Adventures in My Mind
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Oct 31, 2001
Today's fun links:
Cleaning the Fucking Kitchen for Dummies.
The Work Nickname Generator (Mine is Sucker)
National Novel Writing Month
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 10:57 AM
The self-congratulatory mourning is over. The Onion once again skewers Hollywood:
Terrorism Storylines Being Added To TV Shows As Quickly As They Were Dropped
LOS ANGELES— Less than two months after frantically excising any allusions to terrorism, network executives are scrambling to add terror-related storylines to TV shows, sources reported Monday. "We're working around the clock to squeeze in a special episode where a Libyan with ties to Al Qaeda threatens to blow up the D.A.'s office," said Law & Order producer Dick Wolf, who on Sept. 15 scrapped an episode of the NBC drama in which a character utters the word "bomb." "We've got to stay on top of this thing." Next week, Spin City, which last month pulled an episode featuring a shot of the World Trade Center, will air a "very special" one-hour episode in which Mayor Winston is infected with anthrax.I wish it were a joke, but it isn't. Just the other day I saw a commercial for "The Agency" on CBS that actually touted the fact that they held off airing an episode about terrorism due to the events of 9/11. That same episode, however, will now be playing this week. Apparently our bruised sensibilities have healed enough to handle such dramatic fare. Now, if only we could handle the bad acting!
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 10:49 AM
Oct 30, 2001
Am I the only one who is troubled by Attorney General John Ashcroft's continued warnings about credible terror threats? The whole thing smacks of a governmental CYA job, if you ask me. So now if something happens, they can wipe their hands of their culpability because they told us so. I say less warnings, more decisive action.
I couldn't be more alert to potential trouble if my eyes were held open by toothpicks 24/7. Publicly announcing "credible threats" just creates an atmosphere of waiting for the other shoe to drop. The mixed message of return to normal but be on high alert is starting to wear a little thin.
I initially approved of the Federal government's approach to the post 9/11 world, but my confidence has wavered to the point of thinking that they aren't doing any better than I could. And I don't know what the hell I would do in their shoes! So pardon me for my cynicism.
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 11:34 AM
Oct 29, 2001
Question: What do 5 a.m. Sunday morning and a 17 month old baby have in common?
Answer: The end of Daylight Savings Time!
That's right I was up at 5 a.m. yesterday because Aidan didn't understand that he should have slept in. The whole concept was just totally lost on him. I can assure you, however, that, being my day to get up with that cute little dickens, the concept was painfully clear to me!
Did I mention 5 a.m. on a Sunday morning!?
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 11:02 AM
Oct 26, 2001
There is no doubt that the wolves have come out since Sept. 11. They always do. Every tragedy is just another opportunity to promote their off-the-wall ideas or sell their poorly made, over priced, unwanted products. All of their sales pitches begin with "In this time of unrest/doubt/tragedy, etc., ad naseum.
Sadly we've come to expect and tolerate these soulless hucksters and profiteers. The shameless John Edward, however, has taken the proverbial cake.
But just when it was going from bad to worse, wiser heads prevailed.
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 1:46 PM
Oct 25, 2001
First Brand All the Children, writes Brock Meeks for MSNBC.
“Are we, as a people, willing to risk the loss of the right to dissent, the right to criticize our government, the right to elect someone different? It might not happen overnight or all at once, but it is the little erosions that frighten me and should frighten everyone else.”
The thought police have arrived in full force.
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 10:01 AM
Oct 24, 2001
Attention one and all! My incredible wife, Sami, has her own blog. Today is the first day, but do come back often.
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 1:55 PM
KANU 91.5 presents The Retro Cocktail Hour! (RealPlayer required)
What more can I say that this picture doesn't?
I love you, Puck!
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 11:20 AM
Oct 23, 2001
I wonder if we can all try to remember just one thing: The Constitution has not been suspended as of 9/11/01.
There are extremely valid reasons why we have rules governing the seperation of Church and State. For those of you who question the wisdom of such, look no further than the Taliban, and this list of the world's most populace Muslim countries. I doubt any Bible-thumping, good old boy/girl would choose to live in any one of these nations where church and state are totally enmeshed. In fact, they couldn't live there. In many of them it is against the law to be anything other than Islamic.
"We are good Christians," they say. "We would never persecute people for religious differences." I look at the history and the aftermath of Sept. 11th and say, "Yeah, right."
Sadly these insular, inbreed, Graceland wannabes fail to see past their pickups and rhinestone-studded sweatsuits to recognize the fact that public money should not pay for religious expression. Want to pray to Jesus? Go to church. Want to learn chemistry? Go to school. Want to do both? Homeschool or go to private school. It's an either or situation that serves the greater good for everyone.
Of course, this is not to say that Christians shouldn't be able to use the "moment of silence" as a moment of prayer. Just don't do it over the intercom or make it compulsory. Are they so insecure that quiet reflection isn't good enough? Is the only way to be a good Christian to be a loud one? "Look at me, everyone! I'm a Christian, and I'm a'prayin'! Aren't I so much better than you?"
Please, everyone, pray to your god(s), and do it often. Let it help you become a better person. But please, do not force me and mine to be a part of it without our choosing.
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 10:29 AM
Oct 22, 2001
My finger is healing quite nicely. I'm down to a flesh-colored banage, and the stitches come out in a week. I still, however, have a huge bruise on my arm from the IV. And last night I put a nice three inch blister on my right hand while removing some food from the oven. I look like a walking triage unit. Burns, scrapes, contusions, and stitches. Does anybody have some Bactine?
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 3:21 PM
Oct 19, 2001
Also ...
The Star Wars Personality Quiz
BTW, I took it twice and was either The Emperor or Princess Lea. Go figure.
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 2:31 PM
At the corner of 5th and Smithfield today:
Corner #1: (an old woman on a child's battery powered megaphone) Repent. Repent and come to the Lord. Jesus Christ died for your sins. He is the one true light. He is the redeemer ...
Corner #2: (college kids in TV Food Network clothing) Pepcid AC! Faster and stronger than other Anti-Acids. Free sample. Here you go, sir. Thank you. Free samples of Pepcid AC ...
The two scourges of modern life -- ungodliness and heartburn -- solved for all the world. All this on my walk to lunch.
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 2:14 PM
Oct 18, 2001
Today's Fun Links:
Chicken Wings are NOT for Flying
Make Your Own Urban Legends
Cell Phones Spook British Ghosts
I love Autumn. And I love Autumn in PA.
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 11:21 AM
Oct 16, 2001
I had finger surgery today at noon and it is still numb after ten hours! Typing this entry is quite a chore. I had a small piece of plaster removed from the second knuckle on my left index finger. Please don't ask how the plaster got there. It is a very convoluted tale of lies, intrigue, and cream soda. Oh, I'm sorry. I think that was the medication talking. Anyway ... They chopped up my finger. I said silly things while under sedation. And my lovely wife has taken great care of me.
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 10:26 PM
Oct 15, 2001
So much for our new found sense of unity.
Witnessed at the intersection of Smithfield St. and the Blvd. of Allies, Pittsburgh, PA:
A huge, huge man gets out of a minivan and begins to physically intimidate a bicycle messenger who was riding beside traffic. Apparently, the messenger had some choice words for the minivan driver after the van cut him off or something (I didn't see it.). As the larger man looms over the messenger, the messenger goes into his bag for a cannister of pepper spray. At the same time this giant pulls a lockblade from his belt threatening to cut the messenger. "I'd cut your fucking throat out before you could do it, mother fucker!"
The much smaller messenger wisely decides to not physically confront the angered behemoth. He opts for "Get back in your car, dickhead." Seeing that his idiotic actions had gathered a crowd, the dim monster decides that he may have gone too far and continues to bark as he gets back in the minvan. As the van pulls away, Glen exorts the messenger to call the police.
"It's part of the job," he says and drives away.
Part of the job? Fuck that!
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 4:30 PM
Oct 12, 2001
From MSNBC, Michael Moran says, "No holy war here." Yet another call for the U.S. to join the war of words.
Even if Bush is unable or unwilling to give such explanations, he should allow someone whose job it is to give them. Can anyone say Collin Powell?
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 10:33 AM
Writing for Slate and MSNBC, William Saletan suggests that "In war for Muslim hearts and minds, the White House chooses not to fight."
Another call for a full-scale meme war in addition to bombs and special forces. Our government is doing many things right in response to 9/11/01, but the serious lack of a hearts and minds campaign in the Muslem world may be its worst mistake.
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 10:13 AM
Oct 11, 2001
I want to be a model railroader:
National Model Railroad Association
Atlas Model Roadroad Company, Inc.
Model Railroad and Hobby.com
... and the King of Them All!
Lionel
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 3:58 PM
Kudos for both the Press and the White House for reaching a sensible resolution over the broadcasting of video of Bin Laden and/or his lackeys. Both the networks and the White House were quick, and right, to point out that Condoleezza Rice did not ask for a total blackout. She asked for the networks' cooperation in exercising judgement in what they show and how they show it. The networks agreed.
This is an interesting conundrum. The White House obviously has deep concerns about giving Public Enemy Number One unfettered access to U.S media outlets. The press obviously has deep concerns about the government attempting to participate in its decisions of what to show and what not to show.
This could have been an ugly finger pointing battle between the censoring government and the irresponsible press, but it wasn't. Both sides showed a restraint that they both normally lack. If only we could see this type of cooperation between these parties in less worrisome times.
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 10:10 AM
Oct 10, 2001
I actually watched a piece of Michael Jackson's new "video" the other day. I was mesmerized, not by the specific skills that it took to create the music, visuals, and choreography, but by the audacity of this sad wreck of a human being. When did the cluetrain officially pass by his station?
I, too, felt the urge to pile on.
If you liked the previous link, you'll love the rest of Fame Tracker.
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 3:26 PM
Oct 9, 2001
What's your hobbit name?
Know your turbans.
Tourist Guy strikes again.
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 9:33 AM
Oct 8, 2001
Sami and I headed out to the Steelers' home opener at Heinz Field. It was a little cold, but, hey, it is football season after all. The 2-1 Bengals were expected to be a formidible opponent, even though the Steelers were an early 7 point favorite.
As we walked across the Fort Duquesne Bridge, we could see the hoisted banners of black and gold and the columns of barbeque smoke rising from the gathering tailgaters. As we got closer, pre-game analysis and classic rock blasted from a hundred radios. The sight of barbeque smoke gave over to its smell. Sausages, hamburgers, steaks, and hot dogs vied against each other in a delicious olefactory clash.
Already, the much-maligned brilliant yellow seats of the stadium were speckled with their occupants, arriving early just to see the new colossus along the North Shore. Vendors lined the bridge, selling sandwiches, peanuts, and most importantly gloves. "How much?" asked a man vigorously rubbing his stiff, red hands. "Eight bucks," came the reply. The coldness of the day outweighed the shabiness of the gloves' workmanship, and out came the green.
It was a football day in a football town. Sixty-five thousand of us gathered to cheer, eat hot dogs, drink beer, and forget about the tragedies of 9/11 for a few hours. Like everyone else, we were scared, but our flag and gridiron heroes would help see us through. Along side the black and gold was the red, white, and blue. Two large ladder trucks sat outside the field with a huge flag draped between their arched ladders. The Great Hall inspired us with memorabilia from legendary Steeler teams and players. The U.S. Army's Continental band played marches and patriotic tunes for the gathering fans. Chants of "Here we go Steelers!" erupted spontaneously from excited fans. Small U.S. flags were given out at the ticket gates.
Even the pregame ceremonies brought the already close ties between patriotism and athleticism closer still. Former PA govenor, and new Director of The Office of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge spoke and thanked the Pittsburgh region for its support over his seven and a half year term in office. Former Steeler greats lined the field to welcome the new Steeler greats into their new home. Franco, Rocky, Mel, Ernie, "The Emperor" Chuck Noll, and the newly enshrined Lynn Swann came out to cheer for the black and gold.
But the most moving and relevant moment was when a group of 50 to 60 young men and women were sworn into service of the United States millitary. Under their respective banners the new Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, and Coast Guard recruits raised their right hands and swore to defend the Constitution from enemies both foreign and domestic. A big step even in more tranquil times, our country's current state of apprehension gave the ceremony an additional solemnity that brought tears and cheers from all in attendance. "Thank you," said a woman seated in the row behind me.
When the president's speech about the commencement of bombing against Afghanistan played at halftime, it became clear that those fresh-faced recruits, many not out of high school yet, were signing on for a real life and death committment. Cheers met the incongruous announcements of bombing and humanitarian aid. Sami's hand clenched tighter around my arm as the speech continued. I stared at the strange juxtaposition of the president's grave words amid the jovial trappings of a football game. It was difficult to create proper meaning. I thought of the life altering committment that those kids made out on the fifty yard line. Sami and I wished them health and safety.
Celebrating the home teams win at a restaurant after the game the bartender said, "We're signing up these kids to go over there and get killed, maybe." Maybe. Maybe not. Once again, we wished them well.
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 12:03 PM
Oct 5, 2001
Another quiz. This one is about the Middle East.
9 of 10 on first try. How did you do?
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 1:19 PM
Oct 4, 2001
I got 16 of 17 correct on the first try.
How well do you know your dates in history?
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 11:13 AM
Oct 2, 2001
The headline from Reuters reads, "Sen. Strom Thurmond 'OK' After Collapse." Apparently he collapsed on the Senate floor this morning. After receiving emergency medical treatment he was up and about and talking. An aid for Senator Trent Lott said that "He was okay."
The report ends with this surrealistically understated remark: "There was no immediate word what caused Thurmond to collapse." No word, huh? No one can figure it out. How about the fact that the man is 98 years old! He shouldn't be in charge of his own bath water let alone be a member of both the Senate Armed Services and Judiciary Committees.
It's really hard to believe that 5 years ago (Thurmond's last re-election) the voters of the good state of South Carolina came to the consensus that a 93 year old racist, homophobic nincompoop was the best choice for Senator. A write-in vote for Huckleberry Hound makes as much sense!
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 11:51 AM
Oct 1, 2001
We must dismantle our democracy in order to save it.
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 10:54 AM
