OK, given my earlier prediction about the Phil Spector trial, it is now obvious as to why I'm not a celebrity trial prognosticator. The prosecution seems to be in a good position in that the two holdouts from the twelve person jury pretty much said what it would have taken for them to find Spector guilty.
Apparently, having a ton of cash to spend on experts (regardless of their veracity) is the key to getting over in LA criminal courts. Keep that in mind if you come here to kill someone.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Halloween in September
Halloween has always been one of my fave holidays....right up there with New Year's Day. With an 8 y.o. son it's even better because it is his FAVE holiday. The HB (like other kids, I suppose) has always loved Halloween. Even after we had to go to urgent care one year when his (now gone) asthma kicked up.
So, as I type this, the "cobwebs" are already up in our house, with more decorations to come. I cannot wait! I'd rather have a month of ghosts and goblins than the christmas crap which is just around the corner.
So, as I type this, the "cobwebs" are already up in our house, with more decorations to come. I cannot wait! I'd rather have a month of ghosts and goblins than the christmas crap which is just around the corner.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Mr. Ahmadinejad Comes to America
Why is it that so many people think that our democracy is so fragile that it needs to be handled with kid gloves? The current administration and war hawks don't want to give "terrorists" their day in court because they might say something that could bring down the Republic. Then there are others who don't think that the President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, should speak because....oh, he might say something nutty and be exposed as such?
Every leader of a United Nations gets diplomatic immunity to speak before that body. Though, restrictions can be placed on that person's movement. For instance, Mr. Ahmadinejad could only travel within 25 mi of Columbus Circle. NYPD decided that even though the 9/11 WTC site was within that radius, security would have been too much of a nightmare for him to visit. Or, maybe it was politics as he questions the official version of the events of 9/11 (as some Americans do).
So, while he's in NYC, he gets an invite to speak at Columbia University. Let the howling and protests begin, "He shouldn't have a forum to speak because he doesn't like Jews, or wants to build a nuclear bomb, or denies the Holocaust, etc." Shining a bright light on dictators, racists and idiots will do more to discredit them than by trying to shut them up. What better way to show that our country has an open marketplace of ideas than by giving this guy a forum to say what he wants and then let people choose whether to accept his ideas? Interestingly, while stories about his speech are the most e-mailed on Al-Jezeera's English page, it's not on the home page (at least as of this writing).
Columbia's president, Lee Bollinger, couldn't have been a bigger ass. He invites Ahmadinejad to speak (a great PR coup for the university), gets alarmed that people object, then introduces his guest with insults. That must have been a pretty uncomfortable meet-and-greet afterwards. People will reject this guy's ideas without any help from the kindly professor.
Of course, in the big picture, what Ahmadinejad thinks or says is moot. The real power in Iran is with the mullahs, through the Supreme Leader and the Assembly of Experts as they are the ones who get to decide who gets to even run in elections. Mr. Ahmadinejad does their bidding and when he's outlived his usefulness, or says things that really get the country in hot water, they'll get rid of him and let the people choose his successor from a pool of others who will carry the message of the Assembly of Experts.
In the meantime, we should give the leaders of authoritarian regimes as much media time as possible. By them speaking outside of their state controlled media, more people in their countries are likely to hear their crazy shit. For every 1 convert to Mr. Ahmadinejad's way of thinking, there will be 1,000 who reject his idiocy. Who knows, by understanding Iran better maybe we can more successfully negotiate with them.
The most important moral of this is that our system of government can stand up to people kicking at it. Whether it means putting terrorists on trial or letting tyrants speak, democracy is not fragile. Rather, it get stronger as people reject those who seek to topple it.
Every leader of a United Nations gets diplomatic immunity to speak before that body. Though, restrictions can be placed on that person's movement. For instance, Mr. Ahmadinejad could only travel within 25 mi of Columbus Circle. NYPD decided that even though the 9/11 WTC site was within that radius, security would have been too much of a nightmare for him to visit. Or, maybe it was politics as he questions the official version of the events of 9/11 (as some Americans do).
So, while he's in NYC, he gets an invite to speak at Columbia University. Let the howling and protests begin, "He shouldn't have a forum to speak because he doesn't like Jews, or wants to build a nuclear bomb, or denies the Holocaust, etc." Shining a bright light on dictators, racists and idiots will do more to discredit them than by trying to shut them up. What better way to show that our country has an open marketplace of ideas than by giving this guy a forum to say what he wants and then let people choose whether to accept his ideas? Interestingly, while stories about his speech are the most e-mailed on Al-Jezeera's English page, it's not on the home page (at least as of this writing).
Columbia's president, Lee Bollinger, couldn't have been a bigger ass. He invites Ahmadinejad to speak (a great PR coup for the university), gets alarmed that people object, then introduces his guest with insults. That must have been a pretty uncomfortable meet-and-greet afterwards. People will reject this guy's ideas without any help from the kindly professor.
Of course, in the big picture, what Ahmadinejad thinks or says is moot. The real power in Iran is with the mullahs, through the Supreme Leader and the Assembly of Experts as they are the ones who get to decide who gets to even run in elections. Mr. Ahmadinejad does their bidding and when he's outlived his usefulness, or says things that really get the country in hot water, they'll get rid of him and let the people choose his successor from a pool of others who will carry the message of the Assembly of Experts.
In the meantime, we should give the leaders of authoritarian regimes as much media time as possible. By them speaking outside of their state controlled media, more people in their countries are likely to hear their crazy shit. For every 1 convert to Mr. Ahmadinejad's way of thinking, there will be 1,000 who reject his idiocy. Who knows, by understanding Iran better maybe we can more successfully negotiate with them.
The most important moral of this is that our system of government can stand up to people kicking at it. Whether it means putting terrorists on trial or letting tyrants speak, democracy is not fragile. Rather, it get stronger as people reject those who seek to topple it.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Sports Weekend
First off, my fantasy football team rocked out loud and had the highest score in the league. Believe me, I won't bore you with the details. But, before you think of me as a newbie at this, the league I'm in has been around since 1986. It's a lot of fun for pretty low stakes.
The Vols won, but still aren't impressive. At this point, just about every team they have left on the schedule, except Vandy, looks good.
RAIDERS win! RAIDERS win! It's been a while and they almost choked it away. But, they came up with the big play (blocked field goal) to win.
The Angels finally clinched the AL West and are still in the hunt for home field advantage. Unfortunately, I suppose, Soscia seems to be content and is going to rest a lot of guys the rest of they way. I'd feel a lot better if they would have any potential game 7s at home (especially against the Red Sox who seem to fuck up the Angels in the playoffs).
The Vols won, but still aren't impressive. At this point, just about every team they have left on the schedule, except Vandy, looks good.
RAIDERS win! RAIDERS win! It's been a while and they almost choked it away. But, they came up with the big play (blocked field goal) to win.
The Angels finally clinched the AL West and are still in the hunt for home field advantage. Unfortunately, I suppose, Soscia seems to be content and is going to rest a lot of guys the rest of they way. I'd feel a lot better if they would have any potential game 7s at home (especially against the Red Sox who seem to fuck up the Angels in the playoffs).
Walking in a Fall Wonderland, Pt 2.
So, after my last post on the hiking trip, my uncle and I went to a local place for some beers, dinner and to watch the USC-Washington St. game (SC kicked ass). So, we're hanging at the bar and I notice this couple at the other end. They looked mid-late 50s and they have a couple of rounds of drinks--beers and tequila shots. Then they decide to head to our end of the bar to watch the game. My uncle heads to the salad bar and the woman starts talking to me. Best we could tell, their son got married that day in Yosemite. He is their 3rd son and his first marriage. As they are telling us about this, another one of their kids comes over with a grand kid. They chat, invite grandma and grampa to join them for dinner, but they choose to stay at the bar. The couple just didn't have that we're so happy our kid's getting married look to them, and it was weird that they weren't having dinner with their family. There was obviously much more to the story. But, I make it a rule not to get into deep conversations with drunks.
OK, back to the hiking. Here's a snow picture from the first day.
And a cool pic of Cathedral Peak.
Yes, the weather changed that quickly. The second day we did make it to both Dog Lake and Lembert Dome. The clouds stayed, so the views weren't as good. Here a pic of Dog Lake:
And from Lembert Dome, overlooking a valley east of Tuolumne Meadows.
The trip was great. I only wish that my nephew had chosen to join us. He was hesitant since the HB wasn't coming and he didn't want him to feel bad. A nice sentiment, and since my wife head to go out of town, it might not have worked out. But I still really want to take him up there some day.
My uncle and I had a great time, and I'm already thinking of heading back in the spring (if there's plenty of snow in the winter). While the eastern part of the park doesn't have the Yosemite rock stars, it was much less crowded and was spectacular in its own way. I just hope that my nephew and I (and the HB) get to have a similar experiences.
OK, back to the hiking. Here's a snow picture from the first day.
And a cool pic of Cathedral Peak.
Yes, the weather changed that quickly. The second day we did make it to both Dog Lake and Lembert Dome. The clouds stayed, so the views weren't as good. Here a pic of Dog Lake:
And from Lembert Dome, overlooking a valley east of Tuolumne Meadows.
The trip was great. I only wish that my nephew had chosen to join us. He was hesitant since the HB wasn't coming and he didn't want him to feel bad. A nice sentiment, and since my wife head to go out of town, it might not have worked out. But I still really want to take him up there some day.
My uncle and I had a great time, and I'm already thinking of heading back in the spring (if there's plenty of snow in the winter). While the eastern part of the park doesn't have the Yosemite rock stars, it was much less crowded and was spectacular in its own way. I just hope that my nephew and I (and the HB) get to have a similar experiences.
Saturday 8
when was the last time:
1. a restaurant was out of the food you wanted?
Cannot remember that ever happening (I must be very flexible when it does).
2. you were dumped/divorced by a significant other/spouse?
Hm...the wife and I have been together a looooong time. Lemme think....while there were certainly some minor ones in the meantime, I would say when Lynn kicked me to the curb back in HS.
3. you were denied a promotion?
Never worked for someone, so that hasn't happened. Before going solo I was trying to negotiate a partnership deal with my other firm, but I was the one who walked away.
4. you didn't get the job you applied for?
See above.
5. a friend cancelled a lunch date (or other meeting) on you?
An old gf was visiting with her family last month. She and I were going to get together for lunch at a cool place, but one of her cherubs got sick. We ended up having breakfast at a Denny's a couple of days later.
6. someone took credit for something YOU did?
Making my clients look good is what I do. If they take ALL the credit it's kinda bothersome, but I'm there to help them get shit done.
7. an appliance (or something in your home) broke?
Right now my washer is making WAY too much noise.
8. you were denied something credit-related? (loan, credit card, a rental, etc.)
Only when my card's expired. The wife and I have sterling (800+) credit, so we can buy the shit we want (which isn't much, too be honest).
1. a restaurant was out of the food you wanted?
Cannot remember that ever happening (I must be very flexible when it does).
2. you were dumped/divorced by a significant other/spouse?
Hm...the wife and I have been together a looooong time. Lemme think....while there were certainly some minor ones in the meantime, I would say when Lynn kicked me to the curb back in HS.
3. you were denied a promotion?
Never worked for someone, so that hasn't happened. Before going solo I was trying to negotiate a partnership deal with my other firm, but I was the one who walked away.
4. you didn't get the job you applied for?
See above.
5. a friend cancelled a lunch date (or other meeting) on you?
An old gf was visiting with her family last month. She and I were going to get together for lunch at a cool place, but one of her cherubs got sick. We ended up having breakfast at a Denny's a couple of days later.
6. someone took credit for something YOU did?
Making my clients look good is what I do. If they take ALL the credit it's kinda bothersome, but I'm there to help them get shit done.
7. an appliance (or something in your home) broke?
Right now my washer is making WAY too much noise.
8. you were denied something credit-related? (loan, credit card, a rental, etc.)
Only when my card's expired. The wife and I have sterling (800+) credit, so we can buy the shit we want (which isn't much, too be honest).
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Walking in a Fall Wonderland
Woke up this morning and the weather was nice. It had rained last night. Still some clouds around, but we decided to risk it. I am so glad we did.
We decided to hike to Cathedral Lakes. It snowed almost the whole time (I'll post pics when I get home and have high speed access). That sounds worse that it was. It was a warm snow in that it was in the 40s, so I never felt cold. Also, until the end, the flakes weren't big, so they bounced right off and we didn't get wet. It was strange in that when the sun was out, or the sky was brightest, it was snowing the hardest.
We didn't encounter that many other hikers so things were very peaceful. The folks we did run into were very friendly--one guy was even giving me some shit about the Raiders (I was wearing a Raiders hat). The hike moved around Cathedral Peak. With the changing angles and cloud conditions, we got a lot of interesting looks at it. The lake itself was very cool. We saw fog rolling in and there are views of many domes and peaks from the lake. We climbed some rocks on the southwest side and were able to look down on Tenaya Lake.
Just got done watching Penn St. lose to Michigan (booo) and Michigan State thump on Notre Dame (boo-hoo....NOT). Michigan State reminds me of an old gf (who went there as an undergrad) and a funny MSU-Michigan story...but that's for another post about her. There are two restaurants in the town where we are staying. We had breakfast at one, so we'll try the other for dinner and the SC-Washington State game.
We decided to hike to Cathedral Lakes. It snowed almost the whole time (I'll post pics when I get home and have high speed access). That sounds worse that it was. It was a warm snow in that it was in the 40s, so I never felt cold. Also, until the end, the flakes weren't big, so they bounced right off and we didn't get wet. It was strange in that when the sun was out, or the sky was brightest, it was snowing the hardest.
We didn't encounter that many other hikers so things were very peaceful. The folks we did run into were very friendly--one guy was even giving me some shit about the Raiders (I was wearing a Raiders hat). The hike moved around Cathedral Peak. With the changing angles and cloud conditions, we got a lot of interesting looks at it. The lake itself was very cool. We saw fog rolling in and there are views of many domes and peaks from the lake. We climbed some rocks on the southwest side and were able to look down on Tenaya Lake.
Just got done watching Penn St. lose to Michigan (booo) and Michigan State thump on Notre Dame (boo-hoo....NOT). Michigan State reminds me of an old gf (who went there as an undergrad) and a funny MSU-Michigan story...but that's for another post about her. There are two restaurants in the town where we are staying. We had breakfast at one, so we'll try the other for dinner and the SC-Washington State game.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Ah, Nature
All travels went well and now I'm in a tiny town just east of Yosemite. This being California means that a) there's high speed wireless in the room and b) the tiny market has upscale wines and 12 year old scotch.
It rained a bit on our way here (I met my uncle in Reno and drove here) and it clearly rained in the town earlier in the evening. We'll just see if the weather holds tomorrow. If not, at least there's a bar nearby.
It rained a bit on our way here (I met my uncle in Reno and drove here) and it clearly rained in the town earlier in the evening. We'll just see if the weather holds tomorrow. If not, at least there's a bar nearby.
Weekend With No Responsibilties
Ahhh.....The dog's at the kennel (cage less, dog lovers), the HB's at school and going to his cousin's for the weekend, and the wife's on a plane to Connecticut (family memorial). No, I'm not hosting a kegger at the house. Rather, I'm heading to Yosemite to go hiking with my uncle. We're going to hit the eastern part of the park away from the valley. Unfortunately, it's supposed to be rainy/windy/snowy on Saturday. I don't need perfect conditions for hiking, but I'm not going out of my way to be miserable. At this rate, we may just end up drinking scotch and watching football at the Ahwahnee. I'll letchya know how things turn out.
WW #42--Differences of Opinion
1. where is the line drawn for you at the point where a preference (or something that you enjoy) is a fetish? is it the use of 3rd party stimulation (porn, vibrators), roles (bondage, SBDM, role-playing), or when you just can't get aroused by anything else?
Hm...that's quite the fine line and gives fetish a pejorative connotation. I think the line is crossed when the 'preference' is the only way you can get off.
2. lola and a guy were debating the use of the word "hook up." i view it as sexual action ONLY (no dating, no dinner, just "come on over; i've got condoms"), and he viewed it as getting together to go to a movie or just hang out. is there a sexual or dating term that you've debated with a lover or other?
I'm thinking "hooking up" is getting together for sex.
3. Lola's married, but recently have had an ex-bf pursue her. even though she told him she was not interested, he kept emailing her and telling her he wanted to see her again, etc. if you are very much into someone and want to see/be with them, does a significant other matter to you?
I have some ex's and other female friends I keep in contact with (not for hooking up purposes). I try to be sensitive to their husband's/bf's appreciation of me being in contact with the woman in question. In some cases the contact has to be discreet, in others I'm just as good of buds with the woman as the man. So, it just depends.
Hm...that's quite the fine line and gives fetish a pejorative connotation. I think the line is crossed when the 'preference' is the only way you can get off.
2. lola and a guy were debating the use of the word "hook up." i view it as sexual action ONLY (no dating, no dinner, just "come on over; i've got condoms"), and he viewed it as getting together to go to a movie or just hang out. is there a sexual or dating term that you've debated with a lover or other?
I'm thinking "hooking up" is getting together for sex.
3. Lola's married, but recently have had an ex-bf pursue her. even though she told him she was not interested, he kept emailing her and telling her he wanted to see her again, etc. if you are very much into someone and want to see/be with them, does a significant other matter to you?
I have some ex's and other female friends I keep in contact with (not for hooking up purposes). I try to be sensitive to their husband's/bf's appreciation of me being in contact with the woman in question. In some cases the contact has to be discreet, in others I'm just as good of buds with the woman as the man. So, it just depends.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Happy Birthday to Lola!
Today's Lola's birthday (as a gentleman, I will not associate a number with it). She blogged last night as the dark hour approached and I'm sure will do the same later today.
Ms. L's IM's bring sunshine to my days and her phone calls put a smile to my face. Lola is a wonderful friend and I hope that she has a great day that includes well wishes from her other friends, chores done on time by her two clones and The Husband performing his husbandly duties in fine fashion (or, at least Shawn realizing what he's missing and ravishing her at a location of her choosing). In her honor I've checked out The Winter of Our Discontent for my upcoming Yosemite trip.
Happy Birthday, Lola!
Ms. L's IM's bring sunshine to my days and her phone calls put a smile to my face. Lola is a wonderful friend and I hope that she has a great day that includes well wishes from her other friends, chores done on time by her two clones and The Husband performing his husbandly duties in fine fashion (or, at least Shawn realizing what he's missing and ravishing her at a location of her choosing). In her honor I've checked out The Winter of Our Discontent for my upcoming Yosemite trip.
Happy Birthday, Lola!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Some Sports Weekends Really Suck
I figure that the teams I root for have roughly a 50-50 chance of winning each time they play. This weekend was snake-eyes. Ugh.
First, Tennessee got their asses handed to them by Florida. That they lost wasn't a big surprise after seeing them play Cal. But, shit. They had the ball in the 2nd quarter down by 8. A touchdown (or even a field goal) gets them back in it. What happens? A fumble that Florida runs back for the TD. Game over.
On Sunday, the Raiders are playing Denver. They hang in and come from behind to tie the game at 20. They lineup for a game winning field goal, which Janikowski makes. Ah, not so fast. Denver called timeout just before the snap. They lineup for another kick and he hits the upright. Denver wins in OT on an Jason Elam field goal.
That night, the Angels, who are in first place, blow a 7-1 lead to the White Sox (who suck). Ugh.
On Monday night, I need Brian Westbrook to have a good game for me to win my Fantasy Football matchup. He gets plenty of yards, but the Eagles (let along Westbrook) can't score a touchdown to save their fucking lives. I end up losing by 3 points. Oh, and the guy I lost to had Elam as his kicker who shouldn't have even had a chance to kick that game winner. FUCK.
The great thing about sports is that there is (almost) always another day. Right now the Angels are whomping on Tampa Bay and Boston lost. This means that Angels will pick up a game on the Red Sox. Whew...
First, Tennessee got their asses handed to them by Florida. That they lost wasn't a big surprise after seeing them play Cal. But, shit. They had the ball in the 2nd quarter down by 8. A touchdown (or even a field goal) gets them back in it. What happens? A fumble that Florida runs back for the TD. Game over.
On Sunday, the Raiders are playing Denver. They hang in and come from behind to tie the game at 20. They lineup for a game winning field goal, which Janikowski makes. Ah, not so fast. Denver called timeout just before the snap. They lineup for another kick and he hits the upright. Denver wins in OT on an Jason Elam field goal.
That night, the Angels, who are in first place, blow a 7-1 lead to the White Sox (who suck). Ugh.
On Monday night, I need Brian Westbrook to have a good game for me to win my Fantasy Football matchup. He gets plenty of yards, but the Eagles (let along Westbrook) can't score a touchdown to save their fucking lives. I end up losing by 3 points. Oh, and the guy I lost to had Elam as his kicker who shouldn't have even had a chance to kick that game winner. FUCK.
The great thing about sports is that there is (almost) always another day. Right now the Angels are whomping on Tampa Bay and Boston lost. This means that Angels will pick up a game on the Red Sox. Whew...
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Bush Quits in Iraq
As I read (I didn't have a chance to watch) Bush's speech from the other night, it struck me that his heart is just not in the Iraq war anymore. Why?
1. Instead of talking about winning or victory he says things like success. Now, if you and I were talking about competing against each other or someone else those words would be synonyms. However, the words in presidential addresses are looked over like the Rosetta Stone and a change in them from speech to speech indicates a change in thinking or policy.
2. Let's say you're coaching in a football game. After things not going well in the first half your team finds a little bit of rhythm and you stop losing as badly. Would you a) continue the strategy to maybe even the score or b) be satisfied with not getting your ass kicked as badly and go back to the previous strategy? Bush has chosen the second option. Let's take his word for it that the surge has worked/is working, the military has the local Sunni tribes fighting against Al Qaeda and is restoring (permanent) stability in the area. Why would you then plan to reduce troops? Wouldn't you conclude that you have a winning strategy and send more troops to implement it and defeat the enemy? If Bush really thought we were winning he would do the latter.
Why he's quit is bizarre. He's not taking bold enough steps to reduced troops to turn public opinion in his favor (as if he cares). The Democrats in congress have already shown that they are far too chicken shit to really force his hand on the war, so he can pretty much prosecute it they way he wants for the remainder of his term. I think that he's finally seen the light on this misadventure and wants to slink away before people notice.
1. Instead of talking about winning or victory he says things like success. Now, if you and I were talking about competing against each other or someone else those words would be synonyms. However, the words in presidential addresses are looked over like the Rosetta Stone and a change in them from speech to speech indicates a change in thinking or policy.
2. Let's say you're coaching in a football game. After things not going well in the first half your team finds a little bit of rhythm and you stop losing as badly. Would you a) continue the strategy to maybe even the score or b) be satisfied with not getting your ass kicked as badly and go back to the previous strategy? Bush has chosen the second option. Let's take his word for it that the surge has worked/is working, the military has the local Sunni tribes fighting against Al Qaeda and is restoring (permanent) stability in the area. Why would you then plan to reduce troops? Wouldn't you conclude that you have a winning strategy and send more troops to implement it and defeat the enemy? If Bush really thought we were winning he would do the latter.
Why he's quit is bizarre. He's not taking bold enough steps to reduced troops to turn public opinion in his favor (as if he cares). The Democrats in congress have already shown that they are far too chicken shit to really force his hand on the war, so he can pretty much prosecute it they way he wants for the remainder of his term. I think that he's finally seen the light on this misadventure and wants to slink away before people notice.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
WW #41
1. how thin is TOO thin for you in a lover? is it someone like kate bosworth, posh spice, or mark anthony?
2. how 'large' is too big for you in a lover? (i'm not going to list any names as terms like large, overweight, and big are all part of individual taste - but feel free to list celeb names, etc.)
I'll answer both at the same time. In the past I just have not been picky about body size. How I feel about the person trumps the size of the package. Now, if we're talking about ogling, then I would say my preference is mid-sized athletic type (think Elle McPherson). Super twiggy women, like Kate Moss, do NOTHING for me. I can't think of celeb who is so big that she makes me go "ew."
3. if you were to get a new lover and this weekend was your first time having sex with them. how would you feel about them seeing you nude? is a look in the mirror in the buff cringe-worthy, or are you lookin' pretty damn good?
I would say between pretty damn good and "uh, can we turn off the lights and would you wear this full body bag with critical cutouts." I wouldn't be hung up about it.
2. how 'large' is too big for you in a lover? (i'm not going to list any names as terms like large, overweight, and big are all part of individual taste - but feel free to list celeb names, etc.)
I'll answer both at the same time. In the past I just have not been picky about body size. How I feel about the person trumps the size of the package. Now, if we're talking about ogling, then I would say my preference is mid-sized athletic type (think Elle McPherson). Super twiggy women, like Kate Moss, do NOTHING for me. I can't think of celeb who is so big that she makes me go "ew."
3. if you were to get a new lover and this weekend was your first time having sex with them. how would you feel about them seeing you nude? is a look in the mirror in the buff cringe-worthy, or are you lookin' pretty damn good?
I would say between pretty damn good and "uh, can we turn off the lights and would you wear this full body bag with critical cutouts." I wouldn't be hung up about it.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Flying on 9/11
So, here I am at the KC airport flying on 9/11 (thank you MCI airport free wifi). Probably the safest day to fly all year. But, a good time to reflect on what's transpired in the last 6 year.
It's amazing how Bush (and other politicians) still try to make political hay out of 9/11. Whether it's tying it to the war in Iraq, giving us reasons to relinquish our civil liberties or demonizing political opponents. None of those things are going to reduce the risk of terrorism in this country.
I'm of the opinion that there will not be another spectacular terrorist attack in this country again. Sure, some one off cells will try stuff, but I don't think Al Quaeda will because they don't have to. They have put fear, to some level or another, into our government and changed how we go about our lives. They made their point and any other attack that either failed or was less spectacular would make them look weaker. Also, there's not need for them to send people her to kill us because we keep sending targets to Iraq. Think about it. They planned one attack that killed 3,000 people here and they've doubled their money (and counting) because of Bush's misadventure in Iraq. Plus, with the war they don't have to recruit anymore.
So, as I take off my shoes to go through a bomb detector, I think of a friend who was on one of the flights (and one I used to take regularly) and those who lost a loved one on that day. And I rue our government which chose to exploit terrorism rather than fight it.
It's amazing how Bush (and other politicians) still try to make political hay out of 9/11. Whether it's tying it to the war in Iraq, giving us reasons to relinquish our civil liberties or demonizing political opponents. None of those things are going to reduce the risk of terrorism in this country.
I'm of the opinion that there will not be another spectacular terrorist attack in this country again. Sure, some one off cells will try stuff, but I don't think Al Quaeda will because they don't have to. They have put fear, to some level or another, into our government and changed how we go about our lives. They made their point and any other attack that either failed or was less spectacular would make them look weaker. Also, there's not need for them to send people her to kill us because we keep sending targets to Iraq. Think about it. They planned one attack that killed 3,000 people here and they've doubled their money (and counting) because of Bush's misadventure in Iraq. Plus, with the war they don't have to recruit anymore.
So, as I take off my shoes to go through a bomb detector, I think of a friend who was on one of the flights (and one I used to take regularly) and those who lost a loved one on that day. And I rue our government which chose to exploit terrorism rather than fight it.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
We All Have Our Moral Lines
When it comes to moral conundrums, we all draw our lines. We may not approve of each others', but these lines form the rationalizations that get us through our days. So, it was with great interest that I read about a woman in Orange County, CA (seriously, no one I know of call is The OC) who is suing the Orange County sheriff when she was forced to remove her hajib when she was booked. Ms. Khatib insists that her religious rights were violated when she was uncovered in the presence of men who were not her husband.
I'm pleased that she is so pious. My sense is that she uses her religion to help others and to live a moral and law abiding life. Oh yeah, except for the part about cheating the government out of money (she and her hubby plead guilty to welfare fraud). Good for her that her case occurred in about the only area where the ACLU (who filed her suit) doesn't have any attorneys with Jewish surnames. Now THAT would have been a moral conundrum.
I'm pleased that she is so pious. My sense is that she uses her religion to help others and to live a moral and law abiding life. Oh yeah, except for the part about cheating the government out of money (she and her hubby plead guilty to welfare fraud). Good for her that her case occurred in about the only area where the ACLU (who filed her suit) doesn't have any attorneys with Jewish surnames. Now THAT would have been a moral conundrum.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Wall of Guilt
Perhaps you have been following the Phil Spector murder trial. If not (I have no idea how much play this is getting outside of LA), here's the deal:
1) Spector, who wrote and/or produced some of the most memorable pop and rock music of the 60s and 70s, is accused of murdering Lana Clarkson, a non-celebrity actress, at his home, well castle, in a suburb east of LA.
2) His defense team, which has several folks on it who defended O.J. Simpson, maintains that Clarkson was feeling shitty about her career, was depressed and shot herself that night.
3) The prosecution has a witness (Spector's driver) who says Spector came out of the house and told him that he just shot someone. They also paraded through several women who testified that Spector had previously gotten drunk and threatened them with guns.
I cannot imagine him being found not guilty for a couple of reasons. First is that Spector looks odd. He dresses flamboyantly and has weird hair. Second, the defense's theory is preposterous. Why would this woman go home with a famous record producer who could turn her career around and then shoot herself? Also, less than 1/3 of female suicides are caused by firearms (the method of choice for men). Finally, while I don't have the statistics to back it up, my guess is that very few attractive women kill themselves by blowing off their faces.
Since this doesn't have the racial or sexual overtones of the O.J. case, I don't see the jury being as swayed by the defense's crap. Then again, you never know.
1) Spector, who wrote and/or produced some of the most memorable pop and rock music of the 60s and 70s, is accused of murdering Lana Clarkson, a non-celebrity actress, at his home, well castle, in a suburb east of LA.
2) His defense team, which has several folks on it who defended O.J. Simpson, maintains that Clarkson was feeling shitty about her career, was depressed and shot herself that night.
3) The prosecution has a witness (Spector's driver) who says Spector came out of the house and told him that he just shot someone. They also paraded through several women who testified that Spector had previously gotten drunk and threatened them with guns.
I cannot imagine him being found not guilty for a couple of reasons. First is that Spector looks odd. He dresses flamboyantly and has weird hair. Second, the defense's theory is preposterous. Why would this woman go home with a famous record producer who could turn her career around and then shoot herself? Also, less than 1/3 of female suicides are caused by firearms (the method of choice for men). Finally, while I don't have the statistics to back it up, my guess is that very few attractive women kill themselves by blowing off their faces.
Since this doesn't have the racial or sexual overtones of the O.J. case, I don't see the jury being as swayed by the defense's crap. Then again, you never know.
Pleasing Two Mistresses
Nope, this is not going to be that kind of post. Rather, I'm referring to the awkward instance of trying to keep two clients on one project happy at the same time.
Here's the story. My primary client is a Fortune 500 company. My secondary client (who is paying my bill and then passing it on to the primary) is their vendor. This is an unusual, but not unheard of working situation for me. My job is to come up with a hiring system for the primary client. One part of my evaluation was to look at part of the hiring system that is proprietary of the secondary client, which is presumably one of their selling points for getting the gig in the first place. There's just one teensy problem...this part of their process isn't for shit. I presented the data supporting this conclusion to the secondary client today. They sputtered, made some lame attempts to excuse the validity of the data (they are going to send me a little more information, but the laws of mathematics and statistics are working against them), but in the end came around to the fact that they have this problem. And I'm presenting to the primary client on Tuesday.
The woman from the secondary client who is my key contact is accepting of the results. But, she doesn't want to look like an ass in front of the primary next week. I'm sympathetic towards her (though not her boss who sold the primary client this bill of goods). Ethically, I have no choice (or problem) presenting the data as it is. But, I need to do so in a way that keeps me in the good graces of the secondary client as there is potential for additional business. There's plenty of new business potential with the primary as well, so there's not benefit in bullshitting them.
What's funny is that in the initial conference call the president of the secondary client (my contact's jerk boss) ADMITTED that they had no data supporting the accuracy of their hiring process. In a follow-up e-mail, the VP of the primary client who brought me in basically said that he didn't think their process worked. So, there are no surprises here....I just get to be the guy who points out the 800lb gorilla. As Lola would say, that's why I make the big bucks.
Here's the story. My primary client is a Fortune 500 company. My secondary client (who is paying my bill and then passing it on to the primary) is their vendor. This is an unusual, but not unheard of working situation for me. My job is to come up with a hiring system for the primary client. One part of my evaluation was to look at part of the hiring system that is proprietary of the secondary client, which is presumably one of their selling points for getting the gig in the first place. There's just one teensy problem...this part of their process isn't for shit. I presented the data supporting this conclusion to the secondary client today. They sputtered, made some lame attempts to excuse the validity of the data (they are going to send me a little more information, but the laws of mathematics and statistics are working against them), but in the end came around to the fact that they have this problem. And I'm presenting to the primary client on Tuesday.
The woman from the secondary client who is my key contact is accepting of the results. But, she doesn't want to look like an ass in front of the primary next week. I'm sympathetic towards her (though not her boss who sold the primary client this bill of goods). Ethically, I have no choice (or problem) presenting the data as it is. But, I need to do so in a way that keeps me in the good graces of the secondary client as there is potential for additional business. There's plenty of new business potential with the primary as well, so there's not benefit in bullshitting them.
What's funny is that in the initial conference call the president of the secondary client (my contact's jerk boss) ADMITTED that they had no data supporting the accuracy of their hiring process. In a follow-up e-mail, the VP of the primary client who brought me in basically said that he didn't think their process worked. So, there are no surprises here....I just get to be the guy who points out the 800lb gorilla. As Lola would say, that's why I make the big bucks.
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Ah, the HB started back at school yesterday. Woot! It's nice to get back on a regular schedule as opposed to shifting between camps, days off, etc. One bummer is that the girl in the family we carpooled with is now a middle-schooler and doesn't have a schedule that's conducive to us sharing rides. We'll have to check the school roster to see if there's anyone else in our neighborhood who would be a good candidate. She's a nice girl, but, like most her age, very quiet around everyone except her friends. With the HB's constant chattering, I can only imagine her thanking her lucky stars every day that she doesn't have a younger brother.
We signed him up for one after school class and for a community youth drama group. My wife works with people whose grandkids are in it and she and the HB saw one of their productions this summer and were impressed. I think the HB will really like it.
Fitting with new (school) year's resolutions, we're going to get the HB in, for lack of a better word, better shape. He's getting a bit of a gut and he's just not that into physical activity. So, our new deal is that he can't have dessert (which is usually low fat ice cream/yogurt/pudding) unless he puts in 30 min of outdoor activity when he gets home. It just boggles me how little he wants to go out and run around with other kids. That's all me and my brother ever did. He's different than me at that age, and that's OK. But, I'm not going to let him get fat, for health and social reasons.
We signed him up for one after school class and for a community youth drama group. My wife works with people whose grandkids are in it and she and the HB saw one of their productions this summer and were impressed. I think the HB will really like it.
Fitting with new (school) year's resolutions, we're going to get the HB in, for lack of a better word, better shape. He's getting a bit of a gut and he's just not that into physical activity. So, our new deal is that he can't have dessert (which is usually low fat ice cream/yogurt/pudding) unless he puts in 30 min of outdoor activity when he gets home. It just boggles me how little he wants to go out and run around with other kids. That's all me and my brother ever did. He's different than me at that age, and that's OK. But, I'm not going to let him get fat, for health and social reasons.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Labor Day Weekend
As you know by now, Cal did beat Tennessee on Saturday. I met a friend of mine from grad school and his gf in Berkeley. It was great seeing my friend and his longtime gf, who I hadn't met before. She was, let's say, a bit coarser that I would have imagined, but good company. We invited a mutual friend of ours (and who I used to sleep with in school) who lives in the Bay Area to the game, but she couldn't make it. We then found a couple of places to eat and drink. Unfortunately, Berkeley doesn't have a ton of places to eat and many of them are tiny, so everything was really crowded.
The Cal fans were pumped, so the atmosphere at the game was great. Cal made a big plays early in the game (forcing a fumble that was run back for a touchdown and running back a punt) and UT could not come up with a big play. That was the two touchdown difference in the game.
After the game all of the bars were jam packed, so we went to a Japanese place. There were a couple of obnoxious drunks in there (very odd considering the zen ambiance), but they left shortly after we got there. After we got some beers and food out moods picked up considerably. So we hung out for a bit then caught the BART back to our respective hotels (they were staying in SF, I was near the Oakland airport).
For whatever reason, I've lost my ability to sleep in hotels without sleeping pills. I didn't want to take one because I had to get up early for my flight and I paid for it. I got about 2 hours of sleep (I slept for 12 hours the next night). So, I was totally beat when I got home and then during my fantasy football draft (I won't bore you with the details), so I didn't drink beer during it (which may or may not have helped). My wife was with her family and dropping off the HB for a sleepover at the nephew's so I had a chance to get home, chill and go for a bike ride before she got home. As mentioned above, I crashed way early.
Today we had my parents over for some grilling. We ate inside since it's VERY hot (well, for SoCal). Also had a chance to watch Haas beat Blake in 5 sets at the US Open. After the weekend, I'm really looking forward to getting back to work (sorta) tomorrow and getting the HB back in school on Wed.
The Cal fans were pumped, so the atmosphere at the game was great. Cal made a big plays early in the game (forcing a fumble that was run back for a touchdown and running back a punt) and UT could not come up with a big play. That was the two touchdown difference in the game.
After the game all of the bars were jam packed, so we went to a Japanese place. There were a couple of obnoxious drunks in there (very odd considering the zen ambiance), but they left shortly after we got there. After we got some beers and food out moods picked up considerably. So we hung out for a bit then caught the BART back to our respective hotels (they were staying in SF, I was near the Oakland airport).
For whatever reason, I've lost my ability to sleep in hotels without sleeping pills. I didn't want to take one because I had to get up early for my flight and I paid for it. I got about 2 hours of sleep (I slept for 12 hours the next night). So, I was totally beat when I got home and then during my fantasy football draft (I won't bore you with the details), so I didn't drink beer during it (which may or may not have helped). My wife was with her family and dropping off the HB for a sleepover at the nephew's so I had a chance to get home, chill and go for a bike ride before she got home. As mentioned above, I crashed way early.
Today we had my parents over for some grilling. We ate inside since it's VERY hot (well, for SoCal). Also had a chance to watch Haas beat Blake in 5 sets at the US Open. After the weekend, I'm really looking forward to getting back to work (sorta) tomorrow and getting the HB back in school on Wed.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
It's Football Time in Tennessee
I looooove football season. Later today I'm off to Berkeley to see the Tennessee-Cal game. The Vols kicked Oskie's ass last year and the Cal fans are pissed. Should be a cool game. I'll blog about it later tonite.
GO VOLS!
GO VOLS!
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