Nothing sublime lately, but plenty of ridiculous. This first clip leads to the chronicles of Yacht Rock, a musical sub-genre I wasn't awae of by that name. So far there are 6 bizarro episodes dramatizing unknown musical endeavors of people like Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, a drunken Messina, Christopher Cross, members of Toto and more. Even sstranger, the belligerence of Hall & Oates; particularly Oates.
From tere it's a quick trip to Cheney's Got A Gun, a nicely animated parody that's still funny a week after the event, especially with Harry Whittington home from the hospital.
Enjoy the videos.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Fiscal responsibility & obstinance
Tim Grieve, the "War Room" blogger at Salon.com made this post yesterday. I like his writing a lot, especially the profiles he's done on people. That aside, this double punch of the $346 billion war that was supposed to be $50-$60B and the allegations that, surprise surprise, we were headed to war regardless of inspections.
As Bush seeks more cash for Iraq, a memo sheds light on how he got there
The Bush administration is asking Congress for an additional $120 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan -- money that comes on top of the $226 billion the administration has already budgeted for Iraq.
Would we be "aiding and abetting the terrorists" if we mentioned just now that the Bush administration's top budget official insisted in 2002 that the entire war in Iraq would probably cost between $50 billion and $60 billion? Or that the president's secretary of defense suggested that the cost would be "something under $50 billion" and that other countries would be paying some of it? Or that the deputy secretary of defense said that Iraq could "pay for its own reconstruction"? Or that the White House eased out the president's chief economic advisor after he dared to suggest that the war would actually cost $100 billion or -- gasp! -- $200 billion?
That kind of talk might not get you arrested -- OK, it might -- but it probably isn't particularly welcome among supporters of the president's war right now. Neither is this: A new report in the Guardian says that George W. Bush and Tony Blair decided to go to war in Iraq regardless of whether the United Nations authorized it and regardless of whether inspectors actually found any weapons of mass destruction.
The report is based on the work of Philippe Sands, a professor of international law at London's University College who practices law in the same firm as Blair's wife, and it seems to conflict with the two leaders' public claims that they were working through the U.N. process and wanted to give Saddam Hussein a final chance to disarm before deciding on war.
Among other things, Sands says the memo details Bush's idea about luring Iraq into war by spying on the country with U2 spy planes painted in U.N. colors. "If Saddam fired on them," Bush is said to have said, "he would be in breach" of U.N. resolutions. Bush is also said to have told Blair that he thought it was "unlikely" that there would be warfare between different groups in Iraq after the invasion.
Sir Menzies Campbell, the acting leader of Britain's opposition Liberal Democrat Party, said in a statement that the memorandum -- if accurate -- suggests that Bush and Blair were simply going through the motions when they sought U.N. approval for the war. "The prime minister has a lot of explaining to do," he said. One might say the same about the president and his administration, if only it would do any good.
As Bush seeks more cash for Iraq, a memo sheds light on how he got there
The Bush administration is asking Congress for an additional $120 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan -- money that comes on top of the $226 billion the administration has already budgeted for Iraq.
Would we be "aiding and abetting the terrorists" if we mentioned just now that the Bush administration's top budget official insisted in 2002 that the entire war in Iraq would probably cost between $50 billion and $60 billion? Or that the president's secretary of defense suggested that the cost would be "something under $50 billion" and that other countries would be paying some of it? Or that the deputy secretary of defense said that Iraq could "pay for its own reconstruction"? Or that the White House eased out the president's chief economic advisor after he dared to suggest that the war would actually cost $100 billion or -- gasp! -- $200 billion?
That kind of talk might not get you arrested -- OK, it might -- but it probably isn't particularly welcome among supporters of the president's war right now. Neither is this: A new report in the Guardian says that George W. Bush and Tony Blair decided to go to war in Iraq regardless of whether the United Nations authorized it and regardless of whether inspectors actually found any weapons of mass destruction.
The report is based on the work of Philippe Sands, a professor of international law at London's University College who practices law in the same firm as Blair's wife, and it seems to conflict with the two leaders' public claims that they were working through the U.N. process and wanted to give Saddam Hussein a final chance to disarm before deciding on war.
Among other things, Sands says the memo details Bush's idea about luring Iraq into war by spying on the country with U2 spy planes painted in U.N. colors. "If Saddam fired on them," Bush is said to have said, "he would be in breach" of U.N. resolutions. Bush is also said to have told Blair that he thought it was "unlikely" that there would be warfare between different groups in Iraq after the invasion.
Sir Menzies Campbell, the acting leader of Britain's opposition Liberal Democrat Party, said in a statement that the memorandum -- if accurate -- suggests that Bush and Blair were simply going through the motions when they sought U.N. approval for the war. "The prime minister has a lot of explaining to do," he said. One might say the same about the president and his administration, if only it would do any good.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Insulted by your President much?
Saw this article in my paper this morning and have been worked up about it ever since. First of all, the audacity of the administration to have W speak to the nation (and the world) about our "addiction to oil" and what seemed like an aggressive and, dare I say, nearly laudable plan to reduce our dependence on all oil. I'm with ya so far, Georgie. That is, until his Energy Secretary lackey, Sam Brodman clarified the statements, no doubt in large part to the bitch-slapping he took from the oil and energy industry starting immediately after the SOTU address.
He basically said, "the president didn't really mean reduce oil consumption by 75%, it was an example that was misleading, what he really meant was..."
Beyond that insult came the injury of an administration official issuing an outright racist justification of Bush's targeting of Middle-Eastern oil when he "really" meant all kinds of oil dependence:
Asked why the president used the words "the Middle East" when he didn't really mean them, one administration official told Knight Ridder News Service that Bush wanted to dramatize the issue in a way that "every American sitting out there listening to the speech understands."
I'm sure said administration official "never meant it that way", but come on - his statement is obviously meant to heighten the fear-based stereotypes of and prejudices against the Arab world. Does he mean to say that every American wouldn't understand that we want to cut dependence on our own oil as well? OK, maybe he just thought that people in TX OK and California would understand, but the rest of us have no idea where oil comes from.
Really, Clinton has nothing on the kind of dishonesty and slick spinning that this administration has engaged in the past six years.
He basically said, "the president didn't really mean reduce oil consumption by 75%, it was an example that was misleading, what he really meant was..."
Beyond that insult came the injury of an administration official issuing an outright racist justification of Bush's targeting of Middle-Eastern oil when he "really" meant all kinds of oil dependence:
Asked why the president used the words "the Middle East" when he didn't really mean them, one administration official told Knight Ridder News Service that Bush wanted to dramatize the issue in a way that "every American sitting out there listening to the speech understands."
I'm sure said administration official "never meant it that way", but come on - his statement is obviously meant to heighten the fear-based stereotypes of and prejudices against the Arab world. Does he mean to say that every American wouldn't understand that we want to cut dependence on our own oil as well? OK, maybe he just thought that people in TX OK and California would understand, but the rest of us have no idea where oil comes from.
Really, Clinton has nothing on the kind of dishonesty and slick spinning that this administration has engaged in the past six years.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Beware the Pot Pie!
At a farewel lunch for a co-worker today my friend Davy ordered the pot pie, not knowing it would be bigger than his head. I know via SUPERSIZE ME what McDonalds will do to someone, but perhaps it's time that someone talked to the folks at Cheesecake Factory about portion size? At least it can last a couple days.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Pink: the next Geena Davis?
I somehow stumbled upon the latest video from pop chameleon Pink. I admit to being flummoxed by the source of this clip, or click here and click on link for the Pink "Stupid Girls" video - this may load faster and while the argument can be made that by using the very thing her song decries in the video that the execution is sloppy, but if something like this gets millions of girls thinking about their real value, then fine. One question: how long will it take for a "Stupid Boys" video that recognizes the lengths that young guys are going to live up to what they think they're supposed to look like (ie - mae appearance. it's not just for metrosexuals anymore).
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
The Police in one place
So apparently both Stewart Copeland and Trudie Styler have films at Sundance this year. Stewart's is a doc on the history of The Police. They all got wind that they were down the street from one another and this little reunion happened. No music, but nice to see them together.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Is my Senator part of this? Oh yeah, he's related to a healthcare company. SIlly me.
This morning's Washington Post click here for full article has a headline describing yet another closed door conference committee meeting whereby Republicans locked out Democrats (their democratically elected peers, representing millions of taxpayers) from any discussion on a major budget provision. The result: a $22 BILLION savings for the health care industry. This at a time when health care costs contiinue to rise every year. As someone that works in an industry with massive shifts in its revenue streams, I have to say that perhaps it's time for health care and government to start working up some new models oof business.
Our government can start by negotiating with drug companies and health care providers for better rates so that so many people don't have to go to Canada to get affordable medication. Then there's the idea of a national health care system that can be a leader, a catalyst, for real reform. Much is made of expensive government beurocracy, when in fact Medicare and Medicais are among the most efficient health care programs anywhere - far outpacing the private sector. It may have to do with not having CEOs making millions a year plus bonuses, even when a company loses money. Either way, for far too many of my friends, across all age groups, escalating health care costs are becomming the single biggest issue of their lives. If our GOP-led government wants to practive "family values" - how about making sure our families aren't splitting up over things like annual 15% increases in insurance costs.
Force the market to respond. I have every bit of expectation that by forcing new models to be developed we will see better coverage for fairer prices. American business are good at ingenuity, but slow to act on it. Give health care (and energy) industries a little incentive to change and we may have something to cheer about. I'm done. For now.
Our government can start by negotiating with drug companies and health care providers for better rates so that so many people don't have to go to Canada to get affordable medication. Then there's the idea of a national health care system that can be a leader, a catalyst, for real reform. Much is made of expensive government beurocracy, when in fact Medicare and Medicais are among the most efficient health care programs anywhere - far outpacing the private sector. It may have to do with not having CEOs making millions a year plus bonuses, even when a company loses money. Either way, for far too many of my friends, across all age groups, escalating health care costs are becomming the single biggest issue of their lives. If our GOP-led government wants to practive "family values" - how about making sure our families aren't splitting up over things like annual 15% increases in insurance costs.
Force the market to respond. I have every bit of expectation that by forcing new models to be developed we will see better coverage for fairer prices. American business are good at ingenuity, but slow to act on it. Give health care (and energy) industries a little incentive to change and we may have something to cheer about. I'm done. For now.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
40 years of hits in 37 minutes
From a Columbia University student comes the concept of "time-lapse phonography" - a kind of time-lapse audio program. He's mapped out every Billboard Hot 100 #1 single in an audio algorhythm that spans 37 minutes, listing the song and artist as it plays. I'm still getting through the entire thing, and I'm sure that there will one day be a practical use for this, but in the meantime, click here and let the hits play on!
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
At the risk of alienating Zamfir fans ...
... I offer this helpful guide (thx to Andy Peterson, who needs to blog).
click here for more scribbles
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
The real power behind Kaizer Soze
I love THE USUAL SUSPECTS, and never seem to tire of the film. This evening I discovered an entirely new twist in the plot. Completely unexpected? I'd say so.
click here and be amazed
click here and be amazed
Minimum Wage
ripped from the blog of one of my favorite people, Jim Hancock. To read what really smart people blog, click here
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Monkeys in the new year!
As my friend Rob said when sending this to me, "if you're like me and you like monkeys ... watch these:
click here
click here
Sunday, December 25, 2005
beginnings abound
A merry Christmas to all. We got our Christmas miracle this morning by Max having his first solid night's sleep in days, combined with Sydney sleeping in really late - she came in to our room and woke us up at 9:40 AM! She was filled with wonder as she discovered the gifts brought by Santa, for whom she toiled last night making gingerbread cookies. It was a joy to watch how she relished each moment with each gift, not merely wondering what was coming next, but savoring the present (no pun intended).
Our friend Marie came over with waffle iron and batter and we had a relaxing bruch, with the new JBL iPod dock that Michele gave me providing the audio output for the morning.
After a leisurely day I had intended to take Syd out to visit a friend of ours from church who just this week went into hospice care. As I made calls to find the best time to visit I learned that PJ passed away this morning at 11:40. Phyllis-Jean Flowers led a wonderful and full life, and was a lay-leader present when Sydney was baptized. And while I know that hospice care means that someone can pass at any time, this came as a shock. Our pastor was withher just 2 days ago and didn't think that she would go so quickly. I'm still shocked.
At the same time, our faith community rejoices in and prays for our newest arrival, Shane Ragan-Plowman, who was born 3 months early (yes, early) at 1 lb. 14.5 oz. We hear that the prognosis is good, but details are tough to come by, and we all stand by ready to help however we can. Shane's big brother, Trenton, has been spending a good amount of time with friends while Shiela spends time at the hospital with Lisa. Birth is still such a miracle and a mystery.
My folks will be here soon for a few days which we hope will bring more rest and stability. Peace to all...
Our friend Marie came over with waffle iron and batter and we had a relaxing bruch, with the new JBL iPod dock that Michele gave me providing the audio output for the morning.
After a leisurely day I had intended to take Syd out to visit a friend of ours from church who just this week went into hospice care. As I made calls to find the best time to visit I learned that PJ passed away this morning at 11:40. Phyllis-Jean Flowers led a wonderful and full life, and was a lay-leader present when Sydney was baptized. And while I know that hospice care means that someone can pass at any time, this came as a shock. Our pastor was withher just 2 days ago and didn't think that she would go so quickly. I'm still shocked.
At the same time, our faith community rejoices in and prays for our newest arrival, Shane Ragan-Plowman, who was born 3 months early (yes, early) at 1 lb. 14.5 oz. We hear that the prognosis is good, but details are tough to come by, and we all stand by ready to help however we can. Shane's big brother, Trenton, has been spending a good amount of time with friends while Shiela spends time at the hospital with Lisa. Birth is still such a miracle and a mystery.
My folks will be here soon for a few days which we hope will bring more rest and stability. Peace to all...
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Sunday, December 18, 2005
More Holiday Music
A friend's daughter has a bitchin' holiday take-off of the White Stripes, plus a cooler than cool tribute to The Dead Milkmen. Kris is one of the people who, though I rarely talk with or see, makes my life better. That and he and his family gave my little girl her own copy of "Where The Wild Things Are". What more can I ask? Our Syds rock!
click here
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
runt's rant riles righteously
My buddy Marko has been posting a series called, "a rant by a runt about the american church". It's great reading and food for thought. One of the things I really like about Marko's writing is the way he embraces the things that we so often villify (mystery, doubt, etc... as wonderful gifts from God.
Examle: "our faith should be chock-full of mystery! we see through a glass dimly. we strive to understand (we should) and we strive to see (we should), but we’ll only understand and see a percentage of the grand mysteries of god and the universe. this is not only a biological limitation of being human — it’s a great and loving gift from god! if overly-simplified answers rob us the opportunity for growth and faith, overly-simplified systems (filled with simplified answers) are like a band of robbers."
For more of Marko's series click here
Examle: "our faith should be chock-full of mystery! we see through a glass dimly. we strive to understand (we should) and we strive to see (we should), but we’ll only understand and see a percentage of the grand mysteries of god and the universe. this is not only a biological limitation of being human — it’s a great and loving gift from god! if overly-simplified answers rob us the opportunity for growth and faith, overly-simplified systems (filled with simplified answers) are like a band of robbers."
For more of Marko's series click here
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Is this real?
Much as it feels like I'm reading The Onion, it is, in fact, The Washington Post. This kind of "controversy" reminds me of the words of an acquaintence here in Nashville who advised me to "always watch the local news thinking it's a sitcom."
click here
click here
Monday, December 05, 2005
National Beard Registry
Got tipped off to this by my friends Davy & Pete, who are the first two you get when you search for Nashville, TN.
click here
With a goatee I can't really participate - can't go all the way like may of these fellows. I wonder how long it will take until this is co-opted for women who will beard for their gay friends. Til then, enjoy!
click here
With a goatee I can't really participate - can't go all the way like may of these fellows. I wonder how long it will take until this is co-opted for women who will beard for their gay friends. Til then, enjoy!
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