Televangelist Calls for Assassination of Chavez
Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson suggested on-air that American operatives assassinate Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to stop his country from becoming "a launching pad for communist infiltration and Muslim extremism."
China Ups the Ante in Its Bid for Oil
China's biggest state-owned oil company, the China National Petroleum Corporation, announced on Monday that it would pay $4.18 billion for a Canadian oil company with shares traded in New York and substantial reserves in Kazakhstan.
Trade wars can lead to shooting wars
U.S. vs. China, currency, trade, jobs, standard of living, military
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Republican Myrmidons and Co.
From Clever Peasantry
The War the South Won
Using your tax dollars, the government created an admirable piece of propaganda.
2005 Republican Freedom Calendar: Celebrating a century and a half of civil rights achievement by the Party of Lincoln
Why should you take the time to read it?
Ostensibly, you should read it if you wish to be better informed about our national heritage. Honestly, you should read it if you are a minority who holds a low opinion of the Republican Party’s recent civil rights record.
What will you learn?
It is not possible for the ethos of a political party to change over time. What does this imply? The Republican Party was organized in Ripon, Wisconsin on February 28, 1854, as a party opposed to the expansion of slavery into new territories. The first Republican Party President of the United States was the guy who freed the slaves. Therefore, the Republican Party has always been a tireless advocate of civil rights. In the 19th century, the Democrat Party consisted of racist, slave-owing southerners and conciliatory northerners. Ever since, the Democrat Party has assailed civil rights with a vengeance befitting a kung-fu movie where the father of the Democrat Party is killed by Civil Rights.
From Wikipedia
… The post-war emergence of the United States as one of two superpowers and rapid social change caused the Republican Party to divide into a conservative faction (dominant in the West and Southeast) and a liberal faction (dominant in New England) – combined with a residual base of inherited progressive Midwestern Republicanism active throughout the century. A Republican like U.S. Sen Robert Taft of Ohio represented the Midwestern wing of the party that continued to oppose New Deal reforms and continued to champion isolationism [not to be confused with free trade]. Thomas Dewey represented the Northeastern wing of the party that was closer to Democratic liberalism and internationalism. In the end, the isolationists were marginalized by those who supported a strong U.S. role in opposing the Soviet Union throughout the world, as embodied by President Eisenhower. However, this development did not represent the end of the story. The seeds of conservative dominance in the Republican party were planted in the nomination of conservative Barry Goldwater over liberal Nelson Rockefeller as the Republican candidate for the 1964 presidential election.
One element of the New Deal coalition was the "Solid South", a term describing the Southern states' reliable support for Democratic presidential candidates. Goldwater's electoral success in the South, and Nixon's successful Southern strategy four years later, represented a significant political change, as Southern white protestants began moving into the party, largely in reaction to national Democratic Party's support for the Civil Rights Movement. The remaining pockets of liberal Republicanism in the northeast began to die out as the region turned solidly Democratic. In The Emerging Republican Majority, Kevin Phillips, then a Nixon strategist, argued (based on the 1968 election results) that support from Southern whites and growth in the Sun Belt, among other factors, was driving an enduring Republican electoral realignment.
If Republican Party propaganda were a pill, it would be Rohypnal.
Only Libertarians should be allowed to talk about freedom.
The War the South Won
Using your tax dollars, the government created an admirable piece of propaganda.
2005 Republican Freedom Calendar: Celebrating a century and a half of civil rights achievement by the Party of Lincoln
Why should you take the time to read it?
Ostensibly, you should read it if you wish to be better informed about our national heritage. Honestly, you should read it if you are a minority who holds a low opinion of the Republican Party’s recent civil rights record.
What will you learn?
It is not possible for the ethos of a political party to change over time. What does this imply? The Republican Party was organized in Ripon, Wisconsin on February 28, 1854, as a party opposed to the expansion of slavery into new territories. The first Republican Party President of the United States was the guy who freed the slaves. Therefore, the Republican Party has always been a tireless advocate of civil rights. In the 19th century, the Democrat Party consisted of racist, slave-owing southerners and conciliatory northerners. Ever since, the Democrat Party has assailed civil rights with a vengeance befitting a kung-fu movie where the father of the Democrat Party is killed by Civil Rights.
From Wikipedia
… The post-war emergence of the United States as one of two superpowers and rapid social change caused the Republican Party to divide into a conservative faction (dominant in the West and Southeast) and a liberal faction (dominant in New England) – combined with a residual base of inherited progressive Midwestern Republicanism active throughout the century. A Republican like U.S. Sen Robert Taft of Ohio represented the Midwestern wing of the party that continued to oppose New Deal reforms and continued to champion isolationism [not to be confused with free trade]. Thomas Dewey represented the Northeastern wing of the party that was closer to Democratic liberalism and internationalism. In the end, the isolationists were marginalized by those who supported a strong U.S. role in opposing the Soviet Union throughout the world, as embodied by President Eisenhower. However, this development did not represent the end of the story. The seeds of conservative dominance in the Republican party were planted in the nomination of conservative Barry Goldwater over liberal Nelson Rockefeller as the Republican candidate for the 1964 presidential election.
One element of the New Deal coalition was the "Solid South", a term describing the Southern states' reliable support for Democratic presidential candidates. Goldwater's electoral success in the South, and Nixon's successful Southern strategy four years later, represented a significant political change, as Southern white protestants began moving into the party, largely in reaction to national Democratic Party's support for the Civil Rights Movement. The remaining pockets of liberal Republicanism in the northeast began to die out as the region turned solidly Democratic. In The Emerging Republican Majority, Kevin Phillips, then a Nixon strategist, argued (based on the 1968 election results) that support from Southern whites and growth in the Sun Belt, among other factors, was driving an enduring Republican electoral realignment.
If Republican Party propaganda were a pill, it would be Rohypnal.
Only Libertarians should be allowed to talk about freedom.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Andrew Rock
Results from the 2005 IAAF World Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Helsinki
Andrew Rock, whilom DIII LaCrosse runner, finished 2nd in the 400 (44.35) to Athens Olympic gold medalist Jeremy Wariner. Mr. Rock then ran the lead leg of the USA's gold medal 4x400. I finished 3rd in the 400. View the photo finish to see my speed suit.
*
Articles I might read:
Building a Virtual Microbe, Gene by Gene by Gene
Have You Heard? Gossip Turns Out to Serve a Purpose
Wal-Mart Says Oil Prices Held Down Profits for Quarter
*
Marye and I borrowed the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? from the library. I enjoyed it. The picture show is directed by St. Louis Park, Minnesota, natives, The Coen Brothers, who incorporated themes from The Odyssey into the movie. The soundtrack is mossome.
I must read more about:
Greek Mythology
Roman Mythology
*
Waste Yes, Want Not
Is there want of landfill space? No.
Regulations created conditions for enormous landfills to create economies of scale and new compacting technology has allowed landfills to save space by increasing density.
To Woo Students, Colleges Choose Names That Sell
Beaver College no more.
*
The Male Condition
Read this. The article talks about the difference between male and female brains. It also talks about autism.
Andrew Rock, whilom DIII LaCrosse runner, finished 2nd in the 400 (44.35) to Athens Olympic gold medalist Jeremy Wariner. Mr. Rock then ran the lead leg of the USA's gold medal 4x400. I finished 3rd in the 400. View the photo finish to see my speed suit.
*
Articles I might read:
Building a Virtual Microbe, Gene by Gene by Gene
Have You Heard? Gossip Turns Out to Serve a Purpose
Wal-Mart Says Oil Prices Held Down Profits for Quarter
*
Marye and I borrowed the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? from the library. I enjoyed it. The picture show is directed by St. Louis Park, Minnesota, natives, The Coen Brothers, who incorporated themes from The Odyssey into the movie. The soundtrack is mossome.
I must read more about:
Greek Mythology
Roman Mythology
*
Waste Yes, Want Not
Is there want of landfill space? No.
Regulations created conditions for enormous landfills to create economies of scale and new compacting technology has allowed landfills to save space by increasing density.
To Woo Students, Colleges Choose Names That Sell
Beaver College no more.
*
The Male Condition
Read this. The article talks about the difference between male and female brains. It also talks about autism.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
morning
A few things...
This morning two pileated woodpeckers, also known as log cocks, were hammering away at an elm tree outside our kitchen window across the street. Pileated woodpeckers are slightly smaller than crows and are notable by their red crest. One of the woodpeckers hewed a twelve-inch strip of bark off the elm. Sweet.
We have all seen the style of jeans young American women wear; low-riders accentuating yeasty love handles that bulge and hang over the sides. There is a name for what you see: muffin tops.
We are growing a Thai dragon pepper plant along the side of our garage. The plant is burgeoning like a mo-fo, pencil-tip peppers everywhere. I chopped one up - one, mind you - and sprinkled it over a plate of pasta. Very hot. Then my nose started to run a little bit. I rubbed my nose. The dragon got all up in my nose. It was sensational. I will keep some of the seeds and try to grow more plants next year.
I finished reading Order of the Phoenix and the Half-Blood Prince. I also just finished reading America (the book), produced by the folks at Comedy Central.
This morning two pileated woodpeckers, also known as log cocks, were hammering away at an elm tree outside our kitchen window across the street. Pileated woodpeckers are slightly smaller than crows and are notable by their red crest. One of the woodpeckers hewed a twelve-inch strip of bark off the elm. Sweet.
We have all seen the style of jeans young American women wear; low-riders accentuating yeasty love handles that bulge and hang over the sides. There is a name for what you see: muffin tops.
We are growing a Thai dragon pepper plant along the side of our garage. The plant is burgeoning like a mo-fo, pencil-tip peppers everywhere. I chopped one up - one, mind you - and sprinkled it over a plate of pasta. Very hot. Then my nose started to run a little bit. I rubbed my nose. The dragon got all up in my nose. It was sensational. I will keep some of the seeds and try to grow more plants next year.
I finished reading Order of the Phoenix and the Half-Blood Prince. I also just finished reading America (the book), produced by the folks at Comedy Central.
Friday, August 12, 2005
Dad, what's a cracker
Marye and I went to La Grolla on Selby for dinner last night. When we were walking back to our car on Marshall, I heard a couple of young (<10 years old) black kids talking.
"Anthony. Anthoneeeeee. Where's Anthony?"
"He's back there playing with the crackers."
Sure enough, Anthony was further down the sidewalk playing with the crackers.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Senator Coleman Announces Support for Terrorists
This survey question is on the Unctious One's website:
"Do you share Senator Coleman’s concerns that a new proposal to require all Minnesotans traveling to Canada to get passports, at a cost of $100 apiece, would create an unnecessary burden for northern Minnesota families and businesses, and would not substantially improve United States homeland security?"
Tendentious Analysis
Minnesota sychophantic Senator Norm Coleman opposes the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. When Senator "Dastard" Coleman's opposition to terrorism prevention was aired on Al-Jazeera, what kind of message did it send to the terrorists? Senator Coleman's stance portrays Minnesotans as cowards running from the War on Terror. As a result, terrorists are heartened by our foundering resolve and porous security.
Why doesn't the dastard support terrorism prevention? A passport costs $100 and expires after 10 years. So, terrorism prevention would cost an individual $10 per year. It is despicable to consider a nominal ten dollars per year unworthy of preventing an attack on the Mall of America. Norm Coleman, you perfidious pussy, why do you hate America?
"Do you share Senator Coleman’s concerns that a new proposal to require all Minnesotans traveling to Canada to get passports, at a cost of $100 apiece, would create an unnecessary burden for northern Minnesota families and businesses, and would not substantially improve United States homeland security?"
Tendentious Analysis
Minnesota sychophantic Senator Norm Coleman opposes the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. When Senator "Dastard" Coleman's opposition to terrorism prevention was aired on Al-Jazeera, what kind of message did it send to the terrorists? Senator Coleman's stance portrays Minnesotans as cowards running from the War on Terror. As a result, terrorists are heartened by our foundering resolve and porous security.
Why doesn't the dastard support terrorism prevention? A passport costs $100 and expires after 10 years. So, terrorism prevention would cost an individual $10 per year. It is despicable to consider a nominal ten dollars per year unworthy of preventing an attack on the Mall of America. Norm Coleman, you perfidious pussy, why do you hate America?
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Bipartisan Profligacy
Chemistry
Structures and Reactivity of Non-heme Oxoiron(IV) Compounds
Eric J. Klinker
Angewandte Chemie
Anderson, Adrian B.; Ciriacks, Chanda M.; Fuller, Kathryn M.; Arriaga, Edgar A.. "Distribution of Zeptomole-Abundant Doxorubicin Metabolites in Subcellular Fractions by Capillary Electrophoresis with Laser-Induced Fluorescence Detection." Analytical Chemistry (2003), 75(1), 8-15.
Chanda M. Ciriacks and Michael T. Bowser. “Monitoring D-Serine Dynamics in the Rat Brain Using Online Microdialysis-Capillary Electrophoresis” Anal. Chem., 76, 6582-6587 (2004).
Monday, August 08, 2005
Flex
Okay, big weekend. I had the day off on Friday. I went for a run, hacked away at the Highland Park driving range, climbed around in the basement of Midwest Mountaineering, and then played tennis with Tim and Marye. After tennis, we made a stop at DQ, where I enjoyed a Dilly Bar. Later I fired up the Weber and Megan and USGS employee Eric Smith joined us for grilling. Then we went to DQ, where I enjoyed a hot fudge sundae. We progressed to Molly Quinn’s Deserted Irish Pub, which proved that there is not always whiskey in the bar. Steve and Yarrow were going to meet us inside, but they were delayed by road construction and didn’t arrive until we were walking out the door. We called it a night and went our separate ways. We watched with a smiles as Steve and Yarrow drove away ahead of us, Yarrow’s head just barely high enough to be silhouetted in the middle of the pickup truck, banjo music drifting through my head.
On Saturday, we met Megan, Holly, Steve, Yarrow, and Liz at the Birchwood Café for lunch. Afterwards, Marye and I went to the Powderhorn Park Art Fair. We walked around the lake, looking inside each vendor’s white tent, which contained either sculpture, jewelry, clothes, photography, clay, or mixed media. I bought a Coke. It was good. Actually, it was great. We also listened to a band called the Brass Minstrels. We left the art fair to pick up Marye’s Mom at the airport. We went to Champs by Ridgedale Mall to eat dinner. We were sitting on the patio when Marye pointed to the parking lot and said something like “That looks like Kevin Garnet.” It was. KG. The Big Ticket. He was tossing around a football with some other dudes in the parking lot. Things I learned about KG: He is tall. He is playful. He drives a white Land Rover with tinted windows. He wished the Wolves had drafted me instead of Rick Rickert.
Paul and I couldn’t meet for our Sunday morning run because Mary was running the 5K at the Hennepin Lakes Classic, so I decided to run the 10K, joining Yarrow, Megan, Holly, and peeps. Marye and I biked down the Midtown Greenway to Lake Calhoun, smooth. I didn’t pay to enter, so I dropped out at mile six, which suited me just fine because I was desperately sucking air. Splits: 6:02 – 5:54 – 5:50 – 5:53 – 6:01. Justin Pavlish ran a 17:18 5K. That’s right, Tim’s dad’s brother’s son who rents a room from Tim ran a 17:18 5K. Tim isn’t the fastest Pavlish in the house. In even more exciting news, Paul ran the Richfield half marathon in 1:22.38, a blazing pace of 6:16, good for 9th place. Machine.
After the races, we biked back home in time to meet my Mom, who brought us a few tomatoes, and my Grandma, who made us a lemon meringue pie. Laura joined us and we ate lunch at the Longfellow Grill.
I coasted through the remainder of Sunday by delving into Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix. I actually already read a bootleg copy of the seventh and final Harry Potter book, which I procured in Nebraska. It’s called Harry Potter the Mexican Standoff. Spoiler Warning!!!!! Everybody dies.
On Saturday, we met Megan, Holly, Steve, Yarrow, and Liz at the Birchwood Café for lunch. Afterwards, Marye and I went to the Powderhorn Park Art Fair. We walked around the lake, looking inside each vendor’s white tent, which contained either sculpture, jewelry, clothes, photography, clay, or mixed media. I bought a Coke. It was good. Actually, it was great. We also listened to a band called the Brass Minstrels. We left the art fair to pick up Marye’s Mom at the airport. We went to Champs by Ridgedale Mall to eat dinner. We were sitting on the patio when Marye pointed to the parking lot and said something like “That looks like Kevin Garnet.” It was. KG. The Big Ticket. He was tossing around a football with some other dudes in the parking lot. Things I learned about KG: He is tall. He is playful. He drives a white Land Rover with tinted windows. He wished the Wolves had drafted me instead of Rick Rickert.
Paul and I couldn’t meet for our Sunday morning run because Mary was running the 5K at the Hennepin Lakes Classic, so I decided to run the 10K, joining Yarrow, Megan, Holly, and peeps. Marye and I biked down the Midtown Greenway to Lake Calhoun, smooth. I didn’t pay to enter, so I dropped out at mile six, which suited me just fine because I was desperately sucking air. Splits: 6:02 – 5:54 – 5:50 – 5:53 – 6:01. Justin Pavlish ran a 17:18 5K. That’s right, Tim’s dad’s brother’s son who rents a room from Tim ran a 17:18 5K. Tim isn’t the fastest Pavlish in the house. In even more exciting news, Paul ran the Richfield half marathon in 1:22.38, a blazing pace of 6:16, good for 9th place. Machine.
After the races, we biked back home in time to meet my Mom, who brought us a few tomatoes, and my Grandma, who made us a lemon meringue pie. Laura joined us and we ate lunch at the Longfellow Grill.
I coasted through the remainder of Sunday by delving into Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix. I actually already read a bootleg copy of the seventh and final Harry Potter book, which I procured in Nebraska. It’s called Harry Potter the Mexican Standoff. Spoiler Warning!!!!! Everybody dies.
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Dallas-Fort Worth
Marye and I flew to Texas last weekend for my cousin Dacia's wedding. We arrived at DFW airport Friday night. My Mom picked us up at the airport and we rode through Irving, past Texas Stadium, which is home of the Dallas Cowboys, past a mega-church (did I just repeat myself), and arrived at our hotel, the Wyndham Anatole, juxtaposed to the Trinity River, which is basically a runoff ditch flanked on each side by an undeveloped 15 meter earthen levee that prevents flooding. This is the most luxurious hotel room I have ever stayed in. We had a king-size bed, couch, table, desk, 14th-floor view, and a phone on the poop deck – that’s right, a phone on the wall by the toilet (hello, ass-wiping service). Concierge - fancy French word for slave. Anyway, the hotel room was approximately the same size as our old apartment. The hotel featured a private art collection with an eastern Asian theme: Buddhas, elephants, pagodas, etc. The hotel complex was huge: two enormous atriums, the tower where we stayed, a beaucoup of boutiques (offering gewgaws such as $190 princess fairy Halloween costumes for your 5-year-old), extensive outdoor grounds, indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants, convention centers, and $15 overnight parking. The hotel also featured hundreds of rather corpulent, heavily veneered Mary Kay women in their 40s.
On the way to the wedding we drove by the American Airlines Center, home of the Dallas Stars and Dallas Mavericks. The wedding ceremony was at a church next to Southern Methodist University. Each bridesmaid, wearing a dull pink dress with a brown sash, carried a different white flower: lilies, snapdragons, tulips, roses, hydrangeas, calla lilies. In a survey conducted after the wedding, nobody could recall whether there were groomsmen. Anyway, 1 Corinthians 13 was read and Jesus sighed in relief, as the streak was kept intact. A clarion soprano squeezed her butt cheeks together and hit all the high notes in the Lord's Prayer. Impressive. The reception was at the Dallas Museum of Art. Art highlights: mosaic, crazy floor, posing next to statues, riding the camel (pictures please). Back to the wedding... I drank a Shiner Bock. It sucked. I switched to Tanqueray and tonic. Then I ate myself into somnolence, only to be roused by some fresh beats, my shoulder wouldn’t stop twitching.
A little about Dallas...
Air conditioning is used to produce extreme contrast.
Hotel - 70 degrees, Ambient - 98 degrees, Church - 64 degrees, Body – flummoxed.
Dallas is the second-largest city in Texas, eighth largest in the United States. The DFW Metroplex is the fifth largest metro area in the U.S. and one of the fifty largest metro areas in the world.
Minneapolis is almost 2.5 times as dense as Dallas.
US cities over 400,000 ranks by population density in 1990
Major/Notable Companies Based in the Dallas Area:
7-Eleven
American Airlines
Blockbuster
BNSF
Dr. Pepper
Electronic Data Systems (established by Ross Perot)
Exxon Mobil
Frito Lay
Greyhound
JC Penney
Kinko's
Mary Kay Cosmetics
Neiman Marcus
Pier 1
Pizza Hut
Radioshack
Southwest Airlines
Texas Instruments
Dallas, Texas - home base of Anywhere, USA.
Mary Kay, enriching Women's lives (TM), founded in 1963, number one best-selling brand of skin care and color cosmetics in the U.S.
Faith first.
Family second.
Career third ;)
Revenue fourth? 2004 revenue: $1.8 billion
Are you old and wizened?
Do you have derelict eyes, lips, cheeks, and nails?
We have the anti-aging answer: cleansers, moisturizers, foundation, concealers, powders.
Does fast food have you smelling like beef tallow?
We have fragrance.
By the way…
Twin Cities-Based Companies:
Target
U.S. Bancorp
Marshall Field's
Xcel Energy
Piper Jaffray
3M
Ecolab
St. Paul Travelers
Lawson Software
Land O'Lakes
Aveda
Northwest Airlines
Supervalu
Dairy Queen
Medtronic
General Mills
UnitedHealth Group
Imation
Best Buy
Cargill
Links to Old News
South Korean Scientists Create World's First Cloned Dog
The cloning of a dog posed unique challenges. Up next, a manticore.
Adidas Agrees to Acquire Reebok in $3.8 Billion Deal
Competition for Nike.
King Abdullah is the new leader of Saudi Arabia, replacing the less-than-pious King Fahd.
A steady Saudi hand - for now
How Wall Street Wrecked United's Pension
I need to go back and read this, but from my skim it looks like United, lured by the possibility of lucrative returns, pursued a strategy of higher risk investment and gambled away workers' pensions. United is probably locked in by contract, but it would be a good idea to switch to a 401k or IRA match program.
Why Bill Gates Wants 3,000 New Patents
What are the patents for?
Mind games over Iraq
Soldiers are returning from the global struggle against violent extremists with mental health problems, and the government is not prepared to help these veterans.
Waiting for a tsunami
This is a classic doomsday column about the U.S. economy. The earthquake is credit. The tsunami is a wall of debt. Have you seen the movie Seven. Remember gluttony, the dude who was tied to the table and stuffed with food until he died.
Who will eventually drag down U.S. per capita income.
Asia: the best bet for businesses
Leading in consumption
Wu-Tang
I was reading about the clan on Wikipedia.
I need more nicknames.
Bane
Bain
Crazy Leg
List of Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
What do other people think is popular.
Alive and Thriving in the Midwest: Brawling in Cages
This article is about three years late.
The weather rained 37 inches on Bombay, India, the other day. Wow.
Who's Afraid of China Inc.?
Wal-Mart with an army.
The Rap on Puffy's Empire
Sean John Combs, Puff Daddy, P-Diddy
This guy is a force. I wonder how he writes an article. The articles are so long, which happens when you digress into an explanation of dialectical materialism.
Scarcity economics and overcapacity
by Henry C K Liu
Trade in the age of overcapacity
by Henry C K Liu
The secret Downing Street memo
Who cares.
The cloning of a dog posed unique challenges. Up next, a manticore.
Adidas Agrees to Acquire Reebok in $3.8 Billion Deal
Competition for Nike.
King Abdullah is the new leader of Saudi Arabia, replacing the less-than-pious King Fahd.
A steady Saudi hand - for now
How Wall Street Wrecked United's Pension
I need to go back and read this, but from my skim it looks like United, lured by the possibility of lucrative returns, pursued a strategy of higher risk investment and gambled away workers' pensions. United is probably locked in by contract, but it would be a good idea to switch to a 401k or IRA match program.
Why Bill Gates Wants 3,000 New Patents
What are the patents for?
Mind games over Iraq
Soldiers are returning from the global struggle against violent extremists with mental health problems, and the government is not prepared to help these veterans.
Waiting for a tsunami
This is a classic doomsday column about the U.S. economy. The earthquake is credit. The tsunami is a wall of debt. Have you seen the movie Seven. Remember gluttony, the dude who was tied to the table and stuffed with food until he died.
Who will eventually drag down U.S. per capita income.
Asia: the best bet for businesses
Leading in consumption
Wu-Tang
I was reading about the clan on Wikipedia.
I need more nicknames.
Bane
Bain
Crazy Leg
List of Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
What do other people think is popular.
Alive and Thriving in the Midwest: Brawling in Cages
This article is about three years late.
The weather rained 37 inches on Bombay, India, the other day. Wow.
Who's Afraid of China Inc.?
Wal-Mart with an army.
The Rap on Puffy's Empire
Sean John Combs, Puff Daddy, P-Diddy
This guy is a force. I wonder how he writes an article. The articles are so long, which happens when you digress into an explanation of dialectical materialism.
Scarcity economics and overcapacity
by Henry C K Liu
Trade in the age of overcapacity
by Henry C K Liu
The secret Downing Street memo
Who cares.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Minnesota Swamp Ass
New Minnesota State Record Dew Point Set Saturday July 23rd
Pipestone, Minnesota, recorded a temperature of 93 degrees at 5pm, and combined with a dew point of 86 degrees, the heat index reached 125 degrees. Butt sweat was rampant.
Pipestone, Minnesota, recorded a temperature of 93 degrees at 5pm, and combined with a dew point of 86 degrees, the heat index reached 125 degrees. Butt sweat was rampant.
Paul Singh Is a Machine
Yesterday on my bike ride home from work I crossed paths with Paul along the river road near the Washington bridge by the U of M. Paul is training for Twin Cities Marathon this October. Jude, just so you know, Paul looks tough. He cannot be persuaded be the entreaties of fatigue. He cannot be stopped.
While I'm speaking of Paul...
Here's his Geography Honors Project:
Unrecognized Potential Along Twin Cities Commercial Corridors
Abstract
The economic vitality of the commercial corridors in Minneapolis and St. Paul is imperative to the well-being of inner-city neighborhoods. In order to assist community groups with redevelopment along the corridors, this publication identifies commercial revitalization using a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) model. One commercial corridor that was found to be experiencing greater success than was predicted by the GIS model is the section of Nicollet Avenue known as Eat Street. The history of Eat Street highlights several strategies that can assist community groups with their redevelopment efforts.
While I'm speaking of Paul...
Here's his Geography Honors Project:
Unrecognized Potential Along Twin Cities Commercial Corridors
Abstract
The economic vitality of the commercial corridors in Minneapolis and St. Paul is imperative to the well-being of inner-city neighborhoods. In order to assist community groups with redevelopment along the corridors, this publication identifies commercial revitalization using a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) model. One commercial corridor that was found to be experiencing greater success than was predicted by the GIS model is the section of Nicollet Avenue known as Eat Street. The history of Eat Street highlights several strategies that can assist community groups with their redevelopment efforts.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
I will waste your time too
This article from yesterday's Star Tribune gets the "Biggest Pile of Shit" and Biggest Waste of Space" journalism awards.
President is way too pumped up about exercise
by Jonathan Chait
Summary
The President has an obsession with exercise; apparently, exercise = obsession.
The President spends too much time on exercise; up to one hour, oh my deity.
The Press Secretary said "The president finds (exercise) very healthy in terms of ... keeping in shape. But it's also good for the mind."
What does Jonathan "Shitting Pen" Chait have to say about that?
"The notion of a connection between physical and mental potency is, of course, silly."
Wow.
Why can most of us not exercise?
"Unfortunately, most of us have more demanding jobs."
Again, wow.
President is way too pumped up about exercise
by Jonathan Chait
Summary
The President has an obsession with exercise; apparently, exercise = obsession.
The President spends too much time on exercise; up to one hour, oh my deity.
The Press Secretary said "The president finds (exercise) very healthy in terms of ... keeping in shape. But it's also good for the mind."
What does Jonathan "Shitting Pen" Chait have to say about that?
"The notion of a connection between physical and mental potency is, of course, silly."
Wow.
Why can most of us not exercise?
"Unfortunately, most of us have more demanding jobs."
Again, wow.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Mirror, Water, Energy
Main Street in the Cross Hairs
Wireless identity theft by means of intercepting stores' credit card transactions.
Who's That Strange Monkey in the Mirror?
Self-recognition. Who recognizes the reflection in the mirror. Apes, dolphins, humans. How do we recognize ourselves, especially our faces.
With a Push From the U.N., Water Reveals Its Secrets
Scarcity.
Lawmakers Reach a Deal on New Energy Policies
This should be good.
Crime in Minneapolis
From the City of Minneapolis
2002 Annual Report
About
Uniform Crime Reporting
Part I Offenses
which include crimes against persons and crimes against property
1) Criminal Homicide
2) Forcible Rape
3) Robbery
4) Aggravated Assault
5) Burglary
6) Larceny Theft
7) Motor Vehicle Theft
8) Arson
Part II Offenses
includes narcotics, prostitution, and gambling
Categories reflect proactive enforcement action and are not indicators of criminality.
Forgery/Fraud/Embezzlement
Possession of Stolen Property
Vandalism/Property Damage
Weapons
Prostitution
Sex Offenses Other Than Rape
Narcotics
Gambling
Family Offenses
Driving While Intoxicated
Liquor Laws
Disorderly
Vagrancy
All Other Offenses
Curfew and Loitering
Juvenile Runaway
Understanding Crime Statistics
Minneapolis
382,618 people
There are no per capita statistics.
page 40 of the annual report pdf
Calls for Police Service Processed by the Emergency Communications Center
Service: 71%
Crime: 29%
Service Calls
Disturbances: 42.1%
Traffic: 35.9%
Alarms: 7.6%
Medic/Welfare: 6.9%
Assisting People: 6.9%
Hazards: 0.7%
Crime Calls
Property Crimes: 42.4%
Domestics: 19.8%
Assaults: 17.6%
Miscellaneous: 16.9%
Robbery: 2.7%
Sex Crimes: 1.1%
All crimes traced their roots back to atheist single mothers profoundly influenced by the 60s.
2002 Annual Report
About
Uniform Crime Reporting
Part I Offenses
which include crimes against persons and crimes against property
1) Criminal Homicide
2) Forcible Rape
3) Robbery
4) Aggravated Assault
5) Burglary
6) Larceny Theft
7) Motor Vehicle Theft
8) Arson
Part II Offenses
includes narcotics, prostitution, and gambling
Categories reflect proactive enforcement action and are not indicators of criminality.
Forgery/Fraud/Embezzlement
Possession of Stolen Property
Vandalism/Property Damage
Weapons
Prostitution
Sex Offenses Other Than Rape
Narcotics
Gambling
Family Offenses
Driving While Intoxicated
Liquor Laws
Disorderly
Vagrancy
All Other Offenses
Curfew and Loitering
Juvenile Runaway
Understanding Crime Statistics
Minneapolis
382,618 people
There are no per capita statistics.
page 40 of the annual report pdf
Calls for Police Service Processed by the Emergency Communications Center
Service: 71%
Crime: 29%
Service Calls
Disturbances: 42.1%
Traffic: 35.9%
Alarms: 7.6%
Medic/Welfare: 6.9%
Assisting People: 6.9%
Hazards: 0.7%
Crime Calls
Property Crimes: 42.4%
Domestics: 19.8%
Assaults: 17.6%
Miscellaneous: 16.9%
Robbery: 2.7%
Sex Crimes: 1.1%
All crimes traced their roots back to atheist single mothers profoundly influenced by the 60s.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
For Jose
From Minnesota Public Radio
All Things Considered
July 20
11 Books That (Might) Make a Difference
Dr. Jon Hallberg, regular medical analyst on All Things Considered, recently surveyed 4,000 medical practitioners in the University of Minnesota system and asked them about what books they would recommend to an incoming medical student.
"Tuesdays with Morrie," by Mitch Albom
"The Plague," by Albert Camus
"Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies," by Jared Diamond
"The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down," by Annie Fadiman
"Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science," by Atul Gawandee
"The Kite Runner," by Khaled Hosseini
"Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, A Man Who Would Cure the World," by Tracy Kidder
"Arrowsmith," by Sinclair Lewis
"The House of God," by Samuel Shem
"The Lives of a Cell," and other books by essayist Lewis Thomas
"The Tennis Partner," and other books by Abraham Verghese
All Things Considered
July 20
11 Books That (Might) Make a Difference
Dr. Jon Hallberg, regular medical analyst on All Things Considered, recently surveyed 4,000 medical practitioners in the University of Minnesota system and asked them about what books they would recommend to an incoming medical student.
"Tuesdays with Morrie," by Mitch Albom
"The Plague," by Albert Camus
"Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies," by Jared Diamond
"The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down," by Annie Fadiman
"Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science," by Atul Gawandee
"The Kite Runner," by Khaled Hosseini
"Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, A Man Who Would Cure the World," by Tracy Kidder
"Arrowsmith," by Sinclair Lewis
"The House of God," by Samuel Shem
"The Lives of a Cell," and other books by essayist Lewis Thomas
"The Tennis Partner," and other books by Abraham Verghese
London, China, Grand Theft Auto, Bolivian Wrestlers, Johnny
For me to read later:
British Police Evacuate 3 Subway Stations After Explosions
China Says It Will No Longer Peg Its Currency to the Dollar
Video Game Known for Violence Lands in Trouble Over Sex
In This Corner, in the Flouncy Skirt and Bowler Hat...
In Takeover Dance, the Chinese Miss a Step
Court Nominee's Life Is Rooted in Faith and Respect for Law
British Police Evacuate 3 Subway Stations After Explosions
China Says It Will No Longer Peg Its Currency to the Dollar
Video Game Known for Violence Lands in Trouble Over Sex
In This Corner, in the Flouncy Skirt and Bowler Hat...
In Takeover Dance, the Chinese Miss a Step
Court Nominee's Life Is Rooted in Faith and Respect for Law
Land Speed Record
I set a land speed record on the way to work, which has never been done before.
17:24
5.72 miles
19.7 mph
17:24
5.72 miles
19.7 mph
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Made in China
Business
Bid by Chevron in Big Oil Deal Thwarts China
Not so fast with that headline. On August 10, Unocal sharholders will vote on offers. The current CNOOC offer, which is higher than Chevron's, was rejected because of political risk. To accept the CNOOC offer, Unocal wants financial guarantees if CNOOC walks away from a deal or if the offer is blocked by the U.S. Congress.
Chinese End Maytag Offer; 2 Suitors Left
Whirlpool has the highest offer.
The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq are resurgent lately.
Who's doing well? Intel, Yahoo, US Bank, Wells Fargo, International Paper, Merrill Lynch, IBM.
Kodak, Posting Another Loss, to Lay Off 10,000
G.M Posts Third Straight Quarterly Loss
Ford Motor's Earnings Decline 19% in the Quarter
Ford's financial arm is responsible for an infusion of revenue into the struggling company. What exactly does Ford's financial arm do? Car loans. Ford's Premier Automotive Group includes Jaguar, Aston Martin, Land Rover and Volvo.
Johnson and Johnson will probably delay its purchase of Guidant.
Northwest Airlines is anticipating a action that may precipitate a 30-day countdown until a strike by mechanics. Northwest is renegotiating labor contracts to avoid bankruptcy. Pilots already made concessions.
Caribou, a coffee house started in Minnesota, may put forth an IPO. Only on two occasions has Caribou had a year in the black.
What did the Fed Chief say?
Greenspan Signals Further Rate Increases
Olympic bomber gets life in jail
I'm afraid of white males.
And the Supreme Court Justice nominee is…
Johnny G. Roberts
Bid by Chevron in Big Oil Deal Thwarts China
Not so fast with that headline. On August 10, Unocal sharholders will vote on offers. The current CNOOC offer, which is higher than Chevron's, was rejected because of political risk. To accept the CNOOC offer, Unocal wants financial guarantees if CNOOC walks away from a deal or if the offer is blocked by the U.S. Congress.
Chinese End Maytag Offer; 2 Suitors Left
Whirlpool has the highest offer.
The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq are resurgent lately.
Who's doing well? Intel, Yahoo, US Bank, Wells Fargo, International Paper, Merrill Lynch, IBM.
Kodak, Posting Another Loss, to Lay Off 10,000
G.M Posts Third Straight Quarterly Loss
Ford Motor's Earnings Decline 19% in the Quarter
Ford's financial arm is responsible for an infusion of revenue into the struggling company. What exactly does Ford's financial arm do? Car loans. Ford's Premier Automotive Group includes Jaguar, Aston Martin, Land Rover and Volvo.
Johnson and Johnson will probably delay its purchase of Guidant.
Northwest Airlines is anticipating a action that may precipitate a 30-day countdown until a strike by mechanics. Northwest is renegotiating labor contracts to avoid bankruptcy. Pilots already made concessions.
Caribou, a coffee house started in Minnesota, may put forth an IPO. Only on two occasions has Caribou had a year in the black.
What did the Fed Chief say?
Greenspan Signals Further Rate Increases
Olympic bomber gets life in jail
I'm afraid of white males.
And the Supreme Court Justice nominee is…
Johnny G. Roberts
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Headlines
From the NY Times:
Tired of Prying Off Stickers? Tattooed Fruit Is on the Way
P.L.U. (price look-up) days are numbered. Names, identifying numbers, countries of origin and other information that helps speed distribution are burned onto the outer layer of the skin. Sell advertising space on food skin.
Hewlett-Packard to Lay Off 14,500 to Save $1.9 Billion
U.S. to Broaden India's Access to Nuclear-Power Technology
A Gene for Romance? So It Seems (Ask the Vole)
This article is a good read. If you need more convincing: "The male mouse's rule for dealing with strangers is simple - if it's male, attack it; if female, mate with it. But male mice that are genetically engineered to block the scent-detecting vomeronasal cells try to mate rather than attack invading males."
Hunting for Life in Specks of Cosmic Dust
Looking for another Earth, I recommend reading Rare Earth.
Housing Goes Frothy to Flat in Denver Area
Five years ago, median house prices were rising at an annual clip of nearly 17 percent. By the first quarter of 2005 the increase had slipped to 3 percent.
How Costco Became the Anti-Wal-Mart
Good article. Please shop at Costco. Costco was founded with a single store in Seattle in 1983.
From Nate’s Site:
While eating irony pizza, Norm Coleman speaks, presumably with unction, about others playing partisan politics.
Star Tribune article
Roots of gang violence feed off 60s
by Katherine Kersten, Minnesota’s Worst Writer (trademark)
You must read this article. Katherine Kersten's brain is a shit-brown think tank. Obfuscation. Dark brown shit in the way. From Latin ob- in the way + fuscus dark brown.
Spengler from ATOL:
Harry Potter and the Decline of the West
Spengler is always amusing.
Tired of Prying Off Stickers? Tattooed Fruit Is on the Way
P.L.U. (price look-up) days are numbered. Names, identifying numbers, countries of origin and other information that helps speed distribution are burned onto the outer layer of the skin. Sell advertising space on food skin.
Hewlett-Packard to Lay Off 14,500 to Save $1.9 Billion
U.S. to Broaden India's Access to Nuclear-Power Technology
A Gene for Romance? So It Seems (Ask the Vole)
This article is a good read. If you need more convincing: "The male mouse's rule for dealing with strangers is simple - if it's male, attack it; if female, mate with it. But male mice that are genetically engineered to block the scent-detecting vomeronasal cells try to mate rather than attack invading males."
Hunting for Life in Specks of Cosmic Dust
Looking for another Earth, I recommend reading Rare Earth.
Housing Goes Frothy to Flat in Denver Area
Five years ago, median house prices were rising at an annual clip of nearly 17 percent. By the first quarter of 2005 the increase had slipped to 3 percent.
How Costco Became the Anti-Wal-Mart
Good article. Please shop at Costco. Costco was founded with a single store in Seattle in 1983.
From Nate’s Site:
While eating irony pizza, Norm Coleman speaks, presumably with unction, about others playing partisan politics.
Star Tribune article
Roots of gang violence feed off 60s
by Katherine Kersten, Minnesota’s Worst Writer (trademark)
You must read this article. Katherine Kersten's brain is a shit-brown think tank. Obfuscation. Dark brown shit in the way. From Latin ob- in the way + fuscus dark brown.
Spengler from ATOL:
Harry Potter and the Decline of the West
Spengler is always amusing.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Why Martyrdom
From ATOL:
Suicide Bombers: Allah's New Martyrs
by Farhad Khosrokhavar
"Khosrokhavar's psychoanalytical exegesis, drawn from numerous interviews of hardcore Islamists, is compulsory reading for persuasively rationalizing the irrational actions that dot the terrorist map of the 21st century. It provides madness a much-deserved reason and context."
Here's my doggerel summary of what I've heard on the subject:
Why do suicide bombers suicide bomb?
1. They hate freedom.
who knows how you started hating freedom
perhaps you were Muslim
beset with a modern reality of futility and meaningless in the wake of hegemony
overcome by life's indifference and ambiguity
a derelict human being
suffering from divine neglect
facing military superiority, material superiority
facing pervasive cultural decadence, shamefully tempting
by many measures, you are inferior
as a result, you are humiliated
you are in extreme crisis
you are extreme Islam
you find recourse in moral superiority
succor in self-assertion
restoration of dignity through offensive martyrdom
I am reminded of a book I read a few years ago.
The True Believer
by Eric Hoffer
In other news, I saw Kung Fu Hustle on Friday and I swam in a refreshing 88 degree pool yesterday.
Suicide Bombers: Allah's New Martyrs
by Farhad Khosrokhavar
"Khosrokhavar's psychoanalytical exegesis, drawn from numerous interviews of hardcore Islamists, is compulsory reading for persuasively rationalizing the irrational actions that dot the terrorist map of the 21st century. It provides madness a much-deserved reason and context."
Here's my doggerel summary of what I've heard on the subject:
Why do suicide bombers suicide bomb?
1. They hate freedom.
who knows how you started hating freedom
perhaps you were Muslim
beset with a modern reality of futility and meaningless in the wake of hegemony
overcome by life's indifference and ambiguity
a derelict human being
suffering from divine neglect
facing military superiority, material superiority
facing pervasive cultural decadence, shamefully tempting
by many measures, you are inferior
as a result, you are humiliated
you are in extreme crisis
you are extreme Islam
you find recourse in moral superiority
succor in self-assertion
restoration of dignity through offensive martyrdom
I am reminded of a book I read a few years ago.
The True Believer
by Eric Hoffer
In other news, I saw Kung Fu Hustle on Friday and I swam in a refreshing 88 degree pool yesterday.
Friday, July 15, 2005
Soliciting
Last night while I was chilling in the basement, watching TV, I decided to create a list of products being peddled to me.
Fox
Thursday July 14
about 7:40-8:50
That 70s Show
The OC
Commercial Products
Select Comfort sleep number bed
Garnier Fructis shampoo
Mabelline mascara
Biore skin care
Playtex tampons
Levis
Chevy
Volkswagen Jetta
Mitsubishi Eclipse
Toyota RAV4
Suburu Tribeca
KFC
McDonalds
Wendys
Dominos
Olive Garden
TGI Fridays
Mountain Dew
Pepsi
Coca Cola
Gatorade
Juicy Fruit
Verizon
Sprint
Quest
Excedrin
anti-drugs
Pier 1
Target
upcoming shows on Fox
movies
Blockbuster
Valley Fair amusement park
Camp Snoopy
Visa
At some point in my life, I have patronized all those listed in bold.
Fox
Thursday July 14
about 7:40-8:50
That 70s Show
The OC
Commercial Products
Select Comfort sleep number bed
Garnier Fructis shampoo
Mabelline mascara
Biore skin care
Playtex tampons
Levis
Chevy
Volkswagen Jetta
Mitsubishi Eclipse
Toyota RAV4
Suburu Tribeca
KFC
McDonalds
Wendys
Dominos
Olive Garden
TGI Fridays
Mountain Dew
Pepsi
Coca Cola
Gatorade
Juicy Fruit
Verizon
Sprint
Quest
Excedrin
anti-drugs
Pier 1
Target
upcoming shows on Fox
movies
Blockbuster
Valley Fair amusement park
Camp Snoopy
Visa
At some point in my life, I have patronized all those listed in bold.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
In Bane We Trust
Below are two cases regarding the display of the ten commandments of Moses in public places.
You ask, what about the seventeen commandments of Bane. More on that later.
McCreary County, Kentucky, et al., v. American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky, et al.
Questions Presented
Oral Argument
Syllabus and Opinion of the Court
Van Orden v. Perry
Question Presented
Oral Argument
Slip Opinion
You ask, what about the seventeen commandments of Bane. More on that later.
McCreary County, Kentucky, et al., v. American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky, et al.
Questions Presented
Oral Argument
Syllabus and Opinion of the Court
Van Orden v. Perry
Question Presented
Oral Argument
Slip Opinion
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Guest Post 2: At the movies
On Sunday afternoon, the S.O. and I traveled to Block E to see the new Tom Cruise flick, The War of the Worlds. The action was excellent, and I recommend seeing this film on the big screen. Supposedly this film has made over $100 million in less than one week. Tom Cruise is dreamy.
A movie I haven't seen (yet) is Batman Begins. Supposedly, this film promotes free markets and small government and is becoming a hit with the Atlas Shrugged crowd. Apparently, both Jesus and Batman are libertarians.
klink
A movie I haven't seen (yet) is Batman Begins. Supposedly, this film promotes free markets and small government and is becoming a hit with the Atlas Shrugged crowd. Apparently, both Jesus and Batman are libertarians.
klink
Guest Post 1: Great Moments in Freedom
In the absence of Dr. Bane, currently touring the Great West, I have the fortunate opportunity to guest blog. I am honored. For the next week, pardon the capitalization and punctuation.
But I digress. On the heels of the country's 229th birthday, I thought I would share an account of my Independence day. I rolled out of bed around 10 AM, scratched myself, and went to the dog park at Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis. Neither my future wife nor I have a dog, but my S.O. (significant other) used to live with a girl who had a dog, and occasionally we still like to see the dog. I dressed in my red, white, and blue swim trunks, a similarly colored t-shirt, and my freedom visor. I was the only person at the park in celebratory colors. Clearly the liberal moonbats of Minneapolis hate America. After about 2 hours at the dog park, I took the S.O. home and was on my way to the house of Bane when I was waved down at an intersection. The man who stopped me was clearly of middle-eastern ethnicity, but I stopped anyway. He asked if I could jump start his car. I said I didn't have cables, which was a lie. He had cables, so I felt obligated to help because the tone of my first response implied that I would help if I did have cables. In a thick Syrian (as I learned later) accent he said his car was dead, 3 houses down, in the alley, behind the house. Hmmmm. To many men, this might cause alarm. But to me, dressed as I was, I sent a clear message- Don't fuck with freedom. Anyway, I gave him a jump, we made small talk, and he was very grateful. He wanted to reward me for my kind deed, and offered me some crafts of his trade, 4 lighters and an ashtray. (The kind Syrian man works in a tobacco shop). The lighters were quite normal, 3 bics and one novelty lighter that looks like a stack of 5 poker chips. The ashtray is quite a different story. The tricolored tray boasts a marijuana leaf in the middle, with the word "LEGALIZE" curved underneath the leaf.
The message was clear. This was a sign on Independence Day, an Independence Omen. What says 'I love freedom' more than an ashtray proclaiming the futility of the war on drugs, calling for the legalization of drugs so that our prisons won't be filled with young men and women who committed victimless crimes, crying out for the right to own yourself. Thank you kind Syrian, for your message of freedom.
klink
But I digress. On the heels of the country's 229th birthday, I thought I would share an account of my Independence day. I rolled out of bed around 10 AM, scratched myself, and went to the dog park at Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis. Neither my future wife nor I have a dog, but my S.O. (significant other) used to live with a girl who had a dog, and occasionally we still like to see the dog. I dressed in my red, white, and blue swim trunks, a similarly colored t-shirt, and my freedom visor. I was the only person at the park in celebratory colors. Clearly the liberal moonbats of Minneapolis hate America. After about 2 hours at the dog park, I took the S.O. home and was on my way to the house of Bane when I was waved down at an intersection. The man who stopped me was clearly of middle-eastern ethnicity, but I stopped anyway. He asked if I could jump start his car. I said I didn't have cables, which was a lie. He had cables, so I felt obligated to help because the tone of my first response implied that I would help if I did have cables. In a thick Syrian (as I learned later) accent he said his car was dead, 3 houses down, in the alley, behind the house. Hmmmm. To many men, this might cause alarm. But to me, dressed as I was, I sent a clear message- Don't fuck with freedom. Anyway, I gave him a jump, we made small talk, and he was very grateful. He wanted to reward me for my kind deed, and offered me some crafts of his trade, 4 lighters and an ashtray. (The kind Syrian man works in a tobacco shop). The lighters were quite normal, 3 bics and one novelty lighter that looks like a stack of 5 poker chips. The ashtray is quite a different story. The tricolored tray boasts a marijuana leaf in the middle, with the word "LEGALIZE" curved underneath the leaf.
The message was clear. This was a sign on Independence Day, an Independence Omen. What says 'I love freedom' more than an ashtray proclaiming the futility of the war on drugs, calling for the legalization of drugs so that our prisons won't be filled with young men and women who committed victimless crimes, crying out for the right to own yourself. Thank you kind Syrian, for your message of freedom.
klink
Friday, July 01, 2005
Viajar
Tonight Marye and I fly to Seattle. We'll rent a car and tour the Oregon coast, northern California, the Oregon and Washington Cascades, and arrive in Mazama for Steve and Yarrow's wedding on July 9.
Places we'll be camping:
* Beachside
* Harris Beach
* Del Norte
* Jedediah
* Crater Lake
* Viento
* Alta Lake
* Mazama
Places we'll be camping:
* Beachside
* Harris Beach
* Del Norte
* Jedediah
* Crater Lake
* Viento
* Alta Lake
* Mazama
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Monday, June 27, 2005
Tito Puente
On Friday evening we dined at Tryg's near Lake Calhoun to celebrate Megan Kelly's birthday. I ate a pork shank and drank two Summit EPAs. Then we went to Dulano's where we drank two pitchers of Premium while listening to live bluegrass music. The live music continued at Liz's apartment when we forwarded to the end of the Wedding Singer and sang karaoke.
Saturday, Marye and I helped her Mom paint the outside of her store. Later that afternoon I played basketball with Klinker at the court on St. Clair and Prior. Over the course of several games, we played with psychos, thugs, skanks, and slim shady ballhogs. There is much to tell. Maybe later. After the game we enjoyed a couple beers and fries at the Groveland Tap. The beer did not help prevent stiffness induced by lateral movement.
I ran with Paul on Sunday morning. Paul informed me that he ran nearly 21 miles on Saturday. Huge.
I picked up several more CDs at the public library.
* Tito Puente
* Miles Davis
* Wynton Marsalis
* Abba
* Brazilian hip-hop
* Beethoven
We went to the Ha Tien Market (Thai grocery store) on University. It was great. I bought jasmine rice, sticky rice, and fish sauce. I was wearing my "I Love America" shirt. You don’t know me.
Sunday evening, we met Andrea, John, and Tim at Bowl Park near the Lake Harriet band shell. Liz joined us. We ate dinner and then played bocce. Good times.
Saturday, Marye and I helped her Mom paint the outside of her store. Later that afternoon I played basketball with Klinker at the court on St. Clair and Prior. Over the course of several games, we played with psychos, thugs, skanks, and slim shady ballhogs. There is much to tell. Maybe later. After the game we enjoyed a couple beers and fries at the Groveland Tap. The beer did not help prevent stiffness induced by lateral movement.
I ran with Paul on Sunday morning. Paul informed me that he ran nearly 21 miles on Saturday. Huge.
I picked up several more CDs at the public library.
* Tito Puente
* Miles Davis
* Wynton Marsalis
* Abba
* Brazilian hip-hop
* Beethoven
We went to the Ha Tien Market (Thai grocery store) on University. It was great. I bought jasmine rice, sticky rice, and fish sauce. I was wearing my "I Love America" shirt. You don’t know me.
Sunday evening, we met Andrea, John, and Tim at Bowl Park near the Lake Harriet band shell. Liz joined us. We ate dinner and then played bocce. Good times.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Liberal Media and Civil Rights
I was watching the Lehrer News Hour the other night. A conservative hetero perverter was censuring PBS and the liberal media. Apparently, Bill Moyer and a homophile rabbit essentially represent PBS. This bereft analysis left me wondering what the liberal media is. Usually, I read the sports and business sections of the Star Tribune, but now I have started to look at the opinion page and record the topics. Next week I will begin reporting on my vigilance for liberal media.
I read my first Katherine Kersten column the other day. I was surprised Cleaver Peasantry did not comment on the article.
Hair-braiding restrictions needed untangling
* Area woman wants to open hair-braiding salon
* She is trammeled by a requirement to obtain a state-issued cosmetology license
* The license requires 10 months of training and costs up to $14,500
* The Institute for Justice helped change the law
* Individual liberties are restored
Then the article gets interesting...
Of these, economic liberty and school choice may be the most important for Americans striving to enter the middle class. That's because, to do so, it's essential to have both a good job and a good education.
Yet today, millions of poor children are trapped in failing public schools. So long as publicly financed education remains a government monopoly, that's where they'll stay.
Nationally, the Institute for Justice is known for its defense of Milwaukee's ground-breaking school choice program, which lets low-income students choose a private or parochial school if that's where they can get the best education.
For now, Anderson and McGrath not only have opened the door of opportunity for African hair-braiders, they've also revealed the true meaning of "civil rights."
Too often, we believe we can adequately address the plight of the less fortunate by doling out ever larger sums for government benefit programs, government schools and a host of other "we'll take care of you" efforts.
But Anderson and McGrath know that real civil rights are a product of economic and educational freedom -- the freedoms that unleash the creative power of the human spirit.
unquote
* Economic Liberty
* School Choice
* Private Property Rights
* Free Speech
Who knew problem solving could be so easy.
I read my first Katherine Kersten column the other day. I was surprised Cleaver Peasantry did not comment on the article.
Hair-braiding restrictions needed untangling
* Area woman wants to open hair-braiding salon
* She is trammeled by a requirement to obtain a state-issued cosmetology license
* The license requires 10 months of training and costs up to $14,500
* The Institute for Justice helped change the law
* Individual liberties are restored
Then the article gets interesting...
quote
What's next for the Minnesota chapter of the Institute for Justice? McGrath said it emphasizes economic liberty, school choice, private property rights and free speech.Of these, economic liberty and school choice may be the most important for Americans striving to enter the middle class. That's because, to do so, it's essential to have both a good job and a good education.
Yet today, millions of poor children are trapped in failing public schools. So long as publicly financed education remains a government monopoly, that's where they'll stay.
Nationally, the Institute for Justice is known for its defense of Milwaukee's ground-breaking school choice program, which lets low-income students choose a private or parochial school if that's where they can get the best education.
For now, Anderson and McGrath not only have opened the door of opportunity for African hair-braiders, they've also revealed the true meaning of "civil rights."
Too often, we believe we can adequately address the plight of the less fortunate by doling out ever larger sums for government benefit programs, government schools and a host of other "we'll take care of you" efforts.
But Anderson and McGrath know that real civil rights are a product of economic and educational freedom -- the freedoms that unleash the creative power of the human spirit.
unquote
* Economic Liberty
* School Choice
* Private Property Rights
* Free Speech
Who knew problem solving could be so easy.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
A Defeat for Private Property Rights
Justices, 5-4, Back Seizure of Property for Development
The Supreme Court today ruled that local governments may seize people's homes and businesses - even against their will - for private economic development.
Case Background
Susette Kelo, et al. v. City of New London, Connecticut, et al.
No. 04-108
Opinion, with links to concurrence and dissents.
Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution
... nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
National Security Threat
I read this news in the business section this morning. Here's the article from the NY Times:
Chinese Oil Giant in Takeover Bid for U.S. Corporation
Chevron was going to by Unocal for $16.4 billion. Then the China National Offshore Oil Corporation made an unsolicited offer of $18.5 billion.
Chinese Oil Giant in Takeover Bid for U.S. Corporation
Chevron was going to by Unocal for $16.4 billion. Then the China National Offshore Oil Corporation made an unsolicited offer of $18.5 billion.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Minnesota Taxpayers
Federal Budget (2004 Estimate)
Health and Human Services - 24.2% (mostly Medicare and Medicaid)
Social Security - 23.8%
National Debt - 17.5%
Defense - 16.0%
Those four items total 81.5%.
Minnesota State Budget (04-05 Biennium)
Education - 41.1% (E-12 and higher)
Health and Human Services - 28.1%
Transportation - 11.1%
Those three items total 80.3%.
An Overview of State Government Spending
Minnesota Department of Finance
October 2004
Excellent general information and summary of a biennium budget:
MN State Budget Summary (02-03 Biennium)
Great link to all funding categories:
MN Governor's Operating Budget Recommendations (06-07 Biennium)
Do you ever wonder where your money goes, how much goes where, and what the programs are?
MN Department of Education
MN Department of Human Services
Health and Human Services - 24.2% (mostly Medicare and Medicaid)
Social Security - 23.8%
National Debt - 17.5%
Defense - 16.0%
Those four items total 81.5%.
Minnesota State Budget (04-05 Biennium)
Education - 41.1% (E-12 and higher)
Health and Human Services - 28.1%
Transportation - 11.1%
Those three items total 80.3%.
An Overview of State Government Spending
Minnesota Department of Finance
October 2004
Excellent general information and summary of a biennium budget:
MN State Budget Summary (02-03 Biennium)
Great link to all funding categories:
MN Governor's Operating Budget Recommendations (06-07 Biennium)
Do you ever wonder where your money goes, how much goes where, and what the programs are?
MN Department of Education
MN Department of Human Services
Polygamy
On Monday evening, Klinker, Chanda, Ziyad, and Jenny joined us for dinner. I grilled artichoke heart stuffed chicken breasts. Ziyad brought back some beers from Salt Lake City, Utah. Polygamy Porter, to be exact. Why have just one? Bring some home for the wives. Fellow patriot Dr. Klinker brought me a t-shirt that read "I Love America." God bless you.
Friday, June 17, 2005
Nothing Much
I borrowed four CDs from the Merriam Park library.
music by:
Wynton Marsalis
Muddy Waters
Atmosphere
Gustav Mahler
I am currently reading Faster by James Gleick.
music by:
Wynton Marsalis
Muddy Waters
Atmosphere
Gustav Mahler
I am currently reading Faster by James Gleick.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Cyclist Tests Positive for Bear Claw
My parents visited me last weekend. We walked to Izzy's on Friday night after a pasta dinner. I ate a Mini B, a miniature banana split. My Mini B had chocolate, sour grapefruit, and maple butter nut scoops; chocolate, caramel, and raspberry sauce; whip cream, crushed M&Ms, and two miniature bananas. It was disgusting. On Saturday we drove down to Wabasha to visit my Grandma. On Sunday we helped Laura prepare for the opening of her flower/plants/landscaping business in Wayzata by painting the inside.
In other news, I set a new land speed record on the way home from work yesterday.
5.74 miles
17 minutes 27 seconds
19.7 mph
How did I do it? Simple. I ate a bear claw earlier in the day.
After the bike ride home, I ran along the river, crossed the Franklin bridge, ran up to the witch's hat in Prospect Park, and then cruised back home. I'm training for the 1st Annual Mustache Duathlon, which will be held sometime this summer. Competitors will grow a mustache starting at least one week before the event. The race will commence at my house, from which point we will bike to Crosby, run through the woods and around the lake, and return to my house. Upon completion of the duathlon, participants will have there picture taken and relax in the backyard while drinking Premium.
Words worth investigating the etymology:
Jingoism
we don't want to fight, yet by jingo if we do
we've got the ships, we've got the men
we've got the money too!
Jingo is a euphemism for Jesus. Funny.
Fusty - this wine tastes like cask.
Desultory - a desultor was a circus performer who jumped from horse to horse.
Brummagem - goods produced in the English city of Birmingham were often counterfeit and tawdry.
Billingsgate - a fish market in England notorious for the vulgar language in the air.
Rathskeller - council cellar: a tavern in the basement of a town hall.
Capricious - hedgehog head. Really.
In other news, I set a new land speed record on the way home from work yesterday.
5.74 miles
17 minutes 27 seconds
19.7 mph
How did I do it? Simple. I ate a bear claw earlier in the day.
After the bike ride home, I ran along the river, crossed the Franklin bridge, ran up to the witch's hat in Prospect Park, and then cruised back home. I'm training for the 1st Annual Mustache Duathlon, which will be held sometime this summer. Competitors will grow a mustache starting at least one week before the event. The race will commence at my house, from which point we will bike to Crosby, run through the woods and around the lake, and return to my house. Upon completion of the duathlon, participants will have there picture taken and relax in the backyard while drinking Premium.
Words worth investigating the etymology:
Jingoism
we don't want to fight, yet by jingo if we do
we've got the ships, we've got the men
we've got the money too!
Jingo is a euphemism for Jesus. Funny.
Fusty - this wine tastes like cask.
Desultory - a desultor was a circus performer who jumped from horse to horse.
Brummagem - goods produced in the English city of Birmingham were often counterfeit and tawdry.
Billingsgate - a fish market in England notorious for the vulgar language in the air.
Rathskeller - council cellar: a tavern in the basement of a town hall.
Capricious - hedgehog head. Really.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Amish
We lost electricity at 4am Wednesday morning.
We took our one and only car to the garage Wednesday evening.
We picked up our car after work on Thursday and went home to find electricity restored. I appreciate electricity.
Back in 2002 I decided we should have an annual "No Energy Day" during the winter. That means no flipping the switch for lights, no stove, no oven, no microwave, no toaster, no hot water in the shower, no television, no phone, no internet, no computer, no stereo, no radio. Just candles, cold cuts, and sweet love.
However, we did not turn off the heat or the refrigerator.
People who romanticize the simplicity of the primitive past are full of shit.
We took our one and only car to the garage Wednesday evening.
We picked up our car after work on Thursday and went home to find electricity restored. I appreciate electricity.
Back in 2002 I decided we should have an annual "No Energy Day" during the winter. That means no flipping the switch for lights, no stove, no oven, no microwave, no toaster, no hot water in the shower, no television, no phone, no internet, no computer, no stereo, no radio. Just candles, cold cuts, and sweet love.
However, we did not turn off the heat or the refrigerator.
People who romanticize the simplicity of the primitive past are full of shit.
Uber Ultra
Jude, you’ll enjoy this post.
Kurt Decker of the Runner’s Edge on Grand Avenue recently competed in a 24-hour race around Lake Nokomis. Kurt set the Minnesota 100-mile record. Congratulations Kurt.
Three emails recounting the race are below.
For those who haven't heard, Kurt got the state 100-mile record, previously held by Brian McCollor, a little after midnight on Sunday morning. I don't have all the details, but imagine averaging 6 and a quarter miles for 16 hours. That's amazing. I went down and ran with him for a couple of the 2.5 mile laps on Saturday afternoon. He had already run over 50 miles by the time I saw him at 8 or 9 hours into it. To think that he kept up that pace for another 8 hours is mind-boggling. He never took any real breaks aside from a quick stop at his tent to grab some food. The hour before I saw him, he had taken a mandatory weigh-in and was a bit down on his weight. So his brother Kevin got him a DQ hot dog and a vanilla shake (or two) and he downed them along with a Nut Roll on the run. Needless to say, when I saw him, none of the other energy foods looked good to him.
I was struck by how Kurt could maintain his game face for so long. I must admit, I jumped in thinking I was just joining Decker on one of his long runs. Not so. This was truly a race. He was very methodical, running at about 8 minute pace and breaking the loop up with 3 short, quick walks. He kept up this same regime for every loop for over 16 hours. It is no wonder he was able to break the 100-mile record. Sean was with him when he broke it. When they found out how close he was to breaking it, they picked up the pace considerably. It sounds like they went to a sub-7 minute pace for a couple miles as Kurt broke the record by only a minute.
Not long after that, Kurt's legs began to loose strength. (Go figure.) He was able to conquer an additional 10 miles or so in the next few hours, but despite the fact that he was probably still leading the race after 19 hours, he called it quits. The winner, Scott Eppleman, ran 129 miles.
I always thought it was pretty incredible what ultra-marathoners could do, but I have a newfound respect for this end of our sport which requires more mental toughness and more race tactics than I ever imagined.
That was a heroic effort, Decker. Way to go.
-Matthew Waite
*********************************
Matt pretty much hit the nail on the head, but for those of you who couldn't be there here's my story of what Kurt did.
So I jumped in with Kurt when he had just under "four" laps to go to 100. He was 19 minutes or so ahead of pace. Or so we thought. Kurt was clipping off his 8-minute miles and walking at his designated spots. Each lap got a little bit quicker.
With "three" laps to go, it was in the bag. But Kurt continued to pick it up ever so slightly. His "39th" lap was in 22 minutes, a minute quicker than the lap before. As we approached the secondary checkpoint on the SE corner of the lake, the spot where the runner officially crosses 100 miles during their 41st lap, I announced proudly to the checkpoint personnel that Number 17 was coming and he had "one" lap to 100 miles.
The reply back was startling, befuddling -- "No he's got two laps to go," the timer said. "How could that be?" I thought. We continued on, but I was sure the timer was wrong, but we continued to pick up the pace, just in case.
We crossed the main checkpoint and they confirmed that Kurt had just under two laps to go and only 30 minutes to do it. It was time to see how hard Kurt could push. Sean Mulheron and I were running shoulder to shoulder ever so slightly picking up the pace. We hit one of Kurt's designated walking areas and I told Kurt we need to keep moving, it's only another lap and a half. Words coming from someone who wasn't at their 96th mile.
By now we were clipping along at 6:15 to 6:05 pace. We hit the secondary checkpoint. This time he did really have one lap to go. I shouted to the timer, "How much time do we have?" The reply "I don't think he's going to make it." I'm sure Kurt didn't hear it, but Sean and I did and it wasn't going to happen on our watch. Kurt had worked too hard for this and he sure as hell wasn't going to miss it by mere seconds.
It was time to throw the hammer down. Sean and I kept gradually increasing the pace. Jacob Hallen was running next to Kurt, helping him increase his stride. Sean and I were the tow cables. We got to the main checkpoint, with just under 10 minutes to go. We were flying.
"Weight Check!!" Shouted one of the race personnel. "You gotta be kidding me!!" I thought. Kurt flew on and off the scale. "Weight's good, let's go!!" We had no time to spare, let alone time for a weight check. Kurt caught up to Sean and I, Jacob at his side. We whisked by the Crew tent, we knew time was tight. We continued to accelerate on the backstretch. Time was running out.
"Come on Kurt!!" We shouted to him. "Let's go." We got to the south side of the lake, legs in overdrive, 400 meters, 300 meters. We rounded the bend and could see the checkpoint lights. Kurt's breathing was strained. He was running probably the fastest ever 100th mile. This was it!! This was to be his moment. I could see the eyes of the checkpoint personnel as we steamed into the line. They look bewildered, I yelled to them "What's our time???"
"16 hours . . ."
"Yes!!??!" I shouted.
"16 hours, 8 minutes."
"WOOOO . . . HOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!"
It was unbelievable. Simply unbelievable. Kurt literally ran his last mile at sub-6:00 pace. It was probably 5:45-5:50, maybe even faster. But without a doubt, THE toughest mile I've ever seen anyone run. He beat the record by 50 or so seconds. I think the timers are still wondering, "How the hell did he do that??" Everyone there was wondering, "How the hell did he do that??"
Hell, I even quietly wondered, "How the hell did he do that?" This is by far the toughest I've ever seen Kurt run. I was there when Kurt first subbed the 5:00 mile. I was there for his first marathon. I was there for his Marathon P.R. I was with him at his first 100 miler and Western States. Nothing compares to what he did this Saturday.
And it was an absolute privilege to be part of it. WAY TO GO Kurt!!
Congratulations and may that record last a long, long time!!
-Steve Hibbs
*********************************
Well what can I say huh. It was a very strange but so so wonderful day. As many of you know I have been training very well all winter and spring. I guess when you feel like you are in a good place in your life that can happen. Let me start by saying thanks so much to everyone who sent e-mails, called my phone for race day updates or all the people who came out to watch and or run with me on race day.
As for the race I can say without a doubt that was one of the best days I have ever had running wise. I felt great from the gun. I new what I had to do per lap to have a chance at the 100 mile state record and the 24 hour record. I thought well let's get close to the 100 and go from there after I saw how I felt. I figured I would run like 24-25 min laps. I was running 23-24 min laps and feeling very good. I had so many people out there running with me and cheering from the tent. It was great. Then came the d-day decision where to go after the 100 mile record. Well let's just say we miss counted a lap and I thought hell I am going to crush it. That was not the case. With just two laps ( 5 miles ) to go I need to haul ass to get it. Well with the help of Steve Hibbs, Sean Mulheron and Jacob Hallen we started running 6 min pace then with a huge 5:45 like last mile we dipped under the record. I could not have pushed that hard without them. Thanks guys !!! After that I new that I put my body in a bad place. I was able to walk like 10 more miles but then at 18 hours in said let's call it a day. No need to hurt myself. Maybe I could have kept walking and still won the race but maybe not. I know I did the right thing and know I can go back and get that state record of 136 miles. Plus heck I got to do my last walking lap with Sonya, my bro Kevin and my good friend Paul.
Now I have no idea how I was able to run that pace after running 95 miles before that. But I learned something that day. Sometimes you need to just turn your head off and just believe with all your body in what you can do. We all say that but myself included do not always do it. We humans and amazing and can push ourselves in many parts of our life to place we thought are not there. Thanks for believing in me and do not ever stop believing in yourselves !!!
-Kurt Decker
Kurt Decker of the Runner’s Edge on Grand Avenue recently competed in a 24-hour race around Lake Nokomis. Kurt set the Minnesota 100-mile record. Congratulations Kurt.
Three emails recounting the race are below.
For those who haven't heard, Kurt got the state 100-mile record, previously held by Brian McCollor, a little after midnight on Sunday morning. I don't have all the details, but imagine averaging 6 and a quarter miles for 16 hours. That's amazing. I went down and ran with him for a couple of the 2.5 mile laps on Saturday afternoon. He had already run over 50 miles by the time I saw him at 8 or 9 hours into it. To think that he kept up that pace for another 8 hours is mind-boggling. He never took any real breaks aside from a quick stop at his tent to grab some food. The hour before I saw him, he had taken a mandatory weigh-in and was a bit down on his weight. So his brother Kevin got him a DQ hot dog and a vanilla shake (or two) and he downed them along with a Nut Roll on the run. Needless to say, when I saw him, none of the other energy foods looked good to him.
I was struck by how Kurt could maintain his game face for so long. I must admit, I jumped in thinking I was just joining Decker on one of his long runs. Not so. This was truly a race. He was very methodical, running at about 8 minute pace and breaking the loop up with 3 short, quick walks. He kept up this same regime for every loop for over 16 hours. It is no wonder he was able to break the 100-mile record. Sean was with him when he broke it. When they found out how close he was to breaking it, they picked up the pace considerably. It sounds like they went to a sub-7 minute pace for a couple miles as Kurt broke the record by only a minute.
Not long after that, Kurt's legs began to loose strength. (Go figure.) He was able to conquer an additional 10 miles or so in the next few hours, but despite the fact that he was probably still leading the race after 19 hours, he called it quits. The winner, Scott Eppleman, ran 129 miles.
I always thought it was pretty incredible what ultra-marathoners could do, but I have a newfound respect for this end of our sport which requires more mental toughness and more race tactics than I ever imagined.
That was a heroic effort, Decker. Way to go.
-Matthew Waite
*********************************
Matt pretty much hit the nail on the head, but for those of you who couldn't be there here's my story of what Kurt did.
So I jumped in with Kurt when he had just under "four" laps to go to 100. He was 19 minutes or so ahead of pace. Or so we thought. Kurt was clipping off his 8-minute miles and walking at his designated spots. Each lap got a little bit quicker.
With "three" laps to go, it was in the bag. But Kurt continued to pick it up ever so slightly. His "39th" lap was in 22 minutes, a minute quicker than the lap before. As we approached the secondary checkpoint on the SE corner of the lake, the spot where the runner officially crosses 100 miles during their 41st lap, I announced proudly to the checkpoint personnel that Number 17 was coming and he had "one" lap to 100 miles.
The reply back was startling, befuddling -- "No he's got two laps to go," the timer said. "How could that be?" I thought. We continued on, but I was sure the timer was wrong, but we continued to pick up the pace, just in case.
We crossed the main checkpoint and they confirmed that Kurt had just under two laps to go and only 30 minutes to do it. It was time to see how hard Kurt could push. Sean Mulheron and I were running shoulder to shoulder ever so slightly picking up the pace. We hit one of Kurt's designated walking areas and I told Kurt we need to keep moving, it's only another lap and a half. Words coming from someone who wasn't at their 96th mile.
By now we were clipping along at 6:15 to 6:05 pace. We hit the secondary checkpoint. This time he did really have one lap to go. I shouted to the timer, "How much time do we have?" The reply "I don't think he's going to make it." I'm sure Kurt didn't hear it, but Sean and I did and it wasn't going to happen on our watch. Kurt had worked too hard for this and he sure as hell wasn't going to miss it by mere seconds.
It was time to throw the hammer down. Sean and I kept gradually increasing the pace. Jacob Hallen was running next to Kurt, helping him increase his stride. Sean and I were the tow cables. We got to the main checkpoint, with just under 10 minutes to go. We were flying.
"Weight Check!!" Shouted one of the race personnel. "You gotta be kidding me!!" I thought. Kurt flew on and off the scale. "Weight's good, let's go!!" We had no time to spare, let alone time for a weight check. Kurt caught up to Sean and I, Jacob at his side. We whisked by the Crew tent, we knew time was tight. We continued to accelerate on the backstretch. Time was running out.
"Come on Kurt!!" We shouted to him. "Let's go." We got to the south side of the lake, legs in overdrive, 400 meters, 300 meters. We rounded the bend and could see the checkpoint lights. Kurt's breathing was strained. He was running probably the fastest ever 100th mile. This was it!! This was to be his moment. I could see the eyes of the checkpoint personnel as we steamed into the line. They look bewildered, I yelled to them "What's our time???"
"16 hours . . ."
"Yes!!??!" I shouted.
"16 hours, 8 minutes."
"WOOOO . . . HOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!"
It was unbelievable. Simply unbelievable. Kurt literally ran his last mile at sub-6:00 pace. It was probably 5:45-5:50, maybe even faster. But without a doubt, THE toughest mile I've ever seen anyone run. He beat the record by 50 or so seconds. I think the timers are still wondering, "How the hell did he do that??" Everyone there was wondering, "How the hell did he do that??"
Hell, I even quietly wondered, "How the hell did he do that?" This is by far the toughest I've ever seen Kurt run. I was there when Kurt first subbed the 5:00 mile. I was there for his first marathon. I was there for his Marathon P.R. I was with him at his first 100 miler and Western States. Nothing compares to what he did this Saturday.
And it was an absolute privilege to be part of it. WAY TO GO Kurt!!
Congratulations and may that record last a long, long time!!
-Steve Hibbs
*********************************
Well what can I say huh. It was a very strange but so so wonderful day. As many of you know I have been training very well all winter and spring. I guess when you feel like you are in a good place in your life that can happen. Let me start by saying thanks so much to everyone who sent e-mails, called my phone for race day updates or all the people who came out to watch and or run with me on race day.
As for the race I can say without a doubt that was one of the best days I have ever had running wise. I felt great from the gun. I new what I had to do per lap to have a chance at the 100 mile state record and the 24 hour record. I thought well let's get close to the 100 and go from there after I saw how I felt. I figured I would run like 24-25 min laps. I was running 23-24 min laps and feeling very good. I had so many people out there running with me and cheering from the tent. It was great. Then came the d-day decision where to go after the 100 mile record. Well let's just say we miss counted a lap and I thought hell I am going to crush it. That was not the case. With just two laps ( 5 miles ) to go I need to haul ass to get it. Well with the help of Steve Hibbs, Sean Mulheron and Jacob Hallen we started running 6 min pace then with a huge 5:45 like last mile we dipped under the record. I could not have pushed that hard without them. Thanks guys !!! After that I new that I put my body in a bad place. I was able to walk like 10 more miles but then at 18 hours in said let's call it a day. No need to hurt myself. Maybe I could have kept walking and still won the race but maybe not. I know I did the right thing and know I can go back and get that state record of 136 miles. Plus heck I got to do my last walking lap with Sonya, my bro Kevin and my good friend Paul.
Now I have no idea how I was able to run that pace after running 95 miles before that. But I learned something that day. Sometimes you need to just turn your head off and just believe with all your body in what you can do. We all say that but myself included do not always do it. We humans and amazing and can push ourselves in many parts of our life to place we thought are not there. Thanks for believing in me and do not ever stop believing in yourselves !!!
-Kurt Decker
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Tits
'Lactivists' Taking Their Cause, and Their Babies, to the Streets
Bar-bar Walters said on The View that she felt uncomfortable when she was sitting on a plane next to a mother who was breast feeding her baby. Women took to the streets with their babies to protest. That makes for a good news story. Actually, it is a good news story. A few states have passed laws allowing women to breast feed wherever they roam. Many people are freaked out by a woman publicly bearing a highly sexualized object to participate in the natural feeding of her innocent child.
Bolivian President Offers to Resign
Same story from the BBC, but with links to additional resources.
Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada was elected president in June 2002 with only 22.5% of the vote. Rabble rouser Evo Morales was second with 20.9%, Reyes Villa was third with 20.9%, and Paz Zamora was fourth with 16.3%. And here's a good read about the elections. Goni resigned in October 2003. Carlos Mesa took over. Now it appears he will resign.
Class and Culture Series
This is a series from the New York Times. It's not very good.
Bar-bar Walters said on The View that she felt uncomfortable when she was sitting on a plane next to a mother who was breast feeding her baby. Women took to the streets with their babies to protest. That makes for a good news story. Actually, it is a good news story. A few states have passed laws allowing women to breast feed wherever they roam. Many people are freaked out by a woman publicly bearing a highly sexualized object to participate in the natural feeding of her innocent child.
Bolivian President Offers to Resign
Same story from the BBC, but with links to additional resources.
Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada was elected president in June 2002 with only 22.5% of the vote. Rabble rouser Evo Morales was second with 20.9%, Reyes Villa was third with 20.9%, and Paz Zamora was fourth with 16.3%. And here's a good read about the elections. Goni resigned in October 2003. Carlos Mesa took over. Now it appears he will resign.
Class and Culture Series
This is a series from the New York Times. It's not very good.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
two thousand zero zero
... we relaxed at Tim's house while John napped. Then we met the ladies at Sweeney's for food and drinks. Then we drove to Macalester for our class dinner. Father Rock O'Connor and former St. Paul Mayor George Latimer were the speakers. We sat next to the unattended (self-serve?) wine table. Dinner, served by Bon Appetite, was actually quite good. After dinner, I urinated in a Prestige port-a-pot. The luxurious portable shitter was adorned with silk flowers and furnished with temperature control, a sink and mirror, and carpet. Holly streaked Olin-Rice with the class of ’55. Old balls. We talked to economics professor Vasant Sukhatme. Then we walked over to a big tent where I consumed many Premiums. Then I received a message to meet Tim Pavlish under the bell. When I arrived, Tim was holding a can of beer and a Dutch Masters cigar in one hand. Nice. Then we walked to the courtyard behind Janet Wallace. The DJ didn't show, so John plugged his iPod into a system provided by Media Services. Let's get this party started quickly. Two Mac students showed up with a computer and took over the DJ duties. Nick Balster, rugby player among other things, provided the performance of the night when he dipped two balls (which were attached to cords which were attached to handles) into kerosene, lit them, and began a stunning nighttime dance. Fire balls, circular, up and down, around, all good things. Then we went streaking again. Klinker graced us with dynamic stretching. Tim jumped into the warm and murky steeplechase pit. Then we danced. Then I became very inebriated. Kevin fell off a cart and banged his head. The night progressed. Et cetera.
On Sunday we walked Grand Old Days. We watched part of the first annual strong man competition. In the first event we watched, which was a timed event, participants had to flip a 1200-pound tire over twice, stand up and push over an enormous iron pipe, and then drag an oil supertanker anchor chain over a certain distance. The next event was the axle dead lift, 500 pounds for lightweights and 550 pounds for heavyweights. No lightweight could lift the bar off the ground. Then a severely beastly man did seven reps. Huge.
Later that afternoon we grilled at Tim's house. Brandon showed us pictures from his summer in Pakistan last year. Steve and Yarrow were there.
Updates
Brandon is earning his PhD in epidemiology at the University of Washington. This coming fall Kevin will start pursuing a Masters degree at the Berkeley Planning and Development Department. In addition, Mr. Shively is competing in an Olympic distance triathlon in July and plans to run the Seattle marathon in November. Resident John Anderson wants to buy a really big and really awesome television. Gordon is attending law school at the University of Minnesota.
On Sunday we walked Grand Old Days. We watched part of the first annual strong man competition. In the first event we watched, which was a timed event, participants had to flip a 1200-pound tire over twice, stand up and push over an enormous iron pipe, and then drag an oil supertanker anchor chain over a certain distance. The next event was the axle dead lift, 500 pounds for lightweights and 550 pounds for heavyweights. No lightweight could lift the bar off the ground. Then a severely beastly man did seven reps. Huge.
Later that afternoon we grilled at Tim's house. Brandon showed us pictures from his summer in Pakistan last year. Steve and Yarrow were there.
Updates
Brandon is earning his PhD in epidemiology at the University of Washington. This coming fall Kevin will start pursuing a Masters degree at the Berkeley Planning and Development Department. In addition, Mr. Shively is competing in an Olympic distance triathlon in July and plans to run the Seattle marathon in November. Resident John Anderson wants to buy a really big and really awesome television. Gordon is attending law school at the University of Minnesota.
Monday, June 06, 2005
Class of 2000 Reunion
After departing on the red eye from San Francisco, Kevin Shively arrived at our house Friday morning at 6:45, just as I was leaving for work. Holly Harris took the red eye from Los Angeles. Kyla Hayford arrived later that morning from DC. Brandon arrived from Seattle around noon. As of the end of May, Dr. John Anderson has been a Minnesota resident. Other Minnesota residents attending the reunion included Tim “The Tool Man” Pavlish, Gordon “This Water Tastes Like Hose” Hague, Andrea Sternberg, Liz Connors, and Megan Kelly.
After work, I traveled to the campus center to pay homage to the class of 2000 with gifts of gold, frankincense, and beer - two twelve packs of local beer, Summit Grand and Summit EPA.
After exchanging brief histories, we progressed to Olin-Rice for appetizers, margaritas, and mariachi music. We supplemented the food and drink with Taste of Thai and some beers. As it does, the sun went down. As it happened, the clothes came off.
Naked 400.
The pace started slow, like a championship race. Brandon opened the throttle with 150 to go and reigning naked 400 champion John Anderson remained complacent until 80 meters, when he displayed an awesome burst of speed. However, the kick came too late, and Brandon barely escaped the strong close.
Saturday started with a long run at 10am. Let’s mosey. Brandon had to band-aid his toes, which were torn on the track the previous night. While we were sauntering five miles, Marye made pancakes and fruit salad. There was also sausage and doughnuts aplenty.
Later we met outside Weyerhaeuser to go on a Summit Brewery tour. However, we missed the tour because of a schedule misprint. But Colin Mothupi came to the rescue with two cases of warm Miller High Life from his trunk. I love warm beer. We started drinking and it started raining. Some peoples went to drink under the chapel. We went to the porch of 63 Mac. I noticed an unlocked window, so I looked around. Memories. After one warm High Life, I was ready to drink my own urine, so we left and I took peeps on a driving tour of the development boom riverside in downtown Minneapolis and then along the river near downtown St. Paul. John slept through the tour, but after two High Life’s and a doughnut coup de grace, who can find fault.
To be continued…
After work, I traveled to the campus center to pay homage to the class of 2000 with gifts of gold, frankincense, and beer - two twelve packs of local beer, Summit Grand and Summit EPA.
After exchanging brief histories, we progressed to Olin-Rice for appetizers, margaritas, and mariachi music. We supplemented the food and drink with Taste of Thai and some beers. As it does, the sun went down. As it happened, the clothes came off.
Naked 400.
The pace started slow, like a championship race. Brandon opened the throttle with 150 to go and reigning naked 400 champion John Anderson remained complacent until 80 meters, when he displayed an awesome burst of speed. However, the kick came too late, and Brandon barely escaped the strong close.
Saturday started with a long run at 10am. Let’s mosey. Brandon had to band-aid his toes, which were torn on the track the previous night. While we were sauntering five miles, Marye made pancakes and fruit salad. There was also sausage and doughnuts aplenty.
Later we met outside Weyerhaeuser to go on a Summit Brewery tour. However, we missed the tour because of a schedule misprint. But Colin Mothupi came to the rescue with two cases of warm Miller High Life from his trunk. I love warm beer. We started drinking and it started raining. Some peoples went to drink under the chapel. We went to the porch of 63 Mac. I noticed an unlocked window, so I looked around. Memories. After one warm High Life, I was ready to drink my own urine, so we left and I took peeps on a driving tour of the development boom riverside in downtown Minneapolis and then along the river near downtown St. Paul. John slept through the tour, but after two High Life’s and a doughnut coup de grace, who can find fault.
To be continued…
Friday, June 03, 2005
this beef tastes like fumigant
The EPA is proposing to add the Garvey Elevator Site in Hastings, Nebraska, to the National Priorities List, or NPL. The NPL is a published list of hazardous waste sites that are eligible for clean-up action under the Superfund Program. Grain has been stored and processed at the Garvey Elevator since 1959. Carbon tetrachloride, a common grain fumigant, was used at the facility until the mid-1980s. Past releases of carbon tetrachloride from the facility have contaminated ground water near the facility. That ground water is used as a source of drinking water.
References:
Fact Sheet for Garvey Elevator
NPL Site Narrative for Garvey Elevator
My Dad hauls corn to Garvey.
I have a red Garvey hat.
Fumigant on corn.
Corn in cow.
Cow in human.
I advocate grass-fed buffalo, or Kobe beef if you can afford it.
References:
Fact Sheet for Garvey Elevator
NPL Site Narrative for Garvey Elevator
My Dad hauls corn to Garvey.
I have a red Garvey hat.
Fumigant on corn.
Corn in cow.
Cow in human.
I advocate grass-fed buffalo, or Kobe beef if you can afford it.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
United States of Europe
Dutch vote on Europe constitution
The EU constitution must be ratified by all EU members in order to be implemented. France said non and now 60% of Dutch voters are expected to say nee. However, in the Netherlands, any rejection of the constitution is unlikely to have the same impact because the Dutch vote is non-binding.
Already ratified treaty:
* Austria
* Germany
* Greece
* Hungary
* Italy
* Lithuania
* Slovakia
* Slovenia
* Spain
What the EU constitution says
Constitution full text (1MB, 325 pages)
In other news:
N Korea ridicules Rice, Rumsfeld
In what media watchers are calling a first for North Korea, state radio in Pyongyang has turned to the medium of the comic sketch to mock two of the leading figures in the US administration.
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Weekend Update
To start the weekend, I whistled for my trusty bicycle and set a land-speed record on the way home from work, despite the fact that I have triceps where most people have quadriceps.
Later, I enjoyed an Italian Combo hoagie and Summit EPA at Pizza Luce. Then we progressed to the live music scene at the Turf Club, near the intersection of Snelling and University. We were listening to the first band when somebody in the audience yelled out.
"Cock fight!!"
I was highly enthused. However, seeing no agitated gamecocks or people affixed with metal spurs, my enthusiasm declined to amusement of a random outburst. Then it was revealed to me that the band's name was Cockfight.
On Saturday, we visited Goodwill and then Everyday People, a thrift store where I found a stylish brown sports jacket for 13 USD. Then I played basketball in my sports jacket. Actually, I didn't. Sports jacket?
After months of failure, I progressed in achieving my New Year's resolution to watch more movies. Over the weekend, we watched Team America and Meet the Fockers. We also recently watched Crash.
On Sunday, we feasted at the home of the gracious Ziyad Al-Rashid. Good times.
On Monday, we landscaped. It looks good. I also fixed the outdoor faucet; it had a cracked stem valve seal.
In other news, I escalated the war of man versus beast. A rapacious raccoon had been plundering my compost bin by digging down and under the bin. I fortified the bin by burying plastic floor tiles down the sides and placing bricks around the base. Should the raccoon continue to display a brazen disregard for private property rights, I may be forced to shock and awe.
Later, I enjoyed an Italian Combo hoagie and Summit EPA at Pizza Luce. Then we progressed to the live music scene at the Turf Club, near the intersection of Snelling and University. We were listening to the first band when somebody in the audience yelled out.
"Cock fight!!"
I was highly enthused. However, seeing no agitated gamecocks or people affixed with metal spurs, my enthusiasm declined to amusement of a random outburst. Then it was revealed to me that the band's name was Cockfight.
On Saturday, we visited Goodwill and then Everyday People, a thrift store where I found a stylish brown sports jacket for 13 USD. Then I played basketball in my sports jacket. Actually, I didn't. Sports jacket?
After months of failure, I progressed in achieving my New Year's resolution to watch more movies. Over the weekend, we watched Team America and Meet the Fockers. We also recently watched Crash.
On Sunday, we feasted at the home of the gracious Ziyad Al-Rashid. Good times.
On Monday, we landscaped. It looks good. I also fixed the outdoor faucet; it had a cracked stem valve seal.
In other news, I escalated the war of man versus beast. A rapacious raccoon had been plundering my compost bin by digging down and under the bin. I fortified the bin by burying plastic floor tiles down the sides and placing bricks around the base. Should the raccoon continue to display a brazen disregard for private property rights, I may be forced to shock and awe.
Friday, May 27, 2005
Track
The Division III National Track and Field Championship is currently underway in Waverly, Iowa. Josh Moen of Wartburg won the 10K last night with a time of 30:31. Jeff Metzdorff of Hamline was 7th in 30:51, six seconds away from second place, and Malcolm Richard of St. Olaf finished 13th, posting a 31:15. The woman who won the 10K ran a 34 flat. Wow.
In Nebraska high school track and field news, Kearney finished second by three points to Fremont, thus failing to win the team title for the first time since I was a freshman, one decade and one year ago.
About Nebraska
Largest cities
Omaha: 390,007
Lincoln: 225,581
Bellevue: 44,382
Grand Island: 42,940
Kearney: 27,431
Fremont: 25,174
Hastings: 24,064
North Platte: 23,878
Norfolk: 23,516
Columbus: 20,971
Papillion: 16,363
Scottsbluff: 14,732
Memorial Stadium has a capacity of about 74,000.
Bellevue and Papillion are basically part of the great expanse that is Omaha.
In Nebraska high school track and field news, Kearney finished second by three points to Fremont, thus failing to win the team title for the first time since I was a freshman, one decade and one year ago.
About Nebraska
Largest cities
Omaha: 390,007
Lincoln: 225,581
Bellevue: 44,382
Grand Island: 42,940
Kearney: 27,431
Fremont: 25,174
Hastings: 24,064
North Platte: 23,878
Norfolk: 23,516
Columbus: 20,971
Papillion: 16,363
Scottsbluff: 14,732
Memorial Stadium has a capacity of about 74,000.
Bellevue and Papillion are basically part of the great expanse that is Omaha.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Out With The Old
From the nytimes:
U.S. 'Thumbs Its Nose' at Rights, Amnesty Says
Who thumbs their nose these days?
That saying is old.
How about these:
U.S. Yells at Rights and Grabs Crotch / Gestures Toward Nuts / Cups Ball Sack, Amnesty Says
Or this
U.S. Displays Shocker Sign at Rights, Amnesty Says
U.S. 'Thumbs Its Nose' at Rights, Amnesty Says
Who thumbs their nose these days?
That saying is old.
How about these:
U.S. Yells at Rights and Grabs Crotch / Gestures Toward Nuts / Cups Ball Sack, Amnesty Says
Or this
U.S. Displays Shocker Sign at Rights, Amnesty Says
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Material from Nate
R.I.P.
Nebraskan Thurl Ravenscroft died on Sunday. He was best known as the voice of Tony the Tiger in Kellogg's Frosted Flakes television commercials and as the singer of the song "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" in the Christmas TV special based on the Dr. Seuss classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Down the Road with the Filibuster
I watched the Lehrer “Real” News Hour last night until I had the urge to vomit. Gwen Ifill was interviewing nauseating Senators Nelson, Chafee, Sessions, and Schumer about the Memorandum of Understanding, signed as an expression of trust between Republicans and Democrats, which vows to use the filibuster only under exceptional circumstances, allow a vote on an agreed number of judicial nominees, and refrain from changing the rules to quench dilatory tactics.
Gwen: How does the MOU resolve the conflict between Democrats who want to filibuster judicial nominees and Republicans who want to change the rules to force a vote?
Senators: Bar, bar, bar.
Gwen: Hmmm. Although I don't suspect it, perhaps my question needs refining. Considering the disparate opinions between Democrats and Republicans regarding the merit of judicial nominees, what happens next when Democrats want to filibuster and Republicans want to force a vote?
Nelson and Chafee: Bar, bar, bar.
Schumer: Bar, bar, bar. Now the rules cannot be changed. Bar, bar, bar. But Democrats can filibuster.
Sessions: Gwen, let’s get one thing straight: Democrats are huge pussies. If necessary, Republicans will change the rules to force a vote on judicial nominees.
US flips its lid over 'middle finger' tag
PepsiCo president Indra Nooyi gave a graduation speech at Columbia Business School in which she compared the United States to the middle finger. There’s no need to read the transcript of the speech or engage in reasonable cogitation. Please form an opinion based on this blog, and my message to you: Indra Nooyi is unpatriotic. Coke is better.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
State and Local Taxes
When arguing for no new taxes, Minnesota Governor Tim "Fees and Gimmicks" Pawlenty is wont to cite a study by the unbiased Census Bureau that ranks Minnesota as the state with the 4th highest taxes. I looked at the study. Minnesota is 4th in the nation in state revenue per capita.
I recommend perusing the data on this site:
States IN Profile
Select a state.
Click on Income & Taxes.
Enjoy.
States without state income tax:
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.
Monday, May 23, 2005
Jesse Ventura
On Saturday afternoon, Klinker and I were sitting outside my house enjoying Summit IPA and Lake Superior Oatmeal Stout, talking about piercings, wetsuits, and trucks, when a purple Porsche drove by slowly, with the woman in the passenger seat staring at us.
We resumed our conversation until we saw the nose of the purple Porsche pull into view on the wrong side of the street, facing the nose of my Ford Escort. The man I saw walk into view from around the corner of my house was a man of incredible girth with black beard hair woven into braids, carrying a large well-chewed cigar.
I'm Jesse Ventura. This is my wife Terry.
I used to live here. My parents lived here from 1949 to 1969.
I invited Mr. Ventura inside to have a look around.
“It's so cute,” said Terry.
Thanks.
Jesse talked about the kitchen. His father and grandfather tore down the wall that separated the kitchen from the dining room. Having a counter in lieu of the wall opened the house from front to back and distinguishes it from traditional craftsman bungalow homes. George Janos built all the cupboards and drawers in the kitchen. He installed a unique clock above the kitchen sink too. I showed Jesse that his dad had stenciled George Janos on the inside of one of the drawers. It was a hemotional moment.
Then Klinker led the way toward the porch, where the plaque commemorating the unofficial historic site hangs. “Childhood home of Jesse Ventura, beloved governor and kick-ass WWF wrestler.”
Jesse said his dad occasionally slept on the porch during the summer.
The intersection out front used to be dangerous, car accidents all the time. His dad was concerned that the kids might get hit with a car while they were playing in the front yard.
The Janos family had a disciplined English bulldog named Bozo. An animal control officer came by one day to take the dog away because it wasn’t on a leash. Jesse’s dad said “if you can make the dog leave the yard, you can take it away.” The animal control officer tried for 15 minutes to goad Bozo into leaving the yard, but to no avail.
The sandbar down by the river was a popular play spot.
There were a lot of families and kids in the neighborhood back in the day. Jesse had a lot of friends nearby, so nearby that he could make prank calls summoning a taxi for his friend’s dad. Jesse and his fellow conspirators would sit by the window and watch with glee as the patient taxicab driver turned disgruntled and drove off. That was in fourth grade.
Jesse recalled that the Minnehaha Academy field catercorner from the house used to host football games. The field was bordered with a big wooden fence, which Jesse and his friends had lifted just enough so that they could squeeze under and watch the games. Their secret entry to the field was directly behind the players’ sideline. One night, Jesse decided he couldn’t see well enough, and what provided a better view than endzone seating. I’m sure it was good while it lasted. The referee took his hand and escorted him away.
Jesse lived upstairs (1/2 story) with his brother. That’s hard to imagine, especially when the hulking Jesse Ventura is walking around and says “it seems so much smaller now.” His dad built the knotty pine ceiling and walls and the built-in bookshelves. Jesse pointed out where his desk used to be. He also alluded to locking his mom in the attic.
Outside, Jesse talked about his former neighbors. The Carlsons lived there… the fat kid lived three houses down.
Jesse talked about the neighborhood and how nice it was, and is. He went to Cooper elementary school one block away. Cooper is closing down because of decreased enrollment. Thirty-second street used to be the dividing line between those students who attended South high school and those who attended Roosevelt high school. “I know you probably hear this all the time,” but I walked to Roosevelt – that was a long walk.
Jesse commented about his fondness for Minneapolis. Then he went on to mention the incident on Dave (Letterman) where he lauded the logic of the Minneapolis street grid and joked about the Irish (glug, glug) designing St. Paul streets.
Overall, the experience was an emotional one between Jesse and Terry, where a nostalgic Jesse was excited to give his wife a more vivid glimpse into his childhood. Jesse was polite, personable, and gracious, and Terry was very amiable too.
Anyway, that’s basically what happened. Unfortunately, I don’t remember everything because my memory is interspersed and overwritten with this: “Holy shit, this is Jesse Ventura.”
Dr. Klinker, feel free to fill in the story.
We resumed our conversation until we saw the nose of the purple Porsche pull into view on the wrong side of the street, facing the nose of my Ford Escort. The man I saw walk into view from around the corner of my house was a man of incredible girth with black beard hair woven into braids, carrying a large well-chewed cigar.
I'm Jesse Ventura. This is my wife Terry.
I used to live here. My parents lived here from 1949 to 1969.
I invited Mr. Ventura inside to have a look around.
“It's so cute,” said Terry.
Thanks.
Jesse talked about the kitchen. His father and grandfather tore down the wall that separated the kitchen from the dining room. Having a counter in lieu of the wall opened the house from front to back and distinguishes it from traditional craftsman bungalow homes. George Janos built all the cupboards and drawers in the kitchen. He installed a unique clock above the kitchen sink too. I showed Jesse that his dad had stenciled George Janos on the inside of one of the drawers. It was a hemotional moment.
Then Klinker led the way toward the porch, where the plaque commemorating the unofficial historic site hangs. “Childhood home of Jesse Ventura, beloved governor and kick-ass WWF wrestler.”
Jesse said his dad occasionally slept on the porch during the summer.
The intersection out front used to be dangerous, car accidents all the time. His dad was concerned that the kids might get hit with a car while they were playing in the front yard.
The Janos family had a disciplined English bulldog named Bozo. An animal control officer came by one day to take the dog away because it wasn’t on a leash. Jesse’s dad said “if you can make the dog leave the yard, you can take it away.” The animal control officer tried for 15 minutes to goad Bozo into leaving the yard, but to no avail.
The sandbar down by the river was a popular play spot.
There were a lot of families and kids in the neighborhood back in the day. Jesse had a lot of friends nearby, so nearby that he could make prank calls summoning a taxi for his friend’s dad. Jesse and his fellow conspirators would sit by the window and watch with glee as the patient taxicab driver turned disgruntled and drove off. That was in fourth grade.
Jesse recalled that the Minnehaha Academy field catercorner from the house used to host football games. The field was bordered with a big wooden fence, which Jesse and his friends had lifted just enough so that they could squeeze under and watch the games. Their secret entry to the field was directly behind the players’ sideline. One night, Jesse decided he couldn’t see well enough, and what provided a better view than endzone seating. I’m sure it was good while it lasted. The referee took his hand and escorted him away.
Jesse lived upstairs (1/2 story) with his brother. That’s hard to imagine, especially when the hulking Jesse Ventura is walking around and says “it seems so much smaller now.” His dad built the knotty pine ceiling and walls and the built-in bookshelves. Jesse pointed out where his desk used to be. He also alluded to locking his mom in the attic.
Outside, Jesse talked about his former neighbors. The Carlsons lived there… the fat kid lived three houses down.
Jesse talked about the neighborhood and how nice it was, and is. He went to Cooper elementary school one block away. Cooper is closing down because of decreased enrollment. Thirty-second street used to be the dividing line between those students who attended South high school and those who attended Roosevelt high school. “I know you probably hear this all the time,” but I walked to Roosevelt – that was a long walk.
Jesse commented about his fondness for Minneapolis. Then he went on to mention the incident on Dave (Letterman) where he lauded the logic of the Minneapolis street grid and joked about the Irish (glug, glug) designing St. Paul streets.
Overall, the experience was an emotional one between Jesse and Terry, where a nostalgic Jesse was excited to give his wife a more vivid glimpse into his childhood. Jesse was polite, personable, and gracious, and Terry was very amiable too.
Anyway, that’s basically what happened. Unfortunately, I don’t remember everything because my memory is interspersed and overwritten with this: “Holy shit, this is Jesse Ventura.”
Dr. Klinker, feel free to fill in the story.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Go Johnnies
While coasting to victory over the final ten meters of the 200 meter dash, Carson Glad of St. Thomas twisted his upper body toward the stadium crowd and extended his arm upward, showcasing the exclamation of his index finger. Carson Glad continued his smug celebration by running through the finish line and around the curve, presumably looking for an American flag to wave. After failing to find any further means of expression, such as sportsmanship, Carson Glad walked the straightaway back to the starting line, leaving the other runners at the finish to exchange congratulations.
It gets better.
The Thommies got second.
For only the third time since 1983, the Thommies failed to win the outdoor track and field conference championship. The Johnnies won in 1997, 1999, and 2005.
1 Saint John's 172.5
2 St. Thomas 165.0
A field judge (Macalester '01) bearing an animus toward St. Thomas DQ-ed a St. Thomas 400 meter hurdler in the final. The hurdler ran the fourth fastest qualifying time.
Consider this:
In the absence of the DQ, St. Thomas would have gained five points with a fourth-place finish and St. John's, having a hurdler bumped down a place, would have lost one point. Without the DQ, the final meet score would have been:
St. John's 171.5
St. Thomas 170.0
Now consider this:
St. John's edged St. Thomas by one one-hundredth of a second in the last event of the day, the 4x400 relay. Without the DQ, the meet winner was determined in this race. Johnnies win.
Just for the record, the DQ was fair.
It gets better.
The Thommies got second.
For only the third time since 1983, the Thommies failed to win the outdoor track and field conference championship. The Johnnies won in 1997, 1999, and 2005.
1 Saint John's 172.5
2 St. Thomas 165.0
A field judge (Macalester '01) bearing an animus toward St. Thomas DQ-ed a St. Thomas 400 meter hurdler in the final. The hurdler ran the fourth fastest qualifying time.
Consider this:
In the absence of the DQ, St. Thomas would have gained five points with a fourth-place finish and St. John's, having a hurdler bumped down a place, would have lost one point. Without the DQ, the final meet score would have been:
St. John's 171.5
St. Thomas 170.0
Now consider this:
St. John's edged St. Thomas by one one-hundredth of a second in the last event of the day, the 4x400 relay. Without the DQ, the meet winner was determined in this race. Johnnies win.
Just for the record, the DQ was fair.
Congratulations Mac Pack
MIAC Results
4x800 relay
3 Macalester 7:54.63
(Bo Rydze, Will Kennedy, Nate Crider, Matt Wegmann)
800 meters
8 Josh Springer, Fr, Macalester 1:57.01
1500 meters
5 Nate Crider, 1, Macalester 4:01.93
9 Derek Loudermilk, 4, Macalester 4:05.96
Steeplechase
4 Bo Rydze, Sr, Macalester 9:38.95
10 Eric Olson, Sr, Macalester 10:02.00
15 Matt Wegmann, Fr, Macalester 10:15.87
5k
3 Dylan Keith, So, Macalester 15:18.67
18 Bo Rydze, Sr, Macalester 15:50.24
28 Tim Stendahl, Jr, Macalester 16:14.97
31 Kyle Braam, Fr, Macalester 16:32.48
10k
15 Tom Hammer, So, Macalester 33:10.80
19 Kyle Braam, Fr, Macalester 33:28.18
4x800 relay
3 Macalester 7:54.63
(Bo Rydze, Will Kennedy, Nate Crider, Matt Wegmann)
800 meters
8 Josh Springer, Fr, Macalester 1:57.01
1500 meters
5 Nate Crider, 1, Macalester 4:01.93
9 Derek Loudermilk, 4, Macalester 4:05.96
Steeplechase
4 Bo Rydze, Sr, Macalester 9:38.95
10 Eric Olson, Sr, Macalester 10:02.00
15 Matt Wegmann, Fr, Macalester 10:15.87
5k
3 Dylan Keith, So, Macalester 15:18.67
18 Bo Rydze, Sr, Macalester 15:50.24
28 Tim Stendahl, Jr, Macalester 16:14.97
31 Kyle Braam, Fr, Macalester 16:32.48
10k
15 Tom Hammer, So, Macalester 33:10.80
19 Kyle Braam, Fr, Macalester 33:28.18
Goodbye Pete
This coming Thursday Pete Dillon will leave Minnesota. He will be traveling via greyhound to Albuquerque, where he will begin his bicycle journey to the Grand Canyon, to Utah and on to Oregon, then to Mazama, Washington, for Steve and Yarrow’s wedding, and eventually to the Berkeley campus to become a doctor of philosophy. Pete is leaving Minnesota for the West. During times like these, I find it helpful to remember the words of Pete Dillon:
“Fossil fuels are a finite resource, but you can tap love forever.”
“Fossil fuels are a finite resource, but you can tap love forever.”
Thursday, May 12, 2005
You're Trashy
How Do Japanese Dump Trash? Let Us Count the Myriad Ways
I enjoyed this article. In an effort to make conscious humans faithfully follow the three Rs (reduce, recycle, reuse), the Japanese are required to sort their trash into anywhere from 10 to 44 categories. 3R-ing decreases the costs of incineration. Eighty percent of trash generated in Japan is incinerated, whereas eighty percent of trash generated in the U.S. is landfilled. When news of Japanese environmental standards was presented to an American, he responded by saying “Stewardship is a cock in the ass.” But sir, why do you hate personal responsibility.
Hastings pummeled by storms
My hometown in Nebraska was pounded by golf ball to baseball size hail last evening. Streetlights, building windows, and car windows were shattered. Structures were battered and cars were dented. Thank goodness the crops weren’t up yet.
Bengo Mrema was honored by being named Big Brother of the year by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities.
For Gay Men, an Attraction to a Different Kind of Scent
Maybe people don’t choose to be gay; however, they still remain the biggest threat to national security and quality of life.
“Legislators can see consequences that individual citizens sometimes overlook.” Who would say such a thing.
Church Split in Dispute Over Bush
A reverend endorsed Bush from the pulpit and claimed those voting for Kerry need to repent or resign from the church. The reverend continued his crusade after the election, eventually ousting nine members. Issue numero uno, abortion.
Here is a precious quote from one of the church members:
“I don't believe he preached politics. I don't believe anyone should tell a preacher not to preach what's in the Bible.”
Awesome.
I enjoyed this article. In an effort to make conscious humans faithfully follow the three Rs (reduce, recycle, reuse), the Japanese are required to sort their trash into anywhere from 10 to 44 categories. 3R-ing decreases the costs of incineration. Eighty percent of trash generated in Japan is incinerated, whereas eighty percent of trash generated in the U.S. is landfilled. When news of Japanese environmental standards was presented to an American, he responded by saying “Stewardship is a cock in the ass.” But sir, why do you hate personal responsibility.
Hastings pummeled by storms
My hometown in Nebraska was pounded by golf ball to baseball size hail last evening. Streetlights, building windows, and car windows were shattered. Structures were battered and cars were dented. Thank goodness the crops weren’t up yet.
Bengo Mrema was honored by being named Big Brother of the year by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities.
For Gay Men, an Attraction to a Different Kind of Scent
Maybe people don’t choose to be gay; however, they still remain the biggest threat to national security and quality of life.
“Legislators can see consequences that individual citizens sometimes overlook.” Who would say such a thing.
Church Split in Dispute Over Bush
A reverend endorsed Bush from the pulpit and claimed those voting for Kerry need to repent or resign from the church. The reverend continued his crusade after the election, eventually ousting nine members. Issue numero uno, abortion.
Here is a precious quote from one of the church members:
“I don't believe he preached politics. I don't believe anyone should tell a preacher not to preach what's in the Bible.”
Awesome.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Bungalow History
We received documentation of our house's entire title history.
The Janos family lived in our house from 1949 to 1969.
James Janos was born in 1951.
Later, James Janos became Jesse Ventura.
And of course, Jesse Ventura became Governor Ventura.
He was a good governor.
The Janos family lived in our house from 1949 to 1969.
James Janos was born in 1951.
Later, James Janos became Jesse Ventura.
And of course, Jesse Ventura became Governor Ventura.
He was a good governor.
Monday, May 09, 2005
I am a mucus membrane ready to burst
So, I wrote a letter alerting Pamida I was disconcerted by the fact a Pamida pharmacist in Glencoe, Minnesota, denied a birth control prescription to a woman.
Here is Pamida's response:
"Dear Ben,
We appreciate your concern and opinion regarding the Pamida pharmacy in Glencoe, MN. You should know that our overriding concern is that our customer’s health needs are taken care of. We feel that situations like the one described are rare and if they do occur, we expect our pharmacists to make certain that provisions to have the prescription filled at our pharmacy or another convenient pharmacy of the patients choosing are followed.
Thank you for your letter.
Mike Bettiga
Sr. Vice President of Retail Health Operations
ShopKo Stores, Inc."
Here is my response response:
Dear Mr. Bettiga,
I appreciate your ambiguous response to my letter.
I feel that homicides are rare and if they do occur, I expect the murderer to make certain that provisions not to murder are followed.
Hyperbole is amusing, but it may not convey my point.
Is birth control a health need?
Who enforces the action of the pharmacist?
What are the consequences for the pharmacist’s action?
Assuming the Pamida pharmacist in Glencoe, Minnesota, had referred the woman requesting a birth control prescription to another convenient pharmacy where the woman could have the prescription filled, do you believe the following statement absolves the pharmacist?
“We expect our pharmacists to make certain that provisions to have the prescription filled at another convenient pharmacy of the patients choosing are followed.”
Thank you for your vacuous flatulence. I deprecate -- I mean I appreciate it.
Here is Pamida's response:
"Dear Ben,
We appreciate your concern and opinion regarding the Pamida pharmacy in Glencoe, MN. You should know that our overriding concern is that our customer’s health needs are taken care of. We feel that situations like the one described are rare and if they do occur, we expect our pharmacists to make certain that provisions to have the prescription filled at our pharmacy or another convenient pharmacy of the patients choosing are followed.
Thank you for your letter.
Mike Bettiga
Sr. Vice President of Retail Health Operations
ShopKo Stores, Inc."
Here is my response response:
Dear Mr. Bettiga,
I appreciate your ambiguous response to my letter.
I feel that homicides are rare and if they do occur, I expect the murderer to make certain that provisions not to murder are followed.
Hyperbole is amusing, but it may not convey my point.
Is birth control a health need?
Who enforces the action of the pharmacist?
What are the consequences for the pharmacist’s action?
Assuming the Pamida pharmacist in Glencoe, Minnesota, had referred the woman requesting a birth control prescription to another convenient pharmacy where the woman could have the prescription filled, do you believe the following statement absolves the pharmacist?
“We expect our pharmacists to make certain that provisions to have the prescription filled at another convenient pharmacy of the patients choosing are followed.”
Thank you for your vacuous flatulence. I deprecate -- I mean I appreciate it.
Friday, May 06, 2005
Double Fist Pump for Soren
Dr. Skills Anderson will be joining the Bush Council of Economic Advisors as a Junior Staff Economist.
Here's a little about the structure of the CEA:
From the "Employment Act of 1946":
"There is hereby created in the Executive Office of the President a Council of Economic Advisers (hereinafter called the "Council"). The Council shall be composed of three members who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and each of whom shall be a person who, as a result of his training, experience, and attainments, is exceptionally qualified to analyze and interpret economic developments, to appraise programs and activities of the Government in the light of the policy declared in section 2, and to formulate and recommend national economic policy to promote employment, production, and purchasing power under free competitive enterprise. The President shall designate one of the members of the Council as Chairman.
It shall be the duty and function of the Council--
1. to assist and advise the President in the preparation of the Economic Report;
2. to gather timely and authoritative information concerning economic developments and economic trends, both current and prospective, to analyze and interpret such information in the light of the policy declared in section 2 for the purpose of determining whether such developments and trends are interfering, or are likely to interfere, with the achievement of such policy, and to compile and submit to the President studies relating to such developments and trends;
3. to appraise the various programs and activities of the Federal Government in the light of the policy declared in section 2 for the purpose of determining the extent to which such programs and activities are contributing, and the extent to which they are not contributing, to the achievement of such policy, and to make recommendations to the President with respect thereto;
4. to develop and recommend to the President national economic policies to foster and promote free competitive enterprise, to avoid economic fluctuations or to diminish the effects thereof, and to maintain employment, production, and purchasing power;
5. to make and furnish such studies, reports thereon, and recommendations with respect to matters of Federal economic policy and legislation as the President may request.
Here's a little about the structure of the CEA:
From the "Employment Act of 1946":
"There is hereby created in the Executive Office of the President a Council of Economic Advisers (hereinafter called the "Council"). The Council shall be composed of three members who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and each of whom shall be a person who, as a result of his training, experience, and attainments, is exceptionally qualified to analyze and interpret economic developments, to appraise programs and activities of the Government in the light of the policy declared in section 2, and to formulate and recommend national economic policy to promote employment, production, and purchasing power under free competitive enterprise. The President shall designate one of the members of the Council as Chairman.
It shall be the duty and function of the Council--
1. to assist and advise the President in the preparation of the Economic Report;
2. to gather timely and authoritative information concerning economic developments and economic trends, both current and prospective, to analyze and interpret such information in the light of the policy declared in section 2 for the purpose of determining whether such developments and trends are interfering, or are likely to interfere, with the achievement of such policy, and to compile and submit to the President studies relating to such developments and trends;
3. to appraise the various programs and activities of the Federal Government in the light of the policy declared in section 2 for the purpose of determining the extent to which such programs and activities are contributing, and the extent to which they are not contributing, to the achievement of such policy, and to make recommendations to the President with respect thereto;
4. to develop and recommend to the President national economic policies to foster and promote free competitive enterprise, to avoid economic fluctuations or to diminish the effects thereof, and to maintain employment, production, and purchasing power;
5. to make and furnish such studies, reports thereon, and recommendations with respect to matters of Federal economic policy and legislation as the President may request.
No Damn Cat, No Damn Cradle
In Kansas, Darwinism Goes on Trial Once More
On a related note, Massachusetts’s public schools are requiring science classes to teach Bokononism. Fucking liberals. Anyway, all the excitement has persuaded me to change my name to Ben Scopes, change my vocation, and begin teaching kids the truth: life was shot coitus interruptus out of a chimera’s cock during an orgy of the gods, seeding nothingness with being. Required science reading will include The Silmarillion. And I will not stop until every child has been inculcated with the concepts of Ptolemy’s geocentric solar system. Lastly, since my curriculum is fair and balanced, I will include a dose of deism.
Earth Has Become Brighter, but No One Is Sure Why
The earth’s surface is receiving more sunlight.
Chimeras on the Horizon, but Don't Expect Centaurs
The lines have long been blurred.
Standard & Poor's cuts G.M and Ford debt rating to junk status. These companies are numbers 3 and 4 of America's Fortune 500. The Ford plant in St. Paul, home of the Ranger, makes the news on a daily basis announcing additional furloughs.
Treasury Says 30-Year Bond May Be Revived
Big-government Republicans have to do something to sponsor their prodigal spending.
Sex in the air in China
Not that interesting, but I thought of Alf in the air in China.
On a related note, Massachusetts’s public schools are requiring science classes to teach Bokononism. Fucking liberals. Anyway, all the excitement has persuaded me to change my name to Ben Scopes, change my vocation, and begin teaching kids the truth: life was shot coitus interruptus out of a chimera’s cock during an orgy of the gods, seeding nothingness with being. Required science reading will include The Silmarillion. And I will not stop until every child has been inculcated with the concepts of Ptolemy’s geocentric solar system. Lastly, since my curriculum is fair and balanced, I will include a dose of deism.
Earth Has Become Brighter, but No One Is Sure Why
The earth’s surface is receiving more sunlight.
Chimeras on the Horizon, but Don't Expect Centaurs
The lines have long been blurred.
Standard & Poor's cuts G.M and Ford debt rating to junk status. These companies are numbers 3 and 4 of America's Fortune 500. The Ford plant in St. Paul, home of the Ranger, makes the news on a daily basis announcing additional furloughs.
Treasury Says 30-Year Bond May Be Revived
Big-government Republicans have to do something to sponsor their prodigal spending.
Sex in the air in China
Not that interesting, but I thought of Alf in the air in China.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Balls
I drove a Ford F250 XL Super Duty over the the capitol today. The F250 has command seating. Is that a Land Rover down there, I can't tell, it's so small. I parked it on the stone stairs in front of the State Office Building. The security guard didn't demur; in fact, he addressed me as Balls Knudson.
CostCo pays $16/hour, 65% more than the average wage at Wal-Mart stores and 33% more than the $12 average at Sam's Club. At CostCo, 82% of the workers are covered by company health insurance, compared with 48% at Wal-Mart.
I'll tell you what I like to do. I like to shop at Wal-Mart. Then I like to lament the plight of low-wage workers. I like to vote Democrat to atone for my purchasing sins. When it's my money, I will discount shop. When it's the government's money, I spare no expense.
In other news, several pharmacists in Minnesota have refused to fill birth control prescriptions.
Rage building up, anger taking over, blood boiling.
Snyder drug store is one of the culprits. I encourage you to write a letter to Snyder and boycott the store.
Leave no egg behind.
"One of the greatest tragedies of life is that so many sperm are wasted. If only we could staunch this horrendous loss of life." -God
CostCo pays $16/hour, 65% more than the average wage at Wal-Mart stores and 33% more than the $12 average at Sam's Club. At CostCo, 82% of the workers are covered by company health insurance, compared with 48% at Wal-Mart.
I'll tell you what I like to do. I like to shop at Wal-Mart. Then I like to lament the plight of low-wage workers. I like to vote Democrat to atone for my purchasing sins. When it's my money, I will discount shop. When it's the government's money, I spare no expense.
In other news, several pharmacists in Minnesota have refused to fill birth control prescriptions.
Rage building up, anger taking over, blood boiling.
Snyder drug store is one of the culprits. I encourage you to write a letter to Snyder and boycott the store.
Leave no egg behind.
"One of the greatest tragedies of life is that so many sperm are wasted. If only we could staunch this horrendous loss of life." -God
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
What do Kingpin's Roy Munson and President Bush have in common?
First Lady Laura Bush spoke at a White House Correspondence dinner
Quotes from Cleaver Peasantry and the LA Times:
"George always says he's delighted to come to these press dinners. Baloney. He's usually in bed by now," she said to laughter. "I said to him the other day, 'George, if you really want to end tyranny in the world, you're going to have to stay up later.' "
A typical White House evening goes like this, she went on: "Nine o'clock, Mr. Excitement here is sound asleep, and I'm watching 'Desperate Housewives' — with Lynne Cheney. Ladies and gentlemen, I am a desperate housewife. I mean if those women on that show think they're desperate, they ought to be with George. One night after George went to bed, Lynne Cheney, Condi Rice, Karen Hughes and I went to Chippendales....I won't tell you what happened, but Lynne's Secret Service code name is now Dollar Bill."
She noted that she and her husband were "complete opposites — I'm quiet, he's talkative; I'm introverted, he's extroverted; I can pronounce 'nuclear.' "
"The amazing thing is that George and I were just meant to be. I was a librarian who spent 12 hours a day in the library, yet somehow I met George."
She discussed the family she married into, saying of Barbara Bush: "People often wonder what my mother-in-law's really like. People think she's a sweet, grandmotherly, Aunt Bea type. She's actually more like, mmm, Don Corleone."
And the native of the Lone Star State poked fun at her husband's patrician upbringing: "George didn't know much about ranches when we bought the place" near Crawford. "Andover and Yale don't have a real strong ranching program.
"But I'm proud of George. He's learned a lot about ranching since that first year when he tried to milk the horse." She paused. "What's worse, it was a male horse."
From Kingpin:
Munson: Hope you don't mind, I got up a little early so I took the liberty of milking your cow for ya. Took a little while to get her warmed up, she sure is a stubborn one.
Amish Guy: We don't have a cow, we have a bull.
Munson: I'll brush my teeth.
Quotes from Cleaver Peasantry and the LA Times:
"George always says he's delighted to come to these press dinners. Baloney. He's usually in bed by now," she said to laughter. "I said to him the other day, 'George, if you really want to end tyranny in the world, you're going to have to stay up later.' "
A typical White House evening goes like this, she went on: "Nine o'clock, Mr. Excitement here is sound asleep, and I'm watching 'Desperate Housewives' — with Lynne Cheney. Ladies and gentlemen, I am a desperate housewife. I mean if those women on that show think they're desperate, they ought to be with George. One night after George went to bed, Lynne Cheney, Condi Rice, Karen Hughes and I went to Chippendales....I won't tell you what happened, but Lynne's Secret Service code name is now Dollar Bill."
She noted that she and her husband were "complete opposites — I'm quiet, he's talkative; I'm introverted, he's extroverted; I can pronounce 'nuclear.' "
"The amazing thing is that George and I were just meant to be. I was a librarian who spent 12 hours a day in the library, yet somehow I met George."
She discussed the family she married into, saying of Barbara Bush: "People often wonder what my mother-in-law's really like. People think she's a sweet, grandmotherly, Aunt Bea type. She's actually more like, mmm, Don Corleone."
And the native of the Lone Star State poked fun at her husband's patrician upbringing: "George didn't know much about ranches when we bought the place" near Crawford. "Andover and Yale don't have a real strong ranching program.
"But I'm proud of George. He's learned a lot about ranching since that first year when he tried to milk the horse." She paused. "What's worse, it was a male horse."
From Kingpin:
Munson: Hope you don't mind, I got up a little early so I took the liberty of milking your cow for ya. Took a little while to get her warmed up, she sure is a stubborn one.
Amish Guy: We don't have a cow, we have a bull.
Munson: I'll brush my teeth.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Do You Compost
Time for more of my staccato posting.
It is of greatest importance to look at Klinker’s comment on Friday’s post.
The City Pages “Best Of” addition is out.
It snowed (flurried) here yesterday. All you need to know is this: peeps in Yakutsk are currently enjoying a milder May than we are here.
We watched the runners of the Get in Gear race run by. Carleton alum Matt Hooley ran a good race.
I volunteered at the Living Green Expo on Saturday. There were Jainists everywhere. Not really, but people were interested in sustainable living. The highlight of the expo came late in the afternoon when I saw a young man with a neck beard – awesome! I bought a four-foot-high two-foot-wide black plastic compost bin at the expo. Now I can reduce food waste in the garbage and create a soil to rival mollisols.
I gave myself a hairscut yesterday, the potential mullet is gone.
We went to the Dakota on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis last night, compliments of Andrea. Jazz artist Karrin Allyson was performing.
It is of greatest importance to look at Klinker’s comment on Friday’s post.
The City Pages “Best Of” addition is out.
It snowed (flurried) here yesterday. All you need to know is this: peeps in Yakutsk are currently enjoying a milder May than we are here.
We watched the runners of the Get in Gear race run by. Carleton alum Matt Hooley ran a good race.
I volunteered at the Living Green Expo on Saturday. There were Jainists everywhere. Not really, but people were interested in sustainable living. The highlight of the expo came late in the afternoon when I saw a young man with a neck beard – awesome! I bought a four-foot-high two-foot-wide black plastic compost bin at the expo. Now I can reduce food waste in the garbage and create a soil to rival mollisols.
I gave myself a hairscut yesterday, the potential mullet is gone.
We went to the Dakota on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis last night, compliments of Andrea. Jazz artist Karrin Allyson was performing.
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