Paperless Mache Project

We're Going to Candy Mountain, Charlie

2009-09-16T14:01:00.002-05:00

Come hither blog readers! Jesse and I have formed a joint blog of epic proportions, titled: The Davis Firm. And I will be updating starting after now exclusively on the new blog. I am not guaranteeing that it's not a magical blog, but I'm pretty sure you won't end up losing a kidney. What more motivation do you need?

Classic:

Websurdity Wednesday: Perry, Okra, and Twitter Crisis

2009-09-16T10:24:00.008-05:00

As Jesse is revisiting his series (SFW) today, I too felt inspired to publish an edition of Websurity Wednesday. I am issuing the following awards today:

1. Most Inappropriate News Title: goes to NPR.com for "Open Your Mind (And Your Mouth) To Okra"
*the opening line of the article, "I have a wonderful relationship with okra, but it didn't start out that way." - gross.

2. Best Social Commentary on the Ridiculousness of Social Commentary During a Crisis Situation: goes to Lore Sjoberg for his most recent Alt Text on Wired.com
*kudos for exposing extra ridiculousness: "Two Australian girls, lost in a storm drain, recently used their cellphones to update Facebook to alert people about their predicament rather than calling emergency services. Some reports indicate they also took the time to complete a 'Which Smurf Are You Quiz,' and got the result 'Dangerously Oblivious Smurf.'"

3. Best Rick Perry Exposed Expose: goes to The Austin Statesman in a tie for "You can't confuse Rick Perry" and "Herman: Talk about boots on the ground - Rudy comes to Texas to stump for Rick"
*Confusion: "Throw a dime in a jar every time Perry says 'first and foremost' or tells you what 'the fact of the matter' is and you’ll have enough for a steak dinner before too long. But Perry’s favorite rhetorical tool of all time may be declaring that he, and the people of Texas, are not easily confused."
*Boots: "Hey, boys and girls, it's 'The Rick and Rudy Show,' the madcap antics of a GOP odd couple. One's for abortion and gay rights, the other isn't. One has a great head of hair, the other also has a head."

Enjoy!

i nano, or at least, i want

2009-09-11T11:27:00.005-05:00

With the return of a thin Steve Job s, Apple has debuted the new nano:

Not Just for Old Men

2009-09-10T08:57:00.003-05:00

In continuation of my apparent peanut gallery series on Drudge articles...

According to a Hitwise News and Media Category Weekly Report, the #1 search term in the US is "weather". With my degree in communications, I find it interesting how our old world culture of "talking about the weather" has transitioned into the faceless internet realm. Just as Samuel Johnson noted, "It is commonly observed, that when two Englishmen meet, their first talk is of the weather," we are still equally concerned with the ongoings of weather patterns - enough to communicate our interest out into the web abyss.

Also of worthy note on the search term report:

#8: unexplained phenomenon
#9: man slaps child
#14: chupacabra

Good to know where our national concerns and interests lie.

Fashion: H1N1 v. Sith

2009-09-04T08:26:00.004-05:00

One of the stories on Drudge today (headlined as: The H1N1 look hits Barcelona runways...), features this photo:

However, after viewing the entire gallery from the fashion show, I think we should be more concerned about the Sith invasion:

Beware: the force is strong with this one.

Snow White and the 7 X-Men?

2009-09-01T09:21:00.002-05:00

Bam! Pow! Nooooooooo! Just as Marvel has introduced most of it's big name characters in feature films (successfully, except for Hulk and Daredevil) and alluded to future Avenger films and sequels, they sell out to Disney?! For some reason, the thought of Mickey Mouse saying, "Why, hello there Wolverine" or seeing teenagers wearing Iron Man or Spiderman mascot costumes at Disney theme parks makes me want to vom. Although, Disney might see this as their ticket into the recently popular vampire phenomenon with Marvel's Blade series:

"Vampires...I'll limit myself to observing that with the increasing popularity of vampires, we're on the verge of the unicorn syndrome all over again. If it hasn't happened already, in a few months look for airbrushed posters of sad vampires in Wal-Marts everywhere, and in a decade look for female college students saying to each other 'Were you into vampires when you were nine? Me too! We were such dorks!' "

It begins. Nothing says "Magical World of Disney" better.

Terminator: The California Garage Sale

2009-08-28T15:55:00.003-05:00

The Governator strikes gold, genius, and bust simultaneously with a State garage sale:

"For the two-day event that ends Saturday, the state is selling off seized property and surplus supplies."

Among items being sold at extreme discounts: cars, motorcycles, laptops, Blackberrys, tools, desk chairs, antique pianos, cameras, surf boards, jewelry, etc.

So is this idea brilliant or lack luster? The article states that California is expecting to make $1 million in profit, which is chump change in comparison to their debts. And now they are going to be broke with nothing to show for it...

Mean Green Madness

2009-08-28T08:29:00.005-05:00

OK, I LOVE North Texas, and as a previous Eagle Ambassador I learned most all of UNT's Traditions, so you can imagine my curiosity when I received the August UNT Insider newsletter linking to a new UNT Traditions website. Upon clicking the link, I started reading about the origins of UNT's nickname, the "Mean Green":

The first two paragraphs in the Mean Green section state:

"There are many spoken origins to the name "Mean Green." The oldest written source comes from a 1967 Dallas Morning News article by Randy Galloway entitled "MEAN GREEN ON THE LOOSE! Defense Swallows Foes For NTSU."

The article features defensive players; James "steals kids' candy" Ivy, Lindy "cheats at marbles" Endsley, Joe "kicks puppies" Greene, Ret "slugs old ladies" Little, Charles "the hatchet" Beatty, Henry "tears up dolls" Holland, Bob "likes to let air out of wheel chair tires" Tucker."

Wha? Oh how this makes me love North Texas more! I wish I had sweet nickname, although ol' "cheats at marbles" seems rather less than threatening...was he the Brick Tamlin of the football team?

For Great Justice

2009-08-27T16:16:00.003-05:00

According to a recent Wired.com article (titled, China: All Your Rare-Earth Metals Belong To Us), China has become self-aware...self-aware of the value in the modern world's need for rare-earth metals. The article reference's an article from Britain's Telegraph, which states:

"Beijing is drawing up plans to prohibit or restrict exports of rare earth metals that are produced only in China and play a vital role in cutting edge technology, from hybrid cars and catalytic converters, to superconductors, and precision-guided weapons. "

Where would we be without our rare-earth metals?! Perhaps Zero Wing was more of a warning than a mishap in translation:

Destiny: LCARS on a PADD?

2009-08-25T11:41:00.005-05:00

Perhaps the recent revival of Star Trek has awakened the dormant creativity of technology geek inventors, but whatever the reason, I too am geekishly giddy about the rumored Apple Mac tablet. Although tablet pc's are not new to the increasingly popular laptop market, they have been less than desirable products. However, Apple's success in creating the iphone and itouch (essentially mini tablet) devices has opened up new possibilities for equaled success in a tablet. Especially as Verizon and AT&T are starting to sell netbook devices with internet broadband service (accessible any where). In addition, the iphone/itouch have created a market demand/society's acceptance of touch technology. A few major pluses:

1. Possibly the return of cell phones to their primary use....as a phone. As the Blackberry and iphone can be annoyingly slow/inefficient in web access and applications, a mobile tablet could resolve the processing speed and viewing issues (not to mention storage for music/photo files and battery life).

2. Say adios to Kindle. Why buy a Kindle when you can buy a new laptop (same size) with mobile internet access and a book app? I would hope for a textbook app...

I am sure there are more, but for now...ring ring....Mac Tablet?

Tailored for a Lawyer

2009-07-21T14:10:00.006-05:00

I recently rediscovered an old favorite time waster of mine - once only available on computer cd, now readily accessible via a series of tubes - You Don't Know Jack. One mini game, Dis or Dat "Pant Suits" made my day (as a non-law student):

Dog Days of Summer

2009-07-01T08:40:00.004-05:00

I know Jesse has talked some about our 2 dogs on his blog, but since I tend to over-introduce everyone...have you met Sandy and Rufus?

With Jesse gone this Summer and with my Summer work schedule, the dogs are starting to get a little needy. Honestly, it's more like Fatal Attraction at the Davis house lately. It started with me turning around and one or both of the dogs laying down staring at me...creepily. Then the messages at work started...

Hmm. Odd. And then they started staying out at night...in my room. Yes, this is when things get weird. No, but seriously, the dogs have always been crated during the day...they were pound puppies and always wanted to go in their crates...kind of like a "safety zone" (if you want to use fancy dancy technical terms), not unlike the Danger Zone but very unlike the Safety Dance. It's like the Godfather always said, "Leave the hats, take the airplanes." Yeah, he never said that.

Anyways, so Sandy the Dog hates the crate now. It is the saddest, most pathetic scene in the morning...and it doesn't help that she is such a submissive dog already. It started a couple of weeks ago, with her slowly, her head hanging, getting in the crate and not eating the biscuit. Like, maybe if I don't eat the biscuit, they won't make me stay in here. Then last week she started just not going in immediately. Standing in the kitchen, like "I didn't hear you, haha." Then it became laying in the kitchen, rolling over begging. Then the latter plus dead dog/limp body not moving and me having to lift her up and put her in the crate. Now it has escalated to the latter, but she goes and lays on her soft pillow bed and gives me the Bolt begging look:

Then she won't move. Not for anything. Food? No. Baby talk? No. Force? Definitely no. So, again, as I am running late for work, I have to pick her up and put her in the crate. I have had to change my phone number and the locks on the doors from all this dog stalkery. Sandy has also been jumping up on the kitchen counter...I'm pretty sure she's scouting out the knives. Yikesers.

North Korea Smash

2009-06-25T08:19:00.003-05:00

Dear North Korea,

A few key points to keep in mind as you continue to threaten the United States with total nuclear annihilation:

1. Gathering in a prearranged mass "shouting 'Let's smash!' in unison while punching clenched fists in the air" is not intimidating - it's ridiculous. I know that due to U.N. sanctions, you may not have access to the best educational resources, but the U.S. is larger than the 5 inches you see on a map.

2. "A placard showed hands crushing a missile with 'U.S.' written on it." OK, whoa. Clearly this is a lose lose situation...but if you want to try your hand (yuck yuck) at punching some armed U.S. missiles...

Also, if your fists are supposed to represent the total destruction of Godzilla, you might want to rethink your strategy...Godzilla might have been able to smash those Italians, but who didn't back in the day? Also, Nintendo is totally ahead of you with a smash product line - in fact, we may have to sanction you for copyright infringement. Muwhahaha...where's your fist now?

3. Now, if you are talking Jesse Davis smash style, then we should be quivering in fear.

4. A leader is the voice and face of the nation:

Love,
Me

Appalachia, cough, Argentina

2009-06-24T14:20:00.002-05:00

Oh how the mighty Marky Marks of Republicans have fallen...but did you have to be so stupid about it? Really? The Appalachian Trail? Your staff couldn't have said out of the country? On vacation at an undisclosed location? Who thought saying Appalachian Trail was a good cover? Seriously. Also, what up with your press conference? Way to set a sinking ship on fire.

Randomness this madness brought to mind:

Also, on the National Parks website for the Appalachian Trail, they describe it as:

The People's Path and America's First National Scenic Trail

"The body of the Trail is provided by the lands it traverses, and its soul is in the living stewardship of the volunteers and workers of the Appalachian Trail community."

-from the Appalachian Trail Management Principles and the A.T. Comprehensive Plan

Do wha? Inappropriate NPS!

Rockin' the 'raq

2009-06-12T12:56:00.003-05:00

This week Stephen Colbert, sponsored by the USO, took his show to Iraq and I agree with Matt Lauer - although, an understatement - "now, that's good television." It was an amazing show - a classy salute to the troops, great interviews with the military and Iraqi government officials, and hilarious pre-taped bits that made me fall off my seat laughing. Please find the links to the full episodes below, support the troops, and enjoy (they get better and better each day)!

Stephen Colbert's sign off on Thursday:

"I want to thank the troops here and around the world - I am rarely at a loss for words, but when I think of all you've sacrificed for your country these past six years, it really seems insufficient to say 'thank you' and really inappropriate to say 'holy sh*t.' So, I'll just say what I hope you will all be able to say soon - 'Honey, I'm coming home.'"

Monday: The Hair

Tuesday: Boot Camp

Wednesday: Tom Hanks

Thursday: Thunderbirds and the Hokie Pokie

Don't Tase Me Bro...or My Granny

2009-06-10T12:40:00.003-05:00

First of all, I highly recommend The Hangover - Jesse, Michelle, and I saw last Friday and it was hilarious. I was afraid with all the movie promotions/advertisements that the trailers would spoil the movie, but thankfully no, it was still preserved in pure gloriousness...and yes, that's probably somewhere on the scale of preservation between prehistoric ice and formaldehyde. Also, there is a stellar taser scene...which, made me laugh inappropriately when I saw this video on the Today Show this morning:

Oh, Taser memories:

Government Auto Matchmaker?

2009-06-02T13:46:00.005-05:00

Government matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match...As we enter the month of June, the government seems to be busy shotgun marrying American auto makers to foreign companies and tax payers' wallets. The WSJ.com eloquently highlights GM's recent engagement bliss in the article titled, "GM Collapses Into Government's Arms." As an unwilling investor in this matrimonial scheme, I am uneasy - seems like GM is just in it for the money...Let's hope for a quick divorce (well, let's hope for an annulment). Or should we hope for a partnership of the caliber of the Blades of Glory Fire and Ice routine?

So, is GM registering at Bed Bath and Beyond?

I'm Not a Celebrity, Make it Stop

2009-05-21T11:28:00.004-05:00

With the announcement of Rod Blagojevich's wife's participation in the ever intelligent series "I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here" on the Today Show this morning, I say make it stop. She claims that she only agreed to be on the show for financial reasons (due to the struggling economy, not her husbands famed indiscretions, of course), and not because she thinks she is a celebrity. Which she is clearly not. But she also clearly likes the attention and the money. The wife apple apparently doesn't fall far from the husband tree. All I have to say is an SNL Really? You couldn't find any other form of income? You were forced into this reality series? Really?

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Leprechauns, Law, Layoffs, and Long Hours

2009-05-19T11:09:00.005-05:00

As we enter the Summer months, I will not be able to blog as often due to long hours on the job...but, every once in a while, I will Leprechaun post. Yes, I said Leprechaun post.

Defined:

Leprechaun (or any other mythical creature ; I chose Leprechauns because the YouTube videos 1 and 2; but, I probably should have gone with Vampires as they are sure to be the new airbrushed poster subjects replacing the famed unicorn) Post - (n) a blog post that contains elements of wonder and magic; also a blog post that is rarely seen - one might have to squint or look up in a tree to catch a glimpse of said post; a special rarity worthy of airbrushing or a pot of gold.

O'blog continued: In continuing with the graduation theme from my last post, this past weekend was Baylor's graduation. The local news in Waco reported on how this year is a very tough time to be graduating - according to 1 study, only 10% of graduates have been able to secure a job. This number is pretty staggering, but this morning while I was surfing the WSJ. com website, I found another disturbing article discussing the grim prospects for graduating law students. In an interview with legal consultant Peter Zeughauser, the reporter asks:

"Not a good time to be coming out of law school, is it?

It’s not. But it’s really not a good time to be a 2L. They’re going to get hit the worst, I think. "

The article also discusses the possibility of seeing "dramatically reduced offers to summer associates at the end of this summer, and dramatically reduced offers for people to come in as summers in 2010. These cuts could be very dramatic, as much as slashed by 90 percent."

Dum dum duuuuuuuum.

Potemkin and Circumstance

2009-05-12T09:21:00.006-05:00

"Farewell the neighing steed, and the shrill trump,
The spirit-stirring drum, the ear-piercing fife,
The Royal banner, and all quality,
Pride, Pomp, and Circumstance of glorious war!".

After Michelle's (Jesse's younger sister's) graduation this past weekend, I was reminded how Sir Elgar's march perfectly illuminates the pageantry of ceremonies - perhaps, gratuitously?

Also, with regards to Obamacare, the WSJ.com used some serious rhetorical language - perhaps gratuitously?

"This new entitlement -- like Medicare but open to all ages and all incomes -- would quickly crowd out private insurance as people gravitated to heavily subsidized policies, eventually leading to a single-payer system. So Democrats are trying to seduce diffident Republicans with a Potemkin compromise. A "soft" public option would limit enrollment only to the uninsured or those employed by small businesses, or include promises that the plan will pay market rates. As recently proposed by Chuck Schumer, it would pay claims entirely with premiums and co-pays. But if the plan can't force down reimbursement rates through brute force, and doesn't get taxpayer dollars, why bother to "compete" with private plans?

The truth is Democrats know that any policy guardrails built this year can be dismantled once the basic public option architecture is in place. The White House strategy is to dilute it just enough to win over credulous Republicans. That is what has always happened with government health programs..."

Potemkin healthcare promises or not, prepare yourselves for the congressional "Pride, Pomp, and Circumstance of glorious war!" to come.

Los Pantelones de Pakistan Estan en Fuego

2009-05-06T10:11:00.005-05:00

"Let me be blunt," Rep. Gary Ackerman said. "Pakistan's pants are on fire."

Laughing already? Honestly, the audio is even better. Oh NPR, how you make my morning commute!

Although the Congressman's comment is a ridiculous rhetorical use of childhood name calling/taken our of context awesome, the recent events in Pakistan are extremely serious with regards to Obama's laissez-faire Middle East policy. I am not advocating that the Bush Doctrine is correct, but like it or not we are 100% involved and a new President doesn't suddenly erase the ghosts of Middle East past.

The facts are clear:

1. The Taliban is a real threat to U.S. national security
2. The Taliban advocates the suppression of women
3. The Taliban is supported by al-Qaeda
4. Pakistan is a nuclear nation
5. The Taliban has "advanced beyond their Swat valley stronghold to Buner valley, which is just 60 miles (100 km) northwest of the capital, Islamabad."
6. We fear the consequences of N. Korea and Iran obtaining nuclear weapons.
7. Please reread numbers 4 and 5.

Yes. Very serious, indeed.

Tracking the Trek

2009-05-05T09:51:00.003-05:00

Although I have never been a Trekkie, I did grow up watching The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager with my dad. (Geek note: we also might or might not have had a Star Trek phaser remote.) I really did enjoy the series, but I have never seen a Star Trek movie - nor do I understand all the intricacies of Star Trek culture, jargon, or the Klingon language. I just find it entertaining. So, all this said, I am looking forward to seeing my first Star Trek movie in a few days:

Also, Kingons are awesome.

Swiss Chee$e, No More Holes

2009-05-04T13:44:00.007-05:00

Swiss $$ and Tax Loopholes, that is. Although my fellow conservatives may disagree (mainly on the principle of the government telling you what you can and can't do with your own money), I actually agree with Obama and applaud his effort to "shut down offshore tax havens and end provisions that U.S. companies have used to underreport overseas profits..."

Here is a link to video of Obama announcing the news from WashingtonPost.com.

Now we must wait until later this week to find out the details of these efforts and whether they will be constitutional and whatnot. Details, shmetails - right?

Sout Up!

2009-05-01T09:08:00.004-05:00

As rumors of Justice Souter retiring from the court are running rampant this morning, let's consider "What would Barney do?" The answer: Sout Up. As Bush Uno nominated Souter as a conservative shoe-in, all we can hope for is a similar, fair and equal nominee from Obama. Muwhahahaha...Justice served.

Anyways, if you are not familiar with the Suit Up reference from How I Met Your Mother, please find some educational resources below:

Chasing Narnia

2009-04-30T09:21:00.009-05:00

DISCLAIMER: this is NOT a therapy session blog post.

Do you ever feel happy? I mean, REALLY stupid, substance-free induced, happy? So happy that one may feel compelled to frolic in order to release said happiness? I know that this type of happiness might be difficult to comprehend in these times of impending doom (swine flu, economic collapse, N. Korea, Afghanistan, pirates, Obama's First 100 Days, etc.), but after watching the first 40 seconds of one of the trailers on the Simpson's Movie DVD, I can confidently say: It does exist and it is HILARIOUS.

Other local happiness locations:

1. West Fest in West, TX in a field of mushrooms - with one in glasses and with a mushrump:

2. Possibly at one of Jesse's Law prof's house - the term "Narnia" did surface while we were there for an advocacy teams dinner...

3. The original Narnia in McLean, VA at the Barringer Southern Grounds.

PS: Hans Zimmer's Spider Pig Theme is AMAZING.

The Worst Hundred Days

2009-04-29T09:35:00.004-05:00

Mustaches, Foreheads, and Jowls - oh my! Although we may feel lost in the woods as the U.S. has definitely seen better days, we have also seen many worse. But, I wonder what milestone excuse the media will use next to talk about Obama..The Second Hundred days? The day after the First Hundred days?

Pistols for Pandas

2009-04-28T13:17:00.003-05:00

'Cause it's a good cause.

One Flu Over The Swine-Pig's Nest

2009-04-28T07:57:00.001-05:00

How Swine Infect Humans

2009-04-27T09:16:00.005-05:00

Yes, more Swine Flu humor through "art"... I feel like there should be a joke about pork barrel spending here...

Pigs CAN Fly

2009-04-24T16:44:00.009-05:00

Apparently, pigs can fly (with the help of birds) - that's how the sneaky avians created swine flu in their secret sky labs.

Also, doesn't Avian Flu just sound better? I mean, Swine Flu? Really?

Let's Give a Cheer for the U of NT!

2009-04-22T16:47:00.003-05:00

In reading the North Texas Newsletter, I noticed a small article about a larger than life UNT Alumnus, Francis Stroup:

"UNT fight song composer and alumnus Francis Stroup is featured on the New York Times web site, sharing his story about starting his career in the Depression era and his days in Denton and Golden, Texas. Music always has been a part of his life, and when he entered 'Fessor Floyd Graham's contest for a marching song, he crafted 'Fight, North Texas.' After graduating in 1929, Dr. Stroup went on to teach and eventually became a professor of physical education at Northern Illinois University. This year will mark his 100th birthday, his 80th class reunion and the 70th anniversary of the adoption of 'Fight, North Texas.'"

Here is a link to him discussing the Great Depression and college job market during that time.

Knutty Newt

2009-04-22T08:13:00.005-05:00

In 2007, Newt Gingrich coauthored A Contract With The Earth - a probusiness approach to proenvironment initiatives. While I have not read the book, I applaud the Former Speaker's efforts to promote Green Conservatism - a passion that both Jesse and I share. Conservation, new green technologies, and recycling go hand in hand with the conservative movement - by saving resources we save money, a green revolution can be launched through the innovations of industry.

Here is a rhetorical video on Green Conservatism - heavy on the marketing, heavy on the awesome.

Chuckle worthy afterthought: "Newt has liked animals and zoos since he was a little boy." Because nothing says conservation like animals in concrete cages.

For Your Brainicle

2009-04-21T12:29:00.002-05:00

The May issue Wired features Brain Teasers/puzzles! So, if you are looking for a distraction, here is a link to each puzzle:

Digidoku	Answer Key	Secret Codons	Answer Key
Thanks for the Memories	Answer Key	Color Scheme	Answer Key
Pick Nine	Answer Key	Bearing the Weight	Answer Key
Mixed Signals	Answer Key	Mismatched Episode Titles	Answer Key
Split Screen	Answer Key	25 Non-Random Things About Me	Answer Key
Game Changers	Answer Key	Six Little Words	Answer Key
Shades of Gray	Answer Key	Two for the Price of One	Answer Key

Font Etiquette: Comic Sans What?

2009-04-21T10:10:00.006-05:00

You. How dare you use this font!

Apparently, there is large underground movement to remove Comic Sans from Microsoft fonts due to "inappropriate" use - such as composing serious emails, signage, Beanie Babies tags, etc. when the original intent was for comic strip word bubbles.

The movement has gained significant momentum - enough to attract the WSJ:

"Typefaces convey meaning, typographers say. Helvetica is an industry standard, plain and reliable. Times New Roman is classic. Depending on your point of view, Comic Sans is fun, breezy, silly or vulgar and lazy."

Intense, WSJ.

The Ban Comic Sans Movement has a website with an ever so clever slogan "putting the sans in comic sans."

For more background on this infontjustice, here is a link to the wikipedia article.

Yes. There is a T-Shirt.

Rubrik's Cuba?

2009-04-20T09:57:00.006-05:00

Puzzling indeed.

First, the Obama handshake/gift exchange = a media slap in the face. Most politicians and pundits are all up in arms about the handshake, but what about the actual gift Chavez gave to Obama? Here ya go Obama, here's a book about the history of Latin America, as you obviously know nothing about the region. Yeah, that's offensive. The handshake can easily be played off as Obama's commitment to respecting foreign nations.

Also, I admit that I am not an expert on Latin America, but I do agree with Michael Barone that Obama's priorities seem discombobulated:

"As Barack Obama finishes up his second major foreign tour, a pattern in his approach to foreign policy seems to be emerging. On pressing matters of obvious importance, he has made responsible decisions that have not been far out of line with the policies of his predecessor and current necessities. But when it comes to seting priorities for the future, he has chosen to emphasize initiatives that seem more appropriate to situations America faced in his college years, the late 1970s and early 1980s, than to the threats America faces today...

In 1961, the year Obama was born, Cuba was a central preoccupation of American foreign policy. Today Cuba (population 11 million) is not a major problem. Meanwhile, the Obama administration violates the North American Free Trade Association treaty by banning trucks from Mexico (population 109 million), refuses to ratify the free-trade agreement with Colombia (population 44 million), and, despite our need for alternative fuels, makes no move to rescind the 54-cent tariff on sugar ethanol from Brazil (population 191 million).

Obama campaigned as the candidate of hope and change. But on pressing matters he has, responsibly, not produced as much change as many of his supporters expected. And in setting priorities, he seems to be heading back to the distant past, to the disarmament debates of the 1970s and 1980s, to the frenzy over Cuba in 1961-62. Is that the change we need?"

As cold war bunkers are being turned into mansions, Mr. Barone offers an interesting debate topic. Ms. Lanier, do you have any enlightening words of wisdom about Latin America foreign policy as a scholar of Brazil? Thoughts on Cuba?

Mary Not OK

2009-04-20T09:12:00.003-05:00

I recognize that Mary K offers a great career for women and helps to empower women to provide for themselves while also taking care of a family, etc. BUT. Please do not solicit Mary K products to me on Facebook or Twitter - I accepted you as a friend, not as a sales rep. I'll poke you, not you poke me. Booya.

Talkin' Trash

2009-04-16T16:11:00.004-05:00

And I'm not talkin' about the Homeland Security Department (although I probably should be) -I'm talkin' true garbage:

1. Jesse and I recently started a garden and compost - it's amazing! (and so is the air brushed picture above, courtesy of the EPA)

2. Wired.com is Tracing the Origins of Debris

3.

Morning Show Host Starts Charity To Rid World Of Flying Debris

The Great Awakening

2009-04-16T09:44:00.007-05:00

On March 11, 2009 Charles Murray delivered an intriguingly (but not surprisingly) intense speech at the AEI Annual Dinner. He described how as America is pushed towards the European model of society by it's politicians, that the American public will begin to resist more and more (until eventually overcoming this liberal movement through the endorsement of American elites). He deems this return a new "Great Awakening" by way of American exceptionalism:

"American exceptionalism is not just something that Americans claim for themselves. Historically, Americans have been different as a people, even peculiar, and everyone around the world has recognized it. I'm thinking of qualities such as American optimism even when there doesn't seem to be any good reason for it. That's quite uncommon among the peoples of the world. There is the striking lack of class envy in America--by and large, Americans celebrate others' success instead of resenting it. That's just about unique, certainly compared to European countries, and something that drives European intellectuals crazy. And then there is perhaps the most important symptom of all, the signature of American exceptionalism--the assumption by most Americans that they are in control of their own destinies. It is hard to think of a more inspiriting quality for a population to possess, and the American population still possesses it to an astonishing degree. No other country comes close.

Underlying these symptoms of American exceptionalism are the underlying exceptional dynamics of American life. Alexis de Tocqueville wrote a famous book describing the nature of that more fundamental exceptionalism back in the 1830s. He found American life characterized by two apparently conflicting themes. The first was the passion with which Americans pursued their individual interests, and made no bones about it--that's what America was all about, they kept telling Tocqueville. But at the same time, Tocqueville kept coming up against this phenomenal American passion for forming associations to deal with every conceivable problem, voluntarily taking up public affairs, and tending to the needs of their communities. How could this be? Because, Americans told Tocqueville, there's no conflict. "In the United States," Tocqueville writes, "hardly anybody talks of the beauty of virtue. . . . They do not deny that every man may follow his own interest; but they endeavor to prove that it is the interest of every man to be virtuous." And then he concludes, "I shall not here enter into the reasons they allege. . . . Suffice it to say, they have convinced their fellow countrymen."

The exceptionalism has not been a figment of anyone's imagination, and it has been wonderful. But it isn't something in the water that has made us that way. It comes from the cultural capital generated by the system that the Founders laid down, a system that says people must be free to live life as they see fit and to be responsible for the consequences of their actions; that it is not the government's job to protect people from themselves; that it is not the government's job to stage-manage how people interact with each other. Discard the system that created the cultural capital, and the qualities we love about Americans can go away. In some circles, they are going away."

Will Obama's new New Deal policies and reports of "right-wing extremists" push the country back to more conservative roots? Can American exceptionalism be claimed by the conservative movement?

Websurdity Wednesday: Luchadors and Tea

2009-04-15T08:47:00.006-05:00

1. YES! Not a bsurd, just awesome. And I am totes going.

2. im blue da bu di da bu di

3. Commie Walkie-Talkies? Yeah, I'm pretty sure I saw Kim Jong Il endorsing Nextel.

4. Or maybe building an ark?

5. I pity the fool using a Garmin.

6. BK, Mexico is going to cut you for your crown and use it for drugs.

Gap Unveils New 'For Kids By Kids' Clothing Line

A New Segway to the Future of GM?

2009-04-14T11:47:00.000-05:00

Easter Gone Wrong

2009-04-14T11:26:00.005-05:00

SUPER thanks to Peter Pope for providing hysterical laughter for my family on Easter - yes, I even shared this with my mom!

Also included in this post are the inappropriate email forwards I received this year:

Websurdity Wednesday: Zombie Scabs

2009-04-08T08:48:00.009-05:00

Taking cue from Jesse Davis' alliterative themes + days of the week (see Theo Thursdays), I am trying out a new absurdity - Websurdity Wednesdays - to be filled with general ridiculousness. Are you asking yourself, "Self, what does that even mean?!" then you have successfully entered Websurdity Wednesday. Cheers!

Austin Powers takes over Slate.com title edits.

Celebrity Death Match: Communism v. Twitter (same idea, wired differently.)

Stress makes zombies. It's science. Be prepared or send a card.

Um, yeah, Wall Street, so do you need a bandaid or something? (Or will there be milkshake?)

Paint? Who needs paint when you can dribble blood on a canvas and smear it around with a stick?

Marrying for Love....and Healthcare?

2009-04-07T14:30:00.002-05:00

Recession madness continues, thanks to the NY Daily News! My 2 favorite quotes from the article:

1. I called to tell Adam the news. "Do you want me to cancel the dog walker?" he asked. I burst into tears.
2. "Are you looking for something in particular?" a salesgirl would ask. "Yes, actually," I'd say, "I'm getting married in Central Park in four hours."

We're Off to Mexico!

2009-04-06T15:59:00.001-05:00

Rockets, Restrooms, and Radio Active Material

2009-04-06T09:40:00.015-05:00

"This system of 50 symbol signs was designed for use at the crossroads of modern life: in airports and other transportation hubs and at large international events. Produced through a collaboration between the AIGA and the U.S. Department of Transportation, they are an example of how public-minded designers can address a universal communication need."

Apparently, the WSJ.com decided that we needed the North Korea dilemma explained in universal bathroom language...

In reference to the link above, I would like to tell another story:

Titled: Rockets, Restrooms, and Radio Active Material

1993: Mens Restrooms denied access to a Rocket. (silently).
1994: Talks forced Mens Restrooms hands.
1995, 1996, & 1997: The years were short, nothing happened.
1998: Except for in this short time, Mens Restrooms grew tired of the rocket's antics (explosions) and silently challenged the Rocket to a duel.
1999: The Rocket won.
2000: Four hands formed an alliance against Mens Restrooms and Rockets.
2001: A short year moved backwards in time.
2002: Two of the hands betrayed the other hands by secretly forming an alliance with Radio Active Material.
2003: Mens Restrooms and the Rocket spoke to each other for the first time. It did not end well. Rocket, you know Mens Restrooms doesn't speak Spanish!
2004: A short year moved backwards in time. Revisited.
2005: The denied Rocket, hurt by Mens Restrooms not speaking Spanish, sought comfort in the other Two Hands.
2006: The Two Hands had mentioned the partnership with Radio Active Material in '05, so the Rocket considered joining too, then x'd that idea, then pictured just himself and the Radio Active Material, then spoke this union out loud and liked it. Yes!
2007: The Two Hands, who had originally joined with Radio Active Material, were left alone (and exposed).
2008: Mens Restooms, in a fit of jealous rage, confronted the Rocket and Radio Active Material. Someone got denied.
2009: Yep. It was the Radio Active Material. Mens Restrooms and Rocket stand again!

Quit Your Dandelion Around!

2009-04-02T13:41:00.003-05:00

Randy dandelions and their whorish ways:

Too Much Cock

2009-04-02T08:48:00.006-05:00

Prepare for battle: final budget votes today! The GOP really had a chance to combat the O'budget but instead waited until the last minute to crank an alternative out. Now they're frantically trying to get press, but it's really too late...it's like they wanted to fail (but still be able to say "we offered an alternative"). Cop out. And the country is in desperate need of Republicans - especially in Hawaii. There's only one way to solve a rooster infestation and it's called "Operation Panda" (eats, shoots, and leaves).

A Letter to G20 Protesters

2009-04-01T09:08:00.013-05:00

Dear G20 Protesters,

Let's discuss some of your propaganda materials...

1. If you want people to take you seriously, you should plan ahead. Disorganization/chaos won't win the hearts of millions - you just look sloppy. I mean, your protest was on the official schedule, so you should have had enough time to either plan your spacing better or redo the sign:

Also, you probably shouldn't be wearing green...

2. Choose effective visual aids, not ones that imply the better option to capitalism is a breadline:

3. Watercolors don't scare people. Not even ones that use Gargamel features to create caricatures:

4. Ok. G20 vomiting blood (or tongue) Money Monster is creepy. Bravo?

Love,
Me

PS - wsj.com makes an excellent point about the financial sytem not being capitalist enough...

Si Se Puede

2009-03-31T16:19:00.005-05:00

Today is Cesar Chavez Day! "Pres. Obama today commemorated Cesar Chavez's birthday with a statement acknowledging the activist who originated a favorite Obama campaign slogan"

Take This Survival Tip Aretha!

2009-03-30T16:00:00.000-05:00

Obama's Red State

2009-03-30T13:23:00.010-05:00

Really Obama? It's not about red states or blue states? Only about the "United" States? Since you have intervened in AIG contracts (and Congress is taxing the bonuses), used US dollars to buy toxic loans (to create faux lower mortgage rates), and now you have taken over the operations of GM and Chrysler - you must mean one United Red State of America?

Side Note: Let me be clear: although the United States government has no interest or intention of running GM, that is precisely what has occurred.

I challenge you to a quiz:

1. Which shapes do you like more?
A. Stars and Stripes
B. Hammer and Sickle

2. The Boston Tea Party was:
A. A stand against tyranny
B. Republicans just saying "no" again
C. Not handled well by King George - he should have had a press conference to explain how the tea tax was only the beginning and that taxes were going to be "unexpectedly" raised even higher

3. Capitalism is:
A. The free market at work to acheive The American Dream
B. Just another word/excuse for veiled communism? Same diff.

4. Which animal do you identify with more?
A. Elephant
B. Bald Eagle
C. Donkey
D. Bear
E. Turkey

Perhaps, life is just dealing us lemons...lemon populism, that is.

Are Netbooks a Net Gain?

2009-03-29T20:36:00.004-05:00

Laptop chop! The mini laptop craze is catchy - and Jesse and I are starting to sneeze (yuck). Dick Tracy speak aside, netbooks seem to be a great buy for folks on a budget, in need of a portable internet device (larger and more powerful than a Blackberry). Wired.com offers a few interesting arguments:

The Netbook Effect: How Cheap Little Laptops Hit the Big Time
Netbooks May Offer Hackers Private Data Gateway
Turn a Netbook Into a Net Jukebox

Or are netbooks just following the 1980's Recession protocol along with India's new Tata Nano, small and cheap :

Is it worth spending little to no money for little to no product?

March Madness vs. March to Insanity

2009-03-25T21:30:00.005-05:00

I love March Madness basketball - but what about the March to insanity in the financial system/Congress/White House? Let's set aside hoops and talk loops:

On American.com, they highlight Arnold King's article, "The Toxic NCAA Bracket" where he "supposes what would happen if he was doing poorly in a March Madness pool that he entered for $10 and Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner came along with a fistful of taxpayer dollars."

“The way his plan works, you can put up a nickel to get a share of my bracket, and Tim will lend you forty-five cents, which you do not have to pay back if you lose. If you win, you and Tim split the proceeds. You’re happy, because for a nickel you're picking up half a share of a bracket worth fifteen cents. I’m happy, because I sell my toxic bracket for fifty cents instead of fifteen cents. Somebody should be unhappy. Guess who?”

Pervatasaurus

2009-03-24T16:39:00.005-05:00

Paleontologists Discover Skeleton Of Nature’s First Sexual Predator

Coincidence or Correlation?

Poor, ill-fated Retardosaur:

American Violet and Violations

2009-03-18T11:27:00.009-05:00

Last night Jesse, myself and 60 other Baylor Law students took a motor coach (paid for by the movie company) to Hearne, TX to see the premiere of American Violet. The movie is based on a true story taking place in Hearne (Melody, TX in the movie) and one of Jesse's law professors took part in the actual story (not the movie). The movie takes hard aim at the still current D.A. (John Paschall) for allegedly terrorizing the community through racist motivations. Below are some interesting links to news stories about Paschall and the movie (apparently, movie posters were "asked" to be removed from local businesses by the D.A.):

Fictitious film, real tensions: Hearne drug case documented in indy movie
'American Violet' tells story of ill-fated Hearne drug raids
ACLU Charges Racial Discrimination in Second Texas Drug Bust Scandal

Trashing the Auto X-Prize

2009-03-13T09:19:00.004-05:00

The Automotive X-Prize is a competition being fueled (ha) by the X Foundation to create a new generation of green technology cars. The competition is open to anyone - the X Foundation is hoping that by offering a $10 million cash prize for a functional, fuel efficient car they will yield greater results than awarding prizes for theories/past accomplishments in green technology. I am no economist, but this definitely appeals to my free market side :) The latest update is about Auto X-Prize Entry Runs on Auto X-Prize Trash

The rules:

"The cars have to be production-capable, meaning they meet all federal safety guidelines, it must be possible to build 10,000 of them annually within reasonable costs, they have to be desirable (granted, that's a highly subjective criteria) and the teams must have a viable business plan for producing and selling 10,000 vehicles annually by 2014.

The vehicles must deliver at least 100 MPGe...Electric vehicles must have a range of 200 miles for the "mainstream" class - defined as a car resembling your typical five-passenger-compact - and 100 for the anything-goes "experimental" class.

As for emissions, total well-to-wheels CO2 production can't exceed 200 grams per kilometer. For the sake of comparison, the Toyota Prius produces 114 g/km at the tailpipe."

Links to more info on the competition:

This article highlights 25 of the entries.
Wired's cover story on the X-Prize
Mad Max Meets Cannonball Run in Alt-Fuel Race to Vegas
Veggie-Oil Lotus Wins Alt-Fuel Race to Vegas (pictured below)

How Progressive Are You, America?

2009-03-12T08:43:00.003-05:00

An interesting interactive quiz! I am Conservative...how 'bout you?

A frightening political map...of course this is coming from a Progressive group. I don't think that America has suddenly become more Progressive with the election of Obama - I think the election was a direct result of frustration at the previous administration and less about issues.

Chuck for Prez, KBH for Gov

2009-03-11T16:42:00.004-05:00

Apparently, the avid supporter of Kay Bailey Hutchison and general conductor of awesomeness (that probably just round kicked you in the face), has his eyes on a different kind of prize...to become the President of Texas when we secede from this economic mess.

We all are familiar with Chuck Norris Facts - why not add President of Texas? In my state where Kinky Friedman can get within reach of the Governor's office to appoint a "cabinet" - anything goes. Bring it, Chuck.

Also, in the realm of Texas politics (yes, it could be in it's own realm) is the Voter I.D. bill - which (as expected) passed the Senate today. But will it pass the House?

PS: In case you missed KBH on SNL this past week...watch "The Rock Obama"

Camping Extravaganza!

2009-03-11T16:07:00.003-05:00

Today is my first day back to work from a fun-filled camping weekend at Possum Kingdom Lake with Jesse and the puppies - thank goodness it is Spring Break and the office is quiet! Although the weather is gross today, it was beautiful this weekend! We ended up camping right next to the lake:

And right next to (artistic interpretation of neighbors, not actual):

which, all in all, led to a memorable trip!

So, instead of hanging out at the campsite, we spent most of our time hiking - a mini hike at the state park and then on to Worth Ranch where we hiked a minimum of 10 miles with the dogs. It was such an amazing place - with mountains and the Brazos River Bottoms - beautiful Texas countryside!

However, I don't think this is the best picture to market the Boy Scouts (especially since membership has dropped sharply from the peak in the 80's):

Physical Gift for You

2009-03-06T11:51:00.004-06:00

"Let's get physical, I want to get ethical"!

For the nerd inside all of us, here is a link to Top 10 Amazing Physics Videos - woot it's Friday!!

I Blame You, Starbucks!

2009-03-05T15:54:00.002-06:00

So, I am taking a temporary hiatus from caffeine - that means no morning coffee, no afternoon tea, no Dr. Pepper - and Day 1 (today) has been rough! It is so bad that I decided to Google "caffeine addiction"...which yielded the hilariously inappropriate picture above from http://www.mycaffeineaddiction.com/. Also, I have written an ode to caffeine in an effort to keep my mind moving:

Oh Caffeine!
Your sweet containers sustain me -
Coffee, chocolate, soda, and tea.
No more shall I seek your bliss -
In the morn, no coffee kiss. (eww....yeah, weird....I was looking for a rhyme.)
Already, your taste and energy I miss.
The addiction is clear, but I want you near (haha - weird again!)
Oh Caffeine!

New Albums

2009-03-05T15:22:00.002-06:00

As promised, I have some additional albums that I have been enjoying (and therefore wanted to share them with you!):

1. The Crane Wife - The Decemberists
2. The Airborne Toxic Event - The Airborne Toxic Event
3. Incredibad - The Lonely Island

Enjoy!

Slipping Through the Cracks

2009-03-05T11:00:00.006-06:00

How did these survival tips become synonymous?

Survive Falling Through Ice and Mortgage Bailout Plan

A Rush Order of Chaos

2009-03-04T11:27:00.004-06:00

Continuing from my post yesterday about the Democrats' plan to attack Republicans through Rush Limbaugh, I read in Hotline On Call that "The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has launched a new Web site -- ImSorryRush.com -- spoofing Republicans who criticize conservative radio personality Rush Limbaugh and 'then turn around and quickly beg his forgiveness.' The site allows users to customize their own Limbaugh apology letters."

Oh good grief.

El Chupacabras

2009-03-04T08:58:00.007-06:00

OMG. Drudge Report has found the Chupacabra.

Favorite quote from the article: "The ugly train has left the station and it's gathering steam," laughs Bassett. "Hopefully it will slow down soon."

The Chupacabra, also called el Chupacabras (pronunciation: /tʃupa'kabɾas/, from the Spanish words chupar, meaning "to suck", and cabra, meaning "goat"; literally "goat sucker") is a legendary cryptid rumored to inhabit parts of the Americas. It is associated more recently with sightings of an allegedly unknown animal in Puerto Rico (where these sightings were first reported), Mexico, and the United States, especially in the latter's Latin American communities.^[1] The name comes from the animal's reported habit of attacking and drinking the blood of livestock, especially goats. (Wiki page on the Chupacabra)

A Rush of Support?

2009-03-03T10:43:00.005-06:00

If "Democrats are engaging in a concerted campaign to link the national Republican Party to conservative talk-radio show host Rush Limbaugh," how will this affect the party? "The conventional strategy in such cases is for the administration in power to avoid talking about a mere radio critic. That would elevate him to the level of the president. Which, it turns out, is exactly what the Obama team wants."

Already the fissures can be felt between the fiscal conservatives and the Rush Republicans, but some argue that the Republican party would lose all power/support without the Rush Followers - thus explaining why anyone who denounces Rush is quick to schedule a public apology on his show (see Gingrey). Michael Steele might be the next Rush victim.

So are Republicans right to fear the wrath of Rush? Or should Republicans fear this new Democrat initiative (especially if Rush is connected with the Dark Side to which these politicians have pledged their loyalty)? Is Rush strong enough to survive this kind of attack? Probably so - his followers already equate Dems with the Devil...any news from CPAC?

Should Rush ever lose his job, this video might help...

Emperor Gets a Job - Star Wars - The most popular videos are a click away

Road to the Tourney

2009-03-03T10:14:00.007-06:00

I love North Texas! Especially when our athletics teams place anywhere but last in the conference (since our main focus is music & academics). This past Sunday "The Mean Green (18-11, 11-7 Sun Belt West) snagged its highest seed ever in the SBC Tourney, which begins Wednesday at the Super Pit with No. 4 North Texas taking on No. 13 Florida Atlantic at 7 p.m." Road trip anyone?

Adventure in Camping

2009-03-02T16:11:00.006-06:00

Spring Break is next week and Jesse and I are planning a mini camping trip to Possum Kingdom Lake with the puppies!! I am so excited about s'mores (don't mind the burn ban, we will find a way!), hiking, sleeping in our new tent, and relaxing. Possum Kingdom Lake is about 180 miles northwest of Waco in a beautiful part of Texas. Hopefully, we won't run into magma robots. Speaking of camping...I read in the Washington Post that girl scouts are entering the blogosphere and dumping badges...how do they expect to learn the skills necessary to sell cookies?!

Economy Snarf?

2009-03-02T11:58:00.003-06:00

As a new contributor to the stock market/retirement fund, I feel like I'm getting a great deal...but at what greater cost? Mayhaps we should only look as far as Iceland to see our future:

Nietzsche's Food for Thought

2009-02-25T14:38:00.005-06:00

You know we're in a bad economic situation when you can quote Nietzsche:

"Perhaps I know best why it is man alone who laughs; he alone suffers so deeply that he had to invent laughter."

Maybe the Onion can offer an explanation for "Why...why is that man carrying a bindle," as the Nation Instinctively Forms Breadline.

Let's Play Snarking Validation

2009-02-25T08:52:00.005-06:00

Clearly, this video says something about my intelligence :o) Yes, I did just use an emoticon following a statement about intelligence. Jealous?

Also, thanks to Roody, I have been enjoying the works of Dog Hates ME and explodingdog...the following, in particular, created a morning guffaw:

Shrove Tuesday is Delicious

2009-02-24T14:55:00.002-06:00

Happy Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day! Jesse and I will be feasting and celebrating at St. Alban's tonight, should anyone care to join!

Washington on the Brazos Revived?

2009-02-24T13:53:00.002-06:00

When Jesse and I left Washington in a U-Haul headed for Waco, it felt like the end of an era. Little did we realize that it would open the flood gates for the rest of Washington displaced Texans to follow..."barely a month into the Obama administration, even the proudest Texans must admit: The days of Lone Star Power are over. "

The Oscars, a Grouch No More

2009-02-23T09:10:00.011-06:00

Since Jesse and I have relinquished cable for free digital HD antenna TV (read: rooftop's essential accessory), my choices of programming have diminished significantly. That being said, it was an excellent excuse to watch the Oscars last night! I read several articles on Friday claiming that this year's Oscars would be a shake up due to the severe loss in ratings over the past couple of years - a kind of last chance for the awards ceremony. And my curiousity got the best of me...without further ado, I give my review:

Oscars, get out of that trash can - welcome to the non-garbage world! You have shed your grouchy, excruciatingly boring can for a compelling, entertaining show (in comparison to previous years).

The Good:

1. The Stage: the orchestra was taken out of the pit and placed on stage (reminiscent of Big Band Era night clubs) - this put the audience right in front of the stage creating an intimate relationship with the audience

2. The Music: the theme of the entire night seemed to center on the history of the Oscars and it's previous award winners - which effectively created a sense of prestige. We all revel in the classic winners of the past, but often have a hard time connecting these classics to today's winners (as they have yet had the opportunity to become classics). The music at this year's Oscars effectively connected the past with the present through inventive rearrangements of classic scores (such as a swing-style version of Lawrence of Arabia and an upbeat Moon River).

3. The Opening Act: it was silly, light-hearted, and most of all...FUN! Hugh Jackman put on a short, but sweet musical number highlighting each of the major films being honored at the Awards - much better and more engaging (due to the stage set up) than a dry monologue or comedy roast routine.

4. The Timing: it seemed like the producers of the show finally had a realistic view of how long each act, acceptance speech, etc. would take. The show was not rushed, nor did it drag on. At only one time did the dreaded "music" start to play.

5. The Presenters for Top Awards: I loved the montages of previous award winners and then having 5 of the winners announce the 5 nominees, with a detailed/pathos speech about each and their nominated roles.

The Bad, and The Ugly:

1. The Red Carpet: in one word...awkward chaos. The annoucers (who seemed generally uncomfortable) asked odd questions and the flip flop between announcers was disjointed.

2. The "Half-Time" Show: total weirdness. The combination of Beyonce, Hugh Jackman, High School musical stars, and top hats was awkward...especially at the end when Hugh shouted, "The musical is back!" His tone seemed to say "This isn't a threat, it's a promise." Creepy.

3. The Over-Abundance of WALL-E: don't get me wrong, I loved the movie too. But, ABC/Disney really took advantage of the show by stuffing WALL-E and High School Musical down our throats. Free advertising gimic...Gag.

Overall, the Oscars were a classy affair - bravo!

Ray, a drop of golden dumb

2009-02-20T10:48:00.004-06:00

Even as a conservative, I am for green technology incentives. I also understand that our transportation/highway infrastructure is outdated (Eisenhower outdated). However, I don't think that replacing the gas tax with a miles-traveled tax, as proposed by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood (former R representative from Illinois), is the solution. In fact, I think that it is down-right unfair - especially for western states such as Texas.

A. It is not uncommon to have to drive 20 miles or more to a grocery store, gas station, pharmacy, sometimes even a neighbor, etc.
B. We don't have the option to hop on the Subway to work/anywhere local. And building mass transit in Texas is expensive due to how spread out everything is, plus the general high cost associated with building on pre-existing infrastructure.
C. How do they plan to install "global satellite positioning technology, a transponder, a clock and other equipment to record how many miles a vehicle was driven, whether it was driven on highways or secondary roads, and even whether it was driven during peak traffic periods or off-peak hours" into every vehicle? How much would it cost?

Now, the one good I can see coming from this is encouraging more people to live closer to their work (to minimize their commuted miles). And I am all for the reduction of exurbs. However, I feel like the gas tax/high gas prices also helped with relocation. This new suggestion seems to hurt the incentive to buy hybrid/more energy efficient cars.

300 Reasons to Make Spoofs

2009-02-20T09:05:00.003-06:00

I know. It is pretty amazing that we can STILL laugh about 300 (great movie, btw). Here are just few spoofs to rock your Friday morning:

1. From Lore Sjoberg's Bad Gods...

2.

3.

4.

Procrastinators Unite!

2009-02-19T13:52:00.003-06:00

Here are 3 sites to distract you from whatever you are doing...warning: do not open these links unless you want to be completely absorbed. You're welcome.

1. Our Dumb World
This conglomeration of "mind-expanding factoids about the lesser, conquerable nations of the Earth" comes from theonion.com.

2. Academic Earth
As described by a Slate.com article, "A few months ago, Academic Earth, a startup founded by a young Yale graduate named Richard Ludlow, began collecting these videos and packaging them into full-length courses. The result is a geeky procrastinator's dream...It's like Hulu for nerds."

3. Newseum's Front Page Map
Props to Anna for finding this one - it's a worldwide interactive map of snapshots from daily newspapers' front pages.

Why So Serious?

2009-02-19T09:15:00.005-06:00

President Obama has recently announced his plan for a $275 Billion Housing Bailout...let's recap:

Saving the bank industry, $700 Billion
Saving the auto-industry, $25 Billion
"Stimulating" the economy, $787 Billion
Now saving the housing market for $275 Billion?

We've been observing this trend for months now...and it finally makes sense.

People of Gotham, The Joker has us fooled. He's got us right where he wants us...on the brink of economic disaster, world nuclear war, and religious discord. And I have proof - the signs are everywhere, like he's just been waiting for someone to figure out his evil scheme. Well, Joker, no longer will you be a wild card to society, but removed from the deck completely - mwahahahaha. Please observe exhibit A (I found this chart today on WSJ.com in the above linked article):

Now take a closer look:

Yeah. That's messed up. He is clearly mocking us and our economic woes. So, what can we do about this situation? Who can save us now? Batman? No! I say we fight smile with smile. And what's more deadly that an orphan in a red hat? Nothing, absolutely nothing. That's right Joker - it's on.

Schmorgasbank Schmorgasborg

2009-02-18T16:07:00.004-06:00

Really? Do we really want our banking system to be modeled after the SWEDES?! Also, bravo to Lindsey Graham for making a conversation about banks awkward:

“You should not get caught up on a word [nationalisation],” he told the Financial Times in an interview. “I would argue that we cannot be ideologically a little bit pregnant. It doesn’t matter what you call it, but we can’t keep on funding these zombie banks [without gaining public control]. That’s what the Japanese did.”

Noteworthy Music (yuck, yuck)

2009-02-18T09:24:00.029-06:00

Inspired by a recent senor (goo, where are the ene's? you can't even spell ene w/o an ~) Tapp post, I wanted to create a list of current favorite albums (however, these often change on a day-to-day basis). In no particular order/numbered just to keep track (yuck, yuck):

1. Black Holes & Revelations - Muse
2. Get Behind Me Satan - White Stripes
3. Scissor Sisters - Scissor Sisters
4. Oh No - OK Go
5. Hot Fuss - The Killers
6. Strawberry Weed - Caesars
7. These Streets - Paulo Nutini
8. Breakfast at Tiffany's - Barney Kessel
9. Symphony #5 in C Sharp Minor - Gustav Mahler
10. Trumpet Works - Sergei Nakarjakov
11. Chase - Bill Chase
12. Greatest Hits - Heart
13. Mermaid Avenue - Billy Bragg & Wilco
14. The Shepherd's Dog - Iron & Wine
15. Comfort Eagle - Cake
16. 2 - Darker My Love
17. The Black Ghosts - The Black Ghosts
18. Speakerboxxx/The Love Below - OutKast
19. Sugarbaby - Morningwood (EP)
20. Weezer - Weezer (Blue Album)
21. Grandes Exitos - Shakira
22. Spark Large - Marching Band
23. Side by Side - AM & Various Artists
24. Abbey Road - The Beatles
25. En el bar - Nicho Hinojosa
26. In Between Dreams - Jack Johnson
27. The Essential Johnny Cash - Johnny Cash
28. Dave Brubeck's Greatest Hits - Dave Brubeck
29. 19 - ADELE
30. Evita
31. Moulin Rouge Soundtrack
32. Silly Songs with Larry - Veggie Tales
33. Speak for Yourself - Imogen Heap
34. Ta-Dah - Scissor Sisters
35. Frank Sinatra - the man is bigger than 1 album
36. This is Henry Mancini - Henry Mancini
37. Aha Shake Heartbreak - Kings of Leon
38. Three Days - Pat Green
39. Classic Queen - Queen
40. Nacho Libre - Soundtrack
41. Sky Blue Sky - Wilco
42. The Loon - Tapes & Tapes
43. Foiled - Blue October
44. Illinoise - Sufjan Stevens
45. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
46. Rhapsody in Blue/An American in Paris - Gershwin
47. 1812 Overture - Tchaikovsky
48. Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots - The Flaming Lips
49. Singles - Travis
50. Feed the Animals - Girl Talk

*PS - I am probably forgetting some, so I might add a few here and there. When available, I linked to Amazon.com snipets of favorite songs. Cheers!

Don't Worry, Be Happy...and Mindful

2009-02-17T16:22:00.004-06:00

Many of us take happiness for granted - either it's just not our lot in life or we provide illusions of happiness (placating through materialism, smiling at work, etc.). So, what does it mean to be happy, how can we achieve it, and what affect does happiness have on society's general well-being? Arthur Brooks argues, "the key to happiness, and the difference between happy and unhappy Americans, is a life that reflects values and practices like faith, hard work, marriage, charity, and freedom."

Also, many argue that mindfulness plays a significant role in happiness. In our digital world of ever-rushing multi-tasking, have we become mindless zombies (see post 1)? After taking this quiz, I might have have to agree. Hopefully, Ben Franklin won't zombify to the tune of thriller...that would be terrifying and go against Arthur Brook's theory that our founders believed in happiness as an inalienable right...wait a tick! InALIENable right?! It all makes sense now. Happiness is an alien.

Special Issue: For the Love of Valentine's Day

2009-02-17T14:02:00.006-06:00

Since I missed posting on the ridiculousness of Valentine's Day, I wanted to revisit this crazy thing called love with 3 interesting articles:

1. An Affair Of the Head: They Say Love Is All About Brain Chemistry. Will You Be Dopamine?
This article by Neely Tucker in the Washington Post, describes how "It's all about dopamine, baby, this One Great True Love, this passionate thing we'd burn down the house and blow up the car and drive from Houston to Orlando just to taste on the tip of the tongue."

2. The man behind St. Valentine's Day
Written by the illustrious Eric Wilson, this article explains how "The patron saint of young people, lovers, happy marriages, beekeepers, and greeting card manufacturers (really!), St. Valentine was a Roman priest and martyr 'who after having cured and instructed many persons was beaten with clubs and beheaded' under the reign of Emperor Claudius around the year 269." Sooooo romantic!

3. Scientists Agree: It's in His Kiss
Wired.com indulges in why "Over 90 percent of human society engages in what, if you get right down to it, seems like a very strange thing to do: putting faces together and trading spit."

I, personally, take all of my love advice from Tracy Jordon - "Tell her you want her to donate her body to science, and you science." What every woman wants to hear...or you could just go to Starbucks.

Obama Rhetoric: A Self Fulfilling Economic Prophecy?

2009-02-17T10:15:00.007-06:00

Or preparing for the worst/hoping for the best? Politicians often try to skew the public/media's view of situations, but is Obama's Great Depression analogy intended to make the stimulus bill's success seem even greater or it's failure seem inevitable? Tricksie. Well, I feel like Ernest in this troll of an economy, either way.

Billy Mays, the Music Man

2009-02-17T08:52:00.006-06:00

Salesman on train: How far you going, friend?
Harold Hill: Wherever the people are as green as the money... friend.

Oh, Billy Mays! Why are we townsfolk so swayed to buy your products? What do we find so compelling about your commercials? Is it your Oak Ridge Boys beard or your almost-shouting voice? Thank goodness someone is making parodies of your salesmanship, otherwise I would buy mighty putty:

Real Commercial
Mighty Putty
Kaboom
Oxiclean Detergent Ball

Inappropriate Parodies
Mighty Putty
Kaboom
OxiClean Detergent Ball

Um, Like, Get Married at Baylor...

2009-02-13T16:07:00.001-06:00

...Say I do from Baylor Lariat on Vimeo.

A $787 Billion Roman Holiday

2009-02-13T13:57:00.008-06:00

Just in time for Nancy's whirl-wind European tour, the House passed the Stimulus bill. Fun facts about the bill:

- Zero Republican "Yeas"
- 7 Democrat "Nays"
- Language in the bill was not released until 11pm last night
- Dems broke promise to not vote on the bill until 48 hrs after release of language
- Oh, and it costs $787 BILLION

I feel like this is a Master Card (which is ironic in light of the credit crisis) commercial gone wrong:

Saving the bank industry, $700 Billion
Saving the auto-industry, $25 Billion
"Stimulating" the economy, $787 Billion
Falling down the Congressional Rabbit Hole....priceless or just terrifying?

*BTW: Total spent thus far = $1 Trillion, 512 Billion

Don't Mess With Texas

2009-02-13T10:33:00.005-06:00

Dear Mexico,

Love,
Texas

As Mexico's border violence between the government and drug cartels increases, Texas is bringing out the big guns (literally) and abandoning the fence in preparation for the worst:

"Worst-case scenario, Mexico becomes the Western hemisphere's equivalent of Somalia, with mass violence, mass chaos," said Ted Galen Carpenter, vice president for defense and foreign policy at the Cato Institute, a Washington-based think tank. "That would clearly require a military response from the United States."

Of course, it could be worse:

Happy Birthday Darwin and Lincoln

2009-02-12T16:08:00.005-06:00

I bet he never expected anthropomorphizing mice. Now that's some natural selection, Darwin. Thanks to Roody for finding this interesting article: education v. evolution/religion!

*Also, I found this food-for-thought article on American.com: Why We Still Argue About Darwin (And Why We Should)

DC celebrated Lincoln's B-Day by opening Ford's Theatre...that's right, we're keeping that place where you died alive, Lincoln.

Thomas Pain's Common Cents

2009-02-12T15:47:00.003-06:00

Nothing's official until tomorrow, but Congress has reached an agreement about the Stimulus Bill. With these outrageous sums floating around, Dr. Evil may need to raise his bid to "One Bigillion dollars." Also, I don't think it's a good sign when money is put in a waterfall graph:

Vision Boards

2009-02-12T09:17:00.005-06:00

Apparently, if you cut out pictures from magazines and paste them onto poster board, all of your dreams can come true - as long as you stare at them long enough. It's a great message for the youth of America: no need going to school or working to achieve your dreams, everything you need to know you learned in Kindergarten (that being cut/paste skills). And we can use vision boards to help immigrants integrate into American Society - it's key in achieving the American Dream (see below).

I Thought I Came to Plumb

2009-02-11T16:01:00.007-06:00

Jesse and I stumbled upon Jose Emroca Flores' art in the DVD extras of King of Kong and have been fans ever since! This is exactly what Mario would think if he were called to a place of business..."I thought I came to plumb, but turns out I have to extinguish a barell-throwing guerrilla in an epic battle - who knew?"

Oh Baylor!

2009-02-11T11:29:00.002-06:00

I can't/won't say a word (except, look out Dan Harper!):

Wedding sickness not so abnormal

IM Speak

2009-02-11T10:13:00.003-06:00

I acknowledge and generally appreciate that language is directly affected by culture/society (and arguably vice-versa). Just within the last half a century, our jargon has evolved from "swell" (50's Stepford Wives) to "groovy" (Hippies) to "cool" to "rad" and so on...So, what does IM speak say about our current world? My answer: laziness. Do acronyms such as LOL, LMAO, and BRB really save us time or do we use these as cop-out auto-responses? Also, I have observed a disturbing trend of shortening adjectives (on a college campus) to create a "new" word - unfortunately, the remainder of the word makes no sense. For example:

jel = jealous
gorge = gorgeous
vom = vomit
totes or totals = totally
presh = precious

Next stop: "The Totes Awesome IM of the UK Lang." Who reads books anyways?

PS - This Wired.com article title is a little over-dramatic "Ravenous Clock Runs Backward, Scares Children"

Thank You Barry Much Franklin...

2009-02-10T10:54:00.001-06:00

Certainty? In this world nothing is certain but liberals and unpaid taxes. I love the irony...the new NIMBY. This is why the creators of Babar named the elephant's nemesis Lord Rataxes (he probably "forgot" to pay his taxes for a driver, housekeeper, or illegal substance too).

Twitter Me This: Conundrum or Enigma?

2009-02-10T09:33:00.006-06:00

If only this was a joke...Does anyone really want to know when my washing machine is on the spin cycle? Are we entering A Brave New World of incessant Tweets? If so, can we sub in Presidential Tweets (Decade of Doom and Gloom) for Presidential Press Conferences? If we are entering the dark ages, at least let me temporarily experience happiness by watching How I Met Your Mother.

Attention Deficit Disorder or Ayo Technology?

2009-02-09T11:03:00.000-06:00

As this is my first blog post/a bleep of existence in the technology sphere, I think it is appropriate to discuss digital distraction. A Wired article from Friday, titled "Digital Overload Is Frying Our Brains," argues that we are becoming a distracted society lacking the ability to think due to the omnipresence of technology. So is technology stressing us out or making life easier? Is it creating more questions with each answer? Are we going to start seeing Public Service Announcements alerting us to the brain damage dangers of technology?

Oh, wait. What? I totally just got distracted. Eggs sound delicious...can technology make me eggs?