April 28, 2006
Cultural Friday
IÂ’m supposed to post something cultural today, by my own proclamation. Unfortunately IÂ’ve had a long day and that would entail a great deal of thought. In lieu of the meat and potatoes I thought IÂ’d go over some of my feelings on the cultural scene.
I was a strange kid. I played sports and did normal stuff but frankly, most of my time was spent reading books. It was a serious addiction from a very early age. We had these encyclopedias that were in book formÂ…I donÂ’t know how else to explain it. It was a set of maybe fifteen volumes with titles like Great Civilizations, Countries of the World, etc.
I was seriously hooked on these things and I probably read them soup to nuts about fifty times between the ages of eight and sixteen. Back then there were no PCs or video games so reading and playing music was how I spent my time. In the course of reading these encyclopedias I developed interest in all sorts of things. I vividly remember reading about countries in Europe and looking at all the pictures of these castles—I was hooked. I made up my mind that I had to go see the Rhine River in Germany and visit these castles. I started saving money, cutting lawns and shoveling snow and when I was sixteen I went to Europe on a school trip with my German class and there they were. It was fantastic. And while I was there I saw a lot of art, churches of all kinds and the snowball effect was irreversible.
And I went back to the books and learned more and wanted to see more. I never listened to classical music as a kid, I listened to Led Zeppelin. But the books talked about classical music and different composers and one day I decided to give it a shot. Unfortunately, I was so bored by it that it was painful. I decided that in order to give it a chance, I would listen to it every day for thirty minutes to see if sunk in. Day in and day out I did this. Just put on NPR and listened and eventually they played pieces that I really did enjoy and once I sorted out the different composers and periods I came to love it. It took longer for opera, but I came around to that too. I eventually saved enough money to visit Salzburg during the Mozart festival, which was an incredible experience.
To make a long story short I really learned to love music, art and literature.
Granted my knowledge in a lot of these things is shallow in spots. IÂ’m not an expert in anything, but I get a great deal of enjoyment out of these pursuits. Yeah, I take a good bit of ridicule from people I know, but thatÂ’s another story.
What say you people? Any interest at all?
Posted by: Pixy Misa at
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I grew up in a similar place, but turned out a bit of the opposite. We had no Nintendo or cable TV or any of that. I mean, I guess I did well in school, but I never really put myself into the books. I was more interested in going outside, poking things, rolling around in the dirt, trying to catch wild animals; you know, that kind of thing. Eventually I became a real outdoorsman; long backpacking treks and whitewater trips were a staple there for a few years. I'm still the same way. Some Fridays I come home, change clothes, and head straight to the beach to spend the night in a tent.
Posted by: shank at April 28, 2006 03:57 PM (jfEhX)
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I've become a big fan of both classical and Opera over the years. I stepped gingerly into the classical "ocean" by listening to the "selections" albums that aficionados claim to hate. Early on if only listening to the fourth movement of Beethoven's 9th or the first movement of his 5th or the second movement of his 7th was how I got my feet wet then so be it. As for Opera, I started with Rossini's overtures and ,later, Verdi's Arias. I naturally became curious about the complete works and learned to enjoy them as well. I don't like everything classical and I probably never will: after all, I don't like everthing Rock either.
Posted by: al at April 30, 2006 01:22 PM (JnKj2)
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I'm a big fan of some classical but don't ask me which ones. I know 'em when I hear 'em.
Okay, not entirely true. I can name a couple. Rachmaninoff kicks it old school. I got turned on to him from a Jeffrey Rush movie. Charles Chultz hooked me on Beethoven. Richard Rogers was incredible. Yeah, he's not classical. He is in my book.
I'm so sick of Tchaikovsky it's not funny. He ruins Christmas for me every year. Barmann blows too.
Those are my short lists. Most everybody else fits somewhere in the middle.
Posted by: Jim at May 01, 2006 08:50 PM (oqu5j)
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The Wave of The Future
In
this movie review (via Instapundit, who else) of 'United 93' James Pinkerton ponders a world where technology enables terrorism. I'm not taking issue with the movie or review itself, but with something James mentions in the peice. He makes use of the following device throughout the article:
"As for emotive and evocative power, "93" reminds us why seeing a movie, in a theater, "spellbound in darkness," is a richer experience than seeing a movie on a little screen. The viewer travels somewhere, sits in darkness, and enjoys a collective experience with like-minded people; such pilgrimages have been a staple of human existence for thousands of years. "
BULL. Shit. I have been to a movie theater maybe six times in the past year, and each time was worse than the previous. Richer experience? A collective experience with 'like minded people'? Dude, last weekend the wife and I went to go see Silent Hill, and she almost ended up getting into a fist-fight with these three teenagers in front of us. Three girls who may or may not have even been old enough to be in the show, talking on their cellphones, being generally disruptive.
"Shut up!" hisses the wife.
"O no u di'en."
"Shoo, I wi' come up ova dis chair."
"She don even nu-oh." A chorus of braggadocio typical of the age at which people suffer from 'Idiocy'; or as it's commonly known, adolescence.
The movie ends (an agonizing two hours of gore and hamfisted dialogue. Don't go see the movie, but that's another post), and we collect our things and the two friends seated with us. As we exit the theater, these fucking neanderthals are waiting for her in the hall.
"Bye bitch," says one.
Now, my wife is a bartender. She's not a fighter, but she's also not afraid to call a person's bluff; and she's damn good at it too. I've seen her rattle more than a few drunken idiots right out the back door of her bar. So when this rouster drops the b-bomb on her, she retorts without even breaking stride; "Well, maybe you should learn to shut the fuck up in a movie; instead of talking on your damn cellphone for the first fifteen minutes."
Granted, I wasn't exactly happy that my wife chose to, publicly and without restraint, ride herd on a bunch of kids whose parents obviously failed somewhere along the line; but she was right and she wasn't trying to escalate the situation, so I just kept an eye on things.
Not to mention the seats at just about every movie theater are uncomfortable and the food is a ripoff.
At any rate, the whole premise of going to a movie theater to see a film is so contradictory to the age of technology, that I'm suprised Pinkerton made it such a big part of the article; let alone that it was posted at TCSDaily. I mean, these days I can watch digital quality images on a plasmascreen TV with digital surround sound from the comfort of my own living room; and this tech article is saying that movie-going is "a richer experience than seeing a movie on a little screen"?
Tech Central Station my ass.
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I have an altercation almost everytime I go the movies. The masses are a slow painful death.
Posted by: Paul at April 28, 2006 02:38 PM (vbP6L)
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But don't lie, altercations with 13 year olds wearing bandanas trying to sneak into the theatre make you feel better about yourself, your future, your children and their future.
And by you, I mean me. Thanks for that, AMC.
Posted by: sista at April 29, 2006 10:09 AM (Iddyi)
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I never have these problems because I make it a point to avoid any movies that might have blacks in the audience.
Posted by: jeff at April 29, 2006 08:06 PM (N5cHk)
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Like a lead balloon
May 1 protest aims to "close" cities
"There will be 2 to 3 million people hitting the streets in Los Angeles alone. We're going to close down Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Tucson, Phoenix, Fresno," said Jorge Rodriguez, a union official who helped organize earlier rallies credited with rattling Congress as it debates the issue.”
So basically, a large group of people who are here illegally are going to threaten us. Great strategy, huh? I donÂ’t respond to threats well. I donÂ’t know anyone who does.
One of my grandfathers came to this country from Europe with very little. He did it the legal way; waited, applied, got the paperwork, etc. When he got here he immediately went to work at General Motors and attended night school to learn English. When he finally became a US citizen he was the proudest man alive. He worked at that job until the day he dropped dead. He never used a government agency for anything, he was too proud.
Meanwhile, a group of haughty thugs run across the border and start making demands. Hanging the American flag upside down, under an American flag. Now they’re going to “teach us a lesson” by shutting down cities. I guess this is why the third world nations are so fucked up, because of this mentality.
If you read that paragraph I quoted you’ll also see the words “union official.” Go figure.
Apparently IÂ’m not the only one who feels this way:
"It's intimidation when a million people march down main streets in our major cities under the Mexican flag," said Jim Gilchrist, founder of the Minuteman volunteer border patrol group. "This will backfire," he said.”
And the best part about this whole unbelievable fiasco? The California State Senate has given them their blessing.
IÂ’m a middle of the road kind of guy, but this really pushes my buttons. This IS why the third world countries are so fucked up. This mentality is a fucking sickness.
Posted by: Pixy Misa at
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The sad thing is, there's already violent backlash brewing. A lot of the white supremacist groups in the US have latched onto this topic and started lashing out at Latinos - legal and illegal. Not that there's public support for what they're doing, but obviously the illegal immigration movement is creating the kind of environment that is a breeding ground for racist sentiment. I was reading something on Drudge the other day about these two white kids that beat and sodomized (with a lead pipe even) this Mexican kid for kissing a white girl at a party.
I don't think anyone would condone that kind of thing, but when you run around threatening people; you're bound to piss off more than a couple of the wrong ones.
Posted by: shank at April 28, 2006 07:25 AM (+H1yK)
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Well done!
http://qeybgnud.com/anev/whnn.html | http://aphbehsf.com/avvx/yvsb.html
Posted by: John at May 18, 2006 09:16 AM (NayRi)
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April 27, 2006
Delusions of Grandeur
IÂ’m not talking about myself. IÂ’m talking about the people all of us encounter in the workplace. Newcomers who believe theyÂ’ll change everything and be promoted to Chairman within six months. Straw bosses, recently promoted from gopher to assistant to the assistant of the assistant manager. IÂ’m talking, essentially, about the people we work with that believe themselves to be the second coming, when in fact they have nothing to contribute except talk.
Talk, talk, talk.
I have a nose for incompetence. More importantly, I have the uncanny ability to see through bullshitters. Being a Class A bullshitter in my own right, most common, run-of-the-mill bullshitters donÂ’t stand a chance with me. Yet, down at the office they seem to have an open door policy with these people. And without fail they march in like Garibaldi, waving their arms quoting J.P. Morgan and destroy departments en masse until theyÂ’ve done so much damage financially and personnel wise that by the time theyÂ’ve been shown the door thereÂ’s nothing left but rubble and smoking embers.
This takes place at all levels, from VPs down to lower level management, which is probably the worst. Some people just arenÂ’t leaders. They have no idea how gain respect from colleagues and underlings. They believe it to be either divine right or they fire bullets into the ceiling like Hitler on his beer hall putsch. These people often have no leadership skills, either taught or inbred, yet they believe that they are correct in all things.
I don’t tolerate them. At the first instance of grandstanding I’ll usually let them have it. Yesterday afternoon I was forced to tell someone, in a boardroom in front of many, many important people that, “What Alfred is suggesting will void most of our profitable contacts overseas, run production costs up 36% and leave us vulnerable in the US. In addition, the figures he’s got up on the screen are last year’s numbers, and what’s more, they’re incorrect by over six million dollars. I have here the actual numbers if anyone is interested in seeing them.”
There was a great empty silence while everyone stared at Alfred and then he started stuttering and stammering, but by then everyone was already looking at the numbers IÂ’d provided and good old Alfred was sweating through his poorly cut suit. I suspect that Alfred wonÂ’t last another month. The damage is irreparable.
Alfred has nothing to do with me or my department. IÂ’m above Alfred and I have almost nothing to do with him or his group. HeÂ’s been here all of a month. However, he came to me last week with this master plan, a crossover type thing which had no merit. I told him why it wasnÂ’t a good idea, that he needed to do more research and explained very carefully the mistakes he made in preparation. I really tried to help.
Do you know what Alfred told me? He said, “I’m a big dog with big ideas. You have no idea what’s coming, man.”
I’m not even sure he knew exactly who I was or not, but either way, I dislike his ilk. I didn’t throw him out of my office or lose my temper. I smiled and told him to recheck his numbers. And this morning when he walked by my office I gave him a big, “Morning, Alfred!”
He didnÂ’t reply.
Posted by: Pixy Misa at
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You know what the real kick in the pants is? Half of the people in my MBA class are exactly as you describe.
"You know, what we need to do is give our firm new direction. We need to uncover our customers' needs and re-orient our products and services towards those enduser concerns."
"Well, thank you very much for such prescient commentary, Mr. Fuckface. You were obviously awake in at least one class during your MBA; the one where they taught empty jargon. Nicely done. However, it's become all too obvious to the rest of us here, that you drooled right through the sessions that dealt with actual problem solving. Please go back to taking minutes."
And you know, I'm a pretty fun-loving guy. But I have zero tolerance for people who've got nothing to offer but hot air; and when I have the opportunity, I'm not opposed to targeting these windbags and shooting them down just like you would giant helium balloons with blowdarts.
Posted by: shank at April 27, 2006 10:29 AM (+H1yK)
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There is one word that when uttered during a business meeting will induce such an acute and overpowering urge to sleep in me that I'm afraid I'm going to end up with a concussion someday when my head bounces off the conference room table.
Innovation.
Or any derivative of the above word.
The most over-used, emptiest, narcolepsy-inducing example of hot-aired bullshit jargon that pollutes the English language in the business world. Once that word is popped, the meeting goes downhill in a hurry. And the whites of my eyes bulge as I instantly go comatose.
Posted by: diamond dave at April 27, 2006 04:05 PM (Jcj9n)
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okay...all ur twisted ravings acutally make sense. maybe that makes me crazy too.all well.
Rave on dear man.
Posted by: jay at April 27, 2006 11:05 PM (i0MkX)
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Hey Dave,
Isn't 'innovation' kinda like 'cool'. You either have it or you don't?
You can't get a buncha suits together and have them decide they need to make a 'cool' cell phone... nor can they decide to make an 'innovative' cell phone.
Case in point: The RAZR and SLVR -- both are cool. The Palm Treo (runs Palm or Windows) is innovative. A suit didn't decide how or when to be innovative or cool and a meeting didn't make it happen.
Not that I design cell phones for a living, I just used them as an analogy.
I'm sensitive to the word 'innovative'. When it comes to software design, that's one of my talents. I don't know that I took a class on it or that I do anything to foster it... but I have it - for hire. :-)
g
Posted by: Dopple-G at April 28, 2006 06:02 AM (EP1eP)
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Didn't mean to step on anyone's toes, just airing a personal bias because it has been so overused in my company and there is nothing but hot air to show for it.
Though I think I like the idea of a 'cool' cell phone. Beats 'innovative' any day.... oh shit, now I've done it.
(bonk)
zzzzzzzzz...
Posted by: diamond dave at April 28, 2006 03:59 PM (0/BHZ)
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Ya gotta love it when they put the gun in their own mouth.
Posted by: Bane at May 02, 2006 05:47 PM (JO5DH)
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April 26, 2006
I love this stuff
Yes, I do watch American Idol. So sue me.
The thing I really love about it is Paula Abdul, who’s obviously high as a kite all the time. Last night she was really wrecked—crying and wailing and the whole nine yards.
Most people donÂ’t want to believe this, but now pictures of her passed out, face down in a club are surfacing. For the most part the talent is mediocre, but thereÂ’s a certain entertainment factor involved here that I canÂ’t deny, albeit itÂ’s not intended by the producers.
As an added treat, one broad popped a button and we got a panty shot.
Posted by: Pixy Misa at
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In the history of my life, I've never been one to even consider calling in to any of these type of viewer-driven ratings shows. But last night, when that McPhee woman decided to give America the show we've been waiting for, even the wife said "You want to call and vote for her baby?" It almost moved me from the couch. Plus, she's the hottest one anyways.
Posted by: shank at April 26, 2006 11:00 AM (+H1yK)
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Panty? I think not! From the angle I saw.....I swear I saw bush. And he wasn't there for a state of the union address...if ya know what I mean.
Posted by: DeAnna at April 26, 2006 11:56 AM (IdVP4)
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Damn that McPhee girl is yummy.
Posted by: Oorgo at April 26, 2006 01:17 PM (lM0qs)
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Yes, but the real question is, how long has Kevin Aylward had that fugly girl on his website? You stop reading Wizbang and he spins off pop sites and whoknowswhatelse...
I'm so out of touch.
Posted by: Jennifer at April 26, 2006 02:52 PM (UB84c)
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wat the....what are you mad people talking about? ur all crazy i tell you!
Posted by: jay at April 27, 2006 11:10 PM (i0MkX)
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Gee, I thought only queers watched Idol...
Posted by: Bane at May 02, 2006 05:44 PM (JO5DH)
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Another Hollywood Wanker
It turns out that Kevin Costner, of wooden actor fame, was the one who was
masturbating at St. Andrews.
Allegedly, Costner was on his honeymoon with his new wife when he went for a massage, decided to take the towel off, and manually released himself in front of the masseuse. Since this was a high end place and not a Bangkok brothel, the masseuse was mortified. She complained to her superiors and was sacked.
I continue to be amazed at what famous people think they can get away with. Shit, most of the time they DO get away with anything they want.
Some of you may remember Costner from the film Waterworld. I remember him as that terribly wooden actor who speaks in a monotone voice with absolutely no dynamics or apparent acting talent. Possibly the most boring actor in American history.
Well, let’s go ahead and add him to the list of public wankers. You know it wasn’t the first time he’s done it. He’s probably masturbated up and down Sunset Boulevard. Restaurants, night clubs, boutiques—the whole shebang.
I have to add that when I was on my honeymoon, the last thing on my mind was masturbating in front of a strange woman. I preferred to do it in the hotel pool in full view of everyone. But I kid. IÂ’m a kidder.
I give the marriage another month.
Posted by: Pixy Misa at
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One of the fraternities on my alma mater campus made a big deal of him being a past member.
What a bunch of dusche bags.
Posted by: shank at April 26, 2006 08:03 AM (+H1yK)
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I hate to be a stickler, but it's "douche"...
Posted by: Wendy at April 27, 2006 01:28 AM (0tNel)
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I knew I was going to spell it wrong, IMO, it's the hardest word to spell. Ever.
Posted by: shank at April 27, 2006 07:49 AM (+H1yK)
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I remember him as that terribly wooden actor who speaks in a monotone voice with absolutely no dynamics or apparent acting talent. Possibly the most boring actor in American history.
I thought that was Richard Gere.
Posted by: Jim at May 01, 2006 09:03 PM (oqu5j)
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Now my balls hurt
After reading
this, in which Oorgo gets spayed like an English Sheep dog, my testicles hurt. I know is all in my head, but my balls hurt none-the-less. How could they not?
I canÂ’t imagine experiencing this:
“Don't believe them when they say it doesn't hurt… It felt like somebody plugged a 9 volt battery onto one of my boys: electric shooting pain.”
IÂ’m sorry, but thereÂ’s no way IÂ’m ever doing that. Meanwhile, back at the scene of the crime, it gets worse:
“Follow the instruction for pre-op. If they say shave the area, shave the friggin area. You really don't want some grumpy bitch in scrubs taking a hoe to your private parts, the one who did mine apparently thought she was working in the friggin garden or scraping of her windshield.”
I canÂ’t imagine having my groin shaved by a stranger. At least it was a woman. Imagine if a 300 pound man in an Italian sweater came in and started lathering you up? How many years of therapy are we talking about?
My rule is simple. NO ELECTIVE SURGERY.
Posted by: Pixy Misa at
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I think the 300 lb man in an Italian sweater would have been more gentle. He would at least possibly have some empathy, having the same goods himself.
Posted by: Oorgo at April 26, 2006 10:26 AM (lM0qs)
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I did like the part about shaving though... that was freakin' hilarious... mostly cause it's very very true.
Posted by: Moodie at April 27, 2006 01:32 AM (0tNel)
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April 25, 2006
ItÂ’s not bad enough sitting down?
As a guy who spends a lot of time on planes I find
this especially troubling.
The airlines have come up with a new answer to an old question: How many passengers can be squeezed into economy class?
A lot more, it turns out, especially if an idea still in the early stage should catch on: standing-room-only "seats."
Airbus has been quietly pitching the standing-room-only option to Asian carriers, though none have agreed to it yet. Passengers in the standing section would be propped against a padded backboard, held in place with a harness, according to experts who have seen a proposal.
Air travel is already heinous. The seats are packed together so tightly that I have to bring a bag to put my feet in if IÂ’m not in business class. People are so close together that the air is fucking toxic.
No one obeys the rules, i.e., even with the seatbelt light on, the aisles are crammed with people walking up and down beating the shit out of your elbows if youÂ’re on the aisle, and now this.
Can you imagine standing room only? I donÂ’t know what people are thinking anymore. I dare them. I double dare them.
Posted by: Pixy Misa at
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Who in the
hell would pay for something like that? Hey, while you're at it, can you charge me extra for the priveledge of stowing my carry-on in my anal cavity? Good Lord, the first time someone offers me the upgrade to standing room only 'seats', they're going to get one helluva bitch slap.
Posted by: shank at April 25, 2006 07:52 AM (+H1yK)
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Now that's just the dumbest thing I've heard all day (granted its just 8 in the morning). Just who exactly says yes let me get the standing ticket for Jersey to Houston. Blah...
I can see those idiots standing, envious of those sitting. Just one oppurtunity for them to sit and they'll be holding you up for your seat.
As if we need more problems on an aircraft. Cranky people who had to stand the entire flight.
Posted by: latisha at April 25, 2006 08:22 AM (Q93G9)
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Simple solution: steerage class.
It worked before.
Posted by: Ted at April 25, 2006 10:15 AM (blNMI)
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Better yet, how about comatose class? Drug them comatose before the flight, wheel them in and stack them one on top of each other. Think of the # of people you could fit in then!
Posted by: Oorgo at April 25, 2006 10:23 AM (lM0qs)
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"Steerage class"
Heh. I don't think they're above calling it that either!
Posted by: Paul at April 25, 2006 11:01 AM (vbP6L)
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Steerage class - we already have an entire steerage class airline - anyone ever fly southwest? I did once. Never again.
Posted by: Clancy at April 25, 2006 11:58 AM (JxYJc)
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I mean, it basically come down to the simple decision - who do I want to be trapped with and for how long. If you like large groups of people, screaming toddlers, a somewhat stagnant air supply mingled with the faint odor of poop and that blue liquid they use in airplane lavatories, and you're in a hurry; then fly.
However, if you're willing to trade in a little time for the opportunity to enclose yourself in a smaller space with a smaller number of people, for hours on end, with nothing but an empty gatorade bottle for a bathroom and that one annoying guy in the back seat who won't go to sleep or shut the hell up; then maybe a roadtrip might suit you better.
The way I see it, you're getting fucked either way, it just your kink that decides how.
Posted by: shank at April 25, 2006 12:58 PM (+H1yK)
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Quite honestly, I am surprised that Southwest hasn't already done this, I mean for God's sakes they will land a plane on it's nose to keep from being friggin' late... it's bad when the passengers clap after a landing... really bad. Southwest will be the first to shove this through, you watch, and then charge double the amount for anyone over 200 lbs cause they are taking up 'two spaces'...
Posted by: Moodie at April 27, 2006 01:36 AM (0tNel)
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April 24, 2006
I canÂ’t help but wonder
If youÂ’re going to ride a bicycle, just for putting around town, is it mandatory to wear the full-on spandex uniform?
Because the old bastard that was riding in the middle of the fucking road during lunch hour looked like he was in the goddamned Tour-de-France, except that he was traveling at 2 mph and he was 106 years old. Did I mention that the bike was a beach cruiser?
I wish that I could accurately describe what this idiot was wearingÂ…he looked like he was prepared for some kind of swim meet in the Arctic Circle. I missed two lights thanks to that old bastard.
Is everyone who rides a bike required to don the full regalia?
Posted by: Pixy Misa at
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I've been riding mountain and road bikes since I was a kid. When I bought my first mountain bike about 17 years ago I bought the pants (more padding) but I refused to buy/wear a jersey.
Last year I finally broke down and bought some jerseys, but only because I wanted the pockets to carry food ... (and beer, cigarettes, and condoms. OK. I'm kidding about the last part. Besides, after a couple of hours in those pants, and on that seat, a condom is pretty much useless...
But yeah - fully geeked out riders still make me giggle, even if I'm one of them...
Posted by: Clancy at April 24, 2006 03:50 PM (JxYJc)
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Tee hee! I live in the PhD capital of the world. Every morning driving through Research Triangle Park past IBM...er...Lenovo, Glaxo, and all that fun stuff you pass
at least two people huffing and puffing and trying to make it to work by eight in full spandexocity. Sometimes, just to shake things up, they ride around during lunch
in groups. How do these people seek each other out at work? Do they post messages on the listserv or something? "Hey, I have my bike in my locker. Anyone up for a ride before meeting?"
Posted by: Tiffany at April 24, 2006 04:06 PM (FdZYE)
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Even if I was twisted enough to ever ride a road bike, I sure as
hell wouldn't be caught dead in spandex.
Posted by: shank at April 24, 2006 08:09 PM (jfEhX)
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I hate those people. I have no problem if you want to ride a bike but for god sake stick to the side of the road, or better yet, a trail or side walk. Don't hold up traffic.
Posted by: Battlerocker at April 24, 2006 08:35 PM (GvaR1)
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Most of the time they're riding in the street...next to, but not in, the bike lane.
Posted by: Paul at April 25, 2006 06:30 AM (vbP6L)
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Most of the time they're riding in the street...next to, but not in, the bike lane.
Try it yourself - If you can find a bikelane anywhere, that's usually where you find the tire alligators, broken bottles, roadkill, potholes and all sorts of other hazards more dangerous than idiots in cars flying by you at 60 mph in a 35...
Generally speaking, it's usually safer just to the left of the white line in the road...
Posted by: Clancy at April 25, 2006 12:04 PM (JxYJc)
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April 21, 2006
Holy 1865 Batman!
I was reading
this article, which mentions that cockfighting is still legal in New Mexico and I was completely blown away.
“The governor added the arguments for and against cock fighting have been strong on both sides.”
Man, I’d love to hear the “for” argument.
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It's part of our rich cultural heritage.
It draws in valuable tourism dollars from Oklahoma.
Did you hear what that bastard, the Colonel does to *his* chickens?
If we breed them just a little bit larger, they can patrol the border.
Posted by: Ted at April 21, 2006 12:45 PM (blNMI)
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So right. I'd like to hear a Republican Governor get away with Richardson's "lame a**, seated on both sides of the fence", response.
Posted by: David Drake at April 21, 2006 05:50 PM (yB5+1)
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It's a wonderful sport. Very exciting, as blood sports go, far more than football. The birds are true athletes, warriors, and good for nothing else but killing other chickens. They are the pit bull of the bird world; and I support dog-fighting, too, as long as only waste-dogs such as pit bulls are used.
Richardson is only hemming and hawing because he is a beaner, and the sport is HUGELY popular amongst such.
Posted by: Bane at April 22, 2006 11:49 AM (JO5DH)
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What's wrong with cock fighting? I've been cock fighting since I was a lad.
Oh! You're talking about chickens.
Posted by: Jim at April 25, 2006 04:25 AM (oqu5j)
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Culture Fridays
IÂ’m instituting a new feature here at SBD. Since IÂ’m a cultural kind of guy IÂ’ve decided to share my vast expertise on all things cultural every Friday. Or until I get bored.
TodayÂ’s topic: Art Appreciation
The first thing we need to address is the fact that art is subjective. One man’s masterpiece is another mans complete and total piece of shit. With that said, let me tell you how I feel about modern art—I think it blows. If it looks like my kid painted it, I really don’t have much respect for it. Critics say that “Modern Art” embodies anything done since about 1800, but my definition is anything that looks like a second grader painted it.
I particularly enjoy paintings from the Renaissance period, like RaphaelÂ’s Woman With A Veil. Note how you can tell what the fuck it is, unlike, say, modern art. What appeals most to me about this piece is how the woman is looking directly at you whilst gently fondling her breast.
The Baroque period offers some of historyÂ’s finest works. LetÂ’s take a look at RembrandtÂ’s The Anatomy Lesson. Check out the look on the face of the guy holding the book. ThatÂ’s art.
ItÂ’s important at this point to make to make a distinction. Rembrandt, Raphael, El Greco is art. Throwing oneÂ’s own feces at a canvas or anything having to with soup cans is shite. This is an important distinction and you may want to write that down.
But back to the baroque period. YouÂ’ll notice a lot of semi-naked fat chicks, so if thatÂ’s your thing, youÂ’ve really hit the jackpot.
I generally skip right over the Neoclassical period. I donÂ’t knowÂ…it lacksÂ…chicks fondling their own breasts.
As far as modern art (by criticÂ’s definition) the realists and the impressionists have done some great work. RenoirÂ’s
osHermanas.jpg">On the Terrace is a great example of masterful use of colors, yet you still know exactly what youÂ’re looking at.
Post Impressionism, Cubism, Abstract and other styles of modern art generally blow, but then again, itÂ’s all subjective.
Oddly, I can appreciate Surrealism and in particular Salvadore Dali. His
ream_Caused_by_the_Flight_of_a_Bumblebee_around_a_Pomegranate_a_Second_Before_Awakening.jpg">Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bumblebee Around a Pomegranate a Second Before Awakening is very intense as is his
ali_Self-portrait.jpg">Self Portrait.
Next Friday weÂ’ll look at cinema, which is a much more cultural way of saying movies.
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Big fan of Dali myself, we've got a repro of his hanging on one of our walls. I like to look at it sometimes and wonder what he was on. I would guess acid, but I'm not sure if they had LSD back then or not. I tend to favor Impressionism though, especially
Monet.
Posted by: shank at April 21, 2006 12:41 PM (+H1yK)
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Great line from Full Metal Jacket: "You're so ugly you could be a modern art masterpiece!"
Posted by: Victor at April 23, 2006 06:41 PM (l+W8Z)
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You are, of course correct in your assessment, Paul, though I would also applaud Shanks choice of Dali, who had talent dripping from his ass, he was so full of it. Regardless, artists of any stripe are not to be trusted. Their minds aren't right. Musicians being the worst.
Posted by: Bane at May 02, 2006 05:40 PM (JO5DH)
Posted by: Justin at May 13, 2006 11:34 PM (D3xkI)
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April 20, 2006
Now Hear This
I donÂ’t want to hear one more fucking word about Tom Cruise, his fucking robot wife or his spawn of Xenu.
Somebody needs to tell me why this constitutes front page news every day. HeÂ’s fucking certifiable and unraveling more every second. His publicists have gone the Michael Jackson rout and pushed him even farther over the top trying to prove heÂ’s normalÂ…and have failed miserably.
At this point I think itÂ’s a pretty close race between him and Michael Jackson for the heavyweight title of CRAZIEST MOFO ON EARTH.
IÂ’ve had it. IÂ’ve really, really had it. And my pick is definitely Maverick. Jackson is nuts, and really disgusting, and probably a criminal, but Maverick is stone cold crazy.
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You are just so damn cute when you're angry.
Posted by: Jackie at April 20, 2006 03:59 PM (iErNK)
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I doubt we'd agree on much, but the subject of Tom Cruise blah blah blah I agree with you very much about. I could give a rat's ass about his family and all the media hypes about him. What a waste of eyeball space.
Posted by: diamond dave at April 20, 2006 04:05 PM (PoGd7)
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You are a fucking moron, what the fuck does michael jackson have to do with anyone, you fucking moron. Michael jackson, has not said a word to anyone in over a year, you fucking moron. You stupid cocksucker you. How the fuck can you write about a man that has not said anything to anyone, but just live his fucking life. you stupid cocksucker you.
Posted by: fuckyou at April 20, 2006 05:27 PM (jCtFo)
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Dang, thanks Fuckyou for that laugh... oh man... I .. have.. to ... stop... laughing.
Oops, I think I peed.
Posted by: Oorgo at April 20, 2006 06:48 PM (lM0qs)
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Aw man, I think we just offended one of Michael Jackson's "special friends" (wink wink nudge nudge). Sorry dude. We didn't realize he meant SO much to you.
Posted by: diamond dave at April 20, 2006 09:59 PM (i7BFJ)
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All I want to know is, if michael jackson is so not important to you, why write about him. Why comment about him. This is a guy that has stayed out of everyone's hair, you do not see him on tv telling everyone how he was treated, he keeps his fucking mouth shut and moved on with his fucking life, doing what ever he can to put food on his kids table, so that his kids can have something to eat. What gives you the
fucking right to insult this man, what gives you the fucking right to say anything about a man that has not asked you for a red cent to feed his kids. People like you gives hard working humans a bad name. If you want to write about your hollywood stars, write about the ones out there everyone doing shit, not a guy that no one has seen anyone near hollywood since 1988.
Posted by: fuckyou at April 21, 2006 02:19 AM (jCtFo)
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I can't get enough of this...
Posted by: Paul at April 21, 2006 11:47 AM (vbP6L)
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"This is a guy that has stayed out of everyone's hair..."
Yeah, but he has definitely been staying in some little boys pants. Which, really is just trading one nuisance for another. Who cares if he's out of our hair, he's in bed with kids from the 'Make a Wish' Foundation.
"...moved on with his fucking life..."
Yeah, to Qatar or some place where I'm sure the local government really gives a shit about what people do to kids behind closed doors.
"...what gives you the fucking right to say anything..."
That would be the First Ammendment.
"...a guy that no one has seen anyone near hollywood since 1988...."
Well, that's becuase he's been busy back at the Ranch diddling drunk preteens.
Posted by: shank at April 21, 2006 12:36 PM (+H1yK)
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"he keeps his fucking mouth shut"
because he's GUILTY...why rock the boat?
Posted by: Tiffani at April 21, 2006 01:57 PM (KE4Gu)
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How fucking stupid can any of you be, you do not even know anything about arabs country, peopel get their hands cut off for stealing shit, you get hang from a tree for selling drugs. This is not some fucking pervet country. MJ choosed a country where laws are set to protect children, where the press are controlled to only speak about the fact. You should at least know your facts before running your fucking mouth. Go back and read the court papers and you will see why mj was found not guilty by a republican white jury. You fucking morons talking about a man, that does not say a word but live his life. He moved away, he is not on any golf course beings an asshole.
Posted by: fuckyou at April 21, 2006 02:36 PM (jCtFo)
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You people might think child molestation is funny, but working everyday with kids who are abused by the ones that are suppose to protect them, being used, breaks my heart. I will never stand by and let poeple joke about child molestation, just like I will not stand by and watch a good person get destroyed by lies from a family that has accused three diffrent people of molestation and holding them hostage. I believe in figting for childrens right.
Posted by: fuckyou at April 21, 2006 02:40 PM (jCtFo)
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Good grief. Somebody give this guy some Immodium, he has the worst case of verbal diarrhea I've ever seen. I can just SMELL it coming off my monitor...
Posted by: diamond dave at April 21, 2006 03:19 PM (MP/aT)
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That's right, fuckyou, keep on pooping and get it all out, you'll feel SO much better...
Posted by: diamond dave at April 21, 2006 03:29 PM (MP/aT)
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dave, just for future reference, the term you're looking for is logorrhea. Pretty fuckin' sweet word eh?
Posted by: shank at April 21, 2006 06:40 PM (jfEhX)
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diamond dave ~ that made me laugh out loud. That was funny. Thanks for the laugh !
Posted by: Tiffani at April 22, 2006 04:00 PM (M7Zp/)
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"People like you gives hard working humans a bad name."
Hard working humans? Who talks like that? And if the conversation is about Michael Jackson I don't think "human" really applies. Seriously - do a sidy by side of Michael and the breeder queen from Aliens. It's elucidating.
Posted by: Jim at April 24, 2006 04:56 AM (oqu5j)
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What I want to know is...
When did Michael Jackson start comment trolling on blogs?
Posted by: Oorgo at April 25, 2006 12:01 AM (1JIkb)
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April 19, 2006
IÂ’ve huffed and IÂ’ve puffed
And I still have nothing.
Apropos of nothing, when I was in the sixth grade I was walking home from school and this kid started pushing me. His name was Eddie something and he was very peculiar looking. I donÂ’t remember what his problem was but he pushed me and pushed me and very quickly a bunch of other kids gathered around in a big circle.
I stood there, somewhat dumbfounded and tried to think of why this kid wanted to fight. This really peculiar looking kid. Anyway, he said he was going to kick my ass and tried to push me a third time so I punched him in the mouth. I wasnÂ’t a tough guy, it was fight or flight. Regardless, I smacked him good on the jaw and for some reason he went berserker.
“You punched me in the mouth! You punched me in the mouth!”
He was holding his jaw and he was really outraged.
“Now I’m going to kick your ass!” he said.
He took a step forward and I punched him the mouth again. This time he was spitting blood and even more outraged than he was the first time.
“You made my lip bleed!”
Up until this time I had said nothing. I was just standing there; I never even raised my hands. This time I turned around and continued walking home. IÂ’d gotten a few steps when I heard him approaching at a trot. I turned as he was poised to hit, and now, infuriated, I punched him three times squarely in the face and he lay there crying.
I walked home without further incident. And sometimes even now, some thirty years later, I wonder just what the hell his problem was.
Man, he was really peculiar looking.
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That's an awesome story man, you were like, the Jackie Chan of sixth grade. 'I don't want to hurt you' and then after a bit of a scuffle 'Fine, you asked for it!'. I bet the reason why he was so amazed you punched him in the mouth was the fact most sixth graders aim for the body, stomach, leg those were the days of pseudo bravado and some sort of dreamed up code of honor.
Maybe I'm wrong, or maybe I watched too many westerns at that age.
Posted by: Oorgo at April 19, 2006 01:09 PM (lM0qs)
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I used to love getting in fights. And I've got some really great stories wins and loses. I kind of wished I'd come up with the idea to use them as writing material. Anyways, it's not very often that you have a really good excuse to deliver a righteous ass-whipping; so those moments should be held close, cherished even.
Posted by: shank at April 19, 2006 02:35 PM (+H1yK)
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I had a similar incident happen in 3rd grade, and ended up accidentally breaking the girls leg. It was odd cause I didn't even know who she was, really, and now can't even remember her name. How weird is that?
Posted by: Moodie at April 20, 2006 11:34 AM (8RKIo)
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Sweet short. That could have been a
Deep Thought.
Posted by: Jim at April 24, 2006 04:52 AM (oqu5j)
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April 18, 2006
Defining Moments in Rock History
Last night I cranked up the amp to eleven and played for the first time in some weeks. And as I ran through ClaptonÂ’s version of Crossroads I realized, not for the first time, that it was the epitome of blues rock, absolutely second to none.
Eddie Van Halen once said that that was arguably the best guitar solo ever recorded, and that statement certainly has some merit. It also lead me to outlining in my head the defining moments of rock history. ItÂ’s funny, but sometimes when I play I think of other things and have moments of profound clarity whilst in the middle of a face melting solo.
Anyway, these are what I believe to be the defining moments in rock history.
ElvisÂ’s recordings at Sun Studios: Groundbreaking recordings of a white guy singing what was essentially black music. Also the beginning of what would become the greatest culture theft in modern times.
The Beatles on Ed Sullivan: The mass hysteria at the airport, the creaming of young girls panties and the beginning of the British Invasion. We will never see a band generate so much intensity again.
Chuck Berry literally invents the rock guitar riff: The intro to songs like Johnny B. Good and Maybelene become the stepping stones of almost every guitar riff in the rock guitar handbook.
Dylan turns the Beatles on to smoking pot: Ever wonder how the Beatles went from I Want to Hold Your Hand to Glass Onion? You bet your life thatÂ’s what did it. Dylan going electric gets an honorable mention as well.
The Beach Boys release Pet Sounds: The masterpiece that turned rock on itÂ’s head and inspired the next bombshellÂ…
The Beatles record Sgt. Pepper on 4 track: George Martin should get a lot of credit for this as well. This album changed everything forever. Rock would never be the same again as other influences are mixed in and limitations are erased. The day after the album was released, Jimi Hendrix opened a live show with a cover version of the title track. Aside from the masterpiece of music that it was, it was also the first time (I think) that lyrics are printed on the album sleeve. And the whole album cover design ushered in a new era.
The Stone’s Altamont Fiasco: The Stone’s play a free show in San Francisco using the Hell’s Angels as security. A murder was caught on film and the “Summer of Love” officially ended.
Stairway: Led Zeppelin conquers the known world.
Dark Side of the Moon: What can anyone say? Enter prog rock.
Ziggy Stardust: Enter glam rock.
God Save the Queen: The Sex Pistols sell the swindle. Enter punk rock and with it people who have no idea how to play instruments. Counter culture or ringing cash registerÂ…you make the call.
The 80s kill rock music as we know it: A long, long time agoÂ…I can still remember whenÂ…those good old boys were drinking whiskey and ryeÂ…
MTV plays black artists: After being under the fire for years MTV begins playing black artists, and in the process popularizes rap.
Seattle: Nirvana, Pearl Jam, et. al.
Music sharing: Copyright? What the fuck are you talking about?
The great wasteland: A shitload of bands that all sound like Creed (who sounds like Pearl Jam) clog up the airwaves with brooding bullshit of no substance or creativity whatsoever.
The iPod : People now carry around their entire music collection in a device smaller than a cell phone.
And there we have it.
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Somewhere between Beatles and Zeppelin, you missed Jimmy. Jimmy redefined what was possible with the 6-string...
And somehow, the Monkeys deserve a mention. It was their kind of record company produced / no talent crap that ultimately led "the great wasteland."
Finally, the "the great wasteland" went mainstream when legions became addicted to the ultimate in produced crap and fell for tv shows like American Idol.
Posted by: Clancy at April 18, 2006 11:47 AM (JxYJc)
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Yeah, I was negligent on the Hendrix thing. The release of "Are You Experienced" should have been in there.
Posted by: Paul at April 18, 2006 01:12 PM (vbP6L)
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Yeah, I was thinking about the 80's the other day; not being a fan of prog rock, and wondering what in the hell people listened to between Zep and modern rock. I guess their own personal live collections.
Posted by: shank at April 18, 2006 01:41 PM (+H1yK)
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Bad hair and bad music. I slept through the 80s. Madonna, whore of whores, was quite popular.
Flock of haircuts? They've blinded me with science?
What a load of crap. Stock in synthesizers went through the roof.
Posted by: Paul at April 18, 2006 01:59 PM (vbP6L)
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Thomas Dolby rocks!
What about great bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, they became big in the 80's. Not only could you look silly with your tight pants and big hair but you could sing along to songs about death, war, screaming for vengeance and the number of the beast!
Oh yeah, and what bout the ground breaking works of Terry David Mulligan and Video hits. (ok, sure, I know that's Canadiana but that's all I got with my 3 channels growing up)
Posted by: Oorgo at April 18, 2006 05:36 PM (lM0qs)
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OH and now recently (if you ever turn on alt rock stations on anymore, if you haven't codgered yourself into a listening corner grasping your Led Zep albums and rocking to and fro) ... now is the "The" revolution.
Every 3rd band seems to have "the" at the beginning, especially if they are from the UK.
Some kickass stuff coming out lately though... check out http://radiosonic.fm .
Posted by: Oorgo at April 18, 2006 05:45 PM (lM0qs)
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I'm a big Zep fan too, but despite MTV and Madonna, I though the Clash, REM, Talking Heads, Peter Gabriel, Paul Simon, Sting and ZZ Top, for instance, made some terrific music in the 80s
Posted by: Greg at April 18, 2006 07:57 PM (cbP8t)
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I think the ipod has changed music significantly. There's no more album concept. Can you imagine Dark Side coming out today? People would pick off one or two songs based on a five second iTunes intro, then the rest of the songs would go unheard. Of course, there's a good side to it too. No one is forced to buy a crap album full of experimental filler shit like Vitalogy, just for one decent song.
Posted by: annika at April 18, 2006 08:19 PM (fxTDF)
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Good comments.
Yeah, I forgot about the Talking Heads and Gabriel. I remember listening to "Remain in Light" over and over again. I guess it was there, you just had to look for it. The Clash and early REM too, though the later stuff was just so-so.
I'm glad I'm not the only one that thought Vitology was a piece of crap. Frankly, I felt the same way about "In Utero."
Posted by: Paul at April 19, 2006 06:18 AM (vbP6L)
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Don't forget
The Dead. The band that redefined customer loyalty and flashbacks plus set the stage for universal resistance to copy protection.
And you have my personal thanks for not mentioning Jimmy Buffet.
Posted by: Jim at April 24, 2006 04:50 AM (oqu5j)
Posted by: Chad at May 09, 2006 03:27 AM (atHAn)
Posted by: Lee at May 09, 2006 03:37 AM (atHAn)
Posted by: Ingrid at May 12, 2006 05:12 AM (X9Gds)
Posted by: Eric at May 13, 2006 08:38 AM (2pYcY)
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The Torture Never Stops
IÂ’m not addicted to computer games but I like them. Strategy games mostly. Well, exclusively. Anyway, having run
Rome: Total War and the expansion pack into the ground I needed a new game to help dull my senses from reality.
In what was possibly the stupidest decision I have ever made I purchased The Sims 2. As I mentioned before, I mainly play strategy games and for the most part they involve military planning, so how did I end up with this ridiculous title? I researched the best strategy games and found out this was, like, the most popular game in history or some shit.
So anyway, IÂ’ve had the thing for a week or so and IÂ’ve never hated a game so much in my life. The fucking tedium involved is unbelievable. Tell your sim to go to the bathroom? Tell your sim to go to work? Tell your sim to eat? ItÂ’s the worst torture IÂ’ve ever endured. ItÂ’s like living my life all over again in a microcosm of mouse clicks.
Can someone please tell me what is fun about this? Day after day in the life of this thing itÂ’s the same shit. Go pee. Now eat cereal. Now got to bed. Jesus Christ, I feel violated by this thing. I feel like I paid $39.99 to be tortured to death by the banality of a fake life even worse than my own. Last night I sat there like an idiot, micromanaging this things bladder, the whole time perplexed by the fact that anyone could finding this fucking horror show enjoyable. Life is horrible. ThatÂ’s why IÂ’m playing a fucking game! To escape the horrors of peeing and eating and interacting with others. IÂ’ve never been so goddamned depressed in my life, except for the realization that other people actually enjoy doing this. ThatÂ’s the real kicker. There are millions of people out there who actually embrace this fucking tedium. Jesus Christ, whereÂ’s the Tylenol?
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I had a roommate that had that game and he really dug it. The weird thing is he was big on strategy games too, so I don't understand why you would hate it and he would love it. He was a
dull mofo though. I mean, in the three years I knew him in college, he probably went to a social function maybe twice. In that respect, he was a little weird.
Personally, I wouldn't ever play a game like that unless you could get it on with the female characters. I mean, I would think that would go without saying, but I'm just a horndog I guess.
Posted by: shank at April 18, 2006 08:20 AM (+H1yK)
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I had sex within the first hour. After that it was all downhill.
Posted by: Paul at April 18, 2006 08:50 AM (vbP6L)
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"I had sex within the first hour. After that it was all downhill."
Much like real life.
Posted by: DeAnna at April 18, 2006 10:11 AM (Tfy9+)
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I played the first Sims a bit, but after I had to help them find the bathroom 50 times or forgot to and they wizzed on the floor because they didn't like my house layout, that was it, I had had it.
I knew a guy who would torture his Sims, build them tiny houses with no doors and like... one room, then watch them slowly go more and more mad.
Posted by: Oorgo at April 18, 2006 10:32 AM (lM0qs)
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I got the game for Christmas a couple of years ago, but didn't have a computer in the house new enough to run it. Eventually we upgraded and I loaded it up. Mookie played it more than I, and her high point was forcing two characters into a lesbian relationship (basically by constantly throwing them at each other). I learned that I am not a benevolent God, taking great pleasure in making life a living hell for whatever Sim I was dealing with. Want a kitty? Get a kitty. Oops, dead kitty. Repeat often. Sleep deprivation. Constant fights and harrassment. Wall in the parents while asleep and burn the house down. The goal was to create a serial murderer, but I got bored long before the poor shmuck grew up.
Posted by: Ted at April 18, 2006 09:08 PM (+OVgL)
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"The goal was to create a seriel murderer..."
Now THAT'S funny.
Posted by: Paul at April 19, 2006 06:19 AM (vbP6L)
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Paul - I think Ted nailed it. The point of the Sims isn't to take care of the little Sim folk, it's more like a $40 Quizilla Quiz:
"What kind of deity are you?"
Posted by: Harvey at April 20, 2006 10:59 AM (L7a63)
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You people are sick, but I LOVE that about you... too funny for words... now I may have to buy the game just to try some of this stuff.... damn you!
Posted by: Moodie at April 20, 2006 12:13 PM (8RKIo)
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Ted: If you like that maliciousness, you should try Black & White 1 or 2... you can be a real god and turn your creature into a loving beast or a vengeful bastard that randomly eats or crushes villagers.
Flaming rocks flying through villages is really cool too.
Posted by: Oorgo at April 20, 2006 02:32 PM (lM0qs)
10
When in doubt, go for the latest Civilization release. Talk about addictive strategy games...
I have not purchased #4 yet because I wish to keep my job and marriage.
Posted by: Jim at April 24, 2006 04:42 AM (oqu5j)
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April 17, 2006
April 14, 2006
Happy Easter
Saw this
wonderful holiday greeting and just wanted to share it with ya'll as we kick off the Easter weekend.
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HA! Very funny indeed.
: - )
Posted by: Kate at April 14, 2006 07:38 PM (XargM)
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Happy Easter to all, and to all a good night!
Posted by: Jim at April 17, 2006 04:24 AM (oqu5j)
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That's hilarious, I can't show it to my kid though he'll be petrified when hes starts seeing those cadbury eggs.... er... weapons.
Posted by: Oorgo at April 17, 2006 04:16 PM (lM0qs)
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Hilarious. Sorry I didn't find it sooner.
Posted by: Battlerocker at April 21, 2006 07:38 PM (GvaR1)
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April 13, 2006
Death by Stupid
You know, every once in a while something comes along that's really irritating. It's so mind-bogglingly vexing, so obviously inane, that it actually causes me physical and mental harm. Some people are so stupid, I'm not sure if we're members of the same species.
more...
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Amen. That's all I can say. Amen.
Posted by: Judi at April 13, 2006 08:07 PM (yv9OA)
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But if I don't forward it, won't it start raining pianos? Really, I'm doing it for the children!
Posted by: Trey Givens at April 14, 2006 05:42 AM (hSSAt)
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April 12, 2006
Summing It All Up
So...
The Old Testament is the story of a people who escaped persecution by an absolutist society who branded them as inhuman slaves, because of their religious beliefs.
And the New Testament is the story of an evangelist who's people were branded as fringe moonbats by the pious, because of their religious beliefs.
And yet we (the agnostics, the doubters, the skeptics, the too-cool-for-old-world-philosphy) claim that the Bible is just a collection of stories, parables, for disemenation among the masses - religiously contexted propaganda.
OHO! Yet we fail to see it as a history of human predilection - we believe, therefore we kill. Systems rise, and systems fall - regardless of which system is right, the most powerful wins. But where do WE lie, the United States, with all our gloriously mixed culture and 'Democratic' cries for the acceptance of 'The Other'? God, liberals and their emotions - why don't they ever wake up to the real issues? To the difference between what it means to 'believe' in something, and what it means to make a society work? I dunno, leave that to the pundits I guess.
My thoughts, penny-a-piece as they may be? Welcome to the country. Join and be a part of the amalgamate; because that's what the US is: A motley fucking crew. I just don't get why an outisder would want to be a part of it SO MUCH that they would march on major cities, when the 'rest' of the world is calling us imperialists. Odd, don't you think?
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well, the last paragraph is the only thing I can sink my teeth into: but, right on brotha.
Posted by: sista at April 13, 2006 09:28 AM (6z8IC)
2
yeah, I know that's a little disjointed. I blame it on the wine.
Posted by: shank at April 13, 2006 11:26 AM (+H1yK)
3
That's part of our evil imperial plot. We are fooling the unwashed masses into wanting to join up. Only the most rarefied intelligences, I'm talking limited vintage drinkers here, realize the evil we are plotting.
Posted by: Jim at April 17, 2006 04:19 AM (oqu5j)
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April 11, 2006
Nobody Ever Said Being an Idiot Wasn't Fun.
I tell ya guys, I've been party to some embarrassing shit in my day. Of course, it wasn't
always my fault per se. But the vast majority of the time, I have to admit I've got no one else to blame.
Like that time at RJ's.
more...
Posted by: shank at
01:43 PM
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1
You never cease to amaze me... *shakes head, laughing her ass off*
Posted by: Moodie at April 13, 2006 09:25 AM (8RKIo)
2
Under the bar, under the table...both are excellent locations at the tail end of any serious party.
Posted by: Jim at April 17, 2006 04:15 AM (oqu5j)
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