Deserving of a good punch in the face.
I’ve seen a bunch of photos lately, where people are flipping the bird to the camera (flipping the bird, giving the finger, f.u.). I’ve seen it so much, I imagine there is something of a movement going on - a thing where such a gesture is ‘cool.’ I’m probably dating myself by even using the phrase ‘cool.’
Thing is every time I see a picture like that, it annoys the sh*t out of me. So much so, I think if I were present at the moment the shutter clicked I’d be punching someone in the face.
Like I said, maybe there is this cool factor that escapes me - or maybe the whole one finger salute has metamorphasized somehow and I was unaware of it. It’s just, I remember growing up if you got flipped off like that, it meant you needed to throw someone a beating - seriously. I don’t use that kind of vernacular often (the throw the beating thing) but, it was very much a part of growing up and the neighborhood I grew up in.
I’m just figuring how I might be thinking twice before making the gesture is all.
May 31, 2006
Giving new meaning to the phrase ‘Hot Technology.’
I was just reading this article about the MacBook Pro - been thinking about getting one but, once again it has been proven to me never to go for the 1.0 version of anything.
Reports are surfacing that laptop batteries have become a cause for concern. A report on CBS-affiliate WCCO talks about how a boy’s Apple G4 iBook burst into flames. Dave Brown, an 11-year old boy left his iBook in the living room only to find that the carpet beneath the laptop had started to melt when he returned. In fear, his parents took the laptop outside only to find it in flames several minutes later. Other users on Apple’s discussion boards have reported that their power adapters have caught on fire and even the FireWire ports on some units.
I was just reading this article about the MacBook Pro - been thinking about getting one but, once again it has been proven to me never to go for the 1.0 version of anything.
Reports are surfacing that laptop batteries have become a cause for concern. A report on CBS-affiliate WCCO talks about how a boy’s Apple G4 iBook burst into flames. Dave Brown, an 11-year old boy left his iBook in the living room only to find that the carpet beneath the laptop had started to melt when he returned. In fear, his parents took the laptop outside only to find it in flames several minutes later. Other users on Apple’s discussion boards have reported that their power adapters have caught on fire and even the FireWire ports on some units.
May 30, 2006
What becomes a legend?
If you’re like me and you’re a child of the sixties there are some things you can tap into - vivid memories, touchstones of childhood. They are the things you can look back upon fondly and they are only enhanced by the prism of memory.
I imagine every generation since mine has grown up with their own Satuday Morning Cartoons. Consequently, I think those cartoons are the things which tie us into others of our generation. When I was growing up, Spider Man was a decent cartoon (at the time done by Ralph Bakshi), the Fantastic Four, the Banana Splits, there are others to be sure I’m just throwing a few out there.
One of the really good cartoons was Johnny Quest. Johnny Quest has managed a pretty long shelf life, I don’t know what they’re doing with the property right now but, I can remember the theme music to the cartoon, remember that the stories were always really good and that the animation was superlative. It came on towards the end of the slate of cartoons, I think it was on ABC at the time and it ran sometime after noon. It might have even been the last cartoon on the schedule before ABC switched over to Wide World of Sports r some other sports programming (of little interest to me as a kid).
Still, it was something to look forward to and savor.
If you get a chance or if you are a regular watcher of Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim, the current series they broadcast, The Venture Brothers, is a tongue in cheek jab at the whole Johnny Quest thing. I love it for that very reason.
Years later as a teenager, I would buy these black and white horror magazines. They weren’t comics per se, but they always had great stories and great art. I had my favorites among the artist but, theree was one guys’ work which stood out so noticeably different from anyone elses. It was the simplicity of line, the clarity of storytelling, the deft use of tone that all combined to make something that was exceptional and extremely difficult to pull off look deceptively easy.
The man responsible for the work just passed away this weekend. Alex Toth, part of an ever dimmishing group of creators who blazed trails in a number of worlds. Click on the image below to be taken to a site where you can see some of the man’s wonderful work - his is truly a legacy to be admired.
If you’re like me and you’re a child of the sixties there are some things you can tap into - vivid memories, touchstones of childhood. They are the things you can look back upon fondly and they are only enhanced by the prism of memory.
I imagine every generation since mine has grown up with their own Satuday Morning Cartoons. Consequently, I think those cartoons are the things which tie us into others of our generation. When I was growing up, Spider Man was a decent cartoon (at the time done by Ralph Bakshi), the Fantastic Four, the Banana Splits, there are others to be sure I’m just throwing a few out there.
One of the really good cartoons was Johnny Quest. Johnny Quest has managed a pretty long shelf life, I don’t know what they’re doing with the property right now but, I can remember the theme music to the cartoon, remember that the stories were always really good and that the animation was superlative. It came on towards the end of the slate of cartoons, I think it was on ABC at the time and it ran sometime after noon. It might have even been the last cartoon on the schedule before ABC switched over to Wide World of Sports r some other sports programming (of little interest to me as a kid).
Still, it was something to look forward to and savor.
If you get a chance or if you are a regular watcher of Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim, the current series they broadcast, The Venture Brothers, is a tongue in cheek jab at the whole Johnny Quest thing. I love it for that very reason.
Years later as a teenager, I would buy these black and white horror magazines. They weren’t comics per se, but they always had great stories and great art. I had my favorites among the artist but, theree was one guys’ work which stood out so noticeably different from anyone elses. It was the simplicity of line, the clarity of storytelling, the deft use of tone that all combined to make something that was exceptional and extremely difficult to pull off look deceptively easy.
The man responsible for the work just passed away this weekend. Alex Toth, part of an ever dimmishing group of creators who blazed trails in a number of worlds. Click on the image below to be taken to a site where you can see some of the man’s wonderful work - his is truly a legacy to be admired.
May 28, 2006
Giving a sh*t.
I was trying to think about what it is I give a sh*t abour these days. I say this because it is very difficult to hold onto righteous indignation for any length of time. Government can’t find weapons of mass destruction? Check. Government eavesdropping on the personal privacy of its citizens? Check.
I have to say, I have gotten to the point where I am no longer surprised by the latest transgression - I feel something more akin to, ‘wake me when it’s over,’ as in come and get me when we’re heading towards the fall of 2008. I just want it to be done.
It’s Memorial Day weekend and if you can’t find it within yourself to be thankful for all those people who have sacrificed themselves for the rest of us, plainly put - you’re a schmuck.
What makes that sacrifice even more special is the fact that it is done whether or not the individual agrees with current policy. Roll that over in your mind for a second if you will. A society where even if a person disagrees with the decisions made by a current administration, they defend and carry out those decisions because they have faith and regard for the underlying tenets of the society they are a part of.
That’s a tremendous thing.
Maybe the point I am trying to make is this, whether or not you agree or disagree with the policies and decisions our government makes, at the very least appreciate the people who go forth and defend our way of life. If someone in your family is a veteran, recognize their contribution and if you know someone who is a veteran, make it a point to let them know you appreciate what they have done.
Just a thought for this Memorial Day weekend.
I was trying to think about what it is I give a sh*t abour these days. I say this because it is very difficult to hold onto righteous indignation for any length of time. Government can’t find weapons of mass destruction? Check. Government eavesdropping on the personal privacy of its citizens? Check.
I have to say, I have gotten to the point where I am no longer surprised by the latest transgression - I feel something more akin to, ‘wake me when it’s over,’ as in come and get me when we’re heading towards the fall of 2008. I just want it to be done.
It’s Memorial Day weekend and if you can’t find it within yourself to be thankful for all those people who have sacrificed themselves for the rest of us, plainly put - you’re a schmuck.
What makes that sacrifice even more special is the fact that it is done whether or not the individual agrees with current policy. Roll that over in your mind for a second if you will. A society where even if a person disagrees with the decisions made by a current administration, they defend and carry out those decisions because they have faith and regard for the underlying tenets of the society they are a part of.
That’s a tremendous thing.
Maybe the point I am trying to make is this, whether or not you agree or disagree with the policies and decisions our government makes, at the very least appreciate the people who go forth and defend our way of life. If someone in your family is a veteran, recognize their contribution and if you know someone who is a veteran, make it a point to let them know you appreciate what they have done.
Just a thought for this Memorial Day weekend.
May 27, 2006
My Wednesday night out.
What a busy week it was. One of those weeks where you look up not feeling much at all got done but still having managed to get some things taken care of.
I took my friend T to the theater, if only to show appreciation for all the good turns she has done by me through the years. We got to see Sandra Bernhard’s latest show Everything Bad and Beautiful which is running over on Union Square through July. Not knowing what to expect, I went in with no expectations. In a small, intimate venue it was quite the good show.
A running monologue (more spoken word than comedy routine) punctuated by song. I had not known Sandra Bernhard possesses such a wonderful voice! The band was tight, her voice was great and the humor was biting. I walked away thinking perhaps SB has missed her calling and if Air America was at all smart, they would grab her for a slot - she has the acerbic and intelligent wit that would build a devote and loyal audience.
What a busy week it was. One of those weeks where you look up not feeling much at all got done but still having managed to get some things taken care of.
I took my friend T to the theater, if only to show appreciation for all the good turns she has done by me through the years. We got to see Sandra Bernhard’s latest show Everything Bad and Beautiful which is running over on Union Square through July. Not knowing what to expect, I went in with no expectations. In a small, intimate venue it was quite the good show.
A running monologue (more spoken word than comedy routine) punctuated by song. I had not known Sandra Bernhard possesses such a wonderful voice! The band was tight, her voice was great and the humor was biting. I walked away thinking perhaps SB has missed her calling and if Air America was at all smart, they would grab her for a slot - she has the acerbic and intelligent wit that would build a devote and loyal audience.
May 24, 2006
May 22, 2006
Brokeback, brokeback, brokeback...
You know it was going to happen. If you haven’t already seen Brokeback to the Future, you’ve missed a good laugh.
Now in advance of the release of X-Men III this weekend we are treated to Brokeback Mutant!
You know it was going to happen. If you haven’t already seen Brokeback to the Future, you’ve missed a good laugh.
Now in advance of the release of X-Men III this weekend we are treated to Brokeback Mutant!
May 19, 2006
Bringing anti establishment pinkoism to your door.
Well, since I’ve already damned myself as far as the right is concerned (for today anyway). I thought I would pass this along by my friend Triborough - it’s great at large size and Triborough has been kind enough to provide a link to a pdf of the file so you can print your very own!
Well, since I’ve already damned myself as far as the right is concerned (for today anyway). I thought I would pass this along by my friend Triborough - it’s great at large size and Triborough has been kind enough to provide a link to a pdf of the file so you can print your very own!
Speaking of video...
I just had to pass this one along, anyone who has been watching the ramp up by the Bush administration towards Iran will get a kick out of it.
I just had to pass this one along, anyone who has been watching the ramp up by the Bush administration towards Iran will get a kick out of it.
Friday Cat Blogging.
What better way to indulge in Friday Cat Blogging than by watching The Cat News!
What better way to indulge in Friday Cat Blogging than by watching The Cat News!
May 17, 2006
How stupid are you?
The Debt To the Penny
Current Amount
05/15/2006 $8,332,524,238,683.71
Don’t look now...
The deficit is the fiscal year difference between what the United States Government (Government) takes in from taxes and other revenues, called receipts, and the amount of money the Government spends, called outlays. The items included in the deficit are considered either on-budget or off-budget. (The off-budget items are typically comprised of the two Social Security trust funds, old-age and survivors insurance and disability insurance, and the Postal-Service fund.) Generally, on-budget outlays tend to exceed on-budget receipts, while off-budget receipts tend to exceed off-budget outlays.
So, with tax cuts, the expenses of rebuilding after Katrina, the Iraq war, Afghanistan and now this:
Bush said the federal government will pay for up to 6,000 National Guard troops to be deployed to the southern border. They will serve in two-week rotations, meaning that over the course of a year a total of 156,000 troops could be involved. He said Guard units will not be involved in direct law enforcement activities; that duty will be performed by the Border Patrol. Guard units will work in support positions.
I wonder where all this money is magically appearing from? Doesn’t anyone else get the feeling that this whole debate on immigration is only being made into a hot issue to keep people in this country distracted from the lousy job being done by the executive branch?
The Debt To the Penny
Current Amount
05/15/2006 $8,332,524,238,683.71
Don’t look now...
The deficit is the fiscal year difference between what the United States Government (Government) takes in from taxes and other revenues, called receipts, and the amount of money the Government spends, called outlays. The items included in the deficit are considered either on-budget or off-budget. (The off-budget items are typically comprised of the two Social Security trust funds, old-age and survivors insurance and disability insurance, and the Postal-Service fund.) Generally, on-budget outlays tend to exceed on-budget receipts, while off-budget receipts tend to exceed off-budget outlays.
So, with tax cuts, the expenses of rebuilding after Katrina, the Iraq war, Afghanistan and now this:
Bush said the federal government will pay for up to 6,000 National Guard troops to be deployed to the southern border. They will serve in two-week rotations, meaning that over the course of a year a total of 156,000 troops could be involved. He said Guard units will not be involved in direct law enforcement activities; that duty will be performed by the Border Patrol. Guard units will work in support positions.
I wonder where all this money is magically appearing from? Doesn’t anyone else get the feeling that this whole debate on immigration is only being made into a hot issue to keep people in this country distracted from the lousy job being done by the executive branch?
Speaking of baseball...
I set foot in Yankee stadium again tonight. I have seldom been to Yankee stadium since I stopped being a Yankee fan many years back. However, it would appear I couldn’t have picked a better game to go to:
Posada’s homer capped the wild, three-hour, 49-minute game which featured 34 hits, 11 walks, two hit batsmen and two errors. The Yankees overcame an early 10-1 deficit, tying the franchise record for the largest comeback in a game.
“It had everything,” Teixeira said. “It had a lot of runs. It had good pitching, at times. It had defense. It had balls caroming off runners.”
The Yankees overcame a nine-run deficit for the fourth time in their storied history. The last time was a 12-11 win in 10 innings against the rival Red Sox on June 26, 1987. Boston's starting pitcher in that one was Roger Clemens.
It was the largest lead Texas has squandered in its 35-year history.
Always nice to attend one of those historic games.
I set foot in Yankee stadium again tonight. I have seldom been to Yankee stadium since I stopped being a Yankee fan many years back. However, it would appear I couldn’t have picked a better game to go to:
Posada’s homer capped the wild, three-hour, 49-minute game which featured 34 hits, 11 walks, two hit batsmen and two errors. The Yankees overcame an early 10-1 deficit, tying the franchise record for the largest comeback in a game.
“It had everything,” Teixeira said. “It had a lot of runs. It had good pitching, at times. It had defense. It had balls caroming off runners.”
The Yankees overcame a nine-run deficit for the fourth time in their storied history. The last time was a 12-11 win in 10 innings against the rival Red Sox on June 26, 1987. Boston's starting pitcher in that one was Roger Clemens.
It was the largest lead Texas has squandered in its 35-year history.
Always nice to attend one of those historic games.
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