The same law that gives you the right to say anything you want also gives me the right to ridicule what you say mercilessly. -- Dennis Miller
Tower View
Who?
For the Doctor Who fan, its looks like the new series is set for 2005. Although the comedian Eddie Izzard didnt get the part, accomplished actor Christopher Eccleston will be the ninth Doctor.
Eccleston is not well known in the US, but has some done work here. He played the bad guy in the remake of Gone In 60 Seconds and was Nicole Kidman's husband in The Others.
The hard part is that its doubtful the series will make it to the US any time soon.
*********
Someone Is To Blame
With November coming up its time for Nanowrimo, which is short for National Novel Writing Month.
Basically the premise is to write a novel with the minimum of 50,000 words in the month of November. For aspiring and non-aspiring writers, this is a way to test your skills as well as have fun. After all, this event is about quantity, not quality.
And for some stupid &$^%ing reason, I signed up to participate. How the hell did I get talked into this?
I had never heard of Nanowrimo before,but then last year, I read Cynical Tyrant's entry about participating in the event and it sounded like fun.
After all, as a game reviewer, blogger, chatter, and technical systems person, I'm used to typing alot. And it wouldnt have to be anything good. Its not like I'm out to get published. It was something different to do.
Then it hit me.
I barely have time to blog or chat, I left the video game reviewing business years ago, and I hate typing technical systems.
That and 50,000 words is alot of $%^#ing words. I barely type 1,000 words in a single day. How am I going to type 50,000?!
Then there is plot development, character development, and environment descriptions...
Have I mentioned that 50,000 words is alot of $%^#ing words?
So I'm blaming the Cynical Tyrant for me signing up for this monstrosity. Its not really her fault; I'm just going to blame her for it.
Thats my story and I'm sticking to it.
*********
Out In The Yard
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas comes out this week. Great. Another game I dont have time to play.
**********
Sinclair wimps out to political threats. Apparently freedom of speech is for everyone as long as we like your message.
**********
Top Ten Geekiest Hobbies. Sad part was I fell into six of those.. (Hat tip: Fark)
**********
Background Noise
Paint It Black by Vanessa Carlton.
I look inside myself
And see my heart is black.
I see my red door
And its heading into black.
Maybe I will fade away
And not have to face the facts.
Its not easy facing up
When your whole world is black
Yes, I know this was originally a Rolling Stone song. I will admit that I like the cover version by Gob, but Vanessa's version will do in a pinch.
***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************
Study. That's all. It's not tough. You're not picking cotton. You're not picking up the trash. You're not washing windows. You sit down. You read. You develop your brain. -- Bill Cosby in a recent lecture to kids.
Tower View
I never intended on the blog to be a political one, but lately whenever I want to rant, things like this come up.
Censorship Now!
Its ironic that the Democratic National Committee is upset over the Sinclair Broadcasting Group televising an Anti-Kerry documentary over their stations. They are so incensed that this documentary is being shown that they've gone crying to the FCC to try to prevent this from being aired.
Where was there outrage when Farencrap 9/11 was being put out in the theaters? Apparently it wasnt that upsetting to them when this piece of $%^# was rushed out on DVD for the home audience.
Even DNC chairman Terry McAuliffe believes we are too stupid to operate our own televisions:
McAuliffe said the program would be a different story, if the documentary was offered on a pay-per-view station so people could choose whether or not to watch it.
Two points came to mind when I read this:
1) Apparently, we cant think enough for ourselves to change the frigging channel, put in a movie, or even turn the television off!
2) Its ok if people are charged money to see the film, just like Fatboy Moore did, but its wrong to show it for free, where everyone can see it.
Someone has forgotten about the First Amendment. Remember that pesky little thing? This is the part of the Constitution that says people have the freedom of speech, even if we dont like the content.
If Sinclair Broadcasting wishes to lose money from its advertisers by showing this film, that is their choice. We as viewers have the choice to watch or not watch it.
So will the DNC raise as much ire if this documentary is released on DVD for free??
*********
Vietnam Vets For Kerry
*********
Out In The Yard
Fellowship 9/11 looks at how we were tricked into the War of Middle Earth. Aragorn lied, people died!
**********
Free bicycle program cancelled at Perdue. Remember this the next time you whine about gas prices.
**********
Morgan Webb poses for FHM. Where were the female gamers when I was that old?
**********
Tourists threatened by swordsman. This is what you get when you ban firearms.
**********
Background Noise
The Day After Tomorrow is on the player.
How was I ever talked into getting this atrociously bad movie? More importantly, why is it still playing?! Ha!
***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************
Once again, Kat, it seems the geek subculture has out-geeked itself -- Heart from Heart of the City
Tower View
Remembering The Son From Krypton
Christopher Reeves, the man that played Superman for so many years, passed away.
Reeves had always made us believe we could fly, but after the crippling accident, he showed us something else. Real courage. Real strength. This was the stuff that made him a true hero.
Although Reeves will always be remembered as the Man Of Sttel, some of his other works include Noises Off, Deathtrap,Village of the Damned, and Above Suspicion.
In Above Suspicion, Reeves plays a cop who is accused of murdering his wife and brother. This movie may have the always hot Kim Cattrall as the wife, but the reason to watch is to see Reeves as a cold, calculating man who would be just ruthless enough to kill.
The ironic part? The movie came out just before his accident and Reeves' character is paralzyed.
*********
Out In The Yard
Stickman vs Stickman. My.. Kung fu.. not.. strong... enough...
**********
The ultimate drum machine. That is one way to use your head.
**********
Its good to be in D.C.! Hurray! Hurray!
**********
Background Noise
One For The Mockingbird by Cutting Crew.
I have learned through
All my past mistakes
Not to let the hurdles sap my energy...
Time will tell
And time is all it takes...
You won't see the bastards
Knock the running out of me...
***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************
We have no objection to humans continuing with their superstitious ceremonies so long as its made quite clear that they are wrong. -- Slitherigy Community Leader from Doctor Who: Flip Flop
Tower View
I've actually reached 100... posts that is. So I figured this was appropriate somehow.
You Know You Are Getting Old Part 1005
1. Having to tell someone the same directions 6 times in less than 15 minutes really isnt funny any more.
2. Instead of downloading pron, you are looking up home improvement ideas.
3. Those Haggar slacks with the elastic waistbands are starting to look better all the time.
4. All the guys in the office are ogling a pretty lady and your reply was "What woman? Where?"
5. You actually know what a valance is.
*********
Out In The Yard
Rodney Dangerfield passes away. Now he'll get some respect.
**********
This is when angry Democrats attack. Once again, showing the true jackasses.
**********
Darth Vader assaults pizza delivery boy. The Force was strong with that one.
**********
Team America finally wins its R rating. Its pretty sad when a puppet movie has to fight the Ratings board to get an R. I cant wait to see this!
**********
Background Noise
Doctor Who: Flip Flop by Big Finish Studios.
No, this isnt referring to John Kerry, but instead, its actually a storyline from the Doctor Who audio series. Unlike, books on audio, this series is like the radio adventures made popular throughout the thirties, long before television.
For those who have never heard of Doctor Who, this started out as a tv science fiction series in the 1960's and ran for 30 years. The main character, The Doctor, is a time traveler that has adventures all through time and space with a variety of sidekicks. One of the interesting facests about the show was that when the Doctor reached as certain stage in life, his body chemistry would eventually force him to regenerate into an entirely different body. This helped explain the various actors who played The Doctor and allowed him to live on for so long.
Although the tv show faded away in 1989, the character has been alive and well. There have been an asundry of movies, books, and cds created over the character(s). The character himself was even brought back in a tv movie in 1996.
Since then the audio series has become the main staple. It allows all the previous actors that have ever played in the series or movies to return for more adventures.
With the production costs so much less than a tv show, Big Finish is able to release a new adventure monthly as well as put out several different storylines for the various Doctors and his sidekicks. For this year alone, the studio has put out ten cds. There are at least six more to be published by the end of the year.
Flip Flop is a great story which bring ups some interesting questions.
Are oppressed minorities really oppressed when they control your culture? What role does a single person play in our lives? If you went back in time and changed the past, would the future really be better than what you knew?
This particular storyline is composed of two cds and it doesnt matter which one you play first. The story goes back and forth between the cds in order to tell a tale of two histories and two futures.
As a side note for Doctor Who fans, Eddie Izzard is the front runner to play the ninth Doctor in the new tv series, which will start next year.
***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************
This job wouldnt be so bad if it werent for the f**ing customers -- Randel from Clerks
Tower View
Why Bother?
Have you ever noticed that some people try too hard to be as confused as possible? I dont mean that if they dont understand something, they may not be grasping the answer or the explanation wasnt clear.
Instead, they work as hard as possible not to listen to the answer either because they dont like it or its totally slipped through their ears.
Prime examples:
1) Paraphrasing from a recent email conversation -
Customer: Please review the attached spreadsheet. We reviewed the data and it appears incorrect. Please get back with us ASAP because we need to report back to others.
Me: Please send me the original report created by your application. I can see the data in the spreadsheet, but I need to review the formulas you used in that original report.
Customer: No problem. I've attached the spreadsheet here.
Me: Sorry, but can you send me the original report? I really need to look at all the information on that report before you pasted it onto the spreadsheet.
Customer: All I have is that spreadsheet. I ran the original report, saved it to my hard drive, then copied the data to spreadsheet.
2) From a conversation with one of my document writers -
Me: I want you to go through this documentation in Microsoft Excel. Any data field that ends with the description PRIOR, change that word to HISTORY. For example, "Customer County - Prior" will now be called "Customer County - History." Got it?
Mac: Got it. PRIOR is now HISTORY. But what do I do about this one called "Customer Last Name - Prior?"
Me: Change the word PRIOR to HISTORY.
Mac: What about this section called "Customer Information - Prior?"
Me: Like I said, just change the word PRIOR to HISTORY.
Mac: Even the section called "Geography - Prior?"
Me: Yes.
Mac: Wait a minute. I'm confused.
The sentence Are you f**king kidding me?! has come to mind alot lately.
**********
Random Thoughts Part 1000
1) The computer game Sims2 needs to be banned. This game is so addicting that it could almost be considered electronic Crack. If you dont play it for even a few minutes, your hands begin to shake and it becomes hard to typwasdfefjvcle....
2) My fantasy football team really sucks.
3) I'm going to miss Belle De Jour. she's closed her blog in order to make time for other things in her life. Isnt that the way it always is? Real life gets in the way of the fun things?
4) I've added A New York Escorts Confession as a new link. Hat tip to Alexa for her great blog. Check it out, but dont let her bite you unless you like that sort of thing... Heh...
6) Why does every frigging commercial now have the words I approve this message?
7) My fantasy football team really does suck.
8) If you ever go for a tattoo, make sure the artist isnt high when he does the work. Ow!
9) Does Dan Rather think we are that stupid to the point that we wouldnt know that he was involved in Rathergate?!
10) Have I mentioned that myfantasy football team really sucks?
*********
Out In The Yard
Twinkie makers get a loan in order to keep in business. Smoke them if you got them.
**********
Exotic dancers go to court for indecent exposure in a bar. Isnt it their job to be exposed in a bar?!
**********
BMW builds the fastest steam powered car. But they cant fix the damn thermostat in my car? Wtf?!
**********
Background Noise
Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel
I want to be your sledgehammer...
Why dont you call my name?
You better call the sledgehammer...
Put your mind at rest...
I'm going to be the sledgehammer...
This will be my testimony...
I'm your sledge hammer,
Let there be no doubt about it.
***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************
Me: Are we there yet?
Jodie: Five more minutes.
-- An ongoing theme during the MS-150.
Tower View
Spinning Away
I rode again for a major charity event, the MS-150 and unlike last year, I was able to finish the ride. This year I switched teams and rode with the KB Team, which was definately a better experience for me.
What else did I learn from this year?
01. Never leave your car keys with Kelly. She likes to leave them in the car... while its running.
02. If the team leader says to be at the registration booth at 6a, you know darn well no one shows up til 6:30a.
03. No matter what anyone says, energy gels taste absolutely nasty.
04. The Rio Forge was definately a good investment.
05. Dont race another team that likes keeping the pace at 18mph. You may outrun them for awhile, but they eventually catch up, especially when you are by yourself.
06. Anyone that rides 80 miles in a day, then makes the comment I need to go for a run really needs to be slapped.
07. Road kill smells terrible, but nothing can compare to the scent of skunk, armadillo, and wild boar.
08. If you ever need to get a tooth removed, just ride over broken roads or cobblestones and shake that tooth loose.
09. The one downside to doing an event like this is getting the leg cramps 6 hours afterwar... ow! ow! ow!
10. I need to stop taking that extra day off to recover. Apparently, the sky falls at the office when I'm not around because two people on my own team have to send emails back and forth instead of getting up and walking the 20 feet to talk to each other.
**********
Out In The Yard
Man waits at hospital for 22 hours to have nail removed from finger. Ummm.. Ow!
**********
Avril Lavigne in a non-exposing photo shoot for Maxim. Geez, why bother at that point?
**********
Play Whack A Nerd. This way you can hit someone and you wont get into trouble.
**********
Background Noise
Guilty Conscience by Eminem w/ Dr. Dre
F*ck that! Do that sh*t!
Shoot that bitch!
Can you afford to blow this sh*t?!
Are you that rich?!
Why you give a f*ck if she dies?
Are you that bitch?
Do you really think she gives a f*ck
if you have kids?!
***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************
Robbie: Hey! That's a typewriter! Now there is something you dont hear nowadays.
Me: Yeah, especially if you work for CBS News.
-- from a conversation at work.
Tower View
Nuff Said
From Cox And Forkum.
**********
Out In The Yard
60 Minutes is under fire for presenting memos on Bush supposedly typed in 1973, but were in fact computer generated. Seems that Dan Rather has followed the Michael Moore approach: "If you cant find the evidence, make it yourself."
**********
Fable comes out this week! Cant wait... Kung Fu... not strong enough...
**********
Bra padding gives a new meaning to take out. No comment from the Chinese Minister of Restaurants.
**********
Background Noise
Wonderwall by Oasis
And all the roads
We have to walk are winding...
And all the lights
That lead us there are blinding...
There are many things that I would
Like to say to you,
But I don't know how
Because maybe,
You're gonna be the one that saves me...
And after all
You're my wonderwall
***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************
Jay Leno: So what is this picture we are looking at, Lance?
Lance Armstrong: Umm... This is a picture of a bunch of guys peeing, Jay.
-- from The Tonight Show
Tower View
Tis The Season
Its football season again!
I've been waiting impatiently over the summer, constantly playing NCAA Football 2005 and Madden 2005 in order to satisfy that football urge.
Along with the video games comes Fantasy Football season. For those that have never played Fantasy Football, this is when you and other players pretend you are NFL managers. You draft the players from the real NFL in attempt to create your own team. Then you take your team and play all the other teams as if it was a real football game. When the real players score points, you score points. The team that scores the most points wins the game.
My league consists of sixteen folks since we all work for the same company; 15 men and 1 woman. I had to throw that it since I know there are a few women who know about football.
The league commissioner, Robert, is a devout Democrat. When it came time for the managers to draft their teams, several of us gave him all kinds of hell. Not because some were Republican or such, but just because Robert can take it all in stride.
Blurbs would slip out like "So was Randy Moss in Cambodia in 68?", "I heard Jeff Garcia has a bad back. I think he is up for a Purple Heart", and "I have to pick Faulk. I want him for *cough* 4 more years *cough*".
I got my shot in. When the software Robert was using went slightly haywire I snickered "Look, the program isnt working, just like Kerry's campaign."
So after all was said and done, here is the team that I drafted.
Quarterbacks: Mark Brunell (Wash), Carson Palmer (Cinn)
Running Backs: Corey Dillion (NE), Rudi Johnson (Cinn), Eddie George (Dall)
Wide Receivers: Jimmy Smith (Jax), Reggie Wayne (Indi), Kevin Johnson (Balt)
Tight End: Jeremy shockey (NYG)
Kicker: Ryan Longwell (GB)
Defensive Player: Brian Russell (Minn)
Team Defense: Seattle
Its going to be a long season.
**********
Out In The Yard
Delta Airlines refuses to allow returning soldier to take seat of other passengers that gave up theirs for her. Shame on you, Delta. Southwest and Continental will enjoy my business.
**********
Michael Moore is a f**king moron. This is humourous, but dont play it too loud at work. Hat tip to Moorewatch.
**********
Evil Genius has been making quite an impression. The demo is available so give it a shot.
**********
Background Noise
Twilight Zone by Golden Earring
Help I'm stepping into the Twilight Zone...
The place is a madhouse...
Feels like being cloned...
My beacon's been moved
Under moon and star...
Where am I to go
Now that I've gone too far?
***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************
Besides, when I read the list of people who are supporting Kerry, if I wasn't already a Bush supporter, I would have immediately switched. Linda Ronstadt? Don Henley? Geez, that's a good reason right there to vote for Bush. -- Alice Cooper
Tower View
The Rings To Mortal Men
Unlike alot of my contemporaries, I loved watching the Olympics. It feels strange not having it on at night or not watching it as soon as I get home from work. I know that this event doesnt hold the majesty that it once did, but I love watching the international competition. This is what the world is supposed to be like, being together in a (somewhat) peaceful environment.
I was impressed with the opening and ending ceremonies. The Chinese performances for the closing ceremonies were just a taste of what is to come in 2008.
The one thing that I noticed was during the ending festivities, the parade of nations wasnt as large as it was during the opening one. I guess the Phillipine delegation already ran away.
**********
Out In The Yard
Woman with last her $2 wins $18 million. Time to go to Vegas!
**********
Woman pepper sprays grocer for food. She really wanted his meat.
**********
Farscape:The Peacekeeper Wars comes out soon. I'm not a fan of the series, but I know plenty of other folks who are.
**********
Vengence came for the cake. At least he didnt give them a whiff of his Bat-gas.
**********
Hero has finally come out in the US! This is a Chinese period piece similiar to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon so dont watch it if you are expecting a no brainer action movie.
**********
Background Noise
Housequake by Prince
We got the baddest jam in the land
Everybody shut up...
Listen to the band...
Housequake!
Shut up already...
Damn...
***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************
What the? Did you just shoot at me with your eyes closed?! -- Detective Spooner from I, Robot
Tower View
Both Sides Of The Coin
Whenever someone asks me what I do for a living, I have to explain that I am a systems analyst with a specialities in data warehousing, data marts, business intelligence tools, and project management.
In English, that means I work with computers and data.
Whenever I talk about my work or computers in general, I try to keep the conversation as non-technical as possible. This is because not everyone knows all the little abbreviations that geeks like me tend to talk about. Almost everyone at one point or another has had to deal with a computer person practically speaking in tongues, especially when they need computer help.
Apparently, even we computer folks are not invunerable to this kind of thing.
Home networking is not forte, but I've been lucky enough to have my friends, Fury and Methos, help me set up a miniature newtork by linking my computers to a router, then to my cable modem.
For those that dont know what a router is, its a small box that lets you hook up multiple computers to it. Then this box would pass signals from your computers to the cable modem. This way they all can share the same modem.
Last week, when I couldnt connect to the Internet, the first thing that came to mind was that the modem went bad. After all, it was several years old.
When I called my cable company's technical support, the technician walked me thru several procedures. After a few minutes, he suggested that I exchange the old modem for a new one then to call them back to get it set up for the network.
After running down to one of their offices and exchanging modems, I hooked up the new device and called the technical support team again. A different tech responded, but once again, she walked me thru several steps.
Thirty minutes later we realized that the original modem was fine, but that both my router and network card had burned out. Before we could do anything else, a shopping trip was required.
The good part was that, according to this technician, I should be able to simply connect their modem to my new network router, turn everything off, and then turn everything back on. The connections would work automatically afterwards.
I believed the tech since Methos, who works for this company and specializes in networking, had told me the same thing a few weeks back.
So of course, it didnt work for me.
When I returned home with the new parts and got them set up, there was still no response from the modem. My computer could see the router and the modem could see the router, but the router would not let my computer talk to the modem.
This was going to require yet another call to the cable company's technical support.
This time, a technician named Pauline responded to my call. When I explained my problem to Pauline and asked what I was doing wrong, she told me "Remove the router. You dont need to to use it."
When I asked her how this was going to solve my problem, she simply replied "Your computer will be able to reach the Internet."
Well, duh.
I asked her how this was going to resolve my issue of connecting my multiple computers to the cable modem. Pauline told me "Just connect the wire from the modem to whichever computer you want to use for the Internet."
I almost blurted out Are you f**king kidding me?!
As calmly as I could, with my hands shaking slightly, I asked why I would do something like that. Pauline then tells me that her company doesnt handle routers and they dont support home networks.
So I said the first thing that came to my mind. "Let me get this straight. You are telling me that your company, which spends thousands of dollars promoting the home networking capability on television and on your website, which recommends the very same router I have here, does not support home networks."
"Oh no, sir. We just sell separate connections to people that want to use multiple computers."
The sentence almost came out again: Are you f**king kidding me?!
Needless to say, that call ended shortly afterwards. I know I should have gotten her manager right after that, but the sentence kept wanting to be screamed out.
Fortunately, Fury was able to help me get the connection working properly. After that I wrote a letter to the cable company praising the first 2 technicians and then recommending that Pauline be hung upside down by her toes.
Actually, I was abit kinder than that. I should have suggested beating her head in with the company manual.
That might have helped, but somehow I doubt it.
**********
Out In The Yard
Tyler wins the Gold in the Olympic Time Trial. Rah!
**********
Parody video from MoveOnPlease.Org takes a shot at Mooreon.. Have fun with this one!
**********
Here is the lazy man's sniper rifle from Barrett. I'm going to have to get me one of those...
**********
Background Noise
Stand Or Fall by The Fixx
Is this the value of high existance?
should we proclaim with such persistance?
Our destiny relies on conscience...
Red or blue,
Whats the difference?
Stand or fall...
state your peace tonight...
***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************
There are those days where I just crave that taste in my mouth. -- Patty at work, discussing spicy food. Right.
Tower View
Sarcasm Part 1
The prosecutor in the Kobe Bryant rape trial wants to delay the hearing. Apparently they dont feel they can get a fair trial now.
Gee I wonder why. The case has been blown open now. The accuser may actually have to testify about the fact she had sex with another man after her time with Kobe. That this event was so traumatic that she had to have sex again just to figure out it was a rape.
Either that or he was so bad that she had to compensate with another man...
So what else is there to do? Try to squeeze money out of the man if you cant prove the truth to twelve of your peers! I thought matters like these were never supposed to be about the money.
Who am I kidding? Of course it was about the money.
So on with the civil suit...
**********
Sarcasm Part 2
Is it me or is Walmart contributing to the death rate? I say this because every time I go inside that store, I always feel like I want to kill myself.
Twice I went there last week. Twice I felt my will to live just sucked right out of me.
Why is everyone in there always have LOTS of teeth missing and wear clothing with more holes than swiss cheese? And those are the employees.
The clientele range from those believing that bedroom slippers are appropriate footwear in public to those that may not to have bathed in over a week.
I know I'm a snob. I know that not every person that walks into Walmart is a backwoods, tobacco chewing, mullet wearing redneck. But its really hard to deny the fact that when every time I walk in there, I'm surrounded by these stereotypes.
This is what I get for trying to find an inexpensive backpack at 10p at night.
Just put me on suicide watch.
**********
Out In The Yard
Swordwielding thief shot by police. Never bring a sword to a gun fight.
**********
Two men engage in a "sword" fight at Home Depot. So where are the outraged people out to ban those deadly 2x4's?
**********
Man escapes police by drowning himself. He avoided jailtime, didnt he?
**********
Live Strong goes across the nation. Now I wont have to keep explaining why I have a yellow wristband to everyone.
**********
Background Noise
Who Knows by Avril Lavigne
Find yourself
Because I cant find you.
Be yourself.
Who are you?
Who knows what could happen.
Do what you do,
Just keep on laughing.
One thing's true,
There is always a brand new day...
***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************
I dont need Michael Moore to tell me about September 11. -- Rudy Guiliani
Tower View
Moments In Time
It feels strange not watching cycling on tv any more.
The Outdoor Life Network put quite a bit of money into broadcasting this year's Tour de France. Commercials were asking "Where were you during the Cyclysm?" as the ever hyper Jason Lee was proclaiming Lance was going to "beat the crepes of every pedal pusher in the world!".
And their investment paid off. Not only did we in the US get to watch Lance make this historic event, but we got to watch him do it in a dominanting fashion.
The best thing that we average folks can do is buy the clothes and relive the memories.
And I'm just waiting so I can get mine. Heh...
**********
Points Variance
Cool Points go to:
1. Matt Damon. The Bourne Supremacy was excellent and when asked who he was going to vote for, he simply said "I'm going to vote for Kerry." I may not agree with his decision, but I like the fact he kept it short and to the point. No long winded speeches.
2. The lunchtime Marines - They were polite. They were courteous. They made it known that they didnt appreciate Kerry interrupting their lunch.
3. The Pantagraph for sueing Michael Moore and demanding a public apology using their paper for "unauthorized... misleading" use of the newspaper opinion page.
4. Tyler says goodbye to best pal, Tugboat.
This weeks Stupidity Points go to:
1. Saturday Night Live for having Al Sharpton host. Not a funny show and Al simply didnt help any.
2. The Tonight Show for having Michael Moore on the show. After having Bill Maher on the show, we pretty much figured who you were voting for, Jay.
3. The FCC. If Janet Jackson and Howard Stern are getting in trouble for their on air antics, why isnt the manager who handled the Democratic Convention being cited? This man said "Dont you people know what the f**k you are doing?!" during a live broadcast and not a single peep from the FCC.
Then again, its not like anyone actually watched this thing.
4. Mike Imrem for his article saying top athletes dont cycle and Lance Armstrong is not a tough guy when compared to Ricky Williams. Apparently Mike has forgetten that cycling is mandatory for many football players.
Ronnie Lott, one of the hardest hitters in the sport, was always seen on his riding his bike on the streets of San Fransico.
Mike also forgot that Armstrong was a triathlete and a cyclist for most of his life, suffering through the hurt and pain of the European mountains as well as against cancer.
Ricky is a powerful runner but has left the sport after seven years in the pro league. Six of those past years has seen Armstrong winning the most grueling, painful race in the world.
And he isnt the toughest athlete. Right.
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Out In The Yard
Phillipines upset by Australia's criticism on troop withdrawal. How dare they be called cowards! Unlike the French, the Filipinos kept their rifles when they ran from the fight.
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Fire fighting with manure. Now that is some sh_t.
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Save the Chili Cheese! Apparently we dont have enough gas in the world.
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Elderly man drives tractor thru McDonald's. Apparently, the Farmer's Market was closed.
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Background Noise
Alone + Easy Target by Foo Fighters
Head is on...
I want out...
I'm alone
And I'm an easy target...
Metronome...
I want out...
I'm alone
And I'm an easy target
***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************
Its the Race of Truth -- Phil Liggett during Stage 16 of the Tour de France
Tower View
Now The Moment of Truth
Phil, one of the best commentators in professional cycling, was absolutely correct. Today's stage was the individual time trial along the legendary mountain of L'Alpe d'Huez.
For those who dont know the sport, this means that a rider has to get from point A to point B as fast as possible. The one who gets there the fastest wins the stage. That means there is no help from teammates, no drafting off of any other rider, and pedaling yourself uphill for ten miles.
Lance Armstrong won the stage by going up a mountain with a 7.9% incline and through a crowd of 900,000 spectators this in 39 minutes. Hell, it takes me 20 minutes just to go up the crowded stairwell at the office and I'm on the second floor!
As a testimony of how dominate Lance was today, Ivan Basso, the rider that left the starting point 2 minutes prior, could only watch helplessly as the Texan not only caught up with him, but left Basso in a trail of dust.
And Basso was a serious contender since he is in second place. Well, not any more.
The German powerhouse, Jan Ullrich, has worked his way up from 5th place to 4th place in the overall catagory by taking second place in today's stage. He was going so fast that, if he had started after Basso, Ullrich would have have passed the Italian as well.
A few people at the office must have thought I was nuts because I was sitting at my desk, giving the muffled cheers of excitement while listening to the race on OLN TV's website.
At one point when someone came up to my desk, I had to wave them away. My comment was "Cant talk now. Lance just took off."
Apparently some fans were so incensed at Armstrong that they decided to spit at him while he was racing.
I guess that is to be expected after the chalk writing seen on the international broadcast as Armstrong rode over it: Rip off their balls Lance!
Who let Robin Williams out on the road?!
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Out In The Yard
Neal Cavuto tells Linda Ronstadt to shut the hell up and sing. Eric Cartman chimed in: "Hey, woman! Go in the kitchen and bake me a pie!"
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Cop opens fire at jaywalker. He tried to warn you, but would you listen? Noooooo...
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Dodge Ram symbol is very similiar to female organ. To be filed under "Unintentional pron."
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Background Noise
Today's stage replay is on the telly. Feel free to listen here. Just click the Listen Live link at the top of the page.
***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************
Vivica Fox's ass is so fine that I would pay money to smell her fart.
-- Sir Mix-A-Lot from I Love The 90's
Tower View
Things I've Learned This Past Week
1. A female driver in a major rush to cut thru traffic can actually stop a dump truck by scrapeing it with the side of her Mustang v6.0.
2. Apparently, you can prevent people from seeing you while sitting in the bathroom stall. Simply toss toilet paper over the wall to block the little crack between the door and the wall will allow you to have the same privacy as you do at home.
3. When cycling in a paceline going 20mph, never, ever follow behind the person who has to weave back and forth in order to keep up. Crashality will ensue.
4. Shoutcast is a good thing. Definately a better alternative to junk that is played on the local radio.
5. Senior citizens dont just drive badly at farmer's markets. They simply drive bad. Period.
6. The Induce Act is stupid.
7. Make backups of your data often. You never know when your's will die... (mumbling) Frigging lightening.
8. Lance Armstrong is still one tough hombre.
9. When working at a secured campus, never forget your badge or your wallet. Not only can you not get into the area, buying lunch is pretty frigging tough.
10. No matter how old you are, your mother will find ways to embarrass you. For example, calling you at the office and talking so loud that the entire floor can hear the conversation just because she just happened to lock herself in the garage and needed you to get her out.
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Out In The Yard
Nutty doctor castrates patient, cutting member into slices. Hannibal Lector not available for comment.
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Jack Black to play the wild and zany Green Lantern. Apparently Warner Bros. hasnt learned their lesson yet.
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Man assaults girlfriend with alligator. And people are worried about guns?!
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Background Noise
Shattered Dreams by Johnny Hates Jazz
You've given me, given me
Nothing but shattered dreams, shattered dreams
Feel like I could run away, run away
From this empty heart...
You said you'd die for me...
So much for your promises...
***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************
Steve: Darling...ummm... How about we try those breathing exercises?
Susan: huff huff... Steve..?
Steve: Yes, darling...?
Susan: GET... ME... A... FU#%@NG... EPIDURAL!!
-- from Coupling
Tower View
Another Room With A View
I've been struggling with this entry for the past several days because I'm really trying not to make this into a politicial tirade.
I know for blogs such as these, writers normally just type out whatever comes to mind and not worry so much about being an editorial. But somewhere along the lines, I felt I did need to be an editor because this is supposed to be about opinions, and not necessarily mine.
Last week, I was in the gym working out when I overheard two younger people discussing Michael Moore's latest film, Fahrenheit 9/11. I was guessing that the young man and woman couldnt have been more than 23 or 24 years old from their attitude, mannerisms, and appearance.
I say that because these two were discussing how brilliant this film was, that everything was spot on, and that Moore was absolutely amazing. The conversation revolved around about how they still lived with their parents and needed to finish school, but were concerned about the state of the world was in, according Moore.
As the young lady said "I mean come on, if Moore put it out, you know it has to be true."
I had to restrain myself from blurting out "What the F#%k are you? Sheep?! The man is an absolute moron!"
What else can you call a guy who makes millions from a movie, calls it a "documentary," but then gets defensive when fact checkers validate his work?
I was annoyed with Moore as it was because I always felt that Bowling For Columbine was just a way for him to make money off of the tragedy. And then there was his self serving speech at the Academy awards.
Several critics debunked both the film and his speech. Then there were the fact checkers that found his claims in this movie were distorted or outright incorrect. David Hardy's site and Bowling For Truth are prime examples.
Then here he is again, using a tragedy in order to play the blame game. Planting his views through his work and making propaganda, not a documentary.
The man is spreading anti-American sentiment, but expects Americans to see this movie?!
Some critics loved the new movie, others hated it. Non-partison website Spinsanity showed several flaws with it. Noted liberal Chistopher Hitchens wrote how much he despised it.
Michael Moore Is A Big Stupid Fat Man is not the greatest literary work in the world, but its strictly devoted to debunking the man and all of his work.
So why in the world would someone dare follow such an obvious, greedy charlatan?
Because its their opinion. This is the country that we agree to disagree. Or at least attempt to do so.
I'm not a hardcore liberal or conservative by any means. My idea of gun control is to use both hands and I believe there is nothing wrong with gay marriages.
When someone believes that their opinion is the only one that counts, then there is the problem. We lose that ability to disagree with each other.
Blindly following someone like Michael Moore, or even Rush Limbaugh, is destructive.
Their limited scope of thinking limits our own abilities. It perpetuates the notion that we are simple sheep; that we are incapable of having our own minds and that someone must do it for us.
Just because they say something doesnt make it true.
Then again, thats just my opinion.
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Out In The Yard
Thor takes Stage 8 in the Tour De France. This gives a new meaning of hammering...
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O'Neal being traded to Miami. The first Laker vs Heat game will be really interesting now... heh...
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Man arrested for driving down one way street... while naked... and stealing Internet signals... to watch kiddie pron. Speaking of morons...
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Britney was the sex craved bride. Well, duh...
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Background Noise
Coupling is on BBC America tonight.
It is such a good episode that I was torn between several lines for this entry. So might as well include them all...
Sally: Did you sleep with Jane?!
Patrick: Alright, before I say anything that will confirm or deny that, yes I did... Oh... Damn it!
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Oliver: Jane! Too keen?! Too sodding keen?! I've been risking life and limb to get your attention! I've been hanging off your balcony! I've been tearing at your door with my bare hands! I've been here since 7:30, Jane! 7:30!!
Jane: Oh, Oliver. It has been awhile since you've had sex, isnt it?
Oliver: Ummm... Yeah. Why?!
Jane: Because its 7:35.
***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************
Now watch this drive, bitch. -- from MooreWatch
Tower View
Its Braveheart night here at the Castle...
I'm Off To Pick A Fight
Once again, its time for the Tour De France. Tomorrow begins the chance for Lance Armstrong to win a straight 6th time at the most prestigous bicycle race in the world.
Armstrong and the US Postal team will have their work cut out for them.
Riders like Jan Ullrich, Tyler Hamilton, Iban Mayo, and Roberto Heras will be ever present to take the title this year. Then there is the asinine rule meant to limit the power of US Postal.
In the team time trial, a team can never fall under 2'30". For those not familiar with the sport, this is like telling a Nascar driver that he will never fall below 3th place, not matter how bad he drives and he will still have a chance to win.
Its going to be an exciting month..!
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I Told You. Its My Island.
You're Ireland!
Mystical and rain-soaked, you remain mysterious to many people, and this makes you intriguing. You also like a good night at the pub, though many are just as worried that you will blow up the pub as drink your beverage of choice. You're good with words, remarkably lucky, and know and enjoy at least fifteen ways of eating a potato. You really don't like snakes.
Take the Country Quiz.
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Freedom!
The Fourth of July is coming up in a few days. Stay safe and drive carefully. And always remember, the price of freedom is not free
...the Fourth of July has more to it than beer, picnics, and baseball games.
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Out In The Yard
Lance is favored to win by the media. Did I mention its going to be an exciting month?
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Sonic waitress crashes into boat. Hell, I had one crash into my BMW... while it was parked.
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French tour guide shoots polar bear. Thats because they dont have the right to arm bears like we do.
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Background Noise
Tubthumping by Chumbawamba
I get knocked down
But I get up again...
You're never going to
Keep me down...
***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************
Stupidity Should Be Painful -- from a bumper sticker
Tower View
Cycling Adventures
Its true that I am bicycling fanatic. Not only are the health benefits a big factor, there is the funny tan I get when I ride in 90 degree weather. Heh...
So its like every ride is an adventure, especially small charity events that are used as training rides. And with every one of those rides, I learn something.
For example, this past ride I learned that event coordinators really dont like it if you start on the wrong side of the road trail. It tends to mess up their counts or something to that effect.
I also learned that you try not to aggravate the huge snake that happens to be laying in the middle of the road, especially if the frigging thing is large enough to actually block the road.
Finally, I learned that some caucasians should not try to learn gangsta-speak. It simply does not suit them.
By the way, Peabody, its: "Foshizzle my nizzle."
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Mixed Emotions
I found out today that Warner Bros. is putting out a film called Constantine. Its based upon the comic book series Hellblazer and its main character, John Constantine.
This is an excerpt from the prologue of the graphic novel Tainted Lies:
Man of mystery, magus of great power - These are two of the facets of theman called John Constantine. Garbed in his familiar trenchcoat, sporting a trademark cigarette and a cynical grin...
But magic always has its price, and there are other sides to John Constantine: the deceiver, the manipulator, the self-destructive victimizer.
Constantine, the blond, middle aged British cynic use of magic isnt truly shown in the series nor does he use any weapons. The fact that he is played Keanu Reaves, an American actor, who is neither middle aged nor that cynical, will be using a magical shotgun in special effects movie, once again proves that Hollywood has wrecked another great comic book series translation.
Anyone remember the original Punisher or even its recent remake? How about the recent League of Extraordinary Gentlemen or Hellboy?
Granted, I know that many people do not read the comic book series, so we can only pray that Constantine will not be as bad as the trailer makes it to be.
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Seeing Is Believing
I am in agreement with Paul Cavuto, who believes the media should show the gruesome images of Paul Johnson and Nick Berg.
No, these arent images meant for children. These are images are meant to remind the US what exactly our troops are fighting for.
Agree or disagree with the Bush, this kind of thing against American civilians should never, ever go unpunished. Both men were in those countries to help other civilians, just regular people have a better life.
Instead, they paid with their lives.
If American help isnt wanted, then why do we bother give it? Why not show them the true power of the American war machine?
The antics of the soldiers with the Iraqi prisoners was unwarrented and shameful, but no one lost their life. Maybe its time for the other populace to truly suffer.
After all, its easier for man to destroy than to heal.
But then, maybe that is why we dont let loose with the arsenal.
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Out In The Yard
Jan Ullrich wins the Tour of Switzerland. As one of Lance's main rivals, Ullrich will be one to watcho ut for during this year's Tour de France.
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Student turns down free trip to see the soccer champions, the Arsenal, because of studies. I knew those Asian academic tests were tough, but damn...
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US Senate wants to bring in the Induce Bill to prohibit file sharing networks altogether . While we are it, why dont we ban cable modems? Without them, networks couldnt possibly be around.
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Background Noise
Broken Wings by Mr. Mister
So take
These broken wings
And learn how to fly again,
Learn to be so free...
When we hear
The voices sing
The book of love
Will open up
And let us in...
***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************
Why do women get to use hormones as an excuse for everything? Its not like men can blame testicles for everything. 'Honey, why are you so moody?' 'Sorry, dear, you know. testicles..' -- Steve from Coupling
Tower View
Its The Little Things
The World Naked Bike Ride protest happened this weekend.
From what I can tell, there were really no incidents. Scotland's ride had a small turnout. San Diego police enforced the nudity law so riders wore loin clothes. In Austin, Texas, the local police also enforced the nudity law so the cyclists wore thongs. Even the men... ew ew ew...
At least the Austin riders got a police escort. Its no wonder though since Lance Armstrong is from Austin. It wouldnt look good for the hometown if they didnt support the cyclists.
Now this world wide event was set up in order to protest the dependency on oil and to promote cycling.
I personally just figured it was a good way to look at breasts.
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Take Me Out Of The Ball Game
Its not too often that I go to a baseball game, especially since its not one of my favorite sports. Truth be known, I absolutely hate the game.
Its slow, boring, and absolutely dull. Did I mention that its slow?
So, somehow I got talked into it mainly because a number of my friends from the gym were going. It was something different than that typical group dinner or sit and chat sort of thing.
As we sat there, I will admit this: the game is still slow and boring, but when you are with the right people, you tend to ignore the game altogther.
Out of the dozen of us that were there, perhaps only three or four people were actually paying attention to the field. The rest of us were laughing, making fun of the other people, players, etc. I even got to do the batter cadence from Ferris Bueller's Day Off: "Hey, batter batter batter, swing batter... He can not swing batter.."
There were only three occasions when the rest of us actually were drawn back to the events in front of us.
The first was when a visiting batter hit a homer right towards the our seats. The ball came up, hit just past the fence for the home run, and then bounced thru the bleachers, over the outstretched hands of the kids, and right into the lap of a very large bellied man a few rows in front of us.
Then there was when a couple of the girls, Patti and Debbie, had gone off to us the bathroom. Next thing we know, they are on the field as part of the local promotions, each attempting to put on a frozen t-shirt. They got to keep the t-shirts, but the winner, Debbie, also got four more tickets to another home game.
And we are so used to seeing Debbie take her shirt off, not put one on.
The final incident that drew our eyes forward was a young man who apparently plays baseball for a local small college. After the seventh inning, he began announcing to the rest of the audience that his school was going to defeat State in baseball because they were just that damn good. As it was getting hotter that night, he took off his shirt. Thats when the audience gagged.
The lad was so white that he could have put Casper the Ghost to shame. The worst part was the lad was wearing shorts too big for him.
As he began bending and leaning over his friends, the upper entrance of his backside began to show.. And it showed a lot. It was so bad that this young ball player could have worked as a plumber instead.
With everyone cringing as they were, I just had to say the first thing that came to mind: Just say no to crack!
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Signs You Are Having A Bad Monday
1) The emergency network problem that occurred on Friday afternoon and was supposed to be fixed by another department is still there, partly because the other department forgot about it.
2) You rush out to pick up lunch, fight traffic, people, and bad service you get back to your desk just in time to take two bites of your food before the automated schedule on your computer pops up a reminder that you have an important meeting in ten minutes and lunch will be provided.
3) The highlight of your weekend was that some guy was flashing the crack of his arse and everyone at work wants to hear about it.
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Out In The Yard
RIAA targeting digitial radio stations. Why havent they gone after the other radio stations? We could record the songs and put them on cassette...
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State education website linked to adult site. Sure, it was an accident.
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Nineteen year old driver banned from driving until 62. Maybe he should have ridden a bicycle more often, hm?
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Background Noise
Breaking The Habit by Linkin Park
I dont want to be the one
The battles always choose
Cause inside I realize
That I'm the one confused...
I dont know whats Worth fighting for
Or why I have to scream
I dont know why I instigate
And say what I dont mean...
I dont know how I got this way...
I know its not alright
So I'm breaking the habit
Tonight...
The band has released an awesome anime video to go with this song. Definately worth checking it out.
***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************
My father liked earlobes. -- Ron Prescott Reagan
Tower View
He Has Gone Home
It was a funeral for the ages for a man of the ages.
Former President Ronald Reagan's funeral was televised this evening and showed a simplicity in life: family.
As estranged his children were to Reagan, when they gave their eulogies about their father, you could see the hurt creep into their eyes. Even Ron, an actor
like his father, couldnt keep a straight choked on his words towards the end.
And then there was Nancy, sitting quietly, dignified as the final words were given. She reminded me of Jackie Kennedy as she stood proud, sorrowful. It wasnt
until it was her time to say goodbye that she began to weep.
Then, there they were with her; the family with Nancy. And then there is the nation that cry with the Reagan's.
Just like we were family.
Changing Sponsors
A friend of mine today read my blog and noted that the advertisers at the top were for the Democratic party and Michael Moore.
Wtf?!
These are two groups I would prefer not being advertised at all, so lets see if I can alter that ad with the following sentences:
* Buy a firearm.
* Buy some ammunition.
* Learn to protect yourself.
* Learn English.
* Stop relying on the government for EVERYTHING!
Out In The Yard
Buzzards Buzz Bombing Bicyclists. Guess they were after a hot meal.
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Man shoots himself in hosptial. At least he was in the right place for it.
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Second graders catch teacher viewing pron. Doh!
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Background Noise
In a Big Country by Big Country
I'm not expected to grow flowers in the desert...
But I can look and breathe
And see the suntime in winter time...
In a big country,
Dreams stay with you
Like a lover's voice
Across the mountain side
***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************
When you get your hair cut, it helps if the woman cutting your hair speaks English. -- Malcolm explaining how, after over a decade, he lost his beard.
Tower View
Reasons To Feel Old
01. With Ronald Reagan dying this past weekend, you realize the only reason you paid attention to the former President was because there were only three television stations.
02. The saying "You can't please everyone all the time" made sense and could be applied.
03. With the way the world is today, James Cameron looks like a genius for the movie True Lies.
04. Discussions about interior decorating begin to make sense.
05. You remember when gas prices were really bad.
06. Refusing to play online video games because you are tired of getting whipped by those young whipper snappers.
07. Singing Kyrie by Mr. Mister in front of several young riders who were trying to figure out how I knew the "new Christian song."
08. Discovering that the 1.5Gb of data you've downloaded all came from alt.binaries.sounds.mp3.1980s.
09. Downloading School House Rock and no one at work knows what the hell you are talking about.
10. The constant comment you make is "What happened to me?! I used to be cool?!"
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Out In The Yard
Mom and son charged for trying to extort Cracker Barrel. They can figure out that a dead mouse wasnt from their soup, but they cant bring me a damn bottle of ketchup?!
**********
Lance's latest Nike commerical is pretty good. But how many people are actually going to go out and "Just Do It?"
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Chalupa used as a weapon in an assault case. Now where are all those activists at, hm? Those evil things should be banned! Why isnt anyone sueing Taco Bell?!
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Background Noise
You've Got Another Thing Coming by Judas Priest
Out there is a fortune
Waiting to be had...
You think I'll let it go,
You are mad...
You've got another thing coming...
***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************
The Steward
