Saturday, December 31, 2005

Oh - Screw Lance Armstrong

Finally!!! A frickin' rubber bracelet for the rest of us!!!!!


Oh - and hope everyone had a great 2005!!! More fun, more love, more blogging in 2006!!!

Friday, December 30, 2005

Damn That Paparazzi !!!

Ricky Martin and his brother, colleague, fuckbuddy friend can't seem to take in a nice relaxing day at the beach w/out someone taking their pictures while they try to work off all that excess holiday weight.

Thursday, December 29, 2005

Teamwork!

No one can say I don't promote a cohesive team. What other workers do you know that systematically have a watch-out person to see when another co-worker leaves her office? Then the other one swipes her iBook? And for good measure - gets her credit card number (but not taking the card)?

(Un)Fortunately, that's where their big scheme and brains seemingly stopped. Purchasing airline tickets is a tough thing now-a-days. I mean...you have to use your name to go along w/the ID you have to show to the TSA. So tracking it back isn't ALL that difficult.

But then setting up an SBC account for your DSL line in your name along w/your wireless phone service isn't the brightest idea either.

The joke is - they are seemingly unaware that I know and the police know that we are on to them. As the investigation silently goes forward - they just show up to work and do their job (which they are about to lose).

To my credit - I didn't hire them. I inherited them.

Unfortunately, now I fear patients who present credit cards for payment might also be subject to some theft. No complaints - but wouldn't it be foolish of me not to be proactive to ask the police to look into that?

Mon Dieu

Sunday, December 25, 2005

There Is A War Going On People!

The one in Iraq?? Don't be silly. The war over Christmas! How DARE someone not say 'Merry Christmas' at every stop I make after decorations go up on October 14th!!!! The lives being lost overseas are nothing compared to the infidels who won't acknowledge the birth of some people's l-rd and saviour.

I was doing so well at blogging daily this month...or almost every day. But the holidays, parties, friends, family - well.....they kind of distract you from a blog entry or two. Having friends over was the nicest present - even if all could not be here (they were in spirit and conversations).

Alas, much of it is done and we might get a day or so of relaxing in before heading back to work.

Friday, December 23, 2005

Thursday, December 22, 2005

A Very Chewy Xmas

Nothing - and I do mean NOTHING - says Xmas like Chewbacca.
George Lucas and fans......thank you thank you thank you!!!!

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

I Have No Fitting Title




It does amaze me that W has some of his polling numbers on the rise. I can't gather any reason as to why. Either the polls were taken prior to the spying news/dictatorship was reported or whether polled americans are that blind to the phrases '9/11' and 'terrorism'. My fear is - it's the latter. Doonesbury makes fun of that constantly - and I see Bush use it more and more.

You have to love a leader who rules by fear.

Morty George sent me this image a few weeks ago - oddly enough before any of this new had broke. But this last reported incident is just a pattern of this administration. So now seems as good a time as any to post the image.

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

All in All - it is an Incentive to Relocate

Iran bans Western music
Ruling takes country back to Khomeini days

Monday, December 19, 2005; Posted: 9:18 p.m. EST (02:18 GMT)

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- Hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has banned Western music from Iran's radio and TV stations, reviving one of the harshest cultural decrees from the early days of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Songs such as George Michael's "Careless Whisper," Eric Clapton's "Rush" and the Eagles' "Hotel California" have regularly accompanied Iranian broadcasts, as do tunes by saxophonist Kenny G.


It must be a magical place to live!!!!! If I never had to hear ANY of these songs/artists again, I'd be a happy happy man. Throw in the Beach Boy's "Kokomo" and I'll get my passport/visa updated!

Monday, December 19, 2005

Nomar NoMore

Oh sad is the day for Blobby. Mr. Garciaparra has opted to stay in Los Angeles with his pseudo-lezbo soccer player wife - just b/c she is based out SoCal.

The economic impact is unfathomable. No season tix purchased for the Indians season. My possible purchases for monitoring devices, telephoto lenses and website fan page membership fees will never be realized. The GNP is gonna tank this last quarter.

Thanks for nothing Nomar!

Sunday, December 18, 2005

INTELLIGENT DESIGN - Cartoon Form!

Doonesbury made me snort this morning.

Saturday, December 17, 2005

Shrub Sickens Me

Just as W was doing all the things the media said he should: fireside chats, admit mistakes, etc to turn around his 2nd term, he gets caught w/his pants down - but not in a Clintonian way. Now the schmuck does what comes naturally - fucking around w/the law and being, not only completely unapologetic, but vowing to continue in his probable illegal actions.

...and I'd never thought I'd say this, but thank g-d for Arlen Specter. He vows to look into this in depth, just as he is w/the indictment of Jose Padilla on charges just to avert constitutional law and a supreme court decision.

Though W tries to cloak this all in 9/11 - I'm hoping most will see through it. He is already calling the media unpatriotic for reporting the story - and 'breaking' national security. Again - completely unaware and unapologetic to his actions. What a dumb, yet typical, motherfucker!

I do have issues w/both Frist and Pelosi knowing this was going on - especially the latter. To feign indignation is quite hypocritical. Tying any vote to the Patriot Act on this is a HUGE joke. At this point, why would we think that any yes or no vote would stop Shrub from doing what he g-ddamn wanted to in the first place?

I did smile @ Russ Feingold's comment: "Last I checked, it was President Bush, not King Bush!"

Friday, December 16, 2005

NOMAR

That the Clevleand Indians may be acquiring Nomar Garciaparra.

If so....Blobby just might have to become a season ticket holder. Sure his career has kind of been in the dumps since being booted out of Boston. Sure he married some pseudo-lesbian soccer skank. But does that make my stalking any less important or meaningful?

Je think not!

Thursday, December 15, 2005

SITE OF THE MONTH

Popword: It's like internet Boggle meets Tetris.

Use a series of letters to spell words in a limited amount of time. Across. Down. Diagonal. Plus you can connect in any form (i.e. one letter across, then down, then diagonal, then up and across again). of the previous as long as letters connect.

Each level is a little different....and of course for each subsequent level, letters drop a little faster.

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

Tick Tick Tick...........

Renovations on the bedroom are much more turle's pace than I think they should be. I am always this way w/any updating or construction. Naturally, I immediately find fault w/the contractors, but it really is my own perception that needs adjusting.

We had gas logs installed today. I'm never hauling wood and starting a fire. Never. And less likely to clean the crap up after it's all burned. Traditional fireplace, however romantic blah blah blah are highly inefficient. The gas logs are easy, there's not clean up, and they actually heat a room! And there's no waiting for all the embers to die off before being able to go to bed.
So, that was a slam-dunk and I was very happy when I got home and they were installed.

My elation was dashed when I went to check on the bedroom progress. I knew, deep down, it had to look worse before it looks better.......but........but.........oy. The lighting was ancient, and the wiring worse. So the update of the lights, meant upgraded wiring....which means parts of the ceiling and walls are ripped up.

There is still a week to go before replastering and painting HAVE to take place. I mean - carpet and a new bed are being delivered next Thursday. Guests arrive on Friday. EEEEK.

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Naughty or Nice??

Tis the season and all. So going to Santa's website, you can type in to see if you have been a good boy/girl, or a bad one. I did a few of my friends and it seems most everyone gets some pretty high marks from St. Nick and his database. Being the good manager that Santa is - he usually has some goals to make you a better you!

Then I started questioning the integrity of the data. So this what came up when I typed in:

Charles Manson - Still very much on nice list, but must continue good behavior. Should eat more vegetables instead of junk food. Was very polite last Thursday! When doing chores, needs to do them as well as possible. Often exhibits good behavior.

Adolph Hitler - Overall, niceness outweighs naughtiness. Was good a lot last month! Politeness often good, but has room for improvement. Could help around house more instead of watching so much TV. Expected to move even higher up "nice" list.

George W. Bush - Nice, with a few exceptions. Needs to be nice to everyone not just friends. Could try a little harder when things are tough. Good sense of humor. Made list last year. Needs to be good all December.

Shrub's was actually funnier than the first two. He *does* need to be nicer to people who don't necessarily insulate him. And he does need a good December if those poll numbers are to improve*.

*Unfortunately, poll numbers are rising a bit. The blatant speech yesterday on the war dead - clearly a ploy to humanize himself w/the American public for nothing other than increasing his popularity. No doubt to push through some other diaboloical plan he has up Karl's sleeve.

Monday, December 12, 2005

Xmas Cards

Apparently, Morty finally got one of his PostSecret submissions accepted.


Sunday, December 11, 2005

REAL AGE

So, I was checking my Real Age (see the big orange circle and click on it!!!.

Overall, I know my health is ok, but probably just ok. This just confirmed it. Chronoglically I am 42.4 years old. Healthwise I am 41.9. I'm sure my lack of physical activity is killing that score. It seems I need more folic acid and vitamin C & E (HEY!! I take a multivitamin!!!!).

Reduce my red meat consumption to one time per week??? To only 4oz? I only really eat red meat 1-2 times per week as it is. 10 items containing cooked tomatoes is recommended. I think one pizza per day is called for.

The plan on how to get healthier goes on and on. And on.

I guess it could be worse. My real age could be 57.6.

Saturday, December 10, 2005

Young Hobbits in Love

So The Two Towers was on TV last night. Not that I hadn't seen it before - several times, but there was nothing else on and I was vegging. Denton had walked in during the last 30 minutes of it - just as Sam, Frodo and Gollum were about to be turned over by Faramir to his father.

To further set-up the scene: Frodo presents himself in front of the Nazgul and about to put the ring on. Sam, seeing this, tackles him and they tumble down a staircase, where Frodo proceeds to draw his sword and hold it to Sam's neck. "It's ME - your Sam!!" After realizing what he's done, they have a little tete a tete...blah blah blah 'friendship'....blah blah blah 'good in the world'.....

...then Denton chimes in "it's Brokeback Mountain for the geek set." He made me ROR.

Friday, December 09, 2005

Counter

....not kitchen. Scan up the page just a tad! I finally figgerd out how to put up a counter (and of course it's free). The number of hits I started w/is a lowball (yes, Morty....I said 'low balled"). Sure I could have put in 00000000, but blogging is all about the gratification and validation that someone is actually reading this crap.

So, I counted up my posts and the number of comments that were contributed. I figured each post go read at least once. Each comment meant someone was there for each of those. Mind you - I lost lots of comments (ok....maye not LOTS) months ago, so I can't count those.

This will either be sheer elation for me - or nothing but disappointment.

Thursday, December 08, 2005

Hi Jack!

Regarding the shooting of a passenger suspected of potentially having a bomb:

"The system worked exactly as designed," said Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., chairman of the House aviation subcommittee. "Right now we are on edge about anyone having a bomb."

Geee. If shooting/killing a guy for possibly having a bomb on board is exaclty the way the system is supposed to work...what are all those billion dollar check-points and pat-downs for? Thrills???
Ohio Governor

IF you can stomach it - Jim Petro is running ads already in his bid for governor of Ohio. I cannot find a link to the actual commercial that is running - but you can get the gist of it at his site. I feel dirty just googling it.

Personally, I love (read: loathe) the fact that he is running on family values and against gay marriage..................which happened a full two years before this upcoming gubernatorial election. Way to be a man of the current issues Jim!!!!

The other choices for the head of the state are just as loathesome....and seemingly all republican. If there is a democratic candidate slated to run - I have not heard one. At least not since Michael Coleman (CMH mayor) dropped out of contention.

As Ed Grimley would say: "we're as doomed as doomed can be!" (of course, you have to say it in his voice).

Monday, December 05, 2005

War & Peace

War
I am constantly struck by the stubborness that is our current administration and their lack of logic in ending what we've gotten ourselves into. We are in a war we cannot win (let's not even get into IF we should or HOW we got into it) - yet the heels are dug in and thousands will die (currently dead: 2131 in Iraq, 246 in Afganistan) due to Shrub, Dick and Rummy's inability to see the we will never 'win' this.

You know - to set a timeline to leave Iraq is demoralizing to the troops. Not setting a timeline is demoralizing to the country. Both countries. And to Shrub's poll numbers.

Peace
Kitties make everything better!







Thursday, December 01, 2005

Bush Called for Jury Duty in Texas (AP)

All I can say is - the defendant better hope it is not a death penalty case.

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!

I thought I should pass it along.

Check your drivers license. Now you can see anyone's Driver's License on the Internet, including your own! I just searched for mine and there it was.. . picture and all!! (Thanks Homeland Security!).

Go to the web site and check it out. Just enter your name, city and state to see if yours is on file. After your license comes on the screen, click the box marked "Please Remove". This will remove it from public viewing.

I definitely removed mine. I suggest you do the same. . .

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Shame on You, Jean Schmidt

The DNC is putting up billboard(s) in Jean's district
to call her on the carpet and hold her accountable for
her little crappy tirade on the floor last week.

I've given lots of money to the DNC, moveon.org and
individual candidate - but never for something like this.
At least that I can recall. I'm not sure I will give to this.
It is such a GOP thing to do. I'm thrilled and appalled
at the same time. I guess it's kind of like sex.....

Monday, November 28, 2005

Your Kisses Kill Me

No - not just another Mr. Larry drag number (and trust me, it was), but a cautionary tale about teen sex.
Supreme Court Falling Apart

No - where you went in your mind is just wishful thinking. The place is actually falling apart - not unlike OSU Stadium during a Pink Floyd concert (and the scary thing is - I didn't even really have to dig back in my memory for that one). The building actually dropped chunks of stone today. Though the NYT article doesn't state it - the pieces were picked up and carried off by Columbus students visiting DC.

But really - isn't this just symbolic of what is really happening to the court? They've made some questionable decisions throughout it's lifespan - but since the 2000 election, I just have a hard time w/almost any decision they make (eminent domain? c'mon!). I see further decay with Roberts and (most likely) Alito on the bench.

You know - the Columbus kids can have them too.

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Vatican: Sexually Active Gays Unwelcome (AP)

However, sexually active "straight" priests come apply! PLEASE!

Thursday, November 17, 2005

PlameGate

Man - this just gets slightly more odd w/each passing day. I can almost understand Bob Woodward holding out his information due to the fact that his source hasn't allowed him to reveal their conversations. Almost. After Judith Miller - I suspect most everyone. Of course, I really suspect the Bush administration of using the press to not only leak information - but to do it in a way where their damage gets done, but enough question remains to let everyone involved off the frickin' hook! Sounds like the mastermind of TurdBlossom himself (que sinister music)!

What I do not get is Scooter's lawyers saying this basically supports his defense. Two, count em, two sources (Matt Cooper and Miller) have sited him as a source. In which he allowed them to release his name. Do we (should we) care that Woodward might have another source? Well, we should - b/c I'm guessing it's not Libby. But that there might be another source doesn't make Scooter any less complicit.

One can only hope that it is Karl or Dick. But I don't discount Colin Powell and that he blabbed on the premise to expose false and unethical information that he knew the things he was forced convey to the UN by his boss.

On one hand though - the longer this drags out, the longer the administration and GOP will be forced to show who and what they are. Right up until the next few election cycles.

Tuesday, November 15, 2005


Post Secret

Dity turned me onto Post Secret a few month (a year?) back - which I believe she found via an NPR story.

At first I was completely turned-off by it and thought some things were quite creepy. But the more I read it the more I was intriqued by people's behaivour and thoughts. They post new mailings every Sunday. Personally, I think we should all submit one. My issue is.....how do I narrow it down?

That being said......and going back to some of them being disturbing....this might be the winner of all time.

Monday, November 14, 2005

Intelligent Design

So, I guess my question is this....if the religious right (or anyone else) actually truly believe in Intelligent Design - or taking it out further to Adam & Eve - they should be ok w/incest too then, right?

I mean if it were only Adam and Eve and we all came from them...at some point, to procreate, Cain fucked whomever his sister was (Abel was dead...right?) and then brothers/fathers kept fucking sisters/daughters until...well, here we are.

Maybe that's why the deep south is so right w/g-d. It's ok to bone your cousin who is also your sister to have your grandbabies.

And if anyone doesn't believe in evolution, take a look @ the attached pic provided to me from Doug G.

Friday, November 11, 2005

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

Monday, November 07, 2005

Laurie Anderson

We went to go see Laurie Anderson last night - again. I believe this is my 6th time seeing her, which ranks her up there w/artists I've seen most times in my life (oh, Michael Stanley Band - you'll always be #1 !!!).

As always, she was very good. The themes were Beauty and Time mostly. She played some beautiful violin pieces, but started out w/what possibly the most disturbing piece of music I had ever heard (that goes for you Stacey Q!). Great stories that sometimes led nowhere, or sometimes came back around after an hour to tie together what seemed to be streams of conciousness. Some really great experiences as NASA's first and only artist in residence along w/some 9/11 pieces.

What always continues to amaze me is her demographics. When seeing her in Columbus umpteen years back, it was a college crowd. The arty. The hip. The too-cool-for-school crowd. And the gays. 18 yrs later it still is - though many of these crowds have gotten older, as has the artist. Pushing 60 she is. Many in the audience were too. It is always the most quiet I ever hear an audience - as they hang on her every word.

As we stood in the lobby afterwards, her themes of beauty and time kept coming through the doors - one at a time or in small clusters. If you ever have the chance to catch her - see her. Her disks are good, but they don't necessarily do justice to her live pieces.

Thursday, November 03, 2005

Site of the Month

I didn't have one in Sept or Oct. Nothing was worthy - at least that I came across. But it's budget and APR season, so surfing was limited.

This one has to do w/T-giving. I think most know my distain for the fud. Possibly the blandest meal this side of bread & water. I'm fine w/broiled and salted turkey skin - but the rest...I can pretty much leave.

And of course, NOTHING says T-giving like Gloria Gaynor. Oh - and you all have York to thank for this one. I take NO credit. None. Zip. Zilch.

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

Romance of the Jedi

Forget Brokeback Mountain (and it's inevitable gay porn title). In space....no one can hear you kiss!

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

Bird Flu and Bird Brain

Shrub wants $1.2 BILLION to combat the bird flu for 20 million americans (nevermind that there are 250 million in the U.S.). Mind you the bird flu has not hit the U.S. and has most likely only caused less than 200 deaths world-wide.

According to the CDC, healthcare-associated infections in the U.S. are the cause of 90,000 deaths annually!! That is almost 247 deaths per day!!!!

Perhaps if he put some funding into education on site of service infection rates, we could reduce those numbers instead of pandering to media alarms and his overreaction to his own fuck-up of the flu vaccine of 2004/2005. (Granted, I am the first to admit that healthcare workers *should* know how to prevent most infections - let alone diagnosing them before becoming fatal.)

Monday, October 31, 2005

Organized Religion Will Kill You!!!!

Ok...maybe this shouldn't be funny. I couldn't help but laugh. Fuckin' baptists just can't put a drop of water and oil on your head. Nooooooooo....always have to make a big fuckin show of it. Serves em right!

Sunday, October 30, 2005

Do Not Be Fooled



Rove (and c'mon - like Cheney didn't know everything and more than Scooter knew?) is getting away with everything.....including the soon-to-be rightest of right wing SC nominations. I cannot even watch the news - it is all just tooo depressing.

Friday, October 28, 2005

Keep em Barefoot & Pregnant!!!!

G-d....the folks of Cleveland (or the Plain Dealer reading public) continue to astound me w/their backwater mentality. As many have seen here, I occasionally post the PD's question of the day/Monday Moaning. Yesterday's question related to 'Should a Woman Change Her Name When She Gets Married?'

I can only assume that all the answers were sent in by men. And hopefully (?) octagenarians at that.

Here are the answers (my favourite is from N. Ridgeville b/c, clearly a woman is nothing w/out a man and the identify of her own family is bupkus!):

"A woman that doesn't take her husband's name is a red flag for the husband because she may be looking at divorce." -- Lyndhurst

"Absolutely. It's not Mrs. and Mr. I think there would be fewer divorces if women would get off their high horse and become Mrs. John Jones." -- Cleveland Heights

"Why would any woman not want to change her name? It's an honor to have a man's last name and the pride that he gives her with his family." -- North Ridgeville

"I believe a woman should change her name so that a family which shows unity is formed. Unity creates a stronger bond and when children are involved, one name helps to unite them all. It's like our nation. We used to be more united when we were all Americans. Now we are either Americans or hyphenated Americans. It's amazing how much this divides our country. Why can't we all just be Americans who are proud of our heritage? You can still have your individual traits with your name uniting your family for all to see." -- North Royalton

Saturday, October 22, 2005

Killer Pinball

So in the lobby of the megaplex has a pinball machine that uses jawbreakers instead of actual pinballs. The shitty thing about the game is - you have to get the jawbreakers into three of six holes to actually get the candy. If it goes in any of the 'wrong' three holes you lose the jawbreaker. Kind of shitty to do to a kid.

After we took my niece and nephew to 'Wallace & Gromit' today (which they surprisingly liked) and they played this game (and won) we drove home. No sooner had we gotten to the first light when I noticed that Carmen was choking on the jawbreaker. Denton jumped out to get to the backseat and just opened the door when she finally dislodged it. Naturally she was scared (she's only 6) and started to cry, even though she tried not to.

I on the other hand, was probably MORE scared. And now branded for life as during the drive back to her parents she was seemingly in a good mood when she dropped the bomb: "you know, I'll remember choking on that for the rest of my life!"

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Rosanne Cash

For those who like, or might be interested, in Rosanne Cash, her website is previewing 3 new songs that are slated for her new disk, Black Cadillac, due in early 2006. I really only like the title track so far. But normally she puts out a pretty decent album, so we'll see what else goes up in the upcoming months.

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

Diane Rehm

One my physicians (who works for me - not who sees me as a patient) will be a guest on Wednesday's (10/19) The Diane Rehm Show on NPR. Unfortunately the site does not yet have updated guest information.

Stations you can listen to the show are listed here or go Diane's site and listen real time (or via the archieved version - which is posted approximately one hour after the show airs).

Monday, October 17, 2005

Judith Miller

I cannot say I'm not disappointed in Judith Miller and the NYT. I'm not quite sure how she doesn't know who gave her 'Valerie Flame's' name - even though it's in her notes from Scooter Libby interviews. Oh - and finding an entire notebook of notes that she didn't know she had - after getting released from prison. Not like this hasn't been an investigation for the last 18 months.

But I also don't know how she couldn't know that Scooter supposedly gave her the ok to testify against her a year ago! And even if there was some miscommunication there - don't you think Scooter would have cleared that up sooner than 85 days she was in jail?

The entire thing smells to me. Fishy and/or otherwise.

Friday, October 14, 2005

Flatulent Preacher

Ok folks...this is funny. And I dare ANYONE to play this and NOT think of Morty on the floor in tears! I know I am! (and yes...you have to hit the 'play' button)

Monday, October 10, 2005

Harriet Miers

C'mon...I mean when Robert Bork thinks your candidate for Supreme Court is a 'disaster on every level' and Peggy Noonan thinks Mier is a misstep for the administration - don't you think it's time Shrub take a long hard look at who he is putting up for nomination?

Sunday, October 09, 2005

The Cost of War

Shrub's White House is saying that the war in Iraq (and I'll assume Afghanistan) is costing $7 BILLION dollars a month.

I mean - that's more than some of us make in a YEAR!!!!

Wednesday, October 05, 2005

"...and I feel fine....."

Morty sent this great site with a flash for the end of the world.

Friday, September 30, 2005

Another Nail in the GOP Coffin???

William Bennett, on his radio show, "Morning in America," was answering a caller's question when he took issue with the hypothesis put forth in a recent book that one reason crime is down is that abortion is up.

"But I do know that it's true that if you wanted to reduce crime, you could, if that were your sole purpose, you could abort every black baby in this country, and your crime rate would go down," said Bennett, author of "The Book of Virtues."

He went on to call that "an impossible, ridiculous and morally reprehensible thing to do, but your crime rate would go down. So these far-out, these far-reaching, extensive extrapolations are, I think, tricky."

Clearly, the 'tricky' part is being able to get away with it. But I'm guessing if he thought it and said it out loud, it's not as morally reprehensible as he'd like to back-pedal on.

I am completely flabbergasted.

Thursday, September 29, 2005

American League East Sucks (face that is...)

Imagine what these two would do if they actually MADE the playoffs!!! Just another reason to loathe the Yankees!! Somewhere Jim Thome is J-E-A-L-O-U-S....cuz The National League West, you know, well they just caters to the Twink fans!

The Good and the Bad (and yes, the Ugly)

Good - Tom DeLay finally is on the road to getting his due. His arrogance will hopefully finally be his downfall. Talk about not seeing the forest for the frickin trees. Hopefully Frist is not too far behind (though I would like that to be delayed another year, just as presidency bids are being thrown into the ring).
Bad - John Roberts is our 17th Chief Justice. I'm not horribly surprised...nor do I think many people are. The GOP should be thanking g-d (or R-ve) for Katrina and Rita. Those hearings and lack of information slid right through every frickin crack there was in the system. But I do NOT want to hear the fuckin' republicans bitch ever about partisan politics. At least the Democrats were evenly split on Y/N votes (22 each). The GOP - every single one of em voted Y. Nothing like sticking w/party politics...right or wrong.
Ugly - Bolton is in place. Roberts is in place. One more Supreme Court judge to go (ugh!). Rove is seemingly off the hook for the CIA leak. Bush is going to rape the Alaska Nature Preserves for oil - AFTER he started a panic saying to conserve fuel, which will reap his oil friends BILLIONS in raised fuel prices. It's all working out quite nicely for Shrub...even if his ratings are in the crapper. He doesn't care about his popularity - he's on his way out anyway. His g-d will save him (or so he thinks), and he'll be richer than ever.

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Los Angeles 5-0

It's been forever since I've blogged a thing. I can't even bring myself make fun of the news, as it has all been too damned depressing.

But the New Orleans news had gotten me thinking of York. Katrina came close to coinciding w/his 50th bday. New Orleans is where I met York.

Back in '91, Morty and I went to New Orleans after overstaying our drunken DRUNKEN visit to Houston! Somewhere during that lost weekend in NO (as the man in one of the doorways said: "Debauchery at its finest". I turned and asked Morty - "shouldn't it be 'debauchery at its worst?") I met York. Ok - it's me. I know exactly where I saw him, how many times and where we met - geesh...will you people NEVER let up?

Sure, I was drunk when I finally went up to him. Yeah - it was loud when he said his name, clearly one you do not hear everyday (or ever!). He must have repeated it 4-5 times. Finally I said - 'as in New?' I introduced him to Morty. After repeating his name 4-5 times, Morty finally says - 'as in shire?" - which was infinitely funnier than my response.

Drunkenness (mine - not his) and possible illegal substance (me again) aside - York and I bonded. It was an immediate connection I only experience with those who happen to be my close friends, and of whom I consider him one. Sure it'd be nice to see each other more than 6 times in 14 years - but email has kept us in contact. Like with all my friends - we share the highs and the lows.

I am extremely happy to have this handful sustaining friendships which I treasure - whether they are in CA, NY, NC, MA, OH. ....and who knew any of us would ever make it to 50??

Monday, September 12, 2005

"They're digging in the wrong place...."

Turns out that the Well of Souls is not located in Tannis afterall.






Sunday, September 11, 2005

Ray of Light (all things go back to Madonna)

Two articles that actually seem to be making even the non-liberal press more liberal. Let it be known that if there IS a liberal media - where are they? They are about as apparent at the DNC's gonads!

Richard Reeves and Nolan Finley take Shrub and his cronies out to task for the recent weeks of crap. All at the same time that Shrub's approval rating is in the toilet (though Morty says 39% IS his base - and that Shrub could eat their young and it wouldn't say them to disapprove of his job performance).

Saturday, September 10, 2005

Plain Dealer Question of the Day

Well, you can't say there isn't a good mix of Grandpa Simpsons in Cleveland. So, the question is/was:

Have you set up an emergency plan in case of a disaster?

and the answers are/were (please comment on your most favouritest):

"After seeing what happened in New Orleans, the only emergency plan I've set up in case of disaster is to buy more bullets for my gun." - Euclid

"We certainly do have an emergency plan, in case of a disaster. I was talking to my wife about it just yesterday. And if you don't have a plan, you're an idiot, because as you can plainly see, your government cannot be relied upon to help you! So you're on your own. Good luck!" - North Olmsted

"Oh, yeah. I'm going to kneel down and pray God takes me, and, when I get there, I'm going to thank him." - Garfield Heights

"My emergency plan in case of a disaster: If it's a minor disaster, it's five quarts of Vodka; if it's a major disaster, five gallons of Vodka. That should do it." - Lakewood

"I think I would get on my bicycle and head for a safe area BEFORE the disaster starts." - Cleveland

"To me, there's no plan for a disaster. Look at 9/11. What stopped those poor people from being incinerated? Or when the planes crashed into the Twin Towers? There was no amount of water, food, can openers or whatever that could save those people. Same thing with New Orleans. Those people that did survive are still in their homes, and the Marines and the National Guardsmen they're going to come and forcibly take from their homes. So there's nothing you can do with a disaster. It's in God's hand, not ours." - Cleveland Heights

"My emergency plan is to catch a ride with the news media. They can get there. They have generators. They have satellite phones. They have transportation. That's my plan." - Cleveland

"No. I have lived off the government my whole life. Why should I start worrying about something like this?" - Cleveland

"Yeah, I have an emergency plan in case of a disaster like that. It would be a .38 Special." - Parma Heights

"Yes. I'm going to take all my wine and head to New Orleans because there's no room for me here since we took all their people in." - Cuyahoga Heights

"No, I don't have an emergency plan, because Cleveland is the best location in the nation. The day we have a disaster like that, I know it must be the beginning of the end of the world." - Cleveland

"With the crisis going on down in New Orleans and Mississippi, my mama always said, 'From the day of your birth, till you ride in a hearse, it could've been worse.' And that's so true. And that means hope, hope, hope and trust." - Sagamore Hills Township

"My plan is that I only plan to pray to the Lord. He has protected me for 80 years, and I'm sure He'll keep on protecting me. I ask him for help, and he always gives me what I need. I thank him all the time." - No city

Thursday, September 08, 2005

Won't Somebody PLEASE Think About the Children??????

If only folks in New Orleans and the rest of the gulf states (MS and AL always get the short shrift, don't they?) had been listening to Helen Lovejoy.....or Eminem for that matter. But they didn't.

Clearly FEMA places the blame on the residents of those hard hit areas - as the first line in the second verse clearly points out.

But the bigger question might be - what IS Michael Brown doing with his budget? Clearly not securing levees.

866 knowng missing children in New Orelans alone. Had they only be visting the FEMA website.......

this was provided by Kris L-?-R-H.

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

Oh it's so sad and so funny.......

I mean, I wouldn't want the job for the world, but Scott McClellan is a dick. My only regret is that it couldn't have been Ari Fleischer. At least it's nice to know that the White House press corp aren't as spinless in their questions as they seem to be when their stories make it to print.

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

Have to Love that Spirit

Two headlines today:

Death Toll to Reach 10,000 (AP)
Don't Count Mardi Gras Out in New Orleans (AP)

Cuz nothing says celebration than taking some dead guy's beads! But really, I'm all for breaking with tradition, but if the city gets to place where there can be some type of normalcy, why not do it? Not my cup of tea - but who am I to judge.

I am impressed by outreach that has happened, because the entire scenario is just so unfathomable. But relocation of these folks to cruise ships and worse (Utah!) seems ridiculous. I mean - living with the Osmonds must be considered cruel and unusual punishment.

But Barbara Bush has stepped in it again (see my blog entry from 05/24/04). She should just keep her mouth shut (actually, so shoud her kids):

"What I'm hearing is they all want to stay in Texas," she said. "Everyone is so overwhelmed by the hospitality. And so many of the people in the arena here, you know, were underprivileged anyway, so this, this is working very well for them."

I know just how they feel of course! I stayed at the Swiss Hotel in Chicago this weekend and the thread count on the sheets wasn't even 300!!!! Oh the HELL of it!

Back to the outreach. Andrew Schamess M.D. was great about going to Houston to see what he could do on his days off (let's not forget Rebecca for coordinating the arrangements!). Though he's had little time for blog entries - you should read them here....and here. Also on the Daily Kos and an interview on WAMC.

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

..and the rich get richer

So, even though the U.S. supposedly added jobs last year, and supposedly reduced the defiect, somehow the number of citizen hitting the poverty level have increased - by 1.1 MILLION! Oh - and this has been on the rise for the last four consecutive years.

Let's see...Shrub has been in office for about....oh, let's see....what is it now?......oh yeah...five years. Man, I guess his tax cuts REALLY helped those lower middle class shoot right up there to the upper tax brackets.

But, Hurricane Katrina aside, crude was pushing $70 a barrel anyway. No signs of lowering. AND he's opening up the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. So - tell me (and Scalia) why all of Cheney's Energy Commission meetings are secret? Certainly it isn't to systematically screw the public for big business or their friend's gain. Is it???

Saturday, August 27, 2005

I'm Cumming

Oh yes - you have to see this. It's not quite as porn-y as one might think, but it sure won't play in Peoria. It is just the commercial for Alan Cumming's new fragance: Cumming. Swear to g-d!

Thursday, August 25, 2005

Sites of the Month

Yes - multiple sites. But unlike two months ago, which were a mish-mash, these are actually somewhat interrelated. And all were provided from George - so you know they're not completely Grandpa Simpson crazy......

1. A Canadian article on Shrub's on-going War Support Tour '05
2. A way for you to make your own Bullshit Deflector
3. And of course, the good old hypocricy of the GOP

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Thou Shalt Not....

Oh fuck it.....KILL KILL KILL!

Or so says bible teaching, g-d fearing, every man lovin' Pat Robertson. For a moment, let's forget the politics of the situation (Robertson calling on the U.S. to assasinate Venezuelan president, Hugo Chavez).

"If he thinks we're trying to assassinate him, I think that we really ought to go ahead and do it," Mr. Robertson said Monday on his show, "The 700 Club." "It's a whole lot cheaper than starting a war. And I don't think any oil shipments will stop."

You can't argue w/the economics of the situation - I mean, where would we get the troops for a war anyway?

But the thing I have yet to see in print or the rest of the 'liberal media' is that Robertson is advocating killing. A preacher. A man of g-d......supposebly. ....you know - 10 Commandments, turn the other cheek, killing of his only son, blah blah blah. How do his followers and the chr-stian right) justify this shit?

Of course there is the political angle too. Only the State Department and Pentagon tried to distance themselves from the situation. I mean, you can't expect Shrub to comment on it. The man is only on day 339 on his ranch (of in his 4.5 year term). He can't be bothered with this kind of thing....and afterall, Pat is a friend. But most of my favorite is Rummy:

Mr. Rumsfeld dismissed Mr. Robertson's remark on assassination, saying: "Certainly it's against the law. Our department doesn't do that type of thing."

LOL. No - we'd NEVER do that. We'd orchestrate imaginary WMD, start a war, invade a country and liberate them - so much so that said country kill thousands of our own troops. But we'd NEVER assassinate anyone.

Yours in Chr-st!

Sunday, August 21, 2005

Lest We Forget

Frank Rich had a great Op-Ed piece in the NYT today, mostly regarding Cindy Sheehan, though it mentioned the name 'Karl Rove'. Between Ms. Sheehan, John Bolton and John Roberts - the Bush administration has effectively squashed any Karl Rove/Valerie Plame discussions. So much for the 'liberal media'. Though Rich never utters the words 'liberal media', he clearly refers to it in the contrast.

Cindy Sheehan's bashers, you'll notice, almost never tell her son's story. They are afraid to go there because this young man's life and death encapsulate not just the noble intentions of those who went to fight this war but also the hubris, incompetence and recklessness of those who gave the marching orders.

I felt bad when I came across Rove's name - mainly because *I* had forgotten the entire CIA outing incident. Bogged down in other crappy news and the lack of any public follow-up on Karl's dirty deeds, there is no way Middle America will remember ANYTHING either. The man has already walked. In-fucking-credible.

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Ramblings of a Downtrodden Man

I'm just venting here and not really looking for comments. Who knows - I might eventually just delete the posting altogther ("I might just delete the posting").

I am in a funk. I cannot get myself out of it...not that I'm trying. Not that I really know how to either. Stuck in neutral.

Mostly it's my job. No shock to most working stiffs. It is not that the challenges aren't there, it is that I can't seem to overcome them. I'm not letting myself off the hook - but I clearly stepped into one bee's hive and knew it when I accepted. Oddly enough, the politics of that I can handle.

What I have trouble with is the feeling ineffective. Financially we are not successful and were expected to lose money this year, but I thought I could pull off a zero balance. Not going to happen. The politics involved going into 2nd year is tough - and the confluence of budget season and possible restructuring are going to overlap leaving me in a percarious position for 2006 fiscal year. If all does not flow in a timely manner (i.e. restructure after budgets are submitted) I will be held to that budget which I can never achieve.

Let's add to that I was just unceremoniously let go from my interm job too. It was to be an 18 mo gig (tops), so I shouldn't be upset. Completely political. Completely out of my hands. Completely not about me (or so says the CEO). But who the fuck feels good about being told 'you'll no longer be responsible for this'?

I compund it with being alone for 2wks and turning 42 (which I swear I don't care about since I probably shouldn't have lived past 30!).

..and you know...typing this all out doesn't really help.

Thursday, August 11, 2005

Poor Cindy Sheehan. She is the mother of a soldier in Iraq who was killed. Presently she is camped outside Bush's 'ranch' in Crawford, TX. (oh, let's face it....she's probably not closer than a 10 mile perimeter b/c Shrub doesn't let people who disagree w/him anywhere near him.)

National media and moveon.org have taken notice of her. Countless (ok, you *can* probably count them) have appeared in print and television regarding her quest to personally ask Bush why her son died? I'm sure not why HER son died - but why her son had to die, as she disagrees with his decision to go to (and continue) this war. Of course, he hasn't met with her - and sent two plebes to do his work for him. Didn't satisfy her - and good for her. He should answer...or at least send Jenna to the front lines...even for a month.

But Kristinn Taylor (two Ns in her first name - too many study halls in high school), co-leader of the Washington, D.C., chapter of FreeRepublic.com, which holds pro-troop rallies, said Sheehan's actions are misguided and hurt troop morale.

"She has a political agenda that goes way beyond her son's death in combat," Taylor said.

Um......yeah. And the problem with that would be...............?

G-d forbid that we all act like lemmings and never have an opinion about anything. I suppose if no one protested the Vietnam War, we'd still be there. Ms. Taylor has her opinion, which is political and goes way beyond Ms. Sheean's protest. So F her.

And as for Sheean hurting the troop morale: I suppose inadquate supplies, pushing 1900 deaths and a war based on lies makes everything peachy keen with the boys (and girls too).

Monday, August 08, 2005

Monday Moaning

It's been awhile since there has been a good Monday Moaning.....but this ranks right up there.

And, Ok, I think Bill Gates is just slightly more evil than the ruler of the Empire, but even I can't blame him like this person from Lakewood has managed to do.

"It's ridiculous that the zero key is at the end on the standard keyboard. Logically it should come at the beginning. Someone needs to tell Bill Gates to fix this." - Lakewood

Sunday, August 07, 2005

CUTS YOU UP

It's time to find a better kitchen set-up. The knife block has always worked ok at best. Last night - not so much.

It sits (or sat) on an 18" wide piece of counter....right next to the coffee maker. Now, I don't drink coffee, but was setting it up the night before for Denton. Whatever happened next, I don't know.

The block that holds maybe a dozen knives tipped....and each and every knife fell out. Little steak knives to huge huge Rachel Ray like knives (that's for you Mort!). Any of em could have done some major damage and wouldn't you know it only one hit me: the first one. The last few could have literally taken off a toe or two. As it turns out I just got a nice big gash on the heel of my foot.

At first I wasn't even sure I had been cut. It did not hurt that much and it didn't look so bad. But oy - then there was the blood and the amount of it. Soaked paper towels.

After cleaning and dressing the wound, It felt ok. But this a.m.......not so much. I don't think it was bad enough for me to go sit in an E.D. (it's a department, people, not a room!) for 6 hours. I'm sure it's just sore and no tendon/muscle damage. Ok, at least I hope.

Of course the absolute worst thing about the encounter was that Denton was dishing up ice cream at the time. And it was melting fast and furious as I had to wash the wound while he got neosporin and bandages.

MELTED ICE CREAM. Will this hell NEVER end?

Friday, July 29, 2005

Frist Fucker II

I don't know. I love the idea of Frist breaking from the White House on stem cells policies, etc ...but is anyone thinking that it's just not a blatant bid for 2008? This is the same man who is for extending PVS patients until they die of their own accord. No pulling the plug on them.

Maybe his motives are pure and honest. Maybe they are appealing to his clinical side. But I don't trust this man as much as I can throw him (and oh, how I would like to do that!).

He'll probably just use them for cloning purposes....and make a bunch of 2000-2008 republicans. EEEEEEKKKK.

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Site of the Month

Yes folks - a true site of the month. Not some multi-part crappy pieced together POS (oh, figure it out on your own).

I've only gotten to level three, but if you can get to 10 supposedly you're really really really really smart....or something.

Play Planarity here!

(thanks to Denton for pointing out the site to me in the first place)

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Soooo..........

Rick Santorum's communications director is gay. Not a rumour. No innuendo. He, Robert L. Traynham, out and out (no pun) admitted it.

Log Cabin republicans are one thing (though admittedly, I cannot understand them in the slightest), but to work for someone who so vehimently opposes any kind of gay rights - and draws parallels between homosexuality and beastiality - goes beyond all comprehension. Think about it: in his role, Traynham most likely crafted that f*cking message! At best, he helped get it out there. Inf*ckingcredible!!!

But I think my all time favorite part of the story is Santorum and part of his statement:

"It is entirely unacceptable that my staffs' personal lives are considered fair game by partisans looking for arguments to bolster my opponent's campaign."

It *is* unacceptable. Maybe Sen. Rick should have thought of that when he affected personal lives of thousands of gay men and women for his partisan campaign strategies. Fucker!

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

BLOBfest

And it's about time! ...But really, isn't an entire festival of 'me' what the entire world's been waiting for?

...what? it's not about me????? Are you sure??? Well of ALL the noive!


(thanks to Dity for supplying this)

Monday, July 18, 2005

Willie Wonka gets a Rim Job

Depp's 'Chocolate Factory' has tasty opening

Just remember: I interpert it, not write it. That'd be Yahoo's job.

Sunday, July 17, 2005

"Oh, the book is soooo much better than the movie!"

You loathed the book. Now you can find the television adaptation just as unsatisfying!!

Now starring Buffy's 'sister'!

Oh Dawn, was it inevitable that your career take the path of Valerie Bertinelli and Jo from 'Facts of Life'? Oy.

Thursday, July 14, 2005

Living Dolls.........

In a related url (provided to me by young young young girl lover, T.G.) - here are some really lovely Jon-Benet wannabes. But w/out all that icky rigor-mortis and duct tape over the mouth thingy.
Real American Girls

Morty was emailing saying he might be taking his 'daughter' to American Girl when they went to Chicago. It's a racket if I've ever seen one. $80 dolls....and you can't have just one. Clothes that cost more than anything you or I have our closets (well.....except for Jon). Then there's the AG Cafe where you and your dolls can have 'tea' for some outrageous price (and you just know the dolls never ever finish what's on their plate!).

So, as we chatted on-line (avec Becca) about the dolls that are listed on their site (Kit Kittredge® is a girl growing up in Cincinnati in 1934 during America’s Great Depression)
led us to the discussion of real american girls and whom new dolls should be modeled after:

Anorexic Annie
Drunk Debbie
Cutter Katie (morty's favorite)
Homeschooled Hattie (my favorite)
Patty Mcbruisedbooty

Any other school-girl maladies that we've forgotten that you'd like to add to? Just use the comment section.

Sunday, July 10, 2005

SITES-OF-THE-MONTH

Do three pseudo sites of the month add up to one complete site of the month? Here's hoping.


Rebecca is all over the place with her sites these days. I have to say she made me laugh out loud - from a 1000 miles away, no less, with this one.

Denton's aunt, is as proudly democratic as we are and sent us blue bracelets (ala Lance Armstrong). It's not the best set-up site. But I have worn it out on occasion.

And in the funny funny section, and I'm sure not related to the other two sites at all...just a little celeb bashing.....

Thursday, July 07, 2005

Alliteration at its Worst

Bike-bobbling Bush bumps into Bobby, gets bandaged


yes, this in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Not sure if this is the work of a PD editor or just directly from the AP. Either way.......icky bad!

Wednesday, July 06, 2005

WHAT THE F*CK???

Regarding Valerie Plame, the CIA and leaking stories:

Judith Miller (NYT) - writes no story. Goes to jail.
Matthew Cooper (Time Magazine) - writes story. Avoids jail by giving up sources and testifying about said source.
Robert Novak (CNN, Chicago Tribune) - breaks story. Not even known to be questioned.

No huge shock that Bush's administration is most likely bordering (?) on treason. Yes, to uncover CIA operatives and expose them is indeed treason. All fingers point to Karl Rove. Use any search engine and type Rove Plame and see what comes up. ...and all b/c Little Bably Karl didn't like how Plame's husband behaved on the playground (he had written an NYT piece critical of Shrub's inaccuracies on Iraq and WMD).

Why do I doubt that courts won't be quite as vigorous going after Mr. Rove as they have Ms. Miller? And even if he sees the inside of a court - why do I doubt that a Bush nominated justice will be firmly in place before this gets bumped up to the Supreme Court?

G-d.....this is so depressing....yet so predictable.

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

SITE OF THE MONTH

By the hair of my chinny-chin-chin I am getting in a site of the month posting. It's not an out of the park (that's a baseball reference Jon) link - but it's been a year since I was part of Spencer Tunick's Cleveland installation.

The photos are not done by Spencer, but some media person who was at the event. They look a little more harsh than Spencer's work, but they do capture the day. And still, I would do it all over again.

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Best Headline of the Day.......or maybe EVER!

Tsunami Relief? Forget about it.
World Hunger? Nope.
War Time Atrocities? Not even close.

Abdul Urges Tough Nail Salon Standards

I guess we all have our battles to fight. Paula rages against the injustices of a bad french manicure and the possibility of having to use Lamisil.

Monday, June 27, 2005

NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY

Today is the day. I didn't even know they HAD one...but they do. Get tested, it can't hurt - literally. They now do it w/urine samples or oral swabs. No needles. To find where to get tested (if you so choose) click here.

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

AFI Movie Quotes

The American Film Institute had some g-d awful show on last night where they ran down the 100 best movie quotes. Most so predictable it is not funny, some so not famous at all ("On Golden Pond"?, "White Heat"?? - puhleeese!) But clearly they missed some classics:

- I want my two dollars
- MEESSAAAA CHICKOBEEEE
- Flying this plane is something different altogether
- What the hell are you bitchin' about? I gotta sleep under some Chinaman named after a duck's dork
- Read your bloody book
- Paging Mr. Herman! Mr. Herman, you have a telephone call at the front desk!
- It's the times. They are a-changin'. Something's blowing in the wind. Fetch me my diet pills, would you?
- Hi, Eric Stratton, Rush chairman, damn glad to meet you

Ok. I'm sure I'm missing more. Feel free to add in the comments section.

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

STATE OF THE GOP

I don't often agree w/a lot that Andrew Sullivan has to say, but he can make some interesting observations (along w/a lot of other people).

Mitt Romney and Jeb Bush have just given us an interesting insight into where the Republican party is headed. Romney's position on marriage rights has always been that gays should have none; he supported a state amendment that would have granted them civil unions instead. But his party's base is insistent that gays get nothing whatever, that they be kept shut out of the family and of any legal protections for their relationships. So he now backs a referendum that would ban marriage and civil unions - timed for the next presidential election year. Meanwhile, Jeb Bush, having been humiliated by the autopsy into Terri Schiavo's death, wants to re-open ancient arguments about Michael Schiavo's actions the night he found his wife unconscious. Has he lost all sense of perspective? The sheer immoderation of these people is staggering. But their base is adamant. They are now using arguments about gays - that they are diseased, and spread literal and figurative poison througout society - that were once echoed almost exactly by the most vicious anti-Semites against Jews:

Their passion comes from their conviction that homosexuality is a sin, is immoral, harms children and spreads disease. Not only that, but they see homosexuality itself as a kind of disease, one that afflicts not only individuals but also society at large and that shares one of the prominent features of a disease: it seeks to spread itself.

Ah, yes. The danger of the Jews/Gays spreading their disease throughout society, their enormous power despite tiny numbers, their ability to pass, their threat to children, their flaunting of their disagreement with the New Testament. It's all so familiar. I think the arguments now made by some Christianists are replicas of the old anti-Semitism, peddled by so many Christians in the past: that Jews are to be loved, but loving them is dependent on their conversion to Christianity; that you can love individual Jews while disdaining Judaism; that Jews' stubbornness in resisting conversion is evidence of their inherent evil; that such evil, at some point, has to be segregated from mainstream society as much as possible. Gays are not the new blacks. They're the new Jews. And the Church, in both Catholic and Protestant variants, is dredging up its old anti-Semitism in new guises. The GOP is along for the ride.

If you read further down on his blog, he has some interesting comments on why gays can probably marry until 2008 (instead of the intended 2006 vote).

Oh hell, I'll just post it here. Don't sue me Andrew!

The decision of anti-marriage equality forces in Massachusetts to forego a compromise constitutional amendment (that would create civil unions) set to be voted on in 2006 and instead work for another amendment to be voted on in 2008 that would ban same sex marriage (and not create civil unions) should be seen in the light of Governor Mitt Romney's Presidential ambitions (and his likely decision, I think, not to run for re-election at home). To appeal to the out-of state Republican right, Romny has moved far to the right in the past several months in terms of abortion and stem cell research. He has visted red states projecting an anti-Massachusetts Liberal image for himself. He seems now more opposed to civil unions. Not surprisingly, his local poll numbers have accordingly dropped. The proposed amendment in 2006 would be a political nightmare for Romney. If the 2006 amendment were to pass, Massachusetts would constitutionally create civil unions on his watch. If the 2006 amendment were to fail, which looks increasingly likely, Massachusetts would have voted for gay marriage on his watch. Either way, it would be a hard sell to the right wing Republican base. He would look weak or too liberal. Romney is far better off to back a clear cut ban without civil unions that couldn't be voted on until 2008. That way he doesn't have to live with the consequences of 2006 and he can maintain he was always opposed to both gay marriage and civil unions.

Monday, June 20, 2005

Save NPR/PBS From Bill Frist !!!

Ok...a cheap shot at Bill...but he wants to put a public face on congress he needs to take the heat. Congress is planning on cutting funding to NPR and PBS. Do you know how many more pledge drives we will have to endure? How many more viewings of Riverdance or Josh Groban concerts !!!

Sign the petition !!!

Sunday, June 19, 2005

I Got Nothin'.....

I mean - what else IS there to say....?

Saturday, June 18, 2005

FRIST FUCKER

The 2008 Presidential hopeful has hopefully got a good dose of his own medicine. Pun completely intended.

Bill Frist denied he contadicted doctors who reported that Terri Shivo (still Terri Whatshername to me) was in persistent vegetative state. "I never made the diagnosis," Frist told reporters. "I wouldn't even attempt to make a diagnosis based on a videotape."

But schwing, Democrats finally (!!) pulled a GOP tactic that publically calls him out. I'm sure Frist doesn't think anyone watches C-Span, but is he really idiotic enough to not realize that every major new organization showed him on the senate floor pretty much givng his tele-second opinion: "That footage (some Terri video footage from probably her 15th bday party), to me, depicted something very different than persistent vegetative state." Um...he is a cardiologist by training, correct?

This FristFlub could be taken a step further by the DNC if they so chose. How can Frist run on any healthcare issues when he completely shows himself as a sub-standard doctor who:

a. misdiagnoses someone he's never seen or met via videotape while...
b. simultaneously pushing his religious/medical beliefs (in that order, I might add)all for furthering HIS career?

Time to run him into the ground folks. It's the only way.

Tuesday, June 14, 2005

Whacko(ff) Jacko

Remember when the NY Post used to have fun headlines/covers? Soooo many places they could have gone w/this one...and all you get is the NY Daily News!

jackcovers.jpeg
International Webloggers Day

FINALLY!
I can't believe gov't offices and banks haven't closed for the day.

Monday, June 13, 2005

Kid Helps Michael Jackson Get Off

Oh...wait...that can't be right! Or can it?

I've watched enough Law & Order to know that though Jackson is probably guilty as sin (and most definately a perv at best), that the prosecution had unreliable witnesses and in no way could obtain a conviction. That is unless each jury member just couldn't stand "Wanna Be Startin' Something". (Had they hammered away on "Say Say Say", "PYT" or "The Girl is Mine" they probably could have gotten the gas chamber for him!)

Anyway, the kid in someway probably got Jackson off in the privacy of his own bedroom and now through weak testimony.

I'm guessing 5 more days of media fall-out from this crap and then we'll be on to something new. Like Tom Cruise and his failing heterosexuality.

Thursday, June 09, 2005

Experts Decode Coldplay's Album Cover Art

LONDON - Is Coldplay trying to tell us something with that multicolored symbol on the cover of their new album? Cubelike images adorn the packaging, both on the cover and the liner notes, of "X&Y," the British band's much-anticipated third album that was released Tuesday.

I mean - who gives a shit??
Cardinal introduces Alaris® Tri-Site Thermometer

Cardinal Health Inc (Dublin, OH) announced the release of the Alaris® Tri-Site Thermometer, a new tool for temperature measurement. The Alaris® Tri-Site Thermometer features a new smart "adaptive" algorithm that adjusts to the heat transfer characteristics of the appropriate body site, thus providing fast and reliable temperature predictions without dependence on the patient's age. The device comes standard with backlight, pulse timer, anti-theft protection, long cords and a three-year limited warranty. Additionally, Cardinal Health offers the Alaris® Tri-Site Thermometer as dual integrated probes for environments where oral, axillary or rectal measurement decisions often occur at the bedside.

I'm assuming it only becomes anti-theft upon first rectal usage! Just a hunch.

(thanks to Denton for sharing this press release from his former parent company.)

Wednesday, June 08, 2005

Damn Ashcroft!

Yes, he's gone and still reeking havoc in all our lives. Completing paperwork for the title on the new and old houses has become even more time consuming due to the Patriot Act !!! Yes the very one that likes to infringe on your civil rights all in the *possible* name of freedom and security.

Maybe Al Qaeda is smarter than I am (no, actually, i'm sure they are) - but I never would have thought of laundering money through the buying and selling of houses and wiring the proceeds to a pre-established bank account. I also wouldn't have though to use Microsoft's Flight Simulator to teach me to fly into the WTC.

Social Security Cards are now needed at the time of transactinos along with two forms or picture identification - which the title agents took digital pictures of !!!

I don't know we exchanged enough money that could have purchased a shoulder-to-air-missle, though I don't know what they really go for on the market (eBay never has them). And w/the money we had, I don't know any dirty bomb could be built that would do any damage to more than, say, the Chittenden area at Ohio State (and really - doesn't look like one has already gone off there?).

So if you don't think your government isn't watching you - watch out. They are.

And AG Gonzalez, since I'm sure this will be brought to your attention, you know where to find me. Just ask Erie Title and Realty One Title.

Monday, June 06, 2005

The Move is Over

We're done. We're in. We're tarred!

Movers did a great job getting us into the house and we are well on the way to being set-up in all rooms. This does not include wallpaper removal, painting renovating. (Denton goes on night one: "We need to deflower the bedroom." I replied: "I already told you, no sex! I'm exhausted!" Oh how we laughed!)

Kitties were slightly traumatized by the 3.3 mile trip. Oh, and the new surroundings - but they are making their way around and checking things out. They disappear for hours on their adventures.

Rydalmount is cleaned and ready to be moved into. All we have to do is sign the title papers in the next day. The new folks do a walk-through tomorrow and take posession on the 10th. It was sad to walk out of there for the last time. It was a great house We'll miss it. Or aspects of it.

Thursday, June 02, 2005

The 80s are DEAD

Sure, it's been 15 years since they've been over, but I just about blanched having to hear Madness' "Our House" as a coffee ad. I mean - I never liked the song that much in the first place, but it is painful to have to listen to in that format.


On another note: we have completed quite a bit today. Gas is on. Cable is hooked-up (though the place isn't networked yet). Kitchen is mostly set-up. Furniture gets moved tomorrow. I'm sure we'll have little stuff here and there left over tomorrow afternoon - but we'll burn that bridge when we get to it.

Wednesday, June 01, 2005

Long, Busy & Embarrassing Day

We were up before the crack of dawn for the inital move. Just us and U-Haul. Had to move a breakfront that was my great-grandmother's and whom my grandmother insisted I have right before she died 20yrs ago. My sister was holding it for all those years. Also we took everything we had boxed up - and all the garage belongings.

All in all, I'd say we got about 50% of what the house holds into the new house. Tomorrow we'll do another 20% or so - and the rest by movers on Friday. The plan was NOT to get new appliances immediately (though soon), but the refrig smells SO rank, I believe we will be ordering one tomorrow!!!!! Yeah - THAT bad.

Anyway - a long day. And then I had to head to a staff meeting which started @ 5p. Since i cancelled the last one and they're only quarterly, I felt I had to be there. The room was full. I walked across it to close the door - and I don't know what happened, but fell FLAT on my face after taking down a chair in the process. The only thing hurt was my pride. Oy vey.

Saturday, May 28, 2005

New Look - Lost Comments

Ok, went to finally archieve all my posts. I like the new look - but am gonna have to try to see if I can retrieve the comments from said posts. Of course, if anyone has words or wisdom - feel free to enlighten me.


The other new look? The new house. We did our walk through today. It was fine. Of course w/most (not ALL) of the furniture out of the place it looks different (i.e. bigger) and shows some flaws that the belongings hid. We got some painting to do. More later - but it's been a long day and I'm tarred. Time for bed. It's LATE for me. 11:20p.
DON'T ASK. DON'T TELL. JUST DANCE !!!!!!

Four years @ the U.S. Naval Academy and this guy is shucking the U.S.S. Nimitz for the chance to be in the touring company of "Moving Out"

Friday, May 27, 2005

A Better Blogger Am I

I've been really trying to be better about making entries on a more timely and consistent basis. Honest.

So the move saga continues - and I'm beginning to realize why Kris is still reeling after 7 mos.

Today we are FINALLY getting the old house driveway resealed. The first guys had scheduling then weather related issues. I double booked another company just in case. It was a full-proof plan...in theory. Company #1 was supposed to show up yesterday (they didn't) and Company #2 on Saturday. So, IF the first company did show, I had two days to cancel the second guys. AND company #2 was to give me a 24-48 hr notice that they'd be there (they didn't). BOTH showed up today w/in an hour of each other. Hilarity did NOT ensue.

Then on the way to work, I drive past the new house. On a slope from the house a huge huge tree has fallen...and out into a road...blocking two lanes of traffic. I didn't get a good look b/c of the traffic and the two cop cars blocking stuff - but it had to take out a fence and probably the electric lines. Ernie is going over to look at it. Denton is doing a drive-by.

Walk through is tomorrow!!!!!! I see Tom Hanks and Shelley Long in my future.

Thursday, May 26, 2005

BUMPER STICKER of the...um.....ummm....MONTH?

Best bumper sticker I never saw. But Meredity knows someone who knows someone who may or may not have really seen it. I'll take her on their word (phew) that it exists.


Frodo Failed. BUSH has the RING

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Moving Update
A week until we begin 'the move'. Technically we get the house at 6p on Tuesday (5/31) and I'm sure we'll be there shortly afterwards. But we'll start hauling stuff the following day...and the day after that. Cable gets hooked up Thursday(Denton will need his office and I will need the wireless network!) The movers bring the big furniture on Fridee.

I'd say the end is in sight - but my friend Kris just mentioned her move was 7 mos. ago and she's still not over the trauma. She suspects it is b/c one of her movers was named Possum. Not sure if that is his given name - or a nickname. Either way, I told her the odds were greatly increased since Kentucky is so close to Cincinnati that chr-stian names are as good as varment names. (My! I have somewhat strayed off of moving information.)
MAUREEN DOWD & A STUPID PD READER

Maureen Dowd is on sabbatical from her OpEd pieces. I'm assuming she's working on a book. But here is a letter to the editor for the Cleveland Plain Dealer. G-d, I hate reading these - which is usually why I don't...b/c I don't really care about other people's opinions. Just mine!!!

But I think I must write into the PD. I just gotta. If it gets printed (and maybe even if it doesn't) I'll post what I submitted.




Dowd's absence is welcome respite
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
I opened Monday's Plain Dealer to find no Maureen Dowd column on the Forum page. A note at the bottom of a replacement column says, "Maureen Dowd is on leave. Her column is to return in July."

Although this is good news for the 60 percent of readers who do not believe that President George W. Bush, Dowd's sole topic, is the spawn of the devil, one wonders what she is about. Several possibilities occurred to me as I drank my morning coffee: She's in drug or alcohol rehab; her mental problems finally warranted hospitalization; the paper is easing her out after a string of lapses and outrages that embarrassed even the New York Times; or the Bushies had her kidnapped and shipped to Guantanamo under the name Abu Mer D'owd.

Tuesday, May 24, 2005

NECROLOGY INDEX

NO (Morty), it's not 'necrophilia index'! But Denton made sure to Google our new house and came across two residents who died while living there.

The 1932 one had services @ the house itself. Break out the Ouija board and light the candles folks - we're gonna have ourselves a seance !!!!


Id#: 0784709
Name: Williams, Margarethe C.
Date: Dec 11 1968
Source: Plain Dealer; Cleveland Necrology File, Reel #167.
Notes: Williams. Margarethe C. Williams, wife of Curtis C., Jr., mother of Curtis C., III, late residence, 2283 Chestnut Hills Drive. Service at Fairmount Presbyterian Church, Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 4 p.m. Please omit flowers. The family suggests that those who wish may contribute to the American Red Cross.


Id#: 0270793
Name: Paton, John D.
Date: Dec 1 1932
Source: Cemetery record; Cleveland Necrology File, Reel #063.
Notes: Paton: John D., suddenly Monday afternoon, residence, 2283 Chestnut Hills Dr., husband of Beatrice Paton, father of Marie Bauder, Marguerite Kemmerling and the late Russell Paton. Services at residence Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 2:30 p. m. Please omit flowers. 1862-1932. Lakeview Cem. Cleve., Ohio.

Monday, May 23, 2005

RotS

I'm sorry. it was an ok movie - but the craigslist rant was just too effin' funny!
Revenge of the Sith

Why write about going to a movie? Well, besides that it is the end of a 28 year train ride, we also so rarely go out to movies anymore it almost seems like a lifechanging event!

I was amazed by the crowds. I knew opening weekend would be busy but it was a beaufiful warm, sunny Saturday afternoon - and we were crammed into a theatre w/698 other people. Ok, WE were there too, but I bought the tix on-line to avoid the crowds at the box office...so I had no idea what the weather would be like. Had I not purchased them already, I probably would have opt'd for rainy cold Sunday afternoon instead.

The movie was sooo much better than Episodes I and II - but so is having your teeth cleaned. The acting was marginally better (how could it not be?). Lucas does seem to suck the life out of the actual flesh and blood characters. It's a gift I guess. But the pacing of the film was the key and it's saving grace.

A number of reviews (I have since read them post-movie, since I vowed not to read a thing before seeing it) said it was the best of all six. It is not, but up in the two three. For the record my order goes: V, IV, III, VI, I and II.

If you have seen the others you almost have to see this one...just to end it. Not huge huge surprises...since we know who is in Episode IV, you're not going to wonder if Yoda or Obi-Wan survives any battles.

Oh, and it turns out Luke and Leia are TWINS!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, May 19, 2005

Just Touchin' Base

Gotta throw something in for the fans - so here it is. Updates.

The Move - It is on its way. Packing is being done. Purging is happening. Papers being signed. Funds to be transfered. Movers contracted. Visits being prepped. Renovations/Colours being considered. Do NOT even get me started on FABRICS! (just kidding - though that last line you can say like Jim J. Bullocks if you feel the need!)

The Job - I love my new job. Such a huge learning curve - but I'm smart enough, I'm good enough and darn it, people somewhat like me. At least for the CNR piece. The other administrator piece - I believe I'm loathed on the big island. Well, not me - just the fact they didn't get a say-so in my hiring. They'd have hated anyone. It just happens to be me. F*ck em.

The Life - Um....Um.....Um.... Well....we're going to see Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith on Saturdee. I even pre-ordered the tix. I guess that's as close to a non-house non-work life that I'm gonna have until early July.

Tuesday, May 03, 2005

Real Estate in Soap Opera Time

Do you ever notice on soap operas how a party will take place over the course of three or four weeks? But in the same amount of time little Troy*, who has never been seen, suddenly has graduated from Med school? Well, selling a house resides in that same space-time continuum. Average time to sell a house in Cleveland Heights is 90 days!!!! We have an offer which took 16 days - and yet it seemed like we should all be attending Troy's daughter's wedding by now (which won't happen b/c some indiscretion will be revealed at the altar).

The buried statue of Susan St. James (though Becky calls it Eva Marie Saint) pulled it out. She must have channeled Nancy Walker or Rock from "MacMillian & Wife" or something. A couple from WA (yes, the state, not the district) has put an offer on the house. They kind of low-balled us (he he, I said 'balled') at first, but we countered close to our axing price, and they re-countered at a much higher rate than I thought they would. We could have gone another round, but I wanted to be done w/it. So we accepted. We just have an non-Cleveland Hts inspection to go (we passed that one). And they want a quick close, which is good. So we will not have to carry over a month's mortgage payment. Whoo-Hoooo.



*Troy is a composite name/character not necessarily associated with any one soap opera or television affiliation. Any similaries are purely coincidental.

Monday, May 02, 2005

Site of the Month

Man, I have been waiting a week to post this. I mean, I had two sites of the month in April. Had i posted a 3rd and had none in May, I would have been quite embarrassed.

But I have to put it out there to Kris for giving me this site. I could not stop laughing in my office when I opened it up. The text is good. The pictures are hilarious!!!!!

Sunday, May 01, 2005

Selling the House

No it has not sold. 15 days!!! it's been on the market. A realtor friend said, "oh, you haven't sold in two weeks - you poor f*cking baby!", but you know - he lacked sincerity. I believe he was being sarcastic! F*ckwad!!!!

I mean, this is 3x longer than the house was on the market when we bought it 8 yrs ago. What are wrong w/these people??? It's a great house. Good upkeep. Decent price. The upside down buried statue (which Denton refers to as Susan St. James) hasn't done the trick. Her work in Kate & Allie was always quite weak. Her real estate skills clearly aren't much better.

Ernie says the concerns from lookie-lous (my phrase, not his) is the house next door. The rental. The one w/the lopsided backstairs that need scraped and painted (along w/portions of the back of the house). The one where WE pulled down the gutter that was hanging by one nail. The one we (ok *I*) have reported repeatedly to city inspectors.

30 days till we close on the new house. THIRTY DAYS PEOPLE!!!!!

Saturday, April 30, 2005

Runaway Bride

All the frickin' coverage on this horrible Julia Child movie wannabe (and we all know how horrid that actually could be!), but imagine how much worse 24 cable news would be with this story if she had a feeding tube!!

Wednesday, April 27, 2005

I BURIED JESUS' STEP-DAD

Not the pomp and circumstance of say JPII, but we actually took my sister's statue of St. Joseph and buried it in our backyard - upside down!!!!!. Supposedly this ritual is to aid one in selling their house. Tricia swears it worked to sell her house and her in-law's house as well. So did Julie (well not her in-law's house). It's an act I'm willing to take part of, but it's all superstition for me.

There are dozens of websites out there dedicated to this....like here and here. You can even buy your "kit" on-line. $9.95. The catholic church was never so cheap!

Oh there is supposed be a prayer you say while/after you bury St. Joe. I didn't actually say it. It doesn't really say anything about real estate. I'll take my chances.

Be mindful of us, O Blessed Joseph, and intercede for us with thy foster-Son by the pleading of thy prayer: do thou, in like manner, render the blessed Virgin Mary, thy Spouse, gracious unto us, for she is the Mother of Him, Who with the Father and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth world without end. Amen.

Friday, April 22, 2005

Another Reason to go Apple !!!!

Microsoft Comes Under Fire for Reversal on Gay Rights Bill
SEATTLE, April 21 - The Microsoft Corporation, at the forefront of corporate gay rights for decades, is coming under fire from gay rights groups, politicians and its own employees for withdrawing its support for a state bill that would have barred discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Many of the critics accused the company of bowing to pressure from a prominent evangelical church in Redmond, Wash., located a few blocks from Microsoft's sprawling headquarters.

Dr. Hutcherson, pastor of the Antioch Bible Church, who has organized several rallies opposing same-sex marriage here and in Washington, D.C., said he threatened in those meetings to organize a national boycott of Microsoft products.

After that, "they backed off," the pastor said Thursday in a telephone interview. "I told them I was going to give them something to be afraid of Christians about," he said.


Because that is really want from your church and religion. Ruling through fear and intimidation. You know, I might end up in hell, and even might be able to narrow it down to the reasons why I'm there. Guys like this will be there going, "wha-wha-what?"

Two things Microsoft shoud know: One is most of this chumps fanbase isn't moving to Linux or Apple because they just don't know better. Secondly, in the computer world, like it or not (and I don't) Microsoft is bigger than g-d.

Disclaimer: I am forced to use MS in my office, but am a happy Powerbook user in real-life.

Tuesday, April 19, 2005

SITE OF THE MONTH II

I can't let this one go. It's so twisted. So wrong/right. So funny. I definately can't even wait a few weeks to make it May's site of the month.

Wednesday, April 13, 2005

HOUSE FOR SALE

It's been a coon's age since I've blogged. But in my mind, it's all understandable. If you go down a few entries, you'll see we were looking for a house - and we found one. I no longer have a link to the property, since they took it off the market after our bid was accepted (stupid f*cking seller/lawyer!).

But as of today, our house is up on the market. I'm hoping for a quick sell (isn't everyone who puts a house on the market?). The upkeep, the cleaning, the cats are just too much to fret about. Oh - and two mortgages. That would kind of suck too.

So if anyone you know is looking for a nicely upkept colonial in Cleveland Heights - just go to the Smythe Cramer site and purchase at full asking price.

I'm sure I'll be blogging about the process, the sale and the move. Sorry in advance.

Tuesday, April 05, 2005

SITE OF THE MONTH

Per Per Rex Smith. This is what he's been reduced to: showing rental units in the Valley. But they are properties that 'will take your breath away' and houses that you'll 'everlasting love' (ok, I added that one).

Does being a 'Solid Gold' host or starring on B'Way w/LaRonstadt & Kevin Kline mean nothing in Actor's Equity? Clearly, these questions are rhetorical.

Thanks to Jon for supplying the link. He *swears* he saw it on MSNBC. I think he got it from his fanzine.

Saturday, April 02, 2005

Poor Poor Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin

It's like a fricking article out of the World Weekly News - but it's not. Straight from the AP. The quote from the treasurer of Ms. Wheelchair America is the best.