So... the passage of time, about that....

My day at work went surprisingly smooth. I got out at 6:30, which wasn't too bad, however tomorrow may be a bit more intense. Of course luckily I can draw a line in the sand because Wednesday is my wonderful midweek rendevous in Central square with Kate.

We always meet by 6:45 (give or take five minutes... lately "give") and have a nice supper. In the more pleasant weather it is usually accompanied by some extensive walking, however since it is cold we've been finding creative ways to take nearly 2 hours to eat. It is a fantastic hobby, and it really is something to look forward to. I'm hoping for Italian tomorrow. I've had enough more than enough meat lately. I always enjoyed spaghetti as a kid, and I'm really pining for some nostalgia. It will be like the meal equivalent of my mother rocking me to sleep. Really I'll settle for anything tomato sauce based with the exception of pizza. And of course I can probably be convinced to waiver on this whole craving as well as I tend to employ "equal opportunity" when it comes to food items intended for consumption.

I saw Tucker Carlson interviewed on Conan O'Brian last Thursday and was heavily amused by his two cents on lesbians. For those who don't know or have not heard me both bitch and laugh at this guy previously; Tucker Carlson is a conservative mouthpiece with a very Gen X style delivery. The guy is an elitist and out of touch with reality despite his youthful demeanor. I'm certain this guy is very likely a head case but hey who isn't now days.

I enjoyed watching him uncomfortably sit next to Johnny Knoxville. I guess an interview he did got him in trouble over at CNN back when he was on crossfire. I googled it so I could get it all just right... here's the juice:

Tucker Carlson in Elle magazine: "One area of liberal phenomenon I support is female bi-sexuality - this apparent increased willingness of girls to bring along a friend. That's a pretty good thing." Women "want to be listened to, protected and amused. And they want to be spanked vigorously every one in a while." On arguing, "most of the time you can beat a woman in an argument. But what do you win? Nothing. You get short-term pleasure followed by a lot of pain." If he could be any woman, he would be Elizabeth Birch of the Human Rights Campaign because "you'd be presiding over an organization of thousands of lesbians, some of them quite good-looking." (Geez, Tucker. Obsess much?) Carlson would go to bed with Hillary Clinton: "Every time I see her I think I could, you know, help. She seems tense." (What a humanitarian.) He would pick Laura Ingraham over Ann Coulter because "with Ann you could get bruised on the angles."
I actually swiped that from wonkette.com's gossip columnist ala' google. It was complete with the included witty comments.

Well lets look around at the news....

Here's the latest in "We are all doomed" news. Just in case you are looking to feed any self destructive urges/vices etc., here, some fuel for the fire.

Climate study predicts big thaw

The good news is this might make it easier to drill through the Artic tundra. It will be less wear and tear on those really big drill bits. Perhaps less fossil fuel will be used to drill through the soft muddy earth? :D

Gregoire's homely distant relative passes away
Gregoire you are much prettier, but there is some sort of uncanny resemblance. Hey who knew this guy was a cook! And also, he was only 57 and died of lung cancer. For all of you with fondness of cancer sticks, smokey treats, nicotine fixes or what have you, may this be your umpteenth warning. Yes umpteenth, you read correctly.

Old Harvard Sq. faces brand-name onslaught
This is a bit about the changing face of Harvard square and how the bohemian element is being replaced by the glitz of corporate America. To put this in perspective, two of the filming locations from Good Will Hunting, which were Harvard Square main stays, no longer exist. The Brattle theater is now in danger and hobbling on its last legs. (You'd think Harvard with its Billions might just step in... but apparently not)

In some regards this is very sad and disappointing, in other regards I think other areas are filling the shoes that Harvard Square once wore. Davis Square boasts a theater that shows independent and second run movies for low prices, not to mention has the occasional live show. Coolidge Corner shows Indy and art films, as well as classics. The Kendall, a multiplex in "Kendall square" of course two stops away on the red line from Harvard, shows nearly exclusively art & independent films. Even Arlington, Stoneham, and Lexington, which are pretty much the suburbs boast small second run/ independent movie theaters where they probably did not previously. I read in an editorial once that Arlington is the new "Cambridge". I'd probably argue the case for Somerville first but hey, regardless things change.

In large metropolitan areas there will likely always be havens for artists and bohemians, and in most cases, they will almost always eventually get "priced out". It is cyclical, and part of the beauty of the ever changing urban environment. New memories for new generations. I think we are lucky that Harvard square has had its character preserved as well as it has despite its current Formica franchised demeanor.

I can't believe Good Will Hunting is almost nine years old. Yesterday I was speaking about stopping to reflect on the passage of time. I remember going to see it in the "new" theater in Windham with Tim, John, & Jim. I can't believe we've known each other that long let alone that a movie which still seems "recent" in my mind is nearly a decade old.

A long December...

And there's reason to believe
maybe this year will be better than the last....

OK, so here is where I'm supposed to write something really profound. I went and saw relatives and old friends and the changing home town. So this, this is where I'm supposed to write about how I've put it all in perspective, and I stand in awe at life and how time flies and such drivel, but honestly I don't feel like it... and this year despite rather obvious changes in the world around me, I feel rather numb to the passage of time. (Wait... is that profound? I'm not quite sure)

Thursday night I slaved away at MLNM (work) until 11:00 pm. I couldn't sleep when I got home, wasn't prepared to leave on Friday for Maine... and ended up not arriving till late afternoon Christmas Eve. I'm going in to work tomorrow which is officially supposed to be a day off (lovely).

The holidays weren't too rough, and for the most part I was actually looking forward to them for a change. I will say Friday I was in limbo. I didn't want to stay in Massachusetts, yet I didn't want to drive to Maine. Essentially I was feeling like nothing in the moment could please me or capture my attention. I was really burnt out, and admittedly I'm not even close to being recovered, although for the most part it was a relaxing holiday.

Today I closed the holiday weekend by visiting with Jason Chaloux at his parents, where he had Alexia, his baby girl. She had grown quite a bit since the last time I saw her. Eric Labelle, another old friend also was there.

Following this my Uncle Fritz treated my father and I to a few beers and some lunch at the new "Gritty's" brew pub in Auburn. It is a great addition to the area, and for the most part looks almost exactly like the Old Port location on the inside. I hung around my parent's till 6:30 or so before ultimately heading out in mixed precipitation for my trek down south. The roads weren't too bad. It probably only took me an extra half hour or so.

I'm tired... yet I don't want to go to bed... because I know time will pass quicker and suddenly I'll be on my way to work.

I wonder what the chances are that I could actually work a 9-5 day tomorrow?

Perhaps tomorrow I'll post some humorous links or political rants, today however I'm a little too melancholy. If nothing else the Patriots are winning.

Happy Holidays!

Hello All!

I don't have much to say tonight.
Work has consumed me lately. I did manage to get out tonight and Kate & I had a bite at UNO's in Harvard Square. We felt the mood for some wonderful franchised grub I suppose. We've become talented at milking our meal time and making it last a couple of hours in this cold weather. It was quite easy tonight because Cambridge is sort of deserted. All of the students have gone away for break, and everyone else is probably out busy preparing for the holidays or trying to meet those year end deadlines.
Anyway... I will be heading on break Friday through Monday. The following weekend will be another long one. So I apologize for irregularity in my posting schedule. I will try and resume the routine in the new year, and post when I can until that time arrives.

-Have fun!

Capra, Kong, W and a "Holiday" Song

My weekend was nice, and I hope all of yours were as good. I watched one of my all time favorite films, "Its a Wonderful Life" with Kate. She had never seen it and I had to twist her arm a bit. I cried like a baby like I always do... Because I'm a pathetic shell of a man, but hey... That's who I am what can I say.

I went in saw King Kong on Friday Night. It was quite thrilling, however as a warning to those who aren't aware it is very long. There are also scenes in this that I think will make just about anyone cringe. It was so well done I was even feeling the pain of a T-Rex who was unwise to mess with Kong. I found the giant insects particularly nasty. I really don't see this movie becoming the next Titanic. I think those predictions are completely off base. I will say that the women in the cinema generally were vocalizing how cute they thought Jackson's CGI giant appeared. I heard quite a few "Awwwws" and "poor baby" and "he's sooo cute", which quite frankly is sort of weird. There is a lot of comedy in this film, more than I expected.

I think the most amazing part of this film might be the recreation of depression era New York City. It is spectacular to behold. The CGI artists who do this work are nothing short of genius. It is some of the most breathtaking art of our times, and I believe because of it's packaging, it will likely be so under appreciated or taken for granted.

In our mad mad mad political world:

So the lack luster Commander and Chief steps up to the plate and pitches a pretty good game.

Transcript of Bush speech

Not too shabby W, I look forward to the pundits and commentators.

Using a line from Longfellow's "Christmas Bells" was very clever. Very very clever Georgie ole' boy. You, or at least your interns or quite apt.

Longfellow was one of the literary greats of American History. He wrote the following during the civil war that hit him close to home as his son was one of its victims. In our times it is probably better known as a popular carol of the season. I've highlighted the lines use in W's speech.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)
Christmas Bells


I HEARD the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."

I'm wondering if it was an intentional use of the "Right prevail" of if that double entendre is merely a coincidence. Clever either way.

Anyway while the way this administration has conducted it self, more often than not has appalled me, the current agenda of communicating with the American public about the Iraq war is long over due. Cheney in particular held on to falsehoods way too long, and this administration until recently has not given the American public the respect it deserves. While there is still a way to go, Bush has taken a step in the right direction.

Mr. President if you want people to respect and trust you, you have to give them the benefit of the doubt that they will understand your actions when explaining things to them. Of course, you have to start by actually telling people more of your plan, rather than just asserting our vengeance towards evildoers and what not.

Additionally I must contribute my two cents about the whole NSA scandal. This is definitely a planned leftist attack on the administration by the New York times. The story was held, and released in perfect timing to undermine the success of the elections (Or to add to what might have gone wrong). While I support the Patriot act being re-written in ways to protect civil liberties (Marijuana trafficking is not terrorist activity, and wire taps and searches without warrants for example, should still be illegal) at the same time I think that certain international calls should be monitored, and I'm sure this policy has been very beneficial to the United States. If you aren't guilty of some illegal activity, than you shouldn't care. This isn't being used on domestic calls (although our cell phone conversations unlike land-lines can legally be monitored and the technology exists, not only that, but the government can trace your location within 100 yards from your phone signal. Big Brother is alive and well).

I used to be fond of Howard Dean, but the more I see of this guy the more disappointed I get. Going after this NSA order by Bush will back-fire for the democrats. Dean has endorsed an agenda for the democrats that only serves to help the right achieve more of their to-do list. The hate filled rhetoric of the far left is seeping into the main stream democratic party, and even if much of it is true, the absurdist and exaggerated passion sticks in people's mind. You would think Dean would have learned as much from his experience in the primaries.

I have to admit that Hillary Clinton has been stellar about her poise and saying the proper and rational thing unlike many (lately- most) of her colleagues. I'm sure it has a great deal to do with her presidential aspirations. If anything at all she is showing that she is much more intelligent than John Kerry, however it is unlikely any of that will matter in 2008. She does have a good coach and ally in good ole bubbah however.

Well I survived..

My presentation has come and gone, and now I can move on to other trials and tribulations.

This holiday season has to be one of my busiest to date.

Tonight I actually managed to leave work at 5:45 which was a nice change from 8:00 pm.

I could continue spitting out fragmented thoughts, however I think I'll conclude this lack luster post here.

Ooooohhh... Check this out, perhaps W will continue and do more things to make me feel warm and fuzzy. McCain 2008!

McCain, Bush agree on torture ban

Pretty good Falwell Political cartoon

I don't want to write this post...

And alas, here I am typing away nonsensical psycho babble.

So... Anyone see any good movies lately?
I have to say the last really good film I've seen in the theater was "Walk the Line". I'm anticipating Memoirs of a Geisha, The Producers, I've read good things about "Me you and everyone we know". I'm thinking I'm also going to have to see "Syriana", "Capote", "Ice Harvest". I do want to see King Kong, and if I had the time, I might have even seen it already... but alas I do not. Maybe I'll try and catch a matinee this weekend. Harry Potter was good, but alas I knew what I was getting myself into there, and I'm not unbiased because I've read the books. Actually I was thinking the film might have been difficult to follow if you haven't read the books. That movie probably wasn't one to catch if you haven't seen the first three either.

There is a heaping pile of films I've wanted to see... but never seem to find myself in the right frame of mind to catch. "Kinsey" is one, I never saw Charlize's "Monster", and I know there are a few others too.

My music tastes of late, well I bought a CD over Amazon by the "Fruit Bats" "spelled in bones". I would call it the Shins meet Guster. It definitely is the pop sound of a bygone era, which honestly I look for in music. Yes I like abstract shock art just like the next true music fan. I like new sounds sure, but at the same time, some sounds are meant to be heard again. This is what can be said about this band.
The following is a review written by someone who doesn't expect albums to have titles unrelated to the actual music, and three minutes of feedback in the middle of a song that can't decide whether it is electronica or jam rock. Its a simplistic few words, but they are spoken by someone who isn't more bitter & judgmental of a person than I am. In other words, someone quite normal.

Fruit Bats Review- Spelled in Bones

I actually think while simple the lyrics are actually quite good. I can't say the same for another band who I picked up an album for. "Doves". The music is actually quite nice, I'd describe it as having a rather hypnotic sense of momentum at times. The lyrics on the other hand out right suck. I could have written something more profound when I was ten. "N.Y." From "doves the last broadcast" boasts lines such as

"They're throwing rocks and paving stones
So lets go while we can
Put your finger on the map
Who cares where it lands
Cause we're all better off in New York"

OK I've heard worse, yet somehow a Brit pop act singing about New York perhaps irritated me. When I listened to this CD the first time, I fell asleep.

As far as other artists I've listened to lately, that I would be fine with falling asleep to, or listening to every lyric and metaphor uttered, Iron & Wine. Iron & Wine is the latest in that Indy/quasi folk feel that is sort of emo without the electricity. It has a very original sound, and beautifully worded ballads can captivate just as easy as they can relax. An associate of mine tried coaxing me into seeing them at Avalon recently, however I relented. They performed with a frequent collaborator, Calexico which has this odd echoing reverb affect in their vocals. I guess Iron & Wine's lead went electric and did a few covers and deviations from their material. It sounds like I missed out.

The Dears, another band that I've recently purchased their album. It borrows heavily from "The Smiths" and "Morrissey", and so of course I love it. There are a few songs of rather epic proportions that wouldn't be out of place gracing a Pink Floyd album.

Continuing on the 80s homage, "The Bravery" is quite good. The aren't as good as say, "Franz Ferdinand or Interpol" but definitely are worth checking out. Think more along the line of "New Order" than "Joy Division".

Well... That was pleasant, not complaining about work or politics.

SO... As usual, not to alienate my frequent readers... lets put up a little political gumbo.

First of all... after three years or so, it is about time W started actually speaking coherently and communicating with people. If he had done this all along, everyone would likely have quite a different opinion of the guy.

W's
admittance

And to prove that W's campaign, which shouldn't be limited to just a handful of appearances, (but is) is helping stem some of the "Cindy Sheehan B.S." Here is another article.

Poll #s suggest less opposed to presence in Iraq

Granted it is just a few percentage points.
I'll repeat. We should not have gone to Iraq. We should have been more prepared, planned better, or had other alternatives. The old proverb "Haste makes waste" definitely seems to apply here.
However. We are there. So we have to deal. Pulling out immediately after going in will leave not only Iraq in trouble, but the world. It is our duty to see things through. This isn't Vietnam. Communism isn't going to just settle in and life won't just go on. The only thing Iraq will succumb to if we leave is anarchy, and the region, along with the rest of the world will pay the price.

By the way I feel sorry for Sheehan, because she is being used and manipulated, because she has become addicted to the limelight, and because she is well, sort of embarrasing to everyone who sympathizes with her. Everyone, that is, who isn't an import driving granola with no Jam Band bash to attend.

Well, I suppose its time to cut this off.

Hope everyone has a smashing Thursday.

The Grind continues

Another late night at work. The department head also nominated me to present in our weekly data club meeting. How pleased am I? I'll be doing some last minute power point work and trying to wrap my head around things.

It is really important I try to get in early tomorrow as I have 4, 90 minute experiments to run, not to mention a fair share of data to organize. Today was eaten up by a meeting, and not to mention some aggravation over unfavorable results likely due to un-clean glassware. Prevention of this will likely be additional redundant conductivity checks of solutions and rinses of glassware with sterile water that I really wish I didn't have to do. I tell you, I'm having some of the most stupid luck over the past couple weeks that I've had over my entire career. Computers are malfunctioning, and more or less up seems like it is down and forwards is backward. North is South, East is West, etc.. etc. Then there are the people who seem to finally be recovering from crankiness from our move. At least that is a positive development. I hope it lasts.
Oh, did I mention my performance review is coming up? Great timing.

Yeah... I'll stop bitching and whining at any moment, sure I will.

On a more pleasant note, I had a nice weekend. Kate and I did some shopping for the holidays. I got a few things out of the way at least, hopefully I'll find a way to manage the last couple before the week is out.

In my news reference:

It looks like the Iraqi people are getting a true taste of democracy, awww, isn't it special?

Dirty tricks taint Iraqi elections

Watching mice as the snow falls

I put in another long night at work today. Hopefully things will achieve some normalcy again after moving our lab & offices. The work is really spinning into high gear right now.

Quite a blizzard out today here in Beantown. I'd say we got 7-8 inches or so. It was windy and it came down fast. I was sheltered in the confines (actually vast expanses... our building is a high rise with quite a large floor layout) of 35 Landsdowne St. in Cambridge. Oddly today the T (subway) was running like clockwork. I was really expecting it to be ridiculously late.

On the way home, I enjoyed watching the mice forage for morsels and crumbs amongst the subway rails as I waited for the Oak Grove Orange line train to arrive at Downtown Crossing station. From a distance mice are fascinating and even sort of cute. Its just when they get in your living quarters that it really can be aggravating. So far no mice in my Melrose location. I had that bat in my room this summer however, and I'm still recovering from the trauma. I imagine the bat was much more freaked out than I was.

I'm not doing too well on my Christmas shopping. I'm quite behind... It is really sneaking up on me too, and I don't know what to do. ARRRRRGGGHHH... Vertigo setting in.....

OK, In the news (As if this will stop my head spinning).

Clinton: Bush 'flat wrong' on climate

I really think it is time for this Administration to step up to the plate. If they have problems with the Kyoto treaty an alternative that clearly explains the so called "improvements" needs to be put in place by our country. The bottom line is W cares more about share holders of big business then what could happen years from now if we continue burning fossil fuels at the current pace. When I say "what could happen" I'm not just talking climate change, I'm talking serious economic impact if fuel disappears and much of the Nation has not converted to alternative power sources.

Well, one link is enough for tonight. It is the weekend after all!

Work, Work, and yet more work.

I just spent my entire evening working on spreadsheets for work. I can't believe the amount of stuff I have to do. It really stinks because I feel I've been given an assignment at the last minute, and achieving the goals within the timelines set by... People outside of my realm. Well it isn't realistic.

Anyway. Politics Politics..

Rice: No guarantees on abuse

I was pretty horrified about the sexual abuse at Abu Gharib and the rotten conditions and stunts that particular group of Marines pulled. There are definitely limitations on what can be done to get information from prisoners. At Abu Gharib, sadly, I'm not quite so certain it was even that. Rather this was a group of lousy people amusing themselves at the expense of others. Not exactly something to do in order to curb terrorism.

Additionally, there have been reports of many prisoners who were victims of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. A cultural divide keeps them contained as a result. If anything, these people will likely become terrorists after being detained for no good reason. Whether it takes, more translators, more research and strategy, I'm not sure. One thing that is sure, is that carelessness breeds contempt, and we should avoid it at all costs.

However, having said all of this, I think many of the "abuse" allegations are getting out of control. I think we should be paying attention to how the new Iraqi police treat prisoners, and we should adhere to standards ourselves to set an example. However for anyone to believe that information can be retrieved from terror suspects without some coercion of some sort, they are having pipe dreams. That is the ugly nature of war.

Anyway,

Happy Friday!

A better Tomorrow?

(sigh)

I need prayers... well not as much as a lot of people, but I'm just really stressed out. The gloom of my former week is continuing into this one. Hopefully I'll feel better tomorrow. Arrrgghhh!!!!

Sorry about the negative energy but, this is a good an outlet as any, and I feel the need to put it somewhere.

here is a short from CNN on a Charlie Brown Christmas. Aside from Its A Wonderful Life, it really is my favorite Christmas time event. And Its a Wonderful Life, actually ranks amongst my favorite films.

Charlie Brown Christmas - CNN Report

As for the news:
Howard Dean is a creep,
Bush is generally wrong, but is right about finishing the job he started.
Saddam told everyone to go to hell.

and something a little different:

Researchers to trap mysterious cat-fox animal

Well...
To tomorrow (lifting up my glass)

Cheers

Monday Monday, can't beat that day....

Well, today I survived. The day went by quickly. Goals expected out of me did not seem unreasonable or unrealistic. Things were less chaotic. People did not seem to be openly secretly (yeah I know...) scornful. Also I was not amongst the ranks of the walking dead today, and not once did I fantasize of cracking someone's skull open and sucking out their brain. OK, well maybe I did just once.

Yes I'm aware, my posts have been uninspired and rather prosaic lately. For that I will flog myself with a barbed whip repeatedly. Rest assured I will savor each and every strike of the rawhide pierced with rusty barbed wire, and yes, my tetanus shots are up to date.

So what is in the news today?

Well... Lets see.

Scientists ponder Titanic discoveries

OK, not funny or controversial, I know, but wait, lets dig a little.
The premise of this research suggests the Titanic actually only took 5 minutes to sink, not 20. As a result, people in theory didn't suffer as much. Less time to think about impending doom and what not. Aside from this giving me more fodder to argue that "Titanic" was a lousy movie, is this is an amusing tidbit.

From the article:

Explorer Robert Ballard found the bulk of the wreck in 1985, at a depth of 13,000 feet and about 380 miles southeast of Newfoundland. Ballard was not impressed with the expedition's find.

"They found a fragment, big deal," Ballard said. "Am I surprised? No. When you go down there, there's stuff all over the place. It hit an iceberg and it sank. Get over it."

Awww..... Ballard seems a wee bit cranky, could it be that someone made a few wittle miss calculations? His page in history is perhaps due to ummm, sink a little faster?

Moving right along,

A valiant effort by this convicted crack head:
Man argues he's too overweight for jail

Didn't work however. On the bright side this may free up some time to focus on fitness. I've heard there are some good "government" gyms.

This is amusing, it speaks for itself:

Curtain shields Santa, sexy store display

In Entertainment Michael Keaton in his best performance since BATMAN spoke out against a creep who happens to be a damn fine actor, but perhaps a less than stellar person. This was at a dinner honoring Ron Howard.

"The bad news is that Russell Crowe isn't here," said Keaton to a crowd that included Jim Carrey, Renee Zellweger, Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Jeffrey Tambor, Edie Falco plus Howard's family, his actress daughter Bryce Dallas Howard and producing partner Brian Grazer.
Crowe would have been a likely guest since he's starred in two Howard movies, "A Beautiful Mind" and "Cinderella Man."

"The good news," Keaton continued, "is that we don't have to listen to his [expletive deleted] band. They suck. They're horrible. John McCain came up with the anti-torture bill about them."

That probably won't help you land future roles Mike... but hey its commendable as far as I'm concerned.

I'll close on a more serious note with a legitimate political event.

DeLay conspiracy charge tossed out

Groan.......

Turns out it is a legitimate formality. Of course Delay is likely guilty of this charge, however the date he committed the offense was before it was made illegal in 2003.

Luckily we still must hold out hope that this scoundrel will get what is coming to him with the money laundering charges. Delay has been instrumental in my opinion, in the destruction of the republican platform. His rise to power has paralleled an increase in corruption amongst the ranks of the GOP, previously more of a democratic problem. Delay is an obstructionist, in the tradition of George Mitchell and Tom Daschle, accept he's a Republican. And the most absurd thing of all is his alliance with the Christian Right. Seems a bit hypocritical if you ask me.

Traditionally the rich and powerful tend to get out of such quandaries, however Delay may have wronged enough people (I hope) along the way that he doesn't get away this time.

People like this, regardless of their allegiances serve to damage the democratic process. Yes I agree that it may be dirty politics that is playing a large role in "making an example of Delay". However it is fitting, because it is dirty politics that let him rise to power.

Another Week Begins

Well I had a nice weekend, and I hope all of you did as well. Kate & I decorated a small Christmas tree for my apartment. Saturday night I did some Christmas shopping, and attended Brian Glassner & Family's annual Christmas extravaganza. There were likely 70 people there, and I got to talk with several colleagues from Peoples Genetics/Beckman Coulter.

My work week prior was a bit aggravating, and I can only hope that this one is smoother and greets me with a sunnier and smoother progression. I get tired of human nature from time to time, and last week was an example of that scenario.

I wouldn't want to be the engineer which miscalculated this one.

Blast can't topple state's tallest building

Anyway, lets see how Monday goes!

#ucker Carlson, RENT, and Chips

Remember this, my fair friends, remember these proverbs... lines... sayings... what have you.

First: "Tongue in cheek"

Second: "Take it with a grain of salt"

Ok now first on tonight's plate, the ever wise Michael Caprio forwarded me the transcript to Tucker Carlson's last show where he interviewed Bruce Friedrich, some ninny from PETA, but before I get into that.. Let me say a few words about Tucker.

I hate him. This arrogant prick perpetually looks 25 even though he's in his late 30s by now. I hate him because he's constantly smiling with his eyes... and because he always seems jovial and good natured, even though you know the guy thinks he's God's gift to humanity. He is of course much smarter (in his mind) than all of his guests and callers. He is silver spoon fed and has lived in his life in a world of disillusionment likely surrounded by other elitists, journalists and Hollywood types. He generally agrees with the agenda of the right, (that's kind of his schtick) mainly just for the sake of agreement (Although I admit he was a dissenter after Katrina which impressed me... yet he depends on ratings, and that would have been really dim to support W and Browny on that front.)

I watched a show a few weeks back where he read a complaint by an Animal control officer not getting respected for the job they do. Tucker responds by saying they are "dog catchers" and the title "Animal control officer is a load of political correctness crap." He goes on to insult the intelligence of people who are ACOs, and says they must be too stupid to do any other job. Of course at the end of the episode an Animal control officer calls and asks for an apology, and Carlson with a smirk calls him stupid on air, and tells him his opinion isn't worth spit because he's nothing more than a worthless dog catcher.

OK... before ending my rant on what a jerk %ucker Carlson is, I hate to admit it, but I enjoy his commentary. Bottom line is Carlson is entertaining... and as much as I think the guy is a total ass... he can be funny, and he is sharp. And his curly locks, idiotic bow tie, and eternally smiling eyes (which make me feel violent at times) are a persona that evokes a certain charisma. It was a smart move, something that is rare in journalism, to develop a signature look. I do find myself quite interested in his shows, and occasionally they have some legitimacy as well.

Jon Stewart, who played somewhat of a role in Carlson getting fired from Crossfire, was on back during the Kerry/Bush race. You may find this transcript rather amusing.

Jon Stewart on Crossfire

Ok Caps, back to your PETA interview. Finally here is the link.

Taking on PETA over new ad campaign

From the people that brought you such gems as "Chicken farms are equivalent to the holocaust" comes PETA's new campaign, "Your Daddy Kills Animals".
I really think that PETA is a big practical joke. I think these guys go out and make these completely insane claims, and I think they are well aware of the absurdity. The whole premise of PETA is absurd, because really to fulfill their goals we should all just kill ourselves simultaneously and leave the world to the non-humans.
I really think these guys like Bruce, get back from "The Situation", they go home watch it and are rolling on the floor laughing, while they are eating beef jerky. I think they're laughing at all of the naive kids, college students, and old ladies they manage to brainwash. Really joining PETA is akin to "I hate people and I want to piss them off", or "I have a 76 IQ and I'm lucky I can breathe without instruction". Even if you are an extremist Animal Rights activist, I don't know how you could join an organization as morally reprehensible as PETA. Of course I feel similar sentiments about Greenpeace, however they look like civilized diplomatic geniuses next to PETA. These people are all just bored and desperately want attention. I have to give them some accolades for dreaming up some hysterical ways of offending people. If I could keep a straight face, I might join them just so I could be in on the joke. Just so I too could relish in the humor of all of the fools that actually take PETA seriously.

I must commend Carlson on his use of the word "axiomatic" and to Friedrich for using "hyperbole" in the same sentence while relating to "Saturday morning cartoons".

Ooohhh and here's Carlson in a priceless moment. CARLSON: "I've got four kids. Don't lecture me about kids. I know I would-if someone slipped this under my door, I'd punch them out. I couldn't handle it." Funny stuff! Am I right? :D Or, am I right? I wonder if he fights with his fists circling in front of him like a 1920s boxer, he'd probably wear a bow tie with is white T shirt, and I imagine he'd confront the distributor of the PETA propaganda by saying in a "Curly-like" voice "Oh? Wise Guy eehh?!"

On to my next topic.... RENT, yes I thought I'd take a few minutes to abuse this disparity of pop culture.

For those of you that saw Team America, wasn't the parody called "LEASE" fantastic?

Anyway... as many of you know, anything that is massively popular is usually going to be met by some criticism by me, because after all, most people have bad taste. Oh and before I forget, I'm better than most people too. :D I'll go into a bit more about the chip on my shoulder later, but for now, lets stick to bashing RENT.

Someone mentioned RENT to me a couple days ago, and I absently brushed it off as "It’s not my thing". What I should have said was "ITS REALLY REALLY not my thing". The problem is there are so many things that piss me off about the concept of RENT that I would have to devote some time to do so, and I would really have to gather my thoughts on the issue.

So tonight while I was eating two greasy artery clogging slices of pizza at the Hi-Fi in Cambridge, I was reading "dig" a free weekly alternative news magazine here in Boston. Low and behold there was a review of someone who saw RENT and it articulated what I also think about it, but was too tired to say. And not only that, it got the rage flowing in me, and really my creative juices too... making me realize to the fullest extent... Why RENT pisses me off. The following is the review.

RENT: A phony romp that makes you pay

Of course it starts off by dissing rock musicals... which to a great extent I'd agree with, but not totally. For example "Grease" is escapism, it isn't serious, it is fun. So no one takes grease really seriously because it is fantasy. Same thing for "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" its fun. So then you have some of your more serious rock band/ abstract Rock operas like "Tommy" by the Who, and "The Wall" by Pink Floyd. However they are abstract and bizarre, surreal. No one tries to claim they are realistic, but that they rather, explain life with absurd visuals and bizarre plots. Anyway, back to this great review... (or poor review depending on where your sovereignty lies)

David Wildman writes: "So it’s pretty obvious what’s going to happen when you take an alleged rock musical, featuring a cheery plot where most of the characters are dying of AIDS, and then attempt to make a film about it. Watch out, world.

Now, for some reason that I will never fathom, throngs of people seemed to actually like the Broadway production of Rent in the ‘90s, and advanced screenings of the film version have packed local theatres. Then again, masses of people liked Friends in the ‘90s, too."

Wow, preach to the choir David... I hate Friends too! Its too perfect, pretty people with crappy jobs living in expensive places... and they are all superficial with the exception of Ross, who is well.. superficial and pathetic to boot.

I'll tell you David, Dave, Dav-O, I'll tell you why. I'LL TELL YOU WHY, I'll tell you why people like it. Because to not like it would be insensitive to the plight of those who have AIDS. Because AIDS is something we should all care about and fight to help stop. If you aren't a hep-cat you probably won't like rent. You probably think only homosexuals get AIDS. Not only are you a bigot but you are stupid, and insensitive, did I mention that you are INSENSITIVE?! Yes DAVE... how could you, how could you be so thoughtless... I bet you would like to burn the rainforest down too, wouldn't you. WOULDN'T YOU!? And you know what.. if you hadn't been such a prick and if you had actually liked RENT... if you weren't into environmental destruction, not to mention starving the old people and the homeless.... YES YES, that’s right. People who don't like RENT, obviously want to kill the homeless. In fact I'm sure that people who hate RENT, I'm sure they think that all of the homeless should die of AIDS. It would serve them right for being stinky homeless losers. I bet you anything all people who hate RENT think that.
SO Dave, RENT can be an entire Broadway production, and now movie, of mediocre filler songs, which aren't memorable. Songs with lyrics that should have never been sung with enthusiasm. Ballads that would make me want to watch CATS instead with Barbara Streisand performing every part. But you Dave, you have to like it, because if you don't, well you are just a really bad person.

That is why people like it, because they think it makes them politically aware. It makes them hip and liberal and in touch with inner city bohemians, who mind you are nothing like the people in RENT.

I like this particular line from the review: "Seeing the drag queen (Wilson Germain Heredia) singing and prancing around Washington Square Park drives home the crux of the matter here: As a play, Rent is already a naive, idealized urban fantasy hiding behind the real-life problem of AIDS; setting it in an actual urban environment only serves to throw its phoniness into sharp relief."

Part of what irks me is you have these suburbanites who have spent their lives learning ballet, or kids with trust funds who never paid for their own car insurance acting like they KNOW, like they can relate to poverty. They have a superior idealistic world-view, and they care. Now if any one of these actors and actresses met the people they played they would probably be repulsed and would treat them like vermin. Perhaps I'm wrong. I hope I'm wrong.

To me the real battle on AIDS isn't the drug addicts and promiscuous people. Unfortunately most of these people will crash and burn with or without AIDS. They are people who are in serious need of help, and have given up on life. Most of them don't have incredible dreams... because hey.. let’s be real, most people generally don't have incredible dreams. And even less people who are addicts be it sexually or drug wise, are dreaming of the ten year plan. It’s more like how can I get the next fix, or recover from the last one. I feel pity for these people, but truthfully theirs is a different problem than a cure for AIDS.

The battle for AIDS in the United States is for victims of rape, naive teens, or others extraordinary circumstances like receiving tainted blood. People in today's world are well aware of the risks associated with dirty needles and sex. They just don't care, and so their plights really sadden me, but fighting it must be approached differently, and I don't necessarily see them as innocents, and I know that makes me an evil thoughtless person, but hey.. that is how it is. I'd much prefer advances in cancer or even heart disease because they strike in a more random manner, and more frequently.

Now people in Africa, can still claim ignorance and the situation there is a real tragedy and danger to the world. Those people need our help. They need to be shown the way to prevent this disaster.

Ok, last on the agenda tonight:

I have a chip on my shoulder. It is quite big, and weighty, and it is because I have better ideals, I'm smarter, and I'm prettier than nearly everyone (Except for maybe Tucker Carlson). I've decided that this Chip is such an asset that I'm going to begin manufacturing them. I'll call them "George's Original Plain Shoulder Chips". Now notice that I said they are plain. Now this is important because chips come in all different flavors. I personally believe that everyone should have a chip on their shoulder of their own making, their own tastes, yes indeed, their own flavor.

We all had different backgrounds, influences, life scarring events, traumas, obstacles, humiliating experiences, and insecurities. All of these are necessary to give your chip your own unique allure and specialty. Take your flaws and add flavor to "George's Original Plain Shoulder Chip" for the low one time only price of $19.95. And, yes, get this! If you call now I'll throw in your very own inflatable ego... because you can never be too proud. Remember "George's Original Plain Shoulder Chips" make wonderful holiday presents!

Ramble on....

I need a vacation, the thanksgiving break didn't cut it, and the Christmas and New Years breaks for me, amount to nothing more than two long weekends. And honestly, I love the holidays and everything, but often as I get older Christmas in itself seems like another work day. You have to put on a good face and sort of step into that persona that people expect out of you. I can't talk politics or religion (perhaps outside of music & film, these are two of my favorite topics) and I often end up lounging on the couch (whoopie!) without control of the remote control (arrrgh!) which is fine, because if someone gave me the control... I couldn't watch what I wanted to anyway. My tastes and indecisiveness would likely make everyone else miserable. And after all, I'm all about the pleasing of others, a Utilitarian at the core. Then when I'm not watching the antique road show, I'm helping with various chores so the house guests don't think my mother is a slob. (This usually consists of my Aunt, and... ummm did I mention my Aunt?) The menial tasks are actually fine. As a child of course I couldn't stand doing that stuff, but if I have to sit on the couch watching some dog contest on TLC, I might just slip into some sort of coma or spontaneously combust. So bring on the busy work!

Anyway I'll stop complaining now. If I don't I'll ramble on for ever and ever. It was either this, or complain about my day at work. I think it is healthier to complain about the holidays. I think my complaints about work would merely be a reflection of my own over tired nature, and for the most part are exaggerated due to this. Some might say it would be better to let it all out. One might argue if the tension builds eventually I'll be like Michael Douglass in Falling Down. Eh.. I'm liable to push someone who's pissing me off into an oncoming subway car before I get up on a building and start shooting, so if I do go crazy.. It will just be one random unfortunate soul who will bear the brunt of the inflicted suffering.

I did have a splendid night out with Kate tonight, which served as a bit of a healing element. We went to Mary Chung's for supper. They made beef with peppersteak and onion for me, even though it was not on their menu. In addition, we had Peking Dumplings (pan fried) and Kate got their hot and spicy sweet and sour chicken, specifying to make it mild. (Mary Chung's is pretty much spicy all around)

Well... Here's an article about a Gallup/CNN poll that says 6 in 10 Americans don't think we should pull out of Iraq until certain goals are achieved. That is good to hear, however I would be more comfortable if the number was 7 in 10. W's speech today appears to be more of the same old B.S. I really am irritated by the elaborate sets that this administration uses to promote an issue. I don't believe it is helping to drive home any of the messages of the president. If anything these graphics and occasionally banners have created more criticism than ease of use.

Poll: Most doubt plan for Iraq victory

Of course with a title like that, you'd never realize that this actually isn't a simple rally cry to remove troops.

Anyway, it is time to put my head on a pillow and dream of sugar plums (what ever the hell they are).

Tis the Season

I fell asleep in the middle of everything tonight... so as to not totally remove myself from duty, I will steal material for tonight's blog from other sources. (A time honored personal website/blog tradition, that for the most part I've tried to avoid)

If you don't want to read the stuff I've lifted I'll provide my usual commentary on news and odd tidbits at the end of this entry.

First one of my favorite holiday oriented Saturday Night Live sketches, I'm sure many of you love this one as much as I do.

A Holiday Wish
written by Steve Martin, performed on Saturday Night Live (1991)

Steve Martin: If I had one wish that I could wish this holiday season, it would be that all the children to join hands and sing together in the spirit of harmony and peace. If I had two wishes I could make this holiday season, the first would be for all the children of the world to join hands and sing in the spirit of harmony and peace. And the second would be for 30 million dollars a month to be given to me, tax-free in a Swiss bank account. You know, if I had three wishes I could make this holiday season, the first, of course, would be for all the children of the world to get together and sing, the second would be for the 30 million dollars every month to me, and the third would be for encompassing power over every living being in the entire universe. And if I had four wishes that I could make this holiday season, the first would be the crap about the kids definitely, the second would be for the 30 million, the third would be for all the power, and the fourth would be to set aside one month each year to have an extended 31-day orgasm, to be brought out slowly by Rosanna Arquette and that model Paulina-somebody, I can't think of her name. Of course my lovely wife can come too and she's behind me one hundred percent here, I guarantee it. Wait a minute, maybe the sex thing should be the first wish, so if I made that the first wish, because it could all go boom tomorrow, then what do you got, y'know? No, no, the kids, the kids singing would be great, that would be nice. But wait a minute, who am I kidding? They're not going to be able to get all those kids together. I mean, the logistics of the thing is impossible, more trouble than it's worth! So -- we reorganize! Here we go. First, the sex thing. We go with that. Second, the money. No, we got with the power second, then the money. And then the kids. Oh wait, oh jeez, I forgot about revenge against my enemies! Okay, I need revenge against all my enemies, they should die like pigs in hell! That would be my fourth wish. And, of course, my fifth wish would be for all the children of the world to join hands and sing together in the spirit of harmony and peace. Thank you everybody and Merry Christmas.

OK, next a coworker sent me the following forward today... I'm fairly certain I've seen it before, however as it speaks to both my interests in theology and science I must post it for all to enjoy:

The following is supposedly an actual question given on a University of Toronto chemistry mid-term. The answer by one student was so "profound" that the professor shared it with colleagues, via the Internet, which is, of course, why we now have the pleasure of enjoying it as well.

Bonus Question: Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)
Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle's Law (gas cools when it expands and heats when its compressed) or some variant.

One student, however, wrote the following:
First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So we need to know the rate at which souls are moving into Hell and the rate at which they are leaving. I think we can safely assume that once a soul gets to Hell, it will not leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving. As for how many souls are entering Hell, lets look at the different Religions that exist in the world today. Most of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to Hell. Since there is more than one of these religions and since people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all souls go to Hell.

With Birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in Hell to increase exponentially. Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume in Hell because Boyle's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in Hell to stay the same, the volume of Hell has to expand proportionately as souls are added.

This gives two possibilities:
1. If Hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure in Hell will increase until all Hell breaks loose.
2. If Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until Hell freezes over.

So which is it?
If we accept the postulate given to me by Teresa during my Freshman year that, "it will be a cold day in Hell before I sleep with you, and take into account the fact that I slept with her last night, then number 2 must be true, and thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic and has already frozen over. The corollary of this theory is that since Hell has frozen over, it follows that it is not accepting any more souls and is therefore, extinct... leaving only Heaven thereby proving the existence of a divine being which explains why, last night, Teresa kept shouting "Oh my God."

This student received the only "A".

And below, In the news:

I saw this one yesterday actually. (wiping tears) I can't help but feel a little surge of pride for my home state over this one.

Live lingerie models have male shoppers 'Spellbound'

Here is some pretty scary extremism. Not to mention that it is highly illogical. Studies have shown that homosexuals trend towards being "hypermasculine" or having higher than average levels of testosterone. The prescribed treatment of United Arab Emirates, likely won't do too much accept accelerate body hair growth and balding, however it could actually contribute to increased sexual urges.

UAE: Hormone treatment for gay men

Additionally of interest, a letter to the "metro" Boston's free newspaper that I pick up on the subway, accused Bush's grandfather Prescott Bush of being a Nazi sympathizer and funder. Surprisingly of all of the things I've heard regarding the Bushes, this particular item has evaded me. It was a bit of an extremist assessment of W, calling him a fascist and evil, which, although I dislike his policies, I'm not quite sure either is an appropriate description. Anyway, I decided to "Google" Prescott to see what I could find. The following link is to a chapter of an unauthorized biography on George Bush.

http://www.tarpley.net/bush2.htm

If you link from the chapter (related to topic mentioned above) to the table of contents, it is rather evident from the title of each chapter, the opinion and the agenda that Tarpley and Chaitkin had in constructing this book. At the same time this chapter seems to mass evidence that much of the Walker/Bush fortune was acquired by business with a known enemy. Kind of hypocritical considering George H.W. Bush fought in WWII, and perhaps the reason more has not been made of these associations. I suppose they lived by that mantra "Its just business". My disagreement with such an ideal is perhaps one of many reasons I'll never be a billionaire :D. (Hmmmmm You're either with us or against us? The Patriot Act? Looks like W would have had Poppy (Prescott's nick name) sent to Guantanamo Bay if he was running the country back then.)

And in closing tonight here is an insiders take on the decision making process and ability within the Bush administration regarding the Iraq war. It sheds more light on Powell's exit from not only the administration, but essentially the public eye as well. I think it suggests some extreme conflict within the mind of one the United State's highest respected political figures of the past 20 years.

Ex-Powell aide: Bush 'too aloof'

Cranial Crud

Before I ease into a peaceful slumber I must write down what ever random thoughts expletives, and what not, are currently gracing my cranium.

A couple interesting finds today.

First off, of all the horrible things that could happen to people:

Girl with peanut allergy dies after kiss

Good luck to the poor surviving kid to see if he can manage to be a functioning human being the rest of his life. (I can't touch you... you'll die!!)

The Christian Science Monitor had an interesting article about the Iraq progress, or lack thereof from a soldier's viewpoint. Yes I realize the church of Christian Science has some wacky ideas about modern medicine, but their news commentary isn't half bad. (I guess the popularity of this publication vs. the popularity and membership count of this religious institution speaks for itself) I must say that I do enjoy strolling around the Christian Science campus in Boston. The reflecting pool coupled with both modern and Romanesque architecture definitely makes it one of my favorite spots in Boston.

Anyway the article:

The Iraq story: how troops see it

Work is kind of pissing me off this week. I have experiments to run, data to assemble, notebooks to put together, correspondences to send out, and if that weren't enough we are moving our whole lab to a different building, while trying to minimize any interference to our work. Oh yeah, did I mention IT shut down our PCs the second half of the day? Which made it real convenient for me to put together the data on the excel spreadsheets and what not. Oh yeah and I have to put together my "November Summary" to forward to, my boss, and half of the data isn't stored electronically yet. Two of our HPLC's aren't networked, and can't be networked for security reasons because they only run Windows 2000. In addition they have no CD drives, so I end up getting creative on the data transfer. Fun with floppies, woo hoo! Each time I try to finish up an experiment I find that someone has packed up something I needed. We have two days till the physical move and everyone packed everything up already! So much for trying to maximize the experimentation time. Grrrrr....

Anyway.

Well Good night everyone. Tomorrow is another day, as they say. Oh-oh, I'm starting to rhyme unintentionally, it is definitely time for some shut eye.

Thanksgiving and politics

Well, I hope everyone had a nice holiday.
I watched Harry Potter's Goblet of Fire Wednesday night with dad. Ate quite my share Thursday. Friday I caught up with some old neighbors and friends. Saturday I bought an artificial tree that Kate and I plan on decorating with our infinite creativity. I rented some movies with my parents (all of which I had sadly seen). Sunday I ate yet more turkey and managed to mosey on back to Boston.

Jens brought this issue to my attention after a long weekend of avoiding politics. (I didn't want to fight with my parents. I'm proud to say, for the most part I achieved that goal).

He initially sent me a link to a UK editor's take on the issue. There wasn't anything surprising in this information. I really kind of just assumed it was a given. I must say, that I'm glad that the trumpeter of information is an Iraqi rather than U.S. media interests. However it is also important to keep in mind that Allawi lost the election for prime minister. Much like any politician they are likely going to paint a less than rosy picture of what the opposing party does. I will say it is sort of amusing that the "one time" appointed PM is now poised to cause the Bush administration additional headaches.

Jens's column:
Abuse worse than under Saddam, says Iraqi leader

Initially upon skimming this, I assumed that it was more of an "editorial" than hard news. I do think that the author tends to use language that is a bit more flamboyant than what you would find from the BBC or associated press. All the same, this article does have some additional value over the "watered down" version picked up by the American "Associated Press".

I'm particurally fond of:

In a chilling warning to the West over the danger of leaving behind a disintegrating Iraq, Allawi added: 'Iraq is the centerpiece of this region. If things go wrong, neither Europe nor the US will be safe.'

This needs to be driven home.

W is failing to do this.

Partly because he is nearly incapable of speaking without intensive coaching by Karl Rove (who happens to be preoccupied).
And additionally most Americans view Bush as bearing responsibility for the muddled confusion that Iraq has become. It is tough to rise above the scorn of this. If I were making decisions in the Bush administration I would be looking for someone who could communicate this to the U.S.

Powell might be good if that bridge hasn't been burned. Perhaps McCain. Hell... enlist good old Bubbah Clinton. He always loves publicity, and he could always throw in comments about how great Hillary is.
You can't have Rumsfeld or Rice, and definitely not Cheney do this job. No-one cares about the press secretary either.

Anyway. Here is the brief CNN AP article.

Ex-PM: Abuse as bad as Saddam era

It is almost comical by comparison of its total lack of substance, although I will say, unlike Peter Beaumont's report, this lacks assumptions. Peter tends to suggest what this information will mean for the future, which is kind of a misstep. I'd expect this type of journalism from someone like Katie Couric who makes her thoughts on news quite clear. This is why she is Today show material rather than Prime Time with Brian Williams.

These are some of Peter Beaumont's commentary that is interspersed in the Observer article. I find the structure not unlike a thesis paper, quote/fact, then comment to support the "thesis".

Allawi's bleak assessment is likely to undermine any attempt to suggest that conditions in Iraq are markedly improving
His uncompromising comments came on the eve of Saddam's latest court appearance on charges of crimes against humanity. They seem certain to fuel the growing sense of crisis over Iraq, both in the country itself and in the US, where political support for the occupation continues to plummet.
The intervention by one of Iraq's most prominent political figures promises to turn human rights abuses into a key election issue.
In a very clever move Beaumont ends his article with a quote:

'The assertions by Mr Allawi simply underline the catastrophic failure to have a proper strategy in place for the post-war period in Iraq.'Sir Menzies Campbell, the Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesman

Beckett, Lantchips & Mrs. Sunshine

As one can imagine, I, much like all of you, will be pretty gosh darn busy, dag nab it! The holidays are upon us, work is busy, and winter will soon make my commutes a bit longer and more painful. I'll do my best to continue writing 5 days a week or so, but definitely I'm going to miss a day here and there. Tomorrow will likely be my last post until the following Monday as I will be headed up to Maine for the holidays.

I just wrote about three paragraphs and the browser refreshed and deleted it all.. and man am I pissed off.

Anyway there is a lot to talk about today and I want to start out with some promising news. I'm sure all of you Sox fans are as psyched as I am!

The Big One

Josh Beckett may be coming to beantown soon! Provided he doesn't get blisters on his fingers too frequently this will be a big plus to the Sox organization! I guess this means that I likely won't get Beckett on my fantasy league team again this year like I have had the past two. Now everyone and their dog will likely try and recruit him... grrr.

Well I'll continue by summing up briefly recent events in the wild and crazy life of George.

Kate and I went to see "Walk the Line" this weekend, and I highly recommend it. If you liked last year's Ray, this film is even better. Witherspoon and Phoenix are nothing short of amazing. Not only is their acting prowess top notch, but they show great musical and singing ability. I'd even say I'd prefer their "covers" of these great legends to most of the new crap that graces the billboard charts of today.

The nice thing about this story is, yes it is one of tragedy, however we get to see "good" ultimately triumph in the end. It takes the characters a lot of hard work, and they need to overcome many failures first, but in a world of cynicism over relationships, love, amongst many other things it is great to see a story where people beat the odds.

Sunday Kate and I trekked to Quincey Center via the Red line to catch a free shuttle to the new IKEA store in Stoughton. Sadly we were the only people who utilized our particular ride over. They had full sized buses driving people over constantly from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The traffic was pretty hairy as we approached the store, which is fittingly on a hilltop. A place of worship for the American consumer. We are being introduce to a foreign God.

The IKEA store is quite large, although most people tend to exaggerate its size. And upon observing this edifice on a hill, it is built to encourage you to exaggerate its presence. Many people will tell you it has three floors. The truth is, the first level is a parking garage, with some shipping. The second level is more shipping, and about 60-75% a warehouse. Also on the second level is a snack shop and the main registers which are essentially along the line of any large box store. (Think Home Depot or Lowes specifically). Additionally on this second level is a decent sized area, probably similar in size to a Bed Bath and Beyond, devoted to exactly those items. Out of everything I saw in IKEA it was the one thing in particular, kitchenware specifically, that I'd consider purchasing. (50 cent pint glasses ooh la la)

The third floor (really the second) is made up of furniture. Like any furniture showroom you can purchase the pictures and various other accessories decorating each display. If you recall Service Merchandise or True Value House (for those of you from the Northeast U.S.) purchasing follows the same sort of method. You write down the code of the item you want, then you go find it downstairs in the warehouse. Service Merchandise of course would go get it for you, but its all about profits now days. No need to pay those extra employees if they don't have to.

If anything at all, I had to admire this trendy bad-assed box store on roids brought to America by the socialist country of Sweden, no less (the irony kills me :D). I really wish they had ABBA and Ace of Base blasting through the store's speakers instead of the hip-hop they were playing. If not that, I think at least some new age music, and perhaps an occasional voice over by a seductive woman with a foreign accent, who would suggest various purchases; that would have been appropriate.

This store really is built to be worshiped like a cathedral. It is on a hill covered in striking bright blue paneling. Bright yellow letters spell out IKEA. An additional tower sits on top of one corner, a new age steeple for our new pagan religion. There is a striking lack of fast food joints nearby encouraging you to consume their hotdogs and "Swedish" junk food available in the IKEA restaurant and cafeteria. Perhaps Lantchips are actually sacrament in worship of efficient European design. Lingonberry juice, serves as the holy wine. For those really devout worshipers they can indulge in cinnabuns with thick sickly sweet frosting elegantly dripped across them with purpose.

IKEA's product line is approximately what I expected. Most of the furniture I found to be well... I found it to be ugly to be quite honest. The things that I did like tended to be pricey which kind of goes against the whole point of IKEA to begin with. When comparing the pricier items of my favor, I'm sure I could find an equivalent product somewhere else for a similar price that would almost surely be better made. There were a few things I saw here and there that appeared reasonably sturdy. This store has only been open for about a week, and I noticed that the IKEA fake wood laminate countertops and furniture on display was already chipping and showing signs of wear.

The way I see it you pay what you get for. Maybe you'll find a sharp looking ultra modern bookcase, but it will likely sag with the weight of your books, or the veneer will splinter off slowly each time your foot accidentally brushes its corner. I would advise forking over an extra 25% or so to another furniture store, and get furniture that lasts twice as long.

There were some dirt cheap tables and stools which I'm sure as a college student I would have loved, however they tend to be painted like the colors you'd expect children's furniture to be, or they looked like you may have ripped them off from your high school cafeteria. In the interest of feeling slightly sophisticated, you'll have better luck scoping out sidewalks during spring cleaning for your apartment furnishings.

While we were there, the store's entire computer system shut down and everyone was stuck in check out lines for extended periods of time. As Kate and I browsed, announcers came on repeatedly to announce they were working on the problem.

Anyway we did get a bag of Lantchips (European Potato chips made in Idaho) and a couple of 75 cent sodas. It was a very entertaining day and I feel well versed in the latest consumer craze.

Well you knew it was coming, and now the time is here for me to post some current events. Politics

In the U.S. the story of the day is probably the devastating cuts being made by a struggling General Motors. I haven't heard the speculations, but I would imagine that this could clear the way for Ford and Toyota to surpass what once reigned as an untouchable front runner in the world of automotive.

Hopefully the people in the affected communities can recover soon. It is almost unbelievable that the Saturn plant that makes the "Ion" is already shutting down and it is only 15 years old.

Shock and sadness at GM plants

Next, more directly related to politics:

McCain, Graham warn GOP may be in trouble

I enjoy a few of the quotes and points made in this article and I'll reference a couple below.

"If we really want to do well in 2006, we need to have fiscal discipline like Republicans campaigned on," he said. "We have lost our way as a party. Our base is deflated and taxpayers don't see any difference between us and the Democrats." Lindsey Graham, R, South Carolina.

No one currently has fiscal discipline. This administration has been spending more on nearly everything. And its a joke when the democrats complain about the proposed cuts being devastating, because the cuts don't even come close to returning spending levels to "Clinton era" levels of spending. Bush spent more on education, social services, Medicare. The social level of our government has expanded more over the past four years than any other time since FDR's New Deal when Social Security was first established. Republicans supporting smaller government went away when Newt Gingrich and the contract with America were run out of office, partially by none other than our wonderful revered Tom Delay. Political pundits are claiming the #1 reason the last series of budgetary reforms failed was there was NO pork attached, so all of the upstanding citizens in the legislative branch of course voted it down.

Next Senator.. with any luck President McCain weighs in on the war and its affect of voters opinions:

The party, he said, must be honest enough to admit that things aren't going as well as hoped in Iraq.

"Democrats who have this cut-and-run strategy -- the public doesn't want to follow that. They want to follow Republicans who understand the war is not going as well as it should but who understand that our security is better off with a successful outcome in Iraq," he said.

The message in Iraq, McCain said, "is we are making progress, we have to make progress and we regret the loss of every single young American. But the benefits of success are enormous."

This of course leads into:

Hillary: Immediate Iraq Withdrawal a 'Big Mistake'

Which if you take the time to read what Mrs. Sunshine has to say... It churns my gut that I agree with her. I feel what Hillary Clinton is saying reflects reality in a manner that is intelligent and accurate. There I said it... I agree with Hillary. If you'll excuse me I have to go wash out my mouth with soap and flog myself now.

Bartley's Burger Cottage

Finally made it to this Cambridge/ Harvard Square hot spot. I had a "Mitt Romney" which was a Swiss cheeseburger with grilled onions and onion rings. I had a side of cole slaw to go with it. This place is more than I ever hoped it could and would be. I can see myself heading back there a couple times! Entrees are all named after celebrities and politicians. Often the menu descriptions are complete with sarcastic remarks. (The John Kerry burger is listed as "The burger he voted for, and then later voted against")

I don't have much time to write this evening so I'll just post a few interesting news bits and links that I saw today.

Focus on getting students into college shifts to getting them out

This is an interesting article that cites a surprising statistic of 54% of kids who go to college never graduate.

Cops: Gunman robs eatery twice in one day This article just strikes me as quite hysterical.

This is a column from the Globe, which I might add is a liberal publication. I must admit I do see it being tough for Bush to bounce back from his current scenarios. I at least don't envision a majority approval rating any time soon. Bush's greatest problem is an inability to comunicate with the American people. At times I almost feel like it isn't so much of an inability, as it is just no desire to explain the agenda in any detail what so ever. Anyway here is the column.

Truman bounced back -- so will Bush

It seems an appropriate link to post after the jokes I made earlier this week.

On a slightly related topic, Scooter, Scooter, tsk tsk. All that perjury, and for what? As you may know, Woodward, the journalist at the center of the Plame affair, has come out in saying that Scooter Libby is not the white house leak of Valerie Plame's CIA identity.

Anyhow... the weekend will be here soon! Whoopie!

Trash on the boob tube

Due to the recent mentions in the news I've been thinking lately of the quality of programming on television as of late.

Last week there was an article regarding advertisers pulling out of FX's controversial Nip-Tuck drama. Toyota was the latest to withdraw their ads, which is unusual as they tend not to get involved in such political matters (according to the article). I wish that I had the link, I would post it. I will admit myself, I was quite astonished to be flipping through the channels mid day (during my unemployment :D) and caught what was essentially soft porn on basic cable. I'm definitely not a proponent of censorship, and I think one of the great foundations of this country is freedom of speech, however, that being said... as cable is a government regulated institution, right or wrong, it probably does give leverage to the FCC to impose some decency standards. In the perfect world, none should have to be imposed. I think it should be up to the private stations to adhere to some unwritten ethics on what time of the day it is appropriate to air certain content. After 10:00 pm or on subscription channels like HBO, they should be able to show whatever they damn well please.

Another alternative to silence censorship advocates would be to promote and educate the public more effectively on the use of the V-chip. We are likely reaching an age where nearly all TV's have this capability, however I would guess the actual use of this feature is sparse.

In truth, the best weapon against an erosion of values is communication with children. Honesty and realistic discussion is probably the best route to go. Sadly I question how many parents out there take the time to do this. We live in a nation where each generation has progressively become more self centered and hedonistic. The "right thing" to do in many circumstances today would likely sharply contrast with values of even just 25 years ago. Other parents are honestly, I feel, embarrassed to talk to their children about certain things that they should. I think this is directly related to a statistical trend of higher teen pregnancy in the Bible belt.

Toyota's withdrawing advertising money is an excellent example of a consumer economy working the old fashion way to utilize certain powers within their grasp. This is an ideal way to force the hand of what I feel are, irresponsible programming directors. Censorship is not the answer.

To bring up a past issue. The FCC's crack down on Howard Stern, essentially singling him out from hundreds of shock jocks across the country was wrong. It was wrong because, it was government imposed censorship. It was wrong because it was clearly politically motivated. Stern had become increasingly critical of the Bush administration, and apparently it did not go unnoticed.

To head back to the quality of television programming, anyway here is another link from the Globe on the increased amount of sexuality, specifically in television directed towards teenagers.

Study says sexual scenes have nearly doubled

Two particular portions of this article stand out to me. This first quote:

''If you are the parent of a 16-year-old and you tell them to be very careful, don't engage in sex, the message TV is giving them is that that's not relevant, we're not talking about that," Kunkel says. ''Kids can get deluded into thinking that pregnancy, AIDS, or [sexually transmitted diseases] don't happen because they rarely happen on TV."

I like this quote for a couple reasons. Now you might say "Give kids some credit". Now I would have to say in response, most kids who are 16 think that they are 30. In addition, today, myself included many people pushing 30 don't even have life figured out let alone at 16. Yet at 16 we tend to think we are brilliant. We are indignant and think we know all the answers. So if you have programming with attractive "cool" kids engaging in risky behavior with reckless abandon. If they are treating sexual behavior simply like they are going on different carnival rides at the fair... Well, lets just say people often forget that "The Zipper" often breaks down and turns your world upside down. Restraint in such matters is very important, and when the entertainment world explores almost exclusively the allure over consequences it can be problematic.

Another point made in the article, that I find questionable is "While family advocates reacted to the study by calling on Hollywood or Congress to limit the portrayals, some Boston-area teens said that television isn't influencing them, it's merely presenting an exaggerated version of real life." I put those last words in bold because I feel it demonstrates part of the problem. If you fantasize about having a life like a character on the OC, and you think that this is merely a swankier version of "real life", then I think... and perhaps I'm wrong, but I believe this could lead to sort of a shitty real life.

What part is exaggerated? The betrayl, the cheating, the promiscuity, the lavish lifestyles, the beauty of the actors and actresses, or is it all of the above? I'd be curious to hear what the average teen fan of the show thinks is "exaggerated". I'd almost place money that 8 out of 10 list the wealth and appearance as the exclusive exaggerations, and that, I feel would vindicate the type of danger such a show can impose on pliable minds of teens.

I also like this particular quote, I think it stands on its own merits: ''Sexual activity doesn't even involve love anymore. Instead, sex on TV is treated about as casually as choosing what ring tone you want on your cell phone. If that's where society is going, I think we're in for a world of hurt."

The same people who would generally criticize my views on television's sexual content influencing teenagers and adolescents tend to have a very adverse response to violence on TV. It is something I really don't get. I think you would have to be a real dim wit to watch the Terminator and let it influence you to go out and beat people up randomly. It is fantasy! And that is the problem, I feel with a lot of these teen soaps. The lines between fantasy and reality are blurred. Even porn tends to portray it self as something outside of the normal plane of reality. No one would suggest that their typically absurd plot lines... or lack there of are an "exaggeration of real life" (Not that I would advocate this to hormone overloaded teens).

Lastly, something I find perhaps even more disturbing than soap operas, the majority of reality TV. You have a show called "The Biggest Loser" which, if I need to explain what is wrong about that one.... well, quite frankly I feel bad for you. Fear factor is an excuse to watch women in sports bras shriek, and Big Brother, the Mole, Survivor and most of the others all tend to be about a couple of ugly things, gossip, and unnecessary drama. I feel shows like these incubate the mentality of behind the back bickering and creating major personal problems over things that should be passed over and forgotten. I find it to be divisive television that shows adults acting like a bunch of 15 year olds. Backstabbing, ganging up on the weakest and meekest, and excluding people who are different are rewarded behaviors in most of these shows.

Anyway I suppose I'm done spewing my horrible backwards Puritanical ethics for now. Perhaps some of you relate, or perhaps you are thinking... what did that kid's parents do to him. Either way, I hope it was somehow entertaining. :D

YOU CAN DO IT!

Some Interesting Gallup stats I swiped from CNN. I think Bush has got his work cut out for him. First off, W beat Clinton's high gallup marks after 911, and now he's tied with Clinton's low mark. Come on Georgie... Don't let us down, I'm sure you can think of some clever yet mostly harmless way to drive those #s down more. But hey if you want to go all out, chances are it might not be all that different than something Rumsfeld is already scheming up. I mean, you might as well try now, you do have your work cut out for you however, I mean Truman's 22%?! That's some infamy right there. Hell I mean outside of catching Bin Laden, I don't think there is a whole lot you could do to bring your numbers back up. Here's some ideas I'll float your way... and since they seem to be in the business of mucking things up I'll float them by Cheney's staff.

1) Propose legislation to euthanize all puppies that have two different colored eyes claiming that it is clearly a mark of the damned.
2) Launch a new (and improved) Attack on Iraq for the recent terrorist strikes on Jordan. Claim that you are fighting in the name of Allah and call it "Operation Dustbuster".
3) Suggest replacing George Washington's "outdated" picture on the dollar bill, with a picture of Jesus. Claim that the lord would want it this way so when you hand a single to a bum (yes that's right say bum, not homeless person), you can still be generous while still making him feel guilty. End your proposal with the advice that "The message of the lord is the most powerful when delivered with a healthy serving of inferiority". This comes with the unvoiced implication that the homeless are bad people rather than victims of mental illness. It goes well with the good/evil, black and white rhetoric... really its a no brainer.
4) Take up chewing tobacco, and normally where you would have those awkward yet endearing "Texan" speech pauses, take the time to spit.
5) Replace your press secretary Scott McClellan with a cheerleader dressed in a sexy red white and blue lone-star cowgirl outfit. When posed with difficult or depressing questions she uses time honored lines as "turn that frown upside down" and "Now lets not be a negative Nancy!".
6) Whatever the next position is that becomes available in your administration nominate a "cute" lady you know, "Harriet Miers".
7) End speeches by pumping your fists and yelling "Arriba!" "Arriba!"
8) Blame the high gas prices on Satan. Claim that global warming is occurring because of the presence of the devil in our children. Demand that God wants us to drill more oil because sticking the drills deep in the ground, is in fact stabbing and wounding hell, and that its the only way to weaken Lucifer.
9) Give out stretched Hummers in public White House lawn ceremonies to corporate executives that embody "The new spirit of America".
10) Rather than "waste" your, or your cabinent's time with visits to foreign lands start sending the free loading interns to earn their keep.

As promised the CNN list:

-Truman: 22% mid-February, 1952

-Eisenhower: 49% mid-July, 1960

-Kennedy: 56% mid-September, 1963

-Johnson: 35% early August, 1968

-Nixon: 24% mid-July, 1974, and early August, 1974

-Ford: 37% early January, 1975, and late March, 1975

-Carter: 28% late June, 1979

-Reagan: 35% late January, 1983

-George H.W. Bush: 29% late July, 1992

-Clinton: 37% early June, 1993

-George W. Bush: 37%* mid-November, 2005

Some of those numbers are just staggering aren't they?

Well, W, as I've said, we know YOU CAN DO IT. Lofty, or even shallow goals can be achieved if one sets their mind to it.

Autumn Warmth

And so another week begins.
I hope everyone had a relaxing weekend.

It is difficult to grasp how quickly holidays are approaching. I'm going to have to start doing a bit of shopping and time is fleeting.

If was a beautiful crisp fall day in Boston. The skies were the crystal blue that you can only imagine in dreams, and the air smelled fresh and pure. It was as though each time I inhaled I was breathing new life into my soul. The environment of the season was invigorating and regenerated my well being, burdened of late with the wear and tear of the daily grind.

I enjoyed a pleasant walk with Kate this afternoon. I was relishing the breeze on my face and in my hair. Mindlessly I kicked up dried leaves strewn across the sidewalks and asphalt. I had to resist the urge to go find a pile on someone's lawn and jump into them with a smile upon my face. There won't be too many days here in New England, before the damp, marrow penetrating cold settles in and replaces the warmth of the late season sun.

As each season has its own beauty, we can soon look forward to the falling flakes amongst the sturdy bare branches of majestic oaks and maples. The street lights will cast their halo of warmth into expanses of gracefully descending frozen precipitation. It is a reminder for me of the holidays, family, love, and security.

One of my favorite things to do last year after returning from work was to head into Quincy market to do some Christmas shopping. Unlike the malls of the suburbs the downtown is a bit more sparsely populated mid-week in the winter. In place of the tourists of summer, or the stressed out soccer moms and screaming kids of the suburbs, you see young professionals and older retired couples. The young college kids excitedly think about their purchases as they skip over the rough cobblestones. Young professionals beam excitedly over a gift that only recently they couldn't afford. Their futures are filled with promise, and the outlook seems limitless. Meanwhile refined seniors, elegantly dressed, observe the youth with fond remembrance. They breathe in the proud city of Boston, decked out in its holiday best.

The cold air that burns your skin, only serves to enhance the contrast of security your winter layers provide. The cozy feeling you have walking in your parka and scarf, are merely a fraction of the warmth in your heart. I like shopping here because I like to think, many of the souls milling about are happy just to be basking in the warmth and ambiance.

Normally we are too preoccupied to appreciate the simple things like decorations on the trees and the beauty of nature descending on an urban setting. City life tends to rob people of a friendly gesture without an agenda. On those silent holiday Boston evenings, in the midst of stone and mortar placed by generations past, it isn't unusual to glimpse a smile from a woman you don't know, or catch the twinkle in the eye of an elderly gentleman. This is one of the simple things I look forward to as the inevitable solstice is thrust upon us.

Before I close out, I hope everyone's week gets off to a fantastic start!

Here's my find for the day, enjoy:

Pa. may let hunters use prehistoric weapon

I reckon I'll write more soon... Right know I think I'm going to head into the hills and spear me up tomorrow's grub!

Eats, ice, and violence

Well well... Where to begin,

It was a dark and stormy night,
What? That's really how this begins!
Wednesday Kate and I got together for our ritualistic dinner, and it was a delight as always. Kate was looking quite fetching in her black sweater. We both were rather groggy and semi-coherent due to the grind of our lives, yet we managed to keep our eyes open and our wits about us long enough to eat a nice feast at the Asgard in Central Square. Some spinach and artichoke dip to start out, with sourdough bread, Fish & Chips for me, washed down with a couple Guinesses. For Kate, a Chicken Wrap sandwich, which happens to be one of her favorites. We really milked our time at the pub because it really started to pour once we sat down.

Tonight another night out on the town as I went to a Bruins game with Mr. Michael Caprio. We headed over to Ernesto's in the North End for a couple of slices before the game. Caps had Chicken Parmesan Pizza, myself, I had this ranch sauce pizza with bacon, chicken and tomato slices. It was fabulous, as Ernesto's always is.

It was my first time in the new Boston Garden (Formerly know as the Fleet Center), and my first Bruins game. Unfortunately they really got spanked by Ottawa, shamefully. 5-2 kind of pathetic. But I had a good time anyway. There were a couple typical hockey brawls. Perhaps a few more then you usually see at an NHL game. Probably something to do with the home team being poor losers, but hey, it made for good entertainment. And, get this, I got a complementary plastic Bruins cup with my medium soda. Now if that doesn't make it all worthwhile, I don't know anything at all about value.

This article delivers exactly what it promises.

Iowa woman finds dead turtle in coffee



Wow.. I really don't feel I even need to comment on this because, well, read it and find out :D.

Robertson warns Pennsylvania voters of God's wrath

After Yesterday's attacks in Jordan, It immediately occurred to me how ill thought out most al Qaeda attacks are. The mass transit attacks in the UK, and Spain, were probably the most well conceived, other than the obvious choice of the WTC. I still think the WTC was sheer luck. It was a tall prominent building, and I don't believe for a second that they knew about the economic ramifications it would have.

I say this because al Qaeda just attacked an Islamic country, in which, had they played their cards right, they probably were more likely to find allies. However they attack three prominent hotels, which provide important locations for economic, government, and global trade conferences within Jordan. They are hurting the pockets of the very people they claim to support. And the real kicker, is I think it would have been a bad move on al Qaeda's part if all of the victims were westerners.. but they were for the most part all Jordanian. Al Qaeda just recruited the United States a new ally!

There are many people in the Middle East who sympathize with al Qaeda because they would like to rid themselves of the Western influences. However this latest action goes further to show that they are extremist radicals who have no grasp of reality.

It will be interesting to see if Jordan takes on a larger role than the "training" of the new Iraqi guard, which they have been doing.

Well... I grow weary of the day, and tomorrow is going to be a long one.

TGIF! Or at least it will be when you read this.