Random Thought for Thursday 12/31/09

It is my favorite holiday. It is time to pause and reflect on the year that was ... and to resolve to effect change in the year ahead. It is a natural opportunity to wipe slates clean, to close chapters with purpose, to birth ideas anew, to reinvent yourself and your objectives. It is a manufactured moment in time seemingly created to present the opportunity to take charge, to recognize zeal, to soak in enthusiasm and to immerse yourself in your passions. (And all this before I've started drinking tonight!) Happy new year to you and yours!! Bring on the Y2KX!!!

http://schott.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/04/2kx/

Random Wordplay for Wednesday 12/30/09

(Warning: possible sacrilege ahead.) Pope-tipping.

Used in a sentence: "Maybe the crazy Christmas Eve lady is on to something -- and pope-tipping can become the new cow-tipping."

I guess a pure 1:1 correlation would mean that you would have to sneak up on the pope while he was sleeping, and you and your buddies might have to be drinking, and you'd all have to be careful that the pontiff didn't break his back on the way down like you do with the cattle. Regardless -- noboby tell Mehmet Ali Agca!

http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/821/is-there-really-such-a-thing-as-cow-tipping

Random Tune for Tuesday 12/29/09

With the countdown to my favorite holiday in full swing -- just over 55 hours remaining, eh? -- I have to post some version of Auld Lang Syne. I intended to post the Billy Joel Y2K concert version, but stumbled across this 1982 rendition instead. And let's not forget the additional verses ...

"And surely you’ll buy your pint cup! and surely I’ll buy mine! And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have run about the slopes, and picked the daisies fine; But we’ve wandered many a weary foot, since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream, from morning sun till dine; But seas between us broad have roared since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
And there’s a hand my trusty friend! And give us a hand o’ thine! And we’ll take a right good-will draught, for auld lang syne."

Happy (almost) New Year!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXYMLkiAEAM&feature=related

Random Memorial for Monday 12/28/09

Gone but not forgotten: the nulls/naughts/aughts/00s.

I realize that I'm some 82 hours or so too early, but I'm in the fresh start-new year-new decade kind of mood. (And I'm requesting that you accept the premise that the decade ends in 2009 and not 2010, as some would argue.) Would that the sigh of relief that the world collectively let out when Y2K was a bust have lasted the whole decade ... but a cacophony of anxiety/fear/concern seemed to be omnipresent instead. But wait ... what bright light through yonder window breaks? Is this the end of the nulls/naughts/aughts/00s War and Recession Tunnel? Can it be that the new-millennial-Teens decade will bring a return to peace and prosperity?

Since we can't really see progress without first understanding where we've been, nulls/naughts/aughts/00s, you will be missed.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/Decade/

Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 12/27/09

What Chicago is talking about this week:

First, terrorism is not funny. But we're all reading the headlines about "crotch bomber" (can we make that stick -- like "shoe bomber"?) and when it was noted that a Nigerian banker feared that his son was the assailant, it just makes one think ... is this the same Nigerian banker that frequently contacts Americans by e-mail for help in cashing checks in our country? You know, I'll send you the check, you cash it and wire me after you keep a percentage for your troubles? 'Cause if so, then let's get him and kill two nuisance birds with one prosecutorial stone!

http://www.time.com/time/

Random Soapbox for Saturday 12/26/09

I don't mean to go off on a rant here, but ...

... there seems to be some reward/punishment confusion down south with "sticks" made out of "carrots". You will earn a free Chick-fil-A sandwich for wearing your seat belt if pulled over for speeding this holiday season in many southern states. Those parachuting cows (of the Eat Mor Chikin fame) have apparently infiltrated our boys in blue (or do they still wear Jeff Davis gray down there?) with this marketing strategy (?!). As someone about to make the return drive from South Bend to Chitown, I'm thinking that I might get hungry along the way and have to score some free food (set warp speed to hyperdrive, Scottie -- or at least cruise control to ten over the speed limit)!

http://www.palmettoscoop.com/2009/11/27/free-chick-fil-a-for-wearing-your-seat-belt/

Random Flashback for Friday 12/25/09

I know this was in the background just a few weeks ago, but for Christmas 1989 (20 years ago) at LVC, this was our holiday tree -- and I figure a fitting way to close out this album for the year. By the way, next week starts the 1990 collection -- and I'll be all over the place: with HOBY in DC, at the Jersey Shore and ultimately in Germany during my exchange semester. Until then ...

Random Thought for Thursday 12/24/09

The heart's capacity to love "just one more" is among its most life-affirming attributes. This season, make a tradition to help those that the holiday has forgotten. Whether it is a military member having to celebrate in a strange place, the street person you see every week on your travels, the family member who is awaiting forgiveness or even the abandoned animal in your local shelter -- the greatest gift you can give this year is to involve "just one more" in your holiday plans. And to all those who did just that for me over the last twenty years, thank you and Merry Christmas Eve!

http://www.holytrinitynewrochelle.org/yourti93429.html

Random Wordplay for Wednesday 12/23/09

White Christmas Envy.

Used in a sentence: "I know size isn't supposed to matter, but with a dusting of snow on the ground in Chicago and rain/sleet forecast for the next 48 hours to wash it all away, I'm experiencing a serious case of White Christmas Envy with regards to those of you digging out from the East Coast Blizzard of 09 or preparing for tonight's dump of snow in Colorado and the Plains."

To keep the theme going, we've barely got Hedwig's angry inch to deal with here while most others are experiencing Holmesian proportions (and that's a John not Sherlock reference, for those of you in the know). Check the interactive map at Weather.com to see what level of snow hugeness you can expect!

http://www.weather.com/outlook/homeandgarden/holidays/

Random Tune for Tuesday 12/22/09

For the holidays ... one of my favorite songs with a little bit of a somber, melancholy tone. "May the new year be blessed with good tidings 'til the next time I see you again ... if we must say goodbye, let the spirit go with you 'til the season comes 'round again." I think Amy Grant, her husband Vince Gill and his multiple-time duet partner Reba McEntire have all covered it on holiday albums (or cassette tapes or CDs or digital downloads depending on where you fall on the baby boomer/gen x whipper-snapper/post-ironic generation continuum), but YouTube has this Kenny Rogers (also a Reba duet partner in this game of six degrees of separation) version ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMN2v1drlXI&feature=related

Random Memorial for Monday 12/21/09

Gone but not forgotten: old-school Christmas trees(s) in Daley Plaza.

I finally got to the annual Christkindlmarkt in downtown Chicago this past weekend when family visited, and I saw firsthand how the economy downgraded our Christmas tree display. In the past, Chicago's massive 90 foot tall holiday tree was comprised of more than 130 smaller Balsam Fir trees bound together to make one giant display -- but this year, we saved money by using one donated tree -- 55ft in height -- and we all had to deal with an "it's all relative" moment where even this beauty reminded us of Charlie Brown's.

Pics should be up on FB later this week ... but giant tree made of smaller trees, you will be missed.

http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/events/mose/tree_lighting_ceremony.html

Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 12/20/09

What Chicago is talking about this week:

No scandals -- it's just the holiday season -- Hanukkah is winding down, Christmas is around the corner, Kwanzaa starts next week, Boxing Day is inspiring others to shop above the border, El Aid isn't in December like the past few years, Festivus poles are erected, Winter Solstice hits tomorrow (have I missed anyone in my attempt to be all inclusive?) and no matter how (or what) you celebrate, my wish for you is that you are surrounded by family and friends (virtual or otherwise) this December!

http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/december.htm

Random Soapbox for Saturday 12/19/09

I don't mean to go off on a rant here, but ...

... what's with the trend of more and more shoppers taking a "block the whole aisle" approach this holiday season? They leave the cart and stand on the opposite side as if taking the panoramic view of the shelves is necessary to make their selection. Then, their eyes glaze over and they seem to be oblivious to the fact that I want through. Shopping is not my forte in the first place, but I know exactly what I want and I know exactly where it is ... so stay out of my way! Don't stop spending (the economic recovery needs you) -- just do me a favor and keep things moving if you see me in the store!

http://askville.amazon.com/oblivious-shoppers-block-supermarket-aisles-past-stare-cans/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=1680454

Random Flashback for Friday 12/18/09

Christmas at my sister Sherry's apartment meant adding to my Batman collection twenty years ago. [... and with ever present interest in that franchise, see how things come full circle when you have an everlasting marketing concept and eternal comic icon!] May your gifts this holiday season delight you as much as this did me in 1989! Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Random Thought for Thursday 12/17/09

So if you follow my posts, you might have figured out that I watch a little television on the side -- now including Britain's Missing Top Model on BBCAmerica. This reality competition show searches for the next disabled model amongst competitors who are deaf, missing limbs, paraplegic, etc. and is not as garish as it may sound. For an interesting gut check in how you view disabilities and as a unique study of prejudice, both overt and disguised, check out episodes where the disabled contestants turn on the deaf girls because their disability isn't obvious to an observer so it's felt that they can't represent, or where judges struggle to deliver constructive criticism while being sensitive to the girls' conditions and limitations. Ultimately, the show is just an opportunity to hold the mirror to yourself to see how you respond -- quite clever to disguise it as a reality show if you ask me.

http://press.bbcamerica.com/?program_id=117

Random Wordplay for Wednesday 12/16/09

Play Yard.

Used in a sentence: "So apparently when I wasn't looking, playpens became Play Yards in what I can only presume is some misguided political correctness hanky-panky." Don't those who lead the PC charge know that prisoners in the "pen" usually get to spend at least one hour a day out in the "yard"?

Didn't we just change one baby penitentiary metaphor for another, although now with a word that at least implies an expanse of area (even though I doubt the contraptions actually got any bigger)?

http://www.slate.com/id/2224431

Random Tune for Tuesday 12/15/09

Okay ... humor me just one more time with more 09 Dead Celebrity randomness. I promise that this completes my people-we've-lost-this-year trilogy. And I promise to go all "holiday-ey" on next week's tune. For today, though, enjoy this gem of Bea Arthur's (in poor quality, I admit) and don't tell George Lucas I posted it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzXKySxPFCI

Random Memorial for Monday 12/14/09

Gone but not forgotten: Arby's Big Montana.

Back home, I can remember one of the perks of driving to Park City was getting to stuff my face at Arby's with this cholesterol-killer of a sandwich. Then, corporate had to go and change the name of the sandwich to "Large" in a fit of uncreativity. By the way [prurient content alert] ... for those of you hipper than I, until this morning, I had no idea that this memory from my past has a slightly different connotation on the streets. Look it up in urbandictionary if you dare (not the link below), and know that you have been forewarned.

http://lotgk.wordpress.com/2007/11/02/arbys-big-montana-roast-beef/

Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 12/13/09

What Chicago is talking about this week:

The "guilt tax" -- having to say "no" at registers when every store is looking for an extra dollar for its cause or having to avoid eye contact with the kettle Santas this time of year -- is being used to describe the cause-based marketing going on at many retailers. And why not? An extra dollar here and there can really add up when the final tally is known -- and if you don't have that extra dollar, then you can take the approach of the lady in the article -- "I don't mind them asking, so long as they don't mind me saying no!"

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=343686

Random Soapbox for Saturday 12/12/09

I don't mean to go off on a rant here, but ...

... Hollywood casting agents -- how dare you! How dare you cast perennial slacker icon Cabin Boy Chris Elliot as Lily's FATHER on the recent Slapsgiving (2) episode of How I Met Your Mother. How dare you blatantly rub my age in my face! How dare you interfere with my perception that I'm just like Robin, Barney, Ted, Lily and Marshall by forcing me to face the reality that I'm at least half-a-generation beyond those characters! I've been comfortable just watching Chris' actual daughter on SNL these past two years because I didn't have to put two and two together! At least the same episode provided us with Aldrin Games Unlimited.

http://www.inkslinger.org/funlab/?p=80

Random Flashback for Friday 12/11/09

Tis the season ... or twas the season 20 years ago ... for holiday parties, for returning back to the dorm still a little buzzed, for toasting it all (whilst toasted) in the lobby of Mary Green, and for the cardigan sweater craze that made me feel dressed up (?). Ms. Klinsky, my date for the night, wherefore art thou? [Or, if I remember my Shakespeare correctly, just where are you -- I know why you are.]

Random Thought for Thursday 12/10/09

After six seasons and countless product placement pitches in Top Chef, I realized after watching the finale last night and after hearing that the Glad Family would be giving $125,000 to the winner again that I wanted to find this generous brood. A few clicks and I think I've located them ... what's that? It's the makers of the Glad Family of Products? It's just artful commercializing?? The Glad Family I found below isn't giving young Vitaglio his seed money to start his restaurant??? Are you sure -- they look like foodies! On Sat Nov 21, they had an "Eat Your Weight in Cheese Day" with fondue pics!!

http://thegladfamily.blogspot.com/

Random Wordplay for Wednesday 12/9/09

Moses.

Used in a sentence: "I have found the anti-christ, the one world religious figure that signals the end of time, the force that unites Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, the real potential worldwide weapon of mass destruction (WWMD -- what would Moses do?): and he is Moses -- he who is second best prophet in Islam after Mohammed, he who led the Jews to the edge of the Promised Land, and he who is interwoven in America's history, according to the book below. Interesting ... and not Revelations style scary at all."

http://brucefeiler.com/books/americas-prophet/

Random Tune for Tuesday 12/8/09

I'll stick with the dead celebrity jag for inspiration with regards to these ditties as 09 draws to a close. When I was younger, I posited that perhaps Michael and Janet were the same person ... until this video hit. "Stop pressurin' me ... makes me want to SCREAM!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxkVaYlrfh8&feature=fvw

Random Memorial for Monday 12/7/09

Gone but not forgotten: Arrested Development.

I know that the Bluth family shenanigans live on in the DVD collection, the occasional airings on G4 (why the kids' gaming channel, I have no idea) and in the hopes of a talked about big screen offering (Michael Cera -- don't you get too indie hip for your own good) as soon as a script is written. And in the meantime, for another comedy that holds up amazingly to multiple viewings, that makes you appreciate the meaning of the word guffaw, that fearlessly matches up talented actors to outstanding roles and that is smart enough to let you laugh when you want to (no tracks here), ABC's Modern Family is my replacement -- if you haven't seen it yet -- check it out at the link below.

Ultimately, though ... Arrested Development, you are fondly remembered.

http://abc.go.com/shows/modern-family

Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 12/6/09

What Chicago is talking about this week:

Stay clear of Western Avenue today (Sunday) as the best PR for biker families since Gar, Rusty and Dozer took care of Rocky (in the classic Mask -- the Cher version, not the Jim Carrey one for you young 'uns) takes over the street with dozens upon dozens of motorcycles beladen with toys for tots as it parades to the drop-off point. Tis the season!

http://www.chicagolandtft.org/faq.htm

Random Soapbox for Saturday 12/5/09

I don't mean to go off on a rant here, but ...

... I'm the victim of a mean game of bait and switch played by PBS. I just got done watching a Nature special on baby animals that was advertised with pictures of cute and cuddly critters but instead featured newborn spiders that fed on their mother after birth, a sickly little lemur torturedly abandoned by its momma who couldn't carry her any longer, lions who promptly kill cubs upon taking over a new pride and baby elephants getting kicked in the face when the bull felt it was interfering with the sex it was trying to have with the little one's mom. I know nature is rough and it's not all Disney-fied "Circle of Life" nonsense, but talk about not knowing what I was getting into!

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/born-wild-the-first-days-of-life/introduction/5258/

Random Flashback for Friday 12/4/09

Who might stop by Mary Green 213 during finals week at LVC 20 years ago? Why Delphians-to-be Stacey and Darcy, of course. Ah... youth ...

Random Thought for Thursday 12/3/09

Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die -- Malachy McCourt. I know I can carry a grudge until it weighs on me like Atlas shouldering the world, but maybe today's the day to find a little forgiveness in your life. Added bonus -- look at the "users who liked also liked" quotes in the link to see how the famous thinkers Buddha, Confucius and Nietzsche are joined by modern day philosopher Ann Landers!

http://thinkexist.com/quotation/resentment_is_like_taking_poison_and_waiting_for/214912.html

Random Wordplay for Wednesday 12/2/09

Graphic Artist.

Used in a sentence: "The other participants in the new Chef Academy were all concerned that Emmanuel was really Jean Val Jean, a former porn star, even though he had said he was a graphic artist."

Actually, doesn't graphic artist cover all his bases anyway since he was a performer in some pretty graphic scenes? The truth was there all along, hiding in plain sight!

http://showhype.com/story/emmanuel-delcour-bravo-tv-official-site/

Random Tune for Tuesday 12/1/09

The Entertainment Weekly "dead celebrity" edition was in my mailbox this weekend, so today's tune is the song from the Dirty Dancing soundtrack that he sang -- I'd have posted him singing something from Roadhouse (my favorite Swayze film), but I'm pretty sure that he and Sam Elliott did not duet in that movie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVi4PUx8bXk

Random Memorial for Monday 11/30/09

Gone but not forgotten: Nov 2009's streak of above average Chicago weather.

I returned to town tonight just in time to catch the news that arctic air and possible snow accumulation await us as December starts. What's ending with tonight's turn of the monthly calendar? The longest streak of above normal Nov temps since 1870. I shall think of you fondly, streak of 50 degree Nov 2009 days, particularly when I undoubtedly curse my choice of coat later this week with the first wind chills in the teens!

http://blog.chicagoweathercenter.com/

Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 11/29/09

(Sorry for the late post, but I'm still on the road back to Chicago from my high school reunion weekend.)

What Lebanon is talking about this week:

I thought I'd switch it up a bit and highlight something from my hometown (instead of taking a proverbial swing at Tiger [allegedly, Elin has that covered]). Operation Santa is now in full effect back home. Help contribute to the goal of $40,000 to help over fifty dozen families have a semblance of Christmas this year. Just a small donation to this annual project (it's been going on as long as I can remember!) can go a long way to demonstrating the true spirit of the holiday season for some fifty dozen families!

http://www.ldnews.com/ci_13879517

Random Soapbox for Saturday 11/28/09

I don't mean to go off on a rant here, but ...

... why is it that keys basically all look the same? I'm back home in PA with keys from a previous lifetime, and I have no idea where half of them would go! And what's with all the luggage keys (pre 9/11) and file cabinet ones? Do I actually have the key that unlocks Gore's famous lock box from a few years back? Frustration! And I will never solve the mystery. Unlike the slipper quest for Prince Charming, there are too many holes out there for me to possibly try to match up one of my keys (and I'm not speaking euphemistically). Double frustration!!

http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/algore/a/prezgoresnl.htm

Random Flashback for Friday 11/27/09

Back to the holiday season 1989 and a winter formal over at Millersville with Holly. Tomorrow night, we'll reconnect (along with many other LHS alum) at our 20th High School Reunion. I'm closing up the laptop and getting on the road to PA right now!

Random Thought for Thursday 11/26/09

I've seen the frequent postings this month about things for which we are thankful and I'd like to take a little different twist -- I am thankful for the challenges, the obstacles, the obstinates, the diversions from the path on which I thought I was travelling, the blindsides, the confusions, the illusions, the insurmountable odds, the all-in bets I made with non-winning hands, the disappointments, the frustrations, the breakdowns -- since it is because of these that I truly value the support, the love, the well-wishes that I've been blessed to receive from friends and family and special loved ones. I am thankful for a freedom to live my life, knowing that there is always a place of comfort to which I can return, no matter the result of my risk-taking. So ... that said ... Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/11/26/2009-11-26_83rd_annual_macys_thanksgiving_day_parade_2009_debuts_new_route_new_balloons_wit.html

Random Wordplay for Wednesday 11/25/09

Recall.

Used in a sentence: yesterday, the largest ever crib recall was announced.

I've seen enough new baby pics on FB from a wide variety of folks and I know from my days at Hills that recalls are only as good as getting the word out and I surmise that those of you with brand new babies might be experiencing new daily routines such that you might not have seen the news ... so, if relevant, read more below!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34116399/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/

Random Tune for Tuesday 11/24/09

Just caught up with last week's episode of Glee on the DVR last night, and the closing Lean On Me rendition reminded me of the support and inspiration I got from the HOBY seminar in 10th grade -- which was the first place I actually heard this song. As the holiday season descends on us all, it's the right message for the mood of those in a giving spirit. "Reach out and touch somebody's hand ... make this world a better place if you can."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPyaZiYSgv8

Random Memorial for Monday 11/23/09

Gone but not forgotten: bike-a-thon.

I trolled the internet looking for information about this event from my youth and found ... nothing. Remember leaving from your high school (didn't every county school participate?) and riding in to the county vo-tech/Hills area? I can remember the LHS path took us out to almost Cornwall, and around by Alcoa and back in on 5th avenue. Didn't we get sponsors per mile and raise money for shared resources in the county education offices? I know there's a walk-a-thon/dance-a-thon/run-a-thon for every cause now, but the bike-a-thon was the first fundraiser I remember.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/07/Map_of_Lebanon_County_Pennsylvania_School_Districts.png

Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 11/22/09

What Chicago is talking about this week:

I had a choice between the Holiday Light Spectacular on the Michigan Mile OR the guy who robbed his momma of the $67 she keeps in her bra -- while she was on a portable toilet. In the end, I decided that the citified version of Oedipus Rex was more scandalous. So, to all I say -- happy holidays and as hard as it may be this time of year, please keep your hands out of your mother's bra while she's doing her business this season!

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/11/cops-mom-in-wheelchair-robbed-by-son.html

Random Posting for Penn State 11/21/09

For those of you who like a little history with your college football on a November Saturday ... the land-grant trophy at risk today (not really, right, 'cause we are surely on our way to a ten win season) references laws passed in 1862 to codify the successes of Michigan State and Penn State (then known as Farmers' High School of PA) as a response to the Industrial Revolution sweeping across America.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land-grant_universities

Random Soapbox for Saturday 11/21/09

I don't mean to go off on a rant here, but ...

... the "as seen on TV" craze is just out of control. If it's not smokeless cigarettes (um ... don't you know it's the tobacco inside with which you are addicted -- not the shiny realistic light on its tip?), then it's the new one selling you what is basically a sheet sewed into a sleeping bag (with a place to slip in a pillow to keep it from moving around!). But can any of them beat the bottle tops that you put on cans? I'm sure it's made drinking and driving easier for those of us who can only afford the 30-packs of Schlitz or Old Mud ...

http://www.listphile.com/asseenontv/Bottle_Tops

Random Flashback for Friday 11/20/09

So this is the second week in a row where I have to go back even before 1989 (apparently I was running around on campus too busy to photograph much) -- and this holiday visit pic from 1984 that I took with a Kodak Disc camera (remember those?) includes my brother and his wife and my nephew. It could easily have been one of the first pictures I ever took.

Random Thought for Thursday 11/19/09

Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio is calling out to me to return to school (and as a former professional student who maxed out his student loans -- that's saying something). What scholarly siren is serenading me? The chance to participate in this real course offering: "[We] will focus on the underlying themes, character developments and relationships, running plots, interesting film techniques, and the obsessive fandom world surrounding the hit American comedy, The Office. A love of awkward comedy and Rainn Wilson is a must. Experience in watching the show is not necessary, but will be helpful to the student, as we will only have time to cover the significant episodes in Season 1-4. The class will meet twice a week to participate in screenings and discussions. Students will be expected to prepare responses for and contribute to discussions each week, and present a final presentation." And if that is full, then there's always the high level managerial economics course at Penn State (Erie), whose actual syllabus is listed below -- and if you look at the top of page 3, you'll discover that you basically duplicate "the Apprentice" all semester long!

http://psbehrend.psu.edu/navigational-page

Random Wordplay for Wednesday 11/18/09

Bite the Wax Tadpole.

Used in a sentence: there is only one place in the world where Coca-Cola is not known by its name -- a province in China where it loosely translated to "Bite the Wax Tadpole".

It was changed to fit in with the local dialect and became something loosely translated to "your tastebuds will rejoice". [Shout-out to Professor Brown at LVC (RIP) for informing me of this about twenty years ago.] To pick your own amusing story regarding the clash of language in marketing campaigns caused by globalization, see the link below!

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/BiteTheWaxTadpole

Random Tune for Tuesday 11/17/09

With Garth Brooks announcing his un-retirement for his Vegas shows, it's time to dust off his cassettes (for those too young to know, some of us got a dozen of them at a time through Columbia House in our youth -- and, hey, what's this Chris Gaines cassette doing here?). With so many songs from which to choose, I could really do one a week for a year or two. Instead, I'll highlight a youtube video connecting this beautiful song with the troops. I'm sure Mr. Yearwood would approve. [Try not to tear up at the crescendo.]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EFqmkIKeZw&feature=related

Random Memorial for Monday 11/16/09

Gone but not forgotten: Spuds MacKenzie.

Who knew? "He" was a girl! His/Her ads were pulled after MADD accused Budweiser of marketing to kids! His/Her actual name was "Honey Tree Evil Eye"! Were I to start my work week with alcohol, I would raise it and say "this bud's for you, Spuds"! You inspired Pete the dog to audition for Keen Eddie and Target to brand your style of cuteness to make me want to shop at its stores. May you rest in peace and live on in our memories (or for as long as Facebook exists).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spuds_MacKenzie

Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 11/15/09

What Chicago is talking about this week:

The biggest NIMBY battle of quite some time could be ahead if Gitmo detainees are transferred to a little town called Thomson on the Mississippi River and 150 miles away from Chicago. It begs the questions ... is 150 miles away really Chicago's "backyard"? if this were some new Jack Ryan mystery, mightn't Chicago be spared from any attack as the largest city nearby where any freed terrorists could rendezvous? would Al-Queida swim upstream on the Mississippi River like some spawning-driven salmon to free their kind? Creative types could have a heyday spinning all kinds of doomsday fearmongering scenarios ... but the folks in Thomson that were interviewed for this story were just excited about the prospect of work!

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-gitmo-illinois-15-nov15,0,247250.story

Random Posting for Penn State 11/14/09

So I'm watching the final quarter on delayed DVR (but with this score, I assume we win) ... my problem is that I'm going to have to watch the Iowa/Ohio State game just because of its implications. Damn you Big 10 for taking my whole Saturday away from me!

Random Soapbox for Saturday 11/14/09

I don't mean to go off on a rant here, but ...

... I'm drinking my usual 12 fl.oz. can of Coke and my thumb is right at the message on it that says VERY LOW SODIUM! It makes me feel good a little bit, until I notice that the numbers behind the claim reference 35 mg or less per 240mL -- and in parentheses I am informed that 240mL is equal to 8 fl.oz. So -- wait a minute -- in order to maintain low sodium intake on this product, am I supposed to not finish the whole can? What am I to do with the other 4 fl.oz.? Why wouldn't they tell me the sodium equivalent for the whole can I was drinking? Sneaky, tricky, fine print! (mind you, I'm still a Coke [TM] addict, and do not plan to reduce my consumption -- I'm just being grumpy). For more deception and trickery hidden in the fine print, become a regular viewer of www.mouseprint.org.

http://www.mouseprint.org/

Random Flashback for Friday 11/13/09

A little purposeful anachronism here -- this is from 1986 (not 1989 like all the others) but I couldn't resist slipping in a photo from Winter Retreat (a regular Hebron church camp activity). I'm pretty sure that I'm the guy on the floor -- a little religious hazing perhaps?

Random Thought for Thursday 11/12/09

So it takes a village, right? A new children's book takes hard-to-grasp concepts and places them within the context of a 100 person village so that kids can understand large numbers, percentages and how we all fit together. For instance, in the "village called America", 15 people would trace their ancestry back to Germany, 11 back to Ireland, etc. But the lessons aren't just for the underage set (once you understand the concept) -- five people share more than half of the wealth in the USA (and one person controls 30%) and the 60 poorest people share 4%. I'm not advocating that we move to a different spot on the Socialism/Capitalism continuum -- just that we pause to think.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-09-02-america-village_N.htm

Random Wordplay for Wednesday 11/11/09

Veteran.

Used in a sentence (penned by an unknown author): A veteran is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America," for an amount of "up to and including my life".

Even I know that there are some days when a healthy dose of snark is unnecessary.

Thanks to those who serve.

http://www.visitingdc.com/virginia/tomb-unknown-soldier-picture.htm

Random Tune for Tuesday 11/10/09

Picture this. Schuylkill Haven, PA. 1979. A boy can both get ready for school in the morning and rush home after school to catch his favorite cartoon. Unlike the post-ironic generation's love for anime, he's simply wrapped up in the mission to save Earth from disappearing. Ah ... StarBlazers!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5oniErmeuE

Random Musing for Monday 11/9/09

The difference between juvenile delinquents and Andre Agassi's daddy: Juvies keep duct tape in the glove box of their car in case they ever need to tape up their license plate to steal gas or to use it to quietly break into someone else's car window. Andre Agassi's daddy keeps a few dashes of salt and pepper in his pockets in case he has to blind someone in a street fight. Makes me want to reconsider whether I put my contacts in before I hit the streets just in case I run into any angry Armenians! Should I slip in a few ketchup packets to use as retaliation? Since the cost of living is out of control in my neighborhood, do angry Armenians upgrade to saffron-in-the-pocket?

http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20317243,00.html

Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 11/8/09

What Chicago is talking about this week:

While the rest of the world watches the House vote on the Health Reform bill (and one lone wolf from the other side of the aisle doesn't portend a bipartisan era), efforts are underway closer to home to re-set the stage for the repeal of Cook County's draconian sales tax -- but with a rewriting of the veto requirements and a determination that super-majorities are subject to gradation. Thanks to Gov Quinn, we replace the 80% humongous-majority rule with a more palatable 60% teeny-majority rule!

http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2009/11/quinn-to-sign-cook-county-veto-bill.html

Random Posting for Penn State 11/7/09

We are 3.5 point favorites (according to one betting site) and we "have the quarterback to cover the spread". What with Iowa dealing with their loss (of game and of injured Stanzi), the true measure of a team is how they pick themselves up after losing -- and we've done it by winning the last five with margins of at least 18! Let's do it again today!!

Random Soapbox for Saturday 11/7/09

I don't mean to go off on a rant here, but ...

... I have to say that I think that this menu item is just irresponsible. I understand merely offering this 9-1-1 sandwich -- nine burgers and eleven pieces of cheese -- doesn't force anyone to order it ... but I have to think that few people finish it and it seems like a waste of food when plenty of people are still going hungry. And for those who do finish it, I'm reminded how when it comes to cardiac disease, for 1 out of 3, death is the first symptom. Maybe I'm getting heated up over a novelty item, and as someone who tries to add bacon to everything, I know I'm opening myself up to claims of hypocrisy, but let's draw the line at the Quad Stacker at BK!

http://chicago.grubstreet.com/2009/10/eating_weiner_still_champions.html

Random Flashback for Friday 11/6/09

Me as Billy Einhorn in the LVC/Renato Biribin production of House of Blue Leaves ... and Bananas Shaughnessy (the schizo on the couch with me) played by the irrepressible Stacey Gilbert. I would say this is what I'll look like when I get older -- except that would presuppose that I would have kept this hair!

Random Thought for Thursday 11/5/09

So much of the internet is filled with people hiding behind clever usernames to make annoying or hurtful comments (not on FB of course), using the invisibility cloak of the internet to reduce their obligation to consider how their statements fail to demonstrate humanity -- all under the guise of web-induced-anonymity. Now -- from Sonic -- you can use a tater tot to message your true feelings about this week's football games! The system does not allow George Carlin's famous words, but I have successfully taunted that Ohio State's head coach Jim Tressel's wife has loose morals and that his daughter is being entertained by the whole football team (and will have at least one experience with someone from the cheerleading squad) and that half his team will contract an STD before graduation. And it sounds so cute because it's coming from a tater tot! I encourage you to spew venom and vitriol and other smack talk through the Sonic spokes-potato too!

http://tatertaunt.com/

Random Wordplay for Wednesday 11/4/09

"Geese in a line".

Used in a sentence: "If you think that you're gonna [insert desired outcome here], you better get all your geese in a line!"

I did a little research, and it seems the the origin of "ducks in a row" is in dispute. To avoid controversy and build consensus (and to heal the world one word/phrase at a time), why not avoid the dispute over whether that expression originated from bowling, or the pool-hall or while shipbuilding -- and let's rally around a clear concept (particularly on display this time of year) -- geese who want to cross a road line up single file to assault the asphalt. Join me in the revolution!

http://www.word-detective.com/2007/07/31/ducks-in-a-row-part-2/

Random Tune for Tuesday 11/3/09

So I was playing Cranium with the family recently, and I pulled the card for MC Hammer. I unwisely chose "humdinger" as my choice because I thought I could at least get the repeated phrase "Hammer-time" across. No such luck. I doubt I would have had much more of a chance with this song, but until today, I forgot he even sang this theme song. Wonder if it will be in the new musical version?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRAg_bjxTPg&feature=related

Random Musing for Monday 11/2/09

[Warning: possible blasphemy ahead] With the recently announced upgrade to the NIV Bible (which is what we used in the Methodist church I grew up in), it got me thinking. What if we let HBO update the stories to connect with today's youths? I could see the story of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abendengo easily becoming like Entourage ... and Alan Ball should be able to handle his version of Revelations (all True Blood style) ... Paul and Silas thrown in jail for singing God's praises in ACTS -- that could be re-set as an episode of OZ ... plus all the deaths (and resurrections) could easily fill a season of Six Feet Under. One of those mega-churches should be all over this idea ...

http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-09-01-bible-translation_N.htm

Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 11/1/09

What Chicago is talking about this week:

In order to escape from the actual news (more shootings ... more deaths ... more omnipresent violence), sometimes you have to push the boundaries of taste for a laugh. Best Halloween costume seen this year (and, fair warning -- it's on the other side of the line) was Drew and Stacey Peterson (Drew in prison garb, accompanied by a blue plastic tub). Most creative bastardization of Halloween tradition -- the outpouring of photo galleries with drunken, vomiting pumpkins! Happy Halloween or Happy Day of the Dead to you and yours ...

http://beer.gunaxin.com/drunk-pumpkins/1122