You, dear reader obviously have a lot to learn about blogging. Like knowing the difference between a dormant blog and one that’s resting comfortably. The difference between a blog stifled by it’s own self-important meteoric rise, and one taking the time to contemplate weightier matters in life, such as Naomi Elizabeth.
As much performance artist as musician, Naomi hit my radar a couple of weeks ago. Again, I’m so slow; the embed is over a year old. But the allure is timeless, even through the campiness. Check out the rest of her YouTube and MySpace fare.
He’s driven or flown everywhere he goes. He has armed security 24/7. He “lives” in the White House with (presumably) dozens of staff. Someone else (presumably) checks his mail. Not counting the ever popularly portrayed “nuclear key”, does the President carry any other keys?
Yes, that is Michael Phelps, winner of 14 Olympic Gold Medals bogarting the bong. You have to feel sorry for the poor bastard next in line. But the upside is that this may distract mainstream media long enough to allow Obama to get some work done.
The truth is this photo merely shows how much of a religion sports in general have become. Phelps’ accomplishments are stellar but his swimming prowess should not make him a de facto role model for children. Let’s face it, that’s the real rub. He’s tarnished the role model status foisted upon professional athletes whether they want it or not. Imagine if he’d been caught getting a blowjob! (As if those damned NBA players could spare any).
Here’s the truth. Parents need to be the role model and set the bar for kids. Responsible adults need to place sports back into its proper place as recreation… profitable, yes, but entertainment nonetheless. There’s no better time than Superbowl night to say this. The notion that Phelps has transgressed any worse than the scores of crooked politicians running the country is laughable. Rock on man!
Thanks to Kerry Lauerman of Open Salon for the radar blip, and to News of the World for the photo and 1000+ comments on this story.
Gorgeous red-haired, big voice Neko Case is offering a download from her upcoming album. This is welcome news to those lucky souls who have sat eyes closed and let the retro reverb of her country tinged voice wash over them. If that doesn’t make you warm and fuzzy enough inside, every blog that posts a link to the song will generate money for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, the nation’s largest facility for abused, abandoned and special needs companion animals. You may recognize it from National Geographic’s touching series Dogtown. So if you blog and love good music, do it for the puppies! More info here.
As the spate of political correctness surrounding Christmas has grown these past years, I have to shake my head in wonder. There are certainly more just battles to engage in than demonizing people who greet you with “Merry Christmas”. When fundamentalists complain that Christ is being removed from the holiday, they are absolutely correct. That fact has less to do with uber-commercialization and everything to do with how certain factions insist we refer to the weeks surrounding December 25, that most sensitive of dates.
Because I can speak my mind and heart here, I’ll share a dirty little secret with you all. Jesus is the reason for this season. Through some unholy congruence of science, faith, political decree, and tradition, people of Christian faith have come to celebrate the savior’s birth in December. Whether you believe the actual birth date is correct… whether you believe the earth is 5000 years old or 5 billion years… whether you type BC or BCE, this is Jesus’ time to shine.
When I say Merry Christmas it’s not meant as an indictment of a Godless, heathenistic, liquor-filled sin-drenched lifestyle. It’s a simple hope that one will know some small moment of joy and peace before facing the challenges of a new year. How you get there is your business! Regardless of your religion (or lack thereof), mandating Christ’s removal from a greeting is a violation of free speech and an abrogation of the progressive notion of acceptance.
So don’t tread on my rights and I promise to smile when you wish me a Happy Flying Spaghetti Monster Day. And lest I forget… Merry Christmas!
Some obsessions should just be enjoyed and not deconstructed. The thrilling singe of hot peppers, the shock of cool, crisp linen, and the allure of French women for example. A closer examination would find the women of France lacking… in bras, makeup, and occasionally razors: all overrated entrapments of the bourgeoisie. Some days you won’t miss what’s missing.
For peppers and sheets you’re on your own. But I can offer for your enjoyment French chanteuse Camille. Besides singing, she employs a lot of body percussion (slaps, finger snaps, beatboxing, etc.) in her music. If you like her style, this Morning Edition interview may interest you. The third video below is a candid (very) interview in English where Camille describes her music making process. Full disclosure: the second and third vids have some mature content (nudity and language/female genitalia shoutout) and may possibly ruin your young sons for life. Or at least 20 minutes.
I went to work this morning hopeful yet somber. As I write this, CNN has projected 333 Electoral College votes for President Elect Obama. That’s right, Barack Hussein Obama. Stop hating and vote… we did! North Carolina is still in question but it looks like Virginia came through and sent a message loud and clear. That means a lot coming from a state with a notable military presence. The thoughts are getting tangled in my head.
I was on the phone with a distant (and perhaps former… long story) friend when CNN called it. The first thought was I wish Dad were here to see it. He always thought a woman would be elected President before a black man. We’re all wrong sometime. But growing up in the Jim Crow Era and serving in a barely desegregated Army gave him a perspective unmatched by reading the limpid history books public school offered.
What’s apparent is that this election will be dissected by both party’s politicians and pundits for many moons to come. There will be time for that later and there’s no doubt I will add my two cents. Tonight belongs to Obama and all those who supported him. Tonight belongs to the haters and baiters who crossed racial, moral, ideological and religious picket lines to support the black man with the funny name. It even belongs to those who dreaded the reality and fought it every step of the way.
On the eve of history for the US, I’m making a bit of history myself. This is my 100th post… overdue and perhaps a bit fluffy. But in case you’ve forgotten to breathe (for whatever reason), take a breath with me now and eyeball a few pics I took during Wilson’s Whirligig Festival 2008. We can talk about history and the future later.
The slide viewer is about a meg. When it downloads, click anywhere inside the frame and then you can navigate with your keyboard arrow keys. Sorry it’s inelegant, but Flash is a PITA and I’m not figuring it out tonight.
