Last night's debate is on the minds of many, so I figured I'd throw in my two cents. Not a top five today, but just five points. But before I get into these points, I don't think it matters who "won" or "lost," though I'll say Romney was tons more convincing and did a better job debating. But that doesn't mean I think his policies are better, or that he'd be a better candidate to lead the nation. I know people often equate "debate winner" with "more presedential"...which leads me to point number 1.
1) People Are Stupid - Even before the night began, I was annoyed at how much stock people were putting into these debates. Debates, by design, are flawed because they play to human's visceral reactions (which are often wrong/misleading), and to the fact that many "impressionable" people will believe whatever you say, as long as you do so with conviction. This is why debates are often filled with mistruths, sketchy numbers, and vagueries. And last night was no exception. It's funny that we all watch the debates, look forward to the fact checker results, and then proceed to not hold the mistruths against the candidates. How sad is it that we have just accepted the fact that politicians lie (egregiously in many cases), yet proceed to put our trust in them anyway?
2) Mitt Romney Is Suddenly A Moderate? Well, let's see. If you believe his comments last night, he supports Social Security as is (which flies in the face of previous rhetoric), he's for keeping Medicare as is (Paul Ryan's voucher system be damned!), he's all for regulation (though he'd like to repeal Dodd Frank and replace it with...something), and apparently he's ditching his tax plan that he spent the last year campaigning on, and just decided to tell us about it last night (without any real detail.) So it looks like Romney shook the etch-a-sketch again and ditched a lot of the far right ideals he previously spewed to win the nomination. Kind of ironic because he seems to have re-energized a base by going against their newly found Randist ideals. Will the real Romney please stand up? (My guess is he's always been a moderate.)
3) The 5 Trillian Tax Cut/716 Billion Medicare Cut - Mitt Romney had previously stated that he'd cut all marginal tax rates by 20 percent, which would, in effect, cut revenue by five trillian. But last night he flat out denied it, said he would not increase the deficit, but then failed to explain how he'd make up the difference. It seems to me taxes would have to be raised, or draconian spending cuts would have to be implemented elsewhere, but he was pretty vague about the numbers. Also, the 716 billion Medicare cut in "Obamacare" is misleading because that number isn't cut from current beneficiaries. To hear Romney say it, you'd think Obama opened the Medicare vault, stole the money, and "made it rain" in some Chicago ghetto. Those savings come from reduced payments to insurance companies and other providers, and no matter how many times the Romney campaign has been told this, they continue to spew out the misleading number anyway. Ironically, in Paul Ryan's budget, the one Romney previously endorsed, he proposes cutting that same exact number (716!), except those would harm current beneficaries and raise premiums. Also, the plan Romney would replace Medicare with? Well, it doesn't exist unless you consider a quick memo, with no numbers, on his website a plan. This is typical "have your cake and eat it too" politics. Just trust him, he'll make it work.
4) The President has to cut out the "umms" and "ahhs" - It's hard to have conviction when you sounds like an idiot. People are sheep (or lemmings) and just want to be led. They will often times just side with the guy that sounds better. Also, it's just odd that Obama refuses to attack back or stand on his record. His numbers aren't exactly a garden of roses, but he can certainly spin alot of them to make it seem that way. Romney has been running on the "you're worse off than you were in 08" platform, which is simply untrue. Where was that rebuttal last night?
5) I Don't Think These Debates Even Matter - Truth is, most people have made up their minds already, or are leaning in a certain direction anyway. The debate format is good for theater, but people have short attention spans and will be distracted by the next bright, shiny light any second. We'll all discuss how last night's results will have meaning, how it will be Romney's great comeback, but I personally find it hard to believe that a simple debate (or three of them) will really have much sway on a nation that has spent the past 4 years doubling down on their beliefs to the point where neither are willing to budge.
And this speaks to a bigger issue, and there was an attack point during Romney's rant against "Obamacare" that stuck with me. Even though "Romneycare" and "Obamacare" are pretty much identical, Romney claimed a major difference was that his plan was a bipartisan agreement, and that Obamacare was shoved through congress despite Republican opposition. Now, I understand Obama couldn't simply say, "well that's because Republicans are more interested in being obstructionist assholes," but he should have, because its the truth. When Obama was elected, Mitch McConnell said the Republicans' number one goal was not to improve the country, but to get Obama out of office. This was before he did ANYTHING. And they've spent the last four years filibustering and disagreeing with every single policy put forward. So, of course, the Republicans wouldn't agree with Obamacare, they hated it before they even saw one singular policy point, simply because it came from a democrat president and congress. The reality is, "Obamacare" isn't some "government takeover," its a republican plan. It's Mitt Romney's Massachusetts plan, its similar to the republican plan put forth by Bob Dole and the republicans during the 1994 healthcare debate. It's a giveaway to insurance companies because it increases their customer base. It's not a perfect plan, but it's definitely one that can be fine tuned over time.
Due to numerous factors, and I blame social media and the 24/7 newscycle most, people have entrenched themselves in beliefs regardless of whether they think they are right or wrong. People need a strong identity to stand out, and because of the constant flow of information, they are forced to discuss and defend their beliefs to the point where it becomes an inpenetrable callous. It's pride that keeps us in our own way. It's a need to be "right," instead of opening our minds to the possibility of justice for all. I'm guilty of it, you're guilty of it, and because of it, we'll just continue the downward spiral way past the point of no return.
So, no, I don't think the debates matter much because none of us are actually interested in a debate. We're interested in shouting and degrading. And it doesn't matter if we're wrong or right, all that matters is that we win an unwinnable, ongoing argument.
And that's fucking sad. Welcome to America in 2012.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Monday, October 1, 2012
My Top Five Euro Spots!
Each fall, for the past ten years, I've looked forward to one moment. No, not the leaves falling, not Halloween, not any of that crap.
What could be so important? The premiere of CBS's hit reality show, The Amazing Race (duh)! When I watch that show, I feel the world is OK. Seriously. I don't care how sad that is.
So, needless to say, I felt complete as a human, once again, when I spent Sunday night watching contestants zoom around Shanghai, stopping only to play ping pong and eat frog fallopian tubes (zang!).
Anyway, I considered doing a top 5 list dedicated to my favorite Amazing Race seasons, but then realized all 20 million of them blended into one. I may, one day, do a top 5 favorite teams post, but right now that would require too much thought.
So in honor of the Amazing Race, I decided on a top five list based on my own limited traveling experiences. Here's my TOP FIVE FAVORITE SPOTS IN EUROPE:
5) That walkway along that Stockholm river, which has a nice view of Old Town, and then, like, leads to this park that's pretty, and has lots of trees and docks and shit. (Stockholm, Sweden)
Yes, that's exactly how they explain it in the guidebook. Just go up to any local, repeat the above verbatim, and they'll direct you. Don't forget the "like" and the "shit." That's important. Trust me.
But, seriously, I don't know how to describe the area, and I sincerely doubt it has a name because there's nothing all that denotable about it. But the walk encapsulates everything I love about Stockholm: the waterways, the well-preserved Scandinavian architecture, the cleanliness, and how even the busier parts of the city are only a stone's throw from smaller nooks that make you feel like you're miles away from anything metropolitan. And then along the way, you see things like this:
I strongly feel Stockholm will be an "it" city to visit in the coming years, if it's not becoming one already.
4) San Gimignano (Tuscany, Italy)
If Florence, Siena, and Pisa are the stars of Tuscany, then San Gimignano is the scene stealer. A medieval, walled city known as "The Town Of Fine Towers," San Gimignano's hilltop placement makes for a beautiful, old style skyline that is, hmm, pretty amazing, and probably better suited for a Tolkien novel than, well, real life. Now, there's not a ton to do in this town, other than eat and relax (which is probably worth it alone), and you can traverse the tiny city in like five seconds, but it is truly a step back in time, and one of those places where you can't stop thinking, "I can't believe people LIVE here." Everything about it breathes history. Oh, and they claim to have some of the best gelato in Italy. I can't speak for all the gelato in Italy, but it's pretty good.
3) Walking West Along The Charles Bridge At Night (Prague, Czech Republic)
The only words that come to mind during an evening walk along this historic bridge, into the the mouth of Prague Castle, are "holy," fucking," and "shit." It's true. I dare you to come up with something else. Prague has become one of the trendier cities to visit over the last few years, and it's sites like the above that prove why. And while walking east on the bridge (to Old Town) also provides a nice view, there's something about the west side of the historic monument that's a bit quieter, more peaceful, and prettier. It's a gateway into something special (even if the special is just a steep hill with lots of tourist shops). As for the bridge itself, it's generally bustling with activity, but even the tourist chatter and many vendors somehow add to the experience. This bridge is why romantics come to Europe; there's simply nothing even close to it in the United States.
2) The Midpoint Between Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle (Bavaria, Germany)
The first thing you think when entering this area of the Bavarian Countryside is "why don't more people talk about this place." Seriously. Families spend thousands upon thousands on Disney vacations that, more or less, emulate this real thing that sits two hours outside Munich. In fact, Sleeping Beauty's castle in Disneyland was inspired by this ...
By the way, do yourself a favor and Google "Neuschwanstein Castle," because my awful pictures do not do it justice. The depth of this area is so hard to capture on film, but you're in constant awe of the steep mountains and lush green countryside that truly make you feel as if in the middle of a fairy tale. Like it wouldn't shock you if you saw a couple trolls fighting at the base of the castle, or maybe seven dwarves wander out of the forest. Add on the old towns along the Romantic Road, and you're truly in for a unique experience that will most definitely be the highlight of your vacation. Do yourself another favor: spend a couple of nights in this beautiful area, and then gush to your friends (in a blog post, perhaps!)
1) Everywhere in Central Bruges (Bruges, Belgium)
In my limited experience, this town encapsulates Europe. Known as the "Venice of the North," due to its canals, and extremely well preserved medieval architecture, Bruges is a living and breathing museum to Europe's commercial capital of the 13th century. Citizens of Bruges often joke about questions they receive from tourists like, "so what time does Bruges close?", but it's hard not to get the impression that if Disney opened a medieval theme park, it would look as close to Bruges as possible. There's not much in the way of tourist attractions, aside from some museums and the Bell Tower in the town square, but the city itself, with its winding cobblestone streets, amazingly preserved buildings, and thousands of chocolate shops (each one better than the last), will leave an unforgettable imprint. You know that dream lots of Americans have ... Where you go to a European city and stare at beautiful buildings that are all older than Euro-settled America? You fantasize about drinking coffee at an outside cafe, looking up at stars, and saying dumb shit like, "yeah, man" and "the world is so big, yet so small." Then hope to meet a lovely Euro local in one of those unforgettable "love at first sight" moments? I don't know that any of that is possible, but if it is, Bruges is the place where it's most likely to happen.
Next post? My five LEAST favorite spots in Europe!
What could be so important? The premiere of CBS's hit reality show, The Amazing Race (duh)! When I watch that show, I feel the world is OK. Seriously. I don't care how sad that is.
So, needless to say, I felt complete as a human, once again, when I spent Sunday night watching contestants zoom around Shanghai, stopping only to play ping pong and eat frog fallopian tubes (zang!).
Anyway, I considered doing a top 5 list dedicated to my favorite Amazing Race seasons, but then realized all 20 million of them blended into one. I may, one day, do a top 5 favorite teams post, but right now that would require too much thought.
So in honor of the Amazing Race, I decided on a top five list based on my own limited traveling experiences. Here's my TOP FIVE FAVORITE SPOTS IN EUROPE:
5) That walkway along that Stockholm river, which has a nice view of Old Town, and then, like, leads to this park that's pretty, and has lots of trees and docks and shit. (Stockholm, Sweden)
Yes, that's exactly how they explain it in the guidebook. Just go up to any local, repeat the above verbatim, and they'll direct you. Don't forget the "like" and the "shit." That's important. Trust me.
But, seriously, I don't know how to describe the area, and I sincerely doubt it has a name because there's nothing all that denotable about it. But the walk encapsulates everything I love about Stockholm: the waterways, the well-preserved Scandinavian architecture, the cleanliness, and how even the busier parts of the city are only a stone's throw from smaller nooks that make you feel like you're miles away from anything metropolitan. And then along the way, you see things like this:
I strongly feel Stockholm will be an "it" city to visit in the coming years, if it's not becoming one already.
4) San Gimignano (Tuscany, Italy)
If Florence, Siena, and Pisa are the stars of Tuscany, then San Gimignano is the scene stealer. A medieval, walled city known as "The Town Of Fine Towers," San Gimignano's hilltop placement makes for a beautiful, old style skyline that is, hmm, pretty amazing, and probably better suited for a Tolkien novel than, well, real life. Now, there's not a ton to do in this town, other than eat and relax (which is probably worth it alone), and you can traverse the tiny city in like five seconds, but it is truly a step back in time, and one of those places where you can't stop thinking, "I can't believe people LIVE here." Everything about it breathes history. Oh, and they claim to have some of the best gelato in Italy. I can't speak for all the gelato in Italy, but it's pretty good.
3) Walking West Along The Charles Bridge At Night (Prague, Czech Republic)
The only words that come to mind during an evening walk along this historic bridge, into the the mouth of Prague Castle, are "holy," fucking," and "shit." It's true. I dare you to come up with something else. Prague has become one of the trendier cities to visit over the last few years, and it's sites like the above that prove why. And while walking east on the bridge (to Old Town) also provides a nice view, there's something about the west side of the historic monument that's a bit quieter, more peaceful, and prettier. It's a gateway into something special (even if the special is just a steep hill with lots of tourist shops). As for the bridge itself, it's generally bustling with activity, but even the tourist chatter and many vendors somehow add to the experience. This bridge is why romantics come to Europe; there's simply nothing even close to it in the United States.
2) The Midpoint Between Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle (Bavaria, Germany)
The first thing you think when entering this area of the Bavarian Countryside is "why don't more people talk about this place." Seriously. Families spend thousands upon thousands on Disney vacations that, more or less, emulate this real thing that sits two hours outside Munich. In fact, Sleeping Beauty's castle in Disneyland was inspired by this ...
By the way, do yourself a favor and Google "Neuschwanstein Castle," because my awful pictures do not do it justice. The depth of this area is so hard to capture on film, but you're in constant awe of the steep mountains and lush green countryside that truly make you feel as if in the middle of a fairy tale. Like it wouldn't shock you if you saw a couple trolls fighting at the base of the castle, or maybe seven dwarves wander out of the forest. Add on the old towns along the Romantic Road, and you're truly in for a unique experience that will most definitely be the highlight of your vacation. Do yourself another favor: spend a couple of nights in this beautiful area, and then gush to your friends (in a blog post, perhaps!)
1) Everywhere in Central Bruges (Bruges, Belgium)
In my limited experience, this town encapsulates Europe. Known as the "Venice of the North," due to its canals, and extremely well preserved medieval architecture, Bruges is a living and breathing museum to Europe's commercial capital of the 13th century. Citizens of Bruges often joke about questions they receive from tourists like, "so what time does Bruges close?", but it's hard not to get the impression that if Disney opened a medieval theme park, it would look as close to Bruges as possible. There's not much in the way of tourist attractions, aside from some museums and the Bell Tower in the town square, but the city itself, with its winding cobblestone streets, amazingly preserved buildings, and thousands of chocolate shops (each one better than the last), will leave an unforgettable imprint. You know that dream lots of Americans have ... Where you go to a European city and stare at beautiful buildings that are all older than Euro-settled America? You fantasize about drinking coffee at an outside cafe, looking up at stars, and saying dumb shit like, "yeah, man" and "the world is so big, yet so small." Then hope to meet a lovely Euro local in one of those unforgettable "love at first sight" moments? I don't know that any of that is possible, but if it is, Bruges is the place where it's most likely to happen.
Next post? My five LEAST favorite spots in Europe!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Top Five Things I Love About The Rocky 4 Training Montage
I love Rocky movies. All of them. Well, with the exception of 5 and 6. But aside from those, I love all of them. The best part about Rocky movies? The training montages. Easily. High energy moments put to perfect music in an effort to prime the audience for the respective films' climactic fights. And it works everytime. Do I ever cue one on YouTube when I either need a pick-me-up or a laugh? You bet I do. And my favorite montage? No doubt the training montage in Rocky IV.
Rocky IV is hardly just another Rocky movie. It's one of the last, great vestiges of Cold War propaganda. As we all know, Rocky IV kicks into high gear after the blonde Russian beanpole, Ivan Drago, murders Rocky's friend, Apollo, during an exhibition bout. Then, in front of a crowd of thousands, he says ...
...like he's done it a thousand times before. Oh Ivan, you silly heartless, Commie prick. (By the way, because of this film, I thought most Russians were blond and blue eyed. Little did I know Dolph Lundgren was a Swede, as was his on-screen wife, Brigitte Nielsen. I also figured all Russian's were robotic and up to no good. Though I suppose that's what living in America during the Cold War was all about.)
Anyway, to avenge his friend's death, Rocky agrees to fight Drago for no money and, for some reason, eschews US training facilities that are available to, ya know, the heavyweight champion of the world, and decides to rough it in a barn somewhere in what must be Siberia. Because, ya know, why not put yourself at a further disadvantage in the name of ... what exactly? On a side note, wouldn't this fight have made for the absolute greatest HBO 24/7 of all time? The contrast of Drago's high tech training, and Rocky's old world style, would have been much more interesting than watching Manny Pacquaio run up a hill somewhere outside Vegas.
Now, I haven't watched Rocky 4 in its entirety for some time, but I've certainly watched this...
I've seen the movie 128 Hours. You know the one about the hippie who goes hiking alone, only to cut his arm off using a dull knife after getting trapped in a crevasse. Well, knowing that, Rocky stumbling along the top of a steep cliff in the name of cardio is one shit idea. Probably a bit unnecessary to cheat death when a simple jog would have done, but since his last run involved a car chase, I guess he had to up the ante. Though why Rocky would risk breaking a limb and dying from hypothermia when he had a fight only days later is unknown. He's just that much of a badass. Either way, I bet if Stallone remastered this print, and re-released the movie, he would CGI some hungry wolves chasing him, only for them to fall off the edge before shouting the signature "Drago!"
And how much you willing to bet this was the moment where Sly concepted Cliffhanger? That's probably why he's so inspired by the end. It's a vast expanse of dollar signs.
2) Rocky's Crazy Ab Workout Thing (1:15)
I'm kinda convinced Stallone created Rocky IV just to show off that he can do ...
...that. Why do I think this? Because this shot basically lasts for 16 seconds. Yes, count that to yourself now, I'll wait. Long time, right? Oh wait, I lie, because the shot is actually intercut with the other reason I think Stallone assumes this is the most impressive thing in the world.
C'mon, Adrian's staring at him like she's a tiger and he's fresh meat. Now, remember, Stallone directed this movie. So he told her, "Yo Adrian, now what I'm doin' here, this is the most impressive thing you've ever seen. Make a face that suggests that this is the most impressive thing you've ever seen. Or I'll find someone who can." I can picture him shooting this moment about 600 times in an effort to capture the perfect expression.
And finally...
1) The Drago Picture (2:28)
You know those old movies where a woman has a black and white photo of her soldier boyfriend that she keeps attached to her mirror? And she'll look at it longingly, then at herself in the mirror with some sort of self reflection? "Oh, how I miss him so?" "What will I do without him?" "This is the man of my dreams, I wonder what he's thinking right now?" Well...what's on Rocky's mirror?
A black and white photo of the ever-cut, handsome Ivan Drago, of course. Which makes me wonder if this is a story about avenging a friend's death, or one about a jilted lover (he is handsome, after all). But the best part is Stallone angrily ripping the picture off the frame only to reveal his own stern face in the mirror.
You can just picture Rocky explaining this in a 24/7 documentary:
"You know, I just put the picture up to remind me, ya know? Who I'm fightin, what I'm fightin for, ya know? But I got so angry lookin' at it, I had to rip it off so I could stare at my sweet beard."
And sweet it is.
Rocky IV is hardly just another Rocky movie. It's one of the last, great vestiges of Cold War propaganda. As we all know, Rocky IV kicks into high gear after the blonde Russian beanpole, Ivan Drago, murders Rocky's friend, Apollo, during an exhibition bout. Then, in front of a crowd of thousands, he says ...
 |
| If he dies...he dies. |
Anyway, to avenge his friend's death, Rocky agrees to fight Drago for no money and, for some reason, eschews US training facilities that are available to, ya know, the heavyweight champion of the world, and decides to rough it in a barn somewhere in what must be Siberia. Because, ya know, why not put yourself at a further disadvantage in the name of ... what exactly? On a side note, wouldn't this fight have made for the absolute greatest HBO 24/7 of all time? The contrast of Drago's high tech training, and Rocky's old world style, would have been much more interesting than watching Manny Pacquaio run up a hill somewhere outside Vegas.
Now, I haven't watched Rocky 4 in its entirety for some time, but I've certainly watched this...
six thousand times. And it's beautiful. There's SO much I like about this. Pretty much every frame. But since I have to follow my own rules, here's my Top 5 favorite things about THE ROCKY IV TRAINING MONTAGE.
5) Rocky Hits A Speedbag ... As Guy Milks A Cow (0:51 seconds)
Yeah. I wish I had something more to say here, but "yeah" is the only thing that comes to mind.. I think the image speaks for itself.
4) Rocky Outruns A Mercedes (2:49)
You know how you know you're ready for the fight of your life? When you can outrun a Mercedes driven by a couple of dudes in Russian Hats, cause them to hit a snowbank, and then be all..
..without losing your balance on the same icy road. Not to mention, it appears that Rock might be running in a pair of jeans, which seems like an odd choice of athletic gear in general, let alone while training in a Russian winter. I can't remember the subplot that lead to this moment, or why he was being coveted at all, but I wish it just existed as a random event to prove that Rocky was ready to defend America's honor.
3) Rocky Stumbles Up A Mountain And Shouts "Drago."
I've seen the movie 128 Hours. You know the one about the hippie who goes hiking alone, only to cut his arm off using a dull knife after getting trapped in a crevasse. Well, knowing that, Rocky stumbling along the top of a steep cliff in the name of cardio is one shit idea. Probably a bit unnecessary to cheat death when a simple jog would have done, but since his last run involved a car chase, I guess he had to up the ante. Though why Rocky would risk breaking a limb and dying from hypothermia when he had a fight only days later is unknown. He's just that much of a badass. Either way, I bet if Stallone remastered this print, and re-released the movie, he would CGI some hungry wolves chasing him, only for them to fall off the edge before shouting the signature "Drago!"
And how much you willing to bet this was the moment where Sly concepted Cliffhanger? That's probably why he's so inspired by the end. It's a vast expanse of dollar signs.
2) Rocky's Crazy Ab Workout Thing (1:15)
I'm kinda convinced Stallone created Rocky IV just to show off that he can do ...
...that. Why do I think this? Because this shot basically lasts for 16 seconds. Yes, count that to yourself now, I'll wait. Long time, right? Oh wait, I lie, because the shot is actually intercut with the other reason I think Stallone assumes this is the most impressive thing in the world.
C'mon, Adrian's staring at him like she's a tiger and he's fresh meat. Now, remember, Stallone directed this movie. So he told her, "Yo Adrian, now what I'm doin' here, this is the most impressive thing you've ever seen. Make a face that suggests that this is the most impressive thing you've ever seen. Or I'll find someone who can." I can picture him shooting this moment about 600 times in an effort to capture the perfect expression.
And finally...
1) The Drago Picture (2:28)
You know those old movies where a woman has a black and white photo of her soldier boyfriend that she keeps attached to her mirror? And she'll look at it longingly, then at herself in the mirror with some sort of self reflection? "Oh, how I miss him so?" "What will I do without him?" "This is the man of my dreams, I wonder what he's thinking right now?" Well...what's on Rocky's mirror?
 |
| Jussayin' |
Rip....
You can just picture Rocky explaining this in a 24/7 documentary:
"You know, I just put the picture up to remind me, ya know? Who I'm fightin, what I'm fightin for, ya know? But I got so angry lookin' at it, I had to rip it off so I could stare at my sweet beard."
And sweet it is.
BLOG: LET'S REBOOT YOU!
I want to blog again! Now, I know what you're thinking...
Yeah, yeah. thanks. But I missed writing something daily (that's beyond copy lines), and felt the blog muscle needed a little exercising.
So when I was thinking about how I'd want to frame the blog, I could only come up with a singular idea
Yes. Lists. I love lists.
I love everything about them. I have little order in my life, so I make lists to create some. Lists are tidy. Lists are easy to read. Lists are fun.
But I especially love "Top 5" lists. I love the aspect of building expectation. Even if it's something as simple as the "top five reasons I love my coffee table (ooh there's an idea)," I'm immediately curious to see why each installment is greater than the last.
So I want to dedicate this blog to "Top Fives." From everything to relevant/current news, to things I've loved about my childhood. Now, last year, I blogged within the framework of what a particular date meant to me. But as time wore on, I realized I was just writing about what was on my mind, and the relevancy of the date was either arbitrary or non-existent. But I'm gonna give it my best shot to write within top fives, and time permitting, I'd like to do it as often as possible.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy the upcoming lists!
Yeah, yeah. thanks. But I missed writing something daily (that's beyond copy lines), and felt the blog muscle needed a little exercising.
So when I was thinking about how I'd want to frame the blog, I could only come up with a singular idea
Yes. Lists. I love lists.
I love everything about them. I have little order in my life, so I make lists to create some. Lists are tidy. Lists are easy to read. Lists are fun.
But I especially love "Top 5" lists. I love the aspect of building expectation. Even if it's something as simple as the "top five reasons I love my coffee table (ooh there's an idea)," I'm immediately curious to see why each installment is greater than the last.
So I want to dedicate this blog to "Top Fives." From everything to relevant/current news, to things I've loved about my childhood. Now, last year, I blogged within the framework of what a particular date meant to me. But as time wore on, I realized I was just writing about what was on my mind, and the relevancy of the date was either arbitrary or non-existent. But I'm gonna give it my best shot to write within top fives, and time permitting, I'd like to do it as often as possible.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy the upcoming lists!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
SO neglecting the blog!
There are a number of things that I'd like to write about, but when I sit down to actually do so, the subjects become overwhelming, and then I just punt it for some later date that I may or may not get to. So, I figured I'd make a list of things I'd LIKE to write about, and hopefully will do in the near future.
1) I just entered a contest to be a Pambassador.
They advertised this as a chance to hug a Panda bear. Sounds fun, I'm in. A few years ago I considered taking a trip to China to do just that. Well, that and clean up after it (ie shovel shit?). Anyway, apparently you'd also have to become some sort of spokesman for Panda preservation, which I have little to no interest in doing. Panda Bears actually have little interest in self survival and we continue to ensure it because it makes WWF a lot of money (probably partially true). But they are adorable and are peaceful to look at, so I'm all for hugging one.
2) I get to root for Peyton Manning. How cool is that?
That was a clinic on Sunday. Yes, I loved watching Tim Tebow QB the Broncos, but the second we signed Peyton, fucked up neck and all, I was ecstatic for this season. How awesome was it to see Pittsburgh try to disguise their blitzes only to have Peyton step back from the line like an annoyed parent waiting out a screaming child? He's all...
Very awesome.
3) Bavarian Countryside.
Why does no one ever talk about this place when discussing Euro vacations? I really need to write more about this.
4) Meme Generators
I'm gonna have so much fun?
5) Worst pic of me of all time?
Uh yeah...
Talk about awful timing on that.
5) New Book!
It has a beginning, a middle, and an end....and it's coming slowly but surely. Hopefully it'll be done at some point before the year 2080. And promises to be much diff from the last one.
Anyway, hopefully more to come soon!
1) I just entered a contest to be a Pambassador.
They advertised this as a chance to hug a Panda bear. Sounds fun, I'm in. A few years ago I considered taking a trip to China to do just that. Well, that and clean up after it (ie shovel shit?). Anyway, apparently you'd also have to become some sort of spokesman for Panda preservation, which I have little to no interest in doing. Panda Bears actually have little interest in self survival and we continue to ensure it because it makes WWF a lot of money (probably partially true). But they are adorable and are peaceful to look at, so I'm all for hugging one.
2) I get to root for Peyton Manning. How cool is that?
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| Very cool, Brett |
That was a clinic on Sunday. Yes, I loved watching Tim Tebow QB the Broncos, but the second we signed Peyton, fucked up neck and all, I was ecstatic for this season. How awesome was it to see Pittsburgh try to disguise their blitzes only to have Peyton step back from the line like an annoyed parent waiting out a screaming child? He's all...
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| Done yet? You're just wasting your time, and now I'm gonna miss that episode of Breaking Bad because you won't stop. |
Very awesome.
3) Bavarian Countryside.
Why does no one ever talk about this place when discussing Euro vacations? I really need to write more about this.
4) Meme Generators
5) Worst pic of me of all time?
Talk about awful timing on that.
5) New Book!
It has a beginning, a middle, and an end....and it's coming slowly but surely. Hopefully it'll be done at some point before the year 2080. And promises to be much diff from the last one.
Anyway, hopefully more to come soon!
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Another Edition Of Why We Can't Have Nice Things
I haven't blogged in a bit, as it's been a bit busy, but now that the American presidential race is heating up, there's so much bullshit to go around, it's hard to keep my mouth shut.
Now, of course, it's political tradition to not step on the electorate's toes. It's why every speech sounds like a canned version of bullshit that's filled with pandering and reminders that America is the "best nation in the world." But then every so often you are treated to a special kind of bullshit. A bullshit so shit that it's stink wafts from sea to shining sea.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/under-fire-from-republicans-democrats-change-platform-to-include-god-jerusalem/2012/09/05/866d694c-f7b7-11e1-a93b-7185e3f88849_story.html
Yes, we had to hold up the Democratic convention to vote whether or not we consider Jerusalem the capital of Israel. All because Mitt Romney (who lets face it, is just an egotistical maniac who is running for office in order to fill a personal goal) needled the Democrats into doing so after the original Democratic platform had no mention of this, or of God at all. My best guess is that both President Obama and Mitt Romney don't really care about this subject at all, but are pandering to the religious that may or may not. They just put on their serious face, and speak to reporters in tones that suggest that this subject is as serious as unemployment, but we all know it's not, and just makes our government look like a room full of fools. Which they probably are. In fact, it annoys me that Israel is ever a subject at all considering our government is not founded on Christian ideals, no matter how many times Michele Bachmann may suggest the opposite.
The whole thing is one pile of "who the fuck gives a shit," and will have no bearings on the election results. Can we please get back to something that resembles a real issue?
Now, of course, it's political tradition to not step on the electorate's toes. It's why every speech sounds like a canned version of bullshit that's filled with pandering and reminders that America is the "best nation in the world." But then every so often you are treated to a special kind of bullshit. A bullshit so shit that it's stink wafts from sea to shining sea.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/under-fire-from-republicans-democrats-change-platform-to-include-god-jerusalem/2012/09/05/866d694c-f7b7-11e1-a93b-7185e3f88849_story.html
Yes, we had to hold up the Democratic convention to vote whether or not we consider Jerusalem the capital of Israel. All because Mitt Romney (who lets face it, is just an egotistical maniac who is running for office in order to fill a personal goal) needled the Democrats into doing so after the original Democratic platform had no mention of this, or of God at all. My best guess is that both President Obama and Mitt Romney don't really care about this subject at all, but are pandering to the religious that may or may not. They just put on their serious face, and speak to reporters in tones that suggest that this subject is as serious as unemployment, but we all know it's not, and just makes our government look like a room full of fools. Which they probably are. In fact, it annoys me that Israel is ever a subject at all considering our government is not founded on Christian ideals, no matter how many times Michele Bachmann may suggest the opposite.
The whole thing is one pile of "who the fuck gives a shit," and will have no bearings on the election results. Can we please get back to something that resembles a real issue?
Thursday, August 23, 2012
What August 23rd Means To Me: Neglecting the Blog!
As you can tell, I've been neglecting the blog!
But there is a good reason (well, kinda), I've just been really busy. Not necessarily with anything fun and worthwhile, but it's been taking up my time regardless. But I do have lots I want to talk about and once things settle back down, I'll be back at it!
I do go away next week for what promises to be an awesome trip, and once back, I'll be writing.
But there is a good reason (well, kinda), I've just been really busy. Not necessarily with anything fun and worthwhile, but it's been taking up my time regardless. But I do have lots I want to talk about and once things settle back down, I'll be back at it!
I do go away next week for what promises to be an awesome trip, and once back, I'll be writing.
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