Sometimes when I have a few minutes (and think about doing it), I will hit a blog on Blogger and start clicking "Next Blog" to randomly check out other blogs. I'm sure it is a national pastime only surpassed by googling the Jonas Brothers. Anyway... Increasingly, it seems, the blogs that come up are in other languages. Mostly Spanish, although I have recognized French, German, Portuguese, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Russian, Polish, and New England.
As Blogger is a global thing, I suppose this should be no surprise, but since I can't read those other languages, it would be nice if there were a language preference when it comes to the "next blog" feature. Of course, then it wouldn't be random, and I wouldn't have the amusing task of figuring out why, on an Arabic blog with a profile shot of Ahmedinejad and the Ayatollah Khomeini (if I misspelled 'em, too bad), there's an entry with a picture of a sheep amongst the other entries that seem to be military/political in nature. People do post photos of their girlfriends quite often, so I suppose that's one possibility. Of course the lamb also in the photo leads me to believe that the author may be baaa-aaaby daaa-aaady too.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Gas Prices Got You Down?
OK, so I'm in Wamsutter, Wyoming (of course, who hasn't been there), and am at the Love's truck stop to buy a Coke Zero. The guy in front of me is a trucker, and I overhear this from the cashier:
"All right, that's $977.63... out of a thousand... and I owe you $22.37"
OUCH! I thought it was costing ME a lot to fill up.
I do have to say, that in looking at the population on the sign, I believe it used to say "681" and only looks like "68" if you don't look carefully. That sounds more logical, as I saw too many houses for there to only be 68 people. Of course, 681 ain't exactly Metropolis. Most of the residents look like this:
or this:
"All right, that's $977.63... out of a thousand... and I owe you $22.37"
OUCH! I thought it was costing ME a lot to fill up.
I do have to say, that in looking at the population on the sign, I believe it used to say "681" and only looks like "68" if you don't look carefully. That sounds more logical, as I saw too many houses for there to only be 68 people. Of course, 681 ain't exactly Metropolis. Most of the residents look like this:
or this:
A New Band...
I kinda like these guys, check 'em out on Myspace.
They are called Above the Golden State, a Christian band that hopefully is a harbinger of things to come in the CCM scene... in other words, they don't sound like a processed, homogenized, softened & spit-polished product of the Nashville machine (even though they are on Sparrow Records!)
Yay!
Album drops July 22, pre-order it here
New stuff is fun.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Suicide is Painless - Unless You're a Republican
"There's no liberal bias in the media."
I just want to throw up when I hear someone say that. There is so much evidence to the contrary, and really none in support of such a moronic statement.
Here's the latest.
I thought I'd blogged about the Eliot Spitzer & his call girl story, but I see no such post (I'm losing my mind!). Anyway, as all of the stories about that were running, you had to dig DEEP (as in, go look it up in a government website) to find out if Eliot Spitzer is a Democrat or Republican. Wanna know why? Well, because he is a Democrat, of course. Seriously, go back & google the stories - and see how often his party affiliation is mentioned. I dare ya.
NOW, the "DC Madam" has committed suicide. This is Deborah Jeane Palfrey, the woman who was running a call girl ring in Washington. Here's the line that is appearing in EVERY story about the suicide:
So, even when the story is about a suicide, not a prostitution ring, they just HAVE to get in that "a Louisiana Republican" was one of her clients. True, he's one of the only ones they got a real name on, but... the fact that he was a client is OLD news (and Lord knows it was repeated enough, always with the "(R)" by his name, whether in print or on TV.
But there's no liberal bias in the media. Oh no.
I just want to throw up when I hear someone say that. There is so much evidence to the contrary, and really none in support of such a moronic statement.
Here's the latest.
I thought I'd blogged about the Eliot Spitzer & his call girl story, but I see no such post (I'm losing my mind!). Anyway, as all of the stories about that were running, you had to dig DEEP (as in, go look it up in a government website) to find out if Eliot Spitzer is a Democrat or Republican. Wanna know why? Well, because he is a Democrat, of course. Seriously, go back & google the stories - and see how often his party affiliation is mentioned. I dare ya.
NOW, the "DC Madam" has committed suicide. This is Deborah Jeane Palfrey, the woman who was running a call girl ring in Washington. Here's the line that is appearing in EVERY story about the suicide:
Palfrey was convicted April 15 by a federal jury of running a prostitution service that catered to members of Washington's political elite, including Sen. David Vitter, a Louisiana Republican.
So, even when the story is about a suicide, not a prostitution ring, they just HAVE to get in that "a Louisiana Republican" was one of her clients. True, he's one of the only ones they got a real name on, but... the fact that he was a client is OLD news (and Lord knows it was repeated enough, always with the "(R)" by his name, whether in print or on TV.
But there's no liberal bias in the media. Oh no.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Why You Hatin'?
OK, this seems obvious to me, but "the mainstream media" doesn't seem to be asking the question:
The Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama's "crazy uncle" made the following comments about Calypso Louie... err, The Honorable Louis Farrakhan:
So let me get this straight. Only your enemy would make you "this color"? Well, God did that. So, God is your enemy, Reverend? You are apparently in the wrong business if you claim God as your enemy, sir.
Of course, I'd like to see who put you in chains or slavery, since you had a middle-class upbringing in this horrible country "run by rich white men", the very people in whose neighborhood you just bought a huge house. I guess you don't want to stay among your flock now that you've retired.
Crazy uncle, indeed. I've been to black church, and yes... it's different from white church. But the things this lunatic is saying are far beyond "cultural differences". This guy is certifiable. Claiming that criticism of his vitriol is somehow an attack on the Black Church is tantamount to yelling "Fire!" in a crowded movie house. This is a blatant attempt to fan the flames of whatever racial animosity lingers in American society. I don't think pastor Wright will be happy until there are marches or riots in the streets.
No one has attacked the Black Church. We've only questioned the motives and character of a man who sat in the pew of Jeremiah Spite's church for 20 years and now is running for the highest office in the land. It's evident to me that Barry Obama did it for street cred since he wasn't "black enough" for the African-American Community. Even though the media hasn't mentioned it lately, the guy is half white. That doesn't fly in the Second Ward. So, in order to show that you're in touch with your blackness, why not start calling yourself "Barack" and join up with the most militant Black Liberation Theology church in town? Instant props from the hood. Now, having to explain it away just makes Senator Obama look like the tired, pandering, triangulating, lying type of politician he claims to be replacing. Ah, the audacity of Hype.
The Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama's "crazy uncle" made the following comments about Calypso Louie... err, The Honorable Louis Farrakhan:
Louis Farrakhan is not my enemy. He did not put me in chains, he did not put me in salvery, and he didn’t make me this color. (emphasis mine)
So let me get this straight. Only your enemy would make you "this color"? Well, God did that. So, God is your enemy, Reverend? You are apparently in the wrong business if you claim God as your enemy, sir.
Of course, I'd like to see who put you in chains or slavery, since you had a middle-class upbringing in this horrible country "run by rich white men", the very people in whose neighborhood you just bought a huge house. I guess you don't want to stay among your flock now that you've retired.
Crazy uncle, indeed. I've been to black church, and yes... it's different from white church. But the things this lunatic is saying are far beyond "cultural differences". This guy is certifiable. Claiming that criticism of his vitriol is somehow an attack on the Black Church is tantamount to yelling "Fire!" in a crowded movie house. This is a blatant attempt to fan the flames of whatever racial animosity lingers in American society. I don't think pastor Wright will be happy until there are marches or riots in the streets.
No one has attacked the Black Church. We've only questioned the motives and character of a man who sat in the pew of Jeremiah Spite's church for 20 years and now is running for the highest office in the land. It's evident to me that Barry Obama did it for street cred since he wasn't "black enough" for the African-American Community. Even though the media hasn't mentioned it lately, the guy is half white. That doesn't fly in the Second Ward. So, in order to show that you're in touch with your blackness, why not start calling yourself "Barack" and join up with the most militant Black Liberation Theology church in town? Instant props from the hood. Now, having to explain it away just makes Senator Obama look like the tired, pandering, triangulating, lying type of politician he claims to be replacing. Ah, the audacity of Hype.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Can We Clone Brooke?
I don't really watch much of "American Idol", unless it's the very early audition shows where the deluded come to be humiliated. However, this season, there's someone on the show that just stands out, at least to me.
That person is Brooke White. Finally, a true light in the darkness. In this otherwise inane excuse for entertainment, this lady exudes humility, perseverance, class and dignity. I believe she's a Mormon, but I'm gonna have to let that slide for the moment. Musically speaking, she's got a bit of a "throwback" vibe, more like a Carole King than a Britney Spears (and yes, that is a GOOD thing). The sheer joy that just bursts from her countenance (that's her face for you public school dropouts) when she sings is infectious and genuine. Her responses to the judges are always unfazed, calm and imbued with an understated confidence and comfort in her own skin.
I say her husband is a lucky man!
I don't have any idea if she'll win (although I think she may be the last female standing), but I thank Fox and the voting viewers (so far) for letting us see someone on TV that we can point to and say to our kids "That's how you should act". Rare, indeed.
Umm, I reserve the right to recant this post if naughty pictures of Brooke show up on the internet... or if she gets indicted for running a dogfighting ring... or if it turns out that she drinks bear bile as a health tonic.
That person is Brooke White. Finally, a true light in the darkness. In this otherwise inane excuse for entertainment, this lady exudes humility, perseverance, class and dignity. I believe she's a Mormon, but I'm gonna have to let that slide for the moment. Musically speaking, she's got a bit of a "throwback" vibe, more like a Carole King than a Britney Spears (and yes, that is a GOOD thing). The sheer joy that just bursts from her countenance (that's her face for you public school dropouts) when she sings is infectious and genuine. Her responses to the judges are always unfazed, calm and imbued with an understated confidence and comfort in her own skin.
I say her husband is a lucky man!
I don't have any idea if she'll win (although I think she may be the last female standing), but I thank Fox and the voting viewers (so far) for letting us see someone on TV that we can point to and say to our kids "That's how you should act". Rare, indeed.
Umm, I reserve the right to recant this post if naughty pictures of Brooke show up on the internet... or if she gets indicted for running a dogfighting ring... or if it turns out that she drinks bear bile as a health tonic.
Flag Pins are Cool.
It seems that loving your country is out of vogue these days, unless you (a) don't live in the USA, or (b) include some sort of criticism along with your expression of patriotism (all the better if the criticism completely negates the patriotic part).
However, at the risk of sounding "unenlightened", I'll say that I unabashedly love this country. I can freely go to whatever church I want. I've got every cuisine worth eating within 10 miles of my home. I can call my president a dunderhead and not be in stocks the next morning. That's just a few things that make me love this place.
I don't buy into the "enlightened" view that all cultures are equally good, they are just different. If that were the case, people from every other culture on the planet wouldn't be willing, in droves, to leave their ancestral homeland, break laws, endure subhuman treatment and risk drowning, sharks, coyotes, and human smugglers just to get here.
Here's a couple of items that prompted this little flag-waving, jingoistic, entry:
Palestinian fisherman were captured on tape dragging in a huge leatherback sea turtle on the beach and slaughtering it (in front of kids, no less). Now, I don't expect third-world miscreants to be fully aware of horribly endangered species, but I DO expect people in the 21st century to not slaughter an animal so that "sick children or people with back problems" can drink its blood for the "healing properties". I'm just going to have to say, "We're better than that."
Also, in China, an Asian animal rights organization is in the process of rescuing dozens (on their way to thousands) of bears (small bears called Moon Bears) which are penned in tiny cages their entire lives for... wait for it... their bile. In China, bear bile is apparently highly prized for medicinal value. Mmmmmmm, we're better than that, too.
Sure, we've got Paris Hilton, Sean Penn, and the "Chocolate Rain" guy, but... we're still the best place on the planet to live. Yeah, I said it.
However, at the risk of sounding "unenlightened", I'll say that I unabashedly love this country. I can freely go to whatever church I want. I've got every cuisine worth eating within 10 miles of my home. I can call my president a dunderhead and not be in stocks the next morning. That's just a few things that make me love this place.
I don't buy into the "enlightened" view that all cultures are equally good, they are just different. If that were the case, people from every other culture on the planet wouldn't be willing, in droves, to leave their ancestral homeland, break laws, endure subhuman treatment and risk drowning, sharks, coyotes, and human smugglers just to get here.
Here's a couple of items that prompted this little flag-waving, jingoistic, entry:
Palestinian fisherman were captured on tape dragging in a huge leatherback sea turtle on the beach and slaughtering it (in front of kids, no less). Now, I don't expect third-world miscreants to be fully aware of horribly endangered species, but I DO expect people in the 21st century to not slaughter an animal so that "sick children or people with back problems" can drink its blood for the "healing properties". I'm just going to have to say, "We're better than that."
Also, in China, an Asian animal rights organization is in the process of rescuing dozens (on their way to thousands) of bears (small bears called Moon Bears) which are penned in tiny cages their entire lives for... wait for it... their bile. In China, bear bile is apparently highly prized for medicinal value. Mmmmmmm, we're better than that, too.
Sure, we've got Paris Hilton, Sean Penn, and the "Chocolate Rain" guy, but... we're still the best place on the planet to live. Yeah, I said it.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Global...Cooling?
It's been interesting to see that the major news media and staunch global warming advocates (zealots) have recently been using the term "climate change" vs. the more 'controversial' "Global Warming." I wondered why, and now I think I know.
Surely you've heard about the incredible snows that all the ski locations have been enjoying this winter. Many are experiencing record snows, in some cases the best ever on record. That, obviously, doesn't sound like a warming issue...
Well, then there's this (quoted from a Brit Hume column on FoxNews.com):
This news, for some reason, isn't being widely reported... well, I think I know the reason. I don't know how they'll keep this quiet until November -- any repudiation of the dogma of the Global Warming religion will likely not bode well for a Democrat running for President. Both Clinton and Obama have both jumped on the Global Warmi...err, "climate change" bandwagon and are calling for draconian measures to mitigate what they claim is man-caused change.
I'm sure that once a Democrat is safely ensconced in office (I shudder just typing that), it will be a "happy revelation" that perhaps "we were a bit too aggressive" in the call for massive oppression of industry to pay reparations to Gaia.
Climate change is cyclical. Always has been, always will be. I think it's a good idea to curb emissions, look for viable alternatives to "fossil fuels", conserve our resources, etc. But listening to the likes of Al Gore and shackling American business while the rest of the world pollutes away, well, I call that foolishness.
Surely you've heard about the incredible snows that all the ski locations have been enjoying this winter. Many are experiencing record snows, in some cases the best ever on record. That, obviously, doesn't sound like a warming issue...
Well, then there's this (quoted from a Brit Hume column on FoxNews.com):
Now there is word that all four major global temperature tracking outlets have released data showing that temperatures have dropped significantly over the last year. California meteorologist Anthony Watts says the amount of cooling ranges from 65-hundredths of a degree Centigrade to 75-hundreds of a degree.
That is said to be a value large enough to erase nearly all the global warming recorded over the past 100 years. It is reportedly the single fastest temperature change ever recorded — up or down.
Some scientists contend the cooling is the result of reduced solar activity — which they say is a larger driver of climate change than man-made greenhouse gases.
This news, for some reason, isn't being widely reported... well, I think I know the reason. I don't know how they'll keep this quiet until November -- any repudiation of the dogma of the Global Warming religion will likely not bode well for a Democrat running for President. Both Clinton and Obama have both jumped on the Global Warmi...err, "climate change" bandwagon and are calling for draconian measures to mitigate what they claim is man-caused change.
I'm sure that once a Democrat is safely ensconced in office (I shudder just typing that), it will be a "happy revelation" that perhaps "we were a bit too aggressive" in the call for massive oppression of industry to pay reparations to Gaia.
Climate change is cyclical. Always has been, always will be. I think it's a good idea to curb emissions, look for viable alternatives to "fossil fuels", conserve our resources, etc. But listening to the likes of Al Gore and shackling American business while the rest of the world pollutes away, well, I call that foolishness.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Random Political Thoughts
If we're at nearly full employment, and we "must" have illegals here to "do the jobs Americans will not do", why is Barack Obama talking about creating programs to create up to 7 million more jobs? Who's gonna do them?
In 2000, Hillary Clinton decried our electoral college method of electing a president, saying that the winner of the popular vote should be the president. Now, she's carefully calculating how to win more delegates (and "Super Delegates" - what an evil moronic concept!) even if Barack Obama wins more actual primary/caucus votes. Ah, Clintonian hypocrisy. I'd almost forgotten how underhanded these people are.
Congress continues to hold hearings about steroid use in baseball. We're about to reach 4,000 dead in the War on Terror. Priorities, anyone?
Hillary is being held up as some sort of feminist role model, claiming she's been working for 35 years to empower and fight for women... except, of course, for the ones who had "liaisons" with her husband. Ah, Clintonian hyp... wait, I am repeating myself.
I don't look forward to casting a vote this upcoming election. The choice truly will be the lesser of two evils. How McCain went from an also-ran to front-runner on the Republican side baffles (and worries) me. And either of the two Democratic possibilities scares me to death. Marxist-Stalinists both, they'll be doing everything they can to rush us towards Socialism, which has failed 100% anywhere it's been tried.
I think the real, deep-down, reason so many people hate George W. Bush is his inability to orate. Conversely, Obama's speech-giving prowess is the reason so many have been mesmerized into thinking he's something special.
Barack Obama claims that he is "no longer a Muslim". Islam dictates that apostasy be dealt with by death. So, do we want a president who will be under a Fatwah? It will be the "duty" of some "good Muslim" to assassinate him. And from what I've seen, the Islamists take that sort of thing seriously. They've cut heads off for less.
In 2000, Hillary Clinton decried our electoral college method of electing a president, saying that the winner of the popular vote should be the president. Now, she's carefully calculating how to win more delegates (and "Super Delegates" - what an evil moronic concept!) even if Barack Obama wins more actual primary/caucus votes. Ah, Clintonian hypocrisy. I'd almost forgotten how underhanded these people are.
Congress continues to hold hearings about steroid use in baseball. We're about to reach 4,000 dead in the War on Terror. Priorities, anyone?
Hillary is being held up as some sort of feminist role model, claiming she's been working for 35 years to empower and fight for women... except, of course, for the ones who had "liaisons" with her husband. Ah, Clintonian hyp... wait, I am repeating myself.
I don't look forward to casting a vote this upcoming election. The choice truly will be the lesser of two evils. How McCain went from an also-ran to front-runner on the Republican side baffles (and worries) me. And either of the two Democratic possibilities scares me to death. Marxist-Stalinists both, they'll be doing everything they can to rush us towards Socialism, which has failed 100% anywhere it's been tried.
I think the real, deep-down, reason so many people hate George W. Bush is his inability to orate. Conversely, Obama's speech-giving prowess is the reason so many have been mesmerized into thinking he's something special.
Barack Obama claims that he is "no longer a Muslim". Islam dictates that apostasy be dealt with by death. So, do we want a president who will be under a Fatwah? It will be the "duty" of some "good Muslim" to assassinate him. And from what I've seen, the Islamists take that sort of thing seriously. They've cut heads off for less.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Grammys: Almost Great!
I haven't enjoyed the Grammys for a long, long time. However, tonight's show (which I didn't even realize was on - accidentally turned it on) was a standout in many ways.
The performances were a little more understated with a focus on the actual talent and not pure bombast.
Even though I'm no fan of Kanye West, I appreciated his heartfelt song to his mom.
My favorite moment was when Vince Gill got his award for best country record (I think), it was handed to him by presenter Ringo Starr. Vince said "I just got handed a Grammy by a Beatle... Kayne, has that happened to you yet?" Classic. One might recall that Vince Gill was part of a Beatles tribute several years back on a Grammy show, which made the whole moment a little sweeter.
I thought that Alicia Keyes performing "No One" started out great, then her voice took a little turn for the worse... but then it was all redeemed when John Mayer came out to lay down a tasty guitar solo for the end. Alicia has always had good live performances on these shows, flamenco dancing, doing wildly different arrangements of her hits, etc. A true talent.
Whoever had the idea of the "Passing of the torch" performance with Tina Turner and Beyonce is a genius. Beyonce really does personify the drive, energy, and talent of Tina for a new generation. I'm awfully proud of our Houston girl! She's got a lifetime of potential left, and I'll be watching and listening. Go girl!
Two things shocked me (in a good way!) this year: They actually had a long performance of "Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin done by Herbie Hancock and a Chinese pianist who's name escapes me at the moment (sorry!). That piece, even though the airline commercials nearly ruined it for me, holds a special place in my heart. My mom has always been a huge opera/classical music fan, particularly of Beverly Sills. My dad rarely talks about music, what he does or does not like, I don't know him to have ever purchased a record or CD... but he has always told us that "Rhapsody in Blue" is his favorite piece of music. So, it can't help but be special to all of his kids.
The second shocker was an extended and respectful Gospel Medley! Even Chris "Ludacris" Bridges was respectful in his intro. Good to see Israel Houghton up there, representing Houston (via Lakewood Church). Aretha Franklin, I don't know how old she is, still has more range than a piano. Unbelievable! Still making it look easy!
The Foo Fighters doing "The Pretender" outside with a full orchestra (arranged/conducted by John Paul Jones!) were just incredible. That is SUCH a good band. They need to be the Superbowl halftime act next year.
As I'm typing this, Will-I-Am is doing a crazy rap/song with backing tracks like "Theme from A Summer Place", "Strangers In the Night", "Beat It", and "It's a Beautiful Day" -- That's creative, gotta hand it to him.
Amy Winehouse, the poster child for life imitating art, won for Record of the Year with "Rehab" (I told people that when it came out! Still got the touch! Ha). She seemed totally and completely stunned by the win, and that's always nice to see.
OH wow. Herbie Hancock just won Album of the Year for "River: The Joni Letters" -- do I detect some integrity in the academy?
My only complaint, and I don't know who's responsible, is that the audio SUCKED. Not the mix, but there was a continual wowing, sounding like a bad cassette that had spent too many days on the dashboard of someone's Nissan Sentra. NO excuse for fouling up the sound on THE GRAMMYS!!! UGH.
Other than that, I gotta give 'em high marks for a pretty well-done show. I hope the Oscars follow suit and don't do anything stupid. Maybe the writer's strike (possibly OVER) will force them to keep it short & sweet without too many badly-delivered jokes. We'll see...
Ack! One more small gripe -- they cut the show and jammed the credits into a small frame during other promos... at very high speed. I HATE that. A show like that takes dozens, if not hundreds, of people to pull off. I've got friends in the industry and if they are involved I know I want to see them credited! So I have to assume others would like to see themselves or their friends/family members as well... eh? Is that too much to ask?
The performances were a little more understated with a focus on the actual talent and not pure bombast.
Even though I'm no fan of Kanye West, I appreciated his heartfelt song to his mom.
My favorite moment was when Vince Gill got his award for best country record (I think), it was handed to him by presenter Ringo Starr. Vince said "I just got handed a Grammy by a Beatle... Kayne, has that happened to you yet?" Classic. One might recall that Vince Gill was part of a Beatles tribute several years back on a Grammy show, which made the whole moment a little sweeter.
I thought that Alicia Keyes performing "No One" started out great, then her voice took a little turn for the worse... but then it was all redeemed when John Mayer came out to lay down a tasty guitar solo for the end. Alicia has always had good live performances on these shows, flamenco dancing, doing wildly different arrangements of her hits, etc. A true talent.
Whoever had the idea of the "Passing of the torch" performance with Tina Turner and Beyonce is a genius. Beyonce really does personify the drive, energy, and talent of Tina for a new generation. I'm awfully proud of our Houston girl! She's got a lifetime of potential left, and I'll be watching and listening. Go girl!
Two things shocked me (in a good way!) this year: They actually had a long performance of "Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin done by Herbie Hancock and a Chinese pianist who's name escapes me at the moment (sorry!). That piece, even though the airline commercials nearly ruined it for me, holds a special place in my heart. My mom has always been a huge opera/classical music fan, particularly of Beverly Sills. My dad rarely talks about music, what he does or does not like, I don't know him to have ever purchased a record or CD... but he has always told us that "Rhapsody in Blue" is his favorite piece of music. So, it can't help but be special to all of his kids.
The second shocker was an extended and respectful Gospel Medley! Even Chris "Ludacris" Bridges was respectful in his intro. Good to see Israel Houghton up there, representing Houston (via Lakewood Church). Aretha Franklin, I don't know how old she is, still has more range than a piano. Unbelievable! Still making it look easy!
The Foo Fighters doing "The Pretender" outside with a full orchestra (arranged/conducted by John Paul Jones!) were just incredible. That is SUCH a good band. They need to be the Superbowl halftime act next year.
As I'm typing this, Will-I-Am is doing a crazy rap/song with backing tracks like "Theme from A Summer Place", "Strangers In the Night", "Beat It", and "It's a Beautiful Day" -- That's creative, gotta hand it to him.
Amy Winehouse, the poster child for life imitating art, won for Record of the Year with "Rehab" (I told people that when it came out! Still got the touch! Ha). She seemed totally and completely stunned by the win, and that's always nice to see.
OH wow. Herbie Hancock just won Album of the Year for "River: The Joni Letters" -- do I detect some integrity in the academy?
My only complaint, and I don't know who's responsible, is that the audio SUCKED. Not the mix, but there was a continual wowing, sounding like a bad cassette that had spent too many days on the dashboard of someone's Nissan Sentra. NO excuse for fouling up the sound on THE GRAMMYS!!! UGH.
Other than that, I gotta give 'em high marks for a pretty well-done show. I hope the Oscars follow suit and don't do anything stupid. Maybe the writer's strike (possibly OVER) will force them to keep it short & sweet without too many badly-delivered jokes. We'll see...
Ack! One more small gripe -- they cut the show and jammed the credits into a small frame during other promos... at very high speed. I HATE that. A show like that takes dozens, if not hundreds, of people to pull off. I've got friends in the industry and if they are involved I know I want to see them credited! So I have to assume others would like to see themselves or their friends/family members as well... eh? Is that too much to ask?
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Happy New Year?
OK, it's been forever since I added anything here. I still haven't much to say, but there are two interesting things that I think everyone should see. First off, there's this crazy video from "Anonymous" declaring war on Scientology:
Next, it looks like the record industry has decided if you can't beat 'em, join 'em and has lauched Qtrax.
The software is downloadable as of Midnight EST Jan 28. Free downloads of dern near every song around from what they say. I think it's probably too good to be true, and we'll have to endure not only advertising (that's a given), but I'd wager there's some sort of snooping malware involved. I just can't see the record industry doing this with NO strings attached.
Article Here
www.qtrax.com
Next, it looks like the record industry has decided if you can't beat 'em, join 'em and has lauched Qtrax.
The software is downloadable as of Midnight EST Jan 28. Free downloads of dern near every song around from what they say. I think it's probably too good to be true, and we'll have to endure not only advertising (that's a given), but I'd wager there's some sort of snooping malware involved. I just can't see the record industry doing this with NO strings attached.
Article Here
www.qtrax.com
Thursday, November 15, 2007
But Islam Is The Religion Of Peace...
So, if I'm to believe the apologists for the wonderful religion of Islam, it's a peaceful religion. I don't call violently punishing the victim of an already unthinkably violent crime "peaceful."
Saudi Arabia is punishing a female victim of gang rape with 200 lashes and six months in jail.
From AFP:
Makes me sick. Yet, we're supposed to be 'tolerant' and 'inclusive' -- and we are not to think that one 'culture' is better than another... remember, Christianity brought us the Crusades, right? Oh, wait. Islam brought on the Crusades. I keep forgetting, since no one in a US high school or University will tell you that. I do wonder what the endgame is of all of the anti-Christian, anti-capitalist, anti-American elites that constantly work to undermine Judeo-Christian values, any sort of personal responsibility, and the very existence of the USA. If they get their way, Islamicists WILL take over our country, and these very elites will be the first ones to feel the sword. Careening down a suicidal path tends to make me agree with Michael Savage: Liberalism is a mental disorder.
Saudi Arabia is punishing a female victim of gang rape with 200 lashes and six months in jail.
From AFP:
The 19-year-old woman -- whose six armed attackers have been sentenced to jail terms -- was initially ordered to undergo 90 lashes for "being in the car of an unrelated male at the time of the rape," the Arab News reported.
But in a new verdict issued after Saudi Arabia's Higher Judicial Council ordered a retrial, the court in the eastern town of Al-Qatif more than doubled the number of lashes to 200.
A court source told the English-language Arab News that the judges had decided to punish the woman further for "her attempt to aggravate and influence the judiciary through the media."
Makes me sick. Yet, we're supposed to be 'tolerant' and 'inclusive' -- and we are not to think that one 'culture' is better than another... remember, Christianity brought us the Crusades, right? Oh, wait. Islam brought on the Crusades. I keep forgetting, since no one in a US high school or University will tell you that. I do wonder what the endgame is of all of the anti-Christian, anti-capitalist, anti-American elites that constantly work to undermine Judeo-Christian values, any sort of personal responsibility, and the very existence of the USA. If they get their way, Islamicists WILL take over our country, and these very elites will be the first ones to feel the sword. Careening down a suicidal path tends to make me agree with Michael Savage: Liberalism is a mental disorder.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
WOW. Sometimes Things Go Right.
I am a flat-magnet.
Err, what that means is, I get flat tires a lot. At least I think it is more than the average driver. Not sure what the deal is. I've had to buy a replacement lug wrench (I completely destroyed the wimpy folding one that came with the car trying to remove lug nuts that were impact-wrenched on as if the Space Shuttle depended on it). I've had to replace tires multiple times because when I get a flat, it typically is some crazy shard of IED that rips through the sidewall.
Some time back, I noticed that I was getting some vibration, but it started RIGHT before I made a trip to Dallas and back. So, on a bad alignment, I put about 500 miles on the tires and wore one of them pretty badly on the outside edge. Fast forward to about 2 months ago. This worn tire picks up a nail and starts leaking. I get it fixed. In the meantime, I'm starting to notice vibration again at higher speeds. Oh, and I have a trip to Dallas impending (tomorrow). Now about a week ago, I notice the SAME tire has a nice new nail in it. It's not leaking, but needs to be fixed before a Dallas trip, right? Today (yep, waiting until the last minute), I take the car to the Sears near work. Tell them I need the tire fixed.
"Can't do it - not enough tread".
Great. I have to buy a new tire. But, probably the wise thing to do. It's not that expensive of a tire.
Then the guy says "Your alignment is probably out for this to be so worn down."
"Well, most of that happened before I got it aligned a while back."
"Where did you get it aligned?"
"Here."
"When was it? The alignment is warrantied."
"I'm not sure. How long is the warranty?"
"Six thousand miles or six months, whichever comes first."
"Psshh, it was probably more than six thousand miles ago, but let me look."
I have the receipt in the glove compartment. I look. I do the math.
"OH man, check this out. It was May 1st, and I'm under 6k by... about 100 miles."
"OK, then it's free."
Hallelujah! You can't tell me God wasn't protecting this fool on this one. Even if I were staying town, another 2 days and I'd have been over 6,000 miles. And also under by six days? Insane.
So, now I have a fresh new tire and a new alignment... AND, they were slow so they did all of it while I was there. Less than an hour. That's awesome.
Err, what that means is, I get flat tires a lot. At least I think it is more than the average driver. Not sure what the deal is. I've had to buy a replacement lug wrench (I completely destroyed the wimpy folding one that came with the car trying to remove lug nuts that were impact-wrenched on as if the Space Shuttle depended on it). I've had to replace tires multiple times because when I get a flat, it typically is some crazy shard of IED that rips through the sidewall.
Some time back, I noticed that I was getting some vibration, but it started RIGHT before I made a trip to Dallas and back. So, on a bad alignment, I put about 500 miles on the tires and wore one of them pretty badly on the outside edge. Fast forward to about 2 months ago. This worn tire picks up a nail and starts leaking. I get it fixed. In the meantime, I'm starting to notice vibration again at higher speeds. Oh, and I have a trip to Dallas impending (tomorrow). Now about a week ago, I notice the SAME tire has a nice new nail in it. It's not leaking, but needs to be fixed before a Dallas trip, right? Today (yep, waiting until the last minute), I take the car to the Sears near work. Tell them I need the tire fixed.
"Can't do it - not enough tread".
Great. I have to buy a new tire. But, probably the wise thing to do. It's not that expensive of a tire.
Then the guy says "Your alignment is probably out for this to be so worn down."
"Well, most of that happened before I got it aligned a while back."
"Where did you get it aligned?"
"Here."
"When was it? The alignment is warrantied."
"I'm not sure. How long is the warranty?"
"Six thousand miles or six months, whichever comes first."
"Psshh, it was probably more than six thousand miles ago, but let me look."
I have the receipt in the glove compartment. I look. I do the math.
"OH man, check this out. It was May 1st, and I'm under 6k by... about 100 miles."
"OK, then it's free."
Hallelujah! You can't tell me God wasn't protecting this fool on this one. Even if I were staying town, another 2 days and I'd have been over 6,000 miles. And also under by six days? Insane.
So, now I have a fresh new tire and a new alignment... AND, they were slow so they did all of it while I was there. Less than an hour. That's awesome.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
What a Difference... revised
OK, I will equate this fire thing with Katrina. It's gotten totally huge since I wrote my last post. Good grief. I pray that they'll be able to control these things soon. Nature is NOT on our side.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
What a Difference a Governor Makes?
I can't help but notice that in San Diego, CA thousands upon thousands of people, fleeing a natural disaster, have gathered at Qualcomm Stadium (the NFL Stadium there) to wait out the fires, worried sick about their homes and futures.
Sound familiar?
However, instead of crimes being committed, people becoming mini-celebrities by complaining, rumors of beatings, robbery and rape, it's a civil, almost festive atmosphere. Food and water are in abundance, the governor of the state is there, talking to people one-on-one, and the mood, while apprehensive, is calm.
Now, I'm not trying to equate wildfires in a relatively small area to a hurricane that covers an entire city. However, it does show some stark differences. In an environment run by Democrats, who claim to be 'for the little guy', no help came, organization was nil, buses that could have evacuated neighborhoods were left to sink under rising water, and thousands of people with a mindset of entitlement (again, thanks to... well, I won't keep repeating the obvious) just asked "where's mine, when am I going to get it, and dang, I think I'll take this plasma tv".
Dare I mention that the governor of California is a Republican? I wonder if that might have had anything to do with the way the evacuees are being managed. Just wondering.
Granted, California is a bastion of Liberalism, but it's a different kind. This is the elitist snob kind of Liberalism. The kind that shows that when a wildfire strikes, the homes in danger are the multi-million-dollar variety (wildfires indicate forest, and living near a beautiful wooded area is expensive, kids). The kind that through onerous "open space laws" has artificially created a housing shortage, driving the price of the existing homes through the roof (no pun intended), where only the well-heeled can afford to live. Convenient, eh? No worries about "those people" moving in near you - they can't ever afford to. Sure, you're at the ballot box, pushing for this racist, elitist, separatist agenda in the name of "The Environment", because that makes it sound noble and "green". But the "green" in this case is your protected property values. And you don't have to come out and say that when you push for government programs to help "the poor", what you really mean is "just as long as they don't come near me, except to clean the pool."
What happened in New Orleans was a travesty on many levels. The "Blame Bush First" crowd tried to make it be about the federal government failures, but the state has to first officially ask for the federal government's help. That's the way it works. Locally, the mayor was caught like a deer in headlights and did nothing (until he began panicking and blaming Bush). The governor did next to nothing (until it was too late, so she too blamed Bush). The president didn't help the cause with his usual foot-in-mouth sound bites ("Heckuva job, Brownie!"), but the failures of NOLA began many decades ago, when corrupt Democrat officials enjoyed a tradition of siphoning federal levee money into pet projects (and pockets), and made damned sure that the poor stayed that way so they could always get reelected on promises of better days ahead.
It's a sickening idea, but think about it: if minorities and 'poor folk' actually shook off the empty promises and table scraps of the welfare state, rolled up their sleeves, worked hard, saved their money & thus built a better life for themselves and their children... why would they vote Democrat? So they could pay more in taxes? They've been told all their lives that "the rich" owe them something. Why would they want to become rich and then have their hard-earned money confiscated via taxes to give to people who didn't get off their butt and make something of themselves? Much easier to continue to listen to the lies, platitudes and empty promises of the party machine. Stay resentful of the 'haves' -- remain a 'have not' and sing "We Shall Overcome" on MLK day.
The West Coast Liberals have figured out a way to keep their enclaves free of "the common people" while claiming to care about them. Southern Liberals have just flat-out exploited their poor -- and even when the curtain was pulled aside after Katrina and the Great Oz was unmasked, these poor misguided people chose to stay asleep and not get back to Kansas and see reality. Hmmm, actually, a lot of them did flee to Kansas -- But I digress. I can only hope that some day the voting bloc that is the "African-American Community" (since when does your race make you a community?) will wake up and realize they are being used. Katrina should have been a clarion call, but the brainwashing is even more entrenched than I thought. And that's just sad.
Sound familiar?
However, instead of crimes being committed, people becoming mini-celebrities by complaining, rumors of beatings, robbery and rape, it's a civil, almost festive atmosphere. Food and water are in abundance, the governor of the state is there, talking to people one-on-one, and the mood, while apprehensive, is calm.
Now, I'm not trying to equate wildfires in a relatively small area to a hurricane that covers an entire city. However, it does show some stark differences. In an environment run by Democrats, who claim to be 'for the little guy', no help came, organization was nil, buses that could have evacuated neighborhoods were left to sink under rising water, and thousands of people with a mindset of entitlement (again, thanks to... well, I won't keep repeating the obvious) just asked "where's mine, when am I going to get it, and dang, I think I'll take this plasma tv".
Dare I mention that the governor of California is a Republican? I wonder if that might have had anything to do with the way the evacuees are being managed. Just wondering.
Granted, California is a bastion of Liberalism, but it's a different kind. This is the elitist snob kind of Liberalism. The kind that shows that when a wildfire strikes, the homes in danger are the multi-million-dollar variety (wildfires indicate forest, and living near a beautiful wooded area is expensive, kids). The kind that through onerous "open space laws" has artificially created a housing shortage, driving the price of the existing homes through the roof (no pun intended), where only the well-heeled can afford to live. Convenient, eh? No worries about "those people" moving in near you - they can't ever afford to. Sure, you're at the ballot box, pushing for this racist, elitist, separatist agenda in the name of "The Environment", because that makes it sound noble and "green". But the "green" in this case is your protected property values. And you don't have to come out and say that when you push for government programs to help "the poor", what you really mean is "just as long as they don't come near me, except to clean the pool."
What happened in New Orleans was a travesty on many levels. The "Blame Bush First" crowd tried to make it be about the federal government failures, but the state has to first officially ask for the federal government's help. That's the way it works. Locally, the mayor was caught like a deer in headlights and did nothing (until he began panicking and blaming Bush). The governor did next to nothing (until it was too late, so she too blamed Bush). The president didn't help the cause with his usual foot-in-mouth sound bites ("Heckuva job, Brownie!"), but the failures of NOLA began many decades ago, when corrupt Democrat officials enjoyed a tradition of siphoning federal levee money into pet projects (and pockets), and made damned sure that the poor stayed that way so they could always get reelected on promises of better days ahead.
It's a sickening idea, but think about it: if minorities and 'poor folk' actually shook off the empty promises and table scraps of the welfare state, rolled up their sleeves, worked hard, saved their money & thus built a better life for themselves and their children... why would they vote Democrat? So they could pay more in taxes? They've been told all their lives that "the rich" owe them something. Why would they want to become rich and then have their hard-earned money confiscated via taxes to give to people who didn't get off their butt and make something of themselves? Much easier to continue to listen to the lies, platitudes and empty promises of the party machine. Stay resentful of the 'haves' -- remain a 'have not' and sing "We Shall Overcome" on MLK day.
The West Coast Liberals have figured out a way to keep their enclaves free of "the common people" while claiming to care about them. Southern Liberals have just flat-out exploited their poor -- and even when the curtain was pulled aside after Katrina and the Great Oz was unmasked, these poor misguided people chose to stay asleep and not get back to Kansas and see reality. Hmmm, actually, a lot of them did flee to Kansas -- But I digress. I can only hope that some day the voting bloc that is the "African-American Community" (since when does your race make you a community?) will wake up and realize they are being used. Katrina should have been a clarion call, but the brainwashing is even more entrenched than I thought. And that's just sad.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Hate Crimes Update
As ridiculous as the concept of a "hate crime" is, here's evidence that hate crime laws are so poorly written that... get this... you don't even have to be a hater to get convicted of a hate crime. What?
In New York, Anthony Fortunato was just convicted of a hate crime against a gay man. That conjures up images of some homophobe violently attacking a homosexual, some old-fashioned gay-bashing, with a flurry of anti-gay epithets thrown in just to seal the deal. But is that what happened? Nope, not even close. Anthony Fortunato is himself gay, or at least bisexual.
He and some friends were low on money and dope and Fortunato had an idea to troll a gay chat room and find someone looking for a date. They lured Michael Sandy to some place and Fortunato's friends attacked him. He ran and as they chased him, he ran into the path of an oncoming car. Fortunato claims that he had no intention of beating the guy, only to try to get him to share some pot, and then maybe taking some money from him.
Well, here's the rub: Apparently in New York, you don't have to prove that the perpetrator hates gays, only that the victim was chosen based on his sexual orientation. So Fortunato was convicted of manslaughter as a hate crime.
So if you were thinking about stealing someones CD collection of show tunes, you may want to think twice. Could be a hate crime.
Logically, shouldn't this make all targeted robberies hate crimes? You might not hate old ladies, but you targeted one for purse-snatching because of her age and assumed frailty... You don't hate rich white folks leaving the opera, but you targeted them for their race and their assumed wealth...
It's bad enough we're creating thought police. If hate crimes laws are going to exist, the bar better be set pretty freakin' high - because the State is miraculously going to prosecute you for what they cannot know... what you are thinking. Merely "choosing a victim based on sexual preference" may involve stereotyping, but that hardly rises to the level of statutory "hate".
In New York, Anthony Fortunato was just convicted of a hate crime against a gay man. That conjures up images of some homophobe violently attacking a homosexual, some old-fashioned gay-bashing, with a flurry of anti-gay epithets thrown in just to seal the deal. But is that what happened? Nope, not even close. Anthony Fortunato is himself gay, or at least bisexual.
He and some friends were low on money and dope and Fortunato had an idea to troll a gay chat room and find someone looking for a date. They lured Michael Sandy to some place and Fortunato's friends attacked him. He ran and as they chased him, he ran into the path of an oncoming car. Fortunato claims that he had no intention of beating the guy, only to try to get him to share some pot, and then maybe taking some money from him.
Well, here's the rub: Apparently in New York, you don't have to prove that the perpetrator hates gays, only that the victim was chosen based on his sexual orientation. So Fortunato was convicted of manslaughter as a hate crime.
So if you were thinking about stealing someones CD collection of show tunes, you may want to think twice. Could be a hate crime.
Logically, shouldn't this make all targeted robberies hate crimes? You might not hate old ladies, but you targeted one for purse-snatching because of her age and assumed frailty... You don't hate rich white folks leaving the opera, but you targeted them for their race and their assumed wealth...
It's bad enough we're creating thought police. If hate crimes laws are going to exist, the bar better be set pretty freakin' high - because the State is miraculously going to prosecute you for what they cannot know... what you are thinking. Merely "choosing a victim based on sexual preference" may involve stereotyping, but that hardly rises to the level of statutory "hate".
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Object Lessons and Slaps in the Face
So, right now there is a bible study going on at my church on Tuesdays. We're watching a series of talks by Louie Giglio. If you don't know anything about Louie, the nutshell is that he has a very visually-oriented, casual ministry style but manages to drive home the truths of the Gospel in a very profound way.
This series is "Christ In You" and focuses on Colossians. This Tuesday, he spent some time talking about the difference in what is actually true vs. what we feel like, or feel is true. He said that sadly, most people live based on their feelings instead of what God has said is true (the point here being, in case you are a little slow, that God's word can be trusted).
Although I've heard this teaching before, it really whacked me upside the head this week, because I'd just gotten through enduring a situation that truthfully was nothing... but it felt like hell. And, acting on the feeling and not the reality, I pushed the first domino over.
click
click
click click
click click click
click click clickclickclickclick...thunk! <--(the sound of someone jamming their hand in between the dominoes)
Thank God that before the whole domino arrangement fell over (it's barely started getting set up!), cooler heads prevailed, the voice of reason (and reality) intervened, and a friendship was not destroyed.
Louie, even though you just happened to be cued up in the DVD player on Tuesday, I thank God that you were there to make the analogy painfully clear. Although the issue was already being resolved, I now have a wonderful picture of how ridiculously far away from the truth (and The Truth) we can get when we base our reactions on our feelings and not reality. Whether in the interpersonal moments in day to day life or the infinitely more important and eternal ramifications of our salvation, how we may feel about something is nothing upon which to stand. May I always remember this the next time my feelings get in the way... the enemy sure knows how to manipulate feelings, but cannot change the truth!
Monday, October 01, 2007
The Must-Read of the Day
I can't wait to read this one.
Of course, at the rate I'm going, it will be next year before I can post any sort of review...
Anyway, I feel confident in recommending this to any and all. This man has been maligned by so many, simply because he doesn't fall into the Left's definition of what an African-American is assumed to be. Instead of being held up as a role model, he (along with Colin Powell, J.C. Watts, Thomas Sowell, Walter Williams, Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson, and others) is derided as an "Uncle Tom", "not in touch with his blackness" (whatever that means), and other such baseless name-calling.
Any time I've had the good fortune to catch a speech by Justice Thomas, I've been captivated by his clarity, conviction and honesty. It breaks my heart that there are probably no more than a handful of young African-American boys thinking "Someday, I want to be like Clarence Thomas". Maybe, just maybe, this book will open the eyes of some -- although I'm sure the NYT Book Review and all the usual suspects in the race-baiting business will trash the book out of hand and unfortunately help limit its success.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Workin' at the Car Wash
Today started out fairly lazy -- washing dishes, catching up on some email, etc. After finally getting off my "blessed assurance" and going to wash my car, I noticed it was sprinkling a little. Great timing. Anyway, I decided to wash the car anyway because it was pretty dirty.
I go to a coin-op car wash that is always a cultural experience, I get to catch up on all the latest in Tejano, Nortena, Merengue music, basically anything with rip-roaring accordions blaring out of car stereos. I feel badly for the people who live in the apartments adjoining the car wash!
Anyway, as I was lathering up the Saturn in the vend-o-squirt, I noticed that all of the stalls had filled up and a few people were waiting. So I slowed way down. Just kidding! I tried to finish up quickly and get out of the stall for the next person. I jumped in the car and maneuvered to one of the vacuum stations (several slots down, as the one directly in front of me was occupied. As I was knocking the water off the car with my trusty California Water Blade, in the corner of my eye I noticed a guy walking up to me. This happens a lot, where someone 'volunteers' to wash or dry your car for a few bucks... so as I was formulating my polite but firm refusal in my head, I turned and noticed that this guy was (a) on the phone, (b) not really paying attention to me at all, and (c) had a ziplock bag of quarters in his hand... the bag of quarters I'd left at the control panel/coin receiver in my stall. I thanked him somewhat profusely as he handed them to me, and he never even paused in his phone conversation as he turned and and went back to his truck.
I have to say, that was a very pleasant and unexpected surprise! I am a little sad that it was so unexpected for two reasons: (1)-it's just today's reality, but (2)- it probably says something about my attitude towards others. So, while being very happy about the return of my quarters, I was a little disappointed in my initial reaction to noticing the approach of this stranger. Maybe next time I'll extend the benefit of the doubt a little more graciously. At least I'd like to think I will.
Oh, and it started raining while I was typing this.
I go to a coin-op car wash that is always a cultural experience, I get to catch up on all the latest in Tejano, Nortena, Merengue music, basically anything with rip-roaring accordions blaring out of car stereos. I feel badly for the people who live in the apartments adjoining the car wash!
Anyway, as I was lathering up the Saturn in the vend-o-squirt, I noticed that all of the stalls had filled up and a few people were waiting. So I slowed way down. Just kidding! I tried to finish up quickly and get out of the stall for the next person. I jumped in the car and maneuvered to one of the vacuum stations (several slots down, as the one directly in front of me was occupied. As I was knocking the water off the car with my trusty California Water Blade, in the corner of my eye I noticed a guy walking up to me. This happens a lot, where someone 'volunteers' to wash or dry your car for a few bucks... so as I was formulating my polite but firm refusal in my head, I turned and noticed that this guy was (a) on the phone, (b) not really paying attention to me at all, and (c) had a ziplock bag of quarters in his hand... the bag of quarters I'd left at the control panel/coin receiver in my stall. I thanked him somewhat profusely as he handed them to me, and he never even paused in his phone conversation as he turned and and went back to his truck.
I have to say, that was a very pleasant and unexpected surprise! I am a little sad that it was so unexpected for two reasons: (1)-it's just today's reality, but (2)- it probably says something about my attitude towards others. So, while being very happy about the return of my quarters, I was a little disappointed in my initial reaction to noticing the approach of this stranger. Maybe next time I'll extend the benefit of the doubt a little more graciously. At least I'd like to think I will.
Oh, and it started raining while I was typing this.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Trying to get the old fire back
Once upon a time, I thought I was going to be an artist. Over the years, the creative bug has had long periods of hibernation, but sometimes it wakes up, walks outside the cave and takes a look around.
The latest urge was to do something mixed media, sort of an 'altered' piece/collage/painted... well, whatever. I have these old red 45rpm records that were my mother's (let's just say they don't play so good nowadays), they are actually opera records. There are a lot of singers in my family (yours truly is not one of them), and my niece just started school at Berklee in Boston. I thought if I could put something together around the singing theme and incorporate one of the old records, I'd send it to her to put in her dorm room.
There are different ways to approach a painting or any art project, you can plan it out painstakingly, sketch it out, etc.... or you can just wing it. I chose the latter on this one. Therefore, it took some weird turns along the way. I think this is done, but I'm not thrilled with it.
The latest urge was to do something mixed media, sort of an 'altered' piece/collage/painted... well, whatever. I have these old red 45rpm records that were my mother's (let's just say they don't play so good nowadays), they are actually opera records. There are a lot of singers in my family (yours truly is not one of them), and my niece just started school at Berklee in Boston. I thought if I could put something together around the singing theme and incorporate one of the old records, I'd send it to her to put in her dorm room.
There are different ways to approach a painting or any art project, you can plan it out painstakingly, sketch it out, etc.... or you can just wing it. I chose the latter on this one. Therefore, it took some weird turns along the way. I think this is done, but I'm not thrilled with it.
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