Like driving that SUV now?

In Arizona, gas shortages led to long lines at the pump and prices at some stations of almost $4 a gallon.

In Connecticut, pump prices surged by as much as 21 cents a gallon in a matter of hours. A state industry group predicted prices will continue to rise this weekend.

Higher gas prices mean more than just a couple of bucks more to top off the tank in the SUV. They also mean higher prices for food (which is shipped by truck) and energy (what do you think makes those turbines go if the power plant isn’t hydro-electric?).

So, do you think wages in our country are going to keep pace with the additional expenses of living? Notice how the subway, bus fares and tolls have all gone up? Notice how taxes have gone up while the government scrambles to cover budget deficits? Don’t think it will get worse? Get ready to dig deeper into your pocket.

If you think gasoline prices are high now in New York and Connecticut, wait until next year.

If you’re thinking of trading in that gas-guzzler or even if you’re in the market for a new car, might I suggest a stroll over to the EPA website so you can take a look at those mileage estimates before you get your heart set on that new Hummer.

So, I guess invading Iraq didn’t work out the way some people thought it would.



For the first time the poll has found that more registered voters — 49 percent — would not want Bush to return for a second term in office if the elections were now, compared with 44 percent who would.

Only 23 percent said terrorism and homeland security would be the most important issues for them in the November 2004 election, compared with 48 percent who said deciding factors for them now would be the economy and jobs.

Meanwhile, 69 percent are now convinced the United States will become bogged down in Iraq, without achieving ostensible goals in getting the country back on its feet.

Some 40 percent of them are now "very concerned" US troops will be there for the long-haul.

A majority also fears that US forces will be overextended in the event of a security threat elsewhere, according to the poll in the latest edition of Newsweek — 29 percent very concerned and 30 percent somewhat concerned.

Another Saturday night...

...right now, I should be in Vermont.

I had reserved a room at a nice bed and breakfast. I had set up a car rental for the trip.

There was just one thing I hadn’t counted on...

...So, it’s been a busy week. I’d been running around much of Wednesday. The litany of laundry, bills, post office, CostCo and comics. At the end of the day, the good news that the car was ready and going to pick it up so I finally had the car back. Finding out that what it had been all along wasn’t the crankshaft sensor ($300+) or the fuel pump and fuel filter (another $300 +) but was in fact a small electronic switch the sits just inside the engine compartment and which controls the flow of fuel to the engine.

This is something so small the dealership ate the cost of the part (which for them to do had to be minuscule indeed). Anyway, I got the car back which was the important thing.

Thursday was a whirlwind going into the city and a trip to the doctor, coffee with Brian (who’ll be married by this time next week), lunch with Jack and then a movie with Roberta (yes, Tomb Raider 2 was very enjoyable thank you very much).

Since last weekend, I had a bit of a scratchy throat and my nose had been running. I had ringing in my ears (again - I don’t even want to think about the last time something like this happened and I wound up in the hospital). Obviously, nothing serious as I kept pushing away trying to get things done (which is remarkably similar to what I did the last time before I wound up in the hospital).

Yeah, I felt a little tired after trying to get some of the lawn done on Tuesday (and finding myself falling off for a few hours after I finished). I got a little worried though when I noticed the gland under my right armpit had become swollen and noticed my neck was bothering me (soreness). That combined with the throat made me take the trip to the doctor.

So, the doctor looks me over and the gland has gone down. My throat is red and my nose is still running (but I’m in nowhere near as bad a shape as this other girl in the waiting room who seems to be in the process of coughing up a lung). He prescribes some antibiotic and I go through my day making all the appointments on my social calendar.

Then, Friday comes...

...and wow! Damned if I don’t feel really, really bad. The mark of good health is how unawares you are taken by not feeling well. Achy all over, this really incredibly sharp pounding pain in my sinuses which just makes my head feel as if it’s a balloon about to pop. Turns out I’ve managed to get a really good fever going to, I’m cresting 100°. Then, there’s this really nice pain in my stomach as well. This is definitely not going to be one of my better days.

Friday is a blur as the TV stays on giving the backdrop of noise as I drift in and out of sleep. I wake up and it’s 9:30 in the morning. I’m up for a little bit and when I wake up again it’s around 1pm and that’s the way the day goes. I’m not walking around much and the bed just seems to be the perfect place to be (not that I have much choice in the matter).

I’m sick, I know I’m sick and as much as I don’t want to be it’s not like I have much choice in the matter. Over the last few years I’ve had to take a couple of trips to the local emergency room: weird stuff happening like not being able to hear at all (earlier this year) or the phantom fever that struck one Friday afternoon (shot up to 104°) and then disappeared just as mysteriously, and truth be told it’s not a lot of fun and I’d just as soon avoid it.

So, Saturday comes and I wake up and it’s 6:30 in the morning. The fever has broken (I can’t tell you how I know but, I can feel it). The dull throbbing pain has subsided and I’m just going to get up and get ready for the drive up to Vermont and pick up the rental and get all ready but... maybe I’ll just lay down for a bit cause yeah, I’m feeling much better than yesterday but, I still feel a little tired and...

...I wake up and it’s 9:30. And, I’m going to get up right now cause the day is going past and I have to get over and pick up the rental car and we have to get moving if we’re going to get up there and it should be a nice drive but, I’m feeling a little tired and...

...I wake up and it’s 10:30.

So, here it is almost 10 at night on Saturday. I’m not in Vermont. I offered up the room to our friends (since it was paid for anyway) but, the day was pretty much left over to sleep and I’m hoping sometime around Monday I’ll be back to normal.

So, I’ve made it onto someone’s “good news” list.

“Good news” as in those little sniping emails sent to remind you how someone is just rejoicing away in the glow of the lord. (you cannot here the musical cadence to my voice when I say that phrase hence the italics)

I’ve never felt compelled to club anyone over the head with my religious beliefs. I don’t particularly like it when I find myself getting those kinds of emails.

I’m one of those weird people who thinks all religions pretty much have it right. I don’t think there’s a wrong way to worship (and isn’t that mighty big of me as if it’s my decision - or anyone’s for that matter to make).

While there seems to be a great deal of focus on who’s method of worship is correct, the western religions all seem to share a great deal with one and other. Much more than some people would have you believe. Also, I always find it interesting to learn what the beliefs are of the people around me so, I try against my own closed nature not to come to the table with any preconceptions. As a result, I’ve been fortunate enough to learn some very interesting things through the years I probably wouldn’t have if I didn’t take the time out to listen.

I’m a lapsed catholic (cat’lick), meaning I feel guilty whenever I think about something that doesn’t fit into the rigid moral code of the teachings of the church. Still, I haven’t set foot in a church in a long, long time. I just lumber along figuring if I can stay true to the moral compass I was given for the most part, I’ll be alright.

It’s not that I don’t imagine there’s a God or even that I pray on occasion (though I find myself a little embarrassed to admit it), it’s just that I don’t put much stock in the temporal body of the church.

Funny thing is when I went to Rome a few years back, I did make it over to the Vatican and was sorry I didn’t get a chance to enjoy a mass lead by the pope. I also have to admit I got really jazzed about St. Peter’s and the whole Vatican city thing - it really was an incredible experience for me. Yet, I didn’t come away feeling the compulsion to convert all my friends and acquaintances over to Catholicism.

It wouldn’t be right.

It not only wouldn’t be right, it would be downright rude and insulting. I never would assume my form of belief is the correct form of belief or better than anyone else’s. But, there are those os us that don’t feel similar to me in that regard and find there is not only a comfort in their faith but a certain superiority in the structure of their beliefs (guess they’ll get to cut the line into Heaven).

That’s okay by me though, I’m just as willing to take my number and wait my turn - and if for some reason my way of doing things is wrong, something tells me I’ll be forgiven.

In the meantime, I’d sure like to avoid all those well-meaning people who seem to have such a better way of worshipping than me - I don’t want to be nasty about it but, I really wish they’d get the hint.

I’ve been watching The Restaurant on Sunday nights. I’m finding it addictive (with emphasis on “dick”, see photo below).



I don’t like the product placement (and neither does AdAge apparently), and I don’t ever imagine going there especially after the stingingly bad reviews the Rocco’s has gotten. (I’d much rather opt for Mario Batali’s Lupa or Babbo two great restaurants)

What I find interesting is how a guy can open a restaurant and (at least to this point) do such a thorough job of alienating both the staff and diners. Rcco seems very interested in building up his own celebrity but, not very interested in building a successful restaurant. The question is how long his celebrity will last when it’s based around such failure.

From the New York Post on 08/12:
Mamma Mia! Rocco DiSpirito's new Italian restaurant features flies, greasy spoons and dirty towels in addition to its famed meatballs, according to a city Health Department inspection.

A woman who answered the telephone at Rocco's last night said manager Laurent Saillard - who was handed the violation - was not available, but she took a message from The Post seeking comment.

It got me to thinking I’m going to work up a pitch for another reality show. It’s going to be called The Ad Agency, or The Design Studio or maybe The Production Department it seems no matter where I’ve worked there’s never been any shortage of drama.

I wanted to reference Joe Maller’s website (and his blog). Joe is someone who I don’t know really well (having worked mainly with his wife) but, whose efforts have impressed me enormously. Joe is a very talented guy, makes me sorry I hadn’t chatted with him more when I’ve had the chance.

I also wanted to reference the Ignite Productions website. Maybe if Paul gets enough hits he’ll get off his ass and build a few pages.

I just wanted to talk up the book I’m reading again, Catastrophe. The David Keys book is very compelling reading.

Perhaps one reason I segued into it was something I saw on the news, a reporter was talking about our dependence on electricity, a dependence which didn’t exist a mere 100 years ago. Keys’ book deals with history and covers periods of several hundred years in different parts of the world.

It made me think how history is happening all around us every day, the question is whether or not we have the faculties to take note of it. Historical trends aren’t that apparent in a day, a week, a month, a year or a decade - they’re apparent over centuries, a measure of time beyond the scope of our short lives. Decisions made long ago are impacting us today and likewise, decisions we make today will impact the lives of our descendants through the centuries. We just need to “pop” the bubble of the present.

I’m the grumpy guy on the sidelines jumping up and down pointing out the inequities in our society.

I never would have thought I could even remotely be considered a radical but, as more time passes I begin to wonder...

In the days after September 11th when we as a nation were reeling, coping with the scope of the tragedy and collectively raising our fists in anger, our lawmakers struck perhaps the single biggest blow against the civil liberties of the American people, a blow infinitely more damaging to us than anything any terrorist group could perpetrate on us as a nation:

To deter and punish terrorist acts in the United States and around the world, to enhance law enforcement investigatory tools, and for other purposes.

What prompts me to make this statement is the news story I saw a teaser to this evening on the FBI being able to check into the library records of American citizens. By clicking on the link above, you can read the actual verbiage of the infamous “Patriot Act.” If it isn’t something that sends a chill down the spine of patriots everywhere, you aren’t paying attention. It’s managed to get the that known left-wing radical group, The American Library Association up in arms, and we all know what trouble makers those librarians are.

So, what’s going to wind up popping up on your radar soon (maybe not today or tomorrow but eventually).

Well, remember after the last adventure in Iraq we heard the phrase Gulf War Syndrome?

Well, people are dying right now in Iraq.

Yes, you probably roll your eyes and think, “of course people are dying, there’s still a war going on.”

Soldiers are dying all right, but not from bullets, from pneumonia. Buried in among the items on the war is this item from The Albany Times Union on July 27th:

The U.S. Army Surgeon General's Office has confirmed two teams of epidemiology experts will investigate 12 cases of severe pneumonia — including two fatal instances — among military personnel in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East.

Col. Robert DeFraites, the surgeon general's senior preventative-medicine physician, said it is uncommon for pneumonia to cause a breakdown in organs other than the lungs, as reportedly happened in one of the fatal cases.

Without releasing specific numbers, DeFraites said there has been a noticeable increase in pneumonia cases among soldiers since the war in Iraq began. DeFraites said preliminary tests show the illness is not passed from person to person and is not related to severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS.

Then on the 28th of July, the Springfield News Leader ran this article.

On the Unknown News website, the speculation is it’s the result of depleted uranium weapons. Certainly the report by the World Health Organization referenced in the article could support some of those conclusions.

Also, in this article from August 5th, the fact that the Army cites “dust” as a problem would also support the DU theory.

Well, everyone loves a good mystery. My curiosity is certainly piqued by this one.

Guns don’t kill people, people kill people (yeah, really stupid ones, we used to call this thinning out the gene pool before everything became so PC). In a word: SURPRISE!

If you got an email from me in the last week titled, “where were you when the lights went out?” You should know I thought everyone’s story would make for an interesting read so, you participation is appreciated.

I saw three movies on DVD over the last few days.

They, this Wes Craven horror movie (don’t even bother).

Solaris, the George Clooney vehicle directed by Steven Soderbergh and produced by James Cameron. Which was just one of those movies that should have been better than it was.

and finally...

Shanghai Knights with Jackie Chan. I liked Shanghai Knights a lot. Despite the fact that the insipid Owen Wilson was in it.

I’m just not buying into the forced ignorant charm of Luke or Owen Wilson or Ashton Kutchner. I don’t like any of them and usually their an indicator that a movie should be avoided at all costs.

Jackie Chan on the other hand is spectacular. He’s a treasure not just in the way he choreographs his fight scenes but, also in his knowledge of cinema. Much of what he puts forth is in homage to what has come before.

You wouldn’t think Jackie Chan could manage to throw a tribute to Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly into his movies but, he does it gracefully and with ease. I could take issue with the soundtrack choices for this period comedy as well as the really bad dialogue (Owen Wilson) and forced plot contrivances (Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle and Charlie Chaplin all somehow manage to figure into this plot) which elicit groans. Jackie Chan is the really shining bright spot in the movie making it bearable to watch.

No more Arnold films in the interest of equal time.

The California gubernatorial recall election takes on ever more bizarre proportions.

Peter Frampton's upcoming album Now has an unplanned connection to Arnold Schwarzenegger (news) and the California governor's race. In the chorus of the song "I'm Back," he sings, "I'm back/Like Schwarzenegger in the Terminator."

Why is this man smiling?



Schwarzenegger, Lowe 2003?

Good government site on the changing structure of the electric industry.

In a word: WOW!

Roberta and I are going to see this movie next week.

Scientists and engineers with the National Research Council warned the White House and Congress about the vulnerability of the power grid as recently as November, saying nationwide weaknesses needed to be repaired — and fast.

You ask me, I’d be making this a big issue in the next presidential campaign.

In a way, it’s good when things like a blackout happen. I don’t want people to think I’m implying it’s good for people to get stuck in elevators or trains. We live our lives these days at such a fast pace. Also, there’s a lot we take for granted. A blackout happens and everything has to stop. I think we’d all be better served by slowing down a little bit.

At the very least if you can say one good thing that came out of September 11th was that people are a lot more patient and helpful to each other when a crisis occurs.

They Say It’s Your Birthday!

Happy birthday Roberta!

Now, as I’ve often stated, I’m a Republican and supposedly they’re for deregulation.

But...

They deregulated the airlines.

Flown lately?

They deregulated the phone company.

Phone service is confusing as ever and I haven’t seen my bill go down.

They deregulated the power companies.

Well, aside from what happened today, remember what happened in California last year and the problems they had here last summer.

I don’t know, I’m thinking regulation and monopolies may be a good thing in certain industries (electric, phone and transportation).

Well, everyone has a story when a blackout occurs. Check out the The Blackout History Project to see how people dealt with the ’65 and ’77 blackouts.

Or, maybe you want to be a part of history yourself, tell your own story of the 2003 blackout.



Maybe, you can’t quite understand what happened. Be an authority! Check out How Stuff Works.

Better still, PBS frontline has a show on the The Vulnerability of the Power Grid which talks about a cyber attack on our country’s power grid. Could it be “the worm?”

Where were you when the lights went out?


Man, I missed Judge Judy today! Really!

Today was one of those times I’m thankful I’ve been home the last few weeks. When the power went off, I thought we blew a fuse or maybe the Con-Ed trucks up the block had hit a cable. After calling Sara, I found out that, no, it was something bigger.

Sara’s odyssey began and she wound up getting home around 10 pm.

I just hung around making sure I had flashlights. Finding the transistor radio. It’s my third blackout.


In ’65 I remember I was watching Jerry Mahoney when the TV went gray and the lights went off.


In ’77 I was living in the Bronx and we were hanging out that evening as we watched the cascade effect as the streetlights went out, block after block.

Our lights came back at 7:15 pm. 3 hours only!

The power goes out around here every once in awhile (the last time was a rainy Sunday). It’s inconvenient but, you get used to stuff like that happening and just figure out ways to deal.

The last few times I’d been to CostCo I had eyed the gas generators they have thinking how nice it would be to have a backup source of energy - I’m big on stuff like that.

We’re also in this funny spot in the power grid anyway. We’re like the last house in the line, a lot of time our neighbors (and the neighborhood as a whole) just to our north will lose their power. We’ll be the last house in line getting electric.

Anyway, after the power came back I wound up driving down to the Bronx (and then Hartsdale) trying to track Sara down. Once you passed Pleasantville there wasn’t any power.

I had already figured as long as you’re on a highway, a blackout doesn’t really affect driving (although it is an excuse for people to drive stupidly), there aren’t any traffic signals or stop signs. The trip down to the Bronx was uneventful (although there was a bit of traffic). It was truly wonderfully strange to be driving along in the post dusk with the shadows of buildings all around.

When I got down to Throgs Neck, lo and behold the lights were on there as well. Things seemed perfectly normal.

The cell had been out and then I got a call from my father letting me know Sara was in Hartsdale. So, I made a frantic trip up to Hartsdale making the trip through the inky darkness. We take the light for granted, we don’t realize how much we light up the night.

Hartsdale was pitch black and I spent a bunch of time walking around the train station with my flashlight (which was funny because whenever I would walk past people with the flashlight they thought it was a policeman coming because of the way I was holding it) looking for Sara. No luck, she was long gone.

Anyway, I started to drive back when she finally got in touch with me letting me know she was on her way back home (I could have saved myself a lot of trouble just by staying home). Interesting night to be out driving though. I’ll bet everyone will have a story. I’m just glad I wasn’t on the subway.

This show was on PBS tonight.

It was a rebroadcast of a Nova show entitled Why the Towers Fell.

It’s all about the WTC disaster and it has a lot of footage from it.

It’s almost two years since the event and while I was watching it all I could think about was how stupid it was for someone to do this. If they hadn’t had done it, I doubt we’d be in Afghanistan and Iraq today. How different things might be - I can’t even imagine.

Hey Kids! Don’t miss out! Now is the time to preorder your:
Elite Force Aviator:
George W. Bush - U.S. President and Naval Aviator -
12" Action Figure

Yes, it’s true. I’m not making this up. To commemorate our president’s landing on an aircraft carrier to announce the end of the war in Iraq this action figure is being released. Sure to be a collectors item!

Not to be outdone, the same company produces my very own action figure.



US PJ
#21164

Take that Junior!

Then again, there’s always the George W. Bush Talking Action Figure



That’s hard to beat!

There‘s a really good article up on SmartMoney.com on health care costs. It‘s worth reading, click on this link.

Yesterday, I was in the garage continuing my ongoing effort to bring order to the chaos.

Well, I looked down at the floor and I saw a spider. I usually would just step on something but, this guy was pretty big, I got my camera and took a bunch of pictures of the thing (which I’ll try and post later this week).

I hope it was a female, male spiders are usually smaller than the females and if it was the male I don’t want to be around when the wife shows up. I have to admit, it made me a little nervous afterword thinking about moving stuff around and having that thing crawl on me.

I had tried to kill the damn thing but, it was:

a) in a tough place to get at and

b) a pretty fast mover.

I tried to get it but, it just got away too fast. Anyway, it creeped me out a little and kept me out of the garage after that. I guess I’m just a wuss but, like I said I’ll post a picture of the thing and you decide.

I haven’t seen a bug that big in a long time, it looked like it would make an appetizer out of one of those waterbugs that look like roaches on steroids.

Ah, I remember now!

Over the weekend, I was putting the finishing touches on plans to attend Mark’s wedding. I know we’ve finally entered the internet age when people put all the wedding info up on a website. Mark did this and it’s a fun place to visit (which I did this weekend). I’d put up a link but, I think it’s really meant for friends and family although, the thing I liked best about it was the “questions we’re tired of answering page.”

Sometimes, I’ll write some stuff and keep it “in the can” so, there’s a bunch of new stuff. The absence of a new entry doesn’t mean there aren’t any, or that I’ve stopped writing. I’ve got another blog I’m trying to set up (still haven’t gotten it the way I want it) and I want to do a face lift here eventually.

Also, I write a lot of stuff on these boards (not blogs, boards) and when I’m not posting on the blog I’m usually writing something there. Lately, I’ve been rolling over when I want to write. What part of the day it would be the most productive. Almost every writer I’ve ever seen speak about the process, talks about locking yourself away and being disciplined about it.

I have a couple of stories I wanted to finish (among the other projects) but, until things solidify, I can’t see beginning (I started one and found myself going nowhere, just spinning my wheels more often than not).

But, I have been exercising the muscles which is a good way to get ready.

Today is the 13th.

So, of course it means it was in the stars. After the morning drive to the train station I committed myself to getting some of my sundry errands done. Put the laundry in, pick up and drop off the dry cleaning, back to the laundry to throw everything into the dryer, down to Tarrytown to pick up the mail (here’s where the day began to go awry).

When I came out I had a lot of trouble getting the car started.

Stopped to have breakfast and when I came out, the car just wouldn’t start. It’s hot out. I’m under the hood for about a half hour but, the car is just refusing to cooperate - it’s not going anywhere. So, here I am with a car full of dry cleaning, laundry supplies, laundry that doesn’t go in the dryer, mail, a good bundle. I call triple A and wait.

And wait...

...and wait.

Even though AAA indicated it would be an hour, we pass that milestone. My cell phone isn’t working because I hadn’t charged the battery and I get a chance to make two brief phonecalls to cancel the things I had planned for the day (city stuff). I’m wearing jeans and it’s real, real hot.

I had parked in a shady corner of the lot but, that still didn’t mean I avoided the usual curious passer by - “car stuck?”

No, I always sit in a parking lot on a swelteringly humid summer day with my hood up - it’s my idea of fun.

Finally I decide to find a pay phone and discover that most of the pay phones in the places I remember them being (Bella’s, the pizzeria, the laundromat) are now gone because everyone has cell phones. I figure on calling back AAA which told me if the tow hadn’t shown up by a certain time (a half hour earlier) to call them back. Of course the contact number I gave AAA isn’t working since I gave them my cell number and the phone isn’t charged so I can’t know if they’ve tried calling me back.

As I’m wandering about, looking for a phone, I see a flatbed from the tow company parked with the engine running across the street from where I am walking. Then I see a guy changing a tire on the van of the guy who runs the restaurant.

“Excuse me, I don’t mean to interrupt you.”

“Yeah.”

“I’m stuck over in the lot are you the person I’m waiting on?”

“Yeah, just give me a minute.”

The guy is squatted, legs around the tire as he uses the scissor jack to get the van off the ground. He’s sweating generously due to both the exertion and the oppressive heat.

“No problem, I’ll be by the car.”

He finishes with the tire and shortly there’s a flatbed in the parking lot. I push the car back (it was sideways on a hill but, I could manage), the car rolls back, gets lined up with the truck and then he loads it onto the flatbed. I watch the whole process trying to gauge if he’s an amicable sort or not.

Thankfully his truck has AC. It’s like a reprieve! I ask if I could use his cell phone (to arrange to get picked up at the dealership with all the laundry stuff) and he’s not really cool with that. I ask if we could possibly make a stop on the way and that’s also vetoed.

We stop off at a roadside payphone. I throw quarters in but, my call won’t go through. As I’m standing there I feel a sharp pain in my arm. There’s a wasp (which looked like a bee at first), floating around the phone. Upon greater observation, there’s several wasps around the payphone and they’re crawling in and out of some kind of space on the top of the metal sheath which surrounds the phone. I realize I’ve gotten stung. I look dumbly at my arm registering just that fact as the sting starts to let me know it’s there. A fat man in a van parked at the lakes (where the payphone was), sees me standing there with a befuddled look on my face and states, “Hey, watch out, there’s a bunch of wasps over there.”

Really.

I use an 800 number and make one call and get back into the air-conditioned comfort of the flatbed. I ride up and have a conversation with the driver about the worst accidents he’s seen (saw someone’s head chopped off). Which cars he tows the most (Audi’s and Saabs). Which cars he’s towed the least (Toyota’s and Honda’). He talks about the fact that people in SUV’s don’t know what they’re doing and shouldn’t use their four wheel drive (can’t control their vehicle in a skid situation). He points out some aggressive driving by other drivers along the way. He’s been doing this for fifteen years and likes not being in an office. He points out how the industry isn’t regulated and how you can be charged anything for a tow (this is a AAA tow which means it’s different). He also tells me that when you’re on the highway the state strictly regulates what a tow company can charge but, if you’re off in the shoulder or in the grass (because of a skid or some other mishap), you’re not legally on the highway and you can be charged anything.

It’s around 1pm when we roll into the dealership. My odyssey started at 7:30 in the morning with the trip to the train station. All I can think about is the orphaned clothes sitting idly in the dryer at the laundromat. I go in and chat with the service desk people at the dealership briefly asking them where they want me to have the car put (the sarcastic answer of the river isn’t appreciated as the car has been to the dealership 3 times in the last two months and it ultimately came to this).

The tow driver lowers the car and I push the car into the spot with him behind the wheel. I throw him a couple of bucks (even though we couldn’t make a stop, and I couldn’t use his phone). I know my ride isn’t coming anytime soon and when I ask where he’s going, he asks me where I’m headed and decides it would be okay to drop me off on his way back.

We chat more on the ride. He wants to stop for a hot dog at the roadside stand not far from the house and I offer to buy. I walk back in the door around 2pm, the phone is ringing and it’s the dealership letting me know my ride is at the dealership and where am I?

Later I wind up borrowing the other car and going down to claim the abandoned clothes, folding them in the over hot laundromat, which is now packed with people. One woman has even discovered that the laundry cart makes the perfect playpen for her young child who she has given some liquid in a container which the bored tot has decided to paint the floor with. The child wails at that perfect ear-shattering note that only children can hit which is ear piercing and unsettling.

A short jaunt back to the house returning the clothes and some foodstuffs (and a DVD or two) and back on the road again in the un air-conditioned car to go get the weekly fix of comics. Walking back in at 5pm.

All in all, it was a pretty good day.

Yeah, it was sweaty, hot and I didn’t do what I had originally planned but, everything got taken care of and what are you going to do when you run up against one of these kind of days anyway? Like the branch, it’s bend or break baby. I’m trying my damnedest to learn how to bend as I get older.

Friday was an interesting day...

I got treated to lunch by a former supervisor. I’m enough of a glommer to enjoy a free lunch - it doesn’t happen often so, it’s always a nice treat. Had I known lunch wasn’t on me, I probably would have been more extravagant in my tastes but, it’s the way these things go.

It was an opportunity to catch up, hear about the goings-on in a place after you’ve left it - always a double-edged sword, it can be both a good experience or bad one (bittersweet).

Anyway, it was a nice lunch. There’s a lot going on - good news particularly with the economy the way its been going. I had half expected an offer (of work) to be tabled and was surprised when one didn’t materialize (more on that later).

I didn’t belabor the point (of work) or even bring it up for that matter. The extension of an offer was something which a part of me had been dreading in any event. The truth is, I worked really, really hard while I was at this place. So hard, I wound up in the hospital and I never got the sense any of that work was appreciated.

When I first started, I hoped to stick and maybe build a place for myself within the organization. I really wanted to build a department which ran well, where it was fun to work and which did good work. In my naïveté, I failed to realize how tall an order that is.

It’s hard to manage people. It occurred to me after this experience, none of the people I had worked for over the last few years had been trained to be managers. None of those people had business degrees or were business majors (not that you have to be a business major to lead people). Leading people isn’t an easy thing to do and I learned this the hard way (by making mistakes). In some instances, I think the ideas I had going in worked and in others they failed miserably. If I came away with one thing, it was the lesson you can’t paint with a broad brush - each person is an individual and though you would like to treat everyone in the same manner, you just can’t because of the personalities involved (and I’m not giving myself any pass here folks, because I have just as much personality as anyone else). Add to the mix, I didn’t get the support of the person directly above me.

There are different styles of management and one kind is to pit people against each other - I knew about that inherent character trait of the person bringing me in so, I shouldn’t be surprised (but then, don’t we always think things will be different for us). I had witnessed it happening to other people in the past and this time it happened to me. Like I said, no surprise.

I still look back and feel the experience was a success, considering the parameters of the assignment and also the fact there was really bad client management. I built up a level of trust with the client and it worked to my advantage when I had to deal with them directly but, in many instances there was a belief that client management meant yessing the client to death.

I was really, really proud (pleased?) of the work done by some of the people I bought in (H and S). I don’t think their work was acknowledged either but, that’s the business we’re in. I made sure they knew when I thought they did a good job, I think we made a good team. I hope they liked working with me and that I’ll get a chance to work with them again at some point down the road.

Anyway, so I think a mutual friend actually got an offer and wound up taking it.

And, it’s one of those good news, bad news things:

Nobody likes to be left standing alongside the wall at the dance (even if you’re not really interested in dancing) and petty as it sounds you still find yourself fighting the pangs of jealousy

Then again, having lived the experience, you know it’s a tough dance.

I hope the other person will be a more graceful dancer (and since it’s a friend, that’s an earnest hope) but, I’ve danced with that partner and had my toes stepped on, it’s hard not to see the same thing happening again.

Good article in Business Week Online: Commentary: Outsourcing Jobs: Is It Bad?

This is one of those issues that will frame the 2004 Presidential Campaign and politics in our country for the next decade.

Loud and Proud!

Loud Jane is back up on the web - welcome back, liking the new look.

Over the weekend, I caught Al Gore‘s speech at NYU on C-SPAN. Somebody down at the DNC should wake up, he almost won in 2000 and after listening to his speech I’d seriously consider him in the next election.

I was watching the Daredevil DVD last night.

Perhaps I should qualify that, I was trying to watch the Daredevil DVD last night but, it’s very close to unwatchable.

I tried watching the movie the other day and found I couldn’t make it far past the first reel - it’s just that bad. I wasn’t surprised since it’s one of the few movies I actually fell asleep watching in the theater. I thought it might have had to do with me maybe being tired or something but, it really is that bad.

It could be used as a sleep aid.

The big selling point of the DVD was all the bonus material supposed to be a part of the set. Last night I wanted to check some of the bonus material out.

They had a documentary with the guys responsible for doing the Daredevil comic through the years.

I watched Stan Lee, John Romita and Gene Colan all of which were really interesting to hear from and about. “Old school” guys who had spent lots and lots of years making comics. Each had an interesting slant on the character and their own work - lots of fun.

Then, Frank Miller came on - I like Frank Miller’s work - sometimes.

His original and second runs on Daredevil were very entertaining and he hit a chord with the character that rejuvenated the title.

After about 15 minutes though, it was like enough already! Get over yourself!

Stan Lee created the character and didn’t drone on for as long as Frank Miller did! I had to stop the DVD I couldn’t make it all the way through. I’ll go back and watch some more of it later (if I can). As good as Miller was on his run, he’s part of the reason the book hasn’t developed since, nobody can go past what he did with the character. Between him and Kevin Smith they taken something that should have been really good and just buried it under all this unnecessary baggage. These guys take themselves way to seriously.

On the news front, Kristen mentioned in her last email that a place where she had submitted her portfolio for work managed to lose the portfolio. They told her to bill them. I don’t have any experience on what to charge but, if anyone has gone through this and has an idea of a good number, please pass it along. Of course for those of you who know Kristen, if you have an old Dow Jones AR with a curve on it, that’s one of the pieces she’s trying to track down. I can’t imagine what that’s like - it just sounds horrible.

Well, the pile’s gotten really large and I wanted to go through most of it before doing the round up of books for those who’re interested (if you’re not one of those people just skip this post).

JSA #50 - Leading off, the conclusion to a big storyline in JSA (Princes of Darkness). The problem with big stories like this is there’s a tendency to lose track of characters because of the scope of the story and that’s the case here. Art is solid, story is good, another issue in a solid title but comes in at a 6 on the 10 scale.

Fantastic Four #500 - Another big wrapup of a major storyline. Waid manages to bring everything to a big conclusion and this succeeds where JSA fails. Mainly due to the smaller scope (four lead characters, three supporting characters and the villain). Nice hook the the story and a really good surprise ending which I won’t spoil but to say Dr. Doom finally does get his long awaited revenge on Reed Richards. Great art which is overworked by the coloring, solid 8.5 on the 10 scale.

Batgirl #42 - Good story, cluttered art. As stated before the title is losing its focus and its way. Not much else to say about it although there’s a nice little exchange between the Big Red S and The Dark Knight at the end that’s worth scoping out. Another 5 on the 10 scale.

Hunter, The Age of Magic #25 - Book goes out on a good note. If you haven’t been following the series, it’s not worth licking up. Horrocks and Case are competent. Wraps up most of the dangling plotlines. Nothing Spectacular. 5 on the 10 scale.

Hulk #57 - Marvel doesn’t seem to be able to cash in on things sometimes. Following the beginning of this storyline which started in the 25¢ issue released to coincide with movie’s debut, this story doesn’t generate the suspense it should be generating. I’m souring on Fernandez’ art which while good, doesn’t excite at all (maybe it’s the choices he makes storytelling-wise). Bruce Jones is writing himself into a corner. 4 on the 10 scale (and that might be generous).

Wonder Woman #194 - I picked this up on a lark. Walt Simonson and Jerry Ordway had taken over the title recently and I thought I would see what they were doing with the book. Another one of those big wrapups which there seem to be so many of this month. I like Ordway’s art but I’d really like to see him on JLA, JSA or some other DC title. Simonson does what he can with the story (which seems like a thousand other Wonder Woman stories I’ve read). 5 on the 10 scale.

Green Arrow #28 - Going down the tubes really fast. Seems to have lost its way. Time for the editor to step in before it winds up being canceled again. Winick isn’t a good choice for the book and Hester‘s art would probably be more palatable if the story were better. 4 on the 10 scale.

Doom Patrol #22 - This title bows out. I never was that crazy about what Arcudi was doing with the book. This was a title that took the place of Suicide Squad (which was infinitely better and didn’t get the chance this title did). Tan Eng Huat’s art is distinctly different but it wasn’t really suited for this title. He might be better used on a Vertigo or Wildstorm book. Nothing spectacular in terms of wrapup but, anything beats the Ann Nocenti wrapup of Spider Woman which Brian worked on. 4 on the 10 scale.

Amazing Spider Man #55 - POW! 10! Solid through and through. JMS takes on a writing partner and nothing suffers for it. Tight art as always by J.R. JR. Really great angle on the story, fun read. Amazing how effortless this title makes it seem. Worth picking up even for the non comics buyer, just a plain fun book. Again, 10 on the 10 scale!

Adventures of Super Man #618 - Joe Casey who does such a great job on other titles (I believe he’s responsible for the current incarnation of WildCats which is just terrific), stinks up the joint here. Interesting slant on an old character from the Superman mythos but, whether it’s the art or the story something isn’t working in this book. 4 on the 10 scale.

StormWatch Team Achilles #13 - I originally picked this book up just thinking to read an issue and now find myself wanting to go back and find the other issues. Interesting storyline with good character development. Good mix of scifi, super hero, spy thriller. Like what’s going on in this book. This issue is actually a good jumping on point (although I would suggest getting #12 as well). 8 on the 10 scale.

Black Panther #62 - It’s really not clear to me whether or not the title has been canceled or not. The current storyline was wrapped up in this issue but, it had the feel that that might be it. More]s the pity. A lot of ink was given the book on the boards and it had become a real favorite of people who picked it up. Count me among those people because once I picked up the title on a regular basis I found myself hooked. Priest and Califiore do a great job 7.5 on the 10 scale.

Hellblazer #185 - hellblazer runs through periods like this. The title gets boring, loses track. A new team comes in and may not have the feel for the character. The art is good but, something is missing in the story. I’ve been following Hellblazer for a long time so, I pick it up out of habit as much anything else but, this ranks a paltry 4 on the 10 scale.

Gotham Central #9 - This book keeps getting better and better. The addition of “Josie Mac” character, previously the backup feature in Detective is welcome. This is one of the books I look forward to each month. It’s a terrific marriage of story and art and I highly recommend it. I’ve become really taken with Michael Lark’s art. He makes good choices in his storytelling and it shows - the guy can draw. As I said, the story is great and it’s definitely a book worth checking out. 8 on the 10 scale.

Batgirl, Year One #8 - If you haven’t picked this title up yet, you may want to wait for the trade. I don’t know how the book is doing and whether or not back issues are hard to come by but, it is simply eye candy. Scott Beatty captures an innocence and naivete that works perfectly within the context of this story. The art (and color) is just beautiful. 9 on the 10 scale.

Robin #116 - The big news is that Jon Lewis is being replaced on this book by Bill Willingham. The general consensus on the boards is that the title has languished under Lewis’ tenure. I like the character and follow it with devotion. There’s just something in the way DC has managed to flesh out Tim Drake’s character. This issue deals with a surprise party that’s the backdrop for a new storyline (Lewis’ last), the story and art are great 6.5 on the 10 scale.

Superman: Metropolis #6 - Chuck Austen is managing to do something really interesting in this book, he‘s fleshing out the character of Jimmy Olsen and taking the whole dynamic between Jimmy and Supes into a new direction which should prove fruitful for materials for years to come. Also, he’s been filling in the gaps in the backstory in the current Superman books. Zezelj’s art took some getting used to but works on the title. A fun read at 6.5 on the 10 scale.

Legion #22 - Part four of Dream Crime brings some long absent Legionairres back into the spotlight. The title is starting to flag a little under Abnett and Lanning. It’s a good book, don’t get me wrong but for some reason it’s just not a very exciting book. Batista’s pencils are beautiful to look at though. 5 on the 10 scale.

Captain Marvel #12 - This is the wrapup of the Coven storyline (part 4 of 4). It’s a story which could’ve been told in two issues instead of four but, that’s how things have been going on this book lately. I don’t have any great love for Reis/Sotomayor’s art, it’s just not working for me. The modeled coloring over pencils isn’t working. It’s a gimmick that should be dropped in favor of a cleaner, crisper, clearer style. Overall, David]s writing has been taking a bit of a hit since the whole U-Decide stunt. He took the book in a new direction and even though sales figures may have increased I think this will be my last issue buying the book. What I once really enjoyed was David’s snappy dialogue that would sometimes catch me laughing out loud over the banter. The humor in this title is gone now and he‘s taken the lead character in a much darker direction. It’s not working. 3 on the 10 scale.

Superman #195 - Seagle and McDaniel turn in a superior effort. As mentioned before, I’m a big fan of McDaniel’s. Seagle has crafted enough of a mystery to make me anxious to read the next chapter. 7 on the 10 scale.

Batman: Gotham Knights #43 - Beatty crafts a decent tale but Robinson’s artwork isn’t my cup of tea. Good story, great cover (Bolland) mediocre interior art. 5 on the 10 scale.

HERO #6 - Last one out, turn off the lights. I’m out of here on this title. Whatever buzz this has generated has fallen flat as far as I’m concerned, not worth any further investment of time or money on my part. 1 on the 10 scale.

Hawkman #17 - This book is an easy read. Rags Morales art is just so compelling to look at. Really dynamic and beautiful. If I have a knock on the book, it’s whatever is happening from issue to issue doesn’t leave enough of a mark. On Johns other books (notably Flash and Avengers), the stories are so suspenseful you breathlessly await each chapter. On Hawkman for whatever reason, there’s drama in the title but, it doesn’t leave any lasting impression or carry over each month - kind of like a meal where you’re hungry a half an hour later. A bit of fluff but still fun 6 on the 10 scale.

Daredevil #49 - Brian Michael Bendis is at it again. The Kingpin returns. It’s like the title can’t survive without the Kingpin’s ominous presence in the background of the title. In a word, bleech. I wish he would move things away from that. Maleev‘s art is just awesome (take note it’s everything they’re trying on Captain Marvel but, here it works). Plus there’s an appearance by Bullseye who looks like the Bullseye from the DD movie (ewwww). The hero/celebrity thing is getting a little long in tooth. The book is better than I’m making it out to be. 6.5 on the 10 scale.

Spectacular Spider Man #1 - Paul Jenkins is back in full force. It‘s the beginning of a five part story arc taking Spidey’s nemesis Venom in a new direction. Humberto Ramos is back to, looking terrific. Some background characters are introduced which I could live without but, then again, I don’t know what Jenkins has in store for those characters or whether they’re just window dressing. 7 on the 10 scale.

Spectacular Spider Man #2 - Picked up both of these around the same time. The second issue maintained the level of quality and threw a couple of good curves into the storyline as well. Still solid at 7 out of 10.

Wildcats 3.0 #12 - This is the book Joe Casey sings on! It’s his best work and makes me understand why some people rave about his writing. It has a compelling story and Dustin Nguyen’s art is fantastic. This has become one of my favorite books. Pick it up and you’ll see why. If this comes out in a trade (or it may already be available in a tpb) be sure to pick it up. What all comics should aspire to. Sharp writing, good dialogue, really super art. 9 on the 10 scale.

Fantastic Four #501 - Good follow up to the 500th issue as the lead characters are stuck dealing with the aftermath of events leading up to the last issue’s climax. Everyone is coping with the scars from that battle, both emotional and physical. The FF are currently experiencing a renaissance of sorts that will most likely end when Waid‘s run on the book ends. The news on the grapevine is the editorial direction is going to take the book more into the vein of a family situation comedy along the lines of what the proposed movie is supposed to be (uugghhh). Casey Jones art is very easy on the eyes. Harkens back to the better days of the title and a nice buy for any longtime fan of the FF. 9 on the 10 scale.

The Flash #200 - Very satisfying conclusion to the current storyline. Unfortunately also Scott Collins last issue handling the art chores - I’m not sure if I’ll be liking the new guy. Still could be a good jumping on point. Overall, this has been (and I hope will continue to be) one of my favorite books month in and month out. 9 out of 10.

New X Men #143 - I’m liking the current storyline a great deal but, Chris Bachelo’s art which I loved so much on the Death one shot and Shade series has undergone a big change (which started in New Mutants and continued in Steampunk). It’s well drawn, Bachelo knows what he]s doing and he can draw but, something about it is really numbing - too much. Whether it‘s too much line work or too much clutter in a panel, I’m not sure. Bachelo needs to step back a little bit though - he would probably make his life a lot easier too if he did. Morrison continues to take the book in the strange new (but appealing) direction he’s taken it over the last year (or is it two now). It‘s the only X-book I buy each month. Worth checking out. 7 on the 10 scale.

Catwoman #21 - Every once in a while a book can surprise you. This issue of Catwoman does exactly that with a really charming story. Lots of fun to read. I still stand by my comments regarding Stewart‘s art (too many panels per page). I don’t think I’ll be sticking with the book when Gulacy takes over. Overall though an improvement over the last issue, 6 on the 10 scale.

Batman #617 - Technically a well drawn book but, I’ve tired of Jeph Loeb and this issues’ confirms that with the mysterious villian who has been in the background these last few months finally revealed. I didn’t like it. I’m waiting for Loeb and Lee to leave the title and holding my nose until they do. 5 on the 10 scale.

Hulk #58 - Hide in Plain Sight part 4. Danger, danger title tanking fast. Fernandez just doesn’t work on this book (his art is good but, the combo of his art with Jones’ writing is just a bad combo). Needs to move in a new direction or get back on track. 3 out of 10.

Thor #65 - Dan Jurgens is really busting a gut writing this book and trying to make it interesting. He’s doing his best, no knock on him and the Lai brothers art is great. Something just isn’t clicking for me on this book though. I can’t tell what’s wrong with it but, I know something just isn’t right. Could get dropped soon (do I see a trend among the Marvel titles?) 5 on the 10 scale.

Lucifer #40 - I like this title but, it’s an acquired taste. If your not into this kind of book you won’t find it appealing at all. Carey and Gross do a good job on this book and I’m enjoying the current storyline. 6 on a 10 scale.

Red #1 - The jury is out on the premiere issue of this Warren Ellis series involving an ex CIA hit man who was just too good at his job and knows too much to be allowed to live. Art chores are handled by Cully Hammer (who I think was on Green Arrow). Things work, I just don’t know if this is something I want to follow. 4 on the 10 scale (but waiting to see what happens).

Strangers in Paradise #58 - Terry Moore is an autuer. Strangers in Paradise is a labor of love and it’s celebrating it’s 10th anniversary. It’s a small, self published book by Moore who has shown a deft hand in his writing and a strong hand in his art. Really a joy to read and I can’t recommend it highly enough. If you’re intimidated by coming in late, thumb through a couple of the trades to see if you like it. The lead characters are two women whose friendship keeps them bumping up against each other, as they try to figure out whether they’re lovers or just friends. This is a title that has a broader appeal than the “long underwear” books for boys. Really shows what the medium can be. 10 on the 10 scale (not too many books get that rating either).

Global Frequency #1, #2, #3 and #10 - Filling out those missing back issues. This title doesn’t disappoint. Definitely worth getting the trade (as it’ll be hard to follow the complete run due to scarcity of back issues). Each issue features a different artist but, the art is always good. In order it’s about a human bomb in San Francisco, the 500 million dollar man, something reminiscent of a Craig Thomas novel I read and a knock down, drag out alley fight. Fun through and through. 8 on the 10 scale for all.

Escape.

There are so many things I try to escape. The past. The present. The future.

Maybe escape isn’t the right word, avoid might be better.

Case in point: I have this big pile of papers floating around the house. Receipts, bills and the like. All the deritus of a tax return. About ten years back I got in the habit of not filing. Paying but, not filing. Consequently, over the years, I have had to deal with all kinds of threatening letters, phonecalls and visits by the IRS as they try to terrorize me into paying them to go away.

Thankfully, my accountant has done a remarkable job when I have gotten him the necessary paperwork and has filed the necessary papers to save me thousands of dollars.

As he explained it to me, the IRS banks on people being terrified of them. They target people in a certain income bracket because they are more likely to just pay up and make the IRS go away than to fight it out. This excludes the very poor, who don’t have anything of value to speak of, and the very rich (or upper income brackets) who are more than likely to take the time and expense to get the help they need to stymie the claims against them.

This leaves the vanishing “middle class” of which I consider myself a member.

So, I keep getting these notices and usually I find myself overwhelmed with just the daily chores of living and work that I put off dealing with something that will make a significant difference in the quality of my life. Imagine, I’ve lived with this for ten years!

Anyway, I keep putting it off but, it’s getting to the point where even I’m annoyed by it so, now that things have freed up a little, it’s time to sit my ass down and sort through all those papers. Probably the job won’t be as bad as I think since I’ve already done a lot of the work and just need to finish (which is always the hardest part).

Also of note, I had 22 emails waiting for me when I logged on today - 19 of which were spam, I may be taking the lead from David D soon and slightly altering my email address to cut down on the garbage.

Thank you Verizon.

Saturday night was the deadline for Verizon workers to go on strike, Sunday there was no phone service in our neighborhood. Now we did have a storm Saturday but, in 20 years we’ve never lost phone service and it happens on the strike deadline. Coincidence, I think not.

I find myself feeling bad for the Verizon workers who are stuck like the rest of us, fighting for benefits, trying to keep their jobs from being sent overseas. Then, I’m mad that I think someone might have sabotaged an exchange box taking down service for the neighborhood.

I’ve though about shutting down the house phone and just using the cell - which I would do if I had another option for going online besides my dialup (we’re too far from the local station for DSL and Optimum Online isn’t an option). I hate the dialup anyway, it’s realllllllyyyyy sllllooowww.

This is one of those good news/bad news things. The good news is it kept me off my ass sitting in front of the computer surfing away this weekend, the bad news was originally they had indicated service wouldn’t be restored until Wednesday which isn’t a problem for me but, isn’t good for my 80 year old father who should be able to call out if something happens to him.

Moot point anyway, since service was miraculously restored this morning.

Our president’s greatest enemy, the English language.

“I urge the leaders in Europe and around the world to take swift, decisive action against terror groups such as Hamas, to cut off their
funding, and to support - cut funding and support, as the United States has done.” - Washington, D.C., June 25, 2003



Click on his picture for the complete Bushisms.

Last weekend was so busy, leading into it I had gotten together with Roberta who is on hiatus from her new job while they are closed for summer vacation.

We met in the city after I had lunch with Mike. Roberta was getting fabric at this store that’s been in the same location for 65 years.



It was a revelation for me because I had never been in that kind of store (a fabric vendor) in my entire life. To Roberta it’s old hat since she is such a skilled seamstress. What was amazing to me was not just the variety of fabric but the cost as well!

As Roberta was purchasing her material, I got into a conversation with one of the owners (because there were postcards all around the store) about the B & J Fabrics imminent move. I had said to him what a shame it was with the new Times Tower going up and the neighborhood changing.

Turns out the Times is responsible for his eviction! I thought the Times Tower was going up across from the Port Authority on the site of the parking lot that was on 8th Avenue between 41st and 42nd streets. Turns out it’s going to be a block south and the Times has been using all kinds of influence to have their way. The store’s owner was commenting on the hypocrisy of the situation since the Times often lambastes the city for giving just these kinds of sweetheart deals out. Then again, make your own call, read this article for the details.

I thought these kinds of businesses were protected since they were part of the garment district but, I guess it’s the same thing that happened to all the printers who used to line Varick and Hudson streets and wound up moving to Jersey and Queens.

Anyway, afterwards I wound up out in Brooklyn. We went out to Roberta’s neighborhood so her friend Paul - the best barber in Williamsburg could cut my hair.

I always stricken by the changes in that neighborhood every time I’m out there. Paul has been there for a long, long time and is a little more sanguine about the changes taking place.

There are a thousand and one people on the Global Frequency.



Click to find out about them.

Separated at Birth?



Or maybe I’ve just solved the mystery of what happened to Saddam!
He’s hiding in New York as a film critic!

Flipping channels late this afternoon, I came across a great report on The Newshour Show on PBS. Interesting story by Ray Suarez on SUVs (which you can listen to via RealAudio with the link). There was this middle aged woman, an advertising exec, who was justifying her reasons for buying and driving a H2 (the hummer). It reminded me of the frenzy at the Hummer pavilio0n at the New York Auto Show.



F**k this crap, you all get all the Hummers you want, I’m gonna go out and get myself an m-60 tank, so there! Try to cut me off now, you clowns!

What a great day today was! Today Sung and I met for lunch and then caught the Matrix Reloaded in spectacular IMAX. It was my first IMAX film. Beautiful weather, nice day for lunch al fresco. Great movie and then hanging in the park people watching, couldn’t have had a better time! I’m anxiously waiting to see Sung’s next project on bank robbers!

Speaking about the Mets, I went out to the game on Saturday night. It was the perfect night to go to a ballgame even if the Mets wound up losing. Aaron Heilman really pitched his heart out and I didn’t quite understand why he got lifted by Art Howe when he did - especially when the reliever that came in, Graeme Lloyd, immediately surrendered a bases clearing hit, turning a close game into a laugher.

Then today after the Reds won two out of three from the Mets, they fired Bob Boone and their GM, along with a bunch of coaches (including the guy who used to be the Mets hitting coach). The Mets meanwhile traded Lloyd to the Kansas City Royals for a hard throwing minor leaguer. The house cleaning continues but, I’m thinking next year will be a good year to get a Saturday plan again as I have that weird feeling the Mets are going to have a good scrappy team.

This past weekend was a tough one for a Mets fan. Bob Murphy, the voice of the Mets announced his retirement.

I don’t know if radio has the same relevance or vibrancy for this generation it did for mine or earlier ones. I have a very clear memory of listening to Yankee broadcasts when the team was Frank Messer, Bill White (later president of the National League) and Phil Rizzuto. Bob Murphy outlasted them. He has been a voice of the Mets for my entire life.

There is always something about the tone and cadence of his voice that is warm and soothing like a summer day. He isn’t given over to exaggeration like the current crop of broadcasters seems to be (see John Sterling or Michael Kaye). He doesn’t have that signature home run call a lot of broadcasters seem to need these days. His only signature is the understated “happy recap” after a Mets win.

So it is truly the end of an era (especially when you consider that Bob Murphy has been broadcasting for the Mets since the team’s inception in 1962!). Speaking as a baseball fan and a Mets fan in particular, Bob Murphy you will be missed.

Maybe my next car should be a Chevrolet!



U.S. officials on Monday repatriated 12 Cubans who were intercepted at sea after allegedly hijacking a government boat and taking three Cuban security guards hostage.

I don’t know, if they consider this a boat, I wonder what a car is? This gives new meaning to the phrase “off-roading.” Anyone want to bet some clown in Detroit is figuring if they can make the next Ford Expedition do this?

Even though I’m registered as a Republican, I don’t think many of the views I don’t find myself lockstep with many of the planks in the Republican platform. Ever wonder where you political views would put you? Take the World’s Smallest Political Quiz and find out. Short but, fun.

Could the fall of the Mayans, the Incans, and the Roman Empire, the rise of Islam, the plague and the beginning of the dark ages all be somehow related?

I saw the most fascinating show on PBS last night.

It’s based around this book by David Keys and I have to admit it is a very interesting premise. This article by Ken Wohletz at Los Alamos National Laboratory provides some interesting insight as well.

Wow! Thursday already where does the week go?

I wandered through most of the week in a haze. I think I’m still recovering from doing the catalogs and trying to get myself on a more normal schedule (read - days as opposed to being up all night working and then napping a couple of times throughout the day when I can).

It was a busy weekend too.

We saw 28 Days Later (don’t waste your money). Lots of style but no substance and The Omega Man did it better in a slightly similar vein.

Sunday, we wound up at Jack and Stephanie’s wedding shower. I’m usually wary of these things but, I wound up having a great time. Everyone was so nice and friendly, there was no way you couldn’t have fun. Jack and Stephanie both have a real “joy” about them. They seem perfect for each other - it’s hard to believe I’ve known Jack for over 10 years now. It was a beautiful day and a wonderful time.

The car crapped out on me again on Tuesday (while doing laundry). So, I hadn’t had it back a week and it’s got to go back to the shop - it took some of the wind out of my sails. I thought the damn thing was fixed once and for all and now it has to go back.

I’ve got a pair of aces, what do you have?

I had the image of James Cagney at the end of Public Enemy, “Made it, Ma, top of the world!” Yeah, I know these guys weren’t nice (neither is daddy Saddam) but, kill or capture? Something just doesn’t sit right.

Plus all these world leaders are coming out saying how glad they are these guys are dead. I’m not a conspiracy buff, certainly not in this case but, if we go in to “liberate” a country, how is killing the leaders of the previous regime any different than the things the CIA was responsible for in Latin America? The question is whether or not we have come to a point in history where Exxon/Mobil, Chevron, BP and Shell have taken the place of United Fruit?

I haven’t written about the Mets in awhile. It’s been a tough season. Add to that, I haven’t been able to watch any of the games lately. I had started to write an entry about what I think the Mets should do in terms of trades and had meant to go back and edit it when I had the chance and there they went and traded pretty much everyone I had been talking about.

I was hoping they’d be able to make a deal with Kansas City sending Benitez and/or Burnitz out for a sign and trade with Carlos Beltran but, that wasn’t what happened. I still think they should trade Al Leiter before the end of the year (Boston would be a good fit). There’s a bunch of middle relievers that could go as well (Lloyd, Stanton - who I never have liked and Weathers).

I’d like to see them go after Beltran in the off-season and Andy Petite. I don’t think the Yankees will resign Petite (they just don’t seem to think much of him) and I have the feeling the Yankees will probably make a big push to try and sign Kevin Millwood (who looks like a good fit for them).

I’d be pretty happy if they could get Burnitz back too. Next years’ team would be:

Vance Wilson - C
Mike Piazza - 1b
Jeromy Burnitz - RF
Carlos Beltran - CF
Cliff Floyd - LF
Ty Wigginton - 3b
Jose Reyes - SS

I’d like to see them get Edgardo Alfonzo back as well. Maybe I’m a sentimentalist, but I always thought Fonzie was a great team guy and good in the clubhouse. You never know what the Giants would be willing to do to get out from under that contract. I think most of Fonzie’s problems this year have to do with him being homesick - he never really wanted to leave New York.

If Burnitz doesn’t come back I’d like to see them shift Jason Phillips over to RF. I’d keep Super Joe (another favorite).

Starting pitching would be:

Glavine
Petite
Seo
Trachsel

And I think you can fill in a decent fifth starter somehow.

As far as the bullpen goes, something from the group of kids should materialize.

I think that team could do pretty well in the division.

In the meantime, I’ll just suffer through the rest of the season and hope this team can string together two good winning streaks between now and the end of the season and keep from embarrassing themselves.

Fat Man came back from the printer yesterday! Wow! It looked good! I am very happy and so is my client.

“He said between me and the cats, I would go first,” Murphy said. “I was really sick. My lungs would swell up.”

Another example of the litigious society the U.S. has become. There’s a lot of really bad off color puns I could make in regard to this story but, I’ll save everyone the groans.

MET MAN'S PET PEEVE. This is one of those stories that seems like it should be accompanied by the headline being set in a “bleeding” typeface (a la Tales of the Crypt) accompanied by one of those dramatically lit worm’s eye views of someone engulfed by terror.

It’s Sunday night after a busy weekend so, what better time to do a quick wrapup of some of the things off the Spinner Rack (comics, folks):

Nightwing #83 - I was fortunate to lay my hands on a copy of this, either it’s being under ordered by Bishop or there has been a sudden upswing in the title’s popularity (I’ll have to check IVC2 to see where it has been placing in the top 300).

If it’s the latter, it’s not hard to understand why, the combination of Devin Grayson and Rick Leonardi is a hard combo to beat. Leonardi hasn’t lost anything from his days as penciller of the X-Men and Grayson has picked up right where Chuck Austen left off.

This is one of those books that’s fun to look at and fun to read. The pacing is perfect and characterization has been working really well with Grayson doing a good job filling out the supporting cast. I’d give this a solid 8 out of 10.

Catwoman #20 - This is one of those funny titles for me. I feel compelled to pick it up but, it usually winds up being one of the last things I read.

I heard they’ll be a new creative team on the title as of issue #25, which will probably wind up being a drop point for me (I don’t remember who is picking up the title but, I do remember being underwhelmed).

Issue #20 is a good solid effort. I’m really not sure what Brubaker is doing with the title and I have do finding myself getting lost during his stories as his narrative isn’t as strong as it should be.

Cameron Stewart’s art isn’t your traditional mainstream comic art (more in the vein of a Mike Alred) but, there’s a lot of good that can be said about it. Really nice feel for the brush is evident in the inking style.

If there is a knock on the art, it’s a tendency to go a little crazy on the page breakdowns (with the minimum panel count being 7-on a good page, more often than not the panel count soars to over 10 per page) which make the pages look a bit cluttered, add the dialogue and you’ve got very busy pages. Add a dark palette used by the colorist and things border on the murky. I’d give it a 5 on the ten scale.

Planetary/Batman - Night On Earth - So, I’ve already mentioned this title previously in the blog. This is the one book you should really pick up. I have an affinity for Planetary already so, I make no bones about being very excited about new material coming out.

The combo of Warren Ellis and John Cassaday is one of the best in comics today. There’s not much more to say than that simple statement. This is the book to pick up if you don’t normally buy comics.

Trinity - Another of those retelling of first meetings in Prestige format. Beautifully done by Matt Wagner with Dave Stewart. It’s a good looking book but, at a price point of $6.95 you can spend your money better elsewhere. Only for the hardcore comics fan.

Batman: Detective Comics #784 - Brubaker succeeds here where he fails in Catwoman. First chapter of what is looking to be a good storyline. The backup feature of Josie Mac (by Winick and Chiang) is equally good. For awhile now, the backup features in Detective have been exceptionally good. This one lands at 7 on the ten scale.

Teen Titans #1 - On the heels of the Cartoon Network’s new Teen Titans cartoon, DC begins a new series with the Titans. Old characters (Raven, Starfire, Beast Boy and Cyborg) are back and the four (sidekick) characters from the failed Young Justice are added to the mix.

Geoff Johns writes and Mike McKone handles the art. The art winds up being much better than the aforementioned Young Justice and Johns seems to succeed where Peter David failed, it remains to be seen if the series has “legs.” Surprising timing given DC’s resurrection of The Outsiders. Falls somewhere between a 5 and a 7 on the ten scale. I’ll be keeping a wary eye on further issues to see whether or not this is a boom or a bust.

Global Frequency #9 (of 12) - Are you on the Global Frequency yet? Warren Ellis and Lee Bermejo have a hit on their hands. The title has the flavor of the first couple of seasons of the X-Files. Nice sense of drama and mystery stirred together. Premise of 1000 people across the world on a “Global Frequency” being available in a time of crisis to help save lives in odd circumstance works really well. This could be one of those books which winds up as a film or tv series. Worth seeking out the earlier issues. Comes in at 8.5 on the ten scale.

A wonderful story by way of Transom.org, Rene Gutel‘s 1000 Postcards.

Today’s entry via the Blunt Youth Radio Project, Have you ever noticed that there is a Starbucks everywhere you turn? Kathleen Ross’ Coffee Shop in Hell

Just one more thing in passing:

This article came out today.

In a speech to the U.S. Congress, Blair said history would forgive the United States and Britain for invading Iraq, even if they were proved wrong about the threat from its weapons of mass destruction.

History might but, the question in the forefront of both Blair and Bush’s minds has to be whether or not the voting public of each nation does (forgive the politicos for going to war). Time will tell.

Some various news tidbits:

Kill Bill, Tarantino’s next masterpiece is getting released as two films (kick up the box office numbers).

Another brief news item about security issues with Windows. As much as I hate Apple’s way of marketing, their product just doesn’t show the glaring holes that the people from Redmond seem to let slide in theirs.

Someone sent me a link to this article about the deathknell sounding for Netscape which didn’t catch me by surprise since I had already read this article about Mozilla. The first article did have a good point (in that I still hadn’t upgraded from Communicator 4.7).

There’s a lot of bells and whistles in the newer versions of browsers - I come from the “if it ain’t broke” school (of course, Sensei Savage would probably take me to task for that statement).

And wrapping up, I was sent the link to this article by two different people. I guess it made the rounds yesterday. Which brought to mind these quotes by Woody Allen:

I'm such a good lover because I practice a lot on my own.

and...

Hey, don't knock masturbation. It's sex with someone I love.

and...

My love life is terrible. The last time I was inside a woman was when I visited the Statue of Liberty.

Needless to say? The article was forwarded to me by two men, ladies just don’t seem to want to brag about or justify their habits (or lack thereof).

Yesterday it was over to the Javits Center to take in MacWorld New York Expo with Paul. MacVillage would have been a better name. Really, it turned out to be a bit of an overstatement, either that or the world is becoming a much smaller place.

As early as March, the rumors were flying about this year’s Expo. Unfortunately, they proved true. No Adobe, no Quark, no Macromedia and no Microsoft (although there were people dressed up in those weird costumes featured on the Microsoft commercials these days). The Expo was smaller than I had ever seen it, being confined to just one “room” in Javits.

We were talking to one of the Apple guys and while he extolled the features of the G5. Even though I pointed out Apple’s diminishing share of the PC market, he commented Apple would always have “its niche.” Great! Companies innovate to niche markets (not!) - made me think of the Commodore Amiga which was supposed to be this great little machine you could do all kinds of stuff on (the visual effects for the TV series Babylon 5 were done on a gaggle of Commodores in a basement in the MidWest). Not too many of them around now though.

Apple has a history of developing great products and then marketing them like crap - Newton, the first pda - WebTV. If you pick up the book about Apple’s history, it makes you want to pull your hair out. I like my Macs, quite a bit actually but, I’m not blind to the fact that these Expo’s are getting smaller and smaller each year and companies are choosing not to attend - it isn’t a good sign.

So, I have to admit to seeing this image and just being floored. I usually try to repress my baser urges in good, guilty catholic tradition but, I couldn’t help but remark on how striking Angelina Jolie is. The last time a women wearing a bikini that covered so much did it so well had to be Ursula Andress in that first Bond movie Doctor No. The funny thing is you can read this article from USA Today about the campaign (your usual press release puff piece) or you can check out the anti dairy Not Milk homepage which says Angelina is off the white stuff and has made a habit of Soy Milk.

By the by...

...I know we’ve all been a bit busy lately. SARs, the whole Iraq thing, fighting with the French, higher taxes, the jump in the subway fare and the tolls, all that friggin’ rain this spring but...

...whatever happened to Afghanistan?

Weren’t we going in there to oust the Taliban, restore order and put the whole country on better footing (rebuilding the infrastructure, setting up schools, building hospitals)?

A year and a half after the U.S. military drives the Taliban out of power in Afghanistan, the country's foreign minister says the more than $4 billion in foreign aid pledged for reconstruction has not been fulfilled. In Washington, Abdullah Abdullah expresses concern that U.S. involvement in Iraq could mean less support for Afghanistan. Hear NPR's Bob Edwards talks to Abdullah.

So much for putting our money where our mouth is. It’s okay to spend billions to drop all the bombs we need on people though. Am I the only person who thinks this seems wrong for a country purporting to be the moral leader of the free world? High ideals are fine but they need to be backed up with compassionate action.

(then again, I look at the job we’re doing here at home and I can’t be surprised)

THEY’RE BAAACCCCKKKKKK!



Planetary makes it’s return in a special one-shot!

Planetary/BatMan, a one-shot with a high suck potential turns out to be loads of fun. Even non comics buyers should find this a fun ride. Find out why this is the hottest book out there (the series will return on a regular basis later this year). I can’t recommend it highly enough. The first batch of issues are collected into two trade paperbacks. Pick up the first and see if you can resist going out and getting the second, I challenge you!

I can’t get over James Earl Jones.

Here he is just a shade over 70 and he skydives, he dances, he water skies - when is Verizon going to just shoot him out of a cannon?

Today, was a busy day.

Up at 5 after an hour or two of fitful sleep. Into the city early (as early as I’ve been in in awhile) to put the finishing touches on The Fat Man. Sneaking into the office before anyone is there, printing out the decks and getting the disc ready for the messenger who is coming at 9:30. It’s called stealth freelancing.

Happy client as the job goes out the door, the brief relief of having finished a project and having outstanding receivables floating around the lands of the US mail.

Racing all across town, in a middle of the day mood while it‘s still people’s Monday morning. Running through Bryant Park in the middle of the morning and loving the calm oasis it is before the lunch crowds descend.



Back up on a quiet train after a short sprint. Looping around doing the usual errands (mail, comics, CostCo) and winding up the afternoon with the delicious treat of chili dogs from Pat’s Hubba Hubba where the chili never stops bubbling.

Where is Loud Jane?!?!?

Her site is down. Could it be she’s packed up the family and moved out to the MidWest where the living is easier? I hadn’t seen Jane’s alter ego in quite some time. I was going to compare her to a tornado but, I can’t remember there being a path of destruction in her wake - still, there was no doubt in my mind she was very much a force of nature.

Maybe she’s down at The Jo-Rae Motel. Route 30. Well, wherever your path has taken you Loud Jane, know we are thinking of you and wishing you well.

Three months! Three long, long months!

Three months since anyone has been able to smoke in a bar in New York City - get your butts out of here!

Good story today on All Things Considered on the smoking ban and how smokers are dealing.

Not being a smoker, I can only imagine it’s hellish for anyone living above a popular bar.

I was talking to my mysterious friend the other day, who is the alter ego of the subversive super hero Joe Citizen. Joe has posted a little display (little being an understatement) of the wide range of uses our flag is performing in these post 9/11 patriotic times.

Joe’s onto something here and it’s worth checking out.