Arianna Huffington launched the Huffington Post today in what appears to be the liberal answer to one of the Internet's most popular sites, the Drudge Report. In addition to stories of interest, the Huffington Post also has a host of celebrities who have signed on provide blog posts including Larry David, Walter Cronkite, John Cusack, Tina Brown, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Ellen Degeneres. Larry David, who stars in one of the funniest shows of all time, has a somewhat humorous post though off-color post on John Bolton. The rest is boring and uninspired.
Not surprisingly, Drudge's headline is a column by Nikki Finke that completely rips the site's debut:
This Web-site venture is the sort of failure that is simply unsurvivable, because of all the advance publicity touting its success as inevitable. Her blog is such a bomb that it's the box-office equivalent of Gigli, Ishtar and Heaven's Gate rolled into one. In magazine terms, it's the disastrous clone of Tina Brown's Talk, JFK Jr.'s George or Maer Roshan's Radar. No matter what happens to Huffington, it's clear Hollywood will suffer the consequences.
While it's unfair to judge the site from one day's worth of content, there's no way it's going to be as popular as Drudge. Just as in with talk radio and it's attempt to rival Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, certain liberals will cling hoping it succeeds. Like Air America and it's ratings, however, prospects aren't looking good.
May 09, 2005
May 08, 2005
Brewerblogging
We saw the Brewers vs. Mets last night at Miller Park. Though the Brewers lost 5-7, it was still a great evening. Hopefully we'll have a chance to catch a couple more this season.
We had great seats and were able to see future Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez throw for the Mets. Carlos Lee and Lyle Overbay both jacked home runs off him, but he still ended up getting the win.
The Bratwurst won the sausage race to pull within two races of first place Polish Sausage. Hopefully this pennant race isn't the only one of interest to Brewer fans this season.
I'd like to think the high turnout was due to a great pitcher on the mound for the Mets and the Brewers' early season success; however, I'd guess the free Ben Sheets bobblehead was the main reason for bringing the fans to the ballpark.
May 07, 2005
May 06, 2005
"Fancy a cuppa?"
British Airways has a cool feature on their website that helps tourists with the British slang and sayings they're bound to hear if they stay in England for any amount of time. My favorite is the word is "hoo-ha" which means "a commotion" - as in "Quite the hoo-ha during the New Year's Celebration." The word stuck out because when we were kids we called anyone who was goofy or weird or just worth ripping on a hoo-ha. Looking back, I can't remember who began using the term or where it came from.
Regardless, if you ever go to Britain, don't put too much work into trying to sound like one of the locals. There was a girl who studied with us and had "aquired" a British accent after about three hours of being in London. She believed she was fitting so well, but she couldn't have been more wrong. You should have seen the looks on the faces of Londoners she talked to. Their only reasonable assumption had to be that she had some sort of communicative disability.
So while you should certainly check out the dictionary of British slang if you're going, use it for comprehension instead of a vocabulary builder. Cheers!
Regardless, if you ever go to Britain, don't put too much work into trying to sound like one of the locals. There was a girl who studied with us and had "aquired" a British accent after about three hours of being in London. She believed she was fitting so well, but she couldn't have been more wrong. You should have seen the looks on the faces of Londoners she talked to. Their only reasonable assumption had to be that she had some sort of communicative disability.
So while you should certainly check out the dictionary of British slang if you're going, use it for comprehension instead of a vocabulary builder. Cheers!
Conversation at Starbucks Today
The old man behind the counter: Turn your head to the right.
Me: (Puzzled look, slowly turning my head)
Old man: Your profile has a Tom Cruise kind of thing going on.
Me: (Smile and a slight chuckle)
My wife: He's heard that before.
Old man: But do you have Tom Cruise money?
Me: I wish.
Old man: What would you like?
Me: Caramel macchiato.
It's strange, but I can't go for more than a few weeks without a complete stranger mentioning the Cruise resemblance. I have enough stories about meetings with random people starting off a conversation with, "Has anyone ever told you?" or "You know who you look like?" or "You look really familiar," to fill up a week's worth of blog posts. The most memorable, and also most awkward, was definitely when I pair of teenage girls came up to me while I was reading a book on a bench in the La Crosse mall and asked if they could get a picture taken with me "because I look so much like Tom Cruise." I think my face got so red because of the embarrassment that any resemblance that was there quickly disappeared. I can hear her friends now saying, "Maybe Tom Cruise after forgetting to put on sunscreen."
The thing is, I don't really have a good response when someone makes the observation. Sometimes I play dumb like it's the first time I've heard it, but I've found that when you play dumb you also look a little dumb. The other response I've used goes something along the lines of "Yeah, I hear that often." I can't say it, though, without feeling as if I'm sounding like some debonair doofus. It's nice when my wife is present because she can step in and take the pressure off as she did today. Don't get me wrong - there are worse problems to have. I could have people telling me I look like Randy Johnson or Billy Bob Thornton or Carrot Top. Nonetheless, by now you'd think I could have come up with some really witty line I could whip out without a thought every time someone made the comparison. Suggestions are welcome.
Me: (Puzzled look, slowly turning my head)
Old man: Your profile has a Tom Cruise kind of thing going on.
Me: (Smile and a slight chuckle)
My wife: He's heard that before.
Old man: But do you have Tom Cruise money?
Me: I wish.
Old man: What would you like?
Me: Caramel macchiato.
It's strange, but I can't go for more than a few weeks without a complete stranger mentioning the Cruise resemblance. I have enough stories about meetings with random people starting off a conversation with, "Has anyone ever told you?" or "You know who you look like?" or "You look really familiar," to fill up a week's worth of blog posts. The most memorable, and also most awkward, was definitely when I pair of teenage girls came up to me while I was reading a book on a bench in the La Crosse mall and asked if they could get a picture taken with me "because I look so much like Tom Cruise." I think my face got so red because of the embarrassment that any resemblance that was there quickly disappeared. I can hear her friends now saying, "Maybe Tom Cruise after forgetting to put on sunscreen."
The thing is, I don't really have a good response when someone makes the observation. Sometimes I play dumb like it's the first time I've heard it, but I've found that when you play dumb you also look a little dumb. The other response I've used goes something along the lines of "Yeah, I hear that often." I can't say it, though, without feeling as if I'm sounding like some debonair doofus. It's nice when my wife is present because she can step in and take the pressure off as she did today. Don't get me wrong - there are worse problems to have. I could have people telling me I look like Randy Johnson or Billy Bob Thornton or Carrot Top. Nonetheless, by now you'd think I could have come up with some really witty line I could whip out without a thought every time someone made the comparison. Suggestions are welcome.
May 05, 2005
"With Marquette Gold, the board has captured, I truly believe, decades of tradition in one profound term..."
That's how the President of Marquette University explained the school's choice to change the school's current nickname from he Golden Eagles to simply "Gold." The move toward more politically correct nicknames has a valid foundation, but Marquette's move illustrates the ultimate in knee-jerk reactions. Think about it: their mascot is a color; or, as the Prez explained it, a "profound term." Maybe all sports teams, so as not to offend any groups whatsoever, should switch to profound team nicknames. From now on, the following teams will be known by a new name:
The Atlanta Braves will now be the Atlanta Aspiration
The Kansas City Chiefs shall be called the Kansas City Burnt Sienna
The Washington Redskins will play as the Washington Premonitions (I have a feeling they're due for a good year)
I can see why Marquette alums are not pleased with the change. One said the new mascot should be "an alumni check with wings flying away." Another suggested "A pretty gold flower, like a pansy. That is what the teams will be viewed as." While a team's play should speak for itself, Journal-Sentinel columnist Dale Hofmann paints a humorous picture of Marquette's new look:
It wasn't clear what shape Marquette's new mascot would take, but a couple of options would be a ripe lemon or an egg fried sunny side up. Only the citrus constituency and the community of the poached could be offended by that. Clearly grist for another meeting.
The uniforms? Well, there are always the old bumblebees if the moths haven't gotten to them. They work with the honey color and evoke memories of Al to boot. Speaking of Al, somebody get him a drink. He's laughing so hard from the grave he could die all over again.
The best reaction to the name change can be seen on this WTMJ news report. The footage of the crowd upon hearing the name change is hilarious. As the on-scene reporter notes, "Kids just about, like, fell over." The report notes that students already have a "Say 'No' to Gold Rally" scheduled for tomorrow.
This should be an interesting story to follow. If anything, I guess Marquette fans can take comfort in the fact that the University decided against one member's suggestion: Pink
The Atlanta Braves will now be the Atlanta Aspiration
The Kansas City Chiefs shall be called the Kansas City Burnt Sienna
The Washington Redskins will play as the Washington Premonitions (I have a feeling they're due for a good year)
I can see why Marquette alums are not pleased with the change. One said the new mascot should be "an alumni check with wings flying away." Another suggested "A pretty gold flower, like a pansy. That is what the teams will be viewed as." While a team's play should speak for itself, Journal-Sentinel columnist Dale Hofmann paints a humorous picture of Marquette's new look:
It wasn't clear what shape Marquette's new mascot would take, but a couple of options would be a ripe lemon or an egg fried sunny side up. Only the citrus constituency and the community of the poached could be offended by that. Clearly grist for another meeting.
The uniforms? Well, there are always the old bumblebees if the moths haven't gotten to them. They work with the honey color and evoke memories of Al to boot. Speaking of Al, somebody get him a drink. He's laughing so hard from the grave he could die all over again.
The best reaction to the name change can be seen on this WTMJ news report. The footage of the crowd upon hearing the name change is hilarious. As the on-scene reporter notes, "Kids just about, like, fell over." The report notes that students already have a "Say 'No' to Gold Rally" scheduled for tomorrow.
This should be an interesting story to follow. If anything, I guess Marquette fans can take comfort in the fact that the University decided against one member's suggestion: Pink
Election Day in Britain
The British have voted and the ballots are being counted this very moment. It sounds like Tony Blair is going to win, but with nowhere near the mandate he had in the last election. I've been watching a bit of the coverage on C-SPAN2 where they're simulcasting the live feed from the BBC. I must say our electoral college maps with red and blue states are loads more entertaining than the giant pendulum the BBC is using to illustrate the balance of power. Most people don't realize it, but the British don't actually vote for an individual Prime Minister. Instead, they vote for MP's from their geographical district. The party with the most MP's elected to Parliament then gain the power of having the Prime Minister. Conceivably, Tony Blair's Labour Party could win the majority of seats, but he could lose his local MP election and thus would no longer be Prime Minister. I don't know if a case like that has ever happened, but it sure seems like a loophole to me.
At the very least, you can tell I paid attention during my Contemporary Britain class. The class, which was taught by a professor from Oxford, surprised me with a few thoughts about Blair that I don't think most people from the States realize. The first is that ideologically, Blair is closer to Bill Clinton than he is to George Bush - other than his stance on the war on terrorism. Blair was a hated man by many in London during the spring of 2003 when we were there because of his support for the U.S. intervention in Iraq. In fact, I just finished reading a book by Ian McEwan called Saturday that chronicles a day in the life of a London doctor on February 15, 2003 - the day of the largest protest ever in London when a million people marched against going to war in Iraq. Much of the anti-war sentiment remains against Blair, but his other policies would be considered quite liberal compared to our Republican Party. Part of the reason the Labour party is so popular is because they allow themselves to shift with public opinion. As my professor noted, "Labour is party completely governed by polls."
As I write this, Labour has won 4 out of a possible 646 seats in Parliament. You can watch the live BBC coverage by clicking here. Drudge has a headline up at the moment claiming that exit polls show the Labour will lose some seats, but still are going to win in a landslide. Considering the current world climate, it's an excellent outcome no matter which side of the pond you're on.
At the very least, you can tell I paid attention during my Contemporary Britain class. The class, which was taught by a professor from Oxford, surprised me with a few thoughts about Blair that I don't think most people from the States realize. The first is that ideologically, Blair is closer to Bill Clinton than he is to George Bush - other than his stance on the war on terrorism. Blair was a hated man by many in London during the spring of 2003 when we were there because of his support for the U.S. intervention in Iraq. In fact, I just finished reading a book by Ian McEwan called Saturday that chronicles a day in the life of a London doctor on February 15, 2003 - the day of the largest protest ever in London when a million people marched against going to war in Iraq. Much of the anti-war sentiment remains against Blair, but his other policies would be considered quite liberal compared to our Republican Party. Part of the reason the Labour party is so popular is because they allow themselves to shift with public opinion. As my professor noted, "Labour is party completely governed by polls."
As I write this, Labour has won 4 out of a possible 646 seats in Parliament. You can watch the live BBC coverage by clicking here. Drudge has a headline up at the moment claiming that exit polls show the Labour will lose some seats, but still are going to win in a landslide. Considering the current world climate, it's an excellent outcome no matter which side of the pond you're on.
Now that's funny.
The New Yorker's caption contest is in full swing and I'm officially a fan of this new addition to the magazine. Check it out here to vote on the winner for the best caption and to add your entry for this week's cartoon.
May 04, 2005
MIND THE GAP
I watched The Amazing Race for the first time last night mainly because the contestants sped through London hitting various landmarks including Abbey Road, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge. Having been to every place featured on the show made for an enjoyable episode. The part of the show that made me miss London the most, however, was seeing the tube. London has one of the most efficient underground transportation systems in the world and the tube makes getting around the English capital incredibly simple. I'd be remiss to leave out the fact that Londoners love to complain about the tube. If anything goes wrong it's one of the top news items of the day. Though it does have its share of unexplainable odors, pigeons, beggars, and off-key buskers, the reality is it's a wonderful form of transportation.
After the show, I did some searching and found this blog which keeps track of life on the London Underground. It's VERY slow to load for the first time, but it's worth the wait. The post of most interest to me discussed the renovations taking place on the District Line which included "our stop" of St. James's Park. While we were there, the carriages were among the most dingy of the entire Underground fleet. The refurbishment of the cars was definitely needed and from the looks of it the modernization will be quite hip. Also, if you're planning on riding on the tube any time soon, there's this page which clues newbies into the accepted Underground etiquette. The most shocking rule, but also one of the most observed, is that talking has no place on the tube. Even whispering is frowned upon. I'll admit that it makes for a pleasant ride - especially during the morning commute - but at other times the silence is eerie.
My favorite find of last night's tube blog perusal, however, was this poem on Commuterland:
Senses attacked at Victoria Station
Sight: man with a rainbow scarf
Sound: Thom Yorke yapping in my ear
Smell: Delice de France - croissants
Taste: lingering coffee beans
Touch (Pain): my knee gave me gip as I stood up to leave the train
That's exactly what it's like to ride the tube. The journey is as memorable and enjoyable as the destination.
After the show, I did some searching and found this blog which keeps track of life on the London Underground. It's VERY slow to load for the first time, but it's worth the wait. The post of most interest to me discussed the renovations taking place on the District Line which included "our stop" of St. James's Park. While we were there, the carriages were among the most dingy of the entire Underground fleet. The refurbishment of the cars was definitely needed and from the looks of it the modernization will be quite hip. Also, if you're planning on riding on the tube any time soon, there's this page which clues newbies into the accepted Underground etiquette. The most shocking rule, but also one of the most observed, is that talking has no place on the tube. Even whispering is frowned upon. I'll admit that it makes for a pleasant ride - especially during the morning commute - but at other times the silence is eerie.
My favorite find of last night's tube blog perusal, however, was this poem on Commuterland:
Senses attacked at Victoria Station
Sight: man with a rainbow scarf
Sound: Thom Yorke yapping in my ear
Smell: Delice de France - croissants
Taste: lingering coffee beans
Touch (Pain): my knee gave me gip as I stood up to leave the train
That's exactly what it's like to ride the tube. The journey is as memorable and enjoyable as the destination.
May 03, 2005
"How long have I been away?
Considering the recent events in Florida, I'm surprised this story hasn't been getting more attention.
Nearly 9½ years after a firefighter was left brain-damaged and mostly mute during a 1995 roof collapse, he did something that shocked his family and doctors: He asked for his wife.
“How long have I been away?” he asked.
“We told him almost 10 years,” the uncle said. “He thought it was only three months.”
Herbert, who will turn 44 Saturday, was fighting a house fire Dec. 29, 1995, when the roof collapsed, burying him under debris. After going without air for several minutes, Herbert was comatose for 2 1/2 months and has undergone therapy ever since.
Nearly 9½ years after a firefighter was left brain-damaged and mostly mute during a 1995 roof collapse, he did something that shocked his family and doctors: He asked for his wife.
“How long have I been away?” he asked.
“We told him almost 10 years,” the uncle said. “He thought it was only three months.”
Herbert, who will turn 44 Saturday, was fighting a house fire Dec. 29, 1995, when the roof collapsed, burying him under debris. After going without air for several minutes, Herbert was comatose for 2 1/2 months and has undergone therapy ever since.
"It has to be the completely unedited voice"
Podcasting is hitting the mainstream. Way back in February I talked about podcasting for the first time. Podcasts are an audio style blog that can produced quite easily and distributed throughout the internet. The recognized "inventor" of podcasting is Adam Curry and yesterday he released the details of a new deal that will bring podcasting to the masses.
Via the NY Times:
It was an offer even the podfather could not refuse: the chance to be host of a radio program devoted solely to podcasts, or homemade radio shows formatted for digital audio players.
Adam Curry, a former MTV host who developed software that lets people automatically receive these programs on Apple's iPod and other players, will produce and be host of a four-hour program every weekday starting May 13 on Sirius Satellite Radio.
Mr. Curry will help choose material for "Adam Curry's PodShow" from some of the thousands of amateur shows produced in basements, living rooms and dormitories. Sirius subscribers, who pay $12.95 a month for the service, can listen to the show on channel 148, "Talk Central."
Via the NY Times:
It was an offer even the podfather could not refuse: the chance to be host of a radio program devoted solely to podcasts, or homemade radio shows formatted for digital audio players.
Adam Curry, a former MTV host who developed software that lets people automatically receive these programs on Apple's iPod and other players, will produce and be host of a four-hour program every weekday starting May 13 on Sirius Satellite Radio.
Mr. Curry will help choose material for "Adam Curry's PodShow" from some of the thousands of amateur shows produced in basements, living rooms and dormitories. Sirius subscribers, who pay $12.95 a month for the service, can listen to the show on channel 148, "Talk Central."
May 01, 2005
Why I Like the Blogosphere
Ann Althouse, a UW-Madison law professor whose blog I read regularly, has two posts up today regarding the runaway bride in Georgia. Both illustrate why blogs are a medium worth paying attention to.
First, Althouse points out that the majority of mainstream media has left out an important fact regarding Wilbanks' original story and her kidnappers.
Second, she gives an excellent commentary on the idea of grandiose weddings in general. I agree 100%.
Without the Internet and blogs, we would be oblivious to the complete story. The fact that the mythical gatekeeper of information now is being held accountable points out just how biased our information can be. In addition, individual bloggers are free to let their own bias be known to the world and actually bring about a shift in opinion while getting a free pass around the old gatekeeper.
I don't believe the hype that blogs are going to replace newspapers, but I do believe Althouse's stories today prove that the blogosphere will emerge as a viable counterweight to the traditional outlets of the media.
First, Althouse points out that the majority of mainstream media has left out an important fact regarding Wilbanks' original story and her kidnappers.
Second, she gives an excellent commentary on the idea of grandiose weddings in general. I agree 100%.
Without the Internet and blogs, we would be oblivious to the complete story. The fact that the mythical gatekeeper of information now is being held accountable points out just how biased our information can be. In addition, individual bloggers are free to let their own bias be known to the world and actually bring about a shift in opinion while getting a free pass around the old gatekeeper.
I don't believe the hype that blogs are going to replace newspapers, but I do believe Althouse's stories today prove that the blogosphere will emerge as a viable counterweight to the traditional outlets of the media.
The Sunday Paper
The highlights of this morning's newspaper read:
There are quite a few headlines for this AP story, but the Milwaukee Journal's is hands down the best:
After brief debate, beach town says men can wear Speedos
Darren Cullen who wanted to put up two billboards in London reading, "Stop Lying to Your Children About Santa Claus" and "Santa Gives More to Rich Kids Than Poor Kids"
Apparently Cullen also needs some work on parallel structure. His motives behind the billboard messages have some merit, but there has to be another way to approach it.
Mr. Cullen denied he was attempting to ruin the magic of Christmas through the controversial stunt. The 22-year-old said: “Santa Claus is a lie that teaches kids that products will make them happy. Before they’re old enough to think for themselves, the story of Santa has already got them hooked on consumerism. I think that’s more immoral than this billboard.”
Scientists Confirm Giant Planet
Refined images taken earlier this year by the Very Large Telescope in northern Chile show two separate objects bound by gravity moving together according to Gael Chauvin, an astronomer at the European Southern Observatory, who led the team.
"Our new images show convincingly that this really is a planet, the first planet that has ever been imaged outside of our solar system," Chauvin said. Benjamin Zuckerman, an astronomer at the University of California, Los Angeles, who was part of the team: "I'm more than 99 percent confident."
I guess the original name, "The Really Really Big Telescope," was a bit too pretentious.
There are quite a few headlines for this AP story, but the Milwaukee Journal's is hands down the best:
After brief debate, beach town says men can wear Speedos
- The 2005 Scrooge award goes to:
Darren Cullen who wanted to put up two billboards in London reading, "Stop Lying to Your Children About Santa Claus" and "Santa Gives More to Rich Kids Than Poor Kids"
Apparently Cullen also needs some work on parallel structure. His motives behind the billboard messages have some merit, but there has to be another way to approach it.
Mr. Cullen denied he was attempting to ruin the magic of Christmas through the controversial stunt. The 22-year-old said: “Santa Claus is a lie that teaches kids that products will make them happy. Before they’re old enough to think for themselves, the story of Santa has already got them hooked on consumerism. I think that’s more immoral than this billboard.”
- And my favorite news item:
Scientists Confirm Giant Planet
Refined images taken earlier this year by the Very Large Telescope in northern Chile show two separate objects bound by gravity moving together according to Gael Chauvin, an astronomer at the European Southern Observatory, who led the team.
"Our new images show convincingly that this really is a planet, the first planet that has ever been imaged outside of our solar system," Chauvin said. Benjamin Zuckerman, an astronomer at the University of California, Los Angeles, who was part of the team: "I'm more than 99 percent confident."
I guess the original name, "The Really Really Big Telescope," was a bit too pretentious.
April 29, 2005
April 28, 2005
Band of Brothers
I haven't been spending a whole lot of time blogging recently, but not without good reason. For the last week I've been engrossed with Band of Brothers - the Tom Hanks/Steven Spielberg produced mini-series that originally aired on HBO. I can't describe the power and intensity of each episode so I'll just give you the link to buy it from Amazon so you can see it for yourself.
April 26, 2005
How Funny Are You?
In the past, the New Yorker would chose one cartoon per year and hold a contest to see which reader could create the funniest caption to along with it. The contest brought such buzz and was so popular that the editors have decided to make it a weekly event on the magazine's back page. Even if you're not a subscriber, you can follow along with the contest and submit your own captions. Click here to go to the entry page a view this week's cartoon. If you're interested in seeing my entry, go to the comments section of this post. While you're there, post your own.
April 25, 2005
Free books in Venezuela
This is an awesome idea:
People in the Venezuelan capital Caracas have been queuing around the block to collect free copies of the Spanish masterpiece Don Quixote. The Venezuelan government is handing out a million copies to mark the 400th anniversary of its publication. Populist President Hugo Chavez has urged Venezuelans to draw inspiration from the figure of Don Quixote.
When I was in school, we received free books all the time through the Reading is Fundamental (RIF) program and it was an awesome way to promote reading. If not for RIF, I'd have never found Roald Dahl - the author most responsible for helping me to discover the joy of reading.
Perhaps the U.S. should try something similar. I'm sure a ton of folks would balk at the notion of spending tax dollars on books, but we're already pretty wasteful with government spending; what's a few more bucks piled onto the national debt?
Anyway, the big question would be what book would be worthy of being selected as the national book? My nomination would have to be The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, but I'm pretty sure that would draw quite a few objections considering it's one of the country's most banned books. Tom Sawyer would also be great, but it's a notch below Huck Finn. If not Twain, my vote would have to go to F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby or Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath. Both speak volumes about what it means to be an American and to struggle to achieve the American Dream.
Which book would you nominate?
People in the Venezuelan capital Caracas have been queuing around the block to collect free copies of the Spanish masterpiece Don Quixote. The Venezuelan government is handing out a million copies to mark the 400th anniversary of its publication. Populist President Hugo Chavez has urged Venezuelans to draw inspiration from the figure of Don Quixote.
When I was in school, we received free books all the time through the Reading is Fundamental (RIF) program and it was an awesome way to promote reading. If not for RIF, I'd have never found Roald Dahl - the author most responsible for helping me to discover the joy of reading.
Perhaps the U.S. should try something similar. I'm sure a ton of folks would balk at the notion of spending tax dollars on books, but we're already pretty wasteful with government spending; what's a few more bucks piled onto the national debt?
Anyway, the big question would be what book would be worthy of being selected as the national book? My nomination would have to be The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, but I'm pretty sure that would draw quite a few objections considering it's one of the country's most banned books. Tom Sawyer would also be great, but it's a notch below Huck Finn. If not Twain, my vote would have to go to F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby or Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath. Both speak volumes about what it means to be an American and to struggle to achieve the American Dream.
Which book would you nominate?
Only in Wisconsin
Give up Packer tickets or go to jail
What will make this story hilarious is if she chooses the jail time.
What will make this story hilarious is if she chooses the jail time.
April 23, 2005
それは大きい映画だったかもしれない
Let me translate for you. That's Japanese for "It could have been a great movie." So is the case with The Interpreter. What starts out as a great film eventually fizzles into a ho-hum thriller. You know the kind - the one that stars Morgan Freeman and some B-list Hollywood starlet. Instead, Sydney Pollack's latest film boasts two of the industry's best in Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn. Not unlike after 150 pages of The Da Vinci Code, about an hour into the film you get the feeling that it is going to be one of the best films of the year. But whereas Dan Brown delivers on his intricate plot setup, Pollack is unable to rein in his plot to produce a satisfying conclusion.
Most reviews I've read claim that Kidman and Penn give great performances that carry the film much farther than it would have gone starring say, Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd. I agree that Kidman is excellent in the film's title role, but Penn's performance seemed contrived and clunky. I won't say too much more for fear of spoiling the ending, but suffice to say I leaned over to Ashley and whispered, "Aw, c'mon," as Penn delivered the film's final lines.
One of the most impressive aspects of the film was seeing the interiors of the United Nations building, but I'd also say the decor is due for a renovation. Completed in 1952, the building definitely shows it's age. The Interpreter is the first film to be shot inside the U.N. Headquarters and because of the unprecedented access, many have speculated that Pollack was restricted to providing a somewhat myopic view of the U.N. and its role in the world.
Unless you're dying to see a movie in the theater this weekend, I recommend waiting for the DVD release. Or better yet, waiting for the film version of The Da Vinci Code - a thriller with plot that will actually thrill you.
Note: I don't speak Japanese, but can use Alta Vista's Babel Fish.
Most reviews I've read claim that Kidman and Penn give great performances that carry the film much farther than it would have gone starring say, Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd. I agree that Kidman is excellent in the film's title role, but Penn's performance seemed contrived and clunky. I won't say too much more for fear of spoiling the ending, but suffice to say I leaned over to Ashley and whispered, "Aw, c'mon," as Penn delivered the film's final lines.
One of the most impressive aspects of the film was seeing the interiors of the United Nations building, but I'd also say the decor is due for a renovation. Completed in 1952, the building definitely shows it's age. The Interpreter is the first film to be shot inside the U.N. Headquarters and because of the unprecedented access, many have speculated that Pollack was restricted to providing a somewhat myopic view of the U.N. and its role in the world.
Unless you're dying to see a movie in the theater this weekend, I recommend waiting for the DVD release. Or better yet, waiting for the film version of The Da Vinci Code - a thriller with plot that will actually thrill you.
Note: I don't speak Japanese, but can use Alta Vista's Babel Fish.
New words - My favorites are "reintarnation" and "sarchasm"
The Washington Post’s Mensa Invitational once again asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition. Here are this year’s winners:
1.*/Intaxication/*: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.
2.*/Reintarnation/*: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.
3.*/Bozone/* (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.
5.*/Cashtration/* (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period.
6.*/Giraffiti/*: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high.
7.*/Sarchasm/*: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn’t get it.
8.*/Inoculatte/*: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.
9.*/Hipatitis/*: Terminal coolness.
10.*/Osteopornosis/*: A degenerate disease.
11.*/Karmageddon/*: It’s like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it’s like, a serious bummer.
12.*/Decafalon/* (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.
13.*/Glibido/*: All talk and no action.
14.*/Dopeler effect/*: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.
15.*/Arachnoleptic fit/* (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you’ve accidentally walked through a spider web.
16.*/Beelzebug/* (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.
17.*/Caterpallor/* (n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you’re eating.
Those Mensa folks are so clever. If you can think of any of your own, post them in the comments section.
1.*/Intaxication/*: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.
2.*/Reintarnation/*: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.
3.*/Bozone/* (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.
5.*/Cashtration/* (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period.
6.*/Giraffiti/*: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high.
7.*/Sarchasm/*: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn’t get it.
8.*/Inoculatte/*: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.
9.*/Hipatitis/*: Terminal coolness.
10.*/Osteopornosis/*: A degenerate disease.
11.*/Karmageddon/*: It’s like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it’s like, a serious bummer.
12.*/Decafalon/* (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.
13.*/Glibido/*: All talk and no action.
14.*/Dopeler effect/*: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.
15.*/Arachnoleptic fit/* (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you’ve accidentally walked through a spider web.
16.*/Beelzebug/* (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.
17.*/Caterpallor/* (n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you’re eating.
Those Mensa folks are so clever. If you can think of any of your own, post them in the comments section.
Matzah
JibJab.com made quite the name for itself during the November elections with its rendition of "This Land is Your Land" as sung by George W. and John Kerry. They folks at JibJab are back at it with a Passover themed tune called "Matzah." It's not as funny as "This Land," but amusing nonetheless. See it here.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Just 441 years ago today, William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-Upon-Avon. And 389 years ago today, The Bard died in Stratford-Upon-Avon. That's right - he died on his birthday. Not only that, but April 23rd is St. George's Day throughout England. St. George is the patron saint of England. Eerie coincidences, huh? Anyway, happy birthday Will.
April 22, 2005
Tonight
Going to see The Interpreter tonight even though every review I've read has panned the film. I even noticed this post on Jackson's Junction titled "Ten Reasons Not to See The Interpreter." Still, I'll take an open mind into the theater and judge for myself. Expect a full review later this weekend. Until then, get out and enjoy the outdoors before winter comes again.
Top Five Albums of 2005
We're almost a fourth of the way through 2005 and it's already been a great year for music. Here are Portsider's top five albums thus far:
1. Burn the Maps - The Frames
2. Picaresque - The Decemberists
3. Superwolf - Bonnie "Prince" Billy
4. Woman King - Iron & Wine
5. The Mysterious Production of Eggs - Andrew Bird
1. Burn the Maps - The Frames
2. Picaresque - The Decemberists
3. Superwolf - Bonnie "Prince" Billy
4. Woman King - Iron & Wine
5. The Mysterious Production of Eggs - Andrew Bird
April 21, 2005
The Decemberists
We saw the Decemberists last weekend and you can see and hear them right now by clicking here. They stopped into the KCRW studios to play on the country's greatest radio show today, Morning Becomes Eclectic.
Setlist:
The Infanta
Los Angeles, I'm Yours
Here I Dreamt I was an Architect
Engine Driver
Eli, the Barrowboy
The Mariner's Revenge (superfast version)
All in all a great set. If you haven't heard the Decemberists they really are worth checking out. Fun, accessible, and literate songs that will be around for quite some time.
Setlist:
The Infanta
Los Angeles, I'm Yours
Here I Dreamt I was an Architect
Engine Driver
Eli, the Barrowboy
The Mariner's Revenge (superfast version)
All in all a great set. If you haven't heard the Decemberists they really are worth checking out. Fun, accessible, and literate songs that will be around for quite some time.
Dean Imitates Limbaugh
Two thoughts after hearing this audio played on the O'Reilly Factor:
1. Via Seinfeld, "These grapes are makin' me sour!"
2. The DNC better find a replacement for Dean soon if they want to have any shot at all in the next two election cycles.
1. Via Seinfeld, "These grapes are makin' me sour!"
2. The DNC better find a replacement for Dean soon if they want to have any shot at all in the next two election cycles.
Contessa Leaves Imus
Not having appeared on Imus in the Morning for over a week, it was finally revealed today that Contessa Brewer has left her position as the show's co-newsreader. Donald Trump, on the show to plug The Apprentice, started off his interview saying, "Where's Contessa? I miss her." Imus responded that he misses her too, but that she won't be back. Instead she'll be anchoring the network's afternoon broadcasts. There's quite a bit of speculation as to why she left, but the most plausible seems to be that she was just plain fed up with the tomfoolery of Imus, Sid, and especially Bernard. Here's an account of her final appearance on the show which could have been the final straw. TVNEWSER also provides some fodder for the rumor mill quoting anonymous sources from an MSN message board - quite the reliable source. I'm sure the details will come out in the following days on Imus - it's too good of a story for them to leave alone.
April 20, 2005
Hotel Rwanda
I don't usually watch movies on a Wednesday evening, but we've had Hotel Rwanda from Blockbuster since this weekend and I decided it was time to finally watch it. Talk about a powerful film. Don Cheadle gives an amazing performance as a Hutu hotel manager who tries to protect Tutsis from genocide not unlike Schindler in Schindler's List. Nick Nolte also is excellent in the role of a U.N. peacekeeper who is powerless to stop the killing because of the lack of support from Western nations. It's nice to have something positive to say about Nolte since the only thing I could associate with him was this picture.
The disturbing part of the film is how true it is to the events that actually took place in 1994. At the time I was only thirteen years old, but I remember seeing the footage of the Tutsi people fleeing their homes. I know I wasn't overcome with sadness - it could have been happening on Saturn as far as my world view was concerned. Watching a film like Hotel Rwanda provides viewers with a frame of reference that newscasts can't provide. I doubt the U.S. and other nations would have acted as they did if the film had been released in 1994. The public outcry would have been overwhelming. Instead the West stayed out and a million people lost their lives. One of the most powerful moments of the film occurs when a cameraman from the BBC leaves the safety of the hotel in an effort to get intriguing footage for the stations back home. When he returns with horrible images of the genocide he quickly pops the tape into the VCR to show his colleague not realizing Paul (Cheadle) is standing behind him also seeing the massacre of his own people. The cameraman quickly apologizes to Paul who responds, “No, thank you for filming, that is the only way the international community will understand what’s going on here...that is the only way they will send help.” The cameraman responds saying, “They will not send help.” Paul doesn't understand and replies, “How can they not send help, how can they not do something after what they’ve seen?” The cameraman responds with the film's most harrowing and truthful line: “They will see it on the news and will say, ‘Oh, that’s horrible’ and then they will return to eating their dinner.” Hotel Rwanda is not an enjoyable film, but it is one we need to see.
The disturbing part of the film is how true it is to the events that actually took place in 1994. At the time I was only thirteen years old, but I remember seeing the footage of the Tutsi people fleeing their homes. I know I wasn't overcome with sadness - it could have been happening on Saturn as far as my world view was concerned. Watching a film like Hotel Rwanda provides viewers with a frame of reference that newscasts can't provide. I doubt the U.S. and other nations would have acted as they did if the film had been released in 1994. The public outcry would have been overwhelming. Instead the West stayed out and a million people lost their lives. One of the most powerful moments of the film occurs when a cameraman from the BBC leaves the safety of the hotel in an effort to get intriguing footage for the stations back home. When he returns with horrible images of the genocide he quickly pops the tape into the VCR to show his colleague not realizing Paul (Cheadle) is standing behind him also seeing the massacre of his own people. The cameraman quickly apologizes to Paul who responds, “No, thank you for filming, that is the only way the international community will understand what’s going on here...that is the only way they will send help.” The cameraman responds saying, “They will not send help.” Paul doesn't understand and replies, “How can they not send help, how can they not do something after what they’ve seen?” The cameraman responds with the film's most harrowing and truthful line: “They will see it on the news and will say, ‘Oh, that’s horrible’ and then they will return to eating their dinner.” Hotel Rwanda is not an enjoyable film, but it is one we need to see.
April 19, 2005
Blankets
I just finished reading the graphic novel Blankets by Craig Thompson. To be honest , I didn't know one could get so much enjoyment from a glorified comic book. The setting of Thompson's 592 page epic is Central Wisconsin and the pages are littered with references to the Dairy State. More than a few times during the story do we see characters reading the Wausau Daily Herald, sporting Packers garb, and even speaking the Wisconsin dialect: "Dat dere Favre's a good quarterback, hey?" At it's core, Blankets is a love story and though it appears biographical (the main character is named Craig Thompson) it avoids the saccharine wistfulness that dooms the majority of romantic memoirs. Buy it here, or let me know if you'd like to borrow it.
Radio & Conservatism
The latest ratings are out for talk radio. I've increasingly become a fan of the medium and especially the three names below in blue.
Numbers of listeners in millions:
1. Rush Limbaugh 14.50
2. Sean Hannity 11.75
3. Dr. Laura Schlessinger 8.50
3. Howard Stern 8.50
5. Michael Savage 7.00
6. Jim Bohannon 4.00
6. Dr. Joy Browne 4.00
6. Don Imus 4.00
6. George Noory 4.00
10. Neal Boortz 2.50
So where is Air America - the liberal talk radio station - and names like Al Franken, Randi Rhodes, and Janeane Garofalo? None even crack the top 25. Today's L.A. Times has an interesting commentary explaining why. The three main reasons:
• Entertainment value. The top conservative hosts put on snazzy, frequently humorous shows. Kathleen Hall Jamieson, dean of the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg School for Communication, observes: "The parody, the asides, the self-effacing humor, the bluster are all part of the packaging that makes the political message palatable." Besides, the triumph of political correctness on the left makes it hard for on-air liberals to lighten things up without offending anyone.
• Fragmentation of the potential audience. Political consultant Dick Morris explains: "Large percentages of liberals are black and Hispanic, and they now have their own specialized entertainment radio outlets, which they aren't likely to leave for liberal talk radio." The potential audience for Air America or similar ventures is thus pretty small — white liberals, basically. And they've already got NPR.
• Liberal bias in the old media. That's what birthed talk radio in the first place. People turn to it to help right the imbalance. Political scientist William Mayer, writing in the Public Interest, recently observed that liberals don't need talk radio because they've got the big three networks, most national and local daily newspapers and NPR.
Of the three theories, the last makes the most sense. One must actively seek out media with a conservative slant, whereas liberal bias saturates the airwaves and the print media.
UPDATE: I just read here that XM signed with Air America to be its exclusive home on satellite radio. Perhaps if XM becomes the station for the left, Sirius will cater toward the right. CEO Mel Karmazin is already on record saying, "I'm a huge, huge Sean Hannity fan. If he weren't committed to ABC, as he is for a long time, and he were available exclusively in satellite radio, we would be interested in him."
Numbers of listeners in millions:
1. Rush Limbaugh 14.50
2. Sean Hannity 11.75
3. Dr. Laura Schlessinger 8.50
3. Howard Stern 8.50
5. Michael Savage 7.00
6. Jim Bohannon 4.00
6. Dr. Joy Browne 4.00
6. Don Imus 4.00
6. George Noory 4.00
10. Neal Boortz 2.50
So where is Air America - the liberal talk radio station - and names like Al Franken, Randi Rhodes, and Janeane Garofalo? None even crack the top 25. Today's L.A. Times has an interesting commentary explaining why. The three main reasons:
• Entertainment value. The top conservative hosts put on snazzy, frequently humorous shows. Kathleen Hall Jamieson, dean of the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg School for Communication, observes: "The parody, the asides, the self-effacing humor, the bluster are all part of the packaging that makes the political message palatable." Besides, the triumph of political correctness on the left makes it hard for on-air liberals to lighten things up without offending anyone.
• Fragmentation of the potential audience. Political consultant Dick Morris explains: "Large percentages of liberals are black and Hispanic, and they now have their own specialized entertainment radio outlets, which they aren't likely to leave for liberal talk radio." The potential audience for Air America or similar ventures is thus pretty small — white liberals, basically. And they've already got NPR.
• Liberal bias in the old media. That's what birthed talk radio in the first place. People turn to it to help right the imbalance. Political scientist William Mayer, writing in the Public Interest, recently observed that liberals don't need talk radio because they've got the big three networks, most national and local daily newspapers and NPR.
Of the three theories, the last makes the most sense. One must actively seek out media with a conservative slant, whereas liberal bias saturates the airwaves and the print media.
UPDATE: I just read here that XM signed with Air America to be its exclusive home on satellite radio. Perhaps if XM becomes the station for the left, Sirius will cater toward the right. CEO Mel Karmazin is already on record saying, "I'm a huge, huge Sean Hannity fan. If he weren't committed to ABC, as he is for a long time, and he were available exclusively in satellite radio, we would be interested in him."
Habemus Papem!
Joseph Ratzinger is now Pope Benedict XVI and from the sounds of it, liberals aren't too pleased. Check out today's discussion of America's coverage of Ratzinger. There's also a brand new Pope Benedict XVI blog. And PunditGuy has an excellent roundup of the reaction to today's announcement.
April 18, 2005
Macca Coming to America
Almost two years ago I saw Paul McCartney perform in London. It was the final concert of his sold-out European tour and he put on a fabulous show. Here's the setlist from the show - thankfully it was loaded with Beatles tunes:
Hello Goodbye
Jet
All My Loving
Getting Better
Let Me Roll It/Foxy Lady- ending
Lonely Road
Your Loving Flame
Blackbird
Every Night
We Can Work It Out
You Never Give Me Your Money/Carry That Weight
The Fool On the Hill
Here Today
Something
Eleanor Rigby
Here There and Everywhere
I've Just Seen A Face
Calico Skies
Two Of Us
Michelle
Band On The Run
Back In The USSR
Maybe I'm Amazed
Let 'Em In
My Love
She's Leaving Home
Can't Buy Me Love
Birthday
Live and Let Die
Let It Be
Hey Jude
(Encore)
Long And Winding Road
Lady Madonna
I Saw Her Standing There
(Encore 2)
Yesterday
Sgt. Pepper's Reprise/The End
I doubt if I'll ever go to another concert with a setlist anywhere near as impressive. Unless, of course, I can make it to one of Paul's upcoming shows this fall. I'm certain that tickets will be quite expensive, but for me it was definitely worth the 45 pounds (75 dollars) we paid to see him. If you can, go!!
Fri 09/16/05 Miami, FL American Airlines Arena
Sat 09/17/05 Tampa, FL St. Pete Times Forum
Tue 09/20/05 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena
Thu 09/22/05 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center
Mon 09/26/05 Boston, MA Fleet Center
Fri 09/30/05 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
Sat 10/01/05 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
Sat 10/08/05 Washington, DC MCI Center
Mon 10/10/05 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre
Fri 10/14/05 Auburn Hills, MI Palace Of Auburn Hills
Tue 10/18/05 Chicago, IL United Center
Sat 10/22/05 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center
Sun 10/23/05 Milwaukee, WI Bradley Center
Wed 10/26/05 Saint Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center
Thu 10/27/05 Des Moines, IA Wells Fargo Arena
Sun 10/30/05 Omaha, NE Qwest Center Omaha
Tue 11/01/05 Denver, CO Pepsi Center
Thu 11/03/05 Seattle, WA KeyArena at Seattle Center
Fri 11/04/05 Portland, OR Rose Garden Arena
Mon 11/07/05 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion At San Jose
Fri 11/11/05 Anaheim, CA Arrowhead Pond
Wed 11/16/05 Sacramento, CA ARCO Arena
Sat 11/19/05 Houston, TX Toyota Center
Sun 11/20/05 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center
Wed 11/23/05 Glendale, AZ Glendale Arena
Fri 11/25/05 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena
Sat 11/26/05 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena
Tue 11/29/05 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center
April 17, 2005
Films Worth Watching
A couple months ago, I wrote about the emerging audio form of blogs called "podcasts." At the time, I was quite critical of the existing podcasts because they were "boring, tedious, and completely improvised...like local television at its worst." Since then, however, I've discovered a couple that are definitely worth hearing. One of my favorites is produced by film aficionado Michael Geoghagen (GO-HAY-GUN). A couple times per week he discusses a film that in his words is "worth watching." His broad taste in movies not only covers current releases, but also delves into the deepest cracks of cinematic history. The reviews, which last around eight to twelve minutes, are intended not only for those who haven't seen a particular film, but also those who have. Geoghagen is excellent at offering concise and thoughtful insight in a way that cinema buffs and cinema buffoons alike can appreciate. I've found that I enjoy listening to his reviews of films I have seen because he always reveals a little-known nugget of information that makes me want to go back and see the movie a second time.
Check him out here at Reel Reviews. His most current review of Hitchcock's "Rear Window" is a great place to start. Even if you don't have an iPod, you can still download the MP3 and listen on your computer. Either way, right click on the title of the podcast and simply "save target as" to any intended location on your computer. If you're not committed to a download, you can also push play on the site's media player to start listening right away.
And as long as I'm on the topic of movie reviews, I'll mention the two movies I watched this weekend: "Kill Bill Vol. 1 and 2." Since Ashley was in Chicago for the weekend, it was the perfect opportunity for me to watch what she calls a "guy movie." While Volume 1 was a bit too bloody for my taste, it laid the groundwork for an awesome storyline that is brilliantly resolved in Volume 2. Quentin Tarantino is just plain weird as a person, but as a director he's great. The story seamlessly incorporates Japanese anime with kung fu parody and film noir - quite impressive. If you can get past the violence, these two films are, as Mr. Geoghagen would say, well worth watching.
Check him out here at Reel Reviews. His most current review of Hitchcock's "Rear Window" is a great place to start. Even if you don't have an iPod, you can still download the MP3 and listen on your computer. Either way, right click on the title of the podcast and simply "save target as" to any intended location on your computer. If you're not committed to a download, you can also push play on the site's media player to start listening right away.
And as long as I'm on the topic of movie reviews, I'll mention the two movies I watched this weekend: "Kill Bill Vol. 1 and 2." Since Ashley was in Chicago for the weekend, it was the perfect opportunity for me to watch what she calls a "guy movie." While Volume 1 was a bit too bloody for my taste, it laid the groundwork for an awesome storyline that is brilliantly resolved in Volume 2. Quentin Tarantino is just plain weird as a person, but as a director he's great. The story seamlessly incorporates Japanese anime with kung fu parody and film noir - quite impressive. If you can get past the violence, these two films are, as Mr. Geoghagen would say, well worth watching.
Stolen iPod: Identity Theft
The Washington Post has an interesting article on people who have had their iPod stolen and the psychological effect it has had:
Across the Washington area, thefts of digital music players are rising, police say, putting Scalenghe and others through the emotional trauma of losing something that has become an increasingly important and personal part of their lives. Victims said they felt the thieves got an illicit glimpse at their musical tastes and even their "souls."
The claim of theft victims sounds absurd at first, but I have to confess I'd feel much the same way if my iPod were nicked. The vast majority of songs on my iPod bring back vivid memories of life moments. Hearing Coldplay's A Rush of Blood to the Head brings me back to the streets of London. David Gray's White Ladder takes me to my freshman dorm room. The Beatles "She Loves You" transports me to my third grade spring musical program. Having those albums and songs taken would almost be analogous to having a photo album stolen. I qualify with the word 'almost' because songs can be replaced whereas most photographs cannot be recovered (though as we begin our digital age even that will change). Just as a thief couldn't appreciate my family pictures, I'm certain one couldn't appreciate the 3,143 songs on my iPod in the same way I can.
Across the Washington area, thefts of digital music players are rising, police say, putting Scalenghe and others through the emotional trauma of losing something that has become an increasingly important and personal part of their lives. Victims said they felt the thieves got an illicit glimpse at their musical tastes and even their "souls."
The claim of theft victims sounds absurd at first, but I have to confess I'd feel much the same way if my iPod were nicked. The vast majority of songs on my iPod bring back vivid memories of life moments. Hearing Coldplay's A Rush of Blood to the Head brings me back to the streets of London. David Gray's White Ladder takes me to my freshman dorm room. The Beatles "She Loves You" transports me to my third grade spring musical program. Having those albums and songs taken would almost be analogous to having a photo album stolen. I qualify with the word 'almost' because songs can be replaced whereas most photographs cannot be recovered (though as we begin our digital age even that will change). Just as a thief couldn't appreciate my family pictures, I'm certain one couldn't appreciate the 3,143 songs on my iPod in the same way I can.
"Cedar Rapids felt like space to me"
Jonathan Franzen, author of The Corrections, remembers his family trips from Minnesota to St. Louis and the incomparable boredom that comes with driving through Iowa in this week's New Yorker. Having spent countless hours driving through the Hawkeye state, I can definitely relate - especially with this passage:
To get through the day, he made himself into an algorithm, a number cruncher. Our car was the axe with which he attacked the miles listed on road signs, chopping the nearly unbearable 238 down to a still daunting 179, bludgeoning the 150s and 140s and 130s until they yielded the halfway humane 127, which was roundable down to 120, which he could pretend was just two hours of driving time even though, with so many livestock trucks and thoughtless drivers on the road ahead of him, it would probably take closer to three. Through sheer force of will, he mowed down the last twenty miles between him and double digits, and these digits he then reduced by tens and twelves until, finally, he could glimpse it: “Cedar Rapids 34.” Only then, as his sole treat of the day, did he allow himself to remember that 34 was the distance to the city center—that we were, in fact, less than thirty miles now from the oak-shaded park where we liked to stop for a picnic lunch.
Instead of a city park, however, my countdown was to the Kum & Go gas station in Clear Lake - a city most famous for being the site of the final show for Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper. Though it is only 83 miles from Ames to Clear Lake, it could possibly be the most monotonous stretch of road in the country.
Take the time to read Franzen's full account. It's short and offers a humorous conclusion.
To get through the day, he made himself into an algorithm, a number cruncher. Our car was the axe with which he attacked the miles listed on road signs, chopping the nearly unbearable 238 down to a still daunting 179, bludgeoning the 150s and 140s and 130s until they yielded the halfway humane 127, which was roundable down to 120, which he could pretend was just two hours of driving time even though, with so many livestock trucks and thoughtless drivers on the road ahead of him, it would probably take closer to three. Through sheer force of will, he mowed down the last twenty miles between him and double digits, and these digits he then reduced by tens and twelves until, finally, he could glimpse it: “Cedar Rapids 34.” Only then, as his sole treat of the day, did he allow himself to remember that 34 was the distance to the city center—that we were, in fact, less than thirty miles now from the oak-shaded park where we liked to stop for a picnic lunch.
Instead of a city park, however, my countdown was to the Kum & Go gas station in Clear Lake - a city most famous for being the site of the final show for Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper. Though it is only 83 miles from Ames to Clear Lake, it could possibly be the most monotonous stretch of road in the country.
Take the time to read Franzen's full account. It's short and offers a humorous conclusion.
April 16, 2005
Really Short Fiction
Lately I've been reading Richard Lawerence Cohen's blog on a daily basis. One of my favorite aspects of his blog is the short (100 or so words) fiction works he ocassionally writes. Thus far he's had two stories that I've been especially impressed with.
The Fan
As a Brewer fan, it isn't hard to relate.
Too Old to Die Young
The older you are, the more depressing these 100 words will be. It's nice to be relating to Keats at this point in my life, but I'm certain that it will seem like no time at all before I'm of a Shakespearian age.
Perhaps in the future I'll experiment with some short fiction on Portsider.
For more quality short fiction, check out Dancing on Fly Ash.
The Fan
As a Brewer fan, it isn't hard to relate.
Too Old to Die Young
The older you are, the more depressing these 100 words will be. It's nice to be relating to Keats at this point in my life, but I'm certain that it will seem like no time at all before I'm of a Shakespearian age.
Perhaps in the future I'll experiment with some short fiction on Portsider.
For more quality short fiction, check out Dancing on Fly Ash.
April 13, 2005
On Wisconsin! Google Sightseeing
Go Badgers!
These images are somewhat dated. They must be at least two or three years old since they don't show any of the Camp Randall renovation that's taken place over the last few years. Even so, I'm impressed.
These images are somewhat dated. They must be at least two or three years old since they don't show any of the Camp Randall renovation that's taken place over the last few years. Even so, I'm impressed.
"I don't think Wisconsin should become known as a state where we shoot cats"
Wisconsin has already shown it's congenial this week, but a proposal to legalize the killing of feral cats has me questioning our state's amicability. The Wisconsin Conservation Congress voted yes to legalizing cat hunting, but Governor Jim Doyle has other ideas.
"I don't think Wisconsin should become known as a state where we shoot cats," said Doyle, a Democrat who neither hunts nor owns a cat. "What it does is sort of hold us up as a state that everybody is kind of laughing at right now."
While Minnesota and South Dakota allow the hunting of wild cats, it's a story from Iowa that caught my eye today. A sociology professor at UW-Madison writes:
I grew up on a farm in Iowa. We had sheep. We had feral cats. If the feces from cats gets into hay, it can cause a pregnant ewe to abort. I do understand that baby lambs, however cute they may be, are not as cute as little-pretty-wittle-kitty. Even so, my dad shoots feral cats. His son takes no joy in this practice, but feels no remorse for it either. If I was persuaded that there was a reasonable alternative, I might feel differently.
I'm not a cat guy, but the whole issue seems a bit dubious to me. I understand that advocates will quote the statistic that up to 139 million songbirds are killed by feral cats every year, but you can't tell me the people who go out and shoot cats have some undying affinity toward songbirds. Instead, I can see the good ol' boys getting together after a night at the bar, grabbing their .22's, and venturing out on a feral cat hunt. If that turns out to be the case, then we should, as Doyle suggests, be the state that everyone is laughing at.
Is it just me, or does this whole issue seem like some vast hoax perpetuated by a clever writer at The Onion?
"I don't think Wisconsin should become known as a state where we shoot cats," said Doyle, a Democrat who neither hunts nor owns a cat. "What it does is sort of hold us up as a state that everybody is kind of laughing at right now."
While Minnesota and South Dakota allow the hunting of wild cats, it's a story from Iowa that caught my eye today. A sociology professor at UW-Madison writes:
I grew up on a farm in Iowa. We had sheep. We had feral cats. If the feces from cats gets into hay, it can cause a pregnant ewe to abort. I do understand that baby lambs, however cute they may be, are not as cute as little-pretty-wittle-kitty. Even so, my dad shoots feral cats. His son takes no joy in this practice, but feels no remorse for it either. If I was persuaded that there was a reasonable alternative, I might feel differently.
I'm not a cat guy, but the whole issue seems a bit dubious to me. I understand that advocates will quote the statistic that up to 139 million songbirds are killed by feral cats every year, but you can't tell me the people who go out and shoot cats have some undying affinity toward songbirds. Instead, I can see the good ol' boys getting together after a night at the bar, grabbing their .22's, and venturing out on a feral cat hunt. If that turns out to be the case, then we should, as Doyle suggests, be the state that everyone is laughing at.
Is it just me, or does this whole issue seem like some vast hoax perpetuated by a clever writer at The Onion?
April 12, 2005
Google Sightseeing
I found a blog today called Google Sightseeing that takes you on virtual tours of the country. I knew when Google introduced free satellite maps that it would be a cool feature, but some of these screenshots are amazing. By far, the most interesting link is to Area 51 which the government has "whited out" in the satellite photos. Nonetheless, one can see the pock-marked area of the desert where nuclear bombs were tested. Other great locations include Alcatraz, the Uffington White Horse, and Mt. St. Helens.
I also did a bit of Google mapping myself and here's my hometown of Whitehall. Unfortunately the satellite resolution isn't that great, but if you look closely you can make out the golf course and if you look REALLY closely you can pick out a speck of blue that is the Whitehall swimming pool. Switch between the map and satellite images if you need to get your bearings.
I also did a bit of Google mapping myself and here's my hometown of Whitehall. Unfortunately the satellite resolution isn't that great, but if you look closely you can make out the golf course and if you look REALLY closely you can pick out a speck of blue that is the Whitehall swimming pool. Switch between the map and satellite images if you need to get your bearings.
Bush's iPod Redux
The U.K.'s ultra-liberal newspaper The Guardian has seized on yesterday's NY Times article about Bush's iPod. Apparently the geniuses in The Guardian offices weren't satisfied with Times reporting and wanted to take the opportunity to Bush-bash as much as possible. "Let's turn it into to a contest!" the brainiacs cried.
So now it's over to you: what other songs should Mr President get his staff to upload for his listening pleasure? Post your suggestions below and there's a great prize on offer for the best one. Our friends at Guardian Books have given us a copy of Steve Bell's Apes of Wrath - his viciously funny cartoon portrait of the Blair presidency and the 'war on terror'.
Some of the most inspired entries thus far:
I suggest an audio-book version of My Pet Goat.
Comments posted by: Doug Tarnopol at April 12, 2005 04:16 PM
Is Green Day's "American Idiot" to close to the bone?
Comments posted by: Simon Kinnear at April 12, 2005 04:19 PM
My Stupid Mouth by John Mayer
Comments posted by: j at April 12, 2005 04:28 PM
Hooked on Phonics.
Comments posted by: Autumn at April 12, 2005 10:36 PM
I love the Brits, but some still can't get over the fact that we're better and they're bitter.
So now it's over to you: what other songs should Mr President get his staff to upload for his listening pleasure? Post your suggestions below and there's a great prize on offer for the best one. Our friends at Guardian Books have given us a copy of Steve Bell's Apes of Wrath - his viciously funny cartoon portrait of the Blair presidency and the 'war on terror'.
Some of the most inspired entries thus far:
I suggest an audio-book version of My Pet Goat.
Comments posted by: Doug Tarnopol at April 12, 2005 04:16 PM
Is Green Day's "American Idiot" to close to the bone?
Comments posted by: Simon Kinnear at April 12, 2005 04:19 PM
My Stupid Mouth by John Mayer
Comments posted by: j at April 12, 2005 04:28 PM
Hooked on Phonics.
Comments posted by: Autumn at April 12, 2005 10:36 PM
I love the Brits, but some still can't get over the fact that we're better and they're bitter.
Resume Builder
Although Chris from the "Apprentice" is still one of the remaining six contestants, his behavior this weekend gives a strong indication that it won't be long until he joins the other Apprentice losers.
"Apprentice" Finalist Arrested
The reason for the arrest?
Cops allege that a "loud and inappropriate" Shelton--who, of course, was spewing profanities--got into a beef in the hotel's lobby, and refused to pipe down at the request of officers. Shelton, who had a drink in his hand, was apparently peeved over his inability to get a wristband which would gain him access to Hard Rock bars.
I wonder if he used the classic, "Do you know who I am? You can't touch me! I was on the 'Apprentice'!"
"Apprentice" Finalist Arrested
The reason for the arrest?
Cops allege that a "loud and inappropriate" Shelton--who, of course, was spewing profanities--got into a beef in the hotel's lobby, and refused to pipe down at the request of officers. Shelton, who had a drink in his hand, was apparently peeved over his inability to get a wristband which would gain him access to Hard Rock bars.
I wonder if he used the classic, "Do you know who I am? You can't touch me! I was on the 'Apprentice'!"
I Always Knew Wisconsin was a Friendly State
Miss Wisconsin is Miss Congeniality
She's also from nearby Menasha.
Did anybody actually watch the Miss U.S.A pageant last night? "24" was definitely playing in the Portsider household last night. Talk about an intense episode. Still, it's nice to see Wisconsin get some press in a pageant. Usually the only face-time Wisconsin gets is during the introductions at the open of the show. After that she's relegated to standing in the background where she'll spend the rest of the night twirling and showing jazz hands while the marquee states like Texas, California, and Florida become the main focus and eventual winners.
She's also from nearby Menasha.
Did anybody actually watch the Miss U.S.A pageant last night? "24" was definitely playing in the Portsider household last night. Talk about an intense episode. Still, it's nice to see Wisconsin get some press in a pageant. Usually the only face-time Wisconsin gets is during the introductions at the open of the show. After that she's relegated to standing in the background where she'll spend the rest of the night twirling and showing jazz hands while the marquee states like Texas, California, and Florida become the main focus and eventual winners.
April 11, 2005
The Greatest/Worst Masters Ever
Yesterday's finish to the Masters was awesome. For my money, one would have to go back to 1986 when Jack Nicklaus won the tournament at age 46 to equal the drama and excitement of Tiger's victory. Woods' shot on 16 will go down among the greatest shots in Masters history - they'll be showing the replay sixty years from now when Tiger is an honorary starter (and he'll still be hitting it further than 95% of the population). Not only that, but this year's Masters was almost certainly the final hurrah for the greatest golfer of all time: Jack Nicklaus. Six of the Golden Bear's record eighteen major championship victories came at Augusta National and for him to drive down Magnolia Lane for the final time is certainly one of the most significant moments in golf history.
So how could this year's Masters be one of the worst? Well, first off, the weather didn't help. Sunday was the only day of the tournament where play wasn't stopped or suspended. But one can't fault Augusta for the weather - no, the most disappointing aspect of the tournament for me was the lack of network coverage by both CBS and the USA Network. Other than Tiger's incredible chip in on the sixteenth, he'd undoubtedly say the most crucial holes that sealed his victory were numbers 7-13 in which he tied a Masters record by scoring seven consecutive birdies. So why isn't anyone talking about those holes today around the water cooler? Simple - it wasn't on television. And Jack's final hole at Augusta? Sure you saw the replay, but is a thirty-second shot the greatest golfer of all time playing his final hole at Augusta really doing the moment justice?
This week as we were bombarded with endless hours of Pope John Paul II, one particular story stood out for me. Chris Matthews of MSNBC talked of an instance where the Pope would be going to his home in Poland to make an important speech and asked the question, "Will there be television cameras there?" Upon being asked why he wondered such the thing, the Pope responded, "Well, if it doesn't happen on TV, it doesn't happen at all." Unbelievable words coming from the Pope, but quite true. The same thing can be said for sports on television, though with an added caveat: If you don't see it on live television, you didn't really see it.
So how could this year's Masters be one of the worst? Well, first off, the weather didn't help. Sunday was the only day of the tournament where play wasn't stopped or suspended. But one can't fault Augusta for the weather - no, the most disappointing aspect of the tournament for me was the lack of network coverage by both CBS and the USA Network. Other than Tiger's incredible chip in on the sixteenth, he'd undoubtedly say the most crucial holes that sealed his victory were numbers 7-13 in which he tied a Masters record by scoring seven consecutive birdies. So why isn't anyone talking about those holes today around the water cooler? Simple - it wasn't on television. And Jack's final hole at Augusta? Sure you saw the replay, but is a thirty-second shot the greatest golfer of all time playing his final hole at Augusta really doing the moment justice?
This week as we were bombarded with endless hours of Pope John Paul II, one particular story stood out for me. Chris Matthews of MSNBC talked of an instance where the Pope would be going to his home in Poland to make an important speech and asked the question, "Will there be television cameras there?" Upon being asked why he wondered such the thing, the Pope responded, "Well, if it doesn't happen on TV, it doesn't happen at all." Unbelievable words coming from the Pope, but quite true. The same thing can be said for sports on television, though with an added caveat: If you don't see it on live television, you didn't really see it.
Bush's iPod
What's playing on the president's iPod? The New York Times features an article about Bush's new iPod which he received from his daughters for his birthday. Nicely done, Jenna and Barbara. Apparently he primarily listens to it during his workouts.
The most disappointing aspect of Bush's iPod? Though it can hold 10,000 songs, he only has 250 at the moment. He's the most powerful being in the universe. Can't somebody get the man some tunes? The article notes:
Mr. Bush, as leader of the free world, does not take the time to download the music himself; that task falls to his personal aide, Blake Gottesman, who buys individual songs and albums, including Mr. Jones's and Mr. Jackson's greatest hits, from the iTunes music store.
Perhaps I could fill in for Mr. Gottesman. At the moment my iPod has 3,009 songs and I still have quite a few CD's I haven't loaded yet. I understand that President Bush is probably too busy for music, but c'mon!
Here are some of Bush's favorite tracks according to a staffer:
John Fogerty, "Centerfield"
Van Morrison, "New Biography," "Brown Eyed Girl"
John Hiatt, "Circle Back"
Alan Jackson
George Jones
Alejandro Escovedo, "Castanets" Joni Mitchell, "(You're So Square) Baby, I Don't Care"
The Gourds, "El Paso"
Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, "Swinging From the Chains of Love"
Stevie Ray Vaughan, "The House is Rockin' "
James McMurtry, "Valley Road"
The Thrills, "Say It Ain't So"
The Knack, "My Sharona"
The most disappointing aspect of Bush's iPod? Though it can hold 10,000 songs, he only has 250 at the moment. He's the most powerful being in the universe. Can't somebody get the man some tunes? The article notes:
Mr. Bush, as leader of the free world, does not take the time to download the music himself; that task falls to his personal aide, Blake Gottesman, who buys individual songs and albums, including Mr. Jones's and Mr. Jackson's greatest hits, from the iTunes music store.
Perhaps I could fill in for Mr. Gottesman. At the moment my iPod has 3,009 songs and I still have quite a few CD's I haven't loaded yet. I understand that President Bush is probably too busy for music, but c'mon!
Here are some of Bush's favorite tracks according to a staffer:
John Fogerty, "Centerfield"
Van Morrison, "New Biography," "Brown Eyed Girl"
John Hiatt, "Circle Back"
Alan Jackson
George Jones
Alejandro Escovedo, "Castanets" Joni Mitchell, "(You're So Square) Baby, I Don't Care"
The Gourds, "El Paso"
Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, "Swinging From the Chains of Love"
Stevie Ray Vaughan, "The House is Rockin' "
James McMurtry, "Valley Road"
The Thrills, "Say It Ain't So"
The Knack, "My Sharona"
April 10, 2005
Spring in Madison
A pair of ducks are mesmerized by a black sweater on the terrace
Had a wonderful time in Madison this weekend. We ate lunch on the Terrace and couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. If I had visited UW on a day as perfect as Friday, it's quite possible I would have spent my four collegiate years looking at Lake Mendota instead of Central's pond.
After eating and people watching for over an hour, we strolled State Street and both came away with quality purchases. I bought a pair of sandals and aluminum drinking glasses from Urban Outfitters. Ashley also had luck at the Outfitters where she found a jacket, shirt, and a five dollar pink hat for next winter.
We stopped at State Street Brats and had a tasty basket of cheese curds while we watched the Cubs vs. Brewers game and the Masters coverage. The establishment was featured in a recent issue of Sports Illustrated as one of the best places to watch a game in the country and I can see why. Standard televisions have been replaced by wide-screen plasma TV's which make sporting events like the Masters incredible to watch. Hopefully HDTV falls into our price range soon.
In the evening, we saw the Decemberists, a band from Portland, play at the Barrymore Theater after having a wonderful pizza at the Glass Nickel. The Decemberists played an awesome set of music that was highlighted by their closing number "The Mariner's Revenge" in which the audience engaged in the performance by pretending to be swallowed by giant whale - not an experience one has at every concert! The twenty-minute epic, "The Tain," put the exclamation point on an excellent show that was well worth the thirteen dollar price of admission.
A Fruitful Experience
This Is Just To Say
I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox
and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast
Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold
-William Carlos Williams
I teach the poem above to juniors and seniors in my American Literature class, but last semester I felt somewhat guilty discussing it with them. The reason? I'd never eaten a plum before. I'll be the first to admit that I have almost no enthusiasm for trying new foods. Why try something new when I already have foods I enjoy has been my theory. Even so, I didn't feel at all qualified to teach a poem about plums without ever having eaten one.
As we were walking State Street, I couldn't help but notice a crate of plums at the fruit stand pictured above, and feeling somewhat adventurous, I decided to eat my first ever plum. The verdict? Not too bad!! The plum definitely will be added to my culinary repertoire which, for those that know me, is an abbreviated list.
Perhaps this term when "This is Just to Say" comes around I'll bring in plums for the students. I've definitely found a new appreciation for both the fruit and the poem and it'd be a shame if my students left American Lit without sharing in that appreciation.
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