Whats happening to my shows?

The OC
First - How good is The OC. And previews of a cat-fight in a pool for next week's episode remind me a simpler time. A time where short skirts were appropriate in the workplace, Allison and Billy were on-again/off-again, and the future seemed bright for Joise Bisset, Rob Estes, and the rest of the cast of Melrose Place. The OC is a bright spot in an otherwise bleak and sad television landscape.

American Idol

America is stupid. I hate you America. America should die a horrible, rotten death, and then spend eternity listening to the vocal stylings of John Stephens. Seriously folks - just LOOK at the following two pictures

Now, who do YOU think, just from LOOKING at them, that has more talent? Rot in hell America. You deserve it.

 

Angel

Only 4 more original episodes left. The WB sucks. The WB and America can be roommates in hell.

 

As always - honorable mention goes to: Alias, The Sorpranos, The Shield.

Until Julie Cooper follows AC/DC on tour......

Later today...

I'll post more - we have a Divisional meeting this morning to review our Strategic Plan. Blah-hum-bug.

Why I blog.....

Back in early 2004, times, they were simpler. I'd come to work, do my daily internet readings, and eventually sit down and begin my workday. Now, that pristine lifestyle has been shattered, thanks to the overwhelming need to chronicle my opinions and thoughts in my daily blog.

So, why did I start it? Well, for years, I've been considering creating a true web page. I figured what a great way for friends and family to keep up with me. In addition, I thought it would be a fun project, and that I'd learn a great deal.

However, something happened when I sat down to actually do this project. I had forgotten that I spent ALL DAY LONG in front of a computer. So, by the time I got home, the last thing I really wanted to do was more computer work.

Enter the blog. My impetus to really begin it began after watching the state of the union address this year. I was inflamed. I sat down and began typing. For the next few months, sporadic entries were made. Then friends starting writing their own blogs, and it just snowballed.

So, why continue? Well, I joke, but my blog is my voice, and you can't silence my voice! My blog has multiple functions, first and foremost, its for me. I'm happy people read it, I'm happy people find it funny, informative, or disagree with everything I write (which probably every reader falls into one, if not all of those categories). But honestly, its a chance for me to sit down daily, compose my thoughts, and write for a few minutes. Since I've been writing in this, I've found my opinions to better researched and more thought out. That makes me happy (see my previous entry!).

And yes, I do the silly stuff, cause anyone who knows me knows that on extremely rare occasions I can be silly. I do pop-culture stuff because I have a passing interest in all things E! related. I do political stuff because I have opinions, which may differ greatly from many of the readers of this, and I'm all about the open exchange of ideas.

What will this be if six months? Well, if Marion is to be believed, absolutely nothing - its a fad that will die out. Maybe. I will say that I've enjoyed writing thoughts down on regular basis, that even if its not in blog form, I'll continue it.

And for what its worth, blogs don't have to serve a purpose. It can be any and everything you want it to be. I just wanted to share my motivation for mine.

Link of the day

Okay folks, Wednesday is publication day for The Onion. Normally, there are one or two real standout articles, and the rest are cute, but not LOL funny. Not so today. I can honestly say that EVERY article on today's front page is worth reading. If you are pressed for time, however, read these following ones. They're GOOD.

 Senatorial Candidate Introduces New Low-Carb Platform

National Endowment For The Arts & Crafts Criticized For Funding Giant Macramé Penis

and ESPECIALLY:

Why Can't This Family Ever Have A Funky Good Time?

Have a good one. Until James Brown bakes me a pie.....

Is this really what the founding fathers had in mind?

You've seen and heard them: the campaign ads that amount to "If you vote for candidate X, then you're voting to steal money from your grandparents, give cocaine to small children, and raise taxes."

On my way to work this morning, I was listening to story on NPR regarding a Republican Senate primary race in Pennsylvania. These two candidates were trying to out conservatize each other (I'm fully aware that is not a word, but you understand what it means don't you? So shut up). And the thought just crossed my mind - this can't be what our democracy was supposed to be.  The very idea of a democracy is that different ideas are heard, the ideas with the most support are the ideas which make it. Have our attention spans really decreased to the point that a campaign is nothing more then a series of television and radio ads, not a true discussion of these ideas?

I think the answer may be yes AND no. In mainstream media, all the average citizen gets is the soundbites, and for many, it really becomes a question of what candidate looks the most trustworthy. This is the candidate's ads you will believe.

But for the more educated and involved, they seek out more information, and delve into the deeper meanings behind the rhetoric they hear in a campaign. These people do not blindly accept claims from an opposition's camp. They realize that every issue has some black, some white, and some grey. I'd like to think that I fall into this category, as do the majority of my friends. While I might not always agree with many of them, I do value any opinions reached through research and thought.

Links of the Day

An editorial comment about both of these links - they just happen to be one of the funnier things I've seen in the past day and one of the most interesting politically. I link to them not to make a statement, but simply to inform and educate. Shalom.

I wonder if Barbara ever ate fleas?

This DOES make sense.

 

Until John Kerry says "you know what, George, you've been right on everything" ........

My first 100 days

After any major election, the first major milestone is the first 100 days of office. This is a chance for reflection on an elected official's promises versus output. While, I'm not running for office at this point in time, if I were, these are the things that I would propose to do within my first 100 days: 1) Make weekends longer - yes, I know what would happen, weekends would become 3 full days, and then people would still say the weekend needs to be longer - but really folks, 2 days just isn't long enough. I'd be willing to go to two and half. Lets start the work-week at noon on Monday. I'd even been willing to stay until six o'clock. With no lunch break, thats a reduction of 2 hours a week of work. Its already ten o'clock at work and I've done NOTHING, so its really not a stretch. How many people are really, really productive on a Monday morning anyway? 2) Release just the right amount of pollution to make the weather 75-85 all year long - c'mon, we all know about global warming. lets put it to good use. Sure, we'd have to hire some scientists to get the formulation right, but imagine a world where it was 80 degrees during the day ALL THE TIME. Crime would virtually be eliminated. And finally, 3) Declare every Thursday wings and beer day. It would be positively un-American not to partake in these delicacies every Thursday. Wings would be $ .15 each, and pitchers of beer would be $2.50. Businesses providing these services would of course receive a tax break. Vote for Daniel in 2024!!! PS - Happy Birthday Sean. PPS - I'm serious about the wings/beer thing.

Its Friday, I got a job, and I got shit to do....

My entries this week have been remarkably focused for me - each one has been about a single topic. As such, I've got a number of interesting links saved up from the week, so instead of rambling on about some inane topic today, I'm going to let other people do it for me. Anyways, on to this week's links: Maybe we can pay to put al-Sadr on this? There is just nothing else to say about this other then its a horrible, horrible way to die. I've been telling people this for years. If this is not doctored, its really, really messed up. Happy Secretaries Day Donald! Calling William Hung.... There may be a few openings in Hollywood.... Have a good weekend everyone. Until shepherds pie becomes the official dessert of Iraq......

Tales from the first six months...

In a few weeks, I will have been in my "new" job for six months. There are days it seems like I just started, and there are days that it seems like I've been here forever. All in all, a good move. Any job where you get to goof off with Howie for multiple hours a day can't be all bad.

But, from the front lines here at Palmetto GBA , there are a couple of stories. Wrote a blog about 'em. Like to hear it? Hear it go:

Get Well, Get well soon

I've never really worked for a big company - the largest was Blackbaud, and when I was there it had around 800 employees. There are 2700 people in my BUILDING now, so its been quite a change. And one thing I can say about these people with no hesitation is that they like their cake, cookies, and sweets. We had cake at 10:30 AM a few weeks ago to celebrate an employee's new job. There is a tin of cookies in our bay that is constantly being filled. Donuts are here once a week at least. Everytime I sneeze, I wait for people to come by with a cake singing "Get Well, Get well soon, we hope you get well soon."

Stupid People in the cafeteria

One of the perks of working here is the onsite cafeteria. I get to work, sign into my computer and make sure there are no crises needing immediate attention, and head on down to cafeteria, gonna meet some friends of mine. Friendly faces every where, humble folks without temptation. I typically go for the bagel, cereal, or oatmeal -all relatively healthy choices and a breakfast under a dollar. However, there are lines for people to get 3 eggs omelets without bacon, sausage, cheese, pigs feet, and okra.

Yesterday, while I'm preparing my bowl of oatmeal (a little brown sugar, some raisins, and a dash of cinnamon- write it down and put it in your recipe box)- a woman walked by me on her way to the fresh fruit bowl. She then proclaimed to a woman accompanying her that "I'm going to gets me some fruits." The written word really cannot portray the ghettoness with which this was said. Needless to say, I giggled about it all day.

Surplus

Here at Palmetto GBA, when you no longer need a piece of equipment in your bay, you move it to the hallway and stick a note on it saying surplus. Every week, there are chairs, desks, computers, monitors, and an assortment of file boxes and binders. This week, there has been a monitor in the bay directly across from the Automated Claims Processing Mill Bay (which is the department I work in, for all of you writing my biography at home). This monitor has a note taped to it saying "Sir Plus." Now, this may be a joke. It very well may be. I laugh everytime I see it. But, i fully recognize that with the geniuses we have working here, it may NOT be joke. And it is this possibility that makes me smile

Palmettosaurus

Height: Approx 5.8 feet

Weight: At least 200 pounds

Period: Early 21st centruy

What we know: The palmettosaurus tended to walk in packs - normally three wide down hallways of a business located in Columbia, SC. These carnivores were known primarily for their large posteriors, slow walking, gerneral disregard for their personal health, and complete and total obliviousness for the humanity around them. Attempts to go around the palmettosaurus were typically futile, as their hips tended to sway side to side enough that the attempted passer was very well taking his or her own life into his hands.

A diet of a palmettosaurus consisted of - bacon and eggs and sausage and grits after awakening, a double bacon cheeseburger and fries in the midday, and an undisclosed evening meal(a palmettosaurus has never been observed eating after 4:30 PM, but it can be assumed that the meal would consist of some sort of pork, possibly fried, and some manner of fried potato or vegetable).

Below is an artist's rendering of the palmettosaurus:

I hope you have enjoyed this look into the workings of Palmetto GBA. Until the Palmettosaurus starts eating grapefruit.......

Warning: Political Post Below!!!

Of course I watched the presidential news conference last night. Of course I have opinions about it. But before we get to that, I want to tell everyone a story. When I was in college, I dabbled on the intramural debate team. We got extra credit for doing it for my public speaking class. We'd done some parliamentary debate in this class and I enjoyed it. I'm normally fairly animated and all over the place when it comes to arguing opinions, so it was a great experience in being a little more focused reserved in topical debates. The best memory I have of this debate team was a Saturday morning where my college roommate Tana and I were on a team. The question posed was something along the lines of "Individual work is always superior to team work." Our opponents opened, so they argues that individual work was always better. They did this by arguing that Batman and Robin were superior to the Super fiends (Honestly, I'm not creative enough to make this up). For their full two minutes, they blathered on and on about the successes that Batman and Robin had as an example of the superiority of the individual over a team. In what may be one of the most beautiful moments of my college career, it came time for rebuttal. A favorite show of ours at the time (and one of mine currently) was South Park. There was an episode where Johnny Cochran guest starred and instituted the "Chewbacca Defense." The reasoning went something like this: "It does not make sense for a 7 ft tall Wookie to live on Endor with some 3 foot tall Ewoks. It does not make sense. If Chewbacca lives on Endor you must acquit." Tana then proceeded to get up and mimic the Chewbacca defense with what amounted to two minutes of "It does not make sense. What you just said had no relationship to the question posed. Batman and Robin are team, just like the Superfriends It does not make sense." Last night's press conference reminded me of that experience. Here is a suggestion to politicians out there - if you want to speak your agenda, and not deviate from it, then a speech is what is called for. If you want to answer questions from the press corp, then call a press conference. You cannot do both. Its insulting to all involved to hear a question and then blatantly NOT answer it. I think that most Americans would be hard pressed to make an argument for the "Sadaam Hussein is a hell of a guy, and I'd love for him to be in family" club. Thats not really the point of the war, or the criticism of the war. I think the world would be better off without Zima, brown M&Ms, and Lou Bega. Do I think we need to involve our armed forces in removing all of these things from the world? I think you might be able to guess my answer. I could write seventy pages about the alleged justification for war in Iraq. However, the simple fact remains that we are there. We've obliterated the governing system of Iraq. And now, our manifest destiny tells us that we must spread democracy to the Arab world, and it must begin with Iraq. I think this is why we are failing in Iraq (and yes, I think we're failing. No, I take not pride in that fact. It is not an "I told you so.") Instead of trying to understand their people, their culture, their religion, their values, we're moving in saying "We're the greatest country in the world. Of course you want our system of government." Democracy may be what is best for Iraq in the end. I don't know. I'm not well-versed enough in religion and political science to make that case. But I haven't heard anyone in our government make that case either.

This deserves it own entry

I see a lot of crazy stuff on this internet thing. Most of it I can come up with some sort of justification for its raison d’etre , but I just don't understand this. At all.

If you're looking for some fun things to try, here is a list:

dance
read
watch tv
masturbate
kiss me
turn off lights

Baked Sweet Potatoes are good

First off, thank you to Mike G. for posting a link in his blog. Its a picture which defies all logical explanationand reasoning. If you're not a regular reader of our resident foreigner's blog, the entry in question can be found here. My apologies to G for blatantly stealing his content, as I do attempt to keep some level of originality in my entries, but this was just too good to keep private. I've got a meeting in a few minutes that will likely last all morning. The purpose of this meeting? None. Absolutely nothing. There are going to be ten people sitting around a table talking about nothing for two hours, and that'll be that. The joys of corporate America. Last night, after a nice visit to the gym, I returned home to shower and eat dinner. I brought home with me some smoked chicken halfs that my family had at easter. I baked a sweet potato in the oven, and let me tell you, it was a damn good meal. Baked sweet potatoes are good. Its Tuesday, which should mean some blathering on my part about American Idol, but thanks to a press conference scheduled by our beloved president, it won't be on tonight. As if I needed ANOTHER reason to dislike W. Oh well, it should be entertaining to watch him scurry around the question of withdrawal in Iraq by June 30th. Till tomorrow

Its time to pay the man again

Last night, I finished my taxes. Yes, I'm waiting until close to the last minute, but due to some financial decisions made in the previous year, I knew that I would have to write Uncle Sam a check come April 15th, so I wanted to delay the writing of that check as long as possible. Now, I make no claims that I'm the smartest man alive - but I don't think I'm stupid either. I've graduated from some of the finest institutions in the state (i.e. Strom Thurmond High School), but anything aside from the standard vanilla 1040 tax form is absolutely ridiculously difficult to figure out. See, I worked out of my home for most of last year. As such, I'm entitled to deduct a portion of my mortgage and utilities as a job expense. Even with Turbo Tax, this was no easy feat to accomplish. And after about an hour and a half of gathering the necessary numbers, and figuring out how to make Turbo Tax realize that I had not sold my home when I started my new job, the whopping savings to me was about $3. That was time well spent. No one likes to pay taxes. I see it as a necessary excercise in keeping our government running. But c'mon people, its too damn complicated. One of the fundamental concepts of any computer science degree is form design. You want to design both printed forms and computer screens to be easy to use, logical, and neat. Hello, IRS. At least its over with for another year. Later this afternoon, I'll be printing them out and putting them in the mail. I'm sure things won't get easier for next year, but a little boy can dream, can't he?

A liberal Friday entry

Its been a while since I've done any really pissing off of my conservative friends who read this. So, in the spirit of Good Friday, what better way to celebrate the death of the man named Jesus then a tirade on gay marriage. The best way to sum up my views on gay marriage is to tell a story. I was home a few weeks ago and my mother asked me what my thoughts on gay marriage where. I honestly looked at her and simply said I don't really have any thoughts on it, cause I haven't spent any time THINKING about it. Which equates to a simple belief of "Why not? Its a non-issue in my book." Opponents of gay marriage say "Marriage was meant for a man and woman." What they fail to realize is that in saying this, these people are exposing the fundamentally religious nature of marriage. Jesus' first miracle was at a wedding. Governments adopted marriage as a civil institution primarily because it was such a permeating religious one. Government could change the meaning of the word marriage to include any loving unions just as easily as they could raise the minimum wage, not attack foreign countries under false pretenses, and ensure that Americans have a base minimum of health care. Many say "let the gays have civil unions, but keep marriage as something only between a man and a woman." Folks, I've got news for you - Brown V. Board of Education was fifty YEARS ago - separate but equal isn't right, fair, or legal. Sure, that was in regards to public education, but the underlying principle is the same. To return to my original story - this is actually not an issue that I really CARE about - it doesn't affect me really in any way, shape, or form. I have very few gay friends, and of the ones I do have, I don't know any who would like to be married. It just concerns me, that in an election year where we have millions of people without jobs or health care, that we're even spending a moment of valuable campaign time discussing a constitutional ban on gay marriage. What is next, a constitutional ban on zima? (although, I could probably get behind that amendment). Most people against gay marriage object to it on a religious basis. Thats fine. I respect your right to do so, and I won't even say that you're wrong. Its your right. Just remember, that just because something is legal in the land, doesn't mean your church has to embrace it: i.e. alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine, pre-marital sex, flatulence, or violent entertainment. If gay marriages were legal in the US, your church would NOT have to perform them. And now, a very special shout out to Mike G. and Wicker who have joined us in the blog community. Welcome to the world of sharing your opinions for all to see.

Read this other stuff

So, again, another day where I don't really have too much to say. Its Thursday, so that means tomorrow is Friday (for all you kids who rode in today on a bus that is of smaller length then a normal one). And that indeed is a good thing. So, since nothing has really fueled the fire of my sarcasm, I proudly present to you some reading material found on other websites! This is the true story,true story, of one man in a car, who agreed to have their lives taped. Find out what happens when people stop being smart, and start getting dumb. The Dumb World, FL. shhhh...Here kitty kitty..... Gives new meaning to the phrase Brother Grandaddy. Until The Easter Bunny drives a sleigh with eight reindeer.....

God Bless the Fox Network

So have you seen the previews for this new reality series from Fox called The Swan? The premise: take some average women (the supposed "ugly ducklings"), give them plastic surgery in an attempt to turn them into a beauties (the proverbial "swan") and parade them around in a beauty pageant. Some of the ducklings will not even make it to the pageant portion of the show.

Anyone who knows me knows that I don't hold much sacred. I'll make jokes at the expense of religion, the poor and destitute, and even the handicapped. I've pretty much ensured a special spot in hell for the fun I've made of people and things that I shouldn't have.

With all that said, this show just seems wrong. For one, I don't think it'd be interested to watch - I don't like to watch television to see insecure women succumbing to pressure to look just like everyone else. I don't want to see these women crash and burn.

The odd thing is, I do take a sick and twisted pleasure in watching "the Anna Nicole Show." I've even said to people that in watching her show, its a sure fire way to feel better about yourself. I honestly don't know what the difference is.

And I'll go on the record right now - there will be a preview claiming that the show is going to have a huge "twist" that will change the competition. Stop wtih the twisting reality show producers. Or come up with a new word. Or stop promoting every idea you have as a twist, and just present it as another part of the show.

American Idol Update

Last nights show sucked. About three of them can actually sing, the rest are coasting by cause some 13 year old girl thinks they're cute. And the editing on this show has gotten really, really bad. Did I really need the 5 second close up of Jennifer Hudson's hand? If there is any justice in this crazy world of ours, John Stevens will get the hell off of my TV this week, and then next week Camile will go, and then John Peter Lewis (he CANNOT SING PEOPLE. YOU MAY THINK HE IS CUTE, WHICH IS FINE. BUT HE CANNOT SING. HE. CANNOT. SING.)

Until Anna Nicole joins Mensa.....

What a good morning

For those of you with Blogs, have you ever written a lengthy entry, only to have it disappear from your screen right at the moment of posting? So now I'm faced with a dilemma, try to recreate the brilliance of the previous entry, or suck it up and do a shitty entry. I'm opting for the brilliance recreation.

So, this morning, I decide extremely randomly to take a different route to work. I don't really know why. Everything is going extremely well until I get about a mile from my office. It is here that I see my friend B.E. Dowdy in the median. Most of you are probably unfamiliar with Officer Dowdy, as I was until this morning. Unfortunately, Officer Dowdy caught me doing 45 in a 25 (school zone, at that). I honestly had no IDEA that it was a school zone and told him as much. I must have a trusting face, cause he reduced the ticket to 34 in a 25 and only 2 points and a $75 fine. At that level, I'm not even going to bother going to court - nothing will get reduced.

The lesson here boys and girls? Stick to your routine. New and different is bad.

American Idol Funnies

So, one of my favorite websites is Television without Pity. This site recaps television shows in a sarcastic manner. The recapper for American Idol is absolutely hysterical. I snorted Diet Mountain Dew through my nostrils this morning thanks to the following except from his recap:

"Commercials. When we return, it's time for Diana Degarmo, who is going to sing "Do You Love Me?" You know, the song where the second half of that line goes "now that I can dance"? The song you all learned to do the twist to on '50s Day when you were in second grade? That song? Where on God's green earth did she ever get the idea this song would be a good choice for this contest? Why, in the pageants, I'm sure. Ech. And what the hell did she do to her hair? She's got it all pulled back over her head in some sort of faux-hawk femullet thing. It makes her head look about five inches too tall. Kimberly Caldwell wore something similarly hideous last year. Diana's also wearing a denim jacket, white shirt, and red skirt.

So, when you go to Disney World's Magic Kingdom, they have (or used to have, anyway) one of their mass dining troughs in Tomorrowland, where you buy lukewarm burgers wrapped in foil, pay $12, and sit in three decks of seating and scarf them down so you can hurry up to Space Mountain and wait in line for an hour to ride a really tame roller coaster in the dark. Anyway, God forbid anybody have a moment of silence or non-entertainment there. So there's a stage up in the front that magically rises and lowers to bring up live acts of terribly mediocre singers and their creepy plastic smiles. This is exactly the kind of thing you have to suffer through while you're eating there. Diana prances around in her pageant smile and boring upbeat number while everybody pretends to be interested while waiting for their sister to finish her damned French fries already so they can go on a ride or something. She sounds a little sharp all the way through the song, too. Honestly, I'm having doubts that she'll even have enough experience in five years to make one of those "connections" Simon and I are already harping about. The fakeness is so ingrained in her. I think she might need cult deprogramming. She orders us to "Come on!" about five times. I'm not coming. Knock it off. Are you recruiting for your cult?"

 

The joys of my Tuesday morning. Have a good one.

Until Officer Dowdy repeals my ticket......

Weekend Wrapup

Okay, the Bridge Run was a success. 6.2 miles in 1:04:30. Not quite the time I was hoping for, but I'm not really complaining either. The new bridge is supposed to be compelte by next year, so maybe next year's run will be over it. An afternoon drinking beer and playing bocce on the beach ain't half bad either. Now, this lady has always kinda freaked me out. Her show on the Food network is something else. But this is just plain WIERD. I dont' even know what to say about it. For all you kids going to the prom, check this out. I'm going to Tivo this show like it is going out of style. I leave you with a quote from a friend. She said it the other day on the phone while I was at work and it just made me laugh: "Now I wish I hadn't woofed down my cheese sandwhich because now I'm unpleasantly full."

Friday Google Image Fun

So, for all those who missed the joke - yesterday's entry was indeed an April Foolery. As long as there is red blood in my veins, my blog will be full of snarkiness and wrongness. Something good did come out of the joke though - I liked the new layout so much I'm going to stick with it. I have updated the color scheme to be a little less obnoxious. And you never know when the My Little Pony icon will come back. So, without further adieu, is the Google Image Game, Part 2. Mary How Jimmy Hartley Lane Hayden And, a special section - dedicated to my friends parents... George How Cookie Richardson See you on Monday....

Its a new day

Its a new era here at my blog: You may notice some changes here today - a new color scheme, a new image, and a decidedly new tone. In reviewing my writings of the past few weeks, I've noticed a descent into the darkness that is negativity. I can honestly say that I don't like what I seem to have become. So today marks a new adventure in the world of my blog. Gone is the negativity of before. From here on out, there will only be writings and stories that uplift, console, and inspire. No more of this political nonsense. No more angry letters to those simply trying to get by in this world. No more google image search making fun of those people I care about in this world. Yes my friends, its a new day, and I look forward to fighting the sarcasm and negativity in this world together. Together, we can make a positive change. In the words of Michael Jackson: "I'm gonna make a change, for once in my life"

God Bless State Government

Okay - this article really chaps my hide. Here's the first paragraph of the above article for posterity's sake: "The S.C. Senate was gridlocked for more than seven hours Tuesday as a small band of senators — led by powerful Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston — filibustered, preventing a majority from passing a strong seat-belt bill." Okay - in a state where education is near the bottom of the nation, we're in a budget crunch, and the govenor is calling for privatizationof every conceivable function - I'm glad our state senators are making themselves useful by wasting at LEAST two full days arguing over whether Cletus Jones and family has to wear their seatbelts. For those of you just tuning in - I'm committed to improving the common good. But c'mon, there are just some things that are not worth the time and energy for the tiny benefit it may bring. This seat belt law is one of those. Since the SC state senate is committed to saving the SC population from themselves, I am in the process of drafting a bill to committed to seeing the following laws enacted: 1) Creating stricter motorcycle helmet laws. For the .2 % of the population that rides motorcycles, and the subsequent .2% of that population which is involved in accidents, and the .2% of those involved in accidents who don't wear a helmet every year (thats a whopping .008 % of the general population for those of you playing along at home) - I propose that we spend 3.4 billion dollars on a helmet education policy for the state. Screw the hundreds of homeless and hungry - we've got rich affluent white guys who are killing themselves on motorcycles! 2) A gas price relief package for any white housewife who drives a SUV. These woman are the backbone of our economy people - and while they've been driving gas guzzling cars for years, now that gas prices are rising, they need something to complain about in their stop-off at Starbucks in between shopping excursions at Talbots and Coplons. This gas relief package would reduce the price of gas by 50% for every housewife, and would give doctor's wives an additional 25% break. This would all be subsidized with tax money. Just think of all the money the state will be saving by privatizating the museum, parks, law enforcement, the judicial system, and the state house. Give me a break people - Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative - I just don't understand the asinine use of time and resources of our state government. Perhaps if they were better stewards of taxpayers monies, we would not be in the budget situation we're in. Until next time, or until Jim Clyburn introduces a bill calling for Maurice Bessinger as man of the century.....

They should totally change the prayer book

You know, there is a blessing in the Episcopal church which says, "May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; and may the blessings of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you now and remain with you forever. Amen! I'd like to officially petition the church to change the line to "the peace of mind which comes with a clean house..." Seriously folks - After weeks of squalor and near slum-like conditions, I finally got off my lazy ass and did some serious cleaning. It wasn't even of the spring variety. It was just normal, what should be once a week cleaning of the bathrooms, kitchen, and other living areas of my home. And you know what, I just woke up this morning in a better mood. The bathroom didn't scare me first thing in the morning. I walked around in my bare feet and nothing stuck to me. What a beautiful feeling. Now, this isn't to say that the project-like conditions won't be back - probably sooner rather then later. But it is nice, even if just for a fleeting moment or two, to live in relative cleanliness. Until the Episcopal Hymnal includes "Bette Davis Eyes" -

This is harder then I expected

You know, I thought that at least once a day, something would annoy me greatly enough to make an entry. And while there are things that annoy me on a daily basis, transferring them from the hustle and bustle of daily life into a blog entry is harder then I expected. I don't want to write something just to write something, but at the same time, I don't want to go long periods of time without updating. Its a proverbial catch-22. So, if anyone is looking for something to do this weekend, check out this. All the cool kids will be there. I almost expected to see Dr. Dic on this page. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire the A-Team.

Your fragrance needs to stay your fragrance

Last night, after a nice workout, I stopped by Kroger to purchase some laundry detergent and a frozen pizza (the dinner of champions my friend). After a pleasant enough transaction with a young cashier, she handed me my receipt and my bag, and I was on my merry way. I got home, and put the pizza in the oven, and opened a beer (cause really, beer and pizza goes together like peanut butter and jelly, crack and whores, and Howie and Happening Superstars. As I take my first, tasty sip of my Miller Lite, thats when I smell it. It wasn't so much that it smelled bad. It was the fact that my hand, my arm, and now my beer actually smelled like it. What was it you may ask? Why the very scent that I first whiffed at my friendlyneighborhood Kroger. It was all over me. After a few minutes scrubbing in my kitchen sink, i finally got it off of my person, but the beer was a lost cause. Perfume should be subtle. If you're at a normal conversation distance from someone, you should be able to slightly whiff a person's chosen scent. In a more intimate setting, it will obviously be stronger. If you can actually smell someone before you see them, then you're wearing too much damn cologne or perfume. I fully respect your desire to smell like a $0.50 hooker. I really do. The fourteen squirts of your $1.22 perfume certainly are doing the job. But please, have some consideration for those around you. While you may enjoy smelling this way, I certainly don't.

Image Google Search is Fun

So, hopefully everyone is aware of http://images.google.com Know what a fun game is? Type in your friends names and see what comes up. In the oft chance that you get an actual picture of them, its pretty wierd. But sometimes seeing the other stuff is just as funny. Here are some examples. Marion Swain Adam Dougherty Catherine Anderson Chris How John Reddic That was fun! Till tomorrow.

Top Ten Things I learned this weekend.

In no particular order: 1) A 29:20 5K made me very happy (and thats the time I actually crossed the finish line - the actual time may be under 29!) 2) Running + Beer at 10AM = Drunk Daniel in bed at 8 PM 3) Hammering sucks. 4) The Legend of Zelda is a whole lot easier then I remember. 5) People actually read this blog. 6) Drunk-talking to co-workers is not a good idea. 7) Not going to a race is a guarantee for it being a beautiful day. 8) Weekends are not long enough. 9) There is a girl’s line and boy’s line in keg tossing. 10) Thank God St. Patty’s day is only once a year. Till tomorrow, when I may or may not but fired up about something….

Wow

Wow, apparently they want me to actually do some work at work these days. I don't know what their problem is. As such, I haven't really had a chance to update this the past few days during the day. Since its been warm outside, I've got a bad case of spring fever and I'm outside doing stuff. I just had $500 worth of lumber delivered to my door this morning. I'm in the process of rebuilding a deck and I'm going to build a picnic shelter in my backyard as well. I can't wait until June when I'm sitting in my back yard, sipping a nice cold beer, throwing some horse shoes, and basking in the glory of my hard work. It makes home ownership worthwhile.

Manic Monday

So, not too much to say today. Here's an update on life: 1) I'm looking to purchase a cheap new hard-drive so I can upgrade my Tivo. I'm checking some of my bargain sites on a regular basis, but if you see a good deal on one, shoot me a message. 2) I've got spring fever bad. I've got my new and improved back yard sketched out right now, and I really wish I had unlimited time and money to make it a reality. Anyone willing to donate some cash for the backyard improvement fund? 3) I watched three movies over the weekend. They were all good, in their own ways. A Mighty Wind , The Fugitive, and Phone Booth. 4) I cut my EAR today while I was shaving. Don't ask how. I also seem to have lost a check. I also walked out of the door without my wallet this morning. What a good Monday. I leave you with those immortal words of the Bangles: It's just another manic Monday I wish it was Sunday 'Cause that's my funday My I don't have to runday It's just another manic Monday

An open letter

Dear Convenience Store Employee, Thank you for the years of sub-par service at your establishment. Of waiting to turn my gas pump on while you finish your Milky Way, of overcharging me for beer and cigarettes, and for broadcasting an air of apathy and lethargy that is unparalleled in this hemisphere. You really are the unsung hero of America. Imagine a world where you get off the phone and actually attend to your customers. Can you fathom the horrors that would result in a smile and a thank you after I make in a purchase in your store. And what would behavior like that teach our children? No, its much better that you continue doing your minimum wage job with no motivation and desire to do better for yourself. I’m sure you’ve had multiple employment offers from all the successful businessmen who frequent your store who have been impressed with your get up and go attitude and professionalism. Choose it carefully, because your job working the 11PM to 6 AM shift at the local gas and go make not be there if things don’t work out at another job. And someone has to teach the new Bantu trainee the ropes. Sincerely A loyal patron

Ode to a masterpiece

Okay, please read this entire entry. Don't skim it, see what the topic is, and move on. If you'd do that, you're EXACTLY the person I'm writing this for. For most of you, the name Joss Whedon would mean absolutely nothing. I want to change all of that. Joss Whedon is the creator and mastermind behind TV's Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Firefly series. I can't tell you how many people roll their eyes when I mention that Buffy is my all time favorite show on television. Of course anything with a name like Buffy the Vampire Slayer must be sophomoric. No self respecting writer would spend any time actually developing such a concept. To understand the beauty of the show, you must understand two important cliches that it tackles head on. Number One, one of the oldest horror movie cliches is the blond haired damsel in distress running down a dark ally, being pursued by some big nasty monster. Buffy, as a concept and as a series, turns that cliche around - what if the blond haired cheerleader was doing the chasing of the monster? The second, and more relatable to the masses concept the show tackles is that of "High school is hell." For most intelligent students (which is the audience Buffy is after - it would never be the ratings smash that CSI or Friends was because it was so much SMARTER then what was on television) - high school is a metaphorical hell, escaped only by graduation. In the world of Buffy, it is both a metaphorical hell and a LITERAL one. Monsters around every corner. Sure, some potential viewers could never get past the name "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Some couldn't get past the fact that it was a show that refused to be genred: was it a comedy, a drama? (and yes, I just used the word genre as a verb, deal with it). But any show, that in a single hour can make me laugh and cry, can scare me and make feel pity - surely something must be right. If you've never given the show a chance, and would to, let me know, I'd be glad to share. And now, my Top 5 Buffy Episodes 5) Hush - The first of Joss Whedon's "stunt" episodes. The last 30 minutes of the episode don't have a single bit of dialogue. The villains are creepy, the lack of voices creative, and the comedy of communicating without voices - brilliant. 4) The Gift - The 5th season finale, and 100th episode. 3) Becoming (parts 1 and 2) - The Second Season finale - probably the most representitive single two episodes of the entire show. Comedy, drama, apocolypse - this one has it all. 2) Once more with Feeling - The Whedon-penned season six musical - and a musical that actually addresses the fact that "PEOPLE IN NORMAL LIFE DO NOT BURST INTO SONG." Even more impressive about this episode is that its pivotal to the season long story arc. The cast definitely has varied bits of talent - but with lyrics like "Bunnies aren't just cute like everybody supposes, they got them hoppy legs and twitchy littly noses, and whats with all the carrots, what do the need such good eyesight for anyway, bunnies, bunnies, it must be bunnies.... or maybe midgets" its hard to go wrong 1) The Body - a haunting view of what the hours following the loss of a loved one is like. Its truthful, heartfelt, and real. The complete abscence of background music during the episode creates an hour of television that isn't soon forgotten. Now maybe I haven't convinced you that Buffy is a great show. But hopefully your interest has been piqued. And if not, shut up. :)

Its a freaking movie people

For the past month, among other things, I've listened to my coworkers debate the finer points of "The Passion of The Christ". For these people, it seems that viewing this HOLLYWOOD movie was a true religious experience. I'm not saying it isn't a powerful movie for Christians. I'd like to see it at some point. But just like reading The Davinci Code , it certainly won't change my faith one bit. I'm all for movies that showcase religion, and I'm glad that its found an outlet in mainstream Hollywood. However, it is a movie that was made FOR PROFIT. It would not have EVER been made, distributed, and marketed if someone somewhere didn't think it would make money. And bluntly put, its a work of historical fiction. Based on facts, yes. But an accurate representation of exactly what happend? I have to say maybe only because I don't know for a FACT that its not the way it happend. I think what really gets me is the fact that I've heard so many people comment on how this movie has fundamentally changed their faith. Well shame on you. We're all at different places in our journeys - but if a movie can change your belief system that much, then whats next? A new brand of Rice-A-Roni that replaces communion? In conclusion - religion is based on reasoning and thinking - sure its emotional and there IS an element of faith involved - but I've already thought through so many of the things that people seem to be thinking about for the first time. That doesn't make me better then them, but it certainly gives credence to the "Religion is the opiate of the masses" view that Karl Marx held. Tomorrow - a much less controversial entry, I promise.

Am I the only one who understands???

Listed below is a routine traffic sign, that one would think people would obey...but nooooooooooo What is it people? Why? Are you playing policeman, trying to keep others from going faster then you think they should? Are you truly that self-absorbed that you're unaware that your actions are affecting other people? Or are you just playing asshole, aware that your actions are affecting someone else, but you just don't care? Whatever the reason, I consider this an open declaration of war. You may have started it, but I'll win. Challenge.

MP3 Random Feature Musings

So, two hours in the car this weekend gave me lots of time to play with my MP3 player’s random feature. I’m a big fan of this feature, as you never know what is coming up next. Here’s a sampling of my ride home on Friday, to explain what I mean: 1) Tracy Chapman – The Promise: For an old girlfriend and I, this was “our” song – I hadn’t thought about the girl in a while, and hadn’t thought about this song in even longer – so having it randomly start was a little jarring. It’s a great song, but like any song that has special meaning, it instantly took me back to another place and time. 2) Led Zepplin – Stairway to Heaven Okay, normally, I know that this song is coming up. But to just be driving along (at right at exit 33 on I-20 who already know what I’m talking about) – it really was just a surreal moment. Hearing the opening notes of this song always make me feel like I’m a 13 year old again at Gravatt. It was just a nice rememberence of how much Gravatt is a part of my life. 3)C&C Music Factory – Things that make you go hmmmm 8th grade science lab – I remember sitting in the room, and someone had turned on the radio. This song came on and everybody started singing it. Just one of those completely random memories that I hadn’t thought of in years. Until Tomorrow, I leave you with the lyrics to that classic C&C Music factory song: Things that make you go hmm I was at the crib, sittin' by the fireplace Drinkin' cocoa on the bear skin rug The door bell rang. Who could it be? Thought to myself then started to shrug Got to the door. Ding Dong. Who is it? My girl's best friend had payed me a visit. Sly as can be, tight dress and all She knew that I was faithful. I really didn't have the gall. I tried to chilll. She made the move. Now I know my girlfriend wouldn't approve. I didn't realize my girl was settin' me up Yo, my girl didn't trust me. No! Yeah, but she lost control I wouln't take the bait. I said chill baby baby chill baby baby wait My girl bust in, Caught us creating a boom She said "Girlfriend"? Things that make you go hmm Things that make you go hmm Things that make you go hmm Things that make you go hmm, hmm, hmm Things that make you go hmm

God Bless Friday

TGIF! Its 1:16, and I honestly have not done a single bit of work all day. I've talked on the phone, talked to co-workers, surfed the net, talked to more co-workers, talked on the phone some more, gone to lunch, ate a White Mystery Airhead and then surfed the net some more. You know, funny is funny - whether it be Republican, Independent, or even Democratic. I'm not quite sure which of Dennis Kucinich's aides told him this would be a good idea, but he deserves to loose his/her job over this. THis is the BEST news I've heard in a long time. Finally - its my Dad's 58th birthday today. He'll never see this, as he is not one for technology, but happy birfday Dad!

Just not feeling it

I don't have anything newsworthy or witty to say today, so I won't waste much bandwidth. What if George W. was a girl? - Just a funny site.

Best of 2004 – Part 1

This idea is stolen partly from Oprah, partly from my desire to have a theme running through these somewhat random entires, and partly in an effort to include some positiveness in an otherwise angry and annoyed blog. A few ground rules about my list: the items in question do not have to originate in 2004. For instance, the best book I’ve read in the past few months has been Mystic River which was actually published in 2002. So, we’ll start today with my 2004 best of : MUSIC. Best Music to Clean To: Moby’s Play. Its just great music all around. Moby sure is talented. Its not an album I’d ever just want to sit down and LISTEN to, but as background music, especially background cleaning music, its phenomenal. Best Driving Music: Macy Gray’s The Trouble With Being Myself. It’s a funky, mellow, and ambitious musical journey. The songs are catchy, well-written, and are of a varied nature. My favorites? Probably “She Don’t Write Songs About You”, not because I can understand the thoughts in the song, but cause the line “She’ll give you good head, and she’ll make up the bed, but she don’t write songs about you.” Just makes me smile. Best DMB Album Okay, everyone knows that I’m a ridiculous Dave Matthews Band fan. I despise the frat-tastic following the band has attained, but I can tolerate it cause the band is just that good. Anyone who screams “We love you Dave” at a concert, and doesn’t follow it up with a “We love you Boyd, Stefan, Leroi, Carter, and Butch” should really be shot. The band, while sharing Dave’s name, is truly an ensemble. In fact, Dave is the member I enjoy and like the least. Sure, he’s the frontman, but its Leroi and Boyd who are my all-time favorites (saxophone and violin for those who aren’t on a first name basis with my boys.) All that said, what DMB have I listened to more lately then any other? Without a doubt, it’s the Central Park Concert from last year. While not their best live performance as a group, each member really shines on a couple of songs. The 15 minute Jimi Thing is probably the closest thing to perfection I’ve ever heard the band do (maybe following Lie In Our Graves from their Live in Chicago CD). If all you’ve ever thought of is DMB a white male schlong fest – I’ll probably never convince you otherwise. Are there more talented bands out there? Sure. Are there songs with better written lyrics and tighter melodies? Sure. Bands more talented at jamming? Most definitely. But a band that has fun, shows true musical talent, and that just brings something new every time they perform? This is it. Next up in the best of series: Best Television.

Stupid work

I've got a class this morning - I'll be back with my regulary scheduled update this afternoon. Check back at 2:00 PM for the first in my best of 2004 entries!

And now for something completely different...

So, I like American Idol. Its difficult for me to just come out and admit that, but I do. I love the auditions - the obvious plants that are put in there just to make fools of themselves. I love semi-final groups of eight - where some people shine and some people don't. And then there are the finals, where it has been painfully obvious over the past two season who would be in the final four or so. However, last night's American Idol special "Uncensored, Uncut, and Untalented" (or some variation of those words, I'm too lazy to go look it up) just seemed, completely unnecessary. Yeah, there were some bad auditions. But to bring "Scat Girl" onto national television again...and to sing NEUTRON DANCE. God love us all. She sang NEUTRON DANCE. Stop. It was obvious she has the personality of a ball of wax when they didn't let her speak AT ALL. Go home fame-whore, we're all full up here. And c'mon - the army girl - she's cute in that bubbly high-school cheerleader way - and her voice wasn't that bad - but did I really need to sit there and watch her sing Boogie woogie bugle boy? See - she's in the ARMY. And she sang a song about a guy in the ARMY. Get it America? And finally - what to say about good ole William Hung? He honestly seems like one of the most down to earth, humble guys on the planet - and if this is what he wants, then so be it. But I just feel bad for the kid. Everytime I hear him sing I think about that scene in "A Christmas Story" where they're in the Chinese restaurant and the waiters sing "Deck the Halls" complete with "Far-rar-rar-rar, rar rar rar rar." And his performance - they gave him BACKGROUND dancers. I'm sure Neutron Dance would have been better with background dancers. Okay, maybe not -but c'mon American Idol - a little fairness here. I leave you with a quote from that greatest of American Songs: Neutron Dance: I don't want to take it anymore I'll just stay here locked behind the door Just no time to stop and get away 'Cause I work so hard to make it everyday Whoo oooh Whoo oooh There's no money falling from the sky 'Cause a man took my heart and robbed me blind Someone stole my brand new Chevrolet And the rent is due, I got no place to stay Whoo oooh Whoo oooh (Chorus:) And it's hard to say Just how some things never change And it's hard to find Any strength to draw the line I'm just burning doin' the neutron dance I'm just burning doin' the neutron dance

Da da da da da da

Monday monday... A weekend spent demolishing the interior of a house, playing video games, and drinking beer can't be bad, can it? Of course not. Anyone got an idea for my father's birthday? He's turning 58 on Friday. I'm headed home for the weekend and I have no idea what to get him. What do you get a 58 year old? Maybe a new transformer? So, I was driving on Saturday and had my MP3 player on random. A song came on that took me back to the early 1990s (in fact I think it was 1990 exactly). You know we live in crazy days when a dance craze sweeps the nation and the entire purpose of the dance is to just stand there and make hand movements. Yes boys and girls, i'm talking about Vouguing. You know what, this would have made a good Nintendo game. Wanna read a f*&#ed up novel? Read this I just finished it yesterday. Very interesting. I'm glad I didn't grow up a rich kid in LA. Till tomorrow! Daniel

Snow Conquers All

Apparently, three flakes of snow are enough for lcoal schools to delay classes by two hours. You know, there definitely are days that I wish I was back in school. I had an eye exam yesterday - and they actually took a picture of my eye and then we looked at it on the computer - it was pretty neat to see. You should totally make an appointment to have your eye photographed! ---------------- I KNEW I was normal Martian man uses sunset to benefit own sex life. Interesting game Je voudrais un maison avec dix chambres. Oui, DIX chambres!

Rainy and cold

What a nasty day. I'm glad I get to work inside! No Child Left Behind - especially for those parents who can afford to send their kids to private schools I've been singing this theme song all day - "Theres no place like home - with your family around you you're never alone" I mean no place child. A really good article detailing the Patriot Act. I'm sure you can guess my personal views on this piece of legislation (and if not, just scroll down this page) - but this is a good concise summary of it. Au revoir.

Hump Day

Its all downhill from here. Not much to say this morning - so I'll just give you some reading material: Too Bad the dinosaurs didn't have this meeting. I'm doing this at some point in the future. And then my social life will officially be over. X-Men 3! A demain!

Is it Friday yet?

This is going to one of those long weeks - I can already tell. Nothing necessarily bad going on, but its just going to by slow. Today's Craziness: I read this proposal for a Great American Day. I've included the text below because its a rather large article and it may be hard to find. I think this is a great idea. " So, did everyone celebrate President's Day in the traditional manner? We sure did. My wife and I tried to figure out what the hell to do to keep the kids occupied when it was too cold to do anything outside. And all this just a few weeks after we spent the three-day Martin Luther King holiday weekend doing pretty much the same. Fast forward to Tuesday, November 2. How many Americans won't be able to vote because it's logistically impossible? How many people are faced with commutes and child-care situations that prevent them from varying from the schedule so they can wait in long lines at polls? And I'll make a prediction: Almost every major news organization in the world, in one way or another, will comment on the low percentage of Americans who vote in the world's greatest democracy. If you'll indulge me here, I'd like to make a proposal. (It's probably not original, but I've never seen it in writing, so I wanted to get it out into cyberspace in my own words.) Let's move Election Day to the first Monday in November, and make that a national holiday, part of a three-day celebration of democracy. Let's have a rule that any radio or TV network using public airwaves has to air speeches by the candidates for the major offices in the area. Not sound bites, not attack ads. Speeches. That is, strings of sentences that demonstrate the candidate's vision for his city or state or country. We get this holiday by combining the King and President's Day holidays into one in early February called Great Americans Day. I pitched this in the locker room the other day to a bunch of naked guys, and they all agreed it was a great idea, except that it would be seen as disrespectful of Dr. King's legacy. To which I reply: What could be more respectful of Dr. King than... Celebrating his achievements in conjunction with those of Lincoln and Washington. Honoring his legacy during February, which is also Black History Month (as opposed to January, which is Regret Every Dessert I've Ever Eaten Month). Using the extra holiday to celebrate one of the most important principles Dr. King stood for: enfranchisement of every American in the political process. " My commentary - agree or disagree with me, if you don't vote, you don't get to celebrate or complain. If you can't make it to the poll, you can request an absentee ballot via the phone. Just get out there and make your opinion known. ------------------------------------- Funny link of the day: Maybe I'll switch to cans.

What a nice weekend

The weather was beautiful - spent time lounging, golfing, drinking, and sleeping. What more could you ask for? Here's some interesting links: Did President Bush have a nose job? You've probably figured out that I'm not a huge Bush fan. However, I just found this funny. At least the writer says that it doesn't make a difference politcally. Help Save Angel Check out this new TV show tonight. Till tomorrow!

Quick Update

Can anyone say 2004 Nextel Cup Champion?

Two in a row - a new record

So two entries in a row! I'm blatantly stealing from my friend Chris in posting daily links of interest, but I do enough internet reading that I feel like I have something to share! Got a nice relaxing weekend coming up. A little hockey tonight, a little golf and beers tomorrow, and a little Nascar Action on Sunday! Todays Information Articles: I'd buy this album This is my new hobby Some recipes just should not ever be written down. EVER. Have a good weekend!

Yeah, so I suck

Okay - well I suck at this apparently. Nothing has gotten me real fired up lately, so I guess thats a good reason for lack of postings. But I'm back, to share with you my cheery disposition and passion for life. Well, taking a note from a friend - I'm going to instead of writing a tirade on this entry, simply link you to items that are of interest to me currently. There may be SOME commentary (c'mon, you can't expect me to stay silent about EVERYTHING). So without further adieu: --------------------------------------------------------- I woke up Sunday morning to learn some sad news. Its the end of an era. Oh well, at least good quality television like The Littlest Groom and One Tree Hill are still on the air. This is an oldy, but a goody. There sure are some freaks in this world. At least its not IEatBabiesVille Check out my friends Blogs: Howie's Blog Sean's Blog Sean never updates his -but he really likes for people to leave comments. I'm working on my 2004 Best of List - check back in a few days for my take on the best of everything, 2004 style.

Go Panthers

Well, the weekend has been spent recovering from the ice storm. Getting all the limbs and whatnot out of the yard was my undertaking for Saturday. A week without Tivo and Satellite so I definitely had some catching up to do. I think my Tivo was beginning to feel unloved. I've got people coming over tonight for a Super Bowl party. It should be a good time. I love the Super Bowl. Eat food that is really bad for you, drink beer that is really bad for you, watch commercials that are really expensive. This year, we actually have a team to pull for. Go Panthers! I've typically not been a huge NFL fan in the past few years, but this has definitely increased my following of the sport. A full week at work this week, and my boss, who was on vacation last week, will be back. Yuck.

I'm glad I'm not a caveman

You know, there are experiences that make us stronger. There are experiences that remind us how lucky we are to live the life we live. There are experiences that make us want to do better for ourselves. This has not been one of those experiences. What is this, you may ask? My power has been out since Monday, and there is no indication when it will be restored. There are a number of houses in my area that are without it currently. I've been staying with friends for the past few nights, and while I'm extremely lucky to have people who are willing to house me, it still SUCKS to not be able to program my Tivo and surf the internet on my own computer. But, I do feel bad complaining. There are people who don't have anywhere to go, and I've got people breaking down my door trying to offer me a place to stay. In other news, I'm going to a John Edwards fund raiser on Friday evening. I'm not necessarily a John Edwards supporter (although, I don't actively dislike him either). Boyd Tinsley (and shame on you if you are reading my blog and don't know he is) is going to be there - and I feel certain that we're going to hang out and become best friends forever. We may even get air-brushed t-shirts.

Ice Ice Baby

There is ice everywhere today. I'm one of about 100 people in my company of about 3000 that made it to work today. The roads weren't so bad, but the parking lot was a slip and slide carnival ride. Gotta love working for a company that has a "We're always open." policy. Weekend was good and relaxing - dinner with friends on Friday, and dinner with parents and sister on Saturday. Sunday was spent hanging out with the family, driving back to Columbia, and then lounging around watching movies curled up in my chair. All in all, a good weekend. This week promises to be a good one. The Democratic race is going to be quite interesting to watch in New Hampshire. Since everyone else is doing it, I want to announce who I'm supporting in the upcoming South Carolina Primary. Go Howard Dean! And if anyone wants to talk "The Screach", all I'll say is that we need a person with passion. Passion is what has been missing from politics, particularly the presidency, for quite some time. And as for not being presidential, neither is making up nonsense phrases like "weapons of mass destruction program related activity."

Random musings

So I went and saw Al Franken speak last night. God bless him. Thats really all I have to say about that. I'm gearing up for another low-key weekend. I could get used to this. Sleeping late, catching up on Tivo, staying up late. Good times. I made this comment the other day, and I fully stand by it: if Tivo had breasts, I'd marry it. DVD would be my best man. The joy of 1) Not watching commercials 2) there always being something on when you want to watch TV and 3) not being tied to a schedule due to programming changes is wonderful. Its 3AM on Saturday and I want to watch this weeks Angel - no problem. What a beautiful invention. I hope that God saves a special place in heaven for the guy who invented it. Thats enough rambling for today - Back to work!

State of the Union

Fact 1: Anyone who knows me personally will know that I'm rather opinionated. Quasi-Fact 2: I also think of myself as fairly tolerant of other's beliefs, be they religious, political, or social. Fact 3: We have an absolute idiot for a president. Its been building for a while, but as of this moment, I vow to do anything and everything I can to get George W. Bush out of office in November 2004. He is completely out of touch with real America - failing to see that no child left behind means no child ahead; failing to see that basic, constitutionally defined "inalienable" rights are being trampled on by the Patriot Act; failing to see that a $300 tax cut isn't SHIT to the average American. (A side note on that -most of us waste $300 a year on cable television. Its not reinvigorating the country.) I'm still undecided on who I vote for in the upcoming primary. But my cat is more in tune with the desires, needs, and hopes of the "average" american. And he speaks better English.