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