More Obama for Yo' Mama (and you)

A random sighting in Fremont:



And if you are still in shock over last week's victory, maybe you want to check out Barack Obama's Flickr page (http://www.flickr.com/photos/barackobamadotcom/sets/72157608716313371/) and see all the behind the scenes action?

Also, it seems that the basic links on the top of my blog are gone...any ideas all you experts out there? and my photos are appearing as html...I need a techie!!!!

A Loud Unequivocal WOW!!!

I am still in awe of last night's election results. I mean, Michigan voting in favor of Medical Marijuana...who would have believed this was possible? 

But seriously, how amazing that Barack Obama will be the next President? I mean seriously! And the fact that both Colorado and Indiana went Democratic is amazing!!! (Thanks Ally and Elizabeth).

Last night I went to an election program on "the issues" at the Synagogue where I teach on Tuesday nights, all set to play Devil's advocate and argue for the war in Iraq. I went thinking that even though the program would go until 8, that it would be much later than that when the results of the election would be clear and I would watch it unfold expectantly with everyone else later in the night.

Afterall, 4 years ago I was at an election party that seemed to stretch long because we kept seeing Kerry's lead eroding and Bush's victory looming over us. 

But even on my way in at 6pm, I was listening to NPR who was interviewing a reporter in Virginia about the possible outcome in that State, when they had to interrupt their own broadcast to say that Obama had won Ohio...so Virginia didn't matter.

In retrospect I wonder why the media made it seem like this would be such a close race? Perhaps because they were afraid of calling the outcome wrong. But 349 to 163 Obama...it seems miraculous and an incredible landslide victory. 2 Hours after I left to teach I was listening to McCain's Concession speech. 

Today even Condoleeza Rice was getting emotional...kind of:

And why not, after Obama's moving speech last night, the only question comes at 5 min. and 52 seconds in....

What kind of puppy are his daughters going to get?

One of my favorite stories comes from Obama, Japan who celebrated the win of their namesake in song. And while it's not in this report the chorus of the song was: "Obama is the Bomb-a"...catchy!

So, now we can rest happy. We can move on with our lives, content in the knowledge that next year things are going to change! Though I think the first few month of the Obama Presidency will be spent repealing Bush's last minute bills and laws, my least favorite part of the Presidential process.

And with your bank accounts no longer depleted by the Obama bid...maybe you can donate to other worthy causes...like my mustache (which I'm happy to report is coming in nicely)!!! And seriously, 826 Seattle is an amazing organization which is the only place I know of in Seattle that provides FREE after-school tutoring to children and promotes creative writing and creative expression.

                                                                           Week 2

         

                                                                            Week 3

Week 4

Shaving for NonProfits and Fun?

And this is why Razors are the bane of my existence...

So, I've taken a break from the blog, big surprise. Spending time in a new relationship, and making some decisions about future career paths. And I could sit here and blog about Kate and what fun we're having, or how I'm planning on going back to school for a Teaching Certificate and thinking about moving down to Portland...which is all true. But what I really want to discuss is my mustache...that's right, I'm growing a mustache. Now it's not in homage to Josh, though perhaps his 'Stache is a fuzzy beacon in the distance...nope, it's for charity. That's right, charity. 826Seattle is holding their annual Mustache-a-thon, where willing Mustache Farmers like myself grow facial hair for charity. Feel free to follow along with my progress, both on their site and on here, and if you're inspired by donating money to kids programs in reading and writing, feel free to support one of my favorite organizations in Seattle. I am also open for suggestions on what kind of 'Stache I should grow, because while my hair does grow fast, I only have until November 21st in which to compete. 

The night when I first shaved was Yom Kippur, and clean shaven and dressed in a suit, I never felt so corporate. I have to admit I was tempted to go to the nearest Chili's and be a dick to the wait staff... but oh, well, I guess that ship has sailed. Now I have the stubble of a Hollywood Soap Star, trying desperately not to look pre-pubescent. Them razors can change a man...

Well, off to get back to the job market, I'm trying to get a gig at a local supermarket (natural foods, preferably), or anywhere with benefits and discounts on food. 

Remember that song you used to snicker about in High School...or maybe that was just me.

I found this video, or rather swiped it from a facebook friend. I didn't even know there was a video, but I remember the song, one of those oldies but disturbingly goodies...

note the artistic use of the "censored" bar...

Another game of catch-up

I think I need to just accept the fact that I'll post (nearly) once a month, and be surprised if I can make it more frequent. 

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Even sitting down to write this post, I've become fascinated with a hidden treasure of music video lore...and potentially the end for the MTV we knew and loved as kids...Yes, that really is Eddie Murphy

I guess that's like opening with a joke. A sad, sad joke. 

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I began June in England catching up with Rachael

Who's immersed in a PHd program in Bath and trying to find a way to stay in the country. After a weekend of seeing the sights (Bath is a beautiful English town with a rich history), and the local pubs, I can see the appeal. 

Then it was onto London for Enrique's Bachelor party. The highlight, besides getting Enrique to wear the stylish Pirate hat I bought for the occasion, was the Absolute Ice Bar in Picadilly Circus.

One of a few in the world it was a crazy place where they give you a fur-lined poncho to wear while you sip on cocktails in ice glasses, sit on ice stools (with a fur-mat buffer) and ice chairs. Crazy...it makes me want to visit the Ice Hotel even more now... trip to Scandanavia anyone?

Finally, the end of my trip was Enrique and Rosa's wedding itself held at a beautiful French Manor in Oxford.


The ceremony was small and intimate, with the violin and viola player who provided the music for the ceremony staying around long enough afterwards to cover a few specific requests, like Bon Jovi's "living on a prayer." 

And the food, man... definitely a Foody's wet dream. With a restaurant that was awarded 2 Michelin Stars... it may well have been the best meal I will ever eat... at least until I win the lottery and can afford to pay for one myself.

And since I returned a few weeks ago from all this excitement?....

Well, there was a big Solstice Parade in Fremont

And a 4th of July celebrations at Gasworks Park. 

The bad news is that I found out that I didn't get the full-time gig I was counting on.

So, for now I'm still plugging away slinging coffee at the good 'ol Bulldog News.

It's a living. Kind of.

Anyway, I think that's all the catching up for now. Be sure to check out my photo site: www.flickr.com/photos/mypoetryaddict For more pics of these events. 

Allright, I admit I'm bored

Now and again, I'll get excited about the lingering democratic primaries. It was exciting when Indiana and Oregon, and North Carolina got to vote...places I've had connections to. But I'm ready to be done with everything.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those people who thinks that McCain really has a chance against either candidate.

It's like a good friend said after Bush won the last election: the good thing about this, is that people will get so frustrated with the adminstration that the nation's politics will swing back the other way.

It's just that Obama has already won the majority. Clinton would do herself well, to drop out graciously, assume, if not a shared ticket a prominent place in the next adminstration, and ultimately better her chances the next time there's an open election.

I could go on, but why bother when this video does it better?:



So yeah...

Rant being, why continue the fight over minor issues, onto the general election when we can turn our minds away from who's going to do what with the cost of gas, to issues of much greater importance: http://www.thingsyoungerthanmccain.com/

Change of direction

Hey all,

This post (new?...really?....wow) marks a change of direction. I think I was taking the blog far too seriously, focusing on editorialized responses and so not writing.

No more, honest. Well, maybe sometimes, but that's not what the blog is for. It's for news, statements, random video clips and they're all about me!

Bwahahahahahahah.... (cue ominous background music).

I just finished applying, resume, cover letter, interview and all for a Youth Director job at Temple De Hirsch Sinai, where I've been working. It would be a full-time gig, benefits and everything. I'm crossing my fingers and wishing upon a star.

It's kind of sad to admit how many issues money can actually solve.  Eitherway, I probably won't know until June. I'll keep yall posted...literally.

I probably spend too much time tooling around online.
My new favorite website is:

http://www.pandora.com
A great music site for audiophiles like me (or you?). It compiles playlists of artists based upon a band or musician you type into it. Then you can listen to an uninterrupted stream of like-minded musical stylings with the option to approve or disapprove of each individual song to refine your taste. AWESOME.

My car is in the shop getting its last repairs before I run out of my 100,000 mile warranty. I've only got 9 miles left until this happens. I should definitely win an award for procrastination. If there even is such thing. Of course, I'll look for it later.

First, I've got to get ready for my trip to England on the 5th of June, for Enrique's wedding. But first, on the 1st, my roommate Patrick and I will be interviewing new housemates. Someone will be taking over my room and I'll be moving into the large one, with the balcony and room for guests. That's right, starting in July I can have visitors. Anyone? Anyone?

I guess that's it...I guess there's nothing more to say....maybe next time photos...or news....or pictures of Revi...yes, that's it...pictures of Revi...HERE BOY! COME! SIT! STAY! GOOD DOG!

Return to the Blogging World (Stepping Out of the Realm of Silicone)

Yesterday I returned from a weekend in Las Vegas with the family. The last few trips I've made to this Sin City have been with friends, for a weekend with the guys, and a couple years ago for Paul's Bachelor Party. I guess I prefer the partying and debauchery of these weekends, replete with their excuses

for excess. And while I didn't waste large sums of money in strip clubs, or lose my shirt for the week on blackjack games, I can confidently say that I'm not into the 
Las Vegas scene. I'm annoyed at the mostly Mexican workforce that lines the strip. While illegals populate the best kitchens and farms in the rest of America, here they pass out playing
card sized advertisements for escort services. It's all I could do to walk down the street ignoring the cards thrust in front of me as I passed every casino. Yet, even when I don't take the cards, every woman who isn't wearing floral patterns and the orthapedic shoes of tourists, seems to be emulating these images. It's like if Barbies were a 
race of skin tanning zombies, out to turn women into human blow-up dolls. Thankfully, I don't live in L.A. and I'm not into the whole Clubbing (see and be seen scene). When I'm in Vegas 
with the guys, I can feed off of the testosterone and indulge in the fantasy. When I'm in Vegas with the family I remember why I live in the Northwest, because I don't blur the line between
reality and Debbie Does Everything Not Nailed Down.

Instead of posting Vegas photos or random Vegas videos to punctuate my rant, Here's a video I found about St. Patricks Day in Mobile. The tie-in you ask? Everyone wants money, and everyone can be suckered into strange fantasies.

The Oscars Were Wrong!

Last night I became a sheep, watching the Academy Awards alongside millions of other Americans (though, thanks to TIVO
I watched the ceremony after it had already begun, and fast forwarded through needless commercials and those annoying "Enchanted" songs). And sure, I understand that Hollywood wants to show solidarity for the writers, but
the clips of writers at work before the presentation of "Best Screenplay" is ridiculous. In fact, I think there were two separate occasions in the broadcast where they used this trope, and trust me they are overlooking something very important:

"Writing is boring." Even if you've just read something interesting, something compelling, seen a movie or read a book that made you cry or question the very nature of human existence, I guarantee, if you could have been there watching the great opus created, you would agree, it was not exciting to watch. 

I feel bad for someone watching a writer at work, no wonder the kids of writers often decry the practice (and the sporadic small paychecks). For ten minutes a writer will stare into space, write down a sentence, erase the sentence, write two more, change a word, start a blank page, write a sentence, erase, repeat.

Instead, the Academy wants you to believe that it is a spontaneous invention, that writing leaps
whole and magnificent, like Athena from her father's head;they want you to believe that they actually have footage of these nominated Screenwriters at work.

This is a problem with Hollywood. Too often they will put forth a film, whose main character is a "writer." Think Scarlett Johannson in the film: "In Good Company."

The problem is that she is not believable. Where is her lack of self esteem? Where are her ink-stained hands? Where's the angst? And why do we never see her work, but writing seems to 
be so damn easy for her?

There are of course the few exceptions, "Sideways" got it right, so did "Stranger than Fiction" and "Adaptation" but these are fewer and far between. 

Part of the problem is that Writers love to talk about themselves. Sure we know that we're not
interesting. Jon Stewart hit this fact on the head, when he suggested that Hollywood should 
invite the writers to the big Post-Oscar parties: "But don't worry," he assured the crowd "They 
won't mingle." Yet the best way to get over angst, is to write about it, and in this age when 
confessional poetry has turned into memoir, writers feel that they've been given carte blanche to decry their own plights as artists.

Sure, it is a lucrative profession shrouded in mystery and acidic flashbacks of High School English classes, but when I see the image put forth by the Academy Awards, my eyes instinctively roll back in my head, and this strange gagging reflex begins in my throat.

Still, the saving grace is that not all of the featured writers were ignorant of the meta-writing they were asked to simulate for the camera. My respect for the Coen Brothers (who stole the whole damn show) was magnified, when in an earlier segment one of them appeared to have fallen asleep in a chair with a book over his face, while the other sat on a couch with his head in his hands. So true, so true. Thanks guys, for accurately representing your art, and proving to the world that even for critically acclaimed, three time Academy Award winners, writing is boring.
 

The proof is in the...how do they say... Robotic Body Suit

I have been asserting for a long time that art affects life, that the decisions that scientists make as well as other professionals, are influenced by art. And the example I have often used when scratching my way toward the top of this soapbox, is the example of Science Fiction...that strange genre that is demonized by the literary establishment, yet which often outsells the Horrors, Westerns, and Romances it is shelved with. We need only look at human cloning, or even the physicists trying to send molecules back in time, inspired perhaps by John Titor. 

However, a new inventor in Seattle supports my theory much more  directly. 
Monty Reed is a robotocist whom I heard on KUOW the other day. In his interview, he admits 
that it was after he was injured while parachuting and after reading Starship Troopers that he
got the idea for a suit that will allow the wearer to walk and lift 1000 lbs. Yet, just as this suit was inspired by a Science Fiction story, how long before the inventor ratchets it down, as he promised, so that it is available for home use. 

More than just a tool to help quadapalegics regain mobility, there are those who will want to acquire one, I'm thinking Billionaire Bachelors, anointing themselves real-life superheroes. In fact, I think Batman already has one of these.

Will I have a kid, some day who while absently playing in traffic will be saved from a speeding car 
by some crippled war veteran in a robot suit? 

How long before a police officer caught in the wrong end of a gunfight, is remade into a Robocop?

The future is now, and look around. Because the fantastical and scientifically impossible ideas
floating through our movie theaters, and Saturday morning cartoons is what lies in store for the 
next generation. After all, as Robert M. Persig proves in:
"Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance"
scientific inquiry doesn't breed more answers, but rather generates an increasing flow of questions. So even science needs to turn to inspiration to make progress, even if that inspiration comes from somewhere else. 

I'm fascinated by the idea that one can influence society by planting the seeds of an idea or concept into the collective mind. But this is a bit scary, given that our social graces and our communities rife with prejudice, rascism, nepotism, et al is so far behind our technological development. Hopefully we can elect an administration to take greater strides toward equality before Japan sends their Mech Warriors to battle our Quadrapalegic Army.

The Decider Makes One Last Declaration

With George Bush's final State-of-the-Union address coming up tonight, I wonder how best to spend my time...should I turn on the T.V. and flip back and forth from the president's speech to search for the far more amusing commentary by Jon Stewart or Dennis Miller... I long for the days of The State of the Union Undressed... but then this president needs no help in making fun of himself. In fact, he can do it better than most comedians, to the extent that all the late night jockeys need to do is simply reference his antics and mannerisms to get laughs.

Take Jay Leno's exclusive interview for example:



I can only hope that in this final address, we get more beautiful linguistic gems such as these:




Will I be glued to the TV tonight? Probably not. Will I listen to the wrap-ups later, definitely. But if you're still not convinced that this monumental occasion needs to be immortalized in your memory; If you don't realize that this state of the union is something that the next generation will ask you about in 20 years... well, then listen to Brian Unger's Pitch for the Speech, and get in the spirit. Thanks NPR.

Tetris vs. Drew Carey

VS.





Yes, portly prime-time funnyman Drew Carey is back and tackling the late morning game show crowd: those senior citizens retired and propped like plants in front of the bright lights of the T.V. sets, or college kids hung over and stoned, watching the T.V. in lieu of moving from the cold embrace of the couch, or those of us who at home on a weekday, turn the T.V. on over a bowl of cereal to be entertained for a short period of time.

This is Bob Barker's crowd and while part of me wishes that he could still stay on the air, it is a wish to have the Bob Barker of 15 years ago, the sexual harassment Barker, propositioning his models and doling out kisses to the cute girls who guess their way on stage.

In the recent past, it has been scary to watch him, worrying that the same young girls he once philandered might break him in half in an embrace.

Yet, his replacement leaves me skeptical. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of Drew Carey. My late night T.V. schedule used to include his sitcom in perpetual syndication...back when Ryan Stiles wasn't doing lame commercials and while actress Christa Miller was still cute and lovable "Kate," rather than Scrub's bitchtastic "Jordan."

And while the format of Price is Right suits Carey more than the short lived: Who's Line is it Anyway, where his improvisational skills were painful to watch, the show still has nothing of his personality. Save for changing the entire set to a livingroom in Cleveland, he is little more than a talking head, delivering one-liners on Bob Barker's out-dated 1970's themed set.

Is this the best that we as Americans can offer? Shouldn't game shows challenge the contestants and amuse the audience. Thanks to the discovery of brazen explorer Ellen Degeneres and my roommate passing on his second-hand knowledge, I've discovered that there can be a better way. Once again, Japan has proven that it is far superior to the U.S., not just in terms of Cars, or Comics, or Anime, or Video Games, or Electronics, but now in terms of television shows aswell.

The T.V. show, aptly called: "Human Tetris," in the YouTube postings is clever, interactive and ridiculous. It thrills in the same way that Sabado Gigante thrills on the spanish language channels, by putting contestants in ridiculous situations where all we can do is laugh at them. Sure, Drew Carey can make jokes and ridicule the contestants on The Price is Right, but he won't. And the contestants won't fall into a pool of water either. Their are no consequences and so there is no excitement as viewers.

So what is the point of this rant? Should American Gladiators move to the morning hours? Do we need to mimic the Japanese to be successful? What other alternatives should there be, to face off against the drudgery of courtroom dramas and soap operas?

The unfortunate answer is: I don't know, nor am I in a position to do anything but gripe and kvetch, but as soon as the writer's strike settles, I'm hoping someone will put an ounce of creativity toward finding a solution. And maybe, just maybe, through clever uses of humor, physicality and humiliation, America can claw its way to the top once more.

Mighty Mammal Mars Beach

New Years day became more than a simple family vacation to Cannon Beach. Looking for something to do on this not-so-average weekday when most of the stores in this quaint Oregon Beach town were closed, my family and I wandered into the depths of Ecola State Park. The wilderness here is breathtaking. We strolled from the upper peninsula where an older couple offers binoculars and brochures for whale watching, through a winding trail that leads up some steep elevation before turning downhill and curling its way along the cliff-side down to the beach-head below.

On the upper peninsula we were led to believe that there were no whales in the water that day, at least nothing visible, when normally the Grey Whales are in full procession to their winter haunts in Baja California. So, we gave up our voyeuristic impulses to relish the hike, letting Revi wander ahead of us on the trails to be our canine compass and first line of communication with all passing hikers.

For a good mile we wandered, marveling at both the standing trees coated in moss, and their fallen brethren who were toppled during the massive storm that hit the region a month ago. Throughout the hike, while the path was clear (though mud-caked) many trees were ruptured, their splintered innards exposed to the elements. Yet, when we came to the top of a prominent cliff-side, we saw a white body laying on the beach below.

At first glance we couldn't determine what exactly was there, it was a great distance away, laying isolated in a cove behind sharp rocks, well away from the path we were on. Yet, using the power of technology I was able to capture a shot of the creature, and on my digital camera zoom into the photo until the distinct fins and tail of the whale were discernible. How such a creature dies and washes up to the beach is a mystery.

Apparently the deadly Orcas are responsible for the death of many a baby Grey whale, and perhaps were culpable here as well. A fearsome hit-squad patrolling the choppy seas of the Pacific. We couldn't determine how to get a closer look, but the carcass was clearly a marvel to behold, even from the gargoyle's perspective.

Strange then that someone would exploit this body, trying to steal the jaw for the sake of rare whale teeth. If human appendages were so prized, what would stop criminals from raiding the morgues and coroner's offices?

Who knows what the whale's last thoughts were before it washed up on the beach, or what level of consciousness it had to begin with. Yet, regardless of how the authorities dispose of the body, it is clear that they won't be able to bury it with the proper respect befitting the majesty of the creature.

I guess we can find some small comfort that the authorities are smart enough now not to explode it. But for one Colorado family, the appearance of a dead whale on an otherwise glorious hike, infused our trip to the Oregon Coast with morbid curiosity.