Sunday, April 30, 2006
What a Great Weekend!
Not only was the weather beautiful both days (maybe a tad windy yesterday, but still very nice) - but David and I had a wonderful time with the fabulous Jen and her equally fabulous other half Bill at Bonfire on Saturday night. Bill and David are both celebrating their 45th Birthdays and Jen thought it was a great reason for us to get together and blow a lot of money on fabulous food, wine and cocktails.
And man, was she right. That place never disappoints and the company could not have been better. We were a little annoyed because they just redid the menu and no longer offer an unreal potato dish that we loved. But they did have "luscious" mashed potatoes, which I was told by the server was lavished in extra butter and cream. That sounded good to me so I was quickly reassured.
Somehow they figured out there was a birthday going on because David ordered key lime pie for dessert and they served it with a birthday candle. I was a bit taken aback, I mean, who has ever heard of birthday pie? Jen and I chose liquid desserts, namely a vanilla flavored cognac. You never feel truly sophisticated until you have swished cognac around in a snifter.
Of course, we never really need an excuse for good food, wine and cocktails, but sometimes it helps to justify the cost!
And man, was she right. That place never disappoints and the company could not have been better. We were a little annoyed because they just redid the menu and no longer offer an unreal potato dish that we loved. But they did have "luscious" mashed potatoes, which I was told by the server was lavished in extra butter and cream. That sounded good to me so I was quickly reassured.
Somehow they figured out there was a birthday going on because David ordered key lime pie for dessert and they served it with a birthday candle. I was a bit taken aback, I mean, who has ever heard of birthday pie? Jen and I chose liquid desserts, namely a vanilla flavored cognac. You never feel truly sophisticated until you have swished cognac around in a snifter.
Of course, we never really need an excuse for good food, wine and cocktails, but sometimes it helps to justify the cost!
Friday, April 28, 2006
Gas Problems
You know, no matter how much they cry about low margins, cost of research, tax burdens, etc., I will NEVER be able to accept the excuses for the big oil companies' need to increase their gas prices.
Somewhere, in all the planning and logic regarding justification of these prices, someone is getting majorly screwed - and it is NOT the people who own stock in these companies. It is the average Joe Schmoe American, who is just trying to get by. But now it seems we are working just to put gas in our cars to get to work.
And now there are members of Congress who want to give us a whole $100 rebate to help us out. You know what? I would rather they just donate it to the research efforts to replace OIL as our primary fuel source.
Oh, I forgot, some people in public office do not want us to replace oil as our primary fuel source.
Somewhere, in all the planning and logic regarding justification of these prices, someone is getting majorly screwed - and it is NOT the people who own stock in these companies. It is the average Joe Schmoe American, who is just trying to get by. But now it seems we are working just to put gas in our cars to get to work.
And now there are members of Congress who want to give us a whole $100 rebate to help us out. You know what? I would rather they just donate it to the research efforts to replace OIL as our primary fuel source.
Oh, I forgot, some people in public office do not want us to replace oil as our primary fuel source.
Officials Arrested Protesting the Sudanese
Usually our elected officials make little difference, or do very little that truly impresses me. However, five members of Congress were arrested today protesting at the Sudanese embassy in Washington. This is impressive.
Why were they protesting and therefore arrested? The Sudanese government is actively engaged in genocide against its own people in the Darfur region. Over 400,000 people innocent people have been brutally killed. For more information, see www.savedarfur.org/home.
It amazes me that this type of stuff can be going on. We are so determined to rid Iraq of Saddam Hussein, but essentially ignore the very obvious atrocities going on elsewhere? If Americans are supposed to be leaders in this world, how do we tolerate this type of stuff?
In 2001, President Bush noted in the margins of a report on the Rwandan genocide, "not on my watch". However, we actually work with the Sudanese government because they have become "allies in the war on terror". Do we really want them as our allies? In a war "against TERROR"? I know I don't.
No one is suggesting war on the Sudan or any American military intervention. But the beleagured African Union troops who are tasked with "observing" the situation can not do anything to help or protect the people. The UN should get involved, with peace keeping forces who are tasked with nothing more than protecting the innocent people from warlords. We (as a nation) need to get more vocal about getting the UN in there.
Fill out the online post card urging the President to make good on his promise. This can be done by going here.
Why were they protesting and therefore arrested? The Sudanese government is actively engaged in genocide against its own people in the Darfur region. Over 400,000 people innocent people have been brutally killed. For more information, see www.savedarfur.org/home.
It amazes me that this type of stuff can be going on. We are so determined to rid Iraq of Saddam Hussein, but essentially ignore the very obvious atrocities going on elsewhere? If Americans are supposed to be leaders in this world, how do we tolerate this type of stuff?
In 2001, President Bush noted in the margins of a report on the Rwandan genocide, "not on my watch". However, we actually work with the Sudanese government because they have become "allies in the war on terror". Do we really want them as our allies? In a war "against TERROR"? I know I don't.
No one is suggesting war on the Sudan or any American military intervention. But the beleagured African Union troops who are tasked with "observing" the situation can not do anything to help or protect the people. The UN should get involved, with peace keeping forces who are tasked with nothing more than protecting the innocent people from warlords. We (as a nation) need to get more vocal about getting the UN in there.
Fill out the online post card urging the President to make good on his promise. This can be done by going here.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Silk Plants
I prefer fake plants and flowers. Particularly now that they are so real looking. I prefer these because I cannot kill them. I know this because I have had several now for over a year and they still look great. Every REAL plant or flower I have purchased started looking yucky and would die within a few weeks.
Of course, they would not work well at a wake and funeral. There is something about the sweet smell of fresh, live cut flowers that make me think of death. I would not want that to be replaced by fake flowers.
But for other purposes, I prefer silk plants and flowers.
Of course, they would not work well at a wake and funeral. There is something about the sweet smell of fresh, live cut flowers that make me think of death. I would not want that to be replaced by fake flowers.
But for other purposes, I prefer silk plants and flowers.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
New White House Press Secretary
So Scott McClellan could not take it any more. Not really surprised. How long can you spew forth ridiculousness for a ridiculous man before the life is sucked from you?
Interesting though that his replacement is from FOX News. Very convenient for FOX. After all, they basically just reiterate anything the President says. And at least Tony Snow already knows the drill for FOX, so he can just issue releases exactly as they would have printed them.
Everyone wins! Oh, except the rest of us.
Interesting though that his replacement is from FOX News. Very convenient for FOX. After all, they basically just reiterate anything the President says. And at least Tony Snow already knows the drill for FOX, so he can just issue releases exactly as they would have printed them.
Everyone wins! Oh, except the rest of us.
Breakdown Lane
When driving to work each morning, there is one exit from Route 2 in Lexington that takes me onto Route 128 North. Each morning, the traffic that is trying to get onto Route 128 South backs up and blocks the exit going to 128 North, so I inevitably end up in crawl traffic for a short distance until my exit pops up.
There is a break down lane here as well. Many people will decide to bypass waiting in line like good little doobies and just drive down the breakdown lane to get onto the exit. But there is a problem with this treachery. Just before the exit, there is an overpass and a slight turn to the right. Just behind this overpass, a state police officer dutifully waits and makes the drivers in the breakdown lane pull over for punishment (because there is nothing better for him to do). There is no warning and no room to escape (unless you pull a Thelma and Louise). This does not happen every morning, but often enough to know not to take any chances.
This morning, the slow crawl was particularly bad, and as I came to the overpass, I saw the state police officer acting all kinds of authoritative, having pulled over three people already. In my rear view mirror, there was this Cadillac barreling down the breakdown lane, blissfully unaware of what awaited him - arrogantly thinking of how he was blowing us all off. Suddenly, he sees the cop! The directional comes on and he tries to blend back into traffic, but guess what? No one would let him back in. Pissed, he was forced right up to the officer, who dutifully pulled him over - this happened about five cars behind me. I was highly amused as I watched the look on the driver's face. At the same time, it made me worry that such behavior could cause a sudden accident if he tried to force his way back in - thankfully he did not.
The best part of this is that a "No Driving In Breakdown Lane" sign is right there.
There is a break down lane here as well. Many people will decide to bypass waiting in line like good little doobies and just drive down the breakdown lane to get onto the exit. But there is a problem with this treachery. Just before the exit, there is an overpass and a slight turn to the right. Just behind this overpass, a state police officer dutifully waits and makes the drivers in the breakdown lane pull over for punishment (because there is nothing better for him to do). There is no warning and no room to escape (unless you pull a Thelma and Louise). This does not happen every morning, but often enough to know not to take any chances.
This morning, the slow crawl was particularly bad, and as I came to the overpass, I saw the state police officer acting all kinds of authoritative, having pulled over three people already. In my rear view mirror, there was this Cadillac barreling down the breakdown lane, blissfully unaware of what awaited him - arrogantly thinking of how he was blowing us all off. Suddenly, he sees the cop! The directional comes on and he tries to blend back into traffic, but guess what? No one would let him back in. Pissed, he was forced right up to the officer, who dutifully pulled him over - this happened about five cars behind me. I was highly amused as I watched the look on the driver's face. At the same time, it made me worry that such behavior could cause a sudden accident if he tried to force his way back in - thankfully he did not.
The best part of this is that a "No Driving In Breakdown Lane" sign is right there.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Harold and Kumar
Based on fabulous Jen's recommendation, I finally watched "Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle" last night. Awesome.
The movie is very funny. Between Neil Patrick Harris playing himself as a PNP-ing sex fiend and Chris Meloni as a puss-spewing boil-covered Jesus-loving tow truck driver, the supporting cast is great enough. But the two main characters, your average Asian and Indian-American stoners trying to get a good Burger, totally own this movie. If you have ever had the munchies - this movie is one laugh riot worth catching.
Oh, and if you watch it, be sure to pay attention to the closing credits for additional hilarity.
The movie is very funny. Between Neil Patrick Harris playing himself as a PNP-ing sex fiend and Chris Meloni as a puss-spewing boil-covered Jesus-loving tow truck driver, the supporting cast is great enough. But the two main characters, your average Asian and Indian-American stoners trying to get a good Burger, totally own this movie. If you have ever had the munchies - this movie is one laugh riot worth catching.
Oh, and if you watch it, be sure to pay attention to the closing credits for additional hilarity.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Easter Ramblings....
How did we go from a guy getting nailed to a cross and dying (reportedly to free us from our own sin), to talking rabbits that deliver candy in a basket?
Ah, yes - the Christianization of the Pagans. Whenever colorful celebration and gaiety are included in Christian holidays, you can be sure that we have the Pagans to thank for it.
Christmas is a great example. When Christianity was growing and becoming dominant in Rome in the third century, the church moved the celebration of Christmas (which was a pretty somber thing back then) so that it would overshadow the Pagan Roman celebration of the Sun. You see, the Catholic Church wanted to squash the Pagan celebrations but there was a problem. This celebration was beloved. During the Celebration of the Sun, the Romans were festive and merry - they ate and drank, sang songs, gave each other gifts and decorated their houses and the trees (sound familiar?). The church allowed these traditions to carry onto Christmas so that the Pagans would adopt it more willingly. Over time, the distinction was lost.
As for Easter? Well, that is the Pagan celebration of fertility that was to be squashed. Those damned Pagans were having too much fun - they had the gall to actually associate the rebirth of the Spring with fertility - so sexuality and fertility were celebrated. The Church could have none of that. So what image can best quell any thoughts of sexuality and fertility? A man being nailed to a cross, that's what - so the church made sure Easter sits on top of this holiday. I'm sure the rabbit and the treats are tied in there somewhere.
Ponder that while eating chocolate eggs tomorrow.
Ah, yes - the Christianization of the Pagans. Whenever colorful celebration and gaiety are included in Christian holidays, you can be sure that we have the Pagans to thank for it.
Christmas is a great example. When Christianity was growing and becoming dominant in Rome in the third century, the church moved the celebration of Christmas (which was a pretty somber thing back then) so that it would overshadow the Pagan Roman celebration of the Sun. You see, the Catholic Church wanted to squash the Pagan celebrations but there was a problem. This celebration was beloved. During the Celebration of the Sun, the Romans were festive and merry - they ate and drank, sang songs, gave each other gifts and decorated their houses and the trees (sound familiar?). The church allowed these traditions to carry onto Christmas so that the Pagans would adopt it more willingly. Over time, the distinction was lost.
As for Easter? Well, that is the Pagan celebration of fertility that was to be squashed. Those damned Pagans were having too much fun - they had the gall to actually associate the rebirth of the Spring with fertility - so sexuality and fertility were celebrated. The Church could have none of that. So what image can best quell any thoughts of sexuality and fertility? A man being nailed to a cross, that's what - so the church made sure Easter sits on top of this holiday. I'm sure the rabbit and the treats are tied in there somewhere.
Ponder that while eating chocolate eggs tomorrow.
Bastards!
I recently misplaced my ATM card. It will probably turn up, but rather than take a chance, I decided to report it missing and have a new one issued.
So after going through the whole process, I am told it will take "7-10 business days" to receive my replacement card. Talk about inconvenient. Now I actually have to go to the bank and interact with someone to get my money. That is so 20th century (as is taking 7-10 business days to get my replacement card).
So, the very next day I log into my bank account to do some online bill paying and what do I see? A $7.00 fee for "replacement card". Well, that took no time did it? So how come I have to wait so long for a replacement card that I have already paid for?
Now I would make a stink about this, but this bank is generally pretty good, is very gay friendly and actually has real free checking. So I will hold my tongue and just quietly say to myself, "Bastards!".
So after going through the whole process, I am told it will take "7-10 business days" to receive my replacement card. Talk about inconvenient. Now I actually have to go to the bank and interact with someone to get my money. That is so 20th century (as is taking 7-10 business days to get my replacement card).
So, the very next day I log into my bank account to do some online bill paying and what do I see? A $7.00 fee for "replacement card". Well, that took no time did it? So how come I have to wait so long for a replacement card that I have already paid for?
Now I would make a stink about this, but this bank is generally pretty good, is very gay friendly and actually has real free checking. So I will hold my tongue and just quietly say to myself, "Bastards!".
Uh oh
I just heard something in the other room smash, and the Partner is yelling at The Bird. The Bird must have knocked a precious cookie jar or something off the counter.
Details later.
Details later.
Spring has Sprung
Wow, it really looks like Spring has arrived. I know this because I have a runny nose, my eyes are killing me and my sinuses ache. But I am loving it anyway.
You know we had a wimpy winter really - the ground never really froze and that is why all the flora are springing up all over the place. We are at least three weeks ahead of schedule on the birth of flowers and leaves.
Despite the early onset of allergies, I am not complaining - bring it on.
You know we had a wimpy winter really - the ground never really froze and that is why all the flora are springing up all over the place. We are at least three weeks ahead of schedule on the birth of flowers and leaves.
Despite the early onset of allergies, I am not complaining - bring it on.
Friday, April 14, 2006
The Madonna-fication of Me
I have been a Madonna fan since her very first album, since I was in High School.
However, I have only seen her once before in concert. That was a sunny July day in 1987, with my dear friends Jeff and Sue during the "Who's That Girl?" tour at Foxboro Stadium. We had a great time. I have listened faithfully since then, but have not been back to see her in person.
That is about to change. Prompted by the very same Jeff, I bought two tickets for the July 9 show on her upcoming tour at the BankNorth Garden (Fleet Center) in Boston. This will be especially nice because the Partner is a big Madonna fan as well and July 9 will be our 17th anniversary.
And I am going to see it performed live!
Thanks Jeff for lighting a fire under my ass!
However, I have only seen her once before in concert. That was a sunny July day in 1987, with my dear friends Jeff and Sue during the "Who's That Girl?" tour at Foxboro Stadium. We had a great time. I have listened faithfully since then, but have not been back to see her in person.
That is about to change. Prompted by the very same Jeff, I bought two tickets for the July 9 show on her upcoming tour at the BankNorth Garden (Fleet Center) in Boston. This will be especially nice because the Partner is a big Madonna fan as well and July 9 will be our 17th anniversary.
Side Note: Did you know you can actually see the view from yourSo, in preparation I downloaded "Confessions on a Dance Floor" to my iPod, strapped it on and listed to it during an particularly effective 45 minutes on the elliptical at the gym! There is only one word for this album - brilliant.
seats in advance by going to the venue website and choosing the flash tour and entering your seat numbers? Coooolllll....
And I am going to see it performed live!
Thanks Jeff for lighting a fire under my ass!
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Death Penalty for Zacarias Moussaoui?
Does anyone else feel that the death penalty for Zacarias Moussaoui is not really an appropriate punishment?
I am not a fan of the death penalty but am also not opposed to it. But in this case, I think it is clear that he wants it. To him, and others like him, this is his chance to become a martyr and motivate other terrorists. Life in prison, American prison, seems like a better actual punishment. Solitary confinement type of prison, you know, like where they stashed the Unabomber. A place where he cannot speak out or be seen. But he can waste away for 50 years or so.
That seems more appropriate.
I am not a fan of the death penalty but am also not opposed to it. But in this case, I think it is clear that he wants it. To him, and others like him, this is his chance to become a martyr and motivate other terrorists. Life in prison, American prison, seems like a better actual punishment. Solitary confinement type of prison, you know, like where they stashed the Unabomber. A place where he cannot speak out or be seen. But he can waste away for 50 years or so.
That seems more appropriate.
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