Finally, the truth about Kerry in Viet Nam

Thanks to John J. via Jeff, I finally have a source that clears up this confusion about Kerry's stint in Nam. Just click here

Beige! Buy it in mall record stores now!

I hope you're as excited as I am about the new Matchbox Twenty album. This press release about the new CD Beige summarizes how I feel about it (and Dave Matthews and Creed and [reply to my post to add to this list])

John Edwards pinch hits

Thanks to a democrat insider buddy at work, we got blue tickets to see Kerry at a rally in Cedar Rapids. A blue ticket means you get to stand closer to the stage, or get better seats at an event (yeehaw). It turned out that Kerry had lost his voice and needed heal up for the debates, so John Edwards subbed. I was happy, as I had not seen him in person (but had seen Kerry). The event was at the US Cellular Center, which seems like it might be a decent place to see an arena band (although the list of those I'd see is short). As we waited in line, a guy in fatigues held up a sign saying something about Kerry being a liar about Viet Nam. I guess the soldiers did not burn down villages and collect ears... The wierd part was when the police showed up and arrested him. Apparently, that part of the sidewalk is private property and he had been warned to move across the street with the other people wanting other people to vote against their interests, but it was still creepy to see someone arrested for quietly protesting. Granted, his pockets were filled with scary trinkets from the local army surplus store, but I didn't think he was out to hurt anyone. People in line told me that 2 teachers were arrested at the same place before the last Bush rally... or did they just forget to sign their loyalty oath? The scarriest part was the dude across the street holding up anti-Kerry signs. I didn't notice him much until his wife arrived with a baby and two toddlers. He had the kids holding up signs with typical hateful republican diatribe. This kids were probably 5 to 7 years old. It was really creepy. Once in, we opted for seats rather than getting a closer view, as we've stood for hours at past rallies (only to hear a cheesy political speech in the rain...even when I agree with them, the speeches are cheesy). The rally opened with local jazz that I hope is more enjoyable in a club and a version of the national anthem that made me heave. Not to discredit the skills of the singer, but I'm sort of a traditionalist for this tune, especially when sung by a caucasian...these female country singers who think they have a lot of soul especially piss me off. They sound like the wretched Christina Aguilera mixed with that fucking Stepford Wife Laura Bush, warping 82 sylables out of every word, all with a country accent. See, while I hate this horribly corrupt administration, I am a patriot, and I'm that rare lefty who likes the Star Spangled Banner (especially since it is based on an old drinking song). If you're going to take liberties, you better be awesome, otherwise, stick to the script!!



Carole King came out next, playing a grand piano and with only one guitar player to back her up. She put on a pretty good show, but more importantly, I googled her (he he) and you'd be amazed how many famous songs she's written. If you check out what albums her songs have appeared on, there are two pages just for the one's starting with "A." When the pretty boy did finally arrive, he was certainly that. In fact, here is him describing John Ashcroft's penis! The whole room was drippy, by my assessment of the gazes of all the women in the room. Believe me, this dude has the charisma to be a president (Edwards-Obama in 2012?). He gave a great, non-wimpy speech and yet still kept positive. I can't wait to see the debate between him and the bridge troll that is our Vice President. I'm hoping Kerry will also rip Monkey Boy a new one...of course, it seems that all Bush has to do is show up and not completely sound like an idiot and he wins. Pretty scary...

Calm Down, Kerry Will Win

...unless they steal it again. Keep in mind that Gore won the popular vote by more than a half a million votes, yet check out this prominent poll taken right before the last election (read the text and you find that the gallup poll--the one that has Bush up 13 points--had Bush up by 9 points at that time). If you want to learn more about why the major polls are unreliable, scroll down on this page and then browse around back to its home page for up-to-date info.

Control the cat...

Pooter (aka Scott) revealed this site to me, but I especially enjoyed playing with Ziggy. Do take the time to play with the other pictures, they are all pretty cool.

Spoonerisms

For months I've been trying to remember the name used to describe a phrase that is turned around for humor or to hide it's inappropriateness (or by mistake). For example "Duck Fisco" was on t-shirts when I was in junior high (boy were we clever). The term is spoonerism. I'd been looking for this term for awhile, but happened upon it when looking up a word in the dictionary. Apparently, this was named after a real absent-minded professor from England named Reverend William Archibald Spooner who reprimanded one student for fighting a liar in the quadrangle and another who hissed my mystery lecture. To the latter he added in disgust, You have tasted two worms. Here is my own spoonerism for the day:



That tush is bearable



And my favorite one that I didn't make up:



Remember, only users lose drugs



Please add your own spoonerisms and/or your favorites...

Go check out the proposed commercial that yet another group from Texas is planning to run about Bush's fine military service. They are trying to raise money, so if you are interested in seeing this on the air, click here.

Back from Chi town

Advice to the traveler... always schedule one day of recovery before returning to the drudgery of work. Me and the missus met up with some of her family in Chicago for the whole weekend, landing us back in IC last night. I still have no interest in accomplishing anything at work. Still on my mind (and probably my gut) are the Beef Medallions, Portabella Mushrooms, Garlic Mashed Potatoes I noshed on with good wine at Maggiano's. This is a chain, but a small upscale chain. The steak was pretty much perfect. The real keeper, though, of this trip was Vong's Thai Kitchen. We eat Thai on every trip (and at home), so we know our Thai. Vong's is not purely traditional Thai food, but it is more of a French fusion, but that did not diminish it's flavors. We shared a Red Beef Curry that was actually a grilled steak, served with an awesome curry. The steak was prime (it was a bit under the medium rare I ordered, but I can live with that). My favorite was the Signature Shrimp and Crab Pad Thai that we shared. It was, by far, the best Pad Thai I've ever eaten. Other folks at the table had seafood and all were impressed by the freshness. The dishes were all between 10$ and 20$, which is amazing for upscale stuff in downtown Chicago. Also, if there, be sure to save room for the passion fruit souffle... really awesome. Back to work. Is it 5:30 yet?