tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39530983952170865342024-03-13T22:32:25.418-07:00Can of Balls For the Nice GuyJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619871564960121408noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953098395217086534.post-70415226713366903872009-09-06T19:36:00.000-07:002009-09-06T19:41:28.880-07:00Loogie, Newark Penn Station<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SqRx5PnTNNI/AAAAAAAABrk/UpRsb1UwYaY/s1600-h/spitting.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SqRx5PnTNNI/AAAAAAAABrk/UpRsb1UwYaY/s400/spitting.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378549083245065426" border="0" /></a><br />He sits on a bench in Newark.<br />He reads a book of dark short stories.<br />He is waiting for his train that has caused his 1 hour trip to balloon to 3 hours.<br />He notices a woman sitting on the other side of the bench.<br />He hears a sound that is kind of like spitting.<br />He feels a slight spray of liquid on his arm.<br />He turns in the direction of the sound/ liquid.<br />He stares at the homeless woman staring at him.<br />He looks down at the glob of spit on his backpack.<br />He stares at the homeless woman staring at him.<br />He wonders if this crazy old woman just spit on him.<br />He stares at the homeless woman staring at him.<br />He wonders what kind of lunatic would expectorate on a stranger quietly reading a book.<br />He stares at the homeless woman staring at him.<br />He wonders if he should respond in some way.<br />He thinks; ask her if she just spit on me?<br />He wonders if is she going to attack him?<br />He thinks; spit back?<br /><br />She picks up her junk and walks away.joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100881567932778763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953098395217086534.post-45548222698823288362009-03-18T09:23:00.001-07:002009-03-18T09:29:28.795-07:00The Tuna Snatcher<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/ScEhWgBWQdI/AAAAAAAABLM/jY0xFp7FmIw/s1600-h/kids.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/ScEhWgBWQdI/AAAAAAAABLM/jY0xFp7FmIw/s400/kids.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314565705710322130" border="0" /></a><br />All my man wanted was to grub on an otherwise trashbound <a href="http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/fired-over-a-tuna-sandwich-and-fighting-back/">sandwich</a>... the man is always trying to stop people from snagging shit due for the garbage heap.joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100881567932778763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953098395217086534.post-46014888928373272742009-02-21T15:38:00.000-08:002009-02-22T10:17:01.529-08:00Peruvian Adventures: Day 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SaGVq8CKjYI/AAAAAAAABKc/GiOnvpIFjMA/s1600-h/PERU-+Martha2+012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SaGVq8CKjYI/AAAAAAAABKc/GiOnvpIFjMA/s400/PERU-+Martha2+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305686400921406850" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday 1/19- We explore Central Lima.</span><br /><br />Last night, on the trip from the airport to our hotel, we drove through some real depressed and run down areas, not exactly tourist or sightseeing hot spots. Due to this, we were a little skeptical about what this first day would bring, wondering whether there would be much for us to see besides urban blight and industrial sprawl. As it turns out, we wake up to sunshine streaming in through our window and the near constant horns blaring from the street outside. It's a beautiful day and we've got a lot to see.<br /><br />Traveling around Central Lima we are overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle on these tiny, narrow streets. The sidewalks are about 5 feet wide and as you walk you are no more than 6 feet away from the cars whizzing by with no regard for human life. We make our way to the majestic Plaza Mayor and wind our way around from there for the rest of the morning, poking our heads into various shops and getting a lay of the land. In what will turn into an ongoing trend, we can't go more than a minute at a time without ha<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ving to</span> say "no gracias" over and over to someone offering or asking us for something.<br /><br />Martha, not fully respecting the intensity of the sun in Peru, garners herself a substantial sunburn covering her face and shoulders by the time we sit down for lunch. The first real meal that we eat out in Peru is at a quiet little restaurant not far from out hotel. As we sit down to eat, we are starting to realize a few things about how the rest of the trip is going to play out. We have obviously overestimated our ability to communicate with the Spanish that we have in our arsenal, so we are going to have to rely on other forms of and hoping that the people we meet have some empathy for our pathetic grasp of their native tongue.<br /><br />Regardless, of this challenge, we can't give up, we must forge ahead, and the first obstacle in our path is the menu directly in front of us. Even with the help of the little guide book I brought along, we are only able to speculate what we might be ordering. I manage to order a some fried chicken and white rice while Martha gets a rice and seafood combo, both successful and satisfying ventures. Somehow, unknowingly, we order an appetizer, "<a href="http://www.recipes4us.co.uk/Cooking%20by%20Country/Peru%20Speciality%20Dish%3Cspan%20class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">%20Cebiche.htm">Cebiche</a>" which we are perplexed by and thinking that it is raw chicken, we choose not to touch it. We later find out that it is one of the more popular dishes in Peru, marinated raw fish served in a number of different ways in different parts of the country. Popular or not, aside from a quick taste to quell our curiosity we decide to leave it to the Peruvians.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SaGV7g5m_vI/AAAAAAAABKk/OZmBdzAaWLs/s1600-h/PERU-+Martha2+038.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SaGV7g5m_vI/AAAAAAAABKk/OZmBdzAaWLs/s400/PERU-+Martha2+038.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305686685695540978" border="0" /></a><br />The rest of the day is more of the same, continuing to explore and see as much as we can of the Central Lima area. For the most part, its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and lively atmosphere are more than enough to entertain us for the rest of the day. We visit massively elaborate cathedrals, tack<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">y craf</span>ts stores and a delicious churro stand. Overall, a great first day in Lima with<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"> the popul</span>ar ou<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ter dist</span>ricts of Miraflores and Barranco on tap for the next.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SaGWSDSZMNI/AAAAAAAABKs/0mjLMyOzbKI/s1600-h/PERU-+Martha2+042.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SaGWSDSZMNI/AAAAAAAABKs/0mjLMyOzbKI/s400/PERU-+Martha2+042.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305687072883421394" border="0" /></a>joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100881567932778763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953098395217086534.post-43481707055504722582009-02-07T08:34:00.000-08:002009-02-10T20:43:12.369-08:00Peruvian Adventures: Day 1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SZJVxnv7eMI/AAAAAAAAAuc/645h4nVHOZY/s1600-h/PERU-+Martha2+020.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SZJVxnv7eMI/AAAAAAAAAuc/645h4nVHOZY/s400/PERU-+Martha2+020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301394022340458690" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">COBFTNG</span>, long dormant is being woken up from its slumber for an important update; I just got back from 12 days in Peru. Well, not exactly, I got back last Saturday morning, but have just been too lazy and busy to get around to posting anything about the trip until now. </span> <span style="font-family:arial;">Martha and I traveled, explored, got lost, found our way again and ate a ton of great Peruvian food. We also took a ton of pictures, only half of which are accessible at the moment <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">bc</span> of memory card issues, that I will be sharing with all of you unwaveringly loyal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">COBFTNG</span> readers.</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> </span><span style="font-family:arial;">I'm going to try to get a post up for each day of our trip accompanied by whatever pictures I have available.</span> <meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CADMINI%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: times new roman;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: times new roman;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: times new roman;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: times new roman;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} /* List Definitions */ @list l0 {mso-list-id:808985332; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:1336339480 67698705 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715;} @list l0:level1 {mso-level-text:"%1\)"; mso-level-tab-stop:.5in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in;} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} ul {margin-bottom:0in;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal">Sunday 1/18- We fly to <st1:city st="on">Lima</st1:city>, <st1:country-region st="on">Peru</st1:country-region> from <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Newark</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">NJ</st1:state></st1:place>. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;">This is only the second time I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ve</span> traveled outside of the country and the first time that I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ve</span> gone on one that I organized myself. So, Martha and I had been thinking about and planning this little Peruvian excursion for a number of months. We had both been itching to travel and explore foreign parts of the world, particularly South America, and after much debate and research we settled on <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Peru</st1:country-region></st1:place>, for the following reasons:</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;font-family:arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">1)<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;font-size:7;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->It seemed relatively affordable. The plane tickets to <st1:country-region st="on">Peru</st1:country-region> were roughly half of what it would be to <st1:country-region st="on">Argentina</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region st="on">Chile</st1:country-region> or <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Uruguay</st1:country-region></st1:place>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;font-family:arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">2)<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;font-size:7;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->It had a number of things that we wanted to see and do (<st1:city st="on"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Machu</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Picchu</span></st1:city>, Lake Titicaca, the Andes, <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Lima</st1:place></st1:city>, etc…)<span style="">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;font-family:arial;"><span style="">3)<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;font-size:7;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->From what we could tell, it seemed like a relatively tourist friendly/ safe country that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">wouldn</span>’t place us in any unnecessarily dangerous situations.</p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal">I’m nervous for a number of reasons, the primary one being that neither of us really speaks Spanish all that well. I took it throughout high school and for a year in college to fulfill requirements but never put that much effort into really trying to learn it and speak it well. I can say that for most of the classes that I took in college, I wish I had applied myself more, but that’s a lament for another time… I have been trying to brush up on my Spanish, but its apparent that I’m not going to be engaging in any in depth conversations in my second tongue, which is unfortunate. I am fairly confident that through a combination of weak Spanglish and hand gestures/ body language I’ll be able to communicate my most basic thoughts and needs.</p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal">We wake up and do our final packing of our new gringo backpacks from <st1:place st="on">EMS</st1:place> courtesy of Martha. We try our best to pack light since we know we <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">aren</span>’t going to want to be lugging everything we own around <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Peru</st1:country-region></st1:place>. We want to be sleek and easily maneuverable yet still have everything we are going to need for both the mountains/ hiking and also spending a few days at the beach at the end of our trip. </p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal">The actual journey and flight to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Lima</st1:place></st1:city> is relatively uneventful. I haven’t flown anywhere in over two years and am a little nervous about taking such a long trip to a foreign and unknown country, but everything works out smoothly. We land in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Lima</st1:place></st1:city>, exchange some money and find our driver, a tiny, happy man named <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Lito</span>, who is proudly holding up a sign bearing our names. As we follow him outside into the warm <st1:city st="on">Lima</st1:city> night, we breath deeply of the fresh, balmy air of <st1:place st="on">South America</st1:place>. We are finally here! After months of planning, saving and waiting, we are actually standing on Peruvian soil, seeing billboards written in Spanish, ready to take on any adventures and experiences that come our way. We hop nervously into the back of his huge, creaky van and head off into the night. </p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal">It is on this ride to our hotel that we get our first taste of typical Peruvian driving. They rely not on any sort of formal rules of the road but on a unique shared vision of how to navigate their crazy roadways. Each driver is hell bent on getting to his/her destination in the absolute shortest amount of time possible, regardless of any obstacles that might be in the way. What ends up happening is a cluster fuck at every intersection with every single vehicle beeping and honking until their wrists get sore from pounding the wheel. To say that Peruvian drivers use their horns liberally would be a gross exaggeration. Drivers down there use their horns as frequently as your typical New Yorker uses his or her blackberry, in other words at every possible opportunity and in between every possible<span style=""> </span>opportunity. </p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal">Despite this, we get to the hotel Sunday night, not before getting pulled over by one of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Lima</st1:place></st1:city>’s finest Police officers because our man <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Lito</span> ran through about 5 red lights while rationalizing his actions by honking through each one. Day one complete. Much more ahead.</p><p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal">(Unfortunately we don't have any pictures from this first day, but I've been starting to post pictures from the trip <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/nyksg8/PeruTripAlbum1#">here </a>if you are interested.
<br /></p> joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100881567932778763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953098395217086534.post-50709114867409385092008-11-18T07:11:00.000-08:002008-11-18T07:30:27.751-08:00Detroit in trouble<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SSLb4a-cW9I/AAAAAAAAANc/j_ehEcjCEEA/s1600-h/pruning.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SSLb4a-cW9I/AAAAAAAAANc/j_ehEcjCEEA/s400/pruning.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270016276337286098" border="0" /></a><br />I was going to make a small comment on an Ezra Klein post as I shared it on Reader, but I felt like I might as well write it on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">COBFTNG</span> since for months it has been cruelly ignored by its own creator and it deserves a little action.<br /><br />Here is the <a href="http://www.prospect.org/csnc/blogs/ezraklein_archive?month=11&year=2008&base_name=a_deal_not_a_bailout">link</a>. As anyone who knows me realizes, I'm a big fan of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kleins</span> writing on The American Prospect and am quick to share what I feel are interesting and thoughtful posts that he churns out over there.<br /><br />Here he highlights one take on the automakers bailout/deal. I'm obviously no expert, but why would the auto industry need further incentive to make higher gas mileage standards/ further "green technologies" a priority? I understand why looking for a bailout to try to save millions of jobs is reasonable given the state of our economy, but why haven't these companies innovated and progressed to the point where they don't need the federal government to jump in and save their failing businesses?<br /><br />I guess it is by and large more of a statement about the condition of the general economy than any one particular industry that these types of "bailouts" are deemed necessary and acceptable. Maybe its an overly simplistic view of the auto industry, but I wonder if its right to feel that these companies are getting what they deserve for not adapting to evolving demand for more fuel efficient vehicles and environmentally responsible transportation options.joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100881567932778763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953098395217086534.post-41020175283780954742008-11-11T10:45:00.000-08:002008-11-11T10:59:39.419-08:00Terrible New York<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SRnUcICH6gI/AAAAAAAAANU/8m6mXxa9lC4/s1600-h/clouds.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SRnUcICH6gI/AAAAAAAAANU/8m6mXxa9lC4/s400/clouds.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267474818844322306" /></a>Sometimes I feel I never want to live in New York City ever again.<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/11/nyregion/11meals.html?ref=nyregion">http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/11/nyregion/11meals.html?ref=nyregion</a></div>joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100881567932778763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953098395217086534.post-37372510311278210702008-11-06T18:58:00.000-08:002008-11-06T19:43:26.194-08:002 days later<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SRO3w-f_qUI/AAAAAAAAANM/p0E1rNkUX_Q/s1600-h/rock+and+rule.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 295px; height: 273px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SRO3w-f_qUI/AAAAAAAAANM/p0E1rNkUX_Q/s400/rock+and+rule.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265754441365039426" /></a><br /><div><br /></div>I am fully aware that this site has been doing nothing but collecting dust for some time now, but at some point I hope to revive it to where it once was (about 3-4 posts a month). Until that time, you will just have to bear with me and my laziness towards churning out blog posts. <div><br /></div><div><div>I read something this evening from Ezra Klein's blog at The American Prospect and it really sounded right to me. I know I am as guilty as anyone else for getting so amped up and hopeful just from hearing <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WU17HxQRvZo&feature=related">Obama speak</a> that I forget about the harsh realities facing our country and our political system. I forget about all the very real obstacles in the way and get a glazed-over look in my eye dreaming about a land of milk and honey, brother/sisterhood and hugs, sharing and caring. Very few things are able to consistently give me chills up my spine, but listening to Dylan's music (specifically "Masters of War") and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Barack's</span> inspired speeches make the list.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways, I'm getting sidetracked. Here is <a href="http://www.prospect.org/csnc/blogs/ezraklein_archive?month=11&year=2008&base_name=relief">the passage from Mr. Klein</a> which I thought was an apt way to say that even if things might not be as hopeful as all the celebrating suggested, there is still reason to believe that there is some reason to get excited. Comments are always welcomed here in this land of free speech.</div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote>My basic emotion is relief. The skill of an Obama administration has yet to be proven. The structure of our government will prove a more able opponent than John McCain. But for the first time in years, I have the basic sense that it's going to be okay. Not great, necessarily. And certainly not perfect. But okay. The country will be lead by decent, competent people who fret over the right thing and employ the tools of the state for recognizable ends. They may not fully succeed. But then, maybe they will. At the least, they will try. And if they fail in their most ambitious goals, maybe they will simply make things somewhat better. After the constant anxiety and uncertainty of the last eight years, maybe <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">that's</span> enough.</blockquote></div><div><blockquote></blockquote><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100881567932778763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953098395217086534.post-1526330070294464912008-10-08T08:16:00.000-07:002008-11-06T19:43:50.233-08:00I ain't your damn friend John<div style="text-align: center;">John McCain's Debate Notes<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">-Address audience as "My friends"<br />-Mention the words "cronyism and corruption"<br />-Don't forget about EARMARKS!<br />-Try to get audience to believe <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Obama</span> is going to raise taxes for the middle class<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SOzlIhABQtI/AAAAAAAAAMo/GHlwJYXYg60/s1600-h/white+house+wrestling.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SOzlIhABQtI/AAAAAAAAAMo/GHlwJYXYg60/s400/white+house+wrestling.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254826799694693074" border="0" /></a><br />I've really had a hard time watching these debates. There is very little said that is more than generalities, vague statements that might come off as popular among the electorate and mentions of contradictions in the other candidate's voting record. The problem that I see with constantly bringing up voting records in the senate is that often times, as far as I understand it, Senators will vote on a plan that might be the lesser of two evils, and thus might be painted as being a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">die-hard</span> supporter of such a plan when they were merely choosing the best realistic option. This is obviously applicable to both sides.<br /><br />Like most other people who watch these debates, I can't claim to know the ins and outs of all the issues that are discussed. I try to educate myself as best I can about the topics that I feel are the most important for myself and others going forward (the state of the economy, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">health care</span>, taxes, alternative energy initiatives, restructuring our approach to foreign policy, transportation issues), but I can't possibly know everything there is to know about them. Therefore, I inevitably feel like I can't always cut to the truth behind statements that are brandied about by both of these politicians, can't always decipher which statements are honest and sincere and which are fraught with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">mistruths</span> and stray toward <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">disingenuity</span>.<br /><br />Which is worse, this type of bullshit debate format or the speeches from the conventions where the audience cheers every single word?<br /></div></div>joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100881567932778763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953098395217086534.post-53438682271902795932008-08-13T07:00:00.001-07:002008-08-13T07:24:22.327-07:00Pearly whites and corrosive elements<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SKLujb0lEcI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/PoRMr0PiBTA/s1600-h/manta+rays.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SKLujb0lEcI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/PoRMr0PiBTA/s400/manta+rays.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234008009489060290" border="0" /></a><br />As a man who loves a good floss and teeth brushing, and also one that enjoys the occasional can of soda, I was taken aback when a coworker looked at me condescendingly at lunch the other day while I was sipping on a free can of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pepsi</span> and asked me, "Don't you know how bad that is for your teeth?"<br /><br />She continued, "Haven't you heard that if you leave a tooth in a cup of soda overnight it will dissolve by the next morning?"<br /><br />I had never heard of this ridiculous claim and steadfastly refused to accept it as reality, however a few other people had also heard it and believed it to be the honest-to-god truth. One co-worker claimed that leaving a dirty penny in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pepsi</span>/coke overnight could completely clean and shine a previously dirty penny. I know how much sugar soda, candy and other shit contains and realize that it isn't the best thing for your dental and physical health, but didn't think they had the ability to destroy body parts as if they were sulfuric acid.<br /><br />So I went to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">interweb</span> and tried to get to the bottom of this. I present you with the results of a thorough <a href="http://alltooflat.com/pranks/myths/teeth/">scientific study</a> on this topic that gets to the heart of the matter.joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100881567932778763noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953098395217086534.post-66956147554253956102008-08-10T09:05:00.000-07:002008-08-10T09:40:32.843-07:00Amerocentrism and CHINA in big block letters<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SJ8ZXn7piyI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/vmJHCSFOEz8/s1600-h/coffee+world.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SJ8ZXn7piyI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/vmJHCSFOEz8/s400/coffee+world.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232929185674660642" border="0" /></a><br />One thing that caught my eye while watching the ass-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">whomping</span> that Team USA just laid on China in men's basketball was the writing on the uniforms. Why is it that the name of the country and player were written in English? Since the games are being held in Beijing, why isn't everything written in Mandarin? Is this done just because NBC has the rights to broadcast the games and somehow has a say in how things should look there?<br /><br />Viewing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">NBC's</span> coverage of the Olympic games and not noticing the slanted coverage toward American athletes and American dominated events is like reading Jolly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Miserable's</span> blog and finding something interesting, it just can't happen.joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100881567932778763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953098395217086534.post-33525091569802073022008-08-05T19:23:00.001-07:002008-08-05T20:25:03.334-07:00Lost in Iraq<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SJkZV2rCiHI/AAAAAAAAAJs/1ej74PMYTwI/s1600-h/suit+fights.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SJkZV2rCiHI/AAAAAAAAAJs/1ej74PMYTwI/s400/suit+fights.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231240305411524722" border="0" /></a><br />I, not unlike many Americans, am not very knowledgeable about what is going on in Iraq. I try to follow the news coming out of there as much as I can but still don't understand a lot of the facts and opinions that surround this situation. From what I can tell, as unpopular as "the surge" was, it was successful in curbing violence in an extremely hostile and turbulent region of the world.<br /><br />I know next to nothing about military strategy, dealing with an insurgency or rebuilding a country (and an economy) after a war. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Obama</span> has been for establishing a timetable for withdrawal of troops but has amended his position somewhat in light of the current state of affairs. Our invasion and subsequent occupation of Iraq has been an extremely controversial and heated issue for a bevy of reasons (the cost of American lives, financial burden of the war on the U.S., disruption of Iraqi sovereignty, rising oil prices, being lied to about the reason for invading, etc...)<br /><br />Tonight I came across <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/06/world/middleeast/06surplus.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin">this article</a> that further confused me about Iraq and our country's role there. Apparently, Iraq is swimming in money from rising oil profits and racking up a huge surplus while the U.S. government has been adding to is already sizable <a href="http://www.prospect.org/csnc/blogs/ezraklein_archive?month=07&year=2008&base_name=not_a_record_budget_deficit">deficit</a>. While we are pouring money into the reconstruction of Iraq, they are gathering interest on their growing lump of cash. I would like to assume that our government is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">proceeding</span> in the most rational and responsible manner possible given the circumstances, but when I read articles like this one I start to have my doubts. Really, who is in charge here? It just doesn't seem like a tight ship is being run over there. I realize that the situation on the ground isn't as simplified and generalized as the American public would like to see it, but I am underwhelmed by the sense that things are being handled in the best manner possible over yonder.<br /><br />When are we going to decide if we really want to be propping up and holding Iraq's hand for the next 50 years? My main problem with coming to terms with Iraq is that I don't see a coherent plan in place that dictates our actions going forward. I am aware of the instability and tensions that exist there, but how are we ever going to move forward (and out!) if we don't have a clear (and shared) vision for the Iraq of the future and our relationship with them. Are we going to continue on this dangerous imperialistic foreign policy path or are we going to settle in to the role of a responsible world superpower?<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/06/world/middleeast/06surplus.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin"></a>joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100881567932778763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953098395217086534.post-41008518110734735052008-07-22T18:53:00.001-07:002008-07-22T20:00:32.308-07:00Tour de Westfield<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SIacgKi-iUI/AAAAAAAAAJk/LYJapIh3_bQ/s1600-h/bike+tattoo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SIacgKi-iUI/AAAAAAAAAJk/LYJapIh3_bQ/s400/bike+tattoo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226036494010845506" border="0" /></a><br />After I got home from work I was debating what to do, lift weights? Try to play basketball on my still healing ankle? Go for a bike ride? Sit on my ass and watch <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tv</span>?<br /><br />Since it was around 7:30 and I was too lazy to lift and too uninspired to shoot some hoops, I hopped on my bike and went for a spin. I usually don't push myself too hard on my solitary rides. I'll bike around 10 miles or so at an easy pace. The goal is usually to bike for 5-7 miles or so in what ever direction the wind takes me and then somehow try to figure out how to get back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Cranford</span>. I've become fairly familiar with the area and its been getting harder and harder to disorient and get myself legitimately lost.<br /><br />Tonight, however, I had been casually riding around the seemingly endless grid between <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Cranford</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Westfield</span> when I come up to an intersection in time to see 6 dudes fly by in full road bike gear and on some nice rigs. I barely ever get the chance to ride with anyone so before I even really had a chance to make a decision, I pulled a sharp right and started trailing the pack as they started weaving in and out of traffic. These dudes were pretty serious riders and it was definitely going to take some concentration and will power to keep up with them in my amateur shape.<br /><br />We eventually made our way to a less congested road where I was able to shout out to ask them if it was cool if I tagged along.<br /><br />"Where are you guys headed?" I inquired.<br /><br />"Up around the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Watchung</span> loop and back, only about 16 miles" (The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Watchung</span> Reservation is 5 minutes from where I grew up and consists of a bunch of winding roads snaking over hills and through the woods) Carlos replied.<br /><br />Somehow I was able to keep up with these guys for most flat parts and the climbs, partly because I was about 10 years younger than about half of them. However, they toasted me on the descents. Like I said, the roads wind wickedly around the hills and you never know whats going to be around the next bend unless you are really familiar with the turf. So we would get to the top of a climb and then less than a minute later all the other guys would be completely out of sight. I was cruising along at a respectable 30-35mph and was being left in the dust. The fact that it was pushing 8-8:30 and was quickly getting darker didn't help matters as I sped down each descent while trying to keep up with these road warriors.<br /><br />I'm sure I looked like a clown wearing sneakers, basketball shorts and jersey while all the other guys were decked out in the legit cycling apparel and accessories, but it was a great time nonetheless. I definitely got a new appreciation for what kind of athletes must be riding in the Tour <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">de</span> France and other professional races. I've been trying to follow and learn more about it, its really a fascinating spectacle with its unparalleled history and prestige. France never really struck my fancy as a travel destination until I started reading more about the Tour, but now it will most definitely be a must on my next (and first) European tour.joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100881567932778763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953098395217086534.post-60591565482134644832008-07-06T11:14:00.000-07:002008-07-06T12:22:14.282-07:00Leonhardt on market forces in the health care industry<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SHEbSIOBbrI/AAAAAAAAAJI/yBGNOimtoyc/s1600-h/sand+dragon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SHEbSIOBbrI/AAAAAAAAAJI/yBGNOimtoyc/s400/sand+dragon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219983441357008562" border="0" /></a><br />David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Leonhardt</span> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/25/business/25leonhardt.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss">writes </a>about how Congress is helping the continuing high costs of the health care industry. He argues that by not allowing the health care equipment prices to be set by market forces, the government is supporting artificially inflated prices. The effect of this subsidy is a bloated producer surplus which obviously ends up hurting the little people.<br /><br /><blockquote>On the power of lobbying and money in Washington politics impacts this issue:<br />This little fight deserves more attention than it's been getting for two reasons. One, it's a great example of how a small group of constituents can potentially beat back a policy that's clearly in the public interest but has no similarly committed group of supporters. And, two, it shows just how difficult health care reform is going to be.<br /><br />In the abstract, fixing the health care system sounds perfectly unobjectionable: it's about reducing costs (and then being able to cover the uninsured) by getting rid of inefficiency and waste. In reality, though, almost every bit of waste benefits someone.</blockquote><br />Overall, I found this to be an intelligent article which looks to shed some light on how our elected officials are not always looking out for our best interests. Our entire health care system is undeniably flawed and in no way could be described as working to ensure the health and well-being of all American citizens. As he points out, there are more (and more powerful) people whose jobs are focused on maintaining the status <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">quo</span> in this industry than their are people who are working to fix this debacle. After watching a movie like <a href="http://www.michaelmoore.com/sicko/checkup/">SICKO </a> (I know, I know its Michael Moore, but still) and thinking about all the failures in the system, it is so frustrating to think about how something that could do so much good is letting so many people down everyday.<br /><blockquote></blockquote>joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100881567932778763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953098395217086534.post-31744134771727406992008-07-04T14:13:00.000-07:002008-07-04T14:59:41.341-07:00An American Pastime<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SG6c_sTGyII/AAAAAAAAAJA/0B4AK4M27-w/s1600-h/baseball+trash+talk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SG6c_sTGyII/AAAAAAAAAJA/0B4AK4M27-w/s400/baseball+trash+talk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219281636205971586" border="0" /></a><br />I just saw an ad for a gas company, followed by another commercial for a different gas company. The first one was for Mobil and the next one was for <a href="http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=dd7_1213037986"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Valero</span>.</a> (Note: This commercial obviously was aired without the anti-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Valero</span> message scrolling across the screen)<br /><br />Are commercials like these really going to change the driving habits of average Americans who have faced substantial increases in the price of gas over the past year? Even if driving is an American 'love affair' or Pastime (aren't evicting Native Americans from their homes and starting unpopular wars American Pastimes as well?), do these companies really think that by airing some corny ads during baseball games American consumers will go out and A) Drive more in general or B) Buy their gasoline over their competitors brands? I don't get it.joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100881567932778763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953098395217086534.post-19252618160815091202008-07-03T20:56:00.000-07:002008-07-03T21:14:22.776-07:00Spanning the masses<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SG2idQn4s0I/AAAAAAAAAIw/5FZzJlWmKQ0/s1600-h/elephant.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SG2idQn4s0I/AAAAAAAAAIw/5FZzJlWmKQ0/s400/elephant.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219006166754440002" border="0" /></a><br />"Let me be as clear as I can be," he said. "I intend to end this war. My first day in office I will bring the Joint Chiefs of Staff in, and I will give them a new mission, and that is to end this war — responsibly, deliberately, but decisively.<br /><br /> -<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Barack</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Obama</span><br /><br />There has been a lot of talk recently about <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/04/us/politics/04policy.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Obama's</span> stance on the war in Iraq</a>. From the beginning he has been opposed to it and wants to bring out troops home. However, he is not an irrational <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">peacenik</span> who views bringing every last soldier back home to start planting flowers and holding hands as the number one priority. As much as I am against the war in Iraq, and without being an expert on the issue, I do believe that strictly calling for a withdrawal of troops without taking into consideration the current state of affairs there and consequences of our actions on the region would be a mistake.<br /><br />People can criticize <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Obama</span> from both sides, either calling him a flip-flopper or another run-of-the-mill politician who is only trying to win votes by working his way into the middle of the political spectrum. But, the fact of the matter is that one can find both value and fault in either<br />A) staying the course, being stubborn, and not willing to change your position on an issue simply because you are afraid people will say that you are a hypocrite or say that you are flip-flopping or<br />B) Being adaptable and open minded to changing your mind, taking into consideration new information and risk THEM saying that you aren't strong or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">tough minded</span>.<br /><br />Its a tough row to hoe. As with many things, I feel the truth and best option lies somewhere in the middle of these two extremes, no matter how the liberal/conservative media might want to portray it. I want a leader who is willing to do what is right despite how he/she might be painted by critics afterwards.joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100881567932778763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953098395217086534.post-15295885733556569392008-07-03T19:31:00.000-07:002008-07-03T20:53:08.401-07:00Happy Birthday Babe-raham Lincoln!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SG2dVl9O-KI/AAAAAAAAAIg/2Ev0cNiq1EQ/s1600-h/gun+dark+clouds.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SG2dVl9O-KI/AAAAAAAAAIg/2Ev0cNiq1EQ/s400/gun+dark+clouds.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219000537484032162" border="0" /></a><br />I just caught part of "Independence Day", one of the greatest epic movies of our time. One of the parts that always intrigued me, was the idea of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_51#UFO_and_other_conspiracy_theories_concerning_Area_51">Area 51</a>. In the movie, the President was completely unaware of its existence. If you think about it, this makes sense that every Tom, Dick and Sally that is elected president of the United States of America cannot be told the deepest, darkest secrets that our government holds.<br /><br />In the movie, the former head of the CIA is the only dude who knows about the existence and ongoings of the facility and he only brings it up after the aliens have struck and are within 36 hours of completely exterminating mankind as we know it! You think Bill Clinton knows about what kind of crazy shit THEY might be testing in the North Pole or the vast deserts of Nevada?<br /><br />As much as these type of "science fiction" movies are deemed to be unrealistic or fantastical, there is something so cool in thinking that there might be so much out there that we are kept in the dark about. This got me thinking about the idea of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacred-profane_dichotomy">Sacred and the Profane</a>. The day to day operations of our life get to be so mundane and ordinary, that when we encounter something above and beyond, it blows our minds and makes us realize that there could be more...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SG2d2_z6VVI/AAAAAAAAAIo/Xa9uNFpQjy8/s1600-h/suit+fights.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 305px; height: 229px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SG2d2_z6VVI/AAAAAAAAAIo/Xa9uNFpQjy8/s400/suit+fights.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219001111359935826" border="0" /></a>Religion is incredible in that it allows people to believe that there is something so much more powerful and otherworldly out there than their 9-5 jobs, mortgages and ho-hum existence. Maybe, just maybe, there is the something out there that could equal or exceed the furthest limits of our imagination.joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100881567932778763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953098395217086534.post-88431709427815042652008-06-29T18:16:00.000-07:002008-06-29T18:22:10.497-07:00Man, I love summer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SGg0_F00VMI/AAAAAAAAAIU/fYFscaLghlM/s1600-h/flowers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SGg0_F00VMI/AAAAAAAAAIU/fYFscaLghlM/s400/flowers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217478426808833218" border="0" /></a><br />Rank of seasons by order of awesomeness<br />1. Summer<br />2. Spring<br />3. Fall<br /><br />9. Winterjoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100881567932778763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953098395217086534.post-73415534634842658672008-06-23T18:51:00.000-07:002008-06-23T20:22:21.091-07:00Tour de Jersey<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SGBhE6qwfiI/AAAAAAAAAH8/B8kqQAWuqj8/s1600-h/boy+bike.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SGBhE6qwfiI/AAAAAAAAAH8/B8kqQAWuqj8/s400/boy+bike.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215275105591000610" border="0" /></a><br />Despite the fact that Will Bike For Food didn't come together for this summer, I've still been trying to bike as much as possible. I've been getting out for 10-15 mile rides after works and some longer ones on the weekends. Looking back on it, trying to organize a 3,000+ mile ride without ever having gone on a trip longer than 30-40 miles might not have been the most reasonable idea, for whatever its worth.<br /><br />This past weekend I took my longest ride yet, a 53 journey through the congested state of New Jersey from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cranford</span> to Normandy Beach. From one Grandparent's house to the other. It was a beautiful day, 70degrees, sunny. Outside of a 10 mile stretch in and around Perth <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Amboy</span>, the trip was fantastic and was pretty smooth sailing. I cruised into Normandy in about 3 and a half hours, averaging about 17mph while stopping twice to refuel. I figure if I can cover this type of ground in about half a day, with some more experience and strength, some more ambitious adventures are definitely going to be within reach.<br /><br />New Jersey is a relatively flat state, not too many hills, and the ones I did encounter were more of the long, gradual type. I thought that the notorious traffic of NJ might put a damper on the ride, but for the most part, it really wasn't a factor at all. As long as there is a decent shoulder on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">roa</span>d (at least 5 feet), assholes flying by in cars don't really effect me too much.<br /><br />Overall, I had a great time on the ride. There is something liberating in being able to move yourself from point A to point B without having to rely on something bigger than yourself (car, train, plane). I felt free in knowing that I was able to take on this excursion entirely by myself from start to finish. No matter whether its finishing a tough sudoku, running a 2mile, figuring out how to illegally split cable from your neighbors house, , or bike to the beach, the gratification in finding a way to accomplish a task and following through on it until completion is a great feeling.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SGBkYisT_tI/AAAAAAAAAIE/j3JsQCVK9ho/s1600-h/naked+dude.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SGBkYisT_tI/AAAAAAAAAIE/j3JsQCVK9ho/s400/naked+dude.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215278741287337682" border="0" /></a><br />I'm looking to take my next longer ride from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Cranford</span>,NJ to Central Valley, NY, most likely in late July. Its going to be about 61 miles, most likely more rural roads. In the mean time, I want to try to get into a little better shape. My legs actually didn't bother me at all until the last 5-10 miles, and even then it really didn't hinder the ride at all. My lower back started tightening up about halfway down from a combination of carrying my backpack and not having prepared myself for being in a riding position for 3-4 hours.joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100881567932778763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953098395217086534.post-26072386654479189562008-06-11T19:44:00.000-07:002008-06-11T20:21:57.399-07:00Blow it up<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SFCWO2MPBVI/AAAAAAAAAHw/Y93GDl2yxFA/s1600-h/fuck+that.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SFCWO2MPBVI/AAAAAAAAAHw/Y93GDl2yxFA/s400/fuck+that.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210829950676829522" border="0" /></a><br />I just heard about this whole "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3plZq0p9L18">terrorist fist jab</a>" business. The Fox News Channel operates under the guise of "fair and balanced" reporting. However, anyone watching this channel should be able to recognize the slant and unmistakably biased reporting that goes on there. They hardly even try to conceal their objectives of promoting an extremely conservative and Republican-friendly agenda.<br /><br />I found <a href="http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2008/06/fox-news-anchor.html">this </a>while reading about this fist jab fiasco<br /><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote>For example, NBC anchor <a href="http://mediamatters.org/items/200806090004">Andrea Mitchell apologized</a> on Monday on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MSNBC</span> Live for describing Bristol, Virginia -- a place where <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Obama</span> was campaigning -- as "real redneck, sort of, bordering on Appalachia country." In late May, Fox News contributor Liz <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Trotta</span> <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/greg-mitchell/liz-trotta-apologizes-on_b_103561.html">apologized for joking </a>that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Obama</span> should be assassinated, along with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Osama</span> Bin Laden. In February, conservative Fox talk show host Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">O'Reilly</span> <a href="http://mediamatters.org/items/200802200001?f=h_top&lid=80076&rid=3981188">apologized for saying</a> that he "didn't want to go on a lynching party against Michelle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Obama</span> unless there's hard evidence, hard facts that say this is how the woman really feels." And in January, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">MSNBC</span> political pundit Chris Matthews <a href="http://mediamatters.org/items/200801170019?lid=34326&rid=1826903">apologized for charging</a> that Hillary Clinton only managed to win office of any kind because she played the sympathy card as a victim of her husband's infidelities. </blockquote>These Fox News personalities inject their little digs and cheap shots out of one side of their mouth while pretending to present the current events of the day. Even though all of the people mentioned above apologized for the comments on which they were called out, their sentiments and true feelings are easy to see.<br /><br />I have no desire to get into the problems of media bias and the unsuspecting public who eats this kind of fear mongering, racist and inflammatory bullshit up with a spoon. I just wonder if there can be some way to officially label the Fox News channel as clearly nothing more than brainless entertainment for the ignorant masses, as opposed to a reputable news source which it parades itself as.joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100881567932778763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953098395217086534.post-68132891354545188572008-06-10T18:24:00.000-07:002008-06-10T20:35:14.480-07:00Rise above<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SE87FdJVLjI/AAAAAAAAAHg/zkjdUmdcirc/s1600-h/coffee+world.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SE87FdJVLjI/AAAAAAAAAHg/zkjdUmdcirc/s400/coffee+world.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210448258800102962" border="0" /></a><br />What initially drew me to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Obama</span> was his insistence on the need to change the political makeup and dealings in our government. No more "Politics as usual", which served to describe Hillary Clinton, the current administration, and pretty much the entire recent history of politics in our country.<br /><br />Too much corruption, influence by special interests, irresponsibility and incompetence. Barack was going to be bringing something new, something fresh. There were going to be no attack ads, no negative campaigning, no divisiveness from this movement. He was going to conduct a campaign without stooping to the level of his opponents.<br /><br />Surely this was a good thing right? It sounded great. Rise above the usual pettiness and bullshit that American politics has been known for. However, as much as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Obama</span> has tried to run a squeaky clean campaign, it was all but inevitable that there would be road bumps and different unexpected challenges. Reverend Wright. Michigan and Florida. Clowns on FOX news bringing up his middle name, Hussein, as if it should disqualify him from serving as President. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgGwsNvwsiw">Here for more media bullshit. </a><br /><br />What I'm trying to get to is the fact that no matter how hard Barack tried to run a different campaign, there are going to be people who try to drag his name through the mud, dig up any dirt they can on him and find, however minuscule, chinks in his armor. The ideal way to face this type of garbage would be to ignore it, focus on policy, work to reach out to as many constituents as possible and just rise above the triviality of it all. However, if you try to do this and act in a dignified and classy way by not even addressing these things that have somehow passed for 'news'.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SE87MdTfElI/AAAAAAAAAHo/qGhEp_83-EQ/s1600-h/desert+tv.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SE87MdTfElI/AAAAAAAAAHo/qGhEp_83-EQ/s320/desert+tv.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210448379101778514" border="0" /></a><br />If you don't respond and attack back, you are considered weak. If you don't address these ridiculous statements that the media blows up, it makes you look as if you have something to hide. I am too young and inexperienced to proclaim myself as some expert of how government should be run, but it seems to me that if we had a chance to redesign an ideal political system, it would look significantly different than what we have today.<br /><br />The focus needs to be on which candidate can best help our country and serve the most people. Who can best address the problems in our economy, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">health care</span> system, education, environment, foreign policy and other areas that are in dire need of attention?<br /><br />In our current culture of 24 hour news channels and people eating up and demanding the most sensational news stories, it seems to be tough to get every voter to focus on the key factors during this critical election year. Are American voters intelligent enough to recognize and understand how different policy choices effect our country and our citizens lives? Hope lies in the feeling that people are fed up enough with the current state of affairs to try to change things AND still somehow believe that we have the power to change things.joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100881567932778763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953098395217086534.post-38050875978119819752008-06-02T18:32:00.000-07:002008-06-02T19:22:49.908-07:00You just had to go and open your big mouth<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SESoseq1pOI/AAAAAAAAAHY/9JQindOjF-8/s1600-h/arnold+bush.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SESoseq1pOI/AAAAAAAAAHY/9JQindOjF-8/s400/arnold+bush.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207472551247586530" border="0" /></a><br />Taking a nice long sip of iced tea after a coming in from a refreshing bike ride around <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cranford</span>, I switched on the TV to see what was going on with the Yankees game.<br /><br />5-4 Yanks in the bottom of the 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> at Minnesota. Petite was still pitching and had only thrown 89 pitches thus far. The old man's still got it. He gets <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Casilla</span> to ground out to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Cano</span> for the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">nd</span> out of the inning. And then all of a sudden...<br /><br />"Petite sure is looking good tonight. He's thrown 90 pitches and 60 of them for strikes, a good ratio...Maybe its not such a crazy idea to send him out there for the 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Joba</span> pitching tomorrow, give their bullpen a break... Andy's had leads of 2-0, 4-1 and now 5-4 tonight, we'll see if he can hold on to this one now."<br /><br />At this point I'm starting to get nervous. Color commentators have never really done it for me (with the obvious exception of the eloquent and always entertaining Walt 'Clyde' Frazier). They are usually lacking in genuine insight and are just plain dull. However, standing in the kitchen, watching the YES network, I start to get a bad feeling. As much as I might not like to admit it, I tend to be a little superstitious. Watching Super Bowl <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">XLII</span>, I held onto the same beer bottle long after I had emptied its contents simply because it had been in my hand when the Giants marched down the field earlier in the 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">th</span> quarter and scored on Tyree's catch. I do believe in jinxes. I do believe in a lucky pair of boxers. When something works, go with it until it doesn't anymore. Especially with something as fragile as the Yankees 2008 season. At this point, the franchise might careen into the abyss if someone sneezes at the wrong time.<br /><br />So back to the story, I'm standing there, staring at the screen while topping myself off with another round of iced tea when I hear this,<br />"Andy Petite has yet to give up a home run to a left handed hitter so far this year... Incredibly Joe <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Mauer</span> has yet to get in the HR column"<br /><br />Not 15 seconds later <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Mauer</span> rockets a pitch on the inside of the plate into the right field stands. Now, would this have happened if these numb nuts hadn't said anything? Who knows. Its as if there is some slumbering jinx monster in the room and by saying something as stupid as this, he is going to wake up and punish you by fucking over your team. This is exactly why no one talks to a pitcher in the late innings of a no-hitter or perfect game. Its why when your team has been perfect from the foul line all game, you don't say something like "Man...have we missed a foul shot tonight? We're on fire!". The universe is a fickle mistress, try not to upset her.joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100881567932778763noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953098395217086534.post-65276879549866857162008-05-23T20:59:00.000-07:002008-05-23T22:03:51.764-07:00Stand clear of the closing doors<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SDehWOq1pNI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/ZuY4_-DsVDc/s1600-h/building.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SDehWOq1pNI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/ZuY4_-DsVDc/s400/building.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203805297716864210" border="0" /></a><br /><br />First things first, Yankees 13 Mariner 2. Beautiful day for a baseball game in the Bronx. Met up with Jolly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Skartvedt</span> and two middle aged friends of his at a restaurant outside the stadium where we ordered different variations of Jerk Chicken entrees as one of the guys, Lou, got visibly frustrated with the service. The waiter tried to remember our simple orders (Jerk Chicken wrap, Jerk Chicken dinner, etc..) and failed miserably. Needless to say, it was a great game. The Yanks just poured on run after run while lighting up Erik <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bedard</span>. Andy Petite was fantastic and Shelly Duncan hit a 3 run bomb to left to start the explosion. Jolly was being hit on all game by the girl across the aisle who seemed to be there with her boyfriend.<br /><br />One thing that I truly hate about New York City is the abundance of people who walk around talking to themselves. I'm not talking about the ones who are singing to themselves listening to their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">iPods</span> or muttering as they step in a puddle. Its the people who are standing at the corner having an obviously one-sided conversation with no one in particular. The guy in the park sitting on the bench snapping at someone invisible sitting next to him. The old woman with the grocery bag who stops in the middle of the cross walk to ask a question of someone when there is no one within 30 feet of her. I am aware that in all likelihood a majority of these individuals are clearly disturbed. My run ins with these people unnerve me more than anything else that I have encountered lately. Except for that time last week when I ran into a possum (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">sp</span>?) outside the garage!<br /><br />As I was walking through Penn station earlier tonight on my way home, a dude approached me and asked for 75 cents. I was a little taken aback by the request for such an exact and small amount of money. Having only one quarter in my pocket, I handed it to him and apologized for some reason. I hadn't taken 3 steps before I passed this young couple being propositioned by this one obviously down on his luck dude. I had heard the story before "I'm really sorry to have to bother you, but I lost my wallet and have no way of getting home, could I just borrow $10 to buy a train ticket?" or "I AM NOT A BUM, and I wouldn't be asking you this if I wasn't in such a bind, but could you help me out with such and such". This is the definition of a 'Boy who cried wolf' scene. Obviously there are people who get their wallets stolen, lose their cellphone, etc... and have to resort to asking complete strangers for a few bucks to get them going again. However, there also would seem to be people who, by impersonating the aforementioned individuals, could make a few quick bucks with this ploy. The later group is really ruining it for all those poor people who fall upon some bad luck away from home and nowhere to turn. I guess this isn't really a boy crying wolf, but one boy crying "wolf!" when there is no wolf around and another boy coming along and crying "wolf!" only to be ignored and eaten by the wolf.joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100881567932778763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953098395217086534.post-11026041826106581822008-05-15T20:37:00.000-07:002008-05-15T20:45:07.470-07:00Reason #453 that I hate the Spurs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SC0C55vaZYI/AAAAAAAAAHA/7cFuUJm8i6E/s1600-h/work+hard+be+nice.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SC0C55vaZYI/AAAAAAAAAHA/7cFuUJm8i6E/s400/work+hard+be+nice.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200816338458273154" border="0" /></a><br />I despise Robert Horry.<br /><br />If the cheap shot he laid into David West's back tonight puts him out of commission for Game 7 on saturday(?) he will have effectively ruined the seasons of two of the most fascinating and enjoyable teams in the league in consecutive Western Conference semi-finals. The Nash hit last year was definitely worse and much more obviously malicious, but setting a blind side screen in middle of a man's already injured back is still a shitty and lowly thing to do. When Mark Jackson defended Horry's actions right afterwards, I felt relieved that Donnie Walsh didn't hire this stupid sonofabitch to be the coach. If you are going to win, win with class. Horry has none and obviously neither does Mark Jackson.<br /><br />I hope West will be alright for the rest of the playoffs and that the Hornets kick the shit out of the Spurs in New Orleans.joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100881567932778763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953098395217086534.post-9034979951097334732008-05-15T20:21:00.000-07:002008-05-15T20:48:19.290-07:00Can't catch a break?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SCz_K5vaZXI/AAAAAAAAAG4/Hm5HUhTE8wM/s1600-h/plane+chase.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SCz_K5vaZXI/AAAAAAAAAG4/Hm5HUhTE8wM/s400/plane+chase.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200812232469538162" border="0" /></a><br />Think you've got it rough? A tornado tear through your house in Oklahoma? Are you about to lose your house due to the sub-prime mortgage fiasco? Lose your job?<br /><br />Quit whining. There are people out there who got stuck in traffic on their way to their weekend homes and you're calling your misstep a tragedy? Come on people. Before you complain about the thousands of people whose lives were destroyed by Cyclone Nargis, recognize the real horror for the people stuck in there Benz's in gridlock traffic on their way to what was SUPPOSED to be a relaxing weekend away.<br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/greathomesanddestinations/16drive.html?_r=1&8dpc&oref=slogin"><br />When we go away we always stop</a>joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100881567932778763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3953098395217086534.post-88658311719584946792008-05-14T17:38:00.001-07:002008-05-14T18:20:21.424-07:00Life outside the magic kingdom<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SCuIbZvaZWI/AAAAAAAAAGw/S49o3yBGaHA/s1600-h/jj+reddick.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M1YIfITsVGQ/SCuIbZvaZWI/AAAAAAAAAGw/S49o3yBGaHA/s400/jj+reddick.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200400199076963682" border="0" /></a><br />Wasn't it just 2 years ago that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">JJ</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Reddick</span> was the poster boy of college basketball? Everyone was basically in agreement that he wasn't athletic or big enough to be as effective in the NBA as he had been at Duke, but that he was still a very talented scorer with one of the best <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">jumpshots</span> we had ever seen. He became Duke's all-time leading scorer despite the fact that every team's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">game plan</span> revolved around stopping him first and foremost. He was taken in the lottery by the Magic and has yet to get any consistent burn.<br /><br />The NBA is made up of stars and role players. These role players tend not to have the complete games of their more heralded teammates but still possess some skill set that allows them to help their team. Reggie Evans can't score for shit but still plays defense and rebounds enough to justify a spot for himself. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Jacque</span> Vaughn has inexplicably been in the league forever without knowing what it feels like to get in the stat sheet. Bruce Bowen is one of the worst people on the planet but is still lauded for his "defense and hustle". My point is that all of these players and plenty more don't have the all around game of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">LeBron</span> or KG but are valuable components nonetheless because they bring to the table tools that a successful team needs.<br /><br />How is it that no team can make use of a player who is all but automatic from anywhere in the gym if given an open look. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kapono</span> just snagged a huge deal last summer for having no other discernible skills besides being able to knock down J's at a good clip and being a good looking guy. Sure <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">JJ's</span> not as big as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Kaponovich</span> but I would argue that he is just as good of a shooter. For the past 2-3 years all the announcers have talked about when the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Cavs</span> have gotten bumped from the playoffs is that he doesn't have a reliable shooter on the other wing who he can kick it to when the defense collapses. Sure, they've had Gibson, West, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Sczerbiak</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Pavlovic</span>, etc... but none of them have been able to get it done consistently.<br /><br />I was never the biggest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Reddick</span> fan, but it was impossible not to respect his game. The man worked his ass off, knew how to get open and play to his strengths, and filled it up like a motherfucker. You don't think he could be a good option coming off the bench for 20 minutes a night, open up the floor for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">LeBron</span> while he does his thing? He's not going to be the first option for any team he plays for, but he should still be able to find a niche somewhere in the league because of what he does do well. If guys like Steve Kerr and Matt Carroll are able to carve out a spot for themselves with just their jump shots and not much else, why can't this guy?joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100881567932778763noreply@blogger.com3