlight, but the adjustment from cavernous tomb-like bedroom to brightly lit sunshiney bedroom has been rough. Especially after a particularly interesting Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday night in Douglas, Michigan. Beads were pillaged, sage advice was given ("You should completely be sleeping around right now. I mean, that's what your 30s should be all about." and "The only way you're going to get laid is if you lower your standards."), the Mystic Krew kicked some float butt and pulled out yet another win, and a verbal war took place between a hipster and a trust fund baby. And to top it all off someone turned 30. All in all, it was quite a night considering we were all going to go home early. Yeah. Sure.
You know, people used to make fun of me for quoting the timely film "Reality Bites" whenever someone wanted to order a pizza from Dominos. Screw you, guys: "The owner of Dominos supports Operation Rescue." No abortion? No don't-have-a-baby-pills? NO PORN?!? It also claims to have the largest crucifix in the nation at 65 feet. The legalities are all going to have to be sorted out, but I'll be interested to watch what happens. If someone wants to plunk down $250 million dollars and start their own freakish cult-like town, more power to them. It's interesting to watch states wake up and remember that they get to make some rules. God Bless America. Oh, and I'm currently looking for backers to create my own version of Ave Maria. Anyone see Sin City?
Walking to work t'weren't that bad. I had a mug of Green Mountain coffee, NPR on my walkman (seriously...it's still a walkman), and Yaktrax on my feet--a godsend as this morning when I left for work the world was coated in a significant amount of ice. I'm tired though someone wise told me that the rigorousness of moving paired with the amount of slacking off time I've been enjoying will inevitably lead to exhaustion. I really do like waking up to sunlight, but the adjustment from cavernous tomb-like bedroom to brightly lit sunshiney bedroom has been rough. Especially after a particularly interesting Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday night in Douglas, Michigan. Beads were pillaged, sage advice was given ("You should completely be sleeping around right now. I mean, that's what your 30s should be all about." and "The only way you're going to get laid is if you lower your standards."), the Mystic Krew kicked some float butt and pulled out yet another win, and a verbal war took place between a hipster and a trust fund baby. And to top it all off someone turned 30. All in all, it was quite a night considering we were all going to go home early. Yeah. Sure.
You know, people used to make fun of me for quoting the timely film "Reality Bites" whenever someone wanted to order a pizza from Dominos. Screw you, guys: "The owner of Dominos supports Operation Rescue." No abortion? No don't-have-a-baby-pills? NO PORN?!? It also claims to have the largest crucifix in the nation at 65 feet. The legalities are all going to have to be sorted out, but I'll be interested to watch what happens. If someone wants to plunk down $250 million dollars and start their own freakish cult-like town, more power to them. It's interesting to watch states wake up and remember that they get to make some rules. God Bless America. Oh, and I'm currently looking for backers to create my own version of Ave Maria. Anyone see Sin City?
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