Deadspin.com, the only sports blog worth reading, reports that the NFL has effectively banned "Rock 'n' Roll, Part 2." You know the song, even if you don't know the title. It's an infectious, stomping, nearly lyric-less thing, and it was written by Gary Glitter, convicted child molester.
That means, every time it got played, he got paid. Which meant more money to download kiddie porn and go to Thailand and do very bad things. So we'll just have to find another song to cheer along to. And it doesn't need to be done by an angel, though I'd count R. Kelly out.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
A moment of appreciation for health technology
So as I sat in the outdoor-smoking-area-turned-health-fair today, I couldn't help but be impressed by the tools in use. So offhand, and yet so fast and easy-breezy.
Checking bone density involves taking off your shoe and putting your foot into a plastic thing that's smaller than most footstools. It inflates like two balloons on each side of your ankle, then does an ultrasound, of all things.
Cholesterol gets tested with a drop of blood on a piece of paper. Amazing.
And then they look at you with special glasses, and they can tell if you've got a tumor.
(OK, I'm kidding about the last part.)
Checking bone density involves taking off your shoe and putting your foot into a plastic thing that's smaller than most footstools. It inflates like two balloons on each side of your ankle, then does an ultrasound, of all things.
Cholesterol gets tested with a drop of blood on a piece of paper. Amazing.
And then they look at you with special glasses, and they can tell if you've got a tumor.
(OK, I'm kidding about the last part.)
All's fair in love and ... health?
Is it possible to find out how healthy you are while standing out on the concrete open space between your building and the building next door?
I don't know. But I tried today. I got various blood things and even my bone density tested. And I didn't really get any surprises, though my cholesterol was a LITTLE higher than I would like (200). My body fat percentage was also higher than I would like (33 percent). Amazingly, this is within the normal range. Still, it translates to 66 pounds of fat. And yes, if you're a smarty you can do the math and find out what I weigh. I don't care. Fuck it, I'm almost 40. And from 40 on, that's my new motto. Hell, that's my motto now: Fuck it!!!!
My blood sugar was 90-something, which is fine. And my bone density was all right, but not great. A little below the curve, actually. I guess I should maybe take my vitamins. Maybe some calcium. And weight-bearing exercise. You know, instead of all of that exercise I've been doing that is non-weightbearing. Yeah, that's it.
There was one weird result: I did the chiropractic screening, just for kicks. It involves standing on two scales and seeing how much weight you put on each one. And my right was heavier than my left by eight pounds. They say anything more than two is considered a lot.
So, I decided to go to the chiropractor tomorrow, just to see what he says. I'm not really interested in signing on for an intensive program of voodoo doctorin' but I am curious.
I actually did do the back adjustment thing for a while about 10 years ago or so, but with an osteopath, not a chiropractor. I think I felt like that gave it the feeling of "real" medicine.
And yes, I know ... chiropractic IS real. I'm just not too sure about it. But I wasn't too sure about organic food either, and I've come around on that one.
(Yes, dear departed Mom, you were right. I imagine that whether you're in the fluffy clouds or the hot place, you don't mind hearing that.)
I don't know. But I tried today. I got various blood things and even my bone density tested. And I didn't really get any surprises, though my cholesterol was a LITTLE higher than I would like (200). My body fat percentage was also higher than I would like (33 percent). Amazingly, this is within the normal range. Still, it translates to 66 pounds of fat. And yes, if you're a smarty you can do the math and find out what I weigh. I don't care. Fuck it, I'm almost 40. And from 40 on, that's my new motto. Hell, that's my motto now: Fuck it!!!!
My blood sugar was 90-something, which is fine. And my bone density was all right, but not great. A little below the curve, actually. I guess I should maybe take my vitamins. Maybe some calcium. And weight-bearing exercise. You know, instead of all of that exercise I've been doing that is non-weightbearing. Yeah, that's it.
There was one weird result: I did the chiropractic screening, just for kicks. It involves standing on two scales and seeing how much weight you put on each one. And my right was heavier than my left by eight pounds. They say anything more than two is considered a lot.
So, I decided to go to the chiropractor tomorrow, just to see what he says. I'm not really interested in signing on for an intensive program of voodoo doctorin' but I am curious.
I actually did do the back adjustment thing for a while about 10 years ago or so, but with an osteopath, not a chiropractor. I think I felt like that gave it the feeling of "real" medicine.
And yes, I know ... chiropractic IS real. I'm just not too sure about it. But I wasn't too sure about organic food either, and I've come around on that one.
(Yes, dear departed Mom, you were right. I imagine that whether you're in the fluffy clouds or the hot place, you don't mind hearing that.)
1983 called ... they want their concert back
Someone I work with is selling tickets to a concert taking place Thursday night ... a concert that a bunch of my high school friends would have killed to attend.
It's Def Leppard-Journey. And DL gets top billing, which I find interesting. Wonder if it's Steve Perry Journey.
Anyway, the tickets are going for $100 for the pair. Which is about $50 less than what the seller paid.
And wouldn't even go if someone gave me the tickets and gas money.
It's Def Leppard-Journey. And DL gets top billing, which I find interesting. Wonder if it's Steve Perry Journey.
Anyway, the tickets are going for $100 for the pair. Which is about $50 less than what the seller paid.
And wouldn't even go if someone gave me the tickets and gas money.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Me vs. the Blackberries, Round 2
The battle continues. Me vs. the nasty, prickly blackberry vines. Me, armed with just my $12 snippers. (Which is pretty expensive for snippers, so I am well armed.) I talked to one of our neighbors about my project, and she looked at me and my scratched-up arms with pity. Well, she should see my cleared-out space now. I would say that I am more than halfway to victory. And I am going to remember to always wear long sleeves. I will sweat, but I will bleed much less.
My cuttings have revealed what appears to be a boundary marker for our property. And it appears that our side yard is about twice the size I thought it was. So I now have visions of hacking down the blackberries next to our parking spot, putting in a retaining wall and filling and expanding that space. As well as pushing out our house -- and still having a side yard.
I am more stubborn than blackberries. And like blackberries, I can be sweet and really, really annoying. Kinda prickly sometimes but just trying to grow.
My cuttings have revealed what appears to be a boundary marker for our property. And it appears that our side yard is about twice the size I thought it was. So I now have visions of hacking down the blackberries next to our parking spot, putting in a retaining wall and filling and expanding that space. As well as pushing out our house -- and still having a side yard.
I am more stubborn than blackberries. And like blackberries, I can be sweet and really, really annoying. Kinda prickly sometimes but just trying to grow.
How could anyone nont fall in love with June Carter?
So apparently June Carter Cash personally approved of Reese Witherspoon as the person to play her in walk the line. Hell, no wonder: I'm reminded, after watching the movie on video (and zipping through all the long, often painful Johnny-by-himself parts), just how enchanting her portrayal was. She conveys so much with her eyes, with the set of her mouth, with the way she moves. It's just enchanting, really. Maybe I can just identify with trying so very hard not to fall in love. And with feeling that gut-wrenching, adrenalized ride of longing and how trying to crush the longing can be like trying not to breathe. Johnny's high on pills, low on the absence of his father's love and trying to foce his tractor out the mud. She's torn. And her mama sees it. And we see where she gets her wisdom. "Mama, I'm not going down there." "You already are down there honey." And thus began their journey together truly as opposed to powerful but only occasionally intersecting orbits.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Thursday, August 17, 2006
At least TOY Hummers don't hurt the environment ... uh, except for the plastic it takes to make them and .... whatever!
Saw the following at the excellent blog Consumerist. And thought of how much my kids love their Happy Meal Hummers. Which didn't seem at all dirty to me until now.
http://www.consumerist.com/consumer/toys/get-a-hummer-with-your-happy-meal-194793.php
Thu 17 Aug 2006
Get a Hummer With Your Happy Meal!
To the spittle-spraying vehemence of environmental groups, McDonald's is giving away a free Hummer with every Happy Meal.
Unfortunately, that didn't quite mean exactly what I thought it meant, as I found out when I rushed to the local McDonald's, ordered twelve from the beautiful teenage girl behind the counter, then expectantly unzipped. No, these are toy Hummers... Tonka-sized HUVs for kids!
The usual collection of people paid to be outraged are paid to be outraged about this. Quoth Brenda Bell, an energy policy analyst at the Sierra club: "[Hummers in Happy Meals] are about as responsible as dipping a Big Mac in the fry oil and serving it to your kids." Responsible? No. But that does sound delicious, Brenda.
But ultimately, these are toys. When I was a child, McDonald's handed away toy tanks, atomic monsters and laser-shooting robots. None of those are particularly good for the environment either.away a free Hummer with every Happy Meal.
http://www.consumerist.com/consumer/toys/get-a-hummer-with-your-happy-meal-194793.php
Thu 17 Aug 2006
Get a Hummer With Your Happy Meal!
To the spittle-spraying vehemence of environmental groups, McDonald's is giving away a free Hummer with every Happy Meal.
Unfortunately, that didn't quite mean exactly what I thought it meant, as I found out when I rushed to the local McDonald's, ordered twelve from the beautiful teenage girl behind the counter, then expectantly unzipped. No, these are toy Hummers... Tonka-sized HUVs for kids!
The usual collection of people paid to be outraged are paid to be outraged about this. Quoth Brenda Bell, an energy policy analyst at the Sierra club: "[Hummers in Happy Meals] are about as responsible as dipping a Big Mac in the fry oil and serving it to your kids." Responsible? No. But that does sound delicious, Brenda.
But ultimately, these are toys. When I was a child, McDonald's handed away toy tanks, atomic monsters and laser-shooting robots. None of those are particularly good for the environment either.away a free Hummer with every Happy Meal.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
The strangest thing happened today .... I went for a run.
This is mostly only strange if you know me. Because you know that I tend to run only when I am being chased by bears.
But this morning, I felt restless, lacking focus and in need of a shower. Rather than just, you know, powering and/or sleeping through this, I decided to do something crazy: Run. I have been trying to be healthier and work out and such, so I had shorts, shoes, shirt, etc. I put on my headphones and ran for more than 15 minutes. And less than 20. I wasn't paying too close of attention to my watch, but I know that much.
Then I showered up and went back to work. Well, first I got the bright idea of trying to wash a stain out of my shirt. It didn't really do any good, and I just had a VERY wet shirt. And of course then, of all times, my boss and boss-like colleague decided we should go to lunch. I am quite professional, yes indeedy. Ah, well. It's an internet company.
But this morning, I felt restless, lacking focus and in need of a shower. Rather than just, you know, powering and/or sleeping through this, I decided to do something crazy: Run. I have been trying to be healthier and work out and such, so I had shorts, shoes, shirt, etc. I put on my headphones and ran for more than 15 minutes. And less than 20. I wasn't paying too close of attention to my watch, but I know that much.
Then I showered up and went back to work. Well, first I got the bright idea of trying to wash a stain out of my shirt. It didn't really do any good, and I just had a VERY wet shirt. And of course then, of all times, my boss and boss-like colleague decided we should go to lunch. I am quite professional, yes indeedy. Ah, well. It's an internet company.
Saw this cell phone on the Web and had feelings of techie lust
Multimedia, compatible with my workplace email …. Hmmm. I may be ready to take the Blackberry plunge when this hot mama comes out.
:)
BlackBerry 8100 leaks, multimedia features included Aug 07 2006 - 05:06 PM ET Research In Motion, Rumor, T-Mobile
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Photos of a T-Mobile branded BlackBerry 8100 have found there way onto several websites. The photos confirm Research In Motion's move into multimedia is coming soon. The 8100 is not your conventional BlackBerry, there's even a camera.
Known features of the BlackBerry 8100 include:
EDGE high-speed data
Bluetooth
microSD card slot
Camera (resolution unknown)
Support for various multimedia; including photos, music, video and ringtones.
While the pictured 8100 is obviously heading to T-Mobile, we'd expect to see a variant pop up on Cingular as well. Shipment dates are still unknown (since the device hasn't been announced), but we've heard before the holidays.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Yay for Tivo!
You know Tivo, right? God's own VCR? Yeah, I thought you did. It's basically an essential part of the television experience, something so brilliant that I'm stunned when it can't read every trivial thought in my head. Why yes, I would like you to record every episode of King of the Hill three or four times over! Just keep them coming, along with the occasionally entertainment show, sporting event and ... what makes you think I'd be interested Monster House, Tivo? What do you know that I don't?
Anyway, Tivo has a short cartoon that airs when the system starts up. Which isn't often. Tivo is basically always on. But they know how much kids love that cartoon thing, so in their new KidZone (essentially a setting where kids can only see age-appropriate programming -- no Real World/Road Rules Fresh Meat Challenge), just hit 0 and the animation will run. And my boys will laugh with joy and cheer. And dance. They love the Tivo.
"I think we've got some brand awareness going here," says Cheryl, in a triumph of understatement.
Anyway, Tivo has a short cartoon that airs when the system starts up. Which isn't often. Tivo is basically always on. But they know how much kids love that cartoon thing, so in their new KidZone (essentially a setting where kids can only see age-appropriate programming -- no Real World/Road Rules Fresh Meat Challenge), just hit 0 and the animation will run. And my boys will laugh with joy and cheer. And dance. They love the Tivo.
"I think we've got some brand awareness going here," says Cheryl, in a triumph of understatement.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Me Vs. The Blackberries, Round 1
There is a corner of our yard that we've never tamed. We didn't know (or more accurately, sorta forgot) we had it until the people that live behind us tried to horn in on our property. Once the boundary dust settled, and the threats to call a lawyer subsided, it reaffirmed our ownership of a triangle of not-insignificant size in the back.
Of course, blackberries don't give two shits about boundaries. They have been horning in on our triangle for years, and it's just gotten worse, as these things are wont to do. But we're finally on the verge of getting a much-needed fence, which means the blackberries gotta go. Or else we need to give up and just cede them the triangle.
After considering that option seriously (I am as lazy as I am cheap), I finally decided to take the mofos out. Last weekend I attacked the blackberry vines, loppers in hand and string trimmer at the ready. I considered buying a chainsaw and seeing what gasoline and matches might get me, but my wife reminded me of my near electrocution when I thought it would be a good idea to cut through a printer cord with a pair of scissors (hey, I'd turned it off).
Anyway, I've made a significant amount of headway with only minimal blood loss (non caused by my own tools), so I'm feeling optimistic as I tackle the back half off the patch. Unfortunately for me, the loppers, the string trimmer (which ran out of string) and my new clippers, the back half is the more vital half. Vital, but still overmatched. I hope.
Maybe getting a buttload of blackberry brambles (literally) will imbue me with that kind of stick-to-it-iveness. We'll see, when the next home project comes around.
Of course, blackberries don't give two shits about boundaries. They have been horning in on our triangle for years, and it's just gotten worse, as these things are wont to do. But we're finally on the verge of getting a much-needed fence, which means the blackberries gotta go. Or else we need to give up and just cede them the triangle.
After considering that option seriously (I am as lazy as I am cheap), I finally decided to take the mofos out. Last weekend I attacked the blackberry vines, loppers in hand and string trimmer at the ready. I considered buying a chainsaw and seeing what gasoline and matches might get me, but my wife reminded me of my near electrocution when I thought it would be a good idea to cut through a printer cord with a pair of scissors (hey, I'd turned it off).
Anyway, I've made a significant amount of headway with only minimal blood loss (non caused by my own tools), so I'm feeling optimistic as I tackle the back half off the patch. Unfortunately for me, the loppers, the string trimmer (which ran out of string) and my new clippers, the back half is the more vital half. Vital, but still overmatched. I hope.
Maybe getting a buttload of blackberry brambles (literally) will imbue me with that kind of stick-to-it-iveness. We'll see, when the next home project comes around.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Monday, August 07, 2006
My new favorite NASCAR driver is ...
Not Ricky Bobby. Though he has a certain mindless appeal.
Instead, I like Jean Girard, the gay Frenchman, who is actually treated with some respect. It's cool, and I love that NASCAR is selling his merchandise!!!! I may need to get one of these T-shirts, just to get my Pride on in a new and exciting way.
Eleanor Roosevelt and Talladega Nights
These are two of my favorite things. See the latter if you want to laugh your ass off. And talk in an annoying Southern accent for days (Or maybe that's just me. And Cheryl.)
The movie begins with a little known quote from Eleanor:
"America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, bad-ass speed."
Love it.
The movie begins with a little known quote from Eleanor:
"America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, bad-ass speed."
Love it.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Mel Gibson hates gay people too .... (now I'm doubly glad I never saw "What Women Want")
http://overthetop.beloblog.com/archives/2006/07/mad_mels_tirade.html
Mad Mel's Tirade
By now, practically everyone knows about Mel Gibson's anti-Semitic tirade when he was stopped for DUI. Add to it the fact that Gibson's father is the leader of a Holocaust-denying cult near Houston. Back in the early 1990s, a magazine in Spain published some anti-Semitic, homophobic quotes from Gibson. It was quickly hushed up. When I interviewed Gibson in 1993 for his first directing effort, The Man Without a Face, I asked him about those quotes. At that time he said, "I have no idea how anti-Semitismentered into it. But I do feel that gay people will burn in hell. Their way of life goes completely against God's plan for procreation." When he said the words "burn in hell," his eyes gleamed as if that image delighted him. His new tirade will definitely hurt him in Hollywood circles.
Posted by Philip Wuntch of the Dallas Morning News
Mad Mel's Tirade
By now, practically everyone knows about Mel Gibson's anti-Semitic tirade when he was stopped for DUI. Add to it the fact that Gibson's father is the leader of a Holocaust-denying cult near Houston. Back in the early 1990s, a magazine in Spain published some anti-Semitic, homophobic quotes from Gibson. It was quickly hushed up. When I interviewed Gibson in 1993 for his first directing effort, The Man Without a Face, I asked him about those quotes. At that time he said, "I have no idea how anti-Semitismentered into it. But I do feel that gay people will burn in hell. Their way of life goes completely against God's plan for procreation." When he said the words "burn in hell," his eyes gleamed as if that image delighted him. His new tirade will definitely hurt him in Hollywood circles.
Posted by Philip Wuntch of the Dallas Morning News
Want Samuel L. Jackson to call you, or your friends?
http://snakesonaplane.varitalk.com/
Go here. Prepare to laugh. The people marketing this movie are frickin' geniuses.
Go here. Prepare to laugh. The people marketing this movie are frickin' geniuses.
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