Nincompoopery

Pigeon Poaching

2012-02-20T07:43:00.002-05:00

So I was walking Trevor this morning, and I see a sign on 9th Ave. It reads (paraphrasing)... "Illegal Netting of Pigeons was spotted in this area on 12 Feb. If you see illegal behavior, please inform the NYPD. Pigeon Poaching Is Illegal!"
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And I thought, Illegal?
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That's a bit harsh. I mean you should really give it a quick par-boil to seal in that disgusting squab taste, then run it under the broiler for 10 minutes. But illegal? What will government over-regulate next? Damn Democrats.

I saw Shatner on Broadway

2012-02-19T15:26:00.002-05:00

Shatner on Broadway sounds like the start of a bad joke, but I really liked it.
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Review Here

From Sulu (George Taki's) Facebook Page

2012-02-18T13:41:00.002-05:00

Max Von Essen

2012-02-17T19:31:00.001-05:00

So, last night Eddie and I went to a benefit and met Nick Adams.
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Another guy we met was Max Von Essen. He is playing on Broadway soon in Evita. He chatted with us and was a great guy. I have looked and he has been a bunch of stuff I haven't seen.
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Fun.

This One I Get

2012-02-17T13:04:00.001-05:00

Chris Christie (Gov. of New Jersey) is a fine guy. In fact, he is probably one of the least annoying Governors I know of (Republican or Democrat). And he is in a sad fix.
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I am pretty sure he is very, VERY, not prejudice. He was one of the few Republicans that spoke in favor the "Ground Zero" Mosque - reminding people that Freedom of Religion was a 2 way street. He appointed an open homosexual to the New Jersey Supreme Court. But now he is presented with a Gay Marriage bill.
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I think he was intelligent to get in front of this and tell everyone he was going to veto it - and wanted people to vote on it. NOT because they should do that (yeah - let's vote on hate), but because he can't sign it. If so, he won't go anywhere in the Republican power structure - and Chris Christie is a rising star. He signs it, he won't be re-nominated by the Repubs - and would have NO shot in 2016.
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But had he waited and veto'ed it, Independents (who, in New Jersey, are pro Gay marriage) would have been pissed off. And he needs those to get reelected in 2013 in new Jersey. And he needs reelection in 2013 to be nominated in 2016.
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So he says - a while ago - he is going to veto it, if you pass it. He thinks people should vote on it. Does he believe this? Probably not, but it is a fairly good middle way to get out of a tough situation.

Congressional Hearing on Contraception and Religious Freedom

2012-02-17T12:27:00.002-05:00

This is a picture of the witnesses at the House of Representatives Hearing on if the Obama Administration is trampling on Religions Freedom to deny women access to contraception. ALL of the witnesses.
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Requests by the Democrats to allow women to speak, ANY WOMEN, on the hearing specifically about contraception was denied. Because, well, men know best. Women are lucky they are allowed to vote and drive - that is one better than Saudi Arabia so don't complain.
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Your Republican Congress at "work" (in quotes, since this won't change anything - just a chance for them all to boo the White House).

Very Cool UCLA Program

2012-02-17T11:28:00.000-05:00

UCLA has just started an interesting, and cool, advertising suite called "The Optimists". It talks about UCLA Grads as Optimists and Dreamers. You know, "..people who see things how they should be.." I know you would be hard pressed to called me an Optimist - but then I am not in the Advertising set :-).
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Here are a couple of screen shots (when you hover over the faces, the blurb shows up. I did one in each to show you.
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Site

Ralph Bunche, by the way, first man of color to win the Nobel Prize.
Geography (the best major) was in Bunche Hall

I thought Francis went to SC - maybe undergrad.
Nope: Just checked. Hofstra Undergrad

My Honey and Nick Adams

2012-02-16T18:39:00.000-05:00

Who?
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Nick Adams. So my honey has a little tiny Nick Adams things. Nick was in "A Chorus Line" and was the one that had to cover his tank top because Mario Lopez was annoyed by the humpiness. And he was in "La Cage Aux Folles". And he is the Guy Pierce role right now in "Priscilla" right now on Broadway.
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And tonight we were at a fund raiser for gay marriage and we met him. Truth be told, that is why I got tickets, because my honey loves him a little Nick Adams.
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Anyway, we met him and he was charming, nice and pretty cool guy.
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Here is Eddie and Nickie.

Eddie and Nick Adams

Trevor as the cat

2012-02-15T17:59:00.002-05:00

Trevor has what I see as an odd habit. He tends to sit on the couch cushions. I normally see cats do this.
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I am not sure if he is weird, or is just light enough that he doesn't flop down the cushions. Can you image poor Ashford (the big boned Welsh Terrier) trying to do that. He was tubby AND a kluz, he would have broken a hip.

Why Stop of Religious Grounds - Why not any old prejudice? That's the Ticket!

2012-02-15T12:58:00.004-05:00

Roy Blunt - surrounded by Republican senators...

In the latest show of true hatred towards eveyone that isn't a fat old white man, Senator Roy Blunt has introduced an amendment that would allow ANY employer to deny ANY health coverage - based on their personal or religious convictions. (Read it and weep.)
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You don't approve of Birth Control - don't have to supply it. Citibank doesn't believe Single women should have kids?; they don't have to pay for it. Pfizer doesn't believe gay people should have kids?, don't have to pay for a gay woman to give birth? State of Virginia's Department of Education doesn't belive interracial married families should have kids? Don't have to pay for child birth OR contraception! A win win.
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There is a reason he isn't called Roy Subtle!
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The measure,proposed by Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) would amend the AffordableCare Act to allow any employer to exclude anyhealth service coverage, no matter how critical or basic, by claiming that itviolates their religious or moral convictions. Moreover, according to the NationalWomen's Law Center, the amendment would remove critical non-discriminationprotections from the Affordable Care Act. For instance, an insurer could denymaternity care coverage to a same-sex couple, an interracial couple or a singlewoman for religious or moral reasons.

Just Miss Understood

2012-02-15T10:27:00.001-05:00

It isn't that Republican Senators don't like women, it's just that they HATE fags and im'grants more than they like women (which makes them sound kinda' gay - but whatever).
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Republicans Retreat on Domestic Violence

Even in the ultrapolarized atmosphere of Capitol Hill,it should be possible to secure broad bipartisan agreement on reauthorizing theViolence Against Women Act, the 1994 law at the center of the nation’s effortsto combat domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. The law’s renewal hasstrong backing from law enforcement and groups that work with victims, andearlier reauthorizations of the law, in 2000 and 2005, passed Congress withstrong support from both sides of the aisle.

Yet not a single Republican on the Senate JudiciaryCommittee voted in favor last week when the committee approved a well-craftedreauthorization bill introduced by itschairman, Senator Patrick Leahy, and Senator Michael Crapo, a Republican ofIdaho, who is not on the committee.

The bill includes smart improvements aimed, forexample, at encouraging effective enforcement of protective orders and reducingthe national backlog of untested rape kits. The Republican opposition seemsdriven largely by an antigay, anti-immigrant agenda. The main sticking pointsseemed to be language in the bill to ensure that victims are not deniedservices because they are gay or transgender and a provision that wouldmodestly expand the availability of special visas for undocumented immigrantswho are victims of domestic violence — a necessary step to encourage thosevictims to come forward.

Senator Charles Grassley, the committee’s rankingRepublican, offered a substitute bill that not only cut out those improvementsbut called for a huge reduction in authorized financing, and elimination of theJustice Department office devoted to administering the law and coordinating thenation’s response to domestic violence and sexual assaults. His measure wasdefeated along party lines.

(the rest of it is here)

painful... yet I fear this is next...

2012-02-14T23:05:00.001-05:00

So in the Westminster Dog Show...

2012-02-14T15:37:00.003-05:00

So, Eddie, Trevor and I watched parts of the dog show yesterday (the Terriers are on tonight, and they are our favorites...).
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I have to say, the Pekingese won the toy group, I did not like it. I don't mean as compared to other toys - just as a dog. It looks way to much like a furry foot-stool, and wobbles too much when it walks. I see hip problems.
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I did, however, love the winning Hound - the Wire Haired Dauchsund. He was my favorite in a great group with the PBGV and the new English American Coon Hound.
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That is a good looking Wiener Dog!

Happy Valentine's Day (and weekly update)

2012-02-14T13:31:00.002-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day Eddie. I heart you tons.
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Weekly update 215.8
(so no Santorum required!)

Samoa Won In a Last Gasp over the All Blacks

2012-02-13T11:31:00.002-05:00

So, yesterday, Eddie and I were watching the finals of the Rugby 7s. Samoa, the underdog took a quick lead and held it to the almost end, when the Kiwi All Blacks tied it up. But Samoa had the ball when the whistle blew - and in Rugby 7s, the play continues until a change of possession.
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And Samoa took it all the way down to score. It was great fun - and I don't even care that much about International Rugby 7s.
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But I have to say, the time length (7 minutes a half in prelims and 10 minutes a half in the finals) is perfect for my attention span.

From Justin 2 Kelly: All Time Most Fun Awful Movie

2012-02-13T10:02:00.000-05:00

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So, let me just give a big thumbs down to "The Daily Beast" that picked "From Justin To Kelly" as one of the worst Valentine's Rom Coms ever.
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To which I sasy, only if by "worst" you mean fun, funny and fabulous.
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And no, they don't mean that - since the included some real stinkers like Gigle, Maid in Manhattan and Leap Year.
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Dear Daily Beast, I respectfully disagree, From Justin to Kelly is da' bomb! It is bad in perfectly funny ways, and very good in others.
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Let's start with the good. Kelly Clarkson can SING. And she sings the hell out of some songs.
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And one her friends is Anika Noni Rose - later in Dreamgirls (as the not-Beonyce and not-Jennifer Hudson), and with a Tony for the Broadway show Caroline or Change, she is a real talent. We are talking serious star power. And to watch her Dance and Sing is a joy (PARTICULARLY when she is "dream"
singing and dancing in a Glitter-Salsa club down a dirt back alley in Miami!).
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And, if you have the extended Director's version (and why wouldn't you?!?) you get to see THE SINGULAR MOST BLATANT rip-off of "Summer Lovin" ever. And that includes when Glee actually sang Summer Lovin. With (wait for it) Justin as John Travolta. Oh wait, that is in the so-bad-it's-great category...
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Back to the good. Well, its a reach, but this background guy is a scene stealer. The bottle-blond, built guy, in the back ground of this shot, is all over this movie. The choreographer, dance captain and Director of Photography obviously have quite the thing for this guy. My guess is the 2nd Unit Director was sleeping with him. He moves great and looks interested in the proceedings - which makes him a real stand-out amoung the cast. It is made even more obvious how much the photogs love him, as they always have his shirt off (happily for us all, Justin W. never has his shirt off).
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As for the bad in a good way. Where to start.... It is a cornucopia of riches!
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The dialog seems pretty much made up as they went along. (Although Kelly did make up the Best Line of the Year with this one...
Justin (pointing at a small window in the bathroom he is suppose to climb out of) "That?!? My hair wouldn't even fit through that."
Kelly "I'm from Texas. I've seen bigger."
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The bad girl (Katherine Bailess) seems to think, in every scene, "what would Rizzo do, if she really was the bitch she pretended to be?". And then overacts twice as bad. (Minus the big redemption scene - no "that's the worst thing I could do" for you!.)
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Kelly and Justin's acting is ... well, very good for two people that won a singing contest where no acting was required. What makes it perfect is that about 4 lines into most scenes, they realize it sucks and just play along with the gag. And, it IS a Rom Com - so maybe we should judge their Chemistry together.
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Perfect. They play brother and sister perfectly (What? They are suppose to be hot for each other? Oh, that's very different...).
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Well, they aren't the first two people with zero attraction for each other stuck in a bad Rom Com musical. See Twist of Fate, if you don't believe me. In that one Olivia Newton John and John Travolta seem to physical repel each other (you know...like similarly changed magnets). And they are "real" actors.
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The big fight / thunder road / redemption scene??? Jet Skis at sunset. (sooo not kidding!)
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Anyway, it seems criminal to hate on From Justin To Kelly. It is a big wet kiss at corporate synergy and good ideas gone wrong and I LOVE IT.
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If you and your Valentine can't bond over this movie - there is no spark left!

So... I don't post these

2012-02-10T23:01:00.001-05:00

I don't post these. Not for any real reason, I just don't really think that someone who reads nincompoopery needs an It Gets Better video.
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But this one from the San Francisco Police Department... well it touched me.
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I am amazingly lucky that my parents and my friends were cool about me. But not everyone's were. And for them...
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Do They Even Listen to Themselves?

2012-02-10T15:43:00.005-05:00

Jim DeMint opened CPAC (Conservative Political Action Committee) with a speech that said he cannot compromise with the Democrats because:
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"We don’t have shared goals with the Democrats. The democrats can’t cut spending. Their whole platform is based on promising more from government," DeMint told activists gathered in Washington, D.C.
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The whole government grew under Bush 2, we started 2 unfunded war, added a Prescription Medicare Benefit vs. Clinton where the budget was balanced so - WTF..?
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But that wasn't the biggest inconsistency for this, the brightest blub in the Tea Party Firmamentee. He said this, then spoke about Keystone Pipeline.
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DeMint dealt mainly in broad strokes, outlining a “decentralized” approach to health care and transportation, DeMint argued for familiar themes to conservatives, including state’s rights and budget prudence.

One hot topic that came up – the Keystone pipeline, which DeMint said would ensure tens of thousands of jobs.

“Who could say no? Folks, we’re not talking about complicated political philosophy here,” he said.

Regardless of the merits of the Keystone Pipelin (and yes I think it would have been approved had the Republicans not forced Obama's hand) the opposition to this - outside of environmentalists - was both parties and all branches of the state of Nebraska, where it was suppose to go through. We are not talking about "complicated philosophy here" - but it does fly directly AGAINST states rights and "decentralization", which you just championed.
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Dip shit.

Oh Good Grief (but I LURVE the picture)

2012-02-10T13:06:00.003-05:00

So in another inane post, throwing as much gasoline as possible on a fire - the Times of London suggests that if Iran gets a bomb, Saudi Arabia will buy a few from Pakistan and then try to make some. To which one must say, so what? Moving a nuclear weapon from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia isn't much of a chance as far as I see it.
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But I do say I LOVE the picture included. It is of Saudi Arabian "special forces". As in "special needs" me thinks. I mean, first off. Great goofy eyes on the left. Second, all black - in the desert? Wouldn't desert camo or even all beige work better. Maybe this is their "nighttime" uniform.. o their "diving through oil" uniform. But if they are marching in a parade to show how cool they are, this is their "dumb" uniform.

Not Huey , Dewey & Louie

Fascinating

2012-02-10T11:21:00.003-05:00

So, this map is fascinating. It shows the Republican primary vote by county. It is from a story about a possible brokered convention (where no one has enough delegates to take the first ballot nomination). But it tells an interested story.
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Story here. Map below.
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Nincompoops & Hypocrisy

2012-02-10T10:33:00.000-05:00

Argh! Where to begin? People are hurting my brain today.
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First, NiallFerguson, a British historian and writer I love. Civilization was agreat book, and a TV Series in England (coming to PBS this year). Really,I tend to respect his ideas.

But he has a wild hair that we should attack Iran. Why? Because they might get a nuclear weapon (like Pakistan, NorthKorea, Israel, God-less Commie countries and Iraq-almost-supposedly). Heis part of the crowd that calls that a quick attack on Iran will be painlessand easy. That the Iranians will be thrilled to overthrow their country(any of this sound vaguely familiar?).

Argh!

And he is jumping on a bandwagon filled with the kind of wildass projections that said we were going to be greeted in Iraq with flowers andsmiles.

Stop it! No country likes seeing their countryattacked. And Israel's increasingly shrill screams have more to do withdefeating Obama and any real problem (read the Israeli papers or listen totheir generals). Niall'sArticle in Newsweek / Daily Beast.

Then there isKaren Handel, the Komen Foundation ex-VP who says that Planned Parenthood is abully.

That's right, Planned Parenthood - the punching bag of theright wing, provider of health care to millions of low income women, often theONLY provider of health care services (particularly when Obama caves to thescreaming Bishops as he will soon) - THEY are bullies.

Because the Susan Komen Foundation, who hired a Tea-Party,Gubernatorial-Losing-Candidate as a Policy VP, they couldn't NEVER have apolitical agenda. (cough-bullshit-cough)

See, depriving low income women of free breast exams - wellthat wasn't political. I kind of believe her when she says it wasn't"political" because she is a Republican; and they believe that poorpeople shouldn't have access to medicine (we can all go back to theRepublican debates where the crowd lustily cheered the "hypothetical"death of the uninsured). But for non-Republicans - letting poor peopleget sick and die IS political.

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Here is the idiot's quote: “The idea that anyone would suggest Komen had a political agenda is absurd,” Handel told The Daily Beast. “Komen is a breast-cancer organization—that’s what it does.” Instead, she accused Planned Parenthood of making the matter political, saying the group had “unleashed Armageddon” by launching a social-media firestorm. “Planned Parenthood is a gigantic bully, using Komen as its own personal punching bag,” she said.

My Eddie has a new job

2012-02-09T18:10:00.002-05:00

How Small Is The World

2012-02-09T11:56:00.002-05:00

So, when we were in Bahamas, we went to see Jane and Len Waterous.
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Now, we know Jane because we purchased a painting from her. We saw her work at a New York show and loved it.

Bad photo of our painting.

Jane (the painter) and her husband Len, in front of a similar picture in their house.

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In eating dinner and talking with them, we discussed other art we all loved. A show we saw in Venice (then in New York and I took some friends to in LA) came up, "Ashes & Snow" photos by Gregory Colbert.
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Jane gulped a little and explained that Gregory is her step-brother! How small is the world!

The poster from Ashes & Snow in Venice that I drug through carry-on
(actually mine is similar, but has the Venice Dates on it).

Some Bahama's Pictures

2012-02-08T13:27:00.000-05:00

Paradise Island in the rear view as we go to the Dolphins (that is the Waterous house in the middle)

Here are some other Bahamas Pictures, all can be selected to show in full size.
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My Eddie relaxing on the beach

Len and Jane's pups - with a picture Jane painted (and I LOVE) above.
Dobby & Wasabi

Delicious fish at the local food stretch;
The whole group is called "The Fish Fry"

Our hotel. We were the left-most cabin

Funny story about our hotel - Compass Point. It was owned before by the founder of Island Records (Bob Marley and U2 discoverer). He brought people to stay here -and they recorded in a studio across the street. There was a plaque in our room that Grace Jones used to stay in our cabin.

From Ed's Facebook (via Kelly I)

2012-02-08T08:00:00.002-05:00

Some movies just defy logic. Take "The Vow" about a man whose wife loses her memory. Which poster makes more sense.

The Poster - love forgotten

The Response

It's a Baby Step - but a step in any case

2012-02-07T14:22:00.000-05:00

Prop 8 was overturned (in the case of California only) because ...
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The people may not employ the initiative power to single out a disfavored group and strip them, without a legitimate justification, of a right as important as a right to marry.
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Nothing changes right now - the Mormons and other pro-Prop8 backers have the right of appeal. It has to be them, since the State will not support it. And California is a unique case, because the State Constitution was found to allow Gay Marriage - which was taking place - when the initiative process took away that right.
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But it is nice to know that the court doesn't think it is acceptable to single out a group to legislate against just because you don't like them.

The Obvious Answer: Don't Take Federal Money

2012-02-07T09:45:00.004-05:00

Loyola Marymount University in LA

There is a giant brouhaha boiling now about Obama's "War on Christians" - in particular the requirement that Catholic Universities and Hospitals provide Birth Control as part of their health insurance. Catholics - as a theology and religious hierarchy; not the laity - are anti-birth control.**

** I say not the laity since, according to polls, between 70 and 90 % of Catholics use or have used some sort of non-rhythmic contraceptive - ie the Pill, Condoms, IUD, etc..
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There is a simple solution to this - opt out. Catholic Hospitals and Universities could stop accepting Federal dollars. But the deal that that Catholics have struck with the government is that they provide a resource without regards to religion. Notre Dame and St. John's Hospital do NOT discriminate based on religion - and so they are eligible for Federal funds (scholarships, federal loans, grants, medical reimbursement). With regards to hospitals, this agreement has priced out non-Catholic hospitals in many places.
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All this is fine - that is the deal we have. But you don't get to change the deal. Catholic hospitals AGREED to not discriminate hiring due to religion - so you can't now yell foul that you have to provide adequate health insurance due to religious bigotry.
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If you want to change the rules - change all the rules. Stop getting federal funds, start paying taxes on your land and you can do whatever you want. I know it pains some in the hierarchy to play fair, but that is freedom from state established religions too.

Giants Celebration (and week 5)

2012-02-07T08:44:00.002-05:00

I'm going to bury the lead here.

First this is the Empire State Building all lit up last night for the Giants. Today there is a ticker tape parade for them. And, no - I am not going - turns out I actually went down in 2007 and it was a huge bottleneck - so I will be witting this one out (at work).
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As for + 5 weeks. 218.4 :-(
Time for plan B - which was started last night. It is a diet plan plus incentives. Incentive 1. Every pound I gain I owe $10 to Mittens campaign fund. An amount that grows by $10 per week.
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If the threat of paying Mittens doesn't do it for me, I should just give up now.

Nice Vacation

2012-02-06T22:54:00.003-05:00

It was good....

Sharks & Dolphins

2012-02-06T18:42:00.001-05:00

So here are a couple of interesting pictures.
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First, this is the shark tank at Atlantis. You can go through this 2 ways. The first is the flume we went through that shoots you under the sharks. But this is an example of the 2nd way to go through. You float on a tube quickly through the dark - then it drops you into a slow tube that floats through the sharks. You can see the shark giving the floaters the stink eye!

This picture is of the dolphins after we got out. We all sat on the floating dock and interacted with the dolphins. It was very cool.

Us and Flipper

2012-02-05T10:40:00.000-05:00

And I do mean Flipper. This is Jake who played Flipper in the recent movie.

Jane Waterous, Len and Eddie

2012-02-05T10:13:00.001-05:00

We spent the afternoon with Jane & Len. She is the artist of our painting and her husband. We had a great time with great food.

Our hotel

2012-02-04T08:42:00.000-05:00

Just did this. Loved it

2012-02-03T18:00:00.000-05:00

Adam Pascal and Memphis

2012-02-02T09:07:00.000-05:00

So I saw Memphis last night with Adam Pascal.
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I gotta say, I can't believe how much Adam Pascal has grown as an actor and singer. I first saw him almost 15 years ago for the first time in Rent. In the original - I kind of thought he was one of the weaker members. MILES better than I could ever be, don't get me wrong - but not the best in the show.
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A few years later I saw him in Aida. He was much better, particularly his singing.
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Even in Chess - the Victoria Hall version, I saw too much "Roger" in his American.
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But now, in Memphis, I really liked him. As the Huey, the white boy, in love with beautiful black singer, Felicia, he acted as someone completely different. And he sang well, in character - except on the occasions where he had to really let go a belt it. And he can now.
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Felicia, played by Montego Glover, was an amazing and vocally Adam kept up with her.

Memphis

Aida

Rent

Memphis Lives In Me - by Adam.

David: Mascot of the Month

2012-02-01T23:16:00.002-05:00

David Beckham launching his new underwear line at H&M

Becks is still around and playing soccer in Los Angeles. Because we don't care that he is washed up. He's cute.
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And in LA, how you do IS how you look.
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The latest (and the side bar) is the cleaned up David Beckham. Nice hair, hidden tats.

Old Underwear Ads (Armani)

New Underwear Ads (Beckham Bodywear)

Fuck You Susan G. Komen Foundation

2012-02-01T20:59:00.003-05:00

This is Lauren Pfau.
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Sorry, this WAS Lauren Pfau. She died of breast cancer. The same disease the the Susan G. Komen Foundation was supposed to fight. Last year 170,000 were treated and screened for Breast Cancer through low cost / free services from Planned Parenthood.
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But not this year. This year a right wing bitch turned off all that funding. Because women who marched, men who raised money, children that donated piggy banks mean nothing. Nothing compared to a Bitch Vice President who wants to make a point. To prove a point! Well, congratulations Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research, point proved. You care more about scored right wing points that saving lives.
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So, in total memory of my best friend Lauren Pfau, I say a heartfelt Fuck You.

Me (younger) and Lauren (alive)

For the new Director of Susan Komem foundation... Politics is more important the Breast Cancer

2012-02-01T16:58:00.002-05:00

Bitch and Witch: Plotting to Kill Women.
Plot Successful!

Shame on Karen Handel, the Susan Komen Foundation's new Vice President of Policy. She decided to pull the Susan Koman Fountation money from Planned Parenthood' Breast and Ovarian Cancer Screening programs. Programs that save women's lives.
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Planned Parenthood serves poor women in areas that aren't rich and can't afford health care. Planned Parenthood's screening for Breast and Ovarian Cancer was saving lives. Apparently the Susan Komen Foundation only cares about curing rich people. People that can afford their wine tasting events.
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Poor women, served by not for profit groups like Planned Parenthood can die of Breast Cancer for all Ms. Handel thinks.
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When running for Governor of Georgia, she was quite open about hating Planed Parenthood, quote "I will be a pro-life governor who will work tirelessly to promote a culture of life in Georgia…. I believe that each and every unborn child has inherent dignity, that every abortion is a tragedy, and that government has a role, along with the faith community, in encouraging women to choose life in even the most difficult of circumstances…. since I am pro-life, I do not support the mission of Planned Parenthood.".
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Well, she has gotten her way now - and the death of those that can't afford wine and cheese and Karen Handel approved Breast Cancer screening are of no importance to her. As someone who lost their best friend to Breast Cancer - I am fucking furious.
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You can read about this anywhere, but you can start at Forbes if you like.

Sad Computers

2012-02-01T12:56:00.001-05:00

If computers could be sad, this would be what they looked like.
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Forgotten and shoved away on some filing cabinet. Someone booted up the PC once to see if it had a file they wanted, it didn't, so they walked away. But no one turned it off. So there it sits .... it's little green phosphorescent prompt blinking away... unenterred and >alone...
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Still, it is better off than the sad sideways Sun Sparc Station - Sorry, Buddy, no on remembers how to code Solaris any more... Or the black IBM Personal Computers, once so cool, now sitting with dual floppy drives, pathetic and unbooted.

Tonight on Jeopardy: Brett Somers Look-Alike

2012-01-31T19:27:00.000-05:00

So in watching Jeopardy we saw contestant #3, who is the spitting image of Brett Somers from Match Game.
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As on Jeopardy tonight

The Original Brett

(hat tip to Ed, who is watching reruns of Match Game on YouTube as we speak.)

Fun Future Games

2012-01-31T12:14:00.001-05:00

I never learn. I still pine for UCLA Football. So, every now and then I look at future schedules.
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Turns out in the future, we totally have some fun games.
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At Virginia! That will be great. I do love me some Charolettesville. But that same exact year we play in Cowboy Stadium. Totally fun!
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I do like that we open this year at Rice. I think we have a shot of winning that one - open against someone not so great (nothing personal Owls - you are probably thinking the same exact thing :-).

No Reason

2012-01-31T09:50:00.001-05:00

Surprisingly Touched

2012-01-31T08:52:00.000-05:00

So I took Trevor to the last day of Pets At Play today.
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Now we have been going for about 4 years - Eddie gets the whole store an "edible bouquet" at Christmas. We know them, but I didn't expect a big deal.
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They are a mess. The guys that took Trevor out back gave me a hug. The reception guy shook my hand and said, "Good luck to you three guys. You've been..." And then he turned away crying.
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I was verklempt.

LDS (Mormons and Me)

2012-01-30T14:28:00.002-05:00

So Reuters has big story about how young and others are leaving the Mormon church, as details about the church are available on the web. Apparently a lot of Mormons haven't told their kids the full history of the church.
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The LA Temple, Palm Trees and the Angel Moroni

Like Polygamy or the Golden plates or even the fact that the church preaches it as a scientific fact the Indians are descended from a 600 BC tribe of Israelites that came to America. Note: They have been, however, quite open about the millions and millions of dollars they dumped into California to pass Proposition 8 (overturning legal marriage for same sex couples), which is also driving out liberal Mormons.
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Now personally, I like Mormons as individuals. They are, in the main, nice people. Not particularly nice to non-Mormons in Salt Lake City, but maybe that has changed in the 40 years since I lived there.
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I am even descended from Mormons. Not just ANY Mormons- mind you, but the big one! Brigham Young (of course, he had over 20 wives, so that lineage isn't a big trick in the Mormon family). However, should Mittens be the nominee, I will fight to expose every hypocrisy and idiocy I can unearth about Mormonism.
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Not out of anger. But if the church believes it is their duty to take the 10% of every persons income to repudiate my marriage covenant, I feel it is my duty to point out the problems with their covenant. The church's hatred of me was inflicted, quite directly on me, my marriage and my friends. I have no problem with repaying the favor. Not to denounce the church, merely to point out the beliefs of Mittens - not just a member, but a Priest of the Church and the highest ranking church official in New England for decades.
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Just a heads up. Every belief system has some odd things. Same as the Mormons. They should revel in their uniqueness, not be afraid of it!
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PS, the Angel on top of the LDS church points to Salt Lake City. It is not an abstract "Angel". This is the Angel Moroni. He was a prophet / warrior that fought for the America Israelites in the first Millennium. In 1823 this prophet returned as an Angel (again - NOT an abstract Angel, but Moroni, the American Israelite) and visited Joseph Smith in order to lead him to the Golden Plates.
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You see, the Prophet / Warrior / Angel Moroni had written the story of the American Israelites onto Golden Plates and buried them in Upstate New York (near Rochester). These plates were returned to the Angel after Joseph Smith translated them from the Egyptian (using a seer stone from the bottom of a hat) to English. The Prophet / Warrior / Angel Moroni then took them back to heaven (via a cave in Upstate New York) - and now he adorns the top of each LDS Temple.
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Apparently, since that time, the Prophet / Warrior / Angel has returned every now and then with big news. For example, in 1968 he took a trip to Salt Lake to say that black people were now okay to go to Heaven (up until then, their skin color was a mark from God that they were evil). And he came back in the late 1990s to tell the Mormons to fight against Gay Marriage. Who knows when Moroni will pop up next!

Dogs Against Romney

2012-01-30T12:05:00.000-05:00

he he (http://www.dogsagainstromney.com/ )

Rockefeller Center Doors

2012-01-29T17:00:00.000-05:00

I love the doors at Rockefeller Center. When Shelly was here last week-end we walked by 30 Rock, and the doors had just been cleaned. Here are some pictures of the doorways and the detail.
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Doors of Commerce

Door of Commerce

Door Detail : Very Cool!

Doors of Art: France

Doorway of Art

French Building Arch

Obama's Obvious Pandering for the Hispanic Vote

2012-01-27T13:02:00.001-05:00

Look at this newly released picture from NASA! Obama's obviously pandering to the Hispanic Left by focusing on Mexico. What is wrong with the United States? Is O-pology-bama unhappy putting America Front and Center!!!

joke

Oy Vey

2012-01-27T10:29:00.001-05:00

Here's the thing. Religion is SO important when you are young. All the big questions ultimately seem to boil down to, "If God is good, why do so many bad things happen?"
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And the whiplash that the question brings leads to righteous anger or righteous resolve. Either way, it is a big deal. Maybe the biggest. You're a teenager! You will NOT be subject to this hypocrisy! You can AND WILL do something about it!
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Then we get older.
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Turns out that religion is just a nice way to stay in tough with the community and friends. A chance to dress well on Sundays, see friends and hopefully do good for others. A child, or a hundred children or ten thousand children starving in Africa aren't God's fault. It may be no one's fault. But churches often try to make the lives of the less fortunate better. Good for them.

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I remember being as indignant as this girl about religion. I would have probably complained about the School Prayer as well. I could quote all the evil that organized religion does, and the foresight our fore-fathers had in separating it from governmental support and oversight.
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But, with age comes - if not wisdom - at least tolerance. You could replace the "Heavenly Father" in that prayer with "Meditate Daily" or "Thoughts to Guide You" and it isn't offensive at all.
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This isn't a "War on Christians", it is a kid - full of righteous anger. And, God willing, if we are all lucky, she will turn that righteous anger into a desire to do good in the future. Possibly through her community, friends and maybe even her church.

Posters of Chicago Transit

2012-01-27T09:49:00.001-05:00

Imprint Magazine (via Salon) has an amazing article all about the posters from the Chicago Transit system in the 20's.
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The main thrust of the article is that Chicago, for a while, had artists and ideas that rivaled the beautiful posters of the London Tube system. Most people who enjoy poster or transit art are familiar with the posters of the Tube destinations. The are gorgeous. But this article shows that many of the Chicago posters were just as rich, just as beautiful and as divergent stylistically as anything London did.
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Great article.
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So 2 thoughts from the debate...

2012-01-27T09:09:00.003-05:00

Two thoughts from the debate.
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First, Gingrinch can't play "beat up the media" if everyone doesn't play along... and they didn't last night.
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Part of Newt's big schtick is when they ask a question he doesn't like, he kicks it away with the old "isn't the media stupid for asking this" line. And, when Mittens is running away with the whole thing, everyone agrees to let Newt play crotchety old uncle. But last night, that didn't work. It wasn't the deft handiwork of Wolf jeopardy Blitzer. It was because Mittens wouldn't let him get away with it. At one point Mitt said, paraphrasing, that wasn't it convenient that Newt could go negative in the media, but not defend it onstage.
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That threw Newt off, AND got the crowd on his side.
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Joe Raedle / GETTY IMAGES

The second story is obvious from the picture above. Santorum swung at Newt hard and unexpectedly. I don't think Newt saw it coming, because Tubby cannot hide his anger. Ed and I thought Santorum had the best debate. And this is from 2 homos who do NOT like frothy-mix. And I think many of his stances are archaic or confused (Muslim Jihadists in Cuba and El Salvador?). But he was smart,quick and on point (as asinine as those points are) and the crowd ate it up.

Your South Carolina Primary Winner

2012-01-26T12:22:00.001-05:00

A Quote from Mittens

2012-01-26T09:03:00.003-05:00

Mittens!

He wants to be our new President. From his stump speech. Really:
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“I believe in an America where millions of Americans believe in an America that’s the America millions of Americans believe in. That’s the America I love.”

Did you see "Touch" last night?

2012-01-26T08:59:00.000-05:00

So Tivo on-line gave me the heads up I should watch Touch. And last night, a dead night of TV reruns - Eddie and I were just watching the tube and at 9:00 it wanted to chance to "Touch" on Fox. Well, we finished watching what we were watching (Suburgatory - eh).. and thought we would watch some of Touch and zoom through the commercials.
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It was weird and cool and intense and tied up all the strings, but not in a neat bow - which was cool. I liked it. The kid is very good. And Keifer Sutherland (isn't "Keifer" some kind of yogurt drink?)... Anyway, Keifer was great and it was interesting to see him as not a kick ass guy.
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It is back on March 19th (which is 318 + 1, but it only makes sense if you saw the show). Tivo it, it is worthwhile.

Say It Ain't So Joe

2012-01-25T14:12:00.000-05:00

Pets At Play is closing!
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Arghh! It's hard finding Trevor a happy place.

You Have GOT TO BE Kidding..

2012-01-25T10:23:00.000-05:00

Mitch Daniels, in the Republican "Rebuttal" to the State of the Union.
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"As a loyal opposition, who put patriotism and national success ahead of party or ideology or any self-interest, we say that anyone who will join us in the cause of growth and solvency is our ally, and our friend," Daniels added, admitting that Republicans had not always been as successful in the past at bring Americans together. "We will speak the language of unity."

It should be proof that God isn't concerned with day to day lies that a lighting bolt didn't come down from the sky and strike him dead on the spot.
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Loyal opposition, who put patriotism and national success ahead of party... is the one where the Republican Leader of the Senate said his PRIMARY GOAL for the 4 years from Obama's election to the next Presidential Election was to prevent Obama's re-election. Before he served a day! Loyal opposition... who's Speaker of the House promised a National Debt compromise to meet his own goals, only to withdraw it hours later because he couldn't get his own members to vote for it. Loyal opposition.. who responded to Obama's Israel statements - which echo'ed every President's Position - Republican or Democratic since Richard Nixon - as:
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- “President Obama has thrown Israel under the bus,” said former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney
- "To send a signal to the Palestinians that America will increase its demands on our ally Israel, on the heels of the Palestinian Authority's agreement with the Hamas terrorist organization, is a disaster waiting to happen,” Mr. Pawlenty said.
- “I understand he has already in effect offered concessions to the Palestinians, in advance of anything the Israelis do, in a way that could be a significant security threat to the Israelis,” Mr. Gingrich told...
- “The current administration needs to come to terms with its confused and dangerous foreign policy soon, as clarity and security are the necessary conditions of any serious and coherent American set of policies.” Rick Santorum.
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The Old Homo from LA and New York loyally calls Bullshit on Mitch Daniels.

Why I Didn't Watch the State of the Union

2012-01-25T08:59:00.000-05:00

So, I couldn't bring myself to watch the State of the Union. Not because I don't like President Obama, I do. But because of a comment made by Andrew Sullivan - a writer I respect.
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Andrew commented that President Obama should (paraphrasing) "...embrace Tax Reform - and it is something that the Republicans can get behind and they can work together on it."
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And I thought, Good God Man - what planet have you been living - and where can I get the drugs to join you? President Obama couldn't get the Republicans to agree to pass a law that this is year 2012. (What about Chinese Years? You hate Israel, because the the Jewish Year isn't 2012 - which just proves you are a Muslim. Just like Obama to celebrate Jesus' death (yes I know that AD isn't "after death", but my guess is that Rush would spin it that way anyway.)).
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And I was made overwhelmingly sad that no matter what Obama says, it will be cast as a chance for pundits to talk about scoring points,
- and what was Gingrinch's reaction,
- and what the rebuttal is (which is written before the State of the Union is delivered, so not so much a rebuttal as a Saturday Night Live Point / CounterPoint argument),
- and what would Mittens have said.
- and who didn't stand up.
- and why was the President so Orange (actually that was Ed.)
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And I decided I had to check out of the madness for the evening.

New UCLA Football Coach is coming in with a Bang

2012-01-24T15:22:00.003-05:00

Jim Mora was questioned by a lot of people because he has very very little college experience (1 year as Student Assistant-Coach), but he has done very well lately. The big question was, could he recruit. Well, he has hired well - a mix of good pro-coachs and great college recruiting coaches, and has turned around our recruiting.
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And, I won't bore you with the details, but he appears to favor strength and speed. So we have some big guys coming in. That is a nice change. He has already moved our recruiting class to #25 in the nation - and signing day still isn't here.
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Go Bruins.

How Bad are my Bruins (Basketball edition)

2012-01-24T13:14:00.000-05:00

How far has Ben Howland taking the Bruins down the road of suckiness. So very very far. So far, that when you go to UCLA Bruins ".com" and select "Basketball" - you don't find we are 10 - 9 on the season. Or that we are 3 - 3 in conference.
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In fact, you don't see anything about the current crop of athletes, lead by the worst preforming Basketball coach in the last 60 years.
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No. They are spotlighting Bruins in the Pros. And there are 14 of them. That is a lot of weeks to try to drag attention away from the train wreck in charge of our current crop of athletes.

Hi-Life Restaurant; I like this place

2012-01-24T12:16:00.000-05:00

So, when Eddie and I moved to New York in the beginning, we went to this great little Upper West Side Bar that had been turned into a restaurant. We loved it. I just got reminded (since it was just added as a American Airlines partner).
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It is great if you are ever up there.

Really

2012-01-24T11:03:00.000-05:00

She plays an emotionless, asexual woman passing as a man.
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Can't wait to see that movie.

Status + 3 Weeks

2012-01-24T10:54:00.001-05:00

It's not the Librium.
216.0 lbs.
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"It's not the Librium" is an homage to my Grandfather, arguable a great and crazy guy. He was manic / depressive back before it was called bi-polar, and the proscribed Librium. When he took his meds, he was sane - but he was convinced they made him fat. So he would not take it.
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It had no effect on his weight. This same sentence could be made by me know, except I was blaming it on the Efexor. Well, I cut from 225 to 150 to 75. No effect. Today I switched to Prozac, to complete my Efexor weaning. I am doing it for the blood pressure, but thought it might effect my weight as well.
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Nope.

Part of the problem with the debates, is who they are for...

2012-01-24T09:14:00.001-05:00

Part of the problem with the Republican Debates, it seems to me, is the intended audience There are 2 major audiences for these things.

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First, the upcoming voters in the next few primary states. The tighter the race is, the more lively but less realistic the debate is. When the Republican candidates are trying to vie for the votes of primary voters (more motivated partisans), they can't say anything positive about the current occupant of the White House. This isn't unique, a Democratic primary debate in 2008 couldn't say anything positive about President Bush because primary voters would have none of it.
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So we have, in the debate, nincompoopery dressed up as policy. Obama, who presided over the ouster of Col Khadfi, the killing of Bin Laden and the surge in Afghanistan - is a whimp in the Mid-East who is not suficently blood thirsty in Afghanistan and shouldn't talk with the Taliban . Obama can do nothing right, even as they agree with his message. Obama, not the Republican-That-Must-Not-Be-Named who proceed him is responsible for requiring us to "beg the Russians" for a ride to the space station and the reason we don't have a moon-base. Obama, not the Republican-That-Must-Not-Be-Named who proceed him is responsible for drawing troops out of Afghanistan too early (which is as Alice in Wonderland as it is possible to be). It is Obama, not the Republican-That-Must-Not-Be-Named who proceed him that was responsible for the Wall Street Bailout (passed under Bush).
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Only tangentially can the Republicans speak to the future election voters. Mittens moved to this when he thought he had the nomination sewed up. He was more logical and honest. And rewarded with a thumpin' in South Carolina. And so it was back to crazy town last night. Michelle Bachman would have fit right in.

Tyson Beckford on 42nd St.

2012-01-23T13:34:00.003-05:00

So Eddie and I were walking down 42nd. Street the other day and totally ran into Tyson Beckford. We stared a little and he just smiled. I think he is used to people staring at him.
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And yes, just as handsome in person.

Other Desert Cities

2012-01-23T12:56:00.003-05:00

Well, I saw Other Desert Cities on Sunday (before football).

It was great, and surprising and I loved it. I was very VERY impressed by the entire cast. I expected to love Stockard Channing, but Stacy Keach was very good, when I didn't really expect it. And Judith Light was amazing. I don't know what I expected (yes I do, Who's The Boss-ness), but she surprised the hell out of me.
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And excellent writing. The voice of the brittle Palm Springs' Matriarch was perfect, and what was shocking is that the male parts were equally well done.
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Just great.

Pandora Thinks I'm a Wuss

2012-01-23T10:56:00.002-05:00

Apparently Brendan James fans are bloated, yoga taking, PMS suffering wrecks.
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Much like the infamous "Tivo Thinks I'm Gay" period when anyone who tivo'ed Will and Grace was saddled with documentaries of the gay rights struggle, I am having a small Pandora issue.
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I am listening to Pandroa Radio station Brendan James. It's kind of a calm, easy kind of listening as I am doing drudgery work on the computer at work. But I get commercials for lady-pads, PMS relief and Yoga Training.
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Makes you wonder who listens to Bredan James - even though I love him.

A Quote Suitable for Many An Occasion

2012-01-23T09:33:00.001-05:00

This was quoted by support people cleaning up someone else's huge ass mess.

I really wanted to reply with the quote from the intended groom’sfather in the wedding scene from The Grail, after Sir Lancelot skewersthe guards and attendees… “Let’s not argue about who killed who. This is supposed to be a happy occasion.”

Ed's Birthday Cheese (not Cheese Cake)

2012-01-22T14:13:00.002-05:00

After a very nice dinner, our waiter brought Ed's desert cheese out. Nice huh?

Happy Birthday to you.

Richard III at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music)

2012-01-21T15:39:00.004-05:00

Last night Shelly, Sam and I went to see Richard the 3rd at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). It was (long but) great!
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The is the last project "the Bridge Project" between a theater in the US and one in London. It was a lot of fun. The director was Sam Mendes (he of American Beauty and Jarhead). It was beautifully staged and put on.

Kevin Spacey & Hadyn Gwynne

Saturday Walk About with Shelly and Eddie on his day of Birth

2012-01-21T15:34:00.000-05:00

This morning we went for a little Dim Sum for Ed's b-day. Then we walked about in the snow.
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The Lion of the Library.

We showed Shelly Grand Central, then walked to the NY Library, where they had an amazing show of objects from the first 100 year. Some amazing things.

One of the objects was the original set design box for Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George.

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It was a beautiful morning.

Shelly and I at the Apple Store, Grand Central - a long way from the JW Marriot 1975 Prom

Saw Follies with Shelly

2012-01-20T12:24:00.000-05:00

So a friend from high school is in town. Yes, High School. (facebook).
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In addition to going to the Prom together and doing Dual DI in Speech Team together (don't ask), we were total drama nerds together. We were in plays a lot.
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So, for her first time in NYC, we are going a little play happy. She is here for work and got in early, so we are hanging out until Sunday. We are seeing shows Thursday, Friday and Sunday (tomorrow is Eddie's Birthday - so I am entertaining my honey).

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Anyway, we saw Follies last night before it closes this week-end. We had 2nd row seats and it was great. Most everyone has grown and seasoned into their roles. Bernadette Peters' role still sucks (not her, the role is just whiney!), and she has now effected a quiver and tear that just grates on you.
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But the rest of the cast and the show is stupendous. We had a blast. Jan Maxwell, in particular is a showstopper in a couple of numbers. and Elaine Paige... still great.

Tuff Luck Tubby

2012-01-20T11:58:00.002-05:00

Boo de Freaking Hoo

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Newt doesn't like the media questioning him about his 2nd wife and his request for open marriage or other things. It makes him so mad! It's not fair and it is anti-Republican.
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It is part of the media Republican witch hunt.
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Wow, pretty thin skin on someone who has signed a pledge to fight my (gay) marriage at every turn. Pretty thin skin for someone who has stated that Gay Marriage is the biggest threat to the family today. Apparently Open Marriage is A-OK by God- as long as the wedded couple in question is a man and wife (presumably, the extra's would have to be uniformly heterosexual - but since I don't have an "Open" Marriage I don't really know. Maybe Newt has a set of church approved rules for Open Marriages?
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So... a Broken Covenant with the Government and God to stand with your wife in Sickness and health is out of bounds. But it is perfectly fine to call my covenant (which I have still upheld) evil, immoral and the devil's square-dance. (Okay, not that last one, but I do like the "Devil's Square Dance" - I think it is catchy.)
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So that whole impeachment thing about sex and lying... are we just glossing over that now.
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Hey, I didn't bring up his marriage - he drug mine into it. If you can't stand the heat, ask the kitchen for an open relationship.

Romney For President: of the Cayman Islands

2012-01-19T09:03:00.001-05:00

Are you shitting me?
.

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Sure it is legal. It is what corporate raiders that want to avoid paying US Taxes do. But really, as President? A Mormon Tax Dodger who ships $4 Million extra funds to the church to fight against civil rights, but parks untold millions off-shore to avoid sharing it with the US Government?
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Let him run for Profit of the Church. What if Europe crashes and the Republican wins the Presidency in a cake walk. Is Mittens the one you want?

Voting Nincompoopery

2012-01-18T14:48:00.001-05:00

Arg!
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The House voted today to NOT approve raising the national debt. It means nothing, because as part of the agreement they passed last year, the President authorizes the increase in the National Debt - and the Republicans get to vote against it, but it goes into effect anyway.
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And such is the nincompoopery theater our government is reduced to today. I would say it is an empty stunt that will fool no one, but since all of our Republican Candidates say that they don't believe in evolution or man-made climate change, perhaps I give the electorate too much credit.
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Gobbledegook

2012-01-18T14:20:00.002-05:00

Over heard as they passed my desk.
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Let's brainstorm an incentivizing strategy that enables and rewards our directs, but also makes sense from the company's standpoint of overall business direction and tentpole business goals.
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aka - Bonuses are too high.

Money flows to State Senators that backed Gay Marriage

2012-01-18T11:08:00.000-05:00

When the Senate of New York voted to support Gay Marriage - 4 Republican State Senators voted for Gay Marriage. I made them Mascots of the Month after that.

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Today, the NY Times has an article regarding the fact that a lot of money has flowed into their campaigns. This is in response by gay marriage supports to threats made from outside the state to punish these people for their votes.
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It is important to help people that have supported human rights here. I think of this as I find out that Mittens Romney has donated over $4 Million dollars to the Mormon Church. The purveyors of hate that back most of the anti-gay marriage drives. (I can say that being descended from the polygamous, hate filled charlatans). Damn Mittens.

Lana Del Car Crash

2012-01-17T14:46:00.001-05:00

Did anyone else see the car crash that was Lana Del Ray's performance on Saturday Night Live. Apparently I wasn't the only one that thought she was terrible. After a build up on iTunes, Saturday Night Live kind of smushed her short term buzz.
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She was not good. I don't know if it was nerves or what, but so very very not good.

I'm really glad I didn't watch this...

2012-01-17T11:47:00.004-05:00

(From Salon - but echo'ed on MSNBC and everywhere else).

The key exchange took place in the debate’s second segment, when Fox News contributor Juan Williams brought up Gingrich’s statement that “the African-American community should demand paychecks and not be satisfied with food stamps” and his claim that children in poor areas don’t understand the value of work and could learn it by doing the jobs of school janitors.

“Can’t you see,” Williams asked, “that this is viewed at a minimum as insulting to all Americans, but particularly to black Americans?”

In a general election debate, this might have been a challenging question for Gingrich to field. But this was a GOP primary debate in a state where the modern Republican Party was essentially created out of a white backlash against the Democratic Party’s embrace of civil rights. Some in the live audience in Myrtle Beach hissed at Williams, one of the few Democratic-friendly voices on Fox, and Gingrich milked their outrage for all it was worth.

“No,” he said matter of factly. ” I don’t see that.”

Neither did the crowd, of course, which responded with one of the night’s most thunderous bursts of applause, a scene that was repeated when Gingrich punctuated his explanation to Williams by saying, “Only elites despise earning money.”

This came just moments after Gingrich had brought the house down by claiming that Barack Obama doesn’t believe that work is good and by railing against “unconditional efforts by the best food stamp president in American history to maximize dependency is terrible for the future of this country.” It was all a reminder of Gingrich’s unparalleled ability to serve up pure red meat to a party base that has spent the past three years being sold a caricature of Obama as radical redistributionist.

But then Newt really got lucky: Williams decided to ask him a follow-up.

“I’ve got to tell you,” he said, “my email account, my Twitter account has been inundated with people of all races asking if your comments were not intended to belittle the poor and racial minorities. You saw some of this reaction during your visit to a black church in South Carolina…”

Williams was referring to the grilling Gingrich faced from parishoners at the Jones Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church on Sunday, but by this point his words were being drowned out by jeers from the crowd. When they quieted, he finished: “You saw this during your visit to a black church in South Carolina, where a woman asked why you refer to President Obama as ‘the food stamp president.’ It sounds as if you are seeking to belittle people.”

More booing.

“Well,” Gingrich replied, “First of all, Juan…”

There were laughs at this.

“The fact is that more people have been put on food stamps under Barack Obama than any other president in American history.”

Cheers.

“Now, I know among the politically correct you’re not supposed to use facts that are uncomfortable.”

More cheers.

“Second, you’re the one who earlier raised a key point. The area that ought to be on I-73 was called by Barack Obama a corridor of shame because of unemployment. Has it improved in three years? No. They haven’t built a road. They haven’t helped the people. They haven’t done anything.”

Louder cheers.

“So here’s my point: I believe every American of every background has been endowed by their creator with the right to pursue happiness, and if that makes liberals unhappy I’m going to continue to find ways to help poor people learn how to get a job, learn how to get a better job, and learn someday how to own the job.”

By this point, the audience was practically chanting Gingrich’s name. When it comes to massaging the resentments of the party base, no Republican candidate has had a finer five-minute stretch than this during the entire campaign. It’s the kind of performance that fueled Gingrich’s unlikely polling surge this fall, and it’s very possible that it will do the same now in the South Carolina home stretch.

Just Me?

2012-01-17T11:37:00.000-05:00

So there is a auction for charity from different Broadway people for the Drama League (auction site is here).
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Is it just me, or does anyone else think this particular item might be construed as inappropriate as listed? Who is it from?

If Corporations Are People My Friend then...

2012-01-17T11:11:00.002-05:00

So Mitt says, "Corporations are people, my friend." By the by, the person wasn't Mittens' friend. It was a sarcastic put-sown of a person Mittens considers a rube for even asking the question.
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But, if Mittens is right, then Stephen Colbert is correct to question if Mittens is a serial killer. His time at Bain was full of "creative destruction" in search of capital and profits. If he killed people (and corporations are people, my friend) - at the same rate he killed corporations he would be in jail.
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Poor choice of words, of harbinger of death!! You decide.

Status + 2 weeks

2012-01-17T08:36:00.002-05:00

216.8
Apparently the way to deal with extra stress is not to work extra hours and eat extra food.
Or it could be the Tequila.
In any case, back to gym.

Morning on MLK Day

2012-01-16T07:15:00.003-05:00

I am at work (long story), but like last night's sunset, there was a beautiful sunrise this morning. Hopefully it portends better things than last night's sunset (the less said about the Packers the better).
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Beautiful Sunset as we watch Packers and Giants

2012-01-15T17:51:00.000-05:00

It is a beautiful sunset tonight from the house, across the Hudson towards Newark.

Miss Wisconsin won Miss America

2012-01-14T23:03:00.001-05:00

So Eddie and I were switching between Miss America and the Patriots / Broncos game (it's hard being a homo that likes sports).
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We were rooting for the Patriots, but then Miss Wisconsin started doing very well in Miss America. She got to the final 5 - for maybe the first time. Her answer was good - but New York's was great. However Wisconsin smoked her in talent.
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And Wisconsin won. My honey is atwitter.
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And the Patriots are doing great right now (knock wood).

I Loved It

2012-01-14T16:41:00.003-05:00

So Eddie and I just saw this. I loved it. LOVED IT.
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Although appropriate for kids, this is not a kids' movie. It is a wonderful story and movie. See it in 3D.

Passion (the musical)

2012-01-14T09:09:00.001-05:00

As someone who loves Stephen Sondheim, and loves musicals, I read with interest this morning in the New York times that Tony-winning Director James Doyle will mount the first revival of "Passion" in New York.
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I missed the Broadway version, but was in London to see the version with Michael Ball - who has an excellent voice . Although by that time he was a little hefty - the opening scene (where he is nakid in bed) was done with him covered by a white sheet that looked a little like he was wearing a arctic tent.
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Anywho, what I am saying is I saw a great version of a this musical, by a writer I love, in a city that held wonder for me. And it stunk. Really, the show stunk up the whole West End.
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I could give a word of advice for Tony-winning James Doyle, it would be don't. Dude, DON"T.
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Sure, Passion won the Tony for Best Musical, in 1994 when pretty much every other Musical creative team was sick with the Big A. You know what it was up against...? Cyrano: The Musical (always bad when you have to warn people in the title that it is The Musical), A Grand Night For Singing (by Rodgers and Hammerstein - a mis-match of forgotten songs by dead composers) and Beauty And The Beast, The Musical. Passion won by default and still has the shortest run of an Tony-Winning Best Musical. Ever.

Winter Comeith

2012-01-14T08:53:00.001-05:00

Burr... It's not so much the cold this morning, but the crazy ass-wind. It's about 28 (that's only -2C for my Brit friends), so it isn't all that cold. And it is dry. But the wind is whipping around at 30 MPH in the flats, and even fast in between the buildings (that 50 KPH for my German friends). And that is balls-up cold when you are walking the little pup.

To Quote the NY TImes...

2012-01-13T15:41:00.001-05:00

.. to the surprise of absolutely nobody, Jeremy Jordon has been signed to redo his performance as Jack in Newsies on Broadway.
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It is funny to read the NY Times every now and then. They often treat Broadway in the same manner that the LA Times treats movies - like everyone that reads the paper should know about it.

Romney and Bain (from Newt)

2012-01-12T20:35:00.000-05:00

If this doesn't piss you off, then nothing will.

Yes, I made a mistake and screwed up the site.

2012-01-11T10:49:00.001-05:00

working....

Do you have more than $2,000 and a family of 6 - NO SOUP FOR YOU

2012-01-11T09:40:00.001-05:00

SNAP (supplemental nutrional assistance program) aka Food Stamps are being horribly HORRIBLY abused according to Republicans. A family can have savings of more than $2,000 - or a second car, and STILL GET assistance for Food Stamps.
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Can you believe it! The poor can't have a savings account. Or save to send kids to college (where we have bumped tuition costs up so that I can't of a 4 Year school that is less than $2,000 a year). Or save to get into housing (first, last and security). Or pay off your medical bills.
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Hell no - you shouldn't get assistance for food (and it ONLY works for food) if you have a family of 4, 2 cars and are trying to get ahead in the world. Why should we help you. Those taxes are needed for Oil Company tax breaks, you loafer. You think it is cheep to frack for gas, drill for oil or defend BP in court from some minor oil spill.
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Selfish Welfare Queens! (link to Republican enforcement of this in Penn). What are you trying to better yourself? "Oh la la, his family has $3,000 in savings and doesn't live in a box." NO SOUP FOR YOU.
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Did you know that right now 55% of all benefits go to a family of 3 that makes $9,155.00 a year (1/2 the poverty level). That is $8.36 a day per person. That should be plenty to live off of, buy gas, buy shelter, pay for school, pay for health care and take care of clothes, toiletries and transportation (FYI- you lazy person - it is still free to walk; you know, except on tool roads and if you can't have a second car you shouldn't be on those anyway!). Why should we help pay for your food?
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If we really want to help the poor, we should implement Newt Gingrinch's idea. Remove child labor laws and let them help themselves!

Start +1 Week

2012-01-10T16:19:00.001-05:00

214.8 lbs
Better Eating
No exercise yet.

Pistol Annies

2012-01-10T14:56:00.002-05:00

You know I love me some Miranda. Well, turns out I like her other project (Pistol Annies) as well, although they are purty dang country.
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Mascot of the Month: Badgers!

2012-01-10T13:14:00.002-05:00

I will fully acknowledge here that I am biased because my honey is a badger (but not a Honey Badger).
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But, I think the Badgers are really cute. They are also mean-ass little critters, but they hide it in a cute package (again - my honey is a badger).
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So for being cute as hell, and still fully independent - the Badger is Mascot of February.

They also come in 2 flavors. British and American.

American Badgers

British Badgers in their adorableness.

This US Park Service web page has lots of great Badger details.

Saturday Night Live's "White People's Problems"

2012-01-10T12:39:00.000-05:00

Saturday Night Live, with Charles Barkley the other night, did a very funny sketch about "White People's Problems." Like 2 friends couldn't sit together on a plane. Or the fish on the menu wasn't wild captured.
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It was funny and over the top.
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Or so I thought... Until I saw this "headline" on The Daily Beast / Newsweek site.
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Movies From the Week-end

2012-01-10T11:57:00.000-05:00

So this week-end we went and saw Tin Tin and Mission Impossible 4.
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Both were pretty good - and better than I thought they would be.
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I heard Tin-Tin was short on plot and heavy on action from reviewers. Can I say, and????
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All movies have been short on plot and heavy on action. I thought Tin-Tin was no less so than any others. It was fun and well done. I also liked that the very life-like looking people were made at obviously "cartoon-y" (giant nose, goofy hair, too short and squat) so I didn't get the "creepy" dead face like from the Tom Hanks north pole movie.
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And, I loved Snowy. It so could have been Trevor - animated.
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As for Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol, it was more cartoon-y than Tin-tin - only with live action people. Jeremy Renner, short as can be, looks normal sized next to Tom. And Tom Cruise wasn't Tom Crazy on this.
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Complaining about the absurd plot flaws and near death experiences that people bounced right back from seems mean and pointless. So I will just say, it was a fun enjoyable ride. And I loved the Burge shots!
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So, mindless fun all the way around.

My Eddie posted this on Facebook - and I lurved it...

2012-01-10T11:07:00.002-05:00

What a handsome pup

2012-01-10T10:58:00.000-05:00

Democrats: Men of the People

2012-01-10T10:56:00.002-05:00

How to react to president Obama new Chief of Staff:

1. Find Wall...

2. Strike head against it.

3. Repeat until you can accept this is a President who cares about people.

(hat tip to Glenn Greenwald)

When President Obama last January announced the departure of Rahm Emanuel as White House Chief of Staff, many liberals were furious that his replacement was the Midwest Chairman of JP Morgan and Boeing Director William Daley, who was also an opponent of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and a critic of Obama’s health care bill as too leftist. As but one example, Rachel Maddow harshly condemned the choice, noting Daley was a hedge fund manager and “business lobbyist” and “is known for pushing Democrats toward business interests”; said “liberals are banging their heads against the wall as they try to comprehend this choice”; and then sardonically observed: “mmm – a banker and a lobbyist: smells like change.”

Yesterday, the White House announced Daley’s departure — he will now co-chair Obama’s re-election campaign, which basically means raising huge amounts of money from his Wall Street friends — and unveiled his replacement as Chief of Staff: Jacob Lew. In 2010, Lew became head of the Office of Management and Budget when Peter Orszag left and then, a couple months later, accepted a multi-million dollar position as a high-level Citigroup official. Lew has spent many years in various government positions, but he has his own substantial ties to Citigroup. Here is whatLew was doing in 2008 at the time the financial crisis exploded, as detailed by an excellent Huffington Post report from last year:

[Lew] oversaw a Citigroup unit that profited off the housing collapse and financial crisis by investing in a hedge fund king who correctly predicted the eventual subprime meltdown and now finds himself involved in the center of the U.S. government’s fraud case against Goldman Sachs. . . .

[I]t is his few years at Citi — in particular the one year he spent at its then-$54 billion proprietary trading, hedge fund and private equity unit — that’s likely to raise the most eyebrows in the coming weeks as Lew faces a Senate confirmation hearing.
Especially his unit’s investments in a hedge fund that bet on the housing market to collapse — a reality suffered by millions of American homeowners.

In particular, the Citigroup fund run by Lew, Citi’s Alternative Investments, invested heavily in the hedge fund of John Paulson, “who made billions off the deterioration of the housing industry by making bearish bets on securities tied to home mortgages — particularly subprime home mortgages.” One of Paulson’s largest bets at the time involved Goldman Sachs, which the SEC has now charged with “defrauding investors by creating and selling exotic securities tied to subprime home mortgages in 2007 without disclosing that they were handpicked by a hedge fund [Paulson] that was betting on them to fail.”

Although these bets turned a profit for Citigroup as the housing market collapsed — a collapse that led to the foreclosures of millions of Americans’ homes — Lew’s unit “lost as much as billions of dollars in 2008 as its bets turned sour. In the first quarter of 2008 alone the unit lost $509 million; the company stopped publicly disclosing the unit’s individual numbers soon thereafter, but the part of the company that absorbed Alternative Investments lost $20.1 billion in 2008, according to the bank’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.” As a result of that and other losses, Citigroup received $45 billion as part of the Wall Street bailout, and also used a crisis-created FDIC program to issue another $64.6 billion in taxpayer-backed debt. All of that led to these comments when Lew was chosen last year to replace Orszag as OMB Director:

Lew’s role at the fund is raising some eyebrows among good government groups.
“That sounds pretty nasty, doesn’t it?” said Gary Bass, executive director of OMB Watch, a group that monitors the budget office. “Any activity and any player that contributed to the economic calamity needs to be looked at.
“We already got enough players in this administration that certainly were key players in the economic malaise that we currently have,” Bass continued. “Why shouldn’t we have another one?” he said with a slight chuckle.

For his work at Citigroup, work that included betting on the housing collapse, Lew received a salary of $1.1 million. After Citigroup received its $45 billion taxpayer bailout, Lew — two weeks before joining the Obama administration — received another $900,000 from Citigroup as a bonus. This was revealed only in 2010; in 2009, when Lew first joined the administration as a State Department official, both he and the administration refused to say if he had received a post-bailout bonus from Citigroup (at the time, there was a huge political scandal over Wall Street executives receiving large bonuses despite needing taxpayer bailouts). There’s certainly nothing illegal about betting on a housing market collapse, but it’s quite symbolic that those who made millions of dollars from the crisis are now running government policy.

Very Sad - Very Infuriating; But not at all surprising

2012-01-09T14:32:00.000-05:00

This whole article should be read (I will add all of it from Salon after the page break), but it is deadly and sadly true. And this is why I cannot get enthusiastically behind Obama - and why I really can't stand the Republicans...
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What this article descries marks the end of Representative Government in my mind. I am not saying is bad or evil or anything, but it can't be representative when you can't believe a word they say.
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Here are some extracts from the article - which should be read (and I included from Salon below the break).
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To review: Santorum recently told an Iowa audience that “I don’t want to make black people’s lives better by giving them somebody else’s money.” When asked about the comments a few days later, he insisted he never said “black” — even though the video shows he clearly did. For sheer balls-out-ness, Santorum’s denial takes the cake for expressing such open disdain for the verifiable truth — and in the process, it threatens to set new standards for how we distinguish between honesty, spin, truthiness and totally unacceptable lying.
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(cut)

After the election of Barack Obama, many hoped this trajectory would be reversed. In the new president, optimists saw a straight shooter rather than what we’ve come to know — a president who only seems so earnest because he dissembles without even so much as an explanation when his fibs are exposed.

Unlike the Bush administration, which at least coupled its refusal to apologize with post-facto spin purporting to explain what happened (“the intelligence was wrong!”), Obama has set a standard whereby politicians today will simply lie without bothering to offer a justification — even a far-fetched or dishonest one — for their dishonesty. This is a president who explicitly promised to shut down the prison at Guantanamo Bay, respect Congress’ constitutional power to declare war, renegotiate NAFTA and end warrantless wiretaps — a president who said he was “tired of watching as year after year, candidates offer up detailed healthcare plans with great fanfare and promise only to see them crushed under the weight of Washington politics and drug and insurance lobbying once the campaign is over.” This same president, of course, has kept Gitmo open, scoffed at the War Powers Act, refused to re-open negotiations over NAFTA, continues warrantless wiretaps and worked closely with lobbyists to craft a healthcare bill that has ended up being a financial boon to the drug and insurance industries — all while the healthcare crisis gets worse for average Americans. Importantly, in each of these reversals (which are only a few among many), Obama hasn’t even offered up a rationale — not even a “Look, I just changed my mind.” Instead, he’s either ridiculed the notion of expecting him to be honest (“This is fun for the press to try to stir up whatever quotes were generated during the course of the campaign”), or said nothing at all.

Full Article

Madonna's Hungarian Interview as read by French & Sanders

2012-01-09T04:54:00.001-05:00

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Oh My God! This is fabulous!!! YOU MUST listen if you are a fan or French and Sanders!!